RTHK: New South Wales extends lockdown The leader of Australia's New South Wales (NSW) on Friday said lockdown restrictions in state capital Sydney would have to be extended beyond July 16 unless there is a "dramatic change", as the state reported its biggest rise in local cases for the year. "New South Wales is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started," state Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. Fourty-four locally acquired cases were reported in NSW on Friday, eclipsing 38 a day earlier, with 29 of those having spent time in the community while infected. Authorities will also tightened restrictions in Sydney from Friday evening with public gatherings limited to two people and residents limited to within 10 kms (6 miles) of their home. Officials are struggling to contain an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant in Sydney despite Australia's largest city about to enter its third week of a hard lockdown as total cases topped 400. A strict stay-at-home order has been in force in Sydney, home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population, since June 26. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping COVID-19 numbers low, with just under 30,900 cases and 910 deaths, however, the country's slow vaccination rollout has taken some of the shine off this success. Just over 9% of people in NSW have been fully vaccinated, while about 29% have had a first dose. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Health chief promotes vaccination Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan chaired a round-table discussion today to exchange views with local ethnic minorities (EM) groups and plan on promoting COVID-19 vaccination among the EM community in Hong Kong. Around 20 local EM leaders and representatives, non-governmental organisations serving the EM community and healthcare professionals attended the discussion. Prof Chan invited local EM leaders and representatives to provide their views and insights on promoting COVID-19 vaccination to the EM community. She also appealed for their support to spread the messages to their friends and families and urge them to get vaccinated as early as possible. The health chief said: "Hong Kong is fortunate to have secured sufficient supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. There is also a choice of vaccines offered. "Tens of millions of the jabs have been administered worldwide, and both vaccines are proven to be safe, efficacious and of good quality." She added that the Department of Health has been working closely with its partners to provide regular updates on the latest epidemic situation and solicit their support and collaboration in promoting COVID-19 vaccination. The department also accords great importance to the dissemination of important information to the EM community. Health education materials are continuously translated into nine EM languages and made available online, while selected materials are also translated into French, Spanish, Punjabi and Tamil. This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Bill proposed to aid 5G growth The Government gazetted the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2021 today, altering the Telecommunications Ordinances provisions to cater for the application and development of 5G and Internet of Things services. The bill, in which four major amendments to the ordinance are proposed, will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on July 14. The Government proposed to clearly stipulate the Communications Authoritys powers and duties to focus on regulating the telecommunications functions of smart products equipped with Internet connection functions, including their telecommunications technical standards and specifications. With the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure and the stability of telecommunications services becoming more important, the Government also sought to criminalise offences against people who do not take reasonable steps and measures to protect or prevent damage to an underground telecommunications line when carrying out underground work near the line, drawing reference from the existing statutory safeguards for other public utilities. The authority will draw up guidelines to provide clear specifications and guiding principles, and set out work safety guidelines and preventive measures for the sector. The sector may use these guidelines as a defence in complying with the legislation concerned, the Government said, adding that the authority will consult relevant sectors and stakeholders on the guidelines in due course. In addition, the bill proposed to empower the Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development to specify by notice in the Gazette certain licences as non-carrier licences, in order to facilitate the introduction of innovative services by the sector and enable more effective regulation of such services by the authority. Finally, the Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board will be renamed as the Telecommunications Appeal Board, whose functions and powers will be expanded so that it can handle appeals including those relating to exploitative conducts engaged by a licensee. Licensees can appeal to the appeal board if they are aggrieved by certain regulatory decisions of the authority. This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: 1 more District Council seat vacant The Government declared by notice in the Gazette today that an elected seat in the Kwai Tsing District Council Wah Lai Constituency is vacant. Elected member Sin Chung-kai pleaded guilty in a criminal case and was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months. His office has been vacant since May 28. This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Govt appalled by distribution of prison photos This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Deputy Minister of Transport, Dikeledi Magadzi, has emphasised the importance on removing structural distortions in economies to enable women and youth empowerment. This as many businesses, especially small businesses, continue to shed jobs to contain costs and stay afloat, with most of these job losses affecting women. We are asked t... See more South Africa: WHO calls for 10% of global population to be vaccinated by September Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, this week reiterated his call for 10 percent of people in all countries to be vaccinated by September and for that figure to rise to 40 percent by the end of the year. This would position the world on the path to vaccinating 70 percent of the people in all countries by the middle of 2022. I call on the G20 Finance Ministers and other leaders to get behind these targets collectively because it is the fastest way to end the acute stage of the pandemic, save lives and livelihoods and drive a truly global economic recovery, said the Director-General at a media briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes as G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will gather for the third time under the Italian G20 Presidency on Friday. Ghebreyesus said some countries with high vaccination coverage are now planning to rollout booster shots in the coming months and are dropping public health social measures and relaxing as though the pandemic is already over. However, 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 hospitalisation. This is leading to an acute shortage of oxygen, treatments and driving a wave of death in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America, he said. Variants are currently winning the race against vaccines because of inequitable vaccine production and distribution, which also threatens the global economic recovery. From a moral, epidemiological or economic point view, now is the time for the world to come together to tackle this pandemic collectively. Later this week, G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will meet. This is another crucial opportunity for leaders to take urgent steps to end the acute stage of this pandemic, providing the necessary funding to scale up the equitable manufacturing and distribution of health tools. IL-6 receptor blockers Meanwhile, the organisation has recommended the use of IL-6 receptor blockers, a type of monoclonal antibody, in patients with severe or critical COVID-19. This treatment, along with corticosteroids, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical disease. This recommendation follows a comprehensive new analysis of 27 randomised trials involving nearly 11 000 patients, which found that treating hospitalised COVID-19 patients with IL-6 receptor blockers reduces the risk of death and the need for mechanical ventilation. The study was coordinated by WHO, and is an outstanding example of collaboration amongst trialists and methodologists that allowed us to transparently bring high quality evidence from around the world together, analyse it and develop timely recommendations. The trial demonstrated that for the critically ill, the use of IL-6 receptor blockers led to approximately 28 fewer deaths for every 1000 patients. The medicines also meant the chance of severe and critically ill patients being put on a ventilator was reduced by 28 percent, compared with standard care, said Ghebreyesus. The Director-General thanked the global collaboration between international researchers and the patients who agreed to be part of the trials. However, he warned that like vaccines and other health tools, this breakthrough will only be effective if manufacturing can be scaled up and there is equitable distribution. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Officials apologise for breaching rules Under Secretary for Security Sonny Au, Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang and Commissioner of Customs & Excise Hermes Tang today apologised for violating group gathering rules at a dinner. In response to media enquiries, the Security Bureau noted that the three officials made further clarifications on the incident. It stated that only three officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attended the dinner. They were told by the host that it was being held in a private premises, and therefore they mistakenly believed that the venue fell outside the prohibition on group gatherings regulation. As the trio's work requires frequent communication with different sectors in the community, the dinner concerned was an ordinary social gathering and the food served consisted of normal hotpot ingredients. The three officials admitted that they were negligent and lacked sensitivity on the occasion, pledging that they will exercise particular caution when attending events in the future. The bureau also said Police found that several people had breached the regulation during an investigation of a criminal case, and emphasised that the three officials were not involved in the case. As the case's legal proceedings are in progress, further details will not be disclosed. This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: Free State man nabbed on N3 for drugs worth R3 million This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The COVID-19 third wave has claimed the life of the Deputy National Police Commissioner (DNC), Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi. The news was on Friday confirmed by National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, in a statement. At the time of his passing, Mfazi, 59, was DNC for Crime Detection. [read more: https://www.sanews.gov.... See more South Africa: Company director gets suspended sentence for COVID-19 TERS fraud The net is closing in on those who defrauded the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefit. This was the case with Boitumelo Mashele, who was this week convicted after her company misappropriated R736 598 from the UIF. Mashele was found guilty by the Specialised Crime Court of Pretoria this week and received a three-year suspended jail sentence. In addition, the court ordered her to repay R215 000 to the UIF after the disposal of her house, while the balance of R 521 598 will be recovered from a preservation order that was obtained by Asset Forfeiture Unit last year, the UIF said in a statement. The Fund said it paid money into a bank account that was provided by Ulwembu Business Services, where Mashele worked. The financial institution where the account is held alerted the UIF to suspicious financial transactions of the COVID-19 TERS funds. Preliminary investigations showed that the funds were spent on Masheles personal expenses. The Fund opened a criminal case with the South African Police Service and handed over the file to the Fusion Centre for further investigation. Acting UIF Commissioner, Advocate Mzie Yawa, said: Our continuous collaboration with different organisation such as law enforcement agencies and financial institutions adds value and credibility to our investigations, leading to the apprehension of those who have defrauded the Fund. This was the third successful conviction of COVID-19 TERS related fraud. The UIF said it is confident more arrests will follow, as 16 arrests have already been made by the police. The UIF has further identified 46 fraud cases through the Follow the money project and we are confident more arrests will be made soon, said Yawa. The Fund has so far recovered R827 million through the Follow the money project, and it is anticipated that more will be recovered, as the Fund has extended the project with a further 12 months. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. South Africa: EC Health messenger nabbed in R23 million PPE contract An Eastern Cape Health Department messenger will face the full might of the law after he was this week charged with forging a signature in a document relating to a R23 million procurement contract for personal protective equipment (PPE). The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has in a statement on Friday welcomed the arrest. The suspect, Ayanda Matinise, is a messenger in the office of the MEC. On Thursday, he appeared in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering. He was released on a R1000 bail and the matter was remanded to 31 August 2021 for trial. In the statement, the SIU said Matinises prosecution by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) follows an intensive investigation conducted by the SIU in the Department of Health. In its investigation the SIU uncovered evidence pointing to criminal action and in particular fraud and forgery. [The] SIU investigation revealed that Mr Matinise forged a signature of Director of Supply Chain and awarded a tender to a service provider for supply and delivery of PPE. The service provider was to deliver N95 masks to the cash value of more than R23.4 million to OR Tambo District Department of Health offices. The service provider submitted invoices for payment to be effected after delivering the masks. However, no payment was made as the procurement committee knew nothing about the awarding of such tender. The service provider was then requested to bring the award letter. It was discovered that the content of the award letter including signatures were fraudulent. The evidence, as required by the SIU Act, was referred to the NPA and also to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) for further attention. In 2020 the SIU was directed in terms of Proclamation R23 of 2020, to investigate the procurement of or contracting for PEE services in response to COVID-19 pandemic by State institutions and payments that were made in respect thereof. The Matinise matter is one many PPE matters referred to the NPA and Hawks for further action. The SIU said it was working closely with the NPA and Hawks in this regard and would continue to work together to ensure that all role players identified through our investigations in the alleged PPE crimes are held accountable. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: European resolution condemned The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today condemned the European Parliament for passing again a resolution relating to Hong Kong. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the resolution disregards the rule of law, smacks of double standards and constitutes gross interference in the internal affairs of China and the Hong Kong SAR. European countries have their own laws to safeguard national security, yet the European Parliament blatantly asked the central authorities to repeal the National Security Law, defying logic and manifesting its double standards. Since the National Security Law's implementation in June 2020, its positive effect in restoring peace and stability and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms in the city has been obvious and indisputable. After the laws implementation, the media and the general public continue to exercise their right to monitor the Hong Kong SAR Governments work and the freedom of criticising policies every day. Meanwhile, overseas media disseminate information about the National Security Law and interview people with various stances without any interference. The statement also noted that actions and decisions taken by the law enforcement and prosecution departments against suspected offenders or institutions are strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence. Those actions have nothing to do with the political stances, backgrounds or professional fields of the people or institutions concerned. According to the Basic Law, the courts of the Hong Kong SAR can exercise independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, free from any interference. The European Parliament has repeatedly passed so-called resolutions, demanding the immediate release of suspects arrested by the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies, or suggesting that people of certain occupations or with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions. The statement said this is totally absurd. It not only disrespects the rule of law, but also constitutes gross interference in Hong Kong SAR affairs. The Hong Kong SAR Government condemns the European Parliament for disregarding the facts on the ground, disregarding international law and basic norms governing international relations, and attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of China and the city. Officers of the Hong Kong SAR Government will not be intimidated by the so-called sanctions by foreign governments. They will continue to discharge their responsibility of safeguarding national security resolutely. This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Bangladesh factory inferno kills dozens A massive blaze that killed at least 52 people in a Bangladesh factory and forced workers to leap for their lives from upper floors set off angry recriminations on Friday over the country's industrial safety record. About 30 other people were injured in the fire, and hundreds of distraught and angry relatives clashed with police on a highway outside the food factory even as the building continued to burn. The inferno was the latest to tarnish Bangladesh's safety record, which has been marred by a series of disasters in factories and apartment buildings. The country pledged reforms after the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013 when a nine-storey complex collapsed killing more than 1,100 people. But in February 2019 at least 70 people died when an inferno ripped through Dhaka apartments where chemicals were illegally stored. Critics said lax safety standards have been exposed again by the new disaster at the Hashem Food and Beverage factory in Rupganj, an industrial town outside Dhaka. Highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stockpiled inside and enabled the fire to quickly take over the building, according to Dhaka fire chief Dinu Moni Sharma Sharma. The blaze started on Thursday afternoon and was still not controlled 24 hours later. Normally there are more than 1,000 workers in the building but many had left for the day when the fire started. The overnight toll of three dead rose dramatically as firefighters reached the third floor and found 49 more bodies. "The workers could not go to the rooftop because the exit door to the staircase was padlocked. They could not go down because the lower floors were already engulfed by fire," said fire service spokesman Debashish Bardhan. The victims were taken away in ambulances amid anguished shouts and tears from people watching in the streets. Hundreds of relatives of the dead took over a nearby highway to protest at the slow pace of the rescue. "They threw rocks and stones at police. And police fired tear gas to disperse them," said district government administrator Mustain Billah. Firefighters using ropes rescued 25 people from the roof of the factory, which made noodles, fruit juices and candy. "On the third floor, gates on both stairwells were closed. Other colleagues are saying there were 48 people inside. I don't know what happened to them," said Mohammad Saiful, a factory worker who escaped. Mamun, another worker, said he and 13 others ran to the roof after the fire broke out on the ground floor and black smoke quickly choked the whole factory. He told how they had been brought down on ropes attached to a crane. Other workers said there had been smaller fires in the building in recent years and that the factory had only two staircases for people to escape. Union leaders blamed poor government safety enforcement for the new disaster. Kalpon Alter, executive director of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Safety rights group, called the fire "yet another ugly tragedy which frequently visits our manufacturing sector". "The government has not made any improvement in workplace safety in thousands of factories, resulting in the avoidable deaths of many workers." As clouds of black smoke billowed from the building, many of the waiting relatives said they feared the worst. Nazrul Islam said: "We came here because my niece was not answering our phone calls for a while. And now the phone is not ringing at all. We are worried." (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Obscuring the truth can promote cooperation 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." ### 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. This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Program increases underrepresented groups in biomedical data science, quantitative biology FUTURE-MINDS-QB, a bridge program streamlining a path from a master's degree at Fisk University, a historically Black university in Nashville, to a doctoral degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has received a T32 training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The FUTURE-MINDS-QB program will provide rigorous training, a nurturing environment, and academic and professional mentorship for students from underrepresented ethnic, racial, and gender groups in quantitative biology and biomedical data sciences. Quantitative biology encompasses bioinformatics, computational biology, genomic biology, and biophysics. The program is currently accepting applications. "Education is the great equalizer of the conditions of [humankind]." When University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Founder Professor of Physics Jun Song (ACPP) speaks of the need for greater investment in the training of underrepresented groups in the computational sciences, he often begins with this inspirational quote from Horace Mann, 19th-century advocate for public education. Song then goes on to point out, education isn't a great equalizer without equal opportunity. "The historic disparity of access to scientific education means that today, we need to provide more than equal opportunity to underrepresented groups," asserts Song. "The more mathematical and computational skills a discipline requires, the lower the enrollment of students from underrepresented groups--there is plenty of historical data that reflects this disparity of access to the fields of biomedical data science and quantitative biology. Our FUTURE-MINDS-QB program will help by equalizing access to high-level, rigorous training for participants and by streamlining the PhD application process here at UIUC through our partnership with Fisk University." Song is the program director of the newly founded bridge program, FUTURE-MINDS-QB, which stands for Fisk-UIUC Training of Under-Represented Minds in Data Science and Quantitative Biology. Just announced this week, the program has been awarded a $1.3M 5-year T-32 training grant by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a member organization of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The FUTURE-MINDS-QB program offers two tracks from a master's degree program at Fisk University, a historically Black university in Nashville, to a doctoral degree program at UIUC in a field relevant to quantitative biology. One track includes a traditional two-year master's program. The program additionally establishes a new 4+1 master's track at Fisk--students enrolled in this track will complete relevant master's courses during their senior year to enable finishing a master's program in just one year. The 4+1 track will require applicants to have participated in a formal summer program of preparatory research and workshops at UIUC as undergraduates enrolled at Fisk. In either FUTURE-MINDS-QB track, participants will receive rigorous training in the core computational and mathematical skills required to succeed in big-data research fields. Built into the program at all levels are academic and professional development and mentoring--both at Fisk and at UIUC. FUTURE-MINDS-QB participants enrolled in Fisk master's programs in biology, data science, chemistry, or physics will get the chance to strengthen their doctoral-program prerequisites and to reinforce their understanding of core scientific concepts, in preparation for interdisciplinary research integrating computation, theory, physical sciences, and biology. Faculty mentors at Fisk come from the Departments of Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, and Physics. At UIUC, FUTURE-MINDS-QB involves faculty from the Departments of Bioengineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cell and Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, and Crop Sciences. Built on a longstanding Fisk-UIUC partnership Fisk University and the University of Illinois have been collaborating since 2014 with the help of the Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) grant from the National Institutes of Health. In the same year, an R25 partnership between the Knowledge Engine for Genomics (KnowEnG), housed at the Carl R. Woese for Genomic Biology, Mayo Clinic, and Fisk University was established. The overall goal was to encourage collaborations between institutions where the BD2K centers are located and institutions that serve students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in research. The partnerships have helped build summer training programs, helping Fisk students to become acclimated to the campus and experience a research environment. At UIUC, Song's co-PI on the NIGMS grant is Bioengineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Stephen Boppart, a Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering and executive associate dean and chief diversity officer in Carle Illinois College of Medicine. "We look forward to partnering with our colleagues from Fisk University to establish this unique pathway that will train more students from underrepresented groups in the quantitative sciences and allow them to pursue their interests in biomedical data science and quantitative biology," says Boppart. "With this pathway, we will develop the supported and mentored environment for students to realize their aspirations toward the doctoral degree and the many opportunities that will follow in their careers." Song and Boppart are collaborating with two co-PIs at Fisk University, including Fisk Computer Science Associate Professor Lei Qian. Qian points to the strong ties and shared goals among the FUTURE-MINDS-QB faculty at the two universities, saying he expects the new bridge program will help to decrease the gap in historically underrepresented groups working in biological data science. "The FUTURE-MINDS-QB program will reinforce the coalition and establish a pipeline for training underrepresented graduate students in quantitative life sciences and physics, ultimately increasing the diversity of doctoral researchers in these areas. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at UIUC and Fisk to achieve these goals," Qian says. Fisk Life and Physical Sciences Professor Lee Limbird, who was dean of the Fisk School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Business, is also a co-PI on the grant. Limbird credits her colleagues at Fisk with having helped to build this new bridge for Fisk students. "Drs. Qian, Nelms, Ramanathan, and Damo mentored students collaborating with UIUC in an NIH-funded Big Data to Knowledge research training project, which laid the foundation for this exciting master's-to-PhD bridge program in quantitative biology," she notes. "As always, I am proud to enjoy Fisk's community of faculty and student colleagues who are chipping away at a better future tense!" Illinois Physics Outreach Coordinator Dr. Sharlene Denos will serve as FUTURE-MINDS-QB program manager. She shares, "I have really enjoyed working with Fisk University students and faculty over the past couple of years through our summer research program. Fisk is an excellent school with a rich history and many famous alumni, including W.E.B. Dubois, Ida B. Wells, and late Congressman John Lewis, who organized lunch counter sit-ins with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while he was a student there. "Fisk has also been a trailblazer in terms of training excellent Black scientists, including St. Elmo Brady, who received his undergraduate training at Fisk before coming to the University of Illinois and making history as the first African-American to receive a doctorate in chemistry. I am very honored to be a part of this program and to strengthen the partnership between Fisk and UIUC STEM departments." A team effort and broad support For Song, who has for many years worked on diversity-enhancing undergraduate-training programs in biological big-data science, the new bridge program is the realization of a long-held goal to extend these efforts to the graduate level. He points out that this new effort and the prior Fisk-UIUC collaborative programs have been and will continue to be successful, only because they receive broad support from administrators, research centers, and faculty on both campuses. In fact, when funding ran out for the BD2K undergraduate training program, a five-year extension was funded by the UIUC Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI). Additionally, the funding was matched by the IGB and the Department of Physics, providing administrative and technological support and managing faculty-faculty collaborations between Fisk University and the University of Illinois. "We have extensive support from the IGB, which is heavily involved in the early stage of training undergraduates. Likewise, the High-Performance Biological Computing (HPCBio) group at the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center has been key in training undergrads and will continue to offer support to the graduate-level program. "The UIUC Institute for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access (IDEA Institute) has agreed to continue supporting our Fisk-UIUC collaborative programs by teaching students effective time management and other professional skillsets. I also want to acknowledge financial support from three units on the UIUC campus. The Grainger College of Engineering has offered us a professional programmer who will build a new longitudinal trainee tracking system. The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is contributing funds to run the program. And the OVCRI is one of the major contributors to this initiative, providing partial funding for Dr. Denos's salary and graduate-student research assistantships. "I'd also like to acknowledge the people who helped me to prepare the grant application, which was quite extensive and represents many hours of work. Illinois Physics Director of External Affairs Celia Elliott and Technical Research Writer Kelly Searsmith, as well as OVCRI Research Development Manager Sowmya Anand and OVCRI Data, Information, and Budget Resource Analyst Amber Floyd were each instrumental in putting together a successful program proposal. In addition, Illinois Professor Anna Sokac in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology provided important documents and plans for implementing faculty mentor training. "In working to develop these diversity-enhancing programs, I have personally received a great deal of support from the Department of Physics and especially from its head, Professor Matthias Grosse Perdekamp. "And of course, none of this would be possible without the level of trust we have built between Fisk University and UIUC, which provides a fundamental foundation for building an outstanding program. I should point out that Stephen Boppart has played a leadership role in developing this relationship. He has in fact led many initiatives to increase diversity on the UIUC campus, including as chief diversity officer and as a member of the Diversity Committee of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. Likewise, our Fisk faculty collaborators have been instrumental in developing this strong rapport and the new training program." Faculty opportunities Song is putting out a call to colleagues to volunteer their time and expertise to the new bridge program, to make data science more accessible to underrepresented groups. Faculty will receive special training in mentoring students from diverse ethnic, racial, and gender groups. "As scientists and leaders in our respective fields, it's important that we ask ourselves what we can do to correct the longstanding inequality of access to computational sciences," says Song. "Our new program will produce a talented, insightful, and diverse pool of graduate students. Our job will be to make sure their experiences not only train them well on the fundamentals and applications of big-data science, but also to ensure their experiences are positive and that they are prepared and willing to enter the field and make their own contributions to biomedical and computational biology." ### This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Harvard-led physicists take big step in race to quantum computing 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. "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. 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 Vuleti?, 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." ### This story has been published on: 2021-07-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Planets which are tilted on their axis, like Earth, are more capable of evolving complex life. This finding will help scientists refine the search for more advanced life on exoplanets. This NASA-funded research is presented at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference. Since the first discovery of exoplanets (planets orbiting distant stars) in 1992, scientists have been looking for worlds which might support life. It is believed that to sustain even basic life, exoplanets need to be at just the right distance from their stars to allow liquid water to exist; the so-called 'Goldilocks zone'. However, for more advanced life, other factors are also important, particularly atmospheric oxygen. Oxygen plays a critical role in respiration, the chemical process which drives the metabolisms of most complex living things. Some basic life forms produce oxygen in small quantities, but for more complex life forms, such as plants and animals, oxygen is critical. Early Earth had little oxygen even though basic life forms existed. The scientists produced a sophisticated model of the conditions required for life on Earth to be able to produce oxygen. The model allowed them to input different parameters, to show how changing conditions on a planet might change the amount of oxygen produced by photosynthetic life. Lead researcher Stephanie Olson (Purdue University) said "The model allows us to change things such as day length, the amount of atmosphere, or the distribution of land to see how marine environments and the oxygen-producing life in the oceans respond." The researchers found that increasing day length, higher surface pressure, and the emergence of continents all influence ocean circulation patterns and associated nutrient transport in ways that may increase oxygen production. They believe that these relationships may have contributed to Earth's oxygenation by favouring oxygen transfer to the atmosphere as Earth's rotation has slowed, its continents have grown, and surface pressure has increased through time. "The most interesting result came when we modelled 'orbital obliquity' - in other words how the planet tilts as it circles around its star," explained Megan Barnett, a University of Chicago graduate student involved with the study. She continued "Greater tilting increased photosynthetic oxygen production in the ocean in our model, in part by increasing the efficiency with which biological ingredients are recycled. The effect was similar to doubling the amount of nutrients that sustain life." Earth's sphere tilts on its axis at an angle of 23.5 degrees. This gives us our seasons, with parts of the Earth receiving more direct sunlight in summer than in winter. However, not all planets in our Solar System are tilted like the Earth: Uranus is tilted at 98 degrees, whereas Mercury is not tilted at all. "For comparison, the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts at around 4 degrees, so planetary tilts can be quite substantial", said Barnett. Dr Olson continued "There are several factors to consider in looking for life on another planet. The planet needs to be the right distance from its star to allow liquid water and have the chemical ingredients for the origin of life. But not all oceans will be great hosts for life as we know it, and an even smaller subset will have suitable habitats for life to progress towards animal-grade complexity. Small tilts or extreme seasonality on planets with Uranus-like tilts may limit the proliferation of life, but modest tilt of a planet on its axis may increase the likelihood that it develops oxygenated atmospheres that could serve as beacons of microbial life and fuel the metabolisms of large organisms. The bottom line is that worlds that are modestly tilted on their axes may be more likely to evolve complex life. This helps us narrow the search for complex, perhaps even intelligent life in the Universe". Timothy Lyons, Distinguished Professor of Biogeochemistry in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside commented: "The first biological production of oxygen on Earth and its first appreciable accumulation in the atmosphere and oceans are milestones in the history of life on Earth. Studies of Earth teach us that oxygen may be one of our most important biosignatures in the search for life on distant exoplanets. By building from the lessons learned from Earth via numerical simulations, Olson and colleagues have explored a critical range of planetary possibilities wider than those observed over Earth history. Importantly, this work reveals how key factors, including a planet's seasonality, could increase or decrease the possibility of finding oxygen derived from life outside our solar system. These results are certain to help guide our searches for that life". Professor Lyons was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment Astrobiology, Please follow Astrobiology on Twitter. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan Auto) sold 1,200,847 new vehicles in the first half of 2021, representing a 44.51% hike year over year, the company announced on July 9. The automaker said the Jan.-Jun. sales of its China-owned brands zoomed up 53.5% to over 950,000 units, more than 650,000 of which were passenger vehicles (+68.3% YoY). UNI-K; photo credit: Changan Auto As to specific models, the year-to-date sales of the CS75, the CS55, and the EADO series amounted to 174,059 units, 60,415 units, and 99,075 units, zooming up 58.9%, 46%, and 56.4% respectively over the year-ago period. Besides, 63,756 vehicles from UNI series were sold during the first two quarters. Oshan Auto, Changan Auto's self-owned passenger vehicle brand, sold 126,441 vehicles through the first half of the year, recording a 72% growth. Mazda3 Axela; photo credit: Changan Mazda Two joint ventures, Changan Ford and Changan Mazda, saw their semi-annual sales rise 24.16% and 7.65% year on year respectively. Changan Auto exported 63,673 vehicles in the Jan.-Jun. period, a year-on-year surge of 143%. The company noted its monthly export volume has exceeded 10,000 units for five straight months as of June 2021. However, Changan Auto's sales in June fell 10.99% from a year earlier, the first-time year-on-year decrease after 17 consecutive months of increase. Among its subsidiaries, only Chongqing Changan achieved growth in June sales. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO is ambitious to deploy over 4,000 battery swapping stations worldwide by 2025, around 1,000 of which will be located outside China, the startup said on the NIO Power Day 2021. The number of NIO's battery swapping stations is expected to exceed 700 by the end of this year. Besides, there will be more than 600 stations newly deployed per year between 2022 and 2025. NIO Power Swap Station 2.0; photo credit: NIO As of today, NIO has built 301 NIO Power Swap stations, 204 Power Charger stations, and 382 destination charging stations in China, according to Qin Lihong, president and co-founder of NIO. He added NIO has so far completed more than 2.9 million battery swaps and 600,000 uses of One-Click-for-Power services. In the meantime, the company announced it will make NIO Powers charging and battery swapping systems and BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) fully available to the industry. NIO is to build up a complete power service network in Norway. On July 7, the first shipments of NIO's Power Swap stations and Power chargers departed for Norway, and these facilities are scheduled to be running there in September. In 2020, the startup will build battery swapping stations in five cities of Norway. On the same day, NIO's Power Swap Station, NIO Power Charger and NIO Power Home were awarded the TUV Rheinland European Conformity Certificate and TUV MARK Approval Certificate, marking NIO Power's entry into overseas markets. Gasgoo not only offers timely news and profound insight about China auto industry, but also help with business connection and expansion for suppliers and purchasers via multiple channels and methods. Buyer service: buyer-support@gasgoo.com Seller Service: seller-support@gasgoo.com All Rights Reserved. Do not reproduce, copy and use the editorial content without permission. Contact us: autonews@gasgoo.com. 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. 2 million doses of Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine to arrive in Vietnam on July 10 Two million doses of Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine will be sent to Vietnam on July 10 via the Covax Facility. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu said Covax Facility had promised to give more priority to Vietnam. Vu said since the Covid-19 vaccine was in short supply, Vietnamese authorities have tried their best to search and negotiate with WHO and manufacturers to ensure that Vietnam would have enough vaccines to reach herd immunity. The PM also directed the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ambassadors to work tirelessly to ensure the vaccines. Besides the Covax Facility, Russia has provided 1,000 doses and promised 20 million doses in 2021. Russia will also work with Vabiotech to transfer the vaccine technology to Vietnam in July. Japan sent one million doses to Vietnam on June 16 and promised another million doses. Japan will also sell and transfer the vaccine technology. Vietnam is on the priority list for receiving vaccine aid from the US. The US committed to provide 80 million doses to the Covax Facility. In the future, Vietnam may receive vaccines from Cuba, the UK, Germany, Australia and India. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc all emphasised the importance of vaccines, the current shortage and vaccine equality at various international meetings including the meeting session of the United Nations Security Council and the 2021 P4G Seoul Summit. "We also contributed USD500,000 to the Covax Facility," Vu said. "We have had great initial results and will receive 10 million doses of vaccines in July and August." Vietnamese, German firms sign contract for supply of container cranes Germanys crane supplier Kocks Ardelt Kranbau on July 8 signed a contract for the supply of container cranes with Dinh Vu Petroleum Service Port JSC of Vietnam. At the Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong city (Photo: VNA) Addressing the signing ceremony in Brandenburg state, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu expressed his delight at close cooperation between Kocks Ardelt Kranbau and Vietnamese enterprises. He highly valued Kocks Ardelt Kranbaus move not to only export their products to Vietnam but also cooperate with Vietnamese firms to manufacture large cranes right in the Southeast Asian country for export to many markets around the world. This brings benefits to both sides, the diplomat said, expressing his belief that the two companies will continue to expand cooperation in the future. Kocks Ardelt Kranbaus General Director Bernd Flaskamp affirmed that Vietnamese enterprises are leading partners of the German company. The partnership between Kocks Ardelt Kranbau and Vietnamese businesses in the past time has recorded good results, he said, adding that cranes manufactured in Vietnam have good quality and meet international standards, and have been exported to many countries in South America, Russia, and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Both sides want to further expand export markets for these cranes, and promote more joint projects in the time to come, he said. Flaskamp suggested the Vietnamese side create favourable conditions for experts from Kocks Ardelt Kranbau to soon come to Vietnam to assist Vietnamese partners in the production process. Kocks Ardelt Kranbau is a leading supplier of cranes for loading and unloading cargo for major ports in Vietnam such as Hai Phong, Dinh Vu, Ha Long, Da Nang. Having present in Vietnam since 1989, Kocks Ardelt Kranbau has not only provided finished products to Vietnam but also cooperated with Vietnamese enterprises such as Lilama 18 JSC and Tan Cang Cai Mep Towage Service JSC to manufacture cranes for export to other countries, in which the German firm provides production technology, training and quality management systems, and skilled experts to support the Vietnamese enterprises. After the signing ceremony, the Vietnamese ambassador visited production lines of Kocks Ardelt Kranbau in Brandenburg. Americas double standards aggravate humanitarian crisis 17:23, July 08, 2021 By Su Jingjing ( People's Daily Online Double standards are an important tool used by the US to mislead the public on human rights issues. In the recent Palestine-Israel conflict, the US totally disregarded the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip, put its interests first and sided with Israel, aggravating tensions and obstructing the peace process in the region. (Cartoon by Lu Lingxing) Many analysts noted that the current violent escalation between Palestine and Israel can largely be attributed to the US Middle East policy. During the Trump administration, the US violated international law and abandoned its commitment to the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. It recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, relocated the US Embassy in Israel to the city, and unveiled a new Middle East peace plan that undermined Palestines right to establish an independent state. These measures resulted in rising resentment in Palestine and continuous unrest in Israel, pushing both sides to the brink of war. Israels recent intensive airstrikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of children, destroyed a building that housed offices of media outlets and damaged the main COVID-19 testing center in Gaza. Despite this, the Biden administration continued to voice support for Israels legitimate right to defend itself, and obstructed the passing of a joint statement on a ceasefire and cessation of violence and the protection of civilians at the United Nations Security Council three times. By turning a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the US, the self-proclaimed protector of human rights, did nothing but intensify the conflict between Palestine and Israel. This is another vivid example of how the US adopts double standards on human rights. Related: US wages illegal wars, disturbs international order US wields sanctions to bully other countries (Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji) Commissioner's office of Chinese foreign ministry in HKSAR opposes U.S. meddling in China's internal affairs Xinhua) 08:00, July 09, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Why Western mudslinging has failed to dampen Xinjiang cotton Xinhua) 08:04, July 09, 2021 -- 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. 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Xinjiang factory sues over 'forced labor' claims China Daily) 08:24, July 09, 2021 Women work at the Eagle Textile company's factory in Yarkant county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, in May. Cui Jia/China Daily Standing among the unused sewing machines on the third floor of the Eagle Textile's factory, company chairman Hong Longzhu let out a long sigh. The shop floor of the factory in Yarkant county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, was once packed with workers busily filling customers' orders. Today, it is silent after orders from the European Union and the United States stopped. Hong blames one man for crippling his business. "It's all caused by the irresponsible and false accusations made by Adrian Zenz, who said that the company is involved in 'forced labor' in one of his reports. That's why I decided to sue him for damaging the company's reputation and causing serious economic losses," Hong said. "I want him to apologize and compensate the company for the losses, because his actions have directly harmed my personal interests." Zenz, a German anti-China figure, has produced numerous sensational "reports" on Xinjiang and fabricated academic research on the region, in which he has spread falsehoods such as claims of "large-scale surveillance of locals" and "forced labor". The Chinese government has countered the claims on many occasions with proof that such practices are not happening, but the damage inflicted by Zenz is real. The textile company was founded in Yarkant, southern Xinjiang's Kashgar prefecture, in June 2017. With a total investment of 10 million yuan ($1.5 million), a three-story factory was built to produce clothes mainly exported to European Union and United States markets. Almost all of its workers are local Ugyurs. As a labor-intensive business, the company provided jobs for more than 900 people during its busiest times. Now the number of employees is just 300, Hong said. "The workers don't want to leave, but as a private business I have no choice because there aren't enough orders," he said. Negative impact In 2019, Hong noticed that some of the company's clients began to cancel their orders without giving an explanation. He then learned from a friend that the company was mentioned in one of Zenz's reports. "Beyond the camps: Beijing's grand scheme of coercive labor, poverty alleviation and social control in Xinjiang" was published on Oct 17, 2019, and Hong's company was named as an example of the "involuntary nature" of "government-backed labor assignment". "Unlike what he claimed, we recruit the workers via social recruitment channels. There is no such thing as government-backed labor assignment," Hong said. "How can he make up things and jump to conclusions so easily? It makes me so angry every time I think about it." Zenz stated that the company adopts a "semi-military" management system because the workers live in the "comprehensive living facility" and can only go home one day a week. The workers also participated in "morning exercises", the report said. Hong said Yarkant is a vast county and many of his workers' homes are 100 kilometers from the factory, so they are provided with free accommodations. Most of the workers are farmers, and it took time for them to adjust to manufacturing jobs. In the beginning, the company organized group activities such as morning runs, but after they got used to the working pattern, the activities were not needed, Hong said. "Labeling the company's practical management methods as 'semi-military' activities is just absurd. He should look up the definition of 'semi-military' in the dictionary," he said. Contrary to Zen's claims, in 2018 the company obtained a compliance certificate from Amfori, a business association for open and sustainable trade based in Brussels, Belgium. To receive the certificate, a company needs to meet a code of conduct by taking necessary measures to prevent human rights violations at the workplace, including discrimination, child labor and bonded labor. Amfori requires business partners not to engage in any form of servitude, forced, bonded, indentured, trafficked or nonvoluntary labor. Also, workers must have the right to terminate their employment contracts freely if they give reasonable notice to the employer. "The certificate is our ticket to exporting to the EU market. Now, it's become a piece of wastepaper just because of Zenz's report," Hong said while showing the certificate in his office. At first, Hong believed that Zenz's accusation of "forced labor" would only have limited impact. But he then realized there was a political agenda behind the groundless attacks. From the sanctions imposed on Xinjiang businesses and the boycotting of the region's cotton, the political intention to curb the region's development is clearer than ever, he said. Weaponizing human rights He Zhipeng, executive director of Jilin University's Human Rights Center, said human rights are commonly used as weapons during global economic and political competition, and Xinjiang cotton is a perfect example. "When some Western countries, especially the US, notice that certain labor-intensive industries have achieved fast development in some countries they start to fear that these countries may take the lead in the global market. They then make up slanderous claims that there are human rights violations in those industries," He said. "Such a move can completely destroy the advantages those countries have been working hard to achieve almost instantly." Due to the mounting political pressure, many of Hong's clients specializing in exports said they were afraid of being associated with manufacturers from Xinjiang, although they knew the accusation was false. About 60 percent of the textile manufacturers in Kashgar have been affected by the negative reactions, but the real victims are the local people, Hong said. "Such accusations will make Xinjiang textile companies fail. Then the locals will be out of work. What Zenz and some Western politicians want is Uygurs to stay poor and to prevent the development of Xinjiang. They have never cared about the locals," he added. Sitting on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, Yarkant has a population of 900,000 people. About 96 percent of people are from ethnic minority groups, including the Uygur. As the most populous county in Xinjiang, the limited area of farmland has never provided enough income for the people of Yarkant. However, in December Yarkant was removed from the national list of poverty-stricken counties due to employment opportunities created by companies such as Hong's. More than 600 company employees lifted themselves out of poverty, Hong said. "There are more than 600 families behind those employees. Have they (Zenz and some Western politicians) ever thought about their future?" Amina has been working at the factory for four years. She's now the office manager. "Workers here all want to make more money to improve their lives. Those who don't like the job have quit. It's all about personal choice," she said. Because of her excellent job performance, Amina was once selected to take part in a trade fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong province as a representative of the company. "I really like the job, which I don't want to lose, because it has changed my life," she said. The Intermediate People's Court of Kashgar prefecture accepted the company's case on April 2. Hong is seeking an apology from Zenz and compensation of about 5 million yuan ($772,500). Some people have questioned whether the legal action is being backed by the government. "No one is backing me. I chose to do this because I don't want to swallow such accusations in silence anymore," he said adding he'd like to invite Zenz and his lawyer to visit his factory to see what's it really like. He, from Jilin University, said the case is a watershed as it can set an example for companies affected by irresponsible accusations that they can also use legal instruments to safeguard their rights. According to the Civil Procedure Law of China, even without the appearance of the defendant and his or her legal team, the court can still review the facts of the case and make a "default judgment", He said. "Although the enforcement of the judgment will be very difficult, as Zenz doesn't have funds or assets in China, the case is a milestone in human rights protection in China." After local media reported the company's case, Hong has received orders from businesspeople around China who want to show their support and purchase cotton products sourced from Xinjiang. Hong expects the factory will be back to full production by the middle of July. "China's domestic market is big and strong enough to support the factory's development," Hong said. "Of course, the impact brought by Zenz's report is big, but we are here to stay." (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) Nation strengthening antitrust enforcement (China Daily) 08:27, July 09, 2021 File photo shows the exterior view of Shanghai Stock Exchange at Pudong New Area in Shanghai.[Photo/Xinhua] China has never made and will never make antitrust enforcement a tool for geopolitics, and the nation always treats all entities, whether State-owned, foreign or private enterprises, equally and fairly, said a senior official from the country's top market regulator. The comments came as China joins other nations in stepping up regulation of big tech companies and strengthening antitrust enforcement to ensure the healthy development of internet economies. Wu Zhenguo, director of the anti-monopoly bureau of the State Administration for Market Regulation, said anti-monopoly law is fundamental to international trade and economy, and geopolitical climate never affects China's anti-monopoly law enforcement. Wu made the comments in a written interview with Antitrust Source, an online periodical edited and published by the American Bar Association. According to Wu, strengthening communication and cooperation between China and the United States in the anti-monopoly field is in the common interests of the enterprises and people of both countries. "We hope to work with our counterparts in the US to accelerate the negotiation and signing of a new Sino-US memorandum of understanding on antitrust cooperation," Wu said. He said Chinese companies' overseas business operations should be treated fairly and not subject to unprovoked investigations, accusations or blockades that harm not only Chinese companies, but also US companies. "In the future, we will strengthen Chinese companies' overseas antimonopoly compliance and provide them with necessary guidance and assistance," Wu added. Given that the thriving digital economy brings about competition issues while promoting economic development, the senior official said beefing up anti-monopoly law enforcement in key sectors, including platform enterprises, is a top priority for the regulator this year. On Wednesday, the administration imposed 22 fines of 500,000 yuan ($77,000) each on tech giants including Alibaba Group Holding, Tencent Holdings and Didi Global for a series of violations of the antimonopoly law related to merger deals over the past years. Wu said that for digital platforms, the "winner takes all" effect is prominent, and strong players normally grow even stronger. This is an area prone to a situation in which one or several players dominate. Sun Nanxiang, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of International Law, said the ultimate purpose of antitrust measures is to leverage legal tools to restore fair and effective competition to the market. US tech giants like Google, Apple and Amazon have faced continuous scrutiny and fines from government authorities worldwide for monopolistic behavior in recent years. European Union regulators hit Google with a 4.34 billion euro ($5.14 billion) antitrust fine in 2018 for using its Android mobile operating system to squeeze out rivals. On Thursday, the top Chinese antitrust regulator and four other government departments jointly issued a detailed regulation on a fair competition reviewing system. The top regulator said it will further break barriers in regional markets to safeguard fair competition and market orders. The new rules have highlighted the wider implementation of the review system by emphasizing the role of the joint review mechanism among governments from ministerial to county level. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) More intl scientists reject 'lab-leak' theory, shrug off right-wing Western media's pressure (Global Times) 08:29, July 09, 2021 Despite some Western media and politicians out of political purpose continue to distort the scientific community's views on COVID-19 origins and exert political pressure on scientists, a growing number of scientists stepped forward and rejected the US-led "lab-leak" theory, with some scientists believing objective and scientific voices will be heard more widely which may prompt more objective reporting on COVID-19 origins in Western media. In the most recent move, a group of 21 international scientists led by Professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney and Professor Andrew Rambaut from the University of Edinburgh said in a pre-print paper published on Wednesday that the mostly likely COVID-19 origin is zoonotic and there is zero evidence for a lab accident. The review paper said that no evidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology possessed or worked on a progenitor of SARS-CoV-2 prior to the pandemic, according to the University of Sydney. David L Robertson, a professor at MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and one of the authors of the paper, told the Global Times on Thursday that the topic of COVID-19 origins has become "so politicalized," and "it is important to make sure the right investigations are prioritized, i.e., we follow the evidence to where it leads and don't get caught up scapegoating individuals or institutions based on hypothetical scenarios." "There's been a lot of speculation in the media about the origins of SARS-CoV-2 so we decided to clearly lay out the scientific evidence," Robertson said. He said hopefully by laying out the evidence in a clear and rationale way we can get this focused on the science. Earlier this week, 24 international scientists published an open letterin The Lancet reiterating the natural origins hypothesis and their firm support to health professionals and scientists of China and the world, the same views they have been holding since they published their first joint letter in February 2020 in The Lancet, when the Trump administration attempted to smear, attack and stigmatize China on COVID-19. The 24 scientists including Peter Daszak, a member of the WHO-led team studying the coronavirus' origins, said in the letter published on Monday 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. However, the open letter received very little publicity in the US and other Western press, which has been so strong on the lab-leak theory, a source close to the open letter in The Lancet told the Global Times on Wednesday, noting that things may begin to change with more scientists speaking out openly against the "lab-leak" theory. Virologist Charles H Calisher, a professor at Colorado State University and one of the authors of two open letters in the Lancet, told the Global Times on Wednesday that so many media outlets and people misinterpreted and misunderstood what the scientists have said in their first letter, "although it was published in plain English," and "we felt it necessary to restate what we had said previously." "We did not know the source of SARS-CoV-2 and neither did anyone else. Blaming the Chinese government and its scientists is reprehensible because there are no definitive data pointing to the source of this virus," Calisher said in an email sent to the Global Times. Jeremy Farrar, director of Wellcome, a global charitable foundation which supports science to solve urgent health challenges, and the co-author of the letter, was quoted as saying in an email the foundation sent to the Global Times on Wednesday that "the origins of SARS-CoV-2 are not yet certain - it is possible the origin will never be fully established - but nature is a powerful force and, 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." "There is no place for unsubstantiated rumors, or conspiracy theories often fueled for other purposes," Farrar was quoted as saying. The right-wing press has been contacting authors of the first joint letter, one by one and repeatedly, in the last six months, pushing them to state whether they would change their stance. For example, the Daily Mail published pictures of all the scientists who had signed the first letter and said that some of the scientists changed their stance by believing in the "lab-leak" theory. The US government is engaging in overt political manipulation, from discrediting China's anti-epidemic achievement to hyping the China "lab-leak" theory, from vilifying the authoritative WHO joint mission report to muffling scientists and experts upholding objectivity, from drawing on intelligence apparatus for an investigation to clamoring for a so-called independent investigation that excludes China. 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 politician-driven conspiracy theories, the Global Times recently learned from people with knowledge on the matter. Such pressure will affect the next-phase scientific studies on the COVID-19 origins and reduce the efficiency of the world's scientific community, Calisher said. Science works best in an environment of trust and respect, which permits objective and transparent collaboration, Gerald Keusch, a professor of medicine and international health at the Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health who signed the open letter, told the Global Times on Wednesday via email. The re-confirmation from these authors in The Lancet is a statement that 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, the source said. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) Tencent's AI technology to find pulsars 'FASTER' (Global Times) 08:30, July 09, 2021 The 500-meter aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST) sits in the middle of mountains Photo: Xinhua Chinese technology giant Tencent and the National Astronomical Observatories under China's Academy of Sciences (CAS) will jointly launch a "stellar exploration plan" to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to assist the nation's 500-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) in the search for pulsars and the exploration of the universe. The joint plan will be based on the leading computer vision technology of Tencent's lab and the leading computing capacity of Tencent Cloud, said Pony Ma Huateng, founder and CEO of Tencent, through a WeChat voice message on Thursday at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Shanghai. Detecting pulsars has great practical value, aside from being a major help in better understanding the universe. These neutron stars, with their extremely stable spinning nature, could serve as natural lighthouses for human deep space exploration, Zhang Shuangnan, a senior professor with the Institute of High Energy Physics, CAS and principal investigator of the institute's Gamma-ray Burst Polarimeter - POLAR project, told the Global Times. As of May, China's FAST, more commonly known as the "Sky Eye," had detected 201 pulsars, including some of the faintest, as well as 40-millisecond pulsars and 16 binary pulsars. Leveraging AI, Tencent Cloud can help process the huge data received from FAST and find clues to pulsars through visual AI analysis. According to Tencent, such AI technology is expected to play a key "prescreening" role to streamline scientists' analysis of the vast load of data captured by the Sky Eye every day. "It will take only three days to process work that previously took a year," Tencent insiders told the Global Times on Thursday. Computer vision is a field of AI that trains computers to interpret and understand information from digital images, videos and other visual inputs. "In the past year, AI has brought more and more convenience to life in areas such as medical care, urban governance and non-contact services. But in the field of AI, what remains unknown is greater than the known. "We must make AI technology knowable, controllable, usable and reliable. We have to outsmart the increasingly powerful AI technology to keep it in check," said Ma. Meanwhile, the National Astronomical Observatories did not comment on the Global Times' request for further details on this collaboration. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) China urges U.S. to stop obstructing China's implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' (CGTN) 08:32, July 09, 2021 The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday 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 Wednesday, saying it constitutes another proof of the unrepentant interference of the U.S. The spokesperson of the office strongly disapproved and firmly opposed repeated U.S. meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. The U.S. side, in an attempt to disrupt Hong Kong and suppress China, deliberately distorted "One Country, Two Systems," wantonly interfered in Hong Kong affairs, emboldened anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, and played up Hong Kong-related issues on various international occasions, said the spokesperson. "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 prosperity and stability of Hong Kong." 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. "We urge the U.S. side to reflect on itself, change course, and observe international law and the basic norms governing international relations. It 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," the spokesperson warned, adding that otherwise, it will be resolutely opposed by all the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots. (Web editor: Guo Wenrui, Liang Jun) Progressive groups call on U.S. gov't to better cooperate with China on climate change Xinhua) 08:51, July 09, 2021 Aerial photo taken on April 27, 2020 shows wind power installations in Weining County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) "Regrettably, U.S. politicians have long scapegoated China as an excuse to avoid global climate commitments. From the U.S. refusal to join the Kyoto Protocol to efforts to water down the Paris Agreement, the U.S. demonization of China has always been a major barrier to progress in global climate talks," said a letter written by progressive organizations. WASHINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 40 progressive organizations sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden and lawmakers on Wednesday, urging them to prioritize cooperation with China on climate change and curb its confrontational approach. "While we are encouraged by stated commitments from the United States and China to work together and with other countries to enact urgent climate policies, we are deeply troubled by the growing Cold War mentality driving the United States' approach to China -- an antagonistic posture that risks undermining much-needed climate cooperation," said the letter. The groups called 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 climate crisis. The escalating, bipartisan anti-China rhetoric in both Congress and the White House not only damages the diplomatic and political relationships needed to move forward, but also bolsters racist, right-wing movements in the United States, fuels violence against people of East and Southeast Asian descent, said the letter. "The United States, which is significantly wealthier than China, is the biggest carbon polluter in history -- responsible for a staggering one quarter of all emissions since the start of the Industrial Revolution," said the letter. Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2019 shows a photothermal power station built in Gobi desert in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Feng Yang/Xinhua) China's historical emissions are half those of the United States -- and emissions per capita in China are less than half the levels of the United States," said the letter. The steps each country takes to address climate crisis should be commensurate with historical responsibility and wealth, the groups stressed, adding the United States "can and must do much more" than China if the world is to equitably stay on course to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. "Regrettably, U.S. politicians have long scapegoated China as an excuse to avoid global climate commitments. From the U.S. refusal to join the Kyoto Protocol to efforts to water down the Paris Agreement, the U.S. demonization of China has always been a major barrier to progress in global climate talks," said the letter. Both the United States and China bring complementary strengths that could be combined in a transition to a clean global economy, the groups said in the letter. They called on the United States to work with China to institute changes in such areas as financial support for poorer countries, the open sharing of green technologies, a rewriting of the rules of trade, an end to the regulatory race to the bottom. Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with visiting U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry via video link in Beijing, capital of China, April 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) "Amid a climate emergency that is wreaking havoc on communities across the globe, the path to a livable future demands new internationalism rooted in global cooperation, resource sharing, and solidarity," said the letter. Climate change has been a global crisis. Recently record heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures to the Pacific Northwest and western Canada, killing hundreds of people and bringing devastating drought. Researchers estimated that human-caused climate change increased the likelihood of such a heat wave by at least 150 times. They urged adaption measures that account for the rising risk of heat waves, as well as more ambitious targets to drastically reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) 22 COVID-19 vaccines enter clinical trials in China: health official Xinhua) 09:14, July 09, 2021 Staff members work at the packing line of the Sinopharm vaccines in Beijing, capital of China, May 31, 2021. (Xinhua) 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 (NMPA), at a press conference in Beijing. By the end of June, the NMPA had granted emergency approval for clinical trials to 25 drugs intended for the treatment of COVID-19 and its indications, Yuan added. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Commentary: National security law in Hong Kong brooks no slander Xinhua) 09:34, July 09, 2021 Photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows a view of a ferris wheel and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) HONG KONG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- It has been a year since the national security law in Hong Kong came into force, and the results have spoken for themselves. With the return of law and order, residents have regained their peaceful lives after prolonged unrest in 2019. In the face of a rising smear campaign, constant vigilance will ensure the hard-won stability will not be ruined. Hong Kong should not slip into chaos again. What Hong Kong and its residents saw and suffered two years ago should not be forgotten. Relentless violence and vandalism trampled the rule of law, and ordinary people lived in fear. It posed the most serious threat to "one country, two systems" since Hong Kong's return to the motherland. It was the enactment of the national security law that saved the city. Six months after the law took effect, arson and vandalism cases went down by 80 percent and 40 percent, respectively. In the first quarter of this year, crime dropped by 10 percent. A survey showed that over 80 percent of respondents recognized the improving social conditions. However, those basic facts were deliberately ignored by anti-China rumormongers, who spared no effort to stigmatize and demonize the national security law in the name of freedom and human rights. Is Hong Kong losing its freedom? Certainly not. Under the law, the legitimate rights and property of Hong Kong people are well protected. Overseas news outlets and their staff in Hong Kong continue to increase, and the press and Hong Kong residents can still supervise the administration of the government. As stability and certainty have resumed, Hong Kong's business environment becomes even better, and investors are more reassured and confident. Over the past year, the initial public offering funds raised in Hong Kong exceeded 500 billion Hong Kong dollars (64.35 billion U.S. dollars), representing an increase of more than 50 percent year on year. Total deposits in Hong Kong banks rose by over 5 percent from a year ago. The International Monetary Fund also reconfirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center in a recent report. The peaceful situation and robust business activities prove that the so-called "white terror" -- a term used by anti-China forces to smear the circumstances in Hong Kong -- is unfounded, and there is no such thing as a "chilling effect" caused by the national security law. Law enforcement operations only target a handful of criminals endangering national security but protect the vast majority of law-abiding residents. Hong Kong has returned to stability thanks to the law, but it is yet to let its guard down. Instigators of Hong Kong riots are still waiting for a chance, and external forces have never stopped interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. In addition, the risk from local extremists and homegrown terrorism must not be underestimated. The stability in Hong Kong did not come easy and thus should be sincerely cherished. Concerted efforts from everyone are needed to safeguard this peaceful and prosperous region. With the national security law and improvements to the electoral system, there is every reason to believe that Hong Kong will open a new chapter, and "one country, two systems" will embrace continued success. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Chinese mining giant donates water supply system to Serbian village Xinhua) 09:35, July 09, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) 306 editions of Communist Manifesto exhibited in Beijing Xinhua) 09:40, July 09, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Olympic venues in Tokyo will not have spectators, says Japan's Olympic minister Xinhua) 09:57, July 09, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) COVID-19 almost certainly originates from animal, not lab leak: top experts Xinhua) 10:08, July 09, 2021 "There is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 has a laboratory origin," the experts wrote. WASHINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Top experts say that the coronavirus pandemic almost certainly came from an animal, and not from a laboratory leak, CNN reported on Wednesday. In a published paper "The Origins of SARS-CoV-2: A Critical Review," a group of 20 top experts from the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and other countries noted that theories about a lab leak are almost all based on coincidence, not hard evidence, according to the report. "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, was quoted by CNN as saying. "There is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 has a laboratory origin," the experts wrote. Medical workers use a test kit to diagnose COVID-19 virus at a laboratory in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 20, 2021. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua) (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) China always stands by Pakistan in challenging times: Pakistani lower house deputy speaker Xinhua) 10:19, July 09, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Traditional hanfu costumes gain traction among China's younger generation People's Daily Online) 10:19, July 09, 2021 Photo shows a group of children clad in hanfu waving Chinese flags in Xiuwu county, Henan. (Photo provided by interviewees) China has witnessed growing numbers of young people clad in hanfu - an ancient garment traditionally worn by the Han ethnic group - in streets as well as in parks and sightseeing scenic spots. The sharp rise in the popularity of hanfu not only reflects changing trends in young people's attire, but also an externalized expression of their cultural confidence. The number of China's hanfu enthusiasts rose from 2 million in 2018 to 3.6 million in 2019 and is expected to reach 6.9 million in 2021, according to statistics from iiMedia Research. Related hashtags for hanfu were viewed more than 5.3 billion times on Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website, while videos related to hanfu were played over 51.5 billion times on Douyin, a Chinese short video platform. "Traditional clothes like hanfu are now very popular among the younger generation," said Li Sisi, a volunteer for the dissemination of hanfu culture in Xiuwu country, central China's Henan province. A recently concluded hanfu exposition held in Xiuwu attracted a total of 2.6 million online visitors. In addition to Xiuwu county, many Chinese cities hold various hanfu-themed festivals on a regular basis. Furthermore, many universities have also set up student associations related to hanfu culture. Thanks to these efforts, sales of China's hanfu clothing is expected to exceed 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) this year. "The popularity of hanfu among the younger generation reflects their confidence in Chinese culture and their own national identity, which is a way for young people to inherit and develop traditional culture," explained Li. With the continuous progress of society, many young people now have high cultural literacy and aesthetic levels, noted Xiao Jianyong, deputy dean of the Henan culture and tourism research institute, Henan University, adding that the elegant taste and profound connotation contained in traditional culture can accurately meet the rising demand among young people. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Macao to loosen border control with Guangdong over eased COVID-19 situation Xinhua) 10:24, July 09, 2021 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Rumors won't stop Xinjiang's development: Chinese diplomat Xinhua) 10:40, July 09, 2021 URUMQI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Lies and rumors over China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will not stop Xinjiang's pace of development and prosperity, said a senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday. Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, made the comments at a webinar, titled "Xinjiang is a wonderful land." Co-organized by the Xinjiang regional government and the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the webinar was attended by experts, scholars and residents from Xinjiang. Chen added that Xinjiang has achieved remarkable progress in economic and social development under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), thanks to policies for ethnic unity, the system of regional ethnic autonomy and the joint efforts of people from all ethnic groups. "In recent years, some countries and forces have fabricated rumors and lies in an attempt to undermine Xinjiang's stability, contain China's development and damage Xinjiang people's right to pursue a better life. Their despicable acts are opposed by the international community," he said. Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla, from Yutian County of Xinjiang's Hotan Prefecture, shared her story at the meeting. She got her family out of difficulties with the help of Guo Yong, an employee with China Shenhua Energy Company Limited. Five years ago, a rose-processing cooperative run by her father was on the brink of bankruptcy. After being paired up with Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla, Guo invited technicians and agricultural experts to improve the cooperative's production technology, product quality and expanded their sales channels. "Now we've established our own brand, and our products sell quite well. We will never forget his help," said Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla. Since 2016, more than 1.2 million officials and staff members have paired up with 1.6 million households of all ethnic groups like Guo and Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla. "History and reality have proven that ethnic unity is the lifeline of the people of all ethnic groups and the cornerstone of Xinjiang's development and progress," said Zulhayat Isamyil, vice president of Xinjiang University. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Commentary: West should learn to value Hong Kong as it is under national security law Xinhua) 10:54, July 09, 2021 Citizens pose for a photo during an activity themed on National Security Education Day at the Hong Kong Police College in south China's Hong Kong, on April 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang) - Nobody cares more about the future of Hong Kong than the central government in Beijing and people of China. After all, Hong Kong is a part of China. - In order to secure a better future for Hong Kong, a full and accurate implementation of the national security law is both crucial and necessary. BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) -- More than a year after the National Security Law for Hong Kong came into force, the city has emerged from the shadows of social unrest to embrace long-term peace and prosperity. Such good news would normally be welcomed, unless of course you're the West. A brand-new chapter of good governance has been opened in Hong Kong: The city has regained stability, with international capital continuously flowing in and foreign companies showing more confidence in its business environment. Furthermore, the city's residents are more confident in the implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy. Tourists take a sightseeing boat at the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, south China, June 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) The facts speak for themselves. In the first quarter, crime in Hong Kong was down roughly 10 percent compared to the same period last year, and the economy got off to a good start with year-on-year GDP growth of 7.9 percent. Finance performed even better than the economy, with about 50 billion U.S. dollars flowing to the banking system by the end of last year. A recent report by the International Monetary Fund reaffirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center and cast a vote of confidence in its development prospects. The latest survey by local think-tank Bauhinia Institute found that 82.6 percent of residents believe the city has been more peaceful since the law took effect. Such positive changes are hard for the West to stomach as it continues to lob unfounded accusations against China's policies in the city and spread pessimism about Hong Kong's outlook. Western countries like the United States have enacted the world's most thorough national security laws at home, yet are quick to demonize China's parallel efforts in Hong Kong. Some countries have even imposed coercive and unilateral sanctions against the city and China at large. The West has taken every opportunity to sow discord in Hong Kong in order to stifle the city's and China's development. Instead, the West stands confounded before a flourishing and stable Hong Kong. The violent protests in Hong Kong, which caused tremendous damage to public facilities and seriously undermined social stability, were once called "a beautiful sight to behold." Today, the West slanders a law that has closed the loopholes in safeguarding national security and brought the city back from the brink. The West's so-called support for the people of Hong Kong has turned out to be nothing but a lie that exposes its own double standards, prejudice and hegemony. Hong Kong residents celebrate the passage of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Causeway Bay of south China's Hong Kong, June 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Shen) Arguments against the national security law are baseless. For example, the number of overseas media outlets and their corresponding personnel in Hong Kong have increased since the law's enforcement, disproving the claim that the law is "suppressing freedoms of speech and press." The national security law was born to foil the attempts of China bashers to disrupt Hong Kong's governance, challenge the central government's authority, and threaten the "one country, two systems" policy. The law was also established to provide a more solid guarantee of achieving good governance in Hong Kong and upholding the city's interests, prosperity and stability in the long run. Nobody cares more about the future of Hong Kong than the central government in Beijing and people of China. After all, Hong Kong is a part of China. In order to secure a better future for Hong Kong, a full and accurate implementation of the national security law is both crucial and necessary. The West should quit interfering in China's internal affairs and disregarding the basic facts of the national security law. It should appreciate how far Hong Kong has come and look forward to its bright future. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Philae temples become landmark of Egypt's Aswan in "greatest archaeological rescue campaign" Xinhua) 12:35, July 09, 2021 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) 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. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) China provides Mongolia with enormous support in COVID-19 vaccination: Mongolian FM Xinhua) 13:12, July 09, 2021 The Chinese leaders and people have provided enormous support and help to Mongolia and solve its vaccine problem in a very short time, Battsetseg said. ULAN BATOR, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China has provided Mongolia with enormous support and help with its COVID-19 vaccination, Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg has said. "The COVID-19 is a major global challenge. We have been cooperating closely with China, our closest neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner, to win the fight against the outbreak," Battsetseg told Xinhua in a recent interview. Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, on July 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Suriya) During the difficult time of the pandemic, the Chinese leaders and people have provided enormous support and help to Mongolia and solve its vaccine problem in a very short time, Battsetseg said. Noting Mongolia has now become one of the countries with the highest vaccination rates, the foreign minister said the Mongolian government and people will never forget the Chinese help. Mongolia launched a national vaccination campaign in late February, aiming to vaccinate at least 60 percent of its population of 3.3 million. So far, over 55 percent of Mongolia's total population have been fully vaccinated, according to the country's health ministry. Most of these people were vaccinated with Chinese vaccines, said Battsetseg. In addition, China has donated a large number of medical supplies and equipment to support the Mongolian government's efforts to combat COVID-19, the foreign minister said, expressing her sincere gratitude to China. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Du Mingming) Russian ambassador elaborates on CPCs success at CPC and World Political Parties Summit 15:23, July 09, 2021 By Dennis Meng ( People's Daily Online Andrei Denisov, Russian Ambassador to China, answers questions during an interview at the CPC and World Political Parties Summit held in Beijing, July 6, 2021. (People's Daily Online/Meng Bin) --CPC members have one thing in common: dedication to serving the people The reason why the Communist Party of China (CPC) is Chinas governing party lies in the fact that it stands ready to overcome difficulties (to deliver to its people), said Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov during an interview in Beijing on July 6. He made the comment before joining over 10,000 international representatives in attending the CPC and World Political Parties Summit, at which Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech and 21 leaders of world political parties and organizations also spoke at the grand event. As a veteran of the diplomatic field who has worked in China over the last fifty years, the ambassador provided his insights on the CPCs achievements and marveled at the transformation China has been undergoing over the past few decades under the leadership of the CPC. Ive been working in China intermittently for half a century, and I am no stranger to this nation, said the ambassador, who then cited Chinas fight against pollution as an example to illustrate how the CPC has always met the major targets it has set in a bid to achieve tangible results. Environmental pollution was an important issue in China, he said, and I know quite clearly that it used to be a major problem But from my personal perspective, since 2015, the environment in Beijing has improved significantly. Everyone who lives in Beijing can see this (dramatic change), the ambassador noted. We all know that Chinese President Xi Jinping has formulated a series of far-sighted goals, and as I mentioned before, in the past five years we have seen tangible results and accomplishments, said Mr. Denisov, who strongly believes that China will meet its targets for carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, and that Chinas leadership will set even higher and more ambitious targets. The ambassador firmly believed that China, under the CPCs leadership, will meet its targets, as he pointed out that all the major goals set by the CPC over the past decades have been achieved, including those that concern environmental protection. Citizens enjoy the scenery of blooming flowers by Yongding River in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Echoing his remarks at the 9th World Peace Forum hosted by Tsinghua University from July 2 to 4, Mr. Denisov revisited the topic of the Chinese model. He highlighted that, unique as it is, Chinas development model, like various models around the world, has demonstrated to the world its merits and helped to promote the nations economic development while improving peoples livelihoods. The ambassador held that the effectiveness of the Chinese model has been fully demonstrated in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. The ambassador also warns certain countries against attaching labels to disparate development models. Im completely against the practice of labeling different development models or mentioning those models in the same breath, he explained, adding that the severe problems facing all of mankind at present call for the whole world to come up with an optimal solution by drawing from different models and then putting it into practice. We shouldnt let various development models collide or allow those differences to bring about contradiction and conflict, especially for those who readily apply double standards in the discussions (regarding development models). Thats why I offered the following view at the World Peace Forum. I said, Chairman Mao once proposed that the fundamental principle of the CPC is serving the people. Is there anything wrong with that? Similarly, in his speech at the CPCs centenary ceremony on July 1, President Xi Jinping stressed the CPCs people-centered philosophy of development and the Partys aspiration of seeking happiness for the Chinese people. Is there anything incorrect in that? he asked. The ambassador deemed that the aforementioned policies and principles upheld by the CPC are vitally important. Equally significant is the Partys determination to put those policies and principles into practice. Switching from Russian to Chinese, the ambassador put it that the CPCs success as a governing party is derived from the implementation of its policies despite hardships, saying that theres a phrase in China: (literally, implementation of a policy), which means (designing) policies is one thing and putting them into practice is another. The two links need to be considered as a whole instead of two (optional) parts. Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov (center) and another 59 diplomats from the Russian Embassy in China visit the Museum of the Communist Party of China on July 5. Photo: cnsphotos When asked about one of his strongest memories related to the CPC and its party members, the ambassador recalled an old friend he made in the last century. My work in China dates back to the 1970s. Since then, I have met a host of CPC Party members from different walks of life, he said, and they have one thing in common: that is, they are dedicated to serving the people. For example, one of the party members I knew was Ni Zhifu. He was a model worker in the 1950s before he began his political career and later became the chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions in the 1990s. From an ordinary worker to a political leader, Mr. Ni, through great efforts, followed an extraordinary path in life. In my eyes, he hadnt changed at all since his election to the leading post. When he served in his prominent role, what concerned him the most was still the people, the people he had wholeheartedly served, he said. At the end of the interview, the Russian ambassador shared his account of how China has transformed over the past decades. With my own eyes, I witnessed the living conditions of the Chinese people forty years ago. I can still clearly remember their salaries, the colors of the clothes they wore, and I can see the tremendous changes the country has experienced. But the ambassador did not go further in utilizing statistics to gauge Chinas economic and social transformation, as he believed the living cases are more vivid and convincing than figures. I can still remember during the period from the 1980s to the 1990s, people from Guangdong Province used to find jobs in Hong Kong. But now, the opposite happens. People from the Hong Kong SAR are searching for suitable working opportunities in Shenzhen and other places in Guangdong province, he said. In the 1990s, girls from Guangdong were probably very willing to find their future husbands in Hong Kong. Again, now the contrary may be the case. I think this says more about the countrys transformation than any numbers, the ambassador quipped. An aerial view of the 599-meter Ping An International Finance Centre, the fourth-tallest building in the world, in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. [Photo by Wu Luping/For China Daily] (Web editor: Meng Bin, Hongyu) Pakistan reckons on Chinese cooperation to give impetus to mango industry Xinhua) 16:31, July 09, 2021 ISLAMABAD, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Commonly known as the "king of fruits" locally, Pakistani mangoes are delicacy and delight that everyone is waiting anxiously for in summer season to titillate their taste buds with a number of luscious varieties. The fruit is not only hugely popular in Pakistan, but it has also won the hearts of people living beyond the borders due to its unmatchable taste, enticing aroma and soft texture. Considering the high global demand of mangoes despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan is expected to surpass the set export target of 150,000 metric tons this season, an official from the Ministry of Commerce said, adding that last year, the country's mango exports were 140,000 metric tons as against the target of 80,000 metric tons. In a conversation with Xinhua, Shehzad Sheikh, chairman of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association, said that "although Pakistan is the sixth-largest mango producer in the world, with a production volume of about 1.8 million tons per year," the country's production and exports are not up to scratch due to multiple factors. Outdated cultivation and harvesting techniques, high cost of production, substandard cold storage facilities, transportation issues, and lack of research and development are the major hindrances to the growth of mango industry, Sheikh said. "We are producing 2-3 tons of mangoes from an acre of land, whereas other countries are getting over 10 tons of yield with the same land ... also the quality of mangoes gets affected during harvesting as the height of most mango trees in the country is about 40 feet, which should not be above 8 feet to get better and high quality production," he said. Experts and government officials in the country believe that Pakistan needs to enhance cooperation with China to modernize farming structures and techniques to increase mango production, produce premium quality of fruit crop and improve competitiveness in the global markets to boost exports and earn valuable foreign exchange. China is the world's second largest producer of mangoes as it has introduced modern cultivation and pest-control methods, optimal sorting and packing technologies, improved logistics and cold chain facilities, and opened up more sales channels to enhance production and sales of the fruit, Pakistan's Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam said. "Pakistan can learn from Chinese experience to give impetus to the country's mango industry considering its economic importance," Imam told Xinhua. He said that China has already helped Pakistan in overcoming multiple issues that Pakistani farmers were facing by improving electricity supply and road infrastructure across the country under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the past, severe load shedding, especially in rural areas had greatly affected the mango production as orchards get water supply from tube-wells running on electricity, said the minister. "Power projects under CPEC have greatly reduced energy woes faced by the farmers." Similarly, improved road infrastructure has shortened traveling time and facilitated farmers to get their produce to other cities more conveniently, he added. He said both countries should hold joint research projects and establish demonstration zones to improve the quality of mangoes so that they could be sold at a lucrative price in global markets. Pakistani exporters believe that the country needed to secure a strong presence in the bigger and high-value international markets like China to earn high profit. In June, as part of the Pakistani government's efforts to better explore desirable destinations for the Pakistani mangoes, a chartered plane of mangoes landed in China and more are expected to enter the Chinese market this summer. Pakistan has also held events in China in recent years to promote the new, better varieties and rich flavor of Pakistani mangoes to the Chinese people, and according to organizers, the feedback was more than encouraging. Adeeb Ahmed Rao, a leading mango exporter and owner of the Rajput Orchard in the country's eastern Multan city, told Xinhua that he has been cultivating around 20 to 25 varieties of mangoes including the most famous Chaunsa, Dussehri, Langra and Anwar Ratol, and exporting his produce to Gulf and European countries mostly. "This season, I am planning to export mangoes to China as the country has a very large consumer market," Rao said, adding that Pakistan should make every effort to grasp the Chinese market by improving the standards of production and marketing strategy. To boost exports to other countries, the Pakistani government has been making efforts to provide special subsidies to farmers to cut their production cost, making better market strategies, reducing freight cost and introducing one-window operation for perishable fruits consignments to make it competitively priced in international markets. "Pakistan can be on the list of top three exporters of mangoes in the next five years, both in terms of volume and value, if the government continues to adhere to making prudent and result-oriented policies in this regard," the mango exporter said. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) Commentary: American insolence, paranoia will not alter Hong Kong's trend toward stability Xinhua) 17:06, July 09, 2021 BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Wednesday extended the so-called "national emergency with respect to Hong Kong" as part of U.S. sanctions on China. Such blatant interference in China's internal affairs has once again exposed U.S. insolence in defending its self-proclaimed supremacy and its deep-rooted paranoia to sow instability worldwide. A White House notice claimed that the "national emergency," first declared on July 14, 2020, was extended for one year because the situation with respect to Hong Kong, including China's actions, "continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States." The unscrupulous U.S. sanctions over Hong Kong through legislative and administrative means have seriously jeopardized China's sovereignty, security and development interests and grossly trampled on international law and the basic norms governing international relations. Over the past year, with the implementation of the National Security Law and the adoption of a new electoral system, Hong Kong has witnessed an end of chaos and violence, the return of stability and growing prosperity. A recent report by the International Monetary Fund reaffirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center. The latest survey by local think-tank Bauhinia Institute found that 82.6 percent of residents believe the city has been more peaceful since the National Security Law took effect. Washington, on the other hand, turned a blind eye to the reality in Hong Kong and continues to pursue an unscrupulous and paranoid foreign policy. The outrageous, crazy and vile U.S. acts over Hong Kong are simply despicable. The real purpose of such U.S. moves is to suppress China. For a long time, some U.S. and Western politicians have been keen on stoking tensions in Hong Kong, smearing the "one country, two systems" policy and flagrantly meddling in China's internal affairs. Their sinister intentions to destabilize Hong Kong and contain China by any means possible are not new. Their actions are rooted in the American anxiety that China's development will one day threaten U.S. hegemony, which has prompted some U.S. politicians to try everything possible to obstruct China's development. In their paranoid mind, China is a strategic competitor that must be suppressed and a chaotic Hong Kong serves their interests and is in line with their China containment plan. However, those politicians failed to recognize that their attempts to stoke chaos in Hong Kong with coercive sanctions will only backfire. The United States has deep and direct interests in the city. Official data released last year showed that there are around 85,000 U.S. citizens and more than 1,300 U.S. enterprises in Hong Kong, including almost all of America's major financial firms. Besides, Hong Kong has been the source of America's large bilateral trade surplus for years. Those U.S. politicians, who have long boasted about their role as "human rights preachers" and jumped around to meddle in other countries' domestic affairs under the pretext of "democracy," have nevertheless turned a blind eye to the human rights tragedies in their homeland. Since the collapse of a condominium in Florida two weeks ago, the federal and local governments have displayed unmistakable indifference to the lives of their fellow Americans with their bureaucratic inefficiency and buck-passing. Now 64 people were killed, and the remaining 76 buried in the debris are feared dead as well. While some U.S. politicians were enjoying their Independence Day holiday at home, at least 233 people were killed and 618 people injured by gun violence in more than 500 shootings across the United States in the same period. How on earth dare a country with such a bad record label itself as a human rights lecturer and teach others how to behave? Hong Kong's stability will never be shaken, and the firm resolve of the Chinese government to safeguard national sovereignty and uphold the city's interests and prosperity in the long run should never be underestimated. It is time for those U.S. politicians to wake up to that, and stop their insolence and paranoia as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will have to pay a heavy price because the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, including those in Hong Kong, are no pushovers. (Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun) 70-year-old woman graduates from Chinas top art university People's Daily Online) 16:42, July 09, 2021 Photo shows Xu Anlings Bachelor of Arts degree in traditional Chinese painting. (Photo provided by Jinshan Commuity) Youre never too old to learn, a concept that has been vividly illustrated by Xu Anling, a 70-year-old lady who recently graduated from one of Chinas top art universities. Xu, who lives in Zhujing town, Jinshan district of Shanghai, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in traditional Chinese painting from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, east Chinas Zhejiang province in June. Xu earned her second bachelors degree from the university, inspiring many others to pursue their dreams. Born in 1951, Xu has loved painting since she was a child. However, to make a living, she worked as a mechanic before becoming a taxi driver. Due to her busy work schedule, she had to temporarily abandon her hobby. After retirement, Xu returned to painting at the age of 58. In 2009, she began to further her studies at the China Academy of Art. In July 2016, Xu earned an associates degree from the university. One year later, she passed the adult college entrance examination and became an undergraduate student majoring in calligraphy at the university. Xu was awarded her first Bachelor of Arts degree from the university in 2019. It was not easy for the elderly lady to further her study of traditional Chinese painting, as she had to spend more time practicing to master its basic skills. Young students just needed three or four hours per day. But I had to practice more to catch up with them, Xu said. I lived under a tent in my classroom for a time. I painted till midnight every day and got up at 5 a.m. the next day to continue my painting, Xu recalled, adding that she didnt feel tired at all due to her great enthusiasm for painting. Xu now runs a studio in her hometown in Zhujing, and has the full support of her family members in fulfilling her dream of becoming an artist. Xu plans to keep some of the awards she has won in the town where her dream started. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) To mark 90 years since the birth of the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre will present a major exhibition tracing the history of this remarkable timepiece. Opening in Shanghai this summer, the Reverso Stories exhibition will travel to Paris later in the year. Created in 1931, the Reverso is a design of rare longevity a legend born from the challenge to create a wristwatch that could withstand the rough and tumble of the polo field. Ingenious in conception and perfect in execution, the Reverso quickly transcended its original purpose and was adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life. Deftly synthesising form and function with its unique reversible case and pure Art Deco lines, it has become one of the worlds most recognisable wristwatches. The Reverso Stories exhibition explores the creative and cultural universe of this exceptional design through four themes, leading visitors on a journey through 90 years of timeless modernity. A Timeless Story in Four Chapters The journey begins with the Story of an Icon, retelling the tale of the Reversos origins through rarely seen archive materials and heritage documents from the Jaeger-LeCoultre collection, and a selection of milestone Reverso watches, from the first 1931 model to the latest Reverso Tribute piece. A specially commissioned film transports the viewer inside the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, tracing each step in the creation of a Reverso through the words of the artisans and watchmakers themselves. Heritage Reverso First Reverso 1031 Jaeger-LeCoultre A Story of Style & Design examines the Art Deco roots of the Reverso. Visitors will discover how, following the principles of Art Deco design, the distinctive rectangular form of the watch was dictated by the original concept that the case should flip over. An artfully curated selection of timepieces for both men and women traces the stylistic changes through which, over the course of nine decades, the Reverso has gained the status of a design icon. Heritage Reverso Cordonnet 1933 Jaeger-LeCoultre At the heart of the exhibition, visitors will encounter Spacetime, a new art installation specially commissioned by Jaeger-LeCoultre from the American artist Michael Murphy. Through this work, the artist explores the relationship between the three physical dimensions of space, and the fourth dimension of time. Murphy has become celebrated for his fusion of classical art-making techniques with digital processes, inventing an entirely new formula for rendering two-dimensional images as suspended, three-dimensional mobiles. Depending on the viewers line of sight, these anamorphic works may appear as a seemingly chaotic jumble of shapes or a highly organised form. The Spacetimer from Michael Murphy Jaeger-LeCoultre For those viewing Spacetime, its fascination lies in the subjective experience of moving around the work, observing its changing form as it coalesces from apparently random complexity into a vision of one of the worlds most recognisable timepieces. In this new work, Michael Murphy has captured the beauty and precision of time-keeping and time-making in an original and uniquely fascinating way. A Story of Innovation explores how the Reverso embodies Jaeger-LeCoultres eternally inventive quest for technical advancement. Beginning with the revolutionary idea of a case that could be flipped over, to the ingenious design by Rene-Alfred Chauvot, patented in 1931, the story traces the introduction of high-watchmaking complications, such as the first rectangular minute repeater, a unique retrograde chronograph and the Gyrotourbillon, the invention of the double-face and dual-time concept, and the use of new materials. It culminates with the extraordinary four-dial Reverso Quadryptique introduced this year. As the exhibitions finale, the Story of Craftsmanship celebrates the skills of Jaeger-LeCoultres enamellers, gem-setters, engravers and guillochage masters, revealing how they have unleashed the full potential of the Reverso as a canvas for artistic expression and personalised messages. From historic timepieces, such as those belonging to Amelia Earhart and General Douglas MacArthur, to modern-day High Jewellery and miniature-painted models, these pieces provide special insight into how the Reverso has itself been telling the stories of its owners, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Heritage Reverso Amelia Earhart 1935 Jaeger-LeCoultre The Reverso Stories exhibition will be presented from 9th to 18th July 2021 at Modern Art Museum Shanghai, open daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Swiss photographer Sebastien Rohner first heard the call of the sea during his military service, which he chose to spend on board a cargo ship sailing to South Africa. His work behind the lens brought him to the attention of all the top media publishers in his home country, and opened the door to the rest of the world, courtesy of commissions from some of the worlds most recognisable magazines. Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ, Marie-Claire and Mens Health were won over by his sense of composition and empathy for his subjects. His photos have also been collected in a book. Two for the price of one As well as being a seasoned traveller, Sebastien Rohner is also an accomplished skipper. When hes back in Switzerland, he sails on Lake Constance and Lake Zurich. His passion and talent for photography brought him into contact with German-speaking watchmakers including Carl F. Bucherer, Glashutte and IWC, for whom he does photo shoots. This new professional opening sparked his interest, and he began to document his own journey in the amazing world of watches. It was only natural that he should approach the Swiss watch magazine of reference, GMT (which belongs to the same publishing house as WorldTempus). And thats when he discovered that GMT also publishes Switzerlands oldest sailing magazine, also a market leader: Skippers, voile & ocean. It was inevitable that their paths would eventually cross. The sailor/photographer suggested a number of ways in which we could team up. He could do a sailing feature, or maybe a watch article? Both, sir! the present author replied. To kick off the summer in fitting style, Sebastien treated us to a watch shoot on board a boat. We would like to thank the Historic Boat Foundation of Lake Zurich, who allowed us to borrow one of the jewels of its collection, the century-old Ajax, for this occasion. On board, we have a Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe from Blancpain, a Serpenti Spiga by Bulgari, a Pasha de Cartier chronograph, a Gucci Dive, a Polaris Mariner by Jaeger-LeCoultre, an Atlas X bracelet from Tiffany & Co, a Diver Lemon Shark by Ulysse Nardin and an Overseas Dual Time by Vacheron Constantin, worn by models Marina Summer (who could not be more appropriately named!) and Romano Brizzi. The models are also featured in this short video, which was filmed during the shoot. As a World Tempus reader, we are delighted to offer you the latest digital version of this GMT magazine that you can download here. Happy reading! 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 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 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) A staff member records information after collecting a basket of eggs 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) Chinese alligators are seen at a pool of 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) Staff mark on eggs 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) Baby Chinese alligators are seen at a pool of the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve in Xuancheng City, east China's Anhui Province, July 6, 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) A baby Chinese alligator is seen at a pool of the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve in Xuancheng City, east China's Anhui Province, July 6, 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) A staff member checks the hatching of eggs 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) Baby Chinese alligators are seen at a pool of the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve in Xuancheng City, east China's Anhui Province, July 6, 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) A baby Chinese alligator is seen at a pool of the Anhui Chinese alligator national nature reserve in Xuancheng City, east China's Anhui Province, July 6, 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) Staff walk to collect alligator eggs 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) A staff member sprays water to the hatching medium for the Chinese alligators 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) A staff member checks an egg 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) A staff member puts eggs into a hatching basket 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) The Information Office of the State Council on Tuesday published a white paper on China's military strategy. Following is the full text: China's Military Strategy The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China May 2015, Beijing Contents Preface I. National Security Situation II. Missions and Strategic Tasks of China's Armed Forces III. Strategic Guideline of Active Defense IV. Building and Development of China's Armed Forces V. Preparation for Military Struggle VI. Military and Security Cooperation Preface The world today is undergoing unprecedented changes, and China is at a critical stage of reform and development. In their endeavor to realize the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation, the Chinese people aspire to join hands with the rest of the world to maintain peace, pursue development and share prosperity. China's destiny is vitally interrelated with that of the world as a whole. A prosperous and stable world would provide China with opportunities, while China's peaceful development also offers an opportunity for the whole world. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, oppose hegemonism and power politics in all forms, and will never seek hegemony or expansion. China's armed forces will remain a staunch force in maintaining world peace. Building a strong national defense and powerful armed forces is a strategic task of China's modernization drive and a security guarantee for China's peaceful development. Subordinate to and serving the national strategic goal, China's military strategy is an overarching guidance for blueprinting and directing the building and employment of the country's armed forces. At this new historical starting point, China's armed forces will adapt themselves to new changes in the national security environment, firmly follow the goal of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to build a strong military for the new situation, implement the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation, accelerate the modernization of national defense and armed forces, resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and provide a strong guarantee for achieving the national strategic goal of the "two centenaries" and for realizing the Chinese Dream of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. I. National Security Situation In today's world, the global trends toward multi-polarity and economic globalization are intensifying, and an information society is rapidly coming into being. Countries are increasingly bound together in a community of shared destiny. Peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit have become an irresistible tide of the times. Profound changes are taking place in the international situation, as manifested in the historic changes in the balance of power, global governance structure, Asia-Pacific geostrategic landscape, and international competition in the economic, scientific and technological, and military fields. The forces for world peace are on the rise, so are the factors against war. In the foreseeable future, a world war is unlikely, and the international situation is expected to remain generally peaceful. There are, however, new threats from hegemonism, power politics and neo-interventionism. International competition for the redistribution of power, rights and interests is tending to intensify. Terrorist activities are growing increasingly worrisome. Hotspot issues, such as ethnic, religious, border and territorial disputes, are complex and volatile. Small-scale wars, conflicts and crises are recurrent in some regions. Therefore, the world still faces both immediate and potential threats of local wars. With a generally favorable external environment, China will remain in an important period of strategic opportunities for its development, a period in which much can be achieved. China's comprehensive national strength, core competitiveness and risk-resistance capacity are notably increasing, and China enjoys growing international standing and influence. Domestically, the Chinese people's standard of living has remarkably improved, and Chinese society remains stable. China, as a large developing country, still faces multiple and complex security threats, as well as increasing external impediments and challenges. Subsistence and development security concerns, as well as traditional and non-traditional security threats are interwoven. Therefore, China has an arduous task to safeguard its national unification, territorial integrity and development interests. As the world economic and strategic center of gravity is shifting ever more rapidly to the Asia-Pacific region, the US carries on its "rebalancing" strategy and enhances its military presence and its military alliances in this region. Japan is sparing no effort to dodge the post-war mechanism, overhauling its military and security policies. Such development has caused grave concerns among other countries in the region. On the issues concerning China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, some of its offshore neighbors take provocative actions and reinforce their military presence on China's reefs and islands that they have illegally occupied. Some external countries are also busy meddling in South China Sea affairs; a tiny few maintain constant close-in air and sea surveillance and reconnaissance against China. It is thus a long-standing task for China to safeguard its maritime rights and interests. Certain disputes over land territory are still smoldering. The Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia are shrouded in instability and uncertainty. Regional terrorism, separatism and extremism are rampant. All these have a negative impact on the security and stability along China's periphery. The Taiwan issue bears on China's reunification and long-term development, and reunification is an inevitable trend in the course of national rejuvenation. In recent years, cross-Taiwan Straits relations have sustained a sound momentum of peaceful development, but the root cause of instability has not yet been removed, and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their activities are still the biggest threat to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. Further, China faces a formidable task to maintain political security and social stability. Separatist forces for "East Turkistan independence" and "Tibet independence" have inflicted serious damage, particularly with escalating violent terrorist activities by "East Turkistan independence" forces. Besides, anti-China forces have never given up their attempt to instigate a "color revolution" in this country. Consequently, China faces more challenges in terms of national security and social stability. With the growth of China's national interests, its national security is more vulnerable to international and regional turmoil, terrorism, piracy, serious natural disasters and epidemics, and the security of overseas interests concerning energy and resources, strategic sea lines of communication (SLOCs), as well as institutions, personnel and assets abroad, has become an imminent issue. The world revolution in military affairs (RMA) is proceeding to a new stage. Long-range, precise, smart, stealthy and unmanned weapons and equipment are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Outer space and cyber space have become new commanding heights in strategic competition among all parties. The form of war is accelerating its evolution to informationization. World major powers are actively adjusting their national security strategies and defense policies, and speeding up their military transformation and force restructuring. The aforementioned revolutionary changes in military technologies and the form of war have not only had a significant impact on the international political and military landscapes, but also posed new and severe challenges to China's military security. II. Missions and Strategic Tasks of China's Armed Forces China's national strategic goal is to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021 when the CPC celebrates its centenary; and the building of a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious by 2049 when the People's Republic of China (PRC) marks its centenary. It is a Chinese Dream of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The Chinese Dream is to make the country strong. China's armed forces take their dream of making the military strong as part of the Chinese Dream. Without a strong military, a country can be neither safe nor strong. In the new historical period, aiming at the CPC's goal of building a strong military in the new situation, China's armed forces will unswervingly adhere to the principle of the CPC's absolute leadership, uphold combat effectiveness as the sole and fundamental standard, carry on their glorious traditions, and work to build themselves into a people's military that follows the CPC's commands, can fight and win, and boasts a fine style of work. In the new circumstances, the national security issues facing China encompass far more subjects, extend over a greater range, and cover a longer time span than at any time in the country's history. Internally and externally, the factors at play are more complex than ever before. Therefore, it is necessary to uphold a holistic view of national security, balance internal and external security, homeland and citizen security, traditional and non-traditional security, subsistence and development security, and China's own security and the common security of the world. To realize China's national strategic goal and implement the holistic view of national security, new requirements have been raised for innovative development of China's military strategy and the accomplishment of military missions and tasks. In response to the new requirement of safeguarding national security and development interests, China's armed forces will work harder to create a favorable strategic posture with more emphasis on the employment of military forces and means, and provide a solid security guarantee for the country's peaceful development. In response to the new requirement arising from the changing security situation, the armed forces will constantly innovate strategic guidance and operational thoughts so as to ensure the capabilities of fighting and winning. In response to the new requirement arising from the worldwide RMA, the armed forces will pay close attention to the challenges in new security domains, and work hard to seize the strategic initiative in military competition. In response to the new requirement coming from the country's growing strategic interests, the armed forces will actively participate in both regional and international security cooperation and effectively secure China's overseas interests. And in response to the new requirement arising from China's all-round and deepening reform, the armed forces will continue to follow the path of civil-military integration (CMI), actively participate in the country's economic and social construction, and firmly maintain social stability, so as to remain a staunch force for upholding the CPC's ruling position and a reliable force for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. China's armed forces will effectively perform their missions in the new historical period, resolutely uphold the leadership of the CPC and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguard the important period of strategic opportunities for China's development, maintain regional and world peace, and strive to provide a strong guarantee for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. China's armed forces mainly shoulder the following strategic tasks: -- To deal with a wide range of emergencies and military threats, and effectively safeguard the sovereignty and security of China's territorial land, air and sea; -- To resolutely safeguard the unification of the motherland; -- To safeguard China's security and interests in new domains; -- To safeguard the security of China's overseas interests; -- To maintain strategic deterrence and carry out nuclear counterattack; -- To participate in regional and international security cooperation and maintain regional and world peace; -- To strengthen efforts in operations against infiltration, separatism and terrorism so as to maintain China's political security and social stability; and -- To perform such tasks as emergency rescue and disaster relief, rights and interests protection, guard duties, and support for national economic and social development. III. Strategic Guideline of Active Defense The strategic concept of active defense is the essence of the CPC's military strategic thought. From the long-term practice of revolutionary wars, the people's armed forces have developed a complete set of strategic concepts of active defense, which boils down to: adherence to the unity of strategic defense and operational and tactical offense; adherence to the principles of defense, self-defense and post-emptive strike; and adherence to the stance that "We will not attack unless we are attacked, but we will surely counterattack if attacked." Shortly after the founding of the PRC in 1949, the Central Military Commission (CMC) established the military strategic guideline of active defense, and later, in line with the developments and changes in the national security situation, had made a number of major revisions of it. In 1993 the military strategic guideline of the new era was formulated, which took winning local wars in conditions of modern technology, particularly high technology, as the basic point in making preparation for military struggle (PMS). In 2004, the guideline was further substantiated, and the basic point for PMS was modified to winning local wars under conditions of informationization. China's socialist nature, fundamental national interests and the objective requirement of taking the path of peaceful development all demand that China unswervingly adhere to and enrich the strategic concept of active defense. Guided by national security and development strategies, and required by the situation and their tasks in the new historical period, China's armed forces will continue to implement the military strategic guideline of active defense and enhance military strategic guidance as the times so require. They will further broaden strategic vision, update strategic thinking and make strategic guidance more forward-looking. A holistic approach will be taken to balance war preparation and war prevention, rights protection and stability maintenance, deterrence and warfighting, and operations in wartime and employment of military forces in peacetime. They will lay stress on farsighted planning and management to create a favorable posture, comprehensively manage crises, and resolutely deter and win wars. To implement the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation, China's armed forces will adjust the basic point for PMS. In line with the evolving form of war and national security situation, the basic point for PMS will be placed on winning informationized local wars, highlighting maritime military struggle and maritime PMS. The armed forces will work to effectively control major crises, properly handle possible chain reactions, and firmly safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty, integrity and security. To implement the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation, China's armed forces will innovate basic operational doctrines. In response to security threats from different directions and in line with their current capabilities, the armed forces will adhere to the principles of flexibility, mobility and self-dependence so that "you fight your way and I fight my way." Integrated combat forces will be employed to prevail in system-vs-system operations featuring information dominance, precision strikes and joint operations. To implement the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation, China's armed forces will optimize the military strategic layout. In view of China's geostrategic environment, the security threats it faces and the strategic tasks they shoulder, the armed forces will make overall planning for strategic deployment and military disposition, in order to clearly divide areas of responsibility for their troops, and enable them to support each other and act as an organic whole. Threats from such new security domains as outer space and cyber space will be dealt with to maintain the common security of the world community. China's armed forces will strengthen international security cooperation in areas crucially related to China's overseas interests, to ensure the security of such interests. To implement the military strategic guideline of active defense in the new situation, China's armed forces will uphold the following principles: -- To be subordinate to and in the service of the national strategic goal, implement the holistic view of national security, strengthen PMS, prevent crises, deter and win wars; -- To foster a strategic posture favorable to China's peaceful development, adhere to the national defense policy that is defensive in nature, persevere in close coordination of political, military, economic and diplomatic work, and positively cope with comprehensive security threats the country possibly encounters; -- To strike a balance between rights protection and stability maintenance, and make overall planning for both, safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain security and stability along China's periphery; -- To endeavor to seize the strategic initiative in military struggle, proactively plan for military struggle in all directions and domains, and grasp the opportunities to accelerate military building, reform and development; -- To employ strategies and tactics featuring flexibility and mobility, give full play to the overall effectiveness of joint operations, concentrate superior forces, and make integrated use of all operational means and methods; -- To make serious preparations to cope with the most complex and difficult scenarios, uphold bottom-line thinking, and do a solid job in all aspects so as to ensure proper responses to such scenarios with ease at any time and in any circumstances; -- To bring into full play the unique political advantages of the people's armed forces, uphold the CPC's absolute leadership over the military, accentuate the cultivation of fighting spirit, enforce strict discipline, improve the professionalism and strength of the troops, build closer relations between the government and the military as well as between the people and the military, and boost the morale of officers and men; -- To give full play to the overall power of the concept of people's war, persist in employing it as an ace weapon to triumph over the enemy, enrich the contents, ways and means of the concept of people's war, and press forward with the shift of the focus of war mobilization from human resources to science and technology; and -- To actively expand military and security cooperation, deepen military relations with major powers, neighboring countries and other developing countries, and promote the establishment of a regional framework for security and cooperation. IV. Building and Development of China's Armed Forces In the implementation of the military strategic guideline in the new situation, China's armed forces must closely center around the CPC's goal of building a strong military, respond to the state's core security needs, aim at building an informationized military and winning informationized wars, deepen the reform of national defense and the armed forces in an all-round way, build a modern system of military forces with Chinese characteristics, and constantly enhance their capabilities for addressing various security threats and accomplishing diversified military tasks. Development of the Services and Arms of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) In line with the strategic requirement of mobile operations and multi-dimensional offense and defense, the PLA Army (PLAA) will continue to reorient from theater defense to trans-theater mobility. In the process of building small, multi-functional and modular units, the PLAA will adapt itself to tasks in different regions, develop the capacity of its combat forces for different purposes, and construct a combat force structure for joint operations. The PLAA will elevate its capabilities for precise, multi-dimensional, trans-theater, multi-functional and sustainable operations. In line with the strategic requirement of offshore waters defense and open seas protection, the PLA Navy (PLAN) will gradually shift its focus from "offshore waters defense" to the combination of "offshore waters defense" with "open seas protection," and build a combined, multi-functional and efficient marine combat force structure. The PLAN will enhance its capabilities for strategic deterrence and counterattack, maritime maneuvers, joint operations at sea, comprehensive defense and comprehensive support. In line with the strategic requirement of building air-space capabilities and conducting offensive and defensive operations, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) will endeavor to shift its focus from territorial air defense to both defense and offense, and build an air-space defense force structure that can meet the requirements of informationized operations. The PLAAF will boost its capabilities for strategic early warning, air strike, air and missile defense, information countermeasures, airborne operations, strategic projection and comprehensive support. In line with the strategic requirement of being lean and effective and possessing both nuclear and conventional missiles, the PLA Second Artillery Force (PLASAF) will strive to transform itself in the direction of informationization, press forward with independent innovations in weaponry and equipment by reliance on science and technology, enhance the safety, reliability and effectiveness of missile systems, and improve the force structure featuring a combination of both nuclear and conventional capabilities. The PLASAF will strengthen its capabilities for strategic deterrence and nuclear counterattack, and medium- and long-range precision strikes. In line with the strategic requirement of performing multiple functions and effectively maintaining social stability, the PAPF will continue to develop its forces for guard and security, contingency response, stability maintenance, counter-terrorism operations, emergency rescue and disaster relief, emergency support and air support, and work to improve a force structure which highlights guard duty, contingency response, counter-terrorism and stability maintenance. The PAPF will enhance its capabilities for performing diversified tasks centering on guard duty and contingency response in informationized conditions. Force Development in Critical Security Domains The seas and oceans bear on the enduring peace, lasting stability and sustainable development of China. The traditional mentality that land outweighs sea must be abandoned, and great importance has to be attached to managing the seas and oceans and protecting maritime rights and interests. It is necessary for China to develop a modern maritime military force structure commensurate with its national security and development interests, safeguard its national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, protect the security of strategic SLOCs and overseas interests, and participate in international maritime cooperation, so as to provide strategic support for building itself into a maritime power. Outer space has become a commanding height in international strategic competition. Countries concerned are developing their space forces and instruments, and the first signs of weaponization of outer space have appeared. China has all along advocated the peaceful use of outer space, opposed the weaponization of and arms race in outer space, and taken an active part in international space cooperation. China will keep abreast of the dynamics of outer space, deal with security threats and challenges in that domain, and secure its space assets to serve its national economic and social development, and maintain outer space security. Cyberspace has become a new pillar of economic and social development, and a new domain of national security. As international strategic competition in cyberspace has been turning increasingly fiercer, quite a few countries are developing their cyber military forces. Being one of the major victims of hacker attacks, China is confronted with grave security threats to its cyber infrastructure. As cyberspace weighs more in military security, China will expedite the development of a cyber force, and enhance its capabilities of cyberspace situation awareness, cyber defense, support for the country's endeavors in cyberspace and participation in international cyber cooperation, so as to stem major cyber crises, ensure national network and information security, and maintain national security and social stability. The nuclear force is a strategic cornerstone for safeguarding national sovereignty and security. China has always pursued the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and adhered to a self-defensive nuclear strategy that is defensive in nature. China will unconditionally not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or in nuclear-weapon-free zones, and will never enter into a nuclear arms race with any other country. China has always kept its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for maintaining its national security. China will optimize its nuclear force structure, improve strategic early warning, command and control, missile penetration, rapid reaction, and survivability and protection, and deter other countries from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against China. Military Force Building Measures Strengthening ideological and political work. China's armed forces always treat ideological and political building as the first priority, and have endeavored to reinforce and improve their political work in the new situation. They will continue to practice and carry forward the Core Socialist Values, cultivate the Core Values of Contemporary Revolutionary Service Personnel, and carry forward their glorious traditions and fine styles. Moreover, the armed forces will uphold a series of fundamental principles for and institutions of the CPC's absolute leadership over the military, enhance the creativity, cohesion and combat effectiveness of their CPC organizations at all levels, make great efforts to cultivate a new generation of revolutionary service personnel of noble soul, competence, courage, uprightness and virtue, and ensure that the armed forces will resolutely follow the commands of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC at all times and under all conditions, and consistently retain the nature and purpose of the people's armed forces. Pushing ahead with logistics modernization. China's armed forces will deepen logistics reform in relevant policies, institutions and support forces, and optimize strategic logistics deployment. They will innovate the modes of support, develop new support means, augment war reserves, integrate logistics information systems, improve rules and standards, and meticulously organize supply and support, so as to build a logistics system that can provide support for fighting and winning modern wars, serve the modernization of the armed forces, and transform towards informationization. Developing advanced weaponry and equipment. Persevering in information dominance, systems building, independent innovation, sustainable development, overall planning, and emphasis on priorities, China's armed forces will speed up to upgrade weaponry and equipment, and work to develop a weaponry and equipment system which can effectively respond to informationized warfare and help fulfill the missions and tasks. Cultivating new-type military personnel. China's armed forces will continue with the strategic project for personnel training and perfect the system for military human resources. They will deepen the reform of military educational institutions and improve the triad training system for new-type military personnel - institutional education, unit training and military professional education, so as to pool more talented people and cultivate more personnel who can meet the demands of informationized warfare. Intensifying efforts in running the armed forces with strict discipline and in accordance with the law. Aiming at strengthening the revolutionization, modernization and regularization of the armed forces in all respects, China will innovate and develop theories and practice in relation to running the armed forces in accordance with the law, establish a well-knit military law system with Chinese characteristics, so as to elevate the level of rule by law of national defense and armed forces building. Innovating military theories. Under the guidance of the CPC's innovative theories, China's armed forces will intensify their studies of military operations, probe into the mechanisms of winning modern wars, innovate strategies and tactics featuring mobility and flexibility, and develop theories on military building in the new situation, so as to bring into place a system of advanced military theories commensurate with the requirement of winning future wars. Improving strategic management. It is necessary to optimize the functions and institutions of the CMC and the general headquarters/departments, improve the leadership and management system of the services and arms, and adhere to demand-based planning and plan-based resource allocation. China's armed forces will set up a system and a working mechanism for overall and coordinated programming and planning. They will also intensify overall supervision and management of strategic resources, strengthen the in-process supervision and risk control of major projects, improve mechanisms for strategic assessment, and set up and improve relevant assessment systems and complementary standards and codes. In-depth Development of Civil-Military Integration (CMI) Following the guiding principle of integrating military with civilian purposes and combining military efforts with civilian support, China will forge further ahead with CMI by constantly bettering the mechanisms, diversifying the forms, expanding the scope and elevating the level of the integration, so as to endeavor to bring into place an all-element, multi-domain and cost-efficient pattern of CMI. Accelerating CMI in key sectors. With stronger policy support, China will work to establish uniform military and civilian standards for infrastructure, key technological areas and major industries, explore the ways and means for training military personnel in civilian educational institutions, developing weaponry and equipment by national defense industries, and outsourcing logistics support to civilian support systems. China encourages joint building and utilization of military and civilian infrastructure, joint exploration of the sea, outer space and air, and shared use of such resources as surveying and mapping, navigation, meteorology and frequency spectra. Accordingly, military and civilian resources can be more compatible, complementary and mutually accessible. Building a mechanism for operating CMI. At the state level, it is necessary to establish a mechanism for CMI development, featuring unified leadership, military-civilian coordination, abutment of military and civilian needs, and resource sharing. Furthermore, it is necessary to improve the management responsibilities of relevant military and civilian institutions, improve the general standards for both the military and the civilian sectors, make studies on the establishment of a policy system in which the government makes the investment, offers tax incentives and financial support, and expedites legislation promoting military-civilian coordinated development, so as to form a pattern featuring overall military-civilian planning and coordinated development. It is also necessary to push forward with the shared utilization of military capabilities and those of other sectors, and establish a mechanism for joint civil-military response to major crises and emergencies. Improving the systems and mechanisms of national defense mobilization. China will enhance education in national defense and boost the awareness of the general public in relation to national defense. It will continue to strengthen the building of the reserve force, optimize its structure, and increase its proportion in the PLAN, PLAAF and PLASAF as well as in combat support forces. The ways to organize and employ reserve forces will be more diversified. China will devote more efforts to science and technology in national defense mobilization, be more readily prepared for the requisition of information resources, and build specialized support forces. China aims to build a national defense mobilization system that can meet the requirements of winning informationized wars and responding to both emergencies and wars. V. Preparation for Military Struggle Preparation for military struggle (PMS) is a basic military practice and an important guarantee for safeguarding peace, containing crises and winning wars. To expand and intensify PMS, China's armed forces must meet the requirement of being capable of fighting and winning, focus on solving major problems and difficulties, and do solid work and make relentless efforts in practical preparations, in order to enhance their overall capabilities for deterrence and warfighting. Enhancing capabilities for system-vs-system operations based on information systems. China's armed forces will quicken their steps to transform the generating mode of combat effectiveness, work to use information systems to integrate a wide range of operational forces, modules and elements into overall operational capacity, and gradually establish an integrated joint operational system in which all elements are seamlessly linked and various operational platforms perform independently and in coordination. China's armed forces will endeavor to address the pressing problems constraining the capabilities for system-vs-system operations. They will make further exploration and more efficient utilization of information resources, strengthen the building of the systems of reconnaissance, early-warning and command and control, develop medium- and long-range precision strike capabilities, and improve the comprehensive support systems. In accordance with the requirement of being authoritative, streamlined, agile and efficient, they will strive to establish and improve the CMC command organ and theater-level command systems for joint operations. Pushing ahead with PMS in all directions and domains. Due to its complex geostrategic environment, China faces various threats and challenges in all its strategic directions and security domains. Therefore, PMS must be carried out in a well-planned, prioritized, comprehensive and coordinated way, so as to maintain the balance and stability of the overall strategic situation. China's armed forces will make overall planning for PMS in both traditional and new security domains, and get ready to safeguard national sovereignty and security, protect the country's maritime rights and interests, and deal with armed conflicts and emergencies. To adapt to the upgrading of weaponry and equipment as well as changes of operational patterns, China's armed forces will further optimize battlefield disposition and strengthen strategic prepositioning. Maintaining constant combat readiness. China's armed forces will continue to improve its routine combat readiness, maintain a posture of high alertness, and conscientiously organize border, coastal and air defense patrols and guard duties. The PLAA will improve its combat readiness system with inter-connected strategic directions, combined arms and systematized operational support, so as to ensure agile maneuvers and effective response. The PLAN will continue to organize and perform regular combat readiness patrols and maintain a military presence in relevant sea areas. The PLAAF will continue to observe the principles of applicability in peacetime and wartime, all-dimensional response and full territorial reach, and maintain vigilant and efficient combat readiness. The PLASAF will continue to keep an appropriate level of vigilance in peacetime. By observing the principles of combining peacetime and wartime demands, maintaining all time vigilance and being action-ready, it will prefect the integrated, functional, agile and efficient operational duty system. Enhancing realistic military training. The PLA will continue to attach strategic importance to combat training in realistic conditions, and strictly temper the troops according to the Outline of Military Training and Evaluation (OMTE). It will constantly innovate operational and training methods, improve military training criteria and regulations, and work to build large-scale comprehensive training bases in an effort to provide real-combat environments for training. The PLA will continue to conduct live-setting training, IT-based simulated training, and face-on-face confrontation training in line with real-combat criteria, and strengthen command post training and joint and combined training. It will intensify training in complex electro-magnetic environments, complex and unfamiliar terrains, and complex weather conditions. It will also set up a training supervision and inspection system, so as to incorporate real-combat requirements into training. Preparing for military operations other than war (MOOTWs). As a necessary requirement for China's armed forces to fulfill their responsibilities and missions in the new period as well as an important approach to enhancing their operational capabilities, the armed forces will continue to conduct such MOOTWs as emergency rescue and disaster relief, counter-terrorism and stability maintenance, rights and interests protection, guard duty, international peacekeeping, and international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). They will work to incorporate MOOTW capacity building into military modernization and PMS, and pay special attention to establishing emergency command mechanisms, building emergency forces, training professionals, supporting task-specific equipment, and formulating relevant policies and regulations. Military emergency-response command systems will be tuned into state emergency management mechanisms. China's armed forces will persist in unified organization and command, scientific employment of forces, rapid and efficient actions, and strict observation of related policies and regulations. VI. Military and Security Cooperation Pursuing a security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, China's armed forces will continue to develop military-to-military relations that are non-aligned, non-confrontational and not directed against any third party. They will strive to establish fair and effective collective security mechanisms and military confidence-building measures (CBMs), expand military and security cooperation, and create a security environment favorable to China's peaceful development. Developing all-round military-to-military relations. China's armed forces will further their exchanges and cooperation with the Russian military within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia, and foster a comprehensive, diverse and sustainable framework to promote military relations in more fields and at more levels. China's armed forces will continue to foster a new model of military relationship with the US armed forces that conforms to the new model of major-country relations between the two countries, strengthen defense dialogues, exchanges and cooperation, and improve the CBM mechanism for the notification of major military activities as well as the rules of behavior for safety of air and maritime encounters, so as to strengthen mutual trust, prevent risks and manage crises. In the spirit of neighborhood diplomacy of friendship, sincerity, reciprocity and inclusiveness, China's armed forces will further develop relations with their counterparts in neighboring countries. Also, they will work to raise the level of military relations with European counterparts, continue the traditional friendly military ties with their African, Latin American and Southern Pacific counterparts. China's armed forces will work to further defense and security cooperation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and continue to participate in multilateral dialogues and cooperation mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), Jakarta International Defence Dialogue (JIDD) and Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS). The Chinese military will continue to host multilateral events like the Xiangshan Forum, striving to establish a new framework for security and cooperation conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Pushing ahead with pragmatic military cooperation. On the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and all-win cooperation, China's armed forces will continue to carry out pragmatic cooperation with their counterparts in various countries of the world. In response to the changing situation, China's armed forces will constantly explore new fields, new contents and new models of cooperation with other militaries, so as to jointly deal with a diverse range of security threats and challenges. Extensive dialogues and exchanges will be conducted with foreign militaries on defense policy, services and arms building, institutional education, logistics and other subjects to promote mutual understanding, mutual trust and mutual learning. The Chinese military will also strengthen cooperation with related countries in personnel training, material assistance, equipment and technology, so as to strengthen mutual support and enhance respective defensive capabilities. Bilateral and multilateral joint exercises and training, involving various services and arms, will be conducted at multiple levels and in various domains to enhance joint operational capabilities. The Chinese military will work to extend the subjects of such training and exercises from non-traditional to traditional security areas. It will actively participate in international maritime security dialogues and cooperation, and jointly deal with traditional and non-traditional maritime security threats. Fulfilling international responsibilities and obligations. China's armed forces will continue to participate in UN peacekeeping missions, strictly observe the mandates of the UN Security Council, maintain its commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts, promote development and reconstruction, and safeguard regional peace and security. China's armed forces will continue to take an active part in international disaster rescue and humanitarian assistance, dispatch professional rescue teams to disaster-stricken areas for relief and disaster reduction, provide relief materials and medical aid, and strengthen international exchanges in the fields of rescue and disaster reduction. Through the aforementioned operations, the armed forces can also enhance their own capabilities and expertise. Faithfully fulfilling China's international obligations, the country's armed forces will continue to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and other sea areas as required, enhance exchanges and cooperation with naval task forces of other countries, and jointly secure international SLOCs. China's armed forces will engage in extensive regional and international security affairs, and promote the establishment of the mechanisms of emergency notification, military risk precaution, crisis management and conflict control. With the growth of national strength, China's armed forces will gradually intensify their participation in such operations as international peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance, and do their utmost to shoulder more international responsibilities and obligations, provide more public security goods, and contribute more to world peace and common development. 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. 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. "If I were to decide on my career again, I would still sign up for the peacekeeping mission without hesitation," says a peacekeeper of China's 7th peacekeeping infantry battalion to South Sudan. Far from home, Chinese military peacekeepers have made concrete efforts to bring peace and hope to war-afflicted people. Check out their story. Produced by Xinhua Global Service By Gao Shengyi The NATO-led exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 recently concluded. While NATO stressed the exercise was intended to reinforce the blocs collective defense capability, public opinions held them as much cry but little wool. Annual flagship exercise Led by Allied Command Operations, the Steadfast Defender 2021 involved 22 participating countries, including 20 NATO members and Finland and Sweden. Three commands the Joint Force Command Norfolk, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, and Ulm Joint Support and Enabling Command participated in the commanding. The exercise mobilized more than 9,000 troops, 20 vessels, 40 warplanes and over 600 vehicles of all sorts, including the US Navy 2nd Fleet, Queen Elizabeth carrier battle group, and the NATO Readiness Joint Task Force mainly comprising Turkeys 66th infantry brigade. The exercise was designed to examine the troops readiness and military maneuverability in the scenario of an ally state under armed attack. It consisted of three parts live-fire exercise on the sea, exercise at the command post, and joint exercise and training on land. The first part was carried out on the west coast of Spain, including cross-Atlantic reinforcement and joint assault on the sea; the second part was carried out in Germanys Ulm, where a desktop dry run was made of the allied forces cross-regional maneuvers on the European continent; and the third part was carried out in Romania, including troops integration and live-fire shooting. As far as location is concerned, that most of the exercise was carried out in Romania revealed NATOs intention of enhancing the "forward presence" of its troops; regarding subjects, the long-distance sea assistance and land maneuvering both tested the troops fast response capability; as to scale, Steadfast Defender 2021 not only involved the joint operations of 22 countries, but also the integration of such domains as land, sea, air and cyberspace, with the key purpose of enhancing collective defense capability. The exercise has limited effects NATO claimed that the exercise, of flagship importance this year, had reached the goals in four aspects. The newly formed Joint Force Command Norfolk and Ulm Joint Support and Enabling Command were respectively responsible for the on-sea live-fire exercise on the west coast of Spain and the desktop dry run of allied forces massive land maneuvering on the European continent. This was the first time for both of them to command a real exercise and training event, marking the completion of NATOs Command Structure reform starting in 2018. The exercise had several highlights the Turkey-led NATO Response Force's quick maneuver to Romania by road, railway and air; North American reinforcements' maneuver across the Atlantic Ocean; and the desktop dry run of allied forces' massive and fast maneuver on the European continent, all to enhance the allied forces' ability of long-distance cross-border maneuvering. During the exercise, NATO explored the interconnectivity among the member states' equipment and systems. For instance, technicians at US Navy 2nd Fleet used the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) for the first time to remove the communication barriers between NATO allies and the US Navy. NATO believes that the Atlantic Ocean is the weak point on its defense, and the undersea cable connecting North America and Europe, in particular, faces the risk of being cut off. During the exercises, the Joint Force Command Norfolk organized live-fire exercises on the sea and examined the capability of joint commanding, long-distance assistance and interoperability of the regional defense force, in a bid to strengthen regional control and shore up the weak link in collective defense. The exercise tested NATO forces' maneuverability to some extent, but the real-combat effects remain doubted. On the one hand, the involvement of about 9,000 troops is limited given NATO's defense demand; on the other hand, the desktop dry run of the allied forces massive maneuvering across the European continent is unable to fully verify their actual commanding and control capability or their state of war-readiness. Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out, NATO has carried out exercises and training more frequently with a clear intention of deterring Moscow and rooting for Kyiv. The Steadfast Defender 2021 was intended for the same purpose but had generated the opposite results, as Russia announced to adjust and upgrade its military presence on the European border in response to threats from NATO. In general, the exercise couldn't cover up the bloc's current conflicts and dilemma and were of limited substantial effects. The French government warned Wednesday that France is seeing the more contagious Delta variant spreading fast across the country. "The risk of a rapid fourth wave is here," said government spokesman Gabriel Attal at a media briefing Wednesday. The Delta variant accounts for 40 percent of new infections in France, he said, up 20 percent from last week. Eleven French regions are reporting infection rates have jumped over the past seven days, Attal said. France has been one of the hardest hit countries in Europe with more than 111,000 deaths. Around 64 percent of France's adult population has received at least one vaccine dose, and just under 50 percent have been fully vaccinated, according to government health authorities. But the government is battling vaccine hesitancy. Like other European countries, France has struggled to maintain a high pace of vaccinations. Last month, it made teenagers eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, provided they have parental consent. European countries are almost evenly split on whether to administer coronavirus vaccinations to teenagers as alarm mounts on the continent about a possible fourth wave of infections. Sixteen countries, including France and Italy, are now vaccinating children above the age of 12 or plan to do so -- while 17 countries have decided against, or will only jab teenagers, if they have serious underlying health conditions. Another four countries remain undecided. Vaccinating children is increasingly a contentious issue in Europe -- made more so by the uptick in confirmed coronavirus cases some countries are witnessing thanks to the rapid spread of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India. Risks vs Benefits A study of seven countries published in March by The Lancet, the British medical journal, found that fewer than two out of every million children have died because of COVID. Those opposed to vaccinating teenagers argue the risks of adverse reactions outweigh the benefits. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC, lists important considerations for national public health authorities in the EU to consider when vaccinating adolescents. It stressed that adolescents would likely experience few direct benefits from being vaccinated; although it added that inoculating youngsters could increase overall population immunity and reduce the spread of the virus. "As vaccination rollout progresses, we are arriving at the stage where vaccination of younger age groups such as adolescents needs to be considered," Andrea Ammon, ECDC director said in a press statement. Crucial factors guiding national health authorities should include the incidence of COVID-19 in populations, says the ECDC. Like the Word Health Organization, the ECDC says European countries should bear in mind the shortage of vaccines globally for poor and developing nations that have made little headway inoculating their adults. WHO advises that it is more urgent to donate vaccines for developing countries to inoculate their higher-risk adults and globally it is less urgent to vaccinate teenagers and children. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dubbed earlier this year the prioritization of low-risk groups, such as children, in rich countries a "moral catastrophe." "I understand why some countries want to vaccinate their children and adolescents, but right now I urge them to reconsider and to instead donate vaccines," he said. But the emergence of the delta variant has changed the calculus for some European governments and advocates of adolescent vaccination point to the delta's strains higher rates of transmissibility. That is making it more difficult for Europe to reach herd immunity when enough people in a population acquire immunity either through vaccination or previous infection. Epidemiologists now estimate 80 percent of a population needs to be vaccinated for herd immunity to be assured. Incomplete Data Nonetheless, some European medical experts point to safety concerns, advising that more studies need to be done to ascertain the risks of inoculation for youngsters. Calum Semple, a professor of child health at Britain's University of Liverpool and a British government adviser, told local media he is not persuaded the evidence is strong enough to support vaccination of teenagers as the risk to them from the virus was incredibly low, and "because we don't have complete safety data for the vaccines." So far, Britain, like Germany, is vaccinating teenagers, if they have serious health conditions. The government has delayed making a decision on whether all teenagers should be encouraged to have jabs. Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, which advises Downing Street, is due to report soon on whether under-18s should receive jabs, but it reportedly is veering against the idea, fearing even very rare side-effects. But British parents, according to recent opinion polls, overwhelmingly want vaccinations for their kids, hoping that will halt disruptions to schooling. The Office for National Statistics, a government agency, found in a survey that nine in ten parents would definitely or probably vaccinate their children if the jabs were available to them. Only 4 percent of parents of elementary school-aged children and 3 percent of parents with kids in high school would not. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on Thursday to mark the 27th anniversary of regime founder Kim Il-sung's death. The portly leader looked a little trimmer than before his reappearance last month, confirming earlier pictures that suggested he has lost weight and sparked speculations about his health. A National Intelligence Service officer told the National Assembly here on Thursday, "Kim Jong-un seems to have lost 10 to 20 since February last year. He walks briskly and seems to have no problems getting around." The North Korean regime is cracking down yet again on corrupting South Korean influences in increasingly frantic attempts to divert attention from its own failings. The National Intelligence Service told the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on Thursday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered a more aggressive defense of "socialism" that entails a widespread crackdown on South Korean-style clothing, parlance and behavior among young North Koreans. People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-keung quoted the NIS as saying the popularity of South Korean TV dramas and music in North Korea has led to an increasing use of South Korean behaviors and fashion. But he added that North Korean youngsters keep defying the rules. Even lovers who embrace in the street can be accused of anti-revolutionary behavior, and using South Korean phrases can land people in prison for up to two years. The crusty, backward regime is clearly worried that young North Koreans pose a danger to its survival. They grew up buying South Korean products in open-air markets and accessing foreign information and could yet spell the collapse of the Kim regime, which has run the economy into the ground. Last December, it introduced a law that makes use of South Korean-style expressions and music punishable with hard labor. Kim last week fired several senior officials for unspecified mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis, and state media have been spewing out dire warnings against any slackening in revolutionary fervor. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that North Korea is likely to face a severe food shortage amid a total border lockdown. "With commercial imports officially planned at 205,000 tons, the uncovered food gap is estimated at about 860,000 tons, equivalent to approximately 2.3 months of food use," an FAO report early this week warned. Domestically, the North is only capable of harvesting a "near average level" of 5.6 million tons of crops this year. Unless the supply gap is "adequately covered through commercial imports and/or food aid, households could experience a harsh lean period from August to October, when the 2021 main season crops will be available for consumption," it added. North Korea sealed its borders at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in a catastrophic drop in supplies from China. Women work on a Habitat for Humanity house with the Women Build organization for Women Build Week on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, Habitat for Humanity lost a lot of fundraising opportunities and volunteers worried about safety. Woburn, MA (01801) Today Partly cloudy. High near 85F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. The Kokomo Rescue Mission is returning its back-to-school assistance program beginning next week, making it possible for students to start school with a new pair of shoes, socks, and undergarments. The Kokomo Rescue Mission, in partnership with Crossroads Community Church, General Motors, other area churches and donors, invite income-qualified members of the community to come shop with their students ages 5 to 18, who are entering grades K-12 during the week of July 20 to 23 at three locations within the community. This year, the back-to-school assistance will be held at these three locations: Taylor Elementary School, 5500 Wea Drive, on Tuesday, July 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., on Wednesday, July 21, from 3 to 7 p.m. Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St., on Thursday, July 22, from 10 to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. and on Friday, July 23, from 10 to 1 p.m. At these locations, income-qualified students will receive brand new shoes, new socks, and new undergarments for the coming school year. In addition, students and their siblings will receive a clothing voucher for gently used clothing from the Care & Share Store. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute The following will be required for every student in the household ages 5 to 18, entering grades K-12 to qualify: photo ID of parent or legal guardian proof of income students birth date students birth certificate students social security card To receive assistance, all students must be present and be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. This year during the back-to-school assistance, the Indiana Immunization Collation will be holding an Immunization Clinic at Taylor Elementary School on July 20, the Carver Center on July 21, and Grace United Methodist Church on July 22. For more information, call 765-456-3838 or visit kokomorescuemission.org. under "Events." Press Release July 9, 2021 Duterte's potential VP run goes against the spirit of Constitution, says Drilon Duterte's possible vice-presidential run will pose a serious problem of succession to the presidency later on, Drilon adds Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, a former justice secretary, said on Friday that President Duterte's potential run for vice president would go against the spirit of the Constitution that clearly prohibits a second term for the President. "This is because a vice president can become President anytime in case of resignation, impeachment, death, and permanent incapacity of the President," Drilon said in a statement on Friday. "While the wording of the Constitution does not prohibit the President to run for any elected position, to run for vice president would contravene the spirit of the Constitution and could pose a serious problem of succession to the presidency later on," Drilon warned. "Article VII, Section 4 of the Constitution is clear that the President shall not be eligible for any re-election. The spirit of the provision is to allow only one term for the president and to prohibit two terms. No person can occupy the highest position in the land for two terms," Drilon emphasized. Article VII, Section 4 further states that "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," he noted. Drilon recalled that when he was executive secretary of the late President Cory Aquino, certain quarters wanted the late President to run as president again on the theory that the Constitution was not applicable to her since she was elected under an interim "Freedom Constitution." He said President Cory refused because it would contravene the spirit of the Constitution which only allows one term for the President. "Hindi lumusot ang Cha-cha kaya susubukan nilang mag-tango. The Filipinos should not allow this clear circumvention of the spirit of the Constitution. We should oppose any attempt to circumvent our Constitution," Drilon said. Drilon warned that Duterte's possible vice-presidential run will "create a serious problem of succession to the presidency" if he runs and wins as vice president in the upcoming 2022 national elections. "In case of resignation, impeachment, death, and permanent incapacity of the President, the Vice President is first in the line of succession to the presidency. Can Duterte assume the role of the president again?" Drilon asked. "It will create a big question mark in an otherwise clear and established presidential line of succession." "It will destroy the equilibrium," he added. Drilon said he agreed with former Commission on Election chairman Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the Constitution, who had earlier said that the President's possible vice-presidential run could be a "backdoor to the Presidency." "Atty. Monsod, being among the framers of the Constitution, is in the best position to interpret the meaning and purpose of the prohibition," he added. The Saudi German Hospital Group, one of the largest healthcare providers in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region is planning to build a new medical complex in Egypt with the aim of doubling its capacity, reports say. Regional Manager Mohamed Hablas told Al Mal News Wednesday the construction of the new structure will start in the second quarter (Q2) of next year. The complex will be located in 6 October City and will have a capacity of 300 beds, doubling the groups current capacity in Egypt, which stands at 300 beds at its hospital in Heliopolis. The new hospital will offer an additional array of services including radiotherapy. The future structure is in line with the development plan of the group in the Arab republic. Hablas also told the media that the group aims at expanding in Upper Egypt and is currently studying which governorates it will target there. Equally it is also considering expansion to Alexandria in Q1 of next year as part of its Batterjee Medical City, its medical complex there. The group, which operates 11 hospitals across the region, pledged last year additional investment around EGP50 billion for the next 15 years. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has rubbished a plot to impeach Interior CS Fred Matiangi, challenging the MPs behind it to go ahead and present the motion in the August House. Speaking to journalists at Parliament buildings on Thursday, July 8, Babu Owino said the impeachment motion against Matiangi will be dead on arrival. According to the outspoken lawmaker, the MPs behind the plot are allied to Deputy President William Ruto. Babu Owino reminded them that Matiangi was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and no amount of false claims against the minister will lead to his ouster. Dr Matiangi was appointed by the president to execute his duties inherently but coming up with made-up issues that Dr Matiangi is not attending committee meetings and that is the sole reason for the impeachment that doesnt hold water, Owino stated. This gang is led by Honorable Mohamed Ali from Nyali and we are telling them that we will build a separate Parliament for him so that he can make noise there, said Babu Owino. He further argued that CS Matiangi has been protecting parliament which houses the team that wants to impeach him. I even saw him(Moha) passing around here going towards Rutos Weston hotelwe want to tell him that even that road he is walking on has been protected by Dr Fred Matiangi. If the CS was not there, even that road would have been taken by Ruto. So, let that team be warned, and that motion is as dead as it will arrive, he declared. Babu Owino at the same time claimed that the MPs planning to impeach Matiangi have been moving around in senior government offices demanding bribes and threatening public officers with impeachment. We know that it is a team consisting of extortionists moving from one office to the other they want to be given brown envelops they want to defraud some of the members of the executive failure to which they threaten them with impeachment motions. A man accused of mobile phone theft stunned a court when he said that he wanted to take marijuana to his deceased friend at Langata cemetery. Fadhili William was arraigned at the Kibera Law court together with his accomplice Kennedy Omondi. The two residents of Mathare in Nairobi are said to be behind a spate of mobile phones theft in the Ngara area where they snatch the phones and flee on a motorcycle. On the day of their arrest, bodaboda riders who were on their trail cornered them in Ngara area and handed them over to officers at Parklands police station. Omondi was riding the motorbike while William was his pillion passenger. During the citizens arrest, the latter dropped a stolen mobile phone and attempted to escape by foot but he was caught. At the police post, officers found each with a consignment of marijuana during a search. In court, Omondi pleaded not guilty to being in possession of 20 rolls of marijuana, whereas Fadhili admitted to charges of possessing a suspected stolen phone and 30 rolls of cannabis worth Sh1,500. The accused told the court that he planned to smoke 10 rolls and give the remaining to a deceased friend who was buried at Langata during an anniversary. Omondi was freed on a Sh50,000 bond with a cash bail of a similar amount. The court directed that Fadhili undergoes a mental assessment and return to court on July 15 when his psychiatrist report will be presented. A Nairobi-based businessman has been charged in court for assaulting a woman by pushing her while holding her breasts. A Magistrate court heard that on June 29, 2021, at Property World International offices along Raphta road in Kilimani sub-county within Nairobi County, Ajay Magon, aged 56, assaulted Carolyne Achieng Ongaya. Carolyne was identified as a Personal Assistant to the Director of the company, Ashish Magon, who is a brother to the accused. The court was told that a day before the incident, Ajay Magon summoned Ms Achieng at work and told her to accompany him to town to buy some household goods. After the shopping, the accused told Achieng to accompany him to another office in Upperhill, where she was made to wait outside for hours. Since it was getting dark, Achieng called her boss Ashish who is in the UK to complain that his brother was keeping her late. Ashish authorized her to go home. The following day, the complainant reported to work at 8 am only to be met with hostility from Ajay. A police report says the accused had become violent and was shouting at everyone working in the compound. He also stopped Achieng from entering the gate. Achieng then asked the accused to allow her to collect some medication she had left in his car the previous day but he refused. He instead pushed her while grabbing her breasts and hurling insults at her. The suspect pushed her by holding her breasts and forced her out, the police report reads in part. Bystanders came to her rescue and she thereafter filed a report at Kilimani Police station where she was advised to seek medical treatment. Achieng also told police that the accused has been sexually harassing her. Appearing before Magistrate David Ndugi, Ajay pleaded not guilty saying he neither touched nor assaulted her. He claimed that the complainant went to his place of residence and started demanding that she enters his house. The court released the accused on a bond of Ksh200,000 or cash bail of Ksh100,000. Omar Lali has cried foul that his fundamental right to a fair hearing has been violated in the inquest probing the death of Tecra Muigai. In his bid not to testify in the murder probe, Lali said he was denied a chance to hear testimonies of witnesses who appeared before the court. I have been denied an opportunity to hear the evidence of my accusers and to cross-examine them, particularly the deceaseds mother, who have all testified, his court papers read in part. The Lamu-based boat operator also complained that the summons requiring him to present himself and his two brothers, Abdulhakim Lali and Kuswayi Lali, and his brother-in-law Ali Bakari, to testify was unfair and a violation of his right to a fair hearing. At the same time, Lali complained that the inquest ought to have been conducted in Lamu instead of Nairobi. He argued that he cannot sustain the cost of transport from Lamu to Nairobi throughout the proceedings. Further, Lali said he cannot afford to pay a lawyer to defend him throughout the trial period. Lali said he fears that lack of a lawyer will ruin his chances of getting being found innocent. He observed that the police and Tecras family have always believed that he killed the Keroche heiress. If my advocate and my witnesses are to travel to Nairobi for hearing of the inquest, I require financial resources which I do not have since I am a beach operator depending on tourism and due to Covid-19 pandemic the tourism sector is dead. I will definitely not be able to sustain paying the advocate to clear my name, which could lead to me being condemned as a murderer, he argued. High Court Judge James Makau dismissed his appeal not to testify in the murder probe. The matter will be mentioned on September 27, 2021, for further directions. Raila Odinga says he has been receiving a lot of calls and messages on social media from Kenyans who are concerned about his outspoken stance against corruption. Speaking on Radio Citizen Thursday, the ODM leader said the concerned Kenyans were worried about his safety, with some even urging him to tone down his criticism of corruption in government. Raila clarified that his utterances against corruption are not part of his campaign agenda for his 2022 presidential bid. This is in no way the agenda for my 2022 political bid, Im just saying that corruption has become too rampant in our nation and it needs to stop because it is the sole reason why development projects in Kenya are stalling. And it is so bad that leaders are even afraid to blow the whistle on corruption, he said. Since I spoke in Mombasa, Ive received so many calls and even more messages on social media with people telling me to be very cautious about what I say concerning corruption. They have told me that Im offending a lot of corrupt individuals in the republic and that some are even now fearful of me saying that I will sell them out and they will be jailed because they think Im in government. Others have sent emissaries to ask me to slow down and quit the talks on corruption, Odinga revealed. The former Prime Minister insisted that nothing will stop him from speaking out against the global issue. I cannot keep quiet because that is not the Kenya I want. But if they have decided that they would rather have the rampant corruption then I will be glad to sit at home and let them run the country to ruin. I dont have to be a leader. But what remains true is that Kenya will not move forward with this level of theft and corruption in government, whether it is embezzlement, extortion, bribery or fraud, all of it is great abuse of public funds. According to a tweet published by Loongnaval on July 8, 2021, new pictures of the Pakistan Navy's first type 054A/P frigate released. The frigate was launch in August 2020 by the Chinese Shipyard Hudong Zhonghua. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Type 054A/P frigate for the Pakistan Navy (Picture source: Twitter account of Loongnaval) The Type 054A/P is an export and improved version of the Chinese-made Type 054 multi-role frigate which entered service with the Chinese Navy in 2007. It is a development of the Type 054 frigate, using the same hull but with improved sensors and weapons. The Type 054A is a Chinese-made multi-role frigate manufactured by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard and Huangpu Shipyard. The first ship entered service with the Chinese navy in 2007. The Type 054A is 140 meters long with a displacement of 4,000 tonnes full load. The ship has a range of over 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots. The Type 054A is powered by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system including four Shaanxi 16 PA6 STC diesel, each developing 5700 kW. The ship can reach a top speed of 27 knots with an estimated cruising range of 8,025 nautical miles (14,862 km). The ship has a crew of 165 people. Type 054A Frigates are fitted with 32 VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells for HQ-16 surface to air missiles, 8x YJ-83 (export designation C-803) anti-ship missiles, a H/PJ-26 76mm main gun, two H/PJ12 seven-barreled 30mm CIWS guns (for frigates 1 to 16 in the series) or H/PJ11 eleven-barreled 30mm CIWS for new vessels starting with Huanggang (hull number 577) the seventeenth ship of the class. Two triple YU-7 torpedo launchers and anti-submarine rocket launchers are fitted for ASW warfare. Your browser does not support the video tag. 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. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Russian Civic Chamber member urges UN to take fair and unbiased stand on Crimea www.opcrimea.ru 17:46 09/07/2021 MOSCOW, July 9 (RAPSI) Ivan Abazher, a member of the Russian Civic Chamber Commission on Security and Cooperation with Public Supervisory Commissions, has urged the UN to fairly and objectively react to Ukraine's actions in relation to Crimea, the press service of the body informs. In the course of the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council, on July 9, issues of combating modern forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance were discussed, including the situation in Crimea. Abazher appealed to the participants saying the body failed to notice how brazenly and grossly Ukraine violates the rights of Crimean residents, in particular freedom of movement, and persecutes those who openly speak about this, the Chambers press release reads. Among the facts cited by Abazher was that people disliked by the Ukrainian side are entered on the so-called Peacemaker website; threats, lies and slander are spread about such persons. The Civic Chamber member also reminded that the UN was called upon to maintain international peace and security, to develop friendly relations between nations, to be a center for coordinating the actions of nations in resolving international problems of an economic, social, cultural and humanitarian nature, so it needed to react to, as he put it, unlawful actions of Ukraine with regard to Crimean residents. A group of writers, social activists, public intellectuals have issued a statement expressing concern over what some community leaders have recently said about Sikh women marrying Muslim men. Read the full statement (of July 2, 2021) below: We, the undersigned, express our deep concern over the recent turn of events around young adult Kashmiri Sikh women who married Muslim men, and often converted to Islam, after exercising their own free will in choosing their partners. However, they are being portrayed by self-proclaimed leaders of the Sikh community as victims of love jihad. The prominent Delhi-based Sikh leaders, who arrived in Srinagar on June 26 to add fuel to the fire, alleging a blatant and deliberately provocative lie that the women were abducted at gunpoint and married to older Muslim men. They appropriated the centre stage, sidelining even the local Kashmiri Sikh community leadership, leaving them bewildered at the turn of events. Later, they claimed to have approached the Home Minister Amit Shah urging him to intervene and pass an anti-conversion Law in Kashmir. Young Indians of all faiths, and this includes Sikh women, are increasingly seeking freedom to work, pursue studies, marry who they choose, and live life on their own terms. The anxiety over women entering into marriages of choice has deep-seated patriarchal and casteist roots, wherein a woman is perceived as property, and handed over from her parents to her husbands family, safely within the community and caste, with little say in the matter. In a video released by one of the Sikh women, she asserts that she converted and married her husband by choice, but her consent and agency were accorded little value, not only by the community leaders but also by the police. She was forcefully recovered (like stolen property) to the custody of her parents, and she will have to fight a long and hard battle to be reunited with her husband. We do recognise that Sikhs are a religious minority in Kashmir, and they face multiple forms of neglect ranging from non-recognition of Punjabi language in the state to little representation in Kashmirs political, cultural and economic spheres. This is a struggle which must be waged for the rights of the Kashmiri Sikh minority. But the struggle must be premised on a commitment to the equal rights of all castes, classes and genders in the Kashmiri Sikh community. We are also aware that religious conversion is often the main route available for inter-faith unions in the state, and that inter-faith marriages without religious conversion under the Special Marriage Act has not gained the social acceptance it should. This is often because the Special Marriage Law is almost impossible to access, requires a long waiting period, and leads to community policing and a violent reaction by the family and community of the young woman choosing to marry of her own choice. Nevertheless, we believe that the solution to these challenges lies in working towards building a better society, one in which women may freely exercise their choice about who and how to marry (with or without religious conversion), and be assured that their decisions are respected by all communities in the state, including the Muslim majority community. The anti-conversion law and the attention which the Delhi-based Sikh community leaders are seeking from the Home Minister has nothing to do with preserving religion or linguistic rights. Rather, it is premised on antiquated appeals to community honour and the ownership of women as community property. The anti-conversion law is glaringly communal and is often used with the intent to criminalise young Muslim men who are in relationships with women of other faiths. The real victims of this law are women as the law infringes their constitutional right to choose a partner. If there is a specific case of abduction irrespective of the religion or caste of the suspected abductee or abductor, it should be probed. Abduction is equally an infringement of freedom of choice of the victim of abduction. We find the recent action, under the direction of these so-called Sikh community leaders, of abducting a young Kashmiri Sikh woman and marrying her off within twenty-four hours to a stranger, whose only qualification is that he is from her community, totally reprehensible. This gharwapsi executed under the patronage of Sikh men claiming the legitimacy of being community leaders is not only unlawful, but it infantilises the legitimate choice made by an adult woman who voluntarily chose to opt for a way of life by converting her religion to her spouses. We are convinced that this controversy has been fuelled to create a wedge between the Sikh and Muslim communities who have been forming new alliances across India to fight together against the communal and authoritarian agendas of the state. A large majority of farmers from Punjab opposed the highly discriminatory CAA, and they came to the peaceful protest in Shaheen Bagh in solidarity with the protestors. The Punjab farmers unions supported the anti-CAA demonstration in Malerkotla, and the Muslim farmers of Malerkotla and Western Uttar Pradesh are present at the Delhi borders to fight for the repeal of the three farm laws. Farmers unions have expressed regret for the communal violence in 2013 in Western Uttar Pradesh that targeted and uprooted Muslims. Farmers unions also held big rallies in Mewat recently where two Muslim men were lynched in two separate incidents by violent Hindu vigilante groups, to reaffirm their commitment to fighting together the battle not only against the farm laws but also against other injustices. In this context, we writers, scholars, poets, artistes and cultural workers affirm that the self-proclaimed leaders of the Sikh community do not have the right to speak on behalf of the whole community. Sikh tradition does not believe in taking away the right of others, least of all of its women. We believe that an individuals right to choice in friendship, love and marriage, and the right to practice a religion of ones belief, is an inalienable right which belongs equally to our women citizens. We unequivocally reject conspiracy theories such as love jihad as divisive, built on fake news, and designed to foster hatred and suspicion between religious communities. We oppose strongly the demand for an anti-conversion law in Kashmir or anywhere in the country. We regret deeply the statement of Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreeet Singh, and his letter to the Lt Governor of Kashmir asking him to introduce an anti-conversion law in the state. Such laws have only contributed to deepening communal fault lines, instilling fear among Muslims, and made it tougher for inter-faith couples to exercise their choice. We also urge these Sikh leaders not to repeatedly bring up Sikhs service, langar and contribution in Kashmir at the time of floods or earthquake to proclaim the magnanimity of Sikhs. Such self-aggrandisement is against the tenets of Sikhism and extremely undignified. No community is entitled to be close-minded or use means at their disposal to browbeat and block young people, especially women, if they exercise choice in love and marriage. We urge the self-proclaimed Sikh community leaders to desist from playing divisive politics and perpetrating emotional violence on individuals making independent personal choices. We offer our solidarity to all individuals who seek to choose their own partners and way of life. We pledge our support to those being victimised by community leaders and families who seek to deny them autonomy in the name of preserving religious values. Endorsed July 8, 2021: International Space Station Configuration. Four spaceships are docked at the space station including the SpaceX Crew Dragon and Russias Soyuz MS-18 crew ship and ISS Progress 77 and 78 resupply ships. Credit: NASA. With NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough monitoring aboard the International Space Station, a SpaceX cargo Dragon spacecraft undocked from the International Docking Adapter on the station's space-facing port of the Harmony module at 10:45 a.m. EDT. Dragon will fire its thrusters to move a safe distance from the space station during the next 36 hours. On Friday, July 9, Dragon will conduct a deorbit burn to begin its re-entry sequence into Earth's atmosphere. Dragon is expected to splash down at approximately 11:29 p.m. in the Gulf of Mexico near Tallahassee, Florida. The splashdown will not be broadcast. Splashing down off the coast of Florida enables quick transportation of the science aboard the capsule to the agency's Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, delivering some science back into the hands of the researchers as soon as four to nine hours after splashdown. This shorter transportation timeframe allows researchers to collect data with minimal loss of microgravity effects. The Dragon's departure will be the second splashdown of a U.S. commercial cargo craft off the Florida coast. Previous cargo Dragon spacecraft returned to the Pacific Ocean, with quick-return science cargo processed at SpaceX's facility in McGregor, Texas, and delivered to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Dragon launched June 3 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy, arriving at the station a little less than 16 hours later. The spacecraft delivered more than 7,300 pounds of research investigations, crew supplies, and vehicle hardware to the orbiting outpost. Dragon's external cargo "trunk" carried six new ISS Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSAs), two of which Expedition 65 crew members Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet, an ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, installed during three spacewalks June 16, 20, and 25. Some of the scientific investigations Dragon will return to Earth include: Lyophilization-2 examines how gravity affects freeze-dried materials and could result in improved freeze-drying processes for pharmaceutical and other industries. Freeze-drying also has potential use for long-term storage of medications and other resources on future exploration missions. Molecular Muscle Experiment-2 tests a series of drugs to see whether they can improve health in space, possibly leading to new therapeutic targets for examination on Earth. Oral Biofilms in Space studies how gravity affects the structure, composition, and activity of oral bacteria in the presence of common oral care agents. Findings could support development of novel treatments to fight oral diseases such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. On-Orbit Status Station SpaceX-22 Undock and Return: Cargo Dragon SpaceX-22 (SpX-22) undocked from the ISS today at 9:45 AM CT to return cargo and payloads to the ground concluding the 33-day mission aboard the ISS. SpX-22 will complete departure phasing through Friday evening, jettison the Trunk carrying the empty ISS Power Augmentation (IPA) for destructive re-entry, deorbit, and then splash down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida at approximately 10:29 PM CT on Friday night. Payloads Cold Stowage Pack for Return: The crew transferred frozen samples, refrigerated samples, and Ice Bricks from Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI), Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator II (MERLIN), and Iceberg into DCBs in preparation for SpX-22 descent. DCBs are passive resources that satisfy the specific temperature requirements of scientific samples and other temperature-sensitive payload items. DCBs are available on the ISS, during launch and return. JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD): The crew unpacked and restowed the SSOD resupply desiccant which will manage humidity levels and help protect the solid lubricant on Deploy Case 1 while stowed. The J-SSOD provides a novel, safe, and small satellite launching capability to the ISS. The J-SSOD is a unique satellite launcher, handled by the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS), which provides containment and deployment mechanisms for several individual small satellites. Systems Cargo Dragon Departure Preparations: The crew completed several activities prior to SpX-22 undock. The crew loaded powered cargo and late-load science, inspected the vestibule Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), performed hatch closures between SpX-22 and Node 2 Zenith, and depressurized the Node 2 Zenith vestibule. The crew then used Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Program (RPOP) software to monitor SpX-22 departure from the ISS. Air Avionics Assembly (AAA) Fan Dry Out Teardown: The crew de-configured the AAA fan dry out setup following the 24-hour dry out period and stowed the hardware. A functional test will be performed at a later date to verify the AAA's capability as a functioning spare. These activities are in support of the recovery of the AAA that had previously been removed from the Water Recovery System (WRS) rack in May following the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) fault. JEM Return Grille Cleaning: The crew removed return grille mesh covers and cleaned the inside of return grilles at various location in JEM as part of standard preventative maintenance. Completed Task List Activities: WHC KTO Replace Today's Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. SpX-22 Undock Commanding Thermal Amine Scrubber Deactivation Look Ahead Plan Friday, July 9 (GMT 190) Payloads: Astrobee Off ER4 ISIS Drawer Check Food Acceptability GLACIER Desiccant Swap Iceberg Desiccant Swap InSPACE-4 Plant Habitat-04 PLT3 Preparation POLAR Desiccant Swap Systems: APFR Pitch Knob Troubleshooting Crew Dragon Deorbit, Entry, and Landing Contingencies OBT Vacuum Cleaner Audit Max CEVIS Saturday July 10 (GMT 191) Payloads: Crew Off-Duty Systems: Crew Off-Duty Sunday July 11 (GMT 192) Payloads: Crew Off-Duty Systems: Crew Off-Duty Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. HRF Generic Saliva Collection HRF Generic MELFI Sample Retrieval and Insertion Operations Double Coldbag Pack 1 MERLIN Dragon Installation Cold Stowage Double Coldbag Pack 2 Polar Express Rack Uninstall Transfer And Dragon Install HRF Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Double Coldbag Transfer to Dragon Functional Immune Historical Documentation Photography HRF Generic Ambient Blood Collection Payload Final Pack Cargo Dragon Closeout Docking Dragon Monitoring Tools Setup Dragon Departure Photos Microgravity Science Glovebox Power Down In-Flight Maintenance (IFM) Utility Outlet Panel (UOP) Fireport Label Installation USOS Window Shutter Close Dragon Egress in Preparation for Departure. Dragon Departure Monitoring JEM Mesh Cover Return Grille Cleaning Collapsible Contingency Urinal (CCU) Crew conference Dragon Monitoring Tools Teardown Food Physiology MELFI Sample Retrieval Food Physiology Fecal Sample Processing Food Physiology Historical Documentation Photography JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer Desiccant Stow Countermeasures System (CMS) Cycle Ergometer w/Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Isolator Inspection Food Physiology MELFI Sample Insertion 2 Food Physiology MELFI Sample Insertion 3 Cargo Dragon Station Support Computer Relocate IFM AAA Dry Out Teardown Functional Immune Health Questionnaire Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Termination Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Stanton Public Policy Center and Purple Sash Revolution Organizing National 'Prayer to End Abortion' Rally on Saturday, October 2, at Supreme Court for the 'Dobbs v. Jackson' Case NEWS PROVIDED BY Stanton Public Policy Center July 9, 2021 WASHINGTON, July 9, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- Stanton Public Policy Center is making a nationwide call for a pro-life coalition of thousands to come to the Supreme Court for a massive prayer gathering and weekend of public engagement and worship. We will be joined by national pro-life and Christian leaders, worship bands and members of Congress. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Dobbs v. Jackson in their 2021-22 session which begins on October 4, 2021. Below is a link to the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/994009991362409 Stanton Public Policy Center is a women's advocacy and educational group that works on issues of human rights and justice which empower and inspire women. It is affiliated with Stanton Healthcare which has life-affirming women's health clinics in America and internationally. Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Chief Strategy Officer for Stanton Public Policy Center, comments: "The pro-life movement is facing a hinge moment in our history. "When the Supreme Court agreed to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, they agreed to hear the most important abortion case since Roe v. Wade in 1973. "We are seeing extraordinary gains on a local level with scores of statewide pro-life legislation being passed. Sadly, the new laws are rarely enacted because they are blocked by federal courts. A victory in Dobbs v. Jackson would change that and be a major step in dismantling Roe and bringing an end to abortion violence. "If we do not engage, it could add decades in our fight to end abortion violence. We cannot be indifferent or silent. Through prayer, we can see God shape history and end abortion." Danielle Versluys, Chief Operations Officer for Stanton Public Policy Center states: "We call upon people of faith to join the Purple Sash Revolution at the Supreme Court in October, to pray boldly for an end to unfettered abortion policy in America. "The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson could be the beginning of the end for Roe. It is imperative that we seek God's favor at the beginning of this critical court session." For more information or interviews please contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 SOURCE Stanton Public Policy Center CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741 Related Links purplesashrevolution.com Allison Balcombe displays the plaque presented by AHOCS-SVG) in recognition of his contribution to agricultural development in SVG. Allison Balcombe, a farmer of over 6o years, was recognised for his contribution to farming and agricultural development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on his 73rd birthday celebration, held on Saturday 3rd July 2021 in his hometown Georgetown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The award was presented on International Day of Cooperatives by the President of Alternative Holistic and Organic Cooperative Society Ltd. (AHOCS-SVG )- Conley Rose, who presented a locally made plaque to Balcombe. Present at the ceremony were Balcombes daughter and husband visiting from Florida, and a few close friends including Ken Da Silva. Allison Balcombe managed his grandfathers estate at the age of 24 years and developed his farming skills and experience over six decades in farming, rising to the top as Manager of the Arrowroot Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During an emotional thank you address Balcombe shed tears even as he thanked the Cooperative (AHOCS-SVG ) for the recognition accorded him. Greetings of solidarity with and best wishes to Balcombe extended by Newton George of the North Windward Cooperative, and Andre Liverpool of the Goodwill Fishermans Cooperative. Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday was unsuccessful in his bid to have the minutes of the May 11, 2021 sitting of the House amended. Friday was suspended from that sitting after he and Speaker of the House Rochelle Forde became embroiled in an altercation, arising out of Dr. Fridays insistence that Senator Ashelle Morgan not be allowed in Parliament given her alleged involvement in an incident during which a businessman from Diamond was shot. The Speaker of the House explained that she had received a document from the Opposition Leader on the morning of the July 6 Meeting of Parliament. However, she did not have time to peruse the document in detail and allowed Friday to explain his position at the start of the segment Confirmation of the Minutes of the Sitting held on May 11. Dr. Friday told the House the minutes should be amended on the basis that the decision to suspend him was invalid and contrary to the Standing Orders. According to Friday, there were serious consequences following the suspension of a member of the House. "There is the risk of longer, more onerous suspension of the member, then there is also the fact that remuneration for the member ceases under the Standing Order, the Leader of the Opposition explained. He further contended that the proper procedure for suspending a member was not followed, to wit: the Speaker did not call a minister to move the motion; he was not identified by name as the one being suspended; the Speaker was to put the motion to the House for a vote, instead she ruled that a division be taken or that each member present in the House at the time state their individual position opposed to a collective vote. "Given that there are serious consequences following a suspension, .. it is imperative that any action taken to suspend a member must follow the procedure, Friday said, adding that he wanted the Speaker of the House to make a ruling as to whether the minutes would be amended. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Dr Ralph Gonsalves interjected saying that in compliance with Standing Order 15(1), the Confirmation of the Minutes, he was going to move for the confirmation of the minutes. Following which, he said, if there was anyone who felt that the minutes needed to be amended, then it would be up to the House to determine whether the amendment would be accepted. "If the Honourable member wishes to move an amendment, he can proceed to move one based on his own recollection, Gonsalves said, with which the Speaker concurred. However, the House had passed that and was now at the point of the confirmation of the minutes, the Speaker said, and if anything was to be done further they must follow the procedure to do so. Diana Bailey a former person-in-charge at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre insisted that there are a number of burning issues at the Centre that call for immediate attention. The complaints of the workers at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre (MHRC) at Glen have not been addressed by the relevant authorities. So said Diana Bailey a former person-in-charge (2014 - 2017) at the MHRC, who also said that she was on a mission to seek some redress for the workers at the facility. And even as Bailey stated her intention last Monday, July 5, sixty-five (65) percent of the workers at the MHRC on the very day, took strike action; action which has been sanctioned by their union, the Public Service Union (PSU). But Minister of Health, St Clair Prince refuted claims made by the Union that a litany of concerns were not addressed, saying that he had been advised that the Permanent Secretary had addressed the concerns. Among the issues However, Bailey told THE VINCENTIAN that the fundamental issue for her was that the staff had launched a grievance against the management at the MHRC, and nothing had been done. "I dont believe in washing dirty linen in public, but it is frightening to me that the Ministry (of Health) has not shown an interest in trying to redress the issues, Bailey continued. Speaking on the basis of some 17 years of service at the MHRC, she insisted that there were a number of issues affecting both members of staff and patients at the facility. The facility has a capacity for 130 patients, but the numbers have hovered around 200 plus, and there are all types of patients those with a forensic history of mental illness, old and young people. And the young ones often perpetrate violence against some of the more vulnerable groups. There have been instances of assaults, both physical and sexual and there were some patients who were unable to help themselves, Bailey said. She informed that there were patients with physical and mental challenges, all housed together, and that intimidation measures taken by persons in managerial positions was not uncommon. Bailey cited that more than 50 percent of the population at the centre had no support from the outside. A call for dialogue All in all, there were a number of concerns but the authorities have refused to sit with staff members. There has been no dialogue. According to Bailey, she tried, while at the helm, to have some concerns addressed but with no action, the situation has gotten out of hand. And she is concerned now that 65 percent of the staff has taken action, about issues of safety as there will be only a skeleton staff on duty. "If the staff is not happy, then patient care is going to be an issue, Bailey stressed. There was a draft Mental Health Action plan done in 2017 which was submitted to Cabinet for approval. There has been no response to date. Bailey pleaded with the authorities at the Ministry of Health not to feel as if the allegations are violations against them. The concerns of the staff were being disregarded and she just wanted the officials to work with them. Lion President Rhandez Browne (furthest right) and some members of the new Board of Directors of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG. Included as an agenda item of a meeting of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG held on Tuesday 6th July, 2021, was the installation of its new Board of Directors for the Lionistic Year July 2021- June 2022. Returning to the helm for a second year was President Lion Rhandez Browne, who is joined by Immediate Past President Lion Andrea James; Secretary Lion Tonnyia Browne; Treasurer Lion Sabita Jacobs; 1st Vice President Lion Pauline Robertson; 2nd Vice President Lion Ianthi Burke and 3rd Vice President Lion Colin Haynes. Rounding off the slate are LCIF Coordinator Lion Alson Jack; Membership Chairperson Lion Yvette Daniel; Marketing and Communications Chairperson Lion Gaynor Stowe; Tailtwister Lion Shimano Bailey and Tamer Lion Sylvia DeFreitas. This year, the local arm of the prestigious organization also includes Zone Chairperson Lion Maria Burke, with responsibility for the clubs in St. Vincent, Union Island and Grenada. At the ceremony, President Lion Rhandez Browne was presented with the International Presidents Award for Distinguished Achievements, the result of the clubs exemplary effort in providing relief to displaced individuals here, as a result of the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano on 9th April, 2021. Under the Lions District Governors Theme "Serving from the heart with kindness, the members of the club are dedicated to continue fulfilling the International organisations mandate "To Serve. Police Officers tried to no avail to stop the protestors from pushing the barricades to the ground. by Sheron Garraway What should have been Carnival Tuesday with masqueraders partying in the city of Kingstown, turned into a street affair with a different type of masked gathering. Protesters took to the streets, most of them wearing masks to adhere to Covid-19 protocols, fueled with resentment over issues affecting the country, in particular what many said was the erosion of the rule of law by the current administration. Steal barricades were placed in front of the House of Assembly which was in session that day. It was noticeable that the gates to the Parliament Building were locked, and not even media could enter the compound as security forces manned the compound inside and outside. As the frenzy among the protestors heightened, they took to pushing the barricades to the ground and even to blocking vehicular traffic on Back Street. One of the protesters, Rohan Simmons, a former Auxiliary Police Officer, was identified as wearing a bullet proof vest. Law enforcement officers picked him up, some say in not a very polite manner, took him to the Central Police Station where he was made to remove the vest, which was then confiscated. Wearing a bullet proof vest, or to be in possession of same, is said to be illegal. THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Simmons. He said that given his training (policing), he wore the vest so as to protect himself from any potential discharge of firearms during the protest. As time progressed, the Prime Ministers official transport with outrider emerged from the parliament compound on to the White Chapel Road, and insisted on pushing its way through the protestors, on to Back Street. Some protestors hauled water bottles and other debris at the transport even as they noticed security officers entering the vehicle as it was in motion. This prompted some protestors to voice loudly that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was not in the vehicle and may have taken the route over McKies Hill, to avoid the now increased number of agitated protestors. Tensions heightened even further and at one point protestors blocked vehicular traffic along White Chapel Road and even blocked a truck as it tried to make its way along Back Street. A large number from the contingent of law endorsement officers drawn from various branches and units of the Police Force, formed a bulldozer like formation and vigorously pushed the protestors on to the sides of Back Street, clearing the way for vehicles to pass. Protestors claimed that they were shoved, slapped, punched and kicked by the officers in the process. At one point a woman was seen to pick up a rock, but she quickly put it down. The rage of the protestors was evident as they continued to block other vehicles from moving along back Street. However, in what one protestor said was a show of humanity, the protesters allowed the Red Cross vehicle to drive through. One protester could be heard saying, in reference to the Unity Labour Party led road block, "...we not going to do like they did in 2001 and block the ambulance and almost made a pregnant mother and child die. We know the Red Cross and their role. In due course, Opposition New Democratic Party Members of Parliament St. Clair Leacock, Central Kingstown and Fitzgerald Bramble, East Kingstown joined the protestors in a march up Back Street and on to Bay Street. Loud chants of "No justice! No peace! could be heard coming from the marchers. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday also joined and led the march. Of particular concern during the protest was that a number of protestors complained aloud that a senior police officer had ordered those under his command to shoot protestors. The complaint reached Superintendent of Police Trevor Buju Bailey, who was on duty. He gave the assurance that no such order could be given and that the police had no intention to shoot protestors. Supt. Bailey was credited, by a protestor who appeared to be a person of influence, as being one of "the few officers who exhibited a conciliatory approach to protestors. As far as THE VINCENTIAN understands, no one was hurt and no arrests were made during and as a result of the protest and march, which petered out peacefully. The 2021-2022 President- Janelle Allen (4th from right front), Executive Members and Directors of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent. The Rotary Club of St. Vincent celebrated the end of another Rotary year and the installation of a new Rotary Board with a cocktail reception at the Sunset Shores hotel on 1st July 2021. President of the outgoing Board, Annette Mark, in addressing the gathering, highlighted some of the Clubs projects which were brought to fruition despite the challenges faced by the Covid-19 pandemic and the eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano. Among these were: the Young Employees Socialisation programme; the Back to School Supplies Project; donation of COVID-19 Care Packages to the Private Sector; providing hot lunches to approximately 200 homeless persons; donation of over 14,000 disposable masks to the Ministry of Health; donations of wheelchairs through partnership with District 6960 Florida and the Wheelchair Foundation; fun day and dental checks for children from the Salvation Army Childrens Home; packaging and distributing volcano-related relief supplies. The new Rotary year (2021 -2022) commenced on July 1, 2021, under the theme "Serve to Change Lives. It will be led by new president- Janelle Allen, Director, Regional Project Implementation, University of the Commonwealth Caribbean. She will be assisted by Immediate Past President Annette Mark - Executive Director, Invest SVG; Vice President Mikasha Ramsaran - Barrister-at-law & Solicitor; Treasurer Dawnette Constance - Manager of Personal Banking, Republic Bank (EC) Limited; Secretary Felicia Cumberbatch, Customer Service Supervisor, St. Vincent Cooperative Bank; Sergeant-At-Arms Joe Sheridan - The Insurance Brokers; and President Elect Daniel Campbell, Civil Engineer and Consultant. Directors who will serve on the Board for the new Rotary year include: Kirk DaSilva - Youth Service; Reuben John -Vocational Service; Sherry Ann Evans International Service; Francois Truchot - Community Service; Earl Tash - Club Service; Committee Chairs: Michker Edwards - Public Image; Joe Sheridan - Service Projects; Annette Mark - Membership; Brian Glasgow- Rotary Foundation; Shandel Ramkumar - Club Administration. The focus for this Rotary year would include the fight against childhood obesity, the empowerment of girls and women, the growing of the membership of the organisation with focus on being more inclusive thus creating diversity. The Club brought the curtains down on the 2020-2021 year with the induction of its newest members. Recognising that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, and that many families may not be in a financial position to purchase or access appropriate health and hygiene supplies, especially for the children, the World Pediatric Project (WPP) has come forward with assistance in this regard. On Tuesday July 6, 2021, WPP handed over to the Ministry of Education (MOE) a quantity of items geared towards ensuring that students are safe and protected as they to go into their examinations. The handing over took place at the Ministry of Education, where Permanent Secretary Myccle Burke and Ch ief Education Officer Elizabeth Walker accepted the items from Executive Director of WPP Lauren McIntosh. The items and quantities handed over included 800 face shields, 1200 face masks and 120 (16oz) bottles of hand sanitizer. Some 1900 students who are registered to sit the 2021 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) examination, are expected to benefit from the donation. In related news, WPP surgical teams, after a break occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, are set to recommence their visits to this country by September. Dukhan Bank announced the issuance of its debut Additional Tier 1 $500 million sukuk priced with a profit rate of 3.95 per cent, the lowest rate for this type of issuance in the Qatari market, according to a press release. In addition to providing the lowest pricing in Qatar, the books were covered 4.5 times, peaking at $2.35 billion. Chairman and Managing Director Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, said: "We are very pleased with the success achieved by the issuance of this sukuk which follows alongside significant investor demand. This is yet further evidence of the Qatari economys distinguished position." "Therefore, I would like to assure that Dukhan Bank will continue to implement its strategic plans and move steadily towards strengthening its leadership on all levels. I would like to address my sincere gratitude to the joint lead managers and advisors that supervised the process." Dukhan Bank CEO Khalid Al Subeai said: "We are extremely pleased with the issuance of Additional Tier 1 Sukuk at the lowest price in Qatar for this type of issue. The issuance has seen significant global demand from investors that far exceeded expectations and included more than 84 investors in more than 19 countries around the world, where coverage peaked at 4.5 times the issuance." "This is an indication of the confidence and good reputation Dukhan Bank and the Qatari economy enjoy amongst the global investor base. Moreover, its supported by the banks strong financial position and distinguished ratings by international rating agencies he noted. "We believe that the issuance of this Sukuk is a testament to Dukhan Banks competitive market positioning post our merger, and a reflection of the confidence global markets place in the banks robust fundamentals. I am pleased to extend my sincere thanks to the banks and financial institutions that have managed the issuance of the sukuk." The issuance comes after a series of global investor meetings and presentations led by Dukhan Banks senior management team. It is the latest step in Dukhan Banks endeavours to increase its suite of banking products and financial services in order to strengthen its position in the Islamic banking sector, supported by 'A' and 'A2 / Prime-1' with a stable outlook by Fitch and Moodys global ratings. Recently, Dukhan Bank revealed its new identity, nearly a year after the completion of the first merger in the Qatari banking sector and continues to pursue its banking journey with a new brand look and enhanced vision. Dukhan Bank appointed Standard Chartered Bank to act as Sole Global Co-ordinator. Citi, Credit Suisse, J.P. Morgan, KFH Capital, Q-Invest, QNB Capital, Societe Generale and Standard Chartered Bank acted as joint lead managers and bookrunners. - TradeArabia News Service Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, The Phillips Group (TPG), the executive search and HR consulting firm, has announced its joint venture with IT digital transformation and analytics solutions entity, Digital Analytica (DA). The new JV is set to fill a booming gap in the current market for internal and external technology requirements amongst corporate entities across the GCC region. According to LinkedIn data, while the job market overall is beginning to recover from the drop seen in the first quarter of this year, the IT skillset has remained in demand throughout the crisis. Software and IT services proved the most resilient sector in the UAE during the pandemic, with job postings on LinkedIn increasing by 66 per cent from 2020. The joint venture combines two of the region's top search and technology brands. The new merger will allow TPG to source, assess, and acquire top senior digital talent for its clients, which is accomplished using TPGs unique and established screening processes, coupled with its technology savvy team at DA. TPG can then assess which services are required and not being met by the clients IT department and is now able to provide all necessary digital transformation services, offering a 360 IT solution to clients. The Philips Group reports three significant trends across the IT industry in 2021, which CEO's and board level positions need to be aware of: Increase in investment into technology departments and the digital ecosystem A demand for digital competency amongst C Level staff and Board Members Demand for digital transformation "Clients are driving digital innovation in the front, middle and back-office and new skillsets for each. A CIO may be focused on increasing efficiency and reducing costs through digital automation, but may not have the answer to what innovative digital product will boost sales, for example," said Shane Phillips, CEO at TPG and board member at DA. "On the revenue side you will need different skills. Senior hiring managers are looking for candidates with expert levels of competency in specific IT solutions and tools to aid responses to new demands of the shifting IT landscape," he noted. "Digital transformation efforts, in particular projects aimed at curbing operational cash outlays, are increasing the demand for certain supporting roles in the UAE. Just about every industry or sector is looking at digitisation, with particular movement across financial services and government sectors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Jeep presents the Gladiator Sand Runner, the ultimate in high-speed off-road capability and performance in desert environments. Courtesy of the brands renowned 4x4 system and significant suspension upgrades, which underwent extensive testing over harsh sand and desert terrain for vehicle durability and protection, the Jeep Gladiator Sand Runner is the first Jeep in the Middle East to wear the Desert Rated badge. Jeep Gladiator Sand Runner models feature new, specially-tuned FOX 64-mm (2.5-inch) internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, industry-exclusive FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers, a reinforced frame, a 25-mm (1-inch) front suspension lift with a silver front skid plate, stronger axles with cast-iron steering knuckles, aggressive front seats with integrated upper bolsters and standard 33-inch tyres. All of these standard features enable the Gladiator Sand Runner to become the Jeep brands first Desert Rated vehicle. Already the worlds most off-road capable midsize pickup, we have now applied Jeeps exceptionally high standards for off-road performance to the extreme desert conditions of the Middle East with the Gladiator Sand Runner, said Marco Melani, Managing Director for American Brands at Stellantis Middle East. Developed and tested in some of the worlds most harsh and rugged regions, the Jeep Gladiator Sand Runner was built in the desert, for the desert, delivering a new level of capability with the ability to master challenging rock and sand terrains with ease. The starting point for the Sand Runners new level of capability is the Gladiators proven Command-Trac 4x4 system, which features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and heavy-duty third-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a 4.10:1 rear axle ratio and electronic-locking rear differential as standard. The Jeep Command-Trac 4x4 system is used to provide higher 4LO (low range) operating speeds for climbing sand dunes and other challenging desert events. A best-in-class approach angle of 44.7 degrees, breakover angle of 20.9 degrees, departure angle of 25.5 degrees and a best-in-class ground clearance of 295mm (11.6 inches) further enhance the Gladiator Sand Runners off-road credentials. To earn the Desert Rated badge, Jeep engineers equipped the Gladiator Sand Runner with specially-tuned high-performance FOX 64-mm (2.5-inch) internal bypass shocks to maximize handling, comfort and bottom-out resistance on high-speed sand runs. The FOX shocks contain internal passages that allow fluid to bypass the piston through regulated ports as it moves through the suspension travel. The result is a predictable ride over normal off-road driving conditions, with the ability to ramp up damping force in extreme use. Front and rear external shock reservoirs keep shock fluid cool, preventing shock fade during long runs through the hot desert at high speed. The same kind of military-grade suspension fluid used in off-road racing shocks maintains performance at extreme temperatures. Industry-first FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers, which combine race-proven technology with new, cutting-edge features, add additional damping force as the suspension reaches maximum compression to soften impacts and prevent bottoming out in harsh off-road situations. A 13-mm (1/2-inch) increase in the Sand Runners track provides additional stability and allows for the packaging of the larger shocks. Jeep engineers also reinforced both the frame and axle to handle rough desert terrains at high speed. These engineering enhancements to the Gladiator Sand Runners suspension provide ride control and confidence on any high-speed sand or desert terrain, while an Off-Road Plus button allows drivers to take the Gladiator to the next level of tractive capabilities. With the push of the button the driver triggers adjustments to the throttle, transmission shift points and traction control for peak performance on higher speed passes on sand terrain, as well as during low-speed soft sand and rock crawling conditions. In addition, for the first time on a Jeep, the Off-Road Plus drive mode on the Gladiator Sand Runner enables drivers to lock their rear axle at high speeds while in high range, 4H. The Jeep Gladiator Sand Runners 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and features engine stop-start (ESS) technology as standard equipment. It is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque, an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator benefits from the popular V-6 engines low-range torque, which is needed when out on the dunes or during demanding conditions, such as hauling cargo. With the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the Gladiator Sand Runner boasts an impressive crawl ratio of 52.6:1 making cresting a dune or scaling any obstacle on the trail easy. Inside the cabin, the Gladiator Sand Runner features more aggressive front seats with integrated upper bolsters to hold occupants comfortably in place during high-speed off-road driving. The upgraded seats are available in leather or cloth with orange accent stitching and embroidered Sand Runner logos. Featuring a 25-mm (1-inch) front suspension lift that results in a more prominent appearance, the Gladiator Sand Runner is adorned with a unique hood decal on its performance hood that features a center scoop. Distinguishing Sand Runner elements include exterior badges, orange tow hooks and unique 17 x 7.5-inch wheels and the optional Jeep Performance Parts heavy duty side steps. The all-new Desert Rated badge is the first of its kind for Jeep and is a natural extension of the brand's legendary Trail Rated designation. Desert Rated vehicles represent the ultimate in high-speed, off-road capability and performance in grueling desert and sand environments. Every Gladiator Sand Runner vehicle has been developed to succeed in a series of strenuous tests in five categories which grant it the Desert Rated badge: Ride Control and Stability, Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability and Desert Prowess. With innovative desert-tuned suspension, the Gladiator Sand Runner tackles sandy terrain without compromising ride control or comfort. With controlled torque delivery and management, the Gladiator Sand Runner conquers unpredictable surfaces such as sand, rocks and loose dust with complete confidence. Due to the 1 lift in the front, the amplitude is maximized with an optimized suspension allowing the Gladiator Sand Runner to overcome dunes, "fly" over uneven or bumpy terrain and overcome any other difficulties that the desert may throw up. Agile and responsive handling allows the Gladiator Sand Runner to become an extension of the driver when speeding through the desert and overcoming extreme angles. It has been tested and verified to withstand the extreme heat, coarse sand, loose gravel, and invasive dust that often accompany harsh desert environments.-- TradeArabia News Service Help India! Student activist Asif Iqbal Tanha was released on June 17 from New Delhis Tihar jail after remaining incarcerated for 13 months for a case related to the Delhi riots conspiracy. The photo essay captures Asifs struggle to adjust to normal life. Shadab Farooq | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles NEW DELHI Asif Iqbal Tanha, a BA final-year Persian studies student at Jamia Millia Islamia, was released from Tihar jail on June 17, two days after the Delhi High Court granted them bail in the case relating to the Delhi riots conspiracy. Coming out of jail, Tanha said, Being 13 months in jail and meeting my mother, family, friends and fellow activists, I feel like a caged bird who found a new sky. This sky is much higher, the weather more pleasant and inviting for a long flight. Tanha, 25, begins his day the same way he did in jail. Before offering Namaz, I used to get up early in the jail and wish every one of my fellow detainees and anyone else I ran into along the way. Outside of jail, I continue to do this as well. Greetings and Namaz lead to a having a good day, Tanha said. Tanha recalls the emotional anguish he felt on the first night after his arrest. Only four walls could be seen around me, and I was stuck within them. Tanha said the mental trauma he experienced at the beginning of the sentence was excruciating. Tanha goes to the hostel library after Namaz every morning to read the morning newspapers. In jail, one has plenty of time to read, he said. Inside Jail, in a single day, one can read several pages, pass the readings, and begin a discussion. It was difficult at first because the majority of the people in jail are lawbreakers. But it eases gradually, and everyone was reading, writing, and painting. Inmates began debating issues and reading the constitution. Some even started to compose poetry, Tanha said. Tanha said that he developed a habit of reading while in prison and he wants to continue it. Due to the Covid-19s and court restrictions, Tanha spends much of his time in the hostel library, either writing on his laptop about his experiences in jail or learning and discussing with local students who come to the library to study. I have started writing about my experiences in jail, which is therapeutic to me since it keeps me bonded in the brutal realities of Indian prison, he said. Tanha only visits the local tea-stall in the afternoon, where all the activists used to sit and talk about the protests against CAA and NRC before they were arrested. Tanha recalls that after his release, the only place he would go to was to this tea stall in the hopes of seeing her fellow activists, but he was unable to do so. Our places of thought have been repressed by the state, and most of them are in jail or concealing from false arrest, Tanha said. Tanha spends a good portion of his free time reading. When you read, you understand that you are not alone. There are many more people who lack justice, freedom, and equality, Tanha said. You become a participant in the reading, as well as a participant in their fight for justice, he added. Tanha recalls the mental torment he endured during his first days of interrogation. For three or four days, I didnt talk to anyone. I stayed to myself, locking myself in my room and reading alone. I used to spend my time reading Quran, which provided me with the power I needed to heal. However, I believe that the period of interrogation was the hardest for me, Tanha said. Asif said that he was interested in politics since his early childhood. Joining the Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), the student branch of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, at the age of 15 improved the way I saw life, he recalls. Inside the jail, there is a deep sense of Islamophobia, although it is understated, he said. There were some people who used terminology that referred to me as a terrorist. They would read in the paper that I had been arrested under an anti-terror law, and they would jump to assumptions about me based on the word terror. They used to think of me as anti-national, jihadi, and terrorist and they called me by those names, he added. Tanha raised the same slogans after he was released from prison as he had throughout the protests. This fight with CAA-NRC is a fight for our rights and our own identity, he said, adding, They arrested me for asking questions. Even after the fact that they know I will ask the same ones over and over. Tanha said that he would eat with 60 people in jail. We used to debate and discuss various current issues that we read in the jail newspapers, he said. Tanha said that he was disappointed with the unavailability of non-vegetarian options in jail. After a while, I started labelling a few vegetarian dishes Nahari, Chicken Stew, and Paaya, he said with a laugh. Recalling his time in prison, he said, All of these people gave me a great amount of affection. In prison, I never expected to get so much love. As I walked out, I felt as if I was leaving something behind. Tears welled up in my eyes. During the last prayer of the day, Tanha said he prays for his inmates in the jail. I pray for everyone I meet in jail. Praying that Allah has amazing things to offer for them and that they are all released and rehabilitated. They truly are fine men, he added. Decision on whether to transfer the trial to the High Court postponed to September. Defendants risk life imprisonment. EU parliamentarians condemn the forced closure of Apple Daily and call for sanctions against Beijing and its leaders. They also called for the abolition of the security law. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The pre-trial detention of 47 activists arrested in February for organising or taking part in the Democratic Front primaries a year ago has been extended. Yesterday, Judge Victor Soe of the Magistrates' Court in West Kowloon postponed until September 23 a decision on whether to grant the prosecution's request to refer the case to the High Court, which has jurisdiction over more serious offences. The prosecution had asked for more time to prepare the case at this preliminary stage: Judge Soe's green light further delays the start of the actual proceedings. With the transfer of the trial to the High Court, the accused risk life imprisonment. Only 12 of them were granted bail. The others are still in prison cells, including prominent figures such as Jimmy Lai, Benny Tai and Joshua Wong. In July 2020, the democratic camp held internal elections to choose its candidates for the September legislative elections (which were later postponed). The 47 defendants are on trial on charges of subversion under Beijing's national security law. Under the indictment, by aiming to secure 35 or more seats in the Legco (the city parliament) for the Democrats, the organisers "plotted" to overthrow Carrie Lam's government. The European Union is becoming increasingly vocal in its criticism of the draconian measure. Yesterday, with 578 votes in favour and 29 against, the EU Parliament passed a resolution condemning the (forced) closure of Apple Daily. The pro-democracy newspaper closed on 24 June: accused of threatening national security, it suffered a series of arrests and the freezing of assets worth HK million (1.9 million). According to EU MEPs, the action against the newspaper is a further step by the Chinese authorities to dismantle traditional freedoms in the former British colony. The European Parliament calls on the leadership in Beijing and Hong Kong to stop the mistreatment and intimidation of journalists, and to abolish the security law. Meanwhile, it encourages EU countries to impose sanctions on leaders and entities responsible for serious violations of human rights and international law in Hong Kong. Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Xia Baolong, Director of the China Macao and Hong Kong Affairs Office, are at the top of the list of personalities to be sanctioned. MEPs are also calling on member state governments not to send their representatives and diplomats to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The request has already been rejected by the Greek executive. The resolution has no binding force and is a guideline for the European Council and the EU Commission. Hungary, which has close ties with Beijing like Greece, has already scuttled a joint sanctions plan over the situation in Hong Kong. Without a change of direction from China, the EU Parliament will continue to block the approval process of the investment agreement signed in December by EU and Chinese authorities. The North Korean regime does not even want Chinese-made vaccines and has turned to Moscow, asking for free supplies. The country has not yet received the doses provided by the Covax program. Cases on the rise in the South: Seoul sets highest level of restrictions Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - North Korea has rejected the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Beijing due to concerns about potential side effects, turning instead to Moscow for Russian-made drugs. The South Korean Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) reports that North Koreans are reluctant to use Chinese vaccines due to a lack of confidence in their safety and effectiveness. "As North Korea has rejected the vaccines planned to be supplied through COVAX due to worries over side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, it has explored possibilities of securing alternatives drugs," the INSS said in a report. "North Korea stays reluctant with regard to Chinese-made vaccines due to distrust over the drugs," it added. "It appears to have positive assessments of Russian-made products but be asking for their supplies free of charge." The Inss went on to specify that even if North Korea were to receive the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it would not have the capacity to keep them at the necessary temperature in cold storage due to the country's chronic electricity shortage. Through Covax, the Korean regime was supposed to receive about 2 million doses, but they have not yet been delivered. According to a Seoul government official, the delay may be related to the North's failure to establish a national vaccination plan. Pyongyang says it has not registered any cases of Covid-19; however, Kim Jong-un's regime has imposed strict border controls and travel restrictions. In South Korea cases are again on the rise: yesterday 1,316 new infections were recorded and from July 12 the capital Seoul and surrounding areas will return to the highest level of emergency in an attempt to bring down the infection rate. With 603 votes in favour and two against MEPs adopted a resolution condemning the ongoing violence. There is a "dire" situation in the country in terms of human rights and a "continuous erosion of democracy and the rule of law. Journalist sentenced to 11 months in prison for "insulting the president". Brussels (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the ongoing repression the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), a formation that unites Kurdish forces and the left by the Turkish government. The signatories of the document stress that this retreat "reveals the dire human rights situation in Turkey and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law." The text was approved with 603 votes in favour and only two against. Promoted by Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Greens and Leftists, it condemns "the repression of opposition political parties, particularly the HDP, and urged the government to ensure that all parties can freely and fully exercise their legitimate activities in accordance with the basic principles of a pluralist and democratic system." The European politicians express "deep concern" about "this serious backsliding on the freedom of the opposition parties to function in Turkey. The document recalls the "about 4 thousand Hdp members and officials who remain a prison, including some parliamentarians" who have had their "function and diplomatic immunity revoked" and then arrested. Referring to the deadly armed attack on the HDP Izmir office, the resolution has also "strongly condemned" the incident, expressed its condolences to the relatives and friends of Deniz Poyraz, urging the authorities to investigate the case thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice." Finally, the EP called for "refraining from fomenting" incitement to violence and "taking the necessary measures to protect the party's offices and officials, including elected parliamentarians and local councilors and mayors." Concluding the resolution, the European Parliament said that relations with Turkey must be linked "to the improvement of civil and human rights," including "women's rights" guaranteed by the Istanbul Convention recently disavowed by Ankara, as well as "religious freedom, the rights of minorities and LGBTI communities." In spite of the appeals, the situation in the country remains critical: the news of the sentencing to 11 months in prison for the journalist Cem Simsek, who ended up on trial on charges of "insulting the president" Recep Tayyip Erdogan. by Fady Noun A book celebrates one hundred years of relations between the Maronite patriarchate and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The book launch brought together Card Beshara al-Rahi, Apostolic Nuncio Joseph Spiteri, and Saudi ambassador Walid Boukhari. The Patriarch stressed the link between the two countries and Riyadh's support for Lebanese independence, and attacked Hezbollah without naming. Beirut (AsiaNews) A ceremony marking one hundred years of relations between the Maronite Patriarchate and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was held yesterday under the dome of the church which stands in the outer courtyard of the patriarchal seat in Bkerke. The event was organised to coincide with the publication of a book that traces the history of those relations, written by Father Antoine Daou, a member of the Antonine order. Publisher Naufal Daou noted that the tome was written on an idea from Saudi Arabia, and is meant to show the historical depth of relationship between the two sides, which date back almost to Lebanons founding years, in a country that Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah is trying to link to a different geopolitical space. The head of the Maronite Church took this opportunity to vigorously criticise Hezbollah, without naming it, stressing in particular that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never violated the sovereignty of Lebanon, while clearly noting that the Shia party and its backer did not refrain from violating its independence, flouting its borders, dragging it into wars, paralysing its democracy, and ignoring its state. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador, Walid Boukhari, the Apostolic Nuncio Bishop Joseph Spiteri, and a large and varied group of political and religious officials, including a representative of Lebanese President Michel Aoun. The Future Movement, generally shunned by the Saudi diplomat, was represented by former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. The head of the Maronite Church centred his address on three aspects. He spoke about the relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, the relations between this Kingdom and the Maronite Church, and finally the Kingdom's relations with the people of Lebanon. History shows that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has understood the meaning and value of the existence of Lebanon in the heart of the Arab world, said the Patriarch at the start of his speech. Who can forget the words of the founder of the Al-Saud dynasty, King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman, who said: Lebanon is an intrinsic part of us. I shall protect its independence myself, and I shall not allow anyone to lay hands on it. Who can forget the promise by King Abdel Aziz ben Saoud on 12 April 1953: I will defend the independence of Lebanon as I defend the independence of my Kingdom! Who can forget the mediations undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the war in Lebanon! Who can forget the sponsorship, by the Kingdom, of the Taif Conference (1989), which led to the Document of National Understanding, which we saw as an extension of the National Pact! Let us not forget, in particular, that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the first Arab country to recognise the independence of Lebanon in 1943. It is on the basis of these wishes and promises that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dealt with Lebanon, that it has respected the choice of the Lebanese, their identity, their pluralism, their ways, their traditions and their way of life. In fact, the patriarch added, Saudi Arabia has not undermined the sovereignty of Lebanon or violated its independence. It has not flouted its borders, nor drawn it into wars. It has not paralysed its democracy or ignored its state. Saudi Arabia has supported Lebanon in Arab and international fora and provided it with financial aid. It has invested in its economic recovery and reconstruction projects. It has sponsored reconciliations and settlements; it has welcomed the Lebanese and provided them with opportunities to live and work in the kingdom. Beyond state-to-state relations The relationship between the Maronite Patriarchate and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia goes beyond the considerations that govern relations between states, said Patriarch Al-Rahi regarding the relationship between the Maronite Patriarchate and the Kingdom. For this patriarchal see, Saudi Arabia is Saudi Arabia. We love it the way it is. We do not assess it through its political choices, its national positions, its Arab and international relations. Our relationship goes beyond these bases, towards a global relationship, which is the partnership between Christians and Muslims. One of the reasons that led the Maronites to found Greater Lebanon in its pluralistic richness is that it may be an extension of its environment, without being its imitation, nor dissolved into it. This is our story and our approach, and this is our promise to the Lebanese, Saudi Arabia, Arabs and the world. This is the promise made in Lebanon by the Kingdom. In concluding, the Patriarch said: Father Antoine Daous book, historical in essence, thus opens windows onto the future, full of fraternity, solidarity and respect [. . .]. To the sounds of the bells and the calls of the muezzin, Lebanon walks in this East as a brother to the Arabs and a supporter of the truth. To this end, al-Rahi urged the Lebanese who work in Saudi Arabia to show their upmost loyalty to their host country. Our children go to Arabia for work. They are messengers from Lebanon to there, not those from another country or another project, he added. No to the concept of minority For his part, Saudi Ambassador Walid Boukhari expressed his attachment to Lebanons national unity as well as to preserving Lebanon as a message, free, sovereign and independent. We hope that [the countrys] political parties will prioritise the interests of Lebanon, he said, a reference to the partisan demands that are blocking the formation of Lebanons government. For the Saudi diplomat, someone is trying to undermine the relationship between Lebanon and the Arab world and involve it in an axis that undermines its Arab identity. In the face of Islamic-Christian legitimacy, the concept of minority has no place, the ambassador said in a global approach towards the Arab and Islamic world. We do not allow the Lebanese identity to be compromised under any pretext whatsoever. Christians and Muslims alike are essential components of the Levantine Arab identity, going so far as to quote similar remarks by Imam Mohammad Mehdi Shamseddine, one of the most illustrious Shia opponents of Hezbollah. Finally, Mr Boukhari noted that removing Lebanon from its Arab environment is against the constitution, which enshrines Lebanon's Arab identity and membership in its Preamble. Pictured from left to right: journalist and editor Naufal Daou, Patriarch Al-Rahi, Ambassador Walid Boukhari and Fr Antoine Daou. The Pope has no fever. He celebrated Mass, walked for a while, and resumed work, reading some papers. Francis, along with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, and Moderator Jim Wallace of the Church of Scotland addressed a letter to the leaders of South Sudan on the ten years of their countrys independence. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis will recite the Angelus from the Gemelli University Hospital on Sunday, the director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni announced. Today the Pope celebrated Mass and resumed work. His Holiness Pope Francis spent a quiet day with normal clinical progress. He continued to eat regularly and continued his scheduled treatment. He walked in the corridor and resumed his work, alternating it with moments of reading texts. In the afternoon, he celebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of his private apartment, attended by all those assisting him during his hospitalisation. Following the brief episode with a slight temperature, the Holy Father is without fever. Next Sunday the Angelus will be recited from the tenth floor of the A. Gemelli University Hospital. The Holy Father gives thanks for the many messages of affection and closeness that he receives daily and asks that we continue to pray for him. The Pope underwent several tests recently; in particular, a CT scan of the chest and the abdomen was negative. Previously, the Press Office had noted that The final histological examination has confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis. This excluded the presence of any tumour. Meanwhile, the Pontiff, Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, and Moderator Jim Wallace of the Church of Scotland signed a letter addressed to the political leaders of South Sudan on the tenth anniversary of their country's independence. In it, the Church leaders write: we send you our cordial good wishes, conscious that this anniversary calls to mind your past struggles and points with hope to the future. Your nation is blessed with immense potential, and we encourage you to make even greater efforts to enable your people to enjoy the full fruits of independence. Much more needs to be done in South Sudan to shape a nation that reflects Gods kingdom, in which the dignity of all is respected and all are reconciled. by Melanie Manel Perera According to civil society groups, at least 60 people have been arbitrarily arrested in the past two days. Quarantine laws are an excuse to silence government critics. Colombo (AsiaNews) The Sri Lankan government is using quarantine legislation to crack down on grassroots protests, this according to a number of civil society groups. Many ordinary Sri Lankans have expressed their opposition to the governments arbitrary actions. While they agree that quarantine regulations must be enforced to control the COVID-19 epidemic, arresting protesters violates their freedom of expression. In the past few days, demonstrations have been held for different reasons in various parts of the country. In Boralanda, farmers came out against the governments ban on fertilisers, while on Slave Island, residents protested against the State Engineering Corporations failure to pay salaries. In justifying their action, local authorities noted that protesters were taken into custody for violating quarantine regulations, then released on bail. The same thing happened in Ja-Ela, where protesters oppose the construction of a new power plant in Muthurajawela. In Kalutara, people called on the government to cut the prices of fuel and goods. At least 45 people were arrested yesterday, including two monks, police spokesman Ajith Rohana said. However, according to unofficial reports from civil society groups, at least 60 people have been arrested in the past two days. On 6 June, director general of health services, Asela Gunawardena, banned protests, calling them a threat to public health due to the potential spread of the coronavirus. Activists disagree, saying that those arguments are an excuse by the government to suppress any form of dissent. It should be reiterated that it is a serious matter that so many repressive incidents are taking place across the country in a single day, reads a statement signed by civil society groups. The purpose of all these protests was to prevent the government from intervening in issues that affect the people and to protest against the decisions taken by the government to aggravate those issues, it goes on to say. Ultimately, The right to freedom of expression is recognised as a fundamental right in the Constitution of Sri Lanka. For this reason, it is necessary to defeat the rapidly growing anti-democratic actions of the present government and to protect the democratic right to freedom of expression. by Vladimir Rozanskij Inspired by the Orthodox Church a special day in veneration of the Blessed Princes Petr and Fevronia of Murom. The patriarchates support of single mothers and pregnant women in critical condition. Abortions have decreased by 35% in the country. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Day of the family, love and fidelity was celebrate din Russia yesterday. The Orthodox Church inspired this civil and religious holiday, commemorating a couple of blessed princes: Petr and Fevronia of Murom (see photo). In ancient Kievan Rus', around 1200, the couple saved themselves and their people from curses and infighting with their love and monastic consecration. In the city of Murom, just over 200 km from Moscow, already in the 1990s the veneration of the blessed princes represented one of the most genuine expressions of the religious revival of post-communism. About 20 years ago, precisely in Murom and the province of Vladimir, people began to combine liturgical remembrance with public demonstrations in defense of the family. "In recent years, the institution of the family has been suffering from a serious crisis," explains Maria Studenikina, director of the Moscow Patriarchate's Office of Family Support and the Orthodox charitable center "A Home for Mother." As Studenikina states, "the Church does everything it can to help people. Every woman who is faced with the dramatic choice of keeping a pregnancy or carrying out an abortion can count on our support." She points out that the patriarchate offers free room and board in a crisis center, humanitarian aid, legal consultations and the help of professional psychologists. According to the "Save Life" program devised by the Orthodox Church, since 2015 in medical institutions and counseling centers across Russia the pre-abortion consultation program is active in aid of single mothers and pregnant women in critical condition. Where there is a lack of public workers to offer such services, they can be replaced by members of non-profit associations. In six years of activity, almost 100 thousand women have received support; about 15 thousand have preserved the pregnancy by obtaining various services. The Ministry of Health reports that thanks to this initiative, the number of abortions in the country has decreased by 35%. However, the practice remains widespread, a legacy of Soviet times, when the communist regime considered it normal and did not oppose it. Today, 56 non-profit associations participate in the "Save Life" program: they are of Orthodox inspiration, but also secular. Through the Department for Charity and together with various medical institutions, the Moscow Patriarchate offers retraining courses for gynecologists, midwives and psychologists who work with women in critical conditions. Seventy-seven church hostels for pregnant women and single mothers are open. In addition, there are 221 humanitarian aid centers: they distribute clothes, shoes, food, personal and household cleaning items; they also provide beds and space for child care. The Patriarchal Department for Charity coordinates the social service of the Orthodox Church not only in Russia, but also in other countries such as Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and East Timor, where dioceses and missions of the Russian Church have been created Downtowns residential population declined only around 1% (from 42,706 in 2019 to 42,336 in 2020). But the past year and a half has shown how much the restaurants and overall economy of Baltimores central business district depend on office workers, says architect Klaus Philipsen. In a March blog post entitled Is Downtown Baltimore doomed? he wrote the area is in serious trouble and will need to reinvent itself to survive. The definition of downtown as a place where all the offices are is just obsolete, he said. Baltimore City Office of the Inspector General The IG investigates allegations of fraud, waste or abuse within city government against any employee, elected official or board member; any third-party contractor, and any recipient of city funds or services. The IG is appointed by a seven-member panel for a six-year term. The panel is chosen by the mayor, city solicitor, comptroller and City Council president. The panel approves the offices budget proposal and four of seven members can vote to remove the IG for misconduct or persistently failing to perform adequately. The IG may issue judicially enforced subpoenas and is not restricted from coordinating investigations with outside agencies. The new voting rights legislation, the For the People Act of 2021, will never get passed until the filibuster is modified or removed entirely. And U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin has made it clear that hes not willing to consider either of those possibilities, even reverting to the old fashioned filibuster where a senator has to remain speaking for hours on end. So I think its time for President Joe Biden to channel some of President Lyndon Johnsons techniques to help convince Senator Manchin to change his mind (Manchin is wrong to ignore basic rights of Americans, June 9). 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. The judge will soon hear the case on the merits for the first time, and they pull a political stunt like this, wrote Hogan spokesman Mike Ricci. It smacks of total desperation. What exactly is their plan to help small businesses and Mom-and-Pop stores struggling to find workers right now? They dont have one. Just a bunch of nonsense. 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. News Around the Republic of Mexico FAT Brands Headed to Mexico with a 50 Franchise Deal The co-branded concept, Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, will make its debut in Mexico City with three locations slated for the capital city, the first of which is set to open by the end of the year. Mexico City - Los Angeles-based FAT Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Buffalo's Express, and seven other restaurant concepts, is headed to Mexico with a 50-store franchise deal in partnership with Red Rombo Group SA de CV, according to a company press release. The co-branded concept, Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, will make its debut in Mexico City with three locations slated for the capital city, the first of which is set to open by the end of the year. The expansion into Mexico marks the 14th international foray for the Fatburger and Buffalo's Express co-branded model. "The two-in-one concept is quickly becoming the standard for FAT Brands franchisees, with over 70% of Fatburger locations now co-branded with Buffalo's Express," FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said in the press release. "The Fatburger and Buffalo's Express model has been well received on an international level with recent growth in Singapore and France," he added. "We are always looking to continue to expand our footprint throughout the world and are eager to bring our burgers and wings to Mexico and other countries." FAT Brands, which owns Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Buffalo's Cafe, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, franchises nearly 700 units worldwide. Source: Fast Casual - Los Angeles-based FAT Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Buffalo's Express, and seven other restaurant concepts, is headed to Mexico with a 50-store franchise deal in partnership with Red Rombo Group SA de CV, according to a company press release.The co-branded concept, Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, will make its debut in Mexico City with three locations slated for the capital city, the first of which is set to open by the end of the year.The expansion into Mexico marks the 14th international foray for the Fatburger and Buffalo's Express co-branded model. "The two-in-one concept is quickly becoming the standard for FAT Brands franchisees, with over 70% of Fatburger locations now co-branded with Buffalo's Express," FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said in the press release."The Fatburger and Buffalo's Express model has been well received on an international level with recent growth in Singapore and France," he added. "We are always looking to continue to expand our footprint throughout the world and are eager to bring our burgers and wings to Mexico and other countries."FAT Brands, which owns Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Buffalo's Cafe, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, franchises nearly 700 units worldwide. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top Bulletin photo by Jessi Dodge Tyler Terry rakes the west half of the TA Ranchs front field on Saturday morning, June 19, 2021 south of Buffalo. They finished stacking the bales of the first half of the field earlier in the week and are hoping to finish raking and bale today. The first half of the field produced 101 1500 lb. bales, equaling out to about 2.5 tons per acre. Today Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. High around 90F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low near 65F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 89F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Comment Policy Calaveras Enterprise does not actively monitor comments. However, staff does read through to assess reader interest. When abusive or foul language is used or directed toward other commenters, those comments will be deleted. If a commenter continues to use such language, that person will be blocked from commenting. We wish to foster a community of communication and a sharing of ideas, and we truly value readers' input. Minister Nalova Lyonga satisfied with 2021 GCE session Facebook Some adjustments have been made to the timetable of the 2021 session of the technical and vocational education examinations organized by the Cameroon GCE Board. The adjustments made public by Dang Akuh Dominic, Registrar of the Cameroon GCE Board indicate that: At the Intermediate Level: - Entrepreneurship Paper 1 and 2 initially programmed for this Friday, July 9 will be written on Monday, July 12 in the morning. At the Advanced Level: - Religious Studies Paper 2 will be written on Monday, July 12 in the morning while Religious Studies Paper 3 will be written on Monday, July 12 in the afternoon. In the meantime, Professional English i.e. Language and Organisational Communication Paper 3 has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, July 14 in the morning. Law Paper 3 will be written on Wednesday, July 14 in the afternoon. The 2021 session of the Cameroon General Certificate of Education (GCE) exams are being written hitch-free over the national territory, but for a few abortive attempts by armed separatists in the countrys North-West and South-West regions to foment trouble. More than 170,483 candidates are sitting in for the 2021 session of the Cameroon GCE examination. According to reports, the number of candidates has increased as compared to the 2020 session. As far as the GCGE Ordinary Level is concerned, 93,643 candidates are sitting in for 2021 as compared to 85795 in 2020. The current session has witnessed an increase of 7,668 candidates. At the Advance Level Session, an increase of 2254 candidates has been registered, given that 13, 263 are currently writing as against 11,009 during the last session. The Intermediate and Advanced Levels of the Technical and Vocational Education Exams have also witnessed an increase. There are 336 accommodation centres. This year, there are also some 97 Technical and Vocational Education Exam centres. Reports from the different regions especially from the English Regions of the North-West and South-West region indicate that there has been a significant increase in the number of candidates. In the Northwest Regions, school authorities say the number of candidates who sat the Ordinary Level exam this year has moved from 14,000 to over 20,000 candidates in 50 examination centres. In the South-West Region, some 37,287 Candidates are sitting for the exams. In all, the 2021 session has seen an increase of 16, 334 candidates. Dr. Ebongo (middle) & his COVID-19 vaccination team in Tiko Facebook The Regional Delegate of Public Health for the South-West, Dr. Ebongo Zacheus Nanje has urged the population of the region to take the COVID-19 vaccine so as to beat back the spread of the disease. He was speaking at the start of a five-day vaccination campaign to intensify the outreach of the COVID-9 vaccine. The exercise which takes place in all 19 health districts of the South-West Regions runs from 7-11 July 2021. Three months after the launch of the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination, Dr. Ebongo said less than two thousand persons had been vaccinated. We have a target of fifty thousand but it is very sad to say here that we have not reached even two thousand. I wish to encourage the entire population of the South-West to go and get vaccinated because it is the only efficient way to kick out COVID-19, Dr. Ebongo told CRTV on July 7. In a bid to meet the fifty thousand vaccination target set by officials, locals have been encouraged to take advantage of the vaccination campaign. Fixed and mobile caravans are administering COVID-19 vaccines to people 18 years and above. Dr. Pamela Oben, Coordinator of the Expanded Program on Immunization in the South-West Region says the vaccine is free and safe. The two vaccines available for the campaign are the Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines. Both are to be administered at the shoulder, preferably the left shoulder muscle. Before administration of the vaccine, we actually educate you on which vaccine you are going to receive and the potential side effects that may come up after receiving the vaccine, she said. We also tell you how we are going to follow you up after you receive the vaccine. The most common side effects observed include fever, nausea, vomiting, pain at the site of injection, abscess at the site of injectionWe follow you up and we liaise you with a health facility that consults and follows you up. Dr. Pamela Oben encouraged the population that the vaccines are safe and effective to prevent COVID-19 infection, to prevent severe disease, and to prevent death from COVID-19 infection. You should openly welcome this vaccine. The vaccines are not recommended for children less than 18 and for pregnant women, she said. Over 120,000 Cameroonians are known to have received either the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Police said they arrived in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Ave. and found a 14-year-old boy and 15-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wounds. Both teens were transported to area hospitals and are said to be in stable condition. But it felt exciting to be able to pick up from where they left off about two months ago, once it felt clear that the state was headed toward having a majority of the population vaccinated. In Maryland, more than 75% of residents over 18 have received at least one dose of vaccine against COVID-19. In Carroll County, the vaccination rate for at least one dose is of 58.4%. Knox allegedly got out of his vehicle with a gun and started shooting at his coworker, according to the charging documents. His co-worker ran around the car, but Knox followed, still trying to shoot him, the documents state. He then ran inside the business, with Knox following him in and shooting at him again. Ramos attorneys are trying to convince the jury he was insane during the attack because of a combination of mental disorders that prevented him from understanding it was wrong or stopping himself from doing it. After they called experts who described Ramos as an obsessive and delusional man who lost touch with reality, the defense rested. Since the announcement of the proposal in late 2019 we have been working closely with Alderman Hopkins, the local community and the Citys Department of Planning and Development to incorporate their feedback in our building design, Fifield executive vice president Lindsey Senn said in a statement. We look forward to this project helping Chicagos economic recovery from the pandemic by creating 375 well-paying construction jobs, providing $1.5 million in annual tax revenue and providing a combined $6 million in developer contributions to help Chicagos underserved communities. To get around that important technicality, Trump, as the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit he filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District in Florida, makes the far-fetched argument that the tech companies are state actors, which the Constitution describes as a person acting on behalf of a government body. Similar arguments have failed in the past, legal scholars say, which is not surprising, since Facebook appears to be acting on behalf of itself, not a government body. Seriously, though, we in the coronavirus community cannot fully express our gratitude. Every time one of us infects a new person, we deliver a short, Oscar-esque speech like this: First Id like to thank my SARS-CoV-2 lineage for making me the submicroscopic infectious agent I am today. But most of all, Id like to thank this host right here for refusing a safe, readily available and wildly effective vaccine that wouldve ended me. Its because of you, ya big lug, that I am here today, latching my spiky surface proteins to receptors on your healthy cells. Next stop is the ER, baby! FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS! The group isnt calling for a return of the mask mandate, and public health officials arent suggesting it either. Illinois officials say anybody who wants to wear a mask can do so, but they have not gone so far as to recommend that everyone mask up indoors, as Los Angeles County has done. Its possible that many more than 518 people have gotten breakthrough infections in Illinois, but the state doesnt report breakthrough infections that dont involve a hospital stay or lead to death. Some people with breakthrough infections also may not know they had them because they were asymptomatic or didnt get tested, Redondo said. Taste of Chicago with a twist: Taste of Chicago is a bit different this year with pop-up cooking demonstrations and special events. This weekend, support Chicago High Schools agricultural sciences college scholarship fund by swinging by Elis Cheesecake as they celebrate 36 years participating in Taste of Chicago. Choose from a variety of cheesecakes and dine on Elis classic BBQ while enjoying live music from Henry Johnson, Illville Vanguard and more. More than 40 other restaurants are participating. Taste of Chicago To-Go from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 11 at Elis Cheesecake, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive; also 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the West Englewood community (6300 S. Wood St.) and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Hatchery (135 N. Kedzie Ave.); more at Chicago.gov McKinneys Broke and Ugly is his strongest work yet. Like many of his past releases, Englewood serves as his biggest inspiration. Standout tracks like Sunday Dinner and Strange Fruit highlight larger narratives about the choices young people like McKinney have had to face and how others perceive their decisions. On Strange Fruit, McKinney said he is trying to change the cultural perception that, its good to be bad and its bad to be good, he added. Its just leaving messages. But, I dont want to go too far over everybodys heads. I just try to do the best that I can. As a first-generation college student whose parents emigrated from Mexico more than 25 years ago with no formal education, Sanchez has received more than seven scholarships, from her high school, her community and now her college, that allowed her to attend community college. According to McHenry County College spokesperson Christina Haggerty, the colleges aim is to ensure that barriers are removed for all students to get an education. The scholarships Sanchez received are also allowing her to now push for a four-year college, which she was previously unable to afford. Other immigrants shared their stories during the rally, including Bo Thai, who said he came to the United States in 2009 when he was 13. In the country illegally, he said he didnt qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a federal program under the Barack Obama administration that allows those who came to the United States illegally as children to register to work and go to college. The primary point I want to make is the bravery and courage of law enforcement, facing down these violent offenders, bringing them to justice to protect the people of Chicago. Thats No. 1, Brown said. Theres no regard for law enforcements presence at these scenes, to bring them to justice. Theyll fire a weapon at law enforcement or at others for what appears to be no apparent reason. Many residents stopped riding the trains and buses during the pandemic out of concerns about COVID-19, because many downtown events and attractions were closed and because many students and employees were learning or working from home. The CTA said the largest increase in rides since May 1 was on buses and trains to and from the Loop. When the Moras came to visit, they would take all of Juan Jr.s friends out to dinner. In Florida, they introduced Kaade to Cuban coffee and food, he said. They were the kind of people that even if someone says Im not hungry, they would just continue to order food to make sure you had a full belly, he said. The man, 52, was shot in the 5500 block of North Kimball Avenue about 5 a.m. Friday. The attacker, who was in a gray sedan with tinted windows, possibly a Mercedes, then drove off in an unknown direction, police said in a media notification. A jury trial is not going to keep somebody from getting shot on the West Side or the South Side. Its not going to keep somebody hungry from stealing some food, or its not going to keep a mother who needs Similac for her baby from (stealing). How is that going to deflect any type of crime? she said. No, putting some money in the neighborhoods that are way underfunded, and giving people something to look forward to, is going to change it way more than anything. But you dont have to be a Christian to see the absurdity of Pompeos position. Of course our founding was flawed, as was our Constitution. Of course it was racist, because neither Black people nor Native Americans were allowed the same rights as whites. Of course it had elements of moral corruption in upholding slavery, the second-class status of women and the dispossession of Indigenous people. He might as well deny that the ocean is salty. As concerns about suburban sprawl made the idea of a busy new highway less appealing, support for the extension dimmed. In 2017 the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer advocacy outfit, had included the project on its list of the countrys most wasteful roadway boondoggles. And in October 2018 the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the entity that adjudicates which transportation projects get whatever federal funding is available, had dropped the Route 53 extension from its priority list. There were certainly some conversations about that, and we had a long conversation about what, from my perspective, I thought we were seeing, not just in Chicago, but really across the U.S., Lightfoot said in a Zoom call with reporters to discuss the trip. Theyre in the city of San Francisco. Theyre proximate to LA. They obviously know a lot about New York and other markets theyre in that are experiencing the same kinds of challenges that we are over this last year around public safety. Lightfoot chief of staff Sybil Madison was out of the office on Thursday and Friday, Madison told city workers in an email. Madison, who became chief of staff just last month after serving as the mayors deputy for education and human services, said Lightfoots new chief operating officer, Paul Goodrich, would be in charge while shes out. The measure was approved on a 108-10 vote in the House, where some Republicans argued that curriculum decisions should be left up to local school districts. It passed without opposition in the Senate, where it was sponsored by Democratic Sen. Ram Villivalam of Chicago, the first Indian and Asian American to serve in the chamber. Between COVID-19 and an expanding family he and his wife just welcomed their second son, and Ponce has been on paternity leave from work the family needed more space, Ponce said. Their initial plan was to add a second floor to their Bowmanville home, which has 14-foot industrial ceilings, concrete radiated heat flooring throughout and handbuilt sliding barn doors, but they found it difficult to secure bids for a renovation. At the time, authorities said the suspects made off with $15,000 in cash and some phones and one of the men struck the employee in the head. The employee told police that he fired at the suspects after they pointed their guns at him. This is still a mystery; theyre still trying to figure it out, Buckardt added. In the suburban and urban areas, if people are concerned, they should clean and store their feeders. Theres plenty of food out there for birds right now. Theyre not going to be suffering. 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. Applications for the China-Italy Youth Future Fashion Design Competition are officially open to global designers and artists from China and Italy under 45 years old from July 8 to Sept. 6. On the theme of "Tech for Fashion," the competition is aimed at discovering talented and creative designers, building an international platform for design exchanges, and promoting the development of global fashion innovation. Participants can sign up and submit their entries in line with the theme under three categories fashion design, fashion technology and fashion lifestyle through the competition's official website. The top prize winners in each category will receive 120,000 yuan ($18,490) and the opportunity to present their works during 2022 Milan Design Week. The final results will be announced at the World Textile Merchandising Conference to be held in the city of Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, in October. Fu Zhiyong, deputy director of the China-Italy Design Innovation Hub and associate professor at Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design, said that via the integration of art and technology, the competition will provide an international fashion innovation platform to explore fashion trends. Co-hosted by Tsinghua University, the Polytechnic University of Milan, and the people's government of Keqiao district of Shaoxing city, the competition is an important event in the "China-Italy Year of Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship," launched last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Flash British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday the withdrawal of all British troops from Afghanistan, signaling 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. 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 U.S. President Joe Biden in April that all U.S. troops would leave Afghanistan before Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that drew the United States into its longest war. Johnson said Britain will use "every diplomatic and humanitarian lever" to support Afghanistan's development and stability, including over 100 million pounds (about 138 million U.S. dollars) of development assistance this year, and 58 million pounds (about 80 million dollars) for the Afghan national security and defence forces. Flash 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. Flash 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. Flash Lies and rumors over China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will not stop Xinjiang's pace of development and prosperity, said a senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday. Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, made the comments at a webinar, titled "Xinjiang is a wonderful land." Co-organized by the Xinjiang regional government and the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the webinar was attended by experts, scholars and residents from Xinjiang. Chen added that Xinjiang has achieved remarkable progress in economic and social development under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), thanks to policies for ethnic unity, the system of regional ethnic autonomy and the joint efforts of people from all ethnic groups. "In recent years, some countries and forces have fabricated rumors and lies in an attempt to undermine Xinjiang's stability, contain China's development and damage Xinjiang people's right to pursue a better life. Their despicable acts are opposed by the international community," he said. Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla, from Yutian County of Xinjiang's Hotan Prefecture, shared her story at the meeting. She got her family out of difficulties with the help of Guo Yong, an employee with China Shenhua Energy Company Limited. Five years ago, a rose-processing cooperative run by her father was on the brink of bankruptcy. After being paired up with Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla, Guo invited technicians and agricultural experts to improve the cooperative's production technology, product quality and expanded their sales channels. "Now we've established our own brand, and our products sell quite well. We will never forget his help," said Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla. Since 2016, more than 1.2 million officials and staff members have paired up with 1.6 million households of all ethnic groups like Guo and Ruqiyam Ghojabdulla. "History and reality have proven that ethnic unity is the lifeline of the people of all ethnic groups and the cornerstone of Xinjiang's development and progress," said Zulhayat Isamyil, vice president of Xinjiang University. Flash "The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is not a policy tool solely in the hands of China, but, on the contrary, an open-ended project shaped by all participants," said Greek Ambassador to China Georgios Iliopoulos at the 9th World Peace Forum (WPF) held in Beijing on Sunday. With the goal of continuing the high-quality development of the Belt and Road, ambassadors and experts from Belt and Road countries were brought together to shed light on how to forge closer partnerships for health cooperation, green development, and post-pandemic economic recovery at a panel of the WPF. Iliopoulos expressed his hope to strengthen China-Greek cooperation in fields such as e-commerce, tourism, finance and banking, energy and the environment. "We are ready to work with China to adopt binding standards and pre-project environmental assessments for any green BRI investment or green finance initiative." Iliopoulos stressed that facing the ongoing global challenge of COVID-19, the BRI, when implemented optimally and equitably, can assist tremendously in reigniting the economy. He added that "Greece is actively looking forward to forging closer and stronger ties with China, with new synergies and partnerships." Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque extoled the BRI as a beacon of hope amid the post-pandemic economic recovery. He noted that the initiative has significantly contributed to stabilizing supply chains along the route, and enhanced economic resilience by creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Haque also underscored the necessity to make the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good and ensure their availability to developing countries. Sri Lanka's Ambassador to China Palitha Kohona reviewed the leapfrog development of Asia over the past several decades, and highlighted China's victory in eliminating absolute poverty and efficiency in epidemic prevention and control. He also stated that he believes the BRI will open up "another exciting option to achieve prosperity" for Asia. Organized by Tsinghua University in partnership with the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, the WPF is a non-governmental seminar focusing on international security. This year's forum was held with the theme "International Security Cooperation in the Post-pandemic Era: Upholding and Practicing Multilateralism." The event was attended both online and offline by diplomats, former senior officials and scholars from more than 30 countries. They focused on topics such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the global economic recovery, global governance and artificial intelligence. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-283-2144 or email circ@oelweindailyregister.com. Today Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 80F. Winds light and variable. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Tomorrow Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Today Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds light and variable. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Tomorrow Mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-352-3334 or email legals@waverlynewspapers.com. Market Highlights The integration of IT and healthcare is being widely hyped to possess the potential to reshape the medical care sector and its quality without compromising on the cost. This will help patients especially those who have diabetes and other chronic diseases. The medical device connectivity services and solutions are easy to access and can be used by anyone beyond the barriers of age, class, or country. The medical device connectivity solutions are cost-effective as they save frequently visiting costs in clinics, consultation fees of doctors, and transportation costs, among others. Furthermore, they use real-time health information and provide convenience to patients to avail their benefits and services while sitting in their comfort zones. Based on this platform, future projections for the medical device connectivity markets growth trajectory over the forecast period are provided in the report. The report also profiles the leading players in the global medical device connectivity market and gives readers a comprehensive analysis of the leading players in the global medical device connectivity market. The report also profiles the major drivers and restraints affecting the global medical device connectivity market. The factors making the market tick and those holding the market back are studied in detail in the report. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medical device connectivity market is also assessed in the report. also read @ https://www.medgadget.com/2020/07/covid-19-outbreak-impact-on-medical-device-connectivity-market-2020-global-trends-size-estimation-industry-share-top-companies-merger-regional-outlook.html Medical device connectivity has become an important technology for the medical sector due to the widespread implementation of electronic health record systems, which has elevated the importance of digital technology in the healthcare sector. The growing demand for storing various device-related data in secure storage sites is likely to be a major driver for the global medical device connectivity market over the forecast period. The increasing incorporation of health information exchange systems in healthcare organizations is also likely to be a major driver for the global medical device connectivity market over the forecast period, as medical device connectivity tools play a vital role in enabling strong, capable health information exchange programs. Medical Device Connectivity Market Competitive Leaderboard: Leading players in the global medical device connectivity market include eDevice Inc., Stryker Corporation, Nuvon Inc., iHealth Lab Inc., True Process, Lantronix, Infosys, Nanthealth, Cisco Systems, Medtronic, Bernoulli Enterprise, Koninklijke Philips NV, GE Healthcare, Cerner, and Qualcomm. In 2016, Allscripts Technologies signed a ten-year strategic agreement with Optumcare to deploy Allscripts TouchWork suite as its exclusive electronic health record (EHR) and practice management (PM) solution for physicians. The strategic agreement will provide physicians with the clinical, health plan, and analytical data, which will further enhance the high-quality care they provide to their patients. Moreover, in 2016, Cerner and Sharp Healthcare came together to extend the formers electronic health record (EHR) system to the Sharp Community Medical Group. Through the expanded relationship with Cerner, Sharp will utilize an integrated platform to create consistencies by streamlining physician workflows and care team communications for transitions of care. All such instances are expected to boost the medical device connectivity market. Medical Device Connectivity Market Regional Analysis: North America accounts for the Global Medical Device Connectivity Market, followed by Europe. Asia Pacific is also expected to be an important regional market over the forecast period. Medical Device Connectivity Market Segmentation: The global medical device connectivity market is segmented on the basis of products and services, technology, end user, and region. By products and services, the market is segmented into medical device connectivity solutions and medical device connectivity services. Medical device connectivity solutions are further segmented into medical device integration solutions, telemetry systems, connectivity hubs, and interface devices. Whereas, medical device connectivity services are further segmented into support and maintenance services, implementation and integration services, and training services. Based on technology the market is segmented into wired technologies, wireless technologies, and hybrid technologies. Wireless technologies are likely to grow at a rapid growth rate over the forecast period. By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, home healthcare, ambulatory care centers, diagnostic centers, and others. Hospitals account for the largest share in the global medical device connectivity market. Obtain Premium Research Report Details, Considering the impact of COVID-19 @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/medical-device-connectivity-market-6041 related reports related reports Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market Research - Global Forecast 2027 Laparoscopy Devices Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 Gene Expression Analysis Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Juvenile macular degeneration is a genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss. This disorder affects the retina, the specialized light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Specifically, juvenile macular degeneration affects a small area near the center of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp central vision, which is needed for detailed tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The market is mainly driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of eye disorders, development of new drugs and therapies, and emerging government policies. However, the high cost of treatment and lack of reimbursement is expected to restrain the growth of this market. uvenile Macular Degeneration Market China and India contribute to the growth of the market. On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa hold the least share of the market due to the low prevalence of macular degeneration in the region and limited availability of funds and availability of medical facilities. The Middle East has a huge share for the Juvenile Macular Degeneration Market due to the presence of well-developed countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. However, due to the presence of a huge opportunity for the development of the market, Africa region is expecting a healthy growth in near future. Global Juvenile Macular Degeneration (Stargardt Disease) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period 2017-2023. Sample Report: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4935 Key Players in Global Juvenile Macular Degeneration Market Acucela Inc. (U.S.), Alkeus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (U.S.), Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan), ProQR Therapeutics NV (Netherland), Sanofi (France), Bayer HealthCare (Germany), F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Switzerland), Copernicus Therapeutics Inc. (U.S.), Grupo Ferrer Internacional SA (U.S.), Iris Pharma (U.S.), Nemus Bioscience Inc (U.S.), Ophthotech Corp (U.S.), Iconic Therapeutics (U.S.), Adverum Biotechnologies (U.S.), PanOptica (U.S.), RXi Pharmaceuticals (U.S.), Neurotech Pharmaceuticals (U.S.) The European juvenile macular degeneration market accounted for 32.7% market share in 2016. In Europe, Germany, the U.K, and France are the largest contributors to the market owing to the availability of funds for research, and extensive research and development activities in ophthalmology. The development of novel therapies and other treatment options for juvenile macular degeneration also fuel the growth of the market. The Middle East & Africa exhibit steady but positive growth owing to low technology penetration in developing regions of Africa, and increasing demand for diagnostics services in developing regions. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates accounts for the largest market share for macular degeneration. READ MORE @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/juvenile-macular-degeneration-market-4935 related report Medical Digital Imaging Devices Market Research Report - Global Forecast till 2027 Atorvastatin API Market Research Report - Global Forecast till 2027 Pharmacy Benefit Management Services Market Research - Global Forecast 2027 About Us: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. A detailed analysis report of the Global Rosacea Medicine Market has been covered in the report coupled with a thorough description of each company profile with information on the H.Q, future capabilities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial outline, partnerships and new product launches and developments. The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities. The report classifies the market into different segments. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market. Final Report will cover the COVID-19 Impact and Recovery on this industry. Browse the complete Global Rosacea Medicine Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/37509-rosacea-medicine-market-report The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the global Rosacea Medicine market with company profiles of key players such as: Galderma Laboratories Allergan Inc. Topix Barrier Therapeutics, Inc Bayer AG PharmaDerm Pharmaceuticals, Inc Bristol-Myers Squibb Genentech, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline Plc The detailed description of each has been included, with information in terms of H.Q, future capacities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial overview, partnerships, collaborations, new product launches, new product developments and other latest industrial developments. SEGMENTATIONS IN THE REPORT: By Type Prescription Medicine OTC By Application Oral Administration External Application By Geography: North America (NA) US, Canada, and Mexico Europe (EU) UK, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Spain & Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific (APAC) China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & Rest of APAC Latin America (LA) Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile & Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, South Africa Download Free Sample Report of Global Rosacea Medicine Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-37509 The Global Rosacea Medicine Market has been exhibited in detail in the following chapters Chapter 1 Rosacea Medicine Market Preface Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Rosacea Medicine Industry Analysis Chapter 4 Rosacea Medicine Market Value Chain Analysis Chapter 5 Rosacea Medicine Market Analysis By Type Chapter 6 Rosacea Medicine Market Analysis By Application Chapter 7 Rosacea Medicine Market Analysis By Geography Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape Of Rosacea Medicine Companies Chapter 9 Company Profiles Of Rosacea Medicine Industry Purchase the complete Global Rosacea Medicine Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-37509 Other Reports by DecisionDatabases.com: Global Cough Medicine Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 Global Herbal Medicine Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 Global Allergy Medicine Market Research Report Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Till 2027 About-Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For more details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91 9028057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ Source:-https://www.industrynewsengine.com/2021/01/25/rosacea-medicine-market-2021-global-industry-research-report-till-2027/ 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.A A 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 dedication, 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. A SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --A *** UPDATED DELIVERY SCHEDULE ***A 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 ButteA 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 PredatorA RPA series and the LynxA 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 A ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com Related Images image1.jpg Coronado, CA (92118) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 75F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 68F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. 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. After I was able to get out of the tent, I didnt have anybody else, so they took me back to their place and had supper, Don said. That evening, Don was reunited with his uncle, Ted Parsons, who drove from Southampton, Massachusetts, once hed heard news of the fire. Ted and his wife, Marion, were Dons legal guardians and had cared for him since he was 3 or 4 years old. Dons mother, Mildred Parsons Cook, was living in Hartford and had invited her children for a few days for a special treat, to see the circus. Spokeswoman Drew Stoner said SEBAC will not comment beyond what it has said in a news release posted on its website. It said in the release that telework has had a major impact on reducing carbon emissions and we must continue to reap these benefits wherever we can. Republicans will select their nominee on Saturday. Three Greenwich Republicans are running state Rep. Harry Arora, Ryan Fazio, who works in commodities markets and serves in the Representative Town Meeting, and Leora Levy, a Republican National Committeewoman. Levy was nominated by former President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to Chile but a confirmation vote was never held. The victim, a videographer, was in the venues stage pit area at the time of the alleged assault, Gilford police previously said. The misdemeanor charges can each result in a jail sentence of less than a year and a $2,000 fine if convicted. No dollar amount will ever bring back the Virginians we have lost to the opioid crisis or repair the families that have to live with the devastating effects of losing a loved one, but this settlement is an important step in our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, Herring said in a statement. Its looking at systemic inequities, Nolan Cabrera, an education professor at the University of Arizona, said on a call with reporters last month. If you and your actions are supporting that, then you might feel bad about it, but theres nothing inherent that says white people need to feel bad and that white guilt is a central component of this in any way, shape or form. The initial phase of the project is likely to take up to three years to complete. It will involve the construction of a fiber-optic ring that will serve as the backbone of the fiber-optic system. The county states it is likely to take up to six years to connect all residents who are interested in service. New Kent County has a population of about 24,000. In view of the present difficult situations, the duration of the exam has been curtailed. (Twitter) Hyderabad: Osmania Universitys third and fifth semester examinations for BA, BCom, BSc and other vocational courses were held on the third day on Friday. These exams will run till July 22. In view of the present difficult situations, the duration of the exam has been curtailed. The timing for writing each exam is two hours against the previous two-and-a-half hours. These exams are held every day without a break, and even on the second Saturday and Sunday. There have been protests from the student community seeking withdrawal of the decision on holding the physical exams. This could lead to health risks amid the persistence of the Covid pandemic. Most students have not been vaccinated. Those managing the examination centres say they are sanitizing the halls and all the required precautions are being taken. But, outside of the centres, it is noticed that many students coming for the exams are not following the Covid norms. Experts feel the holding of the physical exams at this juncture was not a wise decision. It is tough to stop students from meeting each other and crowding around on the campuses. St Velangini Kumari, principal of St Pious X degree and PG college for women at Habsiguda, said, As per instructions from OU, all the precautions against the pandemic are strictly followed. Students are allowed inside the exam hall half an hour before the start and they are sanitized at the disinfection chamber. Their temperature is also checked. All over the campus, sanitizers are mounted and the hand-washing facility is provided too. More than 500 students are appearing for exams, each day. One student per bench is allowed. Dr Lakshmi Nippani, counseling psychologist, said, Irrespective of the precautions, physical examinations are not advisable. This is a wrong step. Most students are not vaccinated. There will be more chances of a spread of the virus in a closed room. The invigilators may also fall prey to the infection. Krishna Sahithi, counselling psychologist who deals with student issues, said, After the long gap, these meetings will lead to grouping together. Everywhere now, social gatherings and ceremonies are held without people maintaining social distance. There are political meetings as well as rallies. These send out the wrong message to the society as a whole that they can take things easy. The Ministry of Cooperation has been allocated to Amit Shah, in addition to his responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs. (PTI Photo) Political parties in Kerala on Friday came down heavily on the Union government over the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation and termed the move as "an intrusion into the federalism of the country." Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan said it was a state subject as per the Constitution and requested the union government to reconsider the move. "Creation of a new Cooperation ministry is an infringement upon the federal rights of the state governments. It comes under the purview of the state government. This is an intrusion into the authorityof the state governments. Since it's a statesubject, the union government should reconsider the move. This amounts to challenging the federal system of our country," Vasavan told reporters here. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution says that cooperative societies are a State subject. Former leader of the opposition in the Kerala Assembly and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said his party would consider taking the legal path against the formation of the ministry. He said it was a conscious attempt to destroy the federalism of the country. "This should be considered with utter seriousness. This is an attempt to take over the cooperative institutions across the country. This is part of a political conspiracy. The state government should come out in open against this move. The Chief Minister should also interfere," he told reporters here. Former state Finance minister and senior Left leader T M Thomas Issac said it was another assault on the federalism of the country. "Yet another assault on Federalism. Co-operative societies are in the state list of the Constitution. No better hatchet man than Amit Shah to head the new Union Cooperation Ministry to take over the entire co- operative sector,bypassing the states and promote the Hindutva coops," Isaac tweeted. The Ministry of Cooperation has been allocated to Amit Shah, in addition to his responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Never would Tamil Nadu allow the construction of the dam and this was conveyed to Karnataka in Stalin's letter to Yediyurappa, the government said in an official release. (PTI Photo) Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has convened a consultative meeting on July 12, of all parties with representation in the Assembly, to discuss the Mekedatu dam issue. Pitching a united front, the government said on Friday that the proposed meet is to reflect the unanimous views of all sections in Tamil Nadu to protect the interests of farmers. The government is taking all legal steps on the issue, and days ago Stalin wrote to his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa categorically stating that the proposed dam went against the Supreme Court verdict and also would affect interests of Tamil Nadu farmers. Hence, never would Tamil Nadu allow the construction of the dam and this was conveyed to Karnataka in Stalin's letter to Yediyurappa, the government said in an official release. The CM's letter to Yediyurappa was in response to the latter's communique urging Tamil Nadu government to not oppose the Mekedatu dam initiative. Recently, Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan called on Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. The interests of farmers of Tamil Nadu should be guarded and appropriate action should be taken by the union government, the two leaders had urged Modi and Shekhawat. Against this background, the meeting has been convened and Stalin has extended invitations to all legislature parties in the Assembly, the government said. Thawarchand Gehlot entered politics in 1962 through the Jan Sangh and had occupied several positions in BJP including its Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee. (PTI Photo) Bengaluru: Thawarchand Gehlot will be sworn-in as the 19th Governor of Karnataka on July 11, the state government said on Friday. Gehlot will be sworn-in as Governor of Karnataka on July 11 at 10.30 am, at the Glass House of Raj Bhavan, an official release from the state information department said. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka Justice Abhay Srinivas Oka will be administering the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the new Governor on this occasion, it said. Gehlot, 73-year-old, who held the portfolio of Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment at the Centre, and was leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, will replace Vajubhai Vala, who has been the Governor of the southern state since 2014. The President has announced the appointment of Gehlot as the new Governor of Karnataka on July 6. A Dalit leader, born on May 18, 1948 at Rupeta in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He graduated in B.A form Vikram University in Ujjain. Gehlot entered politics in 1962 through the Jan Sangh and had occupied several positions in BJP including its Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee. He is familiar with Karnataka as he served as the state in-charge for years between 2006 and 2014 when he was party general secretary. A three-term MLA in Madhya Pradesh, Gehlot served four terms as member of the Lok Sabha from Shajapur from 1996 to 2009. He lost the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and was sent to the Rajya Sabha in 2012. Though 83-year-old Vala's five-year term had ended in August, 2019, he had continued in the post as his successor was not named by the centre. Politically, Vala came under attack in May 2018, for inviting the BJP to form the government much to the chagrin of the Congress-JD(S) coalition, which had termed his action as that of a "Gujarati businessman." He was also targeted by Congress-JD(S) during H D Kumaraswamy's trust vote in July 2019, for repeatedly seeking to interfere with assembly proceedings, by setting deadlines. Hyderabad: In a petition before the CBI court, seeking cancellation of bail granted to YS Jaganmohan Reddy in the disproportionate assets cases, petitioner Raghurama Krishnam Raju and the respondent placed their written arguments before the CBI court On Thursday, Jagan claimed in his written arguments that Raghurama Krishnam Raju is not an aggrieved party vis-a-vis these cases. He is not involved in any manner in the cases filed against me by CBI, Jagan said. Also, Jagan submitted that Raghurama Raju claimed that he was interested in matters of public importance, but the requisite criteria for being an aggrieved person does not apply to him, Jagan said. In his written arguments, Raghurama Krishnam Raju said Jagan holding the post of Chief Minister is creating a fear psychosis among the witnessess and among others related to the cases against him. He cited instances of conflict between the AP government and ex-CEO Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, the Chief Ministers letter to the then CJI on the Supreme Court judge, and said that these types of harassments from accused Jagan were creating fear among the the witnessess. The court adjourned the case to July 14. Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will distribute special food kits during Onam festival season to 90 lakh ration card holders, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday. A decision in this regard was taken by the state cabinet at a meeting on Thursday. "Onam is Kerala's most popular festival. We will distribute special food kits so that Onam can be celebrated by all Keralites. More than 90 lakh ration card holders will be benefited. The pandemic induced economic challenges should not dampen the festive spirits of our people," Vijayan tweeted. The much popular free food kit distribution to nearly 90 lakh families across Kerala started as a welfare measure to aid people when the state went into a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, each family in the state, including both below poverty line (BPL) and above poverty line (APL) ration card holders, had been receiving the same. The kit contains 17 ingredients. For this Onam, the government plans to increase the number of ingredients in the kit. Children pay floral tributes at the statue of former Chief Minister, YS Rajasekhara Reddy during the 72nd birth anniversary celebrations on the beach road in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. (DC) Tirupati: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday joined several leaders from across India to pay rich tributes to the former chief minister and his father, Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, on his 72nd birth anniversary. Paying his tributes to his father and one of the famous Telugu leaders, Jagan Mohan Reddy tweeted, You shared the weapon of an indestructible smile, you gave me the strength of fighting spirit. You taught me the lesson of not failing to keep up the word, your aspirations are my legacy, I see you in the happiness and the smiling faces of the people of the State and at every instance as I conduct my duty, I continue to follow and reminiscence your footsteps in governance. Happy birthday, nanna. Calling him the architect of people-centric welfare programmes, Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan tweeted, I pay my humble tributes to late Dr. #YSRajasekharaReddy, the architect of several people-centric welfare programmes which are being implemented to this day. He was popularly called as #YSR, known for his dedication and allegiance towards upliftment of downtrodden people. Several politicians, celebrities and even the public remembered late leader and paid rich tributes to him on various social media platforms, making #YSRJayanthi trend at the top. Sharing his picture with YSR on his Twitter wall, Maharashtra medical education and cultural affairs minister Amit V. Deshmukh wrote, I pay my homage on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the #YSRajasekharaReddy Former CM of Andhra Pradesh. He has made invaluable contributions to the development of the country and Andhra Pradesh. Remembering their party leader, the Andhra Pradesh Youth Congress wrote on his official Twitter account, Tribute to Pulivendula Puli, former CM Shri #YSRajasekharaReddy gaaru. He introduced various schemes like loan waivers, fee reimbursement, Arogyasri, Jalayagnam, free electricity for the farmers, 108 Ambulance services in the then undivided AP. Tollywood actor Manchu Mohan Babu tweeted, Friendly, diplomatic, a man of words, the god of the poor was my brother-in-law, YSR. Today is Rajasekhara Reddy's birthday. I want his blessings to be on our family and Telugu people no matter in which world he is. I hope his soul is at peace. Film writer Kona Venkat wrote Dr Y.S.R. A legendary leader who became immortal with his services to the people through various innovative schemes and welfare programs. Lets remember him on his birth anniversary. VISAKHAPATNAM: Former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday demanded a CBI inquiry into bauxite mining in the reserve forests of Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts. He wondered why the state government was afraid if it was ensuring legal mining activities in the agency area, in the name of laterite excavation. It was unfortunate that the present rulers were resorting to endless destruction and looting all-natural and public resources. The YSRC leaders were afraid that their illegal mining racket would get exposed if the TDP team visited the mining site, Naidu said while reacting to police obstructions to his party teams recent visit to the mining area. TD MLC P. Ashok Babu demanded the state government to place all facts regarding accounting lapses of Rs 41,034 crore before the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India so that corrective steps could be initiated to prevent any major damage to the state financial system. He wanted to know why the state government had not replied although two months have passed since the time Principal Accountant General (A&E) wrote to it about massive violations of treasury provisions. Meanwhile, Telugu Desam politburo member Reddeppagari Srinivasa Reddy (Vasu) said that anarchy was continuing in the state. On Friday, he visited party supporters who were injured by rivals in Rayachoti Mandal Gorlamudividu and Vandlurapalli villages. He said that the ruling YSR Congress party activists attacked them with machetes, swords and sticks as they had voted for the Telugu Desam Party in the last panchayat elections. He assured Mahadevapalli Narasimha Reddy and Nirmalamma, who were injured in the attack, that the party would stand by them. KAKINADA: Tension prevailed in Rowthulapudi of East Godavari district on Friday as senior Telugu Desam leaders, including former ministers, tried to hold a meeting in the village for highlighting illegal mining at Bommidikiladdu and other villages in Nathavaram mandal of Visakhapatnam district. Police prevented the TDP leaders from organising the meeting informing that no permission has been given to hold any meeting, as crowds are not allowed to assemble because of the Coronavirus pandemic. High drama was witnessed in the village when TD leaders tried to address the media and police prevented the opposition leaders from speaking by trying to snatch their mike. The melee came to an end after police arrested nine TD leaders and shifted them to Kotananduru police station. According to information, former deputy chief minister Nimmakayala China Rajappa, former minister Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu, former MLAs Nakka Ananda Rao, Gvireddy Ramanaidu, Pendurthi Venkatesh, and Vanthala Rajeswari, apart from Telugu Mahila president Anitha Rani and MLC Sandhya Rani arrived at Bommidiladdu village, where laterite and bauxite are being mined. From there, they arrived at Rowthulapudi to address media. Many TD workers gathered at the spot. Meanwhile, Kotananduru police under supervision of Peddapuram DSP Aritakula Srinivasa Rao and Tuni circle inspector in-charge Kishore Babu arrived at the spot and tried to stop the meeting. Police officials maintained that no permission has been issued to hold meetings and in view of Covid-19 threat, they should vacate the place. Ayyanna Patrudu asserted that he was a former minister and police have no right in stopping him from highlighting irregularities in mining. China Rajappa asked why the government is scared and went on to charge that YSRC mining mafia has hatched a master plan to loot Rs 15,000 crore in Manyam by laying a 14-km road at government cost to exploit laterite and bauxite in Sarugudu area. When TD leaders tried to address media, police arrested them and moved them to Kotananduru police station. Peddapuram DSP said TD leaders have been arrested for violating Covid-19 pandemic guidelines and protocols. Brumbelow is a former legislative director for Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann and successful campaign and communications consultant from DeSoto County. He has served as campaign manager and consultant for a number of state, regional and local-level political campaigns and businesses in Mississippi. Left to right, CNU President and CEO Alvin Cheung, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and CNU board member Frank Cable stand in a section of Stonelake Landing on July 2. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Joel Boyd of the EGUSD Parent Coalition speaks at a July 2 press conference regarding the two Elk Grove school district employees who were placed on leave. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Get 25% off of the regular $65 annual All Access rate. With this subscription you will get: Digital access to ElPasoInc.com and archives (value $45) Print subscription home or business delivered (value $65) Book of Lists (annual rate only, value $50) El Paso Inc. Magazine (value $20) El Paso Kids Inc. Special sections - OR - Get 15% off of the regular $45 annual Digital-only rate. With this subscription you will get: Complete digital access to ElPasoInc.com. Emporia, KS (66801) Today Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 80F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Kurly CEO Sophie Kim appears in the company's commercial. Courtesy of Kurly By Park Jae-hyuk Kurly, the operator of fresh food delivery platform Market Kurly, has decided to pursue a local listing, as its lower-than-expected corporate valuation forced it to scrap its ambitious plan to list on the New York Stock Exchange. "We had looked into being listed on both foreign and Korean stock markets simultaneously, and decided recently to go forward with our initial public offering (IPO) on the local stock market after a thorough review of our business model and market conditions," it said in a press release. "Friday's decision was based on our thinking that it is important to share the fruits of corporate growth with our customers and suppliers here. The Korea Exchange's easing of regulations for Korean unicorn firms to offer a domestic IPO was the reason for our latest decision." In March of this year, Kurly said that it was considering pursuing IPOs in both South Korea and the United States. The company, which launched its delivery service back in 2015, reported 1.2 trillion won in transactions last year. At that time, it said its IPO plans were aimed at taking advantage of the favorable market and attracting funds from foreign investors as a means to better compete with its chief rivals in the country's highly-competitive e-commerce market. The government and the National Assembly are considering introducing dual-class shares with weighted voting rights, following similar moves by the U.S. financial authorities, so that startup founders can be positioned to better protect their management rights even with a smaller percentage of shares. Currently, a one-share-one-vote regime is required and mandated here. The dual-class share system is expected to help Kurly CEO Sophie Kim continue to retain control of her company with only a 6.67-percent stake. However, Kurly's efforts to receive the valuation it had hoped for from global investors were ultimately in vain, and the lower figure is regarded as the real reason behind its return to the Seoul market. According to industry sources, the company initially expected its valuation to be appraised at over 3 trillion won ($2.6 billion), which bolstered an internal assessment to move forward with a U.S. listing. As a reference, Coupang saw a brief hovering of its valuation to over $109 billion in its market debut, after raising some $4.6 billion in the biggest U.S. IPO so far this year. Contrary to Kurly's expectations, its investors estimated the company's valuation at 2.5 trillion won ($2.1 billion), during the recent "Series F" funding round that only attracted 225.4 billion won ($196 million). Kurly said that Millennium Management and CJ Logistics participated in the latest fundraising round, along with previous investors: Aspex Management, DST Global, Sequoia Capital China and Hillhouse Capital. "The recent fundraising round proved that we were recognized for prompting consumers to switch to online grocery shopping and producers to adopt data and technologies that can supply better products to customers at reasonable prices," Kurly's CEO was quoted as saying in the statement. Her remarks are seen as an attempt to dispel worries about the company's growth potential. Before its announcement about the domestic IPO, Kurly had faced doubts about whether it would be the right decision to list in the U.S., given that Chinese online grocers MissFresh and Dingdong Maicai had failed to lure investors after being listed there. Market analysts expect that Kurly will face heated competition from now on with Oasis, another online grocer that plans to go public this year at the earliest. Oasis operates its own fresh food delivery service, Oasis Market, which specializes in early morning deliveries, as does Market Kurly, and posted 9.7 billion won in operating profit last year, while Kurly suffered a 116.2 billion won loss. Its valuation was appraised at 750 billion won, when Unison Capital made a 50 billion won investment earlier this month. "Kurly has growth potential and has maintained its leading status in terms of sales, but Oasis made a profit, showing rapid growth similar to Kurly a few years earlier," Kyobo Securities analyst Jeong So-yeon said. "Oasis may outperform Kurly a few years from now." Kurly appears to be in the process of selecting underwriters for the domestic IPO after terminating its contracts with Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, all of which were selected as underwriters for the U.S. listing. Because NH Securities and Korea Investment & Securities are involved with the Oasis deal, and Mirae Asset Securities is handling the listing of TMON, KB Securities and Samsung Securities have been mentioned as potential underwriters for the IPO. Samsung Securities lost its status as lead underwriter for Kurly's listing on the tech-heavy Kosdaq earlier this year, as at the time, the online grocer had opted to pursue the U.S. option. The departures terminal of Gimpo International Airport is seen almost empty, Friday, with the tightened social distancing rules set to take effect on Monday, July 12. Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo Shares of travel agencies, airlines and cosmetics companies face risk of a sharp fall, as the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections wreaks havoc again on travel. The business performance of industries related to travel relies on loosened social distancing measures. Accordingly, prospects of normalized sales were growing until the coronavirus' Delta variant hit the greater Seoul area in late June and the number of infection cases soared to record-high levels. The fourth wave of the pandemic, following the previous three last year, prompted the government to drop its plans to ease social distancing measures and instead, tighten them in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. With the enhanced measures set to begin for two weeks starting Monday July 12, the prices of major travel agency stocks dropped on Friday. Jeong You-jeong, author of best-seller "Perfect Happiness," pose during a Korea Times interview at the Seoul-based publishing house EunHaengNaMu headquarters on Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Kang Hyun-kyung Contrary to the title of her new bestseller, Korea's irreplaceable thriller author Jeong You-jeong says, like it or not, life is full of both good and bad things By Kang Hyun-kyung Bestselling author Jeong You-jeong's new psychological thriller, "Perfect Happiness," unravels the darkest side of human nature, taking readers into a chilling and haunting world. Some of the moments are described so vividly, with meticulous attention to details, that readers find themselves frightened as they visualize the gruesome scenes. With the author's captivating storytelling that keeps readers turning the pages to fulfill their curiosity about who did what and why, this crime novel has become a great summertime read and has topped the Kyobo Books' bestseller list. Jeong said she used several different "literary devices" to keep her readers glued to her story. One of the secrets she shared is to use both real and fictional names of cities and other places in her novels. In "Perfect Happiness," the Half Moon Marsh is one of the fictional places the bestselling author paid great attention to creating. "It symbolizes the inner side of protagonist Yuna," she said during a recent Korea Times interview at the headquarters of Seoul-based publishing house, EunHaengNaMu Publishing Co. "The marsh is her world. Common loons, which are mentioned several times in the novel, live there. She feeds the animals mysterious meats she procures herself. In the novel, there's a part narrated by her daughter, Ji-U, 'Mother is good at making food for the waterbirds.' Some avid readers will instantly grasp what this reference means: the protagonist is a murderer. This novel directly deals with a murder case from the outset." Jeong said that the functions of real cities and fictional places in her novel are different. Providing real place names makes her story realistic, while fictional places were created to dramatize her stories. In "Perfect Happiness," Jeong plays a psychological game with readers from the very beginning. The crime novel starts with the protagonist, Yuna, a self-absorbed, cold-blooded, and fatally-attractive woman, skillfully cutting "unspecified" types of meat into pieces and separating the flesh from the bones, using several knives designed for different purposes, to feed the loons living in the nearby marsh. The suspicious scene draws readers into the story as they seek to figure out what kind of meat the protagonist is cutting up. Yuna has a narcissistic disorder and is prone to illusions. The dangerously apathetic woman attempts to eliminate anything she believes stands in the way of her blind pursuit of pure happiness. Unlike her character, Jeong said that she is a realist and doesn't believe that there is such a thing as pure happiness. "Things like unhappiness, deficiencies or tragedies are all part of our lives. If there were to be anyone, like my character Yuna, who were to pursue a life free of these negativities, I think they would be delusional at best. I named the marsh, 'Half Moon,' because she denies the other half of our life, which is packed with trials and tribulations that put our patience to the test. The name indicates that she and her world can never be as complete as the full moon, because she is preoccupied with the unrealistic notion that she can control her life to make it perfectly happy," she said. Loons are another critical creature that make "Perfect Happiness" into a chilling thriller. The wailing of the loons is described in several catastrophic scenes. In the novel, the way the wild animals call each other serves as a precursor to looming tragedies involving characters surrounding the protagonist. "Water birds are animals that are mostly found in marshes. I did research on the sounds of dozens of different water birds, such as ducks and grebes, and chose to use common loons in my work, because their unique sound best fits the creature that I was to portray. Their sound reminds me of the howling of wolves," she said. She turned to her smartphone to teach this reporter how loons call each other. "Quite peculiar, isn't it?" she asked after turning on a YouTube video featuring the sound of common loons. "Perfect Happiness" by Jeong You-jeong People bow before a mosaic of portraits of late North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-Il, at the Dongmun Crossroads in the Daedonggang District of Pyongyang on the occasion of 27th anniversary of the death of Kim Il-sung, Thursday. AFP-Yonhap Korea's spy agency has told lawmakers that North Korea could return to nuclear dialogue with the United States as it is intent on ending hostile relations with the country, a source said Friday. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the comment Thursday while debriefing the National Assembly's intelligence committee on the recent remarks from Pyongyang, the source with knowledge of the matter said. "North Korea's consistent position is to end its hostile relations with the United States," the source quoted the NIS as reporting to the lawmakers. The NIS said that the North appears to want an easing of sanctions to allow exports of its minerals and imports of refined oil and other daily necessities, according to the source. "The NIS judges that if the U.S. could mention this at least verbally, the North can come out to the dialogue table," the source said. Last month, the North's leader Kim Jong-un said in a key party meeting that the country should be ready for "both dialogue and confrontation" with the U.S., a remark construed by some as indicating openness to return to the nuclear talks stalled since early 2019. The U.S. has offered to meet with the North "anywhere, anytime without preconditions," and said it looks forward to a positive response from Pyongyang. However, the North's foreign minister rejected the U.S. offer for talks, saying his country is not considering "even the possibility of any contact with Washington." His statement came after Kim's sister, Yo-jong, said that the U.S. has "wrong" expectations about the dialogue. (Yonhap) Hyundai Heavy Industries union members occupy a turnover crane at the company's Ulsan headquarters, Tuesday. Courtesy of Hyundai Heavy Industries union Gimpo International Airport's departure lounge is quieter than usual, Friday. The government announced a decision to place the Seoul metropolitan area under the toughest social distancing rules of Level 4 amid concerns over a fourth wave of new COVID-19 outbreaks. Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye Hotel, food service, airline and tourism industries' expectation toward a business recovery in the latter half of the year is turning into disappointment, following the government's decision to apply the toughest, Level 4, social distancing rule in the Seoul metropolitan area, which includes Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, amid an explosive increase in COVID-19 infections in the area. The industries had expressed hopes that their businesses would improve in the third quarter, provided that the country's vaccination rate picks up speed, combined with expectations of the government easing social distancing rules. However, the government changed its position on Friday and announced its decision to place the Seoul metropolitan area under the toughest social distancing rules for two weeks beginning on Monday, due to concerns over another wave of infections. Under the Level 4 social distancing rules, accommodations are allowed to operate less than two-thirds of their rooms and are banned from hosting any parties and events. The decision will force them to cancel reservations that have already been made by some clients. "We are already receiving many telephone inquiries about the need to cancel reservations," an official from a five-star hotel in Seoul's Gangnam District said. "We may have to cancel reservations for those who booked rooms later than others." The Level 4 rules are also expected to deal a blow to food service industries' businesses, especially at night, as gatherings of more than two people are banned after 6 p.m. An official from a food service company that operates various restaurant chains said that such a ban will inevitably lead to a decrease in sales. "There will be nothing left when restaurant owners subtract all the costs, such as personnel expenses and rent fees, even if they operate their restaurants at night," the official said. People walking in Seoul's Gangnam District, Friday, when the government announced a decision to apply the toughest social distancing rules to the Seoul metropolitan area, beginning on Monday. Yonhap Tourism and airline industries face similar situations. Around the world, the industries that have been hit hardest by the prolonged pandemic were expecting to see a recovery in demand for travel this summer, with the number of vaccinated people increasing. Officials in the tourism industry are raising concerns that the Level 4 rules, which in effect restrict people's movements except for essential ones such as going to school or to work, will affect demand for travel during the peak summer season. "As travel is significantly affected by the psychology of people, recent fears over infections reduce demand," a representative from a Seoul-based tourism agency said. Airlines, especially low-cost carriers, which have largely depended on domestic routes amid the pandemic, have been actively carrying out their promotional activities for the summer season. But now, worries are growing over the possibility that clients will cancel their reservations. Tours to the truce village of Panmunjeom have been suspended again due to coronavirus concerns, the unification ministry said Friday, shortly after health authorities here decided to impose the toughest virus curbs in the greater Seoul area. The ministry made the announcement to suspend the program starting Friday after South Korea saw the highest-ever daily COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. Authorities raised virus curbs to Level 4 in Seoul and the neighboring Gyeonggi Province and Incheon on Monday for two weeks. "Our ministry has temporarily suspended the Panmunjeom tours starting from July 9 in accordance with the Level 4 rules in the greater Seoul area," the ministry said. "The measure was taken considering the safety of the people as the top priority and in close consultation with the relevant authorities," it added. The ministry said it will resume the tours when the COVID-19 restrictions ease. Tours to Panmunjeom were temporarily suspended earlier this week after two members of the United Nations Command came into contact with a coronavirus patient. The UNC had said that it will resume the tours once it is certain that there is no additional risk. The tours had resumed in April after a monthslong suspension due to the COVID-19 situation in line with eased social distancing guidelines. (Yonhap) Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong spoke by phone with his Czech counterpart on Friday and discussed bilateral issues, including ways to boost cooperation in the nuclear power plant business, his office said. In the phone talks with Jakub Kulhanek, Chung stressed that South Korea is the best partner for the Czech Republic's new nuclear power plant project under way in the southern region of Dukovany, citing the technologies and price competitiveness proven through various projects Korean companies have carried out overseas. Kulhanek responded that his country is well aware of South Korea's outstanding capability in the field. In the talks, the two ministers hoped for bilateral people-to-people exchanges and tourism to resume as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes. Kulhanek also said that he hopes to see more South Korean investment in his country in future industries, such as the electric vehicle battery sector, the ministry said. (Yonhap) Vice Defense Minister Park Jae-min vows after announcing the interim results of the probe into the death of an Air Force sexual harassment victim at the Ministry of Defense in Seoul, July 9. Yonhap Military prosecutors have indicted 10 people over the death of an Air Force sexual harassment victim following a monthlong investigation into a string of irregularities that led to the noncommissioned officer taking her own life, the defense ministry said Friday. The number of officials to stand trial could further rise as a dozen others are still under investigation, the ministry said, announcing the interim results of its probe into the incident that sparked an intense public outcry over the military's failure to protect the victim. The master sergeant, surnamed Lee, took her own life in May, three months after she was allegedly groped and suffered other abuse by a colleague of the same rank, surnamed Jang. Jang was arrested last month, only after the case became known to the media. According to probe results, Air Force officials allegedly tried to cover up the case without giving proper help to the victim. In addition to Jang, two other Air Force noncommissioned officers a warrant officer and a senior master sergeant, both surnamed Noh were arrested and indicted on charges of pressuring Lee to drop her complaint. The others charged include colonels accused of failing to properly report Lee's death to the defense ministry by leaving out the key information that she was a sex crime victim; Lee's colleagues suspected of destroying evidence; and officers at another wing accused of leaking the victim's sufferings to other members at the unit that she transferred to after the March incident. In the course of the investigation, prosecutors also found that two warrant officers, including the arrested Noh, allegedly molested Lee in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Six people, including a public defender, who is suspected of failing to provide adequate legal support to Lee, and a lieutenant colonel at an Air Force military police squadron accused of poor initial investigation into the case, were relieved of their duties. The ministry said it will seek the dismissal of nine others, including the chief of the 20th Fighter Wing where the incident took place, from their posts, and refer 16 others to the disciplinary committee. "We extend our deep apologies to the victim who had to end her life before fulfilling her dream as a service member, and to the bereaved family," the ministry said in a statement. The latest incident has sparked intense public fury, leading to former Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong stepping down and President Moon Jae-in apologizing. The defense ministry appeared busy the past month, launching a series of task forces and meetings to address the issue, but whether the military is capable of overhauling itself is still being questioned. Last week, a one-star general was revealed of his duties and arrested for allegedly attempting to molest one of his subordinates after a dinner together, throwing a wet blanket over the military's pledges to stamp out sex crimes in barracks. The ministry said it will establish a separate investigation team as well as a new judge panel dedicated to sexual violence cases, and consider establishing an office equivalent to the U.S. Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) to prevent similar incidents from recurring. "The investigation team will do our best so that the defendants will receive punishment corresponding to their misconduct and continue the investigation to get to the bottom of this case," the ministry said. (Yonhap) Lee Rae-jin, left, the brother of a South Korean fisheries official killed in North Korean waters, talks to media with Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party near Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, July 8. Yonhap The brother of a South Korean fisheries official killed in North Korean waters said Friday he sent emails to the North's diplomatic missions in Hong Kong and Mongolia asking them to deliver his letter to leader Kim Jong-un. The fisheries official was shot and killed by North Korea's military in September while adrift in waters north of the inter-Korean sea border in the Yellow Sea, a day after he went missing the previous day while on duty near the western border island of Yeonpyeong. On Friday, his brother, Lee Rae-jin, said he sent emails a day earlier asking the North's consulate in Hong Kong and its embassy in Mongolia to deliver a letter asking the North Korean leader if the North possesses the remains of his brother, explain the details of the shooting and allow him to visit the site of the incident. Lee said he has not received any replies yet from the two embassies. "In February last year, I met with Unification Minister Lee In-young and had asked him to deliver my letter to Chairman Kim but when I checked with the ministry recently, I was told that the letter was not delivered as the inter-Korean communication channels remain severed," Lee said. The unification ministry said it has closely cooperated with relevant government agencies on the matter and listened to demands from the bereaved family from the very beginning. "Going forward, efforts will continue to be made to console and heal the pain of the bereaved family in a practical manner," a ministry official said. Any inter-Korean contact should be approved in advance or reported to the government afterward as the two Koreas technically remain in a state of war as their 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Lee is said to be preparing to officially report the sending of the emails to authorities. (Yonhap) Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl visits the National Assembly in Seoul, June 30, a day after he declared his presidential bid. Yonhap Contenders choose styles, colors to deliver deeper messages By Kang Seung-woo While the presidential hopefuls are busy promoting their campaign pledges, they are also trying to appeal to voters with their fashion and style, which play a role in showing who they are, as well as in helping make a good impression on voters which is often nearly as important as what the politicians say. Currently, the liberal ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is going through a preliminary primary to pick its candidate for the presidential election in March next year, while the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is scheduled to start its selection process in August. Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung participates in a televised debate at JTBC Studios in Seoul, July 5. Yonhap Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, one of the leading presidential contenders from the liberal ruling bloc, appears to be seeking stability in his fashion. The 56-year-old is refining his "fighter" image and instead displaying a polished and hard-working appearance by not dyeing his hair black as he did in 2017 but instead leaving it grey, and by wearing tight-fitting suits and metal-rimmed glasses, versus horn-rimmed ones. "The governor has received advice on how to dress through various channels, but the final decision is made by his wife," said a representative of the Lee campaign. Compared to Lee, some of the other, older presidential contenders are trying to show voters a dynamic and energetic appearance, through measures such as wearing a suit without a tie. Rep. Lee Nak-yon, the former DPK chairman and former prime minister, is seeking to shift his previous dignified image by wearing bright-colored shirts and pants, along with loafers. Rep. Lee Nak-yon of the liberal ruling Democratic Party of Korea listens during a DPK preliminary primary in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, July 4. Yonhap Chung Sye-kyun, another former prime minister, prefers wearing blazers and pants as opposed to formal suits, without a tie, in what seems to be a move to appeal to young voters. For example, in a video clip posted on the video-sharing platform, TikTok, in June, Chung, a former six-term lawmaker, wore a leather jacket-featured cowboy outfit and hip-hop clothing with a bucket hat to convey an image of friendliness. Choo Mi-ae, the former justice minister, prefers attire that reflects the image of a career woman and a reform politician, with a short bob haircut. Using German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a benchmark, the 62-year-old often dresses in a formal way, with her top and pants the same color, and rarely wearing skirts so as to show her activeness. Rep. Park Yong-jin of the liberal ruling Democratic Party of Korea visits the nation's largest start-up support center in Seoul, July 2. Yonhap Rep. Park Yong-jin, 50, regarded as a leading figure of the younger generation of lawmakers, dresses in business casual attire to show that he is a young and active politician seeking to reform politics. During the first televised debate of the DPK's presidential contenders, he was the only one who dressed down, wearing cotton pants and sneakers. "Given that Park is the youngest presidential hopeful in the DPK primary, he often wears casual jackets, short-sleeve T-shirts and sneakers," said a representative from the Park camp. Rep. Hong Joon-pyo of the conservative main opposition People Power Party during a press conference in Seoul, June 29. Yonhap On the conservative opposition side, Yoon Seok-youl, the former prosecutor general who is a leading presidential hopeful, drew attention during a press conference to announce his presidential bid, last month, and at another public event, by wearing a blue tie. Given that the color has represented the liberal ruling party in recent years, the choice was seen as suggesting that he is pursuing an image of unity. It also could mean that Yoon is seeking to expand his support base to centrist voters. Rep. Hong Joon-pyo of the PPP, known for his preference for the color red in his outfits, has been converting to blue as well, as the five-term lawmaker is often seen wearing blue ties and masks, in what, in his case, seems to be an effort to ease his image as a hardline conservative politician. "I am trying to change my image of 'kkondae,'" he confessed in a recent media interview. "Kkondae" refers to people who are authoritarian and always think that what they say or do is right, while ignoring others' (typically younger people's) points of view. Yoo Seong-min, a former four-term lawmaker, and Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, have both been wearing casual suits to give off a friendly impression, while Rep. Yun Hee-suk, who prefers to wear a black or white vest when appearing in public, is known for dressing unpretentiously, reflecting an image of being plain and unostentatious. President Moon Jae-in greets members of the U.S. Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, July 9. Yonhap President Moon Jae-in on Friday expressed gratitude for the support the U.S. Congress has provided in the advancement of the decades-old Seoul-Washington alliance during a meeting with a group of visiting U.S. lawmakers at Cheong Wa Dae. Moon hosted a reception for the visiting members of the U.S. Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK), a bipartisan study group on South Korea, at the presidential office. The CSGK, consisting of about 54 U.S. lawmakers, was launched in 2018 as part of diplomatic efforts to deepen ties between the two allies. In the meeting, Moon assessed that Seoul-Washington relations were "opening up a new chapter of cooperation as a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial alliance" following his summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in late May. Moon also thanked the U.S. Congress for its role in supporting the advancement of the alliance and asked for continued interest and backing from American lawmakers to push forward the Seoul-Washington alliance into "the most exemplary" partnership and promote "lasting peace for the Korean Peninsula." Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) also praised the results of the recent bilateral summit as a success and highlighted that the arrival of the CSGK delegation exemplified the importance of the U.S.-South Korea relationship. He also expressed thanks for Seoul's support to the United States at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Korean American Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) told Moon that she is proud of her Korean heritage and praised highly the two country's summit agreement to cooperate in improving the human rights condition in North Korea. Kim also asked for the South Korean government's help to free two North Korean families that are reportedly in Chinese custody after having escaped from their home country. The congresswoman requested that Seoul contact Beijing to bring the families in question safely to South Korea. (Yonhap) Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Rep. Song Young-gil, center, speaks during a Supreme Council meeting of the party at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun President Moon still enjoys solid job approval rating in final year in office By Jung Da-min The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and its presidential hopefuls are in a dilemma over whether to distance themselves from President Moon Jae-in in the lead-up to the next presidential election in March, 2022. To appeal to voters who want a change in leadership, the ruling camp and its presidential hopefuls need to create a different image from the current administration. But at the same time, the President's job approval rating has still remained at a solid 40 percent in his final year in office, making it hard for them to turn their backs on him. Lee Cheol-hee, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, issued a politely-worded warning to the ruling party's presidential hopefuls telling them not to attempt to distance themselves from the President by confronting him to raise their own presence. "There have been no other presidents before Moon who had 40 percent approval ratings in their fifth year in office," Lee said during a YouTube talk show at local broadcaster JTBC, Tuesday, referring to Moon's relatively high approval in the last year of his single, five-year term. "I believe no one will be able to become the next president by antagonizing President Moon," Lee said. Presidential contenders of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) attend an event held by the party to present their policy pledges, at Yeon Studio in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. From left are former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, former DPK Chairman Lee Nak-yon, Rep. Park Yong-jin, South Chungcheong Province Governor Yang Seung-jo, Gangwon Province Governor Choi Moon-soon, and Rep. Kim Du-kwan. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun For Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, the front-runner among presidential contenders of the DPK, a major hurdle in moving up to the final round of the party primary is a possible backlash from enthusiastic supporters of Moon. Lee, who competed against Moon in the primary for the 2017 presidential election, often made outspoken comments critical of Moon during his campaign. But this time, he is refraining from criticizing the administration's policies. Announcing his presidential bid in a video released through online channels including YouTube and Facebook, July 1, Lee said, "I will add, fill and fix policies built on the foundation of proud governments under Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in." Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung, the front-runner among eight presidential contenders from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, makes a policy presentation at an event organized by the party as a part of its primary, held Wednesday at Yeon Studio in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Joint Press Corps Other DPK presidential contenders are also refraining from criticizing the main policies of the current administration, although they are pointing out some failures of the administration, such as its attempts to stabilize soaring apartment prices and the ineffective vetting of some key government officials who have been embroiled in corruption scandals. But at the same time, the DPK is struggling to draw public interest in the primary, as attention is rather being focused on the main opposition People Power Party and other opposition contenders, reflecting the public's desire for change. Such a trend was evidenced by the DPK's crushing defeat by the PPP in the April 7 mayoral by-elections in Seoul and Busan. Political observer attributed the DPK's election defeat to its policy failures especially in creating jobs and stabilizing housing prices, as well as real estate speculation scandals involving employees of the state-run Korea Land and Housing Crop. (LH) and some ruling bloc figures. On taking office in early May, DPK Chairman Rep. Song Young-gil vowed all-out efforts to overcome the ruling bloc's crisis, saying he would pay more attention to the opinions of the general public. Ruling Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Song Young-gil speaks during a Supreme Council meeting of the party at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun Oh Jae-hyuk, vice president and head of Energy Business Development at Hyundai Motor Group, poses with Raveel Afzaal, president and CEO of Next Hydrogen, after signing a partnership, in this photo provided by the Korean automaker, Friday. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group By Baek Byung-yeul Hyundai Motor Group has signed a partnership with Next Hydrogen, a Canada-based company specializing in producing hydrogen from renewable sources, to cooperate in the development of water electrolysis technology to produce green hydrogen more economically, the automaker said Friday. While hydrogen has emerged as an alternative to fossil fuel, there has been the drawback of the high cost and excessive energy consumption in producing the gas. Currently, 95 percent of global hydrogen production is based on fossil fuels, which is called grey hydrogen. This is the most economic method, but industry analysts forecast more hydrogen companies will move toward blue or green hydrogen, because grey hydrogen emits greenhouse gases during the production phase. Blue hydrogen is made of natural gas and emits less CO2, while green hydrogen is the cleanest as it uses renewable energy by producing the gas from water. Hyundai Motor Group, one of the leading companies in hydrogen fuel cell technology in Korea, thinks green hydrogen will eventually become the most effective type and said the partnership with the Canadian company will help improve its capability in the sector. "Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop an alkaline water electrolysis system and its related stack for the purpose of generating green hydrogen economically, and explore new business opportunities and technological applications," Hyundai said in a statement. "Among the various methods of water electrolysis, the alkaline water electrolysis system is regarded as technologically one of the most rigorously tested and proven means with a long track record of research and development. Also, it has the advantage of being able to produce large amounts of hydrogen and uses relatively inexpensive catalysts, making facility costs low," the automotive group added. The group recently introduced "HTWO," a new brand representing its state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell system. It has been increasing efforts to develop a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in various mobility platforms such as urban air mobility, automobiles, ships and trains. President Joe Biden speaks about the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, July 8. AP-Yonhap U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, delivering an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more American lives even as he bluntly acknowledged there will be no ''mission accomplished'' moment to celebrate. Biden pushed back against the notion the U.S. mission has failed but also noted that it remains unlikely the government would control all of Afghanistan after the U.S. leaves. He urged the Afghan government and Taliban, which he said remains as formidable as it did before the start of the war, to come to a peace agreement. ''We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build,'' Biden said in a speech from the White House's East Room. ''Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future.'' The administration in recent days has 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.'' On Thursday he amplified the justification of his decision even as the Taliban make rapid advances in significant swaths of the country. ''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.'' The new withdrawal date comes after former President Donald Trump's administration negotiated a deal with the Taliban to end the U.S. military mission by May 1. Biden after taking office announced U.S. troops would be out by the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack, which al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden plotted from Afghanistan, where he had been given refuge by the Taliban. With U.S. and NATO ally forces rapidly drawing down in the past week, there was growing speculation that U.S. combat operations have already effectively ended. But by setting Aug. 31 as the drawdown date, the administration nodded to the reality that the long war is in its final phase, while providing itself some cushion to deal with outstanding matters. The administration has yet to complete talks with Turkey on an arrangement for maintaining security at the Kabul airport and is still ironing out details for the potential evacuation of thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. military operation. Biden said that prolonging U.S. military involvement, considering Trump had already agreed to withdraw U.S. troops, would have led to an escalation of attacks on American troops and NATO allies. ''The Taliban would have again begun to target our forces,'' Biden said. ''The status quo was not an option. Staying meant U.S. troops taking casualties. American men and women. Back in the middle of a civil war. And we would run the risk of having to send more troops back in Afghanistan to defend our remaining troops.'' The president added that there is no ''mission accomplished'' moment as the U.S. war comes to an end. ''The mission was accomplished in that we got Osama bin Laden and terrorism is not emanating from that part of the world,'' he said. U.S. forces killed bin Laden in 2011. People who were displaced from restive Ghor district, wait for government assistance at a temporary shelter in neighboring Herat province in Qaderabad village, Herat, Afghanistan, July 8. EPA-Yonhap North Korea poses a significant cyber threat to the United States and other countries, particularly to financial institutions, a State Department spokesman said Thursday. Ned Price also highlighted the need for joint efforts to counter such threats posed by the North. "North Korea's malicious cyber activities threaten the United States. They threaten our allies and partners, countries around the world," the spokesman said at a press briefing, also elaborating that the North "poses a significant cyber threat to financial institutions." The U.S. has been chasing a number of North Korean entities suspected of stealing money from the international financial system. Three North Korean nationals were brought to the United States earlier this year to face trial on suspicion of trying to steal up to $1.3 billion in cash or cryptocurrency from banks and businesses. "It remains a cyber espionage threat. It retains the ability to conduct disruptive cyber activities as we've seen it do in recent years," the department spokesman said of North Korea. His remarks come after South Korea announced on Thursday (Seoul time) that its state-run Atomic Energy Research Institute may had been exposed to North Korean cyber attacks for an extended period of time, although there had been no major data leak as a result of such attacks. Price refused to comment directly on the South Korean report, but emphasized the need for countries to work together. "It's vital for the international community, for network defenders and the public to stay vigilant and to work together to mitigate the cyber threat posed by North Korea," he said. (Yonhap) Suspects in the assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise are tossed on the floor after being detained, at the General Direction of the police in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, July 8. AP-Yonhap A 28-member hit squad made up of Americans and Colombians assassinated President Jovenel Moise, Haitian police said Thursday, adding that eight were still at large as the country lurched into political chaos. One day after Moise was killed and his wife Martine wounded by gunmen in their Port-au-Prince home, the poorest country in the Americas has no president or working parliament and two men claiming to be in charge as prime minister. Police paraded some of the suspects before the media Thursday, along with Colombian passports and weapons they had seized. The head of the Haiti's National Police, Leon Charles, vowed to track the other eight down. "It was a team of 28 assailants, 26 of whom were Colombian, who carried out the operation to assassinate the president," Charles said at the press conference in Port-au-Prince. "We have arrested 15 Colombians and the two Americans of Haitian origin. Three Colombians have been killed while eight others are on the loose." Previously authorities had said four of the suspects had been killed. Charles did not explain the discrepancy. Taiwan confirmed late Thursday that 11 of the suspects were arrested on its embassy grounds, after security discovered a group of armed men had broken into the courtyard of the property that had been shuttered "for safety reasons" after Moise's murder. The embassy gave permission to Haitian police to enter the grounds, said Joanne Ou, a spokeswoman for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The process went smoothly," Taiwan's embassy in Port-au-Prince said in a statement, describing Moise's assassination as "cruel and barbaric." Colombia's defense minister Diego Molano said at least six members of the hit squad appeared to be Colombian ex-soldiers, and that he had ordered the army and police to help with the investigation. Mystery In Port-au-Prince, shops, banks and gas stations were closed, as questions swirled over who killed the president and why and why his security detail had failed to protect him. The border with neighboring Dominican Republic the two share the island of Hispaniola - was closed. Haiti's main airport was also closed, but due to reopen on Friday. Authorities have not confirmed the identities of the two Americans of Haitian origin. Officials have said the killers spoke English and Spanish. The US State Department said it could not confirm that any US citizen was arrested. Haiti's ambassador to Washington, Bocchit Edmond, has said the killers were "professional" mercenaries disguised as US Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Haiti has requested US assistance in its investigation, according to State Department spokesman Ned Price. "We are aware of a Haitian National Police request for investigative assistance and the United States is responding," Price told reporters. Passports, tools and other items are being shown to the media along with suspects in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, who was shot dead early Wednesday at his home, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti July 8. Reuters-Yonhap BTS V has claimed the title of the first K-pop soloist to have more than one solo track with more than 80 million streams on SoundCloud! On July 9, another self-composed song by Kim Taehyung (V's real name) has surpassed the 80-million mark on the said platform. With this, BTS's vocalist has set the record for the K-pop solo artist with multiple songs exceeding that number of streams on SoundCloud. BTS V is the First K-pop Soloist to Have Multiple Songs Surpassing 80 Million Streams on SoundCloud "4 O'CLOCK," which BTS V wrote, composed, and produced with bandmate RM, recently surpassed 80 million SoundCloud streams. "4 O'CLOCK" is a duet of the said two BTS members and was released for the group's 2017 FESTA. This track has been steadily loved as it is frequently used as the background music in broadcasts. In an interview, dropped for their 2021 FESTA, Kim Taehyung revealed that he wrote "4 O'CLOCK" because it was the time when he met Jimin at the park after their iconic "dumpling incident." Before "4 O'CLOCK," BTS V has already had two other self-composed songs to hit more than 80 million streams on SoundCloud. Taehyung's first self-written song, "Scenery," released in January 2019, is his first solo track to reach the milestone on the platform. At the time of the song's release, it already set an all-time record for the most likes in 24 hours among the tracks on SoundCloud. It also set the record for the shortest time to reach 100 million streams, being able to do so in only 15 days. The American media Elite Daily praised BTS V's "Scenery" by saying that the song contains a soft and emotional atmosphere. The second self-composed song by Kim Taehyung with over 80 million streams is "Winter Bear." V's "Winter Bear," which was a surprise release in August 2019, is a track that shows off his own music world with calm and warm lyrics, the sound of an acoustic guitar, and his unique singing style. "Winter Bear" has reached 138 million streams on SoundCloud so far, and its music video has surpassed 75 million views on YouTube. With all of his self-composed songs, BTS V has become the first K-pop solo artist to have three songs with more than 80 million streams on SoundCloud. Congratulations to Kim Taehyung! BTS V Shares What Genre They Want the Group to Try in the Future In an interview with Amazon Music on July 8, Jaeki Cho talked to BTS on various topics, including the genre of music they wanted to try next. Taehyung shared that he wants to try a "jazzy" song with his members. He added that it would be cool if they sing the lines like they are talking or whispering the melody. BTS V further stated that he wants to try something similar to the rap line, delivering the lines as if they were talking. Previously, BTS V released "Singularity," a song exuding a jazz vibe with R&B and neo-soul. If the group's future release would sound like this, it's bound to be well-received by fans. What genre would you like BTS to try in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more news updates about other K-Pop news, always keep your tabs open here at Kpopstarz. Owned by Kpopstarz. Written by Mhaliya Scott During 2PM appearance on the JTBC program "Knowing Bros," Nichkhun selected the 2PM member he would introduce to his younger sister. Keep on reading to see who he chose! 2PM Nichkhun Picks the Member He Would Introduce to His Younger Sister 2PM recently appeared on the July 3 episode of JTBC's "Knowing Bros." During their appearance on the show, the cast members asked Nichkhun which member he would most likely introduce to his younger sister. The cast members noted that 2PM, who has been with one another for thirteen years as idols and sixteen years as trainees, are just like family. Nichkhun then says that despite how long they have been with each other, the members are still considerate of him. Moreover, as he is a foreigner, the members always ask and make sure he is okay. That is when Kang Ho Dong, one of the show's cast members, asks if they have a sister, they would be willing to introduce her to the members. Junho mentions that Nichkhun actually does have a younger sister. Nichkhun actually has two younger sisters - Nichthima Yanin, born in 1990, and Nachjaree (Chereen), born in 1994. With that in mind, they ask Nichkhun if there is a member they would be willing to introduce to his younger sister. As the "Knowing Bros" cast members ask Nichkhun who he would trust to introduce to his younger sister, the Thai idol appears to hesitate. It is almost as if he does not trust his members with his sisters! He says he even hates the thought of having to introduce his younger sister to a man! ALSO READ: 2PM Taecyeon Reveals Heartwarming Reason He Gave Up His US Residency and Voluntarily Enlisted in the Military Nichkhun then reveals that one of his sisters likes Chansung, while the other likes Wooyoung. However, eyes are on Nichkhun as he selects who he would trust the most, saying he may disagree with his sisters' tastes. After giving it much thought, he revealed that out of all of the 2PM members, he would most likely introduce his sister to Chansung! When asked why, Nichkhun explains that he has known Chansung for sixteen years now, and he has never lied. Not even once! Nichkhun admires that when Chansung is angry, he does not lose his temper. Instead, he always tries to talk it out. As it is always good to try to solve problems through communication, he believes Chansung would treat his sister the best. Nickhun also adds that the 2PM maknae is a good cook! Chansung seemed ecstatic with this as he stood up to smile and bow. The male even shot out some finger hearts! Which 2PM member would you like to meet? 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 On July 9, South Korean media outlet Hankook Ilbo named the K-pop idols with weird food combinations. Do you want to see just how odd these food pairings are? Then keep on reading! TWICE Tzuyu, Red Velvet Yeri, and More: Female Idols Who Like Weird Food Pairings The first female idol Hankook Ilbo mentioned is Lovelyz's member Kei. During an appearance on SBS's PowerFM's "Lee Joon's Young Street," Kei revealed she drinks 1 liter of milk every day. She especially likes drinking milk when she eats jokbal (pig's trotters), chicken, and hamburgers. When she appeared on Weekly Idol, Kei showed the fellow guests and MCs how she eats jokbal with milk. At the time, she claimed the salty jokbal mixed with milk doubles the savory taste. However, people did not agree. LOONA member Heejin said it felt as if she was chewing milk, while Jo Se Ho said it tastes like dirty milk. TWICE member Tzuyu previously gained attention for her unique food combination. During an appearance on JTBC's "Girls Who Eat Well," Tzuyu revealed that she would crush cookies and sprinkle them over rice when she was younger. When asked how it tastes, Tzuyu said it is unique and delicious. She was then asked if it tasted like Chinese medicinal rice, to which Tzuyu agreed. Another female idol with an odd food combination is Red Velvet member Yeri. During an appearance on tvN's "Empty the Convenience Store," the idol presented a unique dish by mixing jjajang ramen, tuna, triangular kimbap, cheese, soy sauce, and egg. When she ate it, she said it was spicy and delicious. However, when Lee Soo Geun tried her dish, he claimed it tasted like strong soybean paste. ALSO READ: Red Velvet Yeri Attracts Attention for Unique Outfit in Instagram Post Yeri is also fond of eating beef with vinegar. On top of adding soy sauce, the idol says that adding the sweetness of vinegar then dipping the meat in salt enhances the flavor. Additionally, Yeri loved adding red pepper paste to her food. Media Outlet Highlights Kang Daniel Weird Food Combinations Hankook Ilbo named one male idol with an odd food combination Kang Daniel. During an appearance on JTBC's "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator," Kang Daniel revealed that he likes to eat frozen sliced green onions, saying he eats them like cookies. The idol is also fond of hot sauce and even sprinkles it on rice, pasta, salad, and even garlic bread! The male is also fond of chewing peppercorns. Do you have any weird food combinations? 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 Energy & Weatherization Assistant I (TEMP) Salary $39,348.24 - $47,828.76 Annually Location Everett, WA Job Type Full-Time Department Human Services Job Number 2021-00211 Division Human Services Housing & Community Services Closing 7/21/2021 11:59 PM Pacific Description Join our Snohomish County Human Services Team! We have a full-time temporary position with medical benefits in the Energy Assistance Program of our Housing and Community Services Division. This position will work 100% with the Energy Assistance Program. This is a 6-month temporary assignment. The candidate selected may be able to stay longer in this position based on the needs of the program. This position requires working in the office 2-3 days per week and 2-3 days remotely per week. Looking for a dynamic individual with excellent math skills, ability to determine income and program eligibility, work in a fast-paced environment, and work with a very diverse population. This individual must have high-speed internet, a private office space when working remote and the ability to redirect communication professionally when encountering disgruntled customers and be able to consistently retain program-related information as expected for this position. NOTE: Any references to weatherization tasks or acquiring certifications in this notice are not applicable to this position. Human Services Department mission is to help all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective services and building community. The Human Services Department includes 230 diverse, friendly, and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career at Snohomish County. BASIC FUNCTION To interview low income clients and establish their eligibility for grant funded energy and weatherization programs. Process necessary documents for compliance with regulations. Job Duties STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Assists clients in person and on the telephone in correctly completing forms; reviews forms for accuracy; requests additional information as needed; calculates eligibility and answers questions regarding eligibility. Answers telephone; respond to questions or routes calls to correct party. Reviews client files to ensure that all documents are signed and completed per contract compliance. Provides information and referral to Community Service Agencies. Enters information on the computer in specialized format, including application, program or financial data. Receives and routes incoming mail; may deliver mail to Post Office and maintain mail log. STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES Provides client training in Energy Conservation. Assists client in budget counseling. Schedules phone interviews; assists elderly, handicapped and homebound clients with their eligibility. Assists with appointment scheduling. Performs related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications One (1) year of experience in Energy/Weatherization programs performing a variety of office work, interviewing and computer experience; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program experience preferred. Must pass job related tests. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program experience preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A valid Washington State Driver's License is required for employment. Additional Information KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: computers, data entry and standard software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel standard office practices and procedures and all related office work standard human service client protocol including interview techniques, client confidentiality requirements, and professional conduct Ability to: perform mathematical computations communicate effectively with a diverse population learn and retain a complex series of rules and regulations to determine eligibility and benefits explain complex rules, policies and procedures in a concise easy to understand manner read, interpret and enter data accurately and rapidly maintain an organized work setting, tracking forms and applications work with minimum supervision in a fast paced setting meeting deadlines while coping with distractions and interruptions accurately follow oral and written instructions maintain accurate records and prepare required reports maintain a professional demeanor while exercising good judgment SUPERVISION Employees receive direction from a technical Lead Energy & Weatherization Assistant III, and supervision from a Human Services Specialist III or administrator as assigned. Objectives, priorities and goals/deadlines are established by the supervisor. Employees plan and carry out successive steps and resolve problems in accordance with instructions, policies and accepted practices. WORKING CONDITIONS The work is performed in the usual office environment with occasional field work when assisting clients. Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request. EEO policy and ADA notice Agency Snohomish County Address 3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503 Everett, Washington, 98201 recblid 7in0m2hsx1wrozt8r6tz7ybscvckzc Req #16804 Wednesday, June 23, 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. Bindery/Press Assistant Gannett Publishing Services Action Printing Action Printing, a growing commercial print an industry-leading catalog, book and publication printer is looking for motivated individuals to join the Printing and Bindery department at our Fond Du Lac production facility. This is an excellent opportunity to become a part of our team! We have immediate openings for part-time Bindery Assistants and Press Assistants. Qualified candidates must have a minimum of 1 to 3 years experience working in a commercial print department. Must demonstrate a willingness to accept direction from supervisors and peers to improve quality and work performance. Also, must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular basis. Hours will vary based on workload, and periodic weekend work will be required. 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift positions available. We offer on the job training, excellent growth opportunities, 401(k) and more. Description Req #16820 Wednesday, June 23, 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. Product Handler Gannett Publishing Services The Arizona Republic Gannett Publishing Services, located in Phoenix, AZ, is recruiting for a part-time Product Handler forThe Arizona Republicworking 20-29 hours per week.This individual provides distribution and handling of daily and non-daily products to our contractors while performing a variety of tasks and responsibilities.Position requires flexibility to work varied days and hours including weekends and holidays as needed.This is an evening / early morning position. Distribution and handling of daily and non-daily products to carriers, haulers, retailers and consumers. Unload and load trucks containing various print publications. Open the distribution center and prepare for the independent contractor arrival by preparing and distributing specified reports and paperwork. Utilize industry-specific software to handle required reporting for center. General housekeeping of distribution center. Complete required documentation and reports for center as needed. Maintain and audit store returns from contractors. Requirements: Strong organizational and communication skills required for a fast-paced environment.Good computer skills including Microsoft Office.Good time management skills.Good verbal and written communication skills.Must be able to push and pull carts loaded with newspapers weighing up to 500 pounds with assistance and repetitively lift newspaper bundles weighing up to 50 pounds. 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 Function Marketing Solutions Pay Type Hourly Other details recblid hk62foe70h2g1zahgkx8c3q38ku50e Requirements None 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 Description Req #16569 Tuesday, June 15, 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. LOCALiQ is the marketing solution from the USA TODAY NETWORK providing businesses the smarter way to reach local customers. As local marketing becomes more complex, LOCALiQ empowers local businesses with unique insights from 125 million consumers in our network of sites, apps and experiences and learnings from millions of local leads delivered each year. We couple that with end to end service from our experts using local marketing best practices proven across the country.LOCALiQ simplifies local marketing and provides our clients the confidence of growing. Our core values:Community, Progress through Passion, Action with PurposeandBelief in People.If you share these values,come join our family! TheSales Executiverole requires a highly personable, intelligent individual with the ability tolead digitally focused sales efforts while maintaining an energetic, strategic and entrepreneurial spirit. As aUSA TODAY NETWORKSales Executive, youll partner with clients to provide a broad set of solutions to include: Build Their Presence: Website, SEO, Local Listings, Reputation & Social Media Drive Awareness & Leads: Search Engine Marketing, Social, Display, Video, and Mobile Advertising Grow Audience and Connect: Brand Content Solutions, Social Media Marketing Manage Leads and Customers: Lead Alert, Engagement and Tracking Tools Know What Works: Reporting, Mobile Tools, Insight Solutions Emerging technology such as Virtual and Augmented Reality We are dedicated to helping our clients grow based on their unique needs. When they win, we win! As a Marketing Solutions Sales Executive, 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 through integrated marketing plans and comprehensive media solutions Identify customer needs to develop and execute account plans and custom client solutions that differentiate USA TODAY NETWORK from competitors Help businesses maximize their online presence with a custom approach to digital marketing Leverage multiple USA TODAY NETWORK resources and partners to develop optimal client solutions across our suite of products, with an emphasis on digital 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 digital 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 across multiple platforms, including digital, mobile, targeted niche publications and the core newspaper Articulate and present our suite of products to business decision makers Communicate with customers proactively via phone, 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 (Salesforce) effectively and efficiently recording all sales activity Requirements: 1-3 years of sales experience Bachelors degree preferred, or equivalent practical experience Passionate solution-seeker 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 offeran 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 and visionaries #LI-SM1 gan.sales #PhoenixSales #remote 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 Outside Sales Job Function Marketing Solutions Pay Type Salary Other details recblid dc9u62kh6y9jiad9aaf75ibhc3qmik Requirements None Description Req #16670 Wednesday, June 16, 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. Custodian Gannett Publishing Fayetteville NC $9.50 hour Gannett Publishing Company located in Fayetteville, NC at The Fayetteville Observer is seeking a part-time Custodian to assist in ensuring that the facility is clean and safe. Daily and weekly tasks include general cleaning of the building and keeping the grounds free of excess debris. Applicant must be self-motivated, well-organized, and able to realize what needs to be done without being closely monitored by a manager. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Work with established cleaning procedures to maintain a clean working environment in the production facility. Clean all building areas, including restrooms, break rooms, cafeteria, lobby, offices, and other common areas. Floor care: Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Inspect and operate all equipment needed to clean the building. Notify manager if supply inventory requires replenishment. Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred. Experience: Previous cleaning experience in an industrial environment preferred. 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 GateHouse Media Pay Type Hourly Other details recblid 04tn94gzh2h61k8sgyq561oc10hrol Requirements None Pioneer Manor Nursing Facility in Hay Springs, NE is looking for compassionate, motivated Nurses to join our team. LPN - $3,000 Sign on Bonus RN - $5,000 Sign-on Bonus Health insurance options/HSA Crisis Pay (Extra wages during Covid-19) Paid Time Off Daycare cost of $1.25 while working 8 and 12 hour shifts available! Differentials for weekend ($1.50), evening ($.75), and night ($.50) Simple IRA with a 3% Match Newly adjusted and competitive wages recblid ps3a2pbjhihn75tubjntfv2bvy781v BBL Construction Services is seeking a full-time Administrative / Accounting Associate. This individual would be assisting a project team with administrative and accounting needs at our Corporate Headquarters. The qualified individual must be computer savvy (Microsoft Office Suite required; Timberline / Procore experience preferred but not required), possess excellent math, verbal and written communication skills, be dependable and a team player. We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefit package including paid time off, medical, 401k and other supplemental benefits. Please submit resume to: BBL Construction Services, LLC, Attn: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 12789, Albany, NY 12212 or email to resume@bblinc.com E.O.E. BBL Management Group is a full service property management firm with over 25 years of experience in New York State. Organization and efficiency are the keys to our success for providing professional management services for properties of any size and use. BBL Management Group is complemented by a dedicated team of professionals experienced in all levels of property management, accounting and lease administration. We currently manage approximately 3 million square feet of commercial real estate. Our portfolio is comprised of over 50 properties and 300 tenants in the corporate, retail, industrial, financial, and medical markets. recblid k0vht9aqgcnt1vim9c5w3vxyalhk4g Location: 3052-Norfolk Job Title Non CDL Route Driver Primary Location Norfolk, Nebraska Employee Type Employee Job Description Arts Garbage Services, a Waste Connections company, is looking for a safety conscience CDL DRIVER to join our team in Norfolk, NE *** $7,500 STAY ON BONUS*** Why you need to join us! CULTURE: It's a Great place to work! We work in an environment where empowered, self-directed All-stars know what they do is important. INTEGRITY: Our definition is "saying what you will do and then doing it!" We keep our promises to our customers and our employees. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste experience preferred, but not required. Ability to read route sheets and service each customer identified on the sheet or assigned by the dispatcher. Perform routine inspection and maintenance on vehicles such as checking fluids, safety equipment, and tires. Ability to perform a physically demanding job, loading and unloading, at times with no helpers. Operate hydraulic hand controls to lift/load refuse and dispose of trash at designated facilities. Courteous interaction with our customers and perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. A typical schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, with an occasional Saturday as needed, 40-45 hour work week. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT: Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds. Work environment involves some exposure to physical risks such as moving mechanical parts. Which require following basic safety precautions. The employee is exposed to outside weather, including frequent wet and/or humid conditions, as well as exposure to fumes and vibration. Noise level is usually moderate. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: Valid Class B CDL License with air brakes endorsement as a minimum. Ability to read, write, comprehend and communicate in English. 2 years of experience preferred. Basic knowledge of truck components in order to complete pre- and post-trip inspections. To be considered for any of our current openings you must complete an application at careers.wasteconnections.com . Application information and additional instructions can be found once you select your position of interest. We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future". Waste Connections is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran) Magnolia, AR (71754) Today Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. San Diego's Krishen Iyer on Branding and Digital Marketing Suggestions for Nonprofit Organizations For nonprofit organizations, the race is always on for novel ideas to expand outreach. Thanks to digital marketing rising in popularity, the opportunity to revamp your nonprofits public awareness is here. Digital marketing gives your nonprofit a way to connect with corporate sponsors, loyal supporters, and potential donors. Here are some suggestions for keeping your branding and digital marketing on par with current trends. Suggestion #1: Confirm whether your organizations current brand messaging reflects its values. How do you know if your brand identity is considered adequate? For starters, it should remind your nonprofits supporters why they support your organization. An effective brand identity provokes specific emotions and values from your supporter and reminds the supporter that your organization is directly aligned with those values. It is imperative for you and your digital marketing team to know why your supporters support your nonprofit in the first place. What makes your organization different from like-minded nonprofits? The more aware your organization is of why supporters flock to your organization, the more successful they will develop their fundraising efforts, too. Typically, corporate sponsors already have a set of philanthropic values specific to their mission. When your nonprofits brand identity is communicated, corporate sponsors will be more likely to have a positive first impression of your organization in a digital setting. Suggestion #2: Design and promote your brand. Confirming whether your organizations current brand messaging reflects its values focuses on your nonprofits base. Alternatively, branding your digital forms speaks to those who have yet to come in contact with your organization. Designing and promoting your brand fosters trustworthiness with your supporters, as well as a mutual understanding with corporate sponsors and potential donors regarding your organizations mission. For starters, you can use link-building to keep website visitors on your websites page. If a new user clicks on a link from your nonprofits website that takes them to a different website, their confidence and security might diminish. To make sure that link building does not discourage donations or engagement, be sure to include your nonprofits logo on all website pages. Should you use link-building to send users to a different website, make sure that those forms also use your nonprofits logo. You can also rely on other branding tactics to build user confidence in your website and digital resources, such as a uniform color palette or font. If you are reading this and dreading all of the website development work ahead of you, I have got you covered. Some website builders may give you authority to customize your site and branding tools more than others. Should you begin to think about switching website development tools, be sure to pick a platform that allows you to create branded external pages. It is also helpful to use a website platform that offers on-site registration and donations, as well as mobile designs, so that users can view your nonprofits content on the go. Suggestion #3: Measure brand awareness as a means-test. Now that you have put in the work to bring your nonprofits brand to the next level, you want to make sure that the juice has been worth the squeeze. Fortunately, there are plenty of metrics at your disposal to make sure that your efforts have worked. Take website and referral traffic, for example. Look into website platforms and their metrics to assess whether you can see how many people have visited your website overall. You can also evaluate your websites referral traffic, which measures how many visits to your site came from links on external websites. Social media activity is another tried-and-true way to see if people are interacting with your brand. Likes, followers, retweets, comments, direct messages, etc. can offer insight into whether a new digital marketing campaign or pattern of content creation generates buzz. In addition, the share of voice metric takes into account how your nonprofits attention measures up to your counterparts. Share of voice can entail how many mentions your organization receives on social media or how much traffic your nonprofits website gains when the public searches for specific keywords. About Krishen Iyer Krishen Iyer is a California-based entrepreneur and graduate of San Diego State University. He has nearly two decades of experience brainstorming successful digital marketing and branding tactics for organizations, with a vertical focus on health and dental insurance clients. Iyer founded the Encinitas-based MAIS Consulting Services firm in 2020, where he and his team of experts identify contracting and marketing solutions for clientele in San Diego and beyond. 2021 Copyright Krishen Iyer - 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. ZeroAvia Featured in New U.K. Video to Promote International Trade ZeroAvia, the company that is revolutionizing the aviation industry, is a proud partner of the U.K.s Department for International Trade. ZeroAvia, which is developing sustainable aviation solutions in partnership with leading investors and airline partners, is one of the agencys collaborators to promote trade with innovative U.K. companies. A new video produced by the department that touts the countrys commitment to clean transportation solutions features ZeroAvia. Those technological advancements are critical pieces in the countrys move toward its goal of being net zero in emissions by 2050. The video cites ZeroAvias innovative work to disrupt and transform global aviation. In one segment, it notes that the U.K. is now a global hub for innovation and collaboration for high-performance engineering solutions for planes, trains, and cars. In another, it directly references ZeroAvias jet zero technology to create the worlds first hydrogen airplane. The new video touts the countrys accomplishments in producing clean energy and transportation, including its 5 billion blueprint for cleaner and greener public transportation. It also cites the U.K.s progressive steps and innovations regarding clean energy, including: The move to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Having the worlds fastest rate of decarbonization and a green grid that powers the mobilization supply chain. The creation of the lithium-ion battery. Being home to Europes first factory devoted to the mass production of batteries for electric vehicles. The development of the next generation of power cells at an advanced open-access factory. The creation of pop-up airports for flying cars. Using wind assistance to ship goods across the worlds oceans. The worlds first fleet of hydrogen double-decker buses. Where will you find the worlds clean transport solutions? the video asks. Were the U.K., and were ready to trade with you. ZeroAvia is among several major world-renowned companies featured in the video, including Formula 1, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and Wrightbus. In a post announcing the companys participation in the video, ZeroAvia noted, We are delighted to work with the U.K. government and DIT to showcase their advancements in developing clean transport solutions. For ZeroAvia, the collaboration with the government agency is one of several partnerships that the company has recently formed, a testament to its groundbreaking work in clean aviation. Valery Miftakhov founded ZeroAvia in 2017 and now works as its chief executive officer. The company is using hydrogen-fueled powertrain technology to revolutionize air transportation. It expects to commercialize powertrains that will compete with the traditional engine technology of propeller airplanes. It plans to launch its first zero-emission, low-noise products by 2024. Scalability is essential for ZeroAvia as it develops technologies to enable longer short-haul trips using its powertrain. It projects that its disruptive products will change air travel, with demand of as many as 100,000 units in the next 10 years. The hydrogen-powered, zero-emission powertrain will help reduce the cost of trips by up to 50 percent due to a 75 percent drop in fuel and maintenance expenses. The company will start by building a powertrain that it can use in fixed-wing aircraft carrying 10 to 20 passengers, allowing the company to use existing infrastructure and reduce regulatory burdens. The company projects a progressive series of newer, larger powertrain models for aircraft that are larger and in flights of longer mileage. ZeroAvia projects that, by 2040, its powertrain technology will drive aircraft with more than 200 seats on distances of up to 5,000 nautical miles. In its short existence, ZeroAvia has made rapid strides. In 2019, ZeroAvia completed its first electric-powered test flights. A year later, it completed an eight-minute test flight in a six-seat plane. The company has quickly established itself as a major player in the airline industry. Among its recent achievements, the company has: Been named a member of the Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation, part of the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization. The coalition supports the development and acceleration of new ideas to foster sustainable aviation and reduce emissions. Established a partnership with British Airways to assist the airline in its goal of having zero emissions by 2050. Secured $53 million in private funding, including a recent round of $24.3 million led by Horizon Ventures and including Breakthrough Energy Partners, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Shell Ventures, Summa Equity, and SYSTEMIQ. A $21.4 million investment from Amazon as part of the retailers Climate Pledge Fund could use ZeroAvia technology as part of its plans to build its own air transportation logistics network. Been named one of 10 finalists by NASA iTech to present its findings in the 2021 Cycle I Forum, which brings together companies, NASA chief technologists, industry experts, and investors to support new technologies and accelerate the time to market. Been granted 12.3 million ($16.3 million) from the U.K.s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme to build a hydrogen-powered aircraft with 19 seats to complete a 350-mile flight. Been named a finalist in the transportation category of Fast Companys 2021 World-Changing Ideas Awards. Been named by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer, an honor given to a select number of early- to growth-stage companies that use new technologies and innovation to have a major impact on business and society. About ZeroAvia ZeroAvia is the worlds leading company for sustainable aviation solutions. It is based in Cranfield in the United Kingdom and Hollister, California, in the United States. By Umer Mahmood 2021 Copyright Umer Mahmood - 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. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Mauritius has welcomed the decision by the UK government to relax quarantine rules for those returning to Britain from Amber list countries, which currently includes Mauritius. The decision announced by the UK government in July means travel between the two countries will become a lot easier for those returning to the UK. Under the new guidelines, those entering Britain from Mauritius would no longer have to isolate for up to 10 days, making Mauritius a viable holiday destination for British travellers once again. The UKs decision to relax quarantine rules comes as the Indian Ocean island nation prepares to open its borders to vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers in a safe and secure environment from 15 July 2021. Mauritius is allowing international visitors from 15 July and is set to begin Phase 1 of reopening of its borders, which will run until 30 September, and will allow vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests to enter the country, with vaccinated visitors to stay in one of 14 chosen resort bubbles. Vaccinated holidaymakers will be able to enjoy facilities within their chosen resort bubble including the swimming pool and beach. If guests stay for 14 days and have negative PCR tests during their stay in the resort, they will then be able to leave the hotel and travel around the island freely for the rest of their stay, exploring the islands many attractions. However, for shorter stays, they may leave the resort earlier and travel directly back home. Nilen Vencadasmy, Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), said: We welcome the UK governments decision to relax quarantine restrictions upon returning to the UK from Amber list countries. Mauritius has seen extremely low levels of Covid cases throughout the crisis and all visitors can be confident of staying in a Covid-safe and secure country. We have taken this positive approach to allow the tourism industry to flourish once again on the island, and the lifting of mandatory quarantine on return to the UK will no doubt encourage UK citizens to start booking holidays to idyllic locations around the world, including Mauritius. Non-vaccinated holidaymakers will also be able to visit the island and must complete a 14-day quarantine period in designated hotels. Visitors will stay in their room during this time and meals will be delivered to them. A quarantine hotel stay is only available for non-vaccinated international visitors and returning Mauritian nationals and can be booked through a tour operator, travel agent or directly with the hotel. A full list of approved quarantine hotels and entry requirements are available at www.mauritiusnow.com These types of injuries are unfortunately common across the industry, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. She cited a survey of 2,000 workers that found younger people were more likely to claim that their work had contributed to their MSD. Because Amazon has added thousands of new jobs, and many of our new employees are in the 18-24 age range and doing this work for the first time, the data is skewed, she said. Workforce Board Lehigh Valley is running the program and partnering with NCC and Lehigh Carbon Community College. Dischinat said they are meeting with the state to try to negotiate some of the programs eligibility requirements. As it is now, program grant recipients would have to meet seven eligibility requirements, including having lost their job due to the pandemic, having made less than $15 an hour before losing their job and having worked in a pandemic-disrupted industry such as food service, retail trade or health care. The filing comes about a month after multiple sources told The Morning Call that work at the plant would be transferred to a facility Windkits opened two years ago in Matamoros, a city in northeastern Mexico near the U.S. border. Another factor in the companys decision, those sources said, could be that balsa wood a major raw material for Windkits manufacturing operations comes from Central and South America. The wireless industry lobbied for the new law for years, said Dan Cohen of the Cohen Law Group, a Pittsburgh firm that represents local governments in wireless and broadband litigation. An initial iteration of the bill about four years ago would have taken away local zoning authority over these wireless facilities and did not allow municipalities to govern design guidelines. Over the last couple of months, Pennsylvania municipal associations, industry representatives and state lawmakers came together to negotiate a bill that was more acceptable to both sides, said Cohen, who sat in on the negotiations. An EPA geologist toured the affected area and upgradient quarry June 22 to gather information, and conducted additional research at local libraries about the historic uses of the area, as well as its geologic formations, the EPA news release states. The geologist identified several additional potential sources of information about area wells, which will be examined more closely as needed in the coming weeks. According to authorities, the confrontation captured on video happened after Mathews knocked on the door of a neighbor's house demanding to see the husband, who is Black. His wife, who is white, called police. Another neighbor, who is also Black and is currently serving in the Air Force, met Mathews on the stoop and walkway to the neighbors house in an attempt to help his friends. Video shows Mathews calling the Black neighbors racist names. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman may be Pennsylvanias most high-profile liberal. The former mayor of Braddock has worked his way into the national profile through his support for liberal causes, including legalizing marijuana and a $15 minimum wage. He finished a distant third in the 2016 Democratic primary race for senator but raised his profile thanks in part to an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders. He announced in February he would run for senate again in 2022. FEC data shows he spent $2.1 million on his campaign in the first three months of 2021 and still had another $1.9 million on hand. Specifically, bills with broad support should get a vote. Legislators from across the partisan and geographic spectrum should have meaningful input on what bills are enacted. Bills with strong bipartisan support should get a vote in committee and, if they pass, on the House or Senate floor. If bills pass one chamber with bipartisan support, they should at least get the courtesy of a vote in the other chamber. I was supportive of the legislation. I wrote that I didnt believe it would make it any easier to vote, but I didnt see how it would prevent people from voting, either. And it would have clarified the law, including specifying that people who return incomplete mail ballots would be allowed to correct their mistakes. Fort Madison, IA (52627) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Fort Madison, IA (52627) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Today's Headlines Would you like to receive our daily news? Sign up today! Breaking news Sign up for breaking news alerts from morning-times.com!!! Week in Sports Get a weekly local sports round-up from www.morning-times.com every Saturday morning!!! 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. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. South Texas suffered in own soaking rain while Florida battened down the hatches and resisted a hit from Tropical Storm Elsa. Texas Rain On Wednesday, more than 10 inches of rain poured in Rockport, Texas, approaching the nearly 10 inches of rain that Elsa dumped on a few Florida communities. Rockport received more than a foot of rain in less than 48 hours. The rain in Texas was caused by an area of low pressure over south-central Texas that was blocked off from the jet stream rather than by a tropical cyclone. When a system is cut off from the rest of the world, weather processes move very slowly. As a result, excellent weather tends to continue for several days in a given place. Wet weather has been present for several days in this example. Flood Watch and Warnings Over the last two days, flash flood watches and warnings have been issued throughout the Texas coast, with places like Rockport experiencing a flash flood emergency. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, rising water caused road closures throughout the Coastal Bend. One social media user shared a video of Salt Creek on Wednesday near the Texas communities of Tivoli and Refugio, saying the water was nearly over the bridge and flowing fast. Related Article: State of Emergency Raised as Tropical Storm Elsa Ravages Through Florida Severe Weather Alert According to a severe weather alert issued by the city of San Antonio on Tuesday, the region between Leon Valley to Helotes experienced 6 to 7 inches of rain. When combined with the rain that fell on Monday, the area received over 10 inches of rain, resulting in extensive flooding. According to KENS 5 Eyewitness, torrential rains caused parts of Leon Stream in San Antonio, Texas, to overflow to near-record levels, pouring over the creek banks and displacing neighboring neighbors. As a result, five residences were inundated, with three of them requiring housing assistance, according to the city. According to the city, a mobile home was also flooded, but the inhabitants did not request housing help. According to My San Antonio, a renowned San Antonio restaurant, the Comfort Cafe, was also destroyed by the water, prompting another eatery to offer assistance. Creek Flooding According to the National Weather Service, the creek near I-35 South crested at 25.79 feet on Tuesday evening, the fourth highest on record. The freeway on the southwest side of San Antonio was also completely closed due to the flooding, although it has now reopened. The San Antonio River was pushed downstream Wednesday by a flood wave caused by torrential rain in Bexar County Tuesday, making river gauges at Elmendorf and Floresville to near-moderate flood conditions. Compared to Elsa While it didn't quite match Elsa's rainfall totals, the Victoria Airport recorded 2.79 inches of rain on Wednesday, shattering the previous day's record of 1.17 inches established in 1991. In Victoria, the average rainfall for July is 4.18 inches. Only the first seven days of the month had seen 5.03 inches of rain, all of which has fallen since July 4. As long as the cut-off mechanism is in place, the rain will continue till the end of the week. The high moisture content of the air, caused by a flow from the Gulf of Mexico, could result in many inches of rain in a short amount of time. The duration and severity of the rain will increase the risk of floods. Starting to Diminish By the time the rain begins to diminish in intensity this weekend, total rainfall may reach 20 inches (510 mm). This is a huge quantity of rain for a non-tropical storm. Although this low-pressure system is neither a tropical storm or hurricane, low moisture and many days of rain are causing rainfall totals to exceed those of Tropical Storm Elsa on the Gulf Coast. In Texas, the rain will have stopped mainly by the weekend. Thunderstorms are expected to continue in Mexico, although the rain will be less heavy than it has been previously. Also Read: Storm Anxiety: How to Handle Extreme Weather Phobias During Hurricane Season For more climate and weather updates, don't forget to follow Nature World News! White-throated sparrows are among the best-studied North American songbirds. With a typical wingspan of 6 to 7 inches, it breeds primarily in northern boreal coniferous and mixed forests and, a short-distance migrant, winters mainly in the southeastern US. To make these migrations, the bird's body changes significantly. (Photo : Paul Bartell / Penn State) Jennifer Toussaint, Arlington, Virginia's chief of animal control, can't forget the four newborn blue jays. Residents were concerned enough to send the fledglings to her clinic just outside of Washington, D.C., in late May. Toussaint claims that each was fat, suggesting that "their parents had done an excellent job caring for them." But, on the other hand, the birds were sluggish, unable to maintain their equilibrium, and partially blinded by crusty, oozing patches that had developed over their eyes. Mysterious Fatal Sickness According to Toussaint and her team, the jays were the latest victims of a mysterious fatal sickness that had arisen in their region just a few weeks before and had already killed many wild birds. They killed the jays because there was no recognized therapy. Toussaint recalls how terrible it was to feel helpless. Hundreds of cases in at least a dozen species of birds in nine states since May. Scientists have ruled out Salmonella bacteria, numerous virus families, and Trichomonas parasites as causes. Experts are looking for evidence of a cause in bird corpses and the environment. "Knowing what isn't the cause is just as important as knowing what is," Toussaint adds. But it also means that wildlife epidemiologist David Stallknecht, director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia, Athens, which is engaged in the project, adds, "We're still scratching our brains on this one." Hundreds of thousands of people have reported ill or dead birds in Virginia. Most cases involve grackles, blue jays, American robins, and European starlings. Young birds seem to be particularly vulnerable. Some species are more susceptible than others. Researchers are beginning to understand the outbreak. Related Article: 'Freak Weather' Blamed for Mysterious Disappearance of Thousands of Pigeons in UK Incoming Data According to Allisyn-Marie Gillet, Indiana's state ornithologist, those demographics might alter as more data comes in, particularly from rural areas where few observations have been made thus far. But, according to experts, the epidemic does not appear to represent a significant danger to bird populations at this time. Still, they're keeping an eye on it to see if it spreads farther; instances of sick birds have been reported as far west as Indiana and Kentucky and as far north as Pennsylvania. Cicada Disease Cicadas are eaten by birds, causing some scientists to speculate that the outbreak may be connected to the insects. Massospora, a type of fungus that infects cicada broods, may also play a role. The cicadas appear to be innocent. Mass Deaths Bird extinctions are not unusual, especially among species that form dense flocks or congregate at feeders. Researchers have monitored outbreaks of West Nile virus, avian influenza, and Salmonella over the last few decades. The study was published in the American Journal of Infectious Diseases. Other Possible Causes According to the July 2 announcement, several of those suspects have been ruled out in this instance. However, experts are still looking at other options. They're utilizing electron microscopy to look for telltale damage in tissues and a battery of tests to look for suspicious bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical pollutants, for example. The number of birds being brought to rehab facilities in Virginia is starting to decline. Officials urge bird enthusiasts to take precautions to prevent the spread of any disease until the epidemic is finished. The says there are signs that the outbreak is slowing down, but it's still a concern. Also Read: 'Freak Weather' Blamed for Mysterious Disappearance of Thousands of Pigeons in UK For more news update about anything wildlife related, don't forget to follow Nature World News! RUSAPE-BORN Captain Tiffany Swoswe (22) has made Manicaland proud after becoming the provinces first female pilot. Captain Swoswe did her primary and secondary education in Rusape before undergoing a flight training services course in South Africa from 2019 to 2021. She graduated as a private pilot in South Africa on June 9. So far, Captain Swoswe has done 86 flight hours. Captain Swoswe is pursuing a commercial pilot licence course. She holds a Diploma in Business Management and Development from the Gordon Institute of Business Science at the University of Pretoria in 2019. In an interview with The Manica Post from her South Africa base early this week, Captain Swoswe said there were no limits for women in the male-dominated aviation industry. Her first flight was with instructor Matthew Reynolds who was impressed by how she handled the plane with precision. My first experience gave me great contentment. I felt that I had broken down many barriers. Women should also leave a mark in these male dominated industries. I have managed to prove that young rural girls raised by single mothers can succeed in life. The desire to raise the Manicaland flag also inspired me. When Cyclone Idai hit some parts of Manicaland in 2019, that also inspired me to take up the course so that I can actively participate in future rescue missions and save lives, she said. I have a role to play in the development of my country. I have humanitarian work at heart and want to fly to save lives and later start my own development organisation such that when natural disasters strike again, I will fly to bring disaster relief and save lives in my country of birth, said Captain Swoswe. She said Zimbabwe has some of the best brains in the world, adding that opportunities need to be availed to these people for the benefit of the country. My qualification should be an inspiration to many young girls. The rural girl child out there should be motivated to see that there are many career opportunities at their disposal. They need to go beyond the norm, rural young girls are not destined to become housewives. I know that school fees can be a huge challenge, but if families work in improving their agricultural production like what mine did, school fees can be raised. I want those young girls to get up and do it no matter the circumstances. Rural Zimbabwe is where I came from. I hit an iceberg once, but I got up and ran, said Captain Swoswe. She said her mother, Ms Gladys Swoswe, as well as the late Air Force of Zimbabwe Flight Lieutenant Annita Mapiye who perished in a helicopter crush in Harare together with Wing Commander Thomas Tinashe Manyowa and aircraft technician, Flight Sergeant Tinodiwanashe Chikamhi, are among her role models. Being the first female combat helicopter pilot, the late Flight Lieutenant Mapiyes story and achievements taught me that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it, she said. Ms Swoswe said she is proud of her daughters academic discipline. Her academic discipline and achievements from primary school up to now make me so proud. Her hard work and kindness to the entire family, her friends and peers is out of this world. Tiffany has a big heart. On top of that she is a well-mannered young lady. On her journey to success, she has been through a lot. School fees was not always readily available, but she would not sit back and do nothing about it. She joined me at a tender age to run the family business and bring in extra income to fund her studies. Tiffany says there is a perception within the aviation industry that girls are not good enough. The industry is not friendly to black female pilots, but she overcame these obstacles by remembering her roots and being resilient. It is not about where she came from, but about how good she is at what she does, said the proud mother. Manica Post LOCAL health experts yesterday noted that Zimbabwe was three months behind the ever-mutating COVID-19 virus, and suggested that the best brains were now required to tame the tide. This came as the southern African nation recorded 56 deaths and 2 156 new infections in a single day on Thursday. The health experts also called on government to deploy police to funerals to control numbers after it emerged that citizens were turning out in their numbers at funerals, disregarding the limit of 30 imposed by the government. Mpilo Central Hospital Chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya said big brains were now wanted to save the country from the COVID-19 catastrophe. Unfortunately, you will need brains to craft a massive plan to get out of this massive unfolding catastrophe, he said. We are two to three months behind the virus. Despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa claiming on Wednesday that the country was winning the war against the virus, Zimbabwe has been recording a surge in positive COVID-19 cases. Government is also struggling to vaccinate its population after setting an ambitious target of inoculating over 10 million, representing 60% of the population. Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (MDPPAZ) president Johannes Marisa said a hard lockdown was the only option left for the country to get out of the quagmire. We are noticing some skyrocketing figures. For sure, COVID-19 is getting out of control. So many people are presenting symptoms and testing positive as well, he said. We need to take drastic measures if we are going to flatten our curve very fast. We need to make sure we reduce transmission among the people. The following measures are important: a hard lockdown, we need to reduce movement of people at the moment. These things should be taken seriously. Marisa implored members of MDPPAZ to speedily relay medical information to the COVID-19 taskforce as the country battles to contain the spread of the respiratory disease. This follows reports that a number of COVID-19 cases and deaths could be going unrecorded, especially in rural communities. Rural communities were spared the high infection rates during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Zimbabwe. However, the third wave, which according to the World Health Organisation is characterised by the Delta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants, has found its way in many rural communities in the country, particularly in Mashonaland West province. All medical professionals should expeditiously send information about positive PCR [polymerase chain reaction] patients or rapid antigen that they see whether outpatients or in-patients. All members are thus expected to submit reports everyday by 9pm to the city council informatics head, Mr Mukeredzi or MDPPZA secretariat, Marisa wrote. It is a now a routine to report notifiable conditions like tuberculosis, typhoid, cholera, polio, measles as fast they are diagnosed. There shall be a notification form that will be used as data collection tool to minimise data redundancy, it will be modified to make it user-friendly. By Saturday (today) afternoon, all members will have access to the notification form. He said the Health ministry and local authorities health departments would carry routine checks to see if medical practitioners were complying. Marisa said there was need for collective efforts if the country was to win the battle against COVID-19. We have to be vigilant and resilient as we face this third wave of COVID-19. We need to work together if we are to conquer this disease, he said. The doctors call came as World Health Organisation (WHO) observed that COVID-19 cases in Africa were doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago. WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, yesterday warned that Africa should brace for the worst as the COVID-19 third wave sweeps across the continent. Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2% of the African population, fully vaccinated. Newsday President Joe Biden has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 52 percent by 2030, according to The New York Times. As President Biden works on steering the U.S. towards a cleaner automobile sector and safe climate, he should ignore automakers' demands for less stringent emission and fuel efficiency rules. Instead, he should reimplement auto emissions for small vehicles, SUVs, and other light trucks to five percent annually, as directed under Obama's regulations. The president is aware that climate change is causing more infectious diseases to arise, not to mention intense drought and heat waves. And he can only achieve his goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by setting strict standards for automakers to fight climate change. Below are ways the auto industry can reduce carbon emissions. Speed up car electrification The auto sector aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emission through car electrification. Over the past few years, electric vehicles have proven to be excellent solutions for minimizing the impacts of global warming and enhancing air quality. However, to ensure consumers enjoy the benefits electric cars offer, automakers should focus on electrifying the entire automobile fleet, from public buses to taxis. They should also aim to develop advanced vehicle charging infrastructures. Increase fuel efficiency Today's car buyers are keen to find fuel-efficient vehicles when evaluating features of different automobile models at auto shops. Ideally, consumers want cars that burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in fewer carbon emissions. Moreover, the government's clean air regulations require automakers to design vehicles that emit little to zero CO2. To meet these standards, carmakers should switch their focus to develop new engines with valves that help vehicles utilize fuel efficiently. Automakers have also embraced innovative tech and automobile designs to make the car lighter, improve fuel economy, and reduce carbon emissions. Recycling materials In recent years, the auto industry has adapted green business strategies, such as recycling materials, choosing alternative fuels, and designing eco-friendly car parts. By recycling materials like plastic, aluminum, and steel, the auto industry can reduce its carbon footprint significantly. Even more appealing, most car makers have formed or joined green initiative programs to transform the auto sector into an eco-friendly industry. Increasing climate change concerns have forced the government to increase pressure on carbon emitters to change their business practices. Given the auto industry accounts for the largest share of CO2 emissions, the government has imposed stern measures to ensure they reduce their carbon footprint. Currently, the auto industry is reducing carbon emissions by speeding car electrification, increasing fuel efficiency, and using recyclable materials. Thailand reported a record number of new deaths on Thursday with 75 and came in at 72 on Friday. South Korea set a record for number of new cases on Thursday, only to break it on Friday with 1,316 infections, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. For the first time, Indonesia is seeing a surge that has hospitals turning patients away and oxygen supplies running out. Pfizer and BioNTech also said theyre working to adjust the vaccine to be even more resistant to the fast-spreading delta variant that is now the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S. These protocols, of which we are very proud, have proven to be very effective and we had no cases of COVID-19 in over 5,000 crew members until last month when a small number of cases were identified amongst new crew boarding the ship, Palethorpe said, according to USA Today. He pointed out that their diagnoses had changed over the years. They said that was because his illness changed. He pointed out he hadnt been violent in a long time. They said that was because he was trying to fool them. Weve seen our fans through social media express their outrage about the bun-to-hot-dog ratio issue for years, and we know there must be a better way. We believe that the time for change is now and we are hopeful, Kraft Heinz Company branding executive Daniel Gotlib said in a statement. As the iconic condiment that has been making hot dogs complete for over 150 years, we saw an opportunity to champion this issue on behalf of hot dog lovers across North America and help show manufacturers why they need to put an end to unequal packs. The CDC is not advising schools to require shots for teachers and kids who are eligible to get the vaccine. And its not offering guidance on how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. States and districts that adopt the new CDC guidance could be in for some significant logistical challenges. Students under 12 are still not eligible for vaccines, and city schools are not planning to require inoculations for staff or students, making it potentially very complicated to track who has gotten a shot. There was this tattoo artist named Takashi from our neighborhood. And he was this heroin addict. He did heroin to create. He did it to get himself in his little world, said Hernandez in the Hulu documentary, which aired in March. Rich missed holidays, birthdays while getting people through the darkest moments of their lives. Rich was an unsung hero. He dedicated his life to protecting New Yorkers for over 30 years. His words were healing and reassuring to those he helped. He didnt have a cape or armor but he was a real hero. One of the victims, 41, was struck eight times and rushed to Kings County Hospital, as was a 27-year-old who was shot once, said cops. They are expected to survive as is a 38-year-old struck once and taken to Brookdale Hospital. They observed the man holding a firearm in his left hand, and gave commands for the man to drop the gun, Holmes said. The man does not comply and instead raises the firearm in the direction of the officers. According to police, a bullet pierced the window on Belmont Ave. near Shepherd Ave. in East New York at 7:15 a.m. The woman was struck in the chin and rushed to Brookdale Hospital, where she is in stable condition. McKenna, 51, is accused of stopping his SUV in the middle of the intersection a few steps from the 45th Precinct stationhouse, sticking his head out of his sunroof holding a beer in one hand and a firearm in the other, said NYPD Captain Isaac Soberal, commanding officer of the 45th Precinct. The victim, who was wearing traditional Jewish clothing, was nearing Marcy Ave. about 11:30 a.m. when the suspect, who was walking ahead of him, was caught on a surveillance camera grabbing a dresser drawer left on the curb for a trash pickup and smashing it on the sidewalk. The driver of a black Subaru Outback was last seen heading north on the FDR Drive, about a half-mile from the collision scene on E. Houston St. near Attorney St. on the Lower East Side. The other man, who was not named, had gone to sleep in the rooms bed with his wife who told her husband she saw Nicolas touching the girl, said Linhardt. Words cannot explain or express the emotions going through everyones [sic] head today, he wrote. Sammy was taken from us but left behind the most beautiful gift of life. Samantha was going to be a fantastic mother. She was an all around good person who did not deserve to die on impact from a reckless driver. She was the best example of what it looks like to be happy. Following a massive, weeklong search effort, which included dozens of volunteers as well as hundreds of officers combing through CCTV, bus camera and video doorbell footage, Everards body was found in a wooded region in Kent, located about 50 miles from where the she was last seen alive. The shooting unfolded early Wednesday in the Morgan Park neighborhood, near an on-ramp to Interstate 57, around 6 a.m. Police said the two ATF agents and a Chicago police officer were working undercover as part of an ATF Task Force when they noticed their vehicle was being followed by a white Chevrolet Malibu sedan. I thought I knew 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. Do I have bad eggs? Am I too old? Did something happen to me while I was in [prison in] Italy? she said. Across their geographic range, trillions will fall out of the trees, entomologist Samuel Ramsey told WJLA-TV. They will look like a small ant or termite. When they emerge from the trees many will be eaten by other organisms. Each one of the female cicadas can lay 500-plus eggs considering the number of them that have emerged. In the D.C. area alone, billions of juvenile cicadas will likely hatch this month into next month. It was pretty troubling that the previous label was so broad and included groups of patients in whom the drug had never been tested, Dr. Suzanne Schindler of Washington University in St. Louis told AP. I think this is a positive change because it better reflects the patients in whom the drug was actually studied. When Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 22 years in prison last month, he cited two aggravating factors for giving the ex-cop a more severe sentence than the what was recommended. Chauvin had abused his position of trust and treated Floyd with particular cruelty, both of which, he said, were substantial enough reasons for more time behind bars. They took the most important person from us, he said, describing his eldest brother who was a father of six and grandfather of one. It hurts. And yes, we want justice, because how can this keep going on like this? My family is hurting. It was a lot of yelling and screaming and he was very angry, Kearns said in recounting Robert Dursts behavior during the alleged early morning confrontation. I was behind Bill behind the door ... You know, whatever happened could have happened that morning if we hadnt been there. I mean, he just had no control over himself, you know, just kind of out of his mind, angry. ABC News reports that the 32-year-old auto repair worker took a knee outside the 18th District headquarters and his apparent fiance appeared to accept his proposal, despite law enforcements claim that a W Hotel cleaning person likely prevented a tragedy from happening, when they discovered a semiautomatic rifle with a live round in its chamber and four magazines on the window sill of Casteels 12th floor room on the Fourth of July. Along with their sentences, Keterah Boyd, Lakisha Boyd and Lasondra Boyd were ordered to take an anger management class in addition to staying away from the Applebees and the waitress they assaulted. They were also sentenced to 100 hours of community service and have been asked to pay restitution to the waitress for her medical bills and for damage at the restaurant. I mean now it would be canceled, Gervais told the BBC in an interview published Friday. Im looking forward to when they pick out one thing and try to cancel it. Someone said they might try to cancel it one day, and I say, Good let them cancel it. Ive been paid! The witnesses said Holt made several racial remarks while speaking to a group in a parking lot and said Toney asked him multiple times to stop, according to WVLT. Holts last comment before the punch was a claim that he is part of the Black community. Crowley has repeatedly insinuated that she would have won if not for the death of George Floyd and the ensuing Black Lives Matter movement across our country, Richards said in a statement to NBC News. Look Im a proud capitalist ... I know America cant succeed unless American business succeeds, but let me be very clear: Capitalism without competition isnt capitalism. Its exploitation, Biden said before signing the order at the White House, naming the tech, agricultural, airline and pharmaceutical industries as some sectors of the economy where the trends are playing out. For too many Americans that means accepting a bad deal for things that you cant go without. We do not need and cannot afford with the existential threat to our planet any more coal, oil or gas being burnt and sending poisonous carbon into our atmosphere. We cannot have any of it, Schumer said at a press conference near the site of the proposed development. Bardhan said that while officials do not currently know how many were in the building and how many were still missing, he expects to have that information after searching the fourth and fifth floors. Last week, the brutal killing of a 24-year-old gay man in A Coruna, a port city in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, sparked protests in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao, when thousands took to the streets to call for justice and denounce homophobia. Schimel, who was shocked by the homophobic attacks surrounding this book, said that he was also surprised to see how fast news about the fine spread and how the incident helped to highlight the Hungarian governments attempts to suppress culture and information about queer lives. The United States will continue to pull its troops out of Afghanistan, says the commander-in-chief, and will finish the job by Aug. 31, even as an emboldened Taliban threatens Kabul. Despite the powerful temptation to postpone the drawdown just a few more months which would surely turn into a year, which would surely turn into several years, no time ever being right to cede the field President Biden is right to wind down a war nearly 20 years old, as President Trump was right to begin the process in 2020. She noted that while people assume they know what the film will be about, given their association to the childhood favorite toy, the involvement of Gerwig, 37 who is writing alongside Noah Baumbach subverts those expectations. Next weeks promised performances will mark BTSs most recent return to Fallons stage since the Tonight Shows blockbuster BTS Week last September, where the record-breaking band delighted fans with a different song each night, generating hundreds of millions of digital views for the late night show. Im good, the Atlanta-born rapper wrote on Twitter after his release. He also shared several photos on Instagram of himself and Harden in Paris on Friday and captioned one Back at it. This misdemeanor claim was pursued after we received a demand from a venue videographer for more than $35,000 after a small amount of spit came into contact with their arm. After we asked for evidence of any alleged damages, we never received a reply, he added. I dont want him to ever have to read that s--- because he hears him from little kids at his own school who are like, Boys dont wear dresses, Fox said during an interview promoting her new movie Till Death. It was almost like a force. I dont 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, Previtire said. Were thrilled by the prospect of authentically telling this story with a group of remarkably talented individuals, AMC original programming chief Dan McDermott said in Fridays announcement. The series order is the product of several months in a writers room staffed entirely by Native American writers, and it is a series that will be brought to life by those storytellers, with a cast led by Zahn McClarnon and featuring Native American actors. With gymnasts, if you get injured...your heal time is four to six weeks, Simone reflected. But then with something so traumatic that happens like this, theres no four to six weeks! ...Theres like actually no time limit or healing time for it. So you just take it day by day. But other states are marching in the opposite direction. Although South Carolina teenagers can consent at 16, and doctors may perform certain medically necessary procedures without parental permission on even younger children, a bill in the legislature would explicitly bar providers from giving the COVID shot without parental consent to minors. In Oregon, where the age of medical consent is 15, Linn County ordered county-run clinics to obtain parental consent for the COVID shot for anyone under 18. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which has been tracking COVID-related bills, some states, including Tennessee and Alabama, are working on legislation to prevent public schools from requiring COVID shots. 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. Everybody knows that the best way to be in-the-know is by word of mouth, John R. Soapes, president and general manager of WESH 2, said in a news release. So well be asking for recommendations from the most knowledgeable source of all you! What possible justification is there for requiring such disparate treatment for the same or similar misconduct? the brief said. Especially in a case like this where the defendant (R.J. Reynolds) had not targeted the plaintiff specifically and simply engaged in an egregious course of conduct threatening to kill millions of people regardless of their circumstances, why can a jury not determine that killing one human warrants the same punishment as killing another? The OFD rescue unit left the roadway and hit an electric pole and into an art gallery, the Macbeth Studio, on 2300 Edgewater Drive. . No apparent damage to the building was found, OPD said. However, images obtained by the Bungalower show the rescue unit having crashed into the studio. Othal Wallace, the suspect in the shooting, fled to Georgia where he was captured on June 26 hiding in a treehouse near Atlanta on a property associated with a Black nationalist paramilitary organization called the No F-ing Around Coalition, or the NFAC, according to Young. Smith said the policy recommendation would not apply to photos or videos from agency-sanctioned functions, which he said are not what has been creating issues. Smith recently represented at least one of the deputies suspended for their TikTok videos, which the agency found were inappropriate because they included music with explicit language. Do you understand that that is just a terrible, terrible black mark on, not only you but our office as a whole, all of the people who prosecute domestic violence cases? then-Chief Assistant State Attorney Deborah Barra told Elmazahi during the interview. ... Every prosecutor in this office has now basically gotten a sucker punch. Fuller, who was hired in 2016, remains at the Sheriffs Office in uniform patrol but is on disciplinary probation through next April for the two excessive force cases, agency spokesperson Michelle Guido said. He was transferred from the Tactical Anti-Crime Unit days before his second excessive force case was finalized, records show. Guido said Sheriff John Mina reinforces his disdain for excessive force through training sessions, as well as progressive discipline, as displayed in this case, noting the amount of time Fuller was suspended almost doubled in the second case. A few other states, including Georgia and Hawaii, also proposed using COVID relief money for teacher bonuses but none have yet had their plans approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Hawaiis governor has said he may veto the bonus provision passed by his state legislature because he did not believe it would be an allowable use of federal money, based on education department guidance. FILE - In this May 18, 2021 file photo, Haitian President Jovenel Moise, center, walks with First Lady Martine Moise, left, and interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, right, during a ceremony marking the 218th anniversary of the creation of the Haitian flag in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Moise was assassinated in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, and the first lady was shot in the overnight attack and hospitalized, according to a statement from Joseph. (AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn, File) (Joseph Odelyn/AP) I dont know if it would have averted the collapse because we still dont know all the factors, but had they repaired the building properly, it would have been stronger, Joel Figeuroa-Vallines, an Orlando-based structural engineering consultant who is also a fellow with the American Society of Civil Engineers, told The News-Journal. Its never easy to communicate the loss of a species ambassador, especially one as iconic as our African penguins, spokeswoman Dale Wolbrink said in the news release. The Florida Aquarium will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to understand this tragic course of events. Unfortunately, we may never know the cause of death. Michael Stratton, whose wife, Cassie, has not officially been confirmed dead, said friends and family had accepted the loss of a bright and kind soul with an adventurous spirit. He was talking on the phone with his wife right when the building collapsed, and she described shaking before the phone went dead, he has told Denvers KDVR-TV. Stuart, first elected in 2006, was narrowly reelected in a hotly contested 2017 race by a 127 vote margin. He said he decided to run again to see through long-sought projects in his district, which were stalled by the pandemic, including the massive Packing District development and sweeping upgrades to Corrine and Edgewater Drives. On June 1, police say the teen backed up a Dodge Dart into the entrance of the Fields Motorcars Orlando Dealership on 33rd Street at about 12:40 a.m. Within seconds, he drove away from the dealership, pulled out of the parking lot and ran into the rear end of the building. The teenager then spotted the orange Lamborghini Urus, closed the hood, grabbed the key fob and stepped into the drivers seat, according to the press release. A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Joseph Amaya to one year in federal prison and ordered him to pay $1.6 million in restitution to the IRS, according to the Department of Justice. In early 2018, Dorworths River Cross Land Co. submitted plans to Seminole to remove 669 acres long known as the Hi-Oaks Ranch, land owned by the Clayton family from the countys rural boundary, rezone the property and then build River Cross, a massive development of 1,370 homes, apartments and townhouses, along with 1.5 million square feet of commercial and office space on the land just east of the Econlockhatchee River and north of the Orange County line. Realtors are very politically engaged in a state where real estate buying it, selling it, developing it is a pillar of both politics and the economy, and where a lack of affordable housing is a crisis worsened by soaring home prices. Realtors are in every city and town in Florida, and they cant be taken lightly as a political force. In just a few weeks they raised $13 million and spent $2.5 million on collecting the needed 892,000 voters signatures by their long-time partner SGS (Strategic Guidance Systems), a Gainesville consulting firm owned by political strategist Pat Bainter. Im ticked off at my local gym. Theyve removed all the social fitnessing signs from the cardio machines and off the floor. Hello! Were still in a pandemic! Im fully vaccinated, but I sure dont want an unvaccinated fool huffing and puffing his breath onto me from less than two feet away on the cardio machine next to me. Especially since the vaccine is only 95% effective, and even less so against the predominate delta virus. The cruise industry, though, had been shut down for more than a year when DeSantis signed the bill, even as the states economy rebounded. Floridas unemployment rate has dropped to 4.9% as of May, down from the COVID-19 pandemic peak of 14.2% in May 2020. And major business groups like the Florida Retail and Lodging Association and the Florida Retail Federation supported the plastic straw ban bill, too, but he vetoed it anyway. Many Disney theme parks suspended Fastpass during the pandemic. However, Disneyland Paris is replacing the free ride-reservation system with a two-tiered system involving free virtual queues and a paid line-skipping service. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil discusses this system and what it may mean for Disney World. He also talks food there are a lot of new food/drink offerings throughout Disney World resort. The full menu recently was released for the upcoming Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, featuring more than 100 food items and more than 120 beverages at 20 exclusive-to-the-event marketplaces across the theme park. Disney Springs is celebrating the best of the Sunshine State with Flavors of Florida running through Aug. 12 think key lime pie and gator bites. And if that isnt exotic enough, Disneys Hollywood Studios has new menu offerings at Star Wars: Galaxys Edge. Listen to this episode of Theme Park Rangers using the player below or download where ever you listen to podcasts. New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Ethiopias commitment to ensuring aid workers can access the war-ravaged Tigray region, his Spokesperson said in a statement on Friday Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid al-Dbaiba said there Thursday that cleaning up the state's public institutions "is a primary objective for building a democratic and stable state, after the government's success in unifying its administrative institutions" Mexico's wind farms divide communities Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg Renewable energy developers are creating rifts between those trying to preserve their ancestral lands and those who support the construction of the wind turbines. - Wind project splinters a Mexico region prized for powerful pusts - EDF's wind farm is in limbo after residents in Oaxaca sought a court-ordered injunction. By Peter Millard, Amy Stillman, Saijel Kishan/Bloomberg MEXICO CITY Petroleumworld 07 09 2021 Two years ago, an SUV carrying four men screeched to a halt in front of the house of German Valdivieso Diaz, where he still lives with his parents and two nephews. They demanded to know how to find Valdivieso. And then they threatened to kill him. When the men left, Valdivieso said his terrified mother called, urging him to stay in Mexico City where he was taking a coursemore than 700 kilometers (435 miles) northwest of their rural home in La Ventosa near the Pacific coastline. La Ventosa means Suction Cup in Spanishaptly named given it's home to some of the most powerful wind gusts in the world. That also explains why the spot caught the attention of energy giant Electricite de France SA, which chose the location for its first wind power project in Mexico. The Valdiviesos are among the families who leased land to EDF and now find themselves at odds with both other residents and the company over the giant towers and turbines it's proposing to build on their properties. Disputes about the project help explain why the men showed up at his home that day, Valdivieso said. Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg German Valdivieso's family leased land to EDF and is now at odds with both neighbors and the company over the giant towers and turbines it's proposing to build on their properties. The death threats left my mom in a very bad state, said Valdivieso, now 29. After the incident, no one felt safe to go out. To be clear, nobody is accusing EDF of paying the men who threatened Valdivieso, not even Valdivieso himself. What he and others in the community do blame EDF for is failing to act on and foresee that their wind projects would drive some local residentsdesperate for money from land leasesto the brink of violence. For them, it's emblematic of how renewable energy developers are creating rifts between those trying to preserve their ancestral lands and those who will do almost anything for much-needed cash. EDF officials said the company hasn't made threats against anyone and added that it strongly condemns such practices. The French state-controlled utility said in a statement that it has scrupulously complied with Mexican laws and said it recognizes a United Nations-supported position that indigenous people have the right to give or withhold their consent to projects that may affect them or their land. Since EDF erected its first wind turbine in 2009 in southern Mexico, the company has been sued by indigenous and human rights groups and accused by residents of taking over their land with no warning. In 2018, Valdivieso's family joined forces with local activists to seek an injunction against the company, and a judge suspended operations at EDF's Gunaa Sicaru site in La Ventosa due to incomplete community consultations. For farmers in the region, the turbines are just as invasive as the mines that have sprung up in La Ventosa's mineral-rich hills. And perhaps it's no coincidence that, according to Valdivieso, the men who pressured his family over Gunaa Sicaru also requested that he abandon opposition to local mining concessions. EDF said the future of the project will depend on the outcome of these deliberations. The company said it has collaborated with Mexican authorities who are in charge of carrying out the consultations and also developed a relationship of trust and proximity with the local communities. EDF said it has been involved in initiatives such as repairing roads and upgrading sanitation facilities at schools in La Ventosa and surrounding towns on the Isthmus of Tehuantepeca narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific where two mountain ranges channel a constant and fierce air current. Gunaa Sicaru would be EDF's fourth wind park in the area, almost doubling its installed local capacity if completed. Valdivieso and other residents said the company assured them the projects would bring jobs and investment. Instead, the wind parks have splintered the community that descends from pre-Columbian tribes. Some opponents like Valdivieso said they have been criticized at public meetings for being anti-wind by other residents who are supportive of the industry. Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg La Ventosa means Suction Cup in Spanishaptly named given it's home to some of the most powerful wind gusts in the world. What's happening in La Ventosa is part of a broader trend where wind, solar and hydroelectric companies have pursued projects that have led to land grabs in underdeveloped rural communities. The International Energy Agency, an independent group focused on energy security, is calling for $1 trillion a year in clean energy investments for developing countries by 2030, up from less than $150 billion last year, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To get to that emissions goal, businesses and governments will need to become better at cooperating with local communities, and that isn't happening in Mexico and other parts of the world. In Chile's Atacama desert, for example, the mining of lithium and copper is drying up pastures and depleting drinking wells. In Myanmar, operations at a $3.6 billion hydroelectric dam have been stalled since 2011 because of the lack of a proper environmental assessment. There's no difference to the way extractive industries operate: taking land belonging to populations, destroying their crops, said Michel Forst, who traveled across Mexico in 2017 to write a report for the UN on human rights. For those who are living there, who want to live like their ancestors did, their way of life is destroyed all of a sudden. The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, a London-based nonprofit that tracks rights abuses globally, ranks EDF among the companies with the most alleged incidents of rights abuses among international renewable energy companies in Latin America. Honduras was singled out as the country where the most offenses are occurring, followed by Mexico and Colombia. Globally, Latin America accounted for almost two thirds of the allegations of rights abuses in the renewable energy industry, according to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, which has funding from groups including the Ford Foundation and billionaire George Soros's Open Society Foundation. Wind energy ranked second after hydroelectric in terms of alleged human rights abuses, with 87 cases. The Business and Human Rights reporting emerges as publicly traded companies, like EDF, have been burnishing their environmental and social credentials to attract investors. While the wind farms in southern Mexico represent 3% of the Paris-based utility's installed wind capacity, asset managers such as BlackRock Inc., the world's largest investment firm, have indicated they won't stand by idly when human-rights abuses are occurring at companies they invest in. BlackRock is EDF's largest shareholder after the French government, with an almost 0.5% stake in the company. Without identifying any companies, BlackRock said in March that it will vote against corporate directors who fail to effectively address material human rights-related risks. The New York-based firm declined to discuss its position on EDF. Companies can no longer afford to sweep these issues under the rug, said Kristin Hull, founder of Nia Impact Capital, a $400 million sustainability investor in Oakland, California, who invests in renewable energy. Justice issues have to be part of due diligence. It may look to a western businessman that no one is pushing back, but now there are lawsuits. Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg The region is so windy that trucks are known to have been blown off the road near La Ventosa. Dial back the clock to more than a decade ago and EDF was part of a rush of wind companies, including Enel SpA and Spain's Iberdrola SA, pushing into Mexico. Just like the international oil companies that arrived in the country a century earlier and went straight to oil seeps along the Gulf Coast to drill gushers, EDF and other wind producers made a beeline for the wind money on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The area is so windy that trucks are known to have been blown off the road near La Ventosa, where row after row of wind turbines sprout from the town and the surrounding countryside. In the first half of 2021, Mexico ranked as having the fifth-cheapest costs for onshore wind producers of 27 countries reviewed by BloombergNEF, and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the state of Oaxaca is the most attractive spot in the country to set up shop. *Megawatts electric. Source: BloombergNEF Renewable power companies are directly responsible for creating societal strains, said Juan Antonio Lopez, a coordinator at Mexico City-based human rights group ProDESC, which has led legal challenges against wind projects in Oaxaca state, including EDF's Gunaa Sicaru. A common mode of operation is converting communal land into private property to sidestep lengthy negotiations with the indigenous communities known as ejidos, he said. The result is local residents are often surprised when they see wind towers go up on their ancestral lands, and then get little to nothing in the way of compensation. The land belongs to everyone, Lopez said. They needed to negotiate with the whole community. For its land, the Valdivieso family receives 15,000 pesos ($750) a year from EDF for leasing 10 hectares, equal to roughly 16% of what the household earns each year from selling cheese and mutton from their farm. Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg For farmers in the region, the turbines are just as invasive as the mines that have sprung up in La Ventosa's mineral-rich hills. What happened initially is that the farmers immediately signed papers to rent their lands to the wind parks without realizing that it was almost like selling their land, said Delfino Morales Felipe, municipal secretary for the city council of Juchitan de Zaragoza, which comprises several communities including La Ventosa. Once it was rented, they couldn't use it. Additionally, the municipality hasn't received taxes from the wind companies for the past three years, funds that could be used to put electricity in homes, build schools and parks, and repair roads and drainage systems damaged by an earthquake in 2017, Morales said. They said they'd build a library, donate computers to schools, and they haven't, he said. He said, even now, farmers continue to be threatened for opposing the wind parks. The city council is raising the voices of the people who have been disassociated, because we would like the wind parks to generate a lot of resources, Morales said. With assistance by Francois De Beaupuy, and Szu Yu Chen _____________ By Peter Millard, Amy Stillman, Saijel Kishan from Bloomberg. bloomberg.com 07 09 2021 Copyright 1999-2021 Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. Petroleumworld.com Copyright 2021 Petroleumworld. We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article Follow us in : twitter / Facebook Send this story to a friend Write to editor@petroleumworld.com By using this link, you agree to allow PW to publish your comments on our letters page. Any question or suggestions, please write to: editor@petroleumworld.com Twitter:@petroleumworld1 ( ) chief executive Andrew Law joins Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam to explain the company's full-year results with a more positive outlook pointed to recent price stabilisation, rising US rig counts, international opportunities and new technology development. He discusses their new technology 'which has potential to be game changing' in particular, the firms SABER product is a focus as the company continues to develop on the IP and technology licenced from Shell. It is the second contract for a top ten pharmaceutical company with a strong pipeline of oncology products ( ) announced it won a 1mln contract to carry out cognitive assessments at a late phase cancer trial. The brain health solutions developer said it is the second contract for a top ten pharmaceutical company with a strong pipeline of oncology products, which will implement the AIM-listed firms CANTAB technology across all 150 trial sites. Oncology is the leading therapeutic area for drug development and accounted for nearly a third of clinical trials in 2020. Cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK and, with patients now living longer, there is a greater focus on limiting potentially detrimental long-term side effects of both diagnosis and treatment. One key area is cognitive impairment, for which deficits have been reported in 90% of patients with brain tumours and an estimated 30% of patients following chemotherapy. Cognitive decline associated with cancer most notably affects attention, memory, and executive function. The revenue from the contract is expected to be recognised over the next six years. This pharmaceutical client has a long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for cancer patients and we are delighted to be supporting their efforts, said chief executive Matthew Stork in a release. We expect that this could become a considerable growth area for Cambridge Cognition in the future." Shares rose 6% to 174.99p on Friday morning. Lloyds offered a loyalty renewal discount that was never intended to be applied PLC ( ) has been fined 91mln for issuing misleading insurance renewal claims and offering loyalty discounts that were never intended to be applied. The FCA, Britains financial regulator, said insurance customers were misled on renewal charges over a period of eight years between 2009 and 2017. People renewing were told the price was competitive when new customers got a better deal on the same products. Around of 87% policies were renewed by customers receiving the letter. Mark Steward, FCA executive director, said: Firms must ensure their communications with customers are clear, fair and not misleading. LBGI [Lloyds insurance arm] 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." Separately, the FCA added that Lloyds had sent letters to around 500,000 home insurance customers indicating they would receive a renewal discount, which they never did and that was never intended to be given. The regulator said Lloyds has paid compensation of 13.6mln to date to those affected. Lloyds said it had improved its processes in light of the regulator's investigation. Shares in Lloyds rose 1% to 46.07p. The company said it hopes to find a bigger resource, a bigger reserve, and the opportunity to be able to treat the sulphides which are very amenable to thorough treatment through the process that it has already designed at Kobada African Gold Group, Inc ( ) CEO Danny Callow has maintained that 2021 will be a transformational year for the company as it positions itself to become Africas next mid-tier gold producer thanks to rising reserve estimates at its Kobada gold project in Mali. A definitive feasibility study (DFS) published last year shows the mine has about 755,000 ounces of reserves. An updated study, due out in the next month, is likely to reveal even more. That could put the company on the radar of institutional investors and financiers to help take the project forward. Callow has over 25 years of experience in building and operating mines in Africa and has overseen more than $2.5 billion in greenfield and brownfield mining projects from conception through to full production. Hes the former head of African Copper Operations for and the former chief executive officer of Katanga Mining. Proactive sat down with Callow to dig deeper into Kobadas potential as a low-cost producer in a high-price environment. At current gold prices, it must be a good time to be in the sector? Absolutely. People always look at marginal down dips in gold and think it's negative, but I think everybody should realise that at around $1,800 per ounce pretty much every single gold operation in the world right now is highly profitable. That being said, obviously, we always look at the possible downside to see whether this is a good project at lower gold prices and that's important. Ive always been a firm believer in making sure that whatever studies we do, we also make sure that we use very conservative assumptions so that we're not operating right up at that sort of aggressive end of the future gold prices. Youve seen over the past few months a lot of uncertainty in the recovery of the global economy. You've seen a lot of central bank buying and that leads to a fairly positive story for the gold price so I'm still very bullish on it. If you have a look at long-term prices, they're still very much up in the $1,650 to $1,800 range and that bodes very well for most of these West African projects. How is African Gold positioned to take advantage of this? At African Gold Group, we've gone through a fairly lengthy process of consolidating all of our technical information into a very robust, independent study in July of last year. So, we're fully permitted, we have a very independent, definitive feasibility study, which shows a very robust investment case for the project. We are well situated geographically in the southwestern part of Mali, well away from any of the bad news that you hear coming out of the central and the northern side, and we have all our licences and permits in place. Coupled with that we have myself on board with a background in building and constructing and operating mines in Africa. We've got the skeleton of a very good team that we will pull in once we move into construction, and we really are only one of a handful of companies that are in the position to be able to push the button quite quickly on moving into a construction phase. Yes, there are a lot of explorers and developers out there that are in various stages of finding and developing their resource and completing their technical reports. We've done all of that, so we are ready to push the button, based upon how successful we are in finding the financing to develop it. Why was it necessary to update the previous DFS, which was released a year ago? If you're drilling, you should continually update your resources. That's normally a fairly good standard to stick to because a study is only as good as the most recent information. When we made a decision last year to release the definitive study in July, we had to have a cut-off in terms of the drilling to be able to get all of the resources and the reserves and everything calculated. And that cut-off was around December of 2019, and we've left out a lot of drilling as we were waiting for results to come through. We always said that we would like to continue to do some more drilling, which we did in September of 2020 through to January of 2021. So, all of that additional drilling was not incorporated in last year's definitive study. On top of that, last years study never had a look at the sulphide side of the resource because, again, that needed a lot of test work. We focused very much on the oxide and the transitional zone. What were hoping to find is a bigger resource, a bigger reserve, and the opportunity to be able to treat the sulphides which are very amenable to thorough treatment through the process that we've already designed. And hopefully, something that is longer mine life, and potentially even bigger output. So for me it was always important to do that. You previously said Kobada could become a three million to five million ounce gold deposit. Could it be even larger? We'd love to think it will be larger. I'll certainly stand by my comments, and I think that we have only really scratched the surface of this deposit. To put it into perspective, we've identified around 55 kilometres (km) of shear zones on the property we've drilled 4 km so we have about 51 km yet to drill. When I say identified shear zones, obviously it's not to say that all of those are going to be mineralized, but they're certainly showing the same sort of geological structures that we're seeing in the 4 km mineralized zone. This gives us a lot of confidence that we'll find more within the other 51 km. If 4 km are giving us 2.3 million ounces, which is our current resource measured, indicated and inferred, then I would probably say that there's a very good chance that the three to five million ounces number is very attainable. Again, it depends on how much time and effort we focus on drilling over the next couple of years, and whether the intention is to grow something into a substantially larger resource through continued drilling or whether we believe we've got enough to get into production and start to generate some cash flows. What are the merits of starting construction of the mine as soon as possible rather than postponing construction while you continue to drill and raise the reserve? The obvious argument for starting construction is that we would be in a position to generate substantial free cash flow 19 months after we start construction. In our case, in last years study, we have an all-in sustaining cost number of $782 an ounce. At $1,800, that's a $1,000 free cash flow margin before tax and that's the substantial cash flow that this project would develop. That is the obvious advantage there. The downside of that is that you don't want to start construction with a financing package that is value-destroying in terms of cost of capital to the current shareholders and investors, so we've been very careful about raising the finance to make sure that we're not raising it at a cost of capital that's prohibitive. On the other side, we've seen very successful companies that have put their head down and continued to drill and grow reserves and resources substantially over a couple of years. We believe that in the next few years we can substantially grow resources and reserves as well If the decision from the shareholders saw the value in putting the drills back into the ground for another couple of years to grow the reserve, perhaps to one-and-a-half plus million ounces, that would be something that we should also consider. But I think the bottom line here is that everything that we're doing now has got to be value-creating, so we're not looking to rush into something at an excessive cost-of-capital financing package that is debilitating to our current and loyal shareholders, but at the same time, we do have a project that is ready to build, we do have a project that shows great economics, and it's something that needs to be built. So, if we can secure the right sort of financing package, my preference would be to get moving and start to develop the project. Do you think investors will re-rate African Gold Group based on the findings of the updated DFS? Id like to think that the results coming back will be substantially better. I don't think we would have gone into this if we were not hoping for a substantial improvement, and the improvements that we're looking at here are obviously increased ounces in terms of resources and reserves, which translate into increased mine life and hopefully improved economics in terms of the overall free cash flows that the project will develop. So, yes, I would hope that on the release of the report, the investors will see that this is an improved project from last year which was already a very robust project. Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com The Pfizer vaccine is highly active against the Delta variant Inc ( ) has asked US regulators for permission to administer a third dose of its Covid-19 vaccine in an attempt to ward new virus mutations such as the Delta variant. The news came as infections continue to surge in the UK with the latest data showing the infection rate in England is now one in 160 compared to one in 260 last week. Sarah Crofts from the ONS said: "We are seeing marked increases in infections across all four UK countries driven by the Delta variant, which continues to be the most common across the UK. "As the vaccine rollout continues and restrictions are further lifted, it is crucial that we continue to closely monitor the data." added that with German partner BioNTech it is working on a version of the vaccine designed specifically to tackle the Delta variant, though this is not expected to replace the existing vaccine being administered widely and successfully. The vaccine is highly active against the Delta variant, Pfizers chief scientific officer Mikael Dolsten said in an interview. But after six months, he said, There likely is the risk of reinfection as antibodies, as predicted, wane. The vaccine, developed with a German partner, BioNTech SE, showed 95% efficacy in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 in a clinical trial the companies ran last year. Countries in Europe and elsewhere have also approached Pfizer to discuss booster doses, Dolsten said. Pfizers chief executive, Albert Bourla, said previously that people will probably need a booster dose of the companys vaccine every 12 months. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a joint statement late on Thursday. Shares in Pfizer opened up 2% higher at US$40.03. -- Adds UK infection rate update -- Three companies will present during the online event, which is poised to provide investors with the inside story on each tech company. Archer Materials Ltd, Cirralto Ltd and XTEK Ltd will present for 12 minutes each with a 5-minute Q&A session to follow Proactive will host a Technology Webinar next Tuesday, July 13, with three ASX-listed tech companies including ( ), ( ) and XTEK Ltd ( ) set to take the stage. Each company will present for 12 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session which will be live-streamed on the Proactive YouTube channel to be viewed at any time following the event. Questions for the speakers can be submitted before and during the online presentations by email to John Phillips at: john.phillips@proactiveinvestors.com or by text to 0431 597 771. To register please click here. Archer Materials First to address investors will be Archer Materials chief executive officer Mohammad Choucair. The company has its sights set on becoming a world leader in the quantum computing and medical diagnostics sectors, as it makes significant progress on two proprietary deep tech projects. Archer is hard at work developing advanced semiconductor devices, including labs-on-a-chip that integrate biosensors relevant to point-of-care medical diagnostics and processor chips relevant to quantum computing. It has made significant progress on both projects in the past six months, and in mid-June confirmed its focus on deep technology with the sale of its South Australian mining tenements, for which it will retain a 2% net smelter return royalties. Cirralto Second in line will be Cirraltos CEO Adrian Floate. The company has signed two five-year referral agreements over the past few days the first with subsidiary of financial giant Inc to grow its global payments and cashflow solutions business and the other with Fresh Supply Co Ltd, a Brisbane-based company specialising in capturing operational farming data from a variety of sources and making it consumable by the financial sector. These two deals go hand in hand with Cirraltos strong pipeline of opportunities in payments and non-bank lending, which presents a material revenue-generating prospect for the company. XTEK To conclude the event, XTEKs managing director Philippe Odouard will outline its plans for the remainder of the year. In May, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French space technology company MECANO ID for the companies to work towards international space market programs. The company will become an advanced composite product supplier to MECANO ID and MECANO ID will act as a space system development service provider to XTEK. This agreement reinforces XTEKs commitment to establishing strategic, sovereign space capabilities and expertise and positions it to work closely with MECANO ID, an industry leader in the global space sector. Event details When: Tuesday, July 13 Time: 12pm AEST/10am AWST Register: To register for the webinar, click here. Buoyed by the success of a recent $7 million public offer, the company has been able to maximise the extent of the proposed drilling program. The program of at least 7,000 metres is expected to take about three months to complete. ( ) plans to start its first drilling program later this month at Koongie Park Copper-Zinc Project in the highly mineralised Halls Creek region of northeast Western Australia. This combined reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drill program will comprise a minimum of 30 holes for 7,000 metres to test mineralisation at depths of between 130 and 900 metres at the highly prospective Sandiego and Onedin deposits. It will use an RC rig and a multi-purpose rig that will drill RC pre-collars before converting the rig over to complete the diamond drilling to greater depths. The program is designed to: Improve geological interpretation and resource confidence; Test potential mineralised extensions at depth and along strike; and Obtain fresh samples to conduct metallurgical test-work, especially near-surface ores at Onedin. It is expected to take three months to complete with first assays expected in early September and these will feed into an updated resource estimate later this year. First drilling program AKN chief executive officer Paul Williams said: The board is pleased to announce the commencement of AKNs first drilling program at Koongie Park. After successfully raising $7 million in our recent public offer, AKNs exploration team has been able to maximise the extent of the program. In an environment, where access to drilling rigs, personnel and project logistics is very tight, we are fortunate to be able to commence the program so soon after ASX re-listing. AKNs drilling program is intended to provide the basis for regular result updates over the coming weeks and months before establishing the platform for an updated JORC resource before the end of the year. Previous results Previous drilling at Koongie Park resulted in multiple high-grade intercepts that have been used by the company to set the targets for the upcoming program. Best previous results include: At Sandiego 77 metres at 1.65% copper, 9.7% zinc and 0.54g/t gold; and 68 metres at 6.8% copper, 9.6% zinc and 0.34g/t gold. At Onedin 40.1 metres at 1.31% copper and 4.89% zinc; 22 metres at 1.1% copper, 21% zinc and 0.6g/t gold; and 30 metres at 1.1% copper and 11.7% zinc. The asset has existing JORC 2012-compliant resources of 6.36 million tonnes at 1.3% copper, 4.1% zinc, 0.3 g/t gold and 26 g/t silver. Drilling to start next week is aimed at building on previous successful programs at existing deposits and mineralised structures discovered during a recent SAM survey. ( ) is set to restart drilling next week at its 100%-owned Mt Dimer Gold Project, 120 kilometres northeast of Southern Cross in Western Australia. Mt Dimer is a historical high-grade production centre, having produced more than 125,000 ounces of gold, including open pit and underground production of 600,000 tonnes at 6.4 g/t gold. Aurumin has planned a total of 2,500 metres of drilling to be completed with all required approvals in place. A drill rig has been secured and mobilisation is planned for the week commencing July 12, 2021. Building on previous success Aurumin has developed the program based on previous successful drilling at the existing deposits of Lightning, Golden Slipper and LO3. In addition, the program will target newly identified mineralised structures of Frodo North (T6), T12, and T24 discovered during Aurumin's recent sub-audio magnetic (SAM) survey target drilling. Aurumin will also target a new prospect north of the Karli West open pit based on historical soil sampling and site mapping. The company expects the drilling program will take about three weeks to complete, with assays to be received and interpreted after five weeks. Historic high-grade deposits Aurumin will begin drilling at Lightning deposit to follow up a potential new high-grade ore shoot that returned 4 metres at 4.39 g/t gold. In the case of Golden Slipper, the focus is on previously identified high-grade ore shoots and the follow-up of recent drilling that returned 7 metres at 7.55 g/t. Additionally, Aurumins LO3 program is designed to target the downdip continuation of high-grade ore shoots which were previously mined both in open pit and underground. Lastly, The company will test for northerly trending mineralised structures within the Karli Northwest (T2) anomaly, along strike of Karli West with a drill line across the anticipated structure. Newly identified prospects Aurumins Frodo North T6 prospect drilling is designed to target extensions to mineralisation along strike of the Frodo open pit and to follow up on a mineralised structure identified in two holes on a single drill line. The companys T12 target was intersected by two reverse circulation (RC) holes on a single drill line testing for northerly trending structures identified using the SAM survey. This structure occurs as a massive quartz vein with associated pyrite and limited quartz outcrop to the southeast of Golden Slipper and drilling aims to confirm the structure north and south of the outcrop and linking into other mineralisation. Likewise, the T24 target was also intersected by two RC holes on a single drill line testing for northerly trending structures adjacent to the SAM survey and supported by soil geochemistry in Aurumin's March 2021 drilling program. - Ephrems Joseph The prominent gold sector investor has secured an additional 6.6 million shares at 48 cents each to boost its holding in Yandal by 5.64%. Yandal is continuing its aggressive exploration strategy at gold projects in WAs Goldfields. Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX:YRL) has had strong validation of its gold exploration strategy and the strength of its projects with substantial shareholder ( ) lifting its stake to 19.9%. The prominent gold sector investor and successful gold explorer has secured an additional 6,612,781 shares at $0.48 each. Melbourne-based DGO Gold, which has a market cap of approximately $265.5 million, now holds 19,987,550 shares in YRL, up from 13,374,769 that represented a 14.26% stake. Investors have also reflected DGOs confidence with YRL shares up as much as 16% higher intra-day to 61.5 cents. Exploration successes This confidence comes as Yandal continues to post exploration success at its suite of gold projects in WAs Goldfields. The strong news flow shows no signs of slowing with an aggressive work program ongoing, including: Receive and interpret assays from drilling completed at the Gordons Dam, Malone, Cleft, Sims Find, Cash and Flushing Meadows North prospects; Continued focus on drilling with four rigs at the Gordons Dam and Malone prospects to determine target size potential as soon as possible; A fifth rig is scheduled, subject to state border movements, to drill a 3,000-4,000 metres RC program later in July at the Mt McClure project. Preparation for investor site visits to Gordons Dam during the Diggers and Dealers Conference from August 1-5, 2021. DGO Gold strategy DGOs strategy is to build a portfolio of gold discovery opportunities primarily through strategic equity investment and also through tenement acquisition and joint ventures. It seeks to identify and invest in gold discovery opportunities that meet three key criteria: Low-finding cost Brownfield gold discovery opportunities where finding costs are assessed to be comparable to the brownfields average of $20 per ounce; Potential for scale Initial resource potential of greater than 3 million ounces, required to support successful development; and Upside optionality Potential for long term resource growth well beyond 3 million ounces and potential for upside surprise via either a world-class discovery (+5 million ounces) or substantial high-grade mineralisation. DGO holds strategic gold and copper/gold exploration land positions in Western Australia and South Australia where it would expect to participate as a funded joint venture partner or shareholder by way of equity exchange. ( ) (FRA:D860) Dr Chris Gilchrist talks to Proactive about appointing a specialist deep drilling company to execute the first of twin drill holes at its flagship Ohmgebirge Potash Project in Germany. Gilchrist explains how Angers is set to drill the pioneer hole at the potash play and that South Harz will submit supplementary detailed information to Germanys regional mining authorities as part of the permitting process final step. The firm is set to drill the pioneer hole at the potash play in 2021s final quarter. Northwest Copper (CVE: NWST) CEO Peter Bell joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share details the company has released an updated mineral resource estimate on the Stardust Property in central British Columbia. Bell also told Proactive, about the drill program they have begun on the Kwanika Project that will see the company drilling 7200 metres. "I'm not an anti-vaxxer. I'm not a pro-vaxxer. I'm somebody that's looking at this thing and trying to figure it outI feel like a vaccination in a weird way is just generally kind of going against natureLike, I mean, if there is some disease out there -- maybe there's just an ebb and flow to life where something's supposed to wipe out a certain amount of people, and that's just kind of the way evolution goes. Vaccines kind of stand in the way of that. Do you follow what I'm saying? Does that make sense to somebody in medicine?" Newsmax host Rob Schmitt NO. Everyone in medicine Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Sorry for inconvenience! You have been redirected to this page due to the following reasons:-- Your session has expired. You have closed the browser, without logging out. If the problem persists, kindly remove all the temporary files and cookies from your browser. For IE - 1. Click on tools from the task bar of browser. 2. Click on Internet Options. 3. Click on "Delete temporary files." For Mozilla Firefox - 1. Click on tools from the task bar of browser. 2. Click on "Clear recent history." Court of appeals upholds $2 mln fine on company for pollution of Black Sea flickr.com/ Pavel Kovalev 10:59 09/07/2021 MOSCOW, July 9 (RAPSI) The Fifteenth Commercial Court of Appeals has dismissed a complaint of Inmorterminal company against a lower court decision to recover from it the damages in the amount of more than 145 million rubles (about $2 million) for the harm to the Black Sea. The company appealed against the decision of the Commercial Court of a southern Russian region Krasnodar Krai dated April 23, which had satisfied a claim of the local office of the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources (Rosprirodnadzor) against OOO Inmorterminal as to compensation of the damage caused to the Black Sea by this company. According to the environmental watchdog, on June 2, 2019, a road traffic accident occurred in the city of Novorossiysk with the participation of a vehicle operated by Inmorterminal; the said vehicle transported oil products. As a result, oil products got into the city storm collector, and then into the Black Sea. Rosprirodnadzor noted in its claim that the flow of oil products into the water body continued for several months; all that time, rescue operations were carried out. According to the experts of the local office of the body, the damage to the Black Sea made about 157 million rubles ($2 million at the current exchange rate). Due to the fact that Inmorterminal failed to voluntarily repay the said damages, the body turned to the Commercial Court of the Krasnodar Krai, which, taking into account that the company had spent certain funds to eliminate pollution and overcome its consequences, reduced the amount of damage by 11.1 million rubles ($143,000), Rosprirodnadzor said in the statement. Posted by Joey on at 03:18 PM CST RockLove Jewelry has today announced the latest additions to its Star Wars X RockLove collection! Joining the upcoming Kyber Crystal necklaces , the new pieces feature iconic characters such as Ahsoka Tano, Kylo Ren & Rey, the Mandalorian, and Bo-Katan. Available globally for purchase now exclusively on RockLove.com , the release celebrates some of fans favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away.Price: $99.00Inspired by Ahsoka Tanos iconic personal weapons as seen inandseries, this dual strand necklace highlights the unique lengths of both the regular lightsaber and shoto lightsaber. Three-dimensional and sculpted in sterling silver, each blade is suspended within lengths of sterling cable chain and layered one inside the other for an effortlessly stylish look. Wear the shorter hilt toward your left side and the longer hilt toward your right to represent the corresponding hands with which Ahsoka wields her lightsabers.Price: $75.00Inspired by Ahsoka Tanos iconic lightsabers as seen inandn series, these asymmetrical earrings highlight the unique lengths of both the regular lightsaber and shoto lightsaber. Sculpted in sterling silver, these three-dimensional curved earrings hang from nickel-free sterling French hook ear wires for comfortable everyday wear. Wear the shorter earring in your left lobe and the longer in your right to represent the corresponding hands with which Ahsoka wields her lightsabers.Price: $99.00Sculpted in sterling silver, Kylo Ren and Reys iconic lightsabers clash in a pendant honoring the dyadic relationship between anti-hero and hero in the final episodes of theSkywalker Saga. Where the three-dimensional lightsabers cross, a carved energy-burst features a brilliantly faceted white crystal. Antiqued for contrast, the pendant hangs from an adjustable sterling silver cable chain.Price: $99.00Sculpted in sterling silver and antiqued for contrast, the Bo-Katan Helmet Ring is an homage to Bo-Katan Kryze, the legendary leader of the Nite Owls in the hit series. Every ring is one of a kind, enhanced by a purposefully distressed vibrant blue enamel, emulating the personalization Bo-Katan added to her own bounty hunter headgear. Adorning the band in raised text, the elite Mandalorian unit "Nite Owls." Three-dimensional, the domed helmet is hollowed beneath to be lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear.Price: $99.00Sculpted in sterling silver and plated in polished gunmetal rhodium, The Mandalorian Helmet Ring is an homage to Din Djarin, the legendary bounty hunter and lead character of the hit series. Enhanced with hand painted black enamel, the ring features Mandos helmet and along the band, the mantra "This Is The Way." Three-dimensional, the domed helmet is hollowed beneath to be lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Espanola, NM (87532) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Actor Salman Khan, his sister Alvira and six others have been summoned by the Chandigarh police, after a local businessman filed a complaint of cheating. According to Arun Gupta, he had opened a store under the name of Being Human Jewelry in 2018 and had spent Rs 2- 3 crore on it. However, neither promotion commitments were fulfilled nor were the goods delivered to his store. Those who have been called for inquiry on July 13 to verify the complain include Being Human Foundation CEO and officials of Style Qutient (licensee of Being Human Jewelry), according to Zee News. The complaint also said that the office, which was used for collection of goods, was shut from February 2020. Arun Gupta also said that he was assured that Salman Khan will come for inauguration of the store but instead his brother-in-law Ayush Sharma turned up. Arun Gupta has requested to file an FIR. 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. San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2021 -- An investigation was announced over potential breaches of fiduciary duties by certain officers and directors at Carlisle Companies Incorporated. Investors who purchased shares of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL) have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail@shareholdersfoundation.com or call +1(858) 779 - 1554. The investigation by a law firm concerns whether certain Carlisle Companies directors breached their fiduciary duties and caused damage to the company and its shareholders. Scottsdale, AZ based Carlisle Companies Incorporated operates as a diversified manufacturer of engineered products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. Carlisle Companies Incorporated reported that its annual Total Revenue declined from over $4.81 billion in 2019 to over $4.24 billion in 2020, and that its Net Income declined from $472.8 million in 2019 to $320.1 million in 2020. Shares of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL) closed on July 8, 2021, at $191.46 per share. Those who purchased shares of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL), have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation. Contact: Shareholders Foundation, Inc. Michael Daniels 3111 Camino Del Rio North - Suite 423 92108 San Diego Phone: +1-(858)-779-1554 Fax: +1-(858)-605-5739 mail@shareholdersfoundation.com About Shareholders Foundation, Inc. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is a professional portfolio monitoring and settlement claim filing service, , which does research related to shareholder issues and informs investors of securities class actions, settlements, judgments, and other legal related news to the stock/financial market. Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is in contact with a large number of shareholders and offers help, support, and assistance for every shareholder. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is not a law firm. Referenced cases, investigation, and/or settlements are not filed/reached and/or related to Shareholders Foundation. The information is provided as a public service. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon. West Chester, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2021 -- The team at West Chester law firm Carosella & Associates understands that updating an estate plan after remarrying can be a complex endeavor, especially when children are involved. Their estate planning attorneys and family lawyers work collaboratively to help clients protect their assets while taking multifaceted family dynamics into account. "Updating important estate planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives is crucial after a significant life change like remarriage," says Vincent Carosella, founding Partner. "Unfortunately, conflict over inheritance is common when someone passes away in a blended family. Estate planning options like trusts can help parents ensure that their children inherit their assets and wealth according to their wishes and can make things easier for everyone at a stressful, emotional time." It is vital for clients who are considering remarriage to discuss finances and estate planning with their soon-to-be spouses. In addition to creating new wills and powers of attorney, changing beneficiaries of life insurance policies, retirement accounts, real estate, and other assets is critical. Although updating an estate plan can be fairly straightforward, it is important to avoid violating a previous divorce settlement agreement. Carosella & Associates' local divorce attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of family law and their experienced wills and trusts lawyers help clients sort it all out so everyone's rights and interests are protected. About Carosella & Associates For more than 25 years, the skilled team of attorneys, paralegals, firm administrators, administrative assistants and legal secretaries at Carosella & Associates has provided top-quality legal representation for matters in myriad aspects of the law. The full-service law firm has decades of experience in many different areas, including estate planning, business succession planning, commercial and residential real estate, zoning, contracts, bankruptcy, immigration, divorce, and criminal law. Several of the attorneys at Carosella & Associates are licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. For more information visit carosella.com. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2021 -- A new intelligence report released by HTF MI with title "Global Vision Insurance Market Survey & Outlook" is designed covering micro level of analysis by Insurers and key business segments, offerings and sales channels. The Global Vision Insurance offers energetic visions to conclude market size, opportunities, growth pattern, and competitive surroundings. The research is derived through primary and secondary sourced data and includes both qualitative and quantitative detailing. Some of the key players profiled in the study are Aflac, USAA, AARP, MetLife, Medical Mutual of Ohio, AXA & Sun Life Financial. What's keeping Aflac, USAA, AARP, MetLife, Medical Mutual of Ohio, AXA & Sun Life Financial Ahead in the Market? Benchmark yourself with the strategic moves and findings recently released by HTF MI Get Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ : https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/2628142-global-vision-insurance-market-3 Market Overview of Vision Insurance If you are involved in the Vision Insurance industry or aim to be, then this study is vital to keep your market knowledge up-to-date. The Market is segmented by Applications [Schools, Companies & Other], Types / Coverage [, Preventive Eye Care (eye exams), Prescription Eyewear (eyeglasses and contact lenses), Vision Correction Surgery & Other] and major players. To get deep dive in market, geographically 22+ jurisdictions or countries were summarized in the study from Asia Pacific, MEA, South America, Europe and North America. Geographically, the global version of report has following country inclusion: - North America [United States, Canada and Mexico] - Europe [Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and Rest of Europe] - Asia-Pacific [China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia and Others] - South America [Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Rest of South America] - Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Turkey, Israel, GCC Countries and Rest of Africa) Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2628142-global-vision-insurance-market-3 This study mainly helps understand which market segments or Country; Insurance carriers, Aggregators should focus in years to come to channelize their efforts and investments in Vision Insurance to maximize growth and profitability. The growth in 2020 is noticeably slower and mature markets in North America and Western Europe requires "heavy lifting" to address such trends due to the dynamic macroeconomic and regulatory environment. The distribution channels in the insurance industry, is always of great importance, reflecting the "push" nature of Vision Insurance offering in the industry. The distribution model has continued to evolve as insurers try to better connect with their customers. Over the years, the Vision Insurance industry has seen a clear dominance of face-to face selling (agents and brokers). However, with the increasing penetration of the Internet and customers preferring convenience, the digital mode of sales is becoming increasingly popular in Vision Insurance. Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows: Historical year 2016-2020 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021 to 2026 Access Global Vision Insurance Market Report Now; Buy Latest Edition@: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2628142 Major Highlights of TOC: Chapter One: Global Vision Insurance Market Industry Overview 1.1 Vision Insurance Industry 1.1.1 Overview 1.1.2 Products of Major Companies 1.2 Vision Insurance Market Segment 1.2.1 Industry Chain 1.2.2 Consumer Behaviour & Distribution Channels Chapter Two: Global Vision Insurance Market Demand 2.1 Segment Overview Schools, Companies & Other 2.2 Global Vision Insurance Market Size by Application/End USers (2016-2020) 2.3 Global Vision Insurance Market Forecast by Application/End USers (2021-2026) Chapter Three: Global Vision Insurance Market by Type 3.1 By Type , Preventive Eye Care (eye exams), Prescription Eyewear (eyeglasses and contact lenses), Vision Correction Surgery & Other 3.2 Vision Insurance Market Size by Type (2016-2020) 3.3 Vision Insurance Market Forecast by Type (2021-2026) Chapter Four: Vision Insurance Market: by Region/Country 4.1 Vision Insurance Market by Regions 4.2 Vision Insurance Market Revenue & share by Region 4.3 North America 4.4 Europe 4.5 Asia Pacific 4.6 South America 4.7 Middle East & Africa Chapter Five: Player Analysis 5.1 Market Share Analysis by Players (2019-2021E) 5.2 Market Concentration Rate by Regions 5.3 Company Profiles ..........continued Browse Executive Summary and Complete Table of Content @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/2628142-global-vision-insurance-market-3 Thanks for reading Vision Insurance Industry research publication; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like USA, China, Southeast Asia, LATAM, APAC etc. About Author: HTF Market Intelligence consulting is uniquely positioned empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies, by offering services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist in decision making. By Diane Mar-Nicolle Grassroots activism has been a trademark of SFU since its inception in the turbulent 60s, and a group of graduate students are carrying on the tradition with the establishment of a student-initiated Indigenous and Black scholarship for graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. Ranah Chavoshi, an MSc candidate in biology says that the scholarship was the brain child of her departments Graduate Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, of which she is a member. Formed in 2019, the committee is comprised of diverse students, including People of Colour, those who identify as LGBTQ2S+, people with disabilities, and gender diverse and non-binary individuals. We all have different reasons as to why we are passionate about this project, but as a committee, we want to see systemic change within SFU, Chavoshi says. Ultimately, we want to see science be accessible to all. One of the committees first initiatives acutely exposed the need for immediate change. We dove into records and found that over the past eight years, the biology graduate program had only four Indigenous students and two Black students out of a total intake of about 160 graduate students. Todays demographics are even worse. The department currently has only two self-identified Indigenous students and no Black students at all. As the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum, the committee felt that it was the right time to address systemic barriers at SFU. One direct way to improve access to higher education for under-represented students, they reasoned, was to alleviate financial barriers via a scholarship. The committee approached the funded Biological Sciences Graduate Caucus who immediately agreed to support the initiative unanimously voting to donate whatever funds were left unused from their annual budget towards the scholarship. That seed investment has grown substantially, but the committee is determined to raise enough funds to make this an endowed scholarship with a legacy of funding. Chavoshi says, We know that if we can reach the minimum endowment of $30,000, we can give at least one scholarship valued at $1,500 to an Indigenous or Black Student per year. If we can reach $60,000, then half of the scholarship will be endowed and half will provide more immediate and significant funding for one student who will receive a full ride scholarship, approximately, $7,000 for one semester per year. The team has volunteered over 500 hours of their time and labour to launch the scholarship. The Terms of Reference of the scholarship have been designed with consultation and guidance from SFU's Indigenous and Black communities and the adjudication of who receives the scholarship will be overseen by the committee. Faculty of Science Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mary Catherine Kropinski says that the committee has proven that grass roots effort can lead to systemic change. Their persistence and advocacy have paved the way for others to establish donor-funded awards benefiting students belonging to any equity-deserving group." Chavoshi and the committee also credit the Faculty of Science Advancement team; Cheryl Bosley and Theresa Blancaflor; Biological Sciences Department Chair Isabelle Cote and Kropinski for their assistance. The committee says the support of these senior leaders was crucial in helping to expedite the initiative and guiding them through the many levels of administration and approvals needed. Cote stands behind her students efforts. Diversity makes us stronger. It makes us better. That is why I wholeheartedly support this wonderful initiative by our Graduate Student Caucus, which is addressing a major barrier to inclusion in science. Dean of Science Paul Kench says, The efforts of this committee to raise meaningful funding for a new Indigenous and Black Scholarship for graduate students in Biological Sciences is helping address systemic inequities and letting students know that the University and the community are supporting them. SFU Science is raising $30,000 to create a new graduate scholarship for Indigenous and Black students in SFU Sciences Department of Biological Sciences. An anonymous donor has generously offered to match all donations up to $15,000 doubling your support and impact! We invite you to give what you can by clicking here. The campaign to overturn Perus presidential election results is one of unconventional warfare. by Jose Carlos Llerena Robles and Vijay Prashad Half an hours taxi ride from the House of Pizarro, the presidential palace in Lima, Peru, is a high-security prison at the Callao naval base. The prison was built to hold leaders of Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), particularly Abimael Guzman. Not far from Guzmans cell is that of Vladimiro Montesinos, intelligence chief under former President Alberto Fujimori, who is also now imprisoned. Montesinos was sentenced to a 20-year prison term in 2006 for embezzlement, influence peddling, and abuse of power. Now, audio files from phone calls made by Montesinos from his prison indicate an attempt to influence the results of Perus presidential election after Pedro Castillo, the candidate of the left-wing Peru Libre party, won the election. By the evening of June 6, 2021, Perus National Jury of Elections should have declared Pedro Castillo the winner of the presidential election. But it did not. A month later, matters remain in stasis as Peru does not yet have an official winner of the election. Castillos opponent, Fuerza Populars Keiko Fujimorithe daughter of the former dictator Alberto Fujimorihas hired a range of Limas top lawyers to obstruct any decision by the states electoral commission. In addition, her team has cast aspersions against the campaign of Castillo and Peru Libre, accusing themwithout evidenceof being financed by disreputable groups, including drug cartels. The Peruvian media, largely controlled by the oligarchy, have gone along with Fujimoris allegations; their apparent goal is to paint Castillo as an illegitimate winner and to set aside the verdict of the electorate. Bribes Meanwhile, hard evidence continues to emerge of the dirty tricks at the heart of Fujimoris campaign to steal the election. Montesinos, the right-hand man of Fujimoris father, made 17 phone calls from the prison between June 2 and June 24. Twelve of these calls resulted in a phone conversation; there was no answer to five of them. The Peruvian naval authority in charge of the prison said that Montesinos had applied to call his girlfriend. On June 26, Perus Defense Minister Nuria Esparch indicated that the navy will conduct an investigation. Montesinos did not call his girlfriend. Instead, the old spymasterand former CIA agentcalled Pedro Rejas, a former commander in Perus army who is close to the Fujimori campaign. Montesinos tells Rejas in one call on June 10 to bribe the three members of the election commission $1 million each. The only solution is to work through Guillermo in order to transfer the payment in favor of the three electoral jury members, who are supposed to be open to the bribe, and therefore guarantee the result. The Guillermo in the conversation is Guillermo Sendon, who is on record affirming his relationship with one of the members of the electoral commission, Luis Arce Cordova. Sendon says that he helped Arce in his failed campaign to become president of the Supreme Court and met Arce several times in this period. Sendons last recorded visit to Arce was on June 22. The audios are damning. In Peru, the case is known as Vladiaudios. This is a nod to a 20-year-old scandal called Vladivideos, when Montesinos was caught on tape bribing congressman Alberto Kouri to support Peru 2000, the party of Alberto Fujimori. In the months that followed, more videos came out: Montesinos offering millions of dollars to Channel 2, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Channel 9 if they prevented the opposition from coming on their television programs. The Vladiaudios are as damning as the Vladivideos, both showing Montesinos attempting to use bribery to secure the electoral victory of the Fujimoris. Where will the money come from? Montesinos proposes that Rejas approach Dionisio Romero (the CEO of Credicorp) and Rafael Lopez Aliaga. It seems he has thought about everything: what to do and how to do it. Sitting in jail, this old intelligence agent could not do it himself. He required an accomplice and phone calls that were recorded and leaked to the media. Involve the CIA In one of the calls, Montesinos tells Rejas to involve the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Look, what they have to do is to go to the U.S. Embassy and talk with the embassy intelligence officer. Bring all the fraud documentation Go to the embassy and talk with the person in charge of intelligence at the embassy. That is in the Office of Regional Affairs. The Office of Regional Affairs in Lima is the CIA station. Montesinos gives precise instructions. Keiko Fujimoris husband can go [to the embassy], since he is an American citizen. Her husband is Mark Villanella, whom she met at Columbia University in 2004. Take the documents, Montesinos advises. Show them. Deliver them to the embassy and ask them to bring them to their chief in Washington And in Washington, the chief can bring it to the notice of the president, and the White House spokesperson can issue a statement to prevent Cuba, Venezuela, or Nicaragua from imposing their will in Peru. With such a statement, they have great leverage. Montesinos is not the only one in Fujimoris circle with a history of trying to involve the United States in Perus elections. Her close adviser Fernando Rospigliosi has a long history of walking into the U.S. Embassy and asking for assistance in preventing the left from prevailing in elections. The current U.S. ambassador in Peruonly recently appointedis Lisa Kenna, a former CIA agent. Unconventional Warfare Montesinos is an expert in unconventional warfare. The followers of Fujimori, he tells Rejas in one of the conversations, want to use a conventional approach, but this will not work. There is conventional warfare and unconventional warfare, he says. In unconventional warfare, you have to use special procedures Conventional lawyers are not going to succeed because the procedure is irregular. Arguments before the courts, in other words, are not sufficient; bribes are required. Luis Arce, the man on the electoral commission, is now under investigation by Perus public prosecutor. Meanwhile, the National Jury of Elections has still not closed the election in favor of the winner, Pedro Castillo. What we have instead is unconventional warfare with the U.S. Embassy as a player in the drama. Coups nowadays in Latin America do not need armies. Having good lawyers, bags of money, and a handful of thugs in and out of jail is all that is needed. This article was produced by Globetrotter. Jose Carlos Llerena Robles is a popular educator, member of the Peruvian organization, La Junta, and representative of the Peruvian chapter of Alba Movimientos. Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is the chief editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest book is Washington Bullets, with an introduction by Evo Morales Ayma. Radio hams combine High-tech with Low-tech The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports amateur radio operators find creative ways to communicate when all else fails It was a recent rainy Saturday morning in Hickory Hill Park, a beautiful 185-acre tract of public land tucked next to St. Josephs Cemetery in Iowa City. Members of the Iowa City Amateur Radio Club were busy. They unloaded antennae, computers, radio transmitters, electrical hookups and other equipment to set up several ham radio operating stations on the picnic tables under the open shelter here. It was Field Day, an annual 24-hour event when the local club joins thousands of others in the United States and Canada to practice skills needed in case of a communications emergency. ICARC takes this seriously. If for some reason the power is gone and cell phones are dead, ham radio operators can connect people using basic technology more than 100 years old. This is the backup plan in countries all over the world for when all else fails, Melissa Haendel W7MAH told me. She is a data scientist who traveled to Iowa City from her home in Oregon to visit her father, Rich Haendel W3ACO, and help with the ICARC event. Rich is a past club president and a key organizer for this training session. Theres sophistication in the radios and computers, but setting up the site also involved some low-tech solutions. Rich Haendel showed me the homemade spud gun he uses to set up four special antennae to help the club transmit and receive signals properly during this exercise. Read the full story at https://press-citizen.com/story/life/2021/07/07/iowa-city-amateur-ham-radio-club-operators-communicate-emergency-transmitters-frequencies/7876957002/ On the anniversary of Ghassan Kanafani's assassination, The New Arab takes stock of the history and legacy of Palestinian cultural figures assassinated by Israel, and how their enduring significance continues to permeate within the Palestinian mind. by Nadine Sayegh Today in 1972, at 36-years-old, the prolific author, journalist, and leading figure in the Palestinian resistance Ghassan Kanafani, was assassinated by the Mossad in Lebanon as a response to the Lod airport massacre. Kanafani's assassination should be situated within a broader strategy of Israeli military and intelligence policy during the 1970s and 1980s to target, and inevitably remove influential Palestinian leaders. Mahmoud Darwish, arguably Palestine's national poet, wrote in his eulogy to Kanafani: They blew up you, as they would up a front, a base, a mountain, and a capital, and they went to war with you, as they would an army. Because you are a symbol, and a civilisation is a wound. And why you? Why you? Because the homeland in you is real and transparent, and innovation for rivers whose waters are carved from the blood of migrants. Its streaks are always burnt, in which the late olive shade blends between memory and earth. The impact of both his life and death highlights is a clear reminder of his effect on the Palestinian people. He and other cultural icons of his age were targeted because of the profoundness in their work which was carried through into their audience. Yet we also find from novelist Elias Khoury, the sad irony of preserving the legacy of figures of the Palestinian resistance, as shown by Gazan poet Kamal Nasser's sarcastic reaction to Darwish's eulogy to Kanafani. Tragically, Nasser was also killed by the Israelis: Darwish recalled that he was taken by surprise when the Palestinian poet Kamal Nasser walked angrily into his office at the Palestinian Research Centre in 1972, holding the obituary the poet had written for Kanafani. Nasser threw the article on the desk and demanded, gently, 'What will you write about my death, now that you've written everything in this article?'" These exchanges highlight in a personal perspective how cultural resistance lives on with the icons legacy, even in a sardonically competitive spirit. Kamal Nasser was killed one year later through a targeted assassination by the Mossad in Beirut, alongside Kamal Adwan, a leading Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) politician, and Abu Yusef, a militant member of the organisation. Cultural influences were deemed as dangerous as political power through the eyes of the Israeli Special Forces, and continued to repeat the strategy of suppression. Outcry and testimony are an absolute result from a population under duress and manifests, in some ways, by what is deemed art and aesthetic political resistance. This kind of art has been a driver, and mirror of the collective psyche of a certain time in history, viewed then and now by Israel as a permanent threat. Upon Nassers death, in an almost linear fashion, Darwish published a short poem called the Palestinian Wedding: This is the Palestinian wedding: Never will lover reach lover, except as a martyr or fugitive. Another voice silenced by the Mossad was Naji al-Ali. The latter was a journalist and caricaturist who is best known for creating one of the most iconic Palestinian symbols, Handala. This sentiment holds true, not only for the fictional and non-fiction works of Nasser and Kanafani and their works which had a significant impact on the Palestinian consciousness of their time but of their counterparts in different artistic domains. In 1987, in London where al-Ali was residing at the time, he was shot in the head, later succumbing to his injuries. Like his counterparts, his creative work had and continues to be prescient within Palestinian contemporary popular culture. Whether their assassinations propelled their fame is an argument to be had, however, their work, symbolisms, icon-isms, have lived on, morphing to differing circumstances and struggles relating to the Palestinian experience. Today, you can readily find original artwork, from graffiti to sculpture, which will include quotations from these men, images of them, and replication of both images and images of their imaginations. The stories of the literary trio, and how they are interwoven with a number of cultural practitioners, is further testament to the impact of their presence and that of their publications, and of their ability to paint accurate pictures of a collective state of being. Today, their assassinations are now part of the wider culture surrounding the historic and contemporary Palestinian struggle. This cultural martyrdom resonates throughout the narrative of the resistance movement in tandem with political and militant martyrdom; they are held in the same regard, not only to the enemy but to society as a whole as well. Both cultural and political assassinations continue till this day; recent cases are the loss of prominent thinkers, authors and activists: Basel al-Araj and Nizar Banat. Like Kanafani, both of these men had a significant impact on their surroundings and were viewed as pioneers of resistance. Al-Araj was killed by an Israeli counter-terror' unit, allegedly facilitated by the Palestinian Authority, and Nizar Banat, killed less than one month ago, at the hands of the US-trained PA forces. Both these men were referred to as martyrs who resisted through education and writing, and they both had suspicions that they would meet their end because of it. On the commemoration of Kanafanis assassination, it is an opportunity to look back into the recent history of Palestinian resistance. To observe strategies used against their fruitful dissent, and to prepare and protect cultural influences accordingly. His assassination is a reminder of others who have been taken due to their heavy influence. In turn, todays ongoing digital struggle to raise awareness of the Palestinian movement provides space for individuals to identify todays cultural leaders and protect them from what befell so many others. Nadine Sayegh is a multidisciplinary writer and researcher covering the Arab world. She has covered topics including gender in the region, countering violent extremism, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, amongst other social and political issues. Childrens education is among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world. Prolonged school closure and limited access to distant learning has deprived children of their universal right to education, particularly in poorer countries -UNICEF by Raj Gonsalkorale The COVID pandemic has accentuated a disparity that already exists between facilities that are available for poorer children in semi urban and rural areas, and those in more urban and affluent situations. While standards of educational institutions are different to what they were some years ago, there are many schools amongst the nearly 12,000 schools in Sri Lanka which lack even basic teaching needs, and worse, even essential facilities like decent toilets, water, electricity and other amenities. Often what is taken for granted in an urban central school, is a luxury in many rural schools. Opportunities for a quality school education was never on a level playing in the country, and in a practical sense it has been a very challenging exercise to make it so. Over the years, the disparities that exist between those who have or had opportunities for a quality education irrespective of where they lived, or their socio economic conditions, and those who did not, and still do not, have been bridged to some degree.Yet, inequity does exist. There are many school children who do not have basic needs such as exercise books, pens, pencils and other basic requisites they require for their education, although they receive text books from the State. Poverty levels, general socio economic conditions of parents or guardians of children, orphaned children or those with one parent without an adequate income to send every child to a school, is nothing unusual not just in rural settings, but even in urban settings. In this context, school closures due to the pandemic and many children losing out on an education for extended periods of time, unfortunately, is not a new phenomenon for some children who have faced this situation with or without a pandemic on account of other socio economic factors. The new manthra of online education for school children in Sri Lanka is and has been foreign to many children, as the COVID pandemic itself. However, now, thanks in a way to COVID itself, an opportunity has arisen to introduce a mechanism for the country which could act as the leveller of opportunity for all children irrespective of their socio economic status, and where they live, by way of online education. It is of course easier said than done to bring a degree of universality to the concept and practice of online education to school children throughout the country. The very reasons that impacted on a universality prior to COVID, plus many other reasons makes this difficult, particularly in the short to medium term. In Sri Lanka, and in almost all countries in the world, online education for school children was not a priority policy consideration until COVID struck the world. No doubt it may have been happening to varying degrees in different countries and in different settings dictated to by a variety of reasons, including geography and physical access to schools. The COVID pandemic struck in this climate and children at all stages of schooling got affected irrespective of their fortunes or the lack of it. This misfortune has not been confined to Sri Lanka, and the BBC reckons that some 147 million children have got affected in South Asia. In a report titled Coronavirus: How the lockdown has changed schooling in South Asia by Shruti Menon in BBC Reality Check on the 21st September 2020 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-54009306), Menon says many South Asian countries lack a reliable internet infrastructure and the cost of online access can be prohibitive for poorer communities.The UN says at least 147 million children are unable to access online or remote learning. In India, only 24% of households have access to the internet, according to a 2019 government survey.In rural parts of India, the numbers are far lower with only 4% of households having access to the internet.Bangladesh has better overall connectivity than India. It's estimated that 60% can get online, although the quality of broadband internet is often very poor.Nepal's latest Economic Survey report says that of the nearly 30,000 government schools, fewer than 30% have access to a computer, and only 12% can offer online learning. Save the Children contends that children have lost more than a third of their school year to the pandemic and they have also said there are huge discrepancies in access to learning in wealthier nations as well during the pandemic- reliefweb.int/report/world/children-have-lost-more-third-their-school-year-pandemic-save-children Save the Children says that students in the U.S. for example are more disconnected from the internet than students in other high-income countries, which likely also impacted their access to remote learning. Only two EU countries have lower levels of internet access than the U.S. Bulgaria and Romania. At the start of the pandemic, upwards of 15 million students from kindergarten through to high school in U.S. public schools lacked adequate internet for distance learning at home.Other wealthier countries also struggled to provide equal online alternatives for school-based learning. In Norway, while almost all youth between 9 and 18 years old has access to a smartphone, 30 percent did not have access to a PC at home. In the Netherlands, one in five children do not have a PC or tablet for home learning. New analysis by Save the Children of data for 194 countries and different regions shows that children in Latin America and the Caribbean, and South Asia, missed out on almost triple the education of children in Western Europe. Broken down at regional level, the difference in lost days of education becomes painfully clear, Save the Children said: Both in Latin America and the Caribbean, and South Asia, children went through around 110 days without any education; Children in the Middle East lost 80 days of education; Children in Sub-Saharan Africa lost an average of 69 days; In East Asia and the Pacific, children lost an average of 47 days; In Europe and Central Asia, children lost out on an average of 45 days; In Western Europe alone, it was 38 days. Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children, said: Almost a year after the global pandemic was officially declared, hundreds of millions of children remain out of school. 2021 must be the year to ensure that children do not pay the price for this pandemic.As schools closed and remote learning was not equally accessible for all children, the biggest education emergency in history widened the gap between countries and within countries, Save the Children said. The divide grew between wealthier and poorer families; urban and rural households; refugees or displaced children and host populations; children with disabilities and children without disabilities In this context, voicing concerns over the limited reach of remote learning exacerbated with regional inequalities, UNICEF has urged countries to prioritise the safe-reopening of schools considering that in their assessment, 66% of children are unable to get remote learning are from south Asia, Africa The situation in Sri Lanka is quite consistent with what has been happening in many countries in the world, although one wishes it wasnt. The penchant to find fault with the government for not providing online education to the entirety of the country within a short period of time is both unfair and unrealistic considering the challenges faced that are not uncommon to many other countries. Nadia Fazlulhaq writing in the Sunday Times states that the Pandemic has exposed digital learning gap between students who can afford online learning and students who cannot and she states that 70% of Lankas students have no access to online study. (https://www.sundaytimes.lk/210207/news/70-of-lankas-students-have-no-access-to-online-study-431769.html) Sarah Hannan writing in the Morning on the 23rd of May in an article titledOnline and distance learning for students: Pandemic education still a challenge, has quoted theCeylon Teachers Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin as saying that switching to online and distance learning has not only affected students in the rural schools but also most students in urban schools as well. Stalin had added that certain directors from the zonal and divisional education offices are threatening teachers stating that if they fail to conduct online lessons, their salary increment letters would not be signed, pointing out that it is unfair by the teachers, as they have not been provided with the necessary equipment or with the necessary internet data facilities to conduct lessons. He had gone onto say thatmoreover, teachers have not even been given training to conduct online lessons. We had two Covid-19 waves during which these pain points could be addressed, but that has not taken place so far. In a popular school in Colombo, teachers are requested to share lessons using WhatsApp from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and they have been asked to conduct lessons through Zoom from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. In regard to the situation in rural schools, Mr Stalin had noted that the situation is even worse. For instance, if there are three children in a family and lessons are to be conducted in the present manner, these three children will need three phones. What we have also observed is that many parents are even inconvenienced by phone shops, as they are charging them exuberant amounts to obtain printouts from their phones of the assignments that are being shared through WhatsApp and to even install or configure the apps that are used for online education, Stalin added. The context in which one looks at online education is important in forging a future for this technology driven development. There are some factors that needs to be considered a. The situation in Sri Lanka is not very different to that in many other countries, developed as well as developing countries. b. Disparities in education opportunities was a reality well before the COVID Pandemic although the divide between those who had better opportunities and those who did not had been bridged to some degree over time. Online education was not going to bring redress to this situation within a few months. c. Online teaching methods and abilities are at a nascent stage in Sri Lanka and many teachers are not familiar, equipped and trained to engage in online education especially in semi urban and rural settings d. Connectivity and internet access limitations in the country. This is a major impediment even if online teaching abilities were at a high level. People walking around outside their homes and looking for areas to get connectivity in their mobile phones in not uncommon in rural areas, and even in areas not far from Colombo. It is not a rare phenomenon as some who are ignorant of grass root realities may be inclined to think. e. Lack of necessary tools like smart mobile phones as a minimum, and laptops, tablets etc for students. In households with three or four school going children, this is a major challenge in most parts of the country. f. While the introduction of TV for teaching is growing, the ability for a household to cater to the needs of more than one school going child is again a challenge. g. There does not appear to be a comprehensive national policy and a practical implementation plan to further online education while adhoc arrangements seem to be the practice. All of above points out for the need to come to terms with some realities while the COVID pandemic and the restrictions consequential to that last. Firstly, the inequity in online education opportunities, access, lack of tools, teacher non preparedness and the reality that some students will be missing school education for varying periods. The challenge for authorities is as to how this situation could be addressed and the lost time recovered when a degree of normalcy returns and children are able to go to their schools. The second challenge is how the country could gear itself to use a combination of this methodology and the physical presence in a school to become a norm rather than the exception in time to come. Universities are progressively moving in this direction and so are the special Mahindodaya schools being set up in the country. Use of the TV medium is very likely going to be a preferred standard approach in schools supplementing face to face teaching. How much and how well this is to be done in some 12000 schools will be a major challenge. Associated with the second challenge is the next challenge, which is how teachers could be equipped, trained and their capacity built to conduct online teaching. For some teachers this will be a generation challenge. The fourth challenge which underpins all other challenges is the technology itself and access to it. Possessing a smart mobile phone doesnt automatically enable access although without one access will not be possible. The bandwidth needed to cater to a vast population that will require fast and uninterrupted internet access, transmission towers that will enable such a proliferation, and the economic cost of data, besides the cost of purchasing several smart phones in households with several users and the ability of many families to afford such an expense, will be significant. Use of the TV as a medium for online education is attractive although conducting interactive sessions will require access to the internet and the use of appropriate software to enable interactive sessions. Delivering lessons using the TV medium is less complex. However, for any type of delivery and interactive sessions will require a vast number of TV sets both in schools and in homes. Online teaching is a strategy that has to be considered from a long term perspective, and it is best for the country if a committee of experts in this field, in teaching as well as in technology, and certainly not politicians, give consideration to all challenges and come up with a proposal that includes short term, medium and long term objectives and milestones, resource requirements, both technology related and human resource related, that could guide the country towards a successful future in online teaching. YOLO 2.0 is expected to reopen in October or November. Petrillo was reluctant to go into specifics about the new spaces some ambitious, custom-built features he has planned may be a challenge for suppliers to deliver on time during the COVID slowdown, he says. I would have thought by this point in time, the bad publicity that surrounded this case and the adverse effects to the defense have already happened, if you think about it logically, Raticoff said. After all the public outcry about gun violence, its gonna be really hard for them to find a juror that is truly fair and impartial. Solages is also the president of a nonprofit organization with an office in North Lauderdale. FWA SA A JACMEL AVAN, which is Creole for This Time Jacmel First, has a mission of rebuilding Haiti, according to its website. The website as well as its Facebook page both of which were working Thursday were no longer accessible on Friday. Of the reported thefts in 2021, which usually took place on the weekend between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the pickpockets would always target people who had left their valuables in their back pocket or in an open purse. Once a target was identified, one person would swipe the victims phone and then immediately hand it off to his partner, allowing the two to move quickly and undetected through the bars. Since that victory, DeSantis has often taken his cues from Trump. But as he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign, the tragedy in Surfside is exposing voters to a different side of the governor. Hes still the conservative populist who rarely parts with Trump. But unlike the former president, DeSantis is showing that he can tone down some of his most extreme partisan rhetoric during a disaster. We do have a few scant details from Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen, though, who at least confirmed that the Fort Lauderdale proposal will be similar to the existent Boring Co. loop in Las Vegas, meaning you will not actually drive your car through the tunnel. Instead, you will buy a ticket and step into a Tesla that runs on a platform through the tunnel. More Teslas can be added or taken away from the tunnel depending on traffic needs. The number of active cases of coronavirus continues to creep up in Gibraltar and, amid concerns over the evolution of the Delta variant, the government has decided to cancel the fair this summer and the Saturday Night Live events, both of which attract large numbers of residents and visitors from outside Gibraltar, many of whom are young and not yet vaccinated against the virus. The National Day concert will also be recorded and televised again this year, as it was in 2020. In a statement, the government said this had been a decision made "with considerable sadness" but that a cautious, prudent and responsible approach was necessary. At the moment, only large events have been cancelled; smaller, ticketed events where entry is controlled and those attending have to be doubly vaccinated or test negative for the virus on the day can still go ahead for the moment, although the situation will be kept under review. The government has been advised by health experts to take action now or face a continuing increase in the number of positive cases, which, it has been estimated, could soon hit 70 a week. It is also important, they say, to be aware of the impact of new variants like the Delta B, which was originally identified in Nepal. Yesterday, Thursday 8 July, there were 40 active cases in total after another seven people tested positive: three visitors and four residents. Four had been doubly vaccinated, one had received a single dose of the vaccine and two were unvaccinated. British tourists have confirmed their love for Spain's Costa del Sol. The demand to travel from the United Kingdom to Malaga has quadrupled in less than 24 hours, after Boris Johnsons government announced, on Thursday, the end of the ten-day quarantine for NHS-vaccinated passengers on return to England from countries on the amber travel list, as from 19 July. In a statement issued this Friday, easyJet reported an 400 per cent increase in flight reservations and a 440 per cent increase in holiday reservations compared to the previous week for countries on the amber list. To meet this demand, the company has put an 11,916 additional seats on sale to connect UK airports with Malaga. EasyJet is one of the main operators connecting the British market with the Costa del Sol and has, since June, had an operations base in the city. If routes to other destinations operated by easyJet within Spain are added, the increase in seats that have been put up for sale amounts to 65,427. The general director of Easyjet for the southern area of Europe, Javier Gandara , said he was happy with the increase in demand from English customers: We are delighted to see the response to the elimination of quarantine for fully-vaccinated people returning from the countries on the amber list. A prostitution gang offering bogus jobs, through a recruitment company on the internet, to attract young women from Eastern European countries to the south coast of Spain has been dismantled by the National Police force. Instead of the advertised dream jobs, the women were forced into prostitution according to officers who investigated the alleged criminal network for some two years. As a result of the latest investigations, police arrested 22 people (five in Marbella, the rest in Almeria), closed seven establishments and freed two women. The alleged leader of the gang was among those arrested during Operation Manager. The investigation was sparked in 2019 after police discovered a human trafficking network in Motril, which resulted in six people being arrested and five victims freed at the time. In the latest development National Police officers managed to uncover the network that controlled the brothels and hostess clubs in Almeria province and in Marbella and had agreements with recruitment agencies. The women were, allegedly, subjected to strict control by the managers of the premises: they had to be available 24 hours a day with only two hours free to go out and they had to hand over fifty per cent of their earnings to the gang. Police believe that the network has been active for more than ten years and the organisation's leader used multiple companies in order to conceal the true ownership of the clubs and brothels, where drugs were also made available to clients. In the latest action police raided four brothels, three hostess clubs and two homes in Almeria province and Marbella on the Costa del Sol and the 22 people arrested face charges of belonging to a criminal organisation, human trafficking related to prostitution, crimes against the rights of workers and public health. Some 26,941 euros in cash, 19 cheques worth 53,000 euros, 35 packages of cocaine, 176 pills for erectile dysfunction and documents have been seized. The UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has revealed that the government is working on plans to allow people who have been vaccinated abroad into the UK without having to quarantine for ten days. Speaking on Sky News, this Friday morning (9 July) the minister said that details could be revealed in the "next couple of weeks". The announcement comes just a day after Shapps announced that UK residents would be allowed to skip quarantine on return to England from amber-list countries, such as Spain, France and Italy, from 19 July. Although the ten-day quarantine requirement woud be lifted, there is still a requirement for a negative test result before travel that cannot be more than 72 hours old. And a second PCR test is required before the end of the second day of stay in England. But the measure would only apply to those who got their vaccinations in the UK, and not residents in Spain who were jabbed by the Spanish health system. Shapps said the government is now "actively working" on proposals to allow those who have received their jabs outside the UK to be exempt from the quarantine rules when travelling from amber list countries and added that the measure would be brought in as soon as we can. Shapps suggested that those living in the EU could be allowed in sooner than other areas as the bloc rolls out its digital Covid-19 'passport' scheme. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 712-243-2624 or email circ@ant-news.com. (The Center Square) The Iowa Finance Authority has so far approved about 1,000 applications received from residents through its Iowa Homeowner Foreclosure Assistance Program, officials said July 8. The total disbursement of $220,000 so far includes the approval of 126 of 513 applications residents submitted through the program since it reopened March 29, Iowa Finance Authority Communications Director Ashley Jared told The Center Square in an email. The agencys disbursements in 2020 assisted more than 800 households to avoid foreclosure. The Governor allocated approximately $2 million in CARES Act funds to keep this program available to homeowners, Jared said. It will remain available until the funds are exhausted or the new Federal Housing Assistance Fund Program opens for applications. To be eligible, homeowners need to be at risk of foreclosure due to a COVID-19 related loss of income that occurred on or since March 13, 2020. They must have household income no greater than 80% of the area median income. Eligible households can receive mortgage assistance of up to four months or $3,600, beginning with the April 1, 2020, mortgage payment. Government-based mortgages, which were not eligible for assistance when the agency reopened, are now included, Jared said. Weve since opened our eligibility to include this mortgage type and are taking a second look at those applications now, so this number of households assisted through the program is expected to climb in the coming weeks, Jared said. The federal American Rescue Plan of 2021 has allocated an additional minimum of $50 million to Iowa through the Homeowner Assistance Fund to help prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utility or energy services and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Jared said the agency is currently working on the development of the program. Following public input sessions, the Iowa Finance Authority intends to submit a proposed plan to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for approval no later than August 30. The program would launch in fall 2021, pending the Treasurys approval. The Iowa Association of Realtors reported in its May monthly indicators the median sales price for a single-family detached home in Iowa increased 7.3% from May 2020 ($182,750) to May 2021 ($196,000). The inventory of single-family detached homes for sale decreased 30.2% over that time period. With such limited supply of existing homes to purchase, all eyes are on home builders to provide a much-needed boost of inventory to the market to help meet buyer demand, the report said. However, increasing material and labor costs, along with supply chain challenges, have contributed to significantly higher construction costs, with builders passing these costs on to homebuyers. And while the warmer temperatures, rising sales prices, and the reopening of the economy may draw more sellers to the market, historically low levels of homes for sale are likely to continue for some time. Unlimited website access 24/7 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more! With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill. New Delhi, Jul 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Mr Modi took to twitter to offer condolences to the family of President Moise and the people of Haiti. "Saddened by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti. My Condolences to the family of President Moise and the people of Haiti," PM tweeted on Thursday night. On Wednesday, Haitian President was assassinated in an attack on his private residence. His wife, first Lady Martine Moise was hospitalized following the attack. After the assassination, the Caribbean nation had declared a state of emergency. UNI GK 0924 New Delhi, Jul 8 (UNI) Uzbekistan will host an international conference on regional trade, economic, transport and communications links between Central and South Asia in capital Tashkent this month. The press service of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on Thursday that the conference on "Central and South Asia: Regional Interconnectedness, Challenges and Opportunities" will be held on July 15-16. Foreign ministers of the Central and South Asia, as well as representatives of major international and regional organizations, global financial institutions and companies, and leading research and analytical centres will attend the meeting. "The main goal of the forum is to strengthen historically close and friendly ties, trust and good-neighbourliness between the states of Central and South Asia in the interests of all peoples and countries of both regions," the press service said. Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov visited New Delhi in February to invite India to the conference. The agenda will include proposals to bolster the stability and security of the two regions. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani are said to attend the forum. UNI SRJ SHK1729 Stability in Middle East possible only when US, Turkey leave Syria - Ambassador Moscow, Jul 9 (UNI/Sputnik) If the United States wants peace and stability in the Middle East, it should withdraw from Syria and stop supporting militants who disrupt the country's restoration efforts, Hasan Khaddour, Syrian Ambassador in Vienna, said in an interview to Sputnik, adding that Turkey should do the same. "So if they [US] need settlement, stability in the Middle East, stability in Syria, they have to leave Syria for the sake of the Syrians, withdraw their occupying forces out of Syria and the Turkish occupation should do the same," Khaddour said. He stressed that now the Syrian people need stability and resources to rebuild the country to the state it was in before the war, to restore universities and schools, and the health, transport and energy sectors. New Grant Targets Assistance to Energy Sector Small Businesses and Displaced Workers in Wyoming The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network recently received a Portable Assistance Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide technical and advising assistance to Wyoming small businesses affected by the economic downturn in the energy industry. The SBDC Network is a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming. Portable Assistance Grants are provided by the SBA to target negative economic events in specific business segments or geographical areas. Although the grant is modest and does not provide direct financial assistance to small businesses, it does allow us to increase training and advising opportunities for businesses and workers affected by the downturn in the energy industry, says Jill Kline, state director of the Wyoming SBDC Network. The focus of our grant activities is to help negatively affected businesses strengthen their operations or pivot into other areas. We also would love to work with displaced workers interested in applying their skills as small-business owners. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a stronger, more diversified Wyoming economy. If a small business has been negatively affected by economic factors in the energy industry or has a displaced energy worker interested in learning about small business ownership, contact the Wyoming SBDC Network at www.wyomingsbdc.org to learn more about business advising and training opportunities. All advising and training opportunities presented through grant activities are no-cost, and all one-on-one advising is completely confidential, as are all interactions with the Wyoming SBDC Network. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers no-cost, confidential advising and technical assistance to help Wyoming entrepreneurs think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. In 2020, the Wyoming SBDC Network helped Wyoming entrepreneurs start 95 new businesses, support 6,964 jobs and bring a capital impact of $18 million to the state. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the SBA. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A new training publication, the Handbook on Firearms for Customs and Border Guards, is available for officers controlling passengers and vehicles in the European Union (EU) and wishing to boost their capacity to detect, handle and seize firearms, along with firearm parts and ammunition. Published by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the Handbook looks at methods of arms trafficking and provides guidelines on search techniques as well as on security measures to be taken when handling seized firearms and ammunition. It also brings together comprehensive knowledge of firearms, their parts and ammunition, supplemented by references to relevant documentation. The Handbook was jointly developed by national and international experts*, including those of the WCO Secretariat who made a substantial contribution to the sections dealing with definitions, risk analysis, case studies and modi operandi of traffickers. Although the Handbook currently only focuses on the regulatory and operational framework within the EU, it will soon be further enhanced to include information on other regulations and border environments. This international version is expected to be issued at the end of 2021 and will be distributed to WCO Members by the Secretariat. The current EU version of the Handbook is available to EU Customs Officers and Border Guards, through Frontex, in English and French and will be translated into the 12 languages of the countries located at the EUs external land borders: Croatian, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish, Estonian, Finnish, Slovak, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Norwegian. *The Handbook was developed under the guidance of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs and of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission. This work was co-led by representatives of the Governments of Poland, Slovenia and Romania and by Members of the European Firearms Expert Group. Support was also provided by the WCO, the EU Customs Cooperation Working Party, Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Beshear Announces $200,000 For CenterPoint By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - During his visit to Paducah on Friday, Governor Andy Beshear announced a $200,000 award to the CenterPoint Recovery Center for Men. The award will help the center address the continuing need for substance use disorder residential treatment in McCracken County."Today's announcement aligns with one of my administration's top values: improving health care both physical and mental," said Beshear. "My faith tells me that second chances are possible and that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. That is the mission here at CenterPoint, as they deliver comprehensive treatment and recovery support, which is an important display of Kentuckians helping one another."The funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act program, which is funded with CARES Act dollars by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program provides grants to states, insular areas and local governments to prevent, prepare for and respond to the spread of COVID-19.The City of Paducah applied for the grant on behalf of Four Rivers Behavioral Health, which runs CenterPoint Recovery Center. CenterPoint is part of a statewide project designed to provide alcohol and drug recovery services to lower income individuals while simultaneously reducing the number of homeless Kentuckians.During the COVID-19 pandemic, CenterPoint saw a drop off in admissions due to the need for social distancing, reduction in group sizes and the need to follow guidelines to keep residents and staff safe. Additionally, many fundraising activities provided by the center to assist clients with expenses, such as medical costs, were cancelled. The award will help address the reduction in funds and help CenterPoint continue serving Kentuckians in need."The work we do at CenterPoint has kept literally hundreds of men from dying or being incarcerated," said CenterPoint Director Max Grantham. "The financial cost of substance use disorders to society is substantial, and this grant is an investment that pays dividends year after year. Men who complete the program at CenterPoint are no longer a strain on the criminal justice system and have been given an opportunity to live their best lives where they hold on to jobs, give back to their communities and help others recover from addiction."Codi Cox, a resident at CenterPoint Recovery Center, said: "I am finishing up my treatment here and after six months, I am grateful to have been given this second chance. The opportunity to complete the CenterPoint program has truly changed my life."CenterPoint Recovery Center for Men is a 120-bed, six-month, residential drug treatment center. It is managed by Four Rivers Behavioral Health, which is a private, not-for-profit agency that, for more than 50 years, has provided comprehensive mental health, substance abuse and developmental/intellectual disability services to clients in Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, McCracken and Marshall counties. 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. 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: 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. Graves Sheriff Investigating Trailer Theft By West Kentucky Star Staff GRAVES COUNTY - The Graves County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in a recent utility trailer theft.The Sheriff's Office says the trailer is red and is 6X12 wide with a single axle and solid white steel wheels. The end gate is metal mesh, and matches the mesh floor of the trailer.The trailer was last seen in an area on Ky Hwy 464 just east of the Ky Hwy 564 intersection. It was parked under a carport when it was reported stolen.Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office. Man Arrested After Shooting Incident in Hardin By West Kentucky Star Staff HARDIN - One person was hospitalized and one was arrested after a reported shooting in Hardin.Just before midnight Wednesday, the Marshall County Sheriff's Department went to a home on Hardin Trailer Lane, and discovered that a male victim had received multiple gunshot wounds. He was flown to a level 1 trauma center for treatment of his injuries.The suspects had reportedly fled the area in a vehicle, and neighboring homes were reportedly riddled with gun shots. Deputies say one of the bullets came to rest just inches from a child.Detectives from the Calloway County Sheriff's Department and officers with the Murray Police Department were able to locate 21-year-old Kisen Richardson of Murray, and he was arrested.Richardson was charged with assault 1st degree, two counts of wanton endangerment 1st degree, and two counts of criminal mischief 1st degree.The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible. Officers say this shooting is not related to another incident earlier this week. Man Arrested in Kuttawa Following Alleged Assault By West Kentucky Star Staff LYON COUNTY - A man was arrested for careless driving by Lyon County Sheriff's deputies Thursday after an alleged assault on a bartender at the Thirsty Turtle in Grand Rivers.The Lyon County Sheriff's Office says they received a call that a man had left Green Turtle Bay Resort after the alleged assault and was headed in the direction of Lyon County. The caller told the Sheriff's office the man was also possibly driving under the influence of alcohol.Deputies then spotted the vehicle on US 62 near Suwanee and stopped the driver in Kuttawa after observing erratic driving behavior. The driver, 65-year-old John T. Collins of Grand Rivers, was then arrested and charged with careless driving, and driving on a DUI suspended license.The assault allegation is being investigated by the Livingston County Sheriffs Office. OP-ED: Holding China Accountable for COVID-19 By Congressman James Comer WESTERN KENTUCKY -Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, none of the information provided to us by China, the World Health Organization (WHO), or Dr. Fauci has been clear. In fact, the American people have received a healthy dose of Communist propaganda, misleading public health guidance, and outright lies about the origins of this pandemic.But in recent weeks, one reality has become crystal clear: China has been a malicious actor in creating COVID-19 and withholding its dangers from the world. Expert testimony before Congress last week, along with recent reporting, laid out the mounting evidence that this virus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.Unfortunately, we only received this information by way of public news reports and expert testimony before a forum hosted by me and other Republican members of Congress. We hosted this forum on the origins of COVID-19 because the Democrat majority in Congress who possess subpoena power and broader investigative authority refused to do their job and get to the bottom of a pandemic that has killed 600,000 Americans. They refused to hold a single committee hearing focused on the origins of this virus and holding China accountable.As Republican Leader of the House Oversight Committee, I hosted this forum alongside Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio. We thought this public discussion was critical to gathering information on the origins of this virus, which we did. Unfortunately, we were unable to capture a full picture of what senior medical officials knew, due to the refusal by Dr. Anthony Fauci to accept our invitation to speak.His refusal to come before Congress adds further suspicion about his willingness to be transparent about China's role in the virus, which his emails indicate he took much more seriously than he was telling the public. As the highest paid federal employee, he should have no problem coming before Congress and communicating clearly with the American people.Here's what we know: America's very own National Institutes of Health (NIH) deleted gene sequences of early COVID-19 cases at the urging of the Chinese government removing key pieces of information that would help determine the pandemic's origins. At the same time, Communist China and the World Health Organization were telling the world that the virus came from an animal, not the Wuhan lab.Both the Chinese government and their partners at the WHO continued to deny human-to-human transmission of the virus, even when such a reality was clear.We also know that three researchers from the Wuhan lab became ill and sought hospital care in November of 2019, a full month before any cases were publicly reported out of China. Finally, gain-of-function research, a dangerous form of scientific study believed to have created the virus, was being performed in Wuhan with funding from American taxpayers.These signs all point toward the virus escaped from the Wuhan lab, and China hiding its origins to the detriment of the entire world. The families of the 600,000 Americans lost to COVID-19 deserve answers, as well as a government that is honest and straightforward with them.In order to prevent the next pandemic, and to pursue appropriate accountability measures for the devastation created by COVID-19, it is critical that we understand exactly how we got to the point of a global pandemic. I am committed to doing just that, even if President Biden and the Democratic majority in Washington would rather sweep China's involvement under the rug. Trigg County Shooting Suspect Arrested in L.A. By West Kentucky Star Staff TRIGG COUNTY - A Trigg County man wanted for questioning in connection to a recent shooting incident that left two people dead is in custody in California. Detectives had been searching for 29-year-old Landon W. Stinson, of Cadiz, since Saturday morning.Kentucky State Police say Stinson was found in Los Angeles and is being held at the Los Angeles County Jail on California charges. On Monday State Police detectives traveled to Los Angeles to interview Stinson in connection with the murder. While there detectives served Stinson with a Trigg County arrest warrant on the charge of possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense.Police say the investigation is still ongoing at this time.Previous Story:On 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 20:02:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows expired medicines and substandard food items in Jalalabad, capital of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. The Afghan health authorities set on fire up to 170 tons of expired medicines and substandard food items in the country's eastern Nangarhar province on Thursday, the provincial government confirmed. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) JALALABAD, Afghanistan, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan health authorities set on fire up to 170 tons of expired medicines and substandard food items in the country's eastern Nangarhar province on Thursday, the provincial government confirmed. A total of 35 tons of expired medicines collected from a number of private drugstores and 135 tons of substandard food items, collected from grocery shops over the last two years, were set on fire and destroyed in Nangarhar, the Nangarhar's public health directorate said in a statement. The burned items totally cost up to 85 million afghani (more than 1 million U.S. dollars), according to the statement. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:24:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Hong Kong citizen has been devoting his city planning talent to building a pilot free trade zone in Daxing District, Beijng since the beginning of 2020. Liao Zihan was recruited by a company called Beijing New Aerotropolis as the deputy general manager for his experience in urban planning and development in Hong Kong, New York and the Greater Bay Area in south China. Liao regards the planning and development of the economic zone of the Beijing Daxing International Airport, which covers 50 square kilometers, as a new starting point and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his career. Liao's time in Beijing has deepened his understanding about the Chinese capital. And he's very optimistic about the city's future development. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 21:34:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man works to restore the Boukoleon Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 2, 2021. Located on the shore of the Marmara Sea, expanding toward the Sultanahmet Square in the north, the 1,600-year-old palace is one of the oldest witnesses of Istanbul's history. However, the once magnificent palace was damaged over time, a part of which was destroyed, and it turned into a site that Istanbulites rarely visit. Under the supervision of a scientific committee, Istanbul municipality's Cultural Assets Conservation Department has launched an archeological restoration project, which aims at transforming this UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the nearby sea and land walls of the ancient city, into an open-air museum and creating an enriched sightseeing route. (Photo by Osman Orsal/Xinhua) by Zeynep Cermen ISTANBUL, July 8 (Xinhua) -- "After the emperor comes from the sea along with his men, he passes through this courtyard with a huge dome, where a ceremony is held with dozens of soldiers lining up and then enters the palace," an expert on late antique and Byzantine archaeology told his team. "Everything is majestic here, and monumental and ceremonial," Engin Akyurek, an academic with the Koc University, spoke about the Boukoleon Palace, one of the Byzantine-era structures in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul. Located on the shore of the Marmara Sea, expanding toward the Sultanahmet Square in the north, the 1,600-year-old palace is one of the oldest witnesses of Istanbul's history. However, the once magnificent palace was damaged over time, a part of which was destroyed, and it turned into a site that Istanbulites rarely visit. Under the supervision of a scientific committee, Istanbul municipality's Cultural Assets Conservation Department has launched an archeological restoration project, which aims at transforming this UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the nearby sea and land walls of the ancient city, into an open-air museum and creating an enriched sightseeing route. "Our principle is to conduct the restoration with the minimal intervention," Oktay Ozel, head of the department, told Xinhua. For Akyurek, who leads the scientific committee, the piers and richly ornamented columns unearthed during the ongoing archaeological study have shown that the mansion was important as its unique location enabled the Byzantine emperors to access the sea conveniently. "This palace and the history will be reinterpreted," as the excavations would continue to reveal new information each day, Akyurek said. Ozel's teams have been carrying out some other multi-faceted restoration projects across Istanbul, covering several castles, which played significant roles in defending the city against enemies throughout history, as well as ancient fountains that adorn the streets. Residents and experts in Istanbul can inspect the ongoing restoration and conservation work of the municipality and get information from the authorities on the spot, according to Ozel. "We accept visitors to the field ... They can both gain knowledge and experience the processes of the restoration and archaeological excavation," he said. Previously, some renovations in Istanbul incurred experts' critism for ill-advised techniques applied. Last year, parts of the interior walls of the city's iconic Galata Tower in Beyoglu district were demolished by a hammer drill, causing the Istanbul municipality to file a complaint against all parties involved in the restoration process. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:15:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People wait to visit the memorial of the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China, in Shanghai, east China, June 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) SHANGHAI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The eastern Chinese city of Shanghai has released a guideline to develop the city into one of the most attractive red tourism destinations in the country by 2025, local authorities said Thursday. The city plans to develop 90 red tourism scenic spots and promote 50 red tourism routes by 2025, according to the guideline. The red tourism sites in the city will strive to receive over 40 million visitors by 2025, with an average annual growth of more than 15 percent. Red tourism, which refers to visiting historical sites with a modern revolutionary legacy, has stood out as a popular choice among Chinese people in recent years. To mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Shanghai on Thursday launched 10 red tourism routes. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 00:16:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government Thursday approved a new emergency response package worth over 3 billion U.S. dollars (INR 23,123 crore) to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made following the first meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's revamped cabinet. "The union (federal) cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved a new scheme 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package: Phase-II' amounting to INR 23,123 crore for FY 2021-22," a statement issued by the government 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 and with measurable outcomes." Out of the over 3 billion U.S. dollars package announced, over 2 billion U.S. dollars will be spent by the centre and over 1 billion U.S. dollars will be allocated to states. Mansukh Mandaviya Thursday took charge as India's new federal health and family welfare minister. The federal health ministry was held by Harsh Vardhan. However, on Wednesday he and his junior minister Ashwini Chaube tendered resignations ahead of the major cabinet reshuffle. Both the ministers have been dropped in the new reshuffle. The change in guard at the health ministry has come at a time when India is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, when the country was faced with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government announced a central sector scheme of INR 15,000 crore (2 billion U.S. dollars) for the "India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package" to provide a critical impetus to the efforts for pandemic management. Since mid-February this year, the country is experiencing a second wave with the pandemic spreading into rural, peri-urban and tribal areas. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 02:48:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close AMMAN, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Thursday agreed to offer Jordan 50 million cubic meters of additionally purchased water, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. During a meeting between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid on the Jordanian side of the King Hussein Bridge, an agreement was also completed within the Paris Protocol, according to which the volume of Jordanian exports to the West Bank will increase from 160 million U.S. dollars annually to an approximate amount of 700 million dollars. The two ministers agreed that the technical teams would meet in the coming days to finalize the specifications of the water agreement as well as discuss raising the volume of exports to the Palestinian market between officials in Jordan, Israel and Palestine. They also discussed developments related to the peace process, where Safadi stressed the need to make all efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace through the two-state solution that ends the occupation and fulfills all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 04:27:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, July 8 (Xinhua) -- War is not a solution to Afghanistan's political conflicts, said a statement issued on Thursday by the participants of the intra-Afghan dialogue held in Iran's capital Tehran. High-ranking delegates of the Afghan government and the Taliban group held the two-day meeting from Wednesday, in an attempt to end the conflict in Afghanistan. In the statement released at the end of the meeting, the warring sides expressed their gratitude for the efforts of Iran in helping push forward the peace process in Afghanistan, reported the Tasnim news agency. The Afghan government and the Taliban group agreed that the continuation of the war would damage the country's interests and they should endeavor to reach a political and peaceful solution to the differences among the concerning parties. They also decided to discuss the issues that need further consultation, such as the establishment of a mechanism for the transition from war to permanent peace and the Islamic system in Afghanistan, as well as ways to achieve the goals during the next meeting expected to be held as soon as possible. Condemning the attacks that target people's homes, offices, mosques, hospitals and public institutions, the sides called for the punishment of the perpetrators. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday urged a peaceful solution to the differences among Afghan political parties. "For peace one should sacrifice and forgive, should refrain from the maximum demands and pay attention to the demands of the other side," Zarif said at the end of the intra-Afghan dialogue. "What I demand from you (the Afghan parties) is to seize this opportunity and end the war in Afghanistan as soon as possible and provide the people of Afghanistan with an opportunity for development," Zarif said. Iran is ready to facilitate the continuation of talks in any way the Afghan parties want, he added. Hours after the release of the statement on Thursday, Iranian local media reported that the Taliban military forces captured the Islam Qala customs post on the border of Iran and Afghanistan. Following the Taliban's seizure of the border post, the Afghanistan security forces reportedly fled to Iran after clashes erupted in Islam Qala. Located in west Afghanistan's Herat province, the Islam Qala border post is the official land crossing from Iran's eastern Taybad town. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 05:51:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday announced the signing of an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV to supply 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine for all 55 member states of the African Union (AU) by the end of 2022. Some 35 million doses are to be delivered by the end of 2021, said UNICEF in a press release. The agreement between UNICEF and Janssen will help implement the Advance Purchase Commitment signed between the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) and Janssen in March 2021. That agreement secured an option to order another 180 million doses, bringing the maximum access up to a total of 400 million doses by the end of 2022, said UNICEF. The AU established AVAT in November 2020 to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the African continent, with a goal of vaccinating 60 percent of its population. UNICEF will procure and deliver COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the AVAT initiative. Other partners include the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Bank. "African countries must have affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccine access has been unequal and unfair, with less than 1 percent of the population of the African continent currently vaccinated against COVID-19. This cannot continue," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "Vaccinating the world against COVID-19, as the virus continues to spread and mutate, is one of the largest and most complex collective health undertakings the world has ever seen, and we need all hands on deck," said Fore. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 06:41:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close 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| 2021-07-09 07:42:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A visitor watches a delivery drone at the 2021 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in east China's Shanghai, July 8, 2021. The 2021 WAIC kicked off in China's Shanghai on Thursday. With the theme of "Intelligent Connectivity, Inspirational Cities", this year's conference is aimed to promote global exchange and cooperation, and enhance the common welfare of mankind. More than 10 AI chips, as well as innovative products brought by more than 300 major AI companies, will be shown at the conference, which will last to Saturday. (Xinhua/Hu Zhixuan) Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 08:20:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. - - - - TRIPOLI -- 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. - - - - RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil registered 1,639 more deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 530,179, the health ministry said Thursday. A total of 53,725 new infections were detected, raising the total caseload to 18,962,762, the ministry said. - - - - UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday announced the signing of an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV to supply 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine for all 55 member states of the African Union by the end of 2022. Some 35 million doses are to be delivered by the end of 2021, said UNICEF in a press release. - - - - BERLIN -- Pharmacies in Germany would start issuing digital certificate to people who have recovered from COVID-19 as of Friday, the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists announced on Thursday. Since June 14, German pharmacies, physicians, and vaccination sites have been allowed to issue a digital vaccination passport for fully vaccinated people in accordance with the EU Digital COVID Certificate launched on July 1. - - - - HAVANA -- Cuba reported on Thursday its worst daily indicators of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 3,819 cases and 26 deaths in the last day, bringing the total to 218,396 cases and 1,431 deaths. Director of hygiene and epidemiology of the Public Health Ministry Francisco Duran reported that 21,091 people are currently hospitalized, the highest figure of the pandemic. - - - - MEXICO CITY -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday that the third COVID-19 outbreak in the country is mainly concentrated in the young population, but with a low death rate. In his regular daily press conference, the president explained that young people have shown that they have more "resistance" to COVID-19, while the vaccination campaign begun in December is working among older adults. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 09:11:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SANTIAGO, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced that residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will enjoy greater freedom starting on July 15, following a decline in infections and progress in immunization numbers. "We have had more than 30 days of continuous health improvements that have allowed us to reduce by 60 percent the number of daily infections," the president said Thursday. "Hospitalizations have also decreased and, to a lesser extent, deaths." As of Wednesday, more than 11 million people were fully vaccinated, while over 13 million had received their first jab. Pinera said that holders of a mobility pass, which certifies full vaccination against COVID-19, will be allowed to participate in activities with greater capacity. Individual regions will be allowed to shorten the nationwide curfew as long as at least 80 percent of the population is fully vaccinated and the rate of active cases is less than 150. Meanwhile, nurseries, kindergartens and schools are permitted to open on a voluntary basis, including in neighborhoods under lockdown. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 10:54:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A health worker prepares the CoronaVac vaccine developed by Chinese firm Sinovac during a drive-thru immunization at Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 2, 2021. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua) The CoronaVac vaccine can be stored and transported at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and has been in Phase 3 trials since mid-2020 in Brazil, Indonesia, Chile, and Turkey, according to The Lancet. LONDON, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Interim analysis of Phase 3 clinical trial of the CoronaVac vaccine in more than 10,000 participants in Turkey suggests the efficacy of two doses of the vaccine is 83.5 percent against symptomatic cases of COVID-19, according to a study published on Thursday in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. The randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Turkey using the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech. The trial involved over 10,000 participants aged 18 to 59 years. They were randomly assigned to receive two doses of the vaccine (given 14 days apart) or a placebo. The preliminary findings indicated that CoronaVac induced a robust antibody response, and no severe adverse events or deaths were reported among the participants. Most adverse events were mild and occurred within seven days of injection, according to the study. However, more research is needed to confirm vaccine efficacy in the long term, in a more diverse group of participants, and against emerging variants of concern, said the study. CoronaVac uses an inactivated whole virus, compelling a recipient's immune system to attack the harmless form of the virus by producing antibodies to fight it off, leading to immunity. The vaccine can be stored and transported at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and has been in Phase 3 trials since mid-2020 in Brazil, Indonesia, Chile, and Turkey, according to The Lancet. "One of the advantages of CoronaVac is that it does not need to be frozen, making it easier to transport and distribute. This could be particularly important for global distribution, as some countries may struggle to store large amounts of vaccine at very low temperatures," said Murat Akova, lead author of the study and a professor at Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 10:54:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The investment agreement between China and the European Union will "sooner or later" be taken up again, Herman Van Rompuy, former president of the European Council, told an online forum on Thursday. "It is a pity that the investment agreement concluded in principle between the EU and China in December 2020 is currently in the fridge. Sooner or later it has to be taken out of there," Van Rompuy said during a China-EU green summit, referring to the European Union-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. "It is a key element for a restart of the EU-China relationship," he added. The European Parliament adopted a resolution in May asking China to lift sanctions on European lawmakers before the China-Europe investment deal can move forward. China imposed penalties on "relevant EU entities and individuals who maliciously spread Xinjiang-related lies and disinformation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian commented in May. Zhao said China is sincere in advancing China-EU relations but will staunchly safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests. China and the EU completed negotiations late last year over the investment deal after years of talks. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 12:52:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a proposal for a new general Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation of 650 billion U.S. dollars, the largest allocation in the IMF's history, to help members recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday. "I will now present the new SDR allocation proposal to the IMF's Board of Governors for their consideration and approval. If approved, we expect the SDR allocation to be completed by the end of August," Georgieva said in a statement. "This is a shot in the arm for the world. The SDR allocation will boost the liquidity and reserves of all our member countries, build confidence, and foster the resilience and stability of the global economy," Georgieva said. Noting that an SDR allocation in 2009 had contributed significantly to recovery from the global financial crisis, Georgieva believed that the new SDR allocation will help every IMF member country, particularly vulnerable countries, strengthen their response to the COVID-19 crisis. "We will maintain active engagement with our membership in the months ahead to identify viable options for voluntary channeling of SDRs from wealthier members to support our poorer and more vulnerable countries to help their pandemic recovery and achieve resilient and sustainable growth, which will also help boost global economic recovery," she said. The SDR can be exchanged among governments for freely usable currencies in times of need. The Chinese currency, renminbi, formally became the fifth currency in the SDR basket on Oct. 1, 2016, joining the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, and the British pound. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 13:02:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a proposal for a new general Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation of 650 billion U.S. dollars, the largest allocation in the IMF's history, to help members recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday. "I will now present the new SDR allocation proposal to the IMF's Board of Governors for their consideration and approval. If approved, we expect the SDR allocation to be completed by the end of August," Georgieva said in a statement. "This is a shot in the arm for the world. The SDR allocation will boost the liquidity and reserves of all our member countries, build confidence, and foster the resilience and stability of the global economy," she said. Noting that an SDR allocation in 2009 had contributed significantly to recovery from the global financial crisis, Georgieva believed that the new SDR allocation will help every IMF member country, particularly vulnerable countries, strengthen their response to the COVID-19 crisis. "We will maintain active engagement with our membership in the months ahead to identify viable options for voluntary channeling of SDRs from wealthier members to support our poorer and more vulnerable countries to help their pandemic recovery and achieve resilient and sustainable growth, which will also help boost global economic recovery," she said. Final approval of the SDR allocation by the Board of Governors requires an 85-percent majority of the total voting power of all IMF members. The allocation would be implemented and become effective 21 days after the Board of Governors' approval, sometime in late August, according to the IMF. The SDR can be exchanged among governments for freely usable currencies in times of need. The Chinese currency, renminbi, formally became the fifth currency in the SDR basket on Oct. 1, 2016, joining the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, and the British pound. The IMF executive board's approval came one day after Georgieva called for urgent action by the G20 and policymakers across the globe 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," Georgieva wrote Wednesday in a blog. Georgieva noted that shrinking fiscal resources will make it even harder for poorer nations to boost vaccinations and support their economies, which will leave millions of people unprotected and exposed to rising poverty, homelessness, and hunger. "Unvaccinated populations anywhere raise the risk of even deadlier variants emerging, undermining progress everywhere and inflicting further harm on the global economy," she said. The IMF chief urged G20 policymakers to step up international cooperation to end the pandemic, step up efforts to secure recovery, and step up support for vulnerable economies. IMF staff recently outlined a 50-billion-dollar plan that could lead to trillions of dollars gained from faster vaccine rollout and accelerated recovery. "This would be the best public investment of our lives and a global game-changer," Georgieva said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 16:25:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man sells mangoes in south Pakistan's Hyderabad on June 22, 2021. (Str/Xinhua) by Raheela Nazir ISLAMABAD, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Commonly known as the "king of fruits" locally, Pakistani mangoes are delicacy and delight that everyone is waiting anxiously for in summer season to titillate their taste buds with a number of luscious varieties. The fruit is not only hugely popular in Pakistan, but it has also won the hearts of people living beyond the borders due to its unmatchable taste, enticing aroma and soft texture. Considering the high global demand of mangoes despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan is expected to surpass the set export target of 150,000 metric tons this season, an official from the Ministry of Commerce said, adding that last year, the country's mango exports were 140,000 metric tons as against the target of 80,000 metric tons. In a conversation with Xinhua, Shehzad Sheikh, chairman of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association, said that "although Pakistan is the sixth-largest mango producer in the world, with a production volume of about 1.8 million tons per year," the country's production and exports are not up to scratch due to multiple factors. Outdated cultivation and harvesting techniques, high cost of production, substandard cold storage facilities, transportation issues, and lack of research and development are the major hindrances to the growth of mango industry, Sheikh said. "We are producing 2-3 tons of mangoes from an acre of land, whereas other countries are getting over 10 tons of yield with the same land ... also the quality of mangoes gets affected during harvesting as the height of most mango trees in the country is about 40 feet, which should not be above 8 feet to get better and high quality production," he said. Experts and government officials in the country believe that Pakistan needs to enhance cooperation with China to modernize farming structures and techniques to increase mango production, produce premium quality of fruit crop and improve competitiveness in the global markets to boost exports and earn valuable foreign exchange. China is the world's second largest producer of mangoes as it has introduced modern cultivation and pest-control methods, optimal sorting and packing technologies, improved logistics and cold chain facilities, and opened up more sales channels to enhance production and sales of the fruit, Pakistan's Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam said. "Pakistan can learn from Chinese experience to give impetus to the country's mango industry considering its economic importance," Imam told Xinhua. He said that China has already helped Pakistan in overcoming multiple issues that Pakistani farmers were facing by improving electricity supply and road infrastructure across the country under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the past, severe load shedding, especially in rural areas had greatly affected the mango production as orchards get water supply from tube-wells running on electricity, said the minister. "Power projects under CPEC have greatly reduced energy woes faced by the farmers." Similarly, improved road infrastructure has shortened traveling time and facilitated farmers to get their produce to other cities more conveniently, he added. He said both countries should hold joint research projects and establish demonstration zones to improve the quality of mangoes so that they could be sold at a lucrative price in global markets. Pakistani exporters believe that the country needed to secure a strong presence in the bigger and high-value international markets like China to earn high profit. In June, as part of the Pakistani government's efforts to better explore desirable destinations for the Pakistani mangoes, a chartered plane of mangoes landed in China and more are expected to enter the Chinese market this summer. Pakistan has also held events in China in recent years to promote the new, better varieties and rich flavor of Pakistani mangoes to the Chinese people, and according to organizers, the feedback was more than encouraging. Adeeb Ahmed Rao, a leading mango exporter and owner of the Rajput Orchard in the country's eastern Multan city, told Xinhua that he has been cultivating around 20 to 25 varieties of mangoes including the most famous Chaunsa, Dussehri, Langra and Anwar Ratol, and exporting his produce to Gulf and European countries mostly. "This season, I am planning to export mangoes to China as the country has a very large consumer market," Rao said, adding that Pakistan should make every effort to grasp the Chinese market by improving the standards of production and marketing strategy. To boost exports to other countries, the Pakistani government has been making efforts to provide special subsidies to farmers to cut their production cost, making better market strategies, reducing freight cost and introducing one-window operation for perishable fruits consignments to make it competitively priced in international markets. "Pakistan can be on the list of top three exporters of mangoes in the next five years, both in terms of volume and value, if the government continues to adhere to making prudent and result-oriented policies in this regard," the mango exporter said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 16:32:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Mahmoud Fouly CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The tremendous progress and development in China proves that the country is implementing a sound model of democracy, a prominent legal expert from Egypt has said. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Shawki al-Sayyid, a former counselor at Egypt's State Council, said when China facilitates broad public involvement in law-making, "it follows democracy in a sound way, because democracy is based on participation in decision-making." China's people's democracy is a type of "whole-process democracy," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during an inspection tour in Shanghai in November 2019, where he visited a residential community's civic center. In the view of al-Sayyid, China's "whole-process democracy" is a distinctive type of socialist democracy that distinguishes it from various capitalist democratic systems. It requires lawmakers to maintain closer ties with people in order to resolve their most pressing concerns. The closer the lawmakers' ties with people are, the more successful their legislations will be, said al-Sayyid, who had been a lawmaker in Egypt for 16 years. "Mere voting does not necessarily mean true participation because it might be influenced by hidden or apparent factors. Participation in decision-making and administration is the core of democracy," said the expert. One example of people's participation in decision-making in China is the draft outline of the country's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for future economic and social development. The National Development and Reform Commission, which is tasked with drafting the outline, received over 37,000 comments through online solicitation along with more than 4,000 questionnaires handed out to specific groups. "China has achieved stunning progress," al-Sayyid stressed. "Democracy is not about forms, it's about content and results." With rapid technological advancement in China, lawmakers and government officials can communicate more directly and efficiently with the public, tackling their problems and involving them in decision-making processes. "It is the advantage of technology when it is used for the wellbeing of people ... Technology bears its fruits when accompanied with moral values that prioritize people's interests," al-Sayyid said. As for Western criticism of China's democracy, he said it is mainly for political purposes. "These Western claims are circulated to defame China and depict it as a country with neither freedom of expression nor democracy," the Egyptian legal expert said. "Democracy in Western countries is a formality, and its reality contradicts democracy, but when democracy has a meaning, a spirit and fruitful results, it is the true democracy," he said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 17:00:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Wednesday extended the so-called "national emergency with respect to Hong Kong" as part of U.S. sanctions on China. Such blatant interference in China's internal affairs has once again exposed U.S. insolence in defending its self-proclaimed supremacy and its deep-rooted paranoia to sow instability worldwide. A White House notice claimed that the "national emergency," first declared on July 14, 2020, was extended for one year because the situation with respect to Hong Kong, including China's actions, "continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States." The unscrupulous U.S. sanctions over Hong Kong through legislative and administrative means have seriously jeopardized China's sovereignty, security and development interests and grossly trampled on international law and the basic norms governing international relations. Over the past year, with the implementation of the National Security Law and the adoption of a new electoral system, Hong Kong has witnessed an end of chaos and violence, the return of stability and growing prosperity. A recent report by the International Monetary Fund reaffirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center. The latest survey by local think-tank Bauhinia Institute found that 82.6 percent of residents believe the city has been more peaceful since the National Security Law took effect. Washington, on the other hand, turned a blind eye to the reality in Hong Kong and continues to pursue an unscrupulous and paranoid foreign policy. The outrageous, crazy and vile U.S. acts over Hong Kong are simply despicable. The real purpose of such U.S. moves is to suppress China. For a long time, some U.S. and Western politicians have been keen on stoking tensions in Hong Kong, smearing the "one country, two systems" policy and flagrantly meddling in China's internal affairs. Their sinister intentions to destabilize Hong Kong and contain China by any means possible are not new. Their actions are rooted in the American anxiety that China's development will one day threaten U.S. hegemony, which has prompted some U.S. politicians to try everything possible to obstruct China's development. In their paranoid mind, China is a strategic competitor that must be suppressed and a chaotic Hong Kong serves their interests and is in line with their China containment plan. However, those politicians failed to recognize that their attempts to stoke chaos in Hong Kong with coercive sanctions will only backfire. The United States has deep and direct interests in the city. Official data released last year showed that there are around 85,000 U.S. citizens and more than 1,300 U.S. enterprises in Hong Kong, including almost all of America's major financial firms. Besides, Hong Kong has been the source of America's large bilateral trade surplus for years. Those U.S. politicians, who have long boasted about their role as "human rights preachers" and jumped around to meddle in other countries' domestic affairs under the pretext of "democracy," have nevertheless turned a blind eye to the human rights tragedies in their homeland. Since the collapse of a condominium in Florida two weeks ago, the federal and local governments have displayed unmistakable indifference to the lives of their fellow Americans with their bureaucratic inefficiency and buck-passing. Now 64 people were killed, and the remaining 76 buried in the debris are feared dead as well. While some U.S. politicians were enjoying their Independence Day holiday at home, at least 233 people were killed and 618 people injured by gun violence in more than 500 shootings across the United States in the same period. How on earth dare a country with such a bad record label itself as a human rights lecturer and teach others how to behave? Hong Kong's stability will never be shaken, and the firm resolve of the Chinese government to safeguard national sovereignty and uphold the city's interests and prosperity in the long run should never be underestimated. It is time for those U.S. politicians to wake up to that, and stop their insolence and paranoia as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will have to pay a heavy price because the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, including those in Hong Kong, are no pushovers. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 17:23:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Firefighters carry the body of a victim after a juice factory fire in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, July 9, 2021. At least 51 workers died as a juice factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district, about 20 km from capital Dhaka, caught fire on Thursday, a senior official said Friday. (Xinhua) DHAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 51 workers died as a juice factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district, about 20 km from capital Dhaka, caught fire on Thursday, a senior official said Friday. The district's chief administrator Mostain Billah told Xinhua that the death toll of Thursday's factory fire has risen to 51 on Friday afternoon. "Another 49 bodies were recovered on Friday afternoon, taking the number of total death toll to 51 from two last night," he said. According to the official, 20 more people were injured in the fire and they were rushed to different hospitals. A total of 18 firefighting units managed to bring the fire at the six-storey building of the local factory under control, after more than 21 hours of fighting at around 3:00 p.m. local time Friday, said the official. Md Abdul Al Arefin, Narayanganj District Fire Service and Civil Defence deputy director, said that they have come to know that the fire originated from a welding accident at around 5:30 p.m. local time Thursday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 18:38:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DHAKA -- At least 51 workers died as a juice factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district, about 20 km from capital Dhaka, caught fire on Thursday, a senior official said Friday. The district's chief administrator Mostain Billah told Xinhua that the death toll of Thursday's factory fire has risen to 51 on Friday afternoon. (Bangladesh-Factory-Fire) - - - - WINDHOEK -- Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services said on Friday that a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in northeast Zambezi region has spread to four other villages, infecting 795 cattle in total. The first FMD case in the latest outbreak was confirmed at Kasenu village, in Zambezi region's Kasika area, on June 3. (Namibia-Disease-Outbreak) - - - - STOCKHOLM -- All nine on board were killed after a small airplane crashed at a Swedish airport on Thursday night, local media reported on Friday. The plane, with eight skydivers and a pilot aboard, crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Orebro, 160 km west of the capital Stockholm, at around 7.20 p.m. local time (1720 GMT) on Thursday. (Sweden-Airplane-Crash) - - - - ALGIERS -- The People's National Assembly, the lower house of the Algerian parliament, on Thursday elected Ibrahim Boughali as its new speaker. Boughali, 58, an independent parliament member from the province of Ghardaia, won 295 votes out of 382 members who took part in the ballot. (Algeria-Assembly-Speaker) - - - - SEOUL -- South Korea's health ministry said on Friday that it will adopt the toughest social-distancing rules in the Seoul metropolitan area for two weeks as a record number of COVID-19 cases were reported in recent days. The Level 4 social-distancing guideline, the highest in the newly-introduced four-tier social-distancing rules in the Asian country, will be applied to Seoul, its surrounding Gyeonggi province and the western port city of Incheon for two weeks from July 12 to 25, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. (S.Korea-COVID-19-Restriction) - - - - SANTO DOMINGO -- Haitian police arrested 15 Colombians and two Haitian Americans suspected in connection with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, officials announced Thursday. At least 28 people participated in the murder of the Haitian president, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, said Leon Charles, director of Haiti's National Police at a press conference, accompanied by Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph. (Haiti-Assassination-Arrest) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 18:43:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The herd of wandering wild Asian elephants currently lingering in Yuxi city, southwest China's Yunnan Province are safe and sound under close monitoring by the local government. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 18:59:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SYDNEY, July 9 (Xinhua) -- A team of international researchers led by Monash University concluded that abnormal temperatures across the globe have caused more than 5 million extra deaths annually. The relevant paper was published in the Lancet Planetary Health on Thursday. The study, led by Professor Yuming Guo and Dr Shanshan Li from Monash University, and Dr Qi Zhao from China's Shandong University, examined temperature related deaths in 43 countries across the globe from 2000 to 2019. The research marked the first time a link has been made between non-optimal temperatures and increased mortality rates, while also showing the geographical spread of the data. "Importantly, we used 43 countries' baseline data across five continents with different climates, socioeconomic and demographic conditions and differing levels of infrastructure and public health services -- so the study had a large and varied sample size, unlike previous studies," said Guo. The study found that 9.43 percent of global deaths could be attributed to abnormal temperatures. As for the geographic differences in the impact of non-optimal temperatures on mortality, Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest heat and cold-related excess death rates. The research revealed that of Australia's 16,500 annual temperature related deaths, just 2,300 (14 percent) were from the heat while 14,200 were from the cold. Guo said that while global warming may "slightly reduce" temperature related deaths in the short term due to less cold-related deaths (a drop of 0.51 percent from 2000 to 2019), however in the long-term climate change is expected to increase the mortality burden because hot-related mortality would be continuing to increase. Given previous studies of this nature have been confined to a single country or region, Guo said taking data from all points of the globe would help get a more accurate understanding of the real impact of non-optimal temperatures under climate change. And understanding of the geographic patterns of temperature-related mortality "is important for the international collaboration in developing policies and strategies in climate change mitigation and adaptation and health protection." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 19:03:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HERAT, Afghanistan, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Taliban militants following heavy fighting have overrun the major border town of Islam Qala, a main trade gateway in the western Herat province along the border with Iran, a local official said. The official who declined to be named said that the Taliban militants after fierce fighting captured the Islam Qala border town on Thursday evening and customs office there stopped activities. In the meantime, Tareq Arian, spokesman for the Interior Ministry, when contacted by Xinhua didn't confirm the fall of Islam Qala to Taliban militants, saying "The security and defense forces in Islam Qala port in efforts to avoid civilian casualties have been shifted to other place" and would soon launch major offensive to evict the insurgents. The Taliban outfit has claimed that its fighters had captured Islam Qala customs along the border with Iran and Torghundi border town connecting Afghanistan with Turkmenistan. Officials have yet to make comments on the Taliban claims. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 19:04:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Dulongjiang Township in Gongshan County is home to the Dulong ethnic minority group, with residents long enduring poverty in the past, in the deep isolated gorges of the Dulongjiang River. Gao Derong, former head of Gongshan County, led villagers there to build a road in the rugged mountains, linking the Dulong people with the outside world. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Yunnan in January 2015. He met with Gao and called him a role model of the times, a leader of the Dulong people, and an example for all people in China. Xi said the Dulongjiang Township will develop better owing to people like Gao. In 2018, the Dulong people were all lifted out of poverty. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:10:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close STOCKHOLM, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven announced his government on Friday, with no reshuffle. Lofven, who became the first sitting Prime Minister ousted in a no-confidence vote in June, was reinstated earlier this week. In the 14 remaining months until the next scheduled elections, Lofven's government will focus on four areas -- jobs, security, climate and welfare. "It is a challenging and very important time for Sweden," he said at a press conference. "We Social Democrats together with the Green Party, want to take Sweden forward with a green, safe and equal social construction," he said, reiterating his previous government's ambition to make Sweden the first fossil-free welfare country. On the COVID-19 pandemic, Lofven said the fight against the virus was not yet won. He also pledged to increase the pressure on the scourge of gang-related shootings that have plagued the country for years. "Gang crime has been growing for decades and will not go away overnight. The government and society must be ruthless towards the gangs," he noted. The prime minister said his government will present a proposal shortly to scrap the current system of leniency when sentencing 18-20-year-olds who have committed serious crimes. Today, younger offenders can get several years shaved off when sentenced. The new government relies on support from the Left Party and the Centre Party to push through their budget proposals. But observers believe Lofven will have many challenges in this regard. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:29:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Ministry of Health on Friday issued a travel ban for Israelis to Uzbekistan and Belarus, citing a high level of coronavirus morbidity. The ban starting July 12 will enlarge an existing list that bans traveling to Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, India, South Africa and Russia. Israeli citizens and permanent residents who want to travel to one of the eight countries must request permission from an exception committee. Meanwhile, inbound passengers from the eight countries, including recovered and vaccinated ones, must enter a 10-day quarantine. The ministry also announced that starting July 16, passengers arriving from 16 countries to which a travel warning has been issued will also be required to enter quarantine immediately. The ministry added that starting July 16, all passengers arriving from all other countries, including vaccinated and recovered ones, will be required to enter quarantine for up to 24 hours. This quarantine will last until the results of a coronavirus test conducted upon arrival are received. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:38:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DHAKA -- At least 51 workers died as a juice factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district, about 20 km from capital Dhaka, caught fire on Thursday, a senior official said Friday. "Another 49 bodies were recovered on Friday afternoon, taking the number of total death toll to 51 from two last night," the district's chief administrator Mostain Billah said. - - - - WASHINGTON -- The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a proposal for a new general Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation of 650 billion U.S. dollars, the largest allocation in the IMF's history, to help members recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday. "I will now present the new SDR allocation proposal to the IMF's Board of Governors for their consideration and approval. If approved, we expect the SDR allocation to be completed by the end of August," Georgieva said in a statement. - - - - CANBERRA -- The state of South Australia will trial home quarantine for fully vaccinated international arrivals. "South Australia has indicated their intention to go forward as the host jurisdiction for that home quarantine trial, which would be a two-week quarantine period based on the advice received from the medical expert panel," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters. - - - - WINDHOEK -- The foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in northeast Zambezi region of Namibia has spread to four other villages, infecting 795 cattle in total, a local official said. "The investigation to ascertain the source of infection is ongoing. The spread of the disease to other villages is due to the movement of livestock to areas in the flood plain in search of better grazing," the Agriculture Ministry's chief veterinary Albertina Shilongo said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:43:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China's auto sales rose 25.6 percent year on year to over 12.89 million units in the first half of 2021, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) showed on Friday. Sales of passenger vehicles increased 27 percent year on year to over 10 million units in the January-June period, according to the data. In June alone, auto sales totaled about 2.02 million units, down 12.4 percent year on year, while auto production went down 16.5 percent compared with a year ago to 1.94 million. The production and sales of passenger vehicles showed an "obvious decline" last month, said CAAM, as they were affected by an insufficient supply of chips. Bucking the trend, China's auto exports in June showed remarkable growth. Last month, the country's vehicle exports hit a record high of 158,000, rising by 5 percent month on month and 1.5 times year on year, said CAAM. In the first half of the year, China exported 828,000 vehicles, up by 1.1 times compared with a year ago. CAAM has attributed the growth to various factors, including the recovery of the international auto market and the competitiveness of Chinese car brands. Looking ahead, China's stable economic recovery will support auto consumption, said the association. However, considering uncertainties in the pandemic situation, the global chip shortage and the rising prices of raw materials, CAAM said it is cautiously optimistic about the future of the auto industry. CAAM projected that the country's auto sales would reach 27 million this year, up 6.7 percent year on year. NEV sales are expected to surge 76 percent from a year earlier to 2.4 million. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:01:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISTANBUL, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkish tourism sector has enjoyed a boom in tourism as foreign travelers started to flow into the country after the COVID-19 daily cases significantly dropped, local media reported on Friday. Turkey sees a 190 percent increase of tourist arrivals in June compared to the same period last year, according to the NTV broadcaster. Kaan Kavaloglu, vice president of the Union of Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators, said the tourism season across the country, especially on the Mediterranean coast, might be extended until the end of the year. Russia, the main market of Turkey's tourism sector, resumed on June 22 the flights to Turkey after the country saw a significant drop in the daily COVID-19 cases. The tourism sector in this country also anticipates attracting more tourists from the EU zone at the end of July, Kavaloglu was quoted by the NTV as saying. After receiving 45 million tourists in 2019 and generating a total of 34.5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, Turkey suffered losses of over 70 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:09:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) held a meeting of its Council of Chairpersons on Friday to hear reports on the deliberations of draft laws. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting. Li Fei, chairman of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, reported on draft laws on personal information protection, supervisors, legal aid, and physicians, as well as a draft revision to the Military Service Law. The meeting reviewed the above drafts and demanded extensive soliciting of opinions for further improvement. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:10:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Long March-6 carrier rocket carrying the Zhongzi-02 satellite group blasts off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, in north China's Shanxi Province, July 9, 2021. China on Friday successfully sent a new satellite group into preset orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province. The Zhongzi-02 satellite group was launched by a Long March-6 carrier rocket at 7:59 p.m. (Beijing Time). (Photo by Zheng Taotao/Xinhua) TAIYUAN, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday successfully sent a new satellite group into preset orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province. The Zhongzi-02 satellite group was launched by a Long March-6 carrier rocket at 7:59 p.m. (Beijing Time). Friday's launch was the 379th mission for the Long March series carrier rockets. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:22:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SOFIA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of the 12 countries of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) on Friday adopted a joint declaration aimed at deepening cooperation amid increasing connectivity. "We will continue our common efforts to reaffirm the 3SI as a cooperation platform aimed at increasing connectivity especially along the North-South axis in the region of Central and Eastern Europe in the fields of transport, energy and digitalization, strengthening cohesion and convergence within the European Union (EU)," read the declaration adopted here at the end of the two-day 3SI Sofia Summit and Business Forum. The 3SI, also known as the Baltic, Adriatic, and Black Sea Initiative, is a forum of 12 states in the EU, namely Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. The first 3SI summit was held in Croatia in 2016. In the current European context affected by the pandemic, the participating countries firmly believed that the coherent activity of the 3SI would provide a broader framework for deeper cooperation aimed at recharging their economies and developing cross-border infrastructure, the document said. "We are confident that working together for connectivity in science, education, technology and innovation will provide more sustainable future development for the 3SI region," it stated. "We are aware that infrastructure projects are the cornerstone of the 3SI and acknowledge their significant importance to achievement of our common goals. Therefore, the cooperation has to be project-oriented and focus on the development of infrastructural links between our countries, reflecting on the economic efficiency and the region-wide balance," it added. Meanwhile, the declaration added that the 3SI countries remain open to collaborate with other regional and global actors in implementing regional priority projects, developed under the 3SI. "The declaration is an expression of our common political will to work for the accelerated development of our region through improved transport, energy and infrastructure connectivity by stimulating public-private partnerships; by introducing new innovative models for development," said Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, the host of the event. The Initiative was launched in 2015 by the presidents of Poland and Croatia. Latvia is scheduled to host the next Three Seas Summit and Business Forum in 2022. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:28:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A new batch of vaccines from the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac arrived on Wednesday in Ecuador to help advance the country's national COVID-19 vaccination plan, the country's health ministry has said. The vaccines arrived at the Mariscal Sucre Airport in the capital Quito, as part of direct purchases of vaccines arranged by Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. The ministry added that the Chinese vaccines will continue to arrive at a progressive pace in the South American nation. Sinovac has been the primary provider of COVID-19 vaccines to Ecuador, and its vaccine CoronaVac has been the primary source of inoculations since April of this year. The vaccines from Sinovac have been a key component of the country's vaccination campaign, which the country has been boosting to mitigate the spread of the virus. The vaccination plan in Ecuador kicked off in January 2021. Produced by Xinhua Global services Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:42:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Kenya and Tanzania on Friday called for a quick resolution of non-tariff barriers and the review of the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET). Business and government leaders from the two countries said the barriers have hampered trade in the region as exports decline. Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) chairman, Paul Makanza, said the two countries have enjoyed good relationships but trade between them had slowed down due to barriers. "We hope to leverage on this renewed collaboration between the two countries to grow our economies. Both Kenya and Tanzania must eliminate non-trade barriers, and conclude the review of the EAC common external tariff," said Makanza in a statement after a meeting organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and CTI. KAM chairman Mucai Kunyiha asked the EAC partner states to create an enabling environment to drive industrialization in the region by doing away with regulatory overreach that hinders the region's competitiveness. He added that Kenya should adopt the 35 percent rate of EAC CET and resolve outstanding non-tariff barriers with Tanzania to drive industrial growth. Kenya's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Dan Kazungu, said a recent visit by the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu, to Kenya heralded new dawn between the two nations. He said this will help resolve outstanding non-trade barriers that hinder trade between the two countries. Kenya's principal secretary, Ministry of EAC, Kevit Desai, asked EAC states to embrace the "Buy East Africa, Build East Africa initiative". Kenya's exports to Tanzania declined from 342.9 million U.S. dollars in 2016 to 294.9 million dollars in 2020 while its exports to the rest of the world grew from 5.7 billion dollars in 2016 to 6.02 billion dollars in 2020. On the other hand, Tanzania's exports to Kenya grew from 126.2 million dollars in 2016 to 258.2 million dollars in 2020, while her exports to the world grew from 4.4 billion dollars in 2016 to 5.2 billion dollars in 2020. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 22:56:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a video meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China and the European Union should establish correct perception of each other, remove distractions, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties on the right track, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said. Wang made the remarks during a video meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Thursday. China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners and the world's two major independent forces without any geopolitical conflicts or clash of fundamental interests, said Wang. "We share the responsibility of maintaining bilateral dialogue and cooperation, we have the obligation to adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and we should be confident of jointly coping with global challenges," he said. Wang stressed that China and Europe should stay committed to their comprehensive strategic partnership, and to the principle of mutual respect and seeking common ground while putting aside differences. We support the European side in independently developing its relations and cooperation with China, he said. Top priority should be given to strengthening communication and coordination on areas (related to COVID-19) including vaccines, diagnosis and treatment, and prevention and control, with a focus on providing more substantive support to developing countries, he said. China and Europe should continue to support each other in successfully hosting the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in China's Kunming, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Britain, and the 7th International Union for Conservation of Nature's World Conservation Congress in the French city of Marseilles. Wang pointed out that all countries should jointly safeguard the international system, with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter at the core, and jointly uphold international order based on international law. He reiterated China's stands on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and human rights, and stressed that China's will and determination to safeguard its national sovereignty and national dignity are unwavering. While regarding China's rapid development as a fact that is in line with the historical trend, Borrell said the EU has no intention of engaging in institutional confrontation or destabilizing EU-China relations, according to a press release of the Chinese foreign ministry. Borrell said that Europe and China should manage their differences instead of allowing differences to hinder their exchanges and cooperation. The EU and China should develop a strong and sincere relationship, which is in the interests of both parties, said Borrell. The EU is willing to restart contact and dialogues with China, and strengthen cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and biodiversity protection. The EU does not agree to unilateral sanctions on other countries based on domestic laws. The European side adheres to its own values, but respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not support the "Hong Kong independence," he added. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 23:00:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISTANBUL, July 9 (Xinhua) -- WeChat Pay, a Chinese online payment app, is gaining popularity in Turkey as it offers contact-free service amid the COVID-19 pandemic. People learnt the importance of social distancing and going as contactless as possible during the pandemic, so as to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus. "Last year, when the pandemic first broke out in the country, we used to make our payments by putting cash in plastic bags so as not to touch it over contamination concerns," Nurcan Ozel, a resident in the northwestern province of Kirklareli, told Xinhua. "I even had neighbors who used to wash the bank note," Ozel said. Even though this exaggerated hygiene passion in the first days has gone, people still prefer contactless debit or credit cards in their transactions. WeChat Pay, which allows consumers to complete their transactions online, started to be used at the Istanbul Airport a year ago within the framework of an agreement with the Turkish subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). "The project aims to provide convenience to passengers by diversifying payment systems and enabling all WeChat Pay users visiting Turkey, especially Chinese tourists, to use the method they are already familiar with," the Istanbul Airport management said in a written interview with Xinhua. There are 40 point-of-sale (POS) terminal devices for WeChat Pay installed at the Istanbul Airport, which have a 90-million passenger capacity. According to the airport management, WeChat Pay users can easily pay for their purchases by scanning the QR code on their smartphones, and the use of this payment system is increasing every month. The officials expect that after the pandemic, the frequency of using WeChat Pay could grow even further, especially when Chinese tourists start coming to the country again. Canan Ozkan, an airport employee who assists passengers in the terminal, told Xinhua that WeChat Pay has significantly altered people's shopping habits, making the experience a lot easier. "Many people are now used to making their payments with WeChat Pay," Ozkan said. "They no longer use credit cards." The ICBC Turkey said on its website that the WeChat Pay project has been developed into an alternative to the present payment system, offering a fast and easy payment choice for the users. It added that the application would spread all over Turkey in the upcoming period. This method is one of China's most-used mobile payment systems. As of June 2018, Wechat Pay had more than 800 million active user accounts, according to its official website. It also offers services in around 60 countries, according to data released by the company in 2019. Ozel said she also would like to use this application "if it is that simple." "If I am going to make my payments remotely from my phone without having to deal with cards or cash, I will immediately download the application and use it," she said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 23:34:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed efforts to foster the new development paradigm, promote the vitalization of the seed industry and advance ecological and environmental protection as well as sustainable development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while presiding over the 20th meeting of the central committee for deepening overall reform. The meeting reviewed and approved a series of documents, including guidelines on accelerating the building of the new development paradigm, an action plan on vitalizing the seed industry, a plan for ecological and environmental protection as well as sustainable development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and measures on pushing innovations in trade and investment facilitation in the country's pilot free trade zones. "Accelerating the building of the new development paradigm is a strategic measure for us to take the initiative in future development," Xi said. "It is aimed at enhancing our ability to survive, compete, develop and sustain in all kinds of predictable and unpredictable stormy weathers, and it is a tough battle and protracted war that calls for a tenacious fighting spirit and strategic composure," he said. Noting that the seed industry is the foundation of agricultural modernization, Xi stressed efforts to achieve self-reliance in the sector and ensure that the country's germplasm resources are independent and controllable. He called for an attitude that is responsible to history, the people and the world in the environmental protection and sustainable development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as such deeds are of historical significance and concern the survival and development of the Chinese nation. Efforts should be made to align with international economic and trade rules, actively advance institutional innovation and work harder to plan and promote the high-quality development of pilot free trade zones, he said. Li Keqiang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy heads of the central committee for deepening overall reform, attended the meeting. The meeting called for a problem-oriented approach to realizing the transition to the new development paradigm, and stressed the need to carry out reforms that better allocate resources and incentivize the public. "We will give greater prominence to meeting domestic needs and improving the quality of life of the people," the meeting said. The meeting highlighted the importance of the survey, collection, identification and evaluation of germplasm resources. It urged efforts to strengthen research on basic and cutting-edge topics, make breakthroughs on key and core technologies and promote the building of innovation bases. Since 2012, China has comprehensively protected and restored the eco-safety barrier in Tibet, as well as the ecological environment in the Sanjiangyuan (Three-River-Source) area and the Qilian Mountains, among other key areas. The trend of ecological deterioration on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has been effectively curbed, which has helped promote the sustained stability and rapid development in the region, the meeting said. The meeting stressed the need to keep protection a priority and make ecological and environmental protection the prerequisite and boundary for regional development. The meeting also called for adhering to green development and sticking to a development path that is ecologically friendly, green, low-carbon and of high quality, with the characteristics of the plateau. Efforts must be made to deepen the high-level institution-based opening-up, said the meeting, pledging greater autonomy for the pilot free trade zones in reforms to build them into free trade parks with international influence and competitiveness. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 23:39:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Dazhai Village in north China's Shanxi Province was a national "pace-setter" of agriculture in the 1960s when late Chairman Mao Zedong had called on rural people nationwide to learn from the village's experience of reclaiming barren hillsides into terraced farmland. -- Since the 1990s, the village embarked on a new journey of developing ecological tourism, which has brought considerable incomes and welfare to the locals. -- Dazhai's story represents the changes of countless Chinese villages, where hard-working and smart farmers have fought their way to realize self-sufficiency, overcome poverty and achieve a life of moderate prosperity. TAIYUAN, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Li Yuming, 85, has indelible memories of hunger, which persisted throughout his childhood and youth. "Bark, leaves, wheat bran. We almost ate everything we could find," recalled the farmer in north China's Shanxi Province. In order to fill their bellies, Li Yuming and fellow residents of Dazhai Village struggled to reclaim barren hillsides into high-yield terraced farmland in the 1960s-70s, achieving a miraculous feat that made Dazhai a national model of agriculture. Since the 1990s, the village embarked on a new journey of developing ecological tourism, which has decorated the village with restaurants and museums and brought considerable incomes and welfare to the locals. Dazhai's story represents the changes of countless Chinese villages, where hard-working and smart farmers have fought their way to realize self-sufficiency, overcome poverty and achieve a life of moderate prosperity. "PACE-SETTER" VILLAGE Hunger used to plague China. The country's total grain output was around 113 million tonnes in 1949, or 209 kg a head per year when the People's Republic of China was founded. The mountain-locked and drought-prone Dazhai Village had little land to farm. In a bold attempt to overcome nature, locals began to open up mountains and fill ditches to build terraces, connecting scattered arable lands into layered belts by hillsides. Stones dug out from the mountain had been built into dams beneath the terraces, which prevented the loss of water, soil and fertilizer. Li Yuming joined the groundbreaking cause when he was 27. "We started at 4 a.m. and worked more than 10 hours every day," he recalled. "Without these terraces, my four kids could not have survived." Aerial photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows a view of terraced fields in Dazhai Village of Jinzhong City, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) The success had made Dazhai a national "pace-setter village" of agriculture in the 1960s when late Chairman Mao Zedong had called on rural people nationwide to learn from the village's experience. The Chinese government has always regarded issues relating to agriculture, rural areas and rural people as its top priority. After decades of promoting agricultural modernization across the country as well as the invention of the hybrid rice, Chinese no longer suffer from hunger. In 2020, China's grain output reached 669.49 million tonnes, almost six times that of 1949, ensuring grain security for the world's most populous country. TURNING GREEN TO GOLD At Dazhai's heyday last century, about 10 million visitors from home and abroad had visited here to learn from its success or appreciate the agricultural landmark of New China. Carrying on with past glory, Dazhai has taken up rural tourism in the 1990s as a pillar industry to get rich. The renowned terraces have completed their mission of feeding the village, and are gradually being replaced with vegetation. "There were about 53.3 hectares of terraced fields in Dazhai, and over one-third of them have been returned to forest," said Li Haibin, an official of the village, adding that the village now sticks to the path of green development. Over the past 20 years, the village has invested more than 100 million yuan (about 15.42 million U.S. dollars) in infrastructure construction. In 2019, Dazhai was listed in the first batch of national key villages for rural tourism and was recognized as a National Forest Village by the Forestry and Grassland Administration that same year. According to Li Haibin, as many as 300,000 people come to visit the small village every year, and tourism revenue has become the major source of income for over 500 residents in Dazhai. Tourists visit Dazhai Village of Jinzhong City, north China's Shanxi Province, July 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Both Li Yuming's son and grandson work for a local tourism company. Li Zhenjiang, the grandson, also runs two souvenir shops, earning over 100,000 yuan annually in total. "Every household in Dazhai is a shareholder of the tourism company, and receives a dividend of 3,000 yuan each year," said 73-year-old Guo Fenglian, founder of the company. Guo was reputed the "iron woman" for leading her fellows to fight harsh natural conditions in agricultural development. She established a group for local development covering various sectors in the 1990s. LEADING A XIAOKANG LIFE On July 1, China announced that it has realized its first centenary goal -- building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The achieving of moderate prosperity, or Xiaokang in Chinese, is measured in multiple aspects. In terms of economy, Xiaokang requires doubling China's 2010 GDP and per capita disposable income by 2020. Though not very clear about the exact definition of Xiaokang, Li Yuming is sure that he is "living such a good life that I couldn't even dare to dream of in my childhood." In Dazhai, the collective income reached 23 million yuan last year, with the per capita income exceeding 26,000 yuan. Residents live in houses built by the village, which share central heating, water supply and sewage treatment, just like in the cities. Moreover, Guo's tourism company issues 1,000 yuan to each villager in welfare annually. People over 60 years old can receive 200 yuan per month while those over 70 get 300 yuan from the company. Aerial photo taken on July 2, 2021 shows a view of Dazhai Village of Jinzhong City, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Behind the continuous improvement of the living standards is the unswerving pursuit of the Communist Party of China to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenate the nation. In 2020, China's GDP exceeded 100 trillion yuan, and the per capita GDP has exceeded 10,000 U.S. dollars for two consecutive years. In the past eight years, China focused on areas of extreme poverty and lifted the final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents out of poverty by the end of 2020. Li Zhenjiang used to work in Beijing, but life in his hometown became more alluring, making him determined to come back and settle down. "The village has kindergartens, schools, daycare centers for seniors, as well as various recreational facilities. The environment is good and life is really comfortable here," said the man in his early 30s. He now truly understands why people say "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." "We will take good care of the forest to further develop tourism in Dazhai. Our future relies on it," he added. (Video reporter: Zhao Yang, video editor: Peng Ying) Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 23:52:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Ivan Duque extended thanks and greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and the Chinese people recently via video. Duque said that Colombia is deeply grateful for China's continuous support and help since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, especially the recent support for Colombia's COVID-19 vaccination program, which has further strengthened the relationship. The sustained development of bilateral friendship has created more development opportunities for the two nations, Duque said, adding that Colombia sincerely thanks China for its material donations and technological assistance, as well as its efforts to facilitate Colombia's procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. He recalled the sincere speech delivered by Xi to the Colombian people in March, saying it will always be remembered by them. Although COVID-19 has kept Colombia and China apart, the two nations' joint fight against the pandemic has made their relations closer, and the relationship will take on a new look in the post-pandemic era, he said, adding that just as Xi said, bilateral cooperation will be elevated to a new level. He said he sincerely wishes China prosperity with the people living happily in a harmonious society. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:17:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Political party leaders across the world have expressed willingness to join forces and deepen cooperation with the Communist Party of China (CPC) to shoulder the responsibility of seeking happiness for people and building a better world. With the conclusion of the CPC and World Political Parties Summit held via video link on Tuesday, they praised China's historic development achievements under the leadership of the CPC and its important contribution to the cause of human progress. Jacques Cheminade, head of the French Solidarity and Progress party, said the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative embodies a vision of global common development and win-win cooperation. In the post-pandemic era, exchanges among political parties need to focus on the future generation and the development of human society, Cheminade said, adding that those exchanges will help each other view problems from a higher perspective. Jeronimo de Sousa, secretary general of the Portuguese Communist Party, said that the people-centered approach of the CPC is key to the remarkable social and economic achievements China has made. "We consider it of great importance that the CPC and the People's Republic of China have contributed to the struggle for a world of peace, progress and cooperation, and for friendship and solidarity among peoples," he stressed. Igor Dodon, president of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, also former Moldovan president, said that strengthening international cooperation requires the joint efforts of all countries in the world. Only with the participation of all nations in strengthening the global cooperation, can all countries on the planet become better, and the role that China will play in this regard is vital, Dodon said. General Secretary of the Communist Party of India D. Raja said that the CPC has made remarkable achievements in the past 100 years since its founding and has inspired other political parties in the world. It is a great achievement that China has achieved the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in poverty reduction 10 years ahead of schedule, Raja said. Raja noted that China made a huge achievement because the CPC has "tried its best to apply the principles of Marxism to the concrete conditions" in China. Under the leadership of the CPC, China has made remarkable achievements that have attracted worldwide attention, and the living standards of the Chinese people have significantly improved, said Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of the Central Committee of the Congolese Labor Party and president of the Republic of the Congo. Praising China's achievements from eradication of extreme poverty to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Sassou Nguesso said they have demonstrated that the CPC is practicing the governance philosophy of putting the people front and center. The Congolese president also noted the responsibility for states to serve the people, calling on the whole world to show solidarity for the well-being of their people. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:18:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese navy thwarted on Friday the smuggling of 25 illegal Syrian immigrants by sea off the shore of the town of Qalamoun in northern Lebanon. A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that the immigrants, including women and children, were arrested several miles away from the shore. The source added that the detainees were in possession of life jackets, food and luggage, and they were transferred to an army center for interrogation. Human smuggling networks have been active in northern Lebanon, in exchange for sums of money ranging between 2,000 and 3,000 U.S. dollars per person. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:20:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the 52nd biweekly consultation session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese political advisors on Friday discussed measures to promote green development of agriculture and ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products at a consultation session in Beijing. The biweekly session, held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was presided over by Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. Wang said that ensuring the people can eat well and safely is the top priority of the CPC. He stressed technological support and law-based supervision in guaranteeing the supply and quality of agricultural products. Eleven political advisors offered their suggestions at the session, while nearly 80 voiced their opinions via a mobile platform. Their proposals included improving legislation, addressing soil pollution and advancing innovation in agricultural green technology. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:31:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The African Development Bank has approved a 6 million U.S. dollars grant to launch the initial phase of the Desert to Power West Africa Regional Energy Program. The program will contribute to the overall target of 10,000 MW of new solar generation capacity, providing electricity access to 250 million people by 2030, said a statement from the bank on Friday. Desert to Power, an initiative led by the bank, is expected to transform the Sahel region by harnessing its abundant solar potential to benefit the G-5 Sahel countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The grant funding will go to the West African Power Pool to conduct pre-feasibility studies for the construction of the Sahel Transmission Backbone that will link regional solar parks in all five countries. The Economic Community for West African States Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency also receives financing to expand decentralized energy systems as part of an ECOWAS Regional Mini-Grid Program. The financing will also help de-risk energy investments by preparing transmission infrastructure to link countries in the Sahel region and harness a larger share of electricity from solar power. It is expected to pave the way for power trading on a regional electricity market. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:36:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, July 9 (Xinhua) -- As of July 11, Germany will again list Spain as a COVID-19 risk area as the 7-day incidence per 100,000 people there has recently risen to almost 180, the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) confirmed on Friday. The new travel warning does not affect travel to Spain directly yet, according to the AA. If Spain exceeds an incidence rate of 200, however, it would be classified as a high-incidence area, requiring German travelers to Spain, who are not fully immunized, to enter quarantine. The AA said it was also designating Cyprus as a high-risk area, as the country has recorded nearly 600 new infections per 100,000 citizens over the last seven days -- the highest incidence rate in Europe. Germany currently classifies Cyprus, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Russia as high-risk areas in Europe, according to the official travel regulations. Germany's incidence rate has also risen recently, but remained at a relatively low level of 5.5 on Friday. To date, more than 3.74 million COVID-19 cases have been officially registered in Germany since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the federal agency responsible for disease control and prevention. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:48:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Kingdom (UK) is liable to an amount of 47.5 billion euros (56.4 billion U.S. dollars) to the European Union (EU) and the calculation is final, a European Commission spokesperson said here on Friday. The amount includes outstanding commitments made prior to Jan. 1, 2020; contributions to the EU's pension and sickness schemes; as well as other minor items, according to Balazs Ujvari, the Commission's spokesperson for budget and human resources. The calculation was made in line with the provisions of the Brexit deal, Ujvari said. The total amount will be paid over several years in instalments. For 2021, the UK will have to pay 6.8 billion euros. The June instalment has already been paid in full. The next bill will be sent in September. Asked to comment on a reported discrepancy with the UK's calculation, Ujvari said the EU's figure was final, but he refrained from commenting on speculations that the payments might fall short of the EU's expectation. "So far, everything that has to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure will be contested," Ujvari said. The UK joined the EU in 1973 but announced its withdrawal in 2016 after a referendum. It officially left the bloc on Jan. 31, 2020. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 01:05:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to extend the authorization of the cross-border aid mechanism for Syrians for 12 months. Resolution 2585, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, will allow cross-border aid into Syria from Turkey to run for another 12 months. The current 12-month authorization of aid through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing expires on Saturday. The draft resolution was adopted unanimously after Russia and the United States reached compromise in last-minute talks. By Thursday, the Security Council was set to vote on two competing draft resolutions: one tabled by Ireland and Norway, the co-penholders of the issue, and the other tabled by Russia. The Ireland-Norway text seeks a 12-month extension of the mandate for Bab al-Hawa, while the Russian text would allow an extension of the border crossing for only six months. Russia and the United States were able to bridge the differences in the two drafts and jointly tabled the final text together with Ireland and Norway. Resolution 2585 decides to extend the mandate for Bab al-Hawa border crossing for six months, till Jan. 10, 2022, with an extension of an additional six months, till July 10, 2022, subject to the issuance of the UN secretary-general's substantive report, with particular focus on transparency in operations, and progress on cross-line access in meeting humanitarian needs. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 01:33:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to extend the authorization of the cross-border aid mechanism for Syrians for 12 months. Resolution 2585, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, will allow cross-border aid into Syria from Turkey to run for another 12 months. The current 12-month authorization of aid through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing expires on Saturday. The draft resolution was adopted unanimously after Russia and the United States reached compromise in last-minute talks. By Thursday, the Security Council was set to vote on two competing draft resolutions: one tabled by Ireland and Norway, the co-penholders of the issue, and the other tabled by Russia. The Ireland-Norway text seeks a 12-month extension of the mandate for Bab al-Hawa, while the Russian text would allow an extension of the border crossing for only six months. Russia and the United States were able to bridge the differences in the two drafts and jointly tabled the final text together with Ireland and Norway. Resolution 2585 decides to extend the mandate for Bab al-Hawa border crossing for six months, till Jan. 10, 2022, with an extension of an additional six months, till July 10, 2022, subject to the issuance of the UN secretary-general's substantive report, with particular focus on transparency in operations, and progress on cross-line access in meeting humanitarian needs. It requests the secretary-general to brief the Security Council monthly and to provide a report on a regular basis, at least every 60 days, on the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and on compliance by all relevant parties in Syria. It further requests the secretary-general to include in his reports overall trends in UN cross-line operations and detailed information on the humanitarian assistance delivered through UN humanitarian cross-border operations, including the distribution mechanism, the number of beneficiaries, operating partners, locations of aid deliveries at district-level and the volume and nature of items delivered. Resolution 2585 calls on all UN member states to respond with practical steps to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people in light of the profound socio-economic and humanitarian impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Syria. It welcomes all efforts and initiatives to broaden the humanitarian activities in Syria, including water, sanitation, health, education, and to shelter early recovery projects undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other organizations, and calls on other international humanitarian agencies and relevant parties to support them. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 02:01:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VALLETTA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- As from July 14, Malta will restrict entry to travelers with a recognized vaccination certificate in an effort to counter a spike in new COVID-19 cases, Health Minister Chris Fearne said here on Friday. Moreover, the country will once again close its English language teaching schools after most of the new cases were students who traveled to Malta to learn English, Fearne said at a press conference. On Friday, Malta registered 96 new cases, up from 55 the previous day, 25 the day before and just a handful of cases prior to that. The number of active cases now stands at 252. Fearne confirmed that the measures had to be taken after most of the new cases were found to be related to traveling, with the majority of patients being unvaccinated tourists and language school students. He said the health authorities had found positive cases in nine language schools so far, which was proving to be of risk to the community, particularly for people who have not yet been vaccinated, he said. From July 14, all those visiting Malta will be required to hold a recognized vaccination certificate, Fearne said, "The negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test will not be enough." Children above the age of five traveling with vaccinated parents will need proof of a negative PCR test. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to enter Malta. Until Thursday, the Maltese authorities had administered over 700,000 vaccine doses. Eighty-four percent of the country's adult population have had at least the first dose, and 79 percent are fully vaccinated. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 02:06:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to extend the authorization of the cross-border aid mechanism for Syrians for 12 months. Resolution 2585, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, will allow cross-border aid into Syria from Turkey to run for another 12 months. The current 12-month authorization of aid through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing expires on Saturday. The draft resolution was adopted unanimously after Russia and the United States reached compromise in last-minute talks. By Thursday, the Security Council was set to vote on two competing draft resolutions: one tabled by Ireland and Norway, the co-penholders of the issue, and the other tabled by Russia. The Ireland-Norway text seeks a 12-month extension of the mandate for Bab al-Hawa, while the Russian text would allow an extension of the border crossing for only six months. Russia and the United States were able to bridge the differences in the two drafts and jointly tabled the final text together with Ireland and Norway. Resolution 2585 decides to extend the mandate for Bab al-Hawa border crossing for six months, till Jan. 10, 2022, with an extension of an additional six months, till July 10, 2022, subject to the issuance of the UN secretary-general's substantive report, with particular focus on transparency in operations, and progress on cross-line access in meeting humanitarian needs. It requests the secretary-general to brief the Security Council monthly and to provide a report on a regular basis, at least every 60 days, on the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and on compliance by all relevant parties in Syria. It further requests the secretary-general to include in his reports overall trends in UN cross-line operations and detailed information on the humanitarian assistance delivered through UN humanitarian cross-border operations, including the distribution mechanism, the number of beneficiaries, operating partners, locations of aid deliveries at district-level and the volume and nature of items delivered. Resolution 2585 calls on all UN member states to respond with practical steps to address the urgent needs of the Syrian people in light of the profound socio-economic and humanitarian impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Syria. It welcomes all efforts and initiatives to broaden the humanitarian activities in Syria, including water, sanitation, health, education, and to shelter early recovery projects undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other organizations, and calls on other international humanitarian agencies and relevant parties to support them. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2585. "Cross-border humanitarian assistance remains a lifeline for millions of people in the (Northwest) area and beyond. The re-authorization will ensure humanitarian assistance continues for over 3.4 million people in need, including 1 million children," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, in a statement. However, needs continue to outstrip the response. As the secretary-general has highlighted to the Security Council, with additional crossings and expanded funding, the United Nations could do more to help the rising number of people in need, said the statement. The United Nations continues to engage with all parties to also facilitate cross-line convoys. They are critical for the expansion of the overall response as humanitarian needs continue to grow, it said. The secretary-general reiterates his call on all parties to the conflict to ensure humanitarian access to all people in need in accordance with international humanitarian law, said the statement. Irish UN ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason said Friday was "a good-news day." "We are pleased to announce that the Security Council has come together to unanimously adopt a resolution that allows for an extension of the Bab al-Hawa crossing for 12 months. This is the first time since 2016 that a united Security Council acted on its humanitarian responsibility for Syria in this way," she told reporters after the adoption of Resolution 2585. This 12-month renewal allows for predictability. This is critical to the brave humanitarian actors who work in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances to assist those who are in grave need in Syria, said Nason. Norwegian UN ambassador Mona Juul said the humanitarian situation in Syria has only worsened over the last year. And the COVID-19 pandemic only compounded the crisis. "After 10 years, people are still suffering due to the conflict in Syria. Providing emergency relief is imperative to keeping people alive. But what people also need is peace, security and a political solution for a prosperous future. Ireland and Norway will continue their active engagement in the Security Council as penholders on this file. And the Syrian people will remain our number one priority," said Juul. Since 2014, the Security Council had authorized the delivery of aid through four border crossings on Syria's borders with Turkey, Iraq and Jordan. In the past 12 months, only operations through Bab al-Hawa have been allowed. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 02:39:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ATHENS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Greece and North Macedonia signed an agreement here on Friday for the construction of a pipeline that will interconnect the two countries' natural gas grids, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The document was signed by Greek Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas and North Macedonia's Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi in the presence of the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, and other officials. The 123-kilometer pipeline will be capable of transporting at least 1.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. The project is worth 110 million euros (130.6 million U.S. dollars), according to a press release from the Greek ministry. The pipeline will enhance Greece's geopolitical role as a regional natural gas hub and will help North Macedonia reduce its environmental footprint and decarbonize its economy, the Greek minister said. The deal paves the way for the creation of thousands of jobs and will help the further development of the two economies, he added. Bektashi said that the project will enhance energy supply diversification, security and stability for the entire region, AMNA reported. (1 euro = 1.19 U.S. dollars) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 02:43:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TUNIS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia received on Friday a Qatari donation of medical equipment in addition to a field hospital with 200 beds and 100 artificial respirators, announced the Tunisian government in a statement. "This field hospital will be installed as soon as possible in the province of Ben Arous in the southern suburb of the capital in order to take care of COVID-19 patients and try to curb the spread of the pandemic in this region," the statement quoted the Secretary General of the government Walid Dhahbi as saying. The Qatari ambassador to Tunisia Saad Bin Nasser Hamidi expressed the common will shared between the officials of the two countries "to promote bilateral relations especially in this period of pandemic." The total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 473,229 in Tunisia on Thursday after 8,315 new cases were added, while the death toll from the virus increased by 126 to 15,861. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 04:45:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Soldiers stand at the entrance of Haitian President Jovenel Moise's home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 7, 2021. (Photo by Tcharly Coutin/Xinhua) The UN chief's special representative in Haiti "continues to be in contact with Haitian leaders and other interlocutors stressing the urgent need to reach an inclusive political compromise to maintain stability and to chart the way forward for Haiti," a UN spokesman said. UNITED NATIONS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- While encouraging leaders in Haiti to reach an inclusive political settlement for stability, UN officials also strive to resume sustainable humanitarian relief efforts after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise threw the impoverished Caribbean country into turmoil, a UN spokesman said on Friday. Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN chief's special representative in Haiti, Helen La Lime, is in talks with political personalities and factions, stressing the urgency of the situation. La Lime "continues to be in contact with Haitian leaders and other interlocutors stressing the urgent need to reach an inclusive political compromise to maintain stability and to chart the way forward for Haiti," Dujarric said. "The solution to Haiti's challenges will come from Haitians themselves." The United Nations continues to stand by Haiti and the Haitian people to provide support, he said, adding that the situation is also threatening efforts to provide humanitarian assistance. "Our colleagues are telling us that following the assassination of the president, efforts to respond to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country are being put at risk," Dujarric said. Immediately after the early Wednesday attack on the president, the World Food Programme canceled humanitarian air service flights through Thursday. The UN Department of Safety and Security restricted road movements for UN humanitarian staff in Haiti, he said. Suspects in connection with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise are pictured during a press conference in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, July 8, 2021. (Photo by Tcharly Coutin/Xinhua) Members of the Humanitarian Country Team in Haiti are reviewing preparedness and contingency relief operation plans, the spokesman said. The UN Children's Fund said this is the worst humanitarian crisis Haiti has faced over the past few years and that the situation is deteriorating week after week. It said 1.5 million children -- nearly one-third of all children in Haiti -- are in urgent need of emergency relief. The agency blamed rising violence, constrained access to clean water, health and nutrition, disrupted education and protection services in times of COVID-19 and the hurricane season. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 04:02:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TUNIS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian government on Thursday approved a bill on imposing the state of health emergency amid a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. The bill was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, said a government statement. The state of health emergency allows the government to have broader powers to control the health situation and take exceptional measures to limit the spread of the pandemic to protect the lives of citizens. Under the state of health emergency, the government can impose partial or general lockdown, monitor and limit the movement of the infected and suspected people, close shops to the public, and prevent public gatherings, activities and demonstrations of all kinds. The total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 464,914 in Tunisia on Wednesday after 9,823 new cases were added, while the death toll from the virus increased by 134 to 15,735. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 05:19:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TUNIS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Health Ministry on Thursday reported 8,315 COVID-19 cases, raising the tally in the North African country to 473,229. The death toll from the virus rose by 126 to 15,861 in Tunisia, while the total number of recoveries reached 375,756, the ministry said in a statement. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Tunisia reached 4,087, including 630 in intensive care units and 159 others mechanically ventilated, it said. A total of 1,871,273 lab tests have been carried out in Tunisia so far, according to the ministry. Since the start of the national vaccination campaign against the coronavirus on March 13, a total of 2,052,484 people have received the vaccines, with 608,332 having received two doses, according to the latest figures published by the ministry. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 12:18:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday exchanged congratulatory messages with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In his message, Xi said that over the past 10 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have undergone healthy and stable development, with fruitful results in their cooperation in various fields. Noting that the two sides have consistently and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, Xi said that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have joined hands to fight the pandemic, demonstrating their deep fraternity. Xi added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-South Sudan relations, and is ready to work with President Kiir to take the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to consolidate mutual political trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road cooperation, and bring benefits to the two countries and their people. Kiir said in his message that China is a true friend of South Sudan. As a young country that has only been established for 10 years, South Sudan has received substantial assistance from China in its economic and social development, domestic peace process, and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, for which, he said, the South Sudanese side holds gratitude and appreciation. South Sudan looks forward to continuously consolidating the high-level bilateral ties with China and deepening cooperation, so as to benefit the people of the two countries, Kiir said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 15:49:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Uganda's Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (C) makes a phone call to one of the beneficiaries during the launch of the distribution of COVID-19 relief funds to vulnerable citizens in Kampala, Uganda, July 8, 2021. Nabbanja told reporters that the money will be sent to beneficiaries through mobile money services and each individual was expected to receive about 30 U.S. dollars. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua) KAMPALA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on Thursday launched the distribution of COVID-19 relief funds to vulnerable citizens as the country remains under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Nabbanja told reporters that the money will be sent to beneficiaries through mobile money services and each individual was expected to receive about 30 U.S. dollars. Earlier, government said it is targeting at least 250,553 beneficiaries who earn on a daily basis but are currently staying home due to the lockdown. The disbursement will first go to beneficiaries in cities and municipalities. "I believe 50 percent of the beneficiaries in towns and cities will get their money today (Thursday)," Nabbanja said. "The beneficiaries will not be charged by the service providers for receiving money through their networks," she said. On June 6, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni imposed a nationwide total lockdown for 42 days to combat and control the spread of the virus. As of Thursday, the country had registered 85,581 infections with 58,686 recoveries and 2,033 deaths. Some 1,027,036 people have so far been vaccinated against the virus. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 17:20:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WINDHOEK, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services said on Friday that a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in northeast Zambezi region has spread to four other villages, infecting 795 cattle in total. The first FMD case in the latest outbreak was confirmed at Kasenu village, in Zambezi region's Kasika area, on June 3. The Agriculture Ministry's chief veterinary, Albertina Shilongo, said the FMD infection is suspected to be due to either the contact of cattle with free-roaming buffaloes in the area or smuggling of infected cattle from neighboring countries. "The investigation to ascertain the source of infection is ongoing. The spread of the disease to other villages is due to the movement of livestock to areas in the flood plain in search of better grazing," she said. Control measures are being instituted and will be in force for the next 14 days, Shilongo said, adding that after the 14-day period, the measures will be reviewed. Emergency vaccination of cattle against the FMD has started in high-risk areas, she said. "So far 68,544 out of 75,000 cattle have been vaccinated, representing 93 percent of the targeted cattle population. Farmers are urged to continue to bring their cattle for vaccination as the announcement of veterinary services," Shilongo said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:54:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Construction works of Zambia's biggest airport funded by the Chinese company has reached an advanced stage, with over 90 percent of works done, a government agency that manages airports said on Friday. Fumu Mondoloka, Managing Director of the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, said works on the new Kenneth Kaunda International Airport situated in Lusaka, the country's capital, were nearing completion. He said the project will be completed within this quarter, adding that works on the state-of-the-art passenger terminal were almost done and that the entire project currently stands at 92 percent complete. "We are doing a lot of work towards that aspiration, we hope we can make it a fitting tribute to the man it is named after," he was quoted as saying by state-run news agency, the Zambia News and Information Service. According to him, once completed, the airport will be a hub for the southern African region. Currently, the airport has a capacity of 2 million passengers per year and this was expected to increase to about 6 million once commissioned. The construction works started in June 2015 and the contract was awarded to China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Cooperation. It comprises of a new passenger terminal, a hotel, rescue and fire station, air traffic control, presidential pavilion, cargo terminal, a shopping mall and an office complex. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:04:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities in Zambia have closed 45 premises for flouting COVID-19 preventive guidelines, an official said on Friday. Kennedy Malama, Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services in the Ministry of Health said the premises were out of 648 premises inspected throughout the country as part of enforcement of the preventive guidelines in the last 24 hours. He said the inspected premises included nightclubs, casinos and bars. "We reiterate that all those flouting the directives are putting people's lives at risk and we will continue closing them followed by prosecution," he said. He said authorities have continued ramping up preventive interventions in the communities coupled with the vaccination program. According to him, the vaccination program remains a critical tool in the response against the pandemic as it confers a level of protection against severe illness, hospitalization and even death. Zambia's cumulative cases stands at 172,405 following 1,949 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours. The cases were picked from 8,473 tests done while 2,673 patients were discharged in the past 24 hours bringing the total recoveries to 154,776. The country recorded 64 new COVID-19 related deaths bringing the death toll to 2,736. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 21:11:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ABUJA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian health authorities have said a case of the deadly SARS-COV-2, known as the Delta variant, was confirmed among 146 new cases of COVID-19 detected in the country Thursday. In a statement reaching Xinhua Friday, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), said the variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2, was detected in a traveler to Nigeria. "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 statement said, without details on the identity of the case or when the traveler arrived in the country. The NCDC, however, said there's no cause for alarm following the development, as proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and proper use of face masks can prevent infections and save lives. "The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and offers protection against the disease," Chikwe Ihekweazu, head of the NCDC, told reporters in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, Friday morning. Ihekweazu said as long as the country has access to the vaccine and carries out the public health measures as much as possible, including travel restrictions, there is a high possibility of mitigating the risk of the virus in Nigeria. He said there would be a need for continued testing, noting it is part of the recommended control measures to limit the spread of the new variant. The Nigerian government last week said it is scaling up surveillance at all entry points in order to prevent the third wave of COVID-19. On May 4, Nigeria effected a travel restriction from India, Turkey, and Brazil, where there is a surge in cases associated with the widespread prevalence of variants of concern. On June 28, the government added South Africa to its "red list" of countries for which there are restrictions for arriving passengers. Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire said monitoring teams have been deployed to all entry points to check the importation, particularly of the virulent strains of COVID-19, and to be able to identify and get them under control. So far, Nigeria has confirmed 168,256 cases of COVID-19, including a fatality toll of 2,122. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 11:41:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Friday announced that 4.5 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine due to arrive in Australia in September now could be available in August. Up to 1 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Australia every week from July 19, up from about 350,000 per week currently. "We've done a lot of catch up in particular over the month of June, and that's seen us now hitting the levels we need to get this job done and have everyone offered a dose by the end of the year," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday. The deal will increase the number of Australians who can get inoculated during the winter months and will help fight the outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney. "We've also got 1,300 additional GPs (general practitioners) coming on stream this month, to deliver those Pfizer doses that are coming through," Morrison said. As of Thursday about 10 percent of Australians over the age of 16 had been fully vaccinated, with two doses of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine, which were approved for use in the country by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) . In June, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) advised that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine be administered to people aged 60 and over, rather than those aged 50 and over as was previously recommended, due to the very rare TTS (thrombocytopenia syndrome) condition, which put pressure on the rollout. As of Thursday afternoon, there had been 30,905 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Australia, and the numbers of locally and overseas acquired cases in the previous 24 hours were 40 and four respectively, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health. On Friday morning, the health department in Australia's most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), reported 44 new locally acquired cases, two days after the NSW government announced extending the two-week lockdown on Greater Sydney by a further week until midnight July 16. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 15:23:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DHAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- At least three female workers died and dozens were injured as a juice factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district, about 20 km from capital Dhaka, caught fire on Thursday, a senior police official said Friday. A total of 18 firefighting units managed to bring the fire at the six-storey building under control, after hours of fighting, the district's police chief Md Zayedul Alam told Xinhua. He said "Charred bodies of three female workers were recovered shortly after the fire." Apart from the victims, he said 30 people were injured in the fire and they were rushed to different hospitals. But local media reports put the number of injured people at 50. Local media reports also said the fire in the factory has not yet been completely doused though it was almost under control since last night. TV reports showed fires were still raging in some parts of the factory. A spokesman of the factory was not immediately available for comments. The exact cause of the fire remained unclear. Md Abdul Al Arefin, Narayanganj District Fire Service and Civil Defence deputy director, said that they had come to know that the fire originated from a welding accident at around 5:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. The official said the death toll may go up as many people have sustained critical injuries. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 15:32:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SEOUL, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said on Friday that it will tighten quarantine measures for U.S. service members for two weeks amid the surging number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea in recent days. The USFK said in a statement that it will implement enhanced COVID-19 mitigation measures for two weeks through July 23 due to the recent rise of COVID-19 cases within the USFK and South Korea. Regardless of vaccination status, all bars and clubs will be off-limits for all U.S. troops here for the two weeks. All USFK-affiliated individuals will be required to wear masks indoors on all USFK installations, while travel to Areas I and II in the Seoul metropolitan area will be off-limits except for individuals who live, work or are conducting mission essential activities, the USFK said. The tightened measures came amid the soaring number of infections, especially in the greater Seoul area. In the latest tally, South Korea reported 1,316 more cases of COVID-19 for the past 24 hours, lifting the total number of infections to 165,344. It was the highest daily caseload since the country's first case was detected on Jan. 20 last year, hovering above 1,200 for the third consecutive day. The recent resurgence was attributed to cluster infections in Seoul, its surrounding Gyeonggi province and the west port city of Incheon. Almost 80 percent of the new cases was reported in the metropolitan area. The USFK said that five more U.S. soldiers and one dependent tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in South Korea between June 10 and July 3. The total number of infections among the USFK-affiliated personnel rose to 978, according to Yonhap news agency. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 17:08:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DHAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a fire engulfing a juice factory in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district, about 20 km from the capital Dhaka, has risen to 40, a senior police official said on Friday. "Another 37 bodies were recovered on Friday afternoon, taking the number of total death toll to 40 from three last night," the district's Police chief Md Zayedul Alam told Xinhua. According to the official, 30 more people were injured in the blaze and they were rushed to different hospitals. But local media reports put the number of injured people at 50. A total of 18 firefighting units managed to bring the fire at the six-storey building of the local factory under control, after hours of fighting, said the official. But local media reports say the fire in the factory has not yet been completely doused though it was almost under control since Thursday night. TV reports showed fires were still raging in some parts of the factory. A spokesman of the factory was not immediately available for comment. Officials said the fire originated from the ground floor of the six-storey building, and spread quickly to several other upper floors because of the presence of chemicals and plastic materials. Md Abdul Al Arefin, Narayanganj District Fire Service and Civil Defence deputy director, said they have come to know that the fire originated from a welding accident at around 5:30 p.m. local time Thursday. He said they rescued 12 workers who were trapped on various floors of the factory after the fire erupted on the ground floor. The official said the death toll might go up as many people had sustained critical injuries. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 18:07:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines purchased by the Nepali government arrived in the capital of Kathmandu on Friday in a major boost to the Himalayan country's stagnating vaccination drive. "A plane of Nepal Airlines carrying the Chinese vaccines landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at 7 a.m. on Friday," Dim Prasad Poudel, managing director of Nepal Airlines, told Xinhua. "More flights for Beijing are scheduled for July 15 and July 22 to bring additional vaccine doses from China." It is the first time the South Asian country has purchased COVID-19 vaccine doses from China. According to officials from Nepal's Health Ministry, the country bought the vaccines developed by the Chinese company Sinopharm. "Even though extra two flights to take delivery of the vaccines have been confirmed, we are in discussion with the Health Ministry about arranging more flights to bring all the procured vaccines," said Poudel. Earlier, Nepal had received Sinopharm vaccines granted by the Chinese government. Jhalak Sharma Gautam, chief of the National Immunization Program under the Health Ministry, told Xinhua that the government would distribute the newly-arrived Chinese vaccines to the health facilities in the provinces of Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini on Friday. He said the government has not decided when it would start a new vaccination campaign with the Chinese vaccines and who would be administered. Dr. Shyam Raj Upreti, coordinator of the COVID-19 Vaccination Advisory Committee under the Health Ministry, said they were planning to inoculate people aged above 55, including those who were left out in earlier vaccination drives. "But no decision has been made yet," he said. Currently, Nepal is administering the second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine it received in grant from China in early June. Nepali officials said the arrival of Chinese vaccines is very important for the country's vaccination drive amid the threat of a potential third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to hit. The Health Ministry has already ordered hospitals to arrange 20 percent beds for those aged below 18 as a precaution against a third wave of the coronavirus on the grounds that this age group may be vulnerable over not been vaccinated yet. Nepal's health system was overwhelmed with the second wave of the pandemic that hit the country in early April, with hospitals having to turn away patients for a time due to an acute shortage of oxygen and beds. More than 6,000 people have lost their lives from the second wave, as the death toll reached 9,320 as of Thursday, while the confirmed cases stood at 651,380, according to the Health Ministry. Due to a dearth of COVID-19 vaccines, Nepal has only managed to administer first doses to 2.61 million people and both jabs to 933,868 by Thursday, or just 3.11 percent of the total population of some 30 million have been inoculated twice, according to the ministry. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:09:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, July 9 (Xinhua) -- More restrictive measures have been introduced as Asia-Pacific countries, including Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand, continued to report surging daily COVID-19 cases on Friday. The number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia rose by 38,124 within one day to 2,455,912 on Friday, with the death toll adding by 871 to 64,631, the Health Ministry said. South Korea's health ministry said it will adopt the toughest social-distancing rules in the Seoul metropolitan area for two weeks as a record number of COVID-19 cases were reported in recent days. South Korea reported 1,316 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Thursday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 165,344. It was slightly up from the record daily high of 1,275 tallied in the previous day, continuing to break records for the second consecutive day. Thailand's COVID-19 cases rose by 9,207, the second-highest daily record since the start of the pandemic, as the country mulls tightened social distancing rules once again to contain the surge in infections. The first batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines purchased by the Nepali government arrived in the capital of Kathmandu in a major boost to the Himalayan country's stagnating vaccination drive. The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,881 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,461,455. The death toll climbed to 25,720 after 70 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH said. Cambodia confirmed 988 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 59,045, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement. The new infections included 789 local cases and 199 imported cases, the MoH said. Rising case numbers in Australia's New South Wales (NSW) has changed public health advice and means flights back from NSW will not start from midnight Friday as was intended, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said. Pakistan on Thursday confirmed 1,737 new COVID-19 cases, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said, while the country's number of overall confirmed cases has risen to 969,476, including 911,383 recoveries. India's COVID-19 tally rose to 30,752,950, with 43,393 new confirmed cases registered during the past 24 hours across the South Asian country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data. Besides, 911 more deaths due to the pandemic since Thursday morning took the total death toll to 405,939. The Australian government said 4.5 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine due to arrive in Australia in September now could be available in August. Up to 1 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Australia every week from July 19, up from about 350,000 per week currently. The state of South Australia will trial home quarantine for fully vaccinated international arrivals. Australia's state of New South Wales decided to further tighten restrictions on Greater Sydney and surrounding areas as the state continues to see a surge in daily increase of COVID-19 cases. Myanmar will temporarily close all schools of basic education once again, due to the recent detection of highly infectious COVID-19 virus variants in the Asian country, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Sports. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:14:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Citizens wait to receive COVID-19 vaccines in Bangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2021. Tougher restrictions are being imposed in Thailand's capital and surrounding provinces in an effort to curb rapidly increasing COVID-19 infections. The announcement came after Thailand reported its second-highest daily record of 9,276 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, with 3,116 cases detected just in Bangkok. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) BANGKOK, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Tougher restrictions are being imposed in Thailand's capital and surrounding provinces in an effort to curb rapidly increasing COVID-19 infections. The Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Friday a set of new restrictions that will take effect from July 12, and will further limit people's movement in public. The measures for Bangkok and five neighboring provinces include the closure of at-risk premises such as shopping centers, spas and massage parlors, and the stop of public transportation services earlier than usual at 9:00 p.m. Furthermore, take-out restaurants, markets, convenience stores and public parks are obliged to close at 8:00 p.m. The Thai government also imposed a curfew for the Bangkok Metropolitan Region and four southern provinces that also recorded high COVID-19 daily cases. In these areas people are advised to stay at home between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., and to avoid gathering with more than five people. From July 10, the government will set up checkpoints to minimize inter-provincial travel, especially movements out of provinces most affected by COVID-19. Those announcement came after Thailand reported its second-highest daily record of 9,276 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, with 3,116 cases detected just in Bangkok. The high infections in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region prompted the government to re-adjust the vaccine rollout, with 80 percent of vaccines supply to be allocated to senior residents and people with pre-existing conditions in this area in July. The recent rapid increase in coronavirus cases was mainly attributed to the spread of the highly transmittable Delta variant, and the country is expected to see up to 10,000 new daily cases soon, CCSA warned. A total of 72 deaths were recorded on Friday, the second consecutive day with fatalities over 70, raising the death toll to 2,534. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 20:36:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia's mega rail project being built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), has received a boost with the arrival of the first of two state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines (TBM) made by China. The machine, made by CCCC Tianhe Mechanical Equipment Manufacturing Co Ltd, will spearhead the excavation works for the 16.39 km twin-bore Genting Tunnel, CCCC and Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia's Ministry of Finance and ECRL project owner, said in a joint statement on Friday. MRL Chairman Mohd Zuki Ali said starting work on the tunnel as soon as possible is crucial as it is a key component of the ECRL that will complete the land bridge for freight transportation from Kuantan Port to Port Klang and directly link commuters from the East Coast states to Gombak, which is a familiar gateway to the federal capital. "The ECRL project is appreciative that the China-made TBM with state-of-the-art technology has been produced and delivered by CCCC as per schedule. We are optimistic that this high-end machine is able to face the engineering challenges and geological conditions when tunneling across the Titiwangsa (mountain) Range," he noted. The TBMs were custom-made for use in hard rock condition and equipped with four torque cylinders, with each TMB head weighing some 900 tons and measuring 25 meters in length and 8.98 meters in diameter. Together with its back-support system that houses the control room and substation, it weighs a massive 1,600 tons and measures 266 meters in length, making them among the largest TBMs for rail tunnel excavation in Malaysia. At the maximum excavation capacity of 700 meters per month, the TBM will perform three main tasks underground: excavating the tunnel, transporting excavated spoil to the surface, and installing concrete panels that will line the tunnel. According to CCCC's Managing Director for ECRL Bai Yinzhan, the arrival of TBM signals more intensified activities for the project. "As we move forward, our plan is to engage more local workforce and create job opportunities for the communities along the alignment. Our team is ready and is looking forward to the TBM's commissioning in the coming months," he said. The ECRL runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia, which is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and bring more balanced growth to the country by linking its less-developed region on the East Coast to the economic heartland on the West Coast upon its completion in 2026. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-10 00:33:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Firefighters take a break at the fire site of a juice factory in Narayanganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 9, 2021. At least 52 people have died as a huge fire raged for a second day in the juice factory in Narayanganj. (Xinhua) by Naim-Ul-Karim DHAKA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 52 people have died as a huge fire raged for a second day in a juice factory in Narayanganj on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka. Deputy Director of Fire Service and Civil Defense Debashish Bardhan told reporters that they had pulled 49 bodies from the debris of the burning factory on Friday afternoon. "Forty nine bodies, most of them beyond recognition, were recovered from the 4th floor of the building on Friday afternoon," he said, adding that the bodies will be identified through DNA test for handover to their family members. Three more deaths were reported in the immediate aftermath of the fire on Thursday night. The district's chief administrator Mostain Billah told Xinhua on Friday night that "49 people were reported missing." But he said they don't know immediately whether the 49 charred bodies, beyond recognition already recovered from the fire site, are of the missing persons. He said that a total of 20 people were admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery following the fire devastation. But local media reports put the number of injured people at 50. Firefighters said many people jumped off the building in a bid to save themselves from the blaze and three of them succumbed to their injuries on Thursday. A total of 18 firefighting units managed to bring the fire at the six-storey building of the local factory under control, after a day of fighting at around 3:00 p.m. local time Friday, said Billah. But local media reports say the fire in the factory has not yet been completely doused though it was almost under control since Thursday night. TV reports Friday night showed fires were still raging in some parts of the factory. According to the officials, the six-storey factory used to produce various juices, soft drinks and food items, caught fire around 5:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. Md Abdul Al Arefin, Narayanganj District Fire Service and Civil Defence deputy director, told reporters that it would take some time more for them to completely douse the fire. Until the fire is extinguished completely, he said it would not be possible to assess how much damage has occurred and find the exact cause of the fire. A spokesman of the factory was not immediately available for comment. Officials said the fire originated from the ground floor of the six-storey building, and spread quickly to several other upper floors because of the presence of chemicals and plastic materials. They said severe heat from the blaze has caused cracks in a part of the building and its windows are falling apart, with plumes of black smoke billowing out of the factory. Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed profound shock and grief over the loss of lives in the fire. A seven-member probe committee has been formed by the district administration to look into the incident. However, survivors and relative alleged that the only gate to enter and exit the factory premises was locked and they staged demonstration outside and around the factory premises on Friday. Against this backdrop, law enforcers in large numbers have been deployed to maintain law and order situation at the site. The factory building had reportedly no proper fire safety measures, according to the workers. The exact cause of the blaze in factory is still unclear, but the district's Police chief Md Zayedul Alam told Xinhua earlier in the day that it may have been triggered by a short circuit. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 23:10:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close 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| 2021-07-09 09:59:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Interim analysis of Phase 3 clinical trial of the CoronaVac vaccine in more than 10,000 participants in Turkey suggests the efficacy of two doses of the vaccine is 83.5 percent against symptomatic cases of COVID-19, according to a study published on Thursday in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. The randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Turkey using the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech. The trial involved over 10,000 participants aged 18 to 59 years. They were randomly assigned to receive two doses of the vaccine (given 14 days apart) or a placebo. The preliminary findings indicated that CoronaVac induced a robust antibody response, and no severe adverse events or deaths were reported among the participants. Most adverse events were mild and occurred within seven days of an injection, according to the study. However, more research is needed to confirm vaccine efficacy in the long term, in a more diverse group of participants, and against emerging variants of concern, said the study. CoronaVac uses an inactivated whole virus, compelling a recipient's immune system to attack the harmless form of the virus by producing antibodies to fight it off, leading to immunity. The vaccine can be stored and transported at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and has been in Phase 3 trials since mid-2020 in Brazil, Indonesia, Chile, and Turkey, according to The Lancet. "One of the advantages of CoronaVac is that it does not need to be frozen, making it easier to transport and distribute. This could be particularly important for global distribution, as some countries may struggle to store large amounts of vaccine at very low temperatures," said Murat Akova, lead author of the study and a professor at Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 06:20:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Pfizer and BioNTech said they are developing a COVID-19 booster shot intended to target the highly transmissible Delta variant, according to U.S. media reports on Thursday. Concerns continue to rise as the Delta strain has already become the dominant variant in the United States, causing increasing infections. The two companies said they believe a third shot of their current two-dose vaccine has the potential to preserve the "highest levels" of protection against all currently known variants, including Delta, but they are "remaining vigilant" and developing an updated version of the vaccine, according to a CNBC report. "These findings are consistent with an ongoing analysis from the companies' Phase 3 study," the companies said in a statement. "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 6 to 12 months after full vaccination." Clinical studies could begin as early as August, subject to regulatory approvals, the companies said. Executives from Pfizer and BioNTech have said people will likely need a booster shot, or third dose, within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated because they expect vaccine-induced immunity to wane over time. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 06:57:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOUSTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- With the increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana, health experts believed the more contagious Delta variant is established in the state with higher vulnerability among the unvaccinated, local media reported on Thursday. State figures showed that over the last week, cases have increased by 3,360 in Louisiana, the biggest spike since March 4. Cases have more than doubled over the last 14 days. Health experts said this was likely an effect of the Delta variant making its way into unvaccinated hosts. "Across the country, the spike will be bigger in the areas that have lower vaccination rates, which unfortunately is us and a number of our neighboring states," local media NOLA.com quoted Joe Kanter, assistant secretary of health, as saying. With one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, Louisiana residents have a higher risk for coronavirus infection. Just 39 percent of the population has received at least one dose of vaccine. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-09 11:29:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Esquel Group, a Hong Kong-based textile and apparel manufacturer, sued the U.S. government after losing a number of high-profile customers following the placement of a subsidiary in China's Xinjiang region on the U.S. "entity list", The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. In its lawsuit, the Chinese firm asked a federal judge to remove the cotton mill from the U.S. Commerce Department export blacklist of "businesses that pose a national security threat," said the report. U.S. officials listed the mill in Changji city of Xinjiang last July, accusing it of using forced labor, which the company denies. "The Department of Commerce provided no evidence to support its erroneous decision and acted far beyond its limited legal authority," Esquel's attorney James Tysse said Tuesday in a statement. The listing "contradicts the facts including audits by multiple world-class, thrid-party independent auditors using internationally recognized industry standards," and causes economic and reputational harm, the company said in the statement. Enditem with apologies for length D ear Grad, Greetings! Ive been meaning to write this for awhile. But you know how it goes, one gets busy and... "We no longer have an oxygen deficit; instead, we have an oxygen surplus, and now our problem is how we store that equipment in case a third wave arrives ," he said. Esta manana, el ministro Oscar Ugarte inauguro un moderno tomografo multicorte, equipos de rayos X y una planta de oxigeno medicinal en el Hospital de Emergencias Jose Casimiro Ulloa. pic.twitter.com/7o9wrQzGj1 (END) CNA/JJN/MVB Less than a month before the 200th anniversary of Peru's Independence Bicentennial (July 28), the nation's economic situation has been recovering in a remarkable manner Published: 7/9/2021 "According to projections, the global economy will rise from 3% to 4%, perhaps up to 5%; ours in Peru will probably grow 10% to make up for lost time," he expressed. The Head of State explained that there is a rebound in the economy, which this year would grow on average more compared to 2020. "Last year was a year of economic disaster for the whole world," Mr. Sagasti recalled. However, the dynamization of activities on a global scale generates a greater demand for fuel. This has prompted an increase in the price of oil, which in the end affects prices in Peru, he warned. Likewise, the top official pointed out that the price of an oil barrel currently reaches US$75 from the US$55 to US$60 registered a few months ago, and the US$45 more than a year ago. "By raising the price of fuels, which is not under our control, the prices of the production chain and services that use oil rise (...) within the limitations of resources that our government has; we have already taken a first step to cushion the effect of this vertiginous increase in the price of oil," he explained. (END) RMCH/CVC/MVB YEREVAN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenian and Russian experts do not rule out that the deployment of Russian border guards in the disputable sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border will stabilize the current situation caused by the Azerbaijani aggression on the border, however, they note that the problem will be solved only when the sides reach an agreement over demarcation and delimitation issues. Moreover, most of them are convinced that Russia can play a decisive role in this process. Political analyst Aram Safaryan told Armenpress that without Russias mediation mission it would much more difficult to solve this problem. I believe that the leadership of Armenia is right that the solution of these issues should be given to the Russian Federation, asking it to act as an impartial judge, given the fact that since 1921 Moscow has been playing an incomparable role in determining the state borders of all previous soviet rebublics, including Armenia, he said, adding: No one is ready or wants to act as a mediator in this difficult process. And Russia does it only because it doesnt want to have a new conflict center in the South Caucasus. I believe that Russias mission to settle the existing conflicts in the South Caucasus is irreplaceable. Russian military expert Alexander Khramchikhin says its difficult to say what progress will be achieved over the border matters, the return of Armenian prisoners of war from Azerbaijan after the recent meeting between caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The expert, however, is sure that the problem will not be solved without demarcation and delimitation. He told Armenpress that Azerbaijan is using the opportunity that the borders between the territories which have come under its control after the recent war and Armenia are not clarified, and is trying to advance in the border with all possible means. Moreover, the Russian expert notes that the issue is political to a great extent as it can affect the Nagorno Karabakh issue. Today this is a principled issue for Armenia, but as long as the borders are not clarified, its very hard to present any demand or complaint against Azerbaijan. When an agreement is signed over demarcation and delimitation, that time it already would be possible to deploy border troops, including inviting Russian border guards and putting demands before Azerbaijan if that side violates the border. And I think that border delimitation is just impossible without Russias participation. And if Russia deploys its border guards on Armenias border, then yes, it becomes the guarantor of Armenias territorial integrity in that part, he said. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. Prosecutor General of Armenia Artur Davtyan met with Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, Christos Giakoumopoulos, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the sidelines of the Conference of Heads of Prosecutors Offices of European States, Mr. Davtyans Office told Armenpress. The officials highly valued the quality of relations between Armenia and the Council of Europe, appreciated the CoE-Armenia long-term partnership in the fight against crime, within the frames of which the Prosecution of Armenia is involved in CoE respective programs. At the meeting the humanitarian consequences of the 2020 Artsakh War, especially from the perspective of the violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms, were discussed. Prosecutor General of Armenia Artur Davtyan presented the Azerbaijani violations both during the war and after that, the violations of the rights of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives by Azerbaijan. He highlighted the necessity of properly reacting to such developments by the international community and the CoE structures in particular. Artur Davtyan said the fulfillment of the 2020 November 10 trilateral statement on the ceasefire could be a guarantee for establishment of peace in the region, for economic and other cooperation. However, he said, the unconstructive actions of the Azerbaijani side do not lead to the stabilization of the situation and directly contradict the demands of the trilateral statement. As a vivid example of the Azerbaijani unconstructive step, Mr. Davtyan recalled the sham trials of the Armenian prisoners of war by the Azerbaijani authorities, stating that all these processes are accompanied by multiple gross violations of human rights. The Prosecutor General also presented the Azerbaijani deliberate criminal encroachments against the Armenian historical-cultural heritage. At the end of the meeting both officials agreed to regularly exchange information about the matter. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. On the joint initiative of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) and the Belgian French-speaking friendship group with Artsakh, the necessary funding has been provided for the renovation of the secondary school of the village of Khramort in the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh, the EAFJD told Armenpress. Exterior and exterior renovation work will be carried out, a sanitary unit and a modern, well-equipped school canteen will be built, classrooms will be modernized and transformed into collaborative classrooms. A new heating system will be installed. The project will be implemented within the framework of the "All-Day School Program" in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Artsakh. This program aims to use participatory work, leisure, and homework preparation to improve the quality of education, remove conditions of inequality regarding homework support from parents, create new opportunities for socialization and employment, provide quality, balanced daily meals for learners, overcome the urban-rural disparity in development and make the regions of Artsakh more attractive to city residents. In recent months displaced families from the Hadrut region of Nagorno Karabakh, have also moved to Khramort. During the 44-day war, unleashed by Azerbaijan against the native Armenian population of Artsakh, a total ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Armenian population of a number of settlements, regions of Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh, including Hadrut was carried out by the Azerbaijani armed forces. Commenting on modernization project of the Khramort school, the EAFJD President Kaspar Karampetian said: It is crucial to heal the wounds of Artsakh after this devastating war, imposed by Azerbaijan. Children are particularly vulnerable in such situations. We hope that this project will be a step towards improving the conditions of education of the local children and ensure a brighter future for them. It is our duty to contribute to this and we will continue working towards it. YEREVAN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. The European Union has been and remains one of Armenias key partners in the implementation of the ongoing reforms program, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan said at a press conference, summing up the results of the visit of the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi to Armenia. According to Mher Grigoryan, Armenia consistently continues the democratic reforms despite the current challenges. I would like to state that the European Union has been and remains one of Armenias key partners in the implementation of the ambitious program of reforms. In this context I must definitely highlight the importance of the completion of the ratification process of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and its entry into force. Reaffirming Armenias commitments to democracy, rule of law and human rights, I am confident that the effective implementation of the agreement will play a key role on ensuring the continuation of these reforms, Mher Grigoryan said. Oliver Varhelyi and his delegation met with Armenias caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and caretaker deputy PM Grigoryan during their visit in Yerevan. During the meetings the sides exchanged views on the Armenia-EU active cooperation, the current partnership agenda, as well as on broad range of issues relating to the further development of the relations. The sides also touched upon the 2020 Artsakh War and the coronavirus pandemic. I want to note that Armenia is grateful to the European Union for the humanitarian aid provided for COVID-19 fight and for assisting our compatriots affected from the Artsakh War. We have discussed with the Commissioner our future actions aimed at mitigating the heaviest consequences of the large-scale military aggression against Artsakh and the post-war situation, Mher Grigoryan said, stating that Armenia is committed to the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict exclusively through peaceful means, within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. As a key priority we stressed the importance of the immediate and unconditional return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives, held by Azerbaijan, which is also enshrined in the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement, the caretaker deputy PM said. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory letter to President Alberto Angel Fernandez of the Republic of Argentina on the countrys Independence Day, the Armenian Presidents Office told Armenpress. The relations between Armenia and Argentina are based on mutual trust, respect and sympathy. I hope that the Armenian-Argentine friendly relations will continue strengthening in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, and the close historic ties between the two nations will give a new impetus to the further development of the high-level political dialogue and cooperation between our countries, the Armenian President said in his letter. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan BAGRATASHEN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia Irakli Karseladze calls the construction of a new bridge on the Armenian-Georgian border over the Debed River near the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border checkpoint as one more proof of the Armenian-Georgian friendship. We have tradition, we build the bridges together and call that bridges as friendship bridges. We have called this 200-meter long bridge as Friendship Bridge which will open next year. This is the best project in terms of infrastructure, which proves how friendly the Armenian and Georgian peoples are, he told reporters. The Georgian minister said this is the first joint project, but added that there are grounds for discussing new joint programs. Armenias caretaker Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Suren Papikyan introduced his Georgian counterpart on the large-scale projects being implemented in Armenia in the infrastructure field. The Georgian minister in turn presented the large-scale programs in their country. He highlighted this experience for the implementation of joint programs. It can be said that we are on the path of implementing new joint programs, he added. Suren Papikyan informed that the issue of constructing the bridge has been discussed since 2012, the loan agreement was signed in 2017, but the construction didnt begin for key reasons. As a result of our joint efforts we managed to reach to the point that these works started. Armenias northern direction, road not only with Georgia, but also with other countries, including our main partner Russia passes through this bridge. Of course, we have other checkpoints, but this is the most intensively operated route because the road leading to Lars passes through this, Suren Papikyan said. The construction of a new bridge linking Armenia and Georgia over the Debed River near the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border checkpoint, launched on July 9. The bridge will be 160 meters long. It will have two-way roads, with a slope of about 2% from Armenia to Georgia. The Debed River passes in the middle of the bridge, which is the border between Armenia and Georgia. The construction will cost 7 million 300 thousand Euros. It is expected to be completed in May 2022. The project is funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the governments of Armenia and Georgia. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan at the Government of Armenia. ARMENPRESS reports the PM's Office informs that this is the first Pashinyan-Harutyunyan meeting since the June 20 early parliamentary elections of Armenia and Pashinyan's July 7 working visit to Russia. Nikol Pashinyan Honorable Mr. President, I welcome you at the Government. This is our first official meeting since the early parliamentary elections of Armenia and it's very important to formulate our upcoming activities. We have passed a very difficult path together, I am speaking about the Republic of Artsakh, the Republic of Armenia and our people. And in the days of hardship, the burden and honor of leading our people falls on our shoulders, and we must fulfill our mission with honor. Of course, we have talked much about the circumstances of what happened. And there are still some circumstances about which we will still have the opportunity to speak. I think it's very important to emphasize that during the pre-election campaign I clearly formulated the task for examining the detailed circumstances of the 44-day war and it's important that we manage to establish a format and organize the works in a trust-worthy way, because answers to very important questions must be given. But I consider it important to note that after the 44-day war, we have made quite serious efforts to restore normal life in Artsakh. During this time we had dozens of working meetings, some of which were covered, some of which were not covered by the media. And frankly speaking, I am very pleased with the level of our cooperation, the decisions that have been made so far, I think, are quite effective. I hope our compatriots in Artsakh feel the effectiveness of those decisions, but, of course, in the near future we have to discuss strategic programs, I mean in the social-economic sphere. Of course, the issue of Artsakh's status remains on top of our agenda. And we should record that after November 9, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement, in fact, recording that agenda as a working agenda. And we, too, must clarify what we have to do here, try to adopt a certain strategy in the new situation, point out the ways to achieve our goals. I welcomeyou again, I am sure that as a result of today's discussions we will give a new impetus to the programs that are already being implemented, we will formulate the upcoming projects. Arayik Harutyunyan Honorable Mr. Prime Miister, first i would like to thank for the reception. I also want to wish success during your leadership of the Republic of Armenia based on receiving the people's trust during the elections. I am confident that the programs we have discussed will contribute to the social-economic development of Artsakh. We have to consolidate the Armenian nation around Artsakh. Of course, over the years, decades, the Armenians have always supported Artsakh, but today, more than ever, we need great unity, and we will succeed. I want to confidently state that today the socio-economic problems in Artsakh are being solved, and the social programs implemented by the Armenian government have definitely brought Artsakh out of the state of shock. Today's social policy allows us to state with confidence that there is no family that has not been in the spotlight, and definitely all this was possible only and only due to the funds provided by the Armenian government, while the money raised by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has already started to be spent on housing and infrastructure development. Today Artsakh is a big construction site. The programs must be continued, first of all, housing, which is our main task. Today the problem of apartments in Artsakh is so severe that it is not enough to build one apartment a day. In order to implement our plans, we need to build at least 4-5 apartments a day. We want to present this program to the Armenian people so that every Armenian can participate in housing programs in the coming years. But of course, the main issue of Artsakh is security and status. And fortunately, the principle in terms of the status has not been changed by the OSCE Minsk Group and it's the same as it was before the war. We must strive to keep it on the agenda. All your statements, our statements that Artsakh's independence pasth is not subject to discussion, show that we must continue our struggle. As for security, I want to assure you that the situation is kept under control jointly by the Defense Army and peacekeeping forces. Geography is really complicated, but fortunately it was not a serious concern. Harvesting is going on today, there are no problems or obstacles. Infrastructure restoration works are underway along the current line of contact. We have plans for joint discussion about restoring what we have lost, which requires a lot of hard work. Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to wish you good luck again in fulfilling the great responsibility that you have taken on in a very difficult period. Aid workers form a human chain on July 2, 2021 to call for maintaining the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for aid from Turkey into Syria 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 Author Susan P. Gateley, of Fair Haven, has published a new book with Arcadia Press, "A Natural History of Lake Ontario." The book introduces readers to the unique weather, geology, seasons and animal and plant life of the lake, which is part of one of the largest freshwater ecosystems in the world. Gateley has spent decades exploring the lake by boat and by foot. Lake Ontario is an international body of water that has played a key role in the history of two nations," she said in a news release. "Its coastal landscape is one of the most dynamic areas anywhere in upstate New York. It is a place of constant change shaped by water and wind. The book will also help visitors to the Lake Ontario shoreline seek fossils, lucky rocks and water-rounded quartz crystals, some of which were transported by the glacier from the Canadian Shield. Gateley also documents some of the changes to the lake and its fisheries over the past few decades, with more than 50 black-and-white photos showing the interactions of native and recent immigrant animals and plants that now call the lake home. Despite pollution, deforestation and ongoing development, the lake is resilient, the author said, with native species like the osprey and lake sturgeon making a comeback. After ticking up in the last half of June, the number of Cayuga County residents with active cases of COVID-19 has gone down over the past week. The Cayuga County Health Department issued a situational report on the coronavirus Friday that said there are currently 10 residents in mandatory isolation with active cases of the virus. That total is down from 18 active cases reported in the department's update on July 2. The county admitted seven newly confirmed cases over the past week: two on July 2, four on Tuesday (the department was closed Sunday and Monday for the Fourth of July holiday) and one on Thursday. The data reported Friday indicate that COVID-19 recoveries outpaced newly confirmed cases over the past week. The health department said there was one patient with COVID-19 admitted at Auburn Community Hospital, the same number as a week prior. Unlike the report from a week ago, Friday's did not announce any new county-run COVID-19 vaccine clinics. The county held free walk-in clinics this week that were announced in the July 2 situational report. The Moravia Central School District has made three key hires, including two building principals. Jeff Green will take over as principal of Moravia High School, Carrie Love will be principal at Moravia Middle School, and Ted Love is the district's new director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, according to a news release. The district's board of educatoin unanimously all three appointments at a meeting Wednesday. Carrie Love and Ted Love are not related. Green has served as a district middle school teacher for the past two decades, the district said, most recently in the eighth grade and as the chair of the English language arts department. A Moravia himself, he attended Cayuga Community College and earned a bachelor's degree at SUNY Cortland in 1998. He also has a master's degree from Binghamton University. Green and his wife have two children who are students in the district. According to the agenda for Wednesday's meeting, Green was given a four-year probationary appointment through July 7, 2025, with a 2021-22 pro-rated salary of $92,500. Regarding the programming of the ballot counting machines, which were supplied by the Cayuga County Board of Elections, the district said it confirmed with Cayuga County officials that the machines were programmed correctly and that there could not have been an issue with the accuracy of the machine count. Bennett and Goethe's petition also said several voters reported that the chief election inspector incorrectly told them that they had to vote for three candidates in order for their ballots to be counted, a directive could have affected the outcome because it may have prevented voters from picking Bennett and Goethe only and not choosing a third candidate, an action referred to as "bullet voting." In the response, the district acknowledges that this incorrect advice was given to a voter early in the morning but poll workers were quickly told that voters did not have to make three choices and no additional voters received such instructions. Based on its investigation into the matter, the district said that, at most, the incorrect direction affected two ballots. The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Flagstaff premiere of the acclaimed new drama The God Committee on Wednesday as part of the monthly Flagstaff Cinema Series. There will be one screening of the film at 7 at Harkins Flagstaff 16. An official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, The God Committee is a timely medical drama starring Kelsey Grammer, Julia Stiles, Colman Domingo, Janeane Garofalo and Dan Hedaya. An organ transplant committee has one hour to decide which of three patients deserves a life- saving heart. Seven years later, the committee members struggle with the consequences of that fateful decision. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} On a winter morning in 2014, a donor heart arrives at a New York hospital. The recipient unexpectedly dies on the operating table, forcing an organ transplant committee to convene with one hour to decide which of three other patients deserves the life-saving heart. God's work is now left in the hands of a team of doctors, including: Boxer (Grammer), a cynical but brilliant heart surgeon; Jordan (Stiles), an idealistic up-and-comer; and Gilroy (Garofalo), a weary bureaucrat. As the debate over the heart heats up, medicine, money and morality clash. Another potential problem with having so little knowledge of the test is in the format. Hagstrom said part of preparation is getting students acclimated to the specific environment in which a test takes place, in this case a particular online system. Its not just the paper and pencil, he said. ... You have to know where to click ... how to zoom in on things, where are all the different tools in that system. We've typically had our students go in and practice so they are familiar with that testing environment ahead of time, so that's not one of those extraneous variables reducing the student performance on a test. These problems are only for this year, Hagstrom said, as once FUSD has more information about the test, they will be able to better prepare going forward, and will have a point of comparison. Next year, this will be a different story because we already have the blueprints, he said. We'll have taken the test and well have baseline data and we can do our own analysis and then really dive deeper. ...That's something that we do every year, is trying to find where we need to step it up or make some subtle changes. On this date in 1936, 10 contestants were injured, one fatally, at Prescotts annual Frontier Days Rodeo. Tuesday, July 6 On this date in 1890, Warren Earp, youngest of the Earp brothers, was shot to death by John Boyett in the Headquarters Saloon in Willcox. On this date in 1920, the town of Gilbert was incorporated. On this date in 1934, the first lethal gas execution in Arizona took the lives of two brothers who had been convicted of the murder of a prospector near Casa Grande. Wednesday, July 7 On this date in 1883, an agreement was made between the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Interior to turn over police control of the San Carlos Reservation to the military. On this date in 1892, the Mexican band was declared a public nuisance by the Phoenix City Council because it practiced all day and played all night. On this date in 1917, Jerome miners rejected membership in IWW and voted to remain on the job. Miners in Ray ran IWW organizers out of town. On this date in 1923, the first meeting of the Navajo Tribal Council was held. Chee Dodge served as the first chairman. BECKWOURTH, Calif. (AP) Flames threatening campgrounds and cabins prompted evacuations and closed off a swath of Northern California forest as the state headed into another weekend of dry, scorching weather and the continuing threat of wildfires. Hundreds of firefighters aided by aircraft were fighting the Beckwourth Complex, two blazes sparked by lightning that were carving their way through the eastern edge of the million-acre Plumas National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada near the Nevada state line. Campgrounds and homes around Frenchman Lake were under evacuation orders Friday and a nearly 200-square-mile area of the forest was closed because of the danger, fire information officer Pandora Valle said. After a day and night of explosive growth, the fire covered more than 38 square miles at midmorning Friday, causing containment to drop to 11%. The flames were burning through pine, fir and chaparral turned bone-dry by low humidity and high temperatures, while ridgetop winds and afternoon gusts of up to 35 mph were really pushing the flames at times, Valle said. The fire was one of several burning in the north, where several other large blazes destroyed dozens of homes in recent days. 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: A Davenport woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday for fatally shooting another woman in a Chuck E. Cheese. Treshonda M. Pollion, 25, was originally charged with first-degree murder, but in April she accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The plea deal included a mandatory sentence of 10 years. Pollion was arrested on Oct. 25 for shooting Eloise Chairs, 29, after the two women allegedly got into a fistfight sparked by an argument about a game card. "I don't know if I've ever seen a more senseless crime than this one," Scott County Judge John Telleen said during the sentencing hearing. Chairs' mother, Angela Chairs, gave a witness statement during the hearing, emphasizing how the lives of Chairs' children has changed since their mother died. "In that moment when you shot her, you stopped everything ... I just can't believe this nightmare," Angela Chairs said. "I just don't understand how you can just walk up and shoot somebody." A Montana Free Press reporter who attempted to enter the room was told by Usher the meeting was closed because more than half of the full committee, which would represent a quorum able to decide committee business, was not present. The nine remaining Republicans continued to meet in private before returning to the committee and casting votes. Usher told the Montana State News Bureau the day of the meeting that it was his "policy that when we do caucus, we will not have 50% or more of the committee to allow for blocking press access. The media organizations argued that a majority of the majority party on the committee discussing legislation constituted a subcommittee that should be open under Montanas right-to-know provisions of the state Constitution. The Montana Department of Justice, representing Usher, argued because an actual majority of committee members were not present, no quorum was established and the gathering did not meet the definition of a public meeting. In agreeing with Usher, Menahan noted that it was undisputed that less than a quorum of representatives attended the gathering. 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. BEIJING (AP) China's regulator ordered the removal from app stores of 25 apps owned by Didi Global Inc., the country's largest ride-hailing service, citing severe violations of rules against collecting personal data. The Cyberspace Administration of China had already taken down the main Didi app last Sunday, pending a cybersecurity review, after it debuted on the U.S. stock market last week. The 25 additional apps include Didi Enterprises, as well as ones designed for Didi drivers. A spokesperson for Didi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The move comes after Chinese authorities said earlier this week they would step up supervision of companies listed overseas. Under the new measures, regulation of data security and cross-border data flows, as well as the management of confidential data, will be improved. Didi is the latest company facing the scrutiny from the Chinese government. An investigation found serious violations in how Didi collected and used personal information, the internet regulator said earlier in the week. A statement said the company was told to rectify problems but gave no details. Some criticized the commission's decision. Ben Gange, who had been going to the bar for 40 years, said he thought the commission could have left Silver Dollar open for the Fourth of July. Angela Grigsby said she'd been coming to the Silver Dollar for about 10 years and that she considered starting a petition to keep the bar open. It was one of the first bars in Mandan that made her feel accepted after she moved from Washington. Grigsby, who is Cherokee, Apache, Irish, English and Spanish, said she didn't feel accepted at some other bars because of her race. Hanging under the Budweiser sign was a large banner that read "Happy Birthday Angie!" Grigsby said that staff and other patrons signed the banner for her birthday. "It's sad, it's really sad," she said. "I mean, it's a staple. Everybody knows Silver Dollar." Felton said he plans to appeal the commission's 3-2 decision to deny the license. 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 Flatlanders Treasure of Love (Rack'em Records/Thirty Tigers) Never has the tremulous twang that is unmistakably Jimmie Dale Gilmore been more welcome than after a year and a half of pandemic strangeness. Listening to The Flatlanders Treasure of Love is like strolling into a corner honky-tonk and discovering an old friend on the next barstool. Maybe a little grizzled, telling the same stories, but who cares? Youre together again. Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock first hooked up almost 50 years ago. They've since performed together and separately, but The Flatlanders havent made an album in more than a decade. Somehow this one manages to sound fresh and relevant, even if the 15 tracks are mostly familiar. Recorded during the pandemic, the selections include tunes made famous by Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and others, but the trio gives them all their signature Texas sound. Gilmore takes the lead on the title track, lending a roadhouse whine to the George Jones classic. The tone changes to boot-scooting playful on Hancocks Mama Do the Kangaroo. Another Hancock original, Moanin of the Midnight Train, features Ely belting out a bittersweet ode to the woman he misses every night or two. 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. Lila Meuchel's neighbors keep trying to eat her plants. It's not the human neighbors of her ground-floor Gateway Avenue condo that are causing problems, but a population of Richardson's ground squirrels that live in an empty lot next to her building, across from the Gateway Mall. The nearby lot is dotted with holes that the squirrels dart out of, some of which have plastic bottles stuffed into them. Meuchel said she has put some of the bottles there to prevent the ground squirrels from digging. Trails in the grass lead away from the burrows and toward the condo buildings, and there was even a hole behind the building's air conditioning unit. About a half-dozen of the animals were scurrying through the lot or sitting perched on top of a small hill one morning. The Richardson's ground squirrels, also known as flickertails, aren't afraid of people, she said. Sometimes, she'll sit outside and spray at them with her hose to keep them away. The ground squirrels have been there since 2011, Meuchel said, but problems have increased over the past two years. "It's frustrating," she said. "We just don't need this around here." 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. It's on. California will vote on whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 14. I am deeply conflicted on the question. I am opposed to recalls on principle. In 2003, I was one of the few conservatives to oppose the recall of then-governor Gray Davis. My reasoning hinged on what you might call the Ed Koch rule. After the New York City mayor lost his bid for a fourth term, he was often asked if he'd ever run again. His standard response: "No! The people threw me out and now they must be punished." Democracy works best when voters, politicians and especially parties have to bear the brunt of their mistakes. The problem with recall efforts is that they often focus on individual personalities, not policies. They end up being about spite. As a result, they tend to let parties off the hook. California's problems -- homelessness, crime, tax flight, etc. -- are largely the result of years of one-party rule. The only way to cure one-party rule is to reform the opposing party -- in this case, the GOP -- to be competitive. Recalls put off that reckoning. Davis was unpopular for a number of reasons, but the recall boiled down to a referendum on his personality (or lack of one) and the possibility of replacing him with Arnold Schwarzenegger, a celebrity with personality to spare. The skipper is like an F-16. It is shaped in a way that makes it go extremely fast. Its hard to get an estimate of how many there are in a landscape. -- Luke Toso, senior environmental scientist with the Bismarck-based company Beaver Creek Environmental, who is involved in work to protect the threatened Dakota skipper butterfly. q q q "It's one of the things Ive always loved about folk music -- there's no fakeness about the relationship between the performer and the audience. The performer makes the audience happy and the audience makes the performer happy. I just love that symbiosis." -- Mandan dental laboratory technician Gary R. Miller, who performs as Uncle Sam, playing traditional songs on the banjo. Ive changed my tune. Youre not going to beat this on your own. -- Rep. Keith Kempenich, R-Bowman, who was skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine until he got infected with the virus at the end of the legislative session. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Cecily Brown was in perpetual motion on the wall of the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, her brushstrokes distributing mural paint onto the yellow, drive-in theater-sized surface like shards of colored light. In one moment, Brown was filling out the sleeve of a dancer in a purple sweatshirt. In the next, she was adding yellow and gold flourishes in the spaces between. A short time later, Brown was up in the air on a scissor lift with Chuck Tingley, a Buffalo muralist serving as her assistant. Working quickly, the two painters drew Offerman Stadium a ballpark that once stood where the school is as if by alchemy. Moving to the right-hand corner of the two-story wall, Brown painted snow flurries against an ocean-blue sky. She moved fast and intuitively, because that's how she works and the time she had to finish was drawing near. A few hours later, Brown was on a plane returning to New York City. And Buffalonians that July 3 were taking hold of "The Flight of the Chickadee," a brightly colored, mostly abstract canvas across the street from the boarded-up rowhouse where abstract painter Elizabeth Murray lived in the late 1960s. "I think it's incredibly joyful to emerge from the pandemic with a project like this that offers art for everybody, and really helps spotlight the arts in Buffalo," said Elizabeth Larrabee, one of the school's art teachers. The painting, which took six days to complete, was the culmination of an 11-week effort that involved one world-famous painter, seven local artists, nearly 30 Visual and Performing Arts students and the support of UB Arts Collaboratory and Bortolami Gallery in New York. 'Next obvious step' Cecily Brown is used to working on a large scale. Her current show at Metropolitan Operas Gallery Met in New York features two large paintings almost 26 feet in length. But the British-born figurative and abstract artist, who has made New York her home since the mid-1990s, wanted to try working on a bigger scale seen outside museum walls. "I've been looking to do something more public for awhile," Brown said. "A mural seemed like the obvious next step after having worked so large the last few years." Brown, 52, is in the prime of an internationally renowned career. Her work is represented in major collections from New York to Paris to London, and she's a favorite with auction houses. Brown's 1999 painting, "Suddenly Last Summer," sold for $6.8 million at a 2018 Sotheby's auction. Her 2001 work, "Figures in a Landscape 1," went for $5.5 million in 2020. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery purchased her painting, "Father of the Bride," in 1999. "That was the first museum to buy my work," Brown said. "I was just starting out, really. It was huge for me." Brown's husband, Nicolai Ouroussoff, was an architecture critic for the New York Times when he wrote "Saving Buffalo's Untold Beauty" in 2008. The Sunday article was splashed across several pages just as Buffalo was hosting a National Trust for Historic Preservation conference. "He wrote the article about Buffalo when we first met, so I've had Buffalo in my head for years," Brown said. "It's always been an idea for me to go back to Buffalo at some point." Bronwyn Keenan, director of UB Arts Collaboratory, became friends with Brown when she owned a SoHo gallery in the 1990s. Brown suggested coming to Buffalo to make a mural, and Stefania Bortolami agreed to underwrite it as part of her gallery's Artist/City project, which pairs an artist with an American city. Keenan assembled the team of visual and nonvisual artists and students to ensure the mural was grounded in Buffalo's history and culture, and to capitalize on the performative aspects of working on a 1,500-square-foot wall. Painter Sara Zak was excited to be among them. "Cecily's in the canon now, especially as a female artist who broke out when she was pretty young," Zak said. The participants met via video conference call on April 16 for the first of several brainstorming sessions. Brown offered this advice: "Nothing is too small or too trivial; you never know which idea is going to lead you somewhere," she said. "Don't be overly judgmental and don't self-criticize and don't talk yourself out of making something before you've made it, which I know is a really common problem with artists." Brown offered herself as an example. "You should see the amount of stuff I make that never sees the light of day, or that I rip up later," she said. In early June, the team met to share ideas and sketches at the Space Between (431 Ellicott St.), the Arts Collaboratorys downtown incubator. Jodi Lynn Maracle, a Mohawk artist and storyteller, shared a part of the Haudenosaunee creation story about a chickadee that sacrificed its life so humans could live. That became part of the mural's imagery. Jae Skeese, a hip-hop artist, found things fell into place when the team was able to meet in person. "Once we got into the flow of things it became a great experience," Skeese said. "I think having Cecily here in Buffalo, doing her first mural, and with her notoriety, is a crazy look for the town." Painter Pam Glick compared the process to the making of a movie, with Brown at the helm. "Buffalo is getting a Cecily Brown painting that looks fantastic, and we all get to be in it," Glick said. When Brown came back to Buffalo the second time, she brought paintings from her studio that served as the mural's roadmap. Keenan was "blown away" by how well the planning and preparation went. "It's not an ordinary approach to a mural, and its Cecily's first time working as part of a team," Keenan said. "She texted me after her last trip, and said, " 'That was the most fun I've had in forever. I love Buffalo.' " Seeking 'the vibe' During Zoom meetings, the students talked about wanting the right "vibe" so passersby would relate to the imagery. Naila Ansari, a professional dancer and choreographer, suggested re-creating movements the students were familiar with on TikTok, and the idea took off. Ansari danced for the students while Zak helped them sketch freehand to catch the motions of how people move in space. Working with an acclaimed painter provided an important career lesson for the students, most of whom are African American, Ansari said. "I thought this was a way of allowing the students to see that this is not just a world that is only specific for white folks," Ansari said, "but that you can interact in this world, and be a part of this world." Larrabee called the project "a dream come true." "For someone at this level, who has an international career, to be working side by side with the students has a huge impact," she said. Brown, during an early Zoom session, praised the caliber of the students' work. "I'm just really, really impressed with the high level of craft and imagination," Brown said. Later, she added: "I think at an earlier time I might have said, 'Well, can they really draw?' But when I saw all the work, I was thinking they could draw better than most people I know." Irena Northington, one of the students involved with the mural, called working with Brown "a great experience." Added classmate Malinda Hammonds: "I'm glad we were able to participate in this and make our own legacy." Getting perspective Working on such a large scale presented new challenges for Brown. Because images look different close up than farther back, Brown had to ask other artists how things were looking on the ground, and to send pictures to her phone. There was rain to contend with, which Brown painted through when possible. "If you grew up in London, you'd never play outside if you didn't play in the rain," she laughed. There was also the unexpected thrill of working on a lift. "It's a lot of fun standing up there is unlike anything I've experienced before," Brown said. "The wind's in your hair and it's really fantastic." Brown came to rely on Tingley, who mixed her paints, operated the lift and painted alongside her. He was the only other painter to work above ground level. "I told him if I do a mural again I'm going to hire him to go with me," she said. Looking back on the project a few days later, Brown said it was a wonderful experience. "I really enjoyed the collaboration," Brown said. "It was like being back in art school in the best way. I'm really happy, very happy. It was just very invigorating." Brown said the mural won't be her last. "I'm already looking into where I can do the next one," she said. Exhibit An exhibition on the making of the mural is at the Space Between, 431 Ellicott St., through July 31. It includes the mural source material and drawings. Videos and photos of the Working Artists Lab led by Brown are available to see in the Viewing Room on the website. Mark Sommer covers preservation, development, the waterfront, culture and more. He's also a former arts editor at The News. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Catholic Charities of Buffalo announced Thursday that it raised $9 million in cash and pledges for its 2021 appeal, which is 90.3% of its goal. The appeal's fundraising total has dropped significantly each of the past three years. 'Difficult decisions' loom as Catholic Charities misses fundraising goal Catholic Charities ended up raising $8.4 million through their annual appeal, $1.6 million short of its $10 million goal. The 2021 appeal raised over $600,000 more in donations than last year's appeal, which raised slightly more than $8.4 million. "I'm very optimistic about next year, and I'm happy about this year," said Rick Cronin, Catholic Charities Appeal 2021 chairman, in a telephone interview Thursday. "This year, I think Catholic Charities, just like the Western New York economy, is pulling itself out and people recognize that there are people that need help, and more of them were able to help because the economy got better," he said. Cronin said about $300,000 was raised in the last few weeks of this year's appeal to reach $9 million in funding. "Going back a year and a half, we had a good sense of optimism from the parish workshops," he said. "The concern about the clergy abuse and the bankruptcy was still there, but it wasn't all consuming, and things seemed to go along at a nice pace, fundraising-wise." Buffalo Police Officer Jonathan Negron was released from the hospital Friday, more than a month after being seriously injured during a car chase in Cheektowaga. A video released Friday by the city showed the 29-year-old police officer, dressed in a navy T-shirt and jeans, being wheeled out the door of Erie County Medical Center, where he was saluted by two rows of fellow officers. Negron received an ovation after he was helped from his wheelchair and stood to shake hands with some of the officers applauding him, before being ushered into a white SUV. Negron's family, through the city, released a statement thanking Mayor Byron W. Brown, the command staff of the Buffalo Police Department, the staff at ECMC and the local community for their support. "The past 35 days have been very hard on all of us and we can not express more deeply how grateful we are for the support of all the men and women of the Buffalo police department, the Erie county sheriff's office, and all the local departments. The support of the community has been overwhelming and on behalf of the Negron family, the Taborn family and Jonathan himself we thank each and every one of you very much," the statement read. Defense attorneys for a man accused of killing his girlfriend in South Buffalo in 2018 will be limited in what they raise at next month's trial about the victim's mental health or any alleged attempts she may have made to injure herself, a judge ruled Friday. Erie County Court Judge Susan M. Eagan will allow evidence involving messages between Shane X. Casado and Rachel Wierzbicki sent on the day Wierzbicki was killed, but nothing exchanged prior to that. Prosecutors wanted the judge to prohibit Casado's defense from calling witnesses or entering evidence about anything related to Wierzbicki's mental health or any of her "claims made to the defendant," Assistant Erie County District Attorney Ashley Morgan said in court. Casado, 26, is scheduled to go on trial on a second-degree murder charge for the Nov. 27, 2018, killing of Wierzbicki, 22, outside a home on Edson Street. Eagan on Friday also rejected a prosecution motion to have Casado's defense attorneys say prior to the start of jury selection whether they plan to pursue a defense that Casado's alleged actions were justified. "I have had to choose whether I will eat or my children will have a second helping at dinner because things had been tight," she said. "This allows us to make better decisions and keep our children happier and healthier." Her opponent revealed that he and his wife, Michelle, are raising a 3-year-old great nephew and 4-year-old great niece to prevent their entry into foster care following the breakup of their parents. "For our nephew and the mother of his child, we hope they can co-parent and come back together with their children," the mayor said. "The benefits of the Child Tax Credit will be critical." This is how the two will negotiate a precarious relationship over the next 3 months as Brown wages the write-in campaign for the mayor's office that Walton claims via her primary victory. Brown is still the mayor, and was invited by a coalition of progressive groups to add his voice for efforts to make the tax credit permanent. But Walton now has merited equal status in the eyes of groups like sponsors of Thursday's event. The mayoral contenders joined representatives of groups like PUSH Buffalo, the Buffalo Urban League, and the WNY Child Care Action Team in publicizing the new benefit and to urge Washington lawmakers to make it permanent. The list of accomplishments under Gioias direction extends to developments on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Under his leadership, the foundation helped to develop the University at Buffalos Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and provided $10 million for the construction of the John R. Oishei Childrens Hospital on the medical campus. It replaced the former Womens and Childrens Hospital on Elmwood Avenue. The foundation has also supported Buffalos waterfront; the expansion of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, to be known as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum; and the creation of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown. Gioia, an avid supporter of educational improvements in Western New York, was key in building community support and in persuading educational leadership in New York State to bring Say Yes to Buffalo in 2011. His brainchild involved the creation of the Children First Scholarship that offered families looking for alternatives to the Buffalo Public Schools an opportunity to attend Catholic schools. He was instrumental in establishing the Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology, which provides career pathways for adults and helps youth to stay in school through an after-school program in arts and technology. On this day, July 4, 2021, I wanted to do something I normally would not do, which is relax in total oblivion in regard to this holidays meaning, though it does, at times, bring about stark reminders of the dichotomy which exist for many African Americans in celebrating this day. Juneteenth is of preference, but that is another story for another time. I began my day reading the Constitution Of The United States, something I havent done since high school. It is a noble document indeed and is a testimony to my rights as a citizen of the United States of America. It was written in our infancy as a nation, and though we are now adolescents, there is still much work to be done to become the adults we are meant to be. I followed my reading of the Constitution by listening to a narration of the Frederick Douglass speech What to the slave is the 4th of July, delivered in 1852 in Rochester, New York. It was a brilliant oratory by this former run-away slave. It made me fully realize the greatness of the unbroken spirit of my slave ancestry. That speech could have been written in todays festering wound of a country we now inhabit. There are, indeed, bright rays of hope and unbroken spirits that will guide us through this however The walk through the beautiful city campus of the University of Scranton was outstanding. The university was welcoming the class of 2025 for orientation. Besides taking me back to my own college orientation many decades ago, I liked thinking about some of these young people living to see the next century. As I looked at their bright, young faces, I wondered what their lives and world would be like then. Another highlight was seeing the restored Lackawanna Train Depot, built in 1908. So much to see and it conjures thoughts about the lives that passed through the magnificent, masterfully restored building almost 120 years ago. As to family restaurants along the way? We enjoyed just the type of restaurants we like in Tully and Cortland, N.Y., and in Scranton. In Tully it was the Elm Street Cafe, where I was very surprised to see real mashed potatoes on the menu. The Cortland Diner offered breakfast or lunch; everything we had was good. The waitress had the most welcoming smile I have ever seen and the service was quick and efficient. In Scranton we were delighted to find Abes Kosher Delicatessen, a short walk from our hotel. The menu was extensive with many vegetarian and vegan choices. We had breakfast there and went back for lunch. July 22 Southtowns Walleye Associations monthly meeting (date change) at the club house located at 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. southtownswalleye.com July 25 Western New York Environmental Federation quarterly meeting at Hoaks Restaurant, S4100 Lakeshore Road, Hamburg, starting at 1 p.m. Contact Dan Tone at 655-0975 for more info. July 26 Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs annual summer picnic at the Three-F Club, 904 Swann Road, Lewiston, starting at 5:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass. Meat and refreshments will be supplied. July 26 Sun Life Marina 8-hour bass tournament out of Safe Harbor from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $70 per boat, best five fish. July 28 Sun Life Marina Bass Tournament from 6 to 9 p.m. out of Safe Harbor. Cost is $40 per boat. Canceled: July 15-25 30th Annual Erie Canal Fishing Derby has been canceled for this year and will be rescheduled for July 7-17, 2022. Submit calendar items to billhiltsjr@gmail.com at least three weeks in advance. A Fitting Finale To Pride Month: Kataluna Enriquez Becomes First Openly Transgender Miss USA Contestant After Being Crowned Miss Nevada On June 27th, 28-year-old Kataluna Enriquez made LGBTQ and pageant history. Ending Pride Month with a bang, the Filipina-American became the first transgender women crowned Miss Nevada. Not only does this mark the first time a trans-woman has held the title, but Enriquez will also be the first openly transgender contestant to compete in the Miss USA pageant. Acknowledging the significance of her win in an Instagram post, she wrote My community, you are always in my heart. My win is our win. We just made history. Happy pride. ADVERTISEMENT According to the Washington Post, Enriquez began competing in 2015, four years after her medical transition. Struggling to find gowns that fit her body, she began designing her own, leading to the creation of her own line, Kataluna Kouture. On June 27th, she wore one of these personal designs: a gown covered in rainbow sequins, in honor of Pride. In addition to being a designer, Enriquez also works as a healthcare administrator. Citing her own struggles with mental health as a result of the bullying and discrimination she faced growing up, she is a strong advocate for mental health, in addition to trans awareness, and her platform is centered around both of those issues. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to NPR, Enriquez said, I had a purpose and I had a dream. I wanted to compete on the Miss USA stage. When I was young, I always wanted to see someone on the Miss USA Stage -- someone like me. And it just happened to be that I was the person I needed to make history. While the Miss Universe system, of which Miss USA is a part, began allowing trans contestants in 2012, the trans community still faces a great deal of discrimination in the pageant world at large, with some competitions not allowing trans contestants at all. The Miss USA competition will be held on November 29th at the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa. If Enriquez wins, she will go on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, where she would be the second openly transgender contestant. Angela Ponce, Miss Spain, became the first transgender competitor in 2018. Top Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube More from BUST The Supreme Court Declined To Hear The Case Of Gavin Grimm, Securing A Major Win For Trans Rights Paperboy Prince Is Changing The Face Of New York Politics Biden Administration Brings Back Obama-Era Policies, Bans Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Community In Healthcare Natalie Frate is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in Sociology and Anthropology and SOAS, University of London with an MA in Comparative Literature. She is currently pursuing a degree in Experimental Humanities at NYU and waiting out the pandemic in her hometown, Cleveland, OH. She enjoys reading books, wearing clothes, and eating food with her friends. Follow her on Instagram @natalieroseindigo Ransomware cyberattacks have skyrocketed, and no part of the economy is safe. From infrastructure companies like Colonial Pipeline to meat producers like JBS to a huge attack linked to Russia just over the Fourth of July weekend, the attacks have escalated. According to George Kurtz, CEO of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike (CRWD), the company is seeing a massive increase in ransomware attacks. And theyre targeting everything from private businesses to government entities. Ransomware is going crazy right now. What weve seen at CrowdStrike, is...almost 50 attacks per week, targeted attacks, Kurtz told Yahoo Finance. And its only getting worse. The most recent high-profile attack saw IT remote management software maker Kaseya hit by a supply chain-style ransomware attack, which impacted as many as 1,500 businesses. The suspected group behind the attack, REvil, is seeking a $70 million ransom to call it off. Whats turned ransomware from a nuisance crime that impacted everyday people via email scams to a national security-level threat? A new business model for cybercriminals, a lack of accountability on the parts of foreign governments, and plenty of money to go around. Cybercriminals have created a dangerous business model Cybercriminal gangs like REvil (which stands for Ransomware Evil) have a business model that allows them to contract out their ransomware to smaller gangs that launch attacks. They have an affiliate model where anybody who contributes to the successful ransomware payment gets a profit share in the ransom, explained Liam O Murchu, director of Symantecs (AVGO) Security Response Group. They've got a lot of people in the cybercriminal underground, who want to help and want to participate in these attacks, and basically sucked the air out of all of the other economic models that were in the underground, O Murchu said. This is the biggest game in town right now. Cybercriminals have also taken their attacks to a new level that forces companies to respond as quickly as possible. In a normal ransomware attack, criminals target victims computer systems by encrypting them and keeping them locked down until the victims pay a ransom for the digital keys to regain access to their files. Story continues JBS was hit with a massive cyberattack that took its systems offline. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) More recently, however, cybercriminals have added a new threat. Now in addition to locking down victims systems, theyll exfiltrate sensitive data and threaten to release it online if the victims dont pay up quickly. Its not just sensitive corporate information either, O Murchu explained. Recently...a CEO of one of the companies that [cybercriminals] got into was having an affair with someone...and they leaked photographs of the person he was having the affair with, he said. They also get the phone numbers of the executives and they call them on the phone to put pressure on them. The ransoms are huge Beyond a new business model and pressure tactics, cybercriminals are benefiting from huge wins in the amount they charge in ransom. In the instance of the Colonial Pipeline hack, the attackers got away with a $4.6 million ransom, though the U.S. recovered $2.3 million. JBS, meanwhile, paid $11 million. CNA Financial paid $40 million, and in the Kaseya attack, the hackers are seeking $70 million. Those are massive numbers when you consider hackers were previously targeting individual consumers for hundreds or thousands of dollars. And as more companies pay exorbitant ransoms, more attacks will be launched. Attacks have been profitable, because people have been paying ransom, NYU Tandon School of Engineering professor Justin Cappos explained. So, effectively, if no one had ever paid ransom for ransomware, there would have been an initial sort of speculative thing where people were trying to do it and then it would have faded away. The government says companies should avoid paying ransoms, since it only invites more attacks. But theres nothing to stop private businesses from paying up. Legislation that forbids such transactions, however, could help put a stop to the ransomware outbreak. Let's say that [legislation] became nationwide and actually was enforced, Cappos said. Then that removes a lot of the economic incentive, because the attackers know there's a small, small chance they'll be paid, because an organization will have to find the money to do it, do it off the books, and face legal consequences if they did it. Cryptocurrencies have also facilitated anonymous payments, with hackers demanding ransoms in the form of bitcoin or ethereum. The rise in cryptocurrency prices, despite some pullbacks as of late, has made such currencies appealing for cybercriminals who want a big payday without being tracked. Nations are turning a blindeye to criminal gangs But cybercriminals can be tracked, and in the instance of gangs like REvil, they turn up in countries that either cant or refuse to deal with them, such as Russia, China, or North Korea. Oh Friday, President Joe Biden spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin about the countrys inaction on ransomware gangs, and said the U.S. would respond if nothing is done. I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil even though its not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is, Biden said. And secondly, weve set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate with one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country, he said. Asked if there would be consequences to further inaction, Biden said yes. But until countries act to slow the spread of ransomware, the attacks will continue to haunt private companies and governments around the world. Sign up for Yahoo Finance Tech newsletter 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. More from Dan: Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. On the same day Gov. Tony Evers gave the board overseeing Wisconsins public universities something it had long wished for the power to increase in-state undergraduate tuition the UW Board of Regents decided not to use it. The Regents on Thursday approved a budget keeping tuition flat over the next school year for Wisconsin undergraduates, marking the ninth consecutive year of no tuition increases for in-state students. Overall, the average cost of attending college will increase 1%. The state budget signed by Evers returns something that weve all wanted and rightfully deserved, interim System President Tommy Thompson said, referring to the Legislature kicking control of in-state tuition rates back to the board. But there was little discussion among Regents on why they chose not to exercise their newfound authority after an eight-year tuition freeze, aside from Regent Bob Atwell calling it a big win. Thompson had already said last winter that tuition increases werent an option if the System hoped to get anywhere with its $96 million budget request. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has identified another victim of the deadly C-130 plane crash in Sulu, raising the identified bodies to 20. The AFP said the 20th fatality was identified as Airman First Class Fortunate Regidor of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Regidor was among the 49 soldiers killed in what is described as one of the deadliest air force disasters in decades. Three civilians on the ground were also killed in the crash. The AFP said the remaining 29 bodies are still undergoing examination. It added that families of the crash victims will receive support from the government. Aside from financial aid, they will also get assistance on shelter, health, education, and employment. READ: Civilians, militiamen hailed as heroes in Sulu military plane crash Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) Customers of the Manila Electric Company may expect higher electric bills anew this July. The power distributor announced Friday an upward rate adjustment of 0.2353 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), bringing the months overall rate to 8.9071 per kWh. This means a household consuming an average 200 kwh per month may expect a 47 increase in its electric bill. Meralco said this is primarily because of persistently high Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) charges. WESM charges remained high at 8.7424 per kWh due to tight supply conditions in the Luzon grid, aggravated by the ongoing Malampaya natural gas supply restriction, it said. The Luzon grid was placed on red alert from May 31 to June 2 and on yellow alert on June 4. A red alert means power supply is insufficient to address the projected demand for energy, while a yellow alert means thin reserves. The power grid shed as much as 4,000 megawatts due to unplanned shutdown of power plants, prompting the red and yellow alerts. As a result of these, WESM prices were persistently high for extended periods, almost doubling the times when the secondary price cap was imposed during the June supply month, Meralco said. Generation charge also went up as a result this month to 4.8707 per kWh, along with charges from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to 0.1929 per kWh. Meralco also cited the pesos weaker performance this July for higher IPP charges given that "dollar-denominated charges account for 97% of IPP costs. Power Supply Agreements (PSA) charges, however, fell to 0.0521 per kWh this July. Transmission charge for residential customers registered a reduction of 0.1463 per kWh due to a significant decrease in Ancillary Service charges. Taxes and other charges registered an increase of 0.1280 per kWh, said Meralco. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The PDP-Laban executive committee has passed a resolution declaring party vice chairman Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and two other members "immediately and automatically expelled" for allegedly violating the party's constitution. A resolution dated July 3 but released to the media on Friday called out Cusi, secretary-general Melvin Matibag, and membership committee head Astra Naik for supposedly showing "allegiance to another political party." The document signed by party president Senator Manny Pacquiao and five others cited instances where Cusi supposedly admitted he was open to the candidacy of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for president in the 2022 polls. "He is guilty of having allegiance to a candidate and her political ideals and party," the resolution read. "Such a candidate does not even believe in Federalism, her party fielded candidates against and opposed official candidates of PDP-Laban in the 2019 Elections, and she is vehemently opposed to joining the PDP-Laban Party." "In Article VII Section 6 of the Party Constitution, he (Cusi) is punishable by immediate and automatic expulsion." Matibag and Naik were accused of "participating" in Cusi's acts. The resolution also sought to nullify a national council meeting held on May 31 when members adopted a resolution pushing President Rodrigo Duterte to run for vice president next year. The passage of the resolution comes amid the growing issues within the ruling party. Pacquiao earlier asked PDP-Laban members not to take part in the Cebu meeting in May, hinting of rival factions within the party. He said the meeting led by Cusi violated the party's rules since only he and Duterte the party chairman can call for a council assembly. RELATED: PDP-Laban eyes talks to settle 'misunderstanding' Cusi hit back at Pacquiao's faction, saying the senator was "clearly misguided." "[Senator] Pacquiao demeans himself by resorting to underhanded tactics. Whoever advises him clearly doesn't care about him and his reputation," Cusi said. He added that the PDP-Laban activities scheduled this July "will push through as scheduled." Matibag, for his part, shrugged off the "expulsion." "I don't wanna give credence to their actions. They don't have any authority to discipline National Officers," Matibag told reporters. "We will just see them in the National Council and National Assembly." CNN Philippines Correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report. (CNN) 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. This story was first published on CNN.com 'Chinese tech stocks roiled by worsening crackdown' Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) Banks' bad loans again surged in May, recent data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. Non-performing loans (NPL) reached 479.4 billion in May, representing 4.63% of total loans outstanding, according to the BSP data. This breached the NPL ratio of 4.35% logged in April this year, and the 2.43% in May 2020 when total sour loans hit 463.6 billion and 262 billion, respectively. May's ratio was the highest level in almost 13 years. It outpaced the 4.5% figure recorded in September 2008, a year marked by the global financial crisis. During that period, the BSP tallied 123.6 billion in bad loans. An economist cited ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for the swelling of banks' non-performing loans. "Borrowers having trouble to keep their businesses afloat are trying their best to stretch their payment terms or refinance their loans," Regina Capital managing director Luis Limlingan told CNN Philippines. Limlingan also noted that borrowers and lenders alike were compelled to reassess portfolios and short-term strategies with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, and with no "immediate" end in sight for the global health crisis. Both economic officials and market watchers have been counting on a speedier, more efficient vaccine rollout, and economic recovery measures to combat the downturn triggered by the pandemic. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) - As the Philippines shifts to the new normal, UnionBank is here to help by investing on ways on how to boost digital transformation in the country. In May, one of the country's leading banks held the groundbreaking ceremony for its Innovation Campus located in San Pedro, Laguna. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused different kinds of roadblocks to industries, UnionBank still saw an opportunity to push for the project that will serve as a hub for research and development to boost the bank's digitization. "UnionBank is well-known for its digital transformation and even prior to the pandemic we already had learned a lot from our experiences into how to do banking in a digitized world," Ramon Duarte, Unionbank Executive Vice President and Head of Transaction Banking told CNN Philippines. PHOTO FROM UNIONBANK Inspired by the digitization the country is having now, this latest milestone shows the commitment of UnionBank to the domestic banking industry and to the country. "You can also look at it also as a testament to our commitment to the industry, to the country and to our belief that the Philippines can be competitive... This is like a physical manifestation of the digital world going forward and we really feel by doing so we are making our own part," Duarte said. With this investment, he said they hope to develop the campus as a site for training and development, particularly when it comes to upskilling their people and others within the Aboitiz Group of companies. PHOTO FROM UNIONBANK However, Duarte said they are also planning to invite industry leaders and senior officers in the private and public sectors who want to know how to digitally transform their companies or industries. "It's really about everyone, all companies, participating and doing their share in 'tech-ing up Pilipinas'," he added. This innovation site is also part of UnionBank's umbrella program for digital transformation and innovation Tech Up Pilipinas. PHOTO FROM UNIONBANK "We want to broaden that as our umbrella concept and what we will do at the campus and the programs we will run there are really more about the same idea of 'tech-ing up' the Philippines because we think digital transformation and digitizing the economy is... a very important way to make the Philippines more competitive in these days," Duarte said. When asked whether they aim for the Innovation Campus to be an innovative hub for Asia, Duarte said they would want to, but they would like to start and focus first in the Philippines. "We believe the Philippines can be that (innovation center)... We are the biggest exporter of manpower, and we should keep that manpower here and reapply it to our own endeavors here in the country," he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines ordered by the private sector will arrive next week, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said on Friday. "Hopefully by end of the month, we're targeting about 1 million employees to be vaccinated," Concepcion said in an online forum. Ayala, Megaworld, and SM are among the private companies that ordered vaccines from the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company. The delivery was initially scheduled for June but it was delayed. Concepcion is also pushing for the establishment of "safe spaces" in offices, malls, factories and other workplaces when 80 percent of vaccination or herd immunity is reached in buildings. He said that with safe spaces, the government can allow businesses to go back to full operational capacity from the current 50%. "It looks like it's very possible in the case of office buildings and that alone is huge," Concepcion explained. "You can have a lot of infection in a building similar to a condo but that's a different story, we're focusing on office work spaces and office buildings." He also said Health Secretary Francisco Duque is open to the idea but it is still being discussed along with other strategies for ramping up the economy. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed local governments to require negative swab test results before fully vaccinated individuals can enter their jurisdictions, Health Secretary Francisco Duque announced Thursday night. "The final agreement there is to give the LGUs the option, the leeway, to require RT-PCR testing, so that has been the clarification that has been made," he said. Duque explained local chief executives can adjust their travel requirements based on their own risk assessments, and there is no need to seek permission from the IATF to implement their policies. "They can require depending on the option they wish to exercise kung gusto nilang [if they want] vaccination card," he noted. "Ang naging issue sa vax card yung [The issue with the vaccination card was] authentication and validation so yung [the] DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) is working on the digital certification and by July 31st their commitment is to be able to upload the total vaccinated individuals," Duque added. Earlier, there was confusion on whether fully vaccinated individuals will still be required to present negative swab test results when traveling. A resolution was first issued easing travel restrictions for those who received both their coronavirus shots. However, the Department of Health later clarified that local governments may still demand negative swab tests results from travelers entering their respective areas. CNN Philippines correspondent Triciah Terada contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The country received over two million more AstraZeneca vaccines and 170,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The 2,028,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses from the World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility arrived past 4 p.m. Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and was welcomed by officials, including Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez and WHO country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe. Galvez said 1.5-million of these newly arrived vaccines will be allotted for the second doses of vaccinated individuals in May and June. He added that the remaining 500,000 AstraZeneca shots will be distributed to regions with large populations of unvaccinated persons belonging to the A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) priority groups. "Our vaccine supply from COVAX will be utilized for our vulnerable sector, A1 (healthcare workers and their families), A2, and A3, while prioritizing those vulnerable communities in different regions," Galvez said. The Philippines has so far received a total of 5,708,100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the British-Swedish manufacturer. Of this number, 4,584,000 were from COVAX a global initiative that aims to give participating countries equitable access to coronavirus vaccines. The country also received 1,124,100 AstraZeneca doses donated by the Japanese government - with the shipment delivered Thursday evening. Meanwhile, 170,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses arrived in the country on two separate days. The first 132,200 doses arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 at 10:45 p.m. on Friday via Qatar Airways flight. The remaining 37,800 shots arrived past 9:30 p.m. on Saturday via Korean Air flight. Galvez said the Russian-made vaccines arrived in two batches because a commercial flight cannot handle a huge number of doses. The shipment was supposed to arrive last July 7 but was delayed due to logistical issues, Galvez noted. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier promised an increase in vaccine deliveries to the Philippines. He made the assurance during his virtual summit with President Rodrigo Duterte to mark the 45th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia on June 3. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) While they have yet to confirm their plans to run as a tandem in the 2022 elections, Senators Panfilo Ping Lacson and Vicente Tito Sotto III gave a sneak peek of their possible platforms during their so-called Tour of Luzon. They kicked off their visits to different Luzon provinces on Thursday. In a 17-minute video released by Lacsons office, the potential running mates met with local businessmen in Pampanga and discussed the countrys biggest problems the COVID-19 pandemic, a national debt breaching 11 trillion, and the West Philippine Sea issue, among others. Some of these problems that we have brought out unfortunately are not being really directly addressed by the current dispensation so wed like to get the pulse of everyone and at the proper time throw our hats into the arena and offer what we have, offer the solutions that we think we have, said Sotto, the Senate President. Lacson and Sotto earlier said they have also been in consultation with former and incumbent government officials to help them decide whether to run in the presidential and vice-presidential race, respectively. Lacson, who made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2004, said the country should learn from the business sector and be more like Singapore in terms of fiscal discipline or balancing revenues and expenditures. Ito yung gusto naming idiscuss sa inyo, is it a sound... concept in governance na ihalintulad na lang natin sa paghandle sa isang private [corporation], Lacson said. Yung Singapore for example. Ang Singapore is a big corporation, actually. Pag sinabi nating corporation, hindi naman ito profit-oriented kundi yung investments babalik in the form of social services, public service. [Translation: This is what we want to discuss with you. Is it a sound concept in governance to liken it to a private corporation? Singapore for example, is actually a big corporation. When we say corporation, we do not mean profit oriented but the investments return in the form of social services, public service. ] He added that in preparing the national spending plan, the government should not impose a budget ceiling and start from zero annually. In a statement, Lacson said that in a separate consultation in Tarlac on Thursday, he pushed for his proposed Budget Reform for Village Empowerment Act which seeks to guarantee millions of pesos for the yearly development fund of local government units. Meanwhile, Sotto said he would campaign for a holistic anti-drug program different from President Rodrigo Dutertes bloody war on drugs. Im proposing a program to really solve the problem of illegal drugs and drug abuse in the country and not the way it is being done now. It is lacking in many aspects. There must be a holistic approach in doing this, Sotto said. After visiting Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac on Thursday, Lacson and Sotto held consultative meetings with local officials in Pangasinan and La Union on Friday. Over the weekend, they are expected to the Ilocos provinces and Cagayan. Sotto leads the Nationalist Peoples Coalition, a political party aligned with the administration. Sotto said the party can adopt Lacson if the former Philippine National Police chief decides to vie for the presidency. He also sees no problem with running against Duterte if the President also runs in the vice-presidential race, saying he wants to offer an alternative to the people. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) Metro Manila has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates while Bangsamoro has the lowest coverages so far due to its small population and the challenges in vaccine delivery, a health official said Friday. In May, the limited vaccine supplies was largely earmarked for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga, Batangas, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao - collectively known as NCR+8 due to the spikes in cases. A month later, officials added more areas to the priority list for vaccine deployment, following local officials' appeals to send additional coronavirus shots to other localities experiencing a surge in new infections. "Nagfocus tayo sa NCR. Most of their A1, A2 and A3, pinaka-matataas iyan na coverage. Sumusunod na po yung ating Plus 8," Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said in an online media briefing. [Translation: We focused on NCR. Most of their A1, A2, and A3 have the highest coverages, followed by Plus 8.] "In terms of pinakamababa (In terms of the lowest vaccination coverage), of course, (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) because the population is small. We have challenges in delivering vaccines to the BARMM but we want to assure everybody we are also giving vaccines to the BARMM," she said. Cabotaje said they are looking for strategies to facilitate the delivery of coronavirus vaccines to the region. As of July 8, 12.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered -- 9.5 million as first shots, and 3.2 million as second doses, Cabotaje said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The Philippine government has not yet given the go-signal to mix other brands with China's Sinovac vaccine. Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo told CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday that a mix-and-match approach for COVID-19 vaccine brands has only been proven effective by a United Kingdom-funded study, at least on Pfizer and AstraZeneca brands. He said the country is still waiting for the results of the study by the Department of Science and Technology on a similar method with Sinovac's CoronaVac. "Theoretically hindi naman siya masama," Domingo explained. "Mukhang makakatulong naman kaya lang hindi pa nga natin documented. But this will be a part of the study that the DOST will be doing. Kasama na sa vaccine efficacy nila ang possible mixing and matching." [Translation: Theoretically it's not bad. It looks like it will be helpful although we have not documented this yet. But this will be a part of the study that the DOST will be doing. The vaccine efficacy will include the possible mixing and matching.] "(Since we are) one of the countries that are using more Sinovac than other brands and its not being studied by other countries now, so we're going to have to do it ourselves," he said. Domingo said the DOST could also look into the efficacy of the China-made vaccine as a booster or third dose. The DOST's study, which runs from June 2021 to November 2022, primarily seeks to evaluate Sinovac's effectivity when administered as first dose, and eventually combined with other available brands in the country. Meanwhile, Domingo said the government also has to further assess the UK study which reported a strong immune response brought by the mixing and matching of AstraZeneca and Pfizer doses. Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega previously said larger clinical trials still have to be performed before this approach can be added in the national vaccination program. "Kaya nga if we are going to make a mix-and-match program, we have to check each and every combination including yung kung papaano yung succession of doses," Domingo said. [Translation: If we are going to make a mix-and-match program, we have to check each and every combination including the succession of doses.] Sinovac, Pfizer and AstraZeneca are among the COVID-19 vaccine brands administered in the Philippines alongside Sputnik V and Moderna. The Philippines has received 12 million Sinovac doses out of the 18.5 million vaccines shipped to the country to date. As of Thursday, 9.4 million Filipinos have received their first dose while 3.2 million are fully vaccinated still far from the government's target of 70 million by yearend to achieve herd immunity. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) The World Bank has issued an apology to the Philippine government over its report which said the countrys education system is lagging behind. In a statement, the World Bank said it deeply regrets the early publication of its controversial report entitled "Improving Student Learning Outcomes and Well-Being in the Philippines: What Are International Assessments Telling Us? (Vol.2): Synthesis Report Presentation without giving the Department of Education a chance to provide its inputs. This was an oversight on our part, and we conveyed our personal apologies in our communication with the government, the agency added. The said publication has been already removed from the World Bank's website. Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones demanded the World Bank to apologize to the Philippines for its outdated and insulting report on the country's educational situation. The report, which said 80% of Filipino children fare poorly in studies "do not know what they should know, used inaccurate data and that the government was not informed about its release, which is against protocols, she noted. In a letter to the foreign institution, Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III echoed Briones' sentiment, saying that the said report 'does not reflect current realities' and 'has the effect of misleading the public and causing undue reputational risk to the Philippine education sector.'" Its failure to consult with the DepEd also shows lack of professionalism, thus the need for it to be taken down and a public apology be issued. We are aware of the Departments various efforts and programs to address the challenge of education quality. We agree with the Department that the issue of quality has a long historical context, and support its demonstrated commitment to resolve it decisively, the World Bank said. It also said it has reached out to Briones and it is looking forward to continuing dialogues with her department on the opportunities and challenges in the Education sector. (CNN) US President Joe Biden is set to announce he's selecting Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as his ambassador to India, pending Senate confirmation, according to a White House official. Garcetti's selection, which has long been anticipated, is one of four picks in the latest round of ambassadors coming from the President. The other three set to be nominated for ambassadorships are: Denise Campbell Bauer, for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the French Republic and to the Principality of Monaco; Peter D. Haas, for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to People's Republic of Bangladesh; Bernadette M. Meehan, for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Republic of Chile. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Biden picks Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for ambassador to India." (CNN) US President Joe Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to take action to disrupt criminal ransomware groups in Russia on a call Friday morning -- their first publicized discussion since a summit in Geneva last month. According to the White House, "Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware." "President Biden reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge," the White House statement added. White House press secretary Jen Psaki elaborated during Friday's press briefing that Biden "reiterated his expectation that President Putin take action, even if it is not directed by the Russian government, if it is because of criminal actors in his own country." The call lasted about an hour, she said. "This is the first time -- even though ransomware attacks have been increasing over the past 18 months, if not longer -- that there has been this level of engagement at this level. And certainly the President knew, even when they met in Geneva, that there would be a need for ongoing discussions and engagements," Psaki said. She added that Biden has "always believed this was going to need to be an ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Russians," adding, "We've had expert level talks, we've had those talks focused on cyber, focused on ransomware, but he also understands that there's going to need to be talks at times at the leader level." The two leaders also discussed the recent renewal of cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria in the UN Security Council, according to the White House. Biden confronted Putin about cyber attacks by Russia-based actors during the Geneva summit. And earlier this week, Psaki said the White House has conveyed to Russian officials that there is a responsibility to respond after recent cyber attacks and that the US stands ready to "take action" if necessary. The White House indicated earlier this week that top national security officials have been in contact with a "high level" of Russian officials regarding the ransomware attack on software vendor Kaseya. Earlier, the White House said the Intelligence Community had not yet attributed the attack, but noted the group believed to be responsible, REvil, operates out of Russia. The Republican National Committee said on Wednesday that its networks were not breached and its data not accessed after an IT provider used by the RNC said it's "conducting a thorough review of a few instances in which outside actors have attempted to gain access." The contractor, Synnex, declined to say when the attempts happened and to what extent the RNC was targeted. The RNC says that upon hearing that Synnex was breached, it "immediately blocked all access from Synnex accounts." The New York Times reported that the hackers behind the Synnex attack were from Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, citing investigators in the case. If true, it's the same group of hackers who carried out the massive SolarWinds hack and the attack on the Democratic National Committee in 2015. This story was first published on CNN.com, "White House says Biden spoke with Putin about latest round of cyber attacks." (CNN) The violent fallout from the assassination of Haitiian President Jovenel Moise was evident on Friday near his private residence in the capital of Port-au-Prince. Burned out cars, spent bullet casings, bloodstains and bullet-pocked walls were what remained of a shootout between the police and some of the suspected assassins on Route de Kenscoff. Haitian authorities told CNN that three burned out cars belonged to members of the armed group who assassinated Moise early on Wednesday morning. The armed group are "professional killers," consisting of more than two dozen people, including two American citizens and retired members of the Colombian military, authorities have said. But as more details begin to emerge of the people who killed Moise, little is known about the suspected masterminds and their motivation for the attack. Police have so far detained 17 suspects in connection to the fatal shooting and a mass, countrywide manhunt is underway for at least eight additional suspects. The State Department is aware of the arrest of two US citizens in Haiti following the attack, a State Department official said on Friday, adding that the US was sending investigative assistance to the country on its request. Haitian officials have given conflicting accounts and numbers for those killed following the assassination attack. Citing figures from Haitian police, the office of acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph told CNN that three suspects were killed in a shootout with authorities. As the pursuit of those responsible intensifies, details have emerged relating to the arrest of 11 armed men in the grounds of Taiwan's embassy in the capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday. Taiwan's foreign ministry spokesperson, Joanne Ou, told CNN the embassy called local police after security guards reported "a group of armed suspects" entering embassy grounds. She said 11 suspects, described in a separate foreign ministry statement as "mercenaries," were arrested at 4 p.m. inside the embassy without resistance and only a few doors and windows were damaged. The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry did not give information about the nationalities of those taken into custody, and it is not yet clear if the 11 suspects are among the 17 people detained by police. With tension high in the capital, crowds of people took to the streets Thursday night, burning cars and demanding justice. For weeks, Port-au-Prince has been reeling from violence which has claimed the lives of many citizens. Moise's death has left a power vacuum and deepened the turmoil from the violence, a growing humanitarian crisis, and a worsening COVID-19 epidemic. Much of the public anger has so far centered on the foreign nationals arrested in connection to the shooting. Speaking to CNN late Thursday, Elections Minister Mathias Pierre identified the two Americans arrested as James Solages and Joseph Vincent, both naturalized US citizens from Haiti. Separately, on Thursday, Police Chief Charles said 15 of those detained were Colombian nationals. He paraded some of the suspects at a press conference, alongside an array of military style weaponry. In a statement, Colombia's Defense Ministry said at least six of the suspected attackers were retired members of the Colombian Army and Interpol had requested further information from the Colombian government and the National Police. Colombian National Police Chief General Jorge Vargas added that two alleged attackers, killed in an operation by the Haiti Police, were retired officers of the Colombian Army, and at least four alleged attackers arrested by the Haiti Police were retired soldiers. The director of the Colombian National Intelligence Service and the director of the Intelligence Division of the National Colombian Police are to travel to Haiti to join the investigations, Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Twitter on Friday. "I've just spoken with Haiti PM Claude Joseph. We express our solidarity and support in this moment. We offer our full cooperation to uncover the truth behind the authors of the assassination of President J. Moise," Duque added on Twitter. What's next for Haiti It was 1 a.m. when the attackers stormed the President's private residence in Petion-Ville, a suburb of Haiti's capital, shooting Moise 16 times, according to former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe. First lady Martine Moise, who was also shot in the attack, was evacuated to intensive care in a hospital in Miami. Haiti's ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, said he believes the first lady is "now out of danger." Following the assassination, Joseph, the acting Prime Minister, declared a "state of siege" in Haiti, closing the country's borders and imposing martial law. He appealed to the public to "keep helping us" and "if you see something, say something." The assassination leaves a huge power vacuum in Haiti. Its parliament is effectively defunct and two men are simultaneously claiming to be the country's rightful leader. Joseph has not been confirmed by parliament -- which has not sat since 2020 -- and he was in the process of being replaced by Ariel Henry, whom the President appointed shortly before his death. Henry told the Haitian newspaper le Nouvelliste that "Claude Joseph is not prime minister, he is part of my government." 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 the line of presidential succession in the country is now murky. 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's right to continue serving in the presidency this year. While the US, United Nations and Organization of American States supported his claim to a fifth year in office, critics say he should have stepped down on February 7, 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." This is playing out under the backdrop of extreme violence in Haiti's capital, with rival groups battling one another or the police for control of the streets, displacing tens of thousands of people and worsening the country's humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic has been worsening in Haiti. UNICEF, the United Nations' children's agency, said Thursday that Haiti was the only country in the Western Hemisphere to not have received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. At the same time, the country 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. According to UNICEF, more than 1.5 million children are currently in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Haiti. "The new wave of violent incidents that may arise after the killing of the President of Haiti could further exacerbate the humanitarian needs and hinder humanitarian access to the most vulnerable groups, leaving thousands of affected people with little to no assistance," UNICEF warned. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Haiti assassination allegedly involved Americans and retired members of Colombian military, officials say." (CNN) On Thursday the European Parliament condemned in the "strongest possible terms" a new law in Hungary which many critics say is homophobic, and urged the European Commission to impose punitive measures such as budget cuts. European lawmakers "call on the Commission to launch an accelerated infringement procedure and to use all tools in the Court of Justice, such as interim measures and penalties for non-compliance if necessary," the European Parliament said in a statement. "They also call on the member states to bring the matter to the CJEU (Court of Justice of the European Union) should the Commission not act, and to launch an inter-state application to the European Court of Human Rights," the statement continued. Members of the European Parliament said the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation should be "immediately triggered to protect the EU budget," meaning that if there's a breach of the EU's laws, Hungary's budget should be affected. The resolution passed 459-147, with 58 abstentions. It is not binding on the European Commission, the EU's executive arm. The resolution comes after the Hungarian Parliament voted on June 15 in favor of a law banning LGBTIQ content from being taught in schools, "under the guise of combating pedophilia," the European Parliament said. The law came into effect Thursday. It bans all educational materials and programs for children which are considered to promote homosexuality, gender reassignment and the concept of sexuality deviating from the one assigned to a person at birth. The law has been condemned by many EU leaders as being homophobic. The European Parliament says the law resembles Russia's 2013 LGBT Propaganda Law, and urged the European Commission " to investigate the financing of anti-LGBTIQ campaigns in Europe in depth." "Parliament stresses this is not an isolated incident, 'but rather constitutes another intentional and premeditated example of the gradual dismantling of fundamental rights in Hungary,' where state-sponsored LGBTIQ-phobia and disinformation campaigns have become tools for political censorship," the EP said in a statement. "These human rights violations are part of a broader political agenda to break down democracy and the rule of law, including media freedom, and should be considered a systemic violation of EU values," the statement said. The legislation is one of a string of divisive policies championed by Hungarian leader Victor Orban, a hardline nationalist who has previously railed against LGBTQ people and immigrants. Orban strongly defended the new legislation on June 24. "It's not about homosexuals, it's about the kids and the parents," he said. This story was first published on CNN.com European Union urged to punish Hungary over law criticized as homophobic Later, Jim Pillen took the podium as the breakfast's main speaker. Pillen, a Columbus local, announced at the end of March that he is seeking the 2022 Republican nomination for Nebraska governor. At the breakfast, he touched on the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "I'm a believer that agriculture drives our state," Pillen said at the breakfast. Pillen also reflected on his time as a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. "I'm a fiscal conservative," Pillen said. "...We've decreased spending -- dorm rates and student fees have been flat. Our budget for the faculty has increased 2% for this next year. I think there are things that moved in the right direction, more like we all have to run our businesses, and that's the view of how I think higher education should run." Pillen also answered a question from Agribusiness Committee Member Bud Fleischer asking for an opinion on the "30 by 30" program proposed by President Joe Biden's administration in May. Ricketts said Nebraska is one of few states that doesnt have a voucher option when it comes to where parents can send their children. So I agree with you, Ricketts said. We ought to have more choice in education here in Nebraska. It's a longer term solution and it's going to be very difficult as we have had difficulty trying to get passed in previous sessions. Dorothy Renter was another attendee of the town hall who noted that though parents could opt out if the current draft is adopted, topics regarding sex education are still spread throughout the school. If we think we're just going to have a class for the 45 minute class on sex education, that's probably a very false assumption, Renter said. It's going to permeate throughout the day, kids are going to talk on the playground and other teachers are going to be for it or against it. Ricketts ended the town hall by reiterating the importance of speaking out if a person has a concern about the health standards. You were not quoted out of context, Hicks said. The biggest threat to America is not the Democratic Party. Its not the Republican Party. Its not the police. Its not the military. Its not Blue Lives Matter. Its not Black Lives Matter. If anything, its your disgraceful rhetoric and what it implies, Hicks said. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Hicks said that he had been a Republican most of his life, but his policy preferences evolved and he is now a Democrat who has never questioned that both parties had the best interests of the country at heart. Mr. Perry, I am clearly part of the they youre referencing, he said during the meeting. I ask that you show me the plan I am using to destroy America. Show it to me. Hicks noted that the Republican county commissioners reinforced the integrity of our elections against false claims of fraud even as Perry voted to have the states electoral votes rejected. As best as I can tell, the only thing we really need to save us from is you, whose only reason to get up every morning seems to be to try to divide Americans against each other, Hicks said. 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. If things werent canceled or modified for COVID, then weather, rain or snow, had an impact, she said. But heres the miracle of all of that, Carlisle Barracks never stopped. We never shut down. All the services that the garrison provides continued. The garrison adapted. The garrison flexed. The garrison brilliantly reimagined. Soldiers and residents still received quality housing, safe child care, MPD and ACS services, a safe and secure post, and even a place to relax with a beer. And, thats not to mention all the services that you dont see every day that work just as hard behind the scenes, DPTMS, safety, RM, PAO, PAIO, and on and on. TOWANDA A former county prosecutor who pleaded guilty to pressuring clients for sex when he was a defense attorney was sentenced Friday to 18 months to 5 years in prison. A judge in Bradford County imposed the sentence on former District Attorney Chad M. Salsman, who had emphatically denied the allegations before pleading guilty in May to witness intimidation, promoting prostitution and obstruction of justice. A message seeking comment was left for his defense attorney. Salsman, 44, of Wyalusing, was charged in February with sexually assaulting women who were his clients in criminal and child custody cases. Sexual assault charges and other counts were dropped as part of a guilty plea agreement. A Republican, he was elected district attorney in November 2019. His accusers told a grand jury he groped them, sought nude photos and pressured or forced them into sexual acts, sometimes on his office desk. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat whose office charged and prosecuted Salsman, said Salsman coerced vulnerable Pennsylvanians because he thought his victims would be easy to silence and less likely to be believed if they ever came forward. 10:30 p.m. UPDATE: Chaumette Winery posted on social media "the fire destroyed one building on the property, which houses the offices and operations for the business, but thankfully no one was hurt." "Despite the fire, we will still be open for business as usual. The Grapevine Grill, villas, Tasting Room, and wedding venues were are all unaffected." They thanked first responders, as well as everyone who reached out with prayers and well wishes. "We are grateful the fire was contained and that no one was injured." ORIGINAL STORY: Firefighters from St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties responded to a fire at Chaumette Vineyards and Winery Thursday evening. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The call to the winery, located on Route WW in Ste. Genevieve County, came just after 7 p.m. Thursday. Those first on the scene reported heavy smoke and a fully-engulfed building. An employee onsite said it was the building that housed the offices and the winery (operations). Fire officials were unable to confirm which building it was. The call has been upgraded to a third alarm with two aerial ladder trucks being used. No injuries have been reported. She and her husband, Naman, are very active in Farmington Free Will Baptist Church where he is the worship pastor. Together, the couple has a passion for seeing people discover their strengths and gifts, as well as helping them grow to serve in areas where they are gifted. Dement recalls that as a high school sophomore, she was given the opportunity to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy at Missouri State University for three weeks. While there, she concentrated in all areas of the fine arts something she considers a defining moment in her life. There is something special and unique about bringing all the arts together for someone to experience, learn and create, she said. Until now, there has never been a facility or program in our area that has the ability to encompass all the arts for all ages. She added that she is honored to be a part of this amazing team and invites women to come to the luncheon to learn the importance of finding their passion, along with how the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy affects them and their community. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 However, despite various changes in how criminal prosecutions are handled, the growth of diversionary dockets and the use of home-electronic incarceration, ACRJ Superintendent Martin Kumer told the board that the jail continues to exceed its capacity. Even though we have a historically low population today more so than Ive seen in the 23 years Ive been here we are still above our rated capacity, even with all the work the community has done, Kumer said. I think itd be unethical and immoral not to have a bed available in a decent environment if someone shows up at that door. According to Tony Bell, Moseley Architects managing principal, the project planning study may end up being split into two parts. The first part could address the immediate needs of the jail such as replacing the HVAC system, toilets and showers while part two could focus on the longer-range need for more beds. Again, we have not determined that [there is a need for more beds], and if the authority says we want a zero-increase study, obviously, that is a possibility, as well, Bell said. The only project that were doing short-term or long-term is improvements to the existing jail, i.e. no increase in rated capacity. 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. The storm came a day after a deluge flooded some streets and subway stations in New York City. Despite videos showing flooding in some stations Thursday, we actually weathered the storm quite well, interim New York City Transit president Sarah Feinberg said in an email. Up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain was possible in some areas Friday, enough to cause flash flooding. Most of the winds stayed offshore in New England but the eastern tip of Maine expected gusts of 30 mph to 40 mph (48 kph to 64 kph), raising concerns about some localized power outages. Heavy rain including a projected 5 inches (12 centimeters) along part of the Maine coast was expected before the storm blew into the Bay of Fundy and Canada late Friday. Scattered power outages were being reported along Elsas path Friday. The system was already blamed for one death in Florida on Wednesday. And Elsa also previously caused a damaging tornado in Georgia. On Wednesday, nine people were injured in coastal Camden County, Georgia, when a tornado struck a campground for active-duty service members and military retirees. Eight of those hurt had to be taken to hospitals, Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base spokesperson Chris Tucker said. People had better pay attention because if they dont, its going to happen again, Sabato said. Ken Stroupe, chief of staff for the Center for Politics, criticized Anderson for Googling mission statements but never bothering to look up any of the work that the Center for Politics has been doing for decades. If a student submitted this, I would grade it as sloppy and tell the student to do more research, Stroupe said. But hes the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia and hes actively trying to bulldoze First Amendment rights and academic freedoms. That is dangerous ground and it should concern everyone. Stroupe said he never saw the letter before it was published online and has never heard from Anderson about the centers work. From a political standpoint, this is just bad optics for the Republican Party as Virginia heads into a statewide election, Stroupe said. Seems to me there are smarter ways for a party chairman to employ his time. Over three million registered voters will choose Sunday among more than 20 parties, but only four are expected to make it to the 101-seat legislature. The main battle will be between the pro-Reform Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and a Moscow-friendly bloc made up of the Communists and Socialists, headed by two former presidents. Current Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who used to lead the pro-reform bloc, told voters that this is our chance to cleanse the political class. She forced the election in April by dissolving parliament shortly after Moldovas highest court abolished a state of emergency imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. You decide who will be part of the next parliament and government, the 49-year-old former World Bank official said in an online post. It is up to you how quickly we can save the country from corruption and poverty. Moldovas last parliamentary elections in 2019 led to a series of awkward coalitions and occasional deadlock in parliament. Sandu forced the snap polls by twice nominating prime ministerial candidates that were unlikely to be approved by parliament, which then had to be dissolved according to the Constitution. She now aims to build on her presidential victory last November by securing a clear pro-reform government that she can work with. A Virginian facing a psychiatric crisis can also be faced with limited options, or no option at all. A story in The Virginia Mercury recently reported on the case of a Gloucester County teen with a substance-abuse disorder who self-reported to a local hospital. During withdrawal, he became increasingly uncontrollable. For 90 hours, the hospitals only option was to confine him to the emergency room, guarded by deputies. Why? Because there were no inpatient treatment beds at any of the states 10 mental hospitals. This is an ongoing crisis that seems to be getting worse. The new Central State Hospital in Petersburg will have 25 fewer psychiatric beds than the one thats in use now. The legislature has denied a request for 56 new beds at Catawba State Hospital outside Roanoke. At Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, total admissions have doubled in the past four years. Only one facility, Western State in Staunton, has added to its capacity, but those beds wont be available until hospital workers can be found and hired. Manipur: Fish farming: Intensive farming key to being self reliant by Konsam Samita Subject Matter Specialist (Fishery) of KVK Andro, Imphal East, Md Abdul Salam has stated that promoting an intensive farming system and addressing the problem being faced by the fishing community are the keys to make Manipur self-reliant in fish production. He also stated that the fish production of the State is not able to meet the local demand. Continuing that the majority of fishermen in Manipur practice an extensive farming system, which requires small inputs of labour, capital, etc, he said that in extensive farmings, fishers usually rear about 5,000 fingerlings on a piece of land (1 pari) and market whatever they get in 7-10 months. To ensure maximum productivity, fishermen should upgrade the farming method to at least a semi-intensive system, Md Abdul said and apprised that fishers can easily rear 10,000 to 15,000 fishes on land measuring 1 pari through good management. He continued that one can also use fertilizer and supplementary feeds in a semi-intensive farming system to enhance production. Saying that the rate of fish consumption is relatively high in Manipur, Md Abdul added that fishes are regularly bought from outside to meet the demand here. As per Government data, an average Manipuri consumes over 11 kilograms of fish in a year, he said and asserted that taking all possible measures to enhance fish production in the State is crucial to meet the local demand. Continuing that production of 32.5 million metric ton of fish annually is quite low even for the domestic market, Md Abdul confirmed that the quantity required to meet the demand for fish, actually, is around 62.7 million metric ton. "We can enhance our fish production by increasing the land under pisciculture or use all available resources with utmost efficiency," Dr Abdul said and added that fishers should give more emphasis on the latter option such as intensive farming as 'our areas are limited'. Informing that intensive farming system is popular these days, he added that widespread implementation of this method is a necessity to boost fish output of the State. Dr Abdul maintained that the State can produce sufficient fishes for meeting the domestic demand through intensive farming. However, in intensive farming, one has to invest 60 to 70 percent of the farmer budget on feed cost, he continued. Saying that one can rear 1 to 5 lakh fishes in this method (intensive farming), Md Abdul added that intensive systems require management skills such as preparation of pond, feeding the fingerlings timely, using the aerator properly etc. Highlighting that marketing is one of the major problems of the farmers/fishers here, he maintained that the Government must formulate a marketing policy and set up a cold storage facility for fishes to encourage the fishers. He further stated that giving loan facility to fishermen engaged in intensive farming method is also imperative as this method of pisciculture is expensive. According to Dr Abdul, rearing climbing perch (ukabi) in a pari of land might cost the farmer around Rs 7.5 to 8 lakh while rearing Tilapia Fish (Tunghanbi Nga) on the same size of land might cost as high as Rs 13-14 lakh and Rs 17 to 18 lakh for rearing Ngahei (Hamilton). He also urged the fishers to take benefits of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to boost the fishery sector. The districts that produce the maximum quantity of fishes in Manipur are Bishnupur, Imphal West and Thoubal, he said and contended that reducing the infrastructural gaps in the fishery sector among the 16 districts is also important to increase the State fish output. Continuing that certain farmers have started rearing improved fish varieties such as Amur Carp, Vietnam Koi, Monoflex Tilapia in Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Md Abdul added that farmers can produce 8 to 10 thousand kilograms of these improved fish varieties from a pari of land. Maintaining that Central Agriculture University Imphal has also been giving awareness and training on the different types of farming systems to the fishers community, he appealed to all to contact Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or CAU, Imphal to learn the latest skills/technology of pisciculture. About the indigenous fish varieties, Dr Abdul stated that an initiative of the Fisheries Department is essential to conserve the local breeds. To culture the indigenous fish breeds, seeds production through private-public mode by collaborating with the registered farmers under the initiative of the Fisheries Department is required, he added. He then appealed to fishermen to take the benefits of Government schemes, utilize the latest technology/skills to increase the fish production of Manipur. According to certain fishermen, the problems being faced in the commercial rearing of fishes are marketing, transportation and poor road conditions. One Waikhom Tikendrajit from Wabagai Mayai Leikai contended that lack of marketing and transportation facilities are the challenges he faces as a fisherman. Saying that the Covid pandemic is amplifying the woes of farmers as well as fishermen of the State, he stated that repaying the existing loan taken for the business at these times of uncertainties is difficult. He then appealed to the State Government to look into the matter. It is said that Tikendrajit pursued graduation at Chandigarh, but didn't complete it due to the conditions at home and started rearing fishes commercially. He also said that farmers and fishermen should not only think of the profit but also of the health of the population while doing business. Saying that he rears Rohu, Mrigal, Common Carp, Silver Carp, Grass Carp on three pari of land, he added that he is able to produce 7 to 8 thousand kilograms of fishes from a pari of land by using artificial feeds. He also said that he received training for rearing fishes from KVK Thoubal and CAU Imphal. Saying that Wabagai is famous for fish production in the State, Tikendrajit said that fishermen of Wabagai can play a crucial role in boosting fish output of the State if the problem of marketing and transportation is solved. He on the other hand expressed disappointment that no measure has been initiated to encourage the farmers during these difficult times, despite claims from different stakeholders. 1999-2021 E-Pao! World News: Engaging small-scale fishers in the U.N. Food Systems Summit by Willow Battista July 09,2021 | Source: Environmental Defense Fund For nearly a decade, Ive worked on sustainable fisheries management, traveling to small-scale fishing communities around the world to learn how best to build the capacity of local fishers, scientists and managers to ensure the sustainability of their fisheries. From Mexico to Myanmar, Ive worked with communities to help them reach their goals so they are not catching too many fish and helping them select gears and fishing areas to ensure their fisheries arent damaging key habitats. And in each place, Ive had the privilege to share meals with the fishers and community members with whom I am working; weve eaten the very fish that we are working to manage. Thats why it was so alarming when I read a series of reports and studies all pointing to the same conclusion: that the global community of NGOs, civil society organizations, development agencies and policy decision-makers have been failing to treat fish as food. And that this failure has resulted in the channeling of millions of tons of micronutrient-rich aquatic foods away from the people and groups who need them most. Fish, shellfish, seaweed and other aquatic species are critical sources of food and nutrition for billions of people around the world. They are especially important for coastal and rural communities throughout the Global South and the developing tropics, where vulnerability to malnutrition and food insecurity are especially high. Aquatic foods provide a valuable source of protein, and are often more affordable than other animal protein sources. In addition, and often more importantly, aquatic foods are high in vital micronutrients like zinc, iron, A and B vitamins, and these are generally more easily accessed by our bodies (bioavailable) than in plant-based foods. On top of all this, aquatic foods are more sustainable when compared to a wide-variety of land-based foods. In other words, aquatic foods are one of the best and most important resources available to support a transition to sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient food systems the world over. This concept of food systems is also relatively new to the global development community. Later this year, the United Nations will host the first ever Food Systems Summit, the goal of which is to awaken the world to the fact that we all must work together to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food. The Summit will crystalize this new way of thinking about food as part of a vast, interconnected system. This way of thinking is a departure from the traditional focus on individual food production sectors separately from each other, and from the larger socio-economic and governance systems which they exist within. This shift would undeniably represent an important step in the right direction: transforming our food systems would be a powerful way to make meaningful progress on all 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, this food systems transformation will be incomplete if it does not include aquatic foods. In fact, fostering equitable, sustainable, climate-resilient aquatic food systems can directly move the needle on nine of the SDGs. Aquatic food systems are a cornerstone of the livelihoods, economies and cultures of many coastal, rural and riparian communities. Yet aquatic foods are too often left out of food system conversations. Just as those of us working on sustainable fisheries dont always think about fish as food, so too have those working on addressing global food and nutrition insecurity failed to think about fish. For these reasons, EDF and our partners the Beijer Institute, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, EAT Forum, Friends of Ocean Action, the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, WorldFish and World Wildlife Fund have been working to raise the profile of aquatic foods in the planning of the Summit and in the actions and commitments that it will generate. One of the ways weve been working toward this goal is through the convening of three Summit Dialogues. These virtual Dialogues were envisioned by the Summit organizers as a key method to engage a wide variety of stakeholders in the planning process. As EDF and our partners consider inclusivity a priority, we decided to organize a series of Dialogues designed to engage and center the voices of small-scale fisher (and farmer!) actors. While engaging small-scale stakeholders in a virtual format is difficult, by taking a few extra steps, such as the provision of simultaneous translation services and local tech support staff, we were able to achieve a significant level of inclusivity and participation from small-scale actors. We have even heard from many of those participants that they deeply valued the opportunity to voice their concerns. Key among these concerns is that, much of the time, no one is speaking for small-scale producers in national or international policy discussions around food and nutrition. You can read more about these Dialogue discussions, and the conclusions and calls to action they produced, here, here and here. As we look to September when the U.N. Food Systems Summit will take place, EDF and our partners are continuing to work to ensure the worlds fishers especially small-scale and marginalized fishers and community members will not just be represented, but will be actively and meaningfully included. As countries develop plans and commitments to foster food system transformation and achievement of the SDGs, small-scale fishers must be at the table. These are the best people to help craft solutions and pathways toward food system transformation that will work for nature and for the people who depend on it. We believe its high time these actors had the opportunity to speak for themselves. Maldives: Kooddoo temporarily halts ice distribution, purchase of fish July 09,2021 | Source: Avas Kooddoo has temporarily suspended the sale of ice and purchase of fish on the island due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in the fishing island. Kooddoo Fisheries, which operates MIFCO's fish factory on the island, said a large number of employees at the factory as well as several crewmen on fishing boats tested positive for COVID-19 over the past days. As the infected employees have to be isolated, there are challenges to purchasing and weigh fish, as well as distributing ice to local fish boats. However, fish weighing operations will take place at the outer jetty of Kooddoo from Maha Kalaminja boat as well as other boats that do the work in Huvadhu atoll. 90 positive cases of COVId-19 have been identified from the Kooddoo Fish Factory thus far. While 25 people have recovered from the illness, 65 cases are active at this time. Fishermen in the north depend heavily on the fishing complex in Kooddoo for fish weighing and ice collection. The island, which also has a regional airport as well as a resort, has been under the Health Protection Agency (HPA)'s monitoring status for over two months. The restrictions have caused challenges in carrying out some operations of MIFCO. World News: Fisheries talks chair presents revised text ahead of July Ministerial July 09,2021 | Source: International Institute for Sustainable Development The Chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) fisheries subsidies negotiations, Ambassador Santiago Wills of Colombia, introduced a revised draft text that he said aims to serve as the basis for the July 2021 ministerial-level meeting. Ministers are expected to negotiate a final agreement on 15 July. On 30 June, Ambassador Wills thanked members for their commitment and flexibility during this final phase of work. He emphasized that members have discussed almost all of the main provision of the draft text in the past several weeks. Ambassador Wills said the revised draft text (TN/RL/W/276/Rev.1) aims to serve as a genuine reflection of the whole group and to be conducive to attracting convergence. He said the revised text should be treated as being in square brackets; nothing being agreed until everything is. The Chair walked members through the revised draft text, noting areas of support and areas where members views remain apart. He identified discussions related to special and differential treatment (S&DT) in the overcapacity and overfishing pillar as a key area where further work is needed. He also observed that subsistence, artisanal and small-scale fisheries is an area where many concerns remain. The Chair noted further discussion is needed in several areas, including: 1) Article 1.2 (non-specific fuel subsidies); 2) Article 3 (disciplines on subsidies to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing); 3) Article 3.8 (S&DT), including discussion on a timebound exemption from the prohibition of subsidies for low income, resource-poor, or livelihood fishing within 12 nautical miles; 4) Article 5.1.1 (the qualifier of the prohibition on subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing), with some members viewing the qualifier as too strict and others as too lenient; 5) Article 5.2 (an additional prohibition on subsides contingent upon, or tied to, fishing outside the subsidizing members jurisdiction and an exemption for the non-collection of government-to-government payments under access agreements); 6) Article 5.3 (a prohibition on all subsidies to fishing in the high seas); and 7) Article 5.5 (S&DT in the overcapacity and overfishing pillar), which the Chair said is the most commonly identified area of concern for many delegations and seems to reflect fundamental differences in views on the purpose of S&DT, with some members viewing it as a basis to be definitively shielded from the disciplines for developmental reasons and others seeing it as a means to achieve implementation of the overall sustainability mandate. The Chair noted that additional discussions will be held over the coming weeks to help members advance discussions on new proposals not included in the text. Recent proposals include one on capping from Brazil, one on forced labor from the US, one on dispute settlement from Chinese Taipei, one on S&DT from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group and the African Group, and additional written proposals from Chinese Taipei, India, and Sri Lanka. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the revised text reflects the Chairs best judgment on changes that can help members narrow the gap in their positions. She welcomed the revisions as a good basis for more detailed work among members to conclude negotiations. Okonjo-Iweala urged members to push to conclude negotiations and make the progress necessary to move towards a conclusion. On Article 7 on technical assistance and capacity building, the Director-General said the changes aim to make more explicit the mechanism for technical assistance and capacity building for the implementation of the new disciplines that least developed country (LDC) and developing country members will receive. She said the revised text includes specific language on the establishment of a WTO funding mechanism in cooperation with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Okonjo-Iweala said she has listened to the difficulties many LDC and developing county members have had with past capacity-building and technical assistance pledges, and stressed that the proposed mechanism aims to design something different in response to those concerns. Okonjo-Iweala concluded by expressing her strong sense of optimism that members will be able to conclude these negotiations. She reminded members that concluding the negotiations is a charge that global leaders have given to the WTO as part of the SDGs, and said members should bear this duty in mind. The July ministerial meeting will convene virtually. In advance of the meeting, the Director-General and the negotiations Chair will send ministers questions to help focus discussions. The WTO will provide each minister with an allotted time to make an intervention before the concluding session. The concluding session will focus on the way forward. 1990-2021, IISD. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! As Coloradans return to the skies, United Airlines announced a flurry of new airports and added flights to hot-spot winter destinations from Denver International Airport, as the airline anticipates a winter travel resurgence. The Chicago-based airline announced Friday it will be offering flights from The Mile High City to Belize City, Belize, San Jose, Costa Rica and Nassau, Bahamas for the first time beginning in November. Additionally, the airline will offer travelers 14 additional flight options to Charleston, SC, Fort Lauderdale, FL and Savannah, GA, said Russell Carlton, a spokesperson for United Airlines. "We are pleased United will deepen their air service network in Denver this winter with additional flights to popular destinations," said Laura Jackson, the airport's vice president of air service development in a statement to The Denver Gazette. "This expanded service will benefit local passengers as well as travelers connecting through United's Denver hub." United has been preparing for the return of travelers for over a year and officials say they have been consistently matching its flying schedule and aircraft ability to consumer demand. Following a successful Fourth of July weekend where the airline serviced five-times as many passengers when compared to 2020, officials made the decision to add more flights as travel numbers are expected to continue to grow, said Ankita Gupta, vice president of network planning at United. "Celebrating the holidays with family and loved ones in 2020 was a challenge, and we know our customers are already eager to plan winter vacations and gatherings in person this year to make up for time that they lost," Gupta said. "As pandemic restrictions ease, people are becoming more confident in planning travel further in advance, so we want to make sure to offer our customers as much choice as possible." Denver wasn't the only city to receive new and added United services as the airline announced the addition of nearly 150 flights to 'warm-weather destinations' at airports across the United States. Travelers interested in a winter getaway can purchase tickets now on united.com Network upgrades and expansions in developing regions are very much in the news again this time through a Millicom announcement involving some of its key Latin American markets and through plans from Hormuud Telecom in Somalia to bring 4G coverage to rural areas. Millicom, a leading provider of fixed and mobile services operating under the Tigo brand in Latin America, has announced it will be investing $135 million over the next two to three years to upgrade its mobile network in partnership with Ericsson in three key Latin American markets: Honduras, Paraguay and Bolivia. Millicom says it needs additional capacity to manage increased traffic as it continues to expand its network in the region. With Ericssons help it plans to modernize its networks with LTE, 5G-ready technology and in particular carrier aggregation, which allows the combination of different parts of the spectrum. Among the products and solutions it will introduce, Ericsson will replace Tigos current 4G packet core and introduce Ericssons dual-mode 5G Core as part of the project. Across the three countries, Millicom says it will expand its network coverage to reach an additional 712 municipalities and 2.5 million people. Operator Hormuud Telecom of Somalia also has expansion plans. Hormuud began expanding its 4G network capacity in 2015 in partnership with the Somalia ministry of telecommunications, which estimates that across the country, over 11.25 million Somalis, some 70 percent of Somalias 15 million population, now have access to 4G internet. Hormuud now aims to expand 4G network access across the country, giving millions of rural Somalis, who still rely on 2G, access to fast internet for the first time. Hormuuds aim for total 4G expansion in two years is in line with current government commitments: the governments National ICT Policy pledges to reach total 4G coverage between 2024 and 2025. Extending 4G also aims to support Somalia's goal of becoming a cashless economy. Mobile money plays a critical role in the Somali economy, with two-thirds of all payments made on mobile money platforms. Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UNSC Briefing on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Statement Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to our briefers for their insights. I also want to recognize the presence of our distinguished guests today: Minister Shoukry, Minister Assadiq Al Mahdi, Minister Bekele Awulachew, and the representative of the DRC, speaking on behalf of the chairperson of the African Union. It is clear, that a negotiated settlement can offer a solution to this critical issue. A negotiated agreement stands to benefit millions of people living in the Blue Nile Basin. We, Ireland, recognizes how fundamental this issue is for all parties, who see the Nile as a vital natural resource, critical for the livelihoods and development of the people across Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. A lasting agreement on how the dam is managed is absolutely critical for the long term stability and development of the entire region. Clearly, cooperation between the Blue Nile States has never been more important. Transboundary water cooperation is of course, a key element in the implementation of the SDGs. Furthermore, Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are experiencing firsthand the impacts of climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanization, which will only increase water management challenges. Sustained cooperation over water resources can only strengthen and support mutually beneficial relationships among neighbours. We believe the parties are right to be looking ahead for their own peoples future. But they need to do this in relative harmony and together. Mr. President, We recognise the African Unions efforts in leading negotiations on the GERD. We are encouraged by the leadership of the African Union and the Chair of the Democratic Republic of Congo working to facilitate negotiations to find an equitable and peaceful solution - one that is acceptable to all parties. We believe that the African Union-led negotiations remain the best forum for finding a comprehensive agreement on the GERD. We encourage the AU to continue to draw on the necessary technical expertise and political support to carry out this highly complex facilitation role. Ireland fully supports the efforts of the African Union and the observers to the process to bring the parties together to find a negotiated solution, and we encourage the swift resumption of the talks. Mr. President, We urge the parties to avoid any actions which might call into question or damage the prospects of an accord. We encourage the parties to redouble their efforts to explore confidence building measures to decrease tensions and build trust. As envisaged in the Declaration of Principles, this could include establishing a reciprocal information-sharing arrangement, with the support of observers, to facilitate mutual sharing of data. Predictability and transparency, we know, are critical to achieving a settlement. Mr. President, After a decade of negotiations we believe that an agreement on the filling of the GERD should be within the reach of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. In the 2015 Declaration of Principles on the GERD, the three countries committed to cooperation, equitable and reasonable utilization, security, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. We hope that the remaining differences can be overcome with the necessary political will and a spirit of compromise that will benefit all the people of the region. Once again, we urge the parties to return to the negotiation table. We also understand that to achieve that, political support is required. We see our meeting here today as part of the international communitys response to this. We will continue to support a negotiated resolution on this matter. We fully support the European Unions role an observer to the AU-led process, and we as Ireland, stand ready to assist as needed. Thank you. Previous Item | Next Item 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. To kick off the start of tax-free weekend, downtown will play host to Main Street Enterprises Back to School Bash next Friday and Saturday. Alabamas 16th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 16, and Main Street Director Cassidi Kendrick said downtown businesses will offer special promotions and sales from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in addition to the tax-free incentives. While the event will not close off the downtown area, WOOF FM will play remotely for shoppers to enjoy as they walk from store to store. The main goal of Friday is to get people shopping, Kendrick said. Similar to last years event, next Saturdays Back to School Bash will feature a pop-up event on E. College Street where parents can receive information on local after-school programs and extracurricular activities. Participants include Enterprise State Community College, All In Credit Union, Enterprise Public Library, Hoobler Music, Crossfit FXT, First United Methodist Church, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, but a complete list of organizations will be published at a later date. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., and WOOF FM will again play remotely. Altrusa International, Inc. of Enterprise will also be on site for its annual school supply drive. Although Kevin was born with physical challenges, his positive, non-stop attitude, wonderful personality and big heart inspired all who knew him. He was known for making friends as soon as he met people. Kevin was excited about the opportunity. On the morning of Dec. 4, 2018, Kevin visited and shook the hands of his friends at Hardees. Doyle recalled how happy Kevin was when he said, Dad, Ill see you in a little while. Doyle shared how when Kevin did not come by later in the day, he and Mamie felt that it was best for him to go check on Kevin. When Doyle arrived, the back door was locked, Kevins vehicles were there and the dog was barking. However, the front door to the house was open. Doyle found his son sitting behind his desk in the dining room at his computer. He called 911, and rescue workers confirmed Kevins death. Due to the devastation of Hurricane Michael, Kevins body was loaded on a board on Doyles side-by-side Kubota to carry him to the hearse. Doyle had lost one of his sons and the building at Lambes Welding was severely damaged by Hurricane Michael. He also talked briefly about his budget: $11 million for the 14th judicial circuit, with most of that 95 percent devoted to salaries for the nearly 100 people that work for him. Jackson County contributes roughly $62,000 of that through court fines and fees, but the rest comes from state resources. Basford also took questions from the group, most of which revolved around how the pandemic precautions affected speedy-trial laws, the notion that illegal immigration has an effect on the rate of drug-related crimes, and his thoughts on recently enacted laws relating to court matters, and some of those that failed. Basford spoke at length about one of those he and most other Florida state attorneys were relieved to see fail: A proposal that would have given convicted felons the right to challenge their sentences at any point. Currently, and into the future because that failed, felons have 60 days to contest it. He was also asked about prison population matters in the state, where some institutions have very low numbers and others are at or past the brink of overcrowding, and also about the fact that some struggle to keep enough correctional officers. While this is not in his realm of control, Basford acknowledged knowing that theres been some talk about closing some state prisons and consolidating operations in an attempt to make the most of the resources available. He also acknowledged knowing that a unit at Apalachee Correctional Institution near Sneads is one of the oldest in the state and that there have been rumblings about it as a candidate for closure. Because of an error in filed charges against a former Elba principal accused of leaving the scene of an accident with injury, the case was dismissed by a judge. However, the district attorneys office is still prosecuting on newly reissued assault charges. Debra Johnson Strickland, 38, of Samson, was arrested after she was found a mile away from a crash she caused in June. The hit-and-run caused serious injuries to two victims. She was originally charged with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of third-degree assault under a statute that indicated she was accused of intentionally causing the wreck, which led to serious injury. A Geneva County district court judge dismissed those charges on July 1. Kirke Adams, district attorney for Geneva and Dale County, said all four warrants issued were done so in error. Adams said the arrest warrant should have charged her with the same assault charges, but under a different statute that indicates she caused the accident while recklessly engaging in conduct that created a grave risk to another person. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} He said those warrants are still pending, and Strickland will be under the same bonds. This story has been updated: HELENA Mont. (AP) Wildlife officials said they shot and killed a Montana grizzly bear Friday that had pulled a California woman from her tent and killed her earlier this week in the middle of a small Montana town. The bear was shot by federal wildlife workers wearing night vision goggles shortly after midnight, when it approached a trap set near a chicken coop about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Ovando, where Leah Davis Lokan, 65, of Chico, California, was killed early Tuesday morning, said Greg Lemon with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear had raided the chicken coop overnight Wednesday, and officials set a baited trap nearby hoping to lure the animal back. Based on the size of the bear, the color of the bear and the nature of the chicken coop raids, were confident weve got the offending bear, Lemon said. On Thursday night, an Ovando woman came home and found her door ripped off and noticed large claw marks, Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles posted on Facebook. A short time later, the male grizzly bear was killed in the area. A medical worker sprays disinfectants on a coworker for Covid-19 prevention in HCMC, July 7, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. Vietnam recorded 603 new local Covid-19 cases Friday noon, with HCMC accounting for 479 cases. 66 other cases were recorded in Binh Duong, 17 in Dong Nai, nine in Bac Giang, eight in Tra Vinh, seven each in Bac Ninh and Quang Ngai, four in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, two in Hanoi, and one each in Vinh Phuc, Bac Lieu, Lam Dong and Thanh Hoa. 372 cases in HCMC have been contained within quarantine zones and locked down areas, and 107 are being contact traced. 39 cases in Binh Duong, which borders HCMC, are close contact cases, 23 returned from HCMC, and four are being contact traced. Nine cases in Dong Nai, another HCMC's neighbor, are linked to a company in Long Thanh District, five returned from HCMC, and three are being contact traced. All the cases in Bac Giang, Tra Vinh, Quang Ngai, Hanoi, Bac Lieu and Lam Dong are close contact cases. The cases in Bac Ninh have been contained within quarantine zones and locked down areas. Two cases in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, also bordering HCMC, are close contact cases, one returned from HCMC, and one returned from the Mekong Delta's Long An. All the cases in Vinh Phuc and Thanh Hoa returned from HCMC. Vietnam has recorded 21,892 community infections in 57 of its 63 cities and provinces so far in its ongoing wave of Covid-19, which started on April 27 and has been the nation's most challenging one by far. Friday has seen 1,026 local cases so far, including 829 in HCMC. HCMC has the highest number the patients, 9,895. Foreigners residing in Oman, wearing face masks, queue with their luggage at the check-in counter at a terminal in Muscat International Airport ahead of their repatriation flight from the Omani capital, May 12, 2020. Photo by AFP. Authorities in Sri Lanka and Oman have decided to extend an entry ban for arrivals from Vietnam until further notice amid rising fears over the Delta variant of Covid-19. Though Sri Lanka allowed fully vaccinated travelers to visit the country from Thursday with only one-day in quarantine, those with a travel history in Vietnam spanning the past 14 days are still banned from entering until further notice. India, South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe face the same extended entry ban. Sri Lanka, which has reported nearly 270,000 infections and 3,391 deaths, banned entry for arrivals from Vietnam starting June 1. The Sultanate of Oman has also decided to extend its suspension of entry for arrivals from Vietnam from Friday until further notice. Omani citizens, diplomats, health staff, and their families are exempt from the ban and will be subject to entry procedures adopted by the Sultanate. Oman, which added Vietnam to its travel ban list last month, has recorded over 281,000 infections and 3,371 deaths. The highly transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, has become the most prevalent in many countries, including Vietnam where most new cases are linked to it. Vietnam has recorded over 21,000 community infections in its ongoing Covid-19 wave, which started on April 27 and has been the nation's most challenging so far. ELKO The Elko police and sheriffs departments recently teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service to check sex offender registrations and conduct warrant arrests, including one sexual assault suspect who was located out of state. Donald Alexander Young, 35, of Montello was arrested in Kamas, Utah, and booked on $182,500 bail in connection with a Jan. 15 report of a sexual assault in the Montello area. Charges include battery with intent to commit sexual assault upon a victim age 16 or older, domestic battery by strangulation, child abuse or neglect, coercion with physical force or immediate threat of physical force, and false imprisonment. During the operation law enforcement conducted 162 sex offender verifications throughout Elko County. They found that 86 offenders were in compliance, 62 offenders were not home, and 14 offenders were non-compliant. Law enforcement officers will conduct further follow-up in attempt to verify the 62 offenders information that were not home, stated the sheriffs office. Officers will open criminal investigations on the 14 offenders that were identified as non-compliant. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Other warrant arrests made in the 2021 Silver Star Operation were: Officials in Haiti have confirmed that law enforcement has killed four people and arrested six others as they scramble to uncover the perpetrators of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The police are also surrounding two other buildings which they believe are housing more suspects, according to Helen La Lime, special representative for the United Nations secretary-general for Haiti. The death of Moise has been met with a swift action from Haitian authorities, with acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph describing the Wednesday morning attack as a "hateful, inhumane and barbaric act." At least one American arrested in connection to the assassination The New York Times reports that at least one American is included in the six detained suspects, seeming to confirm the Haitian officials claim that foreigners were involved in the attack. That man is thought to be James Solanges, a Haitian-American and Florida resident according to the countrys minister of election, Mathias Pierre. Photographs of some of the suspects being taking into custody have surfaced online but it has not yet been possible to identify Solanges. Pierre has not given any more insight into Solanges supposed role in the devastating attack nor give any details about the suspects background. However a charity website established by Solanges in 2019 describes himself as a certified diplomatic agent and a budding politician. Haiti under state of martial law after Presidents death The effort to catch the perpetrators has not been limited to law enforcement and angry civilians have taken to the streets to join the hunt. They have not only rounded up some suspects but have also reportedly set fire to the vehicles believed to have been used in the attack, hampering the chance of police gathering any evidence from the scene. New powers invoked by Joseph give police the power to enter homes, restrict gatherings and take special security measures after he declared an etat de siege. The assassination of the President came after months of violence had gripped the country, which is frequently rated one of the worlds most troubled. By Thursday morning a large crowd had gathered outside of a police station in Port-au-Prince, the nations capital. Haitian police chief Leon Charles addressed those in attendance to inform them of the deaths and arrests of a number of suspects. Some in the crowd called for vigilante justice in response to the attack, with some reportedly shouting: Burn them. Haitian judge Carl Henry Destin has revealed to Nouvelliste newspaper that the attackers had posed as US Drug Enforcement Administration agents when bursting into the Presidents home. Both the US and Haitian officials have insisted that the attack was in no way related to the DEA. When World War II came to an end, there was mass celebration in the streets, iconic photos were taken, and the government passed historic legislation to assist some veterans in returning to civilian life. As America's longest war, the War in Afghanistan, comes to an end, the images could not be more different. Conveys told to abandon their posts in the dead of night, and with such little information on the withdrawal available to the public, many worry that the fragile democracy will not last more than a year. Why is the US pulling out of Afghanistan, and what has President Biden said? So, then why are troops leaving? Well, after more than twenty years and two trillion dollars spent, the President says that the US has accomplished the goals it set after the 9/11 Attacks. From the East Room of the White House today, 8 July, President Biden defended his decision to have all troops out of the country by 31 August, saying, I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome. For Biden, the US did what we went to do, outlining the strides coalition forces have made to get the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 and to deliver justice to Osama Bin Laden." The President also spoke to the work US and coalition forces have done "to degrade the terrorist threat to keep Afghanistan from becoming a base from which attacks could be continued against the United States. Biden was also clear that it was never the intention of the federal government to provide nation-building support. Rather he argued in his statement that it is the right and the responsibility of the Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country. However, anti-war activists believe that these words dismiss the responsibility of the US, who, in an attempt to protect the nation, have bombed and killed thousands of towns and communities, leading to the displacement of more than five million people. In light of Biden's comments, Time reported that those who opposed the war pled the government to send in basic supplies rather than troops for close to ten years. As far back as 2010, top UN advisors like Jeffery Sachs argued that the country was in urgent need of the basics for survivalseeds, fertilizer, roads, power, schools, and clinicsmuch more than it is in the need of another 30,000 troops. As the Taliban regains power in the country, the prospects of US aid being sent to Afghanistan after the troop withdrawal are becoming unlikely. A report from the Congressional Research Service highlighted the risk to the country's fragile democracy and economy, saying "economic outlook remains uncertain, if not negative, in light of the prospective decrease in U.S. and international investment and engagement." US government officials have aired their concerns over how the withdrawal might impair the United States ability to monitor the distribution and effectiveness of U.S. aid. Why did the United States go to war in Afghanistan? While many are focused on the last twenty years of the involvement of the US in Afghanistan, the relationship goes back decades. Over the last twenty years, the US has fought the Taliban to allow a democratically elected government to take control. But, the US began intervening in Afghani politics in 1970 when it funded the Taliban to fight the Soviet Union when it invaded the country. Some historians believe that the US support for the Taliban helped launch them into power. From 1996 through 2001, the Taliban controlled over two-thirds of Afghanistan and protected al-Qaeda, the group responsible for 9/11. After Osama bin Laden and al-Qaedas responsibility in the 9/11 attacks was uncovered, President George W. Bush demand that the Taliban extradite bin Laden to the US. The request was denied, prompting the invasion. Unlike the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan was not declared against the Afghani government. Rather it focused on shrinking the land controlled by the Taliban. In the early years of the war, the US, allied, and Afghani forces made real progress in taking land back in areas that the Taliban had controlled. However, a United Nations report from 1 June states that already as forces have moved out, the Taliban now contest or control an estimated 50 to 70 per cent of Afghan territory outside of urban centres, while also exerting direct control over 57 per cent of district administrative centres. Another report also suggests that the group is not interested in peace talks and that their messaging remains uncompromising, and it shows no sign of reducing the level of violence in Afghanistan to facilitate peace negotiations with the Government of Afghanistan and other Afghan stakeholders. How many troops and civilians have died as a result of the war? The Watson Institute at Brown University organized the Cost of War project, which "facilitates debate about the costs of the post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the related violence in Pakistan and Syria." The experts have published estimated death toll on all sides of the conflict and civilians killed as a result of the violence. The countries that form part of the coalition that fought in Afghanistan include troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. Since 2001, there have been more than 3,500 deaths from coalition members. Almost 4,000 defense contractors have also been killed, and well over 30,000 members of the coalition were wounded. In addition, more than 65,000 members of the Afghani Security Forces and police have been killed. There is no official death count for Taliban fighters called. The Watson Institute estimated that around 51,000 fighters have died, but the researchers preface the figure by saying it is most likely an undercount. Impact on civilians From the civilian side, around 71,000 Afghani and Pakistani civilians have died due to the war. While most civilians have survived, many have lost thier homes, livelihoods, and communities. The war has led to the internal displacement of 3.2 million Afghans, with at least 2.1 million have fled to other countries, primarily to Pakistan and Iran where they face an uncertain political situation. The US played a major role in creating this refugee crisis. In 2019, the United Nations data showed that half the 1,149 civilian deaths attributed to pro-government forces in Afghanistan over the first three-quarters of 2019. That same year, the US dropped 7,423 bombs and other munitions, on the country. When many refugees reach other countries like Iran, they have faced mass deportations with no opportunity to demonstrate a legal right to remain in Iran, or to lodge an asylum application. With many refugees forced to return home, they often return to a nation unrecognizable to them plagued by war, poverty, and lawlessness. A 2020 United Nations report found that nearly half of Afghan children face acute malnutrition. Additionally, even access to basic health care is scarce, and in areas where fighting continues, militants lack respect for the neutrality of health care facilities, making visiting these facilities dangerous. How much did the War in Afghanistan cost? President Biden has stated that all US service personal will be brought home by 31 August. The War in Afghanistan is Americas longest, and with the Taliban on the precipice of regaining power, some feel that the economic and human costs were too high for what was achieved in the end. According to Walton Institute, the United States has spent more than two trillion dollars on the war effort. The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest receipts of funds. From 2002 through 2020, the DoD received $824.9 billion for US combat operations. The State Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs also received significant budget allocations to support the war effort. The Military Times, an online news outlet dedicated to military news, correctly points out that this number does not include the amount the United States government is obligated to spend on lifetime care for American veterans of this war, nor does it include future interest payments on money borrowed to fund the war. Pfizer and BioNTech announced that a booster shot of their covid-19 vaccine may be needed within 6 to 12 months after full vaccination based on the data to date. Hours after the announcement in a joint statement the CDC and FDA said that at this time a booster shot would not be necessary. The drugmakers also informed that they were working on a vaccine that would target the full spike of the Delta variant of covid-19. Pending regulatory approval, the companies plan to begin clinical trials in August. The announcement comes as the Delta variant is on track to become the dominant variant in the US with covid-19 cases rising especially in pockets of low vaccination rates. Why is Pfizer creating a Covid-19 vaccine booster? Citing evidence gathered from real world data from the Israel Ministry of Health, Pfizer and BioNTech said the efficacy of their vaccine waned six months after an individual was fully vaccinated. However, the drugmakers point out that efficacy in preventing serious illnesses remains high. The findings from Israel are consistent with an ongoing analysis from the Companies Phase 3 study. This has led the drugmakers to believe that the need for a third dose of their vaccine may be beneficial to maintain the highest levels of protection. Despite their belief that a third dose would have the potential to preserve the highest levels of protective efficacy against all currently known variants including Delta, the companies are remaining vigilant and are developing an updated version of their vaccine. The new vaccine would target the full spike of the Delta variant. The company has already developed the first batch to begin trials once health regulators give the green light, perhaps by August. CDC and FDA tell the drugmakers to hold their horses Shortly after the drugmakers released their statement the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) put out a joint statement countering the idea that a booster might be necessary. "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time," the statement read. Adding "FDA, CDC, and NIH (the National Institutes of Health) are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. In the statement the agencies said that it would be up to them to decide when a booster would be necessary and that they were prepared for that possibility. The statement from the two federal agencies touted the US fortune to have highly effective vaccines against covid-19 that are easily accessible to those 12 and up. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta," the statement read. The FDA and CDC cautioned those who havent been vaccinated yet, virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. The FDA and CDC encourage people to get vaccinated as soon as possible for themselves and their communities. Why are US troops leaving now? US representatives in former President Donald Trump's administration signed the Doha agreement on February 29 2020 with the Taliban. The US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops within 14 months if the militants upheld the deal. Despite attempts by the House to prevent the President from unilaterally pulling soldiers out, President Biden confirmed the withdrawal in April 2021. Initially all troops were supposed to have left the country by May 1 2021, but the Biden administration has prolonged the withdrawal, with the final date being August 31 2020. In violation of the Doha agreement, the US military is expected to retain some 1,000 soldiers in Kabul, to defend the international airport and US embassy. And the withdrawal has been accelerated in recent days as it was alleged by Afghan commanders that Bagram airfield, the US military's most important base in the country, was scuttled overnight without warning. Full screen Parked cars in Bagram airbase after the Afghan commander alleged the US military abandoned its key base in the country in secret on July 2. Mohammad Ismail (Reuters) In the White House Press briefing of July 8 2021, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "there is not benefit, in our view, in continuing to fight this war militarily." And this explains the reason for the withdrawal that both the Trump and Biden administrations could agree on: the war is a tax on resources and a tax in which there will be no reward whether US troops remain or leave. It will just be more US soldiers lost in a war with no gain. The Taliban have not been defeated and far from it. The organisation has been stepping up attacks in preparation for the US withdrawal and there are reports that they have made serious gains across the country. Why have the soldiers not left sooner? For a long time US policy was that the war was militarily winnable. Despite a high-water mark of 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, in 2011 during the Obama administration, the number combat forces was reduced in 2014 to around 10,000. This coincided with the withdrawal of other NATO soldiers, with close ally Great Britain's soldiers departing in 2014. Since then, a military victory has looked further and further away. And although there was an growth of troops to 14,000 during the Trump presidency, the signing of the Doha agreement set in motion the plan to remove all US and NATO troops. So how long has the US been fighting in Afghanistan? After the September 11 attacks in 2001, former President George Bush demanded that Afghanistan, then ruled by the Taliban, surrender the head of Al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden, who as hiding in the country. When this was declined, the US invaded on 7 October 2001 and has been embroiled in the war ever since. Between this date and the August 31 2021 deadline, the war will have been waged for close to twenty years. In comparison, US involvement in the Second World War and Vietnam was under four years and eleven years respectively, making it the longest war in the country's history. What next for Afghanistan? With the final departure of coalition troops, the Afghan military has been left to fight the Taliban alone. Based on recent reports of mass desertions by Afghan soldiers, as well as a general Taliban advance across the country, there are fears that the Taliban will once again have power in Afghanistan. President Biden denied that a Taliban takeover is "inevitable," saying that the 300,000 strong Afghan security forces were fully capable of dealing with the Taliban. And US Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the US had "achieved... exactly what we intended to do." Whatever this achievement means for the Afghan people will be determined over the coming months. The highly transmissible Delta variant of the covid-19 virus is causing concern around the globe as it becomes the dominant strain. Speaking at a press conference Thursday members of The White House COVID-19 Task Force assured the public that the covid-19 vaccines used in the US are effective against the Delta variant. The FDA has given approval for emergency use to the covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. The first two are two-dose mRNA vaccines while the Johnson & Johnson is a one-dose adenovirus vaccine. According to real-world studies presented by Dr. Anthony Fauci, all three are effective against the highly infectious Delta variant. The world is understandably worried about the Delta virus variant, but studies showed, as Ive showed you...the vaccines indeed are effective against it, Dr. Fauci said. What do the studies show? Dr. Fauci presented findings from studies that came out of the United Kingdom showing between 79 percent and 88 percent real-world effectiveness for symptomatic disease and 96 percent preventing hospitalizations from the Delta variant. All three studies looked at individuals who had received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Since Moderna had similar effectiveness against the original strain of the covid-19 virus during clinical trials and uses the same method to trigger the body's immune response to help the body create the antibodies necessary to fight of the disease You can make a quite reasonable assumption that data that are applicable to Pfizer are also applicable to Moderna, Dr. Fauci said. Johson & Johnson covers the Delta variant quite well Likewise with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine Dr. Fauci had some direct evidence and some inferred from its similarity to the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine which also uses a disabled adenovirus, a common group of viruses, to deliver the instructions to the bodys immune system to aid in inoculation. Clinical data showed that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should be 92 percent effective against hospitalization caused by the Delta virus. Those results were mirrored in another study looking at the antibodies induced by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which showed it covered the Delta variants and other variants really effectively quite well. Another paper confirmed again the antibody test data as well as showed durability of the protection provided of at least eight months. Dr. Fauci says the data tells people to get vaccine The only conclusion one can reasonably come to from looking what Ive told you over the last few minutes is please get vaccinated. It will protect you against the surging of the delta variant, Dr. Fauci said. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, drove home the point of why it is so important to get vaccinated telling the press that over the past few months 99.5 percent of those who have died from covid-19 were unvaccinated. Dr. Fauci told All Things Considered that where the level of vaccination is low, the level of infection is increasing. Study in Israel shows Pfizers effectiveness wanes Citing findings from real-world data out of Israel, Pfizer and BioNTech said on Thursday that a booster shot may be necessary 6 to 12 months after a person has been fully vaccinated. The FDA and CDC were quick to respond that at this time no booster shot is needed. The agencies said they were prepared if such a situation presented itself and would take the decision if it were necessary. Dr. Fauci addressed the concern over the findings in Israel when asked about it on All Things Considered. If you look at the effect against just infection itself or mildly symptomatic infection, the levels that we are getting in other studies seem to be substantially higher than the Israeli level of 64%. At the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Communist Party of China, two former Italian ambassadors were invited to hold a discussion by Avvenire. The two senior diplomats shared opinions on several issues regarding the CPC, Chinese people, and the changing world landscape, and called for efforts to promote closer relations between Europe and China as well as an end to the demonization of China. Alberto Bradanini knows China well as he has lived in the country for more than a decade. He successively worked as a commercial counselor in Beijing, consul general in Hong Kong, and ambassador from 2013 to 2015 in Beijing, where he completed his long diplomatic career. Even when he was not in Beijing, from 2004 to 2007, he once coordinated the Italian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission and accompanied then Prime Minister Romano Prodi on his historical visit to China in 2006. During that visit, when Prodi talked about the difficulties in managing the coalition government, the foreign policy director replied that this is a reason why the Chinese insist on their own system. At the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, China is celebrating and the Western media are also reporting. We have had a discussion with two ex-Italian ambassadors, who are Alberto Bradanini (who has published two books: Oltre la Grande Muraglia: Uno sguardo sulla Cina che non ti aspetti (Beyond the Great Wall: A glimpse of China you dont expect) and Cina. Lo sguardo di Nenni e le sfide di oggi (China: Nennis vision and todays challenges); his third book will be published by Teti Editore, which is tentatively named L'inarrestabile ascesa della Cina (The Unstoppable Rise of China) mentioned above and Gabriele Menegatti. Menegatti has almost spent his entire career in China and Asia and was awarded a number of honors in Beijing. He arrived in Beijing before the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and China in November 1970, as a personal representative of then Foreign Minister Amintore Fanfani. He said: It was a special period, Italy sought for the least bit of autonomy for itself over the United States. He sent me to re-enforce the Beijing Representative Office of the Italian Foreign Trade Commission that had been opened in 1968, which was a little bit risky in some sense. He also instructed me to report only to him Menegatti followed instructions and accomplished a great feat that made Italy one of the first Western countries to recognize the Peoples Republic of China. Those were difficult but extraordinary years, he emphasizes. Ambassador Bradanini said: (recalling these) is a narration of self-liberation. Italy was no longer a fully autonomous country after its defeat, and everything that happened was to be discussed and agreed with Americans. While in China, the leaders are earnest and wise, who have researched history, understand reality, and have no illusions. I dont take the reverse (of the Sino-European relations) of the last few months too seriously. The future of the relationship with China depends on the role of Europe, we need to promote a closer relationship between Europe and China the rest are nonsense of Americans and our media, which has nothing to do with China. Bradanini has closely followed a part of the 100-year history of the CPC. He said: The Communist Party is selflessly rooted in society. It is incorrect to think or even hope that China is a Soviet-style evolution. The Chinese people are deeply nationalistic, who thank the Communist Party not only because as it is said at the moment she eliminated poverty, but also she made the Chinese nation regain sovereignty, pride, and dignity. The Chinese people have great qualities: not forgetting the past, but living in the moment and focusing on the future. Not nagging, but planning. Menegatti agrees with him on this: China, such a China is a reality. We need to consider seriously, not to oppose her, nor contain her, as in a fashionable saying nowadays. We have to avoid the mistakes of a few countries such as the UK, who are still sending warships all over the world. This makes no sense, it is ridiculous for Beijing. The best way is to have a dialogue, always a dialogue, no matter what. In terms of dialogue, I mean have a discussion sitting at the table, not as a teacher: we have nothing to teach China, at all! We have had something at once so that the Chinese people generally like us and respect us. Now, we should have a clear understanding of ourselves. Contributed by Guo Lin and Zhang Mi from Guangming Daily Translated by Fei Jinglun [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] 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. Canadas records of human rights abuse of Indigenous people The Lower Kootenay Band, a First Nations community in western Canada, announced on June 30, 2021 that 182 human remains had been detected by ground-penetrating radar (GPR) at St Eugenes Mission residential school for Indigenous children in British Columbia. It is the third discovery of unmarked graves and human remains at the site of former residential schools for Indigenous children since late May this year, when Roseanne Casimir, Chief of the Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation, said in a news release that unmarked burials of 215 students were discovered at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, coming after which, Cadmus Delorme, Chief of the Cowessess First Nation, announced on June 24 the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the site of a former Catholic residential school in Saskatchewan, a Canadian province. The shocking and heart-breaking news revealed a long and dark history of the residential school system operated on Indigenous children in the North America which has long been neglected. A policy of cultural genocide Can adas National Truth and Reconciliation Commission stated in a 2015 report titled What We Have Learned. The boarding school policy on-going for more than a century in North America has left generations of Indigenous people with great trauma and in deep wound. Canadas National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, launched in 2008 to investigate the residential schools, stated in a 2015 report titled What We Have Learned that during the Roman Catholic residential schools first founding in the 1860s to the late 1990s, at least 150,000 First Nation, Metis, and Inuit students passed through the system. The history of residential schools presented in this report commenced by placing the schools in the broader history of the global European colonization of Indigenous peoples and their lands, the report goes, residential schooling was only a part of the colonization of Aboriginal people. The policy of colonization suppressed Aboriginal culture and languages, disrupted Aboriginal government, destroyed Aboriginal economies, and confined Aboriginal people to marginal and often unproductive land. It is estimated in the report that about 4,100 Indigenous children taken from their families across the country went missing from the school. That policy was dedicated to eliminating Aboriginal peoples as distinct political and cultural entities and must be described for what it was: a policy of cultural genocide, the report defined. Although the residential schools have been closed, the racial discrimination targeting Indigenous peoples in Canada is still a living fact. According to statistics, Indigenous peoples are 58% more likely to be targeted by criminal acts than non-Indigenous peoples. Indigenous women are 16 times more likely to be murdered or missing than Caucasian women. Between 1980 and 2015, several thousand Indigenous women were murdered or went missing. However, no solid steps except for single words of apology from the government are yet made to seek the truth. Same accusation, but wrong country to blame As Canada joins the US, the UK and Australia to round on China for its treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, those countries appearing as human rights defenders remain conspicuously quiet about such evidenced crimes of human rights abuse in Canada. Meantime in June, illegal public hearings were held by the so-called Uyghur Tribunal set up by the West to assess Chinas abuse of human rights and trace evidence of committing genocide in Xinjiang, raising the same accusations of crimes that not China, but themselves had been proven committed to the Indigenous people. Fact is that the education and training in Xinjiang is a social governance measure taken by the government, in accordance with the law, to protect the lives and basic civil rights of citizens, stated in Chinas white paper titled Vocational Education and Training in Xinjiang issued in 2019. Employment in Xinjiang, white paper Employment and Labor Rights in Xinjiang, released in 2020 With tremendous efforts taken by the Chinese government, according to a more recent white paper titled Employment and Labor Rights in Xinjiang released in 2020, from 2014 to 2019, the total number of people employed in Xinjiang rose from 11.35 million to 13.3 million, an increase of 17.2 percentIn 2019, there were 453,800 full-time students studying at universities and colleges (an increase of 146,200 over 2014), and 1.84 million students studying at secondary schools (an increase of 147,600 over 2014). By the end of 2020, all of Xinjiang's 3.089 million poor people, 3,666 poverty-stricken villages and all 32 impoverished counties have been lifted out of poverty. Population growth of China, according to data of the seventh national population census, released in 2021 The main data of the Seventh National Population Census released in May, 2021 shows that compared with 2010, the national population was 1,411.78 million persons, increased by 5.38%, among which the population of the Han ethnic group grew by 4.93%, that of the ethnic minorities increased by 10.26%, while the population of the Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang grew by 16.2%. Indeed, this so-called Uyghur Tribunal has nothing to do with law. It is a pure anti-China farce, Chinas Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded during a regular press conference on June 8, no matter how anti-China forces rack their brains to put on anti-China farces, China, including its Xinjiang region, will enjoy greater development and there will be more and more voices in the world calling for an objective and just view of Xinjiang. To contribute Chinese wisdom to global human rights governance Like Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out in the speech at a ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China on July 1, 2021, peace, concord, and harmony are ideas the Chinese nation has pursued and carried forward for more than 5,000 years. The Chinese nation does not carry aggressive or hegemonic traits in its genes. Speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at a grand gathering celebrating CPC centenary, July 1, 2021 Earlier last month, Chinas State Council Information Office issued a white paper titled The Communist Party of China and Human Rights Protection A 100-Year Quest, which gives a comprehensive and systematic introduction of the CPCs philosophy and practices in respecting and protecting human rights. Over the past 100 years, the CPC has taken a people-centered approach, and applied the principle of universality of human rights to Chinas national conditions, Zhao said during a regular press conference in late June, I'd like to stress that Chinas human rights cause is consistent with our national conditions, serves our people and has achieved remarkable progress. The CPC will continue to lead the Chinese people to follow the path of peaceful development, and stay committed to promoting common prosperity and safeguarding world peace, Zhao affirmed, We will take an active part in international human rights affairs, contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to global human rights governance, further the world human rights cause, and work with the rest of the world to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. [ Editor: WXY ] There won't be such fine, it's inadequate - head of Consumer Protection Service on UAH 326 mln fine imposed on Nova Poshta The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection will cancel multimillion-dollar fines imposed on the Nova Poshta group of companies by the employees of the State Consumer Service in Kharkiv region. "Yesterday I was engaged in this issue all day: I conducted an internal investigation, got acquainted with the video recording, consulted with lawyers. I analyzed the situation, as they say, into molecules. Now, according to the result: there will be no such a penalty. Because it is not adequate to the violation," Head of the State Consumer Service Vladyslava Mahaletska said on Facebook. According to her, the lawyers of the service are already preparing an appropriate decision. Mahaletska plans to hold a personal meeting with representatives of Nova Poshta and the business community on Friday. She also emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs to change the legislation, otherwise such cases may be repeated through local performers. "We are investigating into the case with the "culprits" of the scandal in Kharkiv region. I am personally interested in the motives of such a decision. I emphasize that no one will "tear up" business in the State Consumer Service while I am heading this structure," she said. As reported, Nova Poshta filed a lawsuit against the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Kharkiv region for imposing an unreasonably large fine after conducting a check on the client's complaint due to damage to the parcel for UAH 500. The general directorate of the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Kharkiv region imposed two fines for a total of UAH 326 million - 10% of the volume of the company's products sold in February and March 2021 - according to citizens' statements about damage to the parcel. The Ukrainian delegation in Washington and representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held a number of meetings and agreed on the positions of the sides on a number of issues, in particular on anti-corruption reform, corporate governance reform and the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), but negotiations regarding the conclusion of the staff level agreement will continue. "The negotiations allowed to agree on the positions of both parties, in particular on anti-corruption reform, corporate governance reform and on the independence of NABU," the Finance Ministry said on its website. "However, IMF experts said the Constitutional Court's ruling had led to a backsliding of anti-corruption efforts and required a response from the Ukrainian authorities. The sides agreed on close communication and joint work for the possibility of reaching the staff level agreement in the near future," the ministry said. During a working visit to the United States, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko reportedly held a number of meetings with IMF representatives to discuss further cooperation. In particular, talks were held with Director of the European Department at IMF Alfred Kammer; IMF Executive Director Paul Gilbers; IMF Mission Chief to Ukraine: Ivanna Vladkova Hollar; IMF Permanent Representative to Ukraine Vagram Stepanyan and other IMF representatives. The Minister of Finance said the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had adopted a number of bills in a short period of time necessary for the continuation of the cooperation programme with the IMF, the ministry said in the statement. "IMF support is very important for Ukraine. And I appreciate the support for reform. The economic situation in the country is improving, but in order to ensure macroeconomic stability of Ukraine it is extremely important to be in the program of cooperation with the IMF," Marchenko said. On June 9, 2020, the IMF approved a new 18-month stand-by arrangements for Ukraine on SDR 3.6 billion (about $5 billion) with an immediate disbursement of $2.1 billion in the first tranche. Following the release of the first tranche, four programme revisions have been scheduled for June, September and December 2021, and June 2021, with the completion of these revisions on September 1 and December 1, 2021 and May 15 and October15, respectively, as follows. The second and third tranches are $700 million each, the third tranche is $560 million and the fourth tranche is $980 million. The virtual mission for the first programme revision was supposed to be operational from July 13 to July 23, but the plan was broken. The virtual mission since the end of 2020 for the first revision of the stand-by arrangements ended in the middle of February without recommending a second tranche. Employees of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) came to search the main office of JSC Kyivvodokanal according to the website of the Kyiv City State Administration (KSCA). "As reported by Kyivvodokanal, the investigation is being carried out in accordance with the court ruling on the case of water supply and sewerage facilities," the report said. SBI employees waited for the arrival of the company's lawyers and began proceedings. Kyivvodokanal reports that it provides all the necessary information and cooperates with investigators. Earlier on Thursday it was reported that investigators of the SBI and the Security Service of Ukraine are conducting searches in the premises of the Department of Transport Infrastructure of the KSCA and the municipal corporation Kyivavtodor. Ambassador Cevik appeals to OSCE Permanent Council in connection with threefold increase in number of ceasefire violations in Donbas Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), Ambassador Ambassador Y. Halit Cevik, in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council, stressed that violations of the ceasefire in Donbas and restrictions on the Mission's freedom of movement there have intensified. "The security situation in eastern Ukraine is not improving and challenges are becoming acute," the OSCE's press service quoted Ambassador Cevik as saying. He underlined that ceasefire violations, hardship faced by civilians and restrictions to the Missions freedom of movement, especially the intense and continuous jamming of the Mission's unmanned aerial vehicles, had become more severe. "The Mission has observed a threefold increase in ceasefire violations since my last report," said Cevik. According to him, fighting has taken place in more locations along the contact line, and there has been a noticeable rise in the use of more lethal and destructive weapons, and with it greater damage to civilian infrastructure. The Chief Monitor also stressed that the deterioration of the security situation in two disengagement areas was particularly regrettable, as these were symbols of the sides' commitments to peaceful resolution. Furthermore, Cevik drew the Council's attention to the fact that 25 civilian casualties had been recorded by the SMM between 21 March and 6 June 2021. He added that nearly 75% of those casualties were due to mines, UXO and other explosive objects, noting that the sides needed "to make urgent progress on commitments related to mine action." The Chief Monitor reminded that the freedom of movement of civilians continued to be severely restricted across the contact line and called for the opening of all corresponding checkpoints, including those at the new crossing points at Zolote and Shchastia. The Chief Monitor underlined that 80% of the Missions long-range UAV flights have been affected by jamming, which had recently led to the crash of another aircraft. "In closing, the SMM's Chief Monitor called on the sides to return to a constructive approach, both on the ground and in the Working Group on Security Issues of Trilateral Contact Group, emphasizing that progress could be made only if they took ownership and rose to their responsibilities," the press release reads. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed diplomat Maria Vitushok as Head of the Staff at the President's Office. The text of relevant decree No. 288/2021 of July 9 was published on the President's website. "Vitushok [...] is a career diplomat, has relevant experience of working abroad and significant experience in the state system of Ukraine, in particular in positions at the NSDC Office, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Presidential Administration," the website of the President of Ukraine reported. President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Yulia Mendel from the post of Press Secretary to the President of Ukraine and appointed Serhiy Nykyforov to the relevant post. Relevant decrees No. 282/2021 and No. 283/2021 are published on the President's website. "To appoint Nykyforov Serhiy Serhiyovych as the Press Secretary of the President of Ukraine," according to the text of decree No. 283/2021 of July 9. Serhiy Nykyforov was born in Kryvy Rih on July 10, 1986. He worked as a presenter on the TV channel Ukraine 24, and as a correspondent on the First National, Rudana, 24, K1 and Euronews TV channels. He graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. On July 8, a source told Interfax-Ukraine that Mendel would work as a freelance advisor to Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak for communications with foreign media. As the source stressed, "Mendel's resignation from the post of the President's Press Secretary was associated exclusively with a very heavy workload." 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 would continue to work at the President's Office and would be responsible for interaction with foreign media. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the torture of Ukrainian citizen Pavlo Rabeshko by the Belarusian execution authorities during his detention on July 3 in Stolin, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko has said. "Ukrainian diplomats were in constant contact with Pavlo after his release and provided him with assistance to safely leave the territory of Belarus," he told Interfax-Ukraine on Friday. Nikolenko added that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry calls on the authorities in Belarus to stop repressions against citizens, release all political prisoners and guarantee unconditional observance of fundamental human rights. "We also recommend Ukrainians to weigh the risks when planning trips to Belarus," the spokesperson said. On July 3, a Ukrainian citizen with a residence permit in Belarus, Pavlo Rabeshko, was detained in Stolin, Belarus. He was released the same day. After that, he said that he was tortured by officers of the Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB). Ukraine should clearly formulate what kind of support it needs to receive from the U.S. Congress, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko (the Servant of the People faction) has said. "Recently, I was lucky to talk with U.S. congressmen, especially those who are part of the caucus, that is, the support group for Ukraine. And I was once again convinced that these are really our true friends, they are not indifferent to what is happening in Ukraine, they support us in every possible way and are ready to increase this support. At the same time, a matter that can sometimes be heard from our American friends is that we must clearly formulate what exactly we want from them, what kind of support to get," Merezhko said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. At the same time, he said that members of the Verkhovna Rada need to establish such relations with U.S. congressmen and senators, so that "you can address them at any time and discuss certain pressing issues that arise." In addition, Merezhko is convinced that the U.S. bipartisan support for Ukraine will continue. "Despite the very difficult election process in the United States, we managed to get a guarantee of such support from both the Republican and the Democratic parties. It is valuable that there is a very strong, real consensus on Ukraine between both parties. That is, there are no doubts and no contradictions between them about the need to support Ukraine. We have preserved it and, I am absolutely sure that it will be so in the future," the parliamentarian said. On Tuesday, July 13, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Implementing national forest inventory of Ukraine: first steps, prospects." Information will be provided on the preparation and work of the first year of the implementation of the national forest inventory of Ukraine, approved by the government in March this year. Participants include General Director of the Ukrainian State Project Forest Management Production Association (Ukrderzhlisproekt) Viktor Melnychenko; Head of the Centre of National Forest Inventory Oleksandr Shevchuk; leading engineer at the Centre of National Forest Inventory Vitaliy Storozhuk (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Due to quarantine restrictions, the number of seats in the press center is limited. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Clinician kiea Riddick (L) prepares a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for a commuter during the opening of MTA's public vaccination program (Photo : REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton) U.S. COVID-19 cases are up around 11% over the previous week, almost entirely among people who have not been vaccinated, officials said on Thursday, as the highly infectious Delta variant becomes the dominant COVID-19 strain in the country. Around 93% of COVID-19 cases in recent days have occurred in counties with vaccination rates of less than 40%, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky told a media briefing. Advertisement Preliminary data from recent months suggest 99.5% of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in unvaccinated people, she added. "Simply put: In areas of low vaccination coverage, cases and hospitalizations are up," Walensky said. The CDC earlier this week said that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has become the dominant strain in the United States. The variant, which is highly contagious, has also become dominant in other countries around the world. Cases of COVID-19 are surging in counties representing 9 million people, 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," she said. Wall Street's main indexes fell on Thursday as the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant cast doubts over an economic recovery. [L3N2OK3CZ] The White House is concentrating federal assistance for vaccinating against and treating COVID-19 in states including Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Illinois, said Jeff Zients, who leads the White House's COVID-19 response team. The White House last week said it would send out special teams to hot spots around the United States to combat the Delta variant amid rising case counts in parts of the country. The White House is also working to make COVID-19 vaccines available at doctors' offices around the country, Zients added. He said the spread of the Delta variant is particularly dangerous to young people. Research suggests it may cause more severe disease among younger people than other variants of the coronavirus. Walensky added that the United States is seeing outbreaks of COVID-19 at summer camps and other community events. She said that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested for the virus. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's deputy leader and negotiator, and other delegation members attend the Afghan peace conference in Moscow, (Photo : Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo) The U.S. exit from Afghanistan is a headache for Moscow which fears spiralling fighting may push refugees into its Central Asian backyard, create a jihadist threat and even stir civil war in one ex-Soviet state, a former Russian diplomat and two analysts said. U.S. forces vacated their main Bagram Air Base last week and most NATO forces have also pulled out. That has emboldened the Taliban, which has made territorial advances, raising fears about the Kabul government's grip on power and prompting over 1,000 Afghan security personnel to flee to Tajikistan. Advertisement The turmoil is a worry for Russia because it regards the region, part of the former Soviet Union once ruled from Moscow, as its southern defensive flank and as a sphere of influence from which radical Islamist threats could emanate. Moscow, still haunted by its own 1979-89 Afghan war, is unlikely to engage militarily in Afghanistan, Sergei Lavrov, Russia's top diplomat, has made clear. But a refugee exodus into Tajikistan, an impoverished nation of 9.3 million which fought a civil war involving Islamist forces from 1992 to 1997, would pose a humanitarian challenge and could be infiltrated by Jihadists, the three sources said. Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan could also face blowback. "The most vulnerable seems to be Tajikistan where the state is brittle and in the midst of the hereditary succession to (President Emomali) Rakhmon's son," said Vladimir Frolov, a former senior Russian diplomat. "The risk is in jihadi forces exploiting the existing social divisions and the clamour for justice to reignite the civil war," he said. Russia's largest foreign military base is located in Tajikistan near the Afghan frontier and comprises around 6,000 soldiers, tanks, armoured personnel carriers, drones and helicopters. It also has an airbase in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. President Vladimir Putin told Rakhmon on Monday that Moscow would help Tajikistan handle any fallout if needed. Rakhmon has ordered the mobilisation of 20,000 military reservists to bolster the border and asked a Russian-led regional military bloc for help. "Another threat is in Turkmenistan which is not really a state and does not fully control its borders with Afghanistan. There, all bets are off," Frolov said. Afghanistan remains seared on Russia's national conscience over thirty years after the Soviet Union ended its own military campaign after losing the lives of 14,000 nationals. "I don't think they're considering a direct military engagement in Afghanistan. It's too sensitive an issue for many Russians," said Andrey Kortunov, head of the Russian International Affairs Council, a think tank close to Russia's Foreign Ministry. For Moscow, he said border security was key along with sharing data on anti-terrorist activities, counter-intelligence and special operations. ZERO-SUM GAME Moscow's goals are to prevent Afghanistan becoming a platform for international terrorism and to erode its role as a major heroin exporter, said Kortunov. Working with the Taliban, which Russia formally considers a terrorist group but has hosted in Moscow for peace talks, is part of its plan, all three sources said. A Taliban delegation visiting Moscow on Thursday said the Taliban would not attack the border with Tajikistan or allow Afghanistan to be used for attacks on Russia, the TASS news agency reported. Arkady Dubnov, a Moscow-based analyst, said Russia had been careful not to criticise the Taliban in recent statements. "Moscow is betting the Taliban is a largely local tribal force that does not have interest or aspirations to project its power and control beyond the borders of Afghanistan," Frolov said. "The bet is that not waging war on the Taliban (even in propaganda terms) will pay off by finding a ... modus vivendi with the new government in Kabul controlled by the Taliban," he said. The scenario Moscow wants to avoid is NATO redeploying from Afghanistan to Central Asia. "This (exit) process...cannot and must not turn into a redeployment of U.S. and NATO military infrastructure facilities to countries neighbouring Afghanistan, especially in Central Asia," Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special representative on Afghanistan, said last week. While Lavrov on Wednesday said the U.S. exit was "hasty", hawkish factions in Russia have long wanted the West out of Afghanistan. Dubnov said that aspiration risked backfiring. "Moscow and Washington have always played a zero-sum game in Afghanistan - what was bad for the States was good for Russia and vice versa," he said. "Now there's a new phase in the war and what is good for America, which is finally withdrawing its forces, turns out to be bad for Russia." The Egyptian presidency on Friday mourned with deep sorrow the death of jehan el-Sadat, the widow of late president Anwar el-Sadat, the "Hero of War and Peace". Jehan el-Sadat was a role model for the Egyptian woman in supporting her husband under the most difficult times until he led the country to achieve the historic victory in the glorious October War in 1973, said the presidency. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi also bestowed on her the Order of Virtues (or Nishan el-Kamal), a female Egyptian order of knighthood, as an award of merit, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi said. Search Keywords: Short link: In a meeting that lasted for over three hours, members of the UN Security Council called on Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt to complete their talks, to settle the dispute over the GERD, under the umbrella of the African Union, in good faith and away from any unilateral action or agitating statements, in the pursuit of a deal that could allow the three countries to reach an agreement that accommodates their aspirations and concerns. Foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan, Sameh Shoukry and Mariam Sadek Al-Mahdi, addressed the meeting to express the growing concerns of the two downstream countries over the construction of a mega dam over the Blue Nile by Ethiopia, the upstream state, without any agreement or coordination with Egypt and Sudan. Egypt a nation of over one hundred million souls is facing an existential threat, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the members of the UN Security Council today in New York. A grand structure of mammoth proportions has been constructed across the artery that bequeaths life to the people of Egypt, he added. The top Egyptian diplomat reviewed at length the details of a long and inconclusive road of negotiations that Egypt, along with Sudan, had gone into with Ethiopia to secure that the filling and operation of the GERD would help Ethiopia secure its development objectives without causing a damaging harm to the downstream countries. Shoukry underlined the composed and self-restrained reaction that Egypt showed to Ethiopias unilateral execution of the first filling last July only days after a first UN Security Council on the dispute. We got 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, Shourky said. And yet, we have failed, he added. 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, the top Egyptian diplomat stated before the UN Security Council. 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, he added. According to Shourkys statement, the AU-led process, in its current format, has reached an impasse. For us, the harm that the GERD might inflict will affect every aspect of the lives of the Egyptian people like a malignant plague, Shoukry said. 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, he added. This is a situation that Egypt cannot, and will not, tolerate, Shourky said. He added, 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. The top Egyptian diplomat commended the statement that the European Union issued Thursday to express worry over Ethiopias execution of the second filling of the reservoir of the GERD in the absence of an agreement among the three concerned riparian countries. He called on the members of the UN Security Council to issue a similar statement and to adopt a draft resolution that Tunis had tabled to call on the three countries to resume negotiations under the AU umbrella in good faith and with a plan to reach an agreement in a reasonable timeframe. In his statement to the UN Security Council, the permanent representative of Tunisia said that the draft resolution his country tabled for consideration offer a reasonable framework to help the three countries conclude an agreement within a reasonable timeframe under the umbrella of the African Union. For her part, the foreign minister of Sudan warned that if the UN Security Council was to remain silent on Ethiopias unilateralism, it would be effectively send a message to Addis Ababa to continue shrugging the concerns and rights of the downstream countries. Addressing the UN Security Council, the top Sudanese diplomat said that Sudan had been hoping that Ethiopia will act in good faith to reach an agreement that could turn the GERD into an exemplary project of African cooperation. However, she lamented, this had not happened because Ethiopia had not been negotiating to reach a deal. Al-Mahdi said that her country is willing to resume working with Egypt and Ethiopia within the framework of the AU-led negotiations. However, she said that these negotiations need a new modality to be effective. She argued the need for a bigger role for experts from the US and the EU and much more support from the UN Security Council. We hope that the UN Security Council will undertake its responsibility to preserve peace and security and would take the necessary actions of preemptive diplomacy in this respect, the foreign minister of Sudan said. If Ethiopia was to continue the construction, filling and operation of the GERD without a legal agreement that would allow Sudan to be in the know on the necessary technical details that could influence its water rights and water stations and dams, then the GERD would bring bad news for millions of the Sudanese people. In his statement, the last, before the UN Security Council, Ethiopias Minister of Water Resources Seleshi Bekele showed no intention on the side of Addis Ababa to change its attitude on the GERD negotiations. Bekele declined to acknowledge any of the concerns that Egypt and Sudan had put forward on the possible devastating impact of the continued construction, filling and operation of the GERD without sufficient studies on the safety of the constructions of the dam, its possible ecological repercussions and its impact on the water security of the downstream countries. Bekele declined any role of the UN Security in managing the dispute over the GERD. He also made no promises that Ethiopia would refrain from unilateralism pending the finalisation of an agreement under the AU-led negotiations. All speakers who had addressed the UN Secuirty Council clearly called on the three countries to avoid all unilateral actions that could aggravate the dispute. Speakers argued that at the end it would be up to the three countries to find an agreement in light of the 2015 Declaration of Principles that Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia signed. The 2015 DOP, according to both Egypt and Sudan, does not allow Ethiopia to conduct unilateral filling of the dam and requires the three countries to work towards a legal agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD. For its part, Ethiopia argues that the DOP allows it to execute the filling on the assumption that the filling is an essential part of the construction of the dam that had been approved by the two downstream countries. Short link: News of the death of Jehan Al-Sadat, which was announced this morning in Cairo, came as the last episode in the story of a woman who was always associated with many conflicting images, ranging from grace to malice. The question of whether she was just a strong woman who had learned early on in life to put her foot down and to speak her mind, or of whether she was a beautiful and a cunning woman who had managed to manoeuvre her way upwards, depended upon who was speaking and to what audience. But whatever the answers to these questions might be, Sadat was a woman who could not go unheeded, whether as the spouse of one of the Free Officers who had overturned Egypts former monarchy in the 1952 Revolution, or the spouse of the president of Egypt throughout the 1970s, or for years after the assassination of her husband Anwar Al-Sadat in 1981 as the former first lady of Egypt. Sadat, in the accounts of the many who knew her at different times in her life, always managed to impress or to upset. She was anything but neutral, no matter how graceful she always managed to be. No one better described her than Ahmed Bahaeddin, a prominent journalist from the 1950s to the 1990s who had the confidence of the Sadats. He wrote in his book My Conversations with Sadat, a record of the former president, that Mrs Sadat had an incredibly strong personal presence. A former European ambassador who served in Egypt in the early 2000s went a step further by saying after a dinner in her honour that when one sees her for the first time, one is not meeting the spouse of an assassinated president, but rather a lady who has her own incredible allure. However, this naturally charming woman who could welcome former monarchs, top state officials, or young university students with equal elegance and ease was never just a lady with her own incredible allure. On the contrary, she was also a tough woman who had made her own way through life in a way exactly as she wanted irrespective of what anyone else thought or said. As a girl in Cairo, Sadat, as she herself wrote in her memoir A Woman of Egypt published in the mid-1980s, would explore the streets of her neighbourhood of Manial without feeling intimidated. She attributed her own uninhibited nature to her kind and confident parents. It was also at this young age that Sadat, as she wrote in her memoir, discovered her passion for politics. Born to a British mother who had endless stories to tell about Winston Churchill, Britains leader in World War II, it was only natural for this young and non-conformist woman, as she was in the 1940s, to fall in love with Anwar Sadat, a political rebel who had been to jail for his involvement in resisting the British occupation of Egypt. She did not care about the age difference or about the fact that this dark and daring man had previously had a family and was without a stable job or income. Sadat went ahead and married him anyway and accompanied him through thick and thin until he became president of Egypt in 1970 upon the sudden death of former president Gamal Abdel-Nasser who had already made him vice-president. As the spouse of Sadat, she found another strong inspiration in Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet Mohamed who had married him when he was a poor young man, had had faith in him, and had supported him through the early years of the call of Islam and who was his one and only wife until she passed away. Of course, she was also always more than just the spouse of Sadat. Unlike her predecessor, Tahiya Abdel-Nasser, who had deliberately kept a low profile as the presidents wife, Jehan Sadat was not cut out for the shadows. She loved to be centre stage, and she knew very well how to occupy the centre of attention. She knew that as the spouse of the president of a predominantly Muslim country, especially as he chose to call himself the believing president (al-raais al-moumein), there were many red lines that she would need to be careful not to cross. However, she was willing to push such lines over and over again, ever so skillfully and carefully at times and directly at others. When she chose to take on a greater public profile in the wake of the 1973 October War that granted Sadat much-needed legitimacy independent of any association with the Free Officers, Jehan Sadat knew that she would prompt some unfavourable reactions when she stepped out of the shadow of her husband and engaged in her own independent activities. But she was not intimidated. In her book A Woman of Egypt, she speaks of the confidence, support, and love she received from her husband. This attitude, she said, had been empowering because she knew he would not be influenced or swayed by critics who suggested that she should restrict herself to only limited appearances in the presence of the president. However, her public role was perhaps at first encouraged by the positive reactions she received during the visits she made to hospitals to greet and reassure wounded soldiers brought back from the front in the October War. When she later dared to intervene in the agonies of women suffering under biased personal-status laws, Jehan Sadat got a lot of angry reactions. In interviews with Al-Ahram Weekly on many occasions, mostly during the anniversary of the October War, she recalled the abrasive references made to her in hate mail sent to the newspapers. She was accused of encroaching on the principles of Islamic Law and trying to convert Egypt to the Western norms inculcated in her by her British mother. In her memoir, Jehan Sadat shares moments of unease over the negative reactions she received as a result of her attempts to reverse the unfairness imposed on women in the name of Islam. However, in her interviews with theWeekly, she always said that she had not had a moments hesitation and that her actions were prompted by the heartbreaking images of women clustering in misery at personal-status courts hoping to get a divorce or to file for alimony. The 1975 film Uridu Hall (I Need a Solution) starring Faten Hamama and Roushdi Abaza helped to shed light on the ordeals that women then had to go through due the cruelty of the law. The attempts of some state-associated men of religion to defend the limited legal amendments supported by Jehan Sadat were also undermined by reactionary currents at large in society that were being encouraged by the growing influence of Sadats new and closest ally, Saudi Arabia. The mid-1970s was a time when thousands of Egyptian families were emigrating to Arab Gulf states in pursuit of economic advancement as a result of the rise of the petro-dollar. Coming back home for the holidays or at other times, many of these families would preach to other families and friends the Saudi version of Islam that they thought to be the most authentic as it had been in what is now Saudi Arabia that Islam had been revealed to the Prophet Mohamed some 13 centuries earlier. In fact, while Jehan Sadat was working hard to pave the way for legal amendments meant to reduce the unfairness imposed on women, Sadat was calling on one of Egypts most-conservative preachers, Mohamed Metwalli Al-Shaarawi, to preach to Egyptian audiences on the main channel of state-owned TV. It was also at this time that Sadat decided to use an Islamic justification to promote new economic and political policies that were far removed from the socialist laws that his predecessor had tried to establish before his dramatic defeat against Israel in the 1967 War. Sadat had already given the Islamists, harshly coerced under Nasser, a comfortable space in the public domain in the hope that they would help him to put an end to the strength of the leftists in Egypt. In her interviews with Al-Ahram Weekly, Jehan Sadat acknowledged that it was a confused moment, but she added that it was only natural for there to have been some experimentation and also for some mistakes to have been made. The country had overcome the humiliating military defeat of 1967 in the 1973 October War, and it was looking for a new direction, she said. Using the Islamists was certainly more than an act of political experimentation on the part of Sadat. He was also entering into alliances with the traditional monarchs of the Arab Gulf, who provided generous financial support and offered job opportunities for a considerable segment of Egyptian manpower that would otherwise have been forced into unemployment. He was also entering into an alliance with the US, which, like Sadat, was trying to use the power of Islamism to defy the influence of the USSR in the midst of the Cold War. It was inevitably hard to reconcile Jehan Sadats call for the liberation of women from biased laws or her own modern outlook with the reactionary ideas that were being preached at the time, not just in small mosques but also on state TV. These were calling for women to cover their bodies from head to toe and to accept their allegedly God-decided status as second-class human beings. In interviews in later years, Jehan Sadat said that she knew that whatever the religious views a woman might hold, she would not accept to be coerced into an unfair marital set-up. She argued that one had to draw a distinction between the resistance to change, which might be perfectly normal, and the wish of political foes to lobby public opinion against the president. While Jehan Sadat thought that it was Sadats economic and political policies that caused her to be criticised for her work, some would argue that the non-conformist posture of the first lady Jehan Sadat was the first presidents wife to take this title, even though there is no reference to it in the Egyptian constitution was in fact one of the things that made people take against her husband. Jehan Sadat, it has been argued, came across as too daring for a public opinion that was becoming more and more conservative. However, as Jehan Sadat insisted many times, what was at stake was not the marital-status laws or the elegant suits and jewellery that she was often criticised for wearing. What was at stake, she insisted, was Sadats decision to pursue peace with Israel. Jehan Sadat was always vocal about her views of her husbands decision to pursue a political settlement to the struggle with Israel after the crossing of the Suez Canal in the 1973 October War. She always said that there was no doubt in her mind that Egypt could not have survived another war, given the enormous damage inflicted by earlier wars with Israel. Sadat, she insisted, was assassinated on 6 October 1981 during the military parade to commemorate the victory in the October War because the fanatics who killed him had not wanted his peace plans to work. In her memoir, Jehan Sadat documented the moments spent at the Maadi Armed Forces Hospital in 1981, praying for Anwar Sadat to come out of the emergency room to which he had been taken alive. For the rest of her life, she always said that her husbands death had been the price he had paid for pursuing peace. She never acknowledged any wrongdoing on his part with regard to an Egyptian public opinion that was strongly opposed to the deal or to the fact that he had thrown many of the countrys top political figures, whether from the right or the left, into jail just a few weeks before his assassination. She would always say that he was just trying to keep things calm before the handover of Sinai, and then he would have released them all. It was, however, Hosni Mubarak, Sadats vice-president, who as president saw the return of Sinai to Egypt. Even so, throughout his 30 years in office, Mubarak always gave the credit to Sadat as the hero of war and peace. While Jehan Sadat and her four children, Lobna, Gamal, Noha, and Jehan (Nana), continued to live in Egypt under Mubaraks rule, in the 25 January Revolution she chose to side with the masses who celebrated the ouster of Mubarak. In October 2012, Jehan Sadat was shocked beyond words to see Abboud Al-Zomor, a former army officer who had served a jail sentence for his role in the assassination of Sadat, invited to an event to commemorate the October War. In 2013, she offered her support to the 30 June Revolution that brought President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi to power. Like some members of the Nasser family who saw a resemblance between Al-Sisi and Nasser, Jehan Sadat also said that she saw a resemblance between Al-Sisi and Sadat. Over the past couple of years, Jehan Sadats health had been failing, and age and illness had limited her public appearances, even on the anniversary of the October War. She often said that it would hurt her not to be buried next to Anwar, the man she had loved and lived with. But Sadat was buried at the Unknown Soldier Monument in Nasr City, whereas Jehan Sadat was going to be laid to rest in her family tomb. Search Keywords: Short link: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Friday that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) can be a source for cooperation between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan. I would like to reassure the Egyptian and Sudanese people that they will never be badly harmed due to the GERDs filling because it will only take a small amount of the water flow, Ahmed said in a statement published in Arabic on his social media account. The Ethiopian prime minister said that the Sudanese Rosires Dam will not face huge fluctuations in the flow, he added, saying that the surrounding communities can rest easily. The Ethiopian prime ministers statement came following a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in New York on Thursday, per the request of Egypt and Sudan. In the UNSC meeting that lasted for over three hours, members called on Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt to complete their talks, to settle the dispute over the GERD, under the umbrella of the African Union, in good faith and away from any unilateral action or agitating statements, in the pursuit of a deal that could allow the three countries to reach an agreement that accommodates their aspirations and concerns. Foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan, Sameh Shoukry and Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi addressed the meeting, expressing the growing concerns of the two downstream countries over the construction of the mega dam on the Blue Nile by Ethiopia, the upstream state, without any agreement or coordination with Egypt and Sudan. Egypt's foreign minister told the meeting that Cairo will have to uphold and protect its inherent right to life if no legal agreement is reached on the GERD. During her speech, the Sudanese foreign minister spoke on how the GERD is considered a threat to her countrys Rosiries Dam if Ethiopia continues the second filling unilaterally without a legal binding agreement on the filling and operation policies of the dam on Sunday On the other hand, Ethiopias Minister of Water Resources Seleshi Bekele denied any harm caused by the GERD to the downstream countries and at the same time declined any role of the UNSC in managing the dispute over the GERD. He also made no promises that Ethiopia would refrain from unilateralism pending the finalisation of an agreement under the AU-led negotiations. Short link: Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his spouse Entissar El-Sisi headed the military funeral held Friday afternoon for former first lady Jehan Sadat in Cairo, along with her family members. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Defense Major General Mohamed Zaki along with a number of statesmen attended the funeral of the widow of late-president Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat that was aired on Egyptian state TV. This is the first military funeral held in Egypt for a former first lady. The funeral was held at Unknown Soldier Memorial in Cairo's Nasr City district where the late former first lady was laid to rest beside her husband President Sadat. Following the funeral, President El-Sisi and his spouse presented their condolence to the family of the late former first lady. The former first lady, born in 1933, passed away after a battle with cancer. She had been transferred to a hospital and stayed in an ICU for nearly a month. The Egyptian presidency on Friday mourned with deep sorrow the death of the former first lady and announced that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi also bestowed on her the Order of Virtues (or Nishan el-Kamal), a female Egyptian order of knighthood, as an award of merit. Search Keywords: Short link: "I assure you that I will not return you back to war again. Let us work altogether to recover the last decade and put our country back to the path of development in this new decade," he said in an address to the nation. The world's newest nation declared independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011. Just two years later it was plunged into a devastating civil war that claimed almost 400,000 lives and displaced four million people. Despite a 2018 ceasefire between Kiir and his rival Riek Machar who now serves as a vice president, the country remains in the grip of political instability, economic ruin and a deep hunger crisis. Kiir said the current "cessation of hostilities is because of a new spirit of dialogue among the parties to the (peace) agreement which has reduced the huge trust deficit." He said the priority of the Transitional Government of National Unity was full implementation of the power-sharing accord, "with focus on security sector and economic reforms" in the oil-rich country. "These two priority areas will stabilise our country and ensure economic growth through an increase in production leading to socio-economic development." He said more oil fields have been opened and a refinery to supply the domestic market and export to neighbouring countries "will soon be fully operational". President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that France would begin closing its bases in northern Mali before the end of the year, part of a drawdown of French troops fighting Islamist extremists in the Sahel. "The shutdowns of these sections will start in the second half of 2021 and be completed by early 2022," Macron said during a press conference following summit talks with the leaders of five West African nations. Short link: Rwanda said on Friday it will send 1,000 troops to Mozambique to help the country battle extremist militants wreaking havoc in the north of the gas-rich nation. The planned deployment comes on the heels of a similar decision last month by the 16 nations in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional bloc. Analysts warned however that such multiple missions could further militarise the impoverished Cabo Delgado province, which has been terrorised by Islamic State-linked jihadists since late 2017. "The government of Rwanda, at the request of the government of Mozambique, will today start the deployment of a 1,000-person contingent of the Rwanda Defence Force and the Rwanda National Police to Cabo Delgado Province," Kigali said in a statement. The forces will "support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations, as well as stabilisation and security-sector reform", it added. The Rwandan contingent will work with the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and those from SADC "in designated sectors of responsibility". There was no immediate reaction to the announcement from the government in Maputo, whose President Filipe Nyusi vowed last month to root out the militants with the help of regional allies. - 'Move in wrong direction' - Attacks have escalated in northern Mozambique over the past year, fuelling fears the violence could spill over into neighbouring countries. The insurgency has claimed more than 2,900 lives, according to conflict data tracker ACLED, and displaced around 800,000 people, according to the United Nations. But Adriano Nuvunga, head of Mozambique's Centre for Democracy and Development in Maputo, voiced concern at the Rwandan deployment. "We see this as a not good move because it will further militarise northern Cabo Delgado and it can lead deep into the conflict moving in the wrong direction." Rwanda is already a major contributor to the UN's peacekeeping force in the Central African Republic and last year sent hundreds of troops to the unstable country after an attempted coup. Nyusi, himself a former defence minister, had long shied away from asking for foreign military intervention to fight the jihadists, instead relying on private military companies. But last month he vowed to crush the militants with the help of SADC and "friendly countries". Alexandre Raymakers, Africa Analyst at UK-based global risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, said he believes the Rwandan contingent could be used to secure key LNG sites in an effort to lure back international investors. "The Rwandan security forces have developed a reputation for being a highly capable fighting force," he said. But, he added, "the presence of multiple military missions, in the form of a potential Rwandan contingent and the SADC, will likely lead to conflicting priorities and friction at the military command level, hindering the overall." Short link: Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank amount to a war crime, a U.N. human rights investigator said on Friday, calling on countries to inflict a cost on Israel for its "illegal occupation". Michael Lynk, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, was addressing a session of the U.N. Human Rights Council, boycotted by Israel which does not recognise his mandate or cooperate with him. "Inmy report, I conclude that the Israeli settlements do amount to a war crime," Lynk said. He said the settlements violate an absolute ban on an occupying power transferring part of its civilian population into an occupied territory, thereby meeting the definition of a war crime under the Rome Statute founding the International Criminal Court (ICC). "I submit to you that this finding compels the international community ... to make it clear to Israel that its illegal occupation, and its defiance of international law and international opinion, can and will no longer be cost-free," Lynk told the Geneva rights forum. Many countries consider the settlements a breach of international law. Israel disputes this and cites Biblical and historical connections to the land, as well as security needs. Israel's mission to the U.N. in Geneva, in a statement to Reuters, rejected Lynk's report as "the latest one-sided and biased report against Israel" and accused him of turning a blind eye to violations committed by the Palestinian Authority and Gaza rulers Hamas. DEMOLITION Lynk said Israel's demolition of Bedouin tent dwellings in a village in the West Bank on Wednesday left residents without food or water in the heat of the Jordan Valley, calling it "both unlawful and heartless". "Progressive seizure of Palestinian lands together with the protection of the settlements is a further consolidation of Israel's de facto annexation of the West Bank," he said. There are nearly 300 settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, with more than 680,000 Israeli settlers, Lynk said. The United States, Israel's closest ally which has observer status at the council, did not speak at the council which it accuses of having an anti-Israel bias. Lotte Knudsen, the European Union's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, said the settlements were illegal under international law. "Such actions as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions, and confiscation of homes will only escalate an already tense environment." Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital, but the issue of Jewish settlements on land captured by Israel in a 1967 war has long been a stumbling block in the peace process. The last round of peace talks collapsed in 2014. Short link: European Union member states recorded last year their highest level of annual deaths since the bloc started keeping records, official data showed Friday, reflecting the impact of the Coronavirus epidemic. The EU population fell from 447.3 million to 447.0 million last year, as the annual toll rose 11 percent over 2019's deaths to 5.2 million, the most deaths since 1961 when Brussels starting compiling the data. The birth rate also fell again. Deaths have exceeded births in the now 27-nation union since 2012, but immigration had seen the population grow by four percent between 2001 and 2019. Giampaolo Lanzieri, an expert at statistics authority Eurostat, said that several factors contributed to the drop in population. "For sure there has been the impact on mortality. We have observed an increase of over half a million of deaths as what was observed on average in the previous years. "But (...) there is a likely impact on fertility as well, on the number of births," he told reporters. "And of course there has been also an impact on migration because the borders have been closed." Nevertheless, the "most prominent" cause of population loss was the impact of the epidemic. The steepest decline in population was recorded in Italy, which lost 384,000 people or 0.6 percent of its population, followed by Romania and Poland. Nine of the member states recorded falls in population, with 18 more seeing the more usual increase, including France, where births outstripped deaths and the number of people grew by 0.2 percent. Short link: The coronavirus pandemic has brought the mask back into the public sphere, and in Pandemic by Mohamed Bassiouny at the Easel and Camera Gallery in 6 October, 50 paintings and sketches in different sizes explore the phenomenon. Huge paintings showing key politicians and stars from various points in history wearing light blue masks and gloves. They include the Mona Lisa, Frida Kahlo, Ahmed Zaki and Kim Jong Un, among others. This is Bassiounys third solo exhibition. His previous one, held at the French Cultural Centre and the Saad Zagloul Museum, focused on the human body, tackling gender and identity. Based in Kafr Al-Shiekh, where he runs his own business, the artist was born in Kuwait in 1979, and lived between Kuwait and Cairo until he decided to settle in the Delta. The artist earned two diplomas in painting from the Faculty of Art Education and in restoration from the Faculty of Archeology, which gave his paintings a degree of perfection. Bassiouny is one of those contemporary artists who were inspired by the pandemic, and he uses masks as a tool to hide the fear felt by the famous more than anything else. They are also a symbol of separation and caution. Having come down with and survived Covid early on, he believes it has united the global population: I would say that everyone is scared, even the most powerful among us. The image of people wearing masks has become a universal symbol, like the outward sign of a new religion.Using acrylics, oil and ink, the works on show are both real and enigmatic. The artists expressionist realism is influenced by pop art. His palette is unlimited, even though warmer colours prevail, balanced by the blue of the masks and gloves. I used to wear a mask to protect myself during my frequent visits to China, yet I was still infected in late 2018 during a visit to Shanghai. This is how I grew obsessed with the idea. The pandemic which halted my business has forced me to stay for longer in my studio. I started this collection by drawing sketches of political leaders wearing masks. I was influenced by historical stories and paintings triggered by pandemics, namely the deadly Spanish flu which hit the world exactly a century ago. I started browsing black and white pictures from that time, and I noticed people wearing masks in the streets. The Mona Lisa was one of the figures I chose to start with. In addition to the pictures of public figures, I made modified copies of famous paintings such as Frida Kahlos self-portrait.One funny yet mysterious piece is the 100x130 cm oil portrait of the German politician Angela Merkel, wearing a red jacket in front of a darker red background. She looks serious and worried and the mask intensifies that image. The impact of portraits of politicians is especially powerful. I had the feeling that Merkels power was diminished by the mask. She looks powerless and lost. I wanted to send a message that even evil politicians like Golda Meir are frightened. Everyone is equal, Bassiouny says. And indeed you can see Mao Zedong and Abraham Lincoln hinting that Covid-19 is a capitalist joint venture gone wrong.In addition to portraits and paintings, there are over 30 sketches in ink on paper showing public including the 1980s preacher Shiekh Sharawi, Nelson Mandela, Khomeini and Gaddafi. They look strangely petty and insignificant.Also remarkable is a number of acrylic paintings featuring key scenes from famous Egyptian movies such as the 200x150 cm piece featuring Shadia and Mahmoud Morsi in Shee min Al-Khof (About Fear), and a 100x200 cm piece Mahmoud Al-Melegy in Al-Ard (The Land), as well as Dalida in Youssef Chahines The Sixth Day, about cholera. All these movies dealt with fear of loss, death or disease, he commented. Here as elsewhere the images are beautifully executed but only as replicas, with no change apart from the mask and gloves. My aim, says Bassiouny, is to document the situation from a different perspective and to send a message that we all equally face fear and uncertainty. One exception is Toy, a 100x200 cm acrylic on canvas painting, produced earlier this year, featuring a doll in a colourful short dress wearing a mask and gloves. The painting is inspired by the artists career in the manufacture and trade of toys. I am not sure I will develop this theme in my upcoming work. I was infected again a few weeks ago although I was taking severe safety precautions. I dont personally believe in the usefulness of wearing masks. I think of the mask as an illusionary symbol of separation.As no one could predict the time when this fatal pandemic ends, the exhibition is on show indefinitely. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: It was two years ago that Helmi Al-Sewidi, an Egyptian family doctor, started a new page in his medical career under the umbrella of Egypts new unified healthcare system (UHCS) that was then being introduced in his hometown of Port Said. Having been in a primary-care practice for close to six years after having graduated from Cairo University in 2011, Al-Sewidi was well set to start his new job that came with the launch of a project that promises to revolutionise the health service and working conditions of doctors in Egypt within the 10-year timeframe of its nationwide execution. Throughout his pre-UHCS years, Al-Sewidi had seen the many problems of his profession. I saw tough days of 12 hours working every day in small primary-care clinics in the Delta, where along with another young colleague I had to attend to over 300 patients in around 90 minutes. I saw clinics where we had no chance of getting basic X-rays or simple blood tests done, and I saw patients and doctors who had no faith in the role of the family doctor, he said. The beginning of the UHCS allowed Al-Sewidi to experience a big shift in how he practises medicine and how he feels about his profession. I am not saying it offers the perfect remedy, but things became significantly different, he said. In the UHCS, the role of the family doctor is central. Every patient being treated under the system has to first be examined by a family doctor. It is the family doctor who decides whether the patient needs referral to a specialist or whether he could be treated at the primary-care clinic. Primary care is a relatively new discipline in most schools of medicine in Egypt. It is mostly popular among young female doctors who wish to reduce their working hours and to work near their homes. Or it is the pursuit of male doctors who do not have plans or the means, particularly financial, to pursue the long and hard route of post-graduate studies. It is the kind of discipline that is mostly appreciated in rural areas, where a doctor would be based in the clinic of the village and would be able to manage a wide range of health issues either at the clinic or at the houses of the patients. He would only ask someone to go to the city to be treated in a hospital if the situation required a thorough medical intervention, Al-Sewidi said. But with the exception of Ismailia, which was always an exception because it was where primary healthcare was first introduced as a discipline, in every city, small or big, the family doctor was almost always looked down upon, he said. But now this is changing dramatically because the new system gives prominence to the family doctor, he added. The higher status that Al-Sewidi is now finding is only one of the good things that this young physician is experiencing with the introduction of the UHCS in Port Said and as part of a first phase that will include Luxor, Ismailia, Aswan and South Sinai within the coming two years. A more tolerable workload is also something that he says is coming with the UHCS. Working for a primary-care centre in a village might have allowed Al-Sewidi to be treated with respect, but it also meant that on some days he would have to run from a possible delivery to an acute case of diabetes and then to a possible stroke or heart attack. Because the family doctor is effectively step one in the system, the UHCS has doubled and even tripled the number of primary-care platforms in Port Said, with each clinic equipped with two doctors and associated with a medical unit with another physician, Al-Sewidi said. He added that every centre or clinic is only responsible for a certain number of patients. This is one of the primary rules of providing decent healthcare. A doctor, of any specialisation, cannot be expected to be working 12 hours non-stop every day for six days a week and be expected to provide thorough care, he said. DOCTORS DILEMMA: Forcing doctors into over-work, and the impact of this on quality, was diagnosed in a recent report by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), a think tank, as one of the main ailments that the vast majority of physicians suffer from, especially those who work in the clinics and hospitals of the Ministry of Health and to a lesser degree those who work in the hospitals of leading universities in Egypt. Launched last Tuesday under the title of The Dilemma of Egyptian Doctors Before and After Covid-19, the report rings alarm bells on the working conditions that many doctors have to deal with and the impact of these on their willingness to stay within the public healthcare system or even to stay in Egypt. While noting that the pandemic has complicated the difficulties for almost all physicians, the EIPR report stresses that already existing problems are such a challenge that they force the vast majority of physicians into overtime and exhaustion. According to the statistics in the report, only one third or a little more of the overall number of physicians registered in the country actually practise medicine in Egypt, either in the public or the private systems. The rest are working overseas, be it in the neighbouring Arab countries or elsewhere in the world. Of 213,000 registered doctors, only 82,000 are working in Egypt, the report says. The reasons are mostly to do with working conditions. They include the workload, the availability of equipment, the levels of salaries, and the chances for continued education. There is also the question of the personal safety of doctors. Alaa Mahmoud is an oncologist who graduated from Ain Shams University in Cairo, which she attended after leaving her hometown of Aswan. A few years after taking mandatory training and specialisation studies after her graduation, Mahmoud had the chance to head back south, where most doctors would not want to go, but where I wanted to go because I was going home, she said. The opportunity for Mahmoud to work at a newly established cancer centre in Aswan in 2014 was not exactly a dream come true, however. The fact of the matter was that for a full five years this Aswan centre had been there for cancer patients from across the five governorates of Upper Egypt. For the patients who have to put up with the pain and worry of cancer, this was an added nightmare. You dont know what it is like for a cancer patient who is probably suffering from the side effects either of the cancer or of the therapy to have to travel for a few hours to access a medical consultation, Mahmoud said. But you also dont know what it is like for an oncologist to have to work for 12 hours a day to examine close to 150 cancer patients, one after the other, and then to have to worry about getting them to have the right tests and the right medication, and to get these done and provided on time, she said. When I once literally collapsed and had to take two days off, it was very difficult for the patients and the centre, she added. Mahmoud said that more often than not doctors who work under incredible pressure also have to worry about finding a clean bathroom and a clean dining place at the doctors residence to catch a meal or get a quick shower. On top of that, they have to worry about making ends meet on a small salary that does not suffice to cover the expenses of a PhD or further studies. According to Ahmed Al-Hawari, a gastrointestinal surgeon in Mansoura, things can get worse because of safety issues. These, he said, can start with facing the dismay of a family member of a patient who has a hard time with an illness or with the treatment, sometimes simply due to the lack of adequate diagnosis equipment or the lack of some essential drugs. They can also be the result of disturbing legal problems when a patient has gone through tough complications of surgery or unanticipated side effects of a post-operative medication. These things happen not because the doctor wants them or is being negligent, but because every operation comes with certain risks. Sometimes the doctor explains all the possible scenarios at length to the patient, but the patient isnt listening, he said. According to the EIPR report, overall a physician working for the public healthcare system in Egypt receives a starting salary of around LE2,000, an amount that many doctors say would not cover the cost of studies for a single month at the Faculty of Medicine during the past 10 years. A doctor, the report noted, would have to work for close to 40 years to get an extra zero added to this double-digit amount. The report also noted that in cases of medical error, a doctor can be punished under the criminal law with no consideration given to the nature of the profession which requires at times risky interventions in poorly equipped medical set-ups. This legal aspect is particularly disturbing because a doctor who faces a lawsuit, even if eventually cleared of wrong-doing, risks losing his reputation for good, Al-Hawari said. PURSUIT OF REMEDIES: According to the EIPR report, the UHCS provides a partial answer to the problem of salaries in as much as it raises the starting salary of most physicians from LE2,000 to LE10,000, as it factors in incentives. According to Mahmoud, this amount remains way beneath the average monthly salary that most doctors would start their careers with in some of the Arab countries. However, she added, there are ways to compensate. If we are really looking for an end to the drain of doctors from Egypt, there could be added incentives like helping doctors to do post-graduate studies and to pursue further studies at reasonable fees, providing them with packages on buying apartments and cars, and other things to help them resist the temptation of opting for a career outside of Egypt. In a seminar hosted by the EIPR to launch the report, Osama Abdel-Hayy, a member of the council of the Physicians Syndicate, said that the added challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic had brought to the medical community in Egypt had prompted a number of resignations from the public healthcare system. He said that in the absence of a clear plan of action, the drain of doctors would continue. According to several doctors who worked under the tough challenges of the pandemic, it was disturbing that they had had to worry about having the necessary protective equipment. Many said that the growing openings that the pandemic had brought in the healthcare systems of several Western countries had provided an excellent opportunity for doctors to opt out of the Egyptian system. Member of parliament Farid Al-Baidi, who took part in the EIPR seminar, said the issue would be brought to the attention of parliament to help doctors meet the many challenges they have to go through while practising medicine in Egypt. According to Ayman Sebaai, the author of the report, while the UHCS certainly provides some answers, at least partial, to some of the problems that the doctors of Egypt have to go through, the system will take around ten years before it covers the entire nation. This was not a short time if one considers the current level of dilapidation. We cannot expect to fix our healthcare system if we are not going to address the problems of doctors, he said. Sebaai agreed that there were other problems that relate to the state healthcare budget and to the problems of assisting teams, nursing and others. However, he insisted that the doctors problems remain a huge concern for the quality of the health service. According to Sebaai, for the past few decades the founding concepts behind the education and practice of medicine in Egypt have been questionable. We get students to leave their cities around the country to come to the big cities where they learn, and then we tell them after a full decade of tough and expensive studies that they need to go back to their homes and work in poorly equipped conditions for very little money and without any chance of further education, he said. Meanwhile, he added, there are many parallel systems that create quite different working conditions from the government hospitals, including the university and private hospitals. He argued that while the public healthcare service is the least attractive for medical doctors, it is the one that covers the vast majority of patients across the country, and it is the only one that has wide accessibility and facilities. This was one reason why the UHCS was part of the answer to Egypts healthcare problems, he said, as it would allow most people to get treated under the same system and get most doctors integrated within the same set-up. This is not to say that all private hospitals and clinics will be eliminated or that patients will only have one option to access medical care, Sebaai said. University and private healthcare facilities, he added, would be working alongside the UHCS because they could opt for integration in it. According to Al-Sewidi, it is only a matter of time before the UHCS will be the overarching healthcare provider. The success of the pilot project, as has been adopted in Port Said, shows that more and more people are having faith in the system and more and more private clinics are trying to be integrated in it, he said. Ultimately, Sebaai said, private services will continue to operate for those who may wish for one reason or another to access healthcare outside of the UHCS, including possible waiting lists. However, he added that the wider operation of the UHCS would cause the state to be more prompt and more effective in introducing regulations for the private sector to work under. This has been missing up to now, he said. *A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link: KYODO NEWS - Jul 9, 2021 - 11:45 | All, World, Japan Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it will suspend political donations to U.S. lawmakers who opposed the certification of Joe Biden's win in the presidential election in January. The move by the world's largest automaker came after a U.S. civic group criticized its donations to Republican lawmakers who supported former President Donald Trump's claim to have won the election. "We understand that the PAC (political action committee) decision to support select members of Congress who contested the results troubled some stakeholders," Toyota said in a statement. "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," it added. Toyota, which has donated to both Republicans and Democrats, has not disclosed how long the company will suspend the contributions. According to the civic group, Toyota donated a total of $56,000 to 38 lawmakers who voted against Biden's electoral certification, making it one of the top contributors along with such companies as retailer Walmart Inc. and airplane maker Boeing Co. Microsoft Corp. and General Electric Co. have also suspended similar donations through 2022, according to Reuters. Related coverage: FOCUS: Deep political division overshadows start of Biden's administration Trump, accused over Capitol riot, impeached for 2nd time U.S. Congress roiled by pro-Trump riots in certifying Biden election win KYODO NEWS - Jul 9, 2021 - 23:04 | World, All, News, Japan South Korea's sports minister indicated Friday that President Moon Jae In may visit Japan to attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics later this month, expressing hope for a meeting between the leaders of the two countries on the occasion. Hwang Hee, minister of culture, sports and tourism, told Kyodo News and other foreign media outlets in Seoul that it would be meaningful even if Moon and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga "just met." Hwang said his Japan visit has already been scheduled. Bilateral ties have sunk to the lowest level in decades, largely over issues arising from Japan's colonization of the Korean Peninsula between 1910 and 1945. Japanese and South Korean leaders have not held summit talks since late 2019. Suga and Moon merely exchanged greetings at a Group of Seven summit event in Britain in June. South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Friday that Moon is considering a two-day stay in Tokyo from July 23, when the opening event will be held. The report cited a South Korean government official. Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said Moon's visit has not been fixed yet. A Suga-Moon meeting, if realized, would be the countries' first summit talks since December 2019, when Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe met with Moon in China. When asked at a press conference on Thursday if he will meet with Moon, Suga said, "It's natural to treat (him) in a polite manner in light of diplomatic protocols." Moon's planned visit to Japan would be the first since he participated in the Group of 20 summit in Osaka in June 2019. Japan-South Korea relations deteriorated after South Korean Supreme Court rulings in 2018 that ordered Japanese companies to compensate plaintiffs who were laborers during Japanese colonial rule. Relations worsened in January when the Seoul Central District Court ordered the Japanese government to pay damages to former "comfort women" over their treatment at military brothels during World War II. Japan takes the position that a 1965 bilateral agreement settled all claims related to its colonial rule of the peninsula, including those of the laborers and former comfort women. KYODO NEWS - Jul 9, 2021 - 23:39 | All, Japan Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is planning to visit Iran, possibly in mid-August, to build ties with its new government led by a conservative hard-liner, diplomatic sources said Friday. Motegi is expected to meet his Iranian counterpart as Japan aims to strengthen its traditionally friendly ties with Iran and discuss with the administration of President-elect Ebrahim Raisi, an anti-U.S. ultraconservative cleric, issues related to Tehran's nuclear program, the sources said. Raisi is set to assume his post in early August, following his election victory last month. It is the first time in eight years that a conservative hard-liner has won the presidency, fueling concern about a flare-up of tensions between Iran and the United States. Iran's current Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, under the outgoing government of moderate Hassan Rouhani, is also likely to be replaced by a conservative hard-liner, according to the sources. Motegi's visit to Iran is expected to be part of a 10-day trip to the Middle East, which will likely also take him to Egypt and Turkey in a bid to help stabilize tensions in the Middle East, the sources said. It would be the first visit to Iran by a senior Japanese government figure since then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and then Foreign Minister Taro Kono made trips in June 2019. Motegi is also considering visiting Israel and Palestine, as Japan looks to build a relationship with the Israeli government under new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and offer assistance to reconstruct Gaza following the bombing by Israel in May, according to the sources. In Turkey, Motegi is planning to meet with his counterpart to discuss the anti-coronavirus response and stability in the Middle East. He is also likely to visit Jordan, Iraq and Qatar. New Delhi: Karti Chidambaram, the son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, will undergo three more days of custodial interrogation in the INX Media corruption case with a Delhi court on Tuesday extending his CBI custody. The agency, which produced Karti Chidambaram before special judge Sunil Rana after his five-day police custody expired, said an extension was needed as there were new revelations. Further custodial interrogation was necessary to confront him with new facts, it added. Though there was substantial progress in the last four days of investigation into the case, he had not been cooperating and not disclosing passwords to his phones, it said. His answer to every question was, I am politically victimised, the agency added. The agency also alleged that witnesses in the case were being approached and evidences destroyed. The CBI, which had sought nine days of police custody of Karti Chidambaram, said he was taken to Mumbai and confronted with Indrani Mukerjea, one of the then promoters of INX Media, at the Byculla prison and her statement was just one of the evidences. New revelations in the matter have come up day before yesterday. Cannot divulge much about investigation but we need his further custody to confront him with the new facts, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the court. He also opposed Karti Chidambarams bail plea, saying the investigation was at a crucial stage and the CBI needs two weeks to file a detailed reply to his bail application. However, the court posted the hearing on the bail plea on March 9 when Karti Chidambaram will be produced before it after his three-day police custody. During the period of remand, all the conditions laid down in the March 1 order will prevailthat Karti Chidambaram will be medically examined every 24 hours and will be at liberty to seek the assistance of his counsel, one hour each in the morning and evening. Though he will be permitted to carry medicines on prescription with him, he will be denied home food. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Karti Chidambaram, said the CBI just wanted to keep him in custody by hook or by crook. I have cooperated. I am not obliged to answer what you (CBI) want to hear. My duty is only to make myself available for questioning, Singhvi submitted. The shifting of stands/reasons by the CBI to keep me in custody is a mala fide attempt on their part to get my custody, the senior advocate said. Is Indranis statement even an admissible evidence? She is in jail in the murder case of her daughter, he asked, adding that Karti Chidambaram was not a terrorist with a bomb that he could not be interrogated without being kept in custody. His father and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram and mother, Nalini Chidambaram, also a senior advocate, were present in the courtroom during the hearing. The court had allowed him to meet them for 10 minutes. At the outset, the probe agency submitted before the court documents in a sealed cover related to the probe in the case over the last six days. On March 1, the court had allowed Karti Chidambarams custodial interrogation by the CBI for five days, saying there was need to unearth the larger conspiracy in the INX Media case and his presence would serve an important purpose. In the remand application, CBI counsel V K Sharma today said the agency was able to gather some information even though Karti Chidambaram was evasive while answering routine questions. While granting police custody, the court on March 1 had come to the conclusion that Karti Chidambarams presence was needed for important and specific purposes connected with the completion of the investigation in the present case, the CBI said. The agency also reminded the court about its previous order in which it was stated that Karti Chidambarams custody remand was necessary to confront him with documents, co-accused and to unearth the larger conspiracy and the role of other accused person involved in the case. The CBI, during the last hearing, had claimed that Karti Chidambaram has to be confronted with the statement of various witnesses, including former RBI governor D Subba Rao. Rao had headed a committee which dealt with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) issue of INX Media before the approval was granted when Chidambaram was Union finance minister. Karti Chidambaram was arrested on February 28 at Chennai Airport on his return from the United Kingdom, in connection with the FIR lodged on May 15 last year alleging irregularities in FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds worth about Rs 305 crore in 2007 when his father was finance minister. The fresh evidence in the case, triggering the arrest, was based on a statement from Indrani Mukerjea, also an accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, who recorded it under section 164 of the CrPC before a magistrate on February 17. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: The US on Friday announced a USD 5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Maulana Fazlullah, the chief of the banned terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan which has carried out several deadly attacks, including the 2014 Peshawar school massacre in which over 150 people, mostly students, were killed. The announcement by the State Department came a day after Fazlullah's son was reported killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan. In 2012, Fazlullah ordered the assassination of Pakistani school girl Malala Yousafzai for promoting girls' right to education and publicly criticized Fazlullah and the TTP, it said. Malala was seriously injured in the attack and had to be shifted to the UK for specialised treatment. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Under its rewards for justice programme, the US also announced a USD 3 million reward for information each on Abdul Wali of Jamaat ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Lashkar-e-Islam leader Mangal Bagh. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar is a terrorist organisation that split away from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) while Lashkar-e-Islam is based in Pakistan's Khyber Tribal Agency. The announcement came as Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua held meetings with officials of the Trump administration, including the White House and the State Department. The State Department said the TTP was a terrorist organisation based in the tribal areas of eastern Afghanistan. It has historically maintained close ties with al-Qaeda. Also Read: 10 policemen killed as Taliban assault outpost in Takhar province Since being appointed by the group's central Shura Council in November 2013, Fazlullah has organised and directed several TTP attacks in Pakistan and has publicly blamed the US for military operations against the group. In December 2014, Fazlullah's operatives carried out the most lethal terrorist attack in Pakistan's history when they killed 151 people, including more than 130 children, during an attack on Army Public School in Peshawar. Abdul Wali reportedly operates from Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Kunar Provinces. Under Wali's leadership, JuA has been one of the most operationally active TTP networks in the Punjab Province and has claimed multiple suicide bombings and other attacks throughout Pakistan. US govt announces rewards on 3 Pakistani terrorists. A state dept release says $5 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of TTP Chief Maulana Fazlullah, $3 million each for Abdul Wali of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Mangal Bagh of Lashkar-e-Islam: Reuters ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2018 In March 2016, JuA conducted a suicide bombing at a public park in Lahore that killed 75 people and injured 340 others. In August 2015, JuA claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Punjab that killed Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada and 18 of his supporters. Wali, also known as Omar Khalid Khorasani, was born in Mohmand Agency in Pakistan and is believed to be in his late 30s. He is a former journalist and poet and has studied at a number of madrasas in Karachi. According to the State Department, Mangal Bagh and his group earns revenue from drug trafficking, smuggling, kidnapping, raids on NATO convoys and taxes on transit trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Also Read: Donald Trump hardens stand on India, China; pitches for 'mirror tax' on imports Bagh has led Lashkar-e-Islam since 2006 and has routinely shifted alliances to protect illicit revenue streams while enforcing an extreme version of Deobandi Islam in the areas of eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan that he controls, particularly Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. Born in Khyber Agency in Pakistan, he is believed to be in his mid-40s. Bagh is a member of the Afridi tribe. He studied at a madrasa for several years and later fought alongside militant groups in Afghanistan. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In what comes as a major breakthrough for CBI, a close aide of India's most wanted criminal and 1993 Mumbai serial blasts prime accused Dawood Ibrahim has been deported from UAE and brought back to India. Farooq Takla was deported from Dubai and brought to Mumbai in Air India flight AI 996 on Thursday morning. Takla, against whom a Red Corner Notice was issued in 1995, fled the country soon after 13 blasts rocked the Mumbai city in 1993. He is currently at the CBI office in Mumbai and will be produced before the TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) court later in the day. Farooq faces criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means and several other charges. He is currently being interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai. Dawood masterminded the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts in which 257 people were killed and over 700 were injured. He has been listed as a global terrorist by a committee of the UN Security Council. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable punished for disrespecting Narendra Modi has been spared a seven-day salary cut after the Prime Minister on Wednesday expressed displeasure on the penance and directed the officers of the paramilitary to immediately pull back the order. Spokesperson of the paramilitary confirmed the development and said, Prime Minister has expressed his displeasure. The order has been rescinded. The BSF spokesperson further added that they have cautioned the concerned Commandant for not dealing with the matter judiciously. The BSF order which had penalised the constable said, On 21.2.2018, during zero parade, while giving report, you used words Modi Programme which shows disrespect towards Honorable Prime Minister. A BSF senior officer said that the commanding officer of the unit, Commandant Anup Lal Bhagat, ordered the constable to hand down a pay fine of 7 days. The BSF official clarifying the constables comments said, He referred to an event that he attended as Modi programme during the assembly. Also read | Mann Ki Baat: India moving towards women led development, says PM Modi The officer added that the constable said so at the time when the troopers brief seniors about their oficial activities. He added that the commanding officer found the reference Modi programme an event in which PM Modi was present by the constable as improper and ordered an inquiry against him. The constable was held guilty and charged with indiscipline. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Shimla: Union minister JP Nadda on Thursday filed his nomination for election to the lone Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. The seat is falling vacant on April 2 following the expiry of Nadda's first term. Nadda submitted his papers to the returning officer. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, BJP state chief Satpal Singh Sati, Speaker Rajiv Bindal and other cabinet ministers. He would possibly be elected unanimously from the state as the Congress, which has only 21 members in 68 member House, was unlikely to contest the seat. However, Congress sources said that a final decision in this regard would be taken soon. The notification for the election was issued on March 5 and last date of filing nominations is December 12. The scrutiny of nomination papers would take place on March 13 and the last date of withdrawal is March 15. The elections, if necessary, would be held on March 23. Speaking to media persons later, Nadda thanked the central and state election committees of the party and said he was asked by BJP chief Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to file the nomination. Referring to the assistance Himachal Pradesh received from the Centre, he said that an AIIMS was coming up in Bilaspur, a government medical colleges had been opened at Nahan, Mandi and Chamba. He said he had met the chairman of the Finance Commission recently, requesting liberal assistance to the state. Nadda said the commission would visit the state soon. He said during a meeting of chief ministers at Delhi he met the HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar who assured him that a decision would be taken soon on the main campus of the central university. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Two BJP ministers in N Chandrababu Naidu's Andhra Pradesh Cabinet submitted their resignation to the Chief Minister on Wednesday. Kamineni Srinivas, Health and Medical Education minister and P Manikyala Rao, Endowments Minister quit from the AP cabinet in the wake of the TDP asking its Union Ministers to resign. It is a painful decision. This should not have happened like this. The sentiments of people are important and people feel that Special Category Status is Andhra Pradeshs right. Our commitment is to the development of the state. I and my colleague Maikyala Rao will submit resignations before the budget sessions starts today, Srinivas said. Manikyala Rao said that he was pained by the way certain political leaders, including TDP leaders, were blaming Venkaiah Naidu, then a BJP minister. Venkaiah Naidu did a lot of things for the state after bifurcation. He is the one who put his foot down and ensured that Andhra got a number of institutions and projects, and got funds released immediately for Amaravati. Such a person is being accused and blamed today. That is not acceptable. I am going to the Assembly to resign, Rao said. The TDP had late last night decided to ask its members in the NDA Cabinet, Union Civil Aviation Minister P Ashok Gajapati Raju and Y Satyanarayana Chowdary, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences to resign after the Centre refused to grant special category status to the state. Although we did get a lot of funds and projects from the Centre in the last four years certain key promises made in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, and assurances given on the floor of Parliament when the state was being divided have not been fulfilled. The issue of granting special status has been dragged on for four years now and there was no mention of Andhra in the last budget of the NDA. It is an unfortunate decision but it had to be taken in the interest of the state., Chowdhary said this morning. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Singapore: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi have completely forgiven his father Rajiv Gandhis killers. During his interaction with IIM alumni in Singapore, Gandhi, when asked if he and his sister Priyanka had forgiven his fathers killers, said: We were very upset and hurt and for many years we were quite angry. But, somehow, completely...in fact, completely (forgiven). There is a history that when one realises that when these events take place, its collision of ideas, forces, confusion. Thats where you get caught. I remember when I saw Mr Prabhakaran on TV lying dead, I got two feelings - one was why they are humiliating this man in this way. Also Read | 'Thanks to Rahul Gandhi, Nirbhaya's brother is a pilot now' And second was I felt really bad for him and for his kids and I did that because I understood deeply what it meant to be on the other side of that thing. So to me when I see violence regardless of who it is, I know that there is a human being behind that, there is a family behind that, a kid crying behind that. I have been through a lot of pain to get this and it is something I consider very valuable. I find it difficult to hate people, even my sister does, he said. Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a female suicide bomber of LTTE, the terrorist group in Sri Lanka led by Prabhakaran, on May 21, 1991 at an election rally in Tamil Nadu. Gandhi, who is on a five-day trip to the Southeast Asian countries, also said: We knew that my father was going to die. We knew that my grandmother was going to die. In politics, when you mess with the wrong forces, and if you stand for something, you will die. Thats pretty clear. Asked if he thinks he had a privilege life being the son and grandson of former prime ministers, he said, It depends which side of the coin you are...of course there are a number of privileges where I sit, but I would not say that I havent been through a rough ride. I was 14 when my grandmother was assassinated. I used to play badminton with those who killed my grandmother. After that my father was killed. So you live in a particular environment...surrounded by 15 guys from morning noon and night, I dont thinks thats a privilege. I think thats quite a hard thing to deal with, he said in a video shared by the Congress party on its Twitter handle. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bengaluru: Flagging off the "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the assembly polls, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday unveiled the proposed official state flag for Karnataka. The 'Naada Dwaja' (state's flag) in hues of yellow, white and red, has the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda' or the two-headed mythological bird, at its centre. A committee formed by the state government last year had recommended the separate flag for Karnataka discounting any constitutional or legal hurdles for it. Siddaramaiah unveiled the flag after chairing a meeting of pro-Kannada organisations, activists and literary personalities, where they unanimously approved the design. It was decided to have a flag for the state as a symbol of pride of Kannada speaking people, he said adding "it was the intention, opinion and voice of Kannadigas." "We have done it today. All (Kannada organisations) have given their approval for it," he said. Calling the state flag, a "sign of Kannadiga pride" and a "historic decision", he said it would be sent to the central government for approval. Pointing out that the state cannot declare its flag by itself and it requires approval from the Centre Siddaramaiah said, "So we will immediately send it to the central government. We will also try and impress upon the Centre to give its approval". Also Read: After conquering North-East, BJP sets eye on annexing Karnataka Asked whether the Centre will give its approval, he said "the Constitution does not say that the state should not have its flag, so I believe they will agree. As a country has a flag, in the same way in a federal system, there is no bar in the constitution for the state to have its own flag, he said. Also in the federal system the national flag is always supreme and will be above the state flag, he added. A nine-member committee formed by the government had submitted its report on designing a separate flag for the state and providing a legal standing for it on February 5. The government's move to form the panel had drawn criticism from some quarters, with some comparing it to Jammu Kashmir, which enjoys a special status under Article 370 of the constitution. Pointing that for a long time a discussion about having a state flag was on, Siddaramaiah said the committee after a thorough examination and discussions about legal, historical and constitutional aspects finally came to a decision on the matter. The committee, headed by the principal secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture, was set up in June last year after a representation from noted Kannada writer and? journalist Patil Puttappa and social worker Bheemappa Gundappa Gadada. In their representation, the two had requested the government to design a separate flag for 'Kannada Naadu' and accord it legal standing. Also Read: Karnataka Youth Congress leader Mohammad Harris denied bail plea in assault case Detailing about the flag design, Siddaramaiah said the tricolour flag has white colour at the middle of yellow and the red flag that "we unofficially use now." It also has the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda' at the centre, but will not have the inscription 'Satyameva Jayate, he said'. The unofficial but widely regarded yellow and red 'Kannada flag' that is hoisted in the state on November one? every year to commemorate the state formation day and used in the form of a scarf by Kannada activists, was designed in the 1960s. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. United Nations: The UN envoy for the Democratic Republic of Congo has warned of a risk of violence as the country heads toward elections in December. DR Congo is in the grip of a shocking humanitarian crisis with 4.5 million people in need of aid, the highest number in Africa, Leila Zerrougui told the Security Council. President Joseph Kabila agreed to free political prisoners and respect the rights of the opposition under a political deal reached in 2016, but Zerrougui said the government had fallen short of those commitments. A failure to generate confidence in the full and faithful implementation of the December 31 agreement will only serve to heighten political tensions, and to fuel the risks of inciting violence for political ends, said Zerrougui. After much delay, authorities in the vast mineral-rich African country set a date of December 23 for elections that are expected to pave the way to a historic transfer of power. But Kabila, who took over from his father Laurent after he was assassinated in 2001, has not yet clearly stated whether he will step aside. Anti-government protests have turned deadly over the past months, despite UN appeals to Kabila to rein in his security forces. Zerrougui said the disproportionate use of force by security services during protests in December and January were a major concern after 16 people were killed, more than 100 were wounded and dozens more arrested. Security has deteriorated in eastern DR Congo, where rebel groups have attacked Congolese forces and UN peacekeepers, while militias in the Kasai region are increasing their activities, said Zerrougui. The Security Council was meeting as it prepares to renew the mandate of its 17,500-strong peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo, known as MONUSCO. Zerrougui urged the top UN body to ensure that MONUSCO supports the political and electoral process in the country and help stabilize the security situation. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a case of sheer abuse of power, a BJP leader in Tamil Nadu slapped and thrashed a farmer leader P Ayyakannu outside premises of Sri Subramania Swamy Temple in Chennai. In a video tweeted by ANI, district Secretary of the BJP's women's wing Nellaiyammal is seen slapping Farmer leader who was allegedly distributing pamphlets criticising Narendra Modi-led Central government. In the video, while some people are seen trying to intervene, the BJP leader goes more aggressive and shows her slipper to the farmer leader. #WATCH: Heated argument ensued between District Secretary of the BJP's women's wing Nellaiyammal and Tamil Nadu Farmer leader P Ayyakannu outside premises of Sri Subramania Swamy Temple in Thiruchendur when the latter was allegedly distributing pamphlets criticising Central govt. pic.twitter.com/Ze8FJu5FN0 ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2018 Farmers across the country are angry with Modi government over a range of issues. Tamil Nadu is suffering the worst drought in last 140 years and the peasants from the state are demanding a drought relief package from Centre. Farmers in BJP ruled Maharashtra are also staging a protest march against government's "anti-farmer" policies. They are demanding complete farm loan waiver and implementation of recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: The meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would not take place without concrete actions that match the promises made by the reclusive nation, the White House said on Saturday. It, however, maintained that the time and place for the meeting has not been determined, a day after Trump said he has agreed to meet Kim by May, setting the stage for a historic summit between the two leaders who have repeatedly traded insults amid spiraling tensions over Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programmes. This meeting would not take place without concrete actions that match the promises made by North Korea, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference, adding that the time and place for the meeting is yet to be determined. Sanders reiterated that the Trump administration will continue with its maximum pressure campaign on Pyongyang. Friday night and Saturday morning, Trump has had a series of telephonic conversations with a number of world leaders, who have been involved with the US on the North Korean issue. Also Read | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in India, gets PM Modi's welcome hug Sanders said the US has accepted the invitation to talk based on the commitment made by North Korea. We are making no concessions. We are not going to move forward until we see concrete and verifiable actions from North Korea, she said. The President, she said, is committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The US is speaking from a position of strength and North Korea is on a weak wicket, Sanders added. Earlier in the day, US Vice President Mike Pence said that North Koreas desire to meet to discuss denuclearization while suspending all ballistic missile and nuclear testing is evidence that President Trumps strategy to isolate the Kim regime is working. The North Koreans are coming to the table despite the United States making zero concessions and, in close coordination with our allies, we have consistently increased the pressure on the Kim regime, he said. Our resolve is undeterred and our policy remains the same: all sanctions remain in place and the maximum pressure campaign will continue until North Korea takes concrete, permanent, and verifiable steps to end their nuclear program, Pence said. Sanders said Trump is hopeful that the US can make some continued progress. Look, what we know is that the maximum-pressure campaign has clearly been effective. We know that it has put a tremendous amount of pressure on North Korea, she said. They have made some major promises. Theyve made promises to denuclearize. Theyve made promises to stop nuclear and missile testing. They have recognised that regular military exercises between the US and its ally, South Korea, will continue. The maximum-pressure campaign, were not letting up, she said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan's human rights exploitation allegation at the former in the United Nation Human Rights Council by saying that "terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights". In a Right of Reply filed at the 37 Session of the UN Human Rights Council, New Delhi reminded Islamabad about the state of human rights within its own borders and said that Pakistan has been using the argument of human rights as a shield to mask its territorial ambitions. "There is also a reference to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. There is none to cross-border terrorism. Terrorism is the most fundamental violation of human rights and we overlook its egregiousness at our own peril," said Raj Kumar Chander, the Indian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN offices and other international organisations in Geneva. Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra`ad Al Hussein in his annual report and an oral update made a comment on human rights developments in Kashmir at the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Hussein said: "With respect to Kashmir, on both sides of the Line of Control, regrettably unconditional access continues to be refused to my office, and I will report on this issue at greater length in June." For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A CBI court turned down an interim bail plea of Rotomac Global chairman Vikram Kothari in connection with an alleged Rs 3,695-crore bank loan default case and set March 14 for hearing his regular bail plea. Judge M P Chaudhary remanded him in judicial custody. The CBI produced Kothari, along with his son Rahul, in the court after his police remand ended on Wednesday. They were sent to police remand on February 24. Vikram Kothari had moved the interim plea for bail on the ground of his old age and ailment. The CBI opposed the plea and said that he was hale and hearty. The court considered the facts and found that he was not entitled for interim bail on the said grounds. The CBI arrested Vikram Kothari on February 23. A consortium of seven nationalized banks has given bank loans worth Rs 2,919 crore to Rotomac Global Pvt Limited from 2008 onwards, the CBI's FIR has alleged. The amount swelled to Rs 3,695 crore, including the accrued interest, because of repeated defaults on payment, the agency said. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Srinagar: 7 more assembly seats to be added in Jammu and Kashmir. This will be followed by a total of 90 assembly seats. The Delimitation Commission, which is on a visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has informed this while holding a press conference. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, member of the Commission, said that the delimitation process will be completed by March next year. He said that this will be done as the basis of 2011 Census. However, the news may be worrying for Pakistan as 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir fall in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The BJP has been consistently demanding that these seats also be made a part of the assembly elections. Earlier, a delegation of The Jammu and Kashmir Unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met the Delimitation Commission on Thursday and demanded unfreeze of 24 assembly seats coming to PoK to provide reservation to displaced people from PoK, Kashmir Pandits, SC and ST. The delegation led by Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit president Ravinder Raina also demanded adequate representation for Jammu in the Assembly. Tell me, the Members of the Delimitation Commission have been in Jammu and Kashmir for four days and are discussing with the people there. During the press conference, it was informed that the members of the Commission have spoken to the people from 10.10 p.m. and tried to find out what is going on in their minds. The Commission is headed by Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai. Olympic flame reaches in Tokyo for no-watcher relay A special vaccination drive for sex workers launched by PMC Railway employees to work in two shifts, Railway Minister as soon as he takes over New Delhi: Sugar mills have so far exported 47.5 lakh tonnes of sugar in the current 2020-21 marketing year ending In September, indonesia has been the highest export. Trade body AISTA informed about the same on Friday. The All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) said in a statement that sugar mills have so far contracted to export 59 lakh tonnes of sugar as against the 60 lakh tonnes quota allocated by the Food Ministry in January this year. In addition, 4,30,000 tonnes of sugar has been contracted for export under OGL (Open General License) route without subsidy support. With this, export of sugar to Iran has started in small quantities. In the month of June, 6,982 tonnes of Taqriban was sent to Iran. The Chinese marketing year runs from October to September. According to AISTA, sugar mills have exported a total of 47.5 lakh tonnes of sugar from January 1 to July 6, 2021. Out of the total exports made so far, indonesia has been exported a maximum of 15.8 lakh tonnes so far this year, followed by 5,82,776 tonnes in Afghanistan and 4,47,097 tonnes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 3,63,972 tonnes in Sri Lanka. Tamannaah Bhatia's dance video creates huge internet buzz, fans go crazy India-Russia must work together for peace in Afghanistan: S Jaishankar Akshra Singh's song breaks all records with release on internet For many Nepali people, going through any kind of legal work and documentation can be tiresome and complicated. Visiting law firms, finding specialised lawyers, explaining the queries, getting answers, and paying them requires so much time, effort and money. In order to fix this struggle and digitise the legal profession, the trio of Santosh Giri, Sanjaya Singh, and Aalok Subedi came up with a company named SiliconHire and launched MeroAdda with an aim to foster access to law, justice and overall government affairs in Nepal through the use of technology. With such companies almost rare in Nepal, MeroAdda has already made its place in the countrys startup scene as a pioneer in providing legal and administrative advice services. What it is Subedi explains MeroAdda is a product of the company SiliconHire Pvt Ltd. This Nepal-based online platform launched by the SiliconHire Company allows the advocates to sign up on this platform and other people (service recipients) to ask legal questions anonymously and free of cost. They can also search the lawyers as per the areas of expertise or the districts and seek answers. Also, the lawyers can create a profile for free and this platform also increases the chances of lawyers getting additional cases and businesses, adds Subedi. Photo: Pxfuel Besides, it also provides professional services that include company registration, company closure, rental agreement, design/patent/ trademark registration, company renewal, and many more for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. This is the main source of revenue for MeroAdda. Plus, this company also earns from legal process outsourcing. As a self-sustaining business, we have invested around Rs 15 million till date from the income itself, shares Subedi. Loopholes-triggered idea Aalok Subedi met Santosh Giri, another co-founder of the company, in the USA in 2011 through a mutual friend. Giri was already in the legal field when they met. The duo was later joined by Sanjaya Singh, who has years of experience in the technology domain, in 2014/15. Subedi narrates, At that time, in the US, we used to find many loopholes while doing legal work as most of the work was done manually making the procedure tedious. Due to that, many businesses used to postpone legal compliance and end up paying a fine later. They saw an opportunity in this problem. They thought of working on legal technology and thus, began their research. They found out that there are only a few companies that are working in this sector worldwide. Consequently, they started with launching a compliance tool in the US itself in 2012. Immediately, they filed for patent rights and trademarks, which they successfully got. Co-founders of SiliconHire, Aalok Subedi and Santosh Giri. Photo: MeroAdda This motivated us very much. This made our belief that this field has a wider scope and also that legal work done manually can be automated, to make it stronger. In parallel, we also designed legal tech products/ platforms for providing legal and HR services. After a few years, they thought of expanding this to Nepal, finding that there was no availability of such kinds of services in the motherland. Consequently, Subedi returned to Nepal in 2017 and began working on designing such a legal tech platform that the public could conveniently use. Side by side, they also continuously learned about Nepali laws, provisions, practices and legal works. They visited law firms, met many lawyers, and talked with many people. Then, we officially launched Meroadda.com on September 20, 2019, Subedi informs. According to Subedi, they named this venture MeroAdda as many Nepali uses the term adda for any government office. At the same time, most people find doing legal work very tedious and complex. So, in order to add the feeling of closeness, the word mero is added. Low technology literacy as a barrier Subedi opens up, As a fresh concept in the country, it was very challenging to make the people, as well as the lawyers, understand the idea of our platform in the initial days. Although internet penetration is high in Nepal, technology literacy is very low. In the beginning, no queries came to them. After some time, people asked their questions on social media pages and the chatbox of MeroAdda, instead of asking it through its website as many people in Nepal are not used to it, Subedi explains. This was not the only barrier. Many lawyers hesitated to join us because the code of conduct of the Nepal Bar Council says lawyers and advocates in Nepal cannot advertise themselves and many questioned why to answer for free. Overcoming hurdles Acknowledging these challenges, Subedi and the team started working to make both the general public and lawyers understand the efficiency and importance of legal technology and how it can be a win-win platform for both using social media platforms and visiting advocates, law firms. In the future, the team is working to introduce more and more advanced and automated legal tech services and products charging nominal fees. Additionally, the team is working to develop DIY contracts, case management systems for law firms and automated systems for tracking legal professional services. Workforce House bill would add demographics to the Plum Book A House bill meant to modernize the Plum Book, the quadrennial list of presidentially appointed jobs in the federal government, has a new addition that would require the release of summary-level demographic information about political appointees. The measure, introduced Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and folded into the Periodically Listing Updates to Management Act, or PLUM Act, would require the Office of Personnel Management to work with the White House Office of Presidential Personnel to make a public summary of appointees demographics available at least once a year. The jobs inventoried in the Plum Book include high-level Senate-confirmed posts (agency heads, ambassadorships and a select few CIO jobs); Senior Executive Service General positions, which can be filled by either career feds or appointees; and Schedule C roles, which are excepted from the competitive service because they shape policy or are required to serve in a confidential relationship to a key official. A wide range of IT leadership positions fall into the SES and Schedule C categories. To meet the needs of the American people, our political appointees need to reflect America, Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement. By publicly reporting on the demographics of appointees, we will see where efforts need to be improved to ensure that our policymakers are not only talented, but diverse and representative of everyone in our country. Currently, there is no central location for demographic information about appointees, said Mark Hanis, co-founder of Inclusive America, a nonprofit thats issued its support for the bill. Inclusive America does maintain data on appointees, but they access that data through a variety of methods, including Freedom of Information Act requests and sources compiled by other organizations, he said. If passed, appointees would report their race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, gender, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, and whether they are over the age of 40. Theyll also have the option to not specify for each category. This information would be released with the online version of the Plum Book, which would be transformed into a continually-updated online directory of appointments maintained by OPM. For the new Plum book, agencies would be required to give data like the names of appointees, their agency, location and type of position, to OPM on a monthly basis. After the end of an administration, OPM would have to archive the data compiled under the last administration. The demographic information would be reported at least once a year. Users would be able to sort the data by agency or by demographic category, or a combination, although they wont be able to go down to the level of identifying individual appointees. The bill was referred out of the House Oversight and Reform Committee on June 29 with a slew of other reform bills. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) has introduced a companion version of the PLUM Act in the Senate, although it currently does not include a companion item to Ocasio-Cortezs bill. Last year, both the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Reform Committee advanced the PLUM Act. People Biden ousts Social Security Administration Leadership President Joe Biden ousted top leadership at the Social Security Agency on Friday, July 9, after months of pressure to do so from unions at the agency and various Democrats in Congress. Kilolo Kijakazi, the agencys deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, will serve as acting commissioner. An email from Kijakazi to SSA staff announcing the changes went out late Friday afternoon, and a White House spokesperson confirmed the moves to FCW. Former Commissioner Andrew Saul and former Deputy Commissioner David Black were both appointed to fixed terms at the agency by former President Donald Trump. Sauls six-year term was set to run through 2025. The positions terms allowed him to be fired by the president after a finding of "neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. Blacks six-year position was also Senate-confirmed, but its terms allow the president to remove the person in the position without an adverse finding. Biden requested resignations from both on June 9. Saul was terminated after refusing. Black agreed to resign, the administration official told FCW. Since taking office, Commissioner Saul has undermined and politicized Social Security disability benefits, terminated the agencys telework policy that was utilized by up to 25 percent of the agencys workforce, not repaired SSAs relationships with relevant Federal employee unions including in the context of COVID-19 workplace safety planning, reduced due process protections for benefits appeals hearings, and taken other actions that run contrary to the mission of the agency and the Presidents policy agenda, the White House official said. The change in leadership follows a June 23 ruling from the Supreme Court that found the job protections given to the director of the Fair Housing Finance Agency, which has a similar leadership to SSA, were unconstitutional. Unions have been calling for Biden to oust top leadership for months, saying that sour labor-management relations at the agency wont improve with Saul and Black remaining. "AALJ is very pleased to learn that Commissioner Saul and Deputy Commissioner Black have been removed from their leadership positions," president of the Association of Administrative Law Judges, Judge Melissa McIntosh, told FCW. "They engaged in very aggressive union busting, and people who have such animosity towards unions should not be in charge of federal agencies." SSA press officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cybersecurity Will the ransomware surge impact Biden's cyber EO? Federal officials and private sector leaders are still learning more about the destructive impact a massive ransomware attack had on hundreds of commercial businesses nationwide during the July 4th weekend, as millions of American workers and companies went offline to celebrate the holiday. While President Joe Biden said his administration had not yet determined where the attack originated, reports indicate the malicious software was developed by the Russian-speaking hacking collective REvil, the group also reportedly behind the ransomware attack that crippled JBS, the worlds largest meatpacking company, earlier this summer. As ransomware attacks increase in size and scope, officials say no one is safe: the public and private sector are both vulnerable to -- and seen as major targets for -- multi-pronged cyber attacks that can snarl an entire agencys operations or shut down a global corporation until a ransom is paid or systems are restored from secure and uncompromised backups (if such backups exist). Meanwhile, the White House has sought to get ahead of these attacks by issuing a cybersecurity executive order featuring aggressive deadlines and sweeping reforms to current federal cyber policy. If the federal government, its contractors and American businesses writ-large have a fighting chance against these increasingly sophisticated attacks, success will require collaboration, organization and new investments in technology and staffing, according to Alan Chvotkin, a partner at Nichols Liu LLP and the former executive vice president and counsel of the Professional Services Council. Chvotkin spoke to FCW in a recent interview about the latest ransomware attack, and what federal officials can do to meet the moment and prevent similar attacks against government agencies. The following conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. FCW: Were seeing a sharp escalation in sophisticated, tradecraft ransomware attacks targeting the public and private sectors. Whats your initial reaction to the most recent attack, which may be the largest of its kind, impacting anywhere from 800 to 1,500 businesses? Alan Chvotkin: Im concerned by the ease at which these Russians -- or whoever may be behind this -- are able to establish access to these various systems and then create the need to pay off a ransom in order to restore those systems. It gets right back to the issue of cybersecurity and cyber hygiene across the board; not just among federal agencies and their contractors, but commercial companies, too. It reinforces the notion that cybersecurity should be a high priority for anyone in any sort of business. FCW: Just like some federal agencies, many commercial firms are at the very beginning stages of implementing good cyber posture. Theyre just becoming aware of important tools like two-factor authentication and encryption. Is that level of progress having any impact preventing cyber incidents, or are they moving too slow? Chvotkin: Well, were seeing two kinds of ransomware attacks: the very sophisticated state actors, either backed by Russia or the North Koreans, and theyre not going to be deterred by basic cybersecurity. Then you have the opportunistic attacker: I think for that group, even minimal cyber hygiene may help minimize the impact or make them look elsewhere for potential victims. FCW: The executive order demands major reforms to current cyber policy and practices employed across various agencies with fast-approaching deadlines. Will this spate of large-scale ransomware attacks serve as motivation for those agencies working to implement the cyber EO to get the job done on time? Chvotkin: Id certainly hope so. You never know what will provide the sufficient wake up call, but whats clear is that federal agencies are not immune. They remain a target, as do federal contractors. The price of not implementing even reasonable controls is going up, both in terms of the actual cost of the ransom, as well as the risk facing ongoing business operations. Besides accelerating, I think the other thing thats possible is well see more in-depth coverage: When it comes to the Software Bill of Material, for example, its easy to provide a broad outline, but maybe theres an opportunity for more in-depth regulatory or guidance documents on how to treat these kind of issues. FCW: There have also been reported concerns around unfunded mandates featured throughout the cyber executive order. What can be done to help agencies meet the deadlines? Chvotkin: Its regrettable that many federal agencies are so slow in their response. Some agencies are doing well, and some are not. Its a combination of resources and money, but both of those are addressable. DHS just recently hired several hundred people for their cybersecurity work, and the Biden administration has put billions in their budget for cybersecurity activities. The need for both of those critical investments still exist -- but Im hoping that diminishes over time. Instead of criticizing agencies, OMB and others need to be helping agencies to get to a better position in their overall cyber hygiene. FCW: How can OMB and others move past criticism towards remediation stages, where they are proactively assisting agencies in identifying and rooting out cyber vulnerabilities? Chvotkin: Weve got federal procurement rules, and cybersecurity rules for the federal marketplace, and FedRAMP and everything else, but in and of itself its not enough. From a policy side, I wouldnt be surprised to see the federal government impose greater and greater obligations and responsibilities both on agencies and contractors. By Kate Abnett and Mark John BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) - A European Union plan to extend carbon pricing to the fuel used in cars and to heat homes is facing a wall of early resistance from countries and lawmakers fearing a public pushback unless backers find ways to compensate those worst hit. According to leaked drafts, the scheme would set up an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for transport and heating, creating a market price for carbon a price that fuel suppliers are likely to pass on to Europe's half a billion consumers in the form of higher bills. Expected to be part of a package of proposals on July 14 aimed at ensuring the EU hits a target of cutting net emissions by 55% by 2030, it has been singled out by some capitals as something that could hurt the poorest in the 27-nation bloc. Some even raise the prospect of it triggering "yellow vest" movements like the often violent protests that spread across France from late 2018 after an attempt to raise fuel taxes. "This is a big risk for the willingness among the population to go forward with the transition," one EU official said, of the EU's goal to move towards a climate-neutral economy. "We have to tread very carefully." If they go ahead with it next week, European Commission policy-drafters promise to add social protections, including by channeling some revenues from the new ETS into a social fund to support the needy. But critics question whether risking a political backlash is wise for something they say will only indirectly influence consumers' behaviour especially when the EU is already planning tougher car CO2 standards and energy-saving requirements for buildings to curb emissions in those sectors. "Taking such a political risk for a limited gain, I think it's not worth it," Pascal Canfin, a member of French President Emmanuel Macron's La Republique En Marche! movement and chair of the European Parliament's environment committee, told Reuters. Story continues Canfin, who created a stir in June by declaring the plan "political suicide", described it as a de facto regressive tax and cited analysis by the Commission itself suggesting an ETS for road transport would cut emissions by barely 3%. Any plan proposed by the Commission must be negotiated and eventually approved by the European Parliament and member states. WHO PAYS? The EUs existing carbon market has slashed emissions in the power sector and supporters say that success can be replicated elsewhere, to encourage consumers to make greener choices. "A carbon price is the most efficient way to encourage businesses and households to cut emissions," said Elisabetta Cornago, research fellow at the Centre for European Reform in Brussels, adding that such policies should aim to redistribute any revenues generated to low-income households. The economic, political and social backdrop to next week's announcement is certainly challenging. A year-long market rally in crude oil on the back of hopes of global economic recovery has already pushed energy prices and inflation rates higher, while the pandemic has exacerbated existing wealth inequalities. Surveys show a large majority of Europeans support the EUs ambitious emissions-cutting goals. But even those who support tackling climate change are reluctant to pay for it directly. A poll last month found that 75% of Germans rejected fuel price hikes as a way of addressing climate change. In theory, a carbon pricing mechanism should be the most politically palatable way of achieving emission-cutting goals -less visible and draconian than upfront tax increases. In Canada, a carbon polluting pricing system hailed by some as a model scheme included a rebate that people can claim back via their annual tax filings. But in Europe, tax remains very much in the hands of member states. "The EU just doesn't have the competency to give direct payments," said Michael Bloss, a European Parliament lawmaker for the German Greens, who urge the EU to target companies instead, for example by banning combustion engine car sales. OWN IT The Commission has yet to reveal the details of the policys social fund to support those in need such as consumers who cannot change their travel behaviour due to limited transport options or because they rent their home so cannot replace an inefficient boiler. "It's too much to expect people to react rationally to price signals unless actions like building renovation are made a lot easier and cheaper," said Brook Riley, head of EU affairs for insulation manufacturer Rockwool, who said ETS proceeds should be earmarked for such measures. Another challenge is that poorer ex-communist countries in the east which rely more on coal-fuelled energy worry that an EU-wide price would hit them hardest. "A strong compensation mechanism would need to be in place to minimalise negative social consequences," an official from one EU country said, adding that some poorer countries have an older - and thus dirtier - car fleet than the EU average. With transport and heating not due to face CO2 costs until 2026, according to a draft version of the policy seen by Reuters, the sting will not be felt until after September's German election or the French presidential race in 2022, two defining moments for Europe's future political make-up. It also provides ample time for countries to prepare, for example by using the billions of euros available from the EU's post-pandemic recovery fund to build charging stations for electric cars or make buildings more energy-efficient. But cutting carbon emissions will always carry a price tag, and Cornago said policymakers would need to spell that out for the public: "It's important that the Commission and member states don't let the extreme parties handle the headlines." (Additional reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk in Warsaw; Steve Scherer in Ottawa; writing by Mark John; editing by Gareth Jones) DUBLIN, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 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. Research and Markets Logo 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. Story continues 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/t0jrbi Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior 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 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/france-in-vitro-diagnostics-ivd-markets-report-2021-2026-immunochemistry-hematology-infectious-immunology-microbiology-bio-chemistry-genetic-testing-301327942.html SOURCE Research and Markets * T-Bill yields edge back up * Gold on course for third week of gains * Reflation trade in question as COVID-19 cases rise (Updates with U.S. opening) By Simon Jessop and Alwyn Scott LONDON/NEW YORK, July 9 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks moved higher on Friday, following gains in equities in Europe, while Treasury yields rose and the dollar held firm as markets took a cautious breather amid fresh concerns about the pace of economic recovery from COVID-19. Markets have been roiled this week as a rise in cases of the delta coronavirus variant reduced risk appetite and prompted a flight to safety, with some betting the post-pandemic reflation trade had stalled and secular stagnation was back on the agenda. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 324.99 points, or 0.94 percent, to 34,746.92 at the start of U.S. trading. The broad S&P 500 gained 21.33 points, or 0.49 percent, to 4,342.15, while the tech-laden Nasdaq Composite added 34.64 points, or 0.24 percent, to 14,594.42. "There seems to be the gradual realization for many that the vaccination programs alone wont prove enough to get economies back to their pre-COVID normality, with cases at the global level now ticking up again as the more infectious Delta variant spreads across the world," said Deutsche Bank analyst Jim Reid. Weighed against that is the ultra-easy monetary policy from many major central banks, although some fear this could yet be curtailed if inflation picks up. On Friday, data from China showed new bank loans rose more than expected in June, while broad credit growth also picked up. China's central bank also announced a new cut in the cash banks must hold in reserve, trying to shore up growth. The STOXX Europe 600 index was up 0.8%, recovering about half of the prior session's decline, but still on course to record the second straight week of losses. Story continues Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan had briefly touched two-month lows before paring losses to trade down 0.1%. U.S. stock futures pointed to a higher open on Wall Street, up 0.3%. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly told the Financial Times that low vaccination rates in some parts of the world posed a threat to U.S. growth. After dipping sharply over the early part of the week, yields on 10-year Treasury notes were on Friday up around 6.3 basis points to 1.351%, off the 4-1/2 month low of 1.25% hit on Thursday. In Europe, safe-haven German Bund yields ticked higher but were still eyeing the biggest two-week drop since March 2020 as investors eyed a likely longer road to economic recovery. In currencies, the safe haven yen was up 0.26%, at $110.0800, heading for its biggest weekly rise since November. The euro was last up 0.19 percent, at $1.1864. That left the dollar index, which tracks the greenback versus a basket of other major currencies, hovering around flat, last down 0.2% at 92.213. "The most important issue to consider is the current drop in yields globally, and what this downward trend implies in terms of risk aversion and trade repositioning," Thomas Flury, Head of FX Strategies at UBS Global Wealth Management, wrote in a note. "So far, we think markets are trapped in some momentum trades, which have little persistence." Gold, another safe-haven asset, was on track for its third straight weekly gain. It was last up 0.1% at $1,804 an ounce. Oil prices added to overnight gains as U.S inventories declined, but remain on course for a weekly loss. Brent crude was up 67 cents to $74.79 a barrel. U.S. crude added 79 cents to $73.73 per barrel. (Additional reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan, Swati Pandey and Sujata Rao; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Giles Elgood, Timothy Heritage, William Maclean) EDMONTON, AB, July 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Following the major hailstorm in Calgary and the surrounding area, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has deployed its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) to assist affected residents. IBC deploys CAMP to disaster sites that have significant insured damage. Canadians who are suddenly forced to cope with a damaging event such as a windstorm, wildfire, hail, torrential rains or another disaster can access insurance-related information through this national IBC program. CAMP is staffed with trained insurance industry personnel who are on hand at IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) to help address consumer questions. "Following the devastating hailstorm of July 2, we want to ensure that consumers know we are here to help," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "Severe weather events like these cause significant turmoil and stress for homeowners. IBC and insurers are ready to assist residents and businesses that have suffered damage." Over 15,000 claims have been reported to insurers to date, and the insurance industry has activated response plans to assist policyholders who experienced damage from this severe storm. What is covered? IBC recommends consumers reach out to their insurance representative to understand their exact insurance coverage. Standard home and business insurance policies cover damage caused by hail or wind . This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage to your home and contents from water entering through openings suddenly caused by wind or hail. Pre-existing damage is not covered. Damage to vehicles from wind, hail or water is covered if you have purchased comprehensive or all perils car insurance . Damage to mobile homes or trailers from hail or wind may be covered. What should I do if the storm damaged my property? Once it is safe to do so, consumers should: Story continues Assess the damage and contact their insurance representative. Most insurers have 24-hour claims services. Be as detailed as possible when providing information on damage. List all damaged items, assemble proofs of purchase/receipts or warranties, if possible, and take pictures of damaged property. Keep all receipts related to cleanup and other expenses resulting from the event. How can I make a claim? Consumers can take the following steps to begin the insurance claims process: Assess and document the damage. Taking photos can be helpful. Contact your insurance representative to report the damage. Document who you spoke to and when you spoke to them. Keep notes and be as detailed as possible when providing information. Be sure to keep all receipts related to cleanup. If you need further information about home, business or car insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or askibcwest@ibc.ca. For more insurance information related to hail damage and other severe weather events, visit IBC.ca. Contact Us Insurance Bureau of Canada (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada) About Insurance Bureau of Canada Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties. For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow us on Twitter @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. Insurance Bureau of Canada Logo (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada) SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/09/c3717.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 /iMetal Resources, Inc. (TSX.V:IMR) (OTC PINK:ADTFF) (FRANKFURT:A7V2) ('iMetal' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the commencement of trenching at its flagship Gowganda West property in the Shining Tree District of the Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt of Northern Ontario. The two-week program will concentrate on Zone 1 and Zone 3, where results from the April 2021 sampling program returned highlight gold grab sample values of: Zone 3 returned: 11.3 g/t, 29.6 g/t and 67.9 g/t gold; Zone 1 returned: 27.2 and 16.35 g/t gold; A value of 3.72 g/t gold was returned from a location approximately 400 metres NW of Zone 1 iMetal cautions investors the grab samples are selective and may not necessarily be representative of the showing as a whole. 'We have been anxious to get the mechanical trenching program underway at the key target areas of the Gowganda West property, to define targets for drilling in the upcoming late summer drill program,' commented iMetal President & CEO Saf Dhillon. 'The trenching will open up Zone 1 and Zone 3 exposing the structures along strike and allow field crews to better evaluate the test IP anomalies identified during the recent reprocessing and interpretation of the 2019 IP results, as well as test the newly discovered Zone 400 metres to the NW of Zone 1,' he concluded. Zone 1 is associated with Timiskaming type metasedimentary rocks comprising siltstone, sandstone and predominately conglomerate. Gold mineralization is found where conglomerate transitions into finer grained rock types. The conglomerate contains clasts of jasper rich, banded iron formation and is highly magnetic. In addition, the conglomerate contains significant amounts of pyrite, resulting in the unit showing as strongly conductive in induced polarization surveys. The 2018 airborne mag and 2019 IP surveys have allowed mapping of the conglomerate and its boundaries. The boundaries will be the focus of trenching programs. Story continues Figure1. Zone 1 Sampling MapDescription automatically generated Trenching will include stripping older exposures cleared in recent decades where the bedrock shows potassic alteration and silica flooding. Trenching will expose this area over a 50m length whereby field crews can use diamond blade saws to take continuous samples over the entire mineralized width enabling geologists to evaluate the extend of the mineralized system and establish the best drill targets. Presently the company believes gold mineralization is associated with narrow, quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins hosted within wider zones of ankerite-albite-silica-sericite alteration and variable amounts of fine-grained, disseminated pyrite. The work now underway should provide more geological context and better information on the nature and orientation of the mineralization. Figure1. Zone 3 Sampling MapDescription automatically generated Zone 3 similarly is hosted in metasedimentary rocks; however, the mineralization is oriented northeast-southwest and dips westward. iMetal has planned 3 trenches over a 200m strike distance to look at the continuity and test the grades in this area. Recent sampling returned stellar grades up to 67 g/t gold in this area. Trenching would hopefully show these grades to extend northeastward. The table below shows the best results from the spring sampling and prospecting program originallypresented in a press release dated May 11th, 2021. Table 1. Grab Samples from 2021 prospecting work in Excess of 0.1 g/t Gold Sample ID g/t gold Location Sample ID g/t gold Location 167303 67.9 Zone 3 167397 27.2 Zone 1 167252 29.6 Zone 3 167398 16.35 Zone 1 167015 11.3 Zone 3 167003 2.11 Zone 1 167008 4.02 Zone 3 167009 2.27 Zone 3 167312 3.76 Zone 1 W Quality Assurance and Quality Control All grab samples were delivered by the geological contractor to ALS Minerals in Thunder Bay, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility. All samples were analyzed with ALS's AuME-TL43 procedure, a 25 gram aqua regia digestion with an ICP-MS finish with a 1 gram upper limit for gold. All overlimit gold values were fire assayed with a 30-gram sample and a gravimetric finish, ALS's Au-GRA21 procedure. About Gowganda West The Gowganda West property covers approximately 147 sq km in the Shining Tree volcano-sedimentary succession of the southwestern Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt contiguous to the north and west of Aris Gold Corp.'s (TSX: ARIS) (formerly Caldas Gold Corp.) Juby Gold deposit, a series of four mineralized alteration zones along the Tyrrell Shear Zone. Gold mineralization at Juby is associated with narrow quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins hosted within 20- to 330-metre-wide zones of ankerite-albite-silica-sericite alteration and variable amounts of fine-grained, disseminated pyrite and also with multiple lenses containing narrow (<5m), higher grade quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins hosted within 5 to 50 metre zones of ankerite-albite-silica-sericite alteration and variable amounts of fine-grained, disseminated pyrite. The Juby Deposits host indicated resources of 774,000 ounces at 1.13 g/t Au and inferred resources of 1,488,000 ounces at 0.98 g/t Au. iMetal cautions investors mineralization at Juby is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at Gowganda West. Source: Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Juby Gold Deposit for Caldas Gold Corp. (named currently changed to Aris Gold Corp.) Dated 2020-Oct-05 By: J. Campbell, A. Sexton, D. Studd, and A. Armitage. iMetal acquired Gowganda West in 2016, discovering Zone 1 and Zone 3 through focused exploration proximal to the Aris property border, and subsequently completing programs of prospecting, channel sampling, airborne VTEM, ground IP and limited diamond drilling. Zone 1 has excellent access and has been traced over 500m south from the Juby property boundary. Two distinct outcrop areas approximately 300m apart have been sampled, Zone 1 and Zone 1 South. Selective grab samples returned: 6.47 g/t Au from Zone 1 and 39.3 g/t Au, and 16.9 g/t Au from Zone 1 South. Five holes were subsequently drilled in 2019 and one in 2020 at Zone 1, focusing on a short 150 strike length of Zone 1 South. The best drill intersections included: 2.95 g/t Au over 2.5 metres, 1.43 g/t Au over 4.6 metres and longer intervals of 0.37 g/t au over 29.4 metres and 0.32 g/t au over 30.25 metres. Zone 3 consists of two distinct areas separated by 225 metres, 3A and 3B are located approximately 6 kilometres due south of Zone 1, Highlights from Zone 3A grab sample results include 56.59 g/t Au and 34.81 g/t Au, while highlight Zone 3B grab sample results include 14.74 g/t Au and 12.7 g/t Au. Zone 3A and Zone 3B remain undrilled. About iMetal Resources Inc. A Canadian based junior exploration company focused on the exploration and development of its portfolio of resource properties in Ontario and Quebec. iMetal is focused on advancing its Gowganda West Project that borders the Juby Project, an advanced exploration-stage gold project located within the Shining Tree area in the southern part of the Abitibi greenstone belt about 100 km south-southeast of the Timmins gold camp. The Company is also focused on the Oakes Gold Project which forms part of a portfolio of projects it recently acquired from Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) who is now a strategic investor/partner. The Oakes Gold Project is located in the Oakes Township just north of Canadian National Highway 11 and about 2km north of the town of Long Lac, Ontario. The Oakes Township is part of the well-endowed Beardmore-Geraldton Greenstone Belt region, located northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario and the region has a long and rich mining history that has produced 4.1 million ounces of gold over the past 100 years including the combined MacLeod-Cockshutt Mine, which produced 1.5 million ounces of gold. More recently, the Hardrock Project held 50% by Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) has elevated attention to the area by announcing their intention to mine their gold resource near Geraldton, Ontario. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, PGeo (British Columbia), a Director of iMetal, and a 'qualified person' as defined in National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Saf Dhillon President & CEO iMetal Resources Inc. saf@imetalresources.ca Tel. (604-484-3031) Suite 510, 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B6. https://imetalresources.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements with respect to future exploration and drilling of the Company; statements with respect to the release of assays and exploration results; and statements with respect to the Company's geological understanding of its mineral properties. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration, variations in results of mineralization, relationships with local communities, market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. SOURCE: iMetal Resources, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/654844/iMetal-Resources-Commences-Trenching-at-Gowganda-West The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank on Friday advocated for the cross-border benefits of central bank-issued digital currencies, suggesting that projects like a digital dollar in the U.S. would support global development. The two global bodies released a report alongside the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) arguing that coordination on digital currencies would shake up the status quo of having to rely on expensive and slow transfer services to send money around the world. "Faster, cheaper, more transparent and more inclusive cross-border payment services would deliver benefits for citizens, businesses, and economies worldwide," said Indermit Gill, World Bank Group vice president of equitable growth, finance and institutions. Sir Jon Cunliffe, deputy governor for financial stability of the Bank of England, said the technology offers "the opportunity to start with a 'clean slate'" on improving the payments system. The IMF, World Bank, and BIS prepared the report for a G20 meeting in Italy hosting the finance ministers and central bankers of the worlds largest economies. The report envisions a central bank digital currency ecosystem where currencies could be exchanged with one another instantly and at all times. In the same way that central banks offer swap lines to one another (to ensure, for example, that U.S. dollars are readily available for exchange), digital currencies could offer the same services to retail users. The G20 logo is pictured on June 28, 2021 on a balcony overlooking Matera on the eve of a G20 foreign and development ministers meeting held in the city. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) 'Do no harm' In the United States, the Federal Reserve is studying possible designs for a digital dollar, but it is unclear if the central bank will ultimately adopt a digital greenback. A top Fed official recently expressed his skepticism over the usefulness of a Fed-issued digital currency, arguing that private-sector stablecoins would better facilitate cross-border payment Bad actors might try to steal CBDC, compromise the CBDC network, or target non-public information about holders of CBDC, Fed Vice Chairman of Supervision Randal Quarles said on June 28. Story continues The report to the G20 acknowledged the risks of issuing a digital currency, noting that exchange rate controls and monetary policy independence in some central banking regimes could be undermined by reduced barriers to currency substitution. The report also warned that easier cross-border transactions "all else equal, might increase risks for runs on both domestic banking sectors and currencies." At the World Bank, Gill said the risks are particularly pronounced for emerging market and developing economies, noting that regulatory and policy concerns will "require a lot of work." Still, the report emphasized that its main focus was studying the international implications of such technology, leaving it up to each country to decide the domestic pros and cons of ultimately issuing anything. CBDCs have the potential to enhance the efficiency of cross-border payments, as long as their design follows the Hippocratic Oath for CBDC design and its premise to do no harm, the report reads. The Fed is planning on publishing a paper this summer on the possibility of issuing a digital dollar, after which the Fed will ask for input from the public and Congress. Brian Cheung is a reporter covering the Fed, economics, and banking for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter @bcheungz. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit Innovation Center project of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany collaborates to develop smart neuro-modulation for targeted treatment of chronic diseases Joint development agreement represents a promising step towards a highly selective and efficient next generation of bioelectronic therapies powered by graphene BARCELONA, Spain, July 08, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a company at the intersection of medtech, deeptech and digital health dedicated to developing the worlds 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 Mercks 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. "Todays 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. Story continues "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 and 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. INNERVIAs 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 companys 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 peoples 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 companys 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): 666669. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210708005886/en/ Contacts Sam Choinski Pazanga Health Communications schoinski@pazangahealth.com +1(603) 489-5964 In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this Ireland Data Center Market Report. Ireland data center market to witness a CAGR of 5. 47% during the period 2021-2026. New York, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Ireland Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05893060/?utm_source=GNW Ireland is one of the fastest-growing data center hubs in Europe. Over the past 5-7 years, the market has grown significantly, increasing the development of hyperscale data centers. The country is witnessing investments in about 20 facilities expected to be operational in the next 2-4 years. It is a favorable location for data center development due to the abundant availability of renewable energy to power data centers and the easy availability of free cooling solutions. In Ireland, over 40% of the energy mix is contributed by renewable energy and is expected to reach 70% by 2030. The majority of data center facilities under development are adding an IT power of over 15 MW. The report considers the present scenario of the Ireland data center market and its market dynamics for the forecast period 2021?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several growth enablers, restraints, and trends in the market. The study includes the demand and supply aspects of the market. KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT TikTok is planning to build a USD 500 million data center in Dublin to store the data of its local users that are expected to be operational by 2022. Self-built facilities by hyperscale operators will impede the growth in revenue of wholesale providers in the country. According to Vodafone, in Ireland, there was an 18% YoY increase in the adoption of IoT technologies by businesses in 2020. Hyperscale investment to increase white-box and software-defined storage (SDS) adoption in the country. The market in Ireland is witnessing significant growth in the adoption of free cooling systems, for a maximum of 8,000 hours per year. IRELAND DATA CENTER MARKET INSIGHTS In 2020, the Ireland data center market witnessed investments from enterprise operators like Facebook and colocation service providers such as CyrusOne, Digital Realty, Echelon Data Centres, T5 Data Centers, and JCD Group. More than 60% of the business organizations have adopted public or private cloud for at least one service in the country, which is expected to reach 80% during the forecast period. The rising investments in submarine cables are likely to attract more datacenter investments across Ireland, especially with the growing demand for hyperscale capacity. The government in the country is offering various support schemes for sustainable power systems and efficient designing schemes for data center construction. Increasing the adoption of IoT devices in smart cities & homes, healthcare, automation industry, and new businesses in the country will increase the data volume, increasing edge datacenter investments after 2022. Echelon Data Centres is developing an on-site substation that connects with Irish wind turbines to power its DUB20 data center. Amazon Web Services is investing in three cloud facilities across the country, expected to be operational in the next two to three years. IRELAND DATA CENTER VENDOR LANDSCAPE ABB, Caterpillar, Cummins, Eaton, HITEC Power Protection, KOHLER-SDMO, Legrand, and Rolls-Royce Power Systems are some of the support infrastructure providers in the Ireland data center market. Facebook is a significant investor in the region and expanding its Clonee data center facility in the upcoming years. In April 2021, the investment company Quanta Capital acquired over 80 acres of land in Wicklow to develop a new facility. IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Huawei Technologies IBM Lenovo NetApp Construction Contractors & Sub Contractors Arup Group Bouygues Construction Callaghan Engineering Designer Group Future-tech ISG Kirby Group Mercury Engineering Mace Group M+W Group PM Group Winthrop Engineering and Contracting Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Eaton HITEC Power Protection KOHLER-SDMO Legrand Rolls-Royce Power Systems Rittal Schneider Electric Socomec STULZ Trane Technologies, and Vertiv Investors Amazon Web Service (AWS) CyrusOne Digital Realty Equinix EdgeConneX Echelon Data Centres K2 Data Centres Facebook T5 Data Centers REPORT COVERAGE This report offers analysis on the Ireland Data Center market share and in-depth analysis of the existing and upcoming facilities, datacenter investments in terms of IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and geography. It discusses sizing and estimation for different segments to the investment in data centers. The segmentation includes: EXISTING VS. UPCOMING FACILITIES Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) o Dublin o Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) IRELAND DATA CENTER INVESTMENT COVERAGE Infrastructure Type o IT Infrastructure o Electrical Infrastructure o Mechanical Infrastructure o General Construction IT Infrastructure o Servers o Storage Systems o Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure o UPS Systems o Generators o Transfer Switches & Switchgears o PDUs o Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure o Cooling Systems o Rack Cabinets o Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems o CRAC & CRAH Units o Chillers o Cooling Towers, & Condensers, and Dry Coolers o Economizers & Evaporative Coolers o Other Cooling Units General Construction Services o Building Development o Installation & Commissioning Services o Building & Engineering Design o Physical Security o Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard o Tier I & Tier II o Tier III o Tier IV Geography o Dublin o Other Cities WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size is available in terms of area, power capacity, investment, and colocation revenue. An assessment of the Ireland data center investment in the market by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. Datacenter investments in terms of area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities. A detailed study of the existing Ireland data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Ireland data center market size during the forecast period. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in Ireland o Facilities Covered (Existing): 25 o Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 20 o Coverage: 3 Cities o Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area) o Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Datacenter colocation market in Ireland o Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026) o Retail Colocation Pricing o Wholesale Colocation Pricing Classification of the Ireland data center market investments into multiple segments and sub-segments (IT, power, cooling, and general construction services) with market sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the market. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the market. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspect of the market KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: 1. How big is the Ireland data center market? 2. How many existing data centers are there in Ireland? 3. What are the expected upcoming facilities in Ireland during the period 20212026? 4. Which regions are covered in this Ireland Data Center research report? 5. Who are the key investors in the Ireland Data Center Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05893060/?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. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 TAIPEI, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KYMCO announced a strategic partnership with Taiwan Taxi to transform the 26,000 two-wheeler delivery fleets operated by its subsidiary GBG Express to Ionex electric vehicles. GBG Express is the largest B2B delivery company in Taiwan specializing in last-mile delivery. It has 40,000 corporate clients from more than 100 industries, including most of Taiwan's leading on-line retailers. CBG Express will use a digital technology platform to ride on KYMCO lonex electric motorcycles An integral part of the partnership will be KYMCO's deployment of dedicated Ionex battery swapping stations at GBG Express operation centers across Taiwan. Both companies will jointly develop Ionex electric vehicles optimized for delivery purposes and promote viable incentive schemes to accelerate EV adoption of GBG Express's rider partners. "KYMCO Ionex is the leading EV turnkey solution that empowers all businesses and governments to go electric," said Allen Ko, Chairman of KYMCO Group. "The partnership with Taiwan Taxi is another important testament of KYMCO's commitment to lead the world in bringing the electric era to every rider." "The partnership with KYMCO creates a win-win situation for everyone," said Gary Lin, Chairman of Taiwan Taxi Group. "It demonstrates our continuous efforts to seek new opportunities to better service to our riders and customers, as well as to build an environmentally sustainable transport network with leading strategic partners and pioneering technologies." KYMCO is on an accelerating path to building the largest battery swapping network in Taiwan. With the addition of the in-house battery swapping stations deployed for GBG Express, the partnership aims to electrify more than 50% of the 26,000 GBG Express rider partners to Ionex electric vehicles by 2023. ABOUT KYMCO KYMCO is one of the global leading powersports brands. KYMCO's mission is to create personal vehicles that win the hearts of consumers all over the world. KYMCO always goes above and beyond to bring to customers the most thoughtful riding experience for everyday life. KYMCO's current product range includes scooters, motorcycles, mobility scooters, ATVs and utility vehicles. Story continues www.kymco.com ABOUT TAIWAN TAXI Taiwan Taxi is the largest taxi service company in Taiwan, managing 22,000 taxies, servicing 350,000 customers per day and accounting for 24% total market share. Beyond taxi services, Taiwan Taxi has used advanced technologies to build upon its vast network of taxies to provide services that take care of the daily needs of both consumers and businesses. www.taiwantaxi.com.tw SOURCE KYMCO Luxembourg 9 July 2021 - Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Brs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of a sizeable(1) contract by Aker BP for the Kobra East Gekko (KEG) field development, located in the Alvheim area of the North Sea. The project involves a subsea tie-back of approximately 8 kilometres to the Alvheim FPSO, via the existing Kneler B subsea manifold. The contract scope includes engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the pipelines, spools, protection cover and tie-ins using key vessels from Subsea 7s fleet. The production pipeline is a pipe-in-pipe design. Project management and engineering will commence immediately at Subsea 7s offices in Stavanger, Norway. Fabrication of the pipelines will take place at Subsea 7s spoolbase at Vigra, Norway and offshore operations are expected to take place in 2022 and 2023. Monica Bjrkmann, Vice President for Subsea 7 Norway said: This award continues our long-standing collaboration with Aker BP, through the Aker BP Subsea Alliance. The partnership enables Subsea 7 to engage early in the field development process, optimising design solutions and contributing to a positive final investment decision. Subsea 7 looks forward to continuing our alliance with Aker BP for the KEG field development, with a focus on safe, efficient and reliable operations. (1) Subsea 7 defines a sizeable contract as being between USD 50 million and USD 150 million. ******************************************************************************* Subsea 7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industrys partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Subsea 7 is listed on the Oslo Brs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62. ******************************************************************************* Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 (0)20 8210 5568 katherine.tonks@subsea7.com Story continues Contact for media enquiries: Jan Roger Moksnes Communications Manager, Norway Tel +47 415 15 777 janroger.moksnes@subsea7.com www.subsea7.com Forward-Looking Statements: This announcement may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, future, goal, intend, likely may, plan, project, seek, should, strategy will, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the Risk Management section of the Groups Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; and (xvii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Attachment 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. CANADAS JAMES GRANT TAKES THE NUMBER 1 SPOT AT DIAGEO WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR GLOBAL FINALS 2021 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. Story continues 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 CANADAS JAMES GRANT TAKES THE NUMBER 1 SPOT AT DIAGEO WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR GLOBAL FINALS 2021 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560519/Canada_James_Grant.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560520/James_Grant_Canada.jpg SOURCE Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals This is just putting funding in place so that we can either remove, store or cover any or all of the three statues, City Manager Chip Boyles told councilors at the special meeting Wednesday. 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. The appropriation resolution earmarked the funds and made them "available to be spent at the discretion of the City Manager, to pay for any related costs for removing, storing and/or covering the statues." Albemarle County closed streets around the county courts complex when it removed its Confederate statue in September. "Designated public viewing areas for the removals will be established in both parks," according to the news release. "The City will rely on its local media partners to broadcast the event for the public that wishes to watch remotely." The Aksarben Foundation has announced the 2021 Aksarben Farm Family Award recipients. Since the 1950s, the Aksarben Foundation has been celebrating Nebraskan farm families with its tradition of awarding Pioneer and Heritage Farm Family Awards. To date, nearly 10,000 families have been recognized at their county fair with this distinction. Aksarben partners with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers on these awards each year, honoring families for 100 or 150 years of consecutive family farm ownership in Nebraska. To commemorate this milestone, each of these families will receive an engraved plaque and gatepost marker at their respective county fair this summer. Heritage Farm Families are those with 150 years of ownership while Pioneer Farm Families are those with 100 years of ownership. The following area families are award recipients this year: Burt County Pioneer Awards: Nancy Alleman McBride Family Farm, established 1912; Doyle and Cheryl Huffman Huffman/Pond Family Farm, established 1920. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Heritage Award: Jason and Kylie Penke Sklenar Family Farm, established 1871. Former Dodge County Sheriffs Deputy Craig Harbaugh was found dead at his home in Fremont on Thursday, according to a press release from the Dodge County Attorneys office. Preliminary investigation found no indication of suicide or foul play. Harbaughs death is being investigated by the Fremont Police Department. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death. Fremont police officers went to Harbaughs apartment after 3:30 p.m. for a welfare check on Thursday. Officers found Harbaugh dead with nobody else in the apartment, Fremont Chief Deputy County Attorney Sara Sopinski told the Omaha World-Herald. Harbaugh was scheduled to be sentenced before federal court on Friday. Harbaugh pleaded guilty to a wire fraud scheme before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillion in February. The scheme defrauded six individuals and one federally insured bank of a combined loss of $10,979,214. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} In return for his plea, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska dropped 12 other charges against him. The plea meant that Harbaugh faced upward of 20 years in prison. Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp has announced that Anthony Wayne Hall, 65, of Fremont, was sentenced Friday in federal court in Omaha for Aggravated Bank Robbery. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hall to life imprisonment under the federal three strikes law. The evidence at trial showed that on Nov. 21, 2019, Hall, armed with a realistic-looking replica revolver, robbed the First State Bank in Fremont. Hall left town with approximately $10,000 in cash after walking one bank employee to his vehicle under threat of being shot. A customer who attempted to enter the bank during the robbery was the first to call 911. On Nov. 22, 2019, officers in Saint Joseph, Missouri, attempted to stop Halls blue Chevrolet Camaro, but Hall fled and then crashed into a pole. Hall fled on foot and could not be located. Hall then purchased a white Chevrolet Impala. On Nov. 30, 2019, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to stop the Impala after noticing that the license plates did not match the vehicle. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A high-speed pursuit ensued before the Impala crashed into a tree. Hall again fled on foot. Law enforcement located replica firearms, knives, and other items near the crash scene. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} FPS will revert to normal health procedures during the 2021-22 school year after 3RPHD announced it would discontinue contact tracing, isolation and quarantines due to low levels of transmission. That means students and staff who are sick must stay home and are required to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Students and staff will also be encouraged to test for COVID-19 if they have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms. Students will continue to be excused for COVID-related absences, according to the draft. FPS will also continue to monitor information regarding vaccinations and provide updates to staff, students and parents throughout the year. The school district had vaccination clinics for its staff in early March. During the course of those clinics, the majority of FPSs full-time and part-time positions received their COVID-19 vaccine. Families interested in viewing the districts plan in full can visit: https://fremonttigers.org/return-to-school-2021/. The website also includes a survey that FPS families can complete regarding the plan. The survey will be open through July 16. [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. FAIZABAD, Afghanistan -- Afghanistans vast and remote northern province of Badakhshan -- which straddles the borders with Pakistan, China, and Tajikistan -- was once a bastion of resistance to the Taliban and never conquered by the extremist Islamist group during its five years in power. From its bases in Badakhshan and the neighboring Panjshir and Takhar provinces, the Northern Alliance resisted the brutal rule of the Taliban, which had captured around 90 percent of Afghanistan by 2001. But 20 years later, Badakhshan is on the verge of falling completely to the militant group, which has seized large swaths of the northern countryside as foreign forces depart the country. During a blistering offensive in recent weeks, the Taliban is reported to have seized control of 26 of Badakhshans 28 districts and encircled the provincial capital, Faizabad. Fear and panic are rife in the city. Flights to and from it have been suspended and business has ground to a halt. The government in Kabul has responded by deploying hundreds of Afghan special forces and pro-government militiamen to reinforce the city of some 30,000 people. The situation is very worrying, says Fereshtah Hamraz, a 34-year-old female resident of Faizabad. The Taliban has reached the gates of the city. The airport is under threat and we cannot leave by air or land. Murid Azimi, who owns a retail store in the city, says the uncertainty is sinking business. "Insecurity has increased a lot, he says. People are not buying anything and businesses are suffering. The militants have overrun about one-third of the countrys approximately 400 districts since the start of the international military withdrawal on May 1. The Talibans gains on the battlefield have fueled fears that it could topple the internationally recognized government and overrun the country's much-maligned security forces, which will lose crucial U.S. air support once all foreign troops depart by August 31. Fear Of Repressive Laws Women fear that the Taliban will reimpose in Faizabad many of the repressive laws and retrograde policies that defined its 1996-2001 rule. The Taliban severely curtailed girls education during its rule. It also forced women to cover themselves from head to toe, banned them from working outside the home, and required them to be accompanied by a male relative when they left their homes. As a woman, Im afraid of losing the freedoms and rights that we have secured in the past 20 years, says Asefa Karimi, a civil activist in Faizabad. If the Taliban takes over Faizabad I will not be able to work or study. Karimi says the militants have reimposed many of their restrictions on women in districts they now control in Badakhshan. I also fear that they might kill me, she adds. Im a public figure. I have been interviewed and shown on television. If Im a target, my family is in danger, too. In the past year, the Taliban has killed scores of activists, journalists, and public figures, including dozens of women, in a campaign of targeted killings and assassinations. Rights groups say the killings are intended to silence and intimidate independent voices and civil society in Afghanistan, which has made inroads on womens rights and free speech since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 toppled the Taliban regime. Internal Refugees The Talibans relentless march through Badakhshan has displaced thousands of people. More than 2,000 Afghan civilians and security personnel have fled to Tajikistan as of July 9, where there are fears of an impending major influx of refugees. Several thousand families from districts across the province have also sought refuge in Faizabad. Some live in crammed houses with other families. Others live in the open, including in public parks, as local authorities struggle to provide them with food and shelter. We had to leave all of our clothes and belongings in our village, says Begum, a 46-year-old mother of six who escaped the Yaftali Sufla district about 10 days ago after it was overrun by the Taliban. We now live in a rented house with four other families, she says. The government hasnt helped us at all so far. Abdul Wahid Taibi, the head of the provincial department for refugees and returnees, said local authorities had documented the arrival of over 2,000 families to Faizabad in the past two weeks. But he said aid packages including clothes, food, and basic cooking utensils had been distributed to only a fraction of them. We received two loaves of bread yesterday, says Masoumah, a woman from the Yaftali Sufla district who lives in a dilapidated house with four other family members in Faizabad. But we are five people. What can I give them to eat? We have no food. This story was written in Prague based on reporting by Radio Azadi correspondents in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld for security reasons. The international charity Oxfam says 11 people around the world die of hunger each minute of every day, well above the global death rate of COVID-19, with war making Afghanistan one of the worst hunger hot spots." Oxfam said in a report on hunger, published on July 9, that 155 million people around the world are now living in crisis levels of food insecurity or worse, an increase of some 20 million from last year. It added that around two-thirds of these people are going hungry primarily because their country is in war and conflict, including Afghanistan, where 13.2 million people, or 42 percent of the population, were in "crisis-level hunger or worse," making it the third-most food-insecure nation in the world. "A year and a half since the pandemic began, deaths from hunger are outpacing the virus," the report said, noting that the COVID-19 global death rate is around seven people per minute. "Ongoing conflict, combined with the economic disruptions of the pandemic and an escalating climate crisis, has deepened poverty and catastrophic food insecurity in the worlds hunger hotspots and established strongholds in new epicentres of hunger," it added. Oxfam urged governments to end conflicts that are helping spawn catastrophic hunger and to ensure conditions that allow relief agencies to reach those in need. Meanwhile, wealthier nations should immediately and fully fund the U.N.s efforts to alleviate hunger, the report said. Contributing to the crisis is a 40 percent rise in global food prices -- the highest in over a decade -- due to climate change and the coronavirus pandemic. "Our warming climate is increasing the frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters such as storms, floods, and droughts," the report said. "Despite this, governments have delayed action to tackle the climate crisis to focus instead on the pandemic." Oxfam said Afghanistan was a prime example of how conflict, climate, and the coronavirus pandemic -- what the charity calls the three Cs -- have exacerbated the hunger crisis. It said a second wave of the virus, compounded by a surge in violence due to the U.S. troop withdrawal, resulted in a major loss of business, informal employment, massive human displacements, and a sharp drop in remittances. Furthermore, drought has further devastated local crops. "Today, the country remains the third-most food insecure in the world...Two million more people have gone to bed hungry since last year. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has soared sixfold in four years," it noted. Dear reader, Welcome to Gandhara's weekly newsletter. This briefing brings you the best of our reporting from Afghanistan and Pakistan. If youre new to the newsletter or havent subscribed yet, you can do so here. Afghanistan in turmoil If this weeks events in Afghanistan are anything to go by, things do not bode well for the war-torn country. Now that nearly all Western forces have departed, the Taliban appears ascendant diplomatically and militarily while Afghan civilians continue to pay a steep price. The Afghan government, meanwhile, is still struggling to find its feet amid the rapid loss of international military support. The Taliban continues its advance. The militants offensive in the northeastern provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan forced Kabul to deploy reinforcements including special forces and militiamen to defend the cities. We promise to fight until the last drops of blood in our bodies, Attiqullah Haidari, Badakhshans deputy police chief, told us in the besieged provincial capital, Faizabad, where residents say their lives are being stifled by the fighting. (Watch our video from Badakhshan here.) In Qala-e Naw, capital of Badghis Province, the Taliban engaged in intense fighting with Afghan forces after seizing government buildings in a large-scale offensive, which the government claims to have pushed back after inflicting heavy casualties on the Taliban. In this photo gallery, we take a close-up look at the fierce battles taking place across Afghanistan in which government forces and private militias fight to stave off the militants. Once again, Afghan civilians are suffering the worst of the conflict. In a video report, we also visit Kunduz, where thousands were displaced by recent fighting. They forced us out of our homes at night, Zianuddin, an elderly man, told us. They told us that if we didnt leave, they would cut us into pieces. Taliban gaining legitimacy As the Taliban controls more territory along Afghanistans borders with Pakistan, China, Central Asia, and Iran, those in the region are scrambling to protect themselves from the fallout of the Talibans gains. In a coordinated statement, Taliban representatives and Russian officials insisted that the fundamentalist militias growing control -- including along Afghanistans northern border with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan -- wont threaten international order. But Tajikistan has already appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance, to help strengthen its border with Afghanistan. The country has repatriated hundreds of Afghan soldiers who fled across the border and is dealing with the Taliban takeover of a strategic river port. For secular Central Asian autocracies, the Talibans return to power would pose a major security threat because of the long history of the regions militant Islamists forging alliances and finding sanctuary with the Taliban. The Taliban also overran Islam Qala, the major border crossing with Iran, on June 8, when officials in Tehran joined Taliban representatives in asserting that war is not the solution to Afghanistan's problems, and that all efforts must be directed towards a political and peaceful solution. While Irans Shiite clerical regime has embraced the hard-line Sunni Taliban for its fight against the United States and ultraradical Islamic State militants, their alliance will be tested over how the Taliban treats residents of the regions they control. The two already reached the brink of war in the late 1990s. Meanwhile, Pakistans powerful army has warned lawmakers that any crackdown on the Afghan Taliban sheltering in the country could provoke a blowback as Pakistan struggles to emerge from its own domestic war on terrorism, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and displaced millions. A definitive end to Americas war In a major speech on Afghanistan, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his resolve to end his countrys longest war on August 31 amid the rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground. Washington is unlikely to recognize a Taliban capture of power by force, and Biden made a point to rule out the inevitability of a Taliban takeover. "I do not trust the Taliban," he said, "but I trust the capacity of the Afghan military." The United States withdrawal from Afghanistan is already 90 percent complete after its troops departed from the Bagram Airfield last week. Turkey welcomes Afghan refugees As insecurity mounts in their homeland, Afghans are fleeing the country in what is being described as a new mass exodus. Nilly Kohzad reports on how Afghan refugees are turning to Turkey as a stopover on their journey farther West -- and how some are deciding to build a life there. According to official estimates, 200,000 Afghan refugees live in Turkey, and that number is expected to rise in the coming months. Afghan refugees have mostly no other place to go, said Ali Hekmat, co-founder of the Afghan Refugee Solidarity Association, a nonprofit that helps Afghan refugees settle in Turkey. [They] just want a safe life, away from insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. Now that the Taliban has strengthened, we are preparing for a new wave of refugees to arrive in Turkey. The specter of a theocratic democracy In a thought-provoking op-ed for Gandhara, Kabul-based academic Obaidullah Baheer argues that a U.S. peace proposal that envisions the establishment of a powerful council for religious jurisprudence is likely to leave his country with a theocratic democracy like that in Iran. 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, he writes. We would be compromising on democracy, education, and womens rights in a democratic theocracy run by the Taliban. I hope you enjoyed this weeks newsletter, and I encourage you to forward it to colleagues who might find it useful. If you havent subscribed yet, you can do so here. I encourage you to visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Yours, Abubakar Siddique Twitter: @sid_abu P.S.: You can always reach us at gandhara@rferl.org. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds ESE 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. NYC opens cyber operations center New York City is opening a cybersecurity operations center staffed with 282 public- and private-sector partners who will be sharing intelligence on potential cyber threats. Until last week, the New York City Cyber Critical Services and Infrastructure initiative, which was first launched in 2019, was a virtual program. Its goal is to increase communication about cyber risks and lay a foundation to that will facilitate coordination and formal response mechanism in the event of a cyber-attack on any piece of our Citys critical infrastructure, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, Jr. and New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Dermot Shea said at the time. Now the operation has moved into a lower Manhattan building, making New York the first city to have a real-time cybersecurity operational center, the Wall Street Journal reported. Members of the group include NYPD, New York City Cyber Command, the citys chief information security officer, the Federal Reserve Bank, Amazon, IBM, several New York healthcare systems and the Global Cyber Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing cyber risks. New York City is considered especially vulnerable due to its reputation as a center of global financial power. The rise of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure makes the information sharing initiative all the more urgent. If any city in America needs this cross-sector and government collaboration, its us, Vance told the WSJ. Cities increasingly depend on cyber, said Global Cyber Alliance President and CEO Philip Reitinger. Everything is connected. In November, projects members worked to respond to a ransomware attack on Brooklyn Hospitals network. The team spent a week on-site, rooting out malware and reconfiguring hospital servers, officials told the paper. As soon as there is a cyber event anywhere in the country, the group prepares in case an attack breaches the New York region, the WSJ said. The collective has also conducted war games at the IBM cyber range where participants practice coordinating their responses to simulated attacks. Starting Monday, those wishing to apply for help can call the Danville Department of Social Services at 434-799-6540 or pick up applications outside the door at 510 Patton St. Applicants will need to attach their most recent utility bill. The help is for those who have been financially affected by the pandemic. City officials, including the city manager, deputy city manager, finance director and director of utilities chose the Sept. 1 date to give customers a couple of months notice. We wanted to give the public enough time to know that it was coming and to be able to make arrangements, said City Manager Ken Larking. Adkins pointed out that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam had requested utilities across the state not to start disconnections until 60 days after the state of emergency was lifted. It expired June 30, and Sept. 1 is more than 60 days past that date, he said. Also, by the time September comes, utility bills begin to be a little lower due to less power use, Adkins said. Also, the $500,000 in assistance will be of help. We have this money available that we can deploy for assistance, Adkins said. It just seemed to be the right time to go back to business as usual as much as we can. Pittsylvania Countys COVID-19 death toll fluctuated again over the last few days mirroring a situation with Danvilles fatality figures last week and a new local outbreak emerged in Friday mornings update. It was in Wednesdays report from the Virginia Department of Health that officials removed a death from the countys database. On Friday morning, another fatality was added there. The most recent death listed was a resident in his or her 50s. Its not clear when the person died of the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Thats mostly because of the meticulous process the Virginia Department of Health uses to verify a death is linked to COVID-19. Before placing a fatality in the daily updated COVID-19 database, health officials wait for a death certificate. That alone can take several weeks to make its way to officials. LANSING, Mich. (AP) The Michigan elections bureau has determined that organizers of a ballot drive to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people failed to collect enough valid voter signatures. Fair and Equal Michigan gathered nearly 299,000 signatures, short of the roughly 340,000 needed, according to a report released Thursday. A 500-signature sample had been pulled from about 445,000. Election staffers ruled many ineligible because the signers were not registered voters or there were address, date or others errors. The bipartisan Board of State Canvassers will meet Tuesday to consider a recommendation to not certify the initiative. If it were certified a long shot now the bill would be placed before the Republican-led Legislature, where similar legislation has long stalled. If lawmakers did not act, it would go to a public vote in November 2022. A structural field survey performed in 2018 had found major damage below the pool deck, among other problems. And The Wall Street Journal has reported that design errors may have led to the disaster. We also know now that the owners of the 136-unit building were just days away from a deadline that required them to begin making more than $9 million in major repairs. There was something very, very wrong at this building, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett told CNN. Buildings in America just dont fall down like this. This is a Third World phenomenon, not a First World phenomenon. Search-and-rescue efforts began almost immediately following the buildings collapse, with teams working around the clock and hundreds of others on standby ready to rotate in. Relatives of residents have streamed to the site, some to shout messages to loved ones possibly buried deep inside the pile. We are just waiting for answers. Thats what we want, Dianne Ohayon, whose parents, Myriam and Arnie Notkin, were in the building, told The Associated Press. Its hard to go through these long days and we havent gotten any answers yet. GREENSBORO Once under contract, the former home of the News & Record has been listed for sale again by a commercial real estate agent. The 6.65-acre property, which occupies most of the downtown block of 200 East Market St. between Davie and Church streets, was under contract with an unnamed buyer more than three years ago when the newspaper was still based there. Published reports at the time said developer Greg Dillon was the prospective buyer of the property in 2018 but the News & Record was unable to confirm that with Omaha-based BH Media Group, a Warren Buffett company that owned the newspaper and several others in the region. Company officials declined to say who the buyer was or reveal the sale price. BH Media has since sold the newspaper to Lee Enterprises, a newspaper chain based in Iowa. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Since then, the News & Record has relocated to another office and the Market Street property has been vacant. Cushman & Wakefield, a Chicago-based commercial real estate company, listed the property on July 1 for nearly $11 million. The building, which was built in 1976, includes 176,000 square feet of rentable space, according to the real estate listing. 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. It's 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. The affidavit included a series of text messages between the informant and Hudson, dating to Jan. 27, as evidence the weapons were for sale. Authorities traced the purchase of at least four Sig Sauer pistols by Norman from Lawmens Distribution LLC in Raleigh. Conversations between Hudson and Norman overheard by the informant werent all related to weapons dealings. According to the affidavit, Hudson called Norman on March 25 in front of the informant and put the call on speaker. During the recorded conversation, which centered on the purchase of firearms, Hudson also asked Norman if he could help him get out of a recent traffic ticket. Norman responded, I probably can, the affidavit shows. In a conversation between Hudson and the informant on April 16, Hudson said he and Norman partied and used marijuana and cocaine together before Norman became a trooper, the affidavit shows. The pair even worked together at a private security company after attending basic law enforcement training together, according to the affidavit. Hudson told the informant that hed bought many firearms from Norman, and hed done so while the trooper was on duty in his patrol car and in uniform, according to the affidavit. Hudson also said he didnt know of any other cop that would sell a felon a gun. And with more federal funding from the American Rescue Plan on the way Hoover isn't sure yet how much the program is likely to be operating for months to come. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Hoover said the county has spent $2.1 million so far in assistance payments. The Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Grant Program, as it is formally known, offers people with financial hardships up to 12 months of back rent or three months of anticipated rent. An applicant must show that they have lost their job, experienced a reduction in hours or other hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic. An applicant can get back rent covered as far back as March 20, 2020 when the pandemic was in full effect. The program can also help with utility payments and even internet services. Hoover said that's especially crucial for many people who need internet to conduct meetings over Zoom or so children can learn from home. The average amount for assistance is $2,500, he said, and individual amounts can range from under $2,000 to over $5,000. However, the program does not cover mortgage assistance, Hoover said. This week, Raleigh City Council member David Knight said he would propose an ordinance that would restrict ownership of wild dangerous animals, including but not limited to venomous snakes. Knight said he is working with the citys legal team to figure out the best way to do that, but aims to propose the ordinance when the council returns from its break in mid-August. 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 said. 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. The new social studies standards have been a source of controversy even before their adoption in February by a narrow vote. The standards include more attention on the perspectives of women, minority groups and other historically marginalized groups. For instance, the standards call for looking at the discriminatory practices that have been used to suppress or exploit certain groups during the nations history. Critics accused the new standards of incorporating Critical Race Theory, which holds that systemic racism has been and continues to be a part of the nations history. In June, a divided state board voted to approve the new material that will be used in elementary schools. The boards Republican members raised concerns such as how Sandra Day OConnor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice, was omitted from a 5th-grade list of women who have contributed to change and innovation in the United States. The state board adopts the standards in each subject, but curriculum decisions are left up to individual school districts and charter schools. Its even more so the case in social studies, where there are no longer any statewide exams for the subject. The handling of this situation by American Airlines was incredibly disappointing. Of course, safety is an absolute priority and any passenger not abiding by aviation rules and regulations must be removed from an aircraft, Breakaway said. However, the act of one individual is not the responsibility of others, and the students that were abiding by the rules should not have had to endure this type of treatment. The group was treated in an improper and overly harsh manner, causing unnecessary stress and aggravation to the travelers and their parents from afar. The aircraft remained at the gate with the boarding door open and the jet bridge attached throughout an initial two-hour mechanical delay, according to American. Passengers were later deplaned due to mechanical issues making it necessary to swap planes, Breakaway Beach said. When passengers began to reboard, the group of graduates were refused at the gate, according to the company. The planes captain made the decision to deny the group boarding, according to American. At that point, the aircraft was delayed to remove baggage checked by the group from the plane. The baggage delay and additional delays meant the aircraft needed new crew members, according to American. The flight was delayed overnight after it was determined the flight would arrive in Nassau after customs had closed. The loss of Nikole Hannah-Jones by the UNC-Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media is one more black eye for an overly politicized UNC System that has been punching itself in the eye for quite a while now. Its also a loss for the UNC journalism students who could have benefited from Hannah-Jones intellect, talent and broad experience. It seemed at first like a dream acquisition. And it should have been. Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter and MacArthur Foundation genius grant recipient and, incidentally, an alumna of UNCs journalism school was hired in April as the schools Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism. Her appointment would instantly increase the schools prestige. Would-be investigative journalists from throughout the country would flock to North Carolina to learn from her. But the schools offer included a low ball: While previous Knight chairs had regularly received tenure upon being hired, Hannah-Jones was only offered a five-year contract. Were worried, he said. Were in a race against this delta variant. The more people we can get vaccinated, the more people we can protect from it. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified the delta variant as a concern because it spreads faster than other COVID-19 variants and there is a possible increased risk of hospitalization. The CDC said North Carolina is one of 24 states with a noticeable recent increase in cases. 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, director of the CDC, said thats leading to two truths highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places. Like North Carolina. 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 comprises just over 50% and in some places, such as parts of the Midwest, as much as 80%. Araujo is second Officer of the Year to be arrested in two weeks Health officials suggest steps to prevent West Nile Virus State and local public health officials are reminding Montanans to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and prevent infection from West Nile Virus. In Montana, WNV season usually begins in July and ends in October, as this is when the mosquitoes responsible for it emerge. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV, is to avoid mosquito bites. While mosquitoes found in Montana are unable to transmit diseases like Zika virus, they can transmit WNV. The virus can also infect horses and birds, with birds serving as the source of infection for most mosquitoes who then pass the virus along to humans by biting them. The 4 Ds of WNV prevention should be followed to reduce the chance of mosquito bites. 1. DEET: Use insect repellent such as DEET or picaridin. 2. Drain: Drain standing water around your house to prevent mosquito breeding. 3. Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times. 4. Dress: When possible, wear long sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from bites. Sidney School teacher Sam Shaw told the commission that his Richland County was unique enough in its Bakken oil economy and the challenges that come with it, that it deserved its own district, if that meant the population was 5% less than the perfect amount, so be it. I believe that Richland County should remain whole, as would be possible under a 5% standard, but not under a 1% standard, Shaw said. Richland County is unique, and we have unique interests, because we have a lot of oilfield activity and the impacts that entails, something that the counties around us simply do not have. Richland is a reliably Republican County, but the push for a deviation of 5% was counter to Republican messaging by Skees and others. Similar support for wide variation came from people in Ravalli County who didnt want to be comingled with Missoula, fearing their local issues would be lost. Other issues were specific to legislative districts. The commission opened with public discussion about prison gerrymandering, in which a prisons population of inmates ineligible to vote is used to secure a legislative district for the prisons host community. If youre tuning into Montana news reports, youve probably received a notification about a new fire nearly every week over the past two months. The thought of watching our mountains being engulfed by smoke, our throats burning from the debris, and sending our loved ones to go fight those fires has crossed all of our minds. The effects of a changing climate and poor management of our natural resources are apparent to all of us living in the Mountain West, and nearly every year a new record is set for acreage burned. Wildfires are a threat to lives and wilderness in the state of Montana, of course, but they also pose a threat to our economy. Tourism in Montana contributes approximately $3.7 billion to the state economy while supporting nearly 60,000 jobs. Specifically, ski resorts across the western region of the country are threatened by destructive fires. When the state is more acutely threatened by wildfires, tourists are less likely to come and support Montana workers and businesses in the industry. DECATUR The Macon County Health Department is reporting the presence of six variants of COVID-19 having been diagnosed in 237 residents. The most prevalent is the UK variant, with 141 cases, followed by 84 cases of the Brazil variant. There have been six cases of the California (B.1.429) variant, four cases of the South African variant and one case each of the California (B.1.427) and Delta variants. During the past week, there have been 31 new positive cases reported, bringing the county's total to 11,069 since the pandemic began last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, variants of concern are those in which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease (increased hospitalizations or deaths), significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination, reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures," the health department said in a release. The department is encouraging residents to get vaccinated and have announced four clinics to be held next week. They are set for: Sangamon Valley High School, 398 N. Illinois St., Niantic, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13. The walk-in Pfizer clinic is for those ages 12 and older. Optional registrations are being accepted at https://bit.ly/3qVM0JD. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Patients must return to Sangamon Valley High School on Aug. 3 to receive the second dose. Richland Community College, 1 College Park, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. Enter the main doors near the flag poles and proceed to the cafe area. The walk-in Pfizer clinic is for those ages 12 and older. Patients must return to Richland Community College on Aug. 4 to receive the second dose. Macon County Health Department, 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. The walk-in Pfizer clinic is for those ages 12 and older. Patients must return to the MCHD during regular business hours Aug. 4 to receive the second dose. Richland Community College, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15. Enter the main doors near the flag poles and proceed to the cafe area. The walk-in Johnson & Johnson clinic is for those ages 18 and older. For more information on vaccination clinics, call 217-423-6988 or visit www.maconcountyhealth.org. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SULLIVAN A Sullivan man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on a charge that he set a fire that destroyed a storage shed. Clint A. Hector, 37, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property in excess of $10,000 as part of an agreement during a hearing on Thursday in Moultrie County Circuit Court. Judge Jeremy Richey accepted the plea. Assistant State's Attorney Elizabeth Dobson said in court that Sullivan Police Department and Sullivan Fire Protection District personnel were dispatched on Nov. 30 to a Chad Avenue residence in Sullivan, according to the state's attorney's office. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Upon arrival, the emergency responders observed a shed fully engulfed in flames behind the residence. They also observed Hector, who resided on Chad Avenue, in a tree on the property. The state's attorney's office reported that Hector admitted to setting the shed fire to keep warm. He allegedly failed to report the fire to anyone after the flames began to spread. The shed and its contents were a total loss. Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office personnel assisted with the investigation, as well. As part of the plea agreement, felony charges of aggravated arson while knowing people were present and of arson involving property were dismissed. Public Defender Marvin Hanson represented Hector. Under state law, Hector was eligible for probation or conditional discharge and was subject to a prison sentence of 2-10 years. He is eligible for day-to-day sentencing and will be subject to a 1-year period of mandatory supervised release after prison. He received credit for 220 days served in the jail. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LINCOLN Four people were killed and two were hurt Wednesday night in a crash on Interstate 55, state police said. About 10:11 p.m. a van was heading north on I-55 near milepost 122 just south of Lincoln when the driver lost control of the vehicle in the heavy rain. The van crossed the median, into oncoming southbound traffic. A semi truck struck the van in the southbound lanes before it crossed the median and northbound lanes. The semi overturned on the frontage road east of I-55, according to state police. Four people, all traveling in the van, were pronounced dead at the scene. They were a 47-year-old man who drove the vehicle; a 16-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl; and a 17-year-old boy, all from Washington, Illinois. A 13-year-old girl, who also was traveling in the van, was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A passenger in the semi, a 41-year-old man from Decatur, Georgia, was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. In the preliminary investigation, state police said the heavy rain caused the van driver to lose control and skid into the median. No further information was immediately available Thursday morning. The names of the deceased have not been released. Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR With little fanfare, the Macon County Board approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the union representing Macon County deputy sheriffs Thursday evening. The contract is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2020 and runs through Nov. 30, 2023. Employees covered under the deal, which includes about 50 full-time Macon County deputy sheriffs, will receive a 2.75% salary increase each year of the agreement. By the end of the contract, the starting pay for a Macon County deputy sheriff will be $54,692. "You couldn't ask for a better bunch to work with," said county board chairman Kevin Greenfield. "I wish we had more money to give them. But right now, this is where we're at." Sheriff Jim Root, who was sworn in last month, said he was not involved with negotiations, which took place before he took office. And the issues brought up in the contract were "mostly financial," outside the operational side that's within his purview. The contract was negotiated between the county and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council. While it seemed relatively harmonious, Greenfield worried about what impact the police reform legislation signed earlier this year might have in future years. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "We're going to have to find a way to take good care of our officers," he said. As Is the case with most police contracts, there is an indemnification clause in the agreement, which shields deputies from financial liability in case of lawsuits if the action was taken while performing duties of the office. The agreement between the county and deputies comes as the city of Decatur continues negotiations with the union representing Decatur police officers. City officers have been working without a contract since January 2020. The city's desire to implement a more strict residency requirement and the creation in recent years of non-union community liaison officer positions to perform work previously done by sworn officers are among the issues holding up negotiations. Deputy sheriffs are required to live within 40 miles of the department, per their contract. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD The credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings upgraded Illinois bond rating on Thursday, citing the states improved financial condition. Its the second upgrade from a major credit rating agency to move the state away from the brink of junk status. The upgrade reflects our view of improved liquidity, demonstrated operational controls during the pandemic, and an improved economic condition, S&P credit analyst Geoff Buswick said in a news release. The upgrade moved the rating on Illinois general obligation bonds to BBB from BBB-, the lowest investment-grade rating available. The states long-term credit outlook was rated as stable. S&Ps decision came one week after Moodys Investors Service raised its rating to Baa2 from Baa3. In its announcement, S&P noted that state tax revenues held up stronger than expected during the recession brought on by the pandemic as well as the receipt of federal stimulus money to help bridge the gap to a fully functioning economy. It also cited as a reason for the upgrade Gov. J.B. Pritzkers decision during the pandemic to cut more than $700 million in spending and freezes, though not all of those were related to the states general revenue fund. And it noted that the political gridlock that led to a two-year budget stalemate during former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauners term had dissipated. S&P also said it now views the COVID-19 pandemic as a social factor affecting public health and safety, but said the risk is abating and is not viewed as a material credit factor. Like Moodys, however, S&P said Illinois still faces a number of financial pressures, including its poorly-funded public pension systems and constraints under the state constitution that prevent the state from changing pension benefits. But S&P also did not rule out the possibility of another credit upgrade in the future if the economy continues to recover and the state continues to manage its budget responsibly. The state's economic base can already support a higher rating, S&P said. Any upside to the state's creditworthiness, however, remains somewhat constrained by the poorly funded pension systems and other outsize liabilities. If Illinois were to make sustainable progress toward structural balance, including meeting its pension obligations, further reducing its bill backlog, and increasing reserves, we could raise the rating. Pritzker and other Democratic leaders responded quickly to the news, claiming credit for the states improved financial outlook. "A well-known proverb states, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, Pritzker said in a statement. Throughout my administration weve remained steadfast in our goal to return Illinois to fiscal stability. That has meant making responsible decisions step by step, day by day, working closely with our partners in state government. Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, called the news further proof we are on the right track in balancing our fiscal realities with the real-world needs of working men and women, while House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Hillside, said it was the result of positive changes you see when government leadership is truly working for the people they represent. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 THUMBS UP! To reminding parents of vaccination requirements. All of us lost medical care time last year. The adults need to get back in their checkup routines, and give their dentists calls. And its necessary to catch up on vaccinations for school-age children. To see a list of Illinois requirements, search student vaccinations at herald-review.com. THUMBS DOWN! To the increased prices of chicken wings. Despite a slight blip at the start of the pandemic -- where consumers made mad rushes for toilet paper, cleaning products, bread and dairy products, to name a few -- weve been fortunate to avoid shortages. But lack of workers to process chicken and other workers to deliver the food has led to an increase in price. This wont be the last time COVID-19s aftermath has an effect on our shopping lives. THUMBS UP! Again to the idea of a vacant building registration program. Last month, we pointed out how Decatur has many large buildings that once served industrial roles. When emergencies strike, first responders walk into situations where there's a potential danger they might not have any idea about. As a reminder of the danger and of the plan thats needed, the worst happened this week in Morris, a city in northern Illinois. Lithium batteries exploded inside a burning former paper mill believed long abandoned. City officials ordered the evacuation of in excess of 3,000 people from 950 homes. We certainly dont think were in that situation here, but neither did Morris officials. Registrations would be a step toward safety. THUMBS UP! To courts become more active and efficient. State courthouses across Illinois may end social distancing measures and starting Oct. 1 criminal defendants may again invoke their right to a speedy trial under new Illinois Supreme Court rules. The date was chosen to give judges time to prepare. In-person and virtual court hearings have been held, but conducting criminal trials has been difficult. THUMBS UP! To a positive COVID-19 milestone. Illinois reported zero COVID deaths on Tuesday, the first time the state has been able to make such a report since March 2020. That doesnt mean no one in the state died due to the virus on Tuesday, just that no deaths were reported officially. Nevertheless, its a mark worth celebrating. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 21 BRISTOL, Va. Bristol Virginia School Board members received a homework assignment Thursday in advance of a planned Tuesday joint meeting with the City Council. The board and council are expected to resume discussions about building a new elementary school. The board has been working for years to close some of its older, outdated elementary schools and consolidate those students into a new building. Theyve had different reactions from different iterations of City Council, which must approve any such work since it is the taxing authority. Tuesdays session is expected to occur behind closed doors, excluding members of the public and news media, because part of the discussion includes acquiring property and divulging that information could affect the citys bargaining position, Superintendent Keith Perrigan told the board. After outlining four possible options for the new school, Perrigan asked each board member to rank them in advance of Tuesdays meeting. The goal is to have clear direction where our city leaders want us to go for new school construction, so that I can begin the process of getting formal approval from the Virginia Department of Education and start the formal process we would need to take, Perrigan said after the boards meeting. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Willard King, a DEQ water compliance manager, said the only damage from the spill he could see was a large number of dead fish floating in Little Creeks waters. He said his team counted the fish along several stream segments and used American Fisheries Society methods to estimate the total: just shy of 8,000. There were minnows, some darters, sculpins, he said of the species hed seen. The streams pH level which he said the lye threw off balance had already returned to normal levels by the time of the inspection, he added. It happens on occasion, he said of fish kills. Its not that often, but it does happen. King wouldnt say how this particular incident compared to other fish kills the state has seen. But its definitely not the biggest: Farther east, in Botetourt County, a 2017 chemical spill in Tinker Creek wiped out more than 40,000 fish. And in 2019, water contaminated by livestock fodder killed more than 50,000 in a Bland County stream. This isnt the first fish kill to strike Little Creek. In April 2014, a discharge to the stream from a BVU manhole resulted in almost 3,000 dead fish. With his signature gruffness, Grassley acknowledges his age is one of the reasons that Ive put off making the decision until later on. Who knows? I could die tomorrow, he told The Associated Press as he visited tiny Ida Grove in northwest Iowa last week. If I announce Im running, Im planning on living to be 95. But I might not live that long. His health habits suggest otherwise. The pushups aren't just for show, but part of his daily routine, he says. He also runs 12 miles (19 kilometers) per week, though he chuckles calling it a shuffle. He wakes up at 4 a.m. and is in his Washington office by 6 a.m. Despite the pace, and his activity on Twitter, there's no hiding Grassley has decades on most of his voters. At events, Grassley references his hearing aid, sometimes as a joke, but he also relies on a staffer to repeat what he misses. He often illustrates his points with creaky references and examples that predate his listeners. Meeting with a group of young professionals in Sioux City last week, Grassley fielded a question about same-sex marriage by noting that it reminded him of some constitutional research he did in college in 1953. This years General Assembly passed a budget that included a 5% raise for teachers, but required a local match. Not a 1-to-1 match, but still a match. To qualify for the $1 million allotted by the state for Scott County, the Board of Supervisors had to put up $238,935. Some might consider that a good deal, even a great deal. Not the Scott County Board of Supervisors, which last week voted not to put up that local money, thereby forgoing the $1 million from the state. Not surprisingly, this has been a controversial move in Scott County. The county is one of the most Republican counties in the state, perhaps the most Republican county in the state. Donald Trump took 83.4% of the vote there in 2020; nowhere else in Virginia gave him a higher percentage. Yet the boards move prompted this statement from the countys Republican delegate in Richmond, Terry Kilgore, who will never be confused with a tax-and-spend liberal: As the state delegate for Scott County, I was proud that the General Assemblys budget included funding to increase teacher pay, a profession that has long been underpaid. In fact, the primary reason why I voted for the state budget was due to the 5% teacher pay raise. For Scott County to receive over $1 million in state funding for teacher raises, the county had to provide roughly $238,000. Due to their decision not to provide the funding, Scott County Schools will not receive the nearly $1 million from the commonwealth most likely the only county in Virginia to reject this funding. Nearly 80% of those in ICE custody have no criminal record, and a majority of those who do have committed largely minor offenses, according to TRAC. Advocates praised Friday's announcement, but said it doesnt go far enough. The American Civil Liberties Union called on the government to stop detaining anyone who might be at risk in detention. This action by the Biden administration is a welcome step in the right direction, said Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney with the organization. Under Obama, ICE adopted a policy in August 2016 that pregnant migrants would be presumed eligible for release as their cases made their way through immigration courts. President Donald Trump ended that policy of presumed release, part of his administration's heightened immigration enforcement, including arrests of anyone without legal residency regardless of whether they had committed some other offense. The number of pregnant women detained by ICE increased from 1,380 in 2016 to 2,098, according to the Government Accountability Office. I am writing in response to Vince LeGrands reaction to my recent opinion column, COVID-19 Discredits Populists." LeGrand lauded Trumps decision to shut down travel from China. Yet according to separate Mount Sinai, NYU, and Northeastern studies, along with a CDC report, COVID-19 came to New York, the initial epicenter of the disease in the U.S., primarily from Europe, not China. LeGrand claimed that hydroxychloroquine (an anti-malarial drug) improves COVID survival rates in some patients (without citing any evidence). Scientific studies, such as a large controlled clinical trial carried out by researchers from the University of Minnesota and Canada along with a separate National Institutes of Health clinical trial, have found that hydroxychloroquine does not prevent COVID-19 or show any other benefit for those exposed to COVID. LeGrand mentioned the coronavirus task force that included public health expert Dr. Anthony Fauci. The task force, which initially met daily, was quickly sidelined, meeting infrequently and without Trump present for several months by the fall of 2020. Trumps disdain for Fauci was thinly veiled. Amid rise in number of cases of Covid-19 virus' Delta variant, United States based pharmaceutical major Pfizer will seek US drug regulator's approval for a third 'booster' dose of its mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. The development comes as data from a recent study in Israel showed that the efficacy of the Pfizer shot wanes against Delta variant of Coronavirus. The study, however, maintained that the vaccine still protect against severe illness from the highly contagious strain. The vaccine protected 64 per cent of inoculated people from infection during an outbreak of the Delta variant, down from 94 per cent before, according to Israels Health Ministry. It was 94 per cent effective at preventing severe illness in the same period, compared with 97 per cent before, the ministry said, reports Wall Street Journal. Pfizer reportedly plans to seek the FDA nod for the third booster dose of its Covid-19 vaccine in August. The US pharma giant on Thursday (8 July) said that a third dose within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and may help ward off the the delta variant. According to Pfizer's Dr Mikael Dolsten, early data from the companys booster study suggests peoples antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier. However, US health officials have said that fully vaccinated Americans dont need a booster yet. According to a joint statement by the FDA and CDC, US health agencies are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary" and any decision on booster shots would happen only when the science demonstrates that they are needed". Flames rise the morning after a fire broke out at the Hashem Foods Ltd factory in Rupganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh (REUTERS) At least 49 people have died in a fire at a food and drinks factory outside the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, according to local TV reports. A massive blaze broke out at the multistory building of Hashem Food and Beverage Ltd, a factory in Rupganj, near Dhaka on Thursday night, fire official Russel Shikder said. At least 17 bodies have been recovered so far. The blaze was doused on Friday morning, but the firefighters are struggling to recover bodies from the remains of the burned factory. The exact number of casualties could not be confirmed, officials said, as more bodies are expected to be recovered. According to an unidentified senior official who spoke to Ekattor TV on Friday, the factory was locked from the inside when the fire broke out. It is still unclear how many people were trapped inside the building, but those who came out alive spoke of their fears that many others might not have managed to escape. Firefighters and rescue workers recover bodies of the deceased who died in the fire (AFP via Getty Images) Many survivors were injured and some died outside of fatal injuries after jumping from the upper floors in an attempt to escape the fire, reported the Dhaka Tribune. Distraught relatives of the victims staged protests in front of the fire-ravaged factory on Friday and blocked the nearby Dhaka-Sylhet highway for hours, clashing with security forces. Head of the Dhaka fire department Dinu Moni Sharma told reporters the cause of the fire was suspected to be the stock of highly flammable chemicals and plastics kept inside the factory. One of the survivors said the doors on the stairwell of the third floor were closed, blocking the exit route for many people who were trapped on higher floors. Rescuers continue to find potential bodies from rubble even after almost 24 hours of fire (EPA) The Asian nation has a long history of deadly fires in factories as well as the sprawling camps housing Rohingya refugees, which have been attributed to overcrowding and laxity in enforcing safety rules. In March this year, at least 15 people were killed in the southeastern town of Coxs Bazar, home to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in neighbouring Myanmar. At least 50,000 people were rendered homeless by the blaze. Story continues In February 2019, at least 67 people died after a fire engulfed a 400-year-old area cramped with apartments, shops and factories in Dhaka itself. And in another major incident in 2010, 123 people were killed in Old Dhaka after a fire broke out in a house illegally storing chemicals. Read More Bangladesh factory fire death toll rises to 52 as police open investigation Worlds smallest cow draws huge crowds in Bangladesh I risked my life for the British army in Afghanistan, now the UK will not respond to my requests for asylum Afghan soldiers recapture checkpoint from the Taliban, in Alishing district of Laghman province By Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -Health workers are struggling to get medicines and supplies into Afghanistan where facilities have come under attack and some staff have fled escalating violence, a World Health Organization official said on Friday. Taliban fighters have signalled they want continued support for health services in the areas they are taking, the WHO's regional emergencies director, Rick Brennan, said. But the situation was fluid and needs remained "enormous and complex" in a country where at least 18.4 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 3.1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition, he added. Taliban officials said on Friday they had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan. Government officials dismissed the assertion by a Taliban delegation visiting Moscow as part of a propaganda campaign launched as foreign forces, including the United States, withdraw after almost 20 years of fighting. "We are concerned about our lack of access to be able to provide essential medicines and supplies and we are concerned about attacks on health care," Brennan, speaking via videolink from Cairo, told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. There had been 30 attacks on facilities this year, including a reported artillery attack on a health centre in Kunar province two days ago, he added, without saying who was responsible. Health workers in some rural clinics had fled, though others had returned to their jobs, he added. "The Taliban are asking through indirect means, informally, for support for the continuity of health services in the areas that they are taking ... So I hope that there will be some stability," Brennan said. Some aid would arrive by next week including 3.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and oxygen concentrators, he said. They included doses of Johnson & Johnson's shot donated by the United States and AstraZeneca doses through the COVAX facility. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves after a joint news conference with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan at the presidential palace in Kabul. Kabul [Afghanistan], July 9 (ANI): Taliban would not engage in a dialogue with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government as long as the Pakistani military and intelligence continue to give sanctuary to terrorists, said a prominent Afghan expert. In an interview with German's DW, Ahmed Rashid, a journalist and best-selling foreign policy author of several books about Afghanistan, said that the chaotic situation in Afghanistan "can suck in the neighbouring countries." "If that happens, that will be the end of Afghanistan," he said. "Why should they when their leaders and their families are safe? If Pakistan wants to show its sincerity, it needs to immediately force the Taliban leaders to either compromise or leave their sanctuaries in Quetta or in Peshawar," Rashid said. The violence has escalated in Afghanistan as foreign forces are withdrawing from the war-torn country. There is a fear of full-blown civil war as the Taliban stepped forward and took control of several districts in the country's north, while Afghan forces are retaliating and launching a counter-offensive against the Taliban. Hundreds of Afghan security personnel recently retreated across the Tajik-Afghan border in response to Taliban advances in northern Afghanistan. Islamabad has been accused of aiding the Taliban and using them as proxies for its own benefit. However, it continues to deny its connection to the terrorist group despite mounting evidence. Recently, Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has admitted that families of Afghan Taliban reside in his country, including in the capital city of Islamabad. Ahmed also said the Taliban receive medical treatment in Pakistani hospitals. This was in contrast to what Pakistan claims. Last month, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had denied the presence of Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan. He had said that the terrorist group's leaders "are in Afghanistan." Moreover, he denied the existence of such institutions in Pakistan and said he "has been hearing of these terms for now decades." Story continues Afghan officials have long maintained that Pakistan provides shelter and military support to the Taliban. But as the US is ending its two-decade war in Afghanistan, Pakistan's alleged interference in Afghanistan has become a major topic of discussion in the Afghan media, According to DW. "You must be aware that we are under attack from Pakistan. It is not the Taliban that we are fighting: We are dealing with Pakistan's proxy war," Abdul Sattar Hussaini, an Afghan lawmaker, said on a recent TV talk show. "The Taliban do not have any plan for Afghanistan, and we are not ready to accept Pakistan's plan," he said. (ANI) US President Joe Biden (File Photo) Washington [US], July 9 (ANI): President Joe Biden on Thursday press briefing assured his Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, that the US will continue to provide civilian and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan even after the American military drawdown by August 31. "In our meeting, I also assured President Ashraf Ghani that US support for the people of Afghanistan will endure. We will continue to provide civilian and humanitarian assistance including speaking out for the rights of women and girls," said Biden. He also said that the US did not go to Afghanistan for nation-building. "It's the rights and responsibilities of the Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country." Talking about the American assistance to Afghanistan in the backdrop of its military drawdown by August 31, Biden said, "Together with our NATO allies and partners we have trained and equipped nearly 300, 000 current serving members of the military - Afghan National Security Forces. Hundreds of that security forces trained over the last two decades. We provided our Afghan partners with all the tools." He also emphasized the modern military tools that have been provided to Afghanistan to fight back the terrorists. "Let me emphasize, all the tools, training, equipment of any modern military. We provided advanced weaponry and we're going to continue to provide funding and equipment and we will ensure, we have the capacity to maintain their Air Force, but most critically as I stressed in my meetings just two weeks ago, Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future that the Afghan people want and they deserve." Meanwhile, he said that the US will be maintaining a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and reiterated that they want Afghans to come out of senseless violence. "I intend to maintain our diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and we're coordinating closely with our international partners in order to continue to secure the International Airport and we're going to engage in a determined diplomacy to pursue peace and Peace Agreement that will end this senseless violence." Story continues He further said, "I asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken and our Special Representative for Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad to work vigorously with the parties in Afghanistan as well as regional and international stakeholders to support a negotiated solution." "To be clear, to clear countries in the region have a role to play in supporting a peaceful settlement. We'll work with them and they should help step up their efforts as well," he added. This comes amid a surge in violence in Afghanistan. The Taliban has intensified its offensive against the government after foreign forces have started withdrawing from the war-torn country. The Taliban has also taken control of several districts across the country and US intelligence assessments have suggested the country's civilian government could fall to the terror group within months of US forces withdrawing completely. Meanwhile, President Biden on Thursday confirmed that the US military drawdown from Afghanistan will conclude on August 31. (ANI) Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} KCS has a Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday. The agenda has an item reserved for a Back-To-School Update, but it is unclear if there will be any further information at that time. Currently in the state of North Carolina, anyone who has been vaccinated is allowed to go out in public without a mask unless a business requires patrons to wear one. However, in a news conference June 11, Gov. Roy Cooper extended a State of Emergency requiring face coverings in certain settings such as public transportation, schools, health care facilities and childcare facilities. Those orders would extend to school districts like Kannapolis at this point, though with numbers due to COVID-19 across the state on the decline and vaccination rates on the rise, it remains to be seen what the states guidance will look like when school starts in August. Currently, there are 151 active cases of COVID-19 in Cabarrus County, with a 2.4% positive rate among those tested. Additionally, there have been 89,102 first doses of vaccine administered, according to the Cabarrus Health Alliance. That is not yet the 80% the local health department is looking for, but it is up significantly from the end of the academic year. The third provision takes aim at the Democratically controlled State Board of Elections (SBOE). It would remove the organizations investigative authority and transfer it to the State Bureau of Investigations, an agency already overloaded with work. The board has 3 members from the party of the sitting governor and 2 from the opposing party. Republican leadership was angered when the board voted unanimously last year to accept a settlement agreement that would allow Novembers elections to go forward. The SBOE would have no power to agree to court settlements when the legislature is not in session. Not only will these power grabs be quickly vetoed but they are likely unconstitutional and short sighted. Republican leadership is failing to acknowledge that the pandemic was a once-in-a-century disaster and ignore the reality that sooner or later the political shoe will be on the other foot. It will be interesting to see how the House budget compares and contrasts with the Senate. The larger question is whether Coopers veto will stick, as it has in recent years. We will watch with fascination whether the four Democrats who voted for the Senate budget will fold under extreme pressure and vote along party lines or vote to override the veto. Time will tell whether we are still in a time warp or can approve the first state budget since 2017. State government is becoming as partisan and ineffective as our federal government. Tom Campbell is a Hall of Fame North Carolina Broadcaster and columnist who has covered North Carolina public policy issues since 1965. He recently retired from writing, producing and moderating the statewide half-hour TV program NC SPIN that aired 22 years. Contact him at tomcamp@carolinabroadcasting.com Image from askanews web site Milano, 9 lug. (askanews) - I talebani hanno annunciato di aver preso Islam Qala, il piu importante posto di confine dell'Afghanistan con l'Iran, situato nella provincia occidentale di Herat, mentre l'offensiva degli insorti continua in tutto il paese. Lo rende noto France Presse, sottolineando che Islam Qala e uno dei valichi di frontiera piu importanti dell'Afghanistan, e attraverso il quale passa la maggior parte del commercio legale tra i due paesi. Il tutto dopo che il presidente americano Joe Biden ha annunciato che il ritiro americano dall'Afghanistan sara completato il 31 agosto, affermando che non e "inevitabile" vedere il Paese cadere nelle mani dei talebani. Biden - gia sostenitore di forti sforzi militari e umanitari per ricostruire l'Afghanistan ma schietto critico dell'operato di Hamid Karzai - ora da presidente Usa sta supervisionando un ritiro quasi totale delle truppe nonostante le obiezioni di alcuni esperti militari, legislatori democratici e repubblicani e funzionari umanitari. Il predecessore repubblicano di Biden, Donald Trump, aveva stretto un accordo con i talebani in base al quale tutte le truppe statunitensi se ne sarebbero andate entro maggio di quest'anno. Fonti affermano che Biden era preoccupato che rinnegare quell'accordo avrebbe generato ulteriori attacchi alle truppe statunitensi ed esteso la guerra. MATTOON The farmhouse that was formerly home to the Lake Land College Police Department station may be used for a controlled burn as part of firefighter training. The Lake Land Board of Trustees is set during its meeting Monday night to consider authorizing the controlled burn of this building, which is a renovated farmhouse at the northeast corner of Cemetery Road and East County Road 250N. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Board and Administration Center. Greg Nuxoll, vice president for business services, said in a report to the board that the police department moved its operations from this house on the south edge of campus to the remodeled Luther Student Center in 2019. He said the house has remained vacant since then, other than storing some college records and IT equipment. "The farmhouse would need significant renovations and improvement to become a viable college facility," Nuxoll said. "Rather than incur significant renovations costs, I propose that the college work directly with the Mattoon Fire Department to conduct a controlled burn of the farmhouse at an appropriate time in the fall." Nuxoll said the fire department has indicated that the house would be ideal for a controlled burn and as a training tool for Mattoon and area firefighters. If the board authorizes the burn, Nuxoll said the college will work with the fire department to file all of the required Illinois Environmental Protect Agency and state paperwork. He said they also will work through all the other precautions needed for a controlled burn, such as disconnecting electric and gas lines and removing propane tanks. "Once the burn is complete, the college would need to finish the demolition of the building and plan for potential future use of the land, possibly becoming the location for another storage facility on campus," Nuxoll said. In other matters, the board will consider purchasing 300 new laptop computers that students will be able to check out at the campus library. Lake Land would acquire the laptops from Dell Marketing, L.P. of Round Rock, Texas for $268,905 through federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund money for remote learning enhancements. Nuxoll said Lake Land will set up the laptops for use by students and is looking into options for offering an all-hours help desk. The board also will consider accepting the $43,275 bid of Entec Services of Peoria to provide preventive maintenance and air filter replacement work for camps heating, air-conditioning and ventilation equipment. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DHHS said though the states key COVID-19 numbers are far below where they were at the height of the pandemic in January and February, cases have increased by 12% during July, while hospitalizations are up 8% since July 3. Meanwhile, Forsyth County continued a recent pattern of low daily case counts. Dont wait to vaccinate. Serious illness, hospitalization, death and the long-term effects experienced by many who have had COVID-19 are preventable with vaccines, Dr. Mandy Cohen, the states health secretary, said in a statement. During Wednesdays mass-vaccination site tour in Charlotte with U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, Cooper was quoted by The Charlotte Observer as saying, Were worried. Were in a race against this Delta variant. The more people we can get vaccinated, the more people we can protect from it. The CDC has classified the Delta variant as a variant of concern because it spreads faster than other COVID-19 variants, and there could be an increased risk of hospitalization. The CDC said North Carolina is one of 24 states with a noticeable recent increase in cases. That list includes most of the Southeast. DHHS said that, for the past six weeks, more than 99% of new COVID-19 cases in North Carolina have occurred in people who are not fully vaccinated. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Chief Justice Paul Newby of the N.C. Supreme Court has appointed a new chief district court judge for Forsyth County District Court Judge Victoria Roemer, according to a news release on Thursday. Roemer will replace District Judge Lisa Menefee, who has served as chief district judge since 2013. Menefee is retiring in August. Roemer will be the second woman to serve in that position in Forsyth County. Newby also appointed Judge Ned W. Mangum to serve as chief district judge in Wake County. The appointments become effective on Aug. 1. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The proper and fair administration of justice is the highest goal of the North Carolina Judicial Branch, and I have full confidence in Judge Mangum and Judge Roemer to ensure that their districts handle every case with the upmost care and respect, Newby said in a statement. Their 35 years of combined judicial experience is a testament to their selflessness and dedication to upholding justice in our state. Roemer has worked as a Forsyth County district court judge for 25 years. Before that, she was a magistrate and a prosecutor in Forsyth County. She also worked as a prosecutor in Davie, Davidson, Iredell and Alexander counties, the news release said. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The assault occurred in the stores parking lot. Bhatti was bleeding and had lacerations on one of his arms, his back and head. The head wound caused significant bleeding, White said. Govern got into the jeep and drove off but eventually pulled over. Deputies found a machete inside the car, White said. Bhatti has fully recovered, but according to a court document, he had to shut down the store for two weeks because of physical trauma and recovery. Stone asked what the motivation for the attack was. I dont know if there was any, White said. I think the defendant had an outburst of uncontrolled anger. Beth Toomes, Governs attorney, said in court that Govern also was intoxicated. She said that Governs wife had seizures earlier in the day and had gone to the hospital. Govern was eventually asked to leave the hospital and caused disturbances everywhere he went on that day, she said. Hacking someone with a machete is kind of bold, Stone told Toomes. When asked again why he used a machete, Govern repeatedly said he was defending himself. Govern also said he went to his car and got the machete after he said Bhatti assaulted him with the broomstick. Why do these court challenges appear to have a higher political purpose? There must be flower shops in Washington state and bakeries in Colorado that cater to same-sex weddings. Why pick on the ones that dont? Is this part of a larger goal to destroy what remains of what used to be known as traditional values? Basic pillars that have supported America have included religious faith and the military and have been reflected in the stories and characters created by the iconic Walt Disney. These and many others are now under attack. The Walt Disney Co. has announced a change in its welcoming messages at all properties from Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, to Good evening dreamers of all ages. A company spokesperson (notice my avoidance of gender specificity) said the decision is in alignment with Disneys inclusion and diversity policy. Why is it that inclusion and diversity always seem to exclude people who believe differently? Such people are now viewed as criminals in some states if they seek to apply their faith to their businesses and in the public square. Govt-and-politics editor's pick alert top story Mead town hall seeks to keep pressure on cleanup at AltEn JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Curtis Pearson of Mead talks Thursday during a meeting at Mead Covenant Church about the troubled AltEn ethanol plant near the town. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star Stan Keiser talks Thursday during a meeting at Mead Covenant Church about the troubled AltEn ethanol plant near the town. MEAD With the stench of rotting, poisonous distillers grains on the wind, state senators heard from residents of Mead and the surrounding area about the effects AltEn has had on their lives. Some voiced concerns over the health of their children growing up in AltEns shadow, or how they noticed subtle changes in the environment, while a former employee said the plants management ignored the risks associated with using pesticide-treated seeds to produce ethanol. Although the focus of the town hall organized by the Perivallon Group was to put a human face on the unfolding environmental calamity, said Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, the meeting was also aimed at trying to find solutions to the problem. We need to figure out what legislative flaw allowed this to happen, Blood told about 50 people at Mead Covenant Church, and were really not sure how to get our heads wrapped around it. Ray and Emily Loftus, who live less than a mile north of AltEn on the southern edge of Mead, said they are concerned about long-term health risks for their children, ages 6 and 2. The couple have started buying bottled water in bulk to avoid using water from their private well, despite testing done by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy that showed no detectable amounts of pesticides in their water. Id like to be assured our children wont come to any harm, Emily Loftus said. The states turned a blind eye on it for years. She added that questions remain about what is being done to clean up the site, how residents of Mead are being protected, and whats going to be done to ensure nothing like this happens ever again? Emily Robinson said she constantly battled respiratory issues while she worked at the plant from November 2015 until April 2016, but was told by plant managers that was the result of her working on a local rescue squad. Nothing was ever said about health concerns, Robinson said. We knew it was treated seed corn. It was never fully expressed that we shouldnt say anything it was kind of implied. She also said AltEns employees were directed to not drink water from the faucets until they could be tested they were told the drinking wells had been sitting idle while the plant was shut down for roughly 7 years and to use bottled water brought in instead. We had the wells tested and we were still drinking from the Culligan water coolers, Robinson explained. The town hall also heard from Charlie McEvoy, an amateur beekeeper who experienced colony losses while AltEn was in operation, as well as newly diagnosed health problems, and Stan Keiser, whose pond downstream from the plant has been rendered lifeless. Its about as sterile as you can get Storm, wastewater runoff from AltEn traveled miles downstream for years Once clear and teeming with life, the pond is now murky and stained by chemicals a victim of what happened at the far end of its 6,000-acre watershed. The town hall was later invited to Keisers farm about 6 miles southeast of Mead to see the pond for themselves. In addition to Blood, eight other state senators were in attendance: Lincoln Sens. Anna Wishart, Matt Hansen, and Eliot Bostar, Omaha Sens. John McCollister, Wendy DeBoer, Machaela Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh, as well as Sen. Lynne Walz from Fremont. Blood, who sponsored a resolution calling for a special committee to investigate AltEn, said she plans to introduce a bill next year that would extend the statute of limitations in Nebraska for personal injuries caused by exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals. Currently, the statute of limitations in Nebraska is four years for personal injuries, two years for medical malpractice or against the state, and one year for political subdivisions. The so-called delayed impact statute would protect citizens who have health issues five, 10 years or longer down the road, Blood said. Right now in Nebraska, beyond that four years, they lose their rights to health, Blood said. Seed companies to shoulder cost, burden of cleaning up troubled AltEn ethanol plant Six companies that sent treated seed to AltEn have applied to the Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program, which allows third parties to assume responsibility of environmental cleanup efforts at no cost to taxpayers. She also criticized Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has hosted a series of town hall meetings opposing President Joe Bidens goal of conserving 30% of the nations land and waters by 2030 as a violation of Nebraskans property rights, for being silent when it comes to those whose properties have been damaged by AltEn. Where is (Ricketts)?" she asked. "Why hasnt he stepped foot in Mead? Former state Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis, an organizer of the Perivallon Group, named for a Greek word that roughly translates to environment, also faulted Ricketts and the Department of Environment and Energy for not engaging with state lawmakers in solving the problem. If I were governor or DEE, I would go to the Legislature and say, Weve got a hole to fill, Davis said. The lack of regulatory oversight that allowed AltEn to continue polluting the area for years was a failure of colossal effort, he added. Weve got to fix it. A Lincoln woman in her 40s has died from the delta variant of the coronavirus, the first death in the county from the more infectious strain of the virus that has raised alarms about a potential pandemic resurgence. The woman was fully vaccinated, but had underlying health conditions that put her at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, according to Scott Holmes, the manager of the environmental health division at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. The Health Department reported the death Thursday, and the county's death toll from the virus is now 239. The county also reported 31 new cases Thursday, up from 21 on Wednesday. There are 22 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Lancaster County, including 15 from the county. The Health Department said there have been a total of 254 variant cases in the county, with 196 of those cases of the alpha strain, first identified in the United Kingdom. Just 20 cases were the delta variant, which popped up in India and has raised alarms because it is believed to be more infectious and possibly more deadly. Health officials said the best defense against variants are vaccines, which have been shown to be effective against the strains currently circulating in Nebraska. Id like to be assured our children wont come to any harm, Emily Loftus said. The states turned a blind eye on it for years. She added that questions remain about what is being done to clean up the site, how residents of Mead are being protected, and whats going to be done to ensure nothing like this happens ever again? Emily Robinson said she constantly battled respiratory issues while she worked at the plant from November 2015 until April 2016, but was told by plant managers that was the result of her working on a local rescue squad. Nothing was ever said about health concerns, Robinson said. We knew it was treated seed corn. It was never fully expressed that we shouldnt say anything it was kind of implied. She also said AltEns employees were directed to not drink water from the faucets until they could be tested they were told the drinking wells had been sitting idle while the plant was shut down for roughly 7 years and to use bottled water brought in instead. We had the wells tested and we were still drinking from the Culligan water coolers, Robinson explained. 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. 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. MOUNT PLEASANT The signs were up, the remaining inventory was boxed up and the store was gutted. And so were the employees. Take advantage of this limited-time offer Just $1 gives you full access for 3 months to exclusive content from The Journal Times and journaltimes.com. Lindas Hallmark Shop, which shared a plaza with Festival Foods and Kohls on Washington Avenue (Highway 20), was slated to close in May to the disappointment of loyal customers and employees. It was closed for some time a little over a week, said manager Liz Lewis before it caught the attention of a new owner who purchased it and opened it back up as Janes Hallmark Shop on May 7. The store is celebrating Christmas in July with a wall of holiday ornaments already up. Starting Friday, the store is hosting an ornament event until July 18; buy more ornaments, get more rewards. For every five ornaments you purchase, youll be able to draw a ticket from a fishbowl and get a chance to earn discounts or free prizes. Another chance When and where Jane's Hallmark is located at 5630 Washington Avenue, Suite 7, next to Festival Foods. It's open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The owner, Lewis said, owns three Hallmarks in Illinois and has also taken ownership of the Franklin location. The shops are now known as Janes Hallmark Shop. According to the Janes Hallmark website, the three locations in Illinois are in Niles, Skokie and River Grove, all Chicago suburbs. Lewis recalled Hallmark staff from Illinois locations coming up and helping out with installing new fixtures, painting and getting the store ready for opening. It was a whirlwind, she said, having gone from thinking they would close to being revived. Employee Ann Marie Singleton has been working at Hallmark stores for about 20 years, and at the Washington Avenue location for more than two. Lewis said the owner is proud to say he was able to keep all of the employees at both Franklin and Mount Pleasant locations. If the Mount Pleasant location had closed permanently, Singleton and Lewis both said they wouldnt work for another Hallmark. Theres not very many Hallmarks left. But when one door closes, another one opens. So if this was meant to be this is what its supposed to be, Lewis said. Giving cards Could the closure of Lindas Hallmark speak to a larger decline in buying greeting cards? Did COVID-19 play a factor? Lewis said she couldnt speak for the previous owners who announced the closure of Lindas Hallmark in January, when some businesses were still in limbo as COVID precautions were beginning to loosen besides knowing they wanted to retire. Lewis and Singleton both agreed there was still something unique about going into a Hallmark and picking out gifts or decorations there, in person, versus online. As a customer, I want to go and and see the product, smell the candles I want to feel the clothing, Lewis said. Singleton agreed, adding theres nothing like getting a heartfelt, hand-picked card in the mail: It has meaning. In 2020, the Greeting Card Association reported 6.5 billion greeting cards are bought each year. The baby boomer generation buys the most greeting cards, but millennials actually spend the most money on greeting cards, averaging $6 a card. According to the Statista Research Department, in 2019, the U.S. population included 72.12 million millennials and 69.56 million baby boomers. However, according to government data, fewer than 30,000 Americans under the age of 45 died from COVID-19, compared to more than 220,000 among those ages 50-74. Greeting cards may still be alive and well, despite the arrival of the digital age. The GCA also reported eight out of 10 people agree greeting cards cant be replaced by social media. In fact, people tend to acknowledge birthdays and events more because of social media, but that doesnt mean theyre sending less physical cards out. Keeping with tradition Regular customers have walked in excited to see the Hallmark shop is still open. Lewis recalled a mother and son who cried when the shop first announced its closure, then cried again when they found out it was going to remain open. Singleton said its exciting to see customers coming back to the store, surprised its still open. When they come in, they say, Wow, its so nice, Singleton said. The store was completely empty when it closed, so to see it full of new product with new paint and fixtures feels fresh, Lewis said. Lewis said she is looking forward to be able to help families continue their multi-generational traditions of buying keepsake ornaments from Janes Hallmark. Just the tradition of grandma buying the ornaments, and then all of a sudden the grandson is 18, and now hes walking out with the ornaments, she said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The blaze, which was only 11% contained, officially had blackened more than 38 square miles (98 square kilometers) but that figure was expected to increase dramatically when fire officials were able to make better observations. Nearly 1,000 firefighters were aided by aircraft but the blaze was expected to continue leaping through trees and chaparral that already are bone-dry because of low humidity and a heat wave forecasted to continue through the weekend. Were expecting more of the same the day after and the day after and the day after, Cox said. The air was so dry that some of the water dropped by aircraft evaporated before it reached the ground, she said. The fire was one of several burning in the West, including several that destroyed dozens of California homes in recent days. In the region between the Oregon border and the northern end of the Central Valley, the big Lava and Tennant fires were significantly contained, and progress was reported at the Salt Fire as containment improved to 45%. The Salt Fire has burned 27 homes and 14 outbuildings north of Redding, which hit 100 degrees (37.7 Celsius) before 11 a.m. The Lava Fire destroyed 20 structures, including 13 homes, and damaged two structures. The Tennant Fire destroyed five buildings, including two homes. 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. Of the 970 jobs reported between 2018 and the end of last year, 364 have since been terminated. A WEDC spokesman said all reported jobs will go through the verification process to determine if they meet eligibility requirements in the contract. Under the new agreement, Foxconn will be eligible for up to $29 million in job and capital investment credits if WEDC verifies that the company had 601 cumulative full-time employees in 2020. The state has until the end of the year to certify if the company had met its job creation target. Foxconn and the state agreed to an amended contract in April that drastically reduced both the companys jobs and capital investment requirement, as well as the states subsidy commitment to the project. The contract was ultimately renegotiated after the state told Foxconn it would not receive any state dollars under the previous agreement, as the project being constructed didnt match what was agreed on. In the July 1 Journal Times, there was an editorial from the New York Daily News Editorial Board defending the recent Supreme Court decision not to hear a case involving the right of a Virginia female transgender teenager to use the boys bathroom. She had been granted this right by the Virginia Supreme Court. With all the problems in this world millions dying from COVID in the last year, little children growing up in war zones around the world, famine killing other children, etc., etc., etc., why oh why is our Supreme Court dealing with bathroom issues? The New York paper said that denying bathroom access is nothing more than cruelty. Really? Doesn't everyone have bathroom access according to the plumbing the good Lord gave them? No one is ever denied bathroom access. Then on top of this, the New York editorial said that the Olympic Committee is right to separate competitions based on sex because those born with a male anatomy have a physical advantage. So there you have it, boys and girls are different. The New York paper can't have it both ways. Let girls be girls and boys be boys and keep bathrooms separate. David Kristopeit, Racine Love 0 Funny 4 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 1. Yes. Its not a huge increase; it would help the city tackle much-needed roadwork. 2. Yes. It would be acceptable, as long as the city considers possible exemptions. 3. No. It would disproportionately impact low-income utility customers. Not a good idea. 4. No. Not all utility customers drive on the roads, so it would be a regressive tax. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing the citys overall road program plans. Vote View Results 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." However, some items originally included in May's final version of the voting bill which sparked the Democrats' walkout, including a limiting of Sunday early voting hours, were notably absent from versions filed for the special session. Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain, the author of May's blocked voting legislation, declined to comment on the special session's approach to voting laws. The new House voting bill is being carried by Republican state Rep. Andrew Murr, who did not respond to an interview request Thursday. The GOP's overwhelming majority in the Texas Capitol makes it likely that a voting bill will pass. Democrats have vowed to continue fighting and have not ruled out breaking quorum again. Other new bills that Abbott wants on his desk before the end of summer include new restrictions on how race can be taught in public schools, as the concept known as critical race theory becomes the new lightning rod of the GOP. Abbott is also demanding new border security measures, added restrictions over abortions done by medication and a law reaffirming existing prohibitions in Texas on transgender student athletes playing girls' sports. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Two people face felony charges after an assault that reportedly left the victim with a gaping head wound. Christian Angel Miquel Bouquet, 21, and Alana N. Bouquet, 20, both of La Crosse, were charged Wednesday in La Crosse County Circuit Court with felony burglary by force and substantial battery with intent of bodily harm. Christian Bouquet was also charged with felony bail jumping. According to the criminal complaint, the victim believed the July 5 incident stemmed from recent disputes he had with acquaintances of Christian Bouquet and Alana Bouquet. He said the two walked uninvited into his La Crosse residence and that Christian Bouquet said, Where you at? I hear you. The victim said he hid behind a door before punching Christian Bouquet in the face. He said Christian Bouquet responded by pulling a 9 mm handgun and pointing it toward him. The victim said he pushed the firearm away and said the weapon might have gone off. The victim said he ran to the kitchen to retrieve his own firearm, a 1911 Colt 45 handgun. Just as he was reaching for the firearm, he said he was struck in the back of the head with a hard object. He then fled the residence with the two assailants still inside. 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. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden says the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, delivering an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more American lives even as he bluntly acknowledged there will be no mission accomplished moment to celebrate. 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. SAN DIEGO (AP) A California judge decided victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting near San Diego that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to the teenage gunman, according to a newspaper report. Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel said Wednesday that victims and families in the Poway, California, synagogue shooting have adequately alleged that Smith & Wesson, the nations largest gunmaker, knew its AR-15-style rifle could be easily modified into a machine-gun-like or an assault weapon in violation of state law. A 2005 federal law shields gunmakers from damages in most cases for crimes committed with their weapons. But it allows lawsuits if the manufacturer was negligent or knowingly violated a state or federal law, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday. 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, the newspaper said. State negotiations Take advantage of this limited-time offer Just $1 gives you full access for 3 months to exclusive content from The Journal Times and journaltimes.com. These discussions could bring another change to the recently amended contract. The contract gives much-reduced tax incentives compared to what was agreed upon by Gov. Scott Walker in a deal reportedly brokered by then-President Donald Trump. Leaders had said that the presence of Foxconn in Wisconsin would be transformative for the Interstate 94 corridor. The original deal included $3 billion in tax credits if hiring goals were met. The renegotiated contract, which no longer locks Foxconn into producing LCD screens as was originally planned, includes up to $80 million in tax credits but has virtually no strings regarding what Foxconn must do with its property to receive the credits. Should Foxconn move away from focusing primarily on data infrastructure as it has said it plans to do, and substantially increases its production and hiring projections, more tax incentives could be considered. 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. 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. The Madison Audubon Society is advising residents to take down bird feeders as wildlife officials monitor bird populations for signs of a mysterious illness killing songbirds in the eastern United States. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the unidentified illness has not been linked to any bird deaths in Wisconsin, but the department has received scattered reports of birds with crusty or swollen eyes, symptoms associated with the sickness. Other symptoms of the mystery illness include seizures and lack of coordination. DNR wildlife veterinarian Lindsey Long said swollen and crusty eyes could be indications of other diseases, but the DNR is encouraging anyone who observes those symptoms in songbirds to contact a local conservation or wildlife biologist. I cant say its spreading, Long said. Were on the lookout. Long said the DNR has submitted some symptomatic birds to the National Wildlife Research Center in Madison, where scientists are still working to determine whats making the birds sick. 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. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) An outspoken Minnesota lawmaker who was ticketed for a drivers license violation is alleging he was racially profiled. The citation said state Rep. John Thompson, a Democrat from St. Paul who is Black, presented a Wisconsin drivers license during a traffic stop in St. Paul over the weekend, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. His driving privileges in Minnesota were revoked because of a child support issue, said Doug Neville, a Department of Public Safety spokesman. They were reinstated Wednesday after taking care of the child support issue, he said. While Thompson has never held a Minnesota license, according to the agency, the state can still revoke driving privileges. Thompson, who has said hes lived in the capital city for more than 18 years, told the newspaper Thursday he had kept his Wisconsin drivers license and had not switched it over to a Minnesota one. Minnesota law requires drivers to apply for a Minnesota license within 60 days of becoming a resident. Police have concluded that a June house explosion in Mount Joy Township was the result of a fire intentionally set as a suicide after a husband killed his wife with prescription drugs. The bodies of David Preston, 63, Victoria Preston, 60, were found in their home in the 100 block of Waldheim Road after an explosion early on the evening of Tuesday, June 1. Northwest Regional Police Department said Thursday that autopsies and an investigation showed Victoria Preston died before the fire from toxic levels of fentanyl and other medications which her husband gave her. After his wife was dead, David Preston ignited a flammable substance on and around his body and throughout the residence, starting that fire that caused his own death from extensive smoke and thermal injuries, both internal and external, Northwest Regional Police Department said in a news release Thursday. Detective Frank Ember Jr. confirmed that the investigation determined David Preston killed his wife with prescription drugs before setting the fire. Just before 6 p.m. June 1 neighbors reported hearing one large explosion, followed by several other smaller explosions. They also reported hearing what appeared to be ammunition exploding after the initial explosions rang out. The home collapsed just as firefighters arrived at the scene, said Elizabethtown Fire Department deputy fire chief Jeremy Shaffner. A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall assisted by an Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms Agent and police detective attempted to locate the residents, but an extensive investigation and search of the interior and basement of the home was determined to be unsafe and was halted overnight to request excavation equipment, police said. The search was renewed early the next day when the Prestons were discovered under the debris just after 10 a.m., the coroners office reported. The Prestons bought the property just northwest of Elizabethtown in 2005. Property records indicate it was a 2,240 square-foot rancher built in 1972. The building that houses the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic has a new name and an updated look following more than $3 million in renovation work to its 61-year-old building on North Lime Street in the city. Now known as the Sam and Dena Lombardo Health Pavilion, the building has a freshly painted exterior and a two-story daylight atrium with an elevator to take people to the main floor. Sam and Dena Lombardo, of Lititz, donated $750,000 to the projects fundraising campaign that has raised nearly $4 million. Sam Lombardo is chairman and CEO of The Benecon Group and ConnectCare3. He also owns Lombardos restaurant in Lancaster city. Wear and tear on the building had gotten to the point where it was just really getting in the way, David Foulk, the clinics development director, said. Each year the clinic sees an average of 2,500 patients with cleft lip and palate as well as 2,500 patients with other specialized needs such as autism or rare genetic diseases. Foulk said patients could expect to wait three to six months for an appointment. With the renovations, the clinic doubled its number of patient treatment spaces, which will help shorten wait times for appointments. He said rooms now have sound-reducing doors and walls to deafen noises that might impact children and their families. Additionally, to ensure patient privacy, all of the clinics orthodontic rooms are now private. The clinics main entrance was moved to the rear of the building to make it easier for children in strollers or wheelchairs to enter. The new entrance is closer to handicapped-accessible parking spaces on a parking lot that will be repaved. The building at 223 N. Lime St. was built in 1960 and served as the countys Social Security and unemployment office until the clinic moved in during the mid-1980s. Founded in 1938 by local orthodontist Herbert Cooper, the clinic was the first independent clinic in the world dedicated exclusively to the treatment of cleft lip and palate, according to its website. Treatment was originally conducted from Coopers home at 26 N. Lime St. Elizabeth Prada currently serves as the clinic's executive director and pediatric dentist. A cleft lip and palate typically occur during pregnancy when a babys lip or roof of the mouth dont form completely. Foulk said treatment for the condition starts in early childhood and continues for about 20 years. The clinic is one of only three in Pennsylvania that offers all aspects of cleft treatment including orthodontists, dentists, speech therapists and audiologists. Our board of directors decided it was time to really bring the quality of our building up to the quality of care that we give to our patients, Foulk said. Plans for renovation were already underway when Pennsylvania Department of Transportation workers broke a water main and flooded the clinic in October 2019. The damages merely kickstarted the project, Foulk said. However, construction halted when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the clinics operations. For three months, Foulk said the clinic could only provide emergency services. Early in the pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf also mandated a pause in construction that resumed just three weeks later for medical facilities. How to donate The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic at the Sam and Dena Lombardo Health Pavilion is still accepting donations toward its Faces of Change capital campaign through the end of the year. Donations can be made at www.cleftclinic.org/campaign/. The Lombardos have donated twice to the Faces of Change capital campaign, with their first gift being $250,000. They donated another $500,000 last year when the campaign slowed during the pandemic. Both are matching donations. Daniel Esh isnt a lawyer, but the 61-year-old has been in courtrooms long enough to understand the system. The Ronks dairy farmer has been finding loopholes in Pennsylvanias dog laws for at least 25 years, including changing the name of kennels after animal abuse violations and having a lawyer plead with a judge for a religious exemption for the number of dogs he could legally own without a kennel license, according to officials and newspaper records. But he hasnt been doing it alone. Daniel Eshs wife, Verna Esh, 60, and son, Omar Esh, 21, are facing charges related to animal abuse after an unannounced inspection by the Pennsylvania SPCA on June 4. Daniel Eshs parents, John and Mary Esh, have also faced similar charges. Efforts to interview the Esh family for this story were unsuccessful. Calls to a number associated with Daniel Esh as well as a phone call to a lawyer associated with Esh were unanswered. Verna Esh answered the door on June 23, but she declined to comment for this story and said Daniel wasnt available. A truck parked in the driveway had at least two dogs in it. The families share a split house on a Clearview Road property in Ronks, a farm well-known to dog law enforcement officers and the Pennsylvania SPCA, who have showed up at least twice in the past year to rescue dogs they say appeared to be suffering from neglect or abuse. On the most recent visit, June 4, humane law enforcement officers removed 13 dogs and filed a cease-and-desist order for another 45 to be removed. Its challenging especially when you have someone who understands the system, someone whos as experienced with the law as Mr. Esh is, said Nicole Wilson, PSPCA director of humane law enforcement. Since 2013, the Esh family has been charged with at least 44 offenses related to animal cruelty, animal neglect or kennel law violations, according to court records. In the past eight years, those charges totaled at least $2,200 in fines. Daniel Esh has been charged with the most, totaling 19. He pleaded guilty to 17 of those charges, which stemmed from a June 4, 2020, visit. Omar Esh has the second most charges, with 11 current charges against him. Mary Esh was charged 10 times, with eight of those filed in 2017. She pleaded guilty to all of them. John Esh was charged and pleaded guilty to three offenses. Verna Esh has been charged once. So how does a family with a long history of animal abuse and neglect accusations against them continue to sell dogs? Court and newspaper records show the Eshes consistently avoid harsh penalties by making promises and ultimately paying money. When they are forced to pay fines, the amounts are usually under $1,000. Each citation carries a minimum fine of $50, plus court costs, Wilson said. The maximum penalty is $750 per citation and the possibility of 90 days in prison. The June 4 surprise visit by humane law enforcement officers came less than six months after Magisterial District Judge Raymond Sheller found Daniel Esh guilty of animal abuse and neglect and banned him from owning or working with animals for a year. At that hearing, in December, Daniel Esh pleaded with the judge to keep his sons dogs. The judge agreed, according to Wilson. Daniel Esh wasnt allowed to own any dogs personally and told the court that his dog, Ace, died in a farming accident. During the recent visit to Esh's property, however, a dog that looked similar to Ace, named Ace Clint, was found, Wilson said. The dogs were both male German shepherds similar in age. Well let the judge decide that, Wilson said of the dogs' similarity. It was the most recent snub to court orders from the Esh family, a trend that goes back a quarter-century. A look at the past Daniel and John Esh first came under the spotlight in 1996, after they were tied to an incident in Allegheny County where a rabid four-month-old golden retriever, named Toby, bit a child. The Eshes sold the puppy to a Westmoreland County kennel before the dog was taken back to Allegheny County. The Eshs Clearview Kennel was immediately placed under quarantine, but the then-named Bureau of Animal Industry later announced that there was no evidence connecting rabies to the Eshs kennel condition, according to LNP|LancasterOnline reports. The following year, the father-son duo was named in a civil action lawsuit filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office, accusing Clearview Kennel of selling 750 dogs during 1996 without a federal kennel license. At the time, Daniel Esh was facing $750,000 in fines, but no jail time. The Eshes signed agreements with authorities promising to get the correct license and clean up the kennel, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. They continued selling dogs. He is very in-tune with the laws surrounding kennel licensing and cruelty statues, Wilson said. And [he] has continued to make decisions in opposition to those laws and regulations. Following more citations, Daniel Esh and John Esh split kennels, despite operating on the same property. Daniel Esh changed Clearview Kennels name to Scarlet-Maple Farm, and John Esh opened Twin Maple Farm. The duo sold dogs from their respective kennels without interruption until 2007. John Esh was cited for kennel violations and pleaded guilty to five summary offenses, according to LNP|LancasterOnline records. He was ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 $300 for each charge. In 2008, inspectors said they found moldy dog food, wire cage floors that puppies feet stuck through and food that was contaminated with feces, according to newspaper records. The state refused to grant Daniel Esh a kennel license in 2009. He appealed the states decision, but his appeal was eventually withdrawn. John Eshs lawyer, Leonard Brown, argued that the father and son should be allowed to keep 50 dogs each twice the legal number of dogs a person can have without a license -- because of their religion, the Inquirer reported. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2010, Daniel Esh denied ever mistreating his dogs and claimed he was the victim of a radical political agenda. The dogs were feeding my family, he said. They were helping me keep my farm. In 2011, Daniel Esh was named as a plaintiff in a case that claimed that Lancaster County was targeted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement officials. Esh and other plaintiffs claimed the state was enforcing the Pennsylvania dog laws more stringent in Lancaster County than in any other county, according to court records. The case was settled out of court. More of a spotlight is on Lancaster, Wilson said. But there are other counties in the commonwealth that have similar issues. According to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcements annual report, Lancaster County has more than twice the number of licensed kennels compared to the other counties in the state. Persistence In 2013, John Esh applied for a kennel license again, but was denied. The Eshes continued to sell dogs. In 2014, the PSPCA removed four badly matted dogs one of which needed surgery from the Eshes property and charged Daniel, John and Mary. Daniel Esh applied for a new kennel license in 2018 for a kennel that was going to be called Maple Meadows Puppies, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture press secretary Shannon Powers said. That application was denied. Daniel Esh was back on humane law enforcement officers radar again when the state received an application for his address, but not his name, according to Powers. The June 4 visit happened after one of Daniel Eshs tenants applied for a kennel license. That person (who was not named or charged) had 25 dogs on the property, the legal limit. I think, based upon the history of the Eshes, Mr. [Daniel] Esh had not likely gotten out of the dog business, Wilson said, adding that he was definitely trying to fly under the radar. Daneil, Verna and Omar Esh were formally charged on June 18, according to court documents, filed at district judge Raymond Shellers office. The Eshes have not yet entered pleas and court records dont show an attorney for any of the family members. Christopher Sarno, of Clymer Musser & Sarno, represented Daniel Esh in 2020. He did not return a call to his office seeking comment about the new charges. Fourteen years after a newborn who would be known as Baby Mary Anne was found dead in a dumpster in Lancaster city, the child's mother, a native of Strasburg Township but now living in Valparaiso, Indiana, is facing charges. Though the case went cold in 2016, DNA and genealogy helped police name 44-year-old Tara Brazzle as the suspect. Here's everything we know, and don't know, from the time Baby Mary Anne was found to today. Where was Baby Mary Anne found? David Ressler, who was the facilities manager at the YMCA when it was located on North Queen Street in Lancaster, found the body of the newborn who would become known as Baby Mary Anne on Sept. 24, 2007. Ressler found the child dead and wrapped in a tote bag after noticing an odor coming from the dumpster. How did Baby Mary Anne die? Lancaster city police announced in September 2008 that Baby Anne Marie died due to complications of asphyxia, and that her death was ruled a homicide. Due to the childs decomposed state, it took months for testing to be completed. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams said the child was born alive at Brazzles residence on Paradise Lane in Strasburg Township at the time. Brazzle had not obtained prenatal care and disposed of the body several days after giving birth, according to court documents The baby was about 35 to 38 weeks old normal gestation is 40 weeks. According to her boyfriend of several years, Anthony Ortiz, Brazzle did not harm the child. 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. What happened to Baby Mary Anne? A funeral and burial was held for the child on Nov. 9, 2007 at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. A lifetime member of St. Anthony, Dolores Yecker, named the baby Mary Anne. "Baby Mary Anne is the community's adopted baby," said funeral director Charles F. Snyder. When was the case considered cold? Adams said that tips led to 25 women being ruled out as the mother of the child. The investigation was considered a cold case in September 2016. Police, however, said at the time they would look into using DNA and genealogy to see if they could find a suspect. How did police name Tara Brazzle as a suspect? Through the use of DNA and genealogy. Lancaster police Sgt. Randell Zook spent hundreds of hours on the case since taking it over in 2016. In 2018, with the help of Parabon NanoLabs, Baby Mary Annes DNA was uploaded into a public genetic genealogy database. That eventually led to police discovering Baby Mary Annes second cousin from there, 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. Zook also used other investigative techniques, but Adams was unable to elaborate on what those were. From there, Zook was able to piece together a connection between Baby Mary Anne and her mother, Tara Brazzle. What happened after police named Tara Brazzle as a suspect? Zook and Detective Jessica Higgins interviewed Brazzle at her home in Valparaiso, Indiana, on July 1. Brazzle admitted during the interview that she was the mother of the child, didnt seek prenatal care and did not provide any medical care to the child after giving birth. Brazzle told the officers she placed the child in the dumpster behind the YMCA several days after its birth. Brazzle was not immediately arrested, as police were working to determine whether anyone assisted her with the childs death or the disposal of its body. Police did obtain an arrest warrant after learning that Brazzle boarded a plane to California the morning after the interview, and she was arrested by members of the San Jose Police Department in California after she left the plane. Was Tara Brazzle trying to flee from police? Brazzle was not fleeing, according to 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. What happens next? Brazzle is charged with a single count of criminal homicide and is being held without bail. Brazzle is waiting for extradition back to Lancaster County, which Adams said could take a month or two. Once she is back in the county, Brazzle will appear before a district judge for a preliminary arraignment. A preliminary arraignment is followed by a preliminary hearing, then formal arraignment in county court, at which point a plea is entered. Brazzle does not yet have an attorney. When: East Drumore Township supervisors meeting July 1. What happened: Residents Aaron and Lavina Lapp told East Drumore officials theyve decided to classify their short-term rental property on Hopkins Mill Road as a bed-and-breakfast instead of an Airbnb, which caused the Lapps to run afoul of state and local laws. Why it matters: By changing the classification to a bed-and-breakfast, a family member of the property owner would not have to reside on-site. Township zoning officer Richard Ryan said at a previous supervisors meeting Airbnb operators must live in the same home for safety reasons. The Lapps, who are Amish, expressed to Ryan they do not want to live with English people at last months meeting. Background: Last month, Ryan offered the Lapps two options to continue to operate the home they had bought across the street from their farm on Hopkins Mill Road to use for short-term rentals. Next steps: Ryan told the Lapps township code inspector Pete Kingsley would have to inspect the property to ensure it meets state requirements for bed-and-breakfasts. Online presence: Vice Chair Brett Holzhauer asked if the change would affect how Lapp lists the property online. Lapp responded that his publicist just changed the classification on Airbnb. The property is listed at $115 per night. Lavina Lapp said the property is also listed on the Amish guest house directory website, Amish Farm Stay. Ryan then advised the Lapps to remove the listing from Airbnb, because it would again place the property in the criteria they didnt want. He suggested listing their property on a website called Lancaster County Bed-and-Breakfast. Fireworks ordinance: In the zoning report, Ryan introduced three sample municipal fireworks ordinances for the supervisors to review to possibly add to the township ordinance. He has been in contact with Julie Slabinski, an attorney with Gibbel, Kraybill & Hess LLP. The three ordinances were Norristown in Montgomery County, plus Lower Paxton and Swatara townships in Dauphin County. Ryan suggested East Drumore model its ordinance after Lower Paxtons, calling it user friendly. Quotable: Well see how many complaints well have over the Fourth, Holzhauer said in advance of the holiday. Whats next: Chair Scott Kreider said supervisors will take some time to review the sample ordinances. Next meeting: The next supervisors meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at the township building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. College news Graduations Megan Kimmel, of Ephrata, received the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine at a graduation ceremony at Lincoln Center. Kimmel received the Rhett Foundation Scholarship and was named to the PI Mu Delta National Podiatric Service Society. She will go on to complete a three-year surgical residency. Deans list Nicholas M. Boomsma was named to the deans list for the spring 2021 semester at the University of Maryland-College Park, where he is studying computer engineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Boomsma is a 2019 graduate of Manheim Township High School. Alexander C. Boomsma was named to the deans list for the spring 2021 semester at Penn State-University Park, where he is studying accounting at the Smeal College of Business. Boomsma is a 2020 graduate of Manheim Township High School. Austin S. Bufis, of Lititz, was named to the presidents list for the spring 2021 semester at West Virginia University, where he is a freshman majoring in finance. Honors Kelly Phan, of Lancaster, a junior majoring in graphic design at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Mary Colleen Heil Presidential Scholarship. Phans participation in college and department activities and her professionalism led to the recommendation for the scholarship. Phan has worked as an intern with the colleges gallery and as a Writing Center tutor to her peers. Phan was a volunteer designer in the colleges annual Designathon event to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Phan is an active member of the student group American Institute of Graphic Arts. This scholarship award was established by the Board of Trustees of Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in 2018 to honor President Emeritus Mary Colleen Heil in recognition of her 25 years of leadership and dedication to the college. The scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional rising junior student who has been identified by the dean of the faculty in consultation with the department chairs. Area students were among those who recently received scholarships from the Wengers Feed Mill Scholarship Foundation. They are Britney Ketner, of Bainbridge; and Erin Lownsbery, of Elizabethtown. The foundation awarded $40,000 in scholarships this year. Individual awards are determined by the board of directors of the Wenger's Feed Mill Scholarship Foundation. Awards are available for use at accredited colleges or universities, community colleges, as well as trade and technical schools. Launched in 2015, the foundation awards academic scholarships exclusively to eligible full-time team members of The Wenger Group companies. Reghan Lieberman, of Landisville, was admitted into the Schreyer Honors College at Penn States University Park Campus, where she is a junior. Email college news items to collegenews@lnpnews.com. LONDON (AP) A British police officer pleaded guilty Friday to murdering a 33-year-old woman who was abducted as she walked home from a friends house in south London. Wayne Couzens previously admitted kidnapping and raping Sarah Everard, a marketing executive who went missing on March 3. Couzens entered a guilty plea to murder during a hearing at Londons Central Criminal Court, appearing by video link from Belmarsh high-security prison. A major police investigation was launched after Everhard's disappearance. Her body was found a week later in woodland more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of London. The search for Everard and news of her killing caused a nationwide outcry, with women sharing experiences of being threatened, attacked or simply facing the everyday fear of violence when walking alone. Police in the U.K. capital came in for criticism after some women attending a vigil for Everard were detained for breaching coronavirus restrictions. Couzens, 48, joined Londons Metropolitan Police in 2018 and had most recently served in the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command, an armed unit responsible for guarding embassies in the capital and Parliament. Prosecutor Tom Little said Couzens abducted Everard, a complete stranger, in a rented car hours after he finished a 12-hour policing shift. Her body was found in woods close to a piece of land owned by Couzens. Despite his guilty plea, prosecutors said Couzens has not revealed where he raped and killed Everard. We still do not know what drove him to commit this appalling crime against a stranger, said Carolyn Oakley of the Crown Prosecution Service. Today is not the day for hearing the facts about what happened to Sarah. Today is a day to remember Sarah, and our thoughts remain with her family and friends. Couzens is due to be sentenced during a two-day hearing that starts Sept. 29. The police force has expressed shock and horror at his crime, but faces an investigation by the policing watchdog over how it handled an allegation of indecent exposure against Couzens days before Everard was abducted. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said she had told Everards family how very sorry Im am for their loss, for their pain and their suffering. All of us in the Met are sickened, angered and devastated by this mans truly dreadful crimes, she said. Everyone in policing feels betrayed. Lavrov Brings Up Five-Power UN Security Council Summit at Far East Federal University Lecture July 8, 2021 (EIRNS)Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated Russian President Vladimir Putins call for a summit of the permanent five members of the UN Security Council, during a wide-ranging lecture at the Far Eastern Federal University, where he spoke on U.S.-Russian relations, among other issues. His remarks are posted in full in the Foreign Ministry website. Lavrov said that At least, China and France stand strong with our idea to hold this summit of the leaders of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, The new administration in the White House has yet to respond to our reminder. They are in the process of considering it. I think Great Britain, as always, is waiting for the U.S. response. We are used to this, its business as usual. On the issue of strategic stability with the United States, Lavrov said: When we talk about the need to discuss every dimension of strategic stability, we have in mind all the factors that influence it, including nuclear and non-nuclear strategic weapons, as well as offensive and defensive strategic systems. We should also keep in mind that the Americans are currently working on a program to launch attack weapons into outer space as part of their plan to deploy a global missile defense system. Lavrov also addressed Russias proposal to launch a dialogue on cybersecurity: Cyberspace is another area of focus. We see heated debates flaring up in the wake of developments unfolding in that area. We are constantly being accused of committing hacking attacks, so to speak, and undermining the interests of almost all Western countries. But so far, our numerous proposals to seriously cooperate in avoiding unfounded accusations and to substantively address the emerging issues, and to deal with real rather than far-fetched challenges, have remained without concrete responses. Although in Geneva, President Joe Biden, in response to yet another reminder by President Putin, instructed his team to think about setting up such a dialogue in addition to a dialogue on strategic stability. He also warned that Attempts are being made almost every day to influence our domestic and foreign policy. Our Western colleagues are using a broad set of instruments, including military provocations, one of which was undertaken recently by NATO warships off the coast of Crimea. Incidentally, these warships are also headed here, to the South China Sea, which shows that their ambitions are truly boundless. Other instruments they are using include illegal economic sanctions, the abduction of our citizens abroad and the presentation of complaints that should be settled in accordance with international treaties for which the West has no regard, as well as large-scale information attacks. Lavrov further warned: We can assume that new attempts will be made before the State Duma elections to unbalance and destabilize the situation and to incite protests, possibly violent ones, as the West likes. And later they will orchestrate a campaign for the non-recognition of the outcome of the elections. There are such plans, and we are aware of them. He insisted, however, I can say with full responsibility that this Western scenario will not materialize.... Moreover, Lavrov stressed, that all attempts to isolate Russia have failed, explaining: We are expanding our ties with the overwhelming majority of states ... including in Eurasia, Latin America and Africa, as well as with our closest allies and like-minded state members of the CSTO, CIS, EAEU, SCO, and BRICS. Taken together, these countries account for over 80% of the worlds population. Any unbiased person can see that it is not a case of Russias isolation, contrary to what our Western colleagues claim. Moreover, the number of our friends is increasing, even though the United States and its allies have been trying to prevent this. Our Western colleagues are especially active in the Asia-Pacific Region, where the main new centers of economic development and political influence are located. I am referring to our truly strategic partnersChina and India, which have been actively and consistently strengthening their political, economic and technological sovereignty as well as their cultural and civilizational identity. Responding to a question about on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the upsurge of terrorism there, the minister said the U.S. withdrawal acknowledges its failure after 20 years. He also criticized the Afghan government for not forming an interim regime with the Taliban. The United States is not merely withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, it is doing that having actually recognized the failure of its 20-year-long mission, and he pointed out that terrorist and drug threats have dramatically increased since 2001, reported TASS. Notably, there are documents in the West indicating to the probability that U.S. servicemen were involved in drug trafficking, he stressed. He further described that the fact that the Islamic State is deliberately pulling its forces in Afghanistans northern provinces bordering our allies, he said. The Russian Foreign Minister also warned that the combined withdrawal of U.S. troops and Kabuls unwillingness to form an interim government with the Taliban movement now leave the entire situation open for a force scenario, TASS quoted him as responding. U.S. Military Doctrine Blames Russia and China for Making Nuclear War Possible July 8, 2021 (EIRNS)Last February, Adm. Charles Richard, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, placed an article in the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings in which he claimed that nuclear war with Russia and/or China is increasingly possible. The implications of todays competition and the associated risk of great power crisis or direct armed conflict are profound; they affect nearly every fundamental assumption we make about the use of armed force in the defense of the nation and its allies, Richard wrote. Richard complained that for the past two decades the U.S. military has been focused on anti-terrorism operations, thus ignoring the nuclear dimension, while Russia and China have been aggressively modernizing and expanding their nuclear forces. Richard was not merely expressing his own professional military opinion, however. It turns out that the view he expressed is embedded in U.S. military doctrine. On July 6, the Federation of American Scientists blog Secrecy News released the latest version of the Joint Staffs Joint Publication (JP) 3-72, entitled Joint Nuclear Operations, dated April 17, 2020, until now not publicly available. Despite concerted U.S. efforts to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in international affairs and to negotiate reductions in the number of nuclear weapons, since 2010, 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, the Department of Defense document said. 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 document includes material shifting the blame for the increased danger to Russia and China, without apparently any mention of the role of the U.S. geopolitical confrontation against both countries in increasing the risks of war, irrespective of nuclear weapons policies per se. While the United States has continued to reduce the number and salience of nuclear weapons, others, including Russia and China, have moved in the opposite direction. They have added new types of nuclear capabilities to their arsenal, increased the salience of nuclear forces in their strategies and plans, and engaged in increasingly aggressive behavior, it says. Russias strategic nuclear modernization has increased, and will continue to increase, its warhead delivery capability, which provides Russia with the ability to rapidly expand its deployed warhead numbers. China, it says, continues to increase the number, capabilities, and protection of its nuclear forces. American President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan will end on August 31. Speaking from the White House, the president said, We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build. The U.S. is seeking to end its involvement in the nearly 20-year war. "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 said. He added that Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future. Biden said 2,500 Afghans who worked with Americans have been given special visas to get out of the country. Our message to these women and men is clear, Biden said. There is a home for you in the United States if you so choose. We will stand with you, just as you stood with us. Last week, the U.S. left the Bagram airfield where U.S. troops and airplanes had launched military operations. Military officials said the withdrawal of U.S. forces was 90 percent complete at the time. About 650 troops remain in Afghanistan to provide security for the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Kabul. The president said there is no mission accomplished moment as the U.S. military mission comes to an end. The mission was accomplished in that we got Osama bin Laden and terrorism is not emanating from that part of the world, he said. In 2003, then-President George W. Bush was criticized for declaring an end to fighting in Iraq under a mission accomplished sign. The U.S. war in Iraq continued for several years afterward. Biden explained his decision to end U.S. military operations as the Taliban gained territory in many parts of the Central Asian country. He asked, How many more, how many more thousands of American daughters and sons are you willing to risk? The president added, I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan, with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome. Answering questions from reporters on Thursday, Biden said that Kabul falling to the Taliban would not be an acceptable outcome. He said he would not trust the Taliban. But I trust the capacity of the Afghan military, who is better trained, better equipped and more competent, he added. Last week, the commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, General Austin Miller, warned that the country may be headed toward a civil war. The U.S. had agreed to withdraw in a deal negotiated last year under former President Donald Trump. Biden then overruled military leaders who wanted to keep a larger presence to assist Afghan national forces. Im Jonathan Evans. Hai Do wrote this story based on reporting from the Associated Press and Reuters. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story mission n. a specific military or naval task accomplished adj. successfully completed; having done good or important things emanate v. to come out from; to send out achieve v. to get; to reach by working hard competent adj.having the necessary ability or skills; able to do something well enough We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. The search continues for victims of the collapsed Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Florida. And the process of seeking answers about why it fell and who is to blame has already started in the state legal system. Officials have opened criminal and civil investigations into the collapse of the building. Late Wednesday, rescue workers ended their two-week search for survivors, and are now just looking for the dead. Officials said there was no chance of life under the destroyed building. The Associated Press reports that at least 54 bodies have been found and 86 people are missing. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said she would bring the issue to a grand jury. A grand jury gathers evidence and could recommend criminal charges or rule changes. Additionally, residents of the building have brought at least six legal cases. Jeffrey Goodman is a lawyer representing the children of missing resident Harold Rosenberg. We deserve to be able to walk into buildings without worrying that theyre going to come crumbling around us, he said. The legal cases accuse the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association of failing to deal with serious problems. Structural problems were first seen in 2018. Some of the cases also name a local architect and engineer. Goodmans legal group said the town of Surfside will also face legal action. The towns building inspector had been involved in the discussions about the structural problems. The role of building owners and architects and engineers and inspectors and safety professionals is to make sure that buildings are safe, Goodman said. At a hearing Friday, a judge appointed a lawyer to represent the condominium association. The board has about $48 million in insurance coverage. The land is worth $30 to $50 million, the judge was told. The judge said he hoped the lawsuits would end quickly. Until then, he permitted the associations lawyer to provide $10,000 each to residents for temporary housing and $2,000 to cover funeral costs. A similar case took place in 2013. The wall of a building in Philadelphia was being demolished and collapsed. The wall fell onto a store next to it, killing six people and injuring 13. In the trials that followed, a civil jury found the buildings owner and his architect responsible. They paid $227 million in damages. Criminal charges also were brought. A contractor was found not found guilty of third-degree murder, but received a sentence of 15 to 30 years for involuntary manslaughter. The collapse also led the city of Philadelphia to pass stronger rules for demolitions. And in Florida, a grand jury is still investigating the 2018 collapse of a walking bridge at Florida International University that killed six people. Denis Binder is a law professor at Chapman University in California. He is an expert in disaster cases. He said more victims are seeking criminal charges, in addition to financial damages. I think its increasing because of the media and social media, as everybodys horrified by what they can see. And theres this cry for justice, Binder said. He added that there is evidence already [in Surfside] that people have made bad decisions. Officials said they would continue the search efforts until they find the remains of every one of the missing. Im Dan Novak. Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from The Associated Press. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ________________________________________________ Words in This Story condominium n. a room or set of rooms that is owned by the people who live there and that is part of a larger building containing other similar sets of rooms resident n. someone who lives in a particular place deserve v. used to say that someone should or should not have or be given something crumble v. to break (something) into small pieces architect n. a person who designs buildings role n. the part someone plays in an activity or situation demolish v. to destroy (a building, bridge, etc.) : to forcefully tear down or take apart (a structure) involuntary n. not done by choice manslaughter n. the crime of killing a person without intending to do so The head of Haitis national police said four suspects in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise were killed in a shootout with police. Police Chief Leon Charles told reporters that two other suspects were arrested during the shootout late Wednesday. He described them as mercenaries. Three police officers who were being held by the suspects were also freed. The search for the killers began shortly after Moise was killed during an early Wednesday morning attack at his home in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Video obtained by the national police appears to show the assassins posed as agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Bocchit Edmond is Haitis ambassador to the United States. He told VOA that he was not certain of the gunmens nationality. But interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said the gunmen spoke English and Spanish. Most people in Haiti speak French or Haitian Creole. Joseph also declared a state of emergency and said he was the countrys new leader. His hold on power, however, is uncertain. Earlier in the week, President Moise nominated Ariel Henry to replace Joseph as the countrys new prime minister. But Henry has yet to be sworn in. The New York Times reported Henry told a Haitian newspaper said that Joseph is no longer Prime Minister. He also claimed the office for himself. Joseph is Haitis sixth prime minister in the past four years. The country has no working parliament. And the head of the countrys highest court died last month of COVID-19. First lady Martine Moise was also shot during the attack. She is in stable, but critical condition, the ambassador said. She has been moved to a hospital in Miami, Florida, for treatment. One of the presidents children who was home during the attack has been taken to a secure place. Worlds reaction U.S. President Joe Biden, in a statement, condemned Moises assassination and wished for the first ladys recovery. He added the U.S. stands ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti. In Washington, members of the Organization of American States held an emergency meeting Wednesday and condemned the killing. In New York, the United Nations Security Council president, French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, said the council was deeply shocked by the assassination. The council will meet privately Thursday morning to discuss events. The U.N. has about 1,200 staff in Haiti as part of its political mission there. Amnesty International is calling for an investigation into Moises assassination, calling it a sign of the serious human rights and political crisis that Haiti has been facing for years. Recent uptick in violence Haiti has been experiencing political instability and division, as well as a rise in gang violence. Last week in Port-au-Prince, gang leader Jimmy Cherisier took to the streets to protest Moise's government, calling for his resignation. Jovenel (Moise) must go! Cherisier told reporters during the protest. A new group of people needs to lead this country, and we must sit together around a table, have a national dialogue so we can redefine this country. Im Susan Shand. VOAs Sandra Lemaire reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English with additional reporting from Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story assassination n. the act of killing (someone, such as a famous or important person) usually for political reasons mercenary n. a soldier who will fight for any group or country that hires him interim - n. a period of time between events stable adj. in a good state or condition that is not easily changed or likely to change gang n. a group of young people who do illegal things together and who often fight against other gangs dialogue n. a discussion or series of discussions that two groups or countries have in order to end a disagreement We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page. Fully support it It's a bit extreme but I understand why it's being done. I'd do it, but under protest. I'd quit. Vote View Results Local resident and 1954 Grinnell College graduate Joan Fuhrman Jones was honored by her alma mater's alumni council for her artistic excellence and years of community service, the college recently announced. Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in Iowa that offers personalized learning for intellectually engaged students, according to its website. "Jones embodies Grinnell Colleges commitment to educating students to navigate the worlds complexities and contribute responsibly to the common good," the spokeswoman said. The artist accepted the award June 3 via a video broadcast during the college's virtual alumni reunion. An art education at Grinnell College set the stage for 35 years of painting, in which Jones has mainly focused on watercolors and pastels, the spokeswoman said. Jones has been featured in more than 100 juried shows and competitions and has achieved a distinguished place in the local art community, winning more than 75 awards and prizes, she added. In addition, Jones dedicated a number of years to various public service roles, serving as a program supervisor for the Young Women's Christian Association, where she created unique activities for teenagers and adults in four different cities. She also worked in public relations for the American Red Cross Los Angeles chapter, where she organized blood drives, disaster preparedness and news reporting, as well as youth and adult volunteer training. +2 A Walk through the Cypress: Up where the air is clear An extraordinary environment in which to breathe the fresh air of happiness awaits visitors to the Cypress Gallery this month. A Los Angeles federal judge last month approved a dental evaluation for a Lompoc man accused of manslaughter in a vehicle collision in June 2020 on Vandenberg Space Force Base. U.S. District Court Judge Andre Birotte approved the order June 24, allowing U.S. marshals to transfer Michael Culligan, 30, to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles no later than July 1 to receive an urgent treatment for abscessed teeth, according to court records. Since at least March, Culligan experienced excruciating pain for abscesses for two teeth, which were extracted on May 19, although the pain didn't diminish and the dentist said a third tooth would need to be extracted, according to a June 21 court filing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Axelrad did not oppose the request. Culligan filed his request from the San Luis Regional Detention and Support Center in Arizona, where he is being housed as he awaits a trial related to the June 15, 2020, head-on collision on Santa Lucia Canyon Road that killed 35-year-old Michael Daniel Martinez, of Santa Maria, and seriously injured his passenger, 37-year-old Nicole Spadaro, of Santa Maria. Culligan was allegedly driving a stolen, gray 2019 Jeep in the southbound lane when he lost control and crossed over into the northbound lane, smashing into the blue 2016 Lexus driven by Martinez near the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Keith Rogers. +2 Lompoc man pleads not guilty to federal charges connected to fatal head-on crash on Vandenberg Air Force Base A Lompoc man on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to a fatal head-on collision on Vandenberg Air Force Base that killed a Santa Maria man and seriously injured his female passenger, who is also from Santa Maria, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman. Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. Culligan was indicted June 17, 2020, on three charges, including involuntary manslaughter; driving under the influence, causing injury; and hit-and-run, causing death. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Aug. 18, 2020. On June 29, Birotte approved an order rescheduling Culligan's July 27 trial start date to Sept. 21, according to court records. Michael Schachter, Culligan's attorney, declined to comment. The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is testing a mobile app designed to centralize and streamline the subletting of short-term slots at military child development centers this summer. The app, called Kinderspot, earned first place at the 2020 AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo. To design a tool that would benefit military families, AFIMSC partnered with Oddball and worked closely with the Air Force Services Center to shape the app and processes to align with other child and youth program priorities and efforts. Lori Waddell, 2020 Air Force Spouse of the Year, poses for a photo at Memorial Park June 10, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Spouse of Master Sgt. Mitch Waddell, 341st Force Support Squadron sustainment superintendent, Lori was nominated for the award due to her contributions and volunteer events within the military community. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It" is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net Concerts on the Square kicked off the first performance of their five-concert summer series on Thursday with Summon the Heroes, an Independence Day-themed celebration of the armed forces and the everyday heroes that made considerable sacrifices to aid others during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This years iteration of the perennial concert series occurred not on the lawns of the Capitol building, but on Breese Stevens Field, a change made to comply to COVID-19 safety regulations by the city. The concert was postponed from its original Wednesday night slot due to rain. Folks sat on socially-distanced blanket pods on the field, at tables situated near the orchestra, and in the sprawling bleachers. Concerts on the Square usually draws in crowds of around 50,000 people, but attendance is limited to around 5,000 for this years season. The performance was also livestreamed on the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestras website, allowing folks who couldnt attend in-person to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their homes. Local leaders also addressed Dane County Resolution 88, which calls for every PFAS test conducted at the airfield to be publicly disclosed and for specifying responsibilities concerning PFAS monitoring. The resolution is co-signed by Supervisors Carl Chenoweth, District 35; Heidi Wegleitner, District 2; Richelle Andrae, District 11; Elena Haasl, District 5, and Michele Doolan, District 28. The conference follows the Mobilize at Truax rally held about two weeks prior, where local organizers, community members and elected officials alike marched near the airfield in protest of these jets and their effect on the community. Madisons 115th Fighter Wing was one of two units in the country selected by the Wisconsin Air National Guard to receive F-35 jets, which will replace the aging F-16s that are currently stationed at the airfield. This is a dense urban environment. It is not suitable for the kind of heavy military activity that F-35s are going to bring, said Roys, who represents District 26. The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the two cases in April. After deliberation, the court issued decisions affirming DNRs authority to consider the impact of high-capacity wells when it issues water-withdrawal permits and animal unit maximum conditions. Justice Jill Karofsky wrote the majority opinion regarding the Kinnard Farms case, determining that the DNR "had the explicit authority" to impose the permit conditions. Justice Patience Roggensack dissented on the grounds that there is no statute that grants the DNR the ability to set a limit on kept animals. Lynda Cochart, another resident of Kewaunee and petitioner of the court case, was happy with the final decision. It is a great day in Wisconsin when the future of so many of us outweighs the profits of so few, she said. Kinnard Farms did not say whether or not they will further pursue the case, but that they respect the decision. Our family remains committed to producing high-quality, nutritious milk and renewable natural gas while going the extra mile to protect our precious land and water resources, the company said in a statement. We will continue our ancestor's legacy of adopting sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices. Still, farmers roll the dice. Many of us play the game because we feel a strong tie to the land and a desire to protect it for future generations. As NFU President Rob Larew recently noted: American consumers deserve to know where their meat comes from. Whether they want to keep their food dollar in their community, limit their food miles, or avoid unsustainable or unethical practices, there are many reasons why someone would want to know what country their meat was raised in. But as things stand, theres no way to determine the origin of beef and pork since the wildly deceptive 'Product of the USA' label can appear on meat that spent its entire life in another country. Farmers Union, along with the U.S. Cattlemens Association, was a vocal advocate of country of-origin labeling (COOL) for meat, but the World Trade Organization deemed the labeling discriminatory against Mexico and Canada, and Congress repealed the law. Yet we do label country of origin for many other products like lamb, fruits and vegetables, and clothing. Why should beef and pork be different, other than the lobbying power of those oligopolies? It seems that the rights of other countries have risen above the right of Americans to know the origins of their food. Please educate yourself and join in the efforts to remedy this labeling loophole. Its purely common sense that the Product of the USA label be reserved only for meat products derived exclusively from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. You know, for products actually of the USA. Just America is Packers second group and is also prominent in our city. It is the emerging swath dominated by impatient younger people who believe the country is really screwed up and all assurances of incremental progress are bunk. Writes Packer: Just America has a dissonant sound, for in its narrative, justice and America never rhyme. A more accurate name would be Unjust America, in a spirit of attack rather than aspiration. For Just Americans, the country is less a project of self-government to be improved than a site of continuous wrong to be battled. In some versions of the narrative, the country has no positive value at all it can never be made better. CANNES, France (AP) The most often-repeated thing said about the Velvet Underground is Brian Eno's quip that the band didn't sell many records, but everyone who bought one started a band. You won't hear that line in Todd Haynes' documentary The Velvet Underground, nor will you see a montage of famous faces talking about their vast influence. You won't even really hear a fairly full Velvet Underground track until nearly an hour into the two-hour film. Instead, Haynes, the reliably unconventional filmmaker of Carol," I'm Not There" and Far From Heaven, rejects a traditional treatment of the Velvets, a fitting approach considering the uncompromising, pioneering subject. His movie, which premiered this week at the Cannes Film Festival, is, like the Velvets, boldly artful, boundless and stimulating. You sense that even Lou Reed would be pleased by how The Velvet Underground refuses the obvious. I didn't need to make a movie to tell you how great the band is, Haynes said in an interview. There were a lot of things I was going to be like: OK, we know this. Let's get right to how this happened, this music, where these people came from and how this miracle of this group of people came together." 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 latest developments in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise: MIAMI An American arrested in connection to the assassination of Haitis president worked alongside Sean Penn to rebuild the country from a devastating earthquake in 2010, according to three people familiar with the Hollywood actors decade-old relief drive. The two people said James Solages worked as a driver and in a security capacity for J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which was started by Penn following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010 that killed more than 300,000 people in the impoverished Caribbean nation. One of the people said Solages had left the organization, now known as CORE, sometime in 2011. All three people requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Penn laid down what he considers lifelong roots in Haiti following the earthquake, at one point even living in a tent city among some 40,000 Haitians left homeless by the natural disaster. For his multi-year efforts on behalf of the Haitian people, former President Michel Martelly the mentor of slain President Jovenel Moise named Penn ambassador at large, the first non-Haitian to receive that designation. However, the vaccine remains under emergency use authorization by the federal government, the university noted in a statement Thursday. The university previously proposed a vaccine requirement, and a draft of the policy was posted to UNMs website. UNM officials continue to urge those who arent vaccinated to continue to wear a mask. NEW YORK U.S. health officials say vaccinated teachers and students dont need to wear masks inside school buildings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the new guidelines Friday. The changes come after a growing national vaccination campaign in which children as young as 12 are eligible to get shots, as well as a general decline in recent months in COVID hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. The nations top public health agency is not advising schools to require shots for teachers and vaccine-eligible kids. The guidance generally leaves it to local officials to figure out how to ensure the unvaccinated are using precautions while letting those who are fully protected go mask-free. The biggest questions will be at middle schools where some students are eligible for shots and others arent. Patrick Downey limped through the pandemic improvising like many other small business owners. Downey, who for 10 years has owned The Victory Madison, a lively cafe on the East Side, has always made art there. He was known to give his paintings away, but in 2020 it became a way to bring in extra money when lattes and panini sandwiches to go werent cutting it. Downey worked by himself for the first six months of the pandemic, then started bringing his staff back, giving them as many hours as he could. When winter came, the business, 2710 Atwood Ave., struggled as people stayed home, worried about COVID-19 infection rates. Without customers in the cafe for half of 2020, the seating area became his studio and he was able to work on bigger canvases. When the shop opened up again for people to sit, he decided to keep his easel and drafting table in the back corner. That way he could work on art when he wasnt making coffee drinks and sandwiches. So thats never going to be seating anymore. Thats mine, said Downey, who spends 30 to 50 hours each on his larger paintings. A Darlington man on Thursday was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for receiving child pornography, according to the office of Timothy OShea, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. Alan J. Liphart, 36, also received 25 years of supervised released when he was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley. Liphart pleaded guilty to the charge on April 8, OShea said in a statement. On May 25, 2020, Liphart was arrested for violating a condition of his probation and a smart phone was seized. Officers analyzed the phone and found text messages from about five years earlier between Liphart and a 14-year-old child, and in one of the messages, he asked the victim to send a picture of their genitals and the victim complied. Text messages also showed the defendant then traveled to meet the minor and paid the minor to engage in sexual conduct, OShea said. Conley noted that Lipharts criminal history began when he was 15, that he had a history of victimizing children, that he did not take his sex offender treatment seriously and that until he did, he remained a danger to the community, OShea said. McNamara noted the rape was seemingly out of character for Wade, who had little prior criminal history and no arrests or convictions of a sexual nature. He also had an education and a good work history. An aunt who spoke in court also said her family was shocked and surprised by Wades arrest because he had always been a good person. Speaking to McNamara, Wade said he wanted to tell the victim, Im truly sorry for any of my actions. He said 10 years would be a long time in prison for him since hes never been to prison, but pledged to rehabilitate myself and become a better man. He added, Im not a monster. But while McNamara accepted the joint sentencing recommendation, he expressed puzzlement about Wades lack of recollection about what happened. It wasnt that Wade did not commit the crime, McNamara said, because he pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault and there was more than ample evidence for a jury to find him guilty, had the case gone to trial. Five northern Wisconsin men were charged Thursday with attempted homicide for their alleged roles in a shooting in Sun Prairie last year that left a man with an obliterated right hand and a gunshot wound to an eye, an event that happened because one of the men said he had been robbed during a trip to Sun Prairie earlier that day. According to a criminal complaint, Curtis W.C. Gadke, 36, of Wisconsin Rapids, told police he had been to Sun Prairie the afternoon of Sept. 9 after another man, Riley J. Esselman, 22, also of Wisconsin Rapids, had arranged for Gadke to buy a half-pound of marijuana from someone in Sun Prairie. But Gadke said he was instead robbed by two men in masks. He then headed back to Wisconsin Rapids. Later, the complaint states, a group of four men gathered and drove back to the apartment building in the 200 block of Foxdale Drive, where Gadkes robbery had occurred, to beat some (expletive), a witness said one of the men, Luke D. Harmon, 29, of Wisconsin Rapids, told her. A Madison man was killed and his wife was seriously injured in a crash near Durango, Colorado on Wednesday, authorities reported. The crash about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday happened near mile post 60 on Highway 160 west of Durango, a small city in southwestern Colorado near the New Mexico border, the Colorado State Patrol said. Master trooper Gary Cutler told the State Journal in a phone interview Friday that a westbound vehicle made an unsafe pass, resulting in a crash with an eastbound vehicle. The eastbound vehicle occupants were a 38-year-old Madison man, his 40-year-old wife, and their 4-year-old son. The man died at the scene of the crash, the woman was seriously injured and hospitalized, and the boy was in a rear-facing child seat and uninjured, Cutler said. The occupants of the westbound vehicle were from Arizona and New Mexico, Cutler said. Cutler said names would be released by the Montezuma County Coroner. Coroner George Deavers told the State Journal in a phone interview Friday the name of the man who died was Jason Nielsen, and that he died from blunt force trauma from the crash. Deavers said he he didnt have the names of the others who were involved in the crash. The victim in that case, meanwhile, told police Washington called him whitey or some other derogatory term for white people, although the detective later said it was hard to hear what was said amid all the yelling and swearing during the incident. In video from the May 28 incident, Washington and his brother are heard calling the bus driver, who is Black, the N-word and accusing him of being black on the outside, white on the inside, according to the complaint. Masks have been required on Metro buses under local, state or federal orders since last summer to curb the spread of COVID-19. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention order requiring masks on public transit is expected to end Sept. 13, Metro spokesperson Mick Rusch said. According to the complaint in the May 28 case: Washington and his brother got on the bus at the corner of East Washington Avenue and Mendota Street, and the driver noticed the teen did not have a mask on. The driver told him he either had to have a mask on or get off the bus, and that cinching his hoodie around his face was not a substitute for a mask. The son of a village of Windsor couple who were reported missing has been arrested for providing false information to authorities, the Dane County Sheriffs Office said Thursday night. We definitely have some suspicions as to what actually happened, Sheriffs Office spokesperson Elise Schaffer said. Were still working to find out more answers on the whereabouts of Bart and Krista Halderson, who were reported missing at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, and whether they are safe, Schaffer said. Detectives now believe that their disappearance is suspicious, and that their son Chandler, provided deputies with false information, the Sheriffs Office said Thursday night. Chandler M. Halderson, 23, was booked into the Dane County Jail for providing false information on a missing person at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett is expected to provide more information on the investigation at a news conference Friday. Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson agreed to lead the System on an interim basis. Hes been in charge since July 2020. Just one individual from the previous search committee, UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank, was appointed to the new search panel, which is expected to meet in August and schedule listening sessions at each of the four-year campuses in September. UW-Madison professor Eric Sandgren, who leads the Faculty Senates executive committee, said he was pleased to see a much larger search committee this time around with representation from nearly all of the campuses. He also said he was glad to see Blank appointed again. Its nice to have that continuity with the last search because shes intimately familiar with what didnt work, he said. Walsh, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said she hoped the committee would publicly name multiple finalists, but offered no guarantees. In the case of the last search, she said the board identified three finalists, but two of them withdrew before being publicly announced because of concerns that it would affect their ability to do their current job. We know what its not, Long said. In late May, wildlife managers in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with swollen eyes and signs of neurological distress, according to the center. Cases have since been reported in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. The disease has primarily affected juvenile or fledgling blue jays, common grackles, European starlings and American robins. The National Wildlife Research Center says no human health or domestic livestock and poultry issues have been reported. Because birds can transmit diseases when congregating at feeders, the DNR recommends regularly disinfecting bird feeders with soap and bleach and removing feeders if sick or dead birds are observed. The Madison Audubon Society went a step further, advising people to remove their feeders until more is known about whats making the birds sick. In the absence of information we just want to be extra cautious, said executive director Matt Reetz. Much as it pains me we think its the right thing to do right now. 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. 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. Nor was it ambiguous the other times police were called about Mathews, according to reports, one time for an altercation with four Black neighbors on a corner near his home where Mathews asked bystanders, Did you know monkeys live here? Police say it wasnt until this latest incident was finally caught on camera that they had probable cause to do something about the angry racist whod been terrorizing the community with no consequences. Mathews allegedly boasted often about the police being on his side, insisting they wouldnt do anything to stop him. Its a relief that this situation didnt escalate to senseless violence. But as clear-cut as incidents like these seem, the culprits almost always insist racism had nothing to do with it. Mathews has apologized, several times, but blames myriad other things for his months of race-based harassment. In an interview with The Inquirer, he cites a long-running housing dispute with the homeowners association. Let me be clear: That is no excuse for what I said, but I lost my temper. A two-block resurfacing project on West Washington Avenue that begins Monday could cause big headaches because it will involve a complete block closure for about three months this fall. The project, which involves the two blocks from Bedford to Broom streets, was originally slated to begin at the end of June, but a delayed approval process pushed the start back. Construction is expected to last until November. The initial phase will start with the closure of the South Bassett side of the West Washington and Bassett Street intersection. Jim Wolfe, principal engineer for the city, said the closure is expected to last two weeks. Construction will then begin on the North Bassett side of the intersection and also last two weeks. Resurfacing of the street will begin in mid-August, with the 500 block closed to through traffic until the project is completed in November. The 400 block will only be open to outbound traffic during that time. 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. Its unclear whether Idahos compliance with those benchmarks, set by the law that created ESSER III, has been reviewed yet. Idaho was initially expected to submit a spending plan on June 7, but the state requested and received an extension until June 18, saying it needed more time to evaluate and edit the proposal. Idaho submitted its plan June 17 after the State Board of Education voted to approve it the day before. SDE spokesperson Kristin Rodine said Wednesday morning that the submission delay likely had an impact on the review timing, and Idaho is among 33 state plans that have not yet been approved. The Education Department is reviewing the plans expeditiously and is in contact with states to ensure their plans meet all necessary requirements in order to access the remaining funds, the department said in a news release, but Idaho agencies say they havent been contacted yet, so Idahos plan may not have been reviewed yet. SDE hasnt received an update from the Education Department as of Wednesday, Rodine told EdNews by email. Neither had the State Board as of Tuesday, board spokesman Mike Keckler said. The U.S. Education Department did not respond Tuesday afternoon to a request for comment from EdNews. COEUR DALENE (AP) High housing prices in northern Idaho are making it difficult to attract police officers, law enforcement officials say. Coeur dAlene Police Capt. Dave Hagar tells the Coeur dAlene Press that low crime rates and an outdoor lifestyle are big draws but that skyrocketing housing prices are turning people away. Five years ago, the cost of living in Coeur dAlene was much more reasonable, Hagar said. Now its gone above that. The Coeur dAlene Association of Realtors said the median residential home sale price was $476,000 in March. Thats a 47% increase from a year ago. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said his agency has recruited new hires only to have them decline the job after discovering they couldnt afford housing. Its a significant barrier, he said. The housing situation is severe. The agency is looking to hire deputies, dispatchers, control room operators, clerks and jail staff. Were going to have to attract local candidates, Norris said. We cant do that when some of our pay is $14 or $15 an hour. 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. 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. Maybe thats not doomsday, but doomsday is what would have happened had there been no action taken, no shutdowns, no public health mandates, no attention paid to science. Davidson is just wrong on every count. Its concerning, to say the least, to remove Epperly from the board. Epperly spent 15 years with the health district. He is the president and CEO of Family Medicine Residency of Idaho and is a retired U.S. Army colonel. He was the past president and board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians and is the co-chairman of the board for the Healthcare Transformation Council of Idaho. Beck said in a written statement that the Central District Health board would now be best served by someone with a different perspective who represents the community. Were not sure what thats supposed to be code for, but from our perspective, Epperly did represent the community. Those who have put their name in the hat to be on the board offer a wide range of competencies and opinions about health care. Some of the candidates espouse conspiracy theories about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA, as well as misinformation about vaccines, according to reporting by the Idaho Capital Sun. Every scouting family knows that Lord Robert Baden-Powell was the founder of the world scouting program. Included in his last message to the Scouts was this piece of wisdom: Try and leave this world a little better than you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate, you have not wasted your time but have done your best. Ever since, scouts have understood the imperative to make things better for future generations. Many who have been in power in America and across the world for the last three decades have not only wasted their time, but actually made things much worse, when it comes to the single most important issue of our timeclimate change. The scientific community began issuing increasingly alarming warnings about the existential threat of a warming planet in the early 1990s. They told us that the greater the concentration of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane in the atmosphere, the warmer the planet would get. They said we had to stop burning fossil fuels if we wanted to keep the Earth from becoming an uninhabitable hothouse. Conmy set forth a timeline that gives the staff of the CLG until Aug. 6 to ask any follow-up questions to the city or the county and until Aug. 20 for the governments to respond to those questions. The oral presentations and public hearing may fluctuate a day or two, but we will set it for Sept. 7 through Sept. 9, Conmy said. Every day may not be necessary for oral presentation since there will already be a voluntary settlement agreement, but we will block all of those days if needed. The closing of the record by the commission would occur on Sept. 17, which would allow for the two required CLG meetings for closing discussions to be conducted on Sept. 24 and Oct. 15. The adoption of the report would occur on Oct. 15, Conmy said. Im confident the staff can do this. Its just going to be a little rapid fire. Once the matter is concluded, the CLG will forward its recommendation to a three-judge panel to review. Based on three previous reversions in Virginia, the court would take six to nine months before issuing a ruling. The timeline laid out by Conmy makes it possible that an offer of reversion could be sent to City Council by July 1, 2022, the date the city had requested reversion to become effective. Barbara Guthrie Lay, 82, a former Miss Martinsville and Miss Virginia, is recovering from what turned out to be as near to death as one can get from COVID-19. A Stafford County boy has become the second child in his age group in Virginia to die from COVID-19. The death was reported Thursday on the Virginia Department of Health website. The boy was Latino and age 9 or under, according to demographic information. The state is not releasing any other information to protect the familys privacy. To date, two children up to age 9 are among six young people, up to age 19, in Virginia to have died from the virus since the pandemic began in March 2020, according to the state health department. We were extremely saddened to learn of the loss of a child in our district due to COVID-19 and on behalf of RAHD, I want to extend our sincerest condolences to the childs family, said Dr. Olugbenga Obasanjo, district director. Sadly, this tragic event highlights that COVID-19 is still circulating within our communities, and we all have a responsibility to continue to do all that we can to protect those who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. This includes all of the rest of us getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The states first death of a young child occurred in March 2021 in the Chesterfield Health District, which includes Colonial Heights and the counties of Chesterfield and Powhatan. The McDowell County Board of Commissioners will hear updates about the Parks and Recreation Department, broadband internet and the public shooting range during Mondays regular meeting. The commissioners will hold their first regular July meeting at 5 p.m. Monday in the conference room of the Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center, 634 College Drive in Marion. First, county officials will hear a report from Director Chad Marsh about the Parks and Recreation Department and a report from Keith Buchanan about the Connect McDowell Broadband effort. Under old business, commissioners will hear updates about the Old Fort Recreation property and the public shooting range. They will talk about the American Rescue Plan and listen to updates about the 2023 property revaluation and building projects. The commissioners will talk about the greenway trail extension and consider an agreement with the city for the purchase of rescue equipment for the Marion Fire Department. Under new business, the commissioners will talk about a broadband grant and operations at the convenience centers. They will consider a school grant proposal, administrative items, tax matters and board appointments. As of noon Thursday, July 8, North Carolina had 630 newly reported cases with a 3.4% daily positive rate. There were 410 people in North Carolina hospitalized and a total of 13,475 deaths. Throughout North Carolina, 56% of the adult population is partially vaccinated and 53% of the adult population is fully vaccinated. But in McDowell County, 40% of the residents are partially vaccinated and 38% of the residents are fully vaccinated. Outbreaks, like COVID-19, take much time to eradicate, said Public Health Director Karen Powell. Even with the best precautions and a very effective vaccine, the virus is still prominent and is being transmitted from person to person. We are watching the numbers begin to climb back up, with the trends in variants, and I expect this to continue. The community needs to understand and remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and we must continue to be cautious and vigilant to protect ourselves. We are enjoying many more activities this summer than the last. Families are traveling, kids are going to camp, and mass gatherings of friends and families are in full swing. Yet, the COVID-19 virus is still out there and people are getting sick. Credit: Kim Gruver, Watt Lab Researchers at McGill University have shown that a brain cell structure previously thought to be pathological in fact enhances cells' ability to transmit information and correlates with better learning on certain tasks. In a study published in Nature Communications, the team investigated swellings that occur in the axons of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. In results that contradict established expectations, they found that axons with swellings did a better job of conducting electrical signals than those without. "These are the kind of results where you really scratch your head and think, "Let's check that again,'" says senior author Alanna Watt, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology. "We really thought when we started this that we were going to characterize and measure how an axon failsand that's not at all what we saw." Experimental data confounds expectations Swellings in axonsthe long, slender fibers through which nerve cells transmit information to other cellsare observed in normal development and in disease. Increased numbers of axonal swellings are seen in various neurodegenerative disorders, which has led scientists to believe swellings have a negative impact on axon function. While computer modeling lends some support to this view, the McGill research team was the first to test the theory with measurements on actual nerve cells. Using a technically challenging combination of two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology to measure electrical activity simultaneously at different locations within cells, the researchers demonstrated that the presence of axonal swellings in mouse Purkinje cells had no detrimental impact on the rate at which those cells produced signals (the firing rate) or on the speed at which axons transmitted the signals. Remarkably, the experiments also showed that at peak firing rates axons with swellings were less likely to fail than those without. Role in neurodegenerative disease called into question In a surprising twist, the McGill researchers found that they were able to stimulate the formation of axonal swellings by introducing a pharmaceutical that blocked the transmission of electrical signals in nerve cells, especially in the axons. Seeing axonal swellings form within a matter of hours when the axon of a nerve cell had been compromised in this way challenges previous assumptions about the role of axonal swellings in neurodegenerative disorders. As Watt explains, the discovery leaves room for the possibility that swellings represent a self-repair mechanism rather than a deterioration caused by disease. "Transmitting information by way of electrical signals is the most important thing that an axon does," she says. "If it starts to fail at that job, it makes sense that there's a mechanism that tries to prevent that." Behavioral analysis confirms swellings' positive impact In addition to their investigations at the cellular level, the researchers sought to determine the impact of axonal swellings on overall brain function. The team used three tests designed to assess motor learning and coordination, which are among the cerebellum's most important roles. Supported by modeling to account for the natural variation between individual learning abilities, the results revealed a positive correlation between the abundance of axonal swellings in cerebellar Purkinje cells and motor learning abilities. "We think the link is probably an indirect one," Watt explains. "The learning is probably happening somewhere else, but the information is being relayed more reliably and therefore we see an improvement." Explore further How blows to the head cause numerous small swellings along the length of neuronal axons More information: Daneck Lang-Ouellette et al, Purkinje cell axonal swellings enhance action potential fidelity and cerebellar function, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Daneck Lang-Ouellette et al, Purkinje cell axonal swellings enhance action potential fidelity and cerebellar function,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24390-4 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain European Union member states recorded last year their highest level of annual deaths since the bloc started keeping records, official data showed Friday, reflecting the impact of the Coronavirus epidemic. The EU population fell from 447.3 million to 447.0 million last year, as the annual toll rose 11 percent over 2019's deaths to 5.2 million, the most deaths since 1961 when Brussels starting compiling the data. The birth rate also fell again. Deaths have exceeded births in the now 27-nation union since 2012, but immigration had seen the population grow by four percent between 2001 and 2019. Giampaolo Lanzieri, an expert at statistics authority Eurostat, said that several factors contributed to the drop in population. "For sure there has been the impact on mortality. We have observed an increase of over half a million of deaths as what was observed on average in the previous years. "But (...) there is a likely impact on fertility as well, on the number of births," he told reporters. "And of course there has been also an impact on migration because the borders have been closed." Nevertheless, the "most prominent" cause of population loss was the impact of the epidemic. The steepest decline in population was recorded in Italy, which lost 384,000 people or 0.6 percent of its population, followed by Romania and Poland. Nine of the member states recorded falls in population, with 18 more seeing the more usual increase, including France, where births outstripped deaths and the number of people grew by 0.2 percent. Explore further Italy suffered highest deaths since WWII in 2020: stats 2021 AFP This image shows SARS-CoV-2 (round blue objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus shown was isolated from a patient in the U.S. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases More than 4 million. That's how many people have been killed by COVID-19 globally as of Thursday. At least, that's the officially reported number. As SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, continues to spread, it is mutating. It is those new strains of the virus that are largely driving the latest surges in unvaccinated populations around the world. As dangerous variants of the virus emerge, public health officials are increasingly concerned about the capacity of the virus to mutate into versions that fully vaccinated people might not be protected from. Vaccines are still providing high levels of protection against the known variants, and are particularly good at preventing severe illness in fully vaccinated peoplethe vaccines' infection-blocking mechanism has remained effective, for now. "The worst case scenario is that a variant develops that can escape the protection from the vaccine," says Brandon Dionne, assistant clinical professor of pharmacy and health systems sciences at Northeastern. "That's what we're really worried about." That's already happening to some extentalthough not to a concerning level yet, Dionne says. There have been more breakthrough cases of COVID-19 reported in fully vaccinated people since the Delta variant has been circulating than when earlier versions of the virus were dominant. Still, Dionne says, the risk of variants adds to the sense of urgency around vaccination efforts, particularly in communities and countries where vaccination rates are low. A higher level of vaccination rates could tamp down on the emergence of variants because of the conditions that a virus needs to thrive and mutate, explains Mansoor Amiji university distinguished professor of pharmaceutical sciences and chemical engineering at Northeastern. A virus survives by replicating itself, and a "virus in itself is not able to replicate," he says. "It needs a host cell to replicate. And if you give a cell to this virus, it will figure out a way to make copies of itself." And as it makes copies, it can make mistakes. Some of those changes can yield more dangerous variations of the virus. If an infected person is surrounded by people who are immune, then the virus can't find more hosts to continue that process, Dionne says. "The larger the pool of people who can become infected, the more likely we are to see mutations and then see new variants develop," he says. "And then eventually one of those variants could evade the immune response from the vaccine." That usually doesn't happen overnight, however. Rather, Amiji says, these mutations are usually very small. "And, in some ways, that's good news for us." "Think about how the virus infects. The coronavirus enters through the nose and then it basically tries to find its receptor on the various surfaces of cells that are part of our upper respiratory tract. The virus binds to that receptor through the spike protein part of the virus. This is the mode of which the virus can access the cell," Amiji says. "It's almost like a lock and key mechanism. The virus finds that particular lock and it has that key in the spike protein, and it's able to engage." Vaccines train the immune system to identify the coronavirus spike protein and block that lock-and-key match from happening. The fully vaccinated immune system can create antibodies that bind to the spike protein of the virus and neutralize it to prevent it from entering the cell. And, Amiji says, the vaccines code for the entire protein, so when one or two amino acids in the protein change when the virus replicates and mutates, the antibodies are still largely able to recognize and attack the virus. "Now, if the virus changes the entirety of this protein, then these vaccines will not be effective anymore," he says. "But that hasn't happened yet." So why, then, are we seeing more breakthrough cases with new variants (like Delta) but public health officials are saying the vaccines are still quite effective? These small mutations can allow some viral particles to sneak past the antibodies undetected, Amiji says. So the concern is that as more and more of these mutations accumulate in the spike proteins, the antibodies will have a harder and harder time identifying them. That's what causing breakthrough cases in fully vaccinated individuals. But those breakthrough cases tend to be a lot less severe, even with the Delta variant, and generally fully vaccinated people who contract it are asymptomatic or essentially have a cold, says Neil Maniar professor of public health practice and associate chair of the Department of Health Sciences and director of the Master of Public Health program at Northeastern. "I think that's pretty effective." But that's not a reason to sit back on our laurels if we're vaccinated, Maniar says. "The Delta variant has shown what this virus can do. And viruses are going to continue to mutate. And they will mutate to their advantage, not to our advantage." The Delta variant also seems to be the most transmissible and infectious version of SARS-CoV-2 to spread around the world yet. It now accounts for more than half of all new infections in the U.S., if not more, and is the dominant strain globally. As the coronavirus has shown time and time again, the disease and its variations spread globally quickly. "Viruses, like the coronavirus, don't require a passport or a visa to go to different parts of the world," Amiji says, so vaccination efforts must take a global approach. "When this infection remains in any part of the world, no one is ever going to be 100 percent safe in any part of the world." Still, he says, "It's not about being scared. But it is still with us, and we have to be vigilant." Explore further Structural changes in the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Beta variants identified Credit: CC0 Public Domain Graves containing the remains of two men (aged between 30 and 45 years) are the first evidence of Yersinia pestis infection, the bacteria responsible for plague, in 14th-century Southern Italy, according to new research being presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). "The retrieval of plague ancient DNA from the teeth of two adults buried at the Abbey of San Leonardo in Siponto is a discovery of national importance, as it is the first related to the second plague pandemic (Black Death) in Southern Italy", says Dr. Donato Raele from the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Puglia and Basilicata in Foggia, who led the research. "We were very suspicious when we unearthed 14th-century coins from the clothing of one victim and more hidden in a bag tied around the waist of the other, which suggests that the bodies were not inspected to confirm cause of death." In the mid-14th century Europe was devastated by the Black Death, a major plague pandemic that wiped out up to 60% of the population. The plague reached the shores of Sicily in 1347, and ravaged large cities and towns in northern and central Italy. When the first wave of Black death had been concluded in the winter of 1348, more than a third of Italy's population had died. Although cases of Black Death are reported in several historical documents no burial sites have undergone DNA analysis in the South of Italy. The Abbey of San Leonardo in Siponto (Apulia, Southern Italy) was an important religious and medical centre during the Middle Ages where traders and travellers stopped to rest and recuperate. It was a crossroads for pilgrims heading along the Via Francigena to the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo, and for merchants passing through the harbour of Manfredonia. The two single graves were discovered during an excavation of a section of the Abbey's cemetery that was used for burial at the end of the 13th beginning of the 14th century. The first victim was a male (30-35 years old). He wore a belt with a rectangular iron buckle with a shaft, found flattened on his right femur. Most likely tied to this belt was a small bag which contained 12 denarii (Roman silver coins) found still stacked under his leg. The second victim was an adult male (45 years old). He was buried fully clothed and had some personal items on him including iron and bronze rings, one with pitting, and the end of a lace; and numerous grains of dark vitreous material in his left hand that could be a rosary. The man guarded 99 alloy Deniers tournois coins from Frankish Greece (last decades of the 13th centurythe first quarter of the 14th century) and one silver Gigliato issued in name of Robert of Anjou (1309-1343), found in piles, probably inside bags hidden in various parts of his clothes. Given that the dating of the burial and coins fits the arrival of the Second Pandemic in Europe, the experts suspected that the adults might have died during the Black Death or from other infectious diseases that were prevalent at the time, such as malaria, tuberculosis, or epidemic typhus and Malta fever (brucellosis). To provide more evidence, three teeth from each individual were sent to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata for DNA analysis, along with two additional unrelated human teeth (negative controls). Four teeth of the adults in the graves tested positive for Y. pestis, and were highly similar to previously investigated plague victims from other parts of Italy and had identical strains of Y. pestis. "The Abbey of San Leonardo was a key point along a system of pathways that formed part of The Via Francigena, a major medieval pilgrimage route to Rome from the north, and was an ideal site from which plague could be spread", says Raele. "We haven't yet fully figured out the extent of pandemic waves during the Black Death in the south of Italy. In fact, the DNA of Y. pestis is about 300 years older than the previous one linked to a mass grave dating back to the late 1600s and reported by our researchers in Foggia. Consequently, our results contains precious details to better understand the magnitude of plague throughout Italy." Provided by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases A staff member takes blood for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents in a bid to ratchet up pressure on the government over concerns that certain vaccines don't provide adequate protection against the coronavirus. The offer of 20,000 free tests, available for Budapest residents over 60, came after many fully vaccinated people reported that tests they had undergone at private laboratories indicated that they hadn't developed antibodies to defend against COVID-19. Budapest Deputy Mayor Ambrus Kiss said those reports came primarily from people who received China's Sinopharm vaccine, convincing city leaders that there was "a genuine problem." He said the government should consider offering third doses to those with inadequate immune response. "If there is such a loss of confidence in certain vaccines, then the government needs to order a third dose and free up the capacities for giving them," Kiss told The Associated Press, adding that the tests are available to anyone over 60 regardless of which vaccine they received. "We think the the more tests we perform, the more societal pressure there is for a third dose," Kiss said. The testing drive will continue next week, and initial results will likely be released next week with the full results expected by the end of the month. A staff member takes blood for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh Hungary was an early vaccination leader in the European Union, due largely to its procurement of jabs from eastern countries like Russia and China, on top of vaccines received through the EU. It was the first country in the 27-member bloc to approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, and is the only one to deploy China's Sinopharm. More than 5.1 million doses of the jab have been distributed to Hungary, of which it has administered more than 2 million, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. While government officials insist there is no reason to offer a third dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, critics of the jab - including Budapest's liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony - have cast doubt over its efficacy. In announcing the city's antibody testing campaign in June, Karacsony referred specifically to the Chinese vaccine as the reason for the measure. He pointed to other countries like Bahrein and the United Arab Emirates, which have offered booster shots for some Sinopharm recipients amid efficacy concerns. A staff member displays blood she's taken from an elderly patient for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh A staff member takes blood for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh A staff member takes blood for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh A staff member takes blood for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh A staff member displays blood she's taken from an elderly patient for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh A staff member takes blood for an antibody test in Budapest, Thursday , July 8, 2021. Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents, a bid to pressure the central government to take action over concerns that certain COVID-19 vaccines do not provide adequate protection against the virus. Credit: AP Photo/Laszlo Balogh Both Sinopharm and Sinovac, another Chinese company who has produced its own vaccine, said in April that they were looking at whether a booster shot could help better protect against COVID-19. Karacsony often spars with Hungary's right-wing government and is considered a front-runner for replacing Prime Minister Viktor Orban in national elections next year. Sinopharm jab recipient Maria Szaniszlo, 78, said she backed a move to offer booster shots to anyone who needs them. "There is news that the Chinese vaccine isn't reliable because it doesn't offer protection to many people," said Szaniszlo after showing up on Thursday for an antibody test in the capital. "I decided that I wanted to know too ... They sent me the (immunity) card saying I'm protected, but I'll find out tomorrow if I really am." Explore further Chinese vaccine arrives in Hungary, a first in the EU 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A Keele University criminologist is calling for change in the behavioral management of children in Young Offenders' Institutions (YOI), as part of a study into the experiences of children going through the youth justice system. New research published in Safer Communities by Dr. Anne-Marie Day from Keele's School of Social, Political and Global Studies has found that current techniques used to manage the behavior of young people, such as the use of excessive force and long periods of time in isolation, led to children adopting survival strategies throughout their time in incarceration. Dr. Day interviewed 48 children who were either currently in custody or had been released in the previous 12 months and spoke to them about their time in prison, and how it had challenged their identity and sense of self. The main method of behavior management within a YOI is the "Incentives and Earned Privileges" scheme whereby those that behave and comply with the scheme are rewarded with extra privileges such as increased visits from friends and family and time out of their cell, and those that do not comply with the scheme are punished with reduced visits and long periods of isolation in their cell. The children who were interviewed described adopting one of two strategies to help them cope while living in a YOI; either keeping their head down or fighting. Many of the participants explaining how being locked up for prolonged periods of time had a negative impact on their mental health, with a number of interviewees reporting that they had experienced suicidal thoughts and self-harmed for the first time. Other children also described their experiences of being restrained and the difficulty of maintaining contact with the outside world as other factors that put them in conflict with the prison regime, often leading to further punishments. Dr. Day is calling for a review of the "Incentives and Earned Privileges" scheme, stating that it should be replaced with a system that is more child friendly, and based upon a child's individual, complex support needs. The findings of this study have highlighted that the continued use of the scheme as a way to manage children's behavior in custody is both harmful and erodes their sense of self. Many children also described how important contact is with friends, family and professionals in surviving time in custody, with Dr. Day recommending that face-to-face and telephone contacts with family, friends, social workers, youth justice workers and other professionals should be reviewed with the provision of private rooms for children to meet face-to-face with professionals, as well as the ability to make free phone calls from their cell. Dr. Day said: "The evidence from the study reveals that time spent in Young Offenders' Institutions does not help children in any way. Rather, a child's incarceration is a deeply traumatizing experience that they must survive. The behavior management regime is a key feature of this experience and in need of urgent reform." More information: Anne-Marie Day, The experiences of children in custody: a story of survival, Safer Communities (2021). Anne-Marie Day, The experiences of children in custody: a story of survival,(2021). DOI: 10.1108/SC-11-2020-0040 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Health workers in coronavirus-hit Indonesia will get a third booster jab using the Moderna vaccine, authorities said Friday, after several fully inoculated medics died from COVID-19. The Southeast Asian nation, battling its most serious outbreak to date driven by the Delta variant, has relied heavily on the Chinese-made Sinovac jab in its vaccine roll-out. But out of 1,000 medical workers who have died of COVID-19, more than a dozen were fully inoculated, according to the country's medical association, raising fresh concerns about Sinovac. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the government would give 1.47 million health workers an extra jab using the vaccine made by US biotech company Moderna. "The third jab will only be given to health workers, because health workers are the ones who are exposed to high levels of virus every day," he told a press conference. "They must be protected at all costs." A donation of four million Moderna vaccines will arrive in the next few days from the United States, after which the inoculation of medics will begin, he said. Both Moderna and Sinovac follow two-jab regimes. Moderna says its vaccine is 90 percent effective against all forms of the disease and 95 percent effective against severe disease. Sinovac's effectiveness against all forms of the disease and severe disease is lower. Explore further Over a dozen vaccinated doctors dead as Indonesia's virus cases surge 2021 AFP View of part of the newly reconstructed synapse. Credit: Burkhard Rammner Dendritic spines, small membranous protrusions emerging from a brain cell's dendrite, help to transmit electrical signals to neurons. These spines can have a variety of different shapes, ranging from so-called "stubby" to "mushroom-like." Mushroom spines have been found to be of key importance for the functioning of the human brain in adulthood. Stubby spines, on the other hand, are known to gradually disappear as the brain matures and develops. Over the past decades, many neuroscientists have investigated the functions and structure of dendritic spines. However, the unique protein composition of different types of spines remains unknown. Researchers at University Medical Center Gottingen in Germany have recently carried out a study aimed at examining the composition of postsynaptic dendritic spines in the human brain. Their paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, could help to explain previous experimental observations outlining the response patterns of different dendritic spines. "Most neuroscientists understand that synapses have the function of transmitting information from one neuron to the next," Silvio Rizzoli, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Medical Xpress. "The function of synapses is based on many types of proteins that need to work in synchrony. The problem is that nobody knows how many of such proteins are in the synapse and how they work together." Rizzoli and his colleagues initially set out to examine the protein composition of pre-synapses (the part synapses emerging from transmitting neurons) and they presented their results in a paper published in Science. In their recent study featured in Nature Neuroscience, on the other hand, they analyzed the protein composition of post-synapses (the part of synapses approaching receiving neurons). A synapse section. Credit: Burkhard Rammner The overall objective of their research was to gain a quantitative understanding of the so-called synaptic machinery, as opposed to the qualitative one obtained by other works. In other words, the researchers wanted to understand how many different types of proteins are in dendritic spines (or post-synapses), rather than merely identifying what they are made of. "In our paper, we take an integrative approach, using cultured neurons, analyzing the protein copy numbers per neuron by quantitative biochemistry and mass spectrometry, then determining the copy numbers per synapse using conventional epifluorescence imaging, and finally analyzing the protein positions using super-resolution STED microscopy," Rizzoli explained. "The 3D morphology of the synapses was analyzed using electron microscopy, and, finally, all of these elements were put together by modeling." Previous neuroscience studies assumed that the composition and structural organization of small, stubby and transient synapses and large, mushroom-like, permanent synapses would be different. Interestingly, however, the analyses carried out by Rizzoli and his colleagues showed that stubby and mushroom-like synapses have a virtually identical organization, with similar average protein copy numbers and topologies. A closer analysis of the correlation of each protein to the postsynaptic density mass, suggested that mushroom-like spines had a greater synaptic strength. In other words, stubby dendritic spines appeared to be less likely to adequately respond to dynamic changes in synaptic transmission than mushroom-like spines. The findings gathered by this team of researchers could have several important implications. For instance, they could partly explain why stubby dendritic spines are transient and gradually disappear as the human brain develops, while mushroom-like spines are permanent and play a key role in the functioning of the adult brain. "We are now working on a similar protein composition model for a whole cell (neuron)," Rizzoli said. Explore further Shootin1athe missing link underlying learning and memory More information: A large-scale nanoscopy and biochemistry analysis of postsynaptic dendritic spines. Nature Neuroscience(2021). A large-scale nanoscopy and biochemistry analysis of postsynaptic dendritic spines.(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00874-w Composition of isolated synaptic boutons reveals the amounts of vesicle trafficking proteins. Science(2014). DOI: 10.1126/science.1252884 Journal information: Nature Neuroscience , Science 2021 Science X Network In this July 7, 2021, file photo, a normally busy shopping area in Sydney is nearly empty of people. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday, July 2021, in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File Several countries around Asia and the Pacific that are experiencing their first major surges of the coronavirus rushed to impose tough restrictions, a year and a half into a pandemic that many initially weathered well. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of infections in recent months, authorities in such countries as Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam announced or imposed measures Friday that they hope can slow the spread before health care systems are overwhelmed. It's a rhythm familiar in much of the world, where repeated surges deluged hospitals and led to high numbers of deaths. But many Asian countries avoided that cycle by imposing stiff travel restrictions combined with tough measures at home. Now some are seeing record numbers of new cases and even deaths, blamed in part on the highly contagious delta variant combined with low rates of vaccination and decisions to ease restrictions that have hit economies hard. Though overall numbers are nowhere yet near those seen during outbreaks in hotspots in Europe and the United States, the rapid rise set off alarm bells just as many Western countries with high vaccine rates began to breathe a sigh of relief. Thailand reported a record number of new deaths on Thursday with 75and they came in at 72 on Friday. South Korea set a record for number of new cases on Thursday, only to break it on Friday with 1,316 infections, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. For the first time, Indonesia is seeing a surge that has hospitals turning patients away and oxygen supplies running out. Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit Of Thailand's 317,506 confirmed cases and 2,534 deaths since the pandemic started, more than 90% have come since the start of April. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's handling of the surge has been widely criticized, including the decision to allow people to travel for April's Songkran festival celebrating Thailand's New Year. Thailand already has strict regulations on wearing masks and other rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the government announced even more stringent measures Friday for Bangkok and the surrounding area, including closing spas, limiting the hours of public transit, and restricting the opening times of markets and convenience stores. "There is something wrong with the government policies, our vaccinations are too slow, and we should get better vaccines," said resident Cherkarn Rachasevet, a 60-year-old IT analyst, who hustled to the grocery store to stock up on supplies after hearing new restrictions were coming, wearing four masks and a face shield. Locals sleep in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit She lamented that she isn't due for her first shot until the end of the month. Across the Asia-Pacific region, immunization rates have lagged for a variety of reasons, including production and distribution issues as well as an initial wait-and-see attitude from many early on when numbers were low and there was less of a sense of urgency. In South Koreawidely praised for its initial response to the pandemic that included extensive testing and contact-tracingcritics are now blaming a current spike in cases on the government's push to ease social-distancing because of economic concerns. Meanwhile, a shortage in vaccine supplies has left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot. The recent death toll has been low, however, and authorities attribute that to the fact that many who have been vaccinated were at-risk older Koreans. In this July 8, 2021, file photo, pedestrians walk past a giant public TV with a live broadcast of a news conference by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga after he announced a state of emergency because of rising coronavirus infections in Tokyo. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday, July 2021, in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko Amid a spike in infections in the Seoul area, authorities announced Friday that starting next week they would impose the strongest restrictions yet. Those include prohibiting private social gatherings of three 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. No country has been worse hit in the region recently than Indonesia. The seven-day rolling averages of daily cases and deaths both more than doubled over the past two weeks. Health experts say a partial lockdown imposed July 3 was too little too late and warned the current wave, which is mostly on the islands of Java, Bali, and a few cities on the island of Sumatra, will soon start to spread across the vast archipelagoand the health system is already buckling under the pressure. In this July 5, 2021, file photo, people queue up to refill their oxygen tanks at a filling station in Jakarta, Indonesia. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday, July 2021, in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File Despite a strict national lockdown in nearby Malaysia under which residents are confined to their homes, with only one person per household allowed out to purchase groceries, new cases since it began June 1 continued to shoot up, and a record 9,180 daily cases were reported Friday. The total death toll more than doubled to 5,903 since June 1. It's the second national lockdown over the past year and the government said it will stay in place until daily infections fall below 4,000 and at least 10% of the population is vaccinatedbut it comes at a tremendous cost, deepening economic hardships, with scores of businesses forced to shutter and thousands losing their jobs. Vietnam also imposed tighter restrictions on Friday, locking down Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest metropolis and its economic and financial hub, for two weeks. The southern city's 9 million residents are only permitted to leave home to buy food, medicine and for other urgent matters during that time. Locals wait in line overnight for free the coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit Vietnam was able to limit its total coronavirus cases to 2,800 during the first year of the pandemic, and reported almost no new cases in the three months up to the end of April when they began to climb rapidly. In the last two months, the country has recorded some 22,000 new cases, and the less stringent restrictions imposed so far have been unable to stem the rise. "It is a difficult decision to lock down the city, but it is necessary to curb the pandemic and get back to normalcy," Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said during a government meeting Thursday evening. Currently, about 4% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, though the Health Ministry said it hopes to inoculate 70% of the country's 96 million people by the end of the year. One exception to the regional rule appears to be India, where the delta variant was first detectedperhaps because its surge came first. The country has slowly emerged from a traumatic April and May, when a devastating spike in infections tore through the nation, hospitals ran out of beds and oxygen supplies, and overwhelmed crematoria were forced to burn bodies in pyres outdoors. Health workers collect nasal swabs from locals who were waiting through the night for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at the Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at the Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. After initially being lauded for managing to virtually stop the pandemic in its tracks, several countries in the Asia region have seen numbers spike in recent weeks and are scrambling to speed up sluggish vaccination programs as the coronavirus spreads. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit In this July 9, 2021, file photo, people queue in line to wait for the coronavirus testing at a Public Health Center in 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. Credit: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. Credit: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit New cases and deaths are now decreasing, but with less than 5% of the country's eligible population fully vaccinated, authorities are scrambling to distribute more shots and are investing heavily in field hospitals and ICU beds, and stockpiling oxygen supplies. Japan and Australia also announced new restrictions this week. Japan is particularly being watched since its state of emergency means spectators will be banned at most venues a the upcoming Olympics. With the detection of the delta variant last month in Australia's New South Wales, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Friday that this is now the "scariest period" of the pandemic yet as she announced new restrictions in Sydney after the city reported 44 new cases, in line with the country's approach to move quickly with targeted measures to stamp out new outbreaks. "New South Wales is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started," she said. "And I don't say that lightly." Explore further Global Covid deaths cross 4 mn as outbreaks surge in Asia 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Malta said Friday it would be the first European country to close its borders to anyone who has not been fully vaccinated against coronavirus, following a spike in COVID-19 cases. Only those in possession of a British or European vaccination certificate will be allowed in from July 14, health minister Chris Fearne saidsuggesting US tourists and others will be barred. "We will be the first country in Europe to take this step," he told a news conference. Malta has been hailed as a European success story for its vaccination campaign, with 79 percent of the adult population currently fully vaccinated. But from reporting no new cases and having just 28 active cases on June 27, the Mediterranean island nation on Friday reported 96 new virus infections, taking the total number of active cases up to 252. "From Wednesday July 14, anyone coming to Malta must be in possession of a recognised vaccination certificate: a Maltese certificate, a British certificate, or a European Union certificate," Fearne told reporters. Previously visitors from the rest of the EU, the United States and some other countries were allowed in if they showed a negative PCR coronavirus test, or if they were fully vaccinated. Under the new rules, a vaccination certificate will be enough although young children will have to present a negative PCR test. Fearne said around 90 percent of the cases being found in Malta are among unvaccinated people, and that many have been traced to English Language Schools. Cases have been confirmed at nine schools so far, and as a result, all English Language Schools will have to shut their doors from July 14. The Maltese government only recently launched a financial incentive scheme to attract language students from abroad. Asked whether it was "fair" to impose mandatory vaccination requirements at such short notice, Fearne said: "It is not fair to put locals who cannot get vaccinated at risk. "We have to look after our residents first." Unlike other areas in Europe, the spike in cases of coronavirus in Malta has not been put down to the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious. Health superintendent Charmaine Gauci said on Friday that only seven of the country's 252 active cases were identified as of the Delta variant. Malta has in recent weeks been emerging from months of coronavirus restrictions. "We are not changing other parts of our plan for now, but we will do so if the science suggests we should," the health minister said. Malta has had 30,851 cases of the virus so far, recording 420 deaths. Explore further Malta reports no new COVID cases 2021 AFP A detailed look into what happens in the neurons. Credit: University of Copenhagen 12,000 people in Denmark and 7 to 10 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson's Disease (PD). It is the second most common neurogenerative disorder of aging and the most common movement disorder, but the cause of the disease is largely unknown. In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen show that the most common form of the disease, encompassing 90 to 95 percent of all Parkinson's Disease cases known as sporadic PD, is caused by a blockage of a pathway that regulates the nerve cell's powerhouse, the mitochondria. "Just like when people eat, cells take what they need and get rid of the rest waste products. But if our brain cells have this specific kind of signaling blockage, it means that the powerhouse of the cellmitochondriacannot get cleaned up after being damaged," explains corresponding author and group leader Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas at the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre. The blockage leads to an accumulation of high amounts of damaged mitochondria, while not being able to produce enough energy for the cells. It causes neurons to gradually die, which is the reason for the development of Parkinson's Disease symptoms, and why it leads to dementia. The blockage is caused by a dysregulation of the immune genes, more specifically a pathway called type 1 interferon, which is normally important for fight against viruses, but now we show that it is also responsible for regulating the energy supply of the nerve cells. "Every part of our body needs to be regulated. We get a signal to stop eating, when we are full, and the same thing happens everywhere else in our body. If we get an infection, parts of our body need to fight it and stop it from replicating. But when the infection is cleaned up, the signal should subside. This is the job of a protein called PIAS2. That causes the blockage of the type 1 interferon-pathway, and when the infection is over, the blockage should stop and go back to normal. But that does not seem to be the case in patients with Parkinson's Disease. We further demonstrate that this dysregulation leads to a defect in the mitochondrial energy supply, as mentioned before," says Issazadeh-Navikas. These pathways are very important for brain functions, but they are also associated with microbial and virus recognition. For example, they are very important for fighting COVID-19, and a mutation in the related gene has been shown to be linked to a deadly outcome after contracting COVID-19. The researchers combined and analyzed four data sets, which studied neurons from brains with Parkinson's Disease and looked at what type of genes they express. They then looked at which gene patterns were disturbed in patients with Parkinson's Disease and especially those who had also developed PD with dementia. In order to test the results, the major findings of the combined data was tried in three different mouse models using a negative regulator of the type I interferon pathway, PIAS2, which had been identified from the patients study as one of the key proteins linked to the progression of Parkinson's Disease and dementia. "We show that a high accumulation of the PIAS2-protein is what is causing the blockage in the pathway, which should have activated the processes responsible for removing damaged protein and mitochondrial garbage," says Issazadeh-Navikas. "The accumulation of damaged mitochondrial mass further leads to increase of other toxic proteins. So when we compare patients to same-aged healthy patients without Parkinson's Disease, we see that this PIAS2-protein is highly expressed in the neurons, which is why this pathway should be evaluated for potential roles in the other forms of familial Parkinson's Disease that we have not studied here." The researchers hope the study will encourage research to counteract the pathway blockage, which could have a beneficial impact on the disease and towards preventing dementia. In the next stages, the Issazadeh-Navikas group will study how the pathway contributes to neuronal homeostasis and survival, as well as how its dysregulation causes neuronal cell death. Explore further Immune gene prevents Parkinson's disease and dementia More information: Joana Magalhaes et al, PIAS2-mediated blockade of IFN- signaling: a basis for sporadic Parkinson disease dementia, Molecular Psychiatry (2021). Journal information: Molecular Psychiatry Joana Magalhaes et al, PIAS2-mediated blockade of IFN- signaling: a basis for sporadic Parkinson disease dementia,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01207-w Choroid plexus of mouse neonates. Blue: cell nuclei, green: phalloidin-actin, red: fluorochrome. Credit: Biology of Infection Unit, Institut Pasteur Meningitis is associated with high mortality and frequently causes severe sequelae. Newborn infants are particularly susceptible to this type of infection; they develop meningitis 30 times more often than the general population. Group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteria are the most common cause of neonatal meningitis, but they are rarely responsible for disease in adults. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with Inserm, Universite de Paris and Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital (AP-HP), set out to explain neonatal susceptibility to GBS meningitis. In a mouse model, they demonstrated that the immaturity of both the gut microbiota and epithelial barriers such as the gut and choroid plexus play a role in the susceptibility of newborn infants to bacterial meningitis caused by GBS. The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports on June 29, 2021. Newborn infants are more likely to develop bacterial meningitis than children and adults. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the pathogen responsible for a significant proportion of cases of neonatal meningitis. In most instances, infection is preceded by bacterial colonization of the gut. The commensal bacterial gut flora (known as the microbiota) plays a key physiological role, as it is involved in digestion, offers protection from gut pathogens and contributes to tissue differentiation and immune development. Newborns have no gut microbiota; it gradually develops in the first few weeks after birth. In a new study, scientists from the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with Inserm, Universite de Paris and Necker-Enfants malades Hospital (AP-HP), demonstrated in a mouse model that the immaturity of the gut microbiota in neonates is involved in neonatal susceptibility to meningitis caused by GBS. In the absence of a mature microbiota, the bacteria can extensively colonize the gut. In the absence of a mature microbiota, the barrier function of blood vessels in the gut that the bacteria must cross to reach the brain through the bloodstream is also less effective, and the immune system is unable to control infection. Unexpectedly, the scientists also demonstrated that, independently of the microbiota, the epithelial barriers formed by the gut and the choroid plexus (the interface between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid that irrigates the brain) are not entirely mature in newborns, which facilitates bacterial access to the brain. The signaling pathway known as the Wnt pathway, which is involved in tissue growth and differentiation, is more active in newborns, resulting in a less effective barrier function at the gut and choroid plexus levels in neonates. "In this study, we show how two factors associated with infancythe immaturity of the gut microbiota and the growth of gut and choroidal epithelial tissuesplay a role in the susceptibility of newborn infants to meningitis caused by GBS, at all stages of infection from gut colonization to dissemination in the brain," explains Marc Lecuit (university professor/hospital practitioner, Universite de Paris and Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital), head of the Biology of Infection Unit at the Institut Pasteur and Inserm and last author of the study. The results of this research illustrate the importance of the microbiota and its critical role in protecting against infection. Explore further Gut microbiota plays a role in brain function and mood regulation More information: Laetitia Travier et al, Neonatal susceptibility to meningitis results from the immaturity of epithelial barriers and gut microbiota, Cell Reports (2021). Journal information: Cell Reports Laetitia Travier et al, Neonatal susceptibility to meningitis results from the immaturity of epithelial barriers and gut microbiota,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109319 This image shows a cross section of a kidney. Credit: Holly Fischer/Wikipedia New research indicates that treating iron deficiency, even in the absence of anemia, may benefit patients with kidney disease. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of JASN. Iron deficiency occurs in 30% to 45% of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and because iron is important for the production of red blood cells (or erythropoiesis), low levels can lead to anemia. Clinical trials in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency have shown that boosting patients' iron levels improves their cardiovascular health regardless of whether patients have anemia. Roberto Pecoits-Filho, MD, Ph.D., Murilo Guedes, MD (Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, in Ann Arbor, Michigan), and their colleagues looked to see if this might also be true in the Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (CKDopps), an observational study of patients with advanced non-dialysis CKD. Among 5,145 patients with CKD from Brazil, France, the United States, and Germany who were followed for a median of 3 years, there were 47 deaths per 1,000 patients each year, and there were 48 major cardiovascular events per 1,000 patients each year. Iron deficiency was linked with higher risks of death and cardiovascular events, in patients with and without anemia. "Intervention studies addressing the impact of iron deficiency treatment beyond its erythropoietic effects are necessary to challenge the anemia-focused paradigm of iron deficiency management in CKD, potentially fostering more optimal strategies for improving patient outcomes," said Dr. Pecoits-Filho. He noted that randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to establish the role of iron treatment, even in the absence of anemia, in patients with CKD. Explore further AGA recommends bidirectional endoscopy for most patients with iron deficiency anemia More information: Murilo Guedes et al, Serum Biomarkers of Iron Stores Are Associated with Increased Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Nondialysis CKD Patients, with or without Anemia, Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2021). Journal information: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology Murilo Guedes et al, Serum Biomarkers of Iron Stores Are Associated with Increased Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Nondialysis CKD Patients, with or without Anemia,(2021). DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2020101531 In this March 2021 photo provided by Pfizer, vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are prepared for packaging at the company's facility in Puurs, Belgium. Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday, July 8, 2021, that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant. Credit: Pfizer via AP 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 variantand 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, Pfizer's Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press that early data from the company's booster study suggests people's 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 stepit wouldn't 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 they're 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 vaccinatedand 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 that's leading to "two truths"highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places. 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. Credit: AP Photo/Marco Ugarte "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 France's 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 varianteven 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 levelssparking 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 variant's mutations aren't evading the vaccines most widely used in Western countries, but underscore that it's 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 don't need to. Even before the delta variant came along, the vaccines weren't perfect, but the best evidence suggests that if vaccinated people nonetheless get the coronavirus, they'll 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. government's 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 olderwho are among the most susceptible to severe disease. Explore further COVID vaccines still work against mutant, researchers find 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has accepted a business case from Bord Iascaigh Mharas (BIM) for the development of a new Sea Survival Training Unit at BIMs National Fisheries Training College in Greencastle, Co Donegal. The Department is working with BIM on how the project will be delivered as early as possible. Speaking during a visit to the Greencastle College, Minister McConalogue said: I am delighted to announce today that I have approved a business case from BIM for the provision of a dedicated Sea Survival Unit at the Greencastle fisheries training college. The project involves an above ground pool, upgraded modern changing rooms together with a new navigation simulator and a radio suite for the new centre. The total estimated cost of the proposed BIM project will be approximately 1.1m. The Minister continued: The new Sea Survival Unit at Greencastle will significantly build upon the professional level of maritime training which BIM currently offers to the Irish seafood sector. It will also facilitate development and expansion of BIMs training programmes over the coming years. The provision of a fit-for-purpose pool, together with new, modern training equipment will also result in a high-quality national asset that will deliver a centre of excellence to support essential training for fishers, providing the instruction needed to equip seafarers with current and future skills needed to pursue varied careers in the seafood sector. Following confirmation by BIM that the new facility will be among the nations only Green energy pools the Minister added: I welcome BIMs proposal to fit a green pool by including an appropriate renewal energy source to fund the pumps, heating and filtration system which is in keeping with national policy and ensure that running costs will be sustainable for the future. I am delighted that the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) will be assisting BIM in ensuring the delivery of a sustainable facility including the provision of necessary advice prior to the procurement process. In response to the Ministers announcement that the project is under active consideration subject to availability of funding, Jim OToole, CEO BIM said: Safety is an essential part of training for all those embarking on a career in the seafood sector who intend working at sea. With 2,030 registered fishing vessels in Ireland and 2,881 adults working in the fisheries sector, it is important that we continue to prioritise the provision of high quality safety training for the crew of vessels. This new facility will encourage those who wish to pursue life long rewarding careers in the seafood industry and most importantly ensure that safety at sea and on the water is prioritised. The Minister concluded; I am confident that this project when completed will provide a high quality training facility which will ultimately help to save lives and support this important industry which is so crucial to the economies of coastal communities in particular. My ambition is to have the facility fully operational by the end of the first half of 2022 ENDS Note for editors The following is for indicative information subject to availability of funding only. The project will comprise of the following elements; Repurposing of the existing gymnasium in the National Fisheries College in Greencastle. Fitting of a preformed, modular, above ground green pool of approximately 12m x 6m. The pool to be heated to a range of temperature between 20 25 degrees from cold water for shock to warmer water for longer training exercises and custom built to reflect the needs of sea survival training requirements. Modern village style changing facilities The project will deliver a cost-effective Centre of Excellence that provides a professional sea survival training unit for students and instructors. It will involve changing rooms and smart communal areas providing a professional, modern and fit-for-purpose sea survival training unit on-site in the College. The project will also involve a new navigation simulator and a radio suite. BIM will fit a green pool by including an appropriate renewal energy source to fund the pumps, heating and filtration system. This would be both in keeping with national policy and would keep energy costs (running costs) low. SEAI will co-find the investigation of this and will provide detailed options to BIM before procurement commences. The proposal meets the objectives of upgrading the Greencastle training facility in a cost-effective manner, proportionate to the demand. Additionally the project envisages a relatively short commission / build time and will be powered by renewable energy, enabling efficient operating costs. Background to sea survival training at Greencastle Sea survival training, learning how to survive at sea, or in the sea, is a mandatory form of training that every crew member of an Irish registered fishing vessel must complete every five years Many students return and a typical fisher might undertake basic and, later, enhanced safety training along with a variety of specialist courses in sea survival, firefighting, first aid and radio as their career progresses 82% of fishers personally know someone who has been lost at sea ( Source: BIM commissioned research carried out by Red C in May 2021 comprising online survey of 176 adults working in the Irish seafood sector who work at sea, including fishers and aquaculture producers) The vast majority of bears try to steer clear of people, Lemon said. The fact this bear wasnt steering clear in fact approached the camp two different times in the course of 30 minutes was clearly unnatural behavior for a bear. Thats not something we can tolerate. Ovando sits midway between Missoula and Helena, just west of the Continental Divide and south of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Long the center of the regional ranching community, it has become a popular tourist site for anglers fishing the Blackfoot River and cyclists making long-distance rides. The campsite where Lokan died was right next to a museum and the post office of the 100-person town, surrounded by a general store, fly fishing shop, restaurant and several homes. Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles said Lokan was camping in her own tent next to two others in another tent when the bear approached the campsite late Monday night. The campers had food in their tents, according to Roselles report. They removed and secured the food, but the grizzly returned around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday and attacked Lokan. The other campers awakened and chased the bear away with bear spray. Members of the Ovando and Helmville quick response units tried unsuccessfully to revive Lokan at the scene. The acts are mostly solo or duo, all of whom responded to an open call, and will play unamplified to comply with the sound ordinances. 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. 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. LONDON (AP) A group of British airports and airlines took the U.K. government to court Friday, demanding it disclose the evidence behind its coronavirus travel restrictions that they say is ruining their business. Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, brought the case along with airlines Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, travel business Tui and British Airways parent company, IAG. The travel businesses say the governments traffic light system of classing countries as low, medium or high risk, is not transparent. We are told it is a risk-based approach, so what we say is that the criteria and the reasons must be sufficiently accessible, The groups lawyer, Tom Hickman, said at a High Court hearing in London on Friday. He said there was a fundamental lack of transparency and the categorizations appeared arbitrary. Only 27 countries and territories are on the green list which allows British residents to travel there without having to quarantine on return. Arrivals from dozens of amber list countries have to self-isolate at home for 10 days, while people arriving from red list countries including India and Brazil must quarantine in a government-approved hotel. According to Jacumin, those who recanted were sold into slavery, while the rest of the community walked 125 miles across the Alps into Switzerland. They headed off across the mountains, some of them barefoot, in the snow, weak from exhaustion and hunger, Jacumin said. There was a little town they went through, and a guy wrote a book on their passing through, saying that it looked like they wished their arms would drop off so they wouldnt have to carry them anymore. Jacumin believes telling the story of the Waldensian peoples perseverance in the face of adversity will continue to encourage future generations of Christians to remain faithful to God regardless of the circumstances they face. You wouldnt believe that people went through what they did and still kept the faith, he said. Community involvement has always been another critical piece of Jacumins vision for the Trail of Faith. At Christmastime, we have the Trail of Lights, he said. Weve probably had hundreds of thousands of people come to see that through the years. Demers cited numerous factors in seeking a lesser sentence, including sexual assaults that Sparks endured as child, a beating by police in Texas that forced him to admit to burglaries he didnt commit, rapes in prison and mental health struggles because of all that. Police say Sparks and his girlfriend lived together in Butte and on Sept. 17, 2020, he stuck a pistol in her eye and told her he was going to kill her. He also hit her in the face with the gun. He admitted to both when he pleaded guilty to two assault charges in April. Over a period of several hours in Butte, he also allegedly pointed a handgun at a man in a bar while looking for his girlfriend, had run-ins with others, and while trying to elude police, crashed his pickup into a parked car. Several people reported hearing gunshots during the ordeal. Before that night, Demers said Sparks had lived in Butte for several months, was working on his own business, had friends and mentors, money in the bank and was a volunteer with the Salvation Army in Butte. In a sentencing recommendation he filed with the court, Demers included a three-page letter from local Salvation Army Director Tina Morin praising Sparks for his volunteer efforts, kindness and generosity. It ultimately led to a spot on the groups local advisory board. The wind shifted abruptly Thursday afternoon and the grass fire's flames boiled upward and changed direction. The heat intensified and the blaze picked up speed. It headed right toward firefighter Tom Gallagher from the Opportunity Volunteer Fire Department. He had just begun spraying water toward the fire but when it blew up in the parched grass it was clear he needed to flee and do so quickly. Other first responders at the scene along Montana Highway 1 west of Opportunity sprinted toward their vehicles parked on the westbound shoulder. The windblown fire was racing toward the highway and threatened the vehicles and the men. Soon after, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County police, assisted later by the Montana Highway Patrol, shut down all lanes of traffic on Highway 1. Firefighters from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation arrived and began working to control the fire. Firefighters also reached the scene from Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and from volunteer departments in Lost Creek and the West Valley. The DNRC received a report of the fire around 12:57 p.m. and dispatched crews from the department's Anaconda unit. One estimate suggested the fire burned more than 200 acres. 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, Pfizer's Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press that early data from the company's booster study suggests people's 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. Under federal guidelines, 90% of funds must be used for financial assistance like rent and utilities, Cohen wrote in an email response to questions. The remaining 10% of funds can be used for housing stability services and administrative costs." Cohen also said the commerce department is working with the Department of Public Health and Human Services on an agreement to make the emergency rental assistance money available for "housing stability services" to maximize the use of the federal money. The commerce departments press release noted that another 1,000 applications for housing assistance are currently being reviewed. The program crafted to distribute federal rental assistance in 2020 had initially required that landlords sign off on renters applications for relief funds, which critics contended was part of the reason for the slow rollout of relief money. While the department is required to attempt to reach out to the landlord multiple times after receiving an application, the state is able to ultimately provide assistance directly to the renter without landlord approval, Cohen said. That provision is new from the initial program in 2020, which required a landlord to engage in the process. 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. The soil that covers 93 million acres of sprawling Texas rangeland holds a remarkable story. Its a tale of opportunity and ruin. At its best, the soil beneath our feet is the source of life, food and economic security. At its worst, that same soil can crumble ranchers livelihoods and put at risk our local food systems and entire communities. Much of the western United States is in the throes of a megadrought. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that nearly 60 million people now live in parts of the West plagued by drought. Farmers and ranchers are making hard choices about which herds to cull or land to leave fallow. But in the midst of this megadrought, an expanding network of farmers and ranchers is quietly taking steps to catch and keep more water in the soil that nourishes our food. First-generation farmers Jeremiah and Maggie Eubank manage 2,000 acres in Texas Hill Country. Theyre raising cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks on rugged land between San Antonio and Austin. Its beautiful, tough land that Maggie Eubank says has been beat up on for a century. Theyre working to change that. Theyre using above-ground livestock to take care of the microscopic livestock living underground, which grows more grass and keeps more water in the soil. The Eubanks are turning overworked dirt into healthy soil. Under Stage 1 restrictions, campfires are limited to developed campsites with established fire pits. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed recreation sites, or areas of 3 feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials. An exemption is in place for Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, where campfires are allowed within established campfire rings. Campfires are banned at fishing access sites in Jefferson County. Gas or propane stoves that can be turned on and off are still allowed. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant change in fire danger. Fire danger across southwest Montana is very high. Forested lands at all elevations are dry and varying wind gusts, difficult terrain, and multiple reports of fire starts in the last several days are all factors in the decision to move to Stage 1 Restrictions. Fireworks are always prohibited on BLM, National Forest and National Park Service lands. Find fire restriction information and a web-based map located at MT Fire Info or contact the specific land management agency with jurisdiction. For additional details on fire restrictions, visit the fire restriction website at www.mtfireinfo.org. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 3 Angry 0 MT. PLEASANT The investigation into the June 29 arrest of David Hudnall by Mt. Pleasant police has been concluded. The unnamed investigating agency found that the arrest complied with Mt. Pleasant Police Department policies on use of force. The investigation came after community members raised concerns about the use of force in the June 29 arrest of David Hudnall by a Mt. Pleasant Police Department officer in front of Fast Break on West Washington St. just before midnight. The concerns came after a YouTube video was published by a bystander who witnessed the arrest. The video is shot through a cars rearview mirror. It shows Hudnall being struck in the head and sides multiple times by the officer. The video was posted on the Mt. Pleasant police Facebook page leading to comments both supporting the police and condemning the use of force. The officers name has not been released by the police department as of Friday morning. The police department has not released the bodycam footage of the arrest or provided a copy of the investigation report. The release states that all video sources of the event were reviewed by a formal, independent investigation. 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. 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. 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. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday urged Central European countries to stick together on the issue of migration so that their voice is heard within the 27-member bloc. Cooperation between Central Europe countries is not a theory but a practical reality, Orban said. Orban and Slovenias right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa are close allies. Jansa has also recently faced EU scrutiny over concerns that his government has been curbing media and democratic freedoms in the traditionally liberal country. Central European countries have been critical of EU migration policies have have accused the bloc of fostering inequality among its members that diminishes their influence. The Populist governments of Hungary and Poland have openly clashed with Brussels over a number of issues including the rule of law and LGBT rights. At a joint press conference after the meeting, the officials praised their cooperation and pledged to support Slovenia's six-month tenure at the EU's helm. Morawiecki complained that Central European countries feel that they're only pawns on some European chess board. Filipino fishermen sort fish after arriving from a week-long trip to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, in Infanta, Pangasinan province, the Philippines, July 6, 2021. 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. The groups history suggests its real purpose if it can actually turn out 30,000 poll watchers in September will be to intimidate voters it thinks will go against the recall. Thats a big credibility problem for recall organizers. Then there are some of the positions taken by significant candidates to replace Newsom, all Republicans at this writing. Businessman John Cox, defeated by Newsom by a near-record margin in 2018, announced his plan for solving the homeless problem, one that would essentially force homeless individuals into counseling or therapy whether they like it or not. The trouble is, that tactic runs counter to both state law and a longstanding U.S. Supreme Court ruling. How credible is a candidate who advocates an illegal practice to solve one of Californias big problems? So there are no saints headed for this falls ballot as yet, and there is plenty to question about both the governor and his political enemies. The usual outcome of elections that pit negatives against each other is that voters choose the devil they know over the one they dont. I am writing this letter on the 50th birthday of Julian Assange, his third in Belmarsh Prison, a maximum security prison in the UK, despite no pending UK charges, because the U.S. tried to extradite him here and was denied, but they still have the right to appeal. Julian Assange is an accredited and multiple award winning journalist whose work has been published in every major U.S. outlet. He exposed the US torture program under Bush, U.S. soldiers killing civilians and journalists in Iraq, files on Scientology, emails that show Citigroup picked the majority of Barack Obama's cabinet and yes, the rigging of the 2016 Democrat primary. Aside from one hacking charge, which is likely fabricated, the remaining charges amount to things that every journalist does, including asking sources for information and making sure a source is safe. Many powerful people want him dead for exposing their crimes -- crimes which none of them have yet been held accountable for. Some officials have been featured in video clips calling for him to be assassinated. A journalist. That's how important he is. And his prosecution is an assault on the First Amendment, and it is a disgrace that no major national outlets will speak out against his persecution, or even mention that the key witness against him may have fabricated the charge. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College where she was involved in costuming for the theater arts program. She attended Dominican College (now Dominican University) in Marin County for her second two years of college, earning an English degree with a writing emphasis. After she turned 21, she began helping at the winery hosting tastings, but moved to the East Bay, to El Cerrito, planning to pursue UC Berkeleys publishing certificate to become an editor. When one of her sisters married and was expecting her first child, St. John returned on weekends to assist at the winery. One day her father asked if she were going to return home and told her there was a role for her at the winery. Missing Sonoma County, she returned to work in the winerys tasting room. She took night classes in viticulture and wine at the junior college, which became her wine industry network along with the Russian River Wine Road (now called the Wine Road). Shortly thereafter, she met her future husband, Ed St. John. They have been married for more than 30 years. He is vice president of marketing and sales at Pedroncelli. Her love of writing led to her becoming Pedroncellis winery wordsmith. She writes and edits the winerys weekly newsletters and blog, which focus on Pedroncellis family, history, vineyards, winery and the kitchen. Armenia outgoing parliament increases monthly compensation five times Ameriabank Receives Euromoney Award for Excellence 2021 as the Best Bank in Armenia Le Drian, Blinken discuss Karabakh conflict Istanbul court charges Gulen's supporters with murder of Hrant Dink New Iran President to Armenia acting PM: Deepening of cooperation between our countries is inevitable Armenia President congratulates Vice-President and PM of UAE, ruler of Dubai on his birthday Businessman Jevan Cheloyants presents new investment programs to Armenia acting PM Dutch PM congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on victory in snap parliamentary elections Foreigners must be in Armenia for at least 10 days to receive 2nd component of coronavirus vaccine in country Dollar drops somewhat Armenia Armenia acting health minister comments on news about corruption linked to her deputy Aliyev conveys message to Erdogan, says Azerbaijan-Turkey relations are at the highest point Armenia parliament approves several sensational bills in first reading Armenia government to support businesses that provided shelter to Karabakh residents in Syunik Province Armenia acting health minister: 111,000 people vaccinated against coronavirus so far in Armenia Armenia Supreme Judicial Council considering case on imposing disciplinary action against judge Taliban offer Kabul truce in exchange for prisoners release Armenia MOD: Search continues for 2 servicemen who went missing due to fog Acting PM: Armenia will defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity Syndicate uncovered in Hong Kong that laundered $ 113 million through cryptocurrency 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 A petition was been submitted to the Constitutional Court of Armenia that Judge Vahe Grigoryan not attend the court consideration of the opposition political forces' appeal demanding the annulment of the June 27decision of the Central Electoral Commission. The petition was submitted by the representative of the opposition Zartonk (Awakening) Party Ara Zohrabyan. He reminded that Grigoryan was the representative of the ruling Civil Contract Party (CCP) leaderand acting PMNikol Pashinyan at the ECHR, and the CCP is a third party during the examination of this appeal. Thus, according to him, there is a legitimate doubt in Vahe Grigoryan's bias. The president of the Constitutional Court, Arman Dilanyan, inquired whether Zohrabyan was aware that the opposition "Armenia" blocled by second President Robert Kocharyanalso had submitted a similar petition. Zohrabyan replied that he knew about it from the media, but the grounds for this appeal were different. In turn, the representative of the "Hayastan" bloc, lawyer Aram Vardevanyan, stated that his respective petition was different. He said that the bloc believes that Grigoryan has a prejudiced attitude towards the leaders of the "Armenia" bloc and personally against second President Robert Kocharyan. The representative of this bloc supported the aforesaid petition. Constitutional Court Judge Hrayr Tovmasyan said he believes that it is impossible to examine the issue at this stage, as it should have been examined at the stage of accepting the case, whereas that stage has already passed. CCP representative, Acting Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan did not agree with the content of this petition and opposed it. Ara Zohrabyan recalled that when the case was being accepted, the CCP was not a third party, and therefore, there was no basis for this petition at that time. Constitutional Court Judge Yervand Khundkaryan agreed with Judge Tovmasyan, and reminded that this issue can be raised by the court judge, and the issue of non-participation cannot be considered at this stage. Judge Vahe Grigoryan, for his part, stated that if the Constitutional Court decides that it can consider the issue, he is ready to present his position. According to him, the issue was discussed at the working session, and he advised Zohrabyan to get familiarized with it. The issue was discussed and received one vote in favor, added Grigoryan. Constitutional Court Judge Arevik Petrosyan also noted that the issue is also being discussed within the framework of other cases (i.e., Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code), the respective practice is that the parties can submit such a petition, but it is altogether another matter what the Constitutional Court will decide. Judge Arthur Vagharshyan considered that the petition should be denied. Summing up, Constitutional Court President Arman Dilanyan noted that the petition was discussed in terms of content, and there is an obstacle in terms of form and practice. As a result, he proposed not to consider the petition. And most of the Constitutional Court judges agreed not to consider this petition. YEREVAN. Last year, the EU provided more than 100 million euros in aid to Armenia in connection with the coronavirus. Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said this Friday in Yerevan. He said that they are now working to expand healthcare opportunitiesincluding on vaccinationto increase respective assistance, and that this pandemic will not end until everyone is vaccinated. According to him, Armenia no longer has economic opportunities to lose time, and everyone in the country should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Varhelyi added that the EU continues to be Armenia's key partner, and he highly appreciates the implementation of reforms in the country. He said they hope that a strong parliamentary majority will be formed after the snap elections in Armenia on June 20, because they have a lot of work ahead. Oliver Varhelyi stated that the main purpose of his current visit to Armenia is to launch a post-coronavirus investment program to revitalize the country's economy in order to accelerate economic growth and increase jobs. YEREVAN. Judge Edgar Shatiryan of the Constitutional Court read out the plaintiffs' demands regarding the results of the snap parliamentary elections that were conducted in Armenia on June 20. To note, the opposition "Armenia" and "I Have Honor" blocs, as well as the opposition the Zartonk (Awakening) and Hayots Hayrenik (Armenian Homeland) parties had separately petitioned to the Constitutional Court. Their petitions have both differences and similarities. But , in general, these political forces are basing themselves on the final decision of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) regarding the aforesaid elections. And given the similarity of their requirements, their petitions have been joined. The "Armenia" blocled by Second President Robert Kocharyanhas pointed to the use of administrative resources, unclear voter data, suspicious circumstances of the military voting, and pressure. Zartonk party emphasized the violations of the basic principles of freedom, and the participation and aggressive calls by high-ranking officials,. Hayots Hayrenik party stressed the violations of voters' rights, the form of ballots, the total use of administrative resources, the influence on the will of the voters, the violations of equality, and pressure. Judge Shatiryan listed the respective documents submitted to the Constitutional Court. The CEC acted as the respondent, and the prosecutor's office, the police, and the Commission on TV and Radio acted as co-respondents. The third party was the ruling Civil Contract Party. The President of the Constitutional Court announced a one-hour recess. The court will reconvene at 2pm. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 09.07.21: EU https://news.am/eng/news/652885.html EU is allocating 1.6b to Armenia, including for establishing trade relations. "We want to quickly implement programs for the digitalization of the economy and the transition to a green economy. Most importantly, we want to establish trade relations with European markets and the European economy, which can accelerate the region's rapprochement with the EU," said Oliver Varhelyi, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. Varhelyi reminded that the EU has already provided 9 to 10 million euros in aid, which will soon be provided to those affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict. The EU is ready to play an active role in confidence-building in the post-conflict situation following Nagorno-Karabakh war, first of all, in overcoming the humanitarian crisis and further restoring the economy of the conflict-affected region and surrounding areas, he added. CC https://news.am/eng/news/652840.html The Constitutional Court is examining the petition of the opposition "Armenia" and "I Have Honor" blocs and the Zartonk (Awakening) and Hayots Hayrenik (Armenian Homeland) parties demanding the annulment of the June 27 decision of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). All nine judges of the Constitutional Court are present at the session. The respondents are the CEC, the prosecutor's office, the police, and the Commission on TV and Radio. The third party is the ruling Civil Contract Party. The "Armenia" blocled by second President Robert Kocharyandisputes the constitutionality, legality, and the available facts of the CEC decision following the snap parliamentary elections on June 20. ARMED FORCES https://news.am/eng/news/652754.html Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has signed a decree on relieving Grigory Khachaturov of the post of commander of the 3rd army corps of the Armed Forces of Armenia. The presses report that Khachaturov will be replaced by commander of the military unit in Jermuk, Colonel Gegham Martirosyan. DRILLS https://news.am/eng/news/652804.html The armed forces of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia will hold the Eternity-2021 military exercises from October 4 to 8, 2021, and the first session for planning the exercises was held today, as stated in the press release issued by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. The press release also states that the session was held in the format of a teleconference. ARTSAKH https://news.am/eng/news/652887.html A visit to Varanda (Fizuli) and Shushi of about 50 representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations accredited in Azerbaijan has kicked off. The diplomatic representatives will first familiarize themselves with the international airport under construction in Varanda, and then will visit the Fizuli substation. After that, the diplomats will leave for Shushi. They will get acquainted with various historical and cultural monuments of the city. The visit of representatives of the diplomatic corps will end on July 10. COVID-19 https://med.news.am/eng/news/29419/coronavirus-related-quarantine-to-be-extended-in-armenia-for-6-months.html The draft decision on coronavirus-related has already been circulated, is at the government, and the decision to extend the quarantine is expected to be made today. The requirement for a PCR test when crossing the Armenian border is currently defined by this decision on quarantine. As of Friday morning, 148 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 226,135. The death toll is 4,540 cases. Meanwhile, in Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] five new cases of coronavirus have been reported, bringing the total number to 2,918. Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan in the Office of Government. This was their first meeting after the early parliamentary elections in Armenia and Nikol Pashinyans July 7 working visit to the Russian Federation. Nikol Pashinyan: Mr. President, welcome to the Office of Government. This is our first official meeting after the early parliamentary elections and it is important in that we can outline our next steps. We have passed a challenging path together, I mean the Republic of Artsakh, the Republic of Armenia, our people. The responsibility, the honor to lead our people in these difficult times rests with us and we must live up to our mission. We have talked a lot about the details of what happened during the pre-election period and following the elections. I consider it important to emphasize that during the electoral campaign I clearly stressed the need to carefully study the circumstances of the 44-day war, and it is important that we formulate such a format and organize work in such a way that might lead to reliable findings, considering that many important questions need to be answered yet. I also think it important to state that after the 44-day war, we made serious efforts together to restore normal life in Artsakh. During that time we probably had dozens of formal and informal meetings, and to be honest, I am pleased with the current status of our cooperation; I consider that we have so far made effective decisions. I hope our compatriots in Artsakh will feel the efficiency of those decisions, but of course, there are strategic programs to be discussed in the near future, I mean the social and economic spheres. Indeed, the most important item on our agenda is the issue of clarifying the status of Artsakh. And we must state that after November 9, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs made a statement, in fact, fixing this agenda as a working one. Also, we will have to agree upon a specific strategy in a new situation; outline ways to achieving our goals. I greet you again, and I am confident that as a result of todays discussions, we will be able to add momentum to those programs that are being implemented at this point of time, as well as to formulate the upcoming projects. Arayik Harutyunyan: Dear Mr. Prime Minister, first of all I would like to thank you for the audience. I would also like to wish you every success in the context of the vote of confidence you received from the people in the latest elections. I am confident that the programs we discussed will lead to Artsakhs social and economic development. We need to rally all Armenians around Artsakh. Of course, Armenians have supported Artsakh for many decades, but today we need unity more than ever and we will achieve it. I would like to state that the social-economic problems are being addressed successfully and the Armenian governments social programs have unequivocally helped us get out of a state of shock. No family is ignored in Artsakh owing to the funds provided by the Government of Armenia. The funds raised through the Hayastan All-Armenian Foundation are being spent on housing construction and infrastructure development. Artsakh seems to be a large construction site. The ongoing projects should be continued, first of all, housing construction, which is a priority. Today, the housing problem is so acute in Artsakh that even building one apartment a day will not be enough. We need to build at least 4-5 apartments a day to implement what we have planned. We want to present this program to Armenians all over the world so that every Armenian might participate in housing programs in the coming years. In the meantime, Artsakhs security and status is what matters most now/And fortunately, the principles underlying the status have not changed on the agenda of the OSCE Minsk Group. We must strive to keep this issue high on the agenda. All your statements, our statements that Artsakhs path to independence is not subject to negotiation testify that we must continue our struggle. As for security, I want to assure you that the Defense Army and the peacekeeping forces are jointly controlling the situation. The geography is difficult, but fortunately there were no major problems. The harvesting season is underway; there are no problems or impediments whatsoever; infrastructure restoration activities are going on along the line of contact. There are many projects that we have to discuss together. Most of them imply rebuilding what we have lost, which calls for a lot of hard work. Mr. Prime Minister, I wish you all the best in completing the mission that you have assumed in such a difficult period. In his talk to a select audience in Storer Auditorium on July 8, Brazils Central Bank President Roberto Campos Neto outlined a range of innovations to the financial system that have helped the country effectively adjust to two waves of the COVID-19 virus. His presentation formed part of the schools Distinguished Leaders Lecture series and marked the first in-person presentation since the pandemic pivot. Celebrated for his interest in economic sustainability policy and financial ingenuity, Campos Neto especially highlighted PIXthe new instant payment system launched in November 2020 and an ambitious agenda for open finance and financial inclusion. We thought wed have 20 million keys (transactions) within the first six months, but we reached that number in three days, he said, adding that the system is now used by 80 percent of the population. The system has probably meant a little less revenue for the banks in terms of payments. But as we develop it, we see that it can do more and more. Dean John Quelch described the PIX system and other innovations launched and being explored by the bank as fascinating. This concept of reinventing the central bank as a technology enterprise is really radical disruption and very impressiveIve never heard of it before, he said. He noted that the automated payment system that incurs no cost to consumers has prompted a huge increase in the number of cashless transactions, while more traditional forms of transactions have remained basically flat. Alex Horenstein, associate professor of economics, described PIX as a Brazilian-customized and quite sophisticated version of Venmo, with for example, the added benefit that there is an off-line version, as significant areas of Brazil lack internet access. The fact that there is such an advanced version of a digitalized currency developed by a Central Bank already massively adopted is amazing, Horenstein said. Its not yet, but it could be the base of a fully government digital currency or govcointhat could be concerning for the banks. The central bank president, who earned a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in economics from UCLA, suggested the innovations were driven in part by the findings of a study group of young gamers who were asked to describe their ideal financial system. The group identified five key characteristics: cheap, transparent, secure, open, and fast. Campos Neto became head of the central bank in November 2019 and soon after, as the pandemic spread, he said that he and his team realized one frightening thing. We found out that there were hundreds of cities that did not have ATM machines, there was no way for people to get money, he said. People would take a bus to another city to get money. So they designed a system to address the problem. The system is now in use by 80 percent of Brazilians, according to Campos Neto, who added that more innovationsa PIX card that will operate as a bus pass that can be shownwill be released in coming weeks. The bank needed to continue to innovate, to test digital currencies, and to explore how to better monetize data, Campos Neto pointed out, adding that Brazils currency laws date to 1960. In welcoming the speaker, Paulo Leme, executive-in-residence finance professor, honored Campos Neto as a great finance mind, a strong market economist, and a very good politiciansomeone who knows how to stay out of trouble. In his role as president, Leme said Campos Neto has transformed the financial system and moved Brazil to a new frontierand that he even stepped in to fill the public health policy gap by providing for vaccines deployment to stabilize the country. He was able to get things moving and, even more than leadership, that demonstrates compassion, he said. The Bankers Magazine, part of the Financial Times group, awarded Campos Neto its Central Banker of the Year 2021 award. One of his biggest surprises on joining the central bank, Campos Neto said, was the high-caliber of expertisecontrasting the notion that many who work for the bank are overly bureaucratized. This was a small group of people, all with Ph.D.s, and they wanted to learn, so I sent them abroad to learn about the new technologies, he explained. That said, if vacancies were to occur at the central bank, Campos Neto said he will not be looking to fill them with economists, but instead with data analysts and Ph.D.s in information technology, artificial intelligence, and big data. Known for his interest in developing sustainable economic policies, Campos Neto was asked if he supported the Dutch carbon tax model. He suggested that completing the market for carbon was a better option than taxation. You have this negative externality, people are doing damaging things in the Brazilian forest, and you would be willing to pay for them to do things differentlyand they would be willing to do things differently if they could receive payments, but you cant make this happen, he explained. The way to solve this is to have a market for carbon that actually trades, that is liquid and accessible to everyone. But so far, we have failed to complete the market, he added. People try to offset this failure by taxing, but thats horrible, he continued, price allocates resources in the economy efficiently and tax does the opposite. Im very frustrated when I go to global meetings and people spend a lot of time talking about global taxonomy to address this. To a question of who would become the next central bank president, Campos Neto said he didnt know. But one thing for sure is that they will know more about technology than I do, he said, and the one after that, will need to know even more. Hong Kong records one new imported Covid case Hong Kong's coronavirus situation remains stable. Image: Shutterstock The Centre for Health Protection on Friday reported one new imported Covid-19 case. The patient, an 18-year-old man, was undergoing quarantine at a hotel in Sai Ying Pun after flying in from the Netherlands. He did not have any symptoms. Meanwhile, the centre said it was investigating what it called a suspected re-positive coronavirus case involving a member of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan. The 39-year-old man was infected in Kazakhstan in June. He arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday and tested preliminary positive for the virus. But a subsequent test was uncertain. The man was sent to hospital for further checks. Sources said he lives in Manhattan Heights in Kennedy Town. LOS ANGELES (AP) The largest illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County history which netted 373,000 plants that would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street eradicated only a fraction of the illicit grows in the Southern California high desert, authorities said Wednesday. The problem is wide-ranging in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles, officials said, and has grown tremendously during the coronavirus pandemic. Armed cartel members run massive illegal grows, some spanning dozens of greenhouses, that are detrimental to the state's legal marijuana market. Multiple law enforcement agencies carried out a 10-day operation in the Antelope Valley last month that resulted in 131 arrests and the seizure of more than 33,000 pounds (14,969 kilograms) of harvested marijuana plants. Yet the undertaking only demolished 205 illegal grows out of the 500 seen by aerial surveillance in the area. Last year, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said only 150 illegal grows were identified in the Antelope Valley. Scores more exist in other nearby counties. The cartel members threaten residents and steal millions of gallons of water amid a severe drought, Villanueva said. The growing operations have poisoned streams and groundwater with harmful pesticides and harmed wildlife and plants. California broadly legalized recreational marijuana sales in January 2018. But the black market is thriving, in part because hefty legal marijuana taxes send consumers looking for better deals. Officials sought to differentiate between the Antelope Valley operation and the legal market. This is not a war on the legal cannabis business in California, said U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia, who represents the area. At least two Haitian Americans are among six men who have been arrested in the assassination of Haiti's president early Wednesday, officials said. Haiti's minister of elections, Mathias Pierre, identified James Solages as one of the two Haitian Americans. He did not provide additional details about Solages' background, nor provide the name of the second Haitian American. Pierre told The Associated Press said that the four other men are from Colombia. The oldest suspect is 55 and the youngest, Solages, is 35, he said. Seven other suspected assailants were killed in a gunfight with police, according to Haiti's director of National Police Leon Charles. EXPERT PREDICTS FAILURE AS CHINA EYES A MOVE INTO AFGHANISTAN: THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN TO WATCH Solages described himself as a "certified diplomatic agent," an advocate for children and budding politician on a website for a south Florida charity he established in 2019 to assist residents. On his bio page for the charity, Solages said he previously worked as a bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Port au Prince. On a LinkedIn page with his name and photo, it says Solages graduated with a bachelors degree in IT and lists his skills as: military police, mechanical electrical, and plumbing (MEP), and electrical troubleshooting. Witnesses said a crowd discovered two suspects hiding in bushes Thursday in Port-au-Prince. Some people grabbed the men by their shirts and pants, pushing them and occasionally slapping them. Police arrested the men and put them in the back of a pickup truck and drove away to a nearby police station as the crowd ran after them. The crowd later set fire to several abandoned cars riddled with bullet holes that they believed belonged to the suspects. AFGHAN WOMEN CARRY GUNS IN STREETS, PROTEST TALIBAN AS COUNTRY STRUGGLES At a news conference Thursday, Charles urged people to stay calm and let police do their work as he warned that authorities needed evidence they were destroying. Story continues Officials did not address a motive for the slaying, saying only that the attack, condemned by Haiti's main opposition parties and the international community, was carried out by "a highly trained and heavily armed group." A Haitian judge involved in the investigation said that President Moise was shot a dozen times and his office and bedroom were ransacked, the Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported. The paper quoted Judge Carl Henry Destin as saying investigators found 5.56 and 7.62 mm cartridges between the gatehouse and inside the house. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who assumed leadership of Haiti with the backing of police and the military, asked people to reopen businesses and go back to work as he ordered the reopening of the international airport. HAITI'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN AFTER BRAZEN SLAYING OF PRESIDENT Haiti had grown increasingly unstable under Moise, who had been ruling by decree for more than a year and faced violent protests as critics accused him of trying to consolidate power while the opposition demanded he step down. According to Haiti's constitution, Moise should be replaced by the president of Haiti's Supreme Court, but the chief justice died in recent days from COVID-19, leaving open the question of who might rightfully succeed to the office. Joseph, meanwhile, was supposed to be replaced by Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon who had been named prime minister by Moise a day before the assassination. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Henry told the AP that he is the prime minister, calling it an exceptional and confusing situation. "I am the prime minister in office," he said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) Five residents of a town in Honduras were arrested Friday for the brutal mob slaying of an Italian man. Edgardo Barahona, a spokesman for the Public Safety Department, said more possible suspects were being sought in the killing of the Italian. The victim was identified as Giorgio Scanu. Video of the killing Thursday showed that dozens of people surrounded Scanus home, while some attackers went inside and killed him with stones, machetes and sticks. Residents claimed the Italian man had killed another resident of the town of Yusguare. They later burned part of the house as his body lay inside. Barahona said a complaint had been filed against the Italian for allegedly killing a local man during an argument over damage to his property, but residents became enraged when police did not immediately arrest Scanu. People were angry the Italian was not immediately arrested ... but we cannot carry out an arrest without a warrant, Barahona said. It was being initially investigated, because there was a complaint, but there has to be evidence. That was what unleashed this whole problem. Yusguare is near the city of Choluteca, close to the border with neighboring Nicaragua. Yusguare Mayor Edas Mauricio Turcios said this is something unexpected for us. After seeing the videos you are shocked, because this is a quiet town, not conflictive, and these types of scenes are hard to comprehend, Turcios said. The Department of Justice unveiled a major indictment Thursday against five Tampa Bay-area residents accused of assaulting police officers during the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, CNN reports. The assailants repeatedly attacked the police guarding the building using stolen riot shields and flagpoles, bashing the cops in the head and neck, and later resorted to punching, kicking and elbowing the officers, according to the complaint. The big picture: The five, accused of leading the charge during the insurrection, face 19 criminal counts, among the most for a Capitol riot case. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Arrested were: Michael Perkins, of Plant City, a former Polk County EMT. Christopher Doolin, of Plant City. Jonathan and Olivia Pollock, of Lakeland. Joseph Hutchinson, of Lakeland. The big picture: The indictments highlight the violence police faced at the hands of the pro-Trump mob, and the role of Tampa Bay residents. That might be one reason the U.S. Capitol Police announced this week that they're opening a field office in Tampa to protect members of Congress against threats. Yes, but: Many of former President Trump's allies have tried to downplay the violence. In fact, Florida Republicans are hosting a "Free Our Patriots" rally tomorrow in Tallahassee to demand that arrested insurrectionists be freed. The state we're in: Florida has the most insurrection defendants of any state in the country, with 62 in total, followed by Pennsylvania and Texas. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. The Telegraph Most of us are familiar with the immediate signs of a stroke, but new research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggests that the warning signs could appear long before it actually happens. In a study of almost 15,000 participants, researchers in the Netherlands found that stroke sufferers show certain signs of cognitive decline up to 10 years before they are taken ill. After a stroke, it is common for sufferers to experience physiological changes that cause a decl A group of local activists and faith leaders gathered Friday outside the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department to call for a federal investigation of the departments practices. Lora McDonald executive director of, MORE2, the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, said the group plans to file a request with the U.S. Department of Justice to review the police department. The social justice organization has long called for an external probe of the department, claiming it is rife with corruption. The department came under scrutiny in 2017 when Lamonte McIntyre was exonerated after spending 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit. A lawsuit filed by McIntyre claims officers manipulated eyewitnesses and wrote police reports with fabricated information. Former detective Roger Golubski was accused of engaging in egregious misconduct during the investigation. The lawsuit alleges Golubski coerced women into false testimony and raped a woman whose children he had promised to help get out of legal trouble. Questions have been raised publicly about how much the department knew about Golubskis behavior. Rick Behrens, a pastor at Grandview Park Presbyterian Church and MORE2 board member, said Friday at the news conference that Golubskis actions were enabled by the department that at the very least, turned a blind eye. We at MORE2 are convinced that this perversion of justice can and must be stopped. Members of MORE2, the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, gathered outside the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department to announce the group will file a request for federal investigation of the department. The organization launched a petition in support of a federal investigation. Behrens said similar investigations have been opened by the DOJs civil rights division to reform excessive force, bias policing and other unconstitutional practices. At the news conference, Violet Martin alleged that Golubski intimidated witnesses into providing false testimony, which helped send her brother to prison in 1998. She said she wants justice for her brother and others who have been victimized by these wicked powers. In recent years, the department has also been plagued by other controversies. One officer pleaded guilty to assaulting a cadet and another officer filed a lawsuit claiming she faced discrimination and sexism. Story continues Mayoral candidate Tyrone Garner, a retired KCK police officer, said if elected, he would support a DOJ investigation. The department is now led by Karl Oakman, who was sworn in as police chief last month. Nancy Chartrand, a spokeswoman for the police department, distributed a written statement in response to questions about calls for an investigation. The statement was attributed to Oakman. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department continues to be willing, and available, to assist any agency working any investigation involving our department, the statement said. Our relationship with the community is of utmost importance which is why we are focused on strengthening current relationships and restoring those that have been broken. Actor James Caan has starred in some of the biggest films of his era, including "The Godfather," "Brian's Song" and "Elf." Even now, after six decades in the business, Caan said he still wants to work and enjoy the respect, in an interview with Ben Mankiewicz for "CBS Sunday Morning," to be broadcast July 11. "Pumps you up, man! I like it. I get respect, whatever I do, I want a little respect," Caan told Mankiewicz (a host for Turner Classic Movies). "I play ball, I want respect, you know? That's all." Actor James Caan with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz. / Credit: CBS News Caan has made a career of inhabiting memorable roles. He was Sonny, Don Corleone's hothead son, in "The Godfather"; a dying football player in "Brian's Song"; and a novelist held captive in "Misery." "I fought always never to be the same person," Caan said. "I wanted never to be the same person. I mean, the fun of being an actor is being somebody else for three months, you know?" Playing Sonny opposite Marlon Brando wasn't easy. Caan said his inspiration for the character was a friend: "I was thinking of my friend, Don Rickles. I told everybody, you know, and I started laughing like Don Rickles," Caan said. Caan talked with Mankiewicz about growing up in Queens, New York; life lessons he learned on the streets; and his move into acting. He opened up about his battle with cocaine following the death of his sister, and how he stepped away from Hollywood for a while. He also talked about how his friend, director Rob Reiner, in 1989 convinced him to star in "Misery," based on the Stephen King story. Caan, 81, has no thoughts of slowing down. "I can't take it easy," he said. "I enjoy working. I love to work with good people. I have more fun when I'm working, because I get to know new people, and mostly good people, you know? Really good always in some, you know, some things there's a couple of people you meet, and there's a lot I have a lot of laughs and I get respect, too, sometimes." Story continues The Emmy Award-winning "Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on CBSN [beginning at 9 a.m. ET and 11:30 a.m. ET] and Paramount+, and is available on cbs.com and cbsnews.com. Be sure to follow us at cbssundaymorning.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. A look at what could happen after U.S. troops leave Afghanistan Progressive Democrats pen letter to House leaders demanding climate action in infrastructure deal Our current ransomware deterrent strategy is "simply not working", expert says Michael Avenatti, Esq. is going to jail. Stormy Daniels erstwhile attorney Daniels reacted to Avenattis initial arrest in March 2019 by professing to be saddened but not shocked was found guilty of attempted extortion, among other crimes last February. Yesterday, he was sentenced to thirty months in prison. To many, Avenattis true character was readily apparent from the jump. To others many of them journalists tasked with interpreting and explaining Avenattis actions to more casual observers of politics he was the hero they deserved, but didnt need. Aaron Blake of the Washington Post evaluated Avenatti as the 14th strongest contender for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president, observing that Democrats are starting to warm to his brash, in-your-face style. -CNNs Brian Stelter, self-proclaimed procurer of Reliable Sources, invited Avenatti onto his cable news show of the same name, informing him that one reason Im taking you seriously as a contender is because of your presence on cable news. Irony, thy name is Stelter. Ana Navarro felt a spiritual connection to the (loosely defined) legal professional, telling him on The View that lately to me, youre like the Holy Spirit. -Also on The View, Joy Behar sensed a higher purpose for Avenatti, declaring that he had been out there saving the country and chiding her cohosts by observing that he has a bigger calling here, being a lawyer is minimal compared to what hes doing. -MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell asserted that Donald Trump was afraid to mention Avenattis name. His colleague Joe Scarborough, seemingly in awe of both Avenattis power and ODonnells analysis deemed the phenomenon fascinating. -This was a point to which ODonnell returned to repeatedly, also calling Trump terrified of Avenatti and arguing that there was no doubt he has created sheer panic in Donald Trumps very fragile mind. -Another MSNBC host, Nicolle Wallace, praised Avenatti for hit[ting] a lot of the right notes in a speech at the Iowa state fair. Guest and Washington Post senior correspondent Philip Rucker concurred, saying that he stood out in the Democratic field. Story continues -He had yet another admirer in Eddie Glaude Jr., who called him a beast. Another panelist chimed in OK thats true, hes a beast. -Stephen Colbert believed Avenatti to be an existential threat to the Trump presidency. Politico Magazine published a piece contending that Trump Should Fear Michael Avenatti More Than Bob Mueller -The New York Times thought enough of Avenatti to host an op-ed from him. It called for Trumps indictment and then-Judge Brett Kavanaughs recusal in any hypothetical case that might come before the Supreme Court. The Washington Free Beacon was kind enough to collect and collate a good number of instances of Avenatti idol worship for your viewing pleasure or displeasure. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Avenattis quick and near complete capture of the hearts and minds of most in the mainstream media serves as not only as a reminder of their biases, but also proof that the affinity for domineering hucksters is a bipartisan one. More from National Review Australia rejected Friday China's accusations of meddling in the rollout of Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccines in Papua New Guinea, saying it accepted countries' decisions over their choice of jab. Relations between Canberra and Beijing have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with disputes over everything from telecoms giant Huawei to the origins of the coronavirus. The latest spat was sparked by Chinese state media, with the Global Times tabloid accusing "Australian consultants" planted in Papua New Guinea of "obstructing" the emergency use authorisation of Chinese vaccines. Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja rejected the accusations on Friday. "It's simply not true," Seselja told AFP during a visit to the Philippines. "We accept countries' sovereign decisions about their vaccines." China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had on Monday expressed concern over what he called "irresponsible behaviour" in Papua New Guinea. He urged Australia to "stop disrupting and undermining vaccine cooperation between China and Pacific island countries". Papua New Guinea has started rolling out 200,000 doses of China's Sinopharm vaccine that arrived in the country last month. The Global Times article published July 2 accused Australia of "threatening" senior Papua New Guinean officials with the loss of investment in road projects if they went to the airport to welcome the arrival of the jabs. "With Australia working in the shadows, Papua New Guinea's epidemic prevention centre did not approve the emergency use of Chinese vaccines until the end of May, when Australia-provided vaccines had already arrived in the country," it said. Seselja said Australia was providing "comprehensive support" to its neighbour Papua New Guinea, which included the delivery so far of 28,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Story continues While Papua New Guinea was also getting doses "from other sources", including the Covax programme, Seselja said Australia was ready to provide enough shots to inoculate its "entire adult population". Papua New Guinea began a nationwide vaccine rollout in May as it sought to contain an outbreak that has taken the country's caseload to more than 17,000 infections, including 177 deaths. Vaccine misinformation is widespread and there is concern about the safety of the AstraZeneca product after a small number of widely reported health scares overseas. Australia has pledged to share 15 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines with Pacific nations by mid-2022. "Obviously our first priority is to make sure Australians have access to doses, but given we have got that capacity, given we've got other sources of vaccines in Australia, there will be that capacity to continue to up our effort when it comes to sharing vaccines in the region," Seselja said. bur-amj/mff/axn By Swati Pandey SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's drug regulator on Friday tweaked its regulations to permit an offer of alcohol for those inoculated against COVID-19 after earlier barring a pub from doing so and prompting the country's prime minister to step in. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the initiative by Melbourne's Prince Alfred Hotel to offer complimentary alcohol to COVID-19 vaccinated patrons was a "good hearted" initiative and in the national interest. He described the Therapeutic Drugs Administration's (TGA) disapproval as "heavy-handed" during a televised news briefing. The TGA had disapproved of the plan as rules bar the use of alcohol or tobacco as incentives to receive medicines. "This is a national interest vaccine programme," Morrison said. "We'll be making some changes to ensure that these good-hearted, good-natured sort of initiatives that people may take on of their own volition." He said Health Minister Greg Hunt would speak to the TGA and ask them to back down. In a statement to Reuters late on Friday, the TGA said it had amended the regulations to permit an offer of alcohol for those vaccinated against COVID-19 to encourage uptake of the shot. Australia has been one of the most successful countries globally in curbing the coronavirus pandemic but its vaccination rollout has been slowed by supply shortages and some vaccine hesitancy among its population. Recurrent coronavirus outbreaks in Australia's major cities in recent weeks have boosted vaccine take-up, though at 9% of fully inoculated adults the country still lags its economic peers. In the United States, beer, lottery tickets and marijuana have been used as incentives to drive up vaccination rates. (Reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Gareth Jones) President Joe Biden directed government agencies to craft new regulations aimed at fostering competition in business and labor markets, a rebuke of a 40-year path that he said diminished the countrys economic growth, drove down investment, and led to fewer small businesses. The heart of American capitalism is a simple idea: open and fair competition, Biden said before signing an executive order with dozens of proposed actions for federal agencies at the White House on Friday. Surrounded by members of his Cabinet, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Biden declared, "Competition works. Fair competition is what made America the wealthiest, most innovative nation in history," he said. "That's why people come here to invent things and start new businesses. BIDEN UNVEILS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO 'PROMOTE COMPETITION' THROUGH 72 INITIATIVES The order, Biden explained, would push companies to attract consumers through innovation, instead of wielding monopoly power, and allow consumers to make better informed decisions. Forty years ago, we chose the wrong path, in my view, following the misguided philosophy of people like Robert Bork and pulling back on enforcing laws to promote competition. We're now 40 years into the experiment of letting giant corporations accumulate more and more power, Biden said. What have we gotten from it? Less growth. Weakened investment. Fewer small businesses. The president touted specific measures, including the orders support for banning noncompete clauses for employees. Workers should be free to take a better job if someone offers, Biden said. If your employer wants to keep you, he or she should have to make it worth your while to stay. He called this the kind of competition that leads to better wages and greater dignity of work. Biden suggested competition laws could be used to hold big businesses accountable to consumers and workers, improving outcomes for both. Story continues Rather than competing for consumers, they are consuming their competitors. Rather than competing for workers, they're finding ways to gain the upper hand on labor, Biden said, swiping at corporate behemoths fostered in giant mergers. The White House has emphasized the potential to challenge past mergers, writing in a fact sheet that the order recognizes that the law allows [the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission] to challenge prior bad mergers that past Administrations did not previously challenge. Labor allies praised the orders support for banning noncompete clauses and obstructive licensing requirements, among other actions. The order sends a clear message to workers that this White House is committed to creating a level playing field, said Marc Perrone, president of United Food and Commercial Workers International. Perrone, who was in attendance at the White House on Friday, leads the countrys largest private-sector union, a constituency to whom Biden has made open appeals. Moves designed to increase pricing transparency and access to medicines and medical devices outlined in the directive were praised by activists on the Left and the Right. David Sirota, once a top campaign aide to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, said in a tweet that guidance calling for the Food and Drug Administration to work with states and tribes to import prescription drugs from Canada was the result of 20+ years of grassroots pressure and organizing. Calling price transparency a bipartisan issue, Cynthia Fisher, a prominent patients rights advocate, said in a statement that President Biden's order unleashes competition and gives power to consumers to drive down the costs of healthcare and coverage. Still, some urged longer-term solutions for measures of which they approved, criticizing others as anti-competitive. Wed prefer them enacted legislatively, said Alfredo Ortiz, president of the Job Creators Network, a business lobby group created by Bernard Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, of actions to slash occupational licensing red tape and boost healthcare price transparency. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Other provisions, such as regulating in-flight Wi-Fi fees or internet termination, are a difficult sell, and Ortiz predicted that Bidens policy grab bag would have mixed results. Biden is talking out both sides of his mouth on promoting competition, signing today's executive order while also pushing for historic tax and regulatory increases that would significantly harm America's competitive, free-market economy, Ortiz said in a statement Friday. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Biden Administration, White House, Joe Biden, Antitrust, Healthcare, Business Original Author: Katherine Doyle Original Location: New Biden executive order takes aim at big business President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, an ambitious star in his Democratic Party, to be ambassador to India, with which the United States has an increasingly close relationship. Garcetti, who has led country's second-largest city since 2013 with a focus on improving transportation and sustainability, declined to run for president last year but has been widely seen as seeking to burnish his credentials with a new job. A Rhodes scholar who spent 12 years as an intelligence officer in the US Navy Reserves and plays jazz piano on the side, Garcetti said in a statement that he had "committed my life to service." "And should I be confirmed, I'll bring this same energy, commitment and love for this city to my new role and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles," Garcetti said. If confirmed by the Democratic-run Senate, which appears likely, the 50-year-old Garcetti would take up an ambassadorship with a storied history. Previous tenants of Roosevelt House, as the official residence in New Delhi is known, include the celebrated economist John Kenneth Galbraith and the policy intellectual Daniel Moynihan, who went on to become a senator. Garcetti would head to New Delhi at a time that the United States is seeking to flesh out a burgeoning relationship with India in the face of an increasingly assertive China, the only other nation of a billion-plus people. Biden has stepped up the "Quad" partnership of the United States, India, Japan and Australia -- four democracies that largely share common cause on China's rising military and economic might. But Garcetti, the first Jewish mayor of Los Angeles, would also head to India amid growing concern in the United States, especially among Democrats, over the treatment of minorities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government. Biden as a candidate voiced disappointment over a citizenship law pushed by Modi that critics say would disenfranchise Muslims; and the State Department last year voiced rare, if muted, criticism of India over a sweeping crackdown in Muslim-majority Kashmir. Story continues - Scandals rise at home - India has been facing major challenges from Covid-19 and air pollution -- two issues that Garcetti has tackled in Los Angeles. As mayor, Garcetti signed a hike on the minimum wage, pushed forward initiatives on climate change and mass transit and led the bid that will bring the Olympics to Los Angeles for a third time in 2028. But Garcetti would escape Los Angeles at a time that he is facing rising criticism including over homelessness, long a scourge in the City of Angels. In recent months, his former deputy mayor was charged in a corruption scandal in which city officials allegedly accepted kickbacks over zoning decisions and another top aide was accused of sexual misconduct. Some Black Lives Matter protesters had urged Biden not to pick Garcetti for any role over his handling of the police department. Garcetti in December said he turned down an unspecified job in the Biden administration so he could focus on defeating Covid-19 in Los Angeles. Garcetti has long shown an interest in foreign policy, pointing to the city's deep tradition of immigration, vibrant tourism industry and its port, which is the busiest in the Americas. In a 2018 speech, Garcetti warned of a "new authoritarianism" rising in the world and accused former president Donald Trump's administration of being too unpredictable and unreliable to allies. "One day we're fascinated and friendly with you, the next day we're not. We seem obsessed with strongmen more than our long-time relationships," he said. If Garcetti leaves, the City Council can either appoint an interim mayor or call a special election. Garcetti was already prohibited by term limits from seeking a third mandate in elections next year. sct/st Biden canceled $55.6 million in student debt for borrowers who went to 3 for-profit schools. 1,800 borrowers who went to Westwood College, Marinello Schools of Beauty, and the Court Reporting Institute will receive relief. This brings Biden's total debt cancellation for defrauded borrowers to $1.5 billion for 92,000 people. See more stories on Insider's business page. President Joe Biden's Education Department on Friday made progress in its promise to reform the student-debt system by canceling student debt for three more groups of defrauded borrowers. The Education Department announced on Friday that it had approved borrower defense claims from 1,800 borrowers who attended the for-profits Westwood College, Marinello Schools of Beauty, and the Court Reporting Institute, resulting in approximately $55.6 million in relief. "Today's announcement continues the U.S. Department of Education's commitment to standing up for students whose colleges took advantage of them," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "The Department will continue doing its part to review and approve borrower defense claims quickly and fairly so that borrowers receive the relief that they need and deserve." According to the press release, this is the first time the department has announced approved borrower defense claims for students who attended for-profit institutions other than ITT Technical Institutes, Corinthian Colleges, and American Career Institute since 2017. The debt-cancellation methodology created under Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, known as the "borrower defense to repayment, compares the median earnings of graduates with debt-relief claims to the median earnings of graduates in comparable programs. The bigger the difference, the more relief the applicant would receive. While President Barack Obama's Administration approved 99.2% of claims by defrauded borrowers, President Trump's Education Secretary Betsy DeVos denied 99.4% of those filed during her tenure. DeVos' method ran up a huge backlog of claims from eligible defrauded borrowers seeking student debt forgiveness; Cardona said that process did not result in appropriate relief determination and needed to be reversed. Story continues With regards to Westwood College, the department found that from 2002 to the college's closure in 2015, the school misrepresented students' abilities to transfer credits and misled students in finding appropriate career choices, leaving students "worse off" after attending the school. 1,600 of those students are receiving $53 million in debt relief. The department also found that Marinello Schools of Beauty "made widespread, substantial misrepresentations" on the type of education they offered, and 200 of those students will receive $2.2 million debt relief, and it found that the Court Reporting Institute misrepresented how long it would take students to complete the program, resulting in 18 of those students receiving $340,000 in debt relief. This brings total loan cancellation based on borrower defense under Biden to over $1.5 billion for nearly 92,000 borrowers. Read the original article on Business Insider A roller coaster in Branson will be reopened after an accident last month severely injured an 11-year-old boy, Missouri state officials said Friday. The Missouri Division of Fire Safety approved the reopening of the Branson Coaster almost three weeks after 11-year-old Aalondo Perry of Tennessee got caught under the ride June 20. The ride had been closed after the accident, but the Amusement Ride Safety Unit has determined the ride is safe to operate. The determination came after the final inspection of several made by the safety unit, communications director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety Mike OConnell said. The Associated Press reported that Perry, who is visually impaired, fell while getting off the ride, according to his grandmother Shelandra Ford. The boy got caught under the rails of the roller coaster and the Branson fire Department took about 1 1/2 hours to rescue him, Ford said. Aalondos legs and right arm were crushed in the accident, according to the AP report. Ford said doctors think the boy might lose his legs. The Amusement Ride Safety Unit is still investigating the accident involving Aalondo. As part of the inspections to reopen the roller coaster they tested the rides operation, reviewed its procedures, examined and evaluated its critical components and interviewed the rides operator staff and witnesses. The Branson Coaster is not the only popular ride where an accident has occurred this summer. Since May there have been six accidents at theme parks that have made the headlines across the country. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro used foul language Thursday as he said he would refuse to answer corruption charges that a Senate committee is investigating involving government vaccine purchases. The senate's Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, known in Portuguese by its acronym CPI, has been for weeks investigating Bolsonaro's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. "Do you know what my answer is?" Bolsonaro said in his weekly broadcast on social media. "I crap on the CPI. I will answer nothing." Senators on the commission have asked Bolsonaro to answer charges that a deal to purchase the Indian-made Covaxin vaccine was a front to embezzle millions of dollars, that a Bolsonaro ally masterminded the plan, and that the president knew about it. "I'm not going to answer any kind of hypothetical situation to that kind of people," Bolsonaro snapped, claiming that the senators "are not concerned about the truth but instead are interested in wearing down the government." In a letter, the three senators heading the commission -- Omar Aziz, Randolfe Rodrigues and Renan Calheiros -- said that after 13 days of accusations Bolsonaro has yet to clearly and "categorically" reject "the serious statements attributed to him." A health ministry official earlier told the senators that his superiors had exerted "atypical, excessive" pressure on him to approve payment for the Indian vaccine deal, which he suspected was over-billed. The official said he informed Bolsonaro in March, but the president apparently failed to pass the information to the police. This resulted in Brazil's attorney general looking into whether Bolsonaro participated in a coverup. On Wednesday Aziz ordered the arrest of a former director of Brazil's health ministry on charges of perjury in connection with the case. val/ch/jfx Flags - Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Britain and Brussels are back at loggerheads as a fresh row emerges over the size of the Brexit divorce bill. European Union accounts put the new net figure for the financial settlement as 40.8 billion, at least 1.8bn more than the highest UK estimate for the payments. Downing Street rejected the figure on Friday and doubled down on its previous estimates of between 35 billion and 39 billion. More details would be presented to Parliament in the near future, it said The dispute comes hot on the heels of a string of clashes since the UK left the Single Market and Customs Union at the end of last year. The UK and European Commission have fought over vaccine supplies, Northern Ireland, fishing rights and come close to triggering a trade war over sausages. Both sides agreed a method for calculating what was owed by the UK after 47 years of membership but did not settle on an exact figure in the Brexit negotiations. "We don't recognise that figure, it's an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes," a No 10 spokesman said. "For example, it doesn't reflect all the money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay. Our estimate remains in the central range of between 35 and 39 billion and we will publish full details in Parliament shortly." In Brussels, a European Commission spokesman said the new figure was "correct". "The report is final and the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement," he said. "We have already informed the UK Government about the payments that they have to do with regard to the first part of this year and they've already in fact paid part of the amount concerned. "Therefore, we have absolutely no indications at this point in time that the bill, or the amount that we've calculated, will be contested." MPs tell Boris Johnson to stand firm Tory backbenchers urged Boris Johnson to stay firm in the face of Brussels. Story continues David Jones, the deputy chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, said "This is typical of the European Union, pushing this stuff out in a bid to up the ante and to stoke animosity", while Andrew Bridgen, the North West Leicestershire MP, added: "It comes as no surprise that the EU wants to screw every penny out of us and the bill is going up and up." He said the row would lead to calls for the UK to "walk away" from the Withdrawal Agreement. Theresa Villiers, a former environment secretary, said: "Throwing around excessive figures like these does not demonstrate a realistic or constructive approach from the EU. Pragmatism and mutual respect, not posturing, is what is needed." The EU accounts, which are yet to be signed off by auditors, revealed that the UK is to pay 5.8 billion to Brussels this year. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimated the total bill to be 37.1 billion in 2018. The OBR said in November there was about 25bn left to pay by 2057. About 18bn will be paid in the first five years. It was thought the total Brexit bill would be smaller than 39billion because the numerous Brexit extensions meant that the total was decreased thanks to the UK's contributions to the EU Budget. The Government promised that Brexit, which took legal effect on December 31 2020, would spell the end of huge sums being paid to Brussels. The Withdrawal Agreement, which includes the financial settlement, was largely negotiated by Theresa Mays government. It was agreed by Boris Johnson and Lord Frost after the Northern Ireland Protocol replaced the Irish "backstop". The Brexit minister blamed negotiators under Theresa May as being responsible to a "very large degree" for issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol. On Friday, Lord Frost was grilled in person by assembly members on Stormont's Executive Office Committee, which is scrutinising issues arising from Brexit. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain, the United States and a coalition of other nations said on Friday they were concerned that further legislation in Hong Kong could be used to curtail media freedom. "We are highly concerned by the possible introduction of new legislation that is intended or could risk being used to eliminate scrutiny and criticism by the media of the governments policies and actions," the statement, published by Britain on behalf of the Media Freedom Coalition, said. The coalition is made up of Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovakia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. (Reporting by William James; editing by Michael Holden) Welcome to Byron York's Daily Memo newsletter. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to receive the newsletter. HUNTER HEADACHE FOR BIDEN WHITE HOUSE. There's already been one newsletter this week about the continuing scandal threat that Hunter Biden poses to his father Joe Biden's presidency. Now, there's an update. The Washington Post reports that there have been months of negotiations between "officials close to President Biden," Hunter Biden's lawyer, and a New York art dealer whose gallery will stage a show of Hunter Biden's paintings at which the artworks will sell for between $75,000 and $500,000. (Last year, the New York Times published some of the younger Biden's works, seen below.) The purpose of the negotiations was, according to the Post, "to avoid ethical issues that could arise as a presidential family member tries to sell a product with a highly subjective value." Translation: There's no way a Hunter Biden painting is worth $500,000. Selling the president's son's artworks for sky-high prices is an obvious invitation for those seeking influence to buy the work in hopes of receiving whatever favor they seek in return. Subscribe today to the Washington Examiner magazine that will keep you up to date with what's going on in Washington. SUBSCRIBE NOW: Just $1.00 an issue! So the negotiators have come up with a plan. The gallery owner will never tell Hunter Biden who bought the art. The owner will "withhold all records, including potential bidders and final buyers" from Biden, the Post reports, and also "reject any offer that he deems suspicious or that comes in over the asking price." Under the proposed arrangement, if the art sells, Hunter Biden will walk away with hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars, and have no idea where it came from. He won't know who to do favors for! Former ethics officials are aghast. "Because we don't know who is paying for this art and we don't know for sure that [Hunter Biden] knows, we have no way of monitoring whether people are buying access to the White House," Walter Shaub, who headed the Office of Government Ethics under President Obama, told the Post. "What these people are paying for is Hunter Biden's last name." Story continues Hunter Biden himself would not comment, but a White House spokesman claimed that the secret-buyer deal shows that the Biden administration "has established the highest ethical standards of any administration in American history." The obvious response is that, if the president's son wants to sell his artwork, it would be better for the public to know who is buying it and at what price. If some shady foreign businessman paid $500,000 for an original Hunter Biden, it would be better for that to be public information. Reporters and others could examine whether there is any connection between the purchase and any acts of influence. Instead, the Biden White House has come up with a deal under which it will all be kept secret, the public kept in total darkness, and the president will hail it as an example of his high ethical standards. Call it the Biden Standard. Meanwhile, of course, the media blackout on the Hunter Biden laptop continues. Information on the laptop suggests that Joe Biden, when he was vice president, knew about, and perhaps benefited from, his son's sketchy business dealings, contrary to what the president claims today. It is real news, but with the exception of the New York Post and a few other outlets, top media organizations are ignoring it. Social media companies actually suppressed it during the presidential campaign, to candidate Joe Biden's benefit. The artwork sale, on the other hand, is a story of limited scope that the press can report without having to delve into the fraught issue of the president's knowledge of, and possible involvement in, his son's unethical dealings. So it is fair game for the same media organizations that are blacking out the laptop story. It's not much, but it's a start. For a deeper dive into many of the topics covered in the Daily Memo, please listen to my podcast, The Byron York Show -- available on the Ricochet Audio Network and everywhere else podcasts can be found. You can use this link to subscribe. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Daily Memo, Byron York, Hunter Biden, Biden Administration Original Author: Byron York Original Location: Byron York's Daily Memo: Hunter headache for Biden White House Unionized hospitality workers wait in line in a basement garage to apply for unemployment benefits in Los Angeles last year. The state has extended a contract with Bank of America to provide debit cards containing unemployment benefits even though the bank wants out of the troubled program. (Associated Press) Californias unemployment agency has extended its contract with Bank of America to issue debit cards containing benefits for jobless residents despite criticism from state lawmakers that criminals were able to tap into the cards to commit widespread fraud. The Employment Development Department exercised an option to extend the banks contract for two years, even though officials with the financial institution indicated that they would like to end their work for the state unemployment system. The bank has had the exclusive contract since 2010. Under the contract, the state had the sole option to extend and chose to do so, said Bill Halldin, a spokesperson for Bank of America. We have advised the state that we would like to exit this business as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to administer unemployment payments and meet the requirements of the contract. Although the bank receives a fee when debit cards are used, bank officials have told lawmakers that the company has lost hundreds of millions of dollars administering the program since the COVID-19 pandemic began and millions of Californians were forced out of work as businesses shut down to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The state often seeks new competitive bids when the initial term of a contract ends. In this case, the state agency exercised its right to extend the contract "to help ensure continued service to claimants," said Loree Levy, an EDD spokesperson. "Additionally, to improve card security, EDD is working with the bank to implement chip-enabled debit cards," she said. The agency is also planning to seek proposals from companies that can deliver benefits by direct deposit. "Together these actions will help ensure debit card services will continue without interruption and position EDD to continue strengthening services for customers," Levy said. An unprecedented 23 million claims for unemployment benefits have been filed since the pandemic began. The state has paid $155 billion in benefits. Story continues At the same time, EDD has said at least $11 billion in benefits were paid on fraudulent claims, while an additional $19 billion in claims have been deemed suspicious and are under investigation for possible fraud. The bank drew the ire of many unemployed people in October when 350,000 debit cards were frozen pending an investigation of potential fraud. Many people with legitimate claims said their cards were blocked by the action. A group of jobless Californians alleged in a lawsuit that the bank was improperly freezing legitimate accounts it suspected of fraud. A judge put subsequent restrictions on the bank's ability to freeze accounts. In addition, many unemployed people have complained about delays in getting benefits from the state agency and difficulty getting Bank of America to help them with problems. EDD and B of A have let down millions of Californians throughout the pandemic, said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach), chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Accountability and Administrative Review. Asked about the bank wanting to end its work with the state, she added: This is a testament to what an abysmal failure their relationship has been for California taxpayers. Los Angeles resident Kevin Brown, who was a hotel manager before the pandemic, said that his first debit card was frozen without warning and the bank told him he would have to contact EDD for help, but that the state agency did not respond to his email. He said EDD later started sending him a bundle of several checks every other month, causing him to worry they might be stolen from the mail. It's frustrating and stressful to deal with, Brown said. The banks losses stem in part from the huge volume of claims, which required it to hire thousands more workers to service the debit cards. It also had to produce many more cards. In addition, the bank has had to cover many funds obtained by fraudsters. In some cases, thieves using stolen identities filed fraudulent claims with EDD and had the benefit cards delivered to addresses where they could intercept them. Although the bank is not responsible for covering those fraud costs, it does have to cover money stolen when cards were legitimately issued to unemployed people but criminals used stolen personal information to withdraw money from those cards. In addition, in other cases in which fraudulent claims were approved by EDD, criminals then called the bank falsely saying they were legitimate claimants whose money was stolen from their cards, and the bank has covered those losses without the ability to recover the funds. Although the bank is expected to fulfill its contractual obligations, the state may eventually bring in another contractor or significantly reduce the scope of the banks work. EDD is close to issuing a request for competitive proposals from banks to provide the option of having benefits directly deposited electronically into the accounts of unemployment claimants. The desire of the bank to end its work for EDD is a red flag, said Republican Assemblyman Jim Patterson of Fresno, a leading legislative critic of EDD and vice chairman of the Assembly accountability committee. He called on EDD Director Rita Saenz to brief lawmakers on what is behind the contractual issues. When the contractor wants to break ties with the EDD, you know theres a bigger problem, Patterson said. Bank of America hasnt done everything right either, but the fact that they want nothing to do with EDD tells me there are deep divisions here that the EDD needs to share with legislators immediately. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Five California police officers filed a lawsuit against a city in Silicon Valley over a Black Lives Matter mural containing "discriminatory" anti-police imagery that was put on display across from City Hall. "Law enforcement officers, including Plaintiffs, were forced to physically pass and confront the Mural and its offensive, discriminatory, and harassing iconography every time they entered the Palo Alto Police Department," the lawsuit filed against Palo Alto said. The lawsuit cites images such as the logo for the American black nationalist organization the New Black Panthers and an image of convicted police killer Assata Shakur. BLACK LIVES MATTER RALLY IN CHICAGO BACKS PEOPLE ARRESTED OVER LOOTING, UNREST Shakur, also known as Joanne Chesimard, was convicted in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper. She subsequently escaped prison, fled to Cuba and has never been found. The mural was put on display last June across from the Palo Alto City Hall, and came amid a wave of protests and riots in response to the death of George Floyd. It was intended to remain in place for a year, but was no longer on display by November of 2020. The officers in the suit had lodged complaints to officials that the 245-foot mural violated the state Fair Employment and Housing Act, but the city "ratified the conduct and insisted that it remain and persist," the lawsuit said. The mural also sparked a petition from the National Police Association for its removal last July, which said it was "reprehensible" to celebrate a convicted police killer. "If it is not possible to imagine putting a 17' tall mural of nurse killer Richard Speck in front of a hospital or putting a 17' tall mural of Dan White, who assassinated San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, in front of a mayor's house, the atrocity of the celebration of a fugitive convicted cop killer in front of Palo Alto's City Hall is equally reprehensible," the petition read. Story continues Black Lives Matter murals have been painted in cities across the nation following the death of Floyd and other Black Americans during interactions with police. NYC'S DE BLASIO SUED BY PRO-COP GROUPS FOR REJECTING BLUE LIVES MATTER MURAL Supporters of police officers have responded with "Back the Blue" and "Blue Lives Matter" murals to combat the anti-police sentiment that has swept the nation but have been met with resistance from Democratic leaders. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In New York City, for example, non-profit organization Blue Lives Matter NYC sued Mayor Bill de Blasio and Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg over not being able to paint a Blue Lives Matter mural despite the Black Lives Matter mural thats on prominent display on Fifth Avenue. OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada on Friday ordered trains to cease operations for 48 hours in areas of British Columbia hit by a recent spate of wildfires, including one that wiped out an entire town and killed two people, the transport ministry said in a statement. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra issued the order "in the interest of safe railway operations, and to protect public safety for the temporary return of residents to inspect their homes in Lytton, British Columbia," the statement said. Residents were due to return to Lytton on Friday to see what was left after a fire ravaged the town last week. The blaze started after a heat wave in which Lytton broke Canada's more than 80-year-old heat record with a 49.6-degree Celsius (121.3-degree Fahrenheit) temperature. There are currently 210 wildfires burning in B.C., an increase of 26 from two days ago, according to official data. The order, which took effect on Friday, will affect lines used by both the Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway, according to the statement. Shipments of goods in and out of the Port of Vancouver have been delayed after wildfires damaged railway tracks. Canadian miner Teck Resources Ltd on Tuesday estimated third-quarter steelmaking coal sales would be reduced by 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes due to rail service disruption in B.C. (Reporting by Steve SchererEditing by Gareth Jones and Jonathan Oatis) WASHINGTON The new guidance on schools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterates what many parents, children and elected leaders have been saying since school closures turned from a passing precaution to a new normal. Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority, the new guidance issued on Friday reads, in effect also repeating what the agency had been saying for much of the second half of 2020. A first-grade student at the Green Mountain School on Feb. 18 in Woodland, Wash. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images) The new guidance comes as worries persist about what the Delta variant of the coronavirus could do to the 2021-22 school year. Few want it to look like the year that concluded for American children last month. Surveys this past spring found that remote learning took a heavy psychological toll on parents and students alike. Teachers also reported higher rates of burnout. Attempting to head off some of those worries, the CDC guidance comes out strongly in favor of in-person instruction, while reminding that prevention measures masking, social distancing keep teachers and students safe. Notably, the new guidance says that in-person learning should continue regardless of whether all of the prevention strategies can be implemented at the school. Advocates of reopening schools for in-person instruction welcome the new guidance, even as they point to flaws that could lead to problems. I very much like the focus on opening schools and the idea of flexibility for what is possible locally, says Emily Oster, a Brown University economist who emerged last year as a lightning-rod figure in the school reopening wars. She told Yahoo News that her only significant concern was the lack of guidance/flexibility on quarantining of positive cases. According to the new guidance, people who are not fully vaccinated need to quarantine after a recent exposure to someone with COVID-19. Since students in elementary schools cannot yet be vaccinated, that could cause significant disruption. And positive cases are bound to emerge, especially as the highly transmissible Delta variant becomes ever more dominant in the United States. In addition, the broad availability of diagnostic tests, including rapid assays that yield results in just 15 minutes, could lead to more positive cases and more disruptions. Story continues A COVID-19 antibody testing site in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., on April 21. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) The CDC urges vaccination for all members of a school community, including children 12 or older. Younger children are not yet eligible for the vaccine; in their case, the CDC recommends masking. This is better than I expected from the CDC but still has problems, says Dr. Leana Wen, the former Baltimore health commissioner and professor of emergency medicine at the George Washington University. The biggest problem is this: Its great that they are requiring masks indoors for unvaccinated people, but if there is no proof of vaccination, how will administrators know if a teacher or student is vaccinated? Many states have dropped mask mandates in schools, and a few have explicitly forbidden schools from implementing mask mandates again. And though vaccination among teachers and school staff approached 80 percent months ago, vaccination rates among adolescents remain relatively low, especially among non-white populations. Its really disconcerting not knowing how worried we should be about our kids, both under 12, going back to school in a month, Phoenix-based data scientist Justin Kiggins recently tweeted, when the governor has banned mandatory masks in schools and the Delta variant is rising quickly. Arizona is one of eight states where governors have said that school districts are not allowed to impose mask mandates, according to data website Burbio, which tracks how the pandemic has affected education. That could deprive those districts of a key mitigation strategy in case infections begin to rise. Whats more, some of those eight states Arkansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina have low vaccination rates. Sonia Lorenzana, of UnidosUS, sets up an informational tent to increase efforts to bring more vaccine doses into Latino neighborhoods on May 7 in Phoenix. (Ross D. Franklin/AP) Teachers unions, which were widely viewed last year as resistant to in-person instruction, have made masking a top priority, especially in schools where students arent vaccinated. We share the growing concern over the Delta variant, as well as the evolving science around COVID transmission in young people, said Randi Weingarten, leader of the 1.7 million member American Federation of Teachers, in a statement. Her statement also said that the new guidance is grounded in both science and common sense. The CDC has made several revisions to its guidance, under both President Biden and, before him, President Donald Trump, with the consistent goal of reopening schools as widely as possible. In that sense, Fridays guidance is, more than anything, a forceful restatement of priorities, one intended to bolster the push to reopen, especially as worries grow over the Delta variant and parents wonder if recent history is about to repeat itself. The Delta variant threatens another school year. That cant happen, went the headline of an op-ed in the Week by columnist Damon Linker. Linker wrote that watching British schools grapple with the Delta variant fills me with dread. Last summer, most school districts made plans to reopen in September 2020 for in-person instruction. Remote instruction had been an unwelcome necessity during the height of the coronavirus in March, but now the pandemic was nearly over, which meant school could resume. Teacher Elizabeth DeSantis, wearing a mask and face shield, helps a first grader at Stark Elementary School in September 2020 in Stamford, Conn. (John Moore/Getty Images) It didnt work out that way. A second wave of the pandemic ripped across much of the country, and 62 percent of American children began their school year where they had ended the one before: at home, on Zoom. Now, parents who spent much of last year clashing with educators and politicians over school reopenings worry that the Delta variant could scuttle their tenuous hopes for a normal school year. Im very concerned that teachers unions are going to use every opportunity and any excuse to shut down schools in the fall, says Rory Cooper, a political consultant in Fairfax County, Va., who became a pro-reopening advocate after watching his own three children attend Zoom school for months on end. Cooper told Yahoo News that he believed teachers unions would use the new, more transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus as a scare tactic to revert to remote instruction come September. After the Delta variant it will be something else, he predicts. Many teachers found remote instruction as unsatisfying as did parents, and spent much of last year yearning to return to the classroom. The powerful labor unions that represent them say they were only trying to push for sufficient safety measures, so that schools did not become coronavirus hot spots (they never did). And even before the issuance of the new CDC guidance, they had been voicing a commitment to in-person instruction for the school year about to begin. The United States will not be fully back until we are fully back in school, said Weingarten, the AFT president, back in May. And my union is all in. Sierra Vista High students recite the Pledge of Allegiance as they return to in-class instruction for the first time in more than a year. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Her union has spent $5 million on a campaign to convince parents to return their children to the classroom, though it was union rhetoric such as teacher die-in protests that may have scared them away from sending their children back to school in the first place. Some parents also do say they favor remote instruction, though most states are either phasing out virtual schooling or sharply limiting its use to families with medical exemptions. The Delta variant presents a troubling new development in a pandemic that has gone on longer than most observers had predicted. Advocates for in-person instruction, like Cooper, are already preparing for a fight, so that they arent blindsided as they were last year, when remote learning persisted well into the spring. The school year finished with 28.2 percent of American students in partially remote instruction, attending school for one or two days a week, if not less. Another 2.1 percent remained fully remote, not having seen the inside of a classroom since May 2020. Ironically, worries about whether schools will reopen for in-person instruction are coming from parts of the country where vaccination rates are highest, and where community transmission of the coronavirus has been effectively halted. Those are the same mostly Democratic states that kept schools closed for longest and could close them again. Democrats are closely allied with unions like the AFT. And whereas conservatives have tended to underestimate the risk of the coronavirus, studies have shown, progressives have sometimes overestimated it. An anti-mask protester in front of the Ohio Statehouse in July 2020 in Columbus. (Jeff Dean/AFP via Getty Images) Yes, I am very worried, says Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California at San Francisco who has argued persistently in favor of reopening schools. A recent op-ed Gandhi co-authored argued that Delta variant panic could lead to a needless return of lockdowns and school closures. On Thursday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky revealed that in recent months, 99.5 percent of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths were among unvaccinated individuals. All versions of the coronavirus vaccine protect against severe or critical illness, including Delta. But national case rates are rising, and could rise even more in the fall, even if any outbreaks are highly localized and dont lead to a rise in hospitalizations and deaths. I am worried that an increase in case rates could derail reopening when it shouldnt, Washington, D.C., pediatrician Dr. Lucy McBride told Yahoo News. Advocates of reopening argue that an overreaction to the Delta variant would only be an all-too-accurate reprise of what happened last year, when opposition from teachers kept schools closed even as study after study showed that schooling was safe. Few educators have as much influence in shaping the risk calculations of teachers and politicians as Weingarten, the AFT head and a close ally of President Biden. Both her union and the National Education Association (with 3 million members, among them first lady Jill Biden, a college professor) are thought to have shaped the CDCs cautious guidelines for reopening schools this past spring. Top officials at both unions were hired to be top officials at the federal Department of Education. Students prepare to enter James Madison High School on March 22 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Late last month, Weingarten wrote on Twitter that the Delta variant is particularly contagious in young people, only to be swiftly criticized for misrepresenting a scientific study and stoking fear. Weingarten followed three days later with a tweet about how the dangerous Delta variant was changing the landscape of the pandemic. A top aide to Weingarten insisted that those messages were not intended to be opinions on reopening for in-person instruction. He has pointed to her repeated calls for a return to in-person schooling. Critics of the unions say that is merely double-talk. I dont find them especially credible. They spent last year doing everything they could to give the impression that school reopening was nonessential a nicety that could lag reopening of bars, restaurants, and more, said education reformer Frederick M. Hess of the American Enterprise Institute in an email to Yahoo News. I find their talking points unconvincing, at best, and insincere, at worst. Within a matter of weeks, school districts will announce their final plans for the 2021-22 school year. Guidance from the CDC and pressure from teachers unions could shape those decisions. So could parent advocacy, as well as worries about political backlash. Delta variant hasnt affected announced school learning plans as of yet, says Dennis Roche, president of Burbio. Areas to watch would be districts and states that were heavily virtual or hybrid last year, where remote learning would be a ready fallback. A sign for a COVID-19 vaccination center set up at the Masjid e Saliheen mosque in Blackburn, England, on June 16. (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images) The challenges of reopening schools in the face of a more transmissible coronavirus strain have been evident in the United Kingdom, where the Delta variant arrived earlier, overlapping with the 2020-21 academic year, which lasts well into the summer there. Cases rose in schools despite the U.K.s high vaccination rate. We are hearing from our members that more and more schools are having to close multiple classes or bubbles, a British teachers union leader said in June, particularly in areas with higher case numbers, and revert to remote learning. Delta has caused elevated infection rates among British children. If I were a parent in the UK, I would keep my children home for the immediate future, Australian epidemiologist Zoe Hyde tweeted. This is unsafe. What is and isnt unsafe, in particular when it comes to children, is at the very heart of the debate. Children can get the coronavirus but dont tend to die from it. Child mortality actually fell in 2020. Teachers make risk assessments of their own, in particular if they work in crowded classrooms inside aging buildings. Before they were emptied by the pandemic, American schools had fallen into unseemly disrepair. State and local leaders have spent millions to make upgrades that would make learning safe again. Educators are not necessarily convinced. Some feel the fixes have been rushed, a way to get them into the classroom, whether its actually safe to be there or not. Its an airborne disease, a Chicago Teachers Union representative told Yahoo News. Come on. Lucy Baldwin, a teacher at King Elementary School, teaches her students remotely during the first day of classes in September 2020 in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) In apparent recognition of that very fact, the Chicago public schools invested $8.5 million in new air filtration systems. Now the union wants additional enhancements, so that every classroom either has its ventilation upgraded or has sufficient filtration to have its air fully recycled every 10 minutes. Delta is an argument in favor of those upgrades, the unions say. Last week, both Bidens spoke at the NEAs annual meeting, which was in good part occupied with social justice issues. For his part, President Biden praised teachers for their heroic work, saying little of the uncertainties and recrimination a year of remote learning left behind or of the challenges that lie in the year ahead. ____ Read more from Yahoo News: BEIJING (AP) China sent a flight to bring home 210 of its nationals from Afghanistan, state media reported Friday, as the U.S. military prepares to leave the country and the security situation grows increasingly fraught. The Global Times newspaper published by the ruling Communist Party said the Xiamen Airlines flight departed July 2 from the Afghan capital, Kabul, and landed in the central province of Hubei. The airline confirmed the report in a post on its Twitter-like Weibo account but offered no additional details. The Global Times and other reports said 22 of those onboard tested positive for COVID-19. The National Health Commission on Wednesday reported 25 new imported cases in Hubei on Wednesday, apparently including those who had arrived from Afghanistan the previous week. U.S. forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by Aug. 31 after nearly 20 years of battling the Taliban. Chinese companies have invested in Afghan mining and infrastructure, but those assets appear increasingly in jeopardy as the Taliban seize large amounts of territory, possibly placing Kabul at risk. Afghanistan security issues will be discussed at a meeting next week of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which is led by China and Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily briefing on Friday. Members of the group, which includes most Central Asian countries along with India and Pakistan, will discuss promoting regional security and stability, advancing the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and deepening cooperation between the SCO and Afghanistan," Wang said. Against the backdrop of the complex evolution of the situation in Afghanistan as the U.S. and NATO complete their withdrawal from the country within a short period of time, this meeting is of great significance in properly addressing the changes in the situation in Afghanistan in the post-withdrawal era," Wang said. Story continues A statement will be issued following the meeting, Wang said. Afghanistan is an observer to the eight-member grouping. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the National Health Commission reported new imported cases in Hubei on Wednesday. Colonial Pipeline Co. could face daily fines of up to $200,000 per violation if it fails to improve the way it detects leaks in its U.S. pipeline system, after a massive gasoline leak in Huntersville, according to a recent settlement in the case with the U.S. government. The agreement orders Colonial to find and use a better leak detection system across its entire network, citing several newly disclosed leaks over the years. Colonial, meanwhile, faces separate potential action by the state Department of Environmental Quality for the August 2020 leak in Mecklenburg Countys Oehler Nature Preserve, State Sen. Natasha Marcus, D-Mecklenburg, told The Charlotte Observer. Two teenage ATV riders chanced upon and reported the Huntersville leak in August. The spill was among the worst in the state, Michael Regan, then-NCDEQ secretary, said in September. Regan now heads the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company eventually reported that almost 18 times more gasoline leaked from its pipe than its original estimate, according to the June 15 settlement with the U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). An administration spokesman wouldnt say why the agency didnt issue a fine for the spill as part the settlement. In an email, he instead pointed the Observer to the agreement, which calls for daily fines of up to $200,000 per violation. But the leak in Mecklenburgs Oehler Nature Preserve was just the latest of several large spills in Colonials pipeline system, the settlement revealed. Colonial Pipeline Co. faces a $200,000 a day fine if it fails to improve monitoring of its U.S. pipeline system after a massive gasoline leak in Huntersville, according to a settlement agreement with the U.S. government. Colonial has experienced several other accidents that were not detected by its leak detection system or by Colonial personnel., federal officials wrote. Leaks included 309,540 gallons of gasoline near Pelham, Ala., in September 2016; 588 gallons in Gwinnett County, Ga., in February 2016; and 4,000 gallons in Centreville, Va., in September 2015, according to the settlement. The company has until Oct. 15 to show how and by when it will improve its leak detection process, according to the settlement with PHMSA. Story continues Colonial Pipeline response In a statement emailed to The Charlotte Observer on Thursday, a Colonial Pipeline spokesperson said: In accordance with our safety management practices, Colonial Pipeline began to implement learnings from the Huntersville incident almost immediately after it occurred. The consent agreement outlines a number of steps that Colonial has agreed to undertake and we appreciate the opportunity to settle this matter following consultation with PHMSA. Gasoline recovery continues Colonial Pipeline Co. crews have recovered at least 1.2 million gallons of gasoline and continue to determine how much more may be in the ground, according to a July 1 update posted on the companys website. In September, NCDEQ ordered the company to restore groundwater quality to state standards and submit detailed monthly reports on everything from the results of soil, surface water and well water sampling to its excavation and disposal of contaminated soil. Colonial said weekly tests continue of water supply wells for homes within a 1,500-foot radius of the leak. No petroleum constituents have been detected in water supply well samples. Environmental monitoring, including air quality and noise, continues, the company said. Colonial remains committed to protecting human health and the environment and we will be here for as long as it takes to recover product and safely remediate this area. Pending state action Marcus, the state senator who represents the Huntersville area, said she expects the company, at some point, to separately face a stiff financial penalty from North Carolina environmental regulators. The state was not involved in the June 15 settlement, Marcus said in an email to the Observer. The federal settlement will not impact DEQs decision about the appropriate amount of penalties, she said, referring to the state Department of Environmental Quality. That decision will be made when all of the relevant facts are known, such as how long the pipe was leaking, why it was leaking, why Colonial did not detect the leak, and how much gasoline leaked into the soil and water in Huntersville. A state DEQ spokeswoman couldnt be reached on Friday for an update on the state inquiry into the spill. We know its more than 1.2 million gallons, but do not yet have an estimate of how many gallons are in the newly-discovered deeper pocket, Marcus said. When all the facts are known, Im confident that NCDEQ will assess significant penalties as are appropriate given the stunning size of the leak and the disruption it has caused for residents. By Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -Health workers are struggling to get medicines and supplies into Afghanistan where facilities have come under attack and some staff have fled escalating violence, a World Health Organization official said on Friday. Taliban fighters have signalled they want continued support for health services in the areas they are taking, the WHO's regional emergencies director, Rick Brennan, said. But the situation was fluid and needs remained "enormous and complex" in a country where at least 18.4 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 3.1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition, he added. Taliban officials said on Friday they had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan. Government officials dismissed the assertion by a Taliban delegation visiting Moscow as part of a propaganda campaign launched as foreign forces, including the United States, withdraw after almost 20 years of fighting. "We are concerned about our lack of access to be able to provide essential medicines and supplies and we are concerned about attacks on health care," Brennan, speaking via videolink from Cairo, told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. There had been 30 attacks on facilities this year, including a reported artillery attack on a health centre in Kunar province two days ago, he added, without saying who was responsible. Health workers in some rural clinics had fled, though others had returned to their jobs, he added. "The Taliban are asking through indirect means, informally, for support for the continuity of health services in the areas that they are taking ... So I hope that there will be some stability," Brennan said. Some aid would arrive by next week including 3.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and oxygen concentrators, he said. They included doses of Johnson & Johnson's shot donated by the United States and AstraZeneca doses through the COVAX facility. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay and Emma Farge; Editing by Andrew Heavens) MIAMI BEACH, Fla. While rescue teams were still frantically searching through the rubble of the Surfside condo partial collapse, building inspectors in neighboring Miami Beach were already taking steps to make sure this tragedy did not repeat. A two-pronged drive to re-inspect every high-rise in this tightly packed city of 92,000 began the day after the Champlain Towers South condominium building toppled, Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak told NBC News. We have over 5,000 commercial buildings in the city of Miami Beach, Hudak said. And we're obviously very worried. Hudak said they were spurred on by the emotional scale of the building collapse, which killed at least 60 people, and by the sight of the ruins, which sit just one block north of Miami Beachs border with Surfside. Image: A police officer walks past the collapsed and demolished Champlain Towers South condominium building. (Lynne Sladky / AP) The families and the victims, they're our friends, our neighbors, Hudak said. Obviously, our first and foremost priority has been to participate and to assist in the search and recovery, and be there for Miami-Dade County, and be a part of that. But now, as the unfolding drama in Surfside has shifted from rescue to recovery mission, Hudak said their goal in Miami Beach is to make sure that everything that we can do aggressively to make sure these buildings are safe is being done. Eighty people were still missing two weeks after the Surfside building collapsed June 24. While the cause was still not known, investigators are looking into whether uncompleted repairs were to blame. The first phase of Miami Beachs inspection drive, Hudak said, was focusing on the 500 buildings that were already on the citys radar. Those properties are currently going through what is known in South Florida as the 40-year recertification process, Hudak said. It's a pretty comprehensive process that the management companies or the condo associations are responsible for fulfilling. Teams of city inspectors were sent to the targeted buildings along with structural engineers to look them over. Story continues If they found anything of concern, the building management team was given 48 hours to respond with a letter from their structural engineer certifying that any apparent deficiency was already in the process of being repaired. If theres something thats obvious to the eye, weve actually tagged those buildings, Hudak said. So far 15 of those buildings have been tagged and 10 are currently occupied. Those are mostly residential condo buildings, said Hudak, who declined to divulge the addresses. We're focused on residential buildings that are four stories and above. It's possible those residents might need to be evacuated. If we cant get a letter from a structural engineer assuring us that the building is safe for occupancy ... we will have to pull that trigger, Hudak said. If I have to make that decision, I'm prepared to make that decision, and I have resources available to assist people with relocation. Obviously, we would hope that it wouldn't come to that. Any evacuation, Hudak said, would be immediate. But so far, the building managers and condo associations responsible for running the tagged buildings have been cooperating. In most cases, we're finding that people have engineering companies on board and are doing what they need to do, Hudak said. Asked if she had a message for worried tenants, Hudak said: We tell them that the City of Miami Beach government is being as proactive as possible. And this is the responsibility of the management companies and the condo associations of these buildings, and were going to do everything we can to hold people accountable. Sam Brock reported from Miami Beach. Corky Siemaszko reported from New York City. The mastermind behind what the government says is one of the largest cryptocurrency Ponzi schemes prosecuted in the US has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. While crypto scams have been getting increasingly common, Swedish citizen Roger Nils-Jonas Karlsson defrauded thousands of victims and stole tens of millions of dollars over a period that lasted almost a decade. He pleaded guilty to securities and wire fraud, as well as money laundering charges on March 4th. According to the Department of Justice, Karlsson ran his fraudulent investment scheme from 2011 until he was arrested in Thailand in 2019. He targeted financially insecure individuals, such as seniors, persuading them to use cryptocurrency to purchase shares in a business he called "Eastern Metal Securities." Based on information from court documents, he promised victims huge payouts tied to the price of gold, but the money they handed over wasn't invested at all. It was moved to Karlsson's personal bank accounts instead and used to purchase expensive homes and even resorts in Thailand. To keep his scheme running for almost a decade, he'd rebrand and would show victims account statements in an effort to convince them that their funds are secure. Karlsson would then give them various excuses for payout delays and even falsely claimed to be working with the Securities and Exchange Commission. During the sentencing, US District Judge Charles R. Breyer ordered his Thai resorts and accounts to be forfeited. He was also ordered to pay his victims in the amount of $16,263,820. Acting US Attorney Stephanie Hinds of the Northern District of California said: HAVANA (Reuters) - Cubas drug regulator announced on Friday it had granted emergency approval of the Abdala COVID-19 vaccine, which is already being deployed on the Caribbean island nation amid a surge in infections. Approval by the Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices should help with the selling and licensing abroad of Abdala, which Cuba says has a 92.28% efficacy against the coronavirus. A second locally produced COVID-19 vaccine, Soberana 2, is expected to be approved in the next few weeks. Cuba said late on Thursday https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/cuba-says-second-covid-vaccine-soberana-2-boasts-912-efficacy-2021-07-09 the two-shot vaccine delivered with a booster called Soberana Plus had proven 91.2% effective in late-stage clinical trials against the coronavirus. Iran, Argentina, and Vietnam have said they are interested in producing the Cuban vaccines, while Jamaica and Mexico are among the countries that have expressed an interest in purchasing them. Communist-run Cuba is battling a prolonged surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Beta and now Delta variants. Cases have jumped to a new record high, though mortality remains low. COVID-19 cases in Cuba nearly doubled on Friday to 6,422 amid an explosion in infections in the province of Matanzas. The province is home to Varadero, the island's top beach resort. (Reporting by Nelson Acosta and Marc Frank; Editing by Paul Simao) The more-transmissible Delta coronavirus variant is believed to be significantly more widespread than the current federal projections, according to two senior Biden administration health officials with knowledge of the situation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released late Tuesday shows the Delta strain accounted for more than 51 percent of new Covid-19 cases from June 20 to July 3. But the reality on the ground is likely much higher because states and private labs are taking weeks to report testing results to the CDC, the officials said. It is everywhere now, one of the officials said, adding that recent data shows the Pfizer Covid vaccine works well against the Delta variant. The risk really is in the unvaccinated community. Were starting to see more and more people get sick and need medical attention. Covid-19 hospitalizations are up more than 40 percent over the last two weeks in Arkansas, Iowa and Nevada. And emerging evidence from a repository of genetic sequences compiled by Scripps Research's Outbreak.info suggests that the Delta strain accounted for as much as two-thirds of new Covid cases nationwide over the past two weeks. The site notes the data "may not represent the true prevalence of the mutations in the population." The CDC's data on where the variant is spreading and at what rate relies on reports from state and private labs that sequence samples that test positive for Covid-19. But the process often relies on testing batches of samples that can take weeks to complete. That delays the speed with which Delta infections are reported, according to the Biden health officials and multiple state public health officials. The lack of real-time data has left local health officials unprepared as hospitalizations have surged in parts of the Midwest and Southwest. It also raises questions about how the officials can control the spread as the pace of vaccination slows. I am a little surprised how quickly Delta has become widespread, said Ashish Jha, dean of Brown Universitys School of Public Health. Were one week into July and it is everywhere. It suggests that it is far, far more contagious than the Alpha variant. It makes me nervous how contagious it is and how quickly it has spread. Story continues Mike Cima, an epidemiology officer with Arkansas public health department, said it can take from five days to up to two weeks to get CDC data back, adding that his state works with the agency and the University of Minnesota to sequence Covid-19 samples. The CDC has offered to help several states battling the Delta variant speed up the sequencing process, multiple state public health officials told POLITICO. The Biden administration also is sending top health officials like Anthony Fauci, the presidents chief medical officer, to communities to help convince unvaccinated people to get the shot. But Biden health officials acknowledge that most of the salesmanship will fall to local officials and trusted community leaders. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told reporters Thursday her agency's 51 percent estimate of the Delta variant's prevalence is the government's "best estimate at this point," adding that "it has some uncertainty around it." "Although we expected the Delta variant to become the dominant strain in the United States, this rapid rise is troubling," Walensky said. "We know that the Delta variant has increased transmissibility and it is currently surging in pockets of the country with low vaccination rates." The situation on the ground worries local officials. Arkansas' Cima said among the individuals the state has identified as having contracted the Delta variant, 11 percent are hospitalized. Four percent are admitted to the ICU. Delta is the dominant variant in the state. And it is fair to say there will likely be some increase in death, Cima said. It is far more infectious than the original strain that hit back in 2020. It is far more infectious than the Alpha variant. It is really important people understand this is a different situation were in. If you are unvaccinated there is a very good chance you are going to become sick [with Delta]. In Missouri, more than 80 percent of ICU beds are already filled, the highest percentage the state has recorded since the winter. That includes more than 300 Covid-19 patients, the highest total since early February. On Tuesday, Steve Edwards, CEO of CoxHealth in southwest Missouri, tweeted that he desperately needed more respiratory therapists to deal with the surge in cases. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than three dozen had replied and offered help, but a hospital spokesperson said they could still use more. Nearby, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, staff on Sunday called on affiliate hospitals to send ventilators. A spokesperson for Mercy said the Springfield location has more than 120 Covid-19 patients, the most its had at any point during the pandemic. Of those, only two were vaccinated. State officials asked the Biden administration for help, and the first CDC employee arrived on Tuesday to support efforts to track the variant in southwest Missouri. Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the state health department, said more CDC personnel are expected in the coming weeks to assist with data collection, research and vaccine outreach. Nevada Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak has reached out to FEMA for additional resources, hoping to tamp down the outbreak spreading across Las Vegas and Clark County. The state is reporting that more than 500 people hospitalized with Covid-19 for the first time since mid-February almost all in Clark County. Sisolak wants help with the states vaccination campaign but the governors office has not yet released details on exactly how surge teams would be used. Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis asked the CDC to help investigate the proliferation of the Delta variant in the western part of his state. LOS ANGELES (AP) It took nearly a decade and a federal lawsuit for U.S. Marine Corps veteran Hector Ocegueda to finally come home. Following a conviction for intoxicated driving, he had been deported to Mexico, a country he left with his parents when he was a child. The 53-year-old has spent the past nine years living in Mexico but on Friday, he became an American citizen allowing him to return to his family in Southern California. Judge Mark C. Scarsi thanked Ocegueda for his military service before administering the citizenship oath in a federal courtroom in Los Angeles. As one American citizen to a soon-to-be American citizen, I just wanted to thank you very much for that, Scarsi told Ocegueda, who wore a mask decorated with images of his father and late brothers. Afterward, Ocegueda smiled and stood with his mother and sister, who sobbed and planted a kiss on his cheek. Im so happy, said Ocegueda, who was stationed with the Marines at Camp Pendleton and in Japan. Im very thankful for all the work everybodys done. He got to this point after connecting with a group for deported veterans while he was in Mexico and applying to become an American citizen. Under U.S. law, veterans who serve honorably during a conflict are eligible to become citizens if they meet a series of requirements, including undergoing an interview with a citizenship officer. He had been scheduled for the interview in Los Angeles last year but couldn't attend because border authorities wouldn't allow him back into the country following his deportation order. Ocegueda sued last month, asking U.S. officials to give the citizenship interview on the border, where he could attend, or allow him to cross so he could make an appointment in Los Angeles, which is what happened this week. It felt that I was coming back home when I crossed that border. I was so happy, he said. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer interviewed Ocegueda on Thursday. A day later, he became an American. Story continues I know the system is not perfect. I am mad at the system but not at this country," Ocegueda said before attending the ceremony with his sister and other relatives. "I love this country. The case comes as the Biden administration has stepped up efforts to reach out to noncitizen military members and veterans. Last week, the Departments of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs announced plans to identify deported veterans, ensure they can access benefits they are entitled to and remove barriers to naturalization for current and former service members who are eligible to become American citizens. The American Civil Liberties Union issued a report in 2016 detailing the cases of dozens of veterans who were deported or facing deportation, many over convictions for minor crimes. Had these veterans become citizens on account of their military service, they wouldn't have been deported. Ocegueda was brought to the United States from Mexico by his parents and grew up in the Southern California city of Artesia. He served in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991 and spent four more years in the reserves before he was honorably discharged. He got married, had two daughters and obtained a green card through his wife. But Ocegueda also had a drug problem. He was convicted of driving under the influence, prompting U.S. immigration officials to deport him in 2000, his lawyers said. Despite that order, Ocegueda returned to California to be with his family and participated in a drug treatment program through a local veterans hospital. But he was deported two more times. Since 2012, Ocegueda says he has remained in Mexico, where he worked as a driver and a security guard and connected with the leader of a group for deported veterans who encouraged him to stay put so he could pursue citizenship. It came at a cost. It was difficult to adjust to life in a country he had left when he was a boy. But nothing compared to the hurt of being away from his family. His marriage was suffering, and he wound up divorced. He missed out on time with his daughters. And he was lonely; he said his relatives often had to work and couldn't make the trip down to see him as often as he would have liked. Now, Ocegueda said he hopes to go back to school so he can work as a nurse assistant, find a job and spend time with the people he loves. I am going to take it day by day, he said. It's great to be here with them. A Durham police officer charged Thursday with with a sex offense and other crimes has been placed on leave without pay, the Durham Police Department said Friday afternoon. Joseph A. Daniels, 35, was arrested on charges of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree sexual offense and sexual battery, according to a news release. Daniels was charged by the Apex Police Department in connection with an incident reported to them on June 16. The Durham Police Departments Professional Standards Division is doing an administrative investigation, which is standard procedure. Daniels turned himself in at the Durham County Magistrates Office and was released on a $75,000 unsecured bond. On Friday afternoon, police said the veteran officers status had been changed from administrative duty with pay, as the department had announced that morning. After further review of the information provided by the Apex Police Department and the preliminary investigation of the Professional Standards Division, the Durham Police Department has made the decision to place Investigator Daniels on administrative leave without pay, the department stated in a Friday afternoon update. The Durham Police Department is working with Apex police on the investigation, said Durham Interim Chief Shari Montgomery, who has led the department since former chief C.J. Davis started a new job in Memphis, Tennessee, this month. Daniels joined the Durham Police Department in 2011 and is assigned to the Organized Crime Division. On July 16, 1840, Catherine Brewer became the first woman ever to be awarded a bachelors degree in the United States and as of today, more than 56 percent of U.S college students are women. I am the first woman in my entire family to get a bachelors degree, let alone a masters degree, and have paved a way for my family to a better tomorrow. All of this was possible by having access to education. We have come a long way since 1840. Yet, in 2020, 130 million girls worldwide remained out of school, even before the start of the pandemic. This has been made worse during the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has had many devastating consequences, but among the primary concerns is its impact on education. In the U.S. alone, at least 55.1 million students were affected by school closures at the height of the pandemic. Despite the unprecedented challenges, schools are finding ways to ensure continuous education. In some places, students have been able to return to classrooms for in-person learning; in others, school systems are doing their best to provide virtual learning. But millions of children worldwide are still out of school, and among the most at-risk are girls and young women. Schools are lifelines Schools have proven to be more than just places of learning. In many cases they are lifelines that connect girls with critical health and child protection services. Schools are often one of the strongest social networks for adolescent girls, providing peers and mentorships. When girls are cut off from these networks, their risk of violence increases, they are more likely to be forced into child marriage or early pregnancy, and girls that drop out of school are less likely to return. UNESCO predicts some 11.2 million girls and young women are expected to be at risk of not returning to care centers, schools or universities. To put this number in perspective, thats more than 23 times the entire population of Miami, and this doesnt include the 130 million girls that were already out of school before the start of the pandemic. Story continues Now more than ever, we need renewed attention to helping ensure that the worlds most vulnerable girls are able to access education and protection, especially as COVID-19 threatens to undo decades of global progress in girls education. As former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said, To educate girls is to reduce poverty. An educated woman can not only provide better living conditions for her family but can also get a chance to explore her full potential, leading to some amazing inventions and creations. One of the many examples of the importance of education is Malala Yousafzai, a girl who changed the world by having access to education. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health issue of global importance, so is girls education, and the support for the most vulnerable needed to maintain decades of global progress achieved for girls. Legislation like the Keeping Girls in School Act is a tangible example of how the U.S. government can make smart investments and push for global progress. By unleashing investment in holistic girls education programs, U.S. officials can help address the existing social and educational barriers facing girls around the world. Keeping Girls in School Act In past sessions of Congress, representatives and senators from both sides of the aisle have recognized the importance that the Keeping Girls in School Act plays around the world, especially in in low- and middle-income countries. Introduced by Florida lawmakers, Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel and Republican Rep. Michael Waltz, and cosponsored by Republican Rep. John Rutherford and Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, the proposal also needs Floridians to play a role in advancing it. They can join me and UNICEF USA in urging Congress to support the bill and help keep girls worldwide in school, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Now more than ever, the worlds most vulnerable girls need support to ensure that their rights to education and safety are protected so that girls like me can help create a better future for their families. Anjali Tripathi is the Miami Advocate for UNICEF UNITE. By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Polish news station TVN24 is in breach of foreign ownership rules for media firms, the head of the broadcasting regulator told Reuters, adding the watchdog was split over whether to renew the licence for the unit of U.S.-based Discovery Inc. The remarks by Witold Kolodziejski raise the stakes in a case that has stoked concerns over media freedom in Poland under the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party and led to a standoff between Warsaw and Washington. TVN24 is Poland's most-watched news channel and its critical coverage has long been a thorn in PiS's side. Its broadcasting licence expires on Sept. 26. TVN, the parent company of TVN24, has been owned by U.S. entities since 2015 via a firm registered in the European Union to meet Polish legal requirements that ban non-European firms from owning more than 49% of Polish media. This has so far been enough for the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT), which under Kolodziejski has extended licences for other TVN channels since 2016. But in an interview, Kolodziejski said he now believed the application of media ownership rules had been too lax, posing a threat to national security should a foreign power such as Russia or China seek to buy assets in Poland. "I believe that currently Art.35 (of the Polish media law) does not allow for the limit to be bypassed through a vehicle in the European Economic Area," he said, referring to 27 EU and three other European states. In response to Kolodziejski's comments, TVN said: "There is no reason for not granting TVN24 the licence," noting KRRiT had not questioned TVN's U.S. ownership in awarding recent licences. "Discovery, Inc. is proud of TVN and deeply committed to its position as Poland's leading independent broadcaster," the U.S. company said in a statement. "We are watching closely and will defend the business against growing regulatory overreach, anti-consumer behavior and other market uncertainty that would undercut Poland's business environment." Story continues RISING U.S. CONCERN PiS has long argued that foreign-owned media organisations 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. Since PiS came to power in 2015, Poland has dropped from 18th to 64th place in the World Media Freedom Index. Kolodziejski, who used to be a PiS member, denied political pressure in the case. Last week PiS lawmakers submitted legal amendments to Poland's Broadcasting Act that would strengthen the ban on non-European firms owning more than 49% of Polish media. If approved, the revised law would give TVN six months to adjust. "The U.S. has been observing the TVN licensing process and the newly proposed legislation with rising concern," the top U.S. diplomat in Poland, Bix Aliu, said on Twitter on Thursday. Kolodziejski said KRRiT's five-member council - where at least a 4:1 majority is needed to renew TVN24's licence for another 10 years - was divided over the case, with preliminary votes on the matter inconclusive. Should the non-European ownership cap be asserted more strongly, he said TVN would be given time to adapt. That could require Discovery to divest 51% of its Polish business, he said. Kolodziejski said KRRiT would look at ownership structure again after the merger between Discovery and AT&T's WarnerMedia is completed. "This is not about TVN24 only. The matters we are analysing refer to the whole company's structure. It's a more serious matter. To my mind, a legal solution is needed here," he said, without elaborating. TVN has more than a dozen TV channels, as well as an online video on-demand platform. Estimated to be worth more than $1 billion, it says it employs 4,200 people and posted a 2019 net profit of 540 million zlotys ($141 million). ($1 = 3.8351 zlotys) (Reporting by Gabriela BaczynskaEditing by Michael Williams and Mark Potter) By Humeyra Pamuk and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration is set as early as Friday to add more than 10 Chinese companies to its economic blacklist over alleged human rights abuses and high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang, two sources told Reuters. The U.S. Commerce Department action will follow its announcement last month adding five other companies and other Chinese entities to the blacklist over allegations of forced labor in the far western region of China. The additions to Commerce Department's Entity List are part of the Biden administration's efforts to hold China accountable for human rights violations, the sources said. China dismisses accusations of genocide and forced labor in Xinjiang and says its policies are necessary to stamp out separatists and religious extremists who plotted attacks and stirred up tension between mostly Muslim ethnic Uyghurs and Han, China's largest ethnic group. "The Chinese side will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and rejects U.S. attempts to interfere in China's internal affairs," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Friday. One of the sources for the economic blacklist additions said the Commerce Department plans to add 14 Chinese companies to the Entity List over reported abuses in Xinjiang. The identity of the companies being added was not immediately known. Some companies from other countries will also be added to the department's blacklist as soon as Friday. The White House declined to comment, while the Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. RIGHTS ABUSES The latest action shows President Joe Biden aims to press China over what the administration says are worsening human rights abuses against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. Generally, entity-listed companies are required to apply for licenses from the Commerce Department and face tough scrutiny when they seek permission to receive items from U.S. suppliers. Story continues Last month, the Commerce Department said it was adding the five Chinese entities "for accepting or utilizing forced labor in the implementation of the Peoples Republic of Chinas campaign of repression against Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region." The department said the action in June targeted the ability of the five entities, including Chinese-based solar panel material firm Hoshine Silicon Industry Co, "to access commodities, software, and technology ... and is part of a U.S. Government-wide effort to take strong action against Chinas ongoing campaign of repression against Muslim minority groups" in Xinjiang. This is not the first time the U.S. government has targeted Chinese firms linked to allegations of high-tech surveillance activity in Xinjiang. In 2019, the Trump administration added some of Chinas top artificial intelligence startups to its economic blacklist over its treatment of Muslim minorities. The Commerce Department under Trump targeted 20 Chinese public security bureaus and eight companies including video surveillance firm Hikvision, as well as leaders in facial recognition technology SenseTime Group Ltd and Megvii Technology Ltd. The Commerce Department said in 2019 the entities were implicated in "high-technology surveillance against Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups. UN experts and rights groups estimate more than a million people, most of them Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minorities, have been detained in recent years in a vast system of camps in Xinjiang. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Cate Cadell; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Robert Birsel, Gareth Jones) Negotiators from 131 countries have agreed on a major overhaul of how the worlds biggest multinational companies are taxed. It's an effort to deter complex international avoidance schemes that have cost governments billions in revenue. The sweeping proposals are meant to better cope with a world where globalization and an increasingly digital economy mean profits can move easily from one jurisdiction to another. The agreement sealed last week in global talks in Paris is up for discussion Friday and Saturday among the Group of 20 finance ministers meeting in Venice. The key feature of the complex package is a global minimum corporate tax of at least 15%, following the broad outlines of a proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden. While the tax deal is complex in its details, the idea behind the minimum tax is simple: If a multinational company escapes taxation abroad, it would have to pay the minimum at home. Here's why it was proposed and how it would work. THE PROBLEM: TAX HAVENS AND THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM Most countries only tax domestic business income of their multinational companies, on the assumption that the profits of their foreign subsidiaries will be taxed where they are earned. But in todays economy, profits can easily slide across borders. Earnings often come from intangibles, such as brands, copyrights and patents. Those are easy to move to where taxes are lowest and some jurisdictions have been only too willing to offer reduced or zero taxation to attract foreign investment and revenue, even if companies do no real business there. As a result, corporate tax rates have fallen in recent years, a phenomenon dubbed a race to the bottom by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. From 1985 to 2018, the worldwide average corporate statutory tax rate fell from 49% to 24%. From 2000-2018, U.S. companies booked half of all foreign profits in just seven low-tax jurisdictions: Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore and Switzerland. The OECD estimates tax avoidance costs anywhere from $100 billion to $240 billion, or from 4% to 10% of global corporate income tax revenues. Story continues That's money governments could use as they see deficits rise from spending on pandemic relief. THE SOLUTION: THE GLOBAL MINIMUM TAX The talks seek to put a floor under corporate tax rates by having countries legislate a minimum that they would levy on untaxed foreign income. In other words, if Company X headquartered in Country Y paid no or little tax on profits in Country Z, Country Y would tax those profits at home up to the minimum rate. That would remove the reason for using a tax haven, or for setting one up. Biden has proposed a 15% floor for the global talks, though it could be higher. ANOTHER PROBLEM: TAXING DIGITAL COMPANIES Another focus is what to do about companies that make profits in countries where they have no physical presence. That could be through digital advertising or online retail. Countries led by France have started imposing unilateral digital taxes that hit the biggest U.S. tech companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook. The U.S. calls those unfair trade practices, and has threatened retaliation through import taxes. THE SOLUTION: ALLOCATING TAXING RIGHTS Biden's proposal focuses on the 100 biggest and most profitable multinationals no matter what kind of business they are in, digital or not. Countries could claim the right to tax part of their profits under a proposal backed by the Group of Seven wealthy democracies, up to 20% of the profits of companies above a profit margin of 10%. Governments would have to roll back their unilateral taxes, defusing the trade disputes with the U.S. BIDEN'S PLANS The agreement, reached last week in talks convened by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, plays a role in Biden's push for changes that would, in his view, make the tax system fairer and raise revenue for investments in infrastructure and clean energy. The U.S. already passed a tax on foreign earnings under the Trump administration. But Biden wants to roughly double the Trump era rate to 21%, and also to charge that rate on a country-by-country basis so tax havens can be targeted. The president also seeks to make it more difficult for U.S. companies to merge with foreign firms and avoid U.S. taxes, a process known as inversion. All those changes must be approved by the U.S. Congress, where the Democratic president has only a thin majority. Biden wanted a diplomatic win at the OECD talks so that other countries impose a form of a minimum tax to prevent companies from avoiding their potential tax obligations. WHAT'S NEXT? The agreement reached at the OECD is likely to be endorsed at the finance ministers' meeting since 20 G-20 countries joined in signing the OECD deal. More technical work would then be needed at the OECD before the G-20 would give its final blessing at a summit of heads of state and government Oct. 30-31 in Rome. Then comes implementation at the national level. The global minimum tax would be voluntary. So countries would have to enact it into their own national tax codes on their own initiative. According to Gabriel Zucman, an economics professor at the University of California at Berkeley who has written extensively on tax havens, the minimum tax will still work even if some countries dont sign up. He said in a tweet that the fact remains: If some countries refuse to apply a minimum tax, then other countries will collect the taxes they refuse to collect. The proposal to tax companies on earnings where they have no physical presence, such as through online businesses, would require countries to sign up to a written international agreement. A key hurdle will be approval in the U.S. Congress. Biden's tax proposals, which would be needed to comply with the global minimum, face opposition from Republicans, and the Democratic president has only a narrow majority. Rejection by the U.S., the world's largest economy and home to many of the biggest multinationals, could seriously undermine the global deal. Any parts that are enshrined in a tax treaty would require a two-thirds vote in the U.S. Senate. Still, Biden could argue that passage would relieve U.S. tech companies of burdensome national digital taxes that would have to be withdrawn in favor of the global arrangement a prospect that may have some bipartisan appeal. ___ AP Business Writer Josh Boak contributed from Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden. White House/Lawrence Jackson Sources told Politico that Education Dept. officials are recommending an extension of the student-loan payment pause. The pause is set to lift in October, and officials say an extension to January is necessary for a smooth transition. Democrats and organizations want the pause extended through next year to ensure borrowers are prepared. See more stories on Insider's business page. The freeze on student-loan payments, along with zero growth in interest, is set to expire on October 1, but officials at the Education Department are reportedly calling for President Joe Biden to extend the pause through the end of January 2022, sources familiar told Politico. An administration official told Politico that the Education Department "is working to ensure that struggling borrowers are supported when payments are lifted." Many top Democrats and advocacy groups have asked for an even longer extension. "Every day we are making progress with respect to pandemic and economy is recovering, the official said in a statement. "We appreciate that there are still impacts for individual borrowers/families." The Education Department did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. As the payment pause expiration is approaching, Democrats like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have been leading efforts to extend the pause and give borrowers more time to recover financially from the pandemic. On June 21, 64 Democrats, led by Schumer and Warren, urged Biden in a letter to extend the payment pause until March 31, 2022, or until the economy returns to pre-pandemic employment levels, whichever is longer. A few days later, 128 organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), sent a letter to the president, urging him to extend the payment pause until the administration has followed through on its promises to fix the student-loan system and cancel federal student debt. Story continues And most recently, on June 30, Patty Murray and Bobby Scott, chairs of the Senate and House Education Committees, respectively, sent a letter to Biden urging him to extend the payment pause until early 2022 to ensure borrowers have the information they need to restart payments. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has hinted at the possibility of extending the payment pause, first in May when he said extending the payment pause was "not out of the question," and most recently last month, when he told the Senate Appropriations Committee that conversations on the extension are ongoing. "Extending the pause on student loan payments, interest, and collections is a critical step toward ensuring the Department can provide borrowers with an effective re-entry for repayment," Murray and Scott wrote to Cardona. "We urge you to move forward with this request as soon as possible." Read the original article on Business Insider (Reuters) - Pfizer and its partner BioNTech plan to ask U.S. and European regulators to approve a booster dose following a two-shot regimen of their COVID-19 vaccine, based on evidence of greater risk of infection six months after inoculation. [nL2N2OK2VD There is no consensus among scientists yet, however, that a third dose is necessary. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain made the Pfizer vaccine available last month as a booster shot to those initially immunised with a vaccine developed by China's Sinopharm. The World Health Organization said on Friday that it was not clear whether boosters will be needed to maintain protection, until further data is collected. The following outlines what options countries and regions are considering on the issue: UNITED STATES The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on July 8 that Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster COVID-19 shot at this time. EUROPEAN UNION The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on July 9 it was too early to determine whether more than the two shots would be called for, saying it was confident for now that the established regimen was sufficient. Recent supply contracts with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have included the potential for the bloc to buy booster shots. BRITAIN Britain is starting to plan for a booster campaign starting later this year after top vaccine advisers said it might be necessary to give third shots to the elderly and most vulnerable from September. There has been no final decision on whether a vaccine booster campaign is needed, but officials had advised that preparations should begin on a precautionary basis. Britain said it would buy 60 million more doses of Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine ahead of the possible booster programme, bringing its total order of the shot to 100 million doses. BRAZIL Brazilians should prepare for annual COVID-19 immunisations to reinforce vaccines currently available, the head of public-sector laboratory Butantan said in May. Story continues FINLAND The country has not yet made a decision over the recommendation of a third dose but is expected to do so in August. FRANCE A source close to the health ministry said the government was contemplating the possibility of recommending a third dose from the autumn and that authorities were already laying out logistics, liaising with regional health agencies for preparedness. Such deployment, however, would still need approval from France's top heath advisory body which has not yet given a position. INDONESIA & THAILAND The two countries are considering offering a booster shot to their medical workers immunised with China's Sinovac vaccine. ISRAEL Israel's Health ministry said on July 5 that it was not at this stage planning to administer booster shots to the public but that it was considering rolling them out to people with immunosuppressant conditions who displayed a weak response to the original shots. RUSSIA Health clinics in Moscow started offering booster shots earlier this month to people vaccinated six months ago or more, making Russia one of the first countries to begin re-vaccination. SINGAPORE Singapore said in May it was making plans for booster shots later this year or early next year, if necessary. SOUTH KOREA South Korea said in June it plans to secure more mRNA vaccines to use as boosters next year for its entire population of 52 million. SWITZERLAND Switzerland has ordered 43 million doses of vaccines, including preparations for potential booster shots in 2022, should they be needed, the Federal Health Ministry has said. The country's infection rate is considered very low but has been rising as authorities relax restrictions. COMPANIES Moderna has struck deals with Spain's Rovi and Switzerland's Lonza at a Dutch plant that would boost 50-microgram dose production half the levels of its original shots -- in Europe to up to 600 million doses annually, with the capacity due to come on line this year. (Reporting by Matthias Blamont in Paris, Michael Erman in New York, Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago, John Miller in Zurich, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Miyoung Kim in Singapore, Alistair Smout in London, Essi Lehto in Helsinki, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva, Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Editing by Josephine Mason, William Maclean) Although the recreational use and possession of marijuana just became legal in Virginia, a person who lives in public housing or receives federal rental assistance could still be evicted if they use the product because of federal rules. Adults 21 years of age or older can legally use marijuana in the commonwealth as of July 1 even though the plant is still federally illegal. Organizations that receive federal funding, such as public housing authorities, would risk losing their federal funding if they ignored the federal law and allowed marijuana consumption and possession. Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) receives federal funding and follows federal law, which states that marijuana possession and consumption are illegal, Nealy Gihan, a spokesperson for NRHA, told The Center Square. The new Virginia laws that allow for consumption, possession, and home cultivation of marijuana do not apply to residents living in public housing or federal rental assistance housing. Gihan said any person in violation of the federal law is violating his or her lease agreement and could be subject to eviction. Federal laws prohibiting the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana also carry over to public universities because they also receive federal funds. Many public universities have updated their rules to explicitly prohibit marijuana on their campuses to prevent the loss of federal funds. Violet Cavendish, a spokesperson for the Marijuana Policy Project, told The Center Square that fixing the conflict between federal and state law requires action by Congress. Prohibiting marijuana in federally-subsidized housing is concerning as it will likely impact the same communities that have been harmed the most by marijuana prohibition, Cavendish said. In order for this outdated policy to change, Congress must take action to address the untenable conflict between state and federal marijuana laws by moving forward with cannabis policy reforms. In the meantime, public housing authorities should inform residents of their policies regarding marijuana, review violations on a case-by-case basis, and should choose not to terminate the leases of existing tenants who use marijuana. Story continues Virginia law allows the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use and allows a person to grow up to four marijuana plants per household. It will be legal for adults at least 21 years old to transfer up to an ounce of marijuana to adults of age. However, it will remain illegal to sell marijuana to any person, receive any kind of remuneration for the product or provide the product as a gift if it is contingent on a separate commercial transaction. Possessing more than one ounce of marijuana, but no more than one pound of marijuana would subject a person to a $25 civil fine. Possessing more than one pound of marijuana would subject a person to a felony charge. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: States, News, Virginia, Public Housing, Marijuana Original Author: Tyler Arnold, The Center Square Original Location: Federal rules prevent Virginia public housing authorities from allowing marijuana By Chayut Setboonsarng and Orathai Sriring BANGKOK (Reuters) - A hospital in Thailand taking reservations this week for the Moderna coronavirus vaccine was sold out in minutes - after offering shots via e-commerce platform Shopee. With a worsening outbreak and worries about the efficacy of vaccines offered locally, appetite has quickly grown in Thailand for mRNA vaccines, which aren't available until near the end of the year. "It was sold out within minutes," a Shopee spokesperson said on Friday, adding the vaccine sale saw a spike in traffic on Phyathai Hospital's page, attracting 2.6 million visitors. It offered 1,800 slots for doses of the Moderna vaccine at 1,650 baht ($50) apiece via Shopee, a unit of Singapore-based Sea Ltd., "They were sold out at record speed," the hospital's CEO Att Thongtang told Reuters. "I feel very sorry for those who missed it." One buyer called lovesujuforever wrote: "It's gone in 15 seconds and I'm so lucky to get one." Another, labellelabel, said: "It's a fight for vaccine." Hospital operator Thonburi Healthcare Group Pcl sold all 800,000 Moderna doses it ordered in two days, its chairman Boon Vanasin told Reuters. Demand for the Moderna vaccine has increased after a leaked health ministry memo showed the Thai government was considering giving a booster shot of mRNA vaccine to medical workers who had already received two doses of Sinovac's vaccine. Thailand and neighbours like Indonesia have reported breakthrough infections among medical and frontline workers inoculated with Sinovac's inactivated virus vaccine. Thailand is also using the viral vector vaccine of AstraZeneca, but health experts have urged the government to include more mRNA vaccines in its programme, like that of Pfizer and BioNTech. Private hospitals in Thailand, via a state procurement, will receive five million doses of the Moderna vaccine between this year and 2022. Thailand has also ordered 20 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, for delivery after October. ($1 = 32.6800 baht) (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Orathai Sriring; Editing by Martin Petty) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Arkansas State Police on Friday handed over to prosecutors the results of its investigation into a deputy's fatal shooting of a white teenager that has drawn the attention of civil rights activists nationwide. Lonoke County Prosecutor Chuck Graham said his office received the case file on the shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain by Lonoke County sheriff's deputy Sgt. Michael Davis during a June 23 traffic stop. Graham said the file has been taken to the state prosecutor coordinator since he's requested a special prosecutor to handle the case. Authorities have released few details about the shooting, and State Police earlier Friday referred questions about the case file to Graham's office. Brittains family has said the teenager was unarmed and holding a jug of antifreeze at the time of the shooting. Graham said he does not know what the investigation found. Prosecutor Coordinator Bob McMahan said a special prosecutor should be named early next week. Davis, who is white, was fired by Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley last week for not turning on his body camera until after the shooting occurred. Staley said theres no footage from the shooting, only the aftermath. Brittain was eulogized on Tuesday by the Rev. Al Sharpton and two attorneys who represented George Floyd. They said the teen's death highlighted the need for interracial support for efforts to reform police practices. Floyd died in May last year when a white Minneapolis police officer used his knee to pin the handcuffed Black mans neck to the ground. His death sparked nationwide protests over policing and racial inequality. By Ruma Paul and Zeba Siddiqui DHAKA (Reuters) -At least 52 people were killed and 20 injured after a massive fire raged through a juice-making factory in Bangladesh, officials said on Friday, the latest industrial accident in a country with a track record of poor working conditions. The fire started late Thursday on the ground floor of a six-story factory building in Narayanganj, southeast of Dhaka, and was still raging Friday evening as firefighters scrambled to control it. Flames rose from the top floors of the building, where many workers had jumped out from to escape, as a key exit out of the working areas was locked, said fire official Abdullah Al Arefin. Three people died from jumping off the building to escape the fire and 49 charred bodies have been recovered," Mustain Billah, the administrator for the Narayanganj district, told Reuters by phone from the scene. Firefighters are struggling to control it, as chemicals and flammable materials were stored inside the building, he added. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but police official Abdullah Al Mamun told reporters that three police teams have been dispatched to probe the incident and legal action would be taken against those responsible for the fire. Dozens of disasters occur in Bangladesh each year due to poor fire and building safety standards. The latest incident is the worst since or August 2016, when more than 100 people fell ill in the southern Chittagong city after inhaling gas that leaked from a fertilizer factory. Past accidents have mired the country's robust textiles sector, which employs millions of people and contributes the most to Bangladesh's economy. Industry officials promised better safety standards after the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory building in Dhaka that killed more than 1,000 workers and injured hundreds. But many factories still fall short. We demand speedy trial and punishment of those responsible for this tragic murder incident through a fair investigation, the nonprofit Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust said in a statement. It also sought compensation for impacted workers and a probe into the cause of the fire, including reports of locked exits. Story continues The factory is owned by the private firm Hashem Food and Beverage, a unit of Bangladesh's multinational Sajeeb Group. Officials at both companies did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment on Friday. Al Arefin said each building floor is about 35,000 square feet (3,250 square meters) but they were only accessible by two stairways, which many workers couldn't get to as the fire had spread there. Some escaped to the roof from the stairs and were rescued, but many couldn't, as a door leading to the roof was locked. Dozens of family members protested outside the plant, demanding justice. But some, like Nazma Begum, were still looking for those lost. "There is no justice! Where is my son?" Begum cried out. (Reporting by Ruma Paul and Zeba Siddiqui; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Christian Schmollinger) Jul. 9The Sherman Laboratory at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus caught fire this afternoon after an experiment went awry. The Honolulu Fire Department reported that it received a call at 2 :30 p.m. about a building fire at the building on East West Road. The department said a "student placed an experiment into some type of oven, which caused it to catch fire." UH security, which called HFD, was notified of the fire. HFD arrived on the scene at 2 :47 p.m. and saw "heavy smoke " coming from the second story of the four-story building, although everyone had evacuated from the building. Just a few minutes later, firefighters extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. Edith Sanchez first got up in front of a crowd when she was 13. She performed regional Mexican songs at a restaurant for Fathers Day. When she finished, her parents were proud, but she also had a new and growing sense of confidence. Six years and many performances later, this confidence ballooned, and on Wednesday, Sanchez found herself on stage once again, this time to introduce the president of the United States to an audience at her community college in northwest suburban Crystal Lake. Biden visited Crystal Lake, where Sanchez is a second-year at McHenry County College, to discuss his Build Back Better plan, which focuses on education with an emphasis on working families and includes a proposal for two free years of community college. Sanchez had been selected to introduce him in part because of her story, which exemplifies how education helps generations of people, she said. In her speech introducing the president, Sanchez spoke about how her community college education has transformed my life. As a first-generation college student whose parents emigrated from Mexico more than 25 years ago with no formal education, Sanchez has received more than seven scholarships, from her high school, her community and now her college, that allowed her to attend community college. According to McHenry County College spokesperson Christina Haggerty, the colleges aim is to ensure that barriers are removed for all students to get an education. The scholarships Sanchez received are also allowing her to now push for a four-year college, which she was previously unable to afford. Sanchez expressed her support for Bidens education plan. With the American (Families) Plan, our students and families will benefit. We need to be educated, we need to be an educated nation and improve each generation. Another reason Sanchez was selected to introduce Biden was her position as McHenry County Colleges student trustee, an elected role held by a student chosen annually by classmates. Sanchez was encouraged to apply by her instructors and college administrators, including her mentor Sonia Reising, assistant vice president of student affairs. Story continues Reising had met Sanchez even before she started community college when she attended a show that featured Sanchez singing at an elementary school and by that time a fully fledged performer of Mexican songs. When Sanchez came to McHenry County College, Reising became her mentor. Sanchez is also president of the student organization Latinos Unidos and worked with other members during the pandemic to volunteer at a clinic, providing bilingual assistance to help people during the vaccination process. As she spoke in the college gymnasium, anti-Biden protesters stood outside, some with signs that read Secure our borders. There were also counterprotesters, some holding signs in favor of Biden. Sanchez was more focused on her speech. It was just such an honor to give my speech to the president that I didnt really notice that people were out there, she said. jyan@chicagotribune.com TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's Foxconn said on Friday it was in talks with the U.S. state of Wisconsin about building electric vehicles there, part of the major Apple Inc supplier's push to diversify income streams. Foxconn and electric car manufacturer Fisker Inc said in May that they had finalised a vehicle-assembly deal. They did not identify a location, but Fisker's CEO said Foxconn's Wisconsin site was a possibility. In a statement, Foxconn said it had begun discussions with Wisconsin. "Foxconn has engaged the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to discuss the company's plans for electric vehicle manufacturing. Foxconn is optimistic about our partnership with WEDC and looks forward to ongoing discussions," it added. The company, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry, gave no further details. A Wisconsin Economic Development Corp spokesman said the agency does not comment on any potential talks until a contract is executed. In April, Foxconn drastically scaled back a planned $10 billion factory in Wisconsin, confirming its retreat from a project that former U.S. President Donald Trump once called "the eighth wonder of the world" and was supposed to build cutting-edge flat-panel display screens. A month earlier, Foxconn's chairman said it may make electric vehicles (EVs) at the Wisconsin site, though could decide on Mexico, and would make a decision this year. Over the past year or so Foxconn has announced several deals on the production of EVs with automakers including Fisker, China's Byton and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and Stellantis NV's Fiat Chrysler unit. On Friday, Fisker said talks with Wisconsin economic development officials were normal in the process of evaluating potential plant sites. The carmaker said in May it had finalized plans for Foxconn to build vehicles for the electric car startup at a U.S. plant starting in 2023, and Wisconsin was one of four options. Foxconn aims to provide components or services to 10% of the world's EVs by 2025 to 2027, posing a threat to established automakers by allowing technology companies a shortcut to competing in the vehicle market. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Additional reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by David Evans and Mark Potter) PARIS (Reuters) -France's top health advisory body recommended on Friday that coronavirus vaccinations should be made compulsory without delay for all health workers and other professionals who come into contact with people vulnerable to COVID-19. The French government closely follows recommendations made by the Haute Autorite de la Sante (HAS), which also advised using mRNA-based Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to slow the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant because they offered more protection than other shots. "While the number of new cases and the pressure on the hospital system remain relatively low, the dynamic of the epidemic in France is significant and could quickly lead to a deterioration in the health situation," HAS said in a statement. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to address the nation on Monday on the progress of the epidemic and his government's strategy to dampen the impact of what many scientists say is an inevitable fourth wave. Government officials have said in recent weeks that mandatory vaccination for health workers was being considered as the now-dominant Delta variant causes a sharp upturn in France's infection rate. On Saturday, the country's National Medicine Academy, a doctors' society, pressed authorities to impose compulsory vaccination for everyone aged 12 and above. HAS also said the government should start thinking about mandatory vaccination for the entire population, in order to be ready to take such a decision if it became necessary. The body also recommended shortening the time period between the first and second vaccine doses and said people over 55 who received a first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine should be given a second dose with an mRNA-based vaccine. After falling from more than 42,000 per day mid-April to less than 2,000 per day in late June, the seven-day average of new infections has been climbing rapidly again since early July. On Friday, the health ministry registered 4,580 new infections. In the past six days, the seven-day average number of new infections has increased by more than 50% every day, a pattern similar to the early phases of previous waves. (Reporting by Richard Lough, Geert De ClercqAdditional reporting by Matthias BlamontEditing by Frances Kerry and Helen Popper) (Bloomberg) -- Finance ministers of the Group of 20 major economies meeting in Italy have failed to agree on a climate pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to people familiar with the matter. A push by European nations to include the language in the G-20s communique, which is due to be finalized on Saturday, was thwarted by several countries that are more reliant on fossil fuels, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. The disagreement highlights the difficulty of setting ambitious climate-related targets among a large group of countries with different, and sometimes conflicting, economic interests. It also casts doubt over calls for the G-20 to take a prominent role on the issue. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the G-20 could provide a platform to coordinate climate action to prevent disputes caused by policies that are not well aligned. Her French counterpart, Bruno Le Maire, used the event to call for a global minimum for carbon prices. United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres on Friday also said the groups members should commit to net-zero emissions by the middle of this century to keep alive the prospect of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. Instead, a draft of the final communique shows that ministers have only been able to agree on less ambitious language to have a low-emissions strategy, people with knowledge of the matter said. That only replicates what was countries supported in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Some G-20 members, including the European Union, have already set their own national net zero goals. But other major emitters, such as India and Saudi Arabia, have yet to do so. Developing countries have said they will be unable to step up their climate change targets until the richest countries deliver on their pledge to mobilize $100 billion a year in climate finance. The G-20 statement, however, will for the first time recognize the role of carbon pricing as part of efforts to tackle climate change, the people said. Story continues Nick Mabey, chief executive of E3G, a European climate change research group, said that while carbon pricing can be a useful tool, the G-20 statement is just climate virtue-signaling without a clear commitment to reduce emissions. Carbon pricing is designed to force polluters to pay for their emissions and use market forces to push them toward cleaner technologies. While some 40 nations already have some sort of price mechanism for carbon, applying a single system globally would produce vast differences in the cost of energy. Whether this can ever be translated into a global carbon price, or even a global carbon floor price would still be extremely difficult, said Peter Vis, a former climate official for the European Commission now advising Rud Pedersen Public Affairs. Should it be 5 euros ($5.93) or 50 euros? 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. Jul. 8A man returned from Georgia for a conversation with Limestone County Sheriff's Office investigators that resulted in his arrest for first-degree rape, according to officials. Andrew Gomez, 24, of Athens, Georgia, met the victim July 1 at an establishment in Huntsville, according to LCSO Public Information Officer Michelle Williamson. Williamson said Gomez, the victim and the victim's friend returned to Limestone County in the early morning hours of July 2, where Gomez is accused of attacking the victim on Sherry Conn Lane. Williamson said an eyewitness interrupted the attack, which was reported to LCSO the next day. After Gomez was identified as a suspect, he was contacted by investigators and agreed to return to Limestone County for an interview, according to Williamson. He remained Thursday in the Limestone County Detention Center with bail set at $100,000. A Georgia man accused of exploiting homeless people as part of a multi-state bank fraud scheme could be headed to prison, federal authorities say. Prosecutors said Michael Williams, 26, and three others actively recruited unhoused people to cash bogus business checks at banks across Rhode Island in exchange for cash. The East Point, Georgia, man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Rhode Island. Williams allegedly also carried out the check cashing scheme in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine. Once a person agreed to cash a check, Williams and his co-conspirators ... allegedly created a counterfeit check made payable to the individual and then drove him or her to a bank to cash it, prosecutors said in a news release. The checks were generally in the amount of $2,000 or more. The individuals were often paid around $100 per check for their help, the release states. In all, prosecutors said Williams and the other men involved Cortavious Benford, 26, of Atlanta; Jalen Ronald Stanford, 28, of East Point; and Austin Weaver, 31, of Decatur tried to cash more than $677,000 worth of counterfeit checks in New England between October 2018 and February 2021. It was during that time frame that investigators said several homeless people had been arrested at local banks for trying to cash bad checks. Many reported similar patterns of being approached by one or more males in Providence, [Rhode Island] and being offered money to cash the checks, according to federal authorities. In one instance, a man told police that Williams and Benford drove him to a bank and threatened to harm him if he didnt come back with the full amount of the bogus check. The men were arrested February 5 after the homeless individual identified them as the ones who provided him with the fake check, prosecutors said. Williams and Benford were found with $12,000 cash, and a search of a home they were using in Providence turned up a computer, which had a program used to design and print checks, a printer and a blank check stock, the release reads. Investigators also found several stolen checks and $5,000 cash stuffed in an envelope. Story continues Banks are estimated to have lost $480,000 in the scheme. Williams is set to be sentenced in September, prosecutors said. The others charged in the case are awaiting trial. NC art teacher shared child porn with undercover agent, feds say. Hes going to prison Psychic vowed to fight evil spirits for $3,500 then ghosted client, watchdog says Gamers 69PWNDU vanity license plate is offensive, Tennessee says. Now shes suing Women kidnap 77-year-old from Goodwill, steal $10,000 of her money, Georgia cops say The narrative suggests that Germany is lagging behind its European neighbors when it comes to building a globally competitive venture capital market. But I think that the next five years will be huge for the German venture capital sector, and that the signs for the future are very positive. German startups raised 6.4 billion in 2020. Thats more than France, which came in at 5.7 billion. Another upside is that there is a healthy blend of local and international investment in the early-stage market. German funds dominate investments in German startups at the seed and Series A stages. As companies grow, overseas investment plays a huge part -- half of the deals exceeding $50 million funding rounds are led entirely by foreign investors, while only 5% are run by German investors and 45% see a mix of foreign and domestic investors at the cap table. I think this is where the German VC market needs to be right now. Great innovation is being sourced and backed by local funds. As these companies grow and become winners, they attract the best investors from around the globe, enabling the companies to internationalize from a German base, and the early-stage VCs reap the rewards and continue investing in local German talent. As the market matures, I am confident we will see more German VC money invested at the growth stages. And the outlook is favorable. The German market is thriving. Even the pandemic did little to impact this fundamentally positive trend for the technology sector. The German market is thriving. Even the pandemic did little to impact this fundamentally positive trend for the technology sector. In addition to the growing level of both local and international investment into German tech, policymakers have created better conditions for startups and VC funds to thrive in Germany. The German Federal Government launched the 10 billion Future Fund and has committed additional funds to the Deep Tech Future Fund. Not only does this immediately inject more capital into the market at the growth stage, but it also indicates that Germany is open for business. It sends a clear signal to the rest of the world that Germany understands the link between innovation and tangible improvements in society. It is a powerful and welcome indicator to funds from around the world. Story continues Germany is incredibly attractive to tech talent, in addition to investors. More and more tech workers wish to relocate to Germany, with the welfare state providing a model for the future. The long term looks good, too. Germany is famous the world over for its manufacturing and engineering sector. Germany is one of the few countries that still generates foreign trade surpluses through local production. Manufacturing and engineering are still yet to experience a massive leap in innovation. Therefore, German startups are extremely well positioned to benefit from the increasing activity in Industry 4.0 innovation, with talent from Germanys manufacturing heartland poised to blend with the ever-increasing pool of tech talent in Berlin and Munich. Share options and spinoffs are the Achilles heel of the German startup scene I think German VC and the tech market are due to take off and achieve new heights. However, there are two areas that need to be substantially improved: employee stock options and the regulations around spinoffs. Germany is choking on its bureaucracy, and that threatens innovation. Teslas new Gigafactory is the latest example of how bureaucratic processes can slow everything down. For startups in Germany, reforms on employee stock option plans (ESOP) are urgently needed for startup workers to benefit from the success of their companies and for the startup ecosystem to grow on its own. The current bill to offer better tax benefits does not reflect the needs of the industry. For example, tax relief is only available for employees in companies that are younger than 10 years. If an employee changes employers, they must pay tax on company shares beforehand, which poses a significant risk of bankruptcy. Because many startups are still not profitable after 10 years, taxes should only be due when an employee makes an actual profit from their holdings -- when they sell the shares. In the end, startups simply wont offer new ESOPs to their employees. Another example: spinoffs. Germany has the highest number of patent applications in Europe. However, startups often are not able to turn innovative technology into product-market fit. Spinoffs from the leading German research institutes have had a hard time gaining a foothold because they have been imposed with high institutional fixed and license costs when spinning off. Here, Germany needs to be more flexible and give startups the space and funding they need. Lower the fixed costs and the enormous bureaucracy founders face when spinning off. Investors have to render more operational and organizational support for researchers-turned-founders. Furthermore, VCs must have the courage to invest more in innovative ideas and technologies that may take a bit longer to thrive. BioNTech is the best example of how this pays off in the long run. More German unicorns? As it stands, 2021 has already seen numerous new unicorns from Germany -- with Personio, Mambu, Sennder, Gorillas and Trade Republic achieving billion-dollar valuations -- and there are almost certainly more to come. If regulators finally cut through the red tape around stock options and spinoffs, the German tech and VC industry will achieve new heights. I look forward to positive changes and an entire roster of German unicorns being minted in the years to come. The 53-year-old gunman shot dead by cops after he shot and wounded three men at a Brooklyn liquor store once served nearly three years in federal prison for a gun conviction, authorities said Friday. But it remains unclear what set the Thursday night incident in motion. The gunman, whose name was not immediately released because his family has not been notified, opened fire at Boardwalk Wine and Spirits on Halsey Street near Wilson Avenue in Bushwick, police said. The stores front window was shattered and the three victims were struck one sitting outside in a canvas chair, the other two inside the store. One of the victims, 41, was struck eight times and rushed to Kings County Hospital, as was a 27-year-old who was shot once, said cops. They are expected to survive as is a 38-year-old struck once and taken to Brookdale Hospital. It was not clear who the shooter was targeting or why. As the gunfire erupted, cops assigned to the Public Safety Unit who were on patrol nearby came running over and chased the suspect. Their body-worn cameras captured the fatal confrontation, said police. They observed the man holding a firearm in his left hand, and gave commands for the man to drop the gun, Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes told reporters early Friday. The man does not comply, and instead raises the firearm in the direction of the officers. The cops two officers and a sergeant mortally wounded the shooter near the corner of Wilson Avenue and Weirfield Street, across from the Irving Square Park, about 350 feet from the liquor store. Police would not say how many shots were fired by the gunman and by the officers. Police recovered two more guns at the liquor store. It was not clear who they belonged to. The suspect had seven arrests on his record, all in Brooklyn between 1986 and 2008, said sources. One arrest, in 1987, was for an armed robbery. He also was busted for possession of a loaded gun in 1990. In 2008, he was arrested by federal agents for gun possession. He pleaded guilty to unlawful transport of weapons and was sentenced to 33 months in prison. With Noah Goldberg MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) - Militants killed at least 45 people in an attack on the town of Faru in northwest Nigeria, residents and a hospital worker said on Friday. Such violence has increasingly become a part of everyday life in the region, with the Nigerian government and security forces showing little ability to stem the deterioration of law and order. "The armed bandits stormed Faru town on more than 100 motorbikes, shooting sporadically on the people at about twelve noon yesterday," said Abubakar Iliyasu, a resident who witnessed the attack. Another resident, Musa Dan Auta, also said the gunmen killed 45 people, while a local hospital worker who declined to be named for fear of official retaliation said corpses were brought in. "Yesterday evening, security forces and the local militia vigilantes brought 29 dead bodies and 11 other injured people into the hospital," the worker said. Raids, killings and mass kidnappings for ransom, particularly of school children, have become commonplace in northwest Nigeria. The rampant violence has sparked concerns that the region is fallow ground for extremist groups to move in and take advantage of the absence of governance to foment insurgency. Nigeria is already fighting a 12-year battle with Islamist extremists Boko Haram and Islamic State's West African branch, a war which shows little sign of ending. (Reporting by Maiduguri Newsroom; Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Richard Chang) Security forces member exchange gunfire with armed men next to the Petionville police station in Port-au-Prince (AFP via Getty Images) Haitian police have claimed a 28 member hit squad made up of foreigners, mostly from Colombia and America, assassinated President Jovenel Moise, as the killing plunged the Caribbean country in further political unrest. It was a team of 28 assailants, 26 of whom were Colombian, who carried out the operation to assassinate the president, the head of Haitis National Police, Leon Charles, said at a press conference in Port-au-Prince. The police chief added that eight assassins were still at large, as he vowed to catch them. We have arrested 15 Colombians and the two Americans of Haitian origin. Three Colombians have been killed while eight others are on the loose he said. Previously authorities informed media that four of the suspects had been killed, while two were arrested. Video has emerged of one of the attackers, with an American accent, shouting This is a DEA (US Drug Enforcement) operation! at the time of the attack. The DEA has an office in Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, but Department of State spokesman Ned Price denied the US had any involvement in the murder. Haitian police also paraded some of the suspects before the media on Thursday, along with Colombian passports and weapons they had seized. Eleven of the suspects were arrested from Taiwans embassy grounds, the countrys authorities confirmed, after Haitian security discovered a group of armed men had broken into the courtyard of the property that had been closed for safety reasons after President Moises murder. Joanne Ou, a spokeswoman for Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the embassy gave permission to Haitian police to enter the grounds. The process went smoothly, Taiwans embassy in Port-au-Prince said in a statement, describing Moises assassination as cruel and barbaric. Colombias defence minister Diego Molano said he had ordered the army and police to help with the investigation, confirming that at least six members of the hit squad appeared to be Colombian ex-soldiers. Story continues Authorities have not confirmed the identities of the two Americans of Haitian origin. However, earlier reports quoted officials who claimed the killers spoke English and Spanish. Haitis ambassador to Washington, Bocchit Edmond, later said the killers were believed to be professional mercenaries disguised as US drug enforcement administration agents. Haiti is observing two weeks of mourning following the Presidents assassination as shops, banks and gas stations remained close amid an ongoing bid to catch assassins. Questions are also looming over the breach of security. Haitis main airport was also shut but is due to open on Friday. Meanwhile, political chaos is ensued over who gets to be in power now. The interim prime minister of the country, Claude Joseph, has declared he is in charge now, while he says the nation is in a state of siege. However, he was due to step down as Moise named Ariel Henry as his replacement before death. Mr Henry declared Mr Joseph is no longer prime minister in my opinion. Does a country have several prime ministers? he asked. Moise, 53, was assassinated at his private residence in the capital Port-au-Prince in the early hours of 7 July. His wife, Martine Moise, was also wounded, however, she survived the attack. A highly unpopular leader, Moise was ruling the country by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. As well as presidential, legislative and local elections, Haiti was due to hold a constitutional referendum in September. Additional reporting by wires Read More AP News Digest 3:20 a.m. 2 US men, ex-Colombia soldiers held in Haiti assassination AP News Digest 6:10 p.m. Citizens take part in a protest near the police station of Petion Ville after Haitian president Jovenel Moise was murdered on July 08, 2021 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Richard Pierrin/Getty Images Haitian officials fear terrorists will attack the country's infrastructure in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Haiti's minister of elections told the New York Times that officials have asked the US to send military troops down for support. He said officials want help protecting Haiti's port, airport, and gas supply. See more stories on Insider's business page. Government officials in Haiti have asked the United States military to send in troops to help stabilize the country in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Haitian minister of elections, Mathias Pierre, told the New York Times that officials had asked for help protecting Haiti's port, airport, and gas supply following the assassination, saying that he fears "urban terrorists" may attack the country's infrastructure in coming days. "The group that financed the mercenaries want to create chaos in the country," he said. "Attacking the gas reserves and airport might be part of the plan." In a statement responding to the assassination on Wednesday, President Joe Biden said that the US stood "ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider regarding whether the US would honor Haiti's request for troops to be sent in. Moise's killing came amid escalating political instability and violence in the country. The killing has exacerbated the unrest, with the leadership of Haiti in dispute. Fifteen suspects have been arrested in the killing, including two US citizens. The two Americans said they were working as translators for the hit squad, and were not in the room when the assassination occurred, a Haitian judge investigating the killing said on Friday. The motivation for Moise's killing remains unclear, though he had no shortage of enemies. Moise's political opponents accused him of staying in office beyond his term, and his refusal to step down prompted protests. He also faced backlash over the fact he'd been ruling by decree for over a year after dissolving parliament and failing to hold legislative elections. The US has staged military interventions in Haiti before, and Marines occupied the country from 1915 to 1934. In the decades that followed the occupation, Haiti saw a number of coups and a series of dictators and military leaders ruled over the country. In 1994, the Clinton administration sent 25,000 troops into Haiti to restore a president who had been ousted via a military coup. Read the original article on Business Insider Jul. 9The drama and uncertainty over efforts to amend and override Gov. David Ige's record number of vetoes came to an end Thursday after the state House and Senate voted unanimously to amend three bills and essentially kill a fourth one to address Ige's initial concerns. Ige now has until July 22or 10 working days after Thursday's moves by the Legislatureto sign off on amendments to two bills the governor originally vetoed and the Legislature changed. "The governor must sign the bills, " his spokeswoman Jodi Leong told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. "They will not become law without his signature." If he does not sign the amended bills, they are dead. Ige originally vetoed House Bill 54 because he said it improperly used COVID-19-related American Rescue Plan Act federal funds to cover fixed costs and replenish the state's rainy-day fund. On Thursday the House and Senate then voted unanimously to amend HB 54, and Ige signed the updated version nearly immediately. Both chambers then went back into session and voted to override Ige's veto of HB 53, which essentially made the bill moot because it was linked to the original version of HB 54 that Ige vetoed. Leong said the original versions of the two bills that Ige vetoed were "were interdependent." Ige had announced his intention to veto 28 bills and ended up vetoing 26 of them by Tuesday's deadlineboth records for his two terms in office. Legislators in both chambers then took the unusual step Tuesday of overriding five of Ige's vetoes by two-thirds majorities and a sixthHB 53unanimously Thursday. The last time Ige had even one of his vetoes overridden occurred in 2016. All Democratic and Republican members of the House and Senate who were present Thursday were unanimous in their votes. Before Ige's signature of HB 54, state Rep. Sylvia Luke, House Finance Committee chairwoman, called it "an unusual move " to amend any bill that a governor had vetoed. Like Ige, a Democrat, both the House and Senate are overwhelmingly controlled by Democrats. The amended bills now going to Ige's desk for reconsideration are :HB 1299, which abolishes certain special funds and trust funds and deposits the balances into the general fund. Ige vetoed the measure, saying parts of it were unconstitutional. An amended version of the bill reinstates certain funds, including the Milk Control Special Fund, which was set up to administer the Milk Control Act, a law meant to safeguard the local diary industry from market fluctuations. Luke said Thursday that the amended bill eliminates about 10 % of "special or nongeneral funds, " and the Milk Control Special Fund will be taken up next session or during a potential special session before then.SB 589, which makes structural changes to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. An amended version addresses Ige's concerns about jeopardizing existing contracts and the method of appointing a director. Jul. 9JANESVILLE The labor union that represents workers at Janesville's Hufcor factory is now pressuring Hufcor owner OpenGate Capital with a shame campaign that's playing out in Los Angeles, OpenGate's corporate home city. The Industrial Division of the Communication Workers of America paid to publish an open letter to OpenGate Capital's CEO, Andrew Nikou, in an advertisement that printed Wednesday in the Los Angeles Times newspaper. The union represents about 160 workers in Janesville whose jobs are at stake as OpenGate, a private equity firm, plans to idle Hufcor's Janesville plant and move manufacturing of moveable door systems to Monterey, Mexico later this year. The ad in the L.A. Times is the latest move by the Communication Workers union and a group of Wisconsin labor advocates to raise national attention over the factory jobs OpenGate plans to start eliminating in Janesville as early as August. The ad, titled "An Appeal for Justice," asks OpenGate to reconsider its plan to cease production in Janesville. It's undersigned and endorsed by 36 labor advocates and Democratic Wisconsin politicians, including U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Rep Mark Pocan, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and state Sen. Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville. "We have seen that your private equity company has a track record of buying businessesin Wisconsin and throughout Americathen closing them and damaging local economies for the benefit of your investors," the ad reads. In public layoff filings and written statements to the media in May, OpenGate said Hufcor took a global financial hit during the COVID pandemic, and that's what led the company to a plan to idle the 40-year-old Janesville factory. OpenGate previously took heat for its abrupt 2013 bankruptcy shuttering of a Golden Guernsey dairy plant in suburban Milwaukee that left plant workers locked out of the factory and forced them to wait years to receive full severance pay. Story continues A one-time lawmaker who also signed the ad was former Democratic state Sen. Tim Cullen. Initially he said he advised the union it might be more fruitful to push OpenGate officials to travel to Janesville and arrange a sit-down with local Hufcor workers. Hufcor is one company in a large portfolio of industries that OpenGate owns as investments. Cullen said running an ad in the L.A. Times was an aggressive and "unusual" move by the union and its regional labor activist supporters. "They're taking more of a hardball position with that ad," Cullen said. "But I'm all for their effort to try to stop them (OpenGate) from moving Hufcor jobs. I'm all for them." Roger Bybee is a Milwaukee-based labor advocate who is involved in the Communication Workers' campaign to fight OpenGate moving Hufcor. He said the ad, which the union and its supporters had asked statewide lawmakers and other supporters to sign, is one facet of a campaign launched by a coalition of groups that's being called "Wisconsin United for Justice." Bybee indicated the ad in the L.A. Times is an attempt to put OpenGate's planned shutdown in Wisconsin on a national stageand to park the issue right in front of people in OpenGate's home city. The campaign includes videos posted to the web page "Save Janesville Jobs" that share Janesville Hufcor workers' fears over losing their jobs. That's alongside recent protests outside the Hufcor plant and an online petition drive aimed at letting Hufcor workers and Janesville residents address OpenGate directly. The ad itself informs OpenGate that its plans to move Janesville jobs to Mexico is a "prime example" of why members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation, namely Sen. Baldwin and Rep. Pocan, are working to refresh the proposed "Stop Wall Street Looting Act." It's a bill first introduced during Donald Trump's presidency that seeks to force private equity firms and hedge funds to assume more risk in the companies they buy up as investments. The bill, among other reforms, also would press private equity firms to assume more liability for their employees' futures if the equity firms decide to pull the plug on a business property. Bybee called the Wisconsin United for Justice campaign "one of the more significant fights against abuses by private equity firms in the country right now." He said labor advocates often mount opposition to such moves by private equity firm only after closures or shutdowns put employees out of work. In this case, the labor groups' opposition comes before OpenGate's final decision on the future of Hufcor in Janesville. That's something Bybee said OpenGate "isn't accustomed to." "There aren't that many fights on the ground where working people and communities directly affected are fighting back the way the unions in Janesville are. The struggle by the (Hufcor) union in Janesville raises the stakes and the profile of fights against private equity firms," Bybee said. "That's what makes it unusual." Illinois is adopting new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says vaccinated teachers and students dont need to wear masks inside school buildings, officials announced Friday. The CDC is right: vaccination is the best preventive strategy. As school board members, parents, teachers and superintendents plan for a return to in-person learning in the fall, we strongly encourage those who are not vaccinated to continue to mask, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. IDPH is proud to fully adopt school guidance issued by CDC, which is based on the latest scientific information about COVID-19. Unvaccinated students and school staff should wear masks indoors, per CDC guidelines released Friday, and students should remain at least 3 feet apart in classrooms, but that recommendation shouldnt prevent schools from reopening. The announcement comes as Illinois schools prepare to fully reopen their doors to students in the fall following a drop in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations and an increase in vaccinations, which are available to people 12 years and older. The Illinois State Board of Education adopted a resolution in May requiring daily in-person learning for the coming school year with few exceptions for remote learning. Face masks were required in Illinois schools even as the state last month moved into phase five of its COVID-19 reopening plan that allowed for the easing of mask and social distancing recommendations at many other venues. Some Chicago-area parents have already called for masks to be optional in schools this fall. An IDPH spokesperson said the state guidance is intended to help administrators and local health officials select appropriate, layered prevention strategies and understand how to safely transition learning environments out of COVID-19 pandemic precautions as community transmission of COVID-19 reaches low levels or stops. For example, a school in a community with substantial or high transmission, with a low teacher, staff, or student vaccination rate, and without a screening testing program should continue to require masks for people who are not fully vaccinated and might decide that they need to continue to maximize physical distancing. Story continues The state is not at this time requiring COVID-19 vaccines for eligible students or teachers. Chicago Public Schools, which plans to welcome students back Aug. 30, said in a statement it is in the process of reviewing the CDC guidance. We are encouraged by its flexibility in recognition of the absolute necessity of providing in-person learning five days a week in the fall. After we have an opportunity to thoroughly review the guidance, we will inform the public about any potential impact on school opening guidance. The Chicago Teachers Union which has pushed for stronger COVID-19 protections for students and staff throughout the pandemic said the new guidance triggers more questions than answers, such as, How, for example, will CPS address mixed messages to young children if vaccinated adults dont wear masks? How will CPS ensure that they are not putting peoples health at risk based on complicated compliance under these new mask guidelines, rather than maintaining masks until percentages of vaccination are much higher? While we support the goal of returning every student safely to in-person learning this fall, we are concerned that the vast majority of our students, both under 12 and those 12 and up eligible for shots, remain unvaccinated and vulnerable to catching and transmitting COVID-19, even as the delta variant continues to spread, the union said in a statement. Setting benchmarks is critical. Addressing questions about implementation is paramount. The union on Friday renewed its call for an 80% student vaccination benchmark. CPS has not publicly commented on the proposed target, but the district did announce this week it is turning three schools into standing vaccination sites starting next week, with plans to offer more vaccination events and mobile vaccine units in the weeks to come. Elgin-based School District U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders told families and staff in a Friday note the states second-largest system will continue to follow current mitigation strategies, including wearing masks for summer programming. We will use this updated guidance as we develop our reopening plans for what I know will be a great 2021-22 school year, Sanders wrote. A state public health official said schools can decide how they will keep track of who has been vaccinated and should communicate their strategies and any changes in plans to teachers, staff, and families, and directly to older students. Illinois teachers groups emphasized the importance of vaccinations amid Fridays school guidance announcement. More than 54% of state residents 12 and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 70% receiving at least one dose, according to Illinois data. I think we know where the challenges are. Theyre in getting shots into kids arms. And really, the more we do that, the safer everybody is going to be, Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery said. Parents want their kids to be safe, thats the primary thing for them when they send their kids to school. The best way for that to happen is for parents to get their kids vaccinated. If they cant because of the age cutoff, then theyve got to wear masks. Then weve got to make sure the school districts are doing all the layering masking, distancing, ventilation, testing. Illinois Education Association President Kathi Griffin said in a statement, This news has been highly anticipated. Our members are looking forward to the start of this school year and now we have an idea of what the year will look like, and it is based on science, which is a great comfort. tswartz@tribpub.com dpetrella@chicagotribune.com A group in Illinois is looking for chapters across the state to help keep tabs on teaching plans they say are dividing children. A parent in Naperville, Shannon Adcock, said she became aware of culturally responsive teaching when she was unsuccessful in running for the school board. She said the more she learned about it, the more she felt it was regressive and divisive by teaching children race or gender directly impacts outcomes. You are having students segregated by their color, by their sexuality, by their any number of filters that an activist teacher can choose and say so because of your skin color you are a problem, because of your skin color you will never make it in life, because of this intangible systemic problem in one of the greatest countries in the world, and to me, its to me extremely anti-Americanism, its anti-child and I believe it to be child abuse, Adcock told WMAY. Teach history, theres no question about that, but when you begin filtering students, this becomes a problem and its a violation, a constitutional violation. She said the curriculum can take many different names and forms, so she and others seeing similar trends in other parts of the state started the website AwakeIL.com as a way to share information with taxpayers, parents and educators about trends around the state. We are going to preserve the integrity of our constitution, state and federal, and were going to take that divisive curricula and segregationist approach to education out of our classrooms, she said. A teacher of the Evanston district recently filed a lawsuit against the district alleging its policies are segregating and denigrating white teachers and students, casting them as inherently racist and privileged. Last month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said those complaining about what some term critical race theory being taught in some public schools are right-wing. Theyre going to grab on to anything that they can use a few words, put it together and make it sound like its an attack on white people, then theyre going to make it an issue, Pritzker said. Story continues Those downplaying concerns are full of it, Adcock said. When you have the teachers union, the national teachers union, saying that they want this taught and they will defend in court teachers who are teaching it, this is ideological war right now, Adcock said. Its a nonviolent ideological war and our children are at the heart of it and parents are awake and were going to fight it. Earlier this week, the president of the American Federation of Teachers gave a speech, reported by the Washington Post, saying those with concerns about teaching about racism are bullying teachers from teaching students accurate history and the union is preparing for litigation. The National Education Association has already adopted new provisions that support critical race theory. Several states, including Texas and Florida, have prohibited such teachings. In Indiana, Attorney General Todd Rokita proposed a Parents Bill of Rights to combat the ideology. Numerous parents and state legislators have contacted me to express concern about how much indoctrination, not instruction, is being thrust upon students, Rokita said in a statement. While American students fall behind the rest of the world in math, science, reading and writing, some schools are prioritizing political agendas over academic achievement. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: States, News, Illinois, Schools, Education, Critical Race Theory Original Author: Greg Bishop, The Center Square Original Location: Illinois group warns of non-violent ideological war in classrooms An Illinois truck driver accused of impregnating a 13-year-old girl in his semi has pleaded guilty, officials said. David Kyle Skaggs, a 33-year-old from Cahokia, pleaded guilty Thursday to transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. In 2015, Skaggs began communicating with a 15-year-old boy from Virginia on Facebook and befriended his family. Skaggs visited their home in Lee County about every two weeks and slept in the camper part of the semi parked in the familys yard, according to a criminal complaint. During these visits, Skaggs told the boys younger sister she was pretty and suggested they be more than just friends, the complaint said. Skaggs took the brother and sister on a road trip in his semi that summer with the permission of their mom. At a Flying J truck stop in South Dakota, officials said Skaggs gave the children alcohol and raped the girl in the sleeper area of the semi, the complaint said. The girl learned she was pregnant several months later and gave birth in 2016. She reported the sexual assault to Lee County Child Protective Services in October 2015. In 2020, the FBI collected DNA samples from her child, which provide strong evidence with a probably greater than 99.9% that Skaggs is the father, the complaint said. A U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Virginia spokesperson didnt immediately respond to questions Friday about reasons for the test being conducted about 3 1/2 years later. Shortly after she was raped, the girl said she logged onto Skaggs Facebook account and discovered messages between himself and a 10-year-old in Florida, the complaint said. She told investigators that she messaged the girl and warned her to stay away from Skaggs. Skaggs is scheduled to be sentenced in September. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. North Texas man attempts to prostitute 8-year-old for $800 an hour, sheriff says Georgia man recruited homeless people to carry out bank fraud scam, feds say A file photo shows a sign that reads "help" hanging in the window of an Alabama prison. Six inmates at an Indiana correctional facility are suing administrators, alleging they were kept in conditions amounting to "torture." AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File Six inmates at an Indiana prison are suing officials over conditions they say amount to "torture." The ACLU of Indiana filed lawsuits on behalf of six inmates at the Miami Correctional Facility. The men allege they were held in complete darkness for weeks, leading some to be shocked by exposed wires. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Six inmates at a maximum-security Indiana prison are suing the facility's administrators, alleging that they were kept in total darkness for weeks at a time and shocked by live wires in conditions amounting to "torture." Six lawsuits, all but one of which were filed on July 1, were brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on behalf of inmates at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill. The lawsuits name Warden William Hyatte and Deputy Warden George Payne Jr. as defendants. All six men were housed in isolation in cells that had no light, according to the lawsuits. Some of the inmates were cut with glass from broken windows, or shocked by hanging, exposed live wires while they tried to navigate in the dark, the ACLU attorneys wrote in the lawsuits. The first ACLU lawsuit was filed in March on behalf of Jeremy Blanchard, who alleged he was placed in a restrictive housing cell from September 3, 2020 to October 5, 2020 where the only window was completely obstructed by a sheet of metal and the only light was broken. "This left Mr. Blanchard in darkness except for the short period of time that he was let out for a shower every few days," the suit says. "Defendants were aware of the conditions under which Mr. Blanchard suffered, yet allowed him to remain in near-total darkness for more than a month." The ACLU filed the other lawsuits on behalf of inmates William Anderson, Charles Lyons, Anthony Parish, Gerald Reed, and Jeffrey Wagner, who alleged they were kept in similar conditions. Wagner said he was held in a dark cell from September 3, 2020 through November 3, 2020. Story continues "Live electrical wires hung from the ceiling and on a number of occasions he received painful shocks as he tried to navigate in his dark cell," the lawsuit alleges. The suit alleges these conditions were a form of punishment, and that Wagner's mental health deteriorated as a result. Wagner's anxiety and depression worsened and he "suffered from auditory hallucinations urging him to harm himself," according to the lawsuit. "Placing a person in prolonged, isolated darkness for an extended period is a form of torture," the ACLU wrote in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Correction declined to comment to Insider on the pending litigation. She said the Indiana Attorney General's office would represent and Department of Correction employee involved in the case. A spokesperson for the AG's officer told Insider that it had not yet been served. "We will review the allegations contained in the suit and make a determination about next steps in due course," the spokesperson said. The Miami Correctional Facility houses about 3,150 inmates, according to data from the Department of Correction. Read the original article on Insider After nearly two years, Amazons highly public legal feud with the US government over the Pentagons decision to award Microsoft a $10 billion cloud contract in 2019 is over. According to Reuters , a federal judge dismissed the challenge on Friday with no objection from the company. The dismissal follows Tuesdays announcement that the Department of Defense had canceled JEDI , the program at the center of the legal battle, to pursue a new multi-vendor project that would see both Amazon and Microsoft awarded contracts. "We understand and agree with the DoDs decision, an Amazon spokesperson told Engadget after the announcement. Unfortunately, the contract award was not based on the merits of the proposals and instead was the result of outside influence that has no place in government procurement." On 10 July 2016, Kem Ley, one of Cambodia's best known political commentators, was drinking his morning coffee at a petrol station cafe in the capital Phnom Penh when a man walked in and opened fire, killing him instantly. The gunman - who gave his name as "Chuob Samlab" (Meet to Kill) - was arrested soon after when members of the public chased him down and beat him. Later identified as Oeuth Ang, he claimed that he had killed Kem Ley over an unpaid debt. Few believed him. The murder sent shockwaves around the country, with many seeing Kem Ley's death as a return to the dark days of political assassinations in the Southeast Asian nation. Cham Bunthet, who was a political analyst at the time, recalls a warning Kem Ley gave him just a week before his death, as Bunthet's young daughter slept on a table nearby. "I remember he touched my shoulder and said: 'Brother, our lives are at stake here, it's risky. No matter what happens to us, make sure that our kids do not see our blood," Bunthet recalls. "Just a week later he was gone." Thousands accompanied Kem Ley's body to a pagoda in Phnom Penh Unlike many academics, Kem Ley was in his element when far from the comforts of the capital. Prior to his death, he had been working on what he called the 100 Nights Campaign, where he would stay in villages and listen to the deep-rooted problems the people there faced. Kem Ley's voice could be heard in homes around the country on political radio talk shows. A fluent English speaker, he was often the first port of call for foreign journalists in Cambodia as they sought a balanced critique on the country's political landscape. This even-handed criticism of both Prime Minister Hun Sen's government and the opposition was one of the reasons Ly Sreysrors, a 26-year-old researcher and one of Cambodia's few female political analysts, started attending Kem Ley's talks before his death. "Dr Kem Ley was different from other speakers," she says. "His explanations were made in a simplistic manner with comparisons and examples that ordinary people could also understand, not only the experts." Story continues But it was Kem Ley's criticism of Hun Sen, Cambodia's long ruling authoritarian leader, that many believe led to his downfall. Just days before he was killed, he had spoken publicly about a new report released by the NGO Global Witness, which detailed widespread corruption tied to Hun Sen and his family. Kem Ley's killing led to an outpouring of grief around Cambodia. Thousands accompanied his body from the petrol station to a pagoda on the other side of the capital. Tens of thousands lined the funeral procession route from Phnom Penh to his home province of Takeo. The murder served as a reminder of the risks in speaking out against the government. Many recalled the shooting of labour leader Chea Vichea in 2004 and environmentalist Chut Wutty in 2012. Questions were asked about the killer's background when it emerged he was a former soldier who boasted of links to powerful members of police and military. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2017. "Everybody felt threatened," says Bunthet, who initially continued to speak out before stepping back to focus on developing youth leadership programmes. Ou Virak, president of the Future Forum think tank and a media analyst, saw first-hand the chilling effect the murder of his friend had. "It was so close to home and the message was so, so clear. It was definitely a devastating reminder of the risk involved and I think it is constantly playing in the heads of many of us," Virak says. "It also affects our family. I think for them the return of living with that uncertainty is a lot more difficult." But Virak felt it was important to continue speaking out. "I didn't want to be silenced, I didn't want other people to be completely silenced and I thought there was an obligation to try and keep the space [open] to send a message that we can't be easily silenced. "I think maybe the message for young Cambodian people was that we've got to do more to speak out and shape the direction of the country." Ly Sreysrors was one of those young people. She says the assassination led her to take her "first step" in her career by joining the Young Analyst Group, which Kem Ley had set up. She is now its president and can regularly be heard giving her opinions to what remains of the country's independent media. "Here not many people dare to speak out about the weakness of the government because the result is obviously shown through the deaths and the imprisonments," she says. "It was heart-breaking when he was gone, but I thought that besides crying I should do something. That's why I committed to continue his spirit, even though I face many challenges." Those challenges and threats are real. Sreysrors says she and other senior analysts have been followed by men taking photos. They have also received anonymous messages warning that another killing could take place. Kem Ley's death was a sign of dark times ahead for Cambodia. In 2017, the government waged a crackdown on independent media and the only major opposition party, the CNRP, was dissolved. Cambodia is now effectively a one-party state. Activists and government critics are routinely targeted by the country's courts, which are widely accepted as just another arm of Hun Sen's ruling party. "Kem Ley's killing, and the subsequent destruction of the grass-roots movement he represented, was the starting point for the rapid deterioration of the civil and political rights in Cambodia," says Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Robertson says there is no doubt that the government was behind Kem Ley's death. "The brutal assassination of Kem Ley in broad daylight in downtown Phnom Penh shows how far impunity for political killings has gone in Cambodia," he says. "No-one doubts for a second that Kem Ley was killed at the behest of powerful people in the government." The killer, Oeuth Ang, "was a crudely fashioned scapegoat quickly locked away by Cambodia's corrupt, politically controlled courts", he added. Previous vigils to mark the anniversary of Kem Ley's death have been broken up and resulted in arrests. Government spokesman Phay Siphan says that people are free to honour the memory of Kem Ley in a pagoda or at home, but that the purpose of previous public vigils have been to "accuse the government" of involvement in the shooting. "If someone has concrete proof, please come and show the government as well as the prosecutor. We can take care of that, the case is still open," he says. "We don't want to hear those accusations, they accuse Hun Sen of doing it. I say please, come on, let's find proof." Kem Ley's wife, Bou Rachana, and four sons fled Cambodia soon after his death. He did not live to meet his fifth son, who was born months later in Thailand. The family have since been granted asylum in Australia. On 10 July, Cambodians will be remembering Kem Ley both in private and public, despite the threat of arrest. Half a decade on from his murder, the political commentator is still inspiring others to speak out against injustices in the country. By Tom Sims and Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Hanno Berger, a German accused of playing a key role in a years-long tax fraud, has been arrested in Switzerland where he had been living in exile, German and Swiss authorities said on Friday. The scandal, known as "cum-ex", is Germany's biggest post-war fraud involving a share-trading scheme that the authorities say cost taxpayers billions of euros. According to the prosecutors, the scheme was promoted by Berger, a German tax inspector-turned-tax adviser, and others. Berger is a defendant in a case that is being tried in Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt. Berger, who is a lawyer and helped represent himself, has always denied any wrongdoing in conversations with Reuters and said what he did was within the law. Swiss authorities informed Frankfurt prosecutors of the arrest, the prosecutors' spokesman said on Friday. Berger was arrested in the Swiss canton of Grisons on July 7 based on an extradition request from Germany, the Swiss justice ministry said. His extradition is now pending a decision by Switzerland's justice ministry, which can be further appealed to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court. "On the occasion of his interrogation, the person declared that he opposed extradition to Germany," the Federal Office of Justice said in an emailed statement. Kai Schaffelhuber, a lawyer for Berger, said his client was innocent and that he didn't believe that extradition would succeed. "Switzerland isn't dumb," he said. Berger was doing well under the circumstances, considering his high blood pressure, bad knees and age of 70, according to Schaffelhuber. BOGUS TAX REBATES The scheme involved trading stocks of major companies rapidly around a syndicate of banks, investors and hedge funds to give the impression of numerous owners, each entitled to a bogus tax rebate. The practice thrived between 2005 and 2012, a period that included the years after a financial crash and as banks were bailed out by the state. A loophole that fostered the trades was then closed. Story continues The cum-ex tax fraud is the subject of multiple investigations across Germany as the government tries to claw back billions in euros it said were stolen from the state. Last year, two British bankers were handed suspended jail terms and one a 14 million euro penalty in the first criminal convictions involving the scheme. The judge for that case, Roland Zickler, dubbed it "a collective case of thievery from state coffers". (Additional reporting by John O'Donnell and Michael Shields; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Garba Muhammad KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Six students and two officials who were kidnapped last month from a school in Nigeria's Kaduna state were released after relatives paid ransom money, a school official and parent said on Friday. Kidnappings by armed men, commonly referred to in Nigeria as "bandits", have become endemic in northern Nigeria, disrupting the education of hundreds of thousands of children. Gunmen attacked the main campus of the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Kaduna on June 10 and took students and staff members, in the process killing one student. The college's spokesman Abdullahi Shehu, said the students and officials were released late on Thursday at an undisclosed location. They "regained their freedom after their parents and relatives negotiated with the bandits", Shehu told Reuters, but declined to say whether negotiations involved paying a ransom. A parent whose child was kidnapped said parents and relatives of the students negotiated with the gunmen and paid ransom money. "I am not in position to tell you how much we contributed and paid. That is not necessary. The most important thing is that we have secured their freedom, period," Saminu Bala, one of the parents of the freed students, said. At least 10 institutions have been hit by kidnappers and around 1,000 students and staff abducted since December. (Reporting by Garba Muhammad; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Alex Richardson) 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. The Fayetteville Observer FORT BRAGG, N.C. Pvt. 2nd Class Caleb Grant Smither looked up to paratroopers. Thats why he became one, his mother, Heather Baker, said. But Baker thinks some of the paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division that her son served with let him down. Smither, affectionately known as Smitty, was a paratrooper with the E Company, 37th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. After spending just seven weeks and four days at Fort Bragg, the soldier from Texas was found dead in his barracks room Jan. 21, 2020. He was just a 19-year-old kid with lots of vigor and ready to go and (who) loved his country, Baker said last month during a Zoom call. He knew exactly what he was getting into, and I did, too, but I never expected him to die on U.S. soil. Pvt. 2nd Class Caleb "Smitty" Smither is seen with his mother, Heather Baker, during one of his visits back home to Texas, before he was assigned to Fort Bragg. According to an Army Criminal Investigation Division report provided to The Fayetteville Observer, a part by Baker and her attorney, Smither died of bacterial meningitis. The report, which includes multiple statements from soldiers in Smithers company with their names redacted states Smither hit his head in early January 2020 while working in the motor pool on a military vehicle. Its the actions of the soldiers in her sons unit before his death and Womack Army Medical Center's failure to properly diagnose his injury that Baker has questions about. Former US military interpreter: He risked his life helping US troops in Afghanistan before seeking asylum in Iowa. So why is he facing deportation? There are conflicting statements on the date Smither went to the hospital. There is the soldier in his chain of command who later told investigators he lied about checking on him. There is the roommate who sprayed air freshener to rid the shared kitchen of a bad smell that was later attributed to Smithers decomposing body. And there are mentions of a concussion Smither received days before his death and a seemingly unrelated meningitis diagnosis that came months after his death. Story continues Everything that I found out it just gives me more questions, Baker said. A chart from the Criminal Investigation Division report into the death of Pvt. 2nd Class Caleb Smother details the timeline leading up to the discovery of his body in his barracks bedroom on Jan 21, 2020. A mothers intuition Baker said that on the day her son's body was found lying on his back on the floor of his barracks bedroom, she was unknowingly wearing his sweatshirt emblazoned with an American flag that he left behind. She fell asleep that night and was awakened at about 6:30 a.m. by persistent banging on her door. On the other side were two soldiers in uniform. I knew, Baker said. As a parent, you just know right then what its about, and you cant make sense of it in your mind or your heart. The soldiers confirmed what she suspected. Caleb was gone. She told them she didnt understand that she'd just dropped her son off at the airport on Thanksgiving Day. US soldiers come home: Biden confident Afghan military could hold Taliban Heather Baker drops off her son, Pvt. 2nd Class Caleb "Smitty" Smither at the airport. She kept asking what happened. There was just a lot of questions that I had and that there were no answers to," Baker said. Headaches and hospital visits According to the Army CID report, soldiers in Smithers company indicated the last time anyone saw him was Jan. 16, 2020, five days before his body was found. His mother questions that date. A command briefing months later states that on Jan. 15, he was instructed to stay in his room, and she believes that was the last time anyone on Fort Bragg saw him. A private, who attended Army training school with Smither, said the two worked on a vehicle together sometime between Jan. 6 and Jan. 10, when Smither stood up and accidentally hit his head on a radiator, according to the CID report. Another reference in a separate investigation states the head injury was Jan. 9, 2020. The private told investigators she and Smither took a short break after he hit his head, and afterward, he seemed fine and went back to work. A couple of days later, she said, he started to complain about a bad headache, but later came over to eat and seemed fine. She gave investigators a voicemail she received from Smither on Jan. 14, in which he was crying because his head hurt. Baker said the fact that her son was crying was a red flag to her because he was not the type to cry. The private told investigators that after she received the voicemail, she went to Smithers room to place a cold compress on his head before leaving for work. She said she also texted a sergeant saying that she thought Smither should go to the emergency room. When she left, she told her friend to text her if he needed anything. He never texted me, so I just assumed he was fine, she said. Later, when she saw him writing in a group chat, she thought he was getting better. According to a statement from a specialist in Smithers unit, a sergeant asked him to pick Smither up from sick call on Jan. 14 and take him to Womack Army Medical Center to have his "head looked at." The specialist said when he met up with Smither, the young soldier was wearing goggles and complained of his eyes bothering him and being unable to sleep. Opinion: Ending military sexual assault starts long before service members don uniform After the ER visit, the specialist said, Smither was pale and shaking but did not appear to be in pain, though he was still wearing the goggles. The specialist left after walking Smither back to the barracks and telling him to call if he needed anything. When Smither arrived at formation the next day, again wearing goggles and complaining his head hurt and his eyes were sensitive to light, a sergeant first class took him back to the emergency room. While in the emergency room waiting area, Smither threw up after drinking water, he said. The senior leader left when Smither's team leader, a sergeant, arrived. The sergeant also said he witnessed Smither vomit at the hospital. The sergeant said after a CT scan, doctors said everything looked fine, but put Smither on quarters for 24 hours, excusing him from formations and work and ordering him to stay in his room. The sergeant said he didn't see Smither again because he left Fort Bragg to attend a leadership course. But before the four-day Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend began and he left, the sergeant asked Smither's acting squad leader, a specialist, to check on him. Smither would be found dead six days later on a Tuesday afternoon. Whos checking on Smither? Pvt. 2nd CLass Caleb "Smitty" Smither is seen during his short time in the Army, before he injured his head in January 2020. In his statement to CID, Smithers company commander, a captain, named two soldiers, the names redacted in the report, who he said checked on Smither periodically during the four-day holiday weekend. The specialist who was asked to keep an eye on Smither told investigators that he was out of town for two days during the long weekend and claimed to have checked on Smither on Sunday, Jan. 19. However, in another interview the following day, the specialist admitted he'd lied about checking on Smither. I felt very guilty about not checking up on him and was scared, the specialist said in his statement to CID. The last date the specialist checked on Smither was Jan. 16, he said. When he didn't see Smither on Jan. 20, 2020, and noticed he wasn't at formation the following day, Jan. 21, he finally checked on him. But Smither was dead. A corporal said he called to check on Smither on the Friday of the long weekend after noticing a change in his behavior at formation. The corporal said Smither sounded groggy, like he'd just woken up, and in pain. When he was unable to provide a call log showing the contact, the corporal said he may have used a different phone and couldnt remember because he drank after he spoke to Smither. When investigators asked if anyone checked on Smither, he said it was his understanding that Smithers squad leader the specialist was checking on him. The investigator noted in the report that the corporal was getting irritated when he was asked questions about when he last saw PV2 Smither." I also work on a different team, so its better if you asked his team," the corporal said, according to the CID report. The corporal also told investigators he overheard Smithers roommate complain their barracks smelled like (expletive), and as a result, the corporal said, he told the team leader he needed to check on Smither. Smithers roommate told investigators he and Smither only saw each other in passing and didnt hang out. According to the CID report, their quarters had a shared kitchen and bathroom area but separate bedrooms. The roommate said he last saw Smither either Jan. 15, 2020 or Jan. 16, 2020, and that Smither acted sick since hitting his head, seemed dazed and could not look at light and would stay in the bathroom for an hour at a time. On Jan. 16, the roommate said, he cleaned the common area of the barracks room and placed Smithers clothes in front of his door. The following day, he said, he put a note on Smithers door asking him to clean the microwave because of an upcoming inspection. When the note and clothes remained throughout the weekend, the roommate said he thought it meant Smither was out of town. The roommate said he spent the long weekend away and returned to his room Jan. 19. He said he thought he heard thumping, moving around or footsteps from Smithers room. The roommate said that it was on Jan. 20 when he first noticed a foul smell and used Febreze, an air freshener, in the common area. He said that the following day when he left early for his job at the dining facility, the odor had seemed to intensify. It wasn't until the following day, Jan. 21, that the specialist who failed to check on Smither finally entered his room with a passkey. By then it was too late. It comes down to this was a long weekend, and they didn't care to check on Caleb, Baker's attorney, Daniel Maharaj said. AR 15-6 investigation report Maharaj said there are statements from at least three soldiers in the CID report who said Smither showed up to formation Jan. 14, 2020, and was turned away from the emergency room. But, Maharaj said, a medical representative at a briefing given to Smither's mother said he did not believe Smither was turned away. The report shows that when the first sergeant was asked about Smithers attempt to get care at Womack Army Medical Center, the senior leader said Smithers platoon sergeant told him Smither was told by the ER to see his primary care physician. Hospital discharge paperwork found in his room confirms Smither went to the ER Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, 2020. Those records were included in an informal investigation conducted by military officers under Army Regulation 15-6. According to the CID report, a patient tag from Womack Army Medical Center dated Jan. 15, 2020, was found on Smither's body. The report notes that Smithers last communication with anyone was when he spoke with a friend on Snapchat about 2 p.m. Jan. 17, 2020. Smither told the friend about having a concussion and how he hated it. Maharaj said he and Baker have not seen a timestamp of that Snapchat and that the friend indicated to Baker the Jan. 17 date is incorrect. His mother said she suspects the last time anyone on Fort Bragg communicated with her son was Jan. 15, after the last doctor's appointment. The only soldiers who said they had contact with him at any time after that, she noted, are the specialist who initially lied about checking on him and the corporal who said he couldnt find a call log of his last chat with Smither and who blamed drinking for his faulty memory. She said the state of her son's body makes it unclear to her when he was last seen alive. The informal investigation concluded that despite no medical directive to keep an eye on Smither, two people specifically the specialist tasked with checking on him and the corporal also in his chain of command seemed apathetically disengaged in their responsibility for the welfare of PV2 Smither. The leadership failed for at least four days to check on the health and welfare of a junior paratrooper who injured his head, vomited, went to the emergency room twice, had a concussion, and seemingly was no better as the week progressed," the investigating officer wrote. The report recommended the unit consider administrative action against the two soldiers and examine procedures or set new ones for health and welfare checks after a soldier suffers a head injury. The investigating officer concluded the departure of Smithers sergeant to the leadership course created a gap that resulted in no direct supervisor verifying whether measures were followed to check on Smither. The officer noted that while the sergeant asked the specialist to check on Smither during the four-day weekend, it was not a formal order. The informal investigation also concluded that neither misconduct nor negligence, on the part of PV2 Smither contributed to his death. During a briefing with Baker and her attorney, commanders said the specialist was given non-judicial punishment for dereliction of duty and making a false official statement. The family is told the investigation is complete. Baker's attorney questions why there hasnt been a court-martial to address what he described as Smither's team leader impeding an investigation. What is the criminality that they're looking at? Because to me, that is criminal to lie to an investigator under oath, Maharaj said. It's a disservice to everyone involved It's jaw-dropping, and Caleb should be here today." Baker said that she thinks that along with the specialist who lied, others in the unit bear responsibility. She wants to know why no one knocked on her son's door or thought to bring him food during the weekend. She thinks any soldier who knew her son was injured should have cared enough to check on him instead of asking others to do it like the corporal. He saw warning signs that he didnt do anything about," Baker said. Baker also said she thinks military deaths should be investigated by those without a conflict of interest. Lt. Col Michael Burns, a spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division, said any loss of a soldier is a tragedy. We continue to mourn the unfortunate loss of PV2 Caleb Smither, and we remain diligent in our practices to care for, monitor and supervise injured paratroopers throughout the recovery process," Burns said last month. Meningitis diagnosis Five months after Smithers body was found, the final autopsy results would list the cause of death as acute bacterial meningitis not a head injury. The CT scan found no brain bleed, fracture or signs of traumatic brain injury, but a tissue examination revealed the finding of bacterial meningitis, the CID report said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningitis causes a bacterial or viral infection around the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light all of which were noted in the records of Smithers ER visits. There are three types of bacteria that cause meningitis, and vaccines do not protect against all the strains of each bacteria, according to the CDC. While Smithers immunization records showed he received a meningitis vaccine in May 2019, it was for a different strain than what he contracted, the report said. A doctor said the strain of bacteria Smither had typically entered the brain via head trauma, but there was no indication at autopsy that a head injury was the cause, according to the report. The doctor called the head injury a red herring and said Smithers headache and vomiting were likely symptoms of meningitis. The emergency room originally labeled his condition as post-concussion syndrome. Baker wants to know why her sons meningitis diagnosis wasnt caught sooner, despite a doctor in the CID report saying his scans showed his sinuses were swollen. How often is someone coming to the ER with night vision goggles during the daytime? she asked. Womack Army Medical Center declined to comment on Smither's care citing patient confidentiality. "Womack does review policies, procedures and processes to ensure we deliver quality, safe healthcare," said Shannon Lynch, a spokeswoman for Womack Army Medical Center. Paratrooper and NCO creeds Baker, who has started a TikTok account to create awareness about her sons death, repeated the paratrooper creed in a video posted to the account and in the Zoom interview from her Texas home with The Fayetteville Observer. She reflects on a line in the paratroopers creed that states I shall never fail my fellow comrades by shirking any duty or training " The line Im a member of the team in the soldiers creed stands out to her. In the non-commissioned officer creed, Baker keys in on I know my soldier, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers " Calebs whole unit let him down, Baker said. It's not like Caleb lost an eye or limb. He lost his life. Baker said she wants non-commissioned officers to be the types of leaders she thinks her son had the potential to become. Heather Baker visits the gravesite of her son, Pvt. 2nd Class Caleb "Smitty" Smither. I cant bring Caleb back, but maybe we can save a few soldiers and remind leadership to lead with integrity and empathy, she said. I gave up my only son for this country ... I just want to grieve and be done with it, but when I know something's not right, I can't stop." This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Soldier found dead in barracks; mother questions death Show me better Reading The Star recently, I am wondering why anyone would be inclined to visit Missouri. The newspaper reports Missouri leads the nation in new COVID-19 cases at a rate of 1,000 per day. (July 2, 1A, Missouri seeks federal help as delta virus variant spreads) Missouri has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, and area hospitals are again rapidly filling intensive care unit beds, this time with many patients under 40. Missouri also opened for business with a mask at your own discretion attitude, and consequently the states popular vacation destinations have become hot spots of infection. If all that isnt enough bad news for Missouri tourism, add on that the Kansas City police are ranked among the worst performing in the nation. (July 3, 1A, Terrible scores for KC police says it all, civil rights leaders say) They use more deadly force, solve fewer homicides, make more arrests for low-level offenses and dont seem to hold officers accountable for complaints of excessive violence and discrimination. Come on, Missouri: The Show-Me State can do better. Show up for your vaccines. Show support and wear a mask to protect the vulnerable. Show the nation that Missouri is a model of good law enforcement. Show off our state and its tourist attractions as a safe, secure and pleasurable destination. - Trish Philyaw, Lees Summit Loss of life With Missouri holding the dubious honor of being a leader in COVID-19 cases, I do not understand how getting vaccinated against the coronavirus has become so political. A virus that has killed more than 600,000 Americans still finds many people resisting treatment to save their own lives and the lives of family members until it is too late, then they regret putting it off. Most of these people listen to the conservative alternative media networks misinformation. Recently, Kansas Democratic officials have released a public service announcement advocating getting the vaccine. There were no Republican counterparts involved. In Missouri, we have not seen the same from our Republican governor or any GOP lawmakers. Story continues I would think that losing voters to COVID-19 would give the governor and legislators incentive to support vaccinations. - David Goettel, Independence In over his head An open letter to Superintendent David Buck and the Lees Summit school board: After attending the June 23 hearing for Joe Oswald, I think you, Dr. Buck, are a textbook example of what the administrator of a large public school (with more than 2,000 students) should not be. (June 25, 8A, Lees Summit rule makes teachers repeat curses, slurs?) Your actions against Oswald, one of your best and most experienced teachers, certainly appear to show you have mastered the qualities of narrow-mindedness and egotism, while you lack the ability to listen, support your faculty and staff, or to make sound decisions. When your proven administrators and teachers make sound recommendations, listen and follow their recommendations. Let them make you look good by supporting them. On the positive side, Dr. Buck, you really looked good in your expensive suit and neatly trimmed goatee. As a former teacher, administrator and school board member, I would like to close with two tips for the Lees Summit R-7 Board of Education: In choosing a superintendent, be mindful that advanced degrees and certifications do not equate to a good executive. Thank Dr. Buck for his time and brief service, along with the suggestion he return to Osage R-3 or another similar-sized district. He is way out of his league at Lees Summit schools. - Michael Kriegshauser, Eldon, Missouri Worth the wait I live near South Oak Park in Waldo, and was worried that a recent water runoff project on the west side of the park would be a fiasco. Work went on for several years, with lots of wooded area removed, loss of wildlife, blasting, trucks and more. I'm happy to report that the work is now complete and very beautifully done. I walked the two new wooden bridges that merge the park to the Trolley Trail and am so happy. Kudos to all in the city who worked on the project. - Marilyn Brohm, Kansas City Living on the streets can actually mean life in a tent The downward spiral in Stephen's life began when his wife of 16 years left. The father-of-four admits he could not cope. There were twists of mental anguish, then financial ones. The 49-year-old says he was forcibly removed from his home after falling behind on rent and bills. When he hit rock bottom, he was living alone in a two-man tent on the Trans Pennine Trail and spending time in a bus station to stay warm. He relied on churches, charities, and good samaritans for food. Now, he is dragging himself back up from those depths. He was found somewhere more suitable to live during the pandemic, and has recently applied for permanent council tenancy. There has been one big barrier to living independently in adequate accommodation - he had no bank account. He had no documents to enable him to open an account - no paperwork or identification of any kind. He was helped by a link between the council and HSBC. For the last 18 months, the High Street bank has provided access to a basic bank account - which does not allow credit - to people like Stephen without a photo ID or proof of their address. Instead, a charity or council caseworker verifies their identity. A total of 1,144 accounts have been opened under the scheme. Maxine Pritchard, head of financial inclusion at HSBC UK, says that the pandemic has made the problem of homelessness even more acute. Rough sleeping has risen in London over the past year "Without a bank account it's extremely difficult to claim benefits, rent accommodation or receive wages, which means people who are homeless can become trapped in their current situation. That just simply isn't fair," says Ms Pritchard. Stephen says it is making a difference to his life. "It means so much for me," he says. "It helps to build the life skills I've lost over time." He says that being able to set up a direct debit is vital for getting on top of bills. After relying on the generosity of others, he can now manage the basics such as food shopping in the supermarket. This is something, he says, which made him anxious at first, but is another step towards a better life. Story continues The scheme is not the only one supporting homeless people in setting up bank accounts. Last month, the BBC reported on a small pilot project led by social enterprise Proxy Address in conjunction with Lewisham Council. It is giving 20 homeless people access to a virtual address they can use to apply for services. If all goes to plan, the hope is that the scheme will be extended. Hundreds of others have been assisted by the Big Issue Group, partly in order to process contactless payments when selling the magazine. Many have been given Zettle card readers to accept contactless payments from shoppers on the street who increasingly find themselves with only a card, rather than coins, in their wallet. One of those to use the card reader, and who benefitted from a new bank account, is Dave. The 59-year-old, who sells the Big Issue in London, says: "It definitely helped my sales. And because of the pandemic, card sales increased a lot. "I call it Covid reasons - people shop less regular, they shop online, or are just afraid to come out. You get a lot of people who don't engage any more, withdraw into themselves." Beth Thomas, from The Big Issue, says the pandemic has accelerated its programme of ensuring vendors can accept cards as well as cash. About 30% of Big Issue sellers are now cashless. As more and more of them gain access to money in a bank account, it may see them take one of many steps needed towards a more hopeful future. Two men with South Florida ties are accused of taking part in the assassination of Haitis president. Like much about this weeks shocking murder in the troubled country, mystery shrouds the few details about them. Haitian authorities on Thursday identified Haitian-American James J. Solages, 35, as one of those captured in the manhunt for the killers of President Jovenel Moise. They later identified a second Haitian-American man, Vincent Joseph, 55, as well as four Colombian nationals. In all, there were 28 presumed assassins, Haiti National Police said, noting that 26 are Colombians and only two Haitian Americans. During a press conference late Thursday, the men were brought out to a conference room with journalists, where police singled out Solages and Joseph, and at one point moved them closer to the center of a wall where they were seated on the floor with their hands restrained behind their backs. Not far from the men were two long tables filled with weapons, machetes, bulletproof vests and cell phones. It remains unclear why the Haitian government believes Solages and Joseph are involved, how long theyd been in the country, how and when they arrived there or even what their motive was. U.S. officials said they are aware of accusations against U.S. citizens, but could not address the charges with any specifics due to privacy concerns. This screenshot shows a profile picture of James Solages from his Facebook page, now taken down. Haitian authorities on July 8, 2021, accused the South Florida resident of taking part in the assassination of the Haitian president. Late Thursday, there was confirmation that Solages had once worked for a company that contracted to provide security for the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. It was one of the few details emerging about him. We are aware of allegations implicating an individual who was briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard by a security company hired by Global Affairs Canada in 2010, said a government official, who demanded anonymity because of the volatile situation in Haiti. Public records show Solages lived in Tamarac and does not have any criminal record. What little legal footprint he has in the United States involves divorce proceedings. Story continues His aunt, Victorie Dorisme, told the Miami Herald that she learned of the accusation from Haitian television and is perplexed how the South Florida maintenance man became a suspected international assassin. Ive never heard of him in any trouble like this, Dorisme said, adding that Solages had his mail delivered to her address while changing apartments because of his divorce. She said he divided his time between his job as a building maintenance man and running a small charity. Multiple news reports said Solages described himself on his charity website as a former bodyguard for the Canadian Embassy in Hait an embellishment somewhat confirmed Thursday night. That website appears to have stopped working, and calls and emails to the charity were not returned. Solages has an established South Florida footprint on social media. His Facebook page, now taken down, said he attended Fort Lauderdale High School, and based on his date of birth on Aug. 19, 1985, he would have been there in the early 2000s. His social media page said that between 2015 and 2018 he went on to study at Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek and later Florida Career College, where he says he got an associate degree in Information Technology. Solages Facebook page said he is originally from Jacmel, a port town on Haitis southern coast. He had a Florida-registered business called FWA SA A JACMEL AVAN INC, which on his LinkedIn page he describes as an economic empowerment charity. Florida corporate records also show he has a business with two other Haitian men, who are also affiliated with the charity, called EJS Maintenance & Repair LLC. It was opened in the record books in April 2010, and its most recent annual report was filed on May 1. His LinkedIn page calls him the CEO of the remodeling company and lists a start date of 2011. The question of how Solages earned a living before this week is confounding. Experienced building engineer specialize in infrastructure, Equipment, HAVC, Painting with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry, he said in the About section of his LinkedIn page that describes himself. Skilled in Customer Service, Strategic Planning, budgeting, Team Building, Leadership, Public Speaking, and Training. His Facebook page showed that nearly a decade ago, he did some modeling work. More recently it showed him wearing a dapper business suit, and he posted some photos of armored vehicles. Several of the friends with whom he interacted were in the security business, including a private security guard in Tampa who is Haitian but used an English pseudonym. Solages listed Spanish, English, French and Haitian Creole as languages he speaks. Solages LinkedIn page lists him presently as a plant operations manager in Lantana, nearly 40 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, for a company called Senior Lifestyle. That company runs senior communities nationwide, and in Lantana it operates the Carlisle Palm Beach, which describes itself as an upscale resort-style senior living option. Workers there declined to say whether Solages worked there. Much less is known about Vincent Joseph. Haitian authorities said he lives in or lived in Miami. There is little public footprint on Joseph. McClatchy Washington Bureau national security correspondent Michael Wilner and Miami Herald reporter Allie Pitchon contributed to this story. 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. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The Mexican attorney general's office said on Friday it had launched a criminal investigation into suspected illicit enrichment by former Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo, a senior official in the previous administration. Guajardo, who was in charge of the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) driven by former U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissed the accusation as an act of political persecution for his criticism of the government. The attorney general's office said prosecutors believed that during the period 2014-2018 Guajardo's wealth had probably increased to a degree that could not be accounted for legally. In a statement published online, Guajardo rejected the "unjust accusation", and said he would clear his name. A member of the centrist opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Guajardo is due to re-enter Congress when the new lower house convenes in September. A judge ordered Guajardo not to leave the country without judicial authorization and to report to authorities at regular intervals, the attorney general's office said. Guajardo said the attorney general's office also wanted to stop him from taking the oath of office as a member of Congress but that the judge did not grant this. The attorney general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Guajardo told local radio prosecutors were looking into around 9 million pesos ($452,265), including a painting he had acquired, and a transfer of around $300,000 from his brother. The former minister said he had registered the painting in a public declaration of assets at a time later than the year he bought it, because it had not yet been delivered. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has relentlessly sought to vilify the previous Mexican administration, accusing it of fomenting inequality, corruption and gang violence. ($1 = 19.8998 Mexican pesos) (Reporting by Sharay Angulo and Raul Cortes; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Sandra Maler) Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel agreed to open an investigation into individuals who may have personally profited off election fraud claims that a Republican-led state Senate committee determined to be false. The state Senate Oversight Committee recommended an investigation as part of its recent 55-page report examining and refuting allegations of widespread voter fraud in Michigan during the 2020 election. After reviewing the report in full, the department has accepted Sen. [Ed] McBroom and the committees request to investigate, Lynsey Mukomel, Nessel's press secretary, told the Washington Examiner in a statement on Thursday. Michigan State Police will assist in the investigation, Mukomel added. AUDITOR GENERAL INVESTIGATING COVID-19 DEATHS IN MICHIGAN NURSING HOMES The committees report found election results were accurate after numerous allegations of fraud by former President Donald Trump and his supporters after President Joe Biden won the state of Michigan and its 16 Electoral College votes by roughly 150,000 ballots. After innumerable hours over many months, watching, listening, and reading both in-person testimony and various other accounts, I am confident in asserting that the results of the November 2020 General Election in Michigan were accurately represented by the certified and audited results, said McBroom, the Republican chairman of the oversight committee, in a statement when the report was released last month. The committee found only two instances of dead people voting but determined one was a clerical issue and the other was a timing issue. None of these constituted fraudulent election activities or manipulations, the report said. Those alleging that hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots were mailed to voters without being requested fallaciously equated ballot applications with the ballots themselves, the committee also found. The committees report took a special focus on Antrim County, where some critics, including attorney Matthew DePerno in a lawsuit, have argued the hacking of voting machines was responsible for Trumps loss in the county. The report found DePernos arguments to be demonstrably false and based on misleading information and illogical conclusions. Story continues Former state Sen. Patrick Colbeck and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who also made fraud claims about the election, are also mentioned in the report. As one of its recommendations, the committee suggested the attorney general consider investigating those who have been utilizing misleading and false information about Antrim County to raise money or publicity for their own ends. The Committee finds those promoting Antrim County as the prime evidence of a nationwide conspiracy to steal the election place all other statements and actions they make in a position of zero credibility, the report said. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said her office looked forward to working with Nessel on the investigation into what she called the real fraud that took place in 2020: efforts to deceive Michigan citizens about their vote with misleading, false statements about the accuracy & integrity of our elections. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Michigan, 2020 Elections, Law, Election Fraud, Investigation Original Author: Jeremy Beaman Original Location: Michigan attorney general to investigate 2020 election fraud profiteers KABUL/ MOSCOW (Reuters) -Taliban officials said on Friday the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan, and international concern mounted over problems getting medicines and supplies into the country. Afghan government officials dismissed the assertion that the Taliban controlled most of the country as part of a propaganda campaign launched as foreign forces, including the United States, withdraw after almost 20 years of fighting. But local Afghan officials said Taliban fighters, emboldened by the withdrawal, had captured an important district in Herat province, home to tens of thousands of minority Shiite Hazaras. Torghundi, a northern town on the border with Turkmenistan, had also been captured by the Taliban overnight, Afghan and Taliban officials said. Hundreds of Afghan security personnel and refugees continued to flee across the border into neighbouring Iran and Tajikistan, causing concern in Moscow and other foreign capitals that radical Islamists could infiltrate Central Asia. Three visiting Taliban officials sought to address those concerns during a visit to Moscow. "We will take all measures so that Islamic State will not operate on Afghan territory... and our territory will never be used against our neighbours," one of the Taliban officials, Shahabuddin Delawar, told a news conference. He said "you and the entire world community have probably recently learned that 85% of the territory of Afghanistan has come under the control" of the Taliban. The same delegation said a day earlier that the group would not attack the Tajik-Afghan border, the fate of which is in focus in Russia and Central Asia. Asked about how much territory the Taliban held, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declined direct comment. "Claiming territory or claiming ground doesn't mean you can sustain that or keep it over time" he said in an interview with CNN. "And so I think it's really time for the Afghan forces to get into the field - and they are in the field - and to defend their country, their people." Story continues "They've got the capacity, they've got the capability. Now it's time to have that will," he said. HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS As fighting continued, a World Health Organization (WHO)official said health workers were struggling to get medicines and supplies into Afghanistan, and that some staff had fled after facilities came under attack. The WHO's regional emergencies director, Rick Brennan, said at least 18.4 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 3.1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition. "We are concerned about our lack of access to be able to provide essential medicines and supplies and we are concerned about attacks on health care," Brennan, speaking via videolink from Cairo, told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. Some aid will arrive by next week including 3.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and oxygen concentrators, he said. They included doses of Johnson & Johnson's shot donated by the United States and AstraZeneca doses through the COVAX facility. A U.S. donation of more than 1.4 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived on Friday, the U.N. children's agency UNICEF said. In Afghanistan, a prominent anti-Taliban commander said he would support efforts by Afghan forces to claw back control of parts of western Afghanistan, including a border crossing with Iran. Mohammad Ismail Khan, widely known as the Lion of Herat, urged civilians to join the fight. He said hundreds of armed civilians from Ghor, Badghis, Nimroz, Farah, Helmand and Kandahar provinces had come to his house and were ready to fill the security void created by foreign force withdrawal. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday the Afghan people must decide their own future and that he would not consign another generation of Americans to the two-decade-old war. Biden set a target date of Aug. 31 for the final withdrawal of U.S. forces, minus about 650 troops to provide security for the U.S. embassy in Kabul. Biden said Washington had long ago achieved its original rationale for invading the country in 2001: to root out al-Qaeda militants and prevent another attack on the United States like the one launched on Sept. 11, 2001. The mastermind of that attack, Osama bin Laden, was killed by a U.S. military team in neighbouring Pakistan in 2011. (Reporting by Kabul, Moscow, Geneva and Washignton bureaux, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Oxycontin maker Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, will pay the state of Minnesota $50 million over the next nine years as part of a broader $4.3 billion settlement with multiple states. Why it matters: The state plans to use that money for addiction prevention, treatment, and efforts to help residents recover from the opioid crisis that Oxycontin contributed to, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced yesterday. The money should help plug a shortfall in what was supposed to be a $20 million-a-year state opioid response fund, generated by fees on companies that make and distribute prescription painkillers here. More than 4,800 Minnesotans died of opioid overdoses from 2000 to 2019, according the state Department of Health. Opioid-involved deaths in the state surged by 59% in 2020, during the pandemic. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Driving the news: Minnesota was one of 15 additional states to sign on to a Purdue Pharma exit plan. Those states pushed for a better settlement and got an additional $1.5 billion, plus the disclosure of 30 million internal documents. Ellison said he was part of the push to get those documents released. What he's saying: "When it came to the Sackler family, they knew the damage they were causing and they caused it anyway, all for the sake of personal profit and their own self-glorification," he said. "Now with this resolution, the whole world will see what they did." What's ahead: The additional 15 states signing off leaves just nine states and the District of Columbia remaining opposed to the plan. The Associated Press reports that the latest batch of states make it more likely the federal bankruptcy judge will confirm the deal. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free BUCHAREST (AP) Moldovan voters go to the polls this weekend in a snap parliamentary election that could decide whether the former Soviet republic fully embraces pro-Western reforms or prolongs a political impasse under strong Russian influence. The landlocked country of 3.5 million Europe's poorest, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine has in recent years lurched from one political crisis to another, dogged by instability and stuck in geopolitical limbo between pro-Western and pro-Russia forces. Although Moldova signed a deal with the European Union in 2014 on forging closer political and economic ties, rampant corruption and lack of reform have hindered development and at times drawn strong criticism from Brussels. Analysts say Sunday's election could prove decisive for the future of the country, which gained independence in 1992 but has seen widespread disillusionment with post-Soviet politics, and an exodus of hundreds of thousands of citizens seeking a better future abroad. These elections are crucial for Moldovas future development, Iulian Groza, executive director of the Chisinau-based Institute for European Policies and Reforms think tank, told The Associated Press. It is basically a struggle between the incumbent kleptocrats, and new pro-reform elites willing and ready to clean the system from corrupt practices. Over three million registered voters will choose Sunday among more than 20 parties, but only four are expected to make it to the 101-seat legislature. The main battle will be between the pro-Reform Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and a Moscow-friendly bloc made up of the Communists and Socialists, headed by two former presidents. Current Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who used to lead the pro-reform bloc, told voters that this is our chance to cleanse the political class. She forced the election in April by dissolving parliament shortly after Moldovas highest court abolished a state of emergency imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Story continues You decide who will be part of the next parliament and government, the 49-year-old former World Bank official said in an online post. It is up to you how quickly we can save the country from corruption and poverty. Moldovas last parliamentary elections in 2019 led to a series of awkward coalitions and occasional deadlock in parliament. Sandu forced the snap polls by twice nominating prime ministerial candidates that were unlikely to be approved by parliament, which then had to be dissolved according to the Constitution. She now aims to build on her presidential victory last November by securing a clear pro-reform government that she can work with. Igor Dodon, a former president with close links to Russia, whom Sandu beat in a presidential runoff last year, warned of instability if reformists take power in a country still mistrustful of changes aligned with Western values. Only our team is able to end the chaos in the country, ensure social protection of people, restore the economy, strengthen statehood, Dodon, whose party campaigns on high social spending and traditional family values, said earlier this week. Recent opinion polls have given a lead to the pro-Sandu PAS party, but the result could largely depend on turnout among Moldovas more than 200,000 diaspora voters. Radu Magdin, an analyst at Smartlink Communications, said a strong turnout likely would mean strong support for the reformists. The main question, which could turn everything around, is mobilization, he said. Svetlana Eremka, a 40-year-old design manager who lives in Essex, U.K., hopes this election brings a "new beginning. Our nation been struggling for the last 30 years or so, with little success ... it is a lot of work and requires each of us to participate and help to build a new system, she said, adding that she hopes many Moldovan students living abroad can move back and believe there is bright future ... not just for a few elites but the vast majority of the population." The EU has earmarked a 600-million-euro ($710 million) recovery package for Moldova to help the economy recover from the pandemic and boost investment. But Brussels has warned the money is conditioned on judicial and anti-corruption reform. In Transparency Internationals 2020 Corruptions Perception Index, Moldova ranked 115th out of 180 countries, with the first place being the least corrupt. Sabin Rufa, a 20-year-old student at Warwick University in the U.K., believes this election comes at a crucial moment in his countrys democratic history. I feel this election as perhaps the most important milestone in the last 10 years, especially for the progressive people that wish Moldova to develop in line with democratic standards and institutions, he said. I hope that in another 10 years, I will look back to this election knowing that it was a turning point. With all its imperfections, Moldova is where I want to build a future for myself, for my family, and for my compatriots. Jul. 8The arrows flew. Kids smiled, exchanged high-fives and fist bumps with Mom and Dad, and grandparents, too. Archery continues to increase in popularity by leaps and bounds, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has a program designed to help youth and educators learn a sport which has been practiced for thousands of years. For several years, the state agency has partnered with the National Archery in Schools Program, which started in 2002 to bring the sport into schools across Montana. According to FWP spokesman Dillon Tabish, the program is in 14 schools in northwestern Montana and 70 across the state. Kalispell has several schools involved, while Somers, Kila, Marion, Plains, Thompson Falls and Hot Springs also offer it as part of their physical education curriculum. "It's been a very successful program in Montana and Region 1," Tabish said. "It's a great activity and it gives teachers a way to diversify their PE programs." Last Thursday at Lone Pine State Park, Tabish and Montana Wild's Ryan Schmaltz hosted a condensed version of the program for several young archers in waiting. The day before they hosted a training session for teachers. Montana Wild is the education division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Schmaltz is in charge of archery clinics, trainings, educational trunks, distance learning programs and statewide education. They were joined by Sarah Norlin and Kearstyn Cook, both with AmeriCorps and who are working with FWP for the next year. The quartet of instructors began their teaching with a loop of string by showing the kids how to stand and the ensuing steps before actually firing a real bow. Schmaltz covered the 11 steps archers use in the process of firing a bow, including stance, nocking an arrow, anchor point, aiming, release and follow through. "Learning to do it properly and doing it correctly in a consistent way is the key to success," Schmaltz said. Then, the kids got to use Mathews Genesis bows and Easton arrows to fire at large, bull's-eye targets which were set up a few yards from the firing line. Story continues The pairing of Genesis bows and Easton arrows is no accident, either. The bows have no let-off and is adjustable from 10-20 pounds in draw weight at any draw length, making it easy for virtually anyone to shoot. It was evident to observers and family members how much the kids enjoyed learning to shoot and getting better after a number of rounds. After a few rounds of aiming at targets, balloons were attached to them and the fun ramped up for the shooters. Tabish also touted archery and the program because it teaches other things, such as "focus, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful." "It's a fun activity and the teachers like it because it can be done inside, too," Tabish said. "We're trying to expand it, so anyone who is interested in getting involved we ask them to contact us." Grants are also available to assist educators who wish to teach archery or other programs. Montana Wild offers a transportation and lodging grant for Montana schools (fourth through 12th grades) to visit the Montana Wild Education Center and participate in a day of conservation education programs. The goal of the grant program is to assist schools in outlying areas, which are more than 50 miles from Helena, to come and learn at Montana Wild. More information is available by contacting Schmaltz at 406-444-9946 or rschmaltz@mt.org, or Tabish at dillon.tabish@mt.gov. Schools may also buy start-up kits, which include bows, arrows, targets, floor quivers and other items, at a substantial discount through the National Archery in Schools program. More information is available at naspschools.org/. By Sangmi Cha SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea has rejected planned shipments of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine that were being organised under the global COVAX distribution scheme due to concerns over side effects, a South Korean think-tank said on Friday. COVAX has said it would provide nearly 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's shots to North Korea. The first batch had been expected in late May but was delayed amid protracted consultations, South Korea said last month. North Korea has not reported any COVID-19 cases, a position questioned by South Korean and U.S. officials. The reclusive country has, however, imposed strict anti-virus measures, including border closures and domestic travel curbs. According to the report by the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS), which is affiliated with South Korea's spy agency, Pyongyang is now looking at other vaccine options. Asked about the report, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization alliance, one of the organisations that co-leads COVAX, referred specific questions about North Korea's preferences and policies to the government in Pyongyang. "We continue to work with DPRK authorities, as we work with all the countries we serve, to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic," a GAVI spokesperson said, using the initials of North Korea's official name. The INSS report also said North Korea is not keen on Chinese vaccines due to concerns they may not be that effective, but it has shown interest in shots made in Russia, hoping they would be donated free of charge. "It's leaning towards the Russian vaccine, yet no arrangements have been made," Lee Sang-keun, director of strategic research on the Korean peninsula at INSS, told Reuters, citing unnamed sources. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow has offered Pyongyang vaccines on a number of occasions. Lee added that North Korean authorities had become concerned about the AstraZeneca vaccine after reports of rare but serious blood clotting events among some people who received it. While North Korea allowed its diplomats overseas to receive COVID-19 shots starting at the end of March, it is not making attempts to secure the vaccines for internal use, INSS said. (Reporting by Sangmi Cha; Editing by Josh Smith, Edwina Gibbs and Gareth Jones) Naomi Osaka said Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama reached out after she quit the French Open. Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images, VCG/VCG via Getty Images, Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Glamour Naomi Osaka says Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama reached out after she quit the French Open. Osaka thanked Markle and Obama in an essay for TIME, where she wrote about mental health. Both Obama and Markle previously opened up about their own struggles. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Naomi Osaka thanked Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama in an essay she penned for TIME, which detailed her mental-health journey since withdrawing from the French Open earlier this year. In a statement about the decision to withdraw, published in May, Osaka wrote that she had experienced bouts of depression since the 2018 US Open and that she gets "huge waves of anxiety" before speaking to the media. Writing in the TIME essay, the 23-year-old reflected on how scrutiny from the press has impacted her mental health. She also called for the reform of sports press conferences, saying they should be "less subject vs. object; more peer to peer." "I communicated that I wanted to skip press conferences at Roland Garros to exercise self-care and preservation of my mental health. I stand by that. Athletes are humans," Osaka wrote. Naomi Osaka. Getty/Tim Clayton-Corbis "Tennis is our privileged profession, and of course there are commitments off the court that coincide. But I can't imagine another profession where a consistent attendance record (I have missed one press conference in my seven years on tour) would be so harshly scrutinized," she added. Osaka went on to thank those who have supported her, including "my family and friends, who have been amazing. There is nothing more important than those relationships." "I also want to thank those in the public eye who have supported, encouraged and offered such kind words," she wrote, adding that Michelle Obama, Michael Phelps, Steph Curry, Novak Djokovic, and Meghan Markle were among those to offer support. Osaka didn't elaborate on what was said by the individuals who reached out to her. Story continues Markle and Obama have spoken publicly about their own mental health in the past The former first lady spoke to Stephen Colbert about how she deals with "low-grade depression" back in May. "I surround myself with things that make me feel good - family, friends, walks, exercise. So when I talk to my kids about that, I try to urge them to understand that the valleys are temporary, and so are the peaks. They have to be prepared to handle the highs and the lows," Obama said. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex appeared in Prince Harry's mental-health docuseries, "The Me You Can't See," earlier this year, after previously sharing that she experienced suicidal thoughts during her time in the royal family. Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in March, Markle said: "I was ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry. But I knew that if I didn't say it - then I would do it." Read Osaka's essay on TIME here. Read the original article on Insider Jul. 9GUILFORD COUNTY A Guilford County-based N.C. State Highway Patrol trooper is accused of selling guns and ammunition to a man he knew was a convicted felon. Timothy Jay Norman, 47, of Browns Summit not only sold pistols and military-style AR-15 rifles emblazoned with the Highway Patrol's name and badge to Tommy Lee Hudson, 33, of Reidsville, as well as to other people, he sometimes did it while on duty and in uniform, dealing the weapons from the trunk of his patrol car, according to an affidavit by FBI Special Agent Phillip Spainhour released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina. Norman and Hudson were arrested Wednesday on federal firearms charges. Hudson had been convicted in 2016 on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. As a convicted felon, he could not legally own or possess any firearms. The Raleigh Police Department notified the FBI in April that Hudson, who was a subject of a drug trafficking investigation, had introduced a police informant to Norman and described Norman as his supplier of firearms and ammunition. Hudson told the informant that the ammunition available through Norman was what law enforcement officers used, which is heavier and deadlier than what is available commercially to the public, the affidavit said. During the course of the investigation, Norman sold guns and ammunition to either Hudson or the informant three times while the FBI monitored the purchases, the affidavit said. The second time was at Norman's house, and Norman was in uniform and drove up in his patrol car. The third time, Norman was on duty and met the informant outside a burned-out business in Greensboro. Norman also offered to sell the informant a device for $250 that would allow an AR-15 to shoot rapidly, almost like a fully automatic machine gun, the affidavit said. Hudson told the informant that he and Norman had known each other for more than 10 years and had partied and used marijuana and cocaine together before Norman became a trooper, the affidavit said. Hudson and Norman also had gone through basic law enforcement training in 2010. Norman is charged with unlawful transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Hudson is charged with felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he also faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. On July 7,2021, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang during national Memorial Day commemorations. KCNA via REUTERS Kim Jong Un appears to have reshuffled North Korean leadership. Photo analysis indicates that multiple high-ranking officials have been demoted. The shifts follow expressions of frustration by Kim over the failings of senior officials. See more stories on Insider's business page. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to have dramatically reshuffled his senior leadership after expressing frustration with the negligence and irresponsible actions of some senior officials, offenses that have purportedly resulted in a "great crisis." Kim recently took a photo with top officials that confirmed suspicions a shake-up had taken place at the highest levels. In the photo, Ri Pyong Chol, a top military official who held the rank of marshal and oversaw aspects of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, is seen standing not in the front row but a few rows back and was dressed in civilian clothing, according to NK News. It appears that Ri is no longer a member of the Politburo Presidium. Pak Jong Chon, another top military official, seems to have been demoted from marshal to vice marshal, and another officer, Kim Jong Gwan, looked to have lost his vice marshal status. Photos also suggest that Choe Sang Gon, a science and education official, has lost his standing within the politburo, Reuters reported, noting that two other officials appear to have been promoted. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a Report on Enlarged Meeting of the 2nd Political Bureau of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. KCNA via REUTERS The apparent reshuffling of senior leadership follows a meeting in late June in which Kim chastised top officials for unspecified failings apparently linked to the COVID-19 situation. North Korean state media reported that Kim said "senior officials in charge of important state affairs neglected the implementation of important decisions of the [Worker's Party of Korea] on taking organizational, institutional, material, scientific and technological measures as required by the prolonged state emergency epidemic prevention campaign associated with the worldwide health crisis." Story continues He said their "lack of ability and irresponsibility" created "a great crisis in ensuring the security of the state and safety of the people." What that crisis may be is unclear, but there are indications that North Korea is facing a food shortage, economic challenges, and possibly COVID-19 outbreaks domestically. The Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the ruling worker's party, wrote recently that while some mistakes are forgivable, "causing critical harm to our party, country and people due to irresponsibility and negligence of duty is never acceptable," The Daily Beast reported. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during WPK meeting in Pyongyang. KCNA via REUTERS North Korea has always been very hard to read, and expert opinions on the subject tend to vary from person to person. Bruce Bechtol, a former Pentagon intelligence analyst and an expert on North Korea, told The Daily Beast recent developments indicate "the country is in big trouble right now," with other experts suggesting that more purges may follow. "Kim Jong Un is rewriting the internal dynamics of the regime," Ken Gause, an expert at a think tank, told The Wall Street Journal as others suggested that maybe Kim was blaming senior officials for not doing their jobs as desired. Some experts said Kim may be projecting his own leadership failings onto other officials. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during WPK meeting in Pyongyang. KCNA via REUTERS Michael Madden, a 38 North expert, recently cautioned against jumping to conclusions in discussions with Reuters, saying that "demotions are very common things in North Korea politics." Madden further explained that "we need to keep in mind that things that look like demotions to us can in fact be something else." Read the original article on Business Insider Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety issued on Friday an Endangered Missing Alert for a 21-year-old Cedar Hill man with autism and a bipolar disorder. Cedar Hill police said Friday night that the man had been found safe and would be reunited with his family. Cedar Hill police asked for help on Friday in locating 21-year-old Khoryn Willliams, who left his Cedar Hill home. Williams is a man with autism and a bipolar disorder. This type of alert is for those with intellectual disabilities who wander off. Khoryn Williams left his Cedar Hill home in the 200 block of Patton Drive about 5:30 a.m. Cedar Hill is about 30 miles southeast of Fort Worth. Cedar Hill police went door-to-door in their search for Williams. PARIS (AP) Paris police released rapper Lil Baby from custody on Friday after fining him for having cannabis in his car, according to the city prosecutor's office. He was stopped along with NBA star James Harden, who was frisked but not detained. Lil Baby's arrest on Thursday along one of the French capitals most upscale avenues shocked fans of both high-profile Americans, in town for Paris Fashion Week and also resurfaced questions about racial profiling in France. After his release, the Grammy-nominated rapper from Atlanta posted on Instagram Im Good and said that he was heading back to the U.S. Plainclothes police stopped Harden, Lil Baby and his bodyguard because a strong smell of cannabis was coming from their car, according to a French police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to be publicly named. The official said that Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones, initially refused to allow police to check the car. The situation was tense because the Americans didnt understand what was happening. Uniformed officers then arrived and proceeded to search the car, finding 32 grams of cannabis, according to the official. Lil Baby and the bodyguard were taken into custody on suspicion of transporting drugs, and released Friday morning after being handed fines, according to the prosecutor's office. Video of the incident shared online shows a plainclothes officer frisking a confused-looking Harden while he holds his phone. A student in the area described seeing the ruckus on what is normally a quiet avenue, lined with luxury boutiques. I turned my head and it was unbelievable, I saw Lil Baby and James Harden ... they are standing and are being frisked, said the witness, Lance Avraham Pena. Language appeared to pose a problem and police didnt recognize the two Americans, said Pena, who filmed a bit of the scene. Fans of Harden and the singer in France raised concerns online about racial profiling. But the Paris police department appeared to deflect suggestions the arrest was groundless by tweeting that it was based on an infraction. Both men are Black, and the police officers white. Story continues A lawyer who has researched racial profiling in France asked, Would a white person have been stopped the same way? ... Its not at all sure. Lawyer Slim Ben Achour cited research showing that white people in France are less likely to get stopped and frisked or fined for this kind of drug offense. The research also showed that police are more likely to carry out identity checks on Black or Arab men in housing projects known for crime, or in neighborhoods where the assumption is that they dont belong. You see that you can be a millionaire or a super star and you always have this stigma, Achour told The AP. Black Americans have their own problems and some think that Europe is better, and they see that ... there are common problems. A representative for Lil Baby did not respond to requests for comment. Lil Baby topped charts with his 2020 sophomore album My Turn, and reached the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his hit The Bigger Picture, which evokes the killing of George Floyd and other police abuse. In the opening frames of his Bigger Picture Grammy video released earlier this year, police make a Black man get out of his car and wrestle him to the ground. His collaborative album with Lil Durk called The Voice of the Heroes debuted at No. 1 this year. Other hits include Yes Indeed, featuring Drake, and Drip Too Hard. He won best male hip-hop artist at this years BET Awards and was named artist of the year at the Apple Music Awards last year. Harden, meanwhile, posted photos online soon before the arrest of the two friends at various Paris locales, but hasn't commented publicly since the incident. Harden, the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player, played with the Houston Rockets before joining the Nets this season. He briefly committed to play with the U.S. mens national team at the Tokyo Olympics later this month but has since told the national team that the hamstring injury that affected him during the NBA playoffs would not allow him to participate. ___ Kristin Hall in Nashville contributed. Get essential education news and commentary delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here for The 74s daily newsletter. All around Lourdes Flores there are signs that her border town of Mission is returning to pre-pandemic life: More restrictions have been lifted, shes no longer working strictly from home, and most people in her household have been vaccinated. However, theres one sign Flores is slow to embrace: Her daughter, Jazmin, will return to in-person learning for her sophomore year this fall in the La Joya Independent School District. If a choice is given, then Ill keep her at home for as long as I can until I know that its really safe to be out there, Flores said, adding that she worries current COVID-19 infection rates dont paint an accurate picture of the virus spread, as her daughters district plans to move ahead with a full return to campus. Remote learning soon wont be an option for many parents in the fall, as the Texas Education Agency pushes districts toward returning to in-person learning, citing data showing that it leads to better learning outcomes compared to remote instruction. The agency has announced that state funding for remote-only options wont be available for the upcoming school year, prompting many districts to announce a return to 100% in-person instruction. Despite this, the return to in-person learning is not a simple transition for some parents particularly parents of students of color after a year in which they say their children reaped some benefits from remote-only learning. Related: New Federal Data: Almost All Schools Offered In-Person Learning by Spring, But Attendance Varied Widely By Race When districts gave parents a choice between in-person and remote classes during the past year, according to data from the Texas Education Agency, students of color in Texas returned to in-person learning at lower rates than their white counterparts. As of January, about 56% percent of Texas students on average returned to on-campus instruction during the school year, including 75% of white students, about 53% of Black students, 49% of Hispanic students and 31% of Asian students. Story continues In an emailed statement, the TEA cited Covid-19s disproportionate economic and public health effect on communities of color as a reason for the lower in-person attendance and engagement rates among students of color. Experts say its necessary to consider the intersection of circumstances that could lead to such rates: Students may live in a multigenerational household and worry about infecting family members, or they could be tasked with extra responsibilities during the pandemic such as taking care of siblings or supplementing family income that make remote learning more conducive to their needs. Theres mostly quite a bit of fear and economic uncertainty. All of those things play a role in wanting to continue remote learning, said Hector Bojorquez, director of operations and educational practice at the Intercultural Development Research Association, a nonprofit that seeks to ensure equal opportunities for children in public education. Everybodys lives [were] thrown into chaos during the past year. People whose lives are already precarious economically are even more frightened of taking certain risks. The disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color can also present a challenge for parents in deciding to let their child return to in-person learning, said Leann Smith, an assistant professor at Texas A&M Universitys Department of Educational Psychology. We know that there were higher rates of COVID-related illnesses and death in those communities, so we are then putting the burden on parents for the most part to decide whether or not they want to risk further exposing their own community or their family to this virus, Smith said. Throughout the pandemic, a majority of coronavirus-related deaths in the state have been among Hispanic and Black Texans, who together comprise a little over 50% of the states population. As of late June, about 26% of Black Texans and about 32% of Hispanic Texans have been fully vaccinated, compared to about 38% of white Texans, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. For Stacey Smith, whose daughter is pregnant and contracted COVID-19 this past year while attending school in-person and participating in sports, an option for her child to learn remotely would put her more at ease. I feel like there should be options for parents that have kids that are at high risk instead of just saying This is what it is, said Smith, whos Hispanic and lives in Austin. In June, Austin ISD announced it would no longer be providing a virtual learning option for students. Catering to social needs For some parents, the desire to keep their children at home during the school year stemmed from some of the social challenges students may face in a school setting that can be unique to their race or identity. Tonya Reyes-Dickerson, who lives in Springtown outside of Fort Worth, said that before the pandemic, going to class in person was a challenge for her 10-year-old transgender son, who in the past has been the target of bullying at school. Springtown ISD has announced its returning to full in-person learning this fall. Being in virtual [school], we dont have to worry about that, Reyes-Dickerson said. Our child is protected from any of those types of dangers. During a school year that started on the heels of George Floyds death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and a summer of protests against racial injustice and police brutality, Smith said that because they were home, many children of color were also able to have more substantial conversations with their families that acknowledged their cultural perspective. That doesnt often happen in school, she said. The socialization that we would hope would happen in school but that research shows does not happen in school the parents were able to create that space at home, which is good, Smith said. So there are some mental health benefits of [students] being protected from what we know is very negative, discrimination and microaggressive experiences. Lashonda Chavers said virtual learning has given her two daughters a much-needed reprieve from some difficult interactions in the public school system. For example, her youngest daughter told her that during a dissection of a sheeps heart in science class, her teacher commented that it was Black peoples heritage to eat chitlins and Hispanic peoples heritage to eat menudo both dishes made with animal organs. I think we did better, my children, my girls, did better learning from home, said Chavers, 46, who is Black and Hispanic and whose daughters, a rising freshman and a rising senior, attend school in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD outside of Dallas. Their grades were just as good, and they were well adjusted, and they were happy, and they felt liberated. Her daughters school district has already announced that it will be returning to in-person learning with no online options for the upcoming school year. Chavers said she and her daughters arent vaccinated against COVID-19 because of her distrust in Western medicine. And shes nervous about them returning to the classroom in the fall. I think that all schools should provide hybrid courses for every child until this is over, or until we have such a good handle on it we havent even heard of any COVID cases, Chavers said. The return to in-person learning Learning loss during the pandemic has surpassed the usual decline associated with the summer months, according to the TEA. Between March 2020 and September 2020, students have lost an average of almost six months of learning, according to the TEA, with virtual learning students being disproportionately affected. Newly-released standardized test results also show the percentage of remote learning students who met grade level expectations dropped significantly this past year, especially in math and reading. For example, districts in which a quarter or more of the students were learning virtually saw a 32% drop in mathematics performance from 2019 to 2021. However, in districts where less than a quarter learned virtually, performance only dropped by 9%. Thankfully, from early on, Texas prioritized the availability of in-person instruction during this tremendously difficult year, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a statement. When students come into Texas public schools, they are well-served by Texas educators a fact that these scores confirm. In the plan that TEA submitted to the U.S. Department of Education that details how it intends to use federal stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan, the agency said that African American and Hispanic students in Texas have experienced, in general, more lost instructional time due to absenteeism, lower student engagement, and have engaged more in remote learning than their peers of other races/ethnicities. The TEA said it is actively working to address pandemic-induced learning loss, and is overseeing the distribution of $18 billion in federal stimulus funds for public schools. In April, the state released $11.2 billion of the federal stimulus funds for public schools that were allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan. The recently released money requires that districts reserve 20% of their funds to address learning loss through strategies such as summer programs, after-school programs or extending the school year. Kathy Rollo, superintendent of Lubbock ISD, said steps like those have helped students get back on track in her district, particularly through summer school programming to get children reacclimated to learning in person. Some districts, such as Lubbock ISD, San Antonio ISD and Austin ISD, have said they opted to return to full in-person instruction for the upcoming school year because the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have helped to fund virtual school programs. House Bill 1468 died as a result of House Democrats walkout to stop the passage of a GOP priority voting bill. In a joint letter sent to Gov. Greg Abbotton June 16, 30 school districts, including San Antonio ISD and Austin ISD, called for virtual school funding to be added to the agenda for the Legislatures special session, which starts this month. Rollo said even if the bill had passed, Lubbock ISD would not have offered virtual instruction for Pre-K through eighth grade. We were interested in investigating the potential of having an online virtual school for our high school students who are older, are able to more self-navigate through their learning opportunities, but when that bill did not pass that really is not an option for our district at this point, she said. Allyson Waller is a reporter at The Texas Tribune, the only member-supported, digital-first, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Related: Sign up for The 74s newsletter PMI has so far spent around $8bn (5.8bn) shifting its business away from the tobacco industry to 'accelerate the end of smoking' as an increasing number of people kick the habit to lead a healthier life. Photo: Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images Philip Morris International (PM), the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, has launched a 1bn ($1.38bn) bid for London-listed drug specialist Vectura (VEC.L), the companies said on Friday. The tobacco giant has agreed a 150p per share deal to buy the COVID treatment maker, which focuses on inhaled medicines to treat lung conditions. Philip Morris said the deal was part of an attempt to transform itself into a wellness company and shift from its current core business. Vecturas board recommended the sale to Philip Morris, which trumps a private deal by American buyout firm Carlyle in May priced at 136p-a-share. It had recommended shareholders accept Carlyles offer but withdrew support for the bid after receiving the higher offer from PMI. We recognise the material increase in the price offered to shareholders under the acquisition when compared with the Carlyle offer and have accordingly recommended the acquisition to shareholders, Bruno Angelici, Vecturas chairman, said. The acquisition will provide our people with the opportunity to form the backbone of an autonomous inhaled therapeutic business unit of PMI, helping develop products to improve patients lives and address unmet medical needs. Philip Morris bid represents a 10% improvement on Carlyle's offer and an 11% premium to Vecturas closing price on Thursday. Shares in Vectura surged more than 13% in London on the back of the news, amid speculation that further bids may be in the pipeline. Vectura shares rocketed 13% on Friday after the announcement. Chart: Yahoo Finance Philip Morris has spent around $8bn (5.8bn) shifting its business away from tobacco as an increasing number of people kick the habit of smoking. Philip Morris unveiled its 'Beyond nicotine' strategy in February. The company said it aims to be predominantly smoke-free by 2025, when it hopes tobacco revenues will account for less than half of total income. Respiratory drugs are a key area of focus for growth. Vectura makes inhalers and nebulisers, which allow patients to breathe in medication as a mist, either through a mouthpiece or a mask. It is also exploring inhalation as a way to treat non-respiratory diseases such as pulmonary vascular illnesses, cancer and COVID-19. Story continues The company counts Novartis AG (NVS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L) as customers. Read more: Delta variant concerns: Can I cancel my flight this summer? The market for inhaled therapeutics is large and growing rapidly, with significant opportunities to address unmet needs, said Jacek Olczak, chief executive of Philip Morris. By joining forces and investing our resources in the continued scientific excellence of our two companies we can secure critical capabilities to accelerate our long-term growth in beyond nicotine products, which is a core strategic focus for PMI. AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said: There seems to be an element of poacher turned gamekeeper for Philip Morris in this deal as it looks to use its expertise in inhalation for good making Vecturas inhaled drug delivery solutions a good fit. Vectura shareholders may be pleased this is an all-cash offer as many might have had ESG objections to being left with a position in a manufacturer of harmful cigarettes as opposed to a business working to improve peoples health. The Vectura bid is Philip Morris' second major deal in as many weeks. Last week it snapped up nicotine gum manufacturer Fertin Pharma for $820m. Watch: Philip Morris CFO talks earnings, potential nicotine regulations Suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise included the Haitian American citizens James Solages, left, and Joseph Vincent, second left. Joseph Odelyn/AP Photo/Insider Pictures have been released of the US suspects in the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. James Solages and Joseph Vincent were sitting on the floor during a press conference Thursday. Another 15 people were detained, and the police are searching for another eight. See more stories on Insider's business page. Images have been released of the suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, among them two with dual Haitian-US nationality. The image above shows the 35-year-old James Solages, left, and the 55-year-old Joseph Vincent, second left, held at the police General Directorate in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, according to the Associated Press. They are with four other unnamed suspects, who officials have said are Colombian. All appear to be restrained at the hands, and Vincent can be seen with zip-tie handcuffs. The two American citizens are among 17 people, the rest Colombian, detained on suspicion of storming Moise's family home in Pelerin 5 and killing him. NBC6 reporter Ryan Nelson tweeted a video showing the suspects: This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Leon Charles, the chief of Haiti's National Police, said law enforcement was looking for another eight suspects, the AP reported. Little is known about Vincent, but several online profiles appear to shed light on Solages. According to the Florida news outlet Local 10 News, Solages is a resident of South Florida who runs a charity seeking to help the Haitian town of Jacmel. Canadian officials confirmed that one of the suspects had briefly worked as a "reserve bodyguard" at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti, without naming Solages, the AP reported. Moise, 53, was killed by "a highly coordinated attack by a highly trained and heavily armed group," interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Wednesday, the AP reported. A Haitian judge told local media that Moise was found with 12 gunshot wounds to his head and torso. Read the original article on Business Insider A Boise man charged with vandalizing a statue of President Abraham Lincoln in Julia Davis Park pleaded guilty Friday morning to one misdemeanor count of injuring monuments, ornaments and public improvements. Terry Wilson, 37, was arrested in March after the Boise Police Department began an investigation into the statue vandalism in February. Boise Parks and Recreation staff were able to clean the statue, called Seated Lincoln, and no permanent damage was reported. At the Ada County Courthouse on Friday, Wilson admitted to defacing the statue. I placed eco-friendly chalk to make a statement along with a Black Lives Matter flag for the Dakota 38, Wilson said. Essentially no permanent damage was done to the monument. The objective as a leader in this community was to make a statement. In 1862, Lincoln ordered the execution of 38 Sioux who were convicted by a commission of military officers for participation in the U.S.-Dakota War. Wilsons attorney, Debra Groberg, said she, Wilson and the prosecution have been working to find a swift and appropriate solution to the case. The city protects free speech and is not making a statement about the content or message Mr. Wilson is making, but is taking this action because of the defacement of the statue and the expenditure of city resources regardless of the content, said Jonathan Roundy, deputy prosecutor for the city. The plea agreement they reached does not mean she and Wilson agree with city code on defacing property, said Groberg, who called the code vague and a violation of free speech. But she said the plea deal was beneficial to Wilson, who originally was charged with several misdemeanors, including resisting and obstructing officers during his arrest. Wilson is the head of a local Black Lives Matter chapter, Groberg said, and is also a professor at Boise State University who recently completed his graduate degree. He is currently seeing a tenure track and assistant professor position at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, she said. Story continues Wilson has Stage 4 cancer and serious health concerns, Groberg said. The stress of having this case pending against him, the stress of going to graduate school, working, the pandemic and the pleasurable but taxing work of promoting civil rights I applaud him for how he has handled that, she said. Wilson was ordered to spend 32 hours doing public service, which he has already completed, and to pay court fees and $94 in restitution to the city. Sweden and Estonia on Friday opened a fresh investigation into the 1994 sinking of the ferry MS Estonia in the Baltic Sea and the loss of 852 lives, accident authorities said. Only 137 people survived the disaster of the Tallinn to Stockholm ferry which went down in the early hours of September 28, 1994. Finland joined both countries in agreeing in 1995 to designate the wreck a final resting place and make it illegal to disturb the site. But legislation was recently amended to allow a re-examination of the sinking after a documentary cast doubt on the findings of the official investigation. Estonian icebreaker EVA-316 and Swedish research vessel Electra af Asko set sail Thursday and met up near the site of the wreck in international waters. "The surveys have started," Jonas Backstrand, chair of accident investigations at the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK), told AFP on Friday. A religious ceremony with bishops from Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania and Finland, was first held aboard the ships in memory of the dead. An Estonian trumpeter performed, news agency TT reported, and the bishops each threw a white rose into the sea. The original inquiry concluded that the disaster was caused by the bow door of the ship being wrenched open in heavy seas, allowing water to gush into the car deck. Survivors and relatives of the dead have fought for over two decades for a fuller investigation amid official reluctance to re-consider the causes. Experts told the documentary only a massive external force could rupture the bow door, raising questions about what really happened. "Electra af Asko was there last night already and I belive they've already done some calibration and testing ... so they are underway," Jorgen Zachau, head of the investigation for SHK, told AFP. The ten-day mission is a preliminary investigation with a sonar examination of seabed conditions and the position of the ferry. A remotely-operated underwater vehicle will take photos, ahead of a broader survey to be conducted in the spring of 2022. SHK estimates the preliminary probe will be completed this autumn. jll/bp Protesters gather in Virginia on June 12, 2021, to protest critical race theory. Congressman Mark Green has called for an Air Force Academy professor to be fired for teaching CRT to students (AFP via Getty Images) A Republican congressman who has branded the so-called cancel culture a sickness and compared it to communist China is now calling for a professor to be fired for teaching things he doesnt like: namely, critical race theory. Mark Green, a Republican representative from Tennessee and Army veteran, called for the US Air Force Academy to fire a political science professor who teaches critical race theory (CRT) in her classes, the latest in a growing nationwide push from Republicans to attack the academic discipline as dangerous even though virtually all of them either distort or misunderstand its teachings. In a letter to the acting Air Force Secretary on Wednesday, Mr Green said that professor Lynne Chander Garcias use of CRT in her classroom at the service academy is a full-throated attack on our country that undermines faith in US ideals laid out in the Constitution and disrespects soldiers. To suggest that these causes and wars were birthed out of racism disrespects those who died fighting against the Nazis in Europe, communists in Asia, or terrorists in the Middle East, the letter reads. If we allow this destructive ideology to be taught in our Military Service Academies, we will be responsible for this nations demise, he adds. Ms Garcia defended teaching future military officers critical race theory, an academic discipline that explores the influence of racism on US institutions, arguing in a Washington Post op-ed on Tuesday it gives them a more sophisticated and accurate understanding of US history, which highlights not just its triumphs but its contradictions and long history of mistreating non-white people. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The reality of the Constitution is that it upholds the rule of law and human rights, but once also allowed slavery and has been used to perpetuate legal discrimination, she writes in the opinion piece. As Frederick Douglass pointed out, although the Declaration of Independence and Constitution espoused liberty and justice, enslaved people had no part of those virtues and no reason to celebrate a day like the Fourth of July. Thurgood Marshall suggested a sensitive understanding of the Constitutions inherent defects and its promising evolution. Story continues Mr Green, like many on the right, has previously complained that the left is growing more intolerant and fostering a cancel culture, where public figures are punished for sharing unpopular views. Its easy to look at Chinas repressive regime and think that it could never happen here, he wrote in an opinion piece on Fox News in February . Yet after hearing demands from the far left to silence conservative voices, and after watching big tech and big business band together to deplatform conservatives, Im beginning to think America could be like a frog boiling slowly in a pot. In May, the congressman compared cancel culture to a sickness. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Air Force professor is the latest official in the military sphere to defend teaching service members about racism, after Mark Milley, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, defended CRT in a congressional testimony in June that went viral, arguing that it would help leaders understand incidents like the 6 January Capitol riot. I want to understand white rage, and Im white, and I want to understand it, he said. What is it that caused thousands of people to assault this building and try to overturn the constitution of the United States of America, what caused that? I want to find that out. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Critical race theory has become a bogeyman on the right, with many conservatives arguing it somehow promotes racism and divides people, even though the tenets of the discipline are quite the opposite, seeking to understand the mechanisms of racism with a view towards ultimately making them disappear. Some GOP states have moved to ban the teaching of critical race theory, even though most public schools dont teach it, which critics argue will silence or chill teaching about US history. Read More Why teachers unions are standing up against right-wing panic on critical race theory Tennessee mother starts $5,000 GoFundMe for 1st grader traumatised by critical race theory What is critical race theory, the school of thought enraging conservatives? Trump calls on Mark Milley to resign after top US military officer thrust into critical race theory debate Video footage shows GOP lawmakers thanking Democrats on filibuster (Undercurrent/Twitter/@lawindsor) A group of Republican lawmakers were caught telling activists to thank Democratic Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin for refusing to reform or eliminate the congressional filibuster. In footage reported by the Undercurrent on Friday, Republicans Andy Biggs, Rick Santorum, and Byron Donalds were secretly filmed telling activists to thank the two Democrats for refusing to abolish the filibuster. The rule requires a 60-vote majority for bills to pass the US Senate, and has been frustrating Democrats who accuse Ms Sinema and Mr Manchin of supporting a Republican blockade on US president Joe Bidens agenda. Mr Biggs was recorded telling activists that Democrats were "pushing as hard as they can" to enact that Democratic agenda, but fortunately for Republicans, Ms Sinema and Mr Manchin were steadfast in their support of the filibuster. "Fortunately for us, the filibuster's still in effect in the Senate, said Mr Biggs, in video tweeted by the Undercurrents Lauren Windsor on Twitter on Friday. Without that we would be dead meat and this thing would be done. He continued: "But thank goodness for Sinema and Joe Manchin. Another Republican, Mr Donalds, also appeared in the footage telling activists to thank the two Democrats for refusing to abolish the filibuster rule. "All of you in this room, people at home on Zoom, let me tell you right now, if you want to do one thing to keep the republic afloat, call Joe Manchin's office, call Kyrsten Sinema's office," said Mr Donalds, a Florida Republican. He added that he likes it when Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls out her colleagues for backing the filibuster, and told activists: This is great for me. Rick Santorum, a former Republican senator, was also at the event and told activists: Call Joe Manchin and say thank you, seriously. The West Virginia Democrat, a political rarity in the staunchly conservative state, wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post in April that "there is no circumstance in which I will vote to eliminate or weaken the filibuster," despite it threatening to derail Mr Bidens agenda, including a bill on infrastructure and voting rights. Story continues The revelations from the Undercurrent follows footage of Republican congressman Chip Roy telling activists the party wanted 18 months to slow down the Democrats agenda ahead of the 2022 midterms. The Independent has reached out to Mr Biggs and Mr Donalds offices for comment. Read More White House press secretary says GOP governors killing people by not helping with vaccines Video shows GOP candidate admitting he hides anti-abortion views to win over voters GOP engaged in concerted attempt to destabilize the democratic process, says Hillary Clinton Anyone will be able to sue a woman getting an abortion in Texas under new law Secret filming shows GOP congressman saying party wants 18 months of disruption leading up to 2022 midterms By Jennifer Gauthier LYTTON, British Columbia (Reuters) - Residents of Lytton, British Columbia, were able to see the remains of their homes on Friday for the first time since they were forced to flee for their lives days ago. The central British Columbia town made headlines at the end of June for breaking Canada's heat record - hitting 49.6C (121.28F) at its hottest - and was then almost completely destroyed in a forest fire caused in part by the heat wave. The town of around 250 people had just minutes to evacuate on June 30, along with roughly 2,000 people living in nearby indigenous communities, after a forest fire was started by what authorities suspect was human activity. Ninety percent of the town was destroyed, Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman said. "A few buildings survived in town but nearly every home in the centre of the village is gone. Where many buildings stood is now simply charred earth," Polderman wrote in an open letter published in the Merritt Herald, the local newspaper. "We want everyone to know that their bravery was incredible in the face of this unimaginable horror." Residents had not been able to return to the town until Friday due to ongoing fires and toxic substances in the area. Roughly 250 people - including residents and media - were taken on bus tours of the town on Friday afternoon, according to Thompson-Nicola Regional District, which organized the tours. "Didn't get much sleep last night thinking about the bus tour into Lytton today," resident Edith Loring-Kuhanga posted on Twitter. "I know it's going to be heartbreaking but I need to go see our little town even though it's decimated!" The scenes were a shock to residents, one told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. "We've seen the videos, but until you actually see it, it's hard to believe," Chloe Ross said. "I understand why others don't want to go. Nothing about this feels real." Two people died in the fire. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who have been coordinating family reunification efforts, said on Friday no one has been reported missing so far. (Reporting by Moira Warburton in Vancouver and Jennifer Gauthier in Lytton; Editing by Sandra Maler) A South Carolina man was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Thursday after he damaged a police cruiser and attacked officers during unrest that followed the death of George Floyd. Abraham Jenkins, 26, stood atop a Mount Pleasant Police Department vehicle, sprayed a fire extinguisher at law enforcement, and hurled a burning T-shirt through the window of a Charleston police cruiser after he pelted an officer with a water bottle on May 30, 2020, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina announced. Jenkins previously pleaded guilty to all charges. FOURTH MAN CHARGED AFTER BURNING DOWN MINNEAPOLIS POLICE PRECINCT SENTENCED TO PRISON, ORDERED TO PAY $12 MILLION The Charleston Police Department applauds the successful resolution of this criminal case and the support the [sic] displayed by the United States Attorneys Office regarding this incident, said Police Chief Luther Reynolds in a statement. While the Charleston Police Department will always support our citizens right to peaceful protest, we will never condone violent or destructive acts that endanger our citizens or damage property." (Charleston County Sheriff's Office) Jenkins, the second of six defendants to face sentencing over the riot, will be subject to 36 months of supervised release after his prison term expires. The United States Attorneys Office will always protect the First Amendment rights of South Carolinians, said acting U.S. Attorney Rhett DeHart. However, when peaceful protests turn into violence and destruction, the violent agitators committing crimes will be brought to justice. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The city of Charleston instituted curfews on May 30, 2020, and deployed riot police after businesses were looted, property was vandalized, and violence gripped the streets. Officers were seen firing volleys of tear gas and other nonlethal munitions to quell the crowd. In the aftermath of Floyd's death, thousands rallied for law enforcement reform and the reduction of police funding. The damage incurred by the demonstrations was estimated to cost over $1 billion in insurance claims. Story continues Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, South Carolina, Crime, George Floyd, Riots, Protests, Unrest, Police, Law Enforcement Original Author: Jake Dima Original Location: Rioter sentenced to 18 months in prison for violence during George Floyd demonstration KIGALI (Reuters) -Rwanda said on Friday it had started deploying a 1,000-strong force to Mozambique to help the country combat an escalating Islamic State-linked insurgency that threatens its stability. Last month, the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved the deployment of a joint force to help Mozambique respond to the conflict that is concentrated in the northern Cabo Delgado province. Soldiers from Rwanda, which is not a member of SADC, would fight alongside Mozambique's forces and SADC troops, the Rwandan government said. Fighting erupted in October 2017 and thousands civilians, soldiers and insurgents have been killed in the violence. "The Rwandan contingent will support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations, as well as stabilisation and security-sector reform," the Rwandan government said in a statement. Rwandan defence forces spokesman Ronald Rwivanga told Reuters the new force would have deployed in full by Saturday. He said the Rwandan contingent was made up of members of the police force and troops trained "to deal with terrorism and security-related issues in that northern province". Mozambique's Defence Ministry said would release information on the matter later on Friday. Almost 800,000 people have been displaced in Cabo Delgado and the fighting has brought a $20 billion natural gas project led by oil giant Total to a halt. The decision by SADC concluded months of deliberation within the bloc about what was required to stop an insurgency that threatens to open up southern Africa's first jihadist front. Mozambique's population is mostly Christian, while Cabo Delgado is one of the few provinces with a Muslim majority. (Reporting by Clement Uwiringiyimana in Kigali; Additional reporting by Manuel Mucari in Maputo; Editing by Omar Mohammed, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Edmund Blair) 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. Singapores assistance package being loaded into the Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft. (PHOTO: Ministry of Defence, Singapore) SINGAPORE Singapore has provided an initial tranche of medical supplies and equipment to Indonesia to assist in the neighbouring country's battle against a surge in COVID-19 infections. In a media release on Friday (9 July), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that the supplies include oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ventilators as well as personal protective equipment such as surgical and N95 masks, gloves, and gowns. Two Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft left Paya Lebar Air Base on Friday to transport the supplies and equipment to Jakarta, after Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan handed over to Suryo Pratomo, Indonesia's ambassador to Singapore. "For the last one and a half years, we have all been coping with the unprecedented challenge that COVID-19 has caused us. In the last few months, with the spread of the Delta variant across the world, this challenge has intensified," he said during the handover at Paya Lebar Air Base. "The situation in Indonesia right now is also due to the spread of the Delta variant, and as close neighbours and partners, we stand in solidarity with all the people of Indonesia." Similar assistance to Indonesia in April 2020 In April last year, Singapore had also assisted Indonesia in the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It contributed 30,000 diagnostic tests and five polymerase chain reaction machines for the detection of the coronavirus, as well as 1,050 sets of personal protective equipment, 100 viral transport media, and four thermal scanners. Those items were deployed in Jakarta, the Riau Islands, and North Sumatra. In return, Dr Balakrishnan said that Indonesia was very helpful in supplying essential equipment and furniture which Singapore needed to outfit community care facilities very quickly. "It is this kind of mutual support that represents the strength of our relationship not just at the government-to-government level, but at the people-to people-level," he added. Story continues Multiple government agencies in both Singapore and Indonesia, such as the Singapore Armed Forces, Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Indonesian National Defence Forces, will be working in close cooperation to arrange the dispatch of the medical supplies on short notice. Besides Indonesia, Singapore had also sent a consignment of oxygen cylinders to support Indias COVID-19 pandemic response in April this year. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Other Singapore stories: 8 F&B outlets ordered to shut for breaching safe management measures 3 of 16 new COVID cases in Singapore local, 2 unlinked COVID trial: Wuhan woman says hard to understand contact tracer's Mandarin Woman found guilty of forcing maid to shower in front of her, other charges ESTCOURT, South Africa (AP) A South African court has rejected former South African President Jacob Zuma's request to postpone his current jail term. Zuma, who started his 15-month jail sentence Thursday, will remain behind bars after his application for his prison term be delayed was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday. Zuma has one more legal bid to be released which will be heard by the Constitutional Court, the country's apex court, on Monday. He is currently imprisoned in the Estcourt Correctional Center for failing to obey a court order to testify at a judicial commission that is investigating allegations of corruption during his term as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018. James Solages claims to have been penniless when he supposedly answered an ad on the internet seeking an interpreter for an operation in Haiti. Now the 35-year-old Haitian-born Solages is one of two South Florida men among 28 who the Haitian government says are responsible for the deadly ambush attack that killed Haiti President Jovenel Moise. Solages, of Fort Lauderdale, and Joseph Vincent, 55 of Miami, claimed they believed they were working as interpreters for an authorized operation to arrest the Haitian president, the Washington Post is reporting. The two told an investigative judge in Haiti that they thought they were acting as interpreters for a group of Colombians. They said they believed the president was going to be arrested, not killed. The attack happened early Wednesday when a heavily armed mob stormed the presidential mansion shooting Moise repeatedly and injuring his wife, Martine Moise. She is recovering in a Florida hospital. A relative by marriage to Solages said he learned Wednesday evening on Facebook that Solages was being implicated in the death of Moise. Schubert Dorisme said he was in disbelief about the allegations against his wifes nephew. Dorisme said he knew Solages as a giving man who cared about his people in Jacmel, a city in southeastern Haiti where he was born. Solages campaigned to run for mayor there, Dorisme said Thursday night at a family home in Tamarac. Just last month, Solages filed for divorce from his wife, Marie Claude Ciceron. The couple were married in Plantation in 2018, according to court records. On June 15, Solages filed a financial affidavit saying he was unemployed and had zero cash on hand and zero assets. Dorisme said he had not seen Solages for a few months. The Washington Post, citing the Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste, reported that Solages said he has been in Haiti for about a month and Vincent has been there about six months. Dorisme said he knew Solages traveled to Jacmel periodically to do charity work. He knew Solages last went to Haiti about two months ago, but Dorisme said he did not know why Solages was traveling there. Story continues Three men believed to be part of the attack have been killed and eight are on the run. Solages and Vincent and the others captured were seen being detained Thursday evening, according to camera footage from multiple media outlets. The footage shows the men lined against the wall, their arms behind their backs. In front of the long line of men were two tables holding rifles, machetes, mallets, cellsphones, rope and what appears to be heavy duty flashlights. According to Solages LinkedIn profile, he has worked multiple jobs in South Florida. He wrote that he attended Florida Career College from 2015 to 2017. He worked as the CEO of a maintenance and repair company in addition to hospital and health care jobs. Solages is also the president of a nonprofit organization with an office in North Lauderdale. FWA SA A JACMEL AVAN, which is Creole for This Time Jacmel First, has a mission of rebuilding Haiti, according to its website. The website as well as its Facebook page both of which were working Thursday were no longer accessible on Friday. The website on Thursday said Solages claimed to be the chief commander of bodyguards for the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. However multiple news outlets are reporting that Canadas foreign relation department said one of the men detained in the assassination [it did not name Solages] had been employed only briefly as a reserve bodyguard at its embassy by a private contractor. A piece of mail for the charity was inserted in the door of an office listed as the address for the charity, though the nameplate lists another financial business. There was no answer there. Also on Friday, no one answered the door of a woman who appeared to be associated with the charity. Her phone, while working earlier on Thursday, appears to be disconnected. By Nathan Allen MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's Canary Islands and its Mediterranean region of Valencia have asked the government to bring back curfews to counter a soaring COVID-19 infection rate among unvaccinated youngsters that is threatening to scupper the summer tourism season. Nationwide, cases had been dwindling over recent months but began to surge from the middle of June, propelled by the more contagious Delta variant and more socialising among younger groups. Concerned by the surge, Germany designated Spain a high-risk area on Friday, obliging returning travellers to take a test to avoid quarantine. France had already warned its citizens against visiting, though Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said Spain was safe. Since a state of emergency expired in May, regional authorities have been responsible for the COVID-19 response but need court authorisation or a government decree for strict measures including lockdowns, travel bans and curfews. The Canaries' regional government said late on Thursday it would ask its Supreme Court to authorise a 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Tenerife, which has the islands' highest coronavirus incidence. Regional leader Angel Victor Torres told Cadena Ser radio on Friday it would prevent crowds building up at night and over the weekends. "Pressure on hospitals is starting to grow. In Tenerife, ICU occupation is at around 15% and young people are being admitted to intensive care," he said. Valencia, home to the popular resort of Benidorm, and the central region of Castilla and Leon, had already asked the central government for curfews but Health Minister Carolina Darias said on Wednesday that they were "not on the table." Spain's two-week COVID-19 contagion rate rose to 316 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on Friday, according to health ministry data, an increase of 38 points in two weeks. The coronavirus rate for people aged 20-29 rose to 1,047 cases per 100,000 people, health authorities said. Story continues Hospital admissions have begun to edge up but remain far below levels seen earlier this year. Daily deaths have been declining since April as the most vulnerable groups, such as elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions, have been vaccinated. (Reporting by Nathan Allen, editing by Inti Landauro and Nick Macfie) By Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Hamid Shalizi KABUL, (Reuters) - Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital. Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his realtor's office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the real estate agent in the mouth. Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says. Zamaray only went there because he personally knew the realtor and thought it was safe," Samiullah Darman, his brother-in-law, told Reuters. "We didnt know that he would never come back." At least seven Afghan pilots, including Zamaray, have been assassinated off base in recent months, according to two senior Afghan government officials. This series of targeted killings, which haven't been previously reported, illustrate what U.S. and Afghan officials believe is a deliberate Taliban effort to destroy one of Afghanistan's most valuable military assets: its corps of U.S.- and NATO-trained military pilots. In so doing, the Taliban who have no air force are looking to level the playing field as they press major ground offensives. The militants are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to topple Kabul. Reuters confirmed the identities of two of the slain pilots through family members. It could not independently verify the names of the other five who were allegedly targeted. Story continues In response to questions from Reuters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group had killed Zamaray, and that it had started a program that will see Afghan Air Force pilots targeted and eliminated because all of them do bombardment against their people." A U.N. report documented 229 civilian deaths caused by the Taliban in Afghanistan in the first three months of 2021, and 41 civilian deaths caused by the Afghan Air Force over the same period. Afghanistan's government has not publicly disclosed the number of pilots assassinated in targeted killings. The nation's Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was aware of the deaths of several Afghan pilots in killings claimed by the Taliban, but declined comment on U.S. intelligence and investigations. Afghan military pilots are particularly attractive assassination targets, current and former U.S. and Afghan officials say. They can strike Taliban forces massing for major attacks, shuttle commandos to missions and provide life-saving air cover for Afghan ground troops. Pilots take years to train and are hard to replace, representing an outsized blow to the country's defenses with every loss. Shoot-downs and accidents are ever-present risks. Yet these pilots often are most vulnerable in the streets of their own neighborhoods, where attackers can come from anywhere, said retired U.S. Brigadier General David Hicks, who commanded the training effort for the Afghan Air Force from 2016 to 2017. "Their lives were at much greater risk during that time (off base) than they were while they were flying combat missions," Hicks said. Although Taliban assassinations of pilots have happened in years past, the recent killings take on greater significance as the Afghan Air Force is tested like never before. Just last week, U.S. forces left Americas main military bastion in Afghanistan, Bagram Air Base outside Kabul, as they complete their withdrawal from the country 20 years after ousting the Taliban following the Al Qaeda attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. "Pilots are on top of the Taliban's hit list," the senior Afghan government official said. That Afghan official and two others, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they're working to protect pilots and their families, moving some to on-base housing and relocating others to safer civilian neighborhoods. A White House National Security Council spokesperson strongly condemned all targeted assassinations in Afghanistan and stressed U.S. commitments to continue providing security assistance to the Afghan military. The Afghan Air Force is heavily dependent on U.S. training, equipment and maintenance as well as logistics to ensure a reliable pipeline of munitions and spare parts. The Pentagon has yet to fully detail how it will keep Afghan aviators flying after the U.S.-led mission formally ends in coming weeks, as ordered by President Joe Biden. The Pentagon told Reuters it would seek to provide Afghanistan with extra aircraft to ease the strain of combat losses and maintenance downtime. David Petraeus, a former CIA director and former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, warned that failure of the United States to provide enough support for the Afghan military could be disastrous. "We are potentially consigning Afghanistan and the Afghan people to a civil war," Petraeus said in an interview. Washington is moving to evacuate interpreters who worked for the U.S. military, but its unclear if the Biden administration would risk doing the same for Afghan forces, like pilots. Some officials believe offering an exit strategy for elite Afghan troops could accelerate a feared collapse following the U.S. withdrawal. U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that the Afghan government could fall in as little as six months, two U.S. officials told Reuters. "No one wants to have the (Afghan forces) preemptively throw in the towel," another U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. PRECIOUS, OVER-STRETCHED Two Afghan Air Force pilots were killed on June 7 while trying to evacuate troops wounded during a surge of fighting against the Taliban insurgency. The Taliban claimed responsibility for shooting down their Russian-made, U.S.-financed Mi-17 helicopter. Local media identified the deceased pilots as Milad Massoud and Abdul Alim Shahrayari. The Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement that the aircraft crashed, but it did not say why, nor would it identify the pilots. An Afghan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the chopper was shot down. Both the crew and the aircraft were precious. The Afghan fleet contained just 13 Mi-17 helicopters and 65 qualified aircrews of pilots and co-pilots to fly them, according to U.S. military data from April 2021 and November 2020, respectively. Those data show the entire Afghan Air Force comprises 339 qualified aircrews and 160 aircraft less than a quarter of the fleet size of U.S. commercial carrier Southwest Airlines. The "usable" fleet is even smaller - around 140 aircraft - after accounting for aircraft undergoing maintenance, according to the same April data. Built in America's image, the Afghan Air Force is equipped with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and lumbering C-130H transport aircraft, neither of which Afghans know how to maintain, according to a Pentagon report released in April. Those aircraft are serviced by U.S.-funded contractors, which also handle most maintenance for the rest of the fleet, including A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, AC-208 Eliminator planes and MD-530 helicopters, according to that report. A separate 2020 report by the Pentagon's Lead Inspector General warned that Afghanistan's fleet would stop being "combat effective" within a few months if the Afghan Air Force were to lose contractor support. The Pentagon has not said how many contractors will remain in Afghanistan. Reuters contacted two large U.S. defense contractors that support the Afghan Air Force: Leidos Holdings Inc and DynCorp International, now part of Amentum Services Inc. Spokespeople for those companies declined to say how many contractors, if any, were still in Afghanistan. In comments to Reuters, the Pentagon acknowledged the withdrawal of contractors could impact routine maintenance, something it was working to address. Spokesman Major Rob Lodewick said it had already become common practice to send aircraft abroad for heavy maintenance. Petraeus said thats not only costly, but its "impractical" in a wartime setting to fly aircraft out of Afghanistan for repairs. Remote instruction and meetings via video-conference also have natural limitations. Along with Afghanistan's Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nation's strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. In addition to providing air cover and performing bombing raids, pilots conduct medical evacuations, ferry supplies and transport troops for the country's over-stretched army. Since Bidens April withdrawal announcement, Taliban militants have more than doubled the number of districts under their control in Afghanistan to 203, which is nearly half the countrys 407 districts, according to the Long War Journal, an online publication associated with the conservative think-tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington. Reuters could not independently verify the data. Western security officials said insurgent forces have captured more than 100 districts, but the Taliban say they have control of more than 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the Central Asian country. The U.S. military has stopped releasing its tally of Taliban-controlled districts and says that information is now classified. But on Thursday, a Pentagon spokesman acknowledged the Taliban had taken "dozens" of district centers. Swift gains by the Taliban are putting more strain on Afghan Air Force crews and aircraft to repel the advances, four U.S. officials said. Even before the latest wave of Taliban offensives, the Afghan Air Force was flying missions at a faster pace than anticipated, piling up maintenance checks that took more planes out of circulation, according to a May report by the Pentagon's Inspector General. General Austin Miller, the commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, warned on June 29 that he was concerned about "overuse" of the Afghan Air Force. "If you overuse the organizations, it's difficult for them to ... reconstitute," Miller told reporters. In remarks from the White House on Thursday, Biden said aid to Afghanistans military would continue after the U.S. military mission ends on Aug 31. But Biden was hardly optimistic about Afghanistans future, casting doubt on the two-decade-old project to preserve a unified, centralized state. Still, he said a Taliban victory was not inevitable. "I trust the capacity of the Afghan military, which is better trained, better equipped and more competent than the Taliban, he told reporters. STAY AND FIGHT? It wasn't just Taliban death threats against him and his family that drove decorated Afghan helicopter pilot Major Naiem Asadi out of Afghanistan. Asadi said the Afghan Air Force had failed to do enough to protect pilots vulnerable to off-base assassinations. "They spend a lot of money on (the training) of these pilots, but they can't spend any money on the pilots for their security," Asadi told Reuters in an interview, after arriving in New Jersey in June to start his bid for asylum. Asadi complained that not all Afghan pilots got paid the same or even regularly. As a member of the ethnic Hazara minority, Asadi believed he was also passed up for promotion. "They are not taking care of every pilot equally," he said. The Afghan military did not respond to requests for comment on Asadis case. Asadi did not show Reuters documentation to support his discrimination claims. Experts say the morale of Afghan forces could prove critical in preventing collapse, given the momentum of the Taliban and the perceived weakness of the Afghan central government in key parts of the country. On Sunday, more than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled across the border into Tajikistan following Taliban advances in northern Afghanistan. Almost 300 flew back to Afghanistan on Wednesday, and officials in Kabul continue to express confidence in the Afghan security forces. A review by a U.S. government watchdog found nearly half of all foreign military trainees who went Absent Without Leave (AWOL) while training in the United States since 2005 were from Afghanistan. The Pentagon eventually halted training of Afghan pilots inside the United States. Niloofar Rahmani, the first female fixed-wing pilot in the Afghan Air Force, won asylum in the United States in 2018 after receiving death threats from the Taliban and others in Afghan society who condemned her for working alongside the U.S. military. Rahmani, who is now training in Florida to become a flight instructor, said the Afghan government didn't take those threats seriously enough and that even some of her fellow pilots didn't think women should fly. She said she wasn't paid for a year. Still, the decision to leave Afghanistan wasnt an easy one. "It honestly broke my heart, I was depressed for two years just thinking about it," Rahmani said, explaining she felt like she had abandoned her family and what once seemed like a promising military career. She said she feared many pilots would drop out of the force "because of lack of support, because of the threat." The Afghan military did not respond to a request for comment on Rahmanis case. An active-duty Afghan pilot, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity from Afghanistan, said he, too, was trying to figure out a way to flee the country in the face of deteriorating security. Some are finding the U.S. door shut. Mohd Hamayoun Zarin, a former A-29 pilot, expressed shock that the U.S. Embassy in Kabul rejected his visa request in March. As an Afghan Air Force veteran who spent years training in America, Zarin is convinced the Taliban will make good on their many threats to kill him and his family now that U.S. troops are leaving. It would be payback, he says. "I wasn't dropping flowers on them. These were bombs," Zarin said in an interview, detailing his case publicly for the first time in the hopes that the United States might reconsider. In its letter to Zarin, viewed by Reuters, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said he was ineligible for the same visas set aside for interpreters because he did not work directly for the United States, but rather for the Afghan government. Zarin said that distinction makes little difference on the ground in Afghanistan, where he was known as an English-speaking pilot who spent years training in the United States. The State Department declined comment on Zarins case, saying visa applications are confidential. TRAINED KILLERS Masood Atal, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, was driving on his day off on Dec. 30 to buy fruit for his mother when two motorcycles flanked his gray Toyota Corolla on a Kandahar city highway, one on each side of the car. Gunmen on the back of both bikes opened fire on Atal, shooting him 11 times, once in the face, six times in his right arm and hand, the rest in his chest, his family said. Atal had confided to his family that he had received Taliban death threats, the latest in an expletive-laced phone call just two days before he was killed. "We're killing you," they told him, recounted Bashir Ahmad, one of Atal's brothers. Atal had asked for bodyguards and a bullet-proof car but the Afghan military turned him down, Ahmad said, accusing it of being "very weak on these things." An Afghan military spokesman, Sadeq Esa, confirmed Atal had been killed by the Taliban but did not provide further comment about his case. The Taliban confirmed it killed Atal and said it would do the same to other pilots. Targeting those who bombard civilians, who drop blind bombs on civilian houses, is an obligation for us and we will do this, Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, told Reuters. For Atal's parents, it was their fifth child killed in the many decades of fighting in Afghanistan. In 1984, during the Soviet occupation, a rocket fired by an anti-Soviet mujahideen landed in front of their children's school in Kandahar, killing another son and three daughters, the family said. Such crossfire has killed untold numbers of Afghan civilians. But there was nothing indiscriminate about Atal's killing, his family said. The Taliban "are absolutely focusing on the pilots first ... to make the Afghan government vulnerable enough so they can be beaten," said another brother, Waheed. Catching the killers of Afghan pilots has proven difficult. A few weeks after the January shooting of Zamaray, the airman shot dead in his realtor's office, Kabul police told the family they had made an arrest. They asked Zamaray's 14-year-old son to identify the suspect. Glimpsing the detainee at the police station, the teen informed police they had the wrong man. Police tried to convince the boy that the suspect might now look different because he had a broken nose, the family said. "The police were pushing (Zamaray's) son to identify and implicate the wrong person just to hide their weakness and show an achievement," Darman, Zamaray's brother-in-law, said. Afghan authorities did not respond to a request for comment on the allegations. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali in Washington, and Hamid Shalizi in Kabul; Editing by Mary Milliken and Marla Dickerson) Last Sunday, dozens of Muslim women in India found they had been put up for sale online. Hana Khan, a commercial pilot whose name was on the list, told the BBC she was alerted to it when a friend sent her a tweet. The tweet took her to "Sulli Deals", an app and website that had taken publicly available pictures of women and created profiles, describing the women as "deals of the day". The app's landing page had a photo of an unknown woman. On the next two pages Ms Khan saw photos of her friends. On the page after that she saw herself. "I counted 83 names. There could be more," she told the BBC. "They'd taken my photo from Twitter and it had my user name. This app was running for 20 days and we didn't even know about it. It sent chills down my spine." The app pretended to offer users the chance to buy a "Sulli" - a derogatory slang term used by right-wing Hindu trolls for Muslim women. There was no real sale of any kind - the purpose of the app was just to degrade and humiliate. Ms Khan said she had been targeted because of her religion. "I'm a Muslim woman who's seen and heard," she said. "And they want to silence us." GitHub - the web platform that hosted the open source app - shut it down quickly following complaints. "We suspended user accounts following the investigation of reports of such activity, all of which violate our policies," the company said in a statement. But the experience has left women scarred. Those who featured on the app were all vocal Muslims, including journalists, activists, artists or researchers. A few have since deleted their social media accounts and many others said they were afraid of further harassment. "No matter how strong you are, but if your picture and other personal information is made public, it scares you, it disturbs you," another woman told the BBC Hindi service. But several of the women whose details were shared on the app have taken to social media to call out the "perverts", and vowed to fight. A dozen have formed a WhatsApp group to seek - and offer - support and some of them, including Ms Khan, have lodged complaints with the police. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Prominent citizens, activists and leaders have also spoken out against the harassment. The police said they had opened an investigation but refused to say who could be behind the app. The people who made the app used fake identities, but Hasiba Amin, a social media coordinator for the opposition Congress party, blamed several accounts which regularly attack Muslims, especially Muslim women, and claim to support right-wing politics. This is not the first time, Ms Amin said, that Muslim women have been targeted in this manner. On 13 May, as Muslims celebrated the festival of Eid, a YouTube channel ran an "Eid Special" - a live "auction" of Muslim women from India and Pakistan. "People were bidding five rupees (67 cents; 48 pence) and 10 rupees, they were rating women based on their body parts and describing sexual acts and threatening rape," Ms Khan said. Ms Amin told me that later that day, an anonymous account tried to "auction" her on Twitter. Several others - one called @sullideals101, which has since been suspended - joined in, "abusing me, body shaming me and describing gross sexual acts", Ms Khan said. She believes that those who tried to auction her on Twitter are the same people who are behind the Sulli Deals app and the YouTube channel - which has since been taken down by the platform. In the past week, Twitter has suspended accounts that claimed they were behind the app and it would be back up soon. Campaigners say women from religious minorities and disadvantaged castes face more online harassment Campaigners say online abuse has the power to "belittle, demean, intimidate and eventually silence women". Last week, more than 200 prominent actors, musicians, journalists and government officials from around the world wrote an open letter, urging CEOs of Facebook, Google, TikTok and Twitter to make women's safety "a priority". "The internet is the town square of the 21st century," they wrote. "It is where debate takes place, communities are built, products are sold and reputations are made. But the scale of online abuse means that, for too many women, these digital town squares are unsafe." An Amnesty International report on online harassment in India last year showed the more vocal a woman was, the more she was targeted. And just as black women were more likely to be picked on in Britain and the United States, women from religious minorities and disadvantaged castes were harassed more in India. Nazia Erum, author and former spokesperson of Amnesty in India, said there were few Muslim women on social media and those that were were "hunted and haunted". "This targeted and planned attack is an attempt to take away the mic from the educated Muslim women who express their opinion and speak out against Islamophobia. It's an attempt to silence them, to shame them, to take away the space they occupy," she said. Ms Amin said the harassers had "no fear because they know they will get away with it". She pointed to several recent cases of atrocities against Muslims encouraged by supporters of the ruling BJP party, such as a government minister who garlanded eight Hindus convicted for lynching a Muslim, and the country's new broadcasting minister who was seen last year in a viral video working up a Hindu crowd to "shoot Muslims". For the women whose identities were taken and used by the "Sulli Deals" app, the fight for justice could be long and tough. But they are determined to have it. "If police don't find those who put us up for sale, I will go to the courts," Ms Khan said. "I'm going to pursue it till the end." (Bloomberg) -- Tesla Inc. shares formed a trading pattern Friday that is closely watched by traders as it often precedes further losses for the stock. The short-term average price for the stock fell below the long-term average, forming a so-called death cross. Shares of the electric vehicle maker have been on a rough ride already this year, falling 8%, even as the broader market rose nearly 16%. The decline reflects growing investor concern about competition from traditional carmakers that are pushing aggressively into the EV race, as well as the companys future growth trajectory in China, which is among the worlds biggest markets for automobiles. On Thursday, Tesla unveiled a significantly cheaper version of its Model Y car in the country, even as its China deliveries dropped last month. The last time Tesla shares formed this trading pattern was in February 2019, and it preceded a more than 40% decline in the share price within 65 days, to $35.79 from $63.98. Tesla shares dropped as much as 1.2% on Friday in New York. Shares of smaller EV startups also languished, with Workhorse Group Inc. and XPeng Inc. among the biggest decliners in the group. 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. The Texas legislature convened on Thursday for a special session requested by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to consider a collection of conservative priorities, including new voting restrictions, the Washington Post reports. State of play: State Republicans in the House and Senate introduced new bills that would ban drive-through voting and would make it a crime for election officials to solicit mail-in voting applications. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free They omitted a portion of the previous bill that said Texans couldn't vote before 1 p.m. on Sundays, which would have blocked "souls to the polls," a tradition in Black communities that encourages people to vote after church. Catch up quick: The special session comes weeks after state Democrats staged a walkout to block a voter restriction bill. What they're saying: "The 87th Legislative Session was a monumental success for the people of Texas, but we have unfinished business to ensure that Texas remains the most exceptional state in America," Abbott said in a statement, per CBS News. The big picture: The agenda for the special session includes legislation reforming the bail system in the state, a bill proving funding to local law enforcement, and a measure evaluating social media "censorship," among other items. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. Toyota says it will stop donating money to lawmakers who contested the results of the 2020 presidential election following recent pushback over its contributions. A June report from left-leaning watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, found Toyota contributed more than twice as much to Republican lawmakers who voted against certifying the results than any other corporate PAC in the analysis prompting some to call for a boycott of the automaker. Toyota said in a statement Thursday that it is committed to supporting and promoting actions that further our democracy and that it understands 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, Toyota said. The CREW report found that after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Toyota donated $55,000 to 37 of the 147 Republicans who voted against certifying President Joe Bidens victory in the Electoral College. The contributions include those made to the campaigns and leadership PACs of the lawmakers. The next highest amount was from Koch Industries, which contributed $17,500 to seven such lawmakers, CREW says. Toyota initially defended its contributions amid the calls for a boycott, saying in a statement to Axios that it doesnt believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification. It also said in a statement to The Hill that Toyota supports candidates based on their position on issues that are important to the auto industry and the company. 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 Toyota spokesperson previously told Axios. Story continues Following the Jan. 6 attack during which rioters in support of former President Trump stormed the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to evacuate as they were certifying the election many corporations pledged to end contributions that would benefit those who objected to the election results when they returned to the building hours after the attack. But the CREW report found numerous corporations, including some that made such pledges, still contributed either to those members or their leadership PACs, or to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which CREW says are the two main Republican party committees supporting these members. On Thursday, the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump PAC founded by former GOP strategists, announced a new strategy to take aim at corporations that make contributions to the campaigns of lawmakers who voted against certification, The Hill reported. The Lincoln Project will inform employees, shareholders and customers of these companies egregious anti-American behavior, the organization said, according to The Hill. The Lincoln Project later tweeted that Toyota made the right choice today. They put democracy ahead of transactional politics. We hope that the rest of Corporate America will follow their lead, it tweeted. Toyota also said Thursday its 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, it said. In the aftermath of the first Persian Gulf War, an exultant President George H.W. Bush told an audience of U.S. legislators that by God, weve kicked the Vietnam Syndrome once and for all. Bush was right that the 1991 objective of reversing Saddam Husseins aggression against his neighbor was achieved with a speed, efficiency, and (comparatively) low cost that contradicted most predictions of prolonged failure. But the death last week of Gen. Tran Thien Khiem, the last premier of an independent, non-communist South Vietnam, reminds us of the Vietnam Syndromes persistence. At 95, Khiem was one of the last surviving members of the military hierarchy that governed the Republic of Vietnam before its collapse under assault from the communist Peoples Republic in the north. And his long life was lived in the shadow of modern Indochinas chaotic history. Born in Saigon in 1925 into a comfortable landowning family and destined for the army, Khiems military education was initially delayed by the brutal Japanese occupation of Frances Indochinese colony. After studying at the National Military Academy, he was commissioned in the Vietnamese army in 1948 and fought beside French forces in the postwar struggle to resist the insurgent Ho Chi Minhs campaign to end French rule and establish an independent, communist Vietnam. Khiem was a major at the 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu, in which Hos Viet Minh forces decisively defeated the French. After the 1955 Geneva accords, in which Vietnam was divided along the 17th parallel into a communist north and a southern republic, Khiem emerged as a colonel in the new South Vietnamese army and, identified as a potential leader, studied at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Khiems subsequent prominence owed more to his administrative skills and mastery of intrigue than to military talent. A convert to Roman Catholicism in largely Buddhist Vietnam, he was a trusted subordinate to South Vietnams Catholic strongman Ngo Dinh Diem, and when, in November 1960, he helped put down a coup attempt, he was rewarded with a promotion to general rank and, two years later, appointment as chief of staff of the armed forces. Story continues In the early 1960s, South Vietnam was harried in the north by Hos guerrilla forces, aided by a network of supporters in the south, and increasing social and political conflict between the souths Buddhist majority and the Diem regimes largely Catholic hierarchy. In due course, Khiem came to recognize the necessity of overthrowing Diem and was an active supporter of the November 1963 coup detat that, with tacit U.S. blessing, deposed Diem and his close relatives and colleagues and replaced them with a military junta. Khiems support for the coup had been based, in part, on assurances that Ngo Dinh Diem, who was his godfather, would be sent into exile like the figurehead Emperor Bao Dai in the 1950s. But of course, Diem and his brother-in-law Ngo Dinh Nhu were shot out of hand, which, in turn, persuaded Khiem during 1964-65 to support a series of subsequent coups designed to minimize political opposition, especially from the Buddhist clergy, and, not least, persuade the United States to intervene decisively in the growing conflict with North Vietnam. America intervened, the Saigon leadership was roughly stabilized under Gen. Nguyen Van Thieu and his deputy, Air Force chief Nguyen Cao Ky, and while Khiem was out of favor, his diplomatic skills and close ties to Americans were put to use as ambassador in Washington. In 1969, Khiem returned to Saigon as Thieus premier where he controlled the police and civil service and routinely appointed family members to prominent posts. By the 1970s, however, the U.S. was swiftly withdrawing from Vietnam and, when Saigon fell to the communists in 1975, Khiem managed to escape to America where he lived in comfort, first in suburban Washington and later in Orange County, California, where he resolutely kept his thoughts about the Vietnam Syndrome to himself. Philip Terzian is the author of Architects of Power: Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and the American Century. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Obituaries, Vietnam, Vietnam War Original Author: Philip Terzian Original Location: Tran Thien Khiem, 1925-2021 Justin Trudeau has said that unvaccinated travellers will have to wait longer than vaccinated travellers before being allowed in Canada. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced its going to be quite a while before Canada will let in unvaccinated travellers, despite pressure from the travel industry. I can tell you right now thats not going to happen for quite a while, Mr Trudeau said at a press conference in British Columbia, asserting the need to protect the citizens of Canada. Mr Trudeau continued, We need to continue to ensure that the safety of Canadians, of all the sacrifices that so many people have made over the past many, many months, are not for nothing. Opening the border too soon had the potential to make all of the work the population had done to decrease the threat of Covid-19, he said. However, despite this comment from Mr Trudeau, there have been some easing in Canadian travel restrictions. For example, on 5 July, Canada said that fully vaccinated residents do not need to quarantine for two weeks after arrival. However, they do need to supply a negative PCR test before their trip and take a second one days after arrival. Travellers must foot the bill for this, which can cost hundreds of dollars. At the press conference, Mr Trudeau said that one of his governments next travel-related priorities was to figure out how to allow non-Canadian vaccinated travellers into the country. He told reporters, Before we get to reflecting on what international travellers who are not fully vaccinated might be able to do The next step will be looking at what measures we can allow for international travellers who are fully vaccinated. That will be our first focus, and we will have more to say in the coming weeks. This response on July 8 came the same day that a group of tourist industry professionals came together to rally the government to act and put a plan together to create some stability, despite the Prime Minsters promise of aid for the sector. The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable organised a press conference to push for a map of what the tourism season might resemble. Story continues Business owners arent picky, what they ask for is a plan that they can rely on, a plan that allows for preparation, for rehiring and for retooling, a predictable path forward that creates confidence for the future. And they need lead time to prepare, said Perrin Beaty, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He continued, Canadians need clarity and certainty, which today we dont have, and the goalposts keep moving. Its time to pick a goal, and to stick with it. He expressed concern that any substantial decisions might not get made until the next election is called and pointed out the high rates of vaccination among Canadian citizens. Currently, 40 per cent of the population has received two doses of coronavirus vaccine, according to data. Other industry representatives expressed concern about the uncertainty, such as Joe Kawalski from Wilderness Tours, saying politicians did not understand their needs. He said, Whats been frustrating and infuriating is being on the government regulated yo-yo, not knowing if youre going to be open, when youre going to be open. The people that are making these decisions do not have a clue how the real world works. Officials from the Public Health Agency of Canada said they would use the data gathered from doubled vaccinated Canadians returning home before they eased up on non-residents coming to Canada. Dr Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer said, What is the test positive rate? And what are we finding in the actual travellers coming in right now in this in now very initial precautionary phase? She continued, That might then help us adjust the next phases moving forwards in terms of whats the testing regime thats appropriate for vaccinated travellers, for example. Read More Indigenous leaders call for arson attacks to stop on Catholic churches Who is Mary Simon, Canadas first indigenous governor general? Canada names 1st Indigenous governor general Chris Christie, left, and Donald Trump. REUTERS/Scott Audette Trump was "convinced" that Chris Christie gave him COVID-19, according to a new book. Trump had "seen the spittle" come out of Christie's mouth and "tried to duck from the droplets." It's unclear how Trump contracted the disease. See more stories on Insider's business page. Former President Donald Trump believed that he contracted COVID-19 last October from ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, according to a forthcoming book by journalist Michael Wolff. Shortly before Trump announced he tested positive coronavirus on October 2, he worked with Christie to prepare for the September 29 presidential debate against Joe Biden. Trump, a self-described germaphobe, had "seen the spittle" come out of Christie's mouth and "tried to duck from the droplets" as they sat across from each other at practice debate sessions, Wolff wrote in his book, "Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency." Trump later blamed his exposure to COVID-19 on Christie, who tested positive around the same time as him and battled the virus for a week in the ICU. It's unclear exactly how the virus spread to Trump. But he was furious with Christie following a final debate session in which Christie had assumed the role of Biden and attacked Trump, according to the book. "You have blood on your hands," Christie reportedly told Trump. "You're a complete failure. All these people have died from the virus. And it's your fault." Christie, still playing Biden, also pointed out that Trump had criticized Biden's son, Hunter, while his own family was "full of problems," the book said. Trump became "clearly agitated" at the practice strategy and had his "arms tightly crossed," Wolff wrote. He said that Christie attacked him "like he meant it," per the book. Whether or not Christie gave coronavirus to Trump, the former president was "convinced" that he did, Wolff wrote. Story continues The pair's relationship eventually fell apart. After their bouts with COVID-19, Christie went on to criticize Trump's handling of the pandemic in the country. Christie told the New York Times last October that he was "wrong" to have trusted the White House grounds was a "safe zone" and that he should have worn a mask. Read the original article on Business Insider People queue for Covid vaccinations at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Officials have stressed that it is vital for people to get both jabs - Dominic Lipinski/PA Two vaccine doses are as effective at preventing Covid in those with high-risk health conditions as they are in everyone else, Public Health England (PHE) research suggests. However, the study found that those who are immunosuppressed had almost no protection after just one dose. Health officials said the data from a study of one million people in at-risk groups, such as those undergoing chemotherapy and sufferers of chronic heart disease, showed how vital it was that the vulnerable had both doses. The figures showed that one dose of either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines gave protection of around 60 per cent in most vulnerable groups similar to that in the wider population. Two doses of Astra Zeneca offered 81 per cent protection for those in such groups aged 16 to 64, with too little data in this group to properly assess Pfizer. For those 65 and over, vaccine effectiveness with Pfizer stands at 89 per cent, while it is 80 per cent with AstraZeneca. Most of the protection levels were found to be similar to those of the wider population, with no statistical differences. But for people who are immunosuppressed, one dose brought just four per cent protection against symptomatic disease. Experts said that showed how necessary it was to have both doses. A second jab brought effectiveness to 74 per cent, in line with the rest of the population. Some health conditions are linked to an increased risk of hospital admission and death from Covid, including diabetes, severe asthma, chronic heart, kidney or liver disease, neurological disease, and illnesses or therapies that weaken the immune system such as blood cancer, HIV or chemotherapy. PHE said protection for these people against hospital admission and death was expected to be even higher than for symptomatic Covid illness. Dr Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at PHE, said: "This real-world data shows for the first time that most people who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 still receive high levels of protection after two doses of vaccine. Story continues "It is vital that anyone with an underlying condition gets both doses, especially people with weakened immune systems, as they gain so much more benefit from the second dose." Those living with immunosuppressed adults are also prioritised for vaccination to reduce the chance of infection. Ministers have promised new guidance for immunosuppressed patients as restrictions ease. Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, hailed a "phenomenal achievement" after more than 80 million vaccines were administered across the UK, with 87 per cent of people now having had one dose and 65 per cent two. Motley Fool Nearly one year ago, in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, then-Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris promised to support legislation that "will decriminalize marijuana," and continued, "we will expunge the records of those who have been convicted of marijuana." Nearly one year later, that promise is approaching fulfillment with the unveiling of a new bill in the U.S. Senate to legalize marijuana for recreational use. In 2:15 p.m. EDT trading, shares of Hexo (NYSE: HEXO) and Canopy Growth (NASDAQ: CGC) are both down 5%, while Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ: ACB) stock is down even more -- 7.8%. By Brad Brooks and Mark Hosenball TAMARAC, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies on Friday were probing American connections to this week's assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, three sources said, the day after two Haitian-American men were arrested on charges of participating in it. Haitian police identified the two as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55, saying that they were part of a heavily armed commando unit https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haitians-awake-uncertainty-after-presidential-assassination-2021-07-08 comprised mostly of 26 Colombians https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombian-suspects-haiti-presidents-killing-arrived-via-dominican-republic-2021-07-09, who sources in the Colombian army said entered Haiti from the neighboring Dominican Republic. Two law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation, said that agencies were looking into U.S. connections to the killing, but declined to comment specifically on the two suspects. A third source confirmed that U.S. intelligence agencies were also looking into the matter. The White House said it will send senior federal law enforcement officials https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-sending-fbi-dhs-law-enforcement-haiti-white-house-2021-07-09 to Haiti as soon as possible to help in the investigation. Haitian authorities have said little to explain why Solages and Vincent, two Haitian-Americans from Florida, would have been motivated to join Colombian mercenaries to assassinate Haiti's president. Solages described himself online as a "certified diplomatic agent" and the former "chief commander of body-guards" for the Canadian embassy in Haiti. Those statements were made on the website of a charity he ran, which was modified on Thursday to remove them. Reuters reviewed an archived version that remains accessible. The Miami Herald quoted an unnamed government official as saying that a decade ago, when Solages was in his mid-20s, he briefly worked for a company that provided security for the Canadian embassy in Haiti. Story continues "We are aware of allegations implicating an individual who was briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard by a security company hired by Global Affairs Canada in 2010," the newspaper quoted the official as saying. Public records show Solages, a naturalized U.S. citizen, lived in Tamarac, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale, and does not have a criminal record. Florida records show Solages has held security officer and firearm licenses. Solages also ran a business called FWA SA A JACMEL AVAN INC, which has described itself on its website as a charity focused on ending childhood hunger and improving education in Haiti. Few details had emerged about Vincent by Friday. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Tamarac, Florida, and Mark Hosenball in Washington, writing by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller) By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -A British police officer on Friday admitted murdering Sarah Everard, whose killing sparked anger, protests and soul-searching across the country about what the authorities and society could do to stop male violence against women. Wayne Couzens, 48, a serving London officer who guarded diplomatic premises, had previously admitted rape and kidnap. He abducted Everard, 33, into a hire car as she walked home from a friend's house in south London on March 3 and her body was later found in woodland around 50 miles (80 km) away in southeast England. A post-mortem last month concluded she had died as a result of compression of the neck. Appearing by videolink from prison for a hearing at London's Old Bailey Court, Couzens, bearded and wearing a blue sweatshirt, sat with his head bowed and said "guilty ma'am" when asked how he pleaded to the charge of murder. Prosecutor Tom Little said the officer had never met Everard prior to kidnapping her from London's South Circular road and they were "total strangers". Judge Adrian Fulford said Couzens had previously only given an entirely false account of events, an elaborate story involving an eastern European gang. "This has been a mammoth investigation which has produced some very significant results in terms of being able to understand what happened," Fulford said. London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, Britain's most senior officer, told reporters outside court she had personally apologised to Everard's family. "All of us in the Met are sickened, angered and devastated by this man's crimes. They are dreadful," she said. Britain's police watchdog said it was looking into police failures to investigate an indecent exposure incident linked to Couzens in 2015, and two further such allegations in February this year. Everard's murder provoked outpourings of anger from women who have recounted their own experiences and fears of walking the streets on their own at night, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to promise action including money for better street lighting. Story continues Couzens' lawyer, James Sturman, said his client's pleas represented "truly genuine guilt and remorse for what he did". "As he put it to us this morning he will bear this burden for the rest of his life, and he deserves to - his words 'and I deserve to'. He accepts the victims in this case are the Everard family and friends, not him," Sturman told the court. A two-day sentencing hearing, which will consider psychiatric reports, will begin on Sept. 29. (Reporting by Michael HoldenEditing by William James, Toby Chopra and Frances Kerry) The United Nations Security Council voted on Friday to reauthorize the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrians via the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, the only one available, the Wall Street Journal reports. Driving the news: The vote will allow for the border to remain open for a minimum of 12 months. Russia agreed to a last-minute compromise with the United States despite its initial opposition, which officials say signals that it is possible for the two countries to continue cooperating, CNN notes. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. The council's mandate for the aid operation was set to expire Saturday, but on Friday morning, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the UN, proposed its renewal following discussions with U.S. counterpart, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The 15-member council then unanimously adopted the compromise, per Al Jazeera. The big picture: President Biden had raised the importance of the aid-crossing operation when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, Al Jazeera reports. The Biden administration warned that Russia could stop expecting cooperation from the U.S. on Syria if the deliveries stopped. When Biden spoke with Putin on Friday, they "commended the joint work of their respective teams," according to a White House statement. What they're saying: "I certainly see it as an important moment in [the U.S.-Russia] relationship," Thomas-Greenfield said, per CNN. "And it shows what we can do with the Russians if we work with them diplomatically on common goals," she added. She said she was looking forward to more "opportunities to work with the Russians on issues of common interest to our two governments." Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the vote will allow for the border to remain open for a minimum of 12 months, per a U.S. Mission to the United Nations spokesperson. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free (Reuters) - United Airlines Holdings Inc said on Friday it would add nearly 150 flights to cities in the United States, Central America and the Caribbean, as it prepares for a surge in passengers who want to travel during the winter holidays. Airlines are adding flights and hiring additional staff in preparation for a jump in demand as economies open up and vaccination coverage improves. United said it had flown five times as many passengers during the fourth of July travel period than it did last year. The U.S. carrier expects the trend to remain for the rest of the year. Smaller rival Spirit Airlines Inc said on Thursday it would resume all international flights, including routes to some Central American and Caribbean destinations, from Orlando. Shares of United, which last month unveiled its largest-ever order for Boeing Co and Airbus SE jets, were up 1.6% premarket. (Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri) After air travel hit a pandemic high over the July Fourth weekend, United Airlines said it plans to add flights to some domestic and international beach destinations over the winter holidays. United will have 30% more flights to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central American this winter compared with the same period in 2019, the airline said Friday. There will also be 137 more flights to warm-weather destinations in the U.S. between November and March, including up to 12 additional daily flights from Chicago to Key West, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada and San Diego, California. As pandemic restrictions ease, people are becoming more confident in planning travel further in advance, so we want to make sure to offer our customers as much choice as possible, Ankit Gupta, vice president of network planning at United, said in a news release. The Chicago-based carrier said it flew five times as many passengers over the July Fourth travel period compared with 2020 and expects the trend to continue for the rest of the year. The Transportation Security Administration screened more than 10.1 million travelers at airport security checkpoints between July 1 and 5, down roughly 17% compared with the same period in 2019. Though the overall number of travelers remains down compared to pre-pandemic levels, in part because business travel has not yet recovered, airlines say leisure travelers are returning. United isnt the only carrier adding flights. Last month, Southwest Airlines announced plans to resume flights to all international destinations it served before the pandemic by Nov. 7. Southwest will also have a new seasonal daily flight from OHare International Airport to Cancun, Mexico starting Nov. 7. International flights from Midway Airport have already restarted. On Thursday, Spirit Airlines also announced plans to resume all pre-pandemic international flights, which depart from Orlando, Florida, this fall. lzumbach@chicagotribune.com A nurse prepares a COVID-19 patient for dialysis last year. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Since the early days of the pandemic, weve all wanted to know when and how it will end. Many of us assumed that COVID-19 vaccines were the answer, and the U.S. government poured more than $18 billion into Operation Warp Speed to develop and test them. That research has yielded three authorized vaccines so far that are highly effective not just against the original virus but also against its many variants, including the highly transmissible Delta variant . And yet the pandemic lingers. Fortunately, vaccination is only one part of the solution. Researchers are also experimenting with a wide variety of medicines that can help reduce hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19. These, too, could bring the pandemic to an end. But it wont be easy. Viruses mutate easily, so they are usually very quick to escape any therapeutic intervention, said Juliet Morrison , a microbiologist at UC Riverside. Any antiviral should target multiple aspects of the viral life cycle so you dont select for resistance. That means finding a single pill that can disrupt not just how the coronavirus gets into cells but also how it copies itself. It should also be able to deal with the shell the virus makes to protect its precious genetic code. There are like 30 different proteins that SARS-CoV-2 encodes for, and all of those are potential targets, Morrison said. When it comes to the most serious cases of COVID-19, it's important to know that its not the virus itself that puts people in the ICU, but rather the immune system's response to the virus, Morrison added. That means the most effective treatment would stop the coronavirus before it makes the immune system go haywire. But that would have to happen early on in many cases, before people even know they're infected. Thats a big issue, she said. Scientists are determined to succeed in spite of these obstacles. In June, the Biden administration announced a $3-billion investment to accelerate the discovery, development and manufacturing of antiviral medicines for COVID-19 patients. The ultimate goal is to create a pill that could be prescribed immediately after a patient receives a positive coronavirus test result. Story continues It may sound like a tall order, but experts say this could happen by the end of the year. I am very hopeful, said Dr. Aneesh Mehta , chief of infectious diseases services for Emory University Hospital. We have some very good candidates. Until then, doctors will have to rely on therapeutics that were created to treat other diseases. Mehta spoke to The Times about which medicines are currently available to COVID-19 patients, how the disease will be treated in the future, and how the effort to create an antiviral drug capable of stopping the coronavirus could also help prevent or at least shorten other pandemics in years to come. How are doctors treating people with mild cases of COVID-19 now? If you have COVID-19 and are mildly ill, using monoclonal antibodies [proteins that mimic the bodys own immune defenders] is a great option. Those have decreased the number of patients needing to go to the hospital, and the good news is one dose should be enough to cover your treatment for the course of COVID. But not everyone can get them, right? One of the important limitations is that they almost always have to be given through an IV, so generally we only use those for patients with risk factors like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung disease and in the elderly. If they continue to work down the road, we may broaden their use. What about treating very ill patients? For patients sick enough to be in the hospital and on oxygen, there are two types of treatments recommended by the National Institutes of Health. One is anti-inflammatory, which dampens the immune response. The other is an antiviral, which works by directly stopping the virus from replicating. Lets start with the anti-inflammatory approach. What drugs are these? The main anti-inflammatory we use is dexamethasone, a steroid used for many other conditions. It has been demonstrated to decrease the risk of dying from COVID if you are in the hospital and on oxygen. Baricitinib, which is used for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, is more expensive, but we use it in some patients who cant use dexamethasone. Those are the two main anti-inflammatories used in the U.S. What antiviral drugs are you using? Remdesivir is approved for patients who are in the hospital and on conventional oxygen through nasal prongs. For sicker patients, it may not be as effective. Do you ever combine these two approaches? Yes. We generally use them together so we are attacking both the virus and the inflammation that the virus creates. For the majority of people, the combination decreases the risk of death and the amount of time they are in the hospital. Are there any other treatments? Tocilizumab, which blocks a chemical system in the body that leads to inflammation, may reduce the risk of death in patients who are rapidly progressing to being in the ICU. The World Health Organization recently said drugs like tocilizumab reduce the odds of death by 13% compared with standard care. Honestly, that doesnt sound like much. The reduction of risk is moderate, but for certain patients, it can be a very useful tool. Just like everything else in COVID treatment, there are no magic bullets. It requires medical teams to use every tool in the arsenal to help patients, and that includes supportive care. So far, COVID-19 drugs have mostly been tested in hospitalized patients. Can they also help patients with more mild disease? In the start of the epidemic, the vast majority of clinical trials were in patients sick enough to be in the hospital. But as we know, that was only the tip of the iceberg of patients. There has been a big push recently here in the U.S. and globally to study treatments for those not sick enough to be in the hospital. Antivirals and monoclonal antibodies may be more effective early on in the disease; this is really an important area for us to explore. We are also exploring how to get these medicines so patients can use them at home and not use up vital hospital space. How hard is it to convert an IV medication into pill form? Thats a question many of us have. Doctors would rather give patients things that are easier for them to take. But there are difficulties in getting some of the biochemical agents into a form stable enough to make it through the digestive tract and throughout the body. We do have antiviral pills in clinical trials now. But the monoclonal antibodies are hard to deliver as pills because they are a protein that can become unstable in the wrong conditions. Government scientists have said they hope to see an antiviral pill by the end of the fall. Does that seem possible? I am very hopeful we will have an oral antiviral medication for people with COVID by the end of the year. We have very good candidates, including molnupiravir, which was developed at Emory. We would love to be in a situation like we are with influenza, where patients are diagnosed in a clinic or urgent care and then given a prescription for a pill that they can take at home that will prevent them from getting any sicker. It seems like many people assume the next pandemic will be caused by a virus too. Why is that? The next pandemic could come through bacteria or fungi, but most likely it will come from a virus. It's easy for them to spread. They are small, they are hard to detect, and there are various ways they can infect the body and run through the body. Thats why it's important we have a fundamental pandemic preparedness plan that includes surveillance for new viruses and good platforms for developing treatment for these viruses, and the ability to test them very rapidly. We have to learn from each pandemic how to be better prepared for the next one. This interview was edited for length and clarity. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Cruise goers will have to wait a little longer to hop on Virgin Voyages ships after the company announced that it will delay its U.S. debut. Virgin Voyages postponed its first trip out of PortMiami, according to a statement on Wednesday. The cruise line had scheduled the departure for its inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, for late September. Its the sixth time Virgin has pushed back its debut, according to The Points Guy, and a year behind its original plan. Scarlet Lady is now scheduled to set sail out of PortMiami during the first week of October, according to Michelle Estevam, director of public relations for Virgin Voyages. The ships terminal is under construction at PortMiami and scheduled to be completed in the fall. Scarlet Ladys making a pitstop for select long-weekend voyages in the UK in August, followed by some preparations here in the US, Estevam said by email. While were getting ready to set sail from PortMiami and start our epic Caribbean adventures, there are unfortunately a few voyages we have to cancel. The company announced in April that it would restart its cruises from England in August. Theres no questioning the hurdles the cruise industry has been through over the course of the last fifteen months, Estevam said. That said, there is tremendous pent up demand, especially in the cruise sector. Were starting to see the industry make its comeback here in Miami and other US ports and the excitement is hard to contain. The decision to postpone came one day after the CDC fought to keep cruise COVID-19 rules in place. A Loudoun County, Virginia, high school dished out $24,000 to a racial equity firm that had already collected nearly half a million dollars from the county for providing race programs, documents show. According to a contract provided to Fox News, the Sterling, Va.-based Park View High School paid cash to The Equity Collaborative, a North Carolina-based consulting firm, for six virtual equity training sessions for educators between Feb. 1 and April 12. Wayde Byard, the public information officer for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), did not say what services the group provided but said Title I Funds covered the contract. Such funds must go towards helping low-income students meet state academic standards. The contract appears to be the first between a Virginia school and the Equity Collaborative. However, it comes on the heels of the county pushing $500,000 in funds to the group for programs designed to counter systematic bias and oppression. Loudoun County has further laid out plans to allocate more than $6 million for "equity" and "equity training" in its 2022 fiscal year budget, although it is unclear what the cash will cover. Byard told Fox News that "the majority - $5.49 million or 90% - is to provide equitable access to instruction and resources for our 85,867 projected students." The latest revelation helps shed light on the inner workings of a county that has captured national attention as a prominent battlefield over critical race theory (CRT). Although LCPS has denied teaching CRT, an invoice shows the Equity Collaborative explicitly charging the school system for training related to "critical race theory." Defenders generally argue that CRT-type training helps enhance dominant groups' understanding and empathy of what the oppressed experience on a regular basis. These types of trainings have also been promoted as ways to "dismantle" or weaken alleged structures imposing burdens through bias and discrimination. Story continues CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "In explaining LCPS' equity priorities, it might be helpful to state what they are not. They are not an effort to indoctrinate students and staff into a particular philosophy or theory. What they are is an effort to provide a welcoming, inclusive, affirming environment for all students," said then-Interim Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler. "LCPS' work on equity is a journey that requires the commitment of staff at all levels. I feel the staff's work, which has been sustained, honest and undertaken in good faith, has been misrepresented recently by some members of the public," he added. Jul. 8SHELTON, Wash. Dam breaching must "remain on the table" and the benefits four dams on the Lower Snake River provide can be replaced, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday while addressing a gathering of tribal leaders and one federal lawmaker. Inslee spoke on the second and final day of a "salmon and orca summit" organized by the Nez Perce Tribe and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. The Tribes have rallied around an ambitious proposal in Congress to remove four dams on the Lower Snake River even as that plan has faced opposition, including from Inslee himself. However, on Thursday he signaled support for a key plank in Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson's plan dam breaching. "(Simpson's) willingness to offer one path forward has helped bring us to this moment," Inslee said via Zoom. "I believe it has set us up to take the next step, which is to define the ways to replace these services for these dams." Earlier in the day, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown also spoke in support of the plan that outlines $33.5 billion in federal spending to breach four dams on the lower Snake River in 2030 removing earthen berms to restore the river's flow and to replace the transportation, irrigation and power generation the dams provide. Simpson's proposal likely won't make it into the multitrillion-dollar infrastructure package that Congress is crafting. "To get there we need to bring the Northwest delegation together and support full funding for the Columbia Basin Initiative securing (the) 25 to 30 billion (dollars) we need in one of this year's federal infrastructure bills," Brown said. "Once this funding is secured we must urgently work together to ensure that complimentary federal legislation for a comprehensive solution is secured." Inslee's comments Thursday come after he and Washington Sen. Patty Murray rejected Simpson's proposal in May. Story continues "Regional collaboration on a comprehensive, long-term solution to protect and bring back salmon populations in the Columbia River Basin and throughout the Pacific Northwest is needed now more than ever," Inslee and Murray wrote at that time. "However, a solution must ensure those who rely on the river in the Basin and across the Pacific Northwest are part of the process." On Thursday, Inslee said any plan has to honor tribal treaty rights, protect native species, provide clean, affordable and reliable energy and protect agriculture interests, including shipping and irrigation. Now is the time to "take the next steps in this regional discussion," he said. Simpson sat and listened. Following Inslee's and others remarks, he took the stage. "I appreciate the words of Gov. Brown and Gov. Inslee," Simpson said. "Especially their recognition of the urgency we face in this. It's urgent and you all know that. I look forward to working with them and working with you." Earlier in the morning, David Johnson, director of the Nez Perce Tribal Department of Fisheries Management, emphasized just how urgent the situation is. "These fish don't have much time left," he said. "Good ocean. Bad ocean. Now is the time we have to do something big." Johnson presented the findings from a tribal study first published in May. The study found, among other things, that wild spring and summer chinook populations are declining by 19% per year. If trends continue, by 2025 77% of the Snake River basin spring and summer chinook populations will be perilously close to extinction. The picture is only slightly less grim for steelhead populations. The heat wave that's blanketed the Northwest has only made the situation worse, he said. Water temperatures have reached the low 70s in some areas between Portland and Lewiston. Water temperatures higher than 68 degrees are bad for salmon. In response, river managers reduced flows over Lower Granite and Little Goose dams on July 2. Instead of flowing over the spillways, the water is being shunted through the powerhouse intake which is about 30 meters underwater and thus cooler. However, reduced spill over the top of the dams means more salmon will go through the turbines and it will take them longer to migrate. In response, fishery managers have started trapping and trucking salmon. Managers also started piping cool water from Dworshak Reservoir into the Snake River two weeks earlier than normal and before the reservoir had fully refilled. Water that normally lasts through August could run out early in that month, Johnson said. "You have one bad year like this, you have two bad years like this, then you don't have anything left," Johnson said. "We're running out of things we can do." Wendy Williams ran a segment on TikToker Swavy, who died in July, on the Wednesday, July 7 episode of her show. The Wendy Williams Show/YouTube Wendy Williams spoke about the death of TikTok star Swavy on her show on Wednesday. Before announcing his death, she asked the audience to clap if they knew who he was. The segment received backlash on Twitter on Thursday and Friday, causing "Wendy Williams" to trend. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. During Wednesday's episode of "The Wendy Williams Show," the titular host remarked on how she had "no idea" 19-year-old TikToker Swavy was before announcing that he had died. Swavy, whose real name was Matima Miller, died of a gunshot wound on Monday, police said. A clip of Williams discussing Miller's death went viral on Twitter after user @AlexTMcNair uploaded it on Wednesday. As it circulated online on Thursday and Friday, users expressed shock at the way that Williams led up to announcing that Swavy had died. "He's a TikTok star," Williams said on the show, after saying that she had no idea who Miller was and asking the studio audience to clap if they did. "He's got more followers than me. 2.5 million." When a producer told Williams that she had more followers than Miller on Instagram, the audience cheered. Williams went on to say that she doesn't use TikTok and doesn't "want to be involved" with it. Then, she told the audience that Miller was killed on Monday. The clip of the segment has been viewed nearly five million times on Twitter. Miller was a TikTok star with approximately 2.5 million followers on his account @babyface.s. He was known for both dancing videos and meme skits. The Wilmington Police Department in Wilmington, Delaware, said in a statement that Miller had died Monday morning. A public information officer for the police department told Insider on Tuesday that there was an ongoing investigation into the shooting that killed the teen. On Twitter, people expressed shock at the way that Williams had led into a segment about Miller's death, and the term "Wendy Williams" was trending on Twitter on Friday. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Williams did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. To read more stories like this, check out Insider's digital culture coverage here. Read the original article on Insider After the White House rebuked Gov. Mike Parson Thursday for saying Missouri would not welcome a federal door-to-door vaccination outreach strategy, the states Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) appeared to walk back his statements. On Wednesday evening Parson tweeted: I have directed our health department to tell the federal government that sending government employees or agents door-to-door to compel vaccination would NOT be an effective OR welcome strategy in Missouri! But late Thursday, the department struck a more conciliatory tone. We do not have an email or message sent to the federal government regarding these efforts, DHSS spokeswoman Lisa Cox wrote in an email to The Star. Door-to-door outreach is not an action we have taken at the state level, but thats not to say it hasnt been utilized at the local level, Cox wrote. As with many issues through the pandemic, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that will work for every single community. Shortly before midnight Cox followed up to say, You had asked for a message sent to the feds, and we do not have one to share. All communication has been verbal. Coxs first statement put the state back in step with the White House message as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologist arrived in Springfield at the Parson administrations request to help southwest Missouri combat an aggressive outbreak of the delta COVID-19 variant that is overwhelming the regions hospitals. Dr. Cameron Webb, White House senior policy adviser for COVID-19 equity, told The Star on Wednesday the federal surge response team efforts could include encouraging local door-to-door vaccination outreach, in the places where we think that kind of approach is going to be impactful. Theres no one-size-fits-all with this pandemic, he said. The strategy includes sending more doses to trusted local pharmacies and family doctors, encouraging employers to promote vaccinations at work and deploying mobile vaccine clinics to community events. Story continues We need to go community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oftentimes, door to door literally knocking on doors to get help to the remaining people, President Biden said Tuesday. Federal officials spent much of Thursday criticizing Parsons statements, which echoed those of other Republican state officials who sought to characterize Bidens plan as federal overreach, not outreach. Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, told reporters any door-to-door outreach was being conducted on a local level by doctors, faith leaders and other trusted community messengers in partnership with the administration. Weve seen movement by going person by person, community by community in states where neighbors have contacted neighbors. This is important work thats leading to more vaccinations and its done by people who care about the health of their family, friends and neighbors, Zients said. So I would say for those individuals or 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, save lives and help end this pandemic. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the outreach was done by volunteers and grassroots voices, not federal agents, and improved vaccination rates in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. It is not clear if any local health officials in Missouri have attempted physical door-to-door vaccine outreach efforts. But many have used other elements of the Biden administrations new approach. Health officials in Taney County, Livingston County and across rural Missouri have told The Star they offer vaccination clinics in local workplaces and have relied on churches, local physicians and other trusted local voices to encourage vaccination. In Kansas City, UMKC received a $1.9 million federal grant last fall to work with African American churches expanding COVID testing in their communities. It also has undertaken an effort, funded by $5 million in federal aid from Jackson County, to get 120 community leaders and liaisons including churches and youth groups involved in promoting vaccines in Kansas Citys medically under-served east side. Cox wrote that DHSS has been involved with many outreach efforts throughout the state working with faith-based communities and nonprofit organizations. We do welcome assistance offered from the CDC and other federal partners and will continue working to make vaccines as accessible as possible to every willing Missourian, she said. Bryan Lowry contributed reporting from McClatchys DC Bureau. Employees working for major health care systems in the Treasure Valley Saint Alphonsus, St. Lukes and Primary Health are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the providers announced Thursday. The moves raised an obvious question: Can they really do that? There are no Idaho laws that Im aware of that prevent an employer from requiring employees to get vaccines, Richard Seamon, a University of Idaho law professor, told the Idaho Statesman. In fact, requiring immunizations as a term of employment isnt new. Saint Als already mandated that its workers receive annual flu shots, said Dr. Steven Nemerson, chief clinical officer. In its news release Thursday, St. Lukes pointed out that it already required employees to get vaccinated for the flu and tetanus. Idaho still struggles with vaccine hesitancy, particularly around COVID-19 vaccines. But unlike in Oregon, where Saint Als can only encourage the shots, Idaho state lawmakers have not passed laws to ban vaccine mandates, although they did try during this years legislative session. Zachary Clark, a spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, said no Idaho law even addresses required immunizations in adults. What did Idaho Gov. Brad Littles ban on vaccine passports do? In April, Idahos Republican governor, Brad Little, signed an executive order to ban state agencies from pursuing so-called vaccine passports, or a COVID-19 vaccine mandate to receive public services, access facilities or be employed. It did not ban businesses or private employers from their own policies to require COVID-19 vaccines. Marissa Morrison Hyer, spokesperson for Little, said the governor believes placing restrictions on the private sector in the way it manages its employees amounts to government overreach. Government should stay out of decisions involving employers and their employees as much as possible, Morrison Hyer said. Governor Little has advocated for and championed fewer government regulations and mandates on business. Story continues While the governor can issue emergency declarations, there are some restrictions on executive orders. According to the Idaho Constitution, a governor cant create new laws or change them via executive orders. Only the Legislature can do that. A House bill sponsored by Rep. Priscilla Giddings, a White Bird Republican running for lieutenant governor, would have banned companies from discrimination against unvaccinated persons. Companies would not have been able to fire, refuse to hire or fail to promote someone for not getting a vaccine. The bill passed in the House with a 49-21 vote on Feb. 23 but failed to get a hearing in the Senate. Heres how Oregon law bans vaccine mandates in hospitals Saint Als also has about 600 employees in Oregon, and those workers wont be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Thats because Oregon imposes restrictions on vaccine mandates, said Mark Snider, spokesperson for Saint Als. Many workplaces in the state can require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but there are some exemptions, according to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. And those who are exempt include health care providers, health care facility employees, clinical lab workers, firefighters and law enforcement officers. A worker shall not be required as a condition of work to be immunized unless its required by federal law or another state regulation in Oregon. The law has been in place since 1989. How federal law could play out in Idaho The White House has been vocal about its stance on mandating COVID-19 vaccines for workers that private employers can and should take the lead, not the federal government. A federal court case in Texas could mark a significant step for employers ability to require vaccines nationwide. One court threw out a lawsuit over Houston Methodist Hospitals mandate that its employees get vaccinated against COVID-19, but the plaintiffs have appealed the ruling. Seamon said the initial court ruling is seen as a really significant decision that could provide employers with some guidance on their ability to require immunizations. The federal government has taken the position that private employers in particular are entitled to require their employees to get the vaccine, Seamon said. That (Houston Methodist) case certainly stands for the proposition that the federal government, I think, has been arguing all along. Nearly all COVID-19 deaths since the start of vaccinations estimates are between 98% and 99.5% have been among those who did not receive the vaccine, according to the White House and an Associated Press analysis. Public health experts say all three coronavirus vaccines authorized in the U.S. for emergency use have so far been effective against the variants, too. Morrison Hyer said Little wants to see more people vaccinated. Governor Little still urges Idahoans to choose to receive the vaccine because it is safe, effective, and our best shot at continued health and prosperity for the people of Idaho, she said. Saint Alphonsus to require Idaho employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 St. Lukes requires COVID-19 vaccine for employees, providers. This is the right time Boises big hospitals require COVID-19 vaccine for workers. What are other providers doing? Saint Alphonsus makes the right call to require COVID-19 vaccines for its employees 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. A former Lynchburg-area estate planning attorney and prosecutor pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to fraudulently wiring money from her elderly clients. Cherie Anne Washburn, 45, of Lynchburg, was charged with 13 total crimes in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in an October indictment. In exchange for Washburns pleas to two counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a mortgage lender, prosecutors agreed to drop 10 of the charges against her. The charges stem from a scheme against two of her clients where, using Washburns access as their power of attorney, she wired thousands or tens of thousands of dollars at a time in personal transactions for her own benefit, according to court documents. Prosecutors said at Washburns virtual plea hearing Friday that shed owe around $233,000 total in restitution, a figure Washburn and her attorney, Paul Beers, disputed. Washburn received her law license in 2011, working first out of a Roanoke-based civil firm and then as a prosecutor in Appomattox County and then in Campbell County. She left Campbell County in June 2015 for private practice in Forest and was named power of attorney for one of the victims in the case about five months later, according to court documents. Some school board members voiced their concerns regarding the changes to curriculum. Martin Leamy, District 7 school board member, said he is very concerned about the African American history course. In my humble opinion, in its current form, this course map is simply state-sponsored, progressive political activism and indoctrination, and its camouflaged as a history elective, Leamy said. Woodford stressed the course is being offered as an elective and is not required for students to graduate, and its curriculum and resources are heavily influenced by Bedford County Public Schools teachers and administrators. Woodford added any resources that promote critical race theory would not be something that we would purchase and put into classrooms. More than 50 parents, students and community members attended Thursdays school board meeting, and some expressed concerns regarding the possibility of critical race theory being taught in the division. U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, attended and spoke at Thursdays meeting. You are right to be concerned, he told parents and community members attending. He hopes to ensure the representative sitting on the board would give Timberlake residents a voice and represent their wants and needs at a local level. Gillett, a retired nurse and president of the Timberlake Homeowners Association, said her work within the Timberlake neighborhood has driven her to seek even more involvement in local politics. She and her family have been living in the county off and on since 1984 and moved into the Timberlake neighborhood in 2005. There, she made it her mission to take on a decades-old issue that has plagued the community since the 1990s the formation of a Timberlake Watershed Improvement District that could accrue the means and funds to dredge Timber Lake. This is an ongoing effort to save the lake from decades of damage and compounded sedimentation. After years of work, the dredging process currently is underway, and through that experience both the complicated process and hefty pay-off Gillett said she was driven to see if she could make a difference at the next level. Gillett worked as a nurse for 35 years, and since has retired. But this November, Gillett, her husband and another business partner recently bought the Timberlake Tavern in the district and, as new business owners, are working to restore the event center to its full potential. It is so rare for an ordained woman in the Episcopal Church to be under the age of 35 and gay. I dont know what that number is, but I would dare to say its low, Davis said. So how could that be anything else but a calling? Thursday was a celebration of that joy, she said, to everything Goldsmith had put into her life, and now this church. Dont make me sound too mushy, though, she added. Agatha Rule, a member of the congregation at Trinity who also sits on the vestry, is thrilled with Goldsmith and her effect on the church, including the initiation of new programs, and outreach to different parts of the community. Rule said there is an intentionality to Trinitys openness. We need to make sure that everybody knows they are safe here, and that you can come here and not just sit at the table, but we want to know what you have to say. Goldsmith officially began her tenure in January but moved up early from Alabama to deliver the Christmas Eve sermon, getting married along the way. A whirlwind few weeks, she and Davis packed their respective apartments in Alabama and Atlanta, with a stop in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, where they had a beautiful wedding at one of the parks gazebos. The number of new print magazines started in the U.S. fell by more than half in 2020 to 60, compared t KANAGAWA (TR) Two foreigners have been accused of smuggling nearly 300 kilograms of stimulant drugs aboard a ship from Hong Kong, reports NHK. According to police and customs officials, the suspects are Chen Yun, a 50-year-old Canadian man living in Kita Ward, Tokyo, and a male Chinese national residing in Shizuoka Prefecture. On April 30, customs officials discovered 297 kilograms of kakuseizai, or stimulant drugs, hidden inside laser equipment used for metal processing aboard the vessel. Both suspects deny the allegations. I know about the machinery, but I didnt import stimulant drugs, the Chinese national, 34, was quoted. Customs officials seized 297 kilograms of stimulant drugs concealed aboard a cargo ship in April (NHK) The amount is the largest seized by customs officials this year. The contraband has a street value of around 17.82 billion yen, police said. The ship arrived at the Port of Yokohama on February 16. The cargo was then unloaded. After the discovery, the drugs were replaced with other materials. The laser equipment was then sent onward to its intended address, a rented warehouse in Saitama Prefecture that Chen frequented. The government will ask duty-free stores to check the date of entry to Japan in customers' passports and report if they were shopping in violation of the required 14-day quarantine period, sources close to the matter said Friday. The government will also ask the stores to provide digital purchase records of violators to the National Tax Agency to ensure travelers follow the quarantine rule, as Tokyo grapples with a resurgence of COVID-19 just two weeks before the Tokyo Olympics open, the sources said. All travelers to Japan are currently required to make a pledge to self-isolate for 14 days after entering the country, even when they test negative for the coronavirus upon arrival. Travelers from certain countries where highly contagious variants have spread are asked to stay in hotels or other accommodation for several days and take further tests as part of their 14-day quarantine. Entrants associated with the Olympics are exempt from the usual border controls but are still required to take precautions, such as observing a three-day quarantine period after entering the country. The quarantine rule has been frequently violated despite penalties for noncompliance such as publicly revealing names or, in the case of foreign nationals, revoking residence status and deportation. The government previously said up to 300 people per day, who had pledged to self-isolate upon arrival in Japan, could not be confirmed in their quarantine locations or were to be found some distance away. Amazon expects to create about 500 jobs in Council Bluffs when its 270,000-square-foot sortation center opens at South 24th Street and Veterans Memorial Highway, an Amazon official said Thursday. We are really excited to come to the community, said Caitlin Polochak, public relations officer for Amazon. The workforce will swell during peak times, such as the holiday season, she said. The jobs will typically start at about $16 an hour. Sortation facilities are a central part of Amazons distribution system, Polochak said. The Council Bluffs center will receive customer orders from around the country and route them to destinations in Iowa, she said. The Council Bluffs facility will be Amazons seventh in Iowa. The company added 1,500 jobs in Iowa last year and plans to build a 2.9 million-square-foot fulfillment center in Davenport, Polochak said. Closer to home, Amazon is building a 700,000-square-foot distribution center on 94 acres in Sarpy County, Nebraska. That facility is expected to employ 1,000 full-timers, who will work alongside robots. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Though Council Bluffs was once known as the city of depots, there is just one left in recognizable condition the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Depot, which turns 122 years old in August. The building wasnt the first to serve as the citys Rock Island passenger station. A new depot became necessary following the dramatic and quite sudden departure of the old one following a Sept. 26, 1881, explosion that substituted a 12-foot deep crater for the one-time rail station. A box car loaded with dynamite sitting a short distance from the depot was likely ignited by a small fire started from sparks of a passing steam engine resulting in what was perhaps the biggest explosion in the citys history. The resulting blast shattered windows downtown more than a mile away, and the depot was a total loss, as well as 50 rail cars and several nearby houses. Amazingly, there were no immediate fatalities, though a 20-year-old man suffered a serious head injury from a flying piece of a train wheel. The explosion occurred just as a crowd was leaving a memorial service for President James A. Garfield in Bayliss Park, causing many to head south toward blast, expecting to see that the city gas works had blown up. Epworth United Methodist Church, 2447 Ave. B, would like to invite the public to Sunday worship at 9:25 a.m. and social distancing will be in place. The church is handicap accessible and membership is not necessary to participate. Masks are not required but are available for those who need or want one, and we have plenty of hand sanitizer. We will meet in the church sanctuary. If you are sick, please do not join us. The scripture for this coming Sunday is Ephesians 1:3-14 and Mark 6:14-29. If you decide not to attend at this time, you can join us in worship at home through Facebook Live. There is Bible study on Thursdays at 9 a.m. We are in prayer for all those affected by this virus. Prayer requests can be made at epworthumccb.org/about-us/our-values/. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office phone number is 712-323-3124. You can check us out at Facebook.com/pages/Epworth. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} 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. Epics lawsuit against Google is still awaiting trial. Although its app commissions are similar to Apples, Google has tried to distinguish itself by allowing consumers to download apps from other places than its Play store. Apple, in contrast, doesnt allow iPhone users to install apps from any other outlet than its store. But the lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Googles 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. Whats 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. In Iowa, 64% of adults have had at least their first vaccine shot, according to New York Times data. Heres what you need to know about the delta variant as it spreads in Iowa. How is the delta variant different than other strains? Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Studies have shown the delta variant is between 35% to 60% better at spreading than the alpha variant thats the strain that caused a major outbreak in the U.K. last fall. The alpha strain was already significantly more contagious than the original version of the virus. Researchers have not said conclusively whether the variant causes more severe symptoms, but initial studies indicate it could be. A June study from Scotland found that patients with the delta strain were about twice as likely to be hospitalized than those patients with the alpha variant. 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. 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. "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," she 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. That would be painful, said State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, had Turners ranches fallen off the tax rolls. Turner, on his three ranches in Sheridan County, paid $459,240 in property taxes last year. Brewer said that many locals see Turners big, corporate spreads 445,000 acres of land alone in Nebraska as representative of whats happening to many ranches in the Sand Hills: They consolidate, reducing the number of families in an area, and reducing the vitality of nearby communities. Their fear is that the regular ma and pa ranches wont hardly exist anymore, Brewer said. Former State Sen. Al Davis, whose Hyannis ranch abuts one of Turners bison ranches, said he hears concerns, too, including that Turner was buying ranches with the best groundwater resources in the state. But, he said that Turner is misunderstood in a lot of ways as well, despite his donations to local schools and attention his ranch hands take in keeping his bison from escaping into neighboring cattle herds. 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. 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 didnt 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. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. 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 proposed constitutional amendment would "make sure that not only do elections in Nebraska stay free and fair, but ensure voters have confidence in Nebraska's election process," supporters said in a written statement. Voter photo ID provisions have been opposed by Democratic leaders because of the disproportionate impact they may have on lower-income, elderly, Black and Latino voters who may not have photo identification. Those voters tend to be largely Democratic. Opponents have also argued that there has been no evidence of voter fraud in Nebraska that would point to the need for change. Civic Nebraska announced its opposition to the proposal, arguing that "elections in Nebraska are already conducted efficiently, securely and with integrity." Like everyone else, Union Pacific Railroads Big Boy had to hunker down after his 2019 resurrection and ride out COVID-19. West central Nebraska rail fans long wait will be rewarded Aug. 6-8, when No. 4014 the worlds largest operating steam locomotive will return to North Platte as the honored guest of Rail Days 2021. Big Boy is expected to pull into downtowns Canteen District about 2:30 p.m. CT Aug. 6, the day after leaving U.P.s steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on a post-pandemic goodwill tour. Hell make 45-minute stops earlier that day in Julesburg, Colorado, and Ogallala before taking his place on the railroads downtown VIP track along East Front Street between Chestnut and Poplar streets. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} No. 4014 is scheduled to depart about 8 a.m. Aug. 8, with a half-hour stop in downtown Cozad on the way to Kansas City. The tour will go through Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado before ending back in Cheyenne Sept. 7. No. 4014 was last in North Platte in both July and August 2019, the latter coinciding with the last pre-pandemic Rail Days. The Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center staged a virtual Rail Days event in 2020. Turns out Justice Samuel Alito may be as great an obstacle to voting rights as Mitch McConnell. Photo: Shutterstock There was considerable dismay among voting-rights advocates when the U.S. Supreme Court, on the final day of its 2021-2022 term, upheld two Arizona voting restrictions by a 6-3 vote in Brnovich v. DNC. It mostly stemmed from the cavalier attitude Justice Samuel Alito displayed toward victims of voter suppression in his majority opinion, and the fact that the Courts other conservatives lined up behind him in a way that departed from the unpredictable lineups of so many other recent decisions. I described Brnovich and another 6-3 decision (Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta, invalidating a California disclosure law that annoyed wealthy right-wing donors) as a moment when the conservative majority bared its teeth, with possibly dire implications for the future. The more voting-rights advocates examine Alitos reasoning in Brnovich, though, the more they fear the decision itself could have serious and immediate negative consequences. At Slate, voting-law expert Rick Hasen wrote that each time he re-reads Alitos opinion, the angrier I become. In his informed opinion, Alito and his colleagues ostensibly textualists devoted to the plain meaning of legislative language subverted and even reversed the 1982 amendments to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were clearly intended to rein in the sort of thinly veiled discriminatory actions taken by Arizona in the laws in question. Whats worse is that the amendments were made necessary by an earlier SCOTUS decision that restricted lawsuits under Section 2 of the VRA to those in which discriminatory intent could be proven. In turn, Section 2 has become vastly more important since the Courts 2013 decision neutering Sections 4 and 5, which provided for pre-clearance of voting- and election-law changes in jurisdictions with a pattern of discrimination. What Hasen is describing is a sort of chess game between SCOTUS and voting-rights advocates that the latter keep losing. Worse yet, Court conservatives are going far out of their way to uphold state legislative prerogatives in voting rights even as they disregard them in regulatory cases like AFP v. Banto. Theres no getting around the reality that the new Supreme Court has its conservative favorites and its progressive enemies, and that the court stands ready to re-craft American democracy in its image, writes Hasen. The new judicial threat to voting rights is imminent because the Biden administrations Justice Department intends to use Section 2 to challenge the current wave of state voting restrictions and election laws. Winning cases just got a lot tougher. But Ron Brownstein at The Atlantic spoke to some other election-law experts and wrote about even more pervasive threats presented by Brnovich. They fear the Court may find ways not only to thwart use of Section 2, but to invalidate legislative fixes of the VRA (as incorporated in the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, intended to repair Sections 4 and 5, which 51 senators, including Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski, support). To the extent that Alito demands deference to the priorities and value judgments of state legislatures in voting-rights matters, you could see the Court striking down the broad-based For the People Act (S. 1) if Democrats ever figure out a way to get it through the Senate: [M]any voting-rights advocates see in it continued signs that the conservative Court majority will resist new federal voting mandates on the states. Although the entire focus from voting-rights advocates in recent months has been filibuster, filibuster, [finding] political will, what were seeing now is [that] passage of an act is far from the final word, Levinson said. Justice Alito signaled that [he will] be really suspicious if Congress infringes on state prerogatives. In other words, its not just a matter of a Court finding ways to interpret existing laws to give states deference; the conservative majority may find constitutional grounds for rejecting new and very clear legislation as well. And there is an even greater concern in some circles: that the Court will adopt a sketchy conservative argument that the constitutional provisions giving state legislatures unique power over presidential elections could invalidate any federal regulation of federal elections other than midterms. That would be disastrous, says Brownstein: In practice, having different voting and registration rules for presidential and congressional races could be chaotic and nearly impossible to administer. The fact that serious analysts dont rule out this Supreme Court majority reaching that conclusion crystalizes the uncertainty about which federal election rules, if any, it considers beyond challenge. Whats clear is that an urgent effort to make voting rights federally guaranteed since they are under sustained attack in the states has enemies in two branches of the federal government: Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate, and six Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. If Democrats lose the White House in 2024, it could become unanimous. Disability support workers will not yet be forced to get vaccinated against coronavirus in order to keep their jobs. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Disability Minister Linda Reynolds were confident national cabinet would agree to the vaccine mandate. But for now, vaccinations for people working in disability care will only remain a strong preference. State and territory leaders received a written submission from Australia's medical expert panel on Friday. "While they are not at this point recommending mandating vaccines for disability care workers, they are strongly recommending it," Mr Morrison told reporters in Sydney. State and territory leaders are understood to have raised concerns about workforce shortages if vaccines were made compulsory. Mr Morrison said incentives proposed for nursing home staff could eventually be offered to disability workers. "We would look to extend that to disability care workers as well," he said. Karen Stace from peak body National Disability Services said the failure to mandate vaccines for people working in the sector was hugely disappointing. "The vulnerability of people with disability to the worst impacts of the virus has been recognised by the federal government in the past," she said. "The move to not provide full protection for these members of the community is a let-down. "Disability service providers are rightfully anxious the virus could needlessly take hold within our communities." Ms Stace is urging governments to reconsider the decision, implement an effective education campaign to encourage vaccinations among disability workers, and improve access to the rollout. Just one third of the disability workforce has received one vaccine dose and only 15 per cent are fully protected, despite being included in the highest priority group back in February. There is hesitancy among some staff who have threatened to leave the industry if they are forced to get vaccinated. Story continues But most disability workers are more than happy to receive their jabs, as long as the vaccines are easily available and paid leave is provided. Kate MacRae from Able Australia said it was important to ensure the safety of people with disabilities. "By mandating the vaccine for our support staff, we would be in the best position to do that," she said. "Without the government mandating the vaccination for disability sector staff we can only encourage our staff to be vaccinated for the protection of our clients." Ms MacRae estimates about one in five of her staff are vaccinated. However, notification of vaccination is not compulsory, so the figure may not be accurate. The proposed disability worker vaccine mandate follows a similar order imposed on aged care workers, who must receive at least one dose by mid-September to remain employed in the industry. All states and territories except Victoria have agreed to change their public health orders to make vaccines compulsory for nursing home staff. Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Hilaria Baldwin, noted author of The Living Clearly Method(?) has taken to Instagram to discuss the difficulties she faces being 'multi-cultural' and how she straddles the divide between being American and an American who visits Spain a lot. Some assorted nuggets of wisdom below: When you are multi, it can feel hard to belong. You are constantly going back and forth, trying to be more this or more that. You feel you have to explain why you are the way you are, trying to fit into a world of labels when there might not be one that perfectly defines you. You will never quite fit in because the other parts of you shape and influence all your parts. Nothing inside you can truly exist in a segregated environment. Its not a light switch that cleanly switches on & off-more of a sliding dial that simply shifts through a rainbow of colors. What they shouldnt do is devalue. You are valid, worthy & you dont need to explain or get into the uncomfortable prove it conversation. You dont owe that to anyone. Just be a good, kind human of this earth. We need to normalize the fact that we are all unique-our culture, languages, sexual orientations, religions, political beliefs are ALLOWED TO BE FLUID. No two of us are completely alike. Despite finally admitting she is "a white girl" from Boston in December, Hilaria's decade long grift appears to show no sign of abating. For those who would like a reminder of The Audacity of this woman, here is the OG twitter thread that kickstarted a lot of the backlash momentum. You have to admire Hilaria Baldwins commitment to her decade long grift where she impersonates a Spanish person elena ilana alana alina elana (@lenibriscoe) December 21, 2020 Her cosplaying as an immigrant who speaks English as a second language was particularly egregious when she posted a discussion she had with her daughter on instagram about why she is 'darker' than her daughter. Yeah, it's fake tan, sis. That's not even broaching the topic of how she has apparently conflated being Spanish (ie, European) as analogous with the North American issues that Lantix and Latin American people face, and the significantly different colorism and xenophobia Spanish speaking people in the Americas are subjected to. I'm not trying to get into the weeds on this one as I feel it sometimes veers sketchily close to gross race science, but the issues here are twofold; broadly speaking, the majority ethnic group in Spain consists of white Europeans, two notable exceptions being the Romani population (an estimated 1,000,000 Spaniards) and Sephardic Jews* (approx 40,000 Spaniards) [*Jews that can trace their lineage to the Iberian/Spanish population circa the 15th Century.] As noted in this NPR article about Antonio Banderas being called a person of color during the 2018 Oscar season, a lot of Spaniards are very quick to refute being mistaken for Latin American, ie: not white European. "A lot of people in Spain are bothered if others confuse them for Latin American because Spaniards see Latinos as people of color, and they don't want to be associated with that," Sanchez tells NPR. "It's a reoccurring problem they put Spaniards in the same box as Latinos," says Sanchez. "What bothers me is not being considered a person of color, but that people ignore that Spain was a colonizer country. It erases that history." Back to Hilaria; what's particularly galling about that video is not the fact that she's essentially telling on herself and telegraphing that she isn't Spanish as she claims (otherwise she would likely not be using herself as an example of being someone "darker"), but she low-key insinuated that she was a POC simply because her skin tone was darker than that of her daughter and conflating her experiences of cultural cosplay with Latinx people who have had to anglicise names and hide aspects of their identity just to get by. Comparing two different tones of white skin is not what we call a great methodology in terms of explaining racism. What particularly frustrates your OP with this topic, is the fact that growing up between two nationalities and cultures can be an incredibly tricky balance to find, which some of us never successfully figure out how to do. Being half-Japanese and half-Sephardi Jew, growing up was a wonderfully confusing experience at times, and I think theres the potential for a great conversation to be had about bridging the divide between two or more parts of your heritage. Just not from Hillary. To end this on a lighter note, here are some of the best jokes that came out of the Hillary/Hilaria drama: Me: Referencing the Bridesmaids plane scene in 2020 is cringe. Also me: Is this Hilaria Baldwin. pic.twitter.com/YbvUFzksPd Louis Peitzman (@LouisPeitzman) December 28, 2020 ONTD, did you grow up with two or more cultural influences in your household? Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6, Source 7, Source 8 Oil prices rose on Friday morning, fueled by strong U.S. fuel consumption data, but held back by continued uncertainty about the OPEC+ deal. Friday, July 9th, 2021 Seven straight weeks of inventory draws didnt go unnoticed, and according to the EIA, U.S. gasoline demand rose by 870,000 bpd last week as summer driving season heats up. U.S. gasoline consumption figures reached their highest level since 2019, and yesterdays crude inventory report helped oil prices back in the black. Vienna Stays Silent Amid OPEC+ Impasse. While the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of OPEC+ still has to decide on a new official meeting, behind the scenes, high-placed Russian and U.S. officials are said to have talks to convince both camps of a reasonable output hike. Upside For Oil Prices Limited Without OPEC+ Agreement. Despite the strong demand fundamentals in the U.S., markets continue to gauge the impact of the discord within the OPEC+ alliance. Reuters quoted Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM as saying: "Clearly, U.S. oil markets are tight. However ... the only way to prevent further losses is for the threat of an OPEC+ price war to be contained," he added. New Full-Blown Oil Price War Seems Unlikely. As we mentioned in Tuesdays newsletter, the risk of a new 2020-style price war is low. The OPEC+ group as a whole is currently reaping the benefits of a much tighter oil market and its in no ones interest to destroy the current price environment. According to Rystad Energys Louise Dickson: It is in the interest of the group to provide some leniency to the UAE and other supply hawks to produce a bit more within the framework of the deal instead of triggering a free for all supply regime of chaos. Chinas CNOOC Looks To Exploit Large Ultra-Deepwater Gas Field. CNOOCs recent success in the South China Sea has been an important step for the Asian giant. In late June, the company started producing gas from its ultra-deepwater Lingshui 17-2 prospect, a deposit with proven reserves of around 100 billion cubic meters, with some wells at a depth of more than 4000 meters below the seabed. According to CNOOC, full operational capacity will be reached as of 2024 at 3 billion cubic meters per year, representing about 1% of Chinas current gas demand. France Calls For Global Carbon Price Floor. At a G20 meeting with his counterparts, French Finance Minister Bruno LeMaire said that the world needs a carbon price floor in order to efficiently tackle carbon emissions. LeMaire said that while countries cannot come to agree to a unique carbon price, a global floor could be a good starting point. Related: Oil Major Exodus In Iraq Creates Opportunity For China Japanese Oil Company Japex May Pull Out Of Canadian Oil Sands Project. Japans state-backed Japex is considering selling its 75% stake in the Hangingstone project according to Reuters. The Japanese company said that it would either consider selling its entire stake in the 20,000 bpd project or cutting production costs to improve the profitability of the project. Soaring U.S. Economy Drives Boom In Coal Production. U.S. domestic coal production is set to increase by 15% this year compared to 2020. According to the EIA, coal output is set to rise to 617 million short tons this year, some 78 short tons more than last year, because of higher power demand and rising natural gas prices. The production boom, however, is likely to be short-lived as the agency expects production volumes to fall slightly in 2022. Almost Half Of Oil & Gas Emissions Could Be Cut At No Cost. Analysis from the IEA Methane Tracker shows as much as 40% of current methane emissions could be avoided at no net cost. So whats the magic? The IEA suggests governments and producers focus on cutting methane emissions by replacing pumps, valves, and compressors. CBSNews quotes the IEAs Christophe McGlade as saying: "Natural gas is essentially just methane, and in many cases, if you can avoid that methane leak, you can sell that gas for profit," Japan Remains Committed To Oil & Gas. In an interview with S&P Global, Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) confirms that it will continue to pursue oil and gas development. Commenting on the IEAs net-zero 2050 roadmap, METI Director of petroleum and natural gas Takeshi Soda said that "While the IEA says it is only one pathway, Japan does not intend to refrain from upstream developments based on that,", he went on to say that "it remains extremely uncertain whether the IEA's net-zero 2050 will be realized.". Indias New Oil Minister To Focus On Boosting Oil & Gas Production. Hardeep Singh Puri, Indias new Petroleum Minister looks to cut Indias mounting energy import bill by boosting domestic hydrocarbon production. Puri sees a big role for natural gas as India looks to transform itself into a $5 trillion economy. The fast-growing Asian economy is grappling with rising crude prices and falling oil production from its aging domestic oilfields. EIA: U.S. Refining Capacity At Six-Year Low. As a result of refinery closures in 2020, total U.S. refining capacity has fallen to 18.1 million bpd at the start of 2021. EIAs Refinery Capacity Report states that at the beginning of the year, 129 sites were operating or idle versus 135 at the beginning of last year. Texas Oilfield Services Struggle To Find Employees. After having laid off more than 100,000 employees in 2020, the oil industry is once again hiring, and Texas oilfield services companies now report that they are struggling to find new hands. In order to contract drivers, derrickmen, floor hands, and supervisors, companies are now even offering startup bonuses as high as $20,000. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Angola is seeking buyers for state insurer ENSA as part of a privatization drive that also includes the partial sale of state oil major Sonangol. The aim of the government is to sell a majority stake in ENSA by the end of November and then the rest of its holding in the company in two to five years, Reuters reported, citing the companys board chairman. Angola has earmarked for sale as many as 195 state-owned assets, with the disposals to be completed by the end of next year. Sonangol, a crown jewel, will be privatized next year, along with diamond miner Endiama and the national airline, TAAG. Early last year, Angolas government said it planned to begin the process of privatizing Sonangol before 2022 but the pandemic put a spoke in the wheels of this plan. That plan envisaged first conducting a major overhaul of the troubled company and then listing 30 percent of it on the stock exchange. Angolas natural resources minister suggested at the time the process will be challenging. Sonangol is like an octopus, its everywhere... there are properties everywhere, in Portugal, here, Singapore, aviation, resorts, hotels, Diamantino Azevedo said in January last year. The state-owned company last month sold the stakes it held in eight offshore blocks saying the move was part of a reassessment of its portfolio. It also aimed at ensuring Sonangol could meet its exploration and production targets, the chair of the companys upstream executive committee said at the time. Angola is the second-largest oil producing country in sub-Saharan Africa, pumping an estimated 1.37 million bpd of oil and around 17.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas. However, production in the country has been far below its full potential due to low investment in recent years owing to the drop in oil prices between 2014 and 2016. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinese electric car maker Nio plans to build 4,000 battery-swapping stations worldwide by 2025, Reuters has reported, citing the companys president Qin Lihong. Battery swapping is emerging as a quicker alternative to EV charging, which often still takes hours, making EVs less appealing to potential buyers. Yet swapping a battery could take about as little as it takes to fill a tank of gasoline, which may make this approach to charging even more popular in the future. Nio plans to start small, with 700 battery-swapping stations this year, before adding another three thousand and change over the next five years. Nio, which debuted in 2014, has enjoyed strong growth for its business, this year entering the luxury sedan segment to compete directly with Tesla. The companys share price has reflected this, soaring from about $15 in July last year to as much as $61.95 in January of this year. Since then, the stock has declined a bit but is still going strong, just like other EV maker stocks. Even so, Nios stockand all EV stocksremain vulnerable to sudden changes like the sharp dip from earlier this week as traders sold out of EVs on fears the industry was getting overheated. That Nio is betting not only on EVs but also on charging and battery-swapping stations for its international expansion is a smart move that should take away some of the vulnerability specific to the EV making industry. Europe is Nios first overseas target for the battery-swap stations as well as its superchargers and home charging ports. The company said earlier this week that its products have been certified for use across the EU. However, media reports said that its first exports of superchargers, home charging ports, and battery-swapping stations would go to Norway, with four due to be built there by the end of the year. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Two U.S. citizens are among the 17 people detained in Haiti on suspicion of involvement in a hit squad of mercenaries that assassinated Haitian president Jovenel Moise earlier this week, officials in the country say. James Solages and Joseph Vincent, U.S. naturalized citizens from Haiti, were among those detained in connection with the brazen assassination of Haitis President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday, Haitis Elections Minister Mathias Pierre told CNN on Friday. Leon Charles, the chief of the National Police in the country, said that the other 15 detainees are from Colombia, The Associated Press reports. Colombia, for its part, said that six of the people suspected of being part of the group that prepared and executed the plan to assassinate Haitis president were retired members of the Colombian army. Charles said that in total 28 people were involved in Moises assassination, including 26 Colombians and the two Haitian-Americans. Of the 28 people allegedly involved in the assassination, 17 are detained, three were killed, and eight others are on the run, the chief of Haitis police said. Moise was assassinated in his home early on Wednesday in an attack that raised concerns that the widespread gang violence and turmoil would escalate. Moise ruled by decree for over a year after the Caribbean nation failed to hold elections. The local opposition had been demanding that Moise resign. The assassinated president was looking to pass a controversial reform in Haitis constitution. Haiti, considered the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, has seen an escalation in street violence in recent months. Gang battles have been causing gasoline shortages in the country because shootouts on the streets prevent regular fuel distribution. The U.S. has responded to Haitis National Police request to assist in the investigation of the assassination, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Thursday, adding that the situation is evolving rapidly. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Govt-and-politics Horse racing tracks proposed for Bellevue, York, with eye toward casinos Horse racing tracks are being proposed for Bellevue and York, now that Nebraska voters have approved trackside casinos. And a longtime opponent of gaming in Nebraska believes this is the first wave in a tide of tracks and casinos across the state. Group behind proposed casino at Omaha's Horsemen's Park seeks $17.5 million in TIF A $220 million plan calls for a significant renovation and expansion of Horsemen's Park, and developers are seeking $17.5 million in tax incentives to bring the project over the finish line. In November, Nebraskans overwhelmingly approved casino gambling as long as it was tied to a horse track. The measure was seen as a way to bolster the states horse racing industry and keep gambling revenues in Nebraska. Nebraska already has six horse racing tracks, in Grand Island, Hastings, Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus and Lincoln. Since the November election, casinos have been announced at five of those tracks. Ho-Chunk, the economic development corporation for the Winnebago Tribe, will manage casinos in Omaha, Lincoln and South Sioux City under the name WarHorse Gaming LCC. Harrahs also has announced plans to build a $75 million casino and racetrack complex in Columbus. Harrah's plans to open $75 million casino in Columbus The $75 million project is expected to feature a new one-mile racetrack, a 40,000 square-foot casino and sportsbook with more than 400 slot machines and 20 table games, a restaurant and retail space. And Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts has been selected as the casino operator for Grand Islands Fonner Park. Other Nebraska communities, including North Platte, have expressed interest in building a racetrack in pursuit of an eventual casino. The Bellevue and York proposals are the first applications to apply that do not already have an existing racetrack. Keno operator John Hassett is leading the effort to build the racetrack in Bellevue. In his application, Hassett notes that Bellevue is the states largest city without a horse track. Hassett, his wife, Alberta, and their daughter, Kyle Allen, have formed the corporation Aksarben Equine Inc. to operate the track, which would be located on 120 acres at the northeast corner of U.S. 75 and Capehart Road. The track would be called Belle Vue Downs, or The Vue, for short. Hassett is president of Advanced Gaming Technologies, which owns the Bellevue and Plattsmouth keno parlors and more than 60 other keno satellite locations around the state. In the Bellevue application, Hassett says his company has secured rights to the land and would begin construction immediately upon approval. The track would be 5/8 mile, the grandstand would accommodate an average of 2,000 spectators, and the races would feature quarterhorses. The site also has space for a future hotel. Hassett said his primary interest is in the horse track. He hopes to add a casino, he said, because it would support the track by providing money for larger purses. But thats not something he has pursued at this point. Hassetts application also notes that the company would support youth programs like 4H and rodeo and would include a focus on programs for autistic children. In York, the Jensen and Alt families are teaming up to propose a track near the Interstate 80 and U.S. 81 interchange. They, too, have secured rights to the land. Their 5/8-mile track would offer both quarterhorse and thoroughbred racing. A casino, hotel, pool and two restaurants are proposed as part of the project. Ken and Bev Jensen, Drew and Jane Jensen and Ryan and Sheri Alt have formed the corporation, TopGun LLC, to hold the land and property. The track itself would be operated by a nonprofit, Freedom Bay LLC, according to the application. A representative of their group couldnt be reached for comment. The facility also could host rodeos, horse shows and provide other entertainment options for the York area, according to the application. The facility would be named Casino 353, after the York I-80 exit, according to the application. The track would be named Freedom Bay Race track. Nebraska voters saddle up a winner in allowing casino games at racetracks Nebraska voters approved a trio of ballot initiatives aimed at allowing casino gambling at six licensed horse ractracks across the state and devoting some of the proceeds to property tax relief. The proposed horse racing tracks are on the July 16 agenda of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. Tom Sage, executive director of the Racing and Gaming Commission, said the meeting is open to the public, and public comment will be taken. People can also comment ahead of time. The meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. at the commissions offices, 5903 Walker Ave. in Lincoln. Sage said a simple majority of the current six-member commission is required for approval of a horseracing application. The commission will hear the applications at the meeting, but its not immediately clear whether the commission will vote this month or schedule the vote at a subsequent meeting, he said. Adding a casino to these tracks would require a separate application process, he said. This is a new process for everybody, he said. Pat Loontjer, executive director of Gambling with the Good Life, which fought casino gaming in Nebraska for 25 years, said shes not surprised to see two applications already and expects to see many more. Youre talking Katy bar the door, she said. Were going to end up with a whole bunch of mini casinos all across Nebraska. They can put a racetrack anywhere, run their race one day a year, and they can build a casino next to it. ... Its so sad because so much money is going to be lost by good Nebraskans. Harbaugh pleaded guilty in February at Omahas federal courthouse to one count of wire fraud. In return for his plea, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska dropped 12 other charges against him. The plea bargain meant that Harbaugh faced up to 20 years in prison at his scheduled Friday afternoon sentencing. His attorney said at the time of his plea, however, that sentencing guidelines should result in Harbaugh receiving a seven-year term. A message to Harbaughs federal public defender was not immediately returned Friday morning. Acting Nebraska U.S. Attorney Jan Sharp said Friday that prosecutors were notifying victims not to come to the courthouse because the 2 p.m. hearing was canceled. Once prosecutors receive a death certificate, then theyll file a motion to dismiss the case, he said. Another local case involving hundreds of thousands of misappropriated dollars ended before court proceedings had concluded because the person involved died. Williamson joined Goodwin, Omaha 360 Director Ricky Smith from the Empowerment Network, Omaha Economic Development Corp. President Michael Maroney and other North Omaha leaders in announcing the strategy. So far, 23 property owners along North 24th have posted signs declaring their properties closed after certain hours to discourage loitering and illegal activity. The Business Improvement District also wants to hire private security, and to help businesses install security cameras and lighting. It plans a marketing strategy through paid advertising, social media, yard signs and other means appealing to the public to Keep it safe. Keep it legal. Keep it respectful. Keep it clean. The district will work with North Omaha churches and other organizations. Goodwin estimated the efforts will cost more than $250,000 a year. The district is seeking private and City of Omaha funding. Asked about concerns the measures could lead to overpolicing, the leaders said they want appropriate, equitable policing. They said the people causing the problems dont live or work in the neighborhood, and that North 24th Street residents and business owners deserve peace and safety. Drivers on Interstate 80 through central and southwest Omaha can settle in for a construction project sure to cause some traffic jams. Starting Friday, construction crews are set to close down I-80s westbound lanes around 84th Street and switch westbound traffic to the eastbound side, where lanes will be cut to three each way and run head to head. That switchover is expected to last 50 days, into late August, and all work through the area could wrap up about Nov. 20. Tim Weander, the Omaha-area district engineer for the Nebraska Department of Transportation, recommended that drivers stay off I-80 through the area if possible. Drivers are recommended to take West Dodge Road or L Street. Truck drivers could detour by using Interstates 680, 880 in Iowa and 29 in Council Bluffs. The construction involves repairing two bridges where the pavement, as it meets the bridge structure, has been breaking down: the 84th Street bridge and the bridge just east over the Big Papio Creek. So traffic will cross over east of the Big Papio Creek and west of 84th Street. James Blackledge, who chairs the chambers Board of Directors and is CEO of Mutual of Omaha, said a search committee to replace Brown has been launched. He commended Brown. He listens, advises and adapts. He leads by example, and by innovation, Blackledge said. I wish him all of the best in his future endeavors and remain in deep gratitude for his many, many contributions. Brown began his career in organizational leadership in Michigan in 1983 as president of the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation and director of the Port of Monroe. He served 10 years in Indiana at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. His next assignment took him to South Carolina where he was president and chief executive of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Brown assumed his current role as Omahas chamber president and CEO in October 2003. Area civic and corporate leaders including Gov. Pete Ricketts recognized Browns contributions in bringing business to the area. Tim Burke, former chairman of the chamber board and past CEO of the Omaha Public Power District, said the past few years marked strides forward in diversity and inclusion efforts. He said Brown led exceptional work supporting businesses during the pandemic. I still try to do what we used to do before, but its not the same, Thakrar said. Jeshmi Narzary lost both parents in two weeks in May in Kokrajhar, in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. The 10-year-old went on to live with an aunt and two cousins, but could only move in after she underwent 14 days of quarantine herself during Indias springtime surge that made the country second only to the U.S. in the number of confirmed cases. Narzary hasnt processed the deaths of her parents. But she is scrupulous about wearing face masks and washing her hands, especially before she eats. She does so, she said, because she knows that coronavirus is a disease which kills humans. Kehity Collantes, age 6, also knows what the virus can do. It killed her mother, a hospital worker in Santiago, Chile, and now she has to make pancakes by herself. It also means this: My papa is now also my mama, she said. Siblings Zavion and Jazzmyn Guzman lost both parents to COVID-19, and their older sisters now care for them. Their mother, Lunisol Guzman, adopted them as babies, but died last year along with her partner at the start of the violent first wave of the pandemic in the U.S. Northeast. Alphabet Inc.s Google was sued by three dozen states alleging that the company illegally abused its power over the sale and distribution of apps through the Google Play store on mobile devices. State attorneys general said in a complaint filed Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco that Google used anticompetitive tactics to thwart competition and ensure that developers have no choice but to go through the Google Play store to reach users. It then collects an extravagant commission of up to 30% on app purchases, the states said. Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here. Google was accused of paying Samsung Electronics Co., 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 Inc. 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. The states are taking on Google even after a federal judge in Washington last week threw out their antitrust lawsuit against Facebook Inc. That case accused Facebook of illegally crushing competition by buying Instagram and WhatsApp because it saw them as threats to its business. The judge said the states waited too long to challenge the acquisitions. Alphabet fell 0.2% to $2,523.20 at 4:12 p.m. New York time in extended trading. The shares are up 44% this year, outperforming broader U.S. indexes. Google didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Google and Apple are a duopoly dominating the app economy of the Western world. The companies have come under intense pressure from regulators and some developers who complain that high app store fees and complex rules raise costs for consumers. A total of $143 billion was spent in mobile app stores in 2020, a 20% jump from the previous year, according to analytics firm App Annie. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said Googles conduct led to inflated costs for consumers who made purchases through apps. The typical consumer may have paid hundreds if not thousands of dollars more, he said in a statement. Googles monopoly is a menace to the marketplace, Reyes said. At a Senate hearing in April on app stores, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a Democrat who chairs the Senates antitrust panel, accused Apple and Google of acting as gatekeepers that have the power to decide how or whether apps can reach iPhone and Android users, even as they compete against apps with their own services. Epic sued Apple and Google in separate antitrust cases. The Apple case went to trial in May and is awaiting a judges ruling. Critics of the dominant tech platforms cheered news of the states case against Google. The massive price Google and Apple charge app users and developers is only possible because of the stranglehold these companies have over the way apps are delivered on mobile phones, Alex Harman, competition policy advocate at Public Citizen, said in a statement. This abuse needs to be stopped. But NetChoice, an organization that represents tech companies, including Google, lambasted the case, saying it threatens innovation. Consumers arent forced to use Android-powered devices, it said. Google announced in March that it was halving the percentage it takes from app developers on sales through the Play store, following a similar move by Apple. Mountain View, California-based Google said it was reducing the fees to 15% from 30% for the first $1 million in revenue on sales of apps and in-app-purchases each year. After the first $1 million, developers will pay the typical 30% fee. Credit: Shi et al. Most next generation wireless communication technologies require integrated radiofrequency devices that can operate at frequencies greater than 90 GHz. Two of the semiconductors most widely used to fabricate radiofrequency devices are silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) field-effect transistors (FETs) and transistors based on III-V compound semiconductors, particularly GaAs. Both these semiconductor RF technologies, however, are unable to simultaneously achieve high operating frequencies and be easy to integrate within wireless communication technologies. A promising candidate for the development of high-speed FETs (up to terahertz frequencies) are semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to their favorable electronic and physical properties. Remarkably, the material requirements of CNTs for the fabrication of RF analog and digital devices are almost the same. Researchers at Peking University in China have recently fabricated new RF transistors based on aligned CNT arrays. These transistors, presented in a paper published in Nature Electronics, were created using two distinct methods, a double-dispersion sorting and a binary liquid interface aligning process. "CNT FETs could achieve better performance for SoC applications than silicon and III-V compound semiconductors-based technologies," Lianmao Peng, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told TechXplore. "However, both the speed and gain of CNT FETs still lag behind theoretical predictions." The speed of CNT-based FETs has so far been limited and unsatisfactory, primarily due to a lack of well-aligned semiconducting CNT arrays with a suitable density, high uniformity, high semiconducting purity and high carrier mobility. To overcome these challenges and develop highly performing CNT RF devices, the researchers decided to adapt the structure of the CNT materials. To fabricate their RF transistors, Peng and his colleagues mainly used two processes known as electron beam lithography (EBL) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). They then completed the preparation of each of the functional layers in the devices using other nano-fabrication equipment, via what is known as a top-down lift-off process. "We obtained CNT arrays for radiofrequency application through a double-dispersion and binary liquid interface-confined self-assembly (BLIS) procedure and realized the fabrication of highly performing radiofrequency devices and amplifiers based on CNT arrays," Peng said. "As for our primary objectives, we wished to explore the potential of upper-limit frequency, the power gain and linearity performance potential of CNT array-based transistors and amplifiers under the experimental conditions." The nanotube arrays developed by Peng and his colleagues have a density of approximately 120 nanotubes per micrometer, exhibiting a carrier mobility of 1,580 cm2V-1s-1 and a saturation velocity of up to 3.0x107 cm s-1. Using these nanotube arrays, the researchers fabricated FETs that achieved a high d.c. performance when operating at millimeter-wave and terahertz frequencies. Credit: Shi et al. "We hope that the speed, amplification and linearity potential of the CNT RF devices can be truly demonstrated in experiments," Peng said. Notably, the CNT-based RF transistors developed by this team of researchers fall into the category of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) field-effect transistors (FETs). In other words, the mechanism underpinning their operation resembles the one enabling the operation of MOSFETs. "The RF transistor is a three-terminal device, consisting of a gate node, source node and drain node," Peng said. "The gate node controls the conductivity channel between source and drain node." To enable the amplification of radiofrequency signals, the transistors created by the researchers rely on the transconductance amplification of the FET device. Moreover, their speed of operation depends on the transportation speed of carriers in the device channel. "The main advantages of our transistors can be summarized as three main points," Peng said. "Firstly, our devices based on high-density semiconducting CNT arrays show the strong on-state driving capability, leading to large transconductance and large current, which brings the strong RF signal amplification capability. Secondly, our CNT arrays exhibit high carrier saturation speed and high mobility, corresponding to the high current gain cut-off frequency (fT) and power gain cut-off frequency (fMAX)." In initial evaluations, the CNT arrays created by Peng and his colleagues were found to be of excellent quality and exhibited a high inherent linearity performance. Remarkably, the researchers were the first to push the intrinsic frequency performance of CNT-based RF FETs into the terahertz regime. "While it was long predicted theoretically that CNT FETs have THz potential, our results are the closest experiment demonstration of this," Peng said. "Also, CNT arrays-based FETs devices exhibit higher cut-off frequencies than silicon-based devices under the similar gate length and same de-embedding conditions." The findings gathered by this team of researchers demonstrate that the RF speed of CNT-based devices can reach desirable levels outlined by theoretical predictions. In the future, Peng and his colleagues would like to improve the performance of CNT-based RF transistors even more, by optimizing their composition and structure further. "We also plan to realize practical CNT-based amplifiers operating at the terahertz regime," Peng said. "By integrating them with high-performance digital CNT-based CMOS ICs, we look forward to applying CNT arrays-based high-speed electronics to SoC applications operating in millimeter wave and even THz frequencies." Explore further Researchers create a hybrid technology that combines III-V tunnel FETs and MOSFETs More information: Radiofrequency transistors based on aligned carbon nanotube arrays. Nature Electronics(2021). Journal information: Nature Electronics Radiofrequency transistors based on aligned carbon nanotube arrays.(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-021-00594-w 2021 Science X Network Richwood, TX (77531) Today A mix of clouds and sun with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 78F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Texas House and Senate lawmakers are considering identical bills, SB 6 and HB 2, that would change how and if people can be released from jail before their criminal cases are resolved. The bills also would ban the release of those accused of violent crimes unless they had enough cash, as well as restrict charitable groups ability to pay to get people out of jail, according to The Texas Tribune. While opponents say the bills would create an overreliance on cash thats unfair to people who are poor, supporters say reform is needed to keep violent and habitual offenders from being released on low-cash bonds. Is Texas in need of bail reform? You voted: is set to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, and run until noon. Organizers recommend snagging a spot to watch early in the day and with temperatures predicted to reach the high 80s, bring some water. The route will begin at David Street Station, continue onto Second Street before looping down Beech Street and Collins Drive to Center Street, where it will conclude at Ninth Street. That area, along with the section of Yellowstone Highway between Poplar and Ash streets and the upper section of Walnut Street, will be closed to cars starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Paradegoers should also keep in mind that access to several streets and the parking lot between Midwest Avenue and Collins Drive will also be restricted due to construction in the Old Yellowstone District. This year, fair organizers have collaborated with Caspers Council of People with Disabilities to designate a parade viewing area for those with disabilities. The area will be set up at the corner of Collins Drive and South Beech Street, diagonally across from the Nicolaysen Art Museum on the grass where the steel-and-glass sculpture Confluence of Time and Space stands. Council members are set to man the site, where there will be free water available and $5 calendars for sale to fund future disability-related projects. Those stopping by can learn more about the group and its initiatives at the councils booth, and give feedback for the Metropolitan Planning Organizations transit strategic development plan. CCPD is still a relatively new committee, and we look forward to this opportunity to connect with more citizens in our community, said Nikki Green, events chairperson for CCPD, in a city release this week. We want residents to know they can share their views with our members about the City of Caspers response to disability issues, and we will take those comments back to City Council. 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. University of Wyoming students who get vaccinated against COVID-19 could win a semester of free tuition, among other prizes, the university announced Friday. In a push to inoculate students ahead of the fall semester, the university will hold weekly prize drawings for everything from $300 cash to a staff parking pass to dinner with President Ed Seidel. Students must report that theyve been vaccinated to qualify for the drawings, which will last through the sixth week of the fall semester. We hope these incentives will help motivate our students to receive the vaccines, which have been proven to be highly effective and safe, and are key to successfully managing the COVID-19 pandemic, Seidel said in a statement, adding that vaccines are likely accessible wherever students are spending their summers. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Only about a quarter of summer-term students have reported receiving a vaccine, according to the university. About 54% of university staff have received at least one vaccine dose. COMPETITION regulator, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) is hosting stakeholder consultations this week on Agostinis Ltds proposed acquisition in the energy services sector. The acquisition involves Agostinis Ltd and its subsidiary Rosco Petroavance Ltd seeking to buy 100 per cent of Process Components Ltd, a company owned by directors of Laughlin & DeGannes. Both companies import and service equipment for the energy sector. If life is a stage, then veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino is determined to continue to give a performance for the ages. Valentino turned 80 on Wednesday. The venerable bard says he is well aware his set is now in extra time and is inspired to make full use of every encore. I feel great and I give thanks to the Most High because you are allowed three score and ten and now I am enjoying the extra time that has been given to me, the affable calypsonian told the Kitcharee during a chat this past week. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here In order to prevent the untimely deaths of many thousands of citizens, I am afraid that unless the Government steps in and, through legislation, makes it mandatory for all employees, everywhere, to have proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19,... WASHINGTON For a mostly red state, Arizona has a lot of blue-state company when it comes to states ranked by electric vehicle ownership, according to recent government data. Arizona had 28,770 registered electric vehicles as of June, according to the U.S. Department of Energys Alternative Fuels Data Center, the seventh-highest number among states. When ownership is measured per 1,000 residents, Arizona inches up a notch to sixth place, with just over four electric vehicles per 1,000 people. That rate put Arizona just behind Oregon and Colorado and just ahead of Nevada and Vermont. California was in the lead by far, with 425,300 registered electric vehicles, or one for every 10.7 residents. Arizona EV enthusiasts welcomed the ranking, which they said they have seen reflected in steady increases in group membership, but said the state can do better. Arizona is growing by leaps and bounds in major areas, but still struggling out there in the hinterlands, said Jerry Asher, vice president of the Tucson Electric Vehicle Association. He and others said the biggest challenge in Arizona, as in much of the country, is the lack of readily available charging stations for electric vehicles. This anonymized data would allow the Star to analyze trends in ALTCS application denials and approvals without revealing the names, or other identifying information, about the applicants. The Star has been seeking this data since February 2020 through the Arizona Public Records Law, but after the newspaper revised multiple denied requests for these records, AHCCCS refused to grant them. While the Star has received many anecdotal complaints of denied applications from family members of those with developmental disabilities, the public does not know basic information about the outcomes of applications for long-term care, like the agencys overall approval rates or the number of applications it processes. While these data that describe details and outcomes of ALTCS applications are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, this law recognizes the value of studying these data without identifying the application. So it provides methods for de-identification. AHCCCS has agreed that some of the application data will be public record once they are de-identified, but the agency has refused to release the data in a manner that will retain its structure and meaning. In his June 28 letter to the Corps, wildlife service official Jeff Humphrey said, "The service has conducted an internal review of the 2017 (concurrence letter), and the process by which that decision was made. Pursuant to our review, we are rescinding the 2017 (concurrence letter), effective immediately. We are prepared to work with you to comply with the Endangered Species Act as you see fit." Humphrey is field supervisor for the service's Arizona Ecological Services office in Phoenix. His letter offered no explanation as to why the service has changed its views on this issue. Because the Corps had relied on the service's 2017 conclusion in issuing the permit, the services reversal changes the conditions and circumstances supporting permit issuance, the new Corps decision said. Therefore, the Corps has determined it is in the public interest to suspend the permit. For now, "No discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States is authorized for the Villages at Vigneto project," said Corps spokesman David Palmer. "Waters of the United States" is a legal federal term for washes, streams and rivers that fall under federal regulation under the Clean Water Act. CHICAGO (AP) Law enforcement officers in Chicago fatally shot a 33-year-old man who pointed a gun at them as they tried to arrest him Friday, authorities said. The shooting occurred about 9:40 a.m. in the West Garfield Park neighborhood as members of a fugitive task force were trying to serve an arrest warrant for aggravated criminal sexual assault with a firearm, Chicago police Superintendent David O. Brown told reporters. A group of law enforcement officers identified the man, but he wouldnt get out of the vehicle he was in and pointed a gun at the officers, Brown said. Three Chicago police officers and a U.S. marshal opened fire. It wasn't immediately clear if the man fired any shots. Police spokesman Tom Ahern told the Chicago Tribune that the man was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center in grave condition and later died. No officers were wounded, but the four who fired shots were taken to a hospital for evaluation, Brown said. TOWANDA, Pa. (AP) A Pennsylvania county prosecutor who pleaded guilty to pressuring clients for sex when he was a defense attorney was sentenced Friday to 18 months to 5 years in prison. A judge in Bradford County imposed the sentence on former District Attorney Chad M. Salsman, who had emphatically denied the allegations before pleading guilty in May to witness intimidation, promoting prostitution and obstruction of justice. A message seeking comment was left for his defense attorney. Salsman, 44, a resident of Wyalusing, was charged in February with sexually assaulting women who were his clients in criminal and child custody cases. Sexual assault charges and other counts were dropped as part of a guilty plea agreement. A Republican, he was elected district attorney in November 2019. His accusers told a grand jury he groped them, sought nude photos and pressured or forced them into sexual acts, sometimes on his office desk. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A Houston man who received widespread attention after standing six hours in line to cast a ballot in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary was in jail Friday on charges that it was illegal for him to vote at all because he was on parole. Hervis Rogers became an overnight face of Texas' battle over voting access when he emerged from a polling center at a historically Black college around 1:30 a.m. He was among Houston voters on Super Tuesday who waited more than an hour and some for several hours in mostly minority, Democratic neighborhoods. Lines in mostly white, Republican neighborhoods were shorter. The way it was set up, it was like it was set up for me to walk away, Rogers told reporters in comments carried by multiple news outlets, including The Associated Press. He was arrested this week on two counts of illegal voting, a second-degree felony that carries a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison. His bail was set at $100,000. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0 rattled the California-Nevada border Thursday afternoon, with people reporting feeling the shaking hundreds of miles away, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. The earthquake struck at 3:49 p.m. in a region about 250 miles (402 kilometers) east of San Francisco and south of Lake Tahoe. Its epicenter was 4 miles (6.5 km) west-southwest of Walker, a California town of fewer than 900 residents. It was followed by dozens of aftershocks, with at least a half-dozen of magnitude 4.0 or greater, the USGS said. The ground was shaking pretty bad, and then everything started falling, said Carolina Estrada, manager at the Walker Coffee Company. Syrup bottles broke, dishes fell to the ground and the roof of the shop caved in a bit. The shaking lasted 30 seconds or more, she said. We ran out of the building, Estrada said. But the shaking continued, and boulders the size of cars fell onto nearby U.S. 395, she said. Cars were struck by rocks, but nobody was injured, the California Highway Patrol reported. 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. July 8 through July 21 marks one decade since the last NASA space shuttle flight, with the Atlantis shuttle launching on July 8, 2011, to spend 13 days partly delivering supplies to the International Space Station. On the 10th anniversary of that last space shuttle flight, let's take a spacewalk down memory lane. The NASA space shuttle journey began in 1972, when then-U.S. President Richard Nixon announced the intent to develop the world's first inexpensive, reusable space shuttle for travel into space. The first space shuttle flight, STS-1(Space Transportation System-1)Columbia, took off nine years later from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 12, 1981. Columbia's debut launched a 30-year program that included 135 missions; the transport of millions of pounds of cargo to and from space; firsts for racial, gender and ethnic minority astronauts; repairs and updates to the International Space Station; and more. And though the program had its iconic firsts, it was also mired in tragic, fatal accidents at times. Here are eight pivotal moments from the space shuttle era. 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. Haitian National Police Chief Leon Charles said 17 suspects have been detained in the brazen killing of Moise that stunned a nation already reeling from poverty, widespread violence and political instability. As the investigation moved forward, the killing took on the air of a complicated international conspiracy. Besides the Colombians, among those detained by police were two Haitian Americans, who have been described as translators for the attackers. Some of the suspects were seized in a raid on Taiwans Embassy where they are believed to have sought refuge. At a news conference in Colombias capital of Bogota, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia said four companies had been involved in the recruitment, the gathering of these people implicated in the assassination, although he did not identify the companies because their names were still being verified. Two of the suspects traveled to Haiti via Panama and the Dominican Republic, Vargas said, while a second group of 11 arrived in Haiti on July 4 from the Dominican Republic. In Washington, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said senior FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials will be sent to Haiti as soon as possible to assess the situation and how we may be able to assist. Here is a major question, namely whether we would help defend Taiwan if it is attacked. We have supplied it with weapons, and there are those within our government who say we should definitely defend these people because, for one reason, our failure to do so would send a signal to other allies that they cant count us. A simultaneous issue, however, is that our chances of winning would not be great. We would be at a huge disadvantage in all kinds of ways that accomplished military analysts have spelled out. If it came down to China taking over, please dont think it would stop there. As one of the greatest perils of the 21st century, China pretty much wants everyone in the world under its command. If you dont think so, think about what Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a speech celebrating the Chinese Communist Partys 100th birthday in Tiananmen Square recently. Nothing is going to get in the way of Chinas superpower ascension, it was made clear, certainly not the United States. The person making these remarks is easily the strongest leader in China since Mao Zedong killed millions to establish his utopia that was more nearly an inferno. Local topical Watch Now: Major south Tulsa intersection to get completely redesigned Courtesy, Oklahoma Department of Transporation This image shows a proposed diverging diamond interchange at Memorial Drive/U.S. 64 and the Creek Turnpike/U.S. 169. Courtesy, Oklahoma Department of Transportation A conventional diamond interchange has 18 conflict points, or locations where collisions can occur. A diverging diamond interchange, which shifts traffic to the opposite side of the roadway at the ramp areas, reduces this to eight. Courtesy, ODOT This image shows a proposed diverging diamond interchange at Memorial Drive/U.S. 64 and the Creek Turnpike/U.S. 169. A new, completely redesigned interchange at one of Tulsas busiest intersections is in the planning stages, and the public is invited to learn more. Limited time offer: A three-month digital subscription for $1 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is proposing a new Diverging Diamond Interchange or DDI at the intersection of Memorial Drive/U.S. 64 and the Creek Turnpike/U.S. 169 in south Tulsa. Following public input during a virtual open house this month, the design phase of the project would be ongoing through early 2022, with construction beginning in late 2022 and competed in late 2024. Construction bids for the project are anticipated to be accepted in 2022. An estimated cost has not yet been determined, ODOT spokeswoman Kenna Mitchell said Thursday. This is a heavily congested interchange, and travelers experience significant delays at the current access points, ODOT said in a news release. The DDI design reduces several left turn conflict points and congestion by shifting traffic to the opposite side of the roadway at the ramp areas through a series of traffic signals, the agency said. Vehicles traveling through the DDI cross over to the opposite side of the roadway so that left turns no longer cross the path of oncoming traffic. While crossing to the opposite side of the road may sound confusing, vehicles are guided through the interchange via use of channelized islands, and signing and striping enhancements on the roadway make the routes very clear for drivers to get accustomed to the new design, ODOT said. Removing left turns from the traffic signals greatly increases the number of vehicles that can pass through the signal during a cycle. A conventional diamond interchange has 18 conflict points, or locations where collisions can occur. A DDI reduces this to eight, ODOT said. The project would be built using existing public rights-of-way, meaning utility poles and private property would not be affected, Mitchell said. Access to nearby businesses will be maintained during the project, ODOT said. During construction, at least one lane of traffic will remain open on all ramps, and two lanes of traffic are planned to remain open in each direction on Memorial Drive, ODOT said. Traffic on the Creek Turnpike is not expected to be significantly affected. More than 200 DDI interchanges have been completed across the country since the first one opened in Springfield, Missouri, in June 2009. The original DDI constructed in Springfield reduced collisions by 60% over five months, ODOT said. A survey done by the Missouri DOT shows that 97% of drivers feel safer using the new DDI. Daily traffic backups that were up to a mile long were completely eliminated after the DDI was completed. The first DDI in Oklahoma was recently completed in Elk City at Interstate 40 and Oklahoma 6. The Tulsa project would be the second such interchange in the state, Mitchell said. Virtual open house: The public can visit www.odot.org/US64-US169Tulsa through July 28 to view the proposal, including an interactive map and video showing how a DDI functions, and also provide comments which can assist in further plan development. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the presentation is a web-based public viewing format with no in-person meetings scheduled, ODOT said. Those without internet access can contact the ODOT Environmental Programs Division at 200 N.E. 21st St., Ste. 3-D2a, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or call 405-521-3050. +16 +16 Throwback Tulsa: Six years ago today, Riverside closes for Gathering Place construction On this day six years ago, July 13, 2015, a two-mile stretch of Riverside Drive closed for the construction of the Gathering Place and a re-co Related CLAREMORE A bus pulled into the parking lot of the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum. When the bus rolled to a stop, out came Red Steagall, who was followed by more than 30 other men. Youve probably gone on road trips with a couple of friends. Steagall is doing likewise, except he invited a legion of buddies along for the ride. About 13 years ago, a group of us got together as friends around my dinner table and decided we wanted to see some historical things, the music artist and actor said. And I had just enough wine that I said lets just rent us a bus and go. Since then we have been all over the west. We have been into Canada. We went to Calgary to the Stampede. We have seen a lot of wonderful, historical places and met people who still have an interest in preserving and perpetuating our western way of life. The latest junket had Steagall and his pals trekking all over Oklahoma. Steagall said the trip started with a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Tour stops included the Pawnee Bill Museum in Pawnee, the Tom Mix Museum in Dewey, the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum in Pawhuska, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and Woolaroc in Bartlesville. The tribes announcement additionally indicates that the Cherokee Nation will sign agreements with municipalities, Vian and West Siloam Springs among them, to donate fees from traffic and other citations to their jurisdictions. The measure, according to the update, will ensure local agencies do not lose funding as a result of McGirt. The tribe will also continue to file new cases in tribal court at an unprecedented pace in order to ensure victims can see justice and cases do not fall through the cracks, the announcement states. The Tulsa County District Attorneys Office is among several northeastern Oklahoma agencies participating in the McGirt-focused forum on Tuesday to discuss what they say are continued challenges for victims and survivors of crimes. Rogers County District Attorney Matt Ballard, one of the panelists, has expressed similar frustration at appellate courts ordering the release of incarcerated people and dismissal of charges after McGirt claims. He has argued that current statute of limitations laws could mean those who should be imprisoned are freed with no recourse to hold them accountable for past criminal activity. A Broken Arrow man faces federal charges in connection with fake bomb threats sent to U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Jeremy Quenton Bell, 41, faces two counts in Tulsa federal court of conveying false and misleading information concerning an explosive device. He made an initial appearance Thursday after he was arrested earlier in the day. A grand jury indictment unsealed Wednesday alleges that Bell sent a message April 6 to Inhofe, a Republican, stating: Might want to check your Tulsa office for explosives. The indictment also alleges that Bell sent the following message to Tlaib, a Democrat, on May 16 that read: So now that you have identified as a supporter of Nazism I would advise to check your Michigan offices for explosives. As well as your homes. Also for the staff it might be best if you distance yourself. Bell made an initial appearance Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma before U.S. Magistrate Susan E. Huntsman. Federal prosecutors have requested that Bell be detained pending further proceedings, claiming that no release conditions could reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community. A man serving life without parole in state prison for the 2011 Craig County killing of his adoptive mother has pleaded guilty to a similar charge in federal court after he challenged his state conviction. Michael Joe Rice, 58, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Tulsa federal court to second-degree murder in Indian Country in exchange for a 45-year federal prison term, which would still require judicial approval. Rice has been serving a life without parole sentence since 2012 after he pleaded guilty Aug. 4, 2011, in Craig County District Court to the beating death of his adoptive mother, Ruth Rice, 81. Rice challenged his conviction and sentence earlier this year on grounds that he could not be tried by a state court due to the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt decision in 2020. The ruling determined that the state of Oklahoma has no jurisdiction to charge someone for a major crime when the crime involves an American Indian and it occurred within the 1860s-era reservation boundaries of the Muscogee Nation. Since the ruling, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has expanded the ruling to include four other tribal nation reservations, including that of the Cherokee Nation. The email says a formal invitation would follow. The chief executives of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Muscogee nations, in Tulsa on Thursday for an intertribal council, gave varying answers about their awareness of the forum, but all expressed more or less the same level of distrust about its intent. The fact that we have what appears to be an anti-McGirt rally for political reasons is the opposite of the direction the state needs to go, said Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Kunzweiler said the forum is not intended as an attack on McGirt or the tribes and pointed out that the participants include the Native Alliance Against Violence. This is an open event designed to help out victims of crime (affected by) McGirt, Kunzweiler said. He and the Governors Office both said they hope tribes will participate in the forum. Muscogee Chief David Hill, whose tribal nations boundaries include most of Tulsa, said he wants to hear the concerns of those caught up in the jurisdictional shifts caused by McGirt. But he also said he believes that victims are being used for political reasons. The Oklahoma State Board of Education next week will take up rules on a controversial new law that limits in-school instruction on race, gender and history. On Wednesday and Thursday, a host of Republican lawmakers from both the House and Senate signed onto news releases publicly calling for state board action on rules so that House Bill 1775 can be implemented immediately. Asked for a response to the news releases, Carrie Burkhart, spokeswoman at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, said: We have been working on the emergency rules for HB 1775, and they are on the agenda for Mondays State Board of Education meeting. That meeting is set for 9:30 a.m., with its agenda due for public release on Friday morning. HB1775 prohibits the teaching that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or gender and outlaws teaching that a person by virtue of his or her race or sex is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. The new law also bans the teaching that a person by virtue of his or her race or sex bears responsibility for past actions by other members of the same race or sex. The fire marshal cited Vista Shadow Mountain apartments on Thursday for four violations of the citys fire code, a move that could force tenants at the complex to be out by July 21. The violations include open walls in apartments, open ceilings, electrical hazards and generally unsafe conditions. On this date, there are several buildings that have significant structure damage and fire code violations that deem the structures to be uninhabitable and a danger to occupants living there, the citation notice states. Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Andrew Little said he expected the fire marshals inspection to run late into the day and that some buildings in the massive complex could be deemed habitable. There is a possibility that they might find a building that does not have a violation put on it, Little said. If the apartment complex does not fix the issues cited in the notice by July 21, residents will have to leave their units by that date, and all of the apartment buildings will have to be secured by the owner by July 28 to make sure someone else doesnt get in there, until the point where its safe, Little said. And (now) its not safe for anybody. 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. Mayor G.T. Bynum thanked the childrens parents for their sacrifices and for making new homes in the U.S. and in Oklahoma, specifically. In speaking to these new, young citizens about the opportunities they will have because of their parents choices, Bynum noted that the very park where the ceremony was held was the vision of a child of immigrants, George Kaiser, and how Tulsas other large park, LaFortune Park, was the vision of another child of immigrants, Bynums own relative. No pressure, but we have great expectations for you, Bynum said. For Dmytro Sholom, 18, Thursdays ceremony was the culmination of many years of toiling by his father, Sergey Sholom, who is an assistant professor in Oklahoma State Universitys Department of Physics and already a U.S. citizen. He was hired for a one-year research program, so our original plan was to stay one year. That was 12 years ago, laughed Dmytro, originally from Ukraine. This is a big day. It took a lot of work to move here. Also present were three MacDonald brothers John, Jeffrey and Joseph. They came to the U.S. 10 years ago after their mother was chosen by the luck of the draw in a visa lottery in their native Nigeria. 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. One of the most scenic sites in one of Oklahomas largest nature preserves, Bathtub Rocks has become permanently off-limits to the public in an effort to clamp down on illegal drug activity and vandalism, officials announced Tuesday. Visitors will still have access to other parts of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve, which covers 17,000 acres along the Illinois River near Tahlequah. But law enforcement officers will patrol the area to keep people away from Bathtub Rocks itself, a unique formation of rocks that create natural pools and slides. The Nature Conservancy has allowed public access to the site since it took over the nature preserve in 2000, said Michael Fuhr, the nonprofit groups state director. But the conservancy can no longer tolerate the increasing abuse of the site, including drug activity, littering, vandalism and trespassing on neighboring properties, Fuhr said. These illegal activities have created an unsafe environment for visitors, he said, and are interfering with our ability to fulfill our objective to conserve and protect the sensitive wildlife and habitat in the Ozarks. Congress first passed the landmark law in 1965 and subsequently reauthorized it five times. Congress can and should bring new life to the Voting Rights Act. The John Lewis Act, already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and favored by a majority in the Senate, would restore Voting Rights Act protections that the Supreme Court has diluted. The Lewis Act is significantly narrower than the For the People Act, which recently failed to get past a Republican filibuster. While For the People addressed a broad range of important voter protections, including gerrymandering and campaign funding, the John Lewis Act is strictly about discriminatory election laws. But once again theres reason to think the bill doesnt have the 60 votes necessary to end a filibuster. Only one GOP senator, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, has publicly supported the proposal. Even if they dont support the legislation, Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford should vote to end the filibuster that is preventing it from even being debated. The Voting Rights Act was the most effective piece of civil rights legislation in the nations history, and it shouldnt be shelved without a full, democratic debate by the nations elected leadership. Featured video: Subscribe to Daily Headlines Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sorbitol imported into Vietnam from three countries including China will be subject to temporary anti-dumping duty rates of up to 68.5 percent, pending the result of a dumping investigation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced. In a decision issued on Tuesday, the ministry said that anti-dumping tax rates from 39.63 to 68.5 percent will be temporarily applied to certain kinds of sorbitol imported from China, India, and Indonesia. Such rates, which were determined based on specific calculations, will be valid from now until the anti-dumping inquiry ends in the third quarter of this year, the decision said. The investigation, which was launched in December 2020, has been conducted in accordance with Vietnams Law on Foreign Trade Management as well as the Anti-Dumping Agreement of the World Trade Organization, according to the ministry. Sorbitol is a sweet-tasting sugar alcohol that is often used in different industries including seafood, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industries. During the ongoing anti-dumping probe, the ministry coordinated with relevant agencies to carefully review the impacts that dumping has had on Vietnams sorbitol manufacturing industry as well as local consumers. The inquiry has also analyzed the level of dumping by Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian manufacturers and exporters, the ministry said. Investigation results showed that dumped sorbitol imports increased from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020, significantly affecting domestic producers in terms of output, capacity, inventory, sales, revenue, profit, capital mobilization, cash flows, and others. In order to make a conclusion on the dumping case, the ministry said it will continue collecting information in order to assess the comprehensive impacts that dumping has had on all related parties, including end-users. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam has contributed US$500,000 to the COVAX Facility to join hands with the international community in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Le Thi Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference on Thursday. Vietnam hopes that countries and international organizations will boost the sharing of information, technology, finance, and medical supplies, especially vaccines, to jointly control the pandemic and bring life back to normal, Hang said. The Southeast Asian country has so far received four types of vaccine, including nearly 5.6 million doses of AstraZeneca via the COVAX scheme, purchase, and donations from Japan; 2,000 doses of Sputnik V donated by the Russian government; 500,000 doses of Vero-Cell by Sinopharm gifted by the Chinese government; and 97,000 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech through direct purchase. COVAX has also promised to give priority to Vietnam in its upcoming vaccine allocations, the diplomat claimed. Two million doses of Modernas vaccine provided by the U.S. government through the mechanism, are expected to arrive in Vietnam this week. Hang added that Vietnam has contributed $500,000 to the COVAX mechanism to help fight the global pandemic. COVAX is an international partnership created to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines the world over. Vietnam had documented 25,419 coronavirus cases as of Friday afternoon, with 8,950 recoveries and 105 deaths, according to the health ministry. The country has recorded 21,943 local infections in 57 provinces and cities since the fourth wave began on April 27. More than 3.98 million vaccine shots have been administered in Vietnam since March 8, with over 249,000 people fully vaccinated. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Interprovincial travelers in many parts of Vietnam, especially in the southern region, were roadblocked by requirements to present papers proving that they are negative for the novel coronavirus in order to continue their journeys. Travel struggles could be seen on many major routes in and out of Ho Chi Minh City on late Thursday afternoon, a few hours before the southern metropolis enacted a new social distancing order in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, starting from Friday. On the section of National Highway 1 connecting Long An Province and Ho Chi Minh City, Vo Hoai An, one of three commuters interviewed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, gave up hope of returning to his hometown in Dong Thap Province after being unable to provide officers at a medical checkpoint with a coronavirus-negative certificate. Its already too late in the afternoon to go to any hospitals and get a test, An said. I have no choice but to go back to the city now. "Im not sure what I will do for the next few days because I cant do business during the social distancing period. An officer checks a coronavirus-negative certificate belonging to a driver on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway, July 9, 2021. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre That same afternoon, at the COVID-19 checkpoint near the entrance to the Cat Lai Ferry, which connects Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai Province, people waited to have coronavirus-negative certificates checked by officers. Many people from Ho Chi Minh City were instructed to turn back for not having the required certificate. The same situation happened at the COVID-19 checkpoint at the tollgate on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway in Thu Duc City during the early hours of Friday. As the expressway is a major route between Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces, officers handled each situation on a case-by-case basis. For example, a driver carrying vegetables and fruits from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City did not have a negative test certificate, but it would be too unreasonable to make him return, said Senior Colonel Nguyen Van Binh, deputy head of the Road and Railway Traffic Police Department in Ho Chi Minh City, as he expressed the understanding for the over-300km distance between the two places. I have to be flexible when I can. Commuters wait to have their coronavirus-negative certificates checked at the entrance to Cat Lai Ferry in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, July 8, 2021. Photo: Duc Phu / Tuoi Tre Vietnam has been battling its worst wave of coronavirus since April 27. The Ministry of Health reported 425 new local coronavirus cases on Friday morning, including 350 patients in Ho Chi Minh City, taking the caseload to 24,810 infections. Up to 21,284 cases, or over 85 percent of the tally, have been recorded in the ongoing round. Recoveries and deaths remain at 8,950 and 105, respectively. Commuters wait to have their coronavirus-negative certificates checked at the entrance to Cat Lai Ferry in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, July 8, 2021. Photo: Duc Phu / Tuoi Tre An officer checks a coronavirus-negative certificate belonging to a commuter on National Highway 1, July 8, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre Kim Hanh returns to Ho Chi Minh City to test for COVID-19 and shows the virus-free certificate to officers at a medical checkpoint on National Highway 1 to continue his trip to Soc Trang Province, July 8, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre An officer checks a coronavirus-negative certificate belonging to a commuter on National Highway 1, July 8, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre An officer turns a commuter away for not having a coronavirus-negative certificate on National Highway 1, July 8, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre An officer checks a coronavirus-negative certificate belonging to a commuter on National Highway 1, July 8, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Hanoi authorities have restored a ban on outdoor exercise which had been lifted just a few weeks ago following the resurgence of the novel coronavirus. The prohibition was mentioned in an express dispatch from the Hanoi Peoples Committee addressing adjustments to the citys guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and control. As pointed out by the document, the coronavirus epidemic in the southern region is escalating, with Ho Chi Minh City recording 9.895 patients since the fourth wave broke out in late April, making it the largest epicenter in Vietnam at the moment. This could potentially lead to another outbreak in Hanoi if the traffic flow from these areas to the capital city is not closely monitored. The municipal Peoples Committee required leaders of local authorities to discourage residents from non-essential travels. They were also told to uphold the Ministry of Healths COVID-19 prevention guidelines, while also promoting social distancing messages. The city began to prohibit all outdoor exercise activities until further notice on Thursday. The Northern Airports Authority, the Hanoi Gas Station, and the municipal Department of Transport are required to enforce medical declaration and social distancing compliance on all arrivals to the city, including those who come from low-risk areas. Residents have been asked to closely monitor their health conditions and promptly report themselves to health authorities if they find symptoms of a fever, coughing, a sore throat, dyspnea, or loss of taste. This is but one of various measures that Hanoi has introduced to combat the latest developments of the epidemic in the last few days. On Wednesday, Hanoi authorities advised residents against traveling to outbreak areas, especially Ho Chi Minh City. Those from Ho Chi Minh City will be subjected to three COVID-19 tests in the first seven days of their arrival, followed by another seven days of self-monitoring at home. Residents have also been prohibited from gathering in groups of more than ten in public, while dine-in restaurants must be closed by no later than 9:00 pm to ensure safety. The capital has recorded a total of 490 transmissions since the fourth virus wave erupted on April 27, according to Tran Thi Nhi Ha, director of the local Department of Health. Thanks to prompt contact tracing and the isolation of high-risk communities, Hanoi seemed to have put the outbreak under control, which underpinned its decision to reopen several activities and services, including outdoor exercise, coffee shops, dine-in services, and barbershops in late June after a month-long ban. As the city has reported new cases in the past few days after going almost two weeks of a clean track record, city leaders decided to reconsider easing restrictions. This is an important time and there is no room for negligence and complacency, officials stated. It requires the participation of authorities of all levels to quell the spread of the epidemic and prevent another outbreak. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Ho Chi Minh have re-established 12 COVID-19 checkpoints at entrances to the city in order to inspect all people entering and exiting the metropolis. The checkpoints were put into operation at 0:00 on Friday as the city entered a 15-day period with more extensive social distancing measures. The municipal Peoples Committee has tasked the Department of Public Security with operating the checkpoints. Officers have been put in charge of examining people and vehicles that enter or exit the city, while certain units are responsible for ensuring order at these checkpoints. Travelers are required to file health declarations as well as present their IDs and negative COVID-19 test results. A resident presents his ID and negative COVID-19 test result at a checkpoint in Ho Chi Minh City, July 9, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters at a checkpoint on Vinh Binh Bridge in Thu Duc City, many people were asked to turn around upon failure to present a certificate proving they had tested negative for the novel coronavirus. Ho Chi Minh City residents are required to test negative for the pathogen if they wish to travel to other localities. They can either register for a rapid antigen test or a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, which takes a longer time but provides a more accurate result, at various hospitals in the metropolis. Bui Tien Loi, a police official on duty at a checkpoint, stated that the negative test result is valid for three days. Travelers have to turn around after they failed to present a negative COVID-19 test result at a checkpoint in Ho Chi Minh City, July 9, 2021. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre The 12 COVID-19 checkpoints at Ho Chi Minh Citys gateways were first established in April 2020 when Vietnam faced a serious epidemic outbreak. They were put into operation again from May 15 to June 1 to medically inspect all vehicles entering the city. Vietnam had documented 25,419 cases of COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon, with 8,950 recoveries and 105 deaths, according to the health ministry. The country has recorded 21,943 local infections in 57 provinces and cities, including 9,895 cases in Ho Chi Minh City, since the fourth and worst-ever outbreak began on April 27. A resident presents her ID and negative COVID-19 test result at a checkpoint in Ho Chi Minh City, July 9, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A resident presents his ID and negative COVID-19 test result at a checkpoint in Ho Chi Minh City, July 9, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A truck driver shows his ID and negative COVID-19 test result at a checkpoint in Ho Chi Minh City, July 9, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A total of 13 cars parked near a kindergarten in Hanoi were wrecked after 50 meters of wall from the premises collapsed on them on Thursday morning. As witnessed by a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter, a 50-meter-long segment of the dilapidated wall surrounding Mai Dich Kindergarten in Mai Dich Ward, Cau Giay District fell upon many cars parked on the sidewalk of Mai Dich Street, destroying the front ends of these vehicles. The collapse took place around 4:00 am on Thursday, according to a local resident. I was sleeping when I heard a loud thud outside, followed by various car alarm noises, the witness recalled. No casualties were recorded as the school was still closed at the time. D.V.T., the owner of one of the defaced cars, said the sidewalk where the incident took place is an authoritzed parking area. I have been parking here for half a year, he said. At 10:00 am this morning, I was informed via a phone call that my cars front end was damaged. My car has not been pulled out of the debris so far. Police of Mai Dich Ward told Tuoi Tre that they have been informed about the incident and are working investigating it. A cars front end is heavily damaged in a wall collapse near Mai Dich Kindergarten in Hanoi, July 8, 2021. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre The collapsed wall of Mai Dich Kindergarten in Hanoi, July 8, 2021. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Cars front ends are heavily damaged in a wall collapse near Mai Dich Kindergarten in Hanoi, July 8, 2021. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre The collapsed wall of Mai Dich Kindergarten in Hanoi, July 8, 2021. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre The hood ornament of a Mercedes-Benz car is broken in a wall collapse near Mai Dich Kindergarten in Hanoi, July 8, 2021. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Three South Korean men, including a leader of the South Korean Association in central Vietnam, have been indicted and arrested for arranging the illegal entry of their compatriots into the Southeast Asian country, Da Nang police said on Friday. The indicted men include Lee Kwan Young, 53, vice-president of the South Korean Association in the central Vietnamese region, Seo Young Jin, 48, director of Han in Hue Co. Ltd., and Song Hong Sub, the 49-year-old owner of Khan Vina Co. Ltd. All of them dwell in Da Nang. Lee and Seo organized a demand survey, received visa applications from enterprises, and arranged the entire illegal immigration of South Korean nationals from Incheon International Airport in South Korea to Da Nang International Airport in Vietnam. Song, meanwhile, promoted the illegal service and looked for customers on the Internet. They had directors of a number of local companies -- such as Kuvarose, The Es, and Phuc Travel Newlife -- sign and stamp endorsement papers to help a number of South Korean citizens make entry into Vietnam under the guise of experts. Vietnam began denying entrance to foreign nationals in March 2020 and currently only allows arrivals who are diplomats, investors, experts, skilled workers, and business managers. They are required to present certificates proving their negative test results within three days before their flights and comply with Vietnams coronavirus quarantine rules upon arrival. Taking advantage of this regulation, Lee, Seo, and Song successfully organized the illegal entry for four times on December 11, 2020 and January 23, February 26, and March 26, 2021. Police in Da Nang also searched the houses of the three indicted men on Friday. They have continued to expand their investigation to clarify the responsibilities of relevant individuals and organizations. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Over one million AstraZeneca vaccine doses arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, including those donated by the Japanese government, amid the countrys acceleration of its vaccination campaign to curb the increasing COVID-19 spread. A shipment of 600,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses from Japan was delivered to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City early on Friday morning. The latest delivery has taken the total volume of COVID-19 vaccines provided for free by Japan to Vietnam to nearly two million doses so far. The two previous shipments included 400,000 doses arriving in Ho Chi Minh City on July 2 and nearly one million shots reaching Hanoi on June 16. Also on Thursday morning, 580,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses were sent to Tan Son Nhat, as the third delivery by AstraZeneca under a 30-million-dose contract between the firm and Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company. The combined volume of the two previous deliveries, in February and May, was over 405,000 doses. Among other vaccine suppliers to Vietnam, China donated 500,000 Sinopharm vaccine jabs on June 20. Vietnam also expects to take two million Moderna vaccine doses from the U.S. this weekend, as part of the U.S. governments program to gift COVID-19 vaccines to 92 countries. The U.S. is operating the program through COVAX, a global initiative aiming to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccine manufacture and guarantee equitable access for every country in the world. The initiative, to which Vietnam has recently made a contribution of US$500,000, has promised to supply Vietnam with around 31 million vaccine doses, which is enough for vaccinating 20 percent of the countrys population. On Wednesday, Vietnam received more than 97,000 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine shots from COVAX as the first delivery under the commitment. The Southeast Asian country is accelerating its immunization campaign to drive back the coronavirus spread that has so far infected more than 25,000 people. As of Thursday, around 3.9 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine had been administered to people nationwide, including frontline health workers and priority groups, the Ministry of Health reported. At noon on Friday, the ministry confirmed 609 new COVID-19 cases, including 100 domestic and nine imported infections, of which 479 were detected in Ho Chi Minh City. The latest infections have taken the countrys tally to 25,419 cases, including 8,950 recoveries and 105 deaths, since early 2020. Since April 27, when the pandemics fourth wave erupted in Vietnam, the country has documented 21,943 infections. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! When Beauty & the Geek aired on Seven for six seasons from 2009 2014 it screened weekly for up to 10 episodes. Now in 2021 on Nine it will be stripped across multiple nights for 4 weeks, in episodes that expand to up to as much as 1:45hr. Self-confessed bogan Sophie Monk is now host for the Ashton Kutcher-created series which brings together 10 males and 10 females in a quest for true TV love and a $100,000 prize to share. So what else has changed? Yes there is some racial diversity amongst the cast, but the geeks are all still male while the beauties remain female. Unless there are intruders coming in to shake up the definitions Im struggling to work out why this show is back. But I digress. Episode one sees our trusty host pair up our singles on a jetty in Sydney Harbour. Amongst the geeks are a maths teacher, an ER doctor / wrestling fan, a motorsport fanatic, cosplayer, video gamer and martial arts expert. The girls include a theme park princess, a tanning and gym lover, a red carpet reporter and a criminology student and model. And they are all positively weak at the knees when Cupid Sophie pairs them together. Aww. The first challenge at Taronga Zoo tasks our new couples with working together as Seal Show presenters, entertaining a crowd as Oscar the Seal splashes all and sundry. Aww. Residing at the very colourful sponsor hotel, the girls room in pairs, as do the geeks. This isnt MAFS, no hanky panky, despite being in the very same timeslot. While the boys are nervous about impressing their ladies, the girls gossip over the attributes of their new fellas. Theres already some wandering eyes.awww. Im a bit nervous when other girls want my geek water your grass and it will become green, 23 year old Kiera will declare. After two winning dates theres a cocktail party (Sophie: Sorry wrong show) mixer party, as the group interacts. This lends itself to some fleeting conflict before Sophie surprises with some couple switch-ups. Its not exactly swinging 70s key clubs, but it did leave me confused as to why this was happening. Then I remembered. an episode needs some kind of final act if it isnt eliminating a couple as the old format demands. This solution felt very imposed and wasnt narratively justified in my mind. Sophie Monk is a good fit as host, managing to personify both aspects of the title in her character, and proving better at the ad libs than the narration. The casting of the singles looks quite good (and what a shame the geeks can only get makeovers once). But while Nines own Lego Masters has shown us girls can be geeks, and Love on the Spectrum found authentic ways to showcase less-conventional dating, what will this very costumed reality construct add to the conversation? And could it do it in half the time? You bet. Just get to the makeovers, thats what were here for. Beauty & the Geek airs 7pm Sunday, 7:30pm Monday & Tuesday on Nine. Tyler, TX (75702) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Mallory Fuller of Tyler wins Miss Texas 2021 aconejo / Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph Tyler resident and Miss Texas 2021 Mallory Fuller poses with her crown and sash next to the Tyler letters located inside the Tyler Rose Garden. rtorres / BluDoor Studios/COURTESY Mallory Fuller, a resident of Tyler and student of Baylor University, was crowned Miss Texas 2021 by Miss Texas 2019 and Miss Park Cities 2019, Chandler Foreman, and Miss Texas Outstanding Teen 2021, Miss Lewisville Katherine Omo-Osagie. rtorres / BluDoor Studios/courtesy Tyler resident Mallory Fuller, who was Miss Colleyville and now Miss Texas 2021, holds her crown as she turns toward the audience for the first time in her reign. aconejo / Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph Tyler resident Mallory Fuller poses at the Tyler Rose Garden with her crown and sash after winning Miss Texas 2021 on June 26 in Richardson at the Miss Texas Scholarship Competition. aconejo / Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph Tyler resident and Miss Texas 2021 Mallory Fuller plays the violin at the Tyler Rose Garden on Wednesday morning. For her talent portion of the Miss Texas competition, Fuller played the violin. aconejo / Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph Tyler resident Mallory Fuller poses at the Tyler Rose Garden with her crown and sash after winning Miss Texas 2021 on Saturday, June 26 in Richardson at the Miss Texas Scholarship Competition. aconejo / Ana Conejo / Tyler Morning Telegraph Tyler resident Mallory Fuller walks around the Tyler Rose Garden with her crown and sash after winning Miss Texas 2021 on Saturday, June 26 in Richardson at the Miss Texas Scholarship Competition. rtorres / BluDoor Studios A contestant gasps as she holds another finalists' hands during the moment she is announced the winner of the Miss Texas 2021 competition in Richardson. Mallory Fuller of Tyler, and Miss Plano, Landry Champlin were the two finalists. Fuller was named Miss Texas 2021. rtorres / BluDoor Studios Mallory Fuller, a resident of Tyler and student of Baylor University, was crowned Miss Texas 2021 by Miss Texas 2019 and Miss Park Cities 2019, Chandler Foreman, and Miss Texas Outstanding Teen 2021, Miss Lewisville Katherine Omo-Osagie. rtorres / BluDoor Studios 2021 Miss Texas Mallory Fuller, of Tyler, and the runner-up contestants pose for a photo together. At around 5 years of age, she would sit on her grandmothers living room floor. Eyes wide, mind full of awe and excitement, Mallory Fuller watched the Miss Texas 2002 competition over and over again. Something about the crowning moment gave her a special feeling. She turned to her grandmother and said, Im going to do that one day. At 5 years old, Fuller, who is currently a Tyler resident, may have just been saying that, but on June 26, Fuller received her very own crowning moment and took home the title of Miss Texas 2021. Authenticity and staying true to herself were key to her moment. I remember hearing the audience yelling and I remember hearing them calling my name and being so overwhelmed with emotions and so excited. If you go back and watch the video, Im shaking the entire time. I was so incredibly grateful and excited, but honestly, I dont remember a single thing that happened that moment, Fuller said. She will now travel across the state of Texas spreading her message of mental health awareness. She will head to Connecticut in December to compete for the title of Miss America during the competitions 100th anniversary. Fuller wore a white gown by Fernando Wong and performed a medley of fiddle songs on her violin, including The Orange Blossom Special. The instrument with which she performed was symbolic to Fuller, as it represented the connection between her sister who she always supported and also plays the violin. As part of her prize for winning the competition, Fuller received a $20,000 cash scholarship and the use of a 2021 Infinity Q50 from Sewell Automotive Group during her reign. In addition to competing for scholarships, each contestant actively participates in raising funds for Texas Cares For Children, the nonprofit that supports the Miss Texas school program throughout the state. After years of competing in the Miss Texas Outstanding Teen pageant and never winning the title, finally seeing 15 years of hard work pay off, there was some disbelief in Fuller, who said she was at peace and confident the entire week of competing. After competing for four years to get the state title, Fuller was named Miss Colleyville in October 2019 to compete in Miss Texas 2020. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the competition was delayed. As a result, competitions were moved to the following year and Miss Texas 2019 Chandler Foreman held the title until she recently crowned Fuller. Fuller took her book, Henrys Happy Heart, to schools across Texas and spread her message about mental health and suicide awareness. Her message comes from personal experience, not only in losing a childhood friend to suicide at an early age but also as a target of bullying and body image issues. For me, my mission is suicide prevention, but I like to focus on mental health as a whole. I think my experiences, being bullied for being (5-foot-11) in the sixth grade, have definitely shaped me. I feel like I can relate to those girls in junior high that feel like they dont belong, Fuller said. I remember when I was younger, all I wanted to do was shrink when I walked down the hallway, and I couldnt do that because I was so much taller than all the girls, all the boys, and most of the teachers as well. So wanting to hide and just not show who I am, was definitely something that I dealt with in junior high, but I think that the Miss Texas Organization gave me the strength to show who I was. Fuller said by participating in the competition and getting out of her comfort zone, she learned to love the fact she was taller than everyone else. She added that each year, Miss Texas brings her own special twist to the title. Fuller said she isnt the stereotypical pageant girl, adding she has also struggled with her own body image. Fuller said a lot of work goes into preparing for the competition and credits the Colleyville Organization for being a huge part of her journey as well as her family. Fuller first got involved with the Miss Texas Organization 15 years ago when her older sister Morgan became a candidate in the teen portion of the competition. Fuller became a Lone Star Princess for her sister, as well as for two girls who went on to win Miss Texas in 2006 and 2007, Shilah Phillips and Molly Hazlett. Fullers own sister, Madison, won Miss Texas in 2018 and went on to compete in Miss America. The opportunity to participate in being a Lone Star Princess for the organization gave Fuller an inside look of what the competition is like and served as a mentoring opportunity. The biggest thing I took away from that was just the fact that they were competing in the Miss Texas organization but they were still pouring into their Lone Star Princesses and they still knew how to make me feel like I was special, she said. Fuller has gotten the opportunity to have her own Lone Star Princesses as well and has been a mentor to them. I never really looked up to celebrities. I looked up to Miss Texas, Fuller said. To be in a position to be the role model that I looked up to is unreal to me. The week leading up to Fullers crowning moment consisted of multiple competitions like a private interview, a talent phase, an on-stage interview, a red carpet evening wear competition and a social impact pitch. One of my favorite parts of competing is definitely the sisterhood. Getting to know all the girls and hearing their stories and listening to things they bring to the competition is amazing. I feel like even though were competing, I like to say were competing together, not against each other, she said. Being among that group really pushes you to be the best version of yourself. I feel like its more building each other up, and not like the stereotypical catty. She said this years contest was one of her favorites because all girls were amazing. Fuller said she has a passion for loving people, and one of her biggest goals this year is to meet the people of Texas, hear their stories and love them. The best ways that we can show up to each other is by listening to each others stories and connecting with each other, Fuller said. Thats my greatest hope as Miss Texas, is to be able to stay true to who I am, which is somebody who loves people and wants to get to know everybody that she meets. Miss Texas Scholarship Organization Executive Director Jan Mitchell said Fuller is a perfect example of the role. Mallory is involved in community service, is talented, intelligent and exhibits the values of a positive role model for children and all Texans across the state, Mitchell said. The Miss Texas Scholarship provides educational scholarships for young women across the state of Texas and we know that Mallory will set a great example for the young women of Texas who are a part of our program. Fuller is now preparing to compete for the title of Miss America. Because she will be traveling and spreading her message across the state, Fuller will take a one-year break from pursuing her masters degree at Baylor University. She will be preparing for the competition in December by eating healthy, working out, practicing her talent, and making sure she shows what she wants people who are watching to see in her. I realize now that I am a representation of everyone in the state, Fuller said. Before stepping foot on the stage for her bigger competition, she will be telling herself to radiate Mallory and Jesus as she does at every competition. She thanks each sponsor for their part in her competition. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers commands and remain in his love. (John 15:10) Chad Eveslage Wins WPT Venetian for $910,370; Leads POY Race July 09 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. 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! The University of North Georgia (UNG) moved up to No. 17 in the 2021 Military Times "Best for Vets: Colleges" rankings. UNG is the No. 4 public university in the Southeast and is ranked second among the 11 University System of Georgia (USG) institutions included on the list. "This ranking validates the efforts UNG is making to serve our veterans and military-connected students," Dr. Brett Morris, associate vice president of enrollment management, said. "The Military Times is well respected among veterans and their families, and we hope they will take note and consider UNG." Emily Schwarck, a sophomore pursuing an Associate of Science in core curriculum with an engineering pathway through the Regents' Engineering Transfer Program, has seen firsthand how UNG helps veterans. After four years of active-duty Army service, she moved to Georgia to join the National Guard and pursue a degree. Schwarck, a NEST student worker at UNG, appreciates the academic advising and financial aid counseling that reflect the experiences of veterans. "Help was tailored to me as a veteran," she said. "UNG offers so much assistance to alleviate the stress that veterans face when they leave the service and come to school." The existence of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and its entry into force on 22 January 2021 rang as an earthquake among states possessing or supporting a nuclear deterrence policy, non-proliferation activists Jean-Marie Collin, Susi Snyder, and Tuva Widskjold write for Euractiv. This positive evolution of International Law is strongly rejected by NATO, which claims its nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression yet issues thinly veiled threats to those who would join this new UN Treaty. The Alliance is creating conditions for proliferation and setting a dangerous precedent. Nuclear disarmaments inertia is a reality. Its carried out by States that possess or support a policy of nuclear deterrence. Compounding the problem, their constant modernization and renewal of their nuclear arsenal undermine the non-proliferation regime. And if nuclear-armed states are accountable for nuclear weapons reduction, states that accept, support, and benefit from this defence system also have a responsibility. No one claims that nuclear disarmament is an easy task. But one thing is certain: not doing anything or going against legal progress is a dangerous game. By rejecting the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), the Atlantic Alliance and its 30 democratic regimes have sent a clear signal to non-democratic States on the right not to comply with International Law. The TPNW, adopted on July 7th 2017, is in force since January 22nd 2021. The Treaty, which has 86 signatures and 54 Member States, will welcome new Member States in the coming months. It benefits from broad global support, as testifies the commitment of cities (Amsterdam, Berlin, Bruges, Paris, Manchester, Oslo, Toronto) and parliamentarians from NATO Member States, to support it. This Treaty reinforces non-proliferation and allows the implementation of NPTs article 6 (nuclear disarmament). The latter, considered as the backbone of the non-proliferation regime, is in danger. Even the Alliance implicitly recognizes this danger in its Statement, the enduring success of the NPT cannot be taken for granted. However, this reasonable thinking is confronted with contrary and irresponsible actions by three nuclear States of this Alliance: the United Kingdom announced its will to increase its nuclear arsenal, backing away from its 2010 NPT disarmament commitment. France wants, in a parallel effort to support NATO, while completely renewing its arsenal, to promote the Europeanization of its nuclear deterrence, through strategic dialogue and the opening of French deterrence exercises to the other European States. Finally, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the United States will spend a whopping $634 billion in the next ten years on new nuclear arms systems. The facts are crystal clear. These states do not respect the good faith principle, as required by the NPT and the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (July 7th 1996). The Alliance Statement also undermines the democratic values of the UN and its institution. It is important to be aware that the TPNW was subject to open negotiations (2017), during which all States could be present to expose their own point of view, and thus, influence the content of the text. Except for the Netherlands, all NATO Member States stayed away from these negotiations. By challenging the TPNWs existence, they are equally challenging the functioning of the UN and of its Secretary-General, who is the depositary of the Ban Treaty. In the report A Non-Nuclear Alliance: Why NATO Members Should Join the UN Ban on Nuclear Weapons (116 pages), the Alliances arguments were reviewed, point by point, demonstrating that they are based on myths, misconceptions, and deliberate lies. NATOs hostility to the TPNW is in direct contradiction to its own security interests. By working constructively against the threat posed by nuclear weapons, the Alliance Member States would protect their populations. Yet, today they keep relying on a deterrence policy to tackle this threat which is only adding fuel to the fire. Some NATO partners, in Europe (Austria, Ireland and Malta) or in Asia-Pacific (New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand), are already States Parties to the TPNW; and more are to come. Others have announced their participation as Observatory States (Finland, Sweden, Switzerland) to the First Meeting of State Parties, which will be held at the UN in Vienna (12th to 14th of January 2022). And the list is expected to grow. Yet, the Alliance is attempting to sabotage the sovereign will of countries and prevent them from engaging by calling on its partners and all other countries of the international community, to think twice before joining the TPNW. This barely veiled threat reveals how scared the three nuclear-armed members are of losing the moral support they need to justify military capabilities, capable of causing catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences NATO cannot hinder International Laws development. The TPNW has no other objective than to create more security, by becoming universal. When declaring that its member states support the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons, NATO must see the TPNW as an opportunity to put an end to a threat too many generations have known. Like the rest of Irans neighbors, Armenia and Azerbaijan are trying to make sense of how the countrys newly elected conservative president Ebrahim Raisi may change Tehrans orientation toward the region, Eldar Mamedov, a political adviser to the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament, writes in the article for Eurasianet. Seen from an Azerbaijan perspective, continuity with the policies implemented by the outgoing moderate administration of Hassan Rouhani would be the preferred course. In his congratulatory message to Raisi who won a stage-managed election on June 19 and is slated to take office in August Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev commended the strategic cooperation between the two countries. Significantly, Aliyev emphasized that the full re-establishment of the Iranian-Azerbaijani border as the result of the 2020 war opens up new opportunities for regional cooperation. Some analysts in Baku interpreted this as an invitation to Iran to become a stakeholder in the new post-war order in the South Caucasus. Indeed, despite some specious claims from Azeri ultra-nationalists and American anti-Iran hawks, Tehran has not in any way thwarted Bakus war effort, and in fact has consistently supported Azerbaijans territorial integrity. Armenia, by contrast, is emerging from an extremely traumatic period a painful loss in the war against Azerbaijan last year and polarizing national elections in June. It has yet to produce a coherent foreign policy strategy suitable for the new realities. Some Armenian analysts, particularly those sympathetic to the opposition, now hope for some sort of Moscow-Yerevan-Tehran realignment to counter the Baku-Ankara alliance. Re-elected prime minister Nikol Pashinyan, with a renewed and strengthened mandate in the parliament, however, seems more likely to seek a peace deal with Azerbaijan than attempt to balance Azerbaijan and Turkey with Russian and Iranian help. That may be just fine with Tehran. Raisis top priority is to address the countrys desperate economic situation. Since his election is widely seen as a steppingstone to succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he needs stability on the countrys borders to focus on its manifold internal challenges. There is a consensus in the Iranian security establishment that the Middle East and Persian Gulf are arenas of vital national security interest, and that the South Caucasus is not. In addition, Afghanistan, during the rapid withdrawal of American forces, is fast emerging as another source of threats for Iran. These regions remain priorities irrespective of who occupies the Iranian presidency. Irans relatively low-key involvement in the South Caucasus could, however, shift if its threat perception regarding Turkey and Azerbaijan grows more acute. Iran sees Turkeys alliance with Azerbaijan and growing ambition in Central Asia as directed against its interests. However, Raisis hardline credentials would at the same time also ensure that whatever conflict might arise will not spiral out of control. He supports the Vienna talks to restore the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers, but also echoes the conservative establishments skepticism of deepening ties with the West, particularly the United States. Irans perpetually dysfunctional relationship with the West increases its economic reliance on regional players, including Turkey and Azerbaijan. In case of Turkey, Tehran has additional incentives for restraint: Its relations with Ankara resemble a complex chessboard, where South Caucasus is but one aspect. The election of the conservative Raisi augurs a more hard-nosed, security-driven approach by Tehran toward the region. At the same time, economic interests, particularly if Irans relations with the West continue to stagnate, should mitigate the risks of an all-out confrontation. The school holidays are here, and parents struggling to get their children to bed will no doubt be thinking: what is wrong with you? I would do anything to get more sleep! Children seem to do everything possible to avoid sleep, yet many adults cant seem to get enough of it, The Conversation writes. It may seem kids resistance to sleep, and adults longing for it, are underpinned by different factors. But its likely similar issues are at play for both. Factors such as as insufficient sleep, behavioural sleep issues and sleep disorders may explain our strong feelings towards sleep, and why they differ at different stages of our lives. How much sleep is enough? Reports from the Sleep Health Foundation indicate four in ten Australian adults dont get enough sleep. We dont know exactly what this number is for children, but one Swedish study showed it could be about the same for them. Research has shown sleep is essential for a childs development, but the amount needed varies with age. Children aged 3-5 years should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily, including naps while those aged 6-12 years should get 9 to 11 hours. Adults 18 years and older should aim to sleep between 7 and 9 hours. Insufficient sleep in kids isnt always easy to identify. They may not be able to communicate when they are sleepy, or may not even recognise sleep deprivation in themselves. Children are unlikely to know how much sleep they should be getting, so they look to their parents as a guide. There are telltale signs when children are suffering from insufficient or poor sleep, including poorer behaviour, overactivity, poorer performance at school and poorer physical growth. Meanwhile, adults are usually aware of their own lack of sleep and can report increased sleepiness, trouble staying awake, difficulty concentrating, poorer memory and slower reaction times. An accumulation of sleep loss over many years can even lead to sleep debt in adults. This increases sleepiness and can worsen the impact of further sleep loss. These changes can happen so gradually we dont always notice them, but theyre probably why many adults are desperate to get more sleep. Fear of missing out Difficult behaviour around bedtime is the most common sleep issue among children. Refusing to get into (or stay) in bed, not settling into sleep, waking up during the night, getting up very early all of these are examples of sleep behaviour problems in children. Such behaviours may start at a young age without a trigger, or may follow significant life events such as moving houses, family upsets or starting school. Children can also develop behavioural sleep problems due to FOMO (fear of missing out), or not understanding why the grownups are allowed to stay awake. In adults, behavioural sleep problems are often described as poor sleep hygiene or poor sleep habits. Its when you promise yourself youll only watch one more episode of a show, or only scroll through your feed for ten more minutes and then fail to cut yourself off. Having an irregular sleep schedule and not prioritising sleep are symptoms of behavioural sleep issues in adults. While children usually have someone to tell them when they need to go to bed, adults must set their own (often poor) sleep routines. Bedtime doesnt have to be all-out war On the bright side, setting rules around sleep can help both children and adults overcome their sleep issues. Children and adults should both go to bed and wake up around the same time daily. They should also develop a consistent bedtime routine of around 30 to 60 minutes to prepare for sleep each night. This is especially important for children. It could include taking a warm bath or reading a book. Stimulating activities should be avoided, such as watching TV, using social media, playing video games or doing vigorous physical activity. It also helps to have a sleep-friendly bedroom: a dark, quiet and welcoming environment free from distractions such as computers, phones or TV. Night lights are useful for children who dont like the dark. And finally, during the day both children and adults should limit their caffeine consumption, including from energy drinks, soda, tea and coffee. Outdoor exercise is a great option if possible. Napping is normal in pre-school children, but should be limited in older kids and adults. More serious sleep disorders Some sleep issues may not always be related to behaviour. Its possible a sleep disorder may be causing issues around sleep for an adult or child. Examples of parasomnias, or abnormal sleep behaviours, include sleepwalking, sleep talking, nightmares and sleep terrors. These behaviours are generally more common in children than adults, although we dont know why. Most children outgrow them as they age. Parasomnias can be caused by stress, traumatic life events and sleep loss or can also be hereditary. In adults theyre more often a result of stress, trauma, mental health illness or neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsons disease. Fortunately, treatment for these behaviours generally isnt needed unless theyre frequent, distressing or risk injury. Sleep apnoea is also common. While it presents slightly differently in children and adults, signs include snoring, increased efforts to breath during sleep, pauses in breathing and gasping. Sleep apnoea can result in sleep loss which can lead to either a resistance to, or strong desire for, sleep. If you suspect you or your child may have a sleep disorder, consult your GP. The first meeting on planning the Eternity-2021 military exercises on October 4-8, 2021, in which Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia will take part, was held. The information was spread by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. The video conference meeting was held in the Central Command of the Exercise Control of the Ground Forces. The Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) has set up checkpoints in the occupied areas of the state border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff Colonel-General Anatoly Sidorov said in an interview with RT on Thursday. "Today we saw that the Talibs had set up roadblocks on that side. At least currently, there is no aggression at all from the side of the northern provinces of Afghanistan. Moreover, they set up observation posts, roadblocks, guard posts. <> Visually, the situation is rather peaceful on that side," he said. There are no refugees currently on the Tajik-Afghan border, but the situation may change, Anatoly Sidorov said. "I would like to stress that at this point, there is no need to deploy humanitarian aid centers, temporary accommodation centers for refugees and so on. Because so far, there are no refugees," he said. However, the situation may change in the future, Sidorov pointed out. "Because we cannot be 100% certain right now what will happen next. So we need to be ready to deploy these centers, these temporary accommodation points, and in order to do this, we need to make sure that they are fully equipped, that they have the necessary management and personnel," he said. According to the official, with these preparations, humanitarian centers can be deployed in the regions within mere hours or days. "In such moments, we need to provide aid to the Republic of Tajikistan. They are feeling very confident when it comes to everything else. They keep their borders under lock and key," he stated. On July 5, the press center of Tajikistans border service reported that after the clashes with Taliban supporters, over 1,000 Afghan troops retreated to the territory of the republic. In the past two weeks, there have been several cases of Afghan troops retreating to Tajik territory. The press center noted that the Afghan troops were allowed to enter Tajikistan due to the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in Afghanistans domestic affairs. Members of the European Parliament call for the restoration of free movement in the Schengen area, which was violated by border controls because of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a statement on the EP website. MEPs approved the report, which argues that member states must quickly restore free movement in the Schengen zone. Noting that certain internal border controls have been in place since 2015, MEPs argue that such checks no longer meet the criteria of proportionality and necessity and are therefore illegal. If necessary, the Commission should also initiate infringement procedures. The report also calls for the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the free movement area, noting that both countries have met the requirements for joining Schengen. Croatia has also met the requirements, as the Commission noted during its visit to the country in November 2020. However, MEPs are concerned about reports of human rights violations at Croatias borders and hope that Croatia will ensure adequate staffing levels at its borders. Parliament also stresses that reform of the Schengen Border Code is necessary to address the current state of the free movement zone. Although border controls remain the prerogative of member states, new protective mechanisms can ensure that controls are abolished when they are no longer a proportionate response. A citizen of a neighboring state, who is a member of the Islamic State international terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia), has been apprehended in the Moscow Region on suspicion of plotting a terror attack, Spokeswoman for the Russian Investigative Committees Main Investigation Department for the Moscow Region Olga Vradiy said on Friday. "According to the investigators data, the suspect, who resided on the territory of the Moscow Region, joined the ranks of the terrorist organization at his own initiative, and assumed the functions of an IS rank-and-file member. In June 2021, he cobbled together a plan to carry out a terror-related crime on the territory of the Moscow Region, and for this purpose acquired components, tools and equipment required for making explosives," the spokeswoman explained. The First Department for the Investigation of High-Profile Crimes of the Russian Investigative Committees Main Investigation Department for the Moscow Region has instituted a criminal case against the 21-year-old citizen of a neighboring state over his involvement in the activity of a terrorist organization (Part 2, Article 205.5 of Russias Criminal Code). "Thanks to the joint and coordinated effort by detectives from the Russian Investigative Committees Main Investigation Department for the Moscow Region, operatives of the FSB [Federal Security Service] of Russia and the Interior Ministry, as well as the personnel of the National Guards Main Branch for the Moscow Region, the suspect was apprehended, and the terror attack was foiled," TASS cited the spokeswoman as saying. The security officers conducted searches at the suspects residence and place of work, and seized a rough stock of an improvised explosive and its components. Investigators jointly with bomb technicians of the National Guards Branch for the Moscow Region examined the seized items. Genetic, explosive, linguistic, psychological, and psychiatric expert studies are pending. The court has ruled to remand the suspect in custody. A Be-200 amphibious plane of Russias naval aviation has departed for Turkey to help fight wildfires, Russias Defense Ministry reported on Thursday. "On the instruction of the president of the Russian Federation, Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergey Shoigu has sent a Be-200 amphibious plane of the Russian Navys naval aviation to help the Turkish Republic extinguish fires," the ministry said in a statement. The Be-200 amphibious plane took off from the Krymsk airfield at about 4 p.m. Moscow time and headed for the Adana aerodrome (Turkey) where it will be temporarily based, the ministry specified. "The planes crew has been trained at the Yeisk Naval Aviation Combat Employment and Retraining Center and has practical experience of fulfilling tasks of this kind," Russias Defense Ministry said. The ground personnel of the Yeisk aviation center will provide maintenance for the Russian Be-200 amphibious plane at the aerodrome of its temporary deployment in Turkey, TASS reported. The Beriev Be-200 multipurpose amphibious aircraft can take 12 tonnes of water on board. The plane can fill its water tanks in 14 seconds while skimming the water surface at a speed of 150-190 km/h. Russian airlines are ready to resume flights to Egyptian resort towns, air carriers said on Thursday. "S7 is ready to resume flights to this destination. We will prepare a flight program and request appropriate authorizations from aviation authorities," the airlines press service informed. "Azur Air is ready to fly to resort destinations in Egypt. We are awaiting detailed official information at present, and the airline will be ready thereafter to prepare the flight plan," TASS cited the air carriers press service as saying. Rossiya airline is technically ready to make charter flights to Egypt in cooperation with Biblio-Globus tour operator, the companys official spokesman said. "The airline awaits appropriate authorizations from the coronavirus crisis response center and the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency," he added. Earlier on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin has annulled a 2015 decree banning flights by Russian airlines to Egyptian resorts. Russia will undertake additional measures if necessary to prevent aggression or provocations on the Tajik-Afghan border, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday. The diplomat noted a sharp increase in tensions on the Afghan-Tajik border which "can only cause concern." "The Taliban (outlawed in Russia) within a short timeframe occupied a majority of border provinces and is currently controlling about two-thirds of the countrys border with Tajikistan," she pointed out. "Our undivided attention has been focused on the situation on the border. The 201st Russian base in Tajikistan is equipped with everything necessary to provide assistance to the republic in controlling the border situation. If necessary, the most decisive additional measures will be undertaken in the spirit of the Russian-Tajik alliance in order to prevent aggression or territorial provocations. We urge the conflicting parties to the internal Afghan conflict to exercise restraint and avoid spreading the tension beyond the countrys borders," TASS cited her as saying. According to the spokeswoman, Moscow and Dushanbe maintain intensive working contacts along the lines of defense agencies, border patrol services and diplomatic channels. Russian Ministry of Health received the letter from the EU on mutual recognition of electronic vaccination certificates and is ready to discuss it, Russia's Health minister Aide Alexey Kuznetsov said Thursday. "We have received the letter. We are ready to meet and discuss," he said. Earlier, EU envoy Markus Ederer stated that he contacted the Russian Ministry of Health with a proposal to discuss the option of mutual recognition of COVID certificates, which also contain vaccination information. The Taliban have said they have captured a key border crossing with Iran, hours after Joe Biden issued a staunch defence of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The group has captured more than a third of the countrys 400 districts since the U.S. accelerated its final pullout in early May. The insurgents now hold an arc of territory from the Iranian border to the frontier with China. An Afghan government official said efforts were under way to recapture Islam Qala the main conduit for trade between Afghanistan and Iran as the insurgents continue to make sweeping gains across the country, The Guardian reported. All Afghan security forces including the border units are present in the area, and efforts are under way to recapture the site, said an interior ministry spokesperson, Tareq Arian. A Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Friday the crossing was under our full control. Americas military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced, noting that the drawdown of troops in the war-ravaged country is proceeding in a secure and orderly way. Our military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31st. The drawdown is proceeding in a secure and orderly way, prioritising the safety of our troops as they depart, Biden told reporters at the White House. Biden dismissed reports that the Taliban would take over the country soon after the withdrawal of the American troops from Afghanistan. The Afghan government and leadership has to come together. They clearly have the capacity to sustain the government in place. The question is will they generate the kind of cohesion to do it, Biden said. The U.S., he said, is developing a counterterrorism over the horizon capability that will allow it to keep its eyes firmly fixed on any direct threats to the United States in the region and act quickly and decisively if needed. VCCA warns against AI powered multi-level marketing schemes VNA/VNP The Vietnam Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (VCCA) has issued a warning to investors about the perils of investing in illegal multi-level marketing businesses run by "AI Robots".The VCCA has noted a number of organisations and individuals, that do not hold proper certification, inviting people to invest in "AI Robots" through websites and apps like snowai (snowaiapp.com; snowai.cc; snowai.net); inb.network (ai.marketing; aimarketing.link).In addition, investors are also at risk of financial loss when investment results are not guaranteed. To avoid financial and legal losses, the VCCA warns people specifically not to invest in snowai and inb.network.These businesses accept investments yet they are not recorded on any official systems or registered or recognised by State authorities. Subsequently, these businesses can disappear at any time leaving investors with no way to recoup their investment.That said, the VCCA also noted that multi-level marketing businesses operating without a certificate of registration can be criminally handled with up to five years in prison under the provisions of Article 217a of the Penal Code.Multi-level marketing businesses often invite people to invest money to hire "AI Robots" that will autonomously conduct affiliate marketing programs to promote products for brands or conduct transactions on crypto currency exchanges.Investors can also earn commissions from orders or virtual currency transactions, including commissions on the investments of people that they convince to join the scheme.Since 2016, capital mobilisation models, or variations of multi-level businesses in the 4.0 era, have appeared more and more.Recently, as the underlying asset market has become more volatile, investors have turned to international stocks and the foreign exchange market. This has led to the creation of applications with the ability to beat the market in a variety of ways. These include: trading robots, artificial intelligence, matrix algorithms among many others./ Vietnams 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. Tra fish processed for export at the Southern Fishery Industries Company Limited in Can Tho Province. Fishery exports were expected to hit US$9 billion this year. VNA/VNS Photo Vu Sinh Statistics showed that Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnams 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 Vietnam 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. Vietnams 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 Vietnams 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 Dinh Hoe, VASEPs General Secretary, said that the exports of squid, octopus and tuna increased significantly in most major markets of Vietnam. In recent months, the US increased tuna imports from Vietnam by 1.5 times against a year ago. The US market was importing 43 per cent of Vietnams 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 Vietnams 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 Duc 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. Vietnams fishery exports totalled $8.6 billion last year. Source: Vietnam News Fishery exporters take pandemic in their stride Vietnam exported 160 tonnes of frozen shrimp products to the US, Europe and Japan on January 5, its first seafood consignment of the year. Given their financially sound cornerstone and professional know-how, Japanese megabanks are actively exploring sensible bolt-on opportunities of banks in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, as a critical part of their international market expansion. MUFG has been working in collaboration with VietinBank for years. VIR photo: Le Toan Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), the banking arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) was last week reported to have acquired a 5 per cent stake in Philippines-based lender Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), equivalent to around $93.9 million. After securing fresh capital from SMBC, RCBC would set up a digital banking arm and ramp up tech investments, as the Japanese bank and the Fillipo bank are interested in attracting their tech-savvy customers. Established in 1960, RCBC is the sixth-largest private bank in the Philippines with net assets of around $15.2 billion, and about half of its revenue comes from corporate lending. The company also focuses on lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, which has seen an increase in demand following COVID-19 outbreaks, according to Nikkei Asia. SMBCs exposure to outbound investment in overseas market, particularly in Southeast Asia, has been one of its top priority for the past few years. The bank aims to leverage the digital banking expertise of its Indonesian subsidiary, Bank BTON, to create business synergies in Asia. In April, SMFG, through its consumer finance company SMBCCF, acquired 49 per cent in FE Credit, Vietnams largest consumer finance company under VPBank. The $1.4 billion bet on FE Credit is part of SMFGs strategy to increase its footprint in Asia. The mega-deal will offer mutual benefits, where the Japanese lender fund could jump on the lucrative consumer finance bandwagon in Vietnam, and FE Credit could enhance its operations to international standards. Meanwhile, VPBank last month announced setting its maximum foreign ownership limit at 15 per cent, with plans to make a private placement for a foreign strategic investor. Ngo Chi Dung, chairman of VPBank, said in its latest shareholders meeting that the bank is planning to offer a private placement to a strategic partner by the end of this year. SMFG is publicly mentioned as one of the most likely bidders, given its close-knit relationship with VPBank which is clearly illustrate by the FE Credit deal and SMFGs strong financial backbone. However, not all of SMFGs deals are magic touch. Besides a rosy outlook with VPBank ecosystem, SMFG has been bogged down with another Vietnamese lender, Eximbank. Eximbank has been tangled up with a range of financial disputes for several years. Last year, SMFG failed in purchasing PT Bank Permata a local lender in Indonesia which was acquired by Bangkok Bank Pcl. Sumitomo Mitsui already owns PT Bank TPN in the Southeast Asian nation, according to Bloomberg. It was very painful to miss out on Permata. However, we are already thinking about the next move, CEO Jun Ohta said at that time. Elsewhere, Mizuho is currently the largest strategic shareholder of Vietcombank. In early 2019, it purchased additional new shares to maintain its existing 15 per cent stake in Vietcombank, thus creating a solid capital buffer for Vietcombank as the leading local lender. The bank revealed that roughly 70 per cent of listed Japanese companies are its customers. MUFG Bank Ltd., a wholly-owned banking unit of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, is also expanding its reach. MUFG now has a 92.47 per cent stake in Indonesias PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk, a 76.88 per cent interest in Thailands Bank of Ayudhya PCL, 20 per cent in the Philippines Security Bank Corporation, and 19.73 per cent ownership in VietinBank. Cooperation between VietinBank and MUFG continues to support businesses and Japanese enterprises in particular with regard to banking and financial services in Vietnam. In June last year, VietinBanks Board of Directors approved the plan to transfer 49 per cent stake in its 100 per cent wholly-owned subsidiary VietinBank Lease to Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance and transfer 1 per cent stake of the company to a domestic investor. VietinBank Lease has been constantly expanding its market share in Vietnam, supported by VietinBanks strong brand and customer base. Through investment in VietinBank Lease, MUFG will launch its business in Vietnam and provide financial services to local customers while sharing its extensive expertise and knowledge with VietinBank Lease. MUFG and SMFG, along with Brit-based Standard Chartered, were mentioned as other potential bidders to acquire Citibanks retail business arm after Citibanks announcement in April. While Japanese banks have seen an increase in lending since last year as companies rushed to borrow due to the pandemic, a prolonged low-rate environment and a shrinking population have weighed on profits. MUFG, Mizuho, and SMBC have sought growth outside Japan, Reuters reported. In 2020, Aozora Bank another Japanese lender - acquired a 15 per cent stake in Vietnamese bank OCB in a deal worth $139 million. This was the first merger and acquisition carried out by Aozora in an overseas market since 2001 and made Aozora OCBs largest shareholder. Source: VIR Japanese investors secure foothold in leading Vietnamese brands through M&A Japanese investors have poured billions of dollars to purchase stakes at Vietnamese businesses over the past decade. Vietnams merchandise trade balance in the first half of the year resulted in a trade deficit. Last year, it had a trade surplus for the same period. The Ministry of Investment and Trade (MOIT) report on the industry and trade development showed an estimated excess of imports over exports of $1 billion in June. As such, Vietnam had a trade deficit of $1.47 billion in the first half of the year, while it witnessed a trade surplus of $5.86 billion in H1 2020. The domestic economic sector had a trade deficit of over $15 billion, while the foreign invested one, including crude oil, had a trade surplus of $13.54 billion. According to MOIT, Vietnams export activities in the first six months of the year still maintained a high growth rate over the same period last year. The exports were described as relatively sustainable, based on uniform growth in all important business fields, including electronics, textile and garment, machines and equipment, seafood, and growth from all important markets, including the US, China and EU. The ministry predicted that import/export activities will continue to be bustling in the time to come, when FTAs (free trade agreements) are implemented in a more comprehensive and effective way. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) and UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) create favorable conditions for Vietnam to enter other markets with preferential tariffs, which will help boost exports. Export price increases will also help add to higher export value. The US and Europe have begun step by step removing restrictions after reaching a certain percentage of vaccinated people. A recovery in demand for goods in the world market will allow Vietnam to boost the export of industrial consumer goods. Trade deficit The US and Europe have begun step by step removing restrictions after reaching a certain percentage of vaccinated people. A recovery in demand for goods in the world market will allow Vietnam to boost the export of industrial consumer goods. Nguyen Viet Phong from the General Statistics Office (GSO) pointed out that imports of consumer goods have increased sharply and the prices of imports have also risen. In the first six months of the year, Vietnam spent nearly $1.8 billion to import CBU (complete built unit) cars, an increase of 94.7 percent over the same period last year. The high imports of consumer goods will weaken the competitiveness of domestically made products. The prices of imports that serve domestic production were higher than the same period last year. The prices of imported computers, electronics and electronic components increased by 1.62 percent, equipment, machines and components by 0.56 percent, fabric 1.65 percent, and steel 7.65 percent. MOITs report showed a sharp increase in products that need control and restriction in imports. The import turnover of this group of products reached $10.3 billion in H1, up by 42.3 percent over the same period last year. Of this group, import turnover of vegetables and fruits increased by 17 percent, sweets and cereal products 38 percent, and CBU cars (with less than 9 seats) 67.3 percent. If Vietnam doesnt have solutions to restrict the trade deficit, a long lasting trade deficit, especially high imports in consumer goods, will have a negative impacts on the economy, he said. This would cause a waste of foreign currency spending and affect domestic products." However, MOIT said the trade deficit is not worrying. In general, the import of input materials for domestic production are always high in the first half of the year and then decrease in the remaining months. Vietnams exports reach their peak in the second half of year. The demand for Vietnams exports is expected to continue rising in H2, especially the demand for electronics, equipment and machines, wooden furniture, textiles and garments and seafood. The trade balance is expected to see improvement in the time to come. However, the ministry warned that import/export activities may bear negative impacts from the fourth Covid-19 outbreak in many localities, including major manufacturing centers such as Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hanoi and HCM City. Meanwhile, Asia continues to be a COVID epicenter with new cases on a rapid rise. Therefore, enterprises need to make great efforts to improve their competitiveness and capability to adapt to new circumstances and grasp new opportunities. Le Quoc Phong, former Deputy Director of the Vietnam Center for Industry and Trade Information under MOIT, noted that Vietnams trade deficit is still small. Vietnam is undergoing industrialization and modernization, so demand for imports is very high. As Vietnam mostly does outsourcing and assembling, it needs to import components and input materials in large quantities for domestic production. The small excess of imports over exports is not a big problem. Looking at the structure of imports, one can see that Vietnam mostly imports means of production. The imports of consumer goods have also increased, but they just account for a small proportion of total import turnover, Phong added. MOITs report showed that in H1, Vietnams export turnover was estimated at $157.63 billion, up by 28.4 percent over the same period last year. Import turnover was $159.1 billion, up by 36.1 percent. Luong Bang Farmers in the northern province of Hai Duong have earned revenue of VND1,600 billion in the lychee season this year, the highest ever. Farmers in Bac Giang province are now in the last days of the lychee season, with earnings from this specialty fruit at nearly VND7,000 billion. This year, with an output of nearly 300,000 tons, lychee growers did not have to see their products go unsold, stuck at the border, or the prices plunge as they have witnessed in previous years. The fruit, in addition to being consumed in the domestic market, is also exported to China, Japan, the EU, Singapore, Taiwan and others at high prices. For the first time, lychee has become a hot item on e-commerce platforms. Hai Duong and Bac Giang have had a successful lychee crop this year. This was an unexpected result because the lychee harvest season was the time the Covid-19 epidemic became complicated in in Hai Duong, and Bac Giang became the countrys epidemic center with 5,625 positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 (as of July 1, 2021). To have the most successful lychee crop ever, before the harvest season, both Hai Duong and Bac Giang authorities had collected all necessary information from the output and the harvest time of varieties of lychee in order to develop plans to help local farmers sell their products. According to experts, Hai Duong and Bac Giang have had a successful lychee crop thanks to information transparency and the good collection of information extending from production to supply - demand. High output but vague product information When there is a digital map of Vietnamese agricultural products, information will be transparent, and supply and demand will be harmonized. (photo: BH) According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments report on agricultural production in the first half of 2021, most of the key commodity groups increased, and some products even reached record high outputs. In the first half of this year, the export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products hit US$24.23 billion, up 28.2% year on year. However, due to the impact of the pandemic, which disrupted the supply and demand chain as well as many agricultural products with bumper crops, the prices dropped sharply. In the southern provinces of Vinh Long and Dong Thap, the price of purple sweet potatoes fell by more than 20 times from late April to mid-June. Local farmers "cried" when they had to sell potatoes for only VND500-600 ($1 = VND23,000) per kilo but a large volume of potatoes did not sell. Similarly, the price for Thai jackfruit in the southern provinces of Tien Giang and Dong Nai plummeted, down to several thousand VND per kilogram. In the Central Highlands, the prices for avocado and mango also dropped to several VND per kilo. Vinh Chau purple onion and chili prices fell to a record low level, with thousands of tons unsold. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said that the output of agricultural products is its peak, but production costs are also very high. Meanwhile, measures to adjust and balance supply and demand are not implemented effectively. The state agency responsible for market development and trade promotion lacks the ability to forecast domestic and export demand. Farmers lack information about market demand while traders lack information about the place of production, making it difficult to connect farmers with consumers. Consumers face "vague" information about the origin, food safety and hygiene. An ill-informed agriculture led to a fall in prices, Hoan said. Building a digital map for agricultural products The lack of information did not happen to potatoes, onions or jackfruit, dragon fruit. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien, lack of information has been a problem of the livestock industry for many years, which has resulted in an imbalance between production and market demand and unstable prices of livestock products. Deputy Minister Tien said that it is necessary to establish a Steering Committee on digital transformation in the agricultural sector; urgently develop the national database on livestock production; and apply software to ensure updating, management and exploitation of livestock data nationwide. On the basis of analysis of aggregate data, it is possible to make a realistic assessment, forecast production capacity and supply and demand of the livestock market to help regulate the production of businesses and breeders. Minister Le Minh Hoan said that Vietnamese agriculture needs a "digital map of agricultural products". With such a map, we have accurate information about the raw material production area, harvest time, and output of each agricultural product in each area. Information will be analyzed, integrated and evaluated to become useful and transparent information for public use. This will help overcome the current situation of "ambiguity" in the agricultural industry. Once there is transparent information, multi-dimensional analysis information with the participation of the supply chain, we will have a transparent and smart agriculture. On that basis, producers will understand the needs of the market in terms of output, standards, distribution and circulation; consumers will know the origin of agricultural products; trade centers will know the raw material areas in specific time, so we do not have to wait until agricultural products are about to be harvested to take into account of distribution, Minister Hoan said. The lychee crop in Bac Giang and Hai Duong this year is proof that when there is transparent and clear information about the crop and output, we were proactive in domestic consumption as well as exports, despite the pandemic. At an online conference entitled "Digital transformation in agriculture and rural development" held in June, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung assigned some IT firms to urgently assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to develop a "digital map of Vietnamese agricultural products". The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has set a target that 80% of agricultural databases are built and updated on the basis of big data with contributions from organizations, individuals and communities. This is a digital agricultural map that is ready to connect, share and provide open data to perform online public services for people and businesses. Tam An Lychee 'campaign' results in big sales, Son La mango harvest also a success In mid-June, during the peak of the fourth Covid-19 wave, up to 100,000 tons of lychee sourced from Bac Giang Province, Vietnams largest pandemic center, were sold. Vietnam welcomes the sharing of COVID-19 vaccines, information and technology to aid the fight against the pandemic, spokesperson for the foreign ministry Le Thi Thu Hang said. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang during Thursday press briefing. Photo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs She made the statement in response to recent announcements of vaccine donation, two million doses of Moderna from the US via COVAX Facility, and additional one million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the Japanese Government. UNICEF Vietnam, which administers the delivery of vaccines under COVAX initiative, confirmed with Viet Nam News that the shipment from the US is slated to enter the country via Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi early Saturday morning. The remaining doses from Japan is due to arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City on Friday morning, according to the health ministry. Vietnam welcomes and appreciates the sharing of COVID-19 vaccines, and the information and technology necessary to aid the fight against the pandemic, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Le Thi Thu Hang said. Amid the complicated nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam hopes that countries and international organisations will be united and fulfill their responsibilities to the global community, Hang said. To date, Vietnam has received four different types of COVID-19 vaccines from Japan, China, Russia, and the US, along with purchases. COVAX has also pledged to give priority to Vietnam in its future distribution. Vietnam itself has also contributed US$500 million to the global vaccine sharing initiative which aims to ensure equitable access to the vaccine, despite itself struggling to get enough vaccines for its population of almost 100 million amidst serious recent spike in COVID-19 infections. As of July 7, 3,960,956 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Vietnam, and 241,913 people have been given two full doses, according to a report Thursday from the health ministry. Chinese vaccine administration Previously on June 20, Vietnam received some 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines along with 502,400 single-use syringes as aid, and the bilateral agreement is understood as to give them to will be given to Chinese nationals living in Vietnam, Vietnamese people who intend to go to work or study in China and residents in the border region with China. Hang also affirmed that these doses will be used in line with Government Resolution 21 dated February 26, 2021 on the purchases and uses of COVID-19 vaccines, in response to questions over recent reports from China complaining that Vietnam's allocation decisions have not been in line with the two countries' original plan. "Per Chinas request, Vietnam will also carry out the vaccination of Chinese citizens working in the country, the spokesperson said. The Vietnamese health ministry has announced its distribution plan for the vaccine doses which states that nearly all will be used for the three above-mentioned groups in the nine northern provinces. This, however, has sparked concerns in China that Chinese nationals in other localities of Vietnam are missing out. Source: Vietnam News Vietnam, Cuba discuss possible COVID-19 vaccine production co-operation PM Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks on July 1 with his Cuban counterpart Manuel Marrero Cruz to share their experience in the COVID-19 fight in their respective nations and to discuss the possibility of co-operation in vaccine supply and production. The list of groups given priority in COVID-19 vaccination has been expanded in the largest-ever immunisation campaign of Vietnam. A woman gets inoculated against COVID-19 at the vaccination site in Phu Tho Gynasium in Ho Chi Minh City on June 24 (Photo: VNA) Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long has signed off a plan for implementing the national COVID-19 vaccination drive from now to April 2022. The plan, taking effect on July 8, will be updated based on real-time pandemic developments and the vaccine supply, and it will serve as the basis for agencies and localities to make and carry out their inoculation plans. According to the ministrys implementation plan, aside from the existing priority groups, religious dignitaries, informal workers, and other groups decided by the Health Minister or chairpersons of provincial-level Peoples Committees or proposed by vaccine suppliers will be prioritised for vaccination. Persons with chronic diseases, those aged over 65, residents in pandemic-hit areas, low-income people, policy beneficiaries, food sellers, traders in markets, builders, and informal workers are also now listed as part of the priority groups. The campaign prioritises four groups of localities, including the ones currently having outbreaks and those located in key economic regions or piloting economic development projects of the Government. Provinces and cities with many industrial parks and clusters, a big number of workers, and large populations, along with those boasting borderlines, high travel frequency, and international border gates will also be among the first beneficiaries. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has been making efforts to access sources of COVID-19 vaccine supply via different channels. As a result, about 105 million doses have been committed for Vietnam. The country looks to have about 70 percent of the population inoculated to achieve herd immunity by late 2021 or early 2022. To that end, it is necessary to engage various forces in the drive such as healthcare, military, and public security forces and to conduct immunisation simultaneously at vaccination establishments, both public and private ones, nationwide, the ministry said. It targets that at least 50 percent of people aged 18 and above will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021, and more than 70 percent of the population will get the shots by the end of the first quarter next year./. Source: VNA Da Nang City Tourism Promotion Centre, in collaboration with Helen Le, the host of Helens Recipes YouTube channel on Vietnamese cuisine, have launched a livestream programme entitled Mam Mam Da Nang to provide viewers with cooking instructions for typical Da Nang dishes, according to Huynh Thi Huong Lan, deputy director of the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre. browser not support iframe. The complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam and around the world have made it impossible for tourists to travel and explore the cuisine, she said. The programme, which aims to introduce to tourists destinations in Da Nang and its cuisine, will be broadcast live at 4-5pm on Saturday (July 10, 17 and 26) on Facebook and TikTok channel Danang Fantasticity and on Fanpage of Helens Recipes. Dishes introduced in the programme are easy to cook and healthy meals. Each livestream event will provide viewers with interesting information about the typical dishes of the city such as banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts), fish noodle, mi Quang (Quang Nam-style flat rice noodle with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs), and other local seafood dishes. Thus, she said, it is easy for them to select food when they arrive in Da Nang. Many attractive gifts will also be offered to viewers who take part in quizzes during the programme. A corner of Da Nang City. (Photo: baodannang.vn) The 'Mam mam Da Nang' livestreams want to remind the audience that cooking is not just about ingredients, recipes but it's also about the love, passion and traditional values of the family to eat delicious meals together and implement the 5K message to prevent and fight against COVID-19, Lan said. Helen Le, whose real name is Le Ha Huyen, was born in 1984 in Da Nang. She founded Helens Recipes YouTube channel in 2011 to introduce Vietnamese food to the world. Her channel has attracted millions of domestic and foreign viewers. She also writes several books on Vietnamese cuisine including Vietnamese Food with Helens recipes and Simply Pho. Source: VNA Intl and domestic YouTubers join hands to promote Vietnams tourism During three days, the Youtubers will have a chance to enjoy and shoot the beautiful scenery and mouth-watering local cuisine in three central coastal provinces. Vietnam called for goodwill dialogues to find a satisfactory solution to issues related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at a meeting of the UN Security Council on July 8. Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese mission to the UN. (Photo: VNA) In his remarks at the event, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese mission to the UN, expressed concern about the unsustainable exploitation of international flows, and the lack of assurance of legitimate interests of involved relevant parties, especially downstream countries. Quy said that the use of water sources for development purposes is a legal right, but the use of international water sources must be in accordance with international law and commitments of concerned countries on the basis of harmonising the interests of riparian countries to ensure sustainable use and equitable sharing of water resources. He underlined the importance of strengthening the codification and development of international law relating to sustainable use of trans-boundary water resources, including via the implementation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses. Regarding GERD, the diplomat called on countries to continue making efforts and promoting achieved results, especially in implementing the Declaration of Principles for GERD construction (DoPs 2015), thus contributing to the development in the region. Disputes should be resolved by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation, in which the parties need to take into account views and legitimate interests of each country in the spirit of friendly neighbourliness and goodwill, and in accordance with international law and the agreement on DoPs 2015. Vietnam supports the role and responsibility of the African Union (AU) in promoting negotiations and mediating regional issues, Quy said, adding that the union needs to make more efforts to assist the parties in resolving outstanding issues, including legal and technical issues. He also called on stakeholders to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions and affect chances of reaching a resolution in this issue. During the meeting, rapporteurs warned of negative impacts on the environment, security and stability in the region if the parties do not agree on the sustainable exploitation and use of Nile water. They requested countries to continue dialogues and share information towards reaching consensus and common understanding on the use of water resources. Representatives from UNSC member nations conveyed a message calling on Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to hold dialogue in the spirit of cooperation and goodwill to soon find a satisfactory and acceptable solution for all the parties. GERD is a hydroelectric project launched in 2011 on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. Ethiopia and two downstream countries, Sudan and Egypt, have been working to discuss technical and legal issues relating to the project since 2012 but are yet to come to an agreement. In March 2015, the three countries adopted the DoPs 2015. Source: VNA Vietnam treasures and will make positive contributions to the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, said at the annual ASEAN-EU Senior Officials Meeting (SOM). Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam (Photo: VNA) Vietnam treasures and will make positive contributions to the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, said at the annual ASEAN-EU Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) that was held online on July 8. The event aimed to review and discuss regional and global issues of shared concern and make preparations for the ASEAN EU Post Ministerial Conference scheduled for August. The Vietnamese official suggested the EU help to ensure ASEANs timely and even access to vaccines, offer assistance in technological transfer and increase vaccine production in the region while coordinating to step up economic recovery and growth, green and sustainable development. He asked the EU to continue its involvement and making constructive contributions to ASEANs efforts to cope with challenges to regional security and stability. Reaffirming ASEANs principled stance on the East Sea issue, deputy minister Dung proposed the EU continue supporting ASEANs efforts to maintain peace, security and safety in the East Sea, fully and effectively realise the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon complete negotiations on an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Countries welcomed ASEAN and EUs official upgrade of ties to strategic partnership level and affirmed the importance of the partnership in connectivity between the two blocs. They pledged to enhance multilateral cooperation and coordination, and promote free and equitable trade on the basis of sharing common values and benefits about a rules-based world order. Head of the SOM EU Gunnar Wiegan emphasised that EU wants to further promote the strategic partnership with ASEAN and affirmed EU's support for ASEANs central role in the regional architecture. The EU representative vowed to continue strengthening solidarity with ASEAN to effectively cope with COVID-19 pandemic together. ASEAN member states suggested the EU support ASEANs initiatives regarding COVID-19 prevention and control as well as coordinate with ASEAN to ensure fair access to vaccine, and safe and effective research and development of vaccine. Both sides agreed to work closely together to fight COVID-19, promote comprehensive and sustainable recovery and successfully realise the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2018-2022. The EU proposed giving priority to economic recovery, trade, sustainable connectivity, climate change and green growth. On the occasion, the EU suggested holding a commemorative summit marking the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations next year in Belgium. On regional and global issues, both sides highlighted a need to ensure an environment of peace, security and safety in the region, thus creating favourable conditions for countries to cope with the pandemic. At the meeting (Photo: VNA) They underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom in the East Sea. They expressed support for dialogues, building trust, exercising self-restraint, refraining from actions that further complicate the situation or increase tension, avoiding militarisation, and settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. The two sides expressed support for efforts to resume negotiations to reach an effective and efficient COC in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS. The EU side affirmed its backing of ASEANs efforts on Myanmar situation and welcomed the Five-Point Consensus adopted at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting in April. Concluding the event, Singapore, co-ordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations, and the EU issued the Co-Chairs Press Release on the outcomes of the meeting./. Source: VNA From: Human Resources The new Virginia Overtime Wage Act (the Act) that went into effect July 1, 2021 requires that employers in the Commonwealth of Virginia compensate non-exempt employees at a time and a half hourly rate for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek. The Act also eliminates the provision to allow employees to accrue compensatory leave (comp time). The only exceptions to this new overtime compensation rule are for law enforcement and fire suppression employees. Employees who previously earned compensatory leave prior to July 1, 2021 will be able to use the existing leave until it is exhausted. Accrued compensatory time will not be paid out as a result of these changes. Because the Act takes effect during the June 25 July 9 salary pay cycle, salaried non-exempt employees will see the following: Overtime worked up to the week ending June 25 will be accrued as compensatory leave. Beginning the workweek of June 26 - July 2, any hours worked in excess of 40 will be compensated at the rate of time and a half on the July 30 paycheck. The July 30 check will also include payment for any overtime worked during the week of July 3 9. Going forward, overtime pay will be processed on a monthly basis and will be paid on the paycheck issued on the first of each month or on the last business day of the prior month, depending on the calendar. This change should not impact hourly wage employees using the TimeClock Plus System to record hours worked. Frequently asked questions about these overtime compensation changes are available on the HR site. If you have additional questions, contact your college or department HR representatives or the HR Leave Team at hrleave@vt.edu. A Waco man whose girlfriend was killed in June 2014 when he crashed his motorcycle after leaving a bar pleaded guilty Thursday for the second time to criminally negligent homicide. Jacob Wolf, 32, a plumber, pleaded guilty initially in July 2019 in the traffic death of Stephanie Bell after prosecutors agreed to reduce the charge from intoxication manslaughter, a second degree felony, and recommend he be placed on deferred probation. Former Judge Ralph Strother of 19th State District Court, who retired in January, rejected the plea bargain in September 2019 and allowed Wolf to withdraw his guilty plea. Prosecutors offered the same plea bargain to Wolf on Thursday. The deal also includes a promise that prosecutors would not ask Judge Thomas West to jail Wolf as an upfront condition of his potential deferred probation term and would dismiss pending burglary of a habitation and criminal mischief charges against Wolf. The plea agreement also calls for prosecutors to recommend that Wolf get drug and alcohol counseling and wear an ankle monitor. West, who was elected to succeed Strother, ordered a supplemental background investigation on Wolf by probation officers and will determine in September if he will accept the plea offer. They also searched the apartment of journalist Tanya Smotkina in the town of Glubokoye in Belarus' north, and the offices of Informprogulka and Media-Polesye media outlets in Luninets and a local newspaper in Hantsevichi in the country's west. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said. Konstantin Bychek, a deputy head of the KGB's investigative department, said the raids and arrests were part of a broad sweep against radical-minded individuals." Bychek alleged that those targeted are suspected of involvement in helping to stage mass disturbances and even acts of terrorism. The independent media and journalists targeted in the crackdown have 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. The provision was in the final will when "The Man In the Bright Nightgown" came for him on Christmas Day 1946. Fields estranged wife and son used that clause to challenge the will in court. Adolf Hitler was a horrible human being. So, its no surprise his final wishes contained horrible ranting. Dictated in a Berlin bunker in the last hours of his life, with Russian soldiers literally outside the door, he left his art collection to a gallery in my hometown of Linz on the Danube (which was never established) and bequeathed items of sentimental value or necessary for the maintenance of a modest simple life to a handful of relatives and faithful co-workers in his inner circle. The rest was to be given to the Nazi Party. But since there wasnt any party after his suicide, the will was moot. Then there was his last testament, in which he insisted World War II wasnt his fault. Nothing was ever his fault (to him, anyway). It is untrue that I or anybody else in Germany wanted war in 1939. He was a liar and lunatic right up to the very end. The Democrats economic policies are also premised on the notion that America is an unfair place where the rich (read: white people) steal from the poor (read people of color.) Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren have called for widespread wealth confiscation in the pursuit of economic justice. In fact, Democrats went so far as to pass a COVID-19 relief bill that gives some forms of COVID-19 relief only to people of color, denying funding to white farmers and business owners in need. (Courts have since struck down those racist policies.) It may come as a shock to Democrats in swing states like Arizona and New Hampshire, but when your party keeps bashing America as a racist hellhole and its flag a symbol of hate and oppression, voters are eventually going to notice. Theyll be tempted to conclude that being part of the Democratic Party thats pushed this anti-patriotism says something about the politicians who are members, and cast their votes in 2022 accordingly. In the past, Republicans tried to label Democrats as unpatriotic, using issues like the war on terror as political wedges. Not this time. Saying Democrats dont like America isnt an accusation. Its quoting them accurately. Its not a smear from some right-wing talk host. Its the front page of The New York Times. Michael Graham, political editor at InsideSources.com, is author of Redneck Nation: How the South Really Won the War and Thats No Angry Mob, Thats My Mom: Team Obamas Assault on Tea-Party, Talk-Radio Americans . Nor was it ambiguous the other times police were called about Mathews, according to reports, one time for an altercation with four Black neighbors on a corner near his home where Mathews asked bystanders, Did you know monkeys live here? Police say it wasnt until this latest incident was finally caught on camera that they had probable cause to do something about the angry racist whod been terrorizing the community with no consequences. Mathews allegedly boasted often about the police being on his side, insisting they wouldnt do anything to stop him. Its a relief that this situation didnt escalate to senseless violence. But as clear-cut as incidents like these seem, the culprits almost always insist racism had nothing to do with it. Mathews has apologized, several times, but blames myriad other things for his months of race-based harassment. In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, he cites a long-running housing dispute with the homeowners association. Let me be clear: That is no excuse for what I said, but I lost my temper. AIR FORCE Round 6: More awards for Air Force battle management system effort The Air Force has made more additions to the group of companies that will work to help create a new system for gathering information from all systems and domains to then send to every platform. Round number six of awards for the $950 million Advanced Battle Management System program sees 29 companies join the effort, according to the Defense Departments Thursday awards digest. ABMS is the Air Forces primary means to stand up its Joint All Domain Command and Control concept, or JADC2, that is envisioned as an open architecture to incorporate new information and communications technologies. The newest awardees are: Black Sage Technologies Clarity Innovations Deloitte Frontier Technology Global Infotek Government Research Specialists Greystones Consulting Group Hughes Network Systems Hypergiant Galactic Systems Kymeta Mission Solutions Net Vision Consultants NXM Labs Oracle Parasanti Plexsys Interface Products Polysentry Rackner Research Innovations Rolls-Royce Saab Sensis Scientific Systems Sliceup Software AG Government Solutions Spectral Sensor Solutions Systems & Technology Research Umbra Lab XL Scientific Yakabod Federal Solutions With those selections, the number of companies involved in the ABMS piece grows to 134. The most recent round (fifth) of awards went to 36 companies in January. Four rounds of awards took place in 2020: the first to 27 companies in May, then the second to 18 firms in July , followed by a third group of eight in August and a fourth block of 15 in September. Also in September 2020, the Air Force separately chose Science Applications International Corp. for a potential $878.2 million task order covering broad JADC2 solutions and engineering work over five years. 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. LA PORTE CITY Waterloo author Ruth Anne Schneck will hold a book signing Wednesday at Hawkins Memorial Library featuring her two newest childrens stories about Geoffrey, a personified bear. The book signing will happen from 4 to 6 p.m. at the library, 308 Main St. Schneck is an educator who first wrote about Geoffrey in a story for a family Christmas gathering during her 36-year career at an elementary school teacher. She continued teaching for 15 more years in early childhood education at Upper Iowa University. After retiring, she pulled that Christmas story out of her drawer and it became the first in a series of books about Geoffrey and his desire to learn, explore, and discover new things every day. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Geoffreys Christmas Wish was written and illustrated in 2018, soon followed by Geoffrey Takes a Hike in 2019. Since then, Schneck has written Geoffreys Backyard and Geoffrey Goes West. The books are written in chapter form, contain activity pages, vocabulary words, and information about animals, places, and things from journals kept by Geoffrey and his sister, Greta, and friend, Ted. WATERLOO Corrections officials are asking the court to put the alleged getaway driver in a fatal armored truck heist back in jail pending trial. Justina Lynn Davis, 29, of Hampton, had been free while she awaited trial in the March 2020 Rochester Armored Car holdup that left the suspected robber, 37-year-old Bryce Altman Miller, dead. Now, authorities allege Davis violated the terms of her pretrial release when she became involved in other legal entanglements in recent months. Court records show Davis was arrested for operating while intoxicated following an October traffic stop in Hampton, apparently while she was driving the same Hyundai Sonata used to flee Waterloo robbery. She failed field sobriety tests and refused to provide a breath test, according to court records. Then on June 26, she was a passenger in a car that fled police in Tama County, according to authorities. Meskwaki Nation Police attempted to stop a BMW that had been at the tribal casino, and the chase continued on until the driver left the vehicle on South Cherry Street in Traer and disappeared on foot. Witnesses reported seeing Davis exiting the car carrying bags. She was discovered a few blocks away in the bathroom at the Traer Pool, where she had changed clothes, according to court records. INDEPENDENCE An Oelwein woman who allegedly had meth in her system when she crashed her car, killing her young son, is asking the court to lower her bond. Troopers with the Iowa State Patrol arrested Robyn Jane Reaves, 36, on July 2 on charges of child endangerment resulting in death, homicide by vehicle under the influence, child endangerment resulting in serious injury and serious injury by vehicle. Bond was set at $250,000. On Sunday, she requested a hearing to argue for a lower bond. Authorities said Reaves was driving a Dodge Charger that crashed into a culvert outside of Jesup shortly after midnight July 19, 2020. The collision killed 9-year-old Ace Alan Reaves and injured 6-year-old Ryker Reaves. Both children were in the vehicles back seat. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Robyn Reaves was also injured in the collision. Tests later revealed that Robyn Reaves had amphetamine and methamphetamine in her blood at the time of the crash, according to court records. A remnant of a marijuana cigarette was found in the vehicles front cup holder, records state. Gillian Christy's sculpture installed at Cedar Falls City Hall. According to the federal government, the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are around one in 500,000. As they launch their long-shot campaigns for governor, Joshua Kuhn-McRoberts, Robert Bond and Kim West each hope to be the one beat those long odds. Democrats West and Kuhn-McRoberts, and Bond, an independent, share many of the same views about incumbent Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who they hope to unseat in the 2022 election. Everybody has suffered as a result of your failure to lead in this time of need, said West, a Des Moines attorney, who may have the catchiest campaign slogan: Iowa needs a new Kim. In this time of need, when we needed a governor most, you have been absolutely ineffective, he said about Reynolds. McRoberts, who is from Waukee and works for the Iowa Finance Authority, is presenting himself as a compassionate disrupter who isnt afraid to change the status quo and reject the radical ideas of the far-right wing conservatives that have moved Iowa back, not forward. For Bond, also from Des Moines, its a matter of being the change he wants. 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 A White House statement announcing the hourlong call also highlighted a U.S.-Russian agreement that will allow humanitarian aid to flow into Syria. The dual prongs of the agenda show how even as Biden pledges to get tough on Russia over hacking, theres an inherent desire to avoid aggravating tensions as the administration looks for Russia to cooperate, or at least not interfere, with U.S. actions in other areas, including Syria, the Afghanistan withdrawal and climate change. In his call with Putin, besides reiterating the need for Russia to take action and that the U.S. stands ready to act in response, Biden also emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware," the White House said. Biden told reporters that the U.S. and Russia have "set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate with one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country. And so it went well. Im optimistic. In its own summary of the call, the Kremlin said Putin noted that despite the Russian sides readiness to jointly stop criminal activities in the information sphere, U.S. agencies havent made any requests during the past month. 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, 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 didnt 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. Initiative Name: Age-Friendly Sarasota Network Member Since: 2015, when the county became Floridas first age-friendly community Government Type: Five elected commissioners appoint a county administrator, who manages daily operations. Reason(s) for Joining: Kathy Black, a professor of aging studies at the University of South Florida, and the Sarasota Seniors Advisory Council organized a focus group to ask older residents about the types of community features they believed supported their dignity and independence. As Black explains, Its not like I could take a blood pressure reading of dignity. We identified parallel themes and when we learned more about the age-friendly movement and the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, we thought, This would help our community and we could be part of something bigger at the national level with AARP and the World Health Organization. Needing sponsorship from the local government, Black reached out to the Florida Department of Health. Recalls Chuck Henry, the countys top health officer: The way the age-friendly initiatives aligned with many of the public health goals we were trying to do with our community, it didn't take a lot of convincing! Black and Henry were instrumental in getting the age-friendly initiative off the ground and maintain a strong commitment to the work. COVID vaccines could point the way The ability of the U.S. government to successfully negotiate with drug companies on the prices of the vaccines to combat the coronavirus should bode well for negotiating with these companies for Medicare drug prices, the results show. Among those surveyed, 71 percent said that the successful vaccine negotiations make it more likely that they'd agree the government should negotiate with drugmakers for Medicare prices. While Republican support (62 percent) was less than among Democrats (78 percent) and independents (75 percent), a strong bipartisan majority believes the vaccine experience should influence future negotiations. This is a proof point that we can show elected officials, members of Congress and the Senate, Hishta said. It's an example that negotiation works." Innovation wouldn't suffer Respondents to the survey also rejected the argument that efforts to lower drug prices would inhibit the ability of pharmaceutical companies to do the research and development needed to bring new and innovative medications to the American public. By a strong margin (80 percent), survey respondents said that drug prices could be lowered without harming innovation. That response also spanned party lines, with 83 percent of Democrats, 78 percent of Republicans and 81 percent of independents agreeing. And 80 percent of Blacks and Hispanics also said innovation wouldn't suffer if prices were lowered. Nobody buys the innovation argument, Hishta said. For the survey, ANR Market Research Consultants conducted telephone interviews with 1,605 registered voters 50 and older between June 1 and June 13. Interviews were done in English and Spanish, and the results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. Dena Bunis covers Medicare, health care, health policy and Congress. She also writes the Medicare Made Easy column for the AARP Bulletin. An award-winning journalist, Bunis spent decades working for metropolitan daily newspapers, including as Washington bureau chief for the Orange County Register and as a health policy and workplace writer for Newsday. Getty Images Slightly more than half of boomers believe that whether or not they get vaccinated against COVID-19 should be strictly their business. But they're less supportive of that freedom of choice than younger generations and also want to know about their colleagues vaccination status. That's according to a new Harris Poll of 2,066 U.S. adults 18 and older that was conducted for the American Staffing Association (ASA). The ASA Workforce Monitor survey also revealed that boomers are less supportive of mask requirements in the workplace than younger people and are slightly more likely to say that employees have the right to know whether their coworkers have been vaccinated. Fifty-two percent of boomers polled agree with the statement, Whether I get the COVID-19 vaccine or not is no one's business but my own. That compares with 60 percent of Generation Z respondents, 67 percent of millennials and 68 percent of Generation Xers. Next Phase of Drilling Commences at Marymia Gold Project Sydney, July 9, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Vango Mining Limited ( ASX:VAN ) is pleased to announce that its 2021 drilling campaign has commenced at the Company's flagship Marymia Gold Project (Marymia, the Project) in the Mid-West region of Western Australia.Highlights- Vango Mining has commenced its 2021 drilling campaign at its flagship Marymia Gold Project- Drilling is targeting 11 priority open pits not currently part of Marymia Project's 1.02Moz @ 3.0 g/t Au JORC 2012 Resource- Drilling is designed to add significant near-surface resources amenable to open pit mining as part of any future mining operation at Marymia- Results will be released as they become available- Vango aims to deliver a substantial Indicated and Inferred resource increase to the existing Marymia resource this yearVango's 2021 field season is focused on drilling at 11 priority open-pit targets, not currently part of the Marymia JORC 2012 resource base, and is designed to add significant, near-surface resources amenable to open pit mining as part of any future mining operation at the Marymia Project.The Company plans to complete a minimum of 15,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling in this drilling campaign, with the ability to expand the campaign subject to results.Drilling is specifically designed to deliver a substantial (Indicated and Inferred) resource increase to the existing Marymia resource base. It will also enhance the understanding of the mineralised zones within the targeted open pits for the benefit of Vango's mine planning, and for assessing funding requirements for the Company's proposed stand-alone mining operation.This campaign is also designed to deliver 'critical mass' to increase the mine life of a proposed future mining operation from Marymia's resource base, specifically targeting an increase in total ounces to ensure that mill capacity of any future mining operation is maximised over the Project's total mine life.Details of 2021 Drilling CampaignDrilling is planned to be conducted on a nominal 20m by 40m drill spacing, which will give appropriate coverage of mineralised zones to determine the tenor of the mineralisation at depth and facilitate the calculation of Indicated and Inferred resources. Drilling is planned to a nominal depth of 160 metres, angled to approximately 60deg, testing to 120 metres vertical below surface.The 11 open pit targets have been ranked in order of priority, based on historic gold inventory and a review of historic drilling, and the proposed drillholes at each target have been designed.The 11 open pits to be targeted are; Apollo, Exocet, Ibis, Kookaburra, Parrot, Pigeon, Prickleys, Redfin, Rosella, Skyhawk and Speckled are shown on Figure 1*. The Skyhawk, Parrot and Apollo open pits have been assessed as the highest priority targets, and the first phase of drilling has commenced at the Skyhawk open pit.Background to 2021 Drilling CampaignVango completed an extensive 20,000 metre reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling drill campaign in 2020, and all results from this campaign have been released to the market. The program focused on priority targets at the Trident gold corridor and PHB gold corridor at Marymia.Vango has compiled all results from the 2020 drilling campaign into the Marymia Project's resource model, and has completed an extensive geological review and modelling of the Marymia Project. The results of this work have formed the basis of Vango's 2021 field season, focusing on open-pit targets designed to add significant, near-surface resources to the existing Marymia JORC resource base.The Company plans to release an updated and expanded JORC 2012 resource for the Marymia Project, including results from the 2020 and 2021 drilling campaigns, in the second half of calendar 2021.The Marymia Project's current JORC 2012 resource is 10.38Mt @ 3.0 g/t Au for 1.02Moz Gold, announced on 20 May 2020.*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Vango Mining Ltd Vango Mining Limited (ASX:VAN) is an exploration mining company with ambitions of becoming a high-grade WA gold miner by developing the 100% owned Marymia Gold Project (Marymia) located in the mid-west region of Western Australia, consisting of 45 granted mining leases over 300km2. Marymia has an established high-grade resource of 1Moz @ 3 g/t Au, underpinned by Trident - 410koz @ 8 g/t Au, with immediate extensions open at depth/along strike. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Nexus Brewery is celebrating a decade of making beer. The brewery opened on May 23, 2011, but the party had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Now that state restrictions have been lifted, the brewery will hold celebrations on Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11. DJs will keep the party going from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on July 10, and from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. July 11 at Nexus Brewery & Restaurant, 4730 Pan American Fwy NE. The event will feature barbecue from the Nexus Blue Smokehouse. A barbecue combo platter can be purchased for $20. The brewerys regular menu also will be available, with its popular items including fried chicken and waffles. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ New beers also have been brewed specifically for the celebration. The Beam Me Up (Higher) Scotty Scotch Ale is an amped-up version of the brewerys Beam Me Up Scottie, which is one of its most popular beers. This is the first time Nexus has brewed an 11.25% ABV version of Beam Me Up Scottie. The Warp Bubble IPA was brewed with Cryo Pop hops to achieve all the best parts of an IPA without the heavy bitterness, according to a Nexus news release. The Arale Mexican Lager also will be on hand. Guests can purchase commemorative T-shirts, glassware, hoodies and hats. There will be a 10% discount on the special items. A 10th-birthday goblet can be bought for $11 with a beer pour of your choice for non-Nexus members or $10 for members. Nexus Brewery has plenty to celebrate. During its years of operation, it has won several awards for its beer. They include gold and silver medals at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival for its Imperial Cream and Honey Chamomile Wheat. The brewerys New Mexican soul food has also received national attention after being featured on such popular food shows as Guy Fieris Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Nexus will again be featured on national television this fall as part of the show Food Paradise. Food Paradise will feature our NM Soul Burger, Nexus Brewery owner Ken Carson states in the news release. I am so proud to be featured again on national TV. And what is best of all, we have never solicited either of these shows to be featured, they found us through word of mouth. Nexus menu has evolved over the years. Input from customers and team members led to the additions of gumbo, red beans and rice, such desserts as cobbler, and more. In 2019, Carson opened Nexus Blue Smokehouse in the South Broadway area with an emphasis on blending traditional barbecue with New Mexican barbecue and smoked meats. Carson coined Nexus cuisine as New Mexican Soul Food in honor of his family, which has been in New Mexico since 1930. Carson wanted to mix their Southern roots with New Mexican cuisine. Red and green chile had to be included, as well as chicken and waffles. Carsons intent when he opened Nexus was to differentiate it from other breweries operating in the state. He wanted his brewery to be a community-oriented location where people enjoy great beer, tasty soul food and good conversation. His inspiration for the name of the brewery came from the movie Star Trek Generations. Nexus meaning in the movie was a place where everything is right, Carson explains in the news release. A place where there are no worries or concerns. A place where you feel comfortable all the time. The actual meaning of Nexus is connection, which matched the desire to be a community organization that invited the community with open arms. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... How fleeting world domination can be. It can disappear in a snap. Its been two years since the last Marvel film, an unfathomable chasm for an ever-churning movie machine. In between, Marvel has made its most ambitious forays onto television, with the streaming series WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki. Marvel, of course, isnt going anywhere. But its also possible that the pandemic hasnt just been a blip in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even before COVID-19 delayed the release of Black Widow and subsequent installments a year or more, Avengers: Endgame felt very much like the conclusion of something. Can the most all-powerful juggernaut in movie history just pick up where it left off? ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Black Widow, thankfully, isnt exactly designed that way. Its as close to a one-off as Marvel gets. Set in between 2016s Captain America: Civil War (when the superheroes fell out) and 2018s Avengers: Infinity War (when they made up), it doesnt have any grander, universal purpose to the franchises overarching aims than giving Scarlett Johanssons Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (who perished in Endgame), a proper sendoff after a decade of service stretching back to 2010s Iron Man 2. Its the second Marvel movie fronted by a female star (following 2019s Captain Marvel, with Brie Larson) and the first to be directed solely by a woman, Cate Shortland. (Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck shared the helm of Captain Marvel.) And I think, 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 Europe-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. And while 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. 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 the director has his or her best chance to flex their own filmmaking muscles early on before the set-piece mandates set in. The movie, scripted by Eric Pearson, begins with familiar suburban scenes of two young girls and their apparent mother (Weisz) readying for dinner. When the father (Harbour) arrives, hes distraught. They have an hour to flee, he whispers. They grab little before driving straight for a small airport. Out the window, while American Pie plays on the car stereo, are all-American scenes of families playing on the lawn, a ballgame under the lights. 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. Pugh, the fast-rising star of Lady Macbeth and Midsommar, and an actor of ferocious strength and poise, is especially good as Yelena, the younger of the two and the only one of the Ohio clan not to know it was all a ruse. They all also owe their powers to the crippling, cruel system that made them. For Natasha, this is a discomforting truth always just below the surface. As played by Johansson, excellent here, every action for Natasha is tinged with acceptance and revulsion for her own nature. Black Widow becomes, kind of stirringly, a movie not about franchise extension, but sisterhood, improvised families and traumatic pasts. Marvel movies, like the moon, are categorized in phases. Black Widow is meant to kick off phase four, but its not clear if the empire is waxing or waning. Unlike any previous Marvel movie, this one will be streaming at home on Disney+ for $30 at the same time it lands in theaters. But, if Black Widow is a sign of things to come new directorial voices, grittier tones, feet (at least sometimes) on the ground its a promising new direction. Black Widow 3 stars RATED: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material) WHEN: Now showing WHERE: AMC 12, Century 14 Downtown, Century Rio 24, Cottonwood, High Ridge, Icon Cinema, Winrock 16, Premiere (Rio Rancho) .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Looking to dazzle your dog or pamper your pup? A new pet resort complete with chandeliers and decorative crown molding will let you do just that. K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is tentatively scheduled to open this August at 4740 Pan American Freeway NE, just north of Montgomery. Owned by longtime educators Lindsey and Laurie Gilbert, the dog boarding franchise will be able to house upwards of 100 dogs for overnight and daytime boarding. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Its like coming to a day camp for dogs, Lindsey Gilbert said. He said that, during the day, the dogs will be split into two groups based on size and trained caretakers will play with them all day. The decision to pursue a dog boarding business was prompted in part by the Gilberts love of dogs and the rapidly growing pet industry. Gilbert said pet care services, which includes boarding, has doubled in the past year. We wanted something that reflected our values, which was great care for our pet children, he said. Gilbert said he thinks the opening is particularly well-timed. With people resuming travel and returning to the office, there will be a greater need for pet care facilities. Albuquerque needs more high-end services, and high-end services for our pet children, he said. The prices at K9 Resorts, which range from around $25 a day for doggie day care to $70 for a luxury suite complete with a flat-screen television, are all-inclusive. Dogs staying at the 7,000-square-foot resort will be able to play with other dogs and trainers during the day, have meals provided by the hotel and overnight guests staying at least two nights will automatically get a bath. Gilbert said K9 Resorts is also top-notch in terms of sanitation and the boarding facility has a hospital-grade HVAC system to cut down on odor, and anti-microbial flooring. All dogs that stay overnight are boarded in cage-free structures with glass doors. The company is in the hiring process, with plans to hire around 20 employees for positions ranging from customer service to assistant managers. Full- and part-time positions are offered and wages will likely range from $11 to $18 hourly. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A New Mexico agency tasked with setting up the states new recreational cannabis industry has revised proposed producer licensing rules and unveiled some new ones after a public hearing last month. The changes put forth this week include increasing the number of weed plants licensed cannabis producers can grow from a maximum of 4,500 mature plants under a previous proposal to a maximum of 8,000 such plants under the revised rules. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ In addition, large-scale producers would face the same-per-plant fees as smaller producers, in contrast to the previous version that featured higher fees for bigger producers. Plant count limits have been a controversial component of New Mexicos medical cannabis program, with the current limit for licensed producers set at 1,750 plants, and critics had said the previous proposed limits could have caused widespread shortages. Indy White, the director of sales for PurLife, which has eight medical cannabis dispensaries around New Mexico and plans to expand into the recreational cannabis industry, described the higher plant limits as more reasonable. With that number of plants, theres a lot more variety in how you can cultivate, said White, adding many cannabis producers currently focus on large plants that take longer to grow and can be more vulnerable to pests. Meanwhile, Duke Rodriguez, CEO and president of Ultra Health Inc., said industry executives were finding greater agreement with state officials on cannabis production issues, but said ramping up production to higher levels will be challenging. The proposed rules are based in part on a market study on demand for cannabis in three other states that have already legalized recreational marijuana Colorado, Washington and Vermont along with a survey of more than 1,000 New Mexico residents. Of those surveyed, more than 20% said they had used cannabis in the last month. Based on the market study and the survey, a report conducted by Massachusetts-based Cannabis Public Policy Consulting said between 2,007 to 3,756 plants per producer for each harvest cycle will be required to meet New Mexico cannabis demand during the first year of legalization. New Mexico became the 17th state to legalize recreational cannabis for adult users when a new law allowing for possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis or equivalent amounts of cannabis extract took effect June 29. Personal production of no more than six mature plants per adult is also now permitted. However, the deadline for beginning commercial sales is not until April 1, 2022, to give state officials time to craft the rules that will govern the cannabis industry. The Cannabis Control Division will begin accepting applications for cannabis production licenses on Sept. 1 and the revised rules proposed by the agency this week also lay out new details for that process. That includes a proposed requirement that producers seeking licenses include in their application a social and economic equity plan aimed at encouraging racial, gender and age diversity within the cannabis industry workforce. New Mexicos cannabis legalization law was approved by state lawmakers during a March special session that was called by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham after previous proposals stalled during this years 60-day legislative session. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal The state Attorney Generals Office, the state auditor and the New Mexico State Ethics Commission are being asked to investigate allegations that two top officials at the state Children, Youth and Families Department improperly steered a multimillion dollar information systems contract to a California firm without going to competitive bid. In a complaint filed last week, two former CYFD employees contend an investigation is needed into whether state and federal laws were broken in the agencys hiring of Binti Inc., which is headquartered in Oakland, California. The 11-page complaint was signed by Cliff Gilmore, who served as CYFDs public information officer, and his wife, Debra Gilmore, who had headed CYFDs Office of Childrens Rights. Both were fired May 6 after less than a year on the job. They previously filed a whistleblower lawsuit in state District Court in Santa Fe alleging they were terminated for raising questions about the hiring of Binti, among other issues. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Their new complaint seeking the investigations accuses CYFD Cabinet Secretary Brian Blalock and CYFD Deputy Secretary Terry Locke of contracting with Binti without any known sole source justification, knowing there are at least 20 competitors in the marketplace. The complaint contends Blalock and Locke violated New Mexico law by devising a method to make Binti a sole source provider on the estimated $45 million information systems upgrade, which has experienced delays and budget increases. The complaint states that the total value of the CYFD contract-in-process with Binti is about $16 million. In response to questions about details of Bintis hiring and the new complaint, CYFD spokesman Charlie Moore-Pabst sent the Journal an email on Thursday stating CYFD hadnt yet responded formally to the allegations. These unfounded allegations will be responded to thoroughly, legally and factually. The Gilmores and their associates want to try the case in the media and outside the forum they have chosen without the processes and rules in place for fact finding, discovery and the opportunity to fairly present defenses to the allegations rather than respond to hints and innuendos. Be assured we fully intend to vigorously defend the baseless allegations raised in the litigation and before the Ethics Commission. We will not engage in attempts to politicize these matters nor litigate them in the press or news media. The email didnt provide any specifics on the procurement. Meanwhile, Binti CEO Felicia Curcuru told the Journal in an email, I highly encourage you to spend time with the NM team to dig in and understand versus just reporting on what this complaint says because we have followed all procurement regulations and guidance from NMs procurement team. She added that the complaint filed by the Gilmores, over-simplifies and mischaracterizes the procurement. In late 2018, Binti and more than 20 other firms responded to a request for information CYFD issued to solicit ideas on modernizing or replacing CYFDs 22-year-old child welfare information system. The path to hiring a vendor changed direction in early 2019 when Blalock and his wife, Linnea Forsythe, were recruited from their jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area to work for the incoming administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the complaint states. Forsythe became the states Long Term Care ombudsman, but has since moved to the post of interim director of the Governors Commission on Disability. Allegations of pressure Months after his appointment as CYFD Cabinet secretary in 2019, Blalock pressured CYFD staff to contract with a specific vendor, Binti, for New Mexicos multi-million dollar CCWIS (comprehensive child welfare information services) project, the complaint states. It also alleges Blalock told a CYFD chief information officer at the time that his wife is good friends with the owner of Binti. Bintis CEO Curcuru told the Journal in an email this week she is not friends with Blalocks wife, and has met her once, a couple of months ago. Binti is a start-up firm launched around 2016 or 2017 that specialized in foster care and adoption software, but at the time Blalock directed his staff to contract with Binti, the firm had developed only two child welfare modules while the CYFD system to be replaced, called FACTS, has over 50 processes, the complaint by the Gilmores alleges. The complaint states that Blalock sent a May 19, 2019, email to two managers raising the idea of awarding a sole source contract to Binti or publishing a request for proposals. He asked how long it would take to do the shortest RFP we can manage. A request for proposal typically seeks competitive bids from vendors. By early 2020, CYFD decided to hire Binti through a master statewide price agreement with another IT company, the complaint states. Price agreements allow government entities to buy from vendors at a set price. The complaint cites a March 9, 2020, email from CYFD chief procurement officer, Lucy Vigil-Rendon, who stated, As we are without a valid Procurement Method for Binti Inc., this vendor was added as an authorized manufacturer at CYFDs request after the master price agreement was executed. By taking those steps, Rendon stated, I believe that our ability to purchase this (Software as a Service) Platform at the best obtainable price has not been met, and that we have failed to provide fair and equitable treatment of all persons involved in public procurement, to maximize the purchasing value of funds and to provide safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity. Nevertheless, she stated, there was an established procurement method and what she understood to be an executive directive to follow through with the purchase. CYFDs hiring of Binti was announced in June 2020 on the Government Technology website, which quoted Blalock as saying the state chose Binti not only because it fit their criteria, but because word-of-mouth backed them up, the complaint states. State Auditor Brian Colon told the Journal this week his office had opened an examination of the allegations. As always, we encourage the public to contact our agency in cases of waste, fraud and abuse and that includes concerns with procurements, Colon said. Matt Baca, with the office of State Attorney General Hector Balderas, told the Journal Wednesday in an email, I can confirm that we have received a complaint on this matter, and we are working with the General Services Department and the Department of Finance and Administration to ensure that all appropriate procurement processes and rules are complied with. It wasnt immediately clear on Thursday how the State Ethics Commission would handle the complaint. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SAFFORD, Ariz. Graham County Sheriffs officials are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found near Safford. They said the body of 42-year-old Tameka Alexander of Morenci was discovered Wednesday evening in the area of Freeman Flat southwest of the water tower. The womans vehicle also was located in the area where the body was found. Sheriffs officials said an autopsy was scheduled Friday by the Pima County Medical Examiners Office to determine a cause of death. Safford and Thatcher police assisted Graham County Sheriffs officials with the case along with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... HOUSTON 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 Attorneys 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. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ 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, Samuels 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 .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... BAGHDAD Irans expeditionary Quds Force commander brought one main directive for Iraqi militia faction leaders long beholden to Tehran, when he gathered with them in Baghdad last month: Maintain calm, until after nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. But he was met with defiance. One of the six faction leaders spoke up in their meeting: They could not stay quiet while the death of his predecessor Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. drone strike went unavenged. Militia attacks have only been increasing against the U.S. in military bases in both Iraq and Syria. Three missile attacks in the last week alone resulted in minor injuries, stoking fears of escalation. The details from Esmail Ghaanis visit, confirmed to The Associated Press by three Shiite political officials and two senior militia officials, demonstrate how Iranian-aligned Iraqi militia groups are asserting a degree of independence, sometimes even flouting orders from Tehran. Iran now relies on Lebanons Hezbollah for support in reining them in, and there is potential that Irans new president could play a role in doing the same. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings. Irans influence, sustained by ideological ties and military support, has frayed because of the U.S. killing of Soleimani and al-Muhandis last year, because of differing interests and because of financial strains in Tehran. With nuclear talks restarting following U.S. President Joe Bidens inauguration this year, these differences have come to the fore. Iran isnt the way it used to be, with 100% control over the militia commanders, said one Shiite political leader. Increasing rocket and drone attacks targeting American troops in Iraq and Syria have alarmed Western and coalition officials. There have been at least eight drone attacks targeting the U.S. presence since Biden took office in January, as well as 17 rocket attacks, according to coalition officials. The attacks are blamed on the Iranian-backed militias that make up the bulk of Iraqs state-supported Popular Mobilization Forces. The Biden administration has responded by twice targeting Iraqi militia groups operating inside Syria, including close to the Iraqi border. What is taking place now is when Ghaani asks for calm, the brigade leaders agree with him. But as soon as he leaves the meeting, they disregard his recommendations, said another Shiite political leader. The loudest of the defiant militia voices has been Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq faction, which also maintains a political party. On June 17, only days after Ghaanis meetings with the militias, he said in a televised address that they would continue to target the U.S. occupier and that they will not take into consideration nuclear talks. And that decision is an Iraqi one, he said. The coalition has formally ended combat operations and reduced troop levels significantly in the last year. Only 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq and discussions are ongoing with NATO to transfer to an advisory mission. Iraq still needs coalition support in surveillance and intelligence gathering and airstrikes against Islamic State group targets. Some argue the ongoing attacks benefit Iran by maintaining pressure on the U.S. During talks with Shiite political officials during his visit, Ghani said Iran doesnt interfere in their political work, but that military matters were different. These must be approved by the Revolutionary Guard, one political leader recounted him saying. Still, Ghaani did not reprimand the militia groups during the meeting. Instead, he told them he understood their concerns. Iran has struggled to fill in the gap left in the absence of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, who were commanding figures able to push factions into line and resolve disputes among them. Ghaani has a different style and capabilities, said Michael Knights, a fellow at The Washington Institute. He has a looser framework, establishing broad red lines on some matters, while other things are dont ask, dont tell, he said. Along with asking for less, cash-strapped Iran has been giving less as well. Assistance to the groups has been significantly downgraded since U.S. sanctions began crippling Irans economy last year. Divisions among factions have deepened, with growing competition among militias and Shiite politicians. Ghaani came to meet the militia leaders to mend tensions that were sparked weeks earlier when Iraqi authorities arrested a paramilitary commander, Qassim Musleh, prompting a standoff between PMF fighters and security forces. Ghaani brought a letter from Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, criticizing the PMF for its reaction, saying it weakened their position. To apply pressure on the factions, Iran has come to rely on Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah in Lebanon, a figure the militias highly respect. Almost weekly, various factional leaders hold face-to-face meetings with him in Lebanon, said Shiite political leaders. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, elected in June, also may be a unifying figure for the militias, which hold him in high esteem, political and militia officials said. When Raisi visited Baghdad in February, he met with PMF commanders and told them, in fluent Arabic, Our flesh is your flesh, and our blood is your blood. Ghaani communicates with brigade leaders through an interpreter. The resistance will grow in power and will see its best of times due to the election victory of Raisi, said Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, in a recent interview. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan A powerful warlord in northern Afghanistan and a key U.S. ally in the 2001 defeat of the Taliban blames a fractious Afghan government and an irresponsible American departure for the insurgents recent rapid territorial gains across the north. Ata Mohammad Noor, who is among those behind the latest attempt to halt the Taliban advances by creating more militias, told The Associated Press that the Afghan military is badly demoralized. He said Washingtons quick exit left the Afghan military logistically unprepared for the Taliban onslaught. In an interview at his opulent home in Mazar-e-Sharif, the main city of the north, he said that even he had not expected the Talibans rapid wins, particularly in nearby Badakhshan province in the countrys northeast corner. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ It was surprising for me that in 24 hours, 19 districts of Badakhshan were surrendered without a fight, said Noor. He said in some areas the Taliban were small in number, perhaps even too few to capture a district, yet the military handed over their weapons and left. Reports and photos widely shared on social media show some government officials in the provincial capital of Faizabad boarding one of the last commercial flights to Kabul. The Afghan capital remains in government hands. The 57-year-old Noor is one of the powerhouse players as Afghanistan enters what many fear will be a chaotic new chapter, with the final withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. He commands a personal militia with thousands of fighters. Once the governor of Balkh province, where Mazar-e-Sharif is the capital, he effectively still runs the province. As head of Jamiat-e-Islami, one of Afghanistans strongest parties, he wields influence across the north. Though nominally united in opposition to the Taliban, he and other warlords are often bitter rivals. With the government weak and the insurgents gaining, the potential for violent fragmentation is high. The Talibans capture of most of the remote Badakhshan province is particularly significant because the north has traditionally been the domain of the U.S.-allied warlords. It was the only province that didnt come under Taliban control during the groups 1996-2001 rule. It was once a Jamiat-e-Islami stronghold, the home province of one of Noors predecessors as its leader, Burhanuddin Rabbani, killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. The insurgents now claim control over more than a third of the 421 districts and district centers across Afghanistan. They have also captured several border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, opening up potential revenues for the Taliban and cutting key transportation routes. The Islam Qala border crossing with Iran was the latest to fall to the Taliban, on Thursday. Noor was harsh in his criticism of the fractious Afghan leadership, saying it often left the army without reinforcements in battle or even food and erratically paid soldiers salaries. He said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rules with a coterie of four people, a reference to the presidents increasingly reduced inner circle. U.S. President Joe Biden defended the withdrawal in a speech Thursday and said it would be finished by Aug. 31. He urged greater unity among Afghanistans leadership, saying America has given the Afghan government the weapons, training and tools to sustain itself. The Afghan government, leadership has to come together, Biden said. They have the capacity. They have the forces. They have the equipment. The question is will they do it? Still, Noor said the signs of a dispirited military predated Bidens mid-April announcement that the U.S. was ending its forever war, noting that Afghan army recruitment was already down by 60% and corruption was widespread. We advised the government then that they had to work on the morale of the military, they had to be unified, but they did not listen, he said. Noor also criticized the Afghan governments fighting strategy, saying the Afghan National Security and Defense forces leadership has overused its elite commando units. He said this included sending them into battle without proper preparations for reinforcements and re-supplies, as well as ordering them to hold checkpoints, a job they are not meant to do. Commandos were also not given proper rest, he said. Though the Afghan air force has well-trained pilots, Noor said the fleet was overused and under-maintained. As a result most of the planes are back on the ground. They cannot fly and most of them are out of ammunition, he said. Noor also slammed the quick U.S. departure as irresponsible. While Afghanistan appreciated the money and manpower America invested in the country, it did nothing to make Afghanistan self-sufficient, he said. We needed factories to produce our own ammunition and workshops to repair the aircraft and other vehicles that were given to the Afghan forces, said Noor. But the international forces did not work to build a foundation, a self-sufficiency in Afghanistan. Earlier this year as the Taliban gained momentum, Noor was one of the first to press for the creation of new militias, calling it a peoples uprising. Last month, the government launched a mobilization program, helping arm and finance volunteers under local commanders. Noor said the new militias are needed as much to help bolster army morale as fight the Taliban. Still, he acknowledged the dangers. In the 1990s, militias and warlords including Noor fought a civil war that wreaked devastation on Kabul, killed some 50,000 people and helped fuel the Talibans rise. There is a real possibility of a civil war. This is a very dangerous possibility, he said. He warned it would be stoked by Afghanistans neighbors Pakistan, Iran, Russia and India all of whom use Afghan factions to advance their interests. The new mobilization program only adds more militias of uncertain loyalties to the mix of militias maintained by Afghanistans multiple warlords since the 1990s. Besides Noor, they include Uzbek warlord Rashid Dostum, accused of war crimes, and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former U.S.-declared terrorist, who is currently in Kabul and has been a bitter enemy of Noors Jamiat-e-Islami for decades. Abdur Rasool Sayyafs past militias have been linked to brutal crimes against the Hazara ethnic minority during the 1990s civil war. The religiously regressive Sayyaf also had close ties to al-Qaida, and even operated training camps with the terrorist group in the 1990s. A couple of kilometers (miles) from Noors home, he maintains a political office in a lavish compound, protected by armed guards and barricades. A group of his militiamen, some with assault rifles, others with machine guns, lounged on the lush grounds. Their leader, Habibullah Rahman Orfan, said they would follow Noor anywhere and accept his commands without reservations, referring to him as the great commander. He said they would defend Mazar-e-Sharif, would begin an offensive to retake the districts in Balkh province currently under the Taliban and were ready to serve as Noor commanded. ___ Associated Press writer Tameem Akhgar contributed to this report. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... DENVER A motorist who was filmed running into a protester during a demonstration against police violence last year has been found not guilty of assault, her attorney says. KUSA-TV reports that a Denver jury did find Jennifer Watson guilty of a misdemeanor reckless driving charge on Friday, according to her attorney, Ryan Brackley. A cellphone video shot in downtown Denver in May 2020 showed protesters surrounding an SUV with a man on the hood. That man jumps off as the vehicle speeds up. In the video, the vehicle seems to be free from protesters, but the driver turns sharply and runs into the man who had been on the hood, knocking him to the ground. Brackley has contended his client feared for her safety after getting caught in the protest over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Brackley said his client was on her way home when her SUV was surrounded by protesters, and she was terrified when the group kicked and hit her car. He said she called 911 after she drove away from the crowd. This story has been corrected to state that the motorists last name is Watson, not Wilson. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Instagram Celebrity The 'Dawson's Creek' actor wishes his late mother Melinda 'exalted journeys' as he posts a heartfelt tribute to mark the one-year anniversary of her passing. Jul 9, 2021 AceShowbiz - James Van Der Beek has paid tribute to his mother Melinda a year after her death. The "Dawson's Creek" star admitted his children, Olivia, 10, Joshua, nine, Annabel Leah, seven, Emilia, five, and three-year-old Gwendolyn, "really miss" his late mum, who passed away aged 70 last July (20). He wrote on Instagram, "One year ago today you dropped the body that had been causing you so much grief... the body that brought me into this world." "My first reaction was that of relief - as if I'd known you'd had a tough journey ahead and just gotten word that you'd already arrived safely. My kids really miss you. They still talk about it often, and at the most random of moments. And every time, I drop everything I'm doing and sit with them. I think a few of them have caught on and are now using it as a one-way ticket to dedicated attention. Which I know you'd appreciate. (sic)" The 44-year-old actor, who shared a picture of his gymnastics teacher mother dancing in Las Vegas, admitted his grief has been surfacing "on layers I didn't know existed." "For me... it's weird. I thought I had a neat little expectation of what happens when loved ones cross over - how they communicate from the other side," he continued. "Now I think I know less. I'm posting this picture because it was such a fun night in Vegas, and you seem so happy and free, and it's this unlimited you I think I feel somewhere in the ether - that wants a new relationship, unburdened by the stories of this lifetime." "Not that there aren't some amazing stories. I've read so many heartfelt letters from your students gushing about the impact that Miss Melinda had on their lives, on their kids lives... It's made me proud and inspired to hear the depth and scope of your impact when you walked this earth. But I also feel a version of you out there that's both young... and ancient. Playful, and powerful. Creative and wise. And I feel like we're just getting to know each other. The grief continues to surface on layers I didn't know existed, and I do my best to honour it as it does." Concluding his post, James wrote, "It's been a wild ride, this last year, Mom. So many surprises, so many expectations defied. And the more I feel I don't know... the more possibilities I sense beyond the boundaries of logic. A space in which I know you like to play..." "Wishing you exalted journeys, Mom. I love you. (sic)" Last July, James - who has been married to his wife Kimberly since 2010 - revealed his mum had passed away and admitted he was "grateful she's no longer in pain." Instagram Celebrity The 'Jennifer's Body' actress reveals she was initially reluctant to wear a steamy dress to 2021 Billboard Music Awards with boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly following a psychedelic experience. Jul 9, 2021 AceShowbiz - Actress Megan Fox almost backed out of wearing her risque black gown to the 2021 Billboard Music Awards after enjoying a chat with God during a psychedelic experience in Costa Rica. The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" star turned heads on the red carpet as she posed in a barely-there Thierry Mugler dress at the ceremony back in May, when she accompanied her boyfriend, rapper/actor Machine Gun Kelly to the high-profile event. However, Fox initially didn't feel comfortable showing so much skin as the couple had just returned from Central America, where they had got high on powerful hallucinogen ayahuasca. "My stylist was like, 'We want you to wear this' and I was like, 'I was just talking to God in the jungle, I'm not ready to wear that,' " she recalled to InStyle magazine. Fox eventually relented, thanks to a little added courage from a hit of Peruvian tobacco, which they had brought back from their travels. "(I thought), 'F**k it, I'll just have some Peruvian tobacco, I'll wear this thing,' " she shared. Machine Gun Kelly decided to take the tobacco with them to the ceremony, where he proceeded to perform a type of cleansing ritual on his girlfriend for everyone to see. "He gets out (of the car) wearing this basically shirtless Jim Morrison, wild-a** Balmain super rockstar, whatever the f**k he's wearing," she said. "He takes out this giant-a** - it looks like a blunt, it's not, it's Peruvian tobacco - and he's smoking it and then he's blowing it all over me to cleanse me. People must've been like, 'These f**king people are psycho (sic).' " It wasn't just the tobacco and Fox's sexy outfit which drew headlines - they also weren't afraid to make out for the cameras, even with Kelly painting his tongue black to match his outlandish wardrobe. The series of events leading up to the awards show appeared to bring Kelly luck as he emerged a double winner, taking home prizes for Top Rock Artist and Top Rock Album for "Tickets to My Downfall". WENN/Daniel Deme Celebrity Having been dating anthropologist Hugh Brody for 30 years, the 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' actress is adamant that the time is right for the two of them to exchange vows. Jul 9, 2021 AceShowbiz - Veteran British actress Juliet Stevenson is planning to wed her longtime boyfriend, Hugh Brody, to add a bright spot to a terrible year for the couple. The "Truly, Madly, Deeply" star has been dating the anthropologist for 30 years and now she insists the time is right for them to exchange vows, eight months after the sudden death of Brody's son. "I want to stand up in front of the world, even if there are only six people in the room, and say, 'This is my person, and we've been through a huge amount, and I love him more than ever,' " Juliet tells MailOnline. "Losing a child, it's so frightening. So much of the year has been about survival, the whole country watching these terrible statistics nightly on the news. But the young people were supposed to be OK." The actress and Brody share two children together - Rosalind, 27, and Gabriel, 20 - and she admits she is "ridiculously soppy" about her 78-year-old boyfriend, adding, "I'm very glad to be with somebody who's not in the industry because I'm a bit of an obsessive. I get very submerged in a piece of work, and if I lived with another actor, it would be a bit suffocating." While she is now keen on tying the knot, Stevenson has previously voiced her thoughts on the down side of marriage. "I grew up seeing what incredible restraints marriage imposes on women in certain situations. I felt my mum sometimes metaphorically beating at the walls," she shared. WENN Celebrity The 'Black Swan' actress and the 'Borat' actor are questioned by police for potentially breaking lockdown rules after they were spotted boating with their kids. Jul 10, 2021 AceShowbiz - Natalie Portman, Benjamin Millepied, and Sacha Baron Cohen did not break Covid-19 lockdown rules, Australia's New South Wales (NSW) police force has concluded. Natalie, 40, and Benjamin, 44, enjoyed a leisurely boat ride in Sydney with their pal Sacha, 49, and kids earlier this week but locals were outraged as residents have been ordered to stay home except for "essential' reasons" due to an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19. The group were investigated by police but no breach was found. NSW police said in a statement, "Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command received information about a group on a boat on Monday 5 July 2021, potentially breaching Public Health Orders (PHOs)." "Police have reviewed the information and confirm the activity, and the number of people in the group, complied with the PHOs in force at that time. There will be no further police action taken." The investigation came after a number of local residents took to Twitter to share their outrage, with Australian BBC correspondent Frances Mao tweeting, "So nice that Hollywood celebs get to enjoy Sydney Harbour during lockdown. Had no idea Natalie Portman and Sacha Baron Cohen were from one household..." Meanwhile, police deploy 100 more officers to south-west Sydney to ensure compliance with rules." Journalist Ben Grubb added, "What lockdown? Recreational activities are allowed as part of the sixteen rules but two separate families on a boat?" WENN Celebrity The 71-year-old Vogue editor-in-chief is having a new addition to her growing family as daughter Bee is expecting her first child with husband Francesco Carrozzini. Jul 10, 2021 AceShowbiz - Fashion queen Anna Wintour is set to be a grandmother again - her daughter Bee Shaffer is pregnant. The socialite has been photographed showing off her baby bump while vacationing in Portofino, Italy, with her director husband, Francesco Carrozzini - the son of late Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani. The child will be the couple's first, and Anna's third grandchild - her son, Charles Shaffer, is dad to daughters Ella and Caroline. Bee and Francesco are currently celebrating their third wedding anniversary. They tied the knot at Wintour's Long Island estate in July, 2018. Both Bee and Charles are Anna's children from her previous marriage to David Shaffer. Last year during early Covid-19 lockdown, Anna revealed that Charles fell ill. She said, "My son is a doctor. He is currently quite ill and self-quarantining at home, away from his wife and his two small daughters. But when he is able, he will return to the ICU at his local hospital. I am so proud of him and so grateful to all the health workers, first responders, nurses and doctors, who are fighting to reduce the spread of the virus and to save lives." Following her divorce from David in 1999, Anna tied the knot with Shelby Bryan. In October, they were hit with breakup rumors. Neither commented on the split reports. She once explained why she never bothered to clear up any rumors about her private life, "There are certain things that no one wants to read about in the tabloid press...You know that your friends and your family have one vision, and if the outside world has another, then that's just something that you just don't focus on." Similarly, Shelby said, "There's an old-fashioned view that your personal life should be kept private, and that's my view." Instagram/Andrew Werner Celebrity The revered wigmaker, who worked on multiple movies, TV series, and Broadway plays, has passed away at the age of 89 at his home in London, a year after retirement. Jul 10, 2021 AceShowbiz - Paul Huntley, the wigmaker behind Dustin Hoffman's "Tootsie" look and Glenn Close's "Cruella de Vil" makeover, has died. The 89 year old passed away at his home in London on Friday (09Jul21). In a career that spanned more than five decades, Huntley also worked on "Cats" and gave Patti LuPone her iconic "Evita" bun. His final project was designing the wigs for "Diana: The Musical" - the show about Princess Diana that was delayed by the pandemic, which will now begin performances on Broadway at the beginning of November (21). Paul was a Broadway staple, creating looks for stars like Carol Channing, David Bowie, Harvey Fierstein, and Scarlett Johansson, who turned to him for help with her look for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Huntley was honoured with an Excellence in Theatre Tony Award in 2003. Alongside "Tootsie" and "101 Dalmatians", his film credits include "Fried Green Tomatoes", "Cleopatra", and Laurence Olivier's classic 1965 version of "Othello". He announced his retirement following a fall last year (20). Tributes poured in for the late wigmaker from Hollywood figures. Actress Jackie Hoffman tweeted, "RIP Paul Huntley, the quintessential wig maestro. I had the honor of him wrapping my skull in Saran Wrap many times." Another star Donna Murphy commented on Paul's Instagram, "Truly an honor to have worked with this genius artist over many years. His brilliance matched only by his generosity . I will miss him so, as will legions of others. My condolences to his family & dearest ones , & my eternal gratitude for the years of experiencing his artistry . There will never be another like you dear Paul. Rest in peace, beauty & love." BUTTE CREEK CANYON, Calif. - One Butte Creek Canyon man is frustrated with PG&E over what he says is a dangerous utility pole near his home. "PG&E has known about this issue for over a year according to a rep that came out," said Tim Seeley, the concerned man. Seeley, claims a support pole he's standing next to is a hazard. "Here on my own property we have a guy wire that's supporting the high voltage power pole that's about to fail," Seely explained, "The pole is rotten and split at the top and the cable is actually pulling out and if this cable fails, these lines are going to drop on to the trees and start another fire." Action News Now caught on camera two steel cables intended to hold the pole but now they're just dangling around. Action News Now took Seeley's concerns straight to PG&E. "This pole itself doesn't actually support any power lines, explained Paul Moreno, a PG&E spokesman, "the condition that it's in now is not something we want to have for the long term it's not an imminent hazard." Seeley said he reported the problem in late May and PG&E said it would take three months to fix it. "This can't last three months, we're in the middle of fire season so what's it going to take?" asked Seeley. Moreno said if it was an immediate threat they would have sent repair crews right away. "Where does the work order go and who is in charge of their preventative maintenance?" asked Seely again. Moreno said they have a system that triages the work. "Nonetheless this work will be done well before then probably within a matter of days," Moreno said. Seeley lost his home in the Camp Fire. "I moved here 3 months before the fire and essentially ran for my life. Everything was destroyed," Seeley said. He hopes PG&E fixes the pole before it leads to a serious problem like a wildfire. Currently, Seely is living in a travel trailer at his property with the hopes of rebuilding. Moreno said it appears a vehicle hit the supporting cable of the pole damaging the top of it. PG&E said support poles are much shorter and smaller in diameter than power poles. In the video, there's an incorrect graphic saying "worried about power pole on property," it's meant to say utility pole instead. PLUMAS COUNTY, Calif.- The Plumas County Sheriff's Office has issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents along Highway 70 between Beckwourth-Genesee Rd. to the Plumas/Lassen County Line due to the Beckwourth Complex Fire. This order includes Chilcoot and Vinton and everyone north of Highway 70 between Beckwourth-Genesee Rd. and the County line. The sheriff's department warns if you remain emergency personnel may not be able to help you and said people should leave immediately. An evacuation center is set up at Portola Station Baptist on 171 S. Gulling St. in Portola. Pfizer says it is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. The company said Thursday that another shot could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant. Research from multiple countries shows the widely used COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the highly contagious delta variant. But virus-fighting antibodies naturally wane. Pfizer says early data from a company trial suggests people's antibody levels jump after they get a third dose. But the filing doesn't mean third doses would be rolled out any time soon. Public health officials would have to decide if they're really needed. REDDING, Calif. - A 19-year-old was arrested for selling a fentanyl pill to a 13-year-old boy which killed him, the Redding Police Department said. The 19-year-old, Ryan Harrison, was identified as the suspect and was arrested on July 7. On August 8, 2020, Redding Police Department and paramedics responded to the area of the 1600 block of Verda St. when they received a report of a 13-year-old boy unresponsive in his bedroom, police said. Officers and paramedics attempted to save the 13-year-old boys life with life-saving measures but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Evidence gathered by the detectives showed the boy overdosed on what appeared to be an illegal drug that was obtained outside the house, police said. The Redding Police Detective Division was assigned to the case. That's when they said they learned the boy used his phone and social media account to order a Percocet pill, a slang term for an Oxycodone pill. The Department of Homeland Security (HSI) helped detectives gather evidence to identify a suspect. Detectives and HSI Agents found Harrison was using a social media account to deal drugs to clients, many of who were minors, police said. On Feb. 24, detectives served a search warrant to Harrison and his residence to gather evidence of drug sales. During the search, officials said they found over 900 Fentanyl pills, codeine syrup, cocaine and over $30,000 in cash. Harrison was arrested for drug sales and making threats to law enforcement. In a follow-up interview, Harrison admitted to a detective he was selling pills and marketing them as Perc pills when they were Fentanyl pills, police said. Investigators then when on to say he admitted he knew Fentanyl is dangerous and a small amount can kill a person. Redding Police Department and the HSI brought the information to the Shasta County District Attorney in May. On July 6, the Shasta County Superior Court issued an arrest warrant of Harrison for homicide, criminal threats directed at law enforcement, dealing a dangerous drug to a minor and multiple other drug-related violations. Harrison is being held at the Shasta County Jail on a $1 million bail. Police are contacting more people who are in possession of Fentanyl and are responding to more overdose calls, police said. Police said most recent statistics by the California Department of Public Health show 1,603 deaths related to a Fentanyl overdose in 2019. From May 2020 to Dec. 2020, Shasta County had seven Fentanyl deaths and 11 from Jan. 2021 to April 2021. SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - A Shasta County family who lost their home to the Salt Fire is opening up about what many in the region fear. Jeremy Wheeler describes the moment they had to evacuated their home the day the Salt Fire broke out. It was so quick when it happened, said Wheeler. We started with getting a knock on the door by some neighbors, friends of ours. It was a very loud, urgent knock. When we answered it, they were basically telling us we needed to leave. His family grabbed what they could and their dogs and got out. But eight days later, they're still reeling from what happened. It's been really hard for us, said Christa Cooper. I'm really emotional about it. My daughter seems to be okay, she's a little bit confused as to why we're not going home. Their home was destroyed by the fire. Most of their possessions, also gone. Everything I had in the house since my daughter's been born, that's all she ever had. That's all she ever knew, said Cooper. I also had my dad's dog tags from when he was in the navy. Those were also in the house. I had tons and tons of tools and things that I collected from having worked a Lowes and some other places, explained Wheeler. But they still have each other and their daughter. Thanks to Jeremys boss, the family is staying in a camper for now. I've been working here for a couple of months and the boss appreciates me here, said Wheeler. She put together a box of some stuff and she let me borrow one of the campers they're getting ready to sell. But even with the outpouring of support, theyve had enough of California wildfires. This situation is going to be pushing us out of California and we're going to be relocating to Texas, said Wheeler. We don't want to have to keep worrying about fires and having to keep getting evacuated, said Cooper. The family will be moving not just to leave behind the wildfires, but to also be closer to the family as well. CHICO, Calif. - Officers arrested a driver they said crashed a stolen car into two Chico businesses early Friday morning. Officers said around 2 a.m. Friday morning they spotted a stolen 2014 Toyota Camry heading Northbound on Main Street from E. Fourth Street. Officers said they tried to initiate a high-risk felony traffic stop. As soon as emergency lights were activated, officers said the driver of the stolen car accelerated westbound on W. Second St. at a high rate of speed, attempting to escape officers. Officers said the driver was going nearly 90 mph. Officers chose to cancel the pursuit due to potential danger to the public. The driver continued to drive westbound at a high speed to the intersection of W. Second St. and Walnut Street. At the intersection police said the suspect tried to turn and lost control of the car, crashing into two businesses. Police say the driver, Sunny Sayyaphom, exited the vehicle uninjured and was taken into custody. Sayyaphom is now facing charges of auto theft and evading officers. Police said Sayyaphom was already on parole for vehicle theft. YUBA CITY, Calif. - The Yuba-Sutter Narcotics and Gang Enforcement Task Force arrested a man walking around with an AR-15 style assault rifle with a high-capacity magazine on the 400 Block of Camino Cortez. On July 8, at around 12:00 p.m. police arrested Rigoberto Guevara Jr., 18, while searching a warrant at his home, according to the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Task Force. The assault weapon was unregistered and un-serialized, commonly referred to as a ghost gun. Police believe Guevara was planning on selling the assault weapon. He was booked into the Sutter County Jail for charges of possession for sale of an un-serialized and unregistered assault weapon. Vigor Media Worldwide has bagged the PR mandate of Hicks Thermometers (India) Limited (Hicks), a well-established and highly respected medical equipment manufacturer and exporter. The contract comes as another acknowledgement of Vigor Media Worldwides exceptional expertise in PR and communication. The role of Vigor Media Worldwide will be to build a strategic communication framework for Hicks and further strengthen its indomitable leadership positioning in the medical device and equipment industry. As a part of the mandate Vigor Media Worldwide will also help Hicks drive its massive expansion plans through exceptional media and communication strategies engaging the stakeholders effectively. Vigor Media Worldwide won the prestigious account after an aggressive multi-agency pitch followed by a competitive bidding process. The mandate for Hicks will be handled by the Delhi-NCR office of Vigor Media Worldwide with the support from its proficient and dedicated team along with its dexterous national and global associates for greater visibility and strong positioning of brand Hicks among targeted segments. Mr. Siddharth Gupta, MD, Hicks Thermometers (India) Limited said, In sync with our USP of consistently delivering superior quality healthcare products, Hicks Thermometers is all set to drive the next wave of growth and expansion. To work further towards this goal, we are delighted to join hands with Vigor Media Worldwide that has extensive experience in the competitive world of communication. Through this association, we look forward to connect effectively with all of our stakeholders. Commenting on winning the PR mandate of Hicks Thermometers (India) Limited, Mr. Nilanjan Chakrobarty, CEO, Vigor Media Worldwide said, We are honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of image management of Hicks Thermometers (India) Limited. We are committed to further strengthen the brand's reputation by delivering well-planned and innovative communication strategies in line with their key expectations of business growth. With its well-diversified portfolio of state-of-the-art thermometers, automatic blood pressure monitors, digital blood pressure monitors, automatic digital blood pressure monitors, medical disposable, consumables, diagnostic and wide range of pharma products, Hicks has over the years created a distinct identity for itself in the healthcare space. In thermometers segment alone, Hicks commands more than 50% of the market share in India and among its notable clientele include Apollo, Mankind, Lacto, Pfizer, Cadila, C&C, Christian medical college, just to name a few among many others. Over the years, Hicks has gained a remarkable place in the industry through its innovative and impressive customer service. A technology driven company, Hicks continually incorporates internationally accepted technologies and techniques for production. Vigor Media Worldwide has cross-sectoral expertise spanning across Real Estate, Education, Lifestyle, FMCG, Hospitality, Healthcare, Technology, Security, Consulting and a host of other sectors of the economy. Its client portfolio includes top-of-the-line brands in the industry with recurring association across years. General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC Bern, 09.07.2021 - Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga paid a visit to Senegal and Ghana between 5 and 9 July. In Dakar, Ms Sommaruga signed the climate agreement between Switzerland and Senegal adopted by the Federal Council on 23 June. In Ghana, together with the responsible ministers, she agreed steps to accelerate implementation of the climate agreement signed with this country a few months earlier. The talks and visits in both countries focused on climate and environmental protection. In Ghana, there was a special focus on the issue of electronic waste. It is a problem for the environment and people's health: Every year, around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated worldwide. Some of that waste ends up in developing countries like Ghana, where it is often disposed of improperly, endangering the health of the population and posing major environmental risks. In a joint letter to the member states of the Basel Convention - which regulates exports of e-waste - Federal Councillor Sommaruga and her Ghanaian counterpart called for the scope of the Convention to be expanded. The aim is that in future not only should the export of particularly hazardous e-waste be regulated, but all e-waste. This would help developing countries to prevent unwanted imports and help to protect human health and the environment. Ms Sommaruga launched SECO's country programme in Accra. Ghana is a SECO priority country for economic development cooperation. Although Ghana is a positive example in Africa in terms of democracy, the rule of law and stability and is developing relatively successfully, the country still faces a number of challenges. SECO is therefore promoting attractive economic framework conditions that enable sustainable growth and is supporting efforts to create more and better jobs. A total of CHF 65 million has been earmarked for SECO's economic development cooperation programme with Ghana for the period from 2021 to 2024. Topics in Senegal: Technology and innovation in climate protection Federal Councillor Sommaruga's visit to Senegal focused on the role of technology and innovation in climate protection. The joint climate agreement between Switzerland and Senegal was signed at a ceremony in Dakar. The Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Abdou Karim Sall, and Federal Councillor Sommaruga reaffirmed the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions. They also stated the importance of continuing discussions on the use of new CATM technologies. These technologies have the potential to offset the warming effect of greenhouse gases and there is growing recognition of the need for such tools. However, there is a danger that too much potential is attributed to them and that consequently urgently needed measures to reduce emissions are postponed or even neglected. Address for enquiries DETEC Communications, Geraldine Eicher, Tel. 058 466 80 00 Publisher General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html Federal Office for the Environment FOEN http://www.bafu.admin.ch/en Swiss Federal Office of Energy http://www.bfe.admin.ch Alton, IL (62002) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 90F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Immediately following July 4, the wheat market saw some sell-offs, which brought prices lower. We hit the Fourth of July fireworks in terms of volatility, not necessarily moving markets to the high side, said Jim Peterson, market director for the North Dakota Wheat Commission. For the spring wheat market prior to the Fourth of July, the major concern in the market was obviously the extended period of hot temperatures and lack of rain and really the poor condition of the spring wheat crop, he continued. We saw September futures approach the $8.50 level, which was up from $7.50 in mid-June, but right after July 4 weve seen some pretty major sell-offs in the market. We were down 50 cents on the Minneapolis futures. Whats driving it is the fact the region did pick up some rains and some of the nearby forecasts were calling for more seasonal temperatures. In my mind the question is: Is it more of a reaction to the benefit this is going to have for corn and soybeans and the overall commodity market as opposed to really benefiting the spring wheat crop? Time will tell, he said. The reality, according to Peterson, is that a lot of the spring wheat crop is in tough shape and yield improvement is non-existent, especially for the early portion of the crop and probably even some of the mid-portion of the crop. Its really only the later planted crop that can benefit in terms of yield enhancement from a cooler July and more rains, he said. But I think overall theres more of the crop that pretty much has its yields set. The benefit from rain and cooler temps would be better kernel fill, which we certainly need to maintain some quality in a lower yielding crop. The University of NebraskaLincolns Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Montana State University and Oregon State University will collectively receive $3 million per year for five years from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service for the establishment of a Western Rangeland Livestock Center. Together with partners in Montana and Oregon, Nebraska researchers will focus on developing precision-based nutrition strategies for rangeland-based livestock, as well as technology-based livestock management strategies to optimize the health and productivity of western rangeland-based livestock and the rangeland ecosystem. The Western Rangeland Livestock Center research will take place at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and other cooperative Nebraska ranches, including the Barta Brothers Ranch, as well as the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center and the Panhandle Research and Extension Center. Strides in new rangeland monitoring technology have provided opportunities to enhance understanding of natural resources and livestock behavior, which is important for rangeland research and applied management of beef cattle on extensive rangelands. The three states are focused on providing the information and tools needed to assist ranchers and land managers in optimizing land resources for beef cattle and sheep production while not only maintaining, but enhancing, the soil and plant community. With highly volatile commodity markets, increased drought occurrence, and other environmental and marketing challenges, the future of western livestock production is dependent upon on developing precision livestock management strategies and proactive decision-making tools that allow for economically efficient and environmentally responsive livestock production and improving rangeland health, said Travis Mulliniks, assistant professor of animal science at Nebraska. For college students Amber Cherney of Cuba, Kansas and Austin Truex of Norfolk, Nebraska, the chance to be hometown interns in Nebraska this summer offers opportunities to connect with the small towns near and dear to their heart all while honing relevant job skills and helping grow those communities. Cherney and Truex are two of the 19 students participating in the Nebraska Community Foundation Hometown Internship program, which kicked off its third year in May. The program aims to further the community-building work of the Nebraska Community Foundation and strengthen students' connections to the towns that raised them. The hope is they would consider returning one day to plant their future in greater Nebraska. Cherney, a Cloud Community College student, who will be a junior at Kansas State University this fall studying business administration and marketing, is helping the Chester Community Fund in Chester, Nebraska. She is reaching out to people who used to be part of the Chester community who moved away. She's also working to expand the Nebraska Community Foundation donor base through social media and video projects. We want them to know Chester is still here, we have a lot here, and wed love for you to come back, Cherney said. Excited to be part of the energy, Cherney says she sees more positive things happening in the community, than most people who live there. That's the way it often becomes in any community. Coming up to Chester, I see an awesome community thats also active like Cuba, Kansas, Cherney said, making a comparison to her hometown. Intern Austin Truex will be a junior at the University of Nebraska-Kearney in the fall. He is working this summer in his hometown with the Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund and Northeast Nebraska Growing Together. His work focuses on community marketing, making connections and community betterment projects. I am very passionate about my hometown, and am thrilled to contribute to projects, events and initiatives in Norfolk, Truex said. His projects include engaging the downtown district, retaining young people in the area, and restoring the riverfront. The Nebraska Community Foundation considers this Hometown Intern program a two-way street. These young people are sharing ideas for the community they want to call home one day, said Janny Crotty, assistant director of advancement for the foundation. After going away to school for at least year, the goal is for them to return and be part of what it takes to keep our community thriving. The program builds on the results of the 2020 Nebraska Community Foundation Youth Survey of 1,300 high school students, which revealed that most participants prefer to live in a small community and are motivated to make a positive impact on the places where they were raised. Truex learned about the paid internship program through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. We also had lots of affiliated funds who already knew of a student who was interested in an internship, through our many partnerships with University of Nebraska Extension and others, foundation spokeswoman Carrie Malek-Madani said. Cherney learned about the internship through the Chester Community Fund and word of mouth, since there arent a lot of young people to reach, she said. The all-important question of whether hometown interns will return to their town or another small town after college, brings positive thoughts. At this time, I do not have any concrete plans, Truex said. However, I strongly believe that I will end up in Norfolk or another small community in Nebraska. Its home, and I love it here. The primary reason young Nebraskans dont envision a future in their hometowns comes down to job opportunities, Malek-Madani said. In the survey, 44% said career opportunities pull them elsewhere. The community foundation is working to change that. After growing dramatically in the last three years, community foundation leaders say they are energized by gaining a new youthful perspective to propel them into the future. By welcoming these students back home, our local affiliated funds are opening doors to a fresh look at community building, said Jeff Yost, president and CEO of the foundation. The benefits go both ways, with interns learning their hometowns offer much more than previously assumed. As for Cherney's post-college plans, I would like to do some marketing with businesses, she said. Im not sure where yet, but I would like to stay in a rural area. Reporter Amy Hadachek is a two-time Emmy Award winning meteorologist and a storm chaser who earned her NWA and AMS Broadcast Meteorology Seals of Approval. She and her husband live on a diversified farm in Kansas. Reach her at amy.hadachek@midwestmessenger.com. Midwest Messenger Weekly Update Get the latest agriculture news delivered to your inbox from the Midwest Messenger. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Feed costs have taken a big bite out of livestock margins, but a more optimistic outlook for corn production could put profitability back on the plate. Lee Schulz, Extension livestock marketing economist at Iowa State University, says recent rainfall in drought-plagued portions of the Corn Belt have sent corn prices tumbling. Its a tale of old crop corn versus new crop corn, which right now is about a dollar per bushel cheaper, he says. A lot of people are saying this rain we just had came at just the right time, and the futures market is starting to reflect that. The much-needed moisture should also boost hay production, although Schulz says April hay prices were lower than a year ago. He says profit margin also depends on when calves were placed. Those cattle we are feeding now have been fed some cheaper corn, so the big impact will be when feeders started feeding higher-price corn, he says. Feeder cattle prices were higher when many cattle were placed in the feedlot, Schulz adds. Those prices will also impact margins. Once feedlots start emptying pens this summer, price margins should increase because of the cheaper grain, says Elliott Dennis, Extension livestock marketing economist with the University of Nebraska. He says feeder cattle prices will also be impacted by the tighter feedlot margins. We will be seeing more downward pressure on feeders, Dennis says. With lower corn and feeder cattle prices, we should be able to make more money on this next turn through the feedyard. Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 86F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 76F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. In the wake of the killings of George Floyd; Daunte Wright; and Andrew Brown, Jr., which have received huge national attention in the media, it's time to establish the truth in our thinking about race and crime. How common are killings of blacks by police officers, most of them white, or, for that matter, by whites in general? And how common are killings of white police officers, and other whites, by blacks? And why is it that only the killings of blacks seem to receive extensive media attention? The fundamental truth is that all human beings are divinely created creatures whose lives are sacred. The taking of life, except in war or self-defense, is recognized everywhere as among the worst of offenses. The murder of another person steals from him the most precious of all possessions the chance to live out one's life on this beautiful earth. Although some persons are more intelligent, more educated, more talented, or more productive than others, all are equal in their right to life. The passing of any one of us deserves to be reported with appropriate respect and dignity. That is not what is happening in the national media, where one's race now seems to determine the amount and angle of coverage. It's as if the press believes that respectable whites and Asians are expendable while a black criminal who dies while resisting or fleeing arrest should be treated like a saint. At the very least, the press should be honest in reporting the facts. The fact is that far more whites are killed each year in America by blacks than blacks are by whites. In one recent FBI report, 500 whites overall were killed by blacks (in 2015), while in that same year, 229 blacks were killed by whites. How many of those white victims received the media coverage afforded George Floyd or any coverage at all? Here are some recent cases, all of them involving black violence against whites or Asians. How many of these names are well known to the public? Jarrod Powell, 50, arrested for stomping the head of an elderly Asian man in New York in April. The victim is in a medically induced coma. Billy Chemirmir, 48, who has been connected with the deaths of 24 elderly women in care homes and indicted in 17 of those cases. Demetrius Walker, 27, with an extensive criminal history and locally known as "Pharoah," charged with the death of an 85-year-old woman after breaking into her apartment and attacking her. Brandon Elliot, convicted of killing his mother 19 years ago, arrested as a suspect in the brutal beating of a 65-year-old woman walking to church in New York. A suspect, Yahya Muslim, arrested in connection with a string of attacks on elderly Asian-Americans in the Bay Area. I am not interested in racial labels. In fact, I believe that crimes should be reported in a fair and balanced way without regard to race. But at present, race appears to be nearly the only factor determining the media's reporting of violence. I believe we must establish a racially blind society, but it appears that the national media are fixated on race when it comes to crime reporting. And this fixation takes the form of depicting blacks as victims and whites as perpetrators. The extensive reporting of the George Floyd case and other cases involving blacks killed by police creates the impression that blacks are overwhelmingly the victims rather than the perpetrators. The truth is that young black males commit murder at over six times the national average. Most of their victims are other blacks (over 90% of blacks murdered are killed by other blacks), but a significant number of their victims are white (at present over 500 per year) and Asian. This is not to say that whites do not commit violent crimes, including crimes against helpless victims. And, overall, most white victims are killed by other whites (2,854 of 3,499 killed in 2016, according to FBI statistics). It's important to maintain perspective and to respect the lives of all American citizens but this, I fear, is not what is happening amid the current media frenzy over police killings of blacks. Undoubtedly, there are what Kamala Harris would call "root causes" of the high level of violence among poor blacks though I would probably differ with V.P. Harris as to the nature of these root causes. Would she include the decisions of black fathers to abandon their families; the decision of youths to join violent gangs; and the choice of young black males to engage in illegal activities such as robbery, assault, and drug dealing? The victims of violence listed at the beginning of this article also made moral choices throughout their lives. As a rule, they obeyed the law, had never been sentenced to prison; were not aggressive; and were not, so far as I know, engaging in criminal behavior at the time of their murders or assaults. Their stories should be reported thoroughly so that society can make a fair judgment of the impact of criminal violence on the lives of innocent persons. And the reporting should be proportionate to the offense without regard to race. Needless to say, that is not the case at present at a time when race, along with police involvement, appears to be the main factor driving the news. The deaths of George Floyd and others killed by the police should be reported along with a thorough account of the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Similarly, but to a greater extent because of their innocence, violent attacks on entirely innocent and helpless persons of all races should be thoroughly reported, with more coverage devoted to attacks on helpless victims such as New York's Rose Morat, a 101-year-old woman violently assaulted by Jack Rhodes, described by the New York Daily News as a "hulking brute." Rhodes was also convicted of robbing and assaulting two other elderly women. The public needs to be informed about such cases so that it will support strict punishment for perpetrators. If the facts are hidden, as they are at present due to the emphasis on black victims, there will be little incentive for prosecutors to seek longer sentences and death penalties. Every year in America, some 500 whites are murdered by black assailants, more than twice as many as blacks killed by whites. The media need to report all of these cases fairly and without bias so as to counter the false reporting and misplaced emphasis in the national press. All victims, of whatever race, deserve justice because all human life is precious. The reporting of violence should not be based on race it should be proportionate to the crime, without regard to the race of the perpetrator or the victim. Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Image via Pxhere. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. To look at me youd never know it, but my great-great-great-great [4G] grandmother was from Nigeria, according to my saliva, all that was needed for the laboratory to make that determination. It is difficult to know which of these two data points would have surprised my parents more -- how little we know of our familys past or how much modern science can tell us. Our family history is pretty murky on both sides, due to early deaths, divorce, transiency, alcoholism, and other assorted human conditions. Theres no shame in that, I suppose. No doubt, many American families have a cloudy lineage. Fortunately, one of the great things we achieved in the Revolution was to rid ourselves of the trappings of aristocracy. An American neednt prove his bloodline to seize opportunity or to pursue happiness. Nor do we impute the sins of the offspring to the parent. A joke currently making the rounds illustrates the latter point: only in America can a daughter of a stripper and a drug addict call her grandpa Mr. President. My brothers reaction to the revelation that we are 1/64th sub-Saharan African was terse and profound: I just hope it was consensual, he texted me. Suddenly, the tender fantasy of star-crossed lovers Id begun to imagine for my 4G grandparents was gone with the wind. Although the laboratory cannot tell us, and our family history doesnt record it, my 4G grandmother was likely a slave. And logic informs us, alas, that my 4G grandfather was probably her owner. When I saw his text, I shuddered, cringed, sighed, and only then pondered the divulgement. Momentarily, I had regretted that Id spat into the test tube. But why? My siblings and I, assuredly, are not responsible for our genetic link to these ancestors; we are neither culpable for the presumed wrongs of our ancestral assailant [name unknown] nor entitled to pity for the sufferings of our ancestral victim [name also unknown]. My initial reactions to both test and text were pure emotion (as oxymoronic as any cliche I can think of), which instantly enthralled my heart and clouded my mind. Pondering set me free. Ive learned that allowing feelings to trump reason is usually as productive as spitting into the wind. That we are not responsible for the sins of our forebears is a worthy cliche. To hold otherwise would be to saddle us all in perpetual bondage to our past. And how can a thing be ours when it precedes our existence? In the law, we might say the proposition violates the rule against perpetuities or at least the spirit of the rule. If we carried generational burdens beyond hereditary curses and blessings, genetic happenstance -- like an overbite or perfect pitch -- or familial traditions and quirks -- like Sunday pot roast or a fondness for Chihuahuas -- we would all be forever cursed. An entirely separate court system would be necessary to determine whose grandfather stole the mare from whose great-grandmother, and the amount of restitution owed. And what of war crimes? Should the families of GIs killed in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific have a cause of action against Germany, Italy, or Japan? Todays champions of reparations for slavery actually urge that we embrace an essentially theological proposition, Original Sin and collective guilt, and legislate accordingly. Ironically, these are often the same political creatures who liken conservatives to the Taliban. Establishment Clause concerns aside, the nature of the sin, however repulsive it may have been, was not in direct contravention of an express admonition from the God of Abraham (though it did take another Abraham to cast it out). Ultimately, the notion of slavery as our original sin is a metaphor that has probably lost its usefulness. Others, even some with different viewpoints from my own, have observed the imperfect and outdated nature of the expression. Yet, it persists, and will probably get a good airing out next year in the midterms. Taking the issue seriously for a moment, as quasi-theology perhaps, an inherent problem instantly emerges: what do you do about the sin? If the Christians solution to original sin is faith in the redemptive love and grace of Christ, of sanctification, what is the cure for this secular-Adamic sin? For the purveyors and followers of the dogma of collective guilt, the Christian approach doesnt work, indeed, cannot work, for the victory (won on the cross) is claimed by the individual. Reparations is a collective concept -- group restitution. President Obama occasionally wandered into theological matters during his time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When addressing his 20 years of (conveniently intermittent) worship at Rev. Jeremiah Wrights Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, he sometimes spoke of the doctrine of collective salvation, which, he explained, Rev. Wrights followers accepted. According to Obama, the doctrine stands for the proposition that [Ones] individual salvation rests on our collective salvation. Plenty of debate ensued: Well, it isnt biblical, I recall my pastor commenting, matter-of-factly. All that occurred to me was the bleakness of the proposition: Thats some catch, that Catch-22. (Just as Private Yossarian couldnt get out, it sounded like wed never get in.) The Doctrine of Collective Salvation is a nostrum whose twin tenets are pure emotion and collective guilt. It replaces Gods grace, mercy, and lovingkindness with silver and gold -- that is, with reparations. The idea of reparations, or group restitution, fails in every sense -- theologically, as we have already seen, but jurisprudentially, as well. In the law, restitution serves two important functions: first, obviously, it attempts to make the victim whole (to the extent that money alone can achieve that goal); and, second, it supposes to include a rehabilitative quality for the offender by placing a tangible demand on him to help him appreciate the harm. Since in the context of slavery no victims or offenders have been alive for several generations, attempts at achieving wholeness are as futile as the moral exercise is preposterous. Proponents of reparations likely understand these arguments well enough. The mythic 40 acres and a mule was an unworkable romantic notion that implicitly paid homage to The American way -- a mindset that hard work will be rewarded by allowing folks to pull themselves up from the bootstraps. It was actually a proto-socialist fantasy, the brainchild of well-meaning abolitionists and radical Republicans. Redistribution of wealth was the byproduct, though, not the aim of the idea, which at least had the worthy objective of righting wrongs for real, living flesh-and-bone victims of oppression. Modernly, the push for reparations seems coldly calculated as just one part of the bigger picture, with its express goal to redistribute wealth. Because their argument fails on theological, moral, and legal grounds, proponents realized it would be necessary to change the milieu. Lenin boasted, Just give me one generation of youth and Ill change the world. His threat has never felt more serious in America than it does today. More and more, the world is viewed through race-colored glasses, where separate but equal again rears its ugly head with things like segregated graduation ceremonies and dormitories, and white-free days in the name of safety and equity. Will a sufficient number of our youth be subjected to Critical Race Theory to change the world? Have enough already? All over the country, "trained Marxists" have turned our classrooms into a massive cultural test tube and spat in it. And the lab results are in: its not American. Image: Public Domain Pictures To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Most of us are familiar with the Hans Christian Anderson folktale The Emperors New Clothes. Two unscrupulous tailors produce a fine suit of clothing for a powerful emperor claiming that its invisible to anyone who is unfit for his office or who is unusually stupid. After being presented with the suit, the naked emperor leads a procession through the town where his new clothes are a big hit with the townspeople until a child shouts out the emperor is wearing no clothes. Eventually, everyone in town begins to shout the emperor is naked; however, the emperor, who has already begun to believe they may be correct, doubles down and continues his triumphant walk even more proudly than before. The townsfolk in Andersons tale came to the realization the emperor was naked through deductive reasoning and critical thinking. Even in 1837, Anderson matter-of-factly concluded that the townsfolk, even with their sturdy peasant simplicity, would intuitively arrive at the truth when a childs statement forced them to confront beliefs their own eyes had confirmed were false. But what of the townsfolk of today? Living in an age where all information in the world can be accessed with the touch of a smartphone button, surely they must have a firm grasp on reality? Today charlatans are deceiving the American people with outrageous claims that, if not believed, show you are unfit for your place in society or simply stupid. The exquisite, magical cloth on the loom has been replaced with Critical Race Theory, transgenderism, and Marxism. White children are told racism is embedded in the very fabric or their genetic makeup, that they are irredeemably racist, and their kind is responsible for all the misery in the world. Society is told that it must embrace mental illness and believe girls can be boys and boys can be girls, or cats, or fish, dinosaurs... Capitalism inevitably results in colonialism, poverty, and exploitation. Fairness and equity are withheld from minorities because of institutional racism, blacks are routinely hunted for sport by police, and socialism raises all people to equal footing. Looting is justice for the downtrodden, guns are bad, arson is free speech, national borders work best when left open, and excessive government spending is the key to economic prosperity. And many of todays townsfolk trust the charlatans and loudly proclaim the ills of society are caused by our failure to embrace this new way of thinking. They vigorously applaud a President obviously in the throes of mental decline for spending the future earnings of our grandchildren and saddling them with a debt they can never repay. They welcome millions of illegal aliens from dysfunctional, corrupt nations to our country with the justification they are humanitarians and the country has plenty of resources for everyone. They castigate anyone who doubts humans are capable of miraculously changing their own sex or that humans can alter the climate of an entire planet simply by outlawing fossil fuels, controlling cow flatulence, and driving electric cars charged with electricity produced from fossil fuels. Todays children are not the heroes who point out the obvious facts that change public opinion for they have been programmed to disregard information contrary to their flawed worldview. Todays children dont watch the procession, they join the procession to help propagate the lies of the charlatans unaware they are being manipulated to further the selfish needs of others. They reject the self-evident truths that poverty in minority communities is the result of self-destructive life decisions -- not systemic racism or white supremacy; the heating and cooling of the Earth is caused by a complex set of factors that has cyclically repeated for billions of years; a middle-aged man with estrogen-induced breasts dressed in a mini-skirt and stiletto heels is not a woman; defunding police forces results in more - not less - robberies, rapes, assaults, and murders; and, Black Lives Matter isnt an equal rights movement but a backdoor to Marxism. No, todays children ignore or deny the abundance of evidence before their eyes that conflicts with the myopic worldview they have been indoctrinated to embrace and, so, they proudly march on. And while the left continues its march, like Andersons emperor, it is now doubling down on its lies. A lawsuit was filed by the Department of Justice to challenge Georgias racist election law that expands early voting and requires voters to provide identification. Now, apparently, its Republicans who are responsible for the horrific uptick in crime not the mayors in blue cities who willingly cut funding to their police forces. California has banned state-funded travel to 17 states because the legislatures in those states brazenly recognize only two genders -- not 58. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has introduced gender-neutral birth certificates that allow parents to eliminate hurtful words such as mother and father. With no viable alternatives yet available to power an increasingly energy-hungry world, governments race to litigate oil companies out of existence. Did you know criminals are not responsible for the epidemic of gun violence in America? Blame gun dealers. The International Olympic Committee permits a man to take a womans weightlifting slot in the Tokyo Olympics. There has never been a time in American history where obviousness has meant so little. Deductive reasoning, critical thinking, and common sense have given way to asinine opinions and beliefs that would have branded devotees insane just a few decades ago. Cognitive dissonance, 1984s doublethink, and incessant propaganda have warped the minds of liberal Americans into believing America is inherently evil, racist, and gluttonous. Today, the emperor is butt naked while impeccably garbed, he is in no way qualified for his position and the most eminently capable ruler in modern times, and he is utterly stupid while still his generations greatest mind. The liberals stand and loudly cheer as he walks by resplendent in his nakedness, for they truly believe he is clothed in the finest suit imaginable because no one is competent enough to state otherwise. 2+2=5. We have arrived. Image: Hans Tegner To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Inasmuch as we Americans are heirs to the Enlightenment, we are inclined to see in the exchange of viewpoints and their public debate a sign of political health. We should recognize, however, that such openness to alternatives is by no means a typical presupposition of political life. The authoritarian impulse -- the inclination to enforce a political consensus -- has a long history, and where this inclination prevails, the censoring of unwelcomed alternatives follows. Inasmuch as we are partisans of liberty, we'd like to think that fostering an atmosphere of free and open debate is bound to sap the authoritarian impulse, thereby ensuring the persistence of political alternatives. Our political culture (as transmitted through our founding documents) assumed that debate will ultimately lead to reasonable outcomes and that a public imbued with an attitude of "live and let live" would encourage a spirit of compromise and conciliation, with reciprocal toleration prevailing and democratic habits and practices sustaining themselves over time. As charming as it may be, such sappy optimism seems increasingly out of kilter with what we see around us. As we survey the contemporary political landscape, we are forced to wonder if the authoritarian impulse is not more durable, more insistent than its presumed political antidote. This compels us to offer up some observations that may shed some light on the ongoing degradation of our shared political culture that threatens to strangle our public life. To begin with, one could say that in its youthful, fighting phase the classical liberal tradition proposed that in the absence of arbitrary and artificial constraints, people would naturally flourish. While this hopeful vision was useful in undermining thoughtless devotion to thrones and altars, it failed to allow that thoughtless devotion can be a source of comfort, since it fends off insecurity. Moreover, the very proliferation of alternatives so characteristic of a free society, with its swirl of unsettling uncertainties, is apt to exacerbate the insecurity some understandably yearn to escape. There is, then, a certain willingness on the part of people to submit to authority, and this is at variance with their presumed inclination to live freely. Hence, we may assume there is an audience-in-waiting for a forceful authority, if not an active quest for the kind of fully invigorated life that only devotion to a full-blown fanaticism provides. We should not be surprised, then, that in a free society the marketplace of ideas would cater to this segment of the public, just as it caters to others; where there are buyers, after all, there will be sellers. Indeed, it seems that the market for authoritarianism may be expanding. But one might ask: Who are the present-day purveyors of these ideas, and what considerations (aside from vulgar self-promotion) prompt them to enter the market? And how do they attempt to close the sale? Language is the medium of debate. To the extent that language is impoverished, the ability to engage in debate is diminished. Where one cannot silence debate entirely, one might instead seek to restrict it by limiting the available vocabulary. The deliberate impoverishment and perversion of language is a means available to the aspiring tyrant operating in a free society -- it is a way the tyrant might work to impose a consensus. Language may be impoverished via such techniques as persuasive definition (in which everything to be discredited is redefined as "racist," for example) and by reimagining history so as to enshrine one's own politically expedient slanders in the handling of the past. The denunciation of the American experiment as an exercise in "white supremacy" isn't just sick and demented, it is deliberate and purposeful, part and parcel of an effort to smear any defense of the classical liberal tradition as an expression of racism. As for the authoritarian impulse itself, this may be redefined as a most benign sentiment and sold to the public as "social justice." And so it is. Yet there can be no denying that the advocates of social justice brazenly promote tyranny. They demand the policing of language and the purging of attitudes. They assign collective guilt on the basis of race. And in all this and more, they act in accord with the tenets of postmodernism. Postmodernism is a now-fashionable variant of relativism. The postmodernists deny there is any truth accessible to reason or discoverable through debate. Any way of thinking that gains currency and wields power is held to do so through brute domination. The only remedy to such domination is a more forceful exercise of domination (on behalf of a rival discourse). Since all political activity consists of domination, anyone engaging in political activity necessarily seeks to tyrannize, and all past political traditions are dismissed as little more than disguised tyrannies. In a typical move, the postmodernist denies there is ultimately any distinction worth making between liberty and tyranny, and so discredits liberty while exalting tyranny. The embrace of such relativism is a license to dominate. When a free society is deemed to be based on nothing other than domination, it presents itself to its internal critics not as a framework of liberties worth preserving but as a political arrangement that has -- up to now at least -- been improperly dominated and therefore demands to be dominated anew. The free society thus presents itself to the aspiring tyrant as an opportunity waiting to be seized upon or -- to put it differently -- it presents itself to the social justice activist as a society woefully in need of more virtuous domination (on the part of the social justice activist, of course). To state the obvious, these are not people who argue in good faith. Language, they maintain, is an arena of political warfare and it is the medium through which tyrannies establish themselves. The mastery of language is the pathway to power, and the success of their agenda thrives on its perversion and misuse. The postmodernists and their social justice popularizers are not the first to propose that political life consists in nothing other than a quest for domination unmoored to any rationally discernible standard governing their activity; they were preceded in this by the fascists. Benito Mussolini himself put it succinctly in 1921: "If relativism signifies contempt for fixed categories and men who claim to be the bearers of an objective, immortal truth... then there is nothing more relativistic than Fascist attitudes and activity... From the fact that all ideologies are of equal value, that all ideologies are mere fictions, the modern relativist infers that everybody has the right to create for himself his own ideology and to attempt to enforce it with all the energy of which he is capable." Like the fascists that preceded them, the social justice activists assert a right to invent justifications for tyranny and to rule arbitrarily on the basis of these tendentious legitimations. Let us be blunt: in the decisive sense, the social justice activists (the "antiracists," the "critical race theorists," and other assorted self-labeling social justice charlatans) are fascists -- they arrogate to themselves the right to impose on us their perverse reading of American history (as has most recently been shown in the belligerent posture of the NEA); they strive to dominate the political landscape not by winning others to their point of view, but by brainwashing children while smearing and censoring their critics. They seek to sanitize their own tyrannical impulse by associating it with a putatively humanitarian aim (a well-worn tactic of the left), yet their agenda reveals all its ugliness on the slightest examination. These activist bullies seek to choke off public debate just as their academic "thought leaders" supplanted responsible scholarship with puerile rantings and activist mouth foam. Progressive liberal social justice activists are not people with whom one might agree to disagree; they are proto-fascists who aspire to install a tyranny. While many intuitively sense this (and are resisting), it is essential to understand the "thinking" that drives these postmodern fascists, to call it out, to see it as the willful exercise in malignant falsification it is, to reject it, and to combat its already excessive influence over our public life. In short, we should spare no effort to shrink the market for this trash. Image: Thibault Roland To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. More video emerged on Thursday showing that Joe Biden's cognitive decline has neither slowed nor stopped. As I've mentioned before, I don't feel sorry for him because his long history of corruption, nastiness, racism, and pervy behavior disqualifies him from getting my compassion. And while I'd like to feel Schadenfreude as to the Democrats that is, I'd like to enjoy watching Democrats struggle with a mentally decompensating president the fact that Biden is theoretically the leader of the free world makes the situation too scary for Schadenfreude. The latest evidence of Biden's swift mental decomposition occurred when he appeared before the press to take questions about Afghanistan. This video is admittedly a compilation of select bad moments over a more extended time, but you're seeing repeated examples of a man struggling to hunt down the elusive thoughts in his head so that he can verbalize them: This was Bidens press conference today. Is he okay? pic.twitter.com/w58YW9nBtZ Ian Miles Cheong @ stillgray.substack.com (@stillgray) July 8, 2021 I don't have to visit leftist websites to know the defense Democrats will offer to Biden's stumbling speech and long pauses: Biden stuttered as a child. I'm sure that's true. The part that Democrats leave out, though, is that Biden overcame his stuttering. We have hours of boring video footage covering decades, all showing Biden in his adult life speaking without stuttering. Even during the 2012 campaign, Biden was a smooth and fluent, if stupid and mean, speaker. The fact that Biden is stuttering now shows that his brain's controls and knowledge are regressing. Indeed, that's one of the tragedies of dementia: all the skills and knowledge that a person attained throughout his life vanish. A person with advanced dementia has, in many ways, returned to early childhood, even infancy, whether it's the loss of memories, speech, or bowel and bladder continence. Also, did you notice that when Biden, after an endless pause, finally remembers the bit about Osama bin Laden, he does two things? First, he gives his clown's death head grin, this one showing relief that his memory coughed up useful information. Second, he tries to take credit for bin Laden's death. In fact, history records that Biden staunchly opposed killing bin Laden, one in his endless list of foreign policy failures. (As former defense secretary Robert Gates said long ago, Biden's "been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.") Regarding bin Laden, in 2012, Biden himself confessed his opposition: During a speech Friday in Maryland, Vice President Joe Biden told House Democrats that he had advised President Barack Obama against launching the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. The president "went around the table with all the senior people, including the chiefs of staff," Biden explained. "And he said, 'I have to make this decision. What is your opinion?' He started with the national security adviser and the secretary of state, and he ended with me. Every single person in that room hedged their bet except [Secretary of Defense] Leon Panetta. Leon said go. Everyone else said 49, 51, this got to be, 'Joe, what do you think?' "And I said, 'You know, I didn't know we had so many economists around the table.' I said, 'We owe the man a direct answer. Mr. President, my suggestion is don't go. We have to do two more things to see if he's there.'" The same press conference also shows how aggressive Biden becomes when a reporter asked him about the Taliban: Q: "Mr President, do you trust the Taliban?" Biden: "Is that a serious question" Reporter: "Absolutely is a serious question" Biden: "No I do not trust the Taliban" Reporter: "Will you amplify your answer?" Biden: "It's a silly question. Do I trust the Taliban. No" pic.twitter.com/TAMUazRUDr Mona Salama (@MonaSalama_) July 8, 2021 I've written before about the fact that people who are losing their cognitive abilities tend to respond very aggressively to questions they can't answer. That's what we see in that video. It's not a stupid question. Biden is just incapable of giving a cogent answer. Also, Biden's always been mean, so aggression is an easy fallback for him. While it's tempting to enjoy the spectacle of Democrats coping with the fact that the man they installed in the White House is decomposing before our eyes and the woman who stands behind him is a dim bulb and manifestly incompetent, I find what's happening very frightening. With Biden a mere puppet, Marxists are controlling the federal government, burning up money, and inserting their toxic racist ideas into every facet of American life especially the military. Meanwhile, overseas, the Chinese, Russians, North Koreans, Cubans, and other nations hostile to liberty are chuckling with glee and making their plans. Image: Biden snaps at a reporter. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Don't be surprised if, someday soon, there is a knock on your door, and you open it to find strange people standing there trying to get you to do something for them. And it isn't Halloween. The Biden administration recently announced that government officials will shortly embark on a door-to-door push to convince the unvaccinated to recant and testify to the error of their ways. That's right: feds may well be coming to your home to twist your arm to get you to accept receiving a jab in one. Will they be wearing red armbands for ease of identification? "Ve haf vays of...how you say...'convincing' you to do ze right thing, ya'? Verstehen sie? Understand?" The campaign to intimidate Americans into getting vaccinated against the coronavirus/COVID-19/the Wuhan Flu is creepy and ham-handed at best and possibly unconstitutional. It is shades of the Third Reich and similarly mindful of East Germany. The Nazis forced Jews to be marked with the "Jewish Badge" in the lead-up to the Holocaust. "Progressive" politicians throughout the U.S. are considering "vaccination passports" and various ways to publicly mark people who have not consented to having an experimental foreign substance injected into their bodies. These same government heads encouraged everyone to rat out their friends, neighbors, family members, and countrymen countrypersons for not wearing facial masks or not observing proper social distancing mandates, so you can bet they will also encourage citizens to shun those who haven't yet been vaccinated. But why didn't and doesn't the government go door to door coercing Americans to get the regular flu vaccine, or to be vaccinated against mumps, measles, chickenpox, polio, or any other disease? And what if the government did go door to door to persuade women to have an abortion or men to get a vasectomy? Leftists are nothing but frauds. They discard their "my body, my choice" mantra the moment it doesn't comport with a part of their agenda, replacing it with the "government knows best" bromide. The Biden administration is embarrassed that it failed to meet its stated vaccination goal by the Fourth of July. So it will send its minions across the fruited plain to strong-arm "vaccine deniers." Until very recently (the day Trump left office), liberals considered resistance patriotic. Now they consider it an affront to Uncle Sam, science, and Dr. Fauci. (I guess that's redundant. Fauci thinks he is science.) Let's hope resistance isn't futile. Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. The writer who calls himself Techno Fog has been following closely the libel lawsuit launched by Alfa Bank's owners against Fusion GPS over its accusations that the bank had engaged in "bribery, extortion, and interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election." Mark Wauck provides context: Anyone might be forgiven for imagining that the Russia Hoax is over and done with. But it's not. And Techno Fog has a very interesting article to remind us of that fact. As you may recall, during the final month or two of the 2016 election campaign, outlandish accusations were leveled against Alfa Bank. The basic idea was that a Russian bank, Alfa Bank, was laundering money on behalf of Donald Trump, money that the Putin regime was paying Trump as their supposed agent. These outlandish accusations came from the Hillary campaign and its oppo research branch in other words, Fusion GPS (remember?), Glenn Simpson, and shady Clinton campaign lawyers. The whole story quickly collapsed under the weight of its own absurdity, after a brief flurry of excitement ginned up in the Dem media proxy outlets. Even oppo research stories require some minimal factual content, and this story lacked the bare minimum. Apparently the Clinton campaign thought the whole thing would be water over the dam, but Alfa bank had other ideas. They sued, and Techno Fog brings us up to date: In an article on Substack, T.F. explains: We previously reported that Alfa Bank filed a motion to compel, asking the Court to require Fusion GPS and Glenn Simpson to produce documents withheld as privileged. These documents included communications with Glenn Simpson and others concerning the false Alfa Bank allegations Fusion/Simpson have fought the production of the documents, arguing that they are subject to the "attorney-client privilege" and otherwise privileged and not subject to production. We observed these are extremely weak arguments, as the dossiers were political research not subject to the protections afforded by attorney-client privilege. Alfa Bank argued the same to the Court: Latest Developments Things have taken a strange turn. Today, attorneys for Plaintiffs (Alfa Bank, et. al) informed the Court that Bill Taylor, an attorney for Fusion GPS, was contacting third parties to establish back-channel lines of communication to start settlement talks. In an article on Substack, TF explains: We previously reported that Alfa Bank filed a motion to compel, asking the Court to require Fusion GPS and Glenn Simpson to produce documents withheld as privileged. These documents included communications with Glenn Simpson and others concerning the false Alfa Bank allegations Fusion/Simpson have fought the production of the documents, arguing that they are subject to the "attorney-client privilege" and otherwise privileged and not subject to production. We observed these are extremely weak arguments, as the dossiers were political research not subject to the protections afforded by attorney-client privilege. Alfa Bank argued the same to the Court: Latest Developments Things have taken a strange turn. Today, attorneys for Plaintiffs (Alfa Bank, et. al) informed the Court that Bill Taylor, an attorney for Fusion GPS, was contacting third parties to establish back-channel lines of communication to start settlement talks. The problem is that this back-channel effort violates "DC Court's local rules, as well as the DC Rules of Professional Conduct." All settlement talks should take place only between counsel for the respective parties. Obviously, these rules were well known to counsel. T.F. asks: [W]hy would the Fusion GPS attorney violate the rules of conduct and risk sanctions by the Court? We have a feeling that Fusion GPS (or its attorneys... or both) are feeling the heat. There are nearly 500 critically important documents that Fusion GPS has allegedly improperly kept from the other side. What will those documents show? (snip) Are the internal Fusion GPS communications so damaging that the risk of sanctions was worth the reward of settlement? It appears so. Mark Wauck points out: The problem is, Alfa has no interest in settling. They want the documents. And so do I. Let's find out whom Simpson and his company were communicating with as this plot was hatched. Photo credit. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. When I heard that websites were claiming that a "top Japanese leader" had said that he feared that China was preparing a Pearl Harborstyle attack against the U.S., I assumed that this story came from clickbait sites and was ready to discount it. However, Thomas Lifson caught up with the fact that this wasn't clickbait at all. Instead, it came from Japan's state defense minister, who warned that China and Russia are partnering to threaten all sorts of Pacific bases, from Hawaii to Taiwan. The same article from Thomas Lifson also quoted Andrew Bolt's essay in the Melbourne Herald-Sun about the Nazi-esque echoes in the celebrations in Beijing for the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party. In addition to goose-stepping soldiers and displays of China's massive military might, Bolt noted that Xi's speech was decided bloodthirsty: It was frightening enough that Xi threatened "foreign forces" he'd "crack their heads and spill blood". Worse, was that in paragraph after key paragraph he pushed the same buttons Hitler pushed in his speech in 1937 on the fourth anniversary of his Nazi dictatorship. All the same evils are there. The appeals to race. The paranoia. The inflammatory poking of a mortified national pride. The fake appeals for peace, and gory threats of blood. That sound of a whiner, grown big and now scary-daring himself to fight. To add to that scary "It's 1939 all over again" vibe, veteran China-watcher Gordon G. Chang is writing about the way that Beijing is taking steps that indicate that China intends to invade India: China in recent weeks has sent tens of thousands of troops to its disputed border with India in Ladakh, high in the Himalayas. Beijing looks as if it is preparing for a full-scale invasion of Indian territory. [snip] In May of last year, the People's Liberation Army moved troops south of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, in other words, into Indian-controlled territory. A month later, on the night of June 15, Chinese soldiers launched a surprise attack, killing 20 Indian troops. India responded by reinforcing its forces and launching a counterattack in August. China then added to its troop count, increasing the number of soldiers from 15,000 a year ago to 50,000 at this moment. Beijing has also brought advanced weapons to the area and began building bases. Ladakh is not the only Himalayan hotspot. There is a Chinese encroachment in India's Sikkim as well as incursions in neighboring Bhutan and Nepal. In the same article, Chang notes that even the Washington Post sees cause for concern in China's actions and Xi's words: Beijing looks as though it is even thinking of using nuclear weapons to fight the next war. The Washington Post reported China appears to be building, in an area covering more than 700 square miles in the Gansu desert, 119 missile silos for the ten-warhead DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile. When added to 26 more silos the Chinese military is building elsewhere, China could soon be housing from these fixed locations about as much firepower as the existing U.S. nuclear arsenal. When China's missiles carried on mobile launchers and submarines are added, China's warheads could end up exceeding America's. Because Beijing already has a sufficient number of nukes to deter others China has had for a long time sufficient weapons for a so-called "minimal deterrent" it looks as if Chinese military planners are thinking of using nuclear weapons in an offensive capacity. China's flag officers and political leaders have in public threatened to use their arsenal in this way. I don't think China is planning to wage war. I think China is already waging war. It began with industrial espionage, moved to using prison and slave labor to undercut Western manufacturing, and then bought up the world's politicians, tech tyrants, and industrialists, either with straight cash bribes or with the promise of unparalleled riches from the Chinese market. The fourth phase was COVID. China might not have meant to release it in 2020 (that might have been a careless accident), but it was always intended as a weapon of war. Any collateral damage in the form of Chinese civilians deaths was never going to be a problem: with 1.6 billion people, China could afford to lose a few million. Anyway, its harsh quarantining process (locking people up to die as a medieval lord would have) meant it could control the disease. Remember that, even as it quarantined Wuhan, it made sure to allow its citizens to travel around the world. Now, with its addled puppet in the White House, rather than Donald Trump, our military focused on transgenderism and race wars, and leftists' lunatic insistence that Biden must yield to China to prevent climate change, China knows that it has free agency to wage a hot war, instead of a cold war or biological war. To say we are living in dangerous times doesn't even begin to address what's happening here. Image: China Communist Party 100th Anniversary celebration. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. For reasons not yet explained, the media refer to the date of the demonstration at the Capitol six months ago as "Jan. 6," not "January 6." The forthcoming kangaroo inquisition on the event, under the aegis of Speaker Pelosi, will likely, then, be called "The Jan. 6 Hearing" if not the "Trump-Provoked Insurrection Hearing." If the reason for the abbreviated use of the first month of the year, in the context of the Capitol demonstration, is unclear, the purpose of the Pelosi-directed kangaroo inquisition is perfectly clear: to smear the Republican Party as the party of insurrection, racism, and authoritarianism. Will the GOP house leadership hand Pelosi the sword to decapitate them figuratively? This writer covered the January 27, 2007 anti-Bush protest of leftists in the vicinity of the Capitol. The images obtained included those of Hollywood celebrities, including Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda, and Sean Penn, as well as members of Congress including a dour John Conyers and a smiling Jerrold Nadler. Will the performance, indeed participation of congressional Republicans during this kangaroo inquisition be such as to have Rep. Nadler smile even more broadly than the smile this writer captured via a Canon camera using film, some fourteen and a half years ago? Photo credit: David Zukerman. My late father, Sol Zukerman, had a few pithy comments for various occasions; one of those remarks was "no good will come of this." What good could possibly emerge from Pelosi's kangaroo inquisition unless this show trial serves to discredit Pelosi & Company? Have congressional Republicans given the broad conservative base any reason to think that at the end of the kangaroo inquisition, the media will bemoan the Democrats for throwing away any chance to prevent a Republican takeover of House and Senate in 2022 or is it more likely than not that congressional Republicans will spend their time joining the left in blaming Donald J. Trump for the threat to democracy that befell the Republic the afternoon of "Jan. 6" at the Capitol? There was no threat to democracy in any part of Washington, D.C. on "Jan. 6." What occurred at the Capitol was more of a demonstration than what occurred at Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020, and, certainly, more of a demonstration than the violence in Minneapolis, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle among other U.S. cities, the troubled year of 2020, violence that led to Democrat cries of "defund the police." Where are our Republican leaders to denounce the false claims of insurrection, of threats to democracy, of conspiracies to overturn the 2020 election that the Democrats and their media allies spew forth at regular intervals, and, no doubt, will be spewing forth with even greater intensity during the run of Pelosi's kangaroo inquisition? Sad to relate, isn't it more likely that in the course of the kangaroo inquisition, Republicans will be heard declaring how Trump is bound to lose if he makes another try for the presidency in 2024 and will take the Republican Party down with him if not even sooner, with the 2022 elections? What the past five years should have shown to patriots committed to the founding legacy of individual liberty and justice for all is that "the swamp" is not easily drained in one presidential term. The unfounded investigation of President Trump for colluding with Russia the baseless impeachments I and II, falsely tarring Mr. Trump for looking into questionable ties of the Bidens, father and son, to a Ukrainian energy company; and then denouncing Mr. Trump for simply exercising his First Amendment rights on January 6 provides ample evidence of the left's desperate attempt to retain political, and therefore economic and social power in the U.S. Where the motto of West Point is "Duty, Honor, Country," an honest motto for Democrats would proclaim: "Power, Ambition, Party." What Donald J. Trump is all about is this: "Power to the people." No wonder he is so hated and loathed by the aggrandizing class that intends to transform America into its image, an image that conflates dissent with treason, an image that cannot tolerate irreverence which has become an offense deserving instant dismissal from employment, from career, from reputation. And yet, Mark Twain inscribed these words in his notebook when he was writing A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court:: "Irreverence is the champion of liberty and its only sure defense." Now think back to July 2016. Candidate Trump, during a news conference, asked Russia for help in finding Hillary Clinton's missing 30,000 emails. The media went kablooey. The left would not accept candidate Trump's explanation that he was just joking or, in terms of sage Twain, being irreverent. Quite the contrary: The media's leading leftists saw this irreverent comment as evidence that Donald J. Trump was beholden to Russia's President Vladimir Putin. And so the totalitarian-minded left will respond with horror at any expression of conservative jocularity that is to say, at any form of freedom of expression. This is the mindset that the country will be facing when Pelosi's kangaroo inquisition convenes. Republicans should denounce this committee as the House Un-Woke Activities Committee or HUWAC. One asks, somewhat forlornly, is there a Republican member of the House with the courage of a Donald J. Trump to respond with justifiable irreverence at the Democrats' aims to demolish democracy as we know it, and as it should be, faithful, yes, faithful to the Founders' vision? Perhaps this question should be asked of a Kevin McCarthy, an Elise Stefanik, a Steve Scalise, or a Jim Jordan: do you expect that at the end of the kangaroo inquisition into false claims regarding "Jan. 6," Judiciary chairman Jerrold Nadler will be grinning even broader than the grin caught in an image of him at an anti-Bush demonstration in January 2007? This conservative populist hopes the response would be "no way." To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-561-7737 The Galaxy S21 FE has been definitely delayed. Theres no hope of the upcoming flagship killer from Samsung arriving in the market before Q4 2021. Worst yet, it will likely be available in a limited quantity, and only in a handful of markets. Corroborating an earlier report, Korean publication Yonhap News reports that Samsung is considering releasing the Galaxy S21 FE in the US and Europe only. That means the device will not be available in the companys home country South Korea as well. The Korean firm has had to make this decision due to the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage. The upcoming affordable Galaxy flagship will use Qualcomms Snapdragon 888 processor. However, Samsung has failed to acquire enough chips from the American company for a timely release of the Galaxy S21 FE. It is now having to wait until Qualcomm will be able to supply the required chips. Advertisement Samsung will likely use its Exynos 2100 SoC in the phone for the European market. But in the US, the company has to use Qualcomm processors due to a business agreement as well as other cost-management reasons. And since it doesnt have enough Snapdragon 888 chipsets in stock, it has had to delay the Galaxy S21 FE launch. Theres still no concrete launch date for the device. Reports suggest the Korean firm will unveil it sometime in October. Its unclear whether the phone will go on sale immediately after unveiling. In the meantime, Samsung is preparing to host a major launch event about a month from now. Though the Galaxy S21 FE will be missing from the event, theres still plenty to look forward to. Two new foldables, two new smartwatches, and a new pair of TWS earbuds should come out during the event. Advertisement Chip shortage has rocked the tech industry If you havent been living under the rocks for the past few months, you probably know that the tech industry is currently having to deal with a semiconductor chip shortage on a global scale. The issue has affected the smartphone and automotive industries alike. Samsung, one of the worlds largest chip manufacturers, isnt safe either. Along with a delayed launch of the Galaxy S21 FE, the Korean company is also struggling to introduce select older products to some markets it wanted to. The Galaxy A72 release in the US has been delayed, while certain variants of the Galaxy A52 arent available in some markets. Efforts are being put to resolve this chip shortage problem as early as possible. Chip manufacturing companies like Samsung, TSMC, and Intel have pledged big investments to expand their production capacities. But the scale of the problem is so big that nothing can be said for sure. Only time will tell whether or not this chip shortage subsides anytime soon. Googles upcoming mid-ranger, the Pixel 5a 5G, has just stopped by the FCC ahead of its official debut, which is expected next month. Two separated listings have been spotted, with three model numbers in total: G1F8F, GR0M2, and G4S1M (the latter two are covered by the same FCC ID). GR0M2 was previously confirmed to be a model number for the Pixel 5a. A listing on Indias regulatory agency BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) had also revealed this model number. This suggests that its intended for the international markets, along with the G4S1M. The G1F8F, meanwhile, should be for the North American market. The fact that it supports CDMA networks, which are still in use in the US, further suggests that. This device also supports more 5G bands than the other two variants. Its all sub-6 GHz 5G bands though. None of the Pixel 5a variants will support mmWave 5G networks, which are very spotty in terms of coverage. Google did release a Pixel 4a 5G variant for Verizons mmWave networks last year. It appears the device didnt sell well enough for the company to do so with its successor, or perhaps its relation with Verizon has deteriorated recently, we cant say. By the looks of it, there may not be any LTE-only Pixel 5a as well this year. Goes on to show that the 5G rollout has significantly expanded globally over the past year or so. Advertisement Pixel 5a 5G stops by the FCC ahead of launch The FCC listing doesnt reveal anything else about the Pixel 5a that we dont already know. Leaks in the past have suggested that the upcoming Pixel mid-ranger will run on Qualcomms Snapdragon 765G processor. It will likely feature a 6.2-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a punch-hole cutout in the top-left corner. There are expectations that Google will jump to at least a 90Hz refresh rate and offer up to 8GB of RAM. The company, however, could stick to the 12.2-megapixel camera for another year. Theres still no confirmation on when the Pixel 5a 5G will break cover. Back in April, Google had said that the phone will be available in the US and Japan around the same time as the Pixel 4a last year, which arrived in August. So not long to go before the next chapter in Googles mid-range smartphone lineup unfolds. You can expect to hear more about the device in the coming weeks as the company prepares for its launch. Google is now working on a way to stop notifications in Chrome from cropping up during screen sharing sessions. Thats based on a recent report from Android Police, detailing a recent change to the Chromium Gerrit code repository. The change is fairly straightforward, on closer inspection. In effect, it changes the way notifications are muted during screen sharing sessions. Those are already hidden, in terms of content, but now users will have the option to snooze them. As described by Google, the change adds a Snooze action button to the Mute Notifications. Thats the notifications option shown during screen sharing. That new option stops future notifications from showing up. And it keeps it that way until the screen sharing session is stopped. After the screen sharing session is closed out, all of those notifications will be available, with new ones popping up again. Advertisement What screen sharing will this change to Google Chrome notifications be good for? The most obvious use-case for this new feature is screen sharing for meetings. Or other work related tasks. And thats not just for the obvious privacy reasons its not always a good idea to share content from incoming notifications with everybody users might share their screen with. This will also be great for users looking to stay on topic and on task during presentations of just about any kind. Since Chrome wont even be notifying users about notifications, let alone showing blank notifications. When, and where, is this coming? Now, as noted by the source, the flag needed to turn on the new snooze feature for Google Chrome notifications during screen sharing isnt ready yet. In fact, it isnt even in the experimental Canary Channel yet. It should arrive there within the next few updates. But, digging deeper into the code underneath the change, it isnt just coming to Windows or Mac either. Android and Chrome OS are also among the operating systems shown. Purchase an online subscription to our website for $7.99 a month with automatic renewal. Each online subscription gives you full access to all of our newspaper websites and mobile applications. To cancel you may contact Customer Service @ 256-235-9253 or email JPAYNE@ANNISTONSTAR.COM For a limited time, for NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY a NEW ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION is just $59.99 for the first year. Existing customers do not qualify for the specials! After the first year, well automatically renew your subscription to continue your access at the regular price of $69.99 per year. Please note *Your Subscription will Automatically Renew unless you contact Customer Service To Cancel* NAPLES - The eighth annual report "Italian Maritime Economy" by SRM (the research centre connected to Gruppo Intesa Sanpaolo), presented in Naples, showed that the international component of maritime transport is increasingly important in Italy. In 2020, trade by sea in Italy reached over 206 billion euros, registering a 17% decrease in 2019, with 99.8 billion euros in imports (-23%) and 106.5 in exports (-10%). In the first three months of 2021, sea import/export registered a 3% increase. In terms of Italian ports, the report showed a 10% decrease in trade traffic, but goods travelling by container bucked the trend with a 3% increase due mainly to the performance of the port in Gioia Tauro. The sea occupies 33% of Italian trade, with road transport occupying 52% of goods traffic. China is Italy's main supplier country, with 20.5 billion euros representing 21% of all Italian imports by sea. The top client country by sea is the US, at 27.2 billion euros, 26% of Italian exports. Ro-Ro traffic in 2020 reached 105 million tons, down 7% on 2019. A study by SRM also showed that for every ton that moves by Ro-Ro in Italian ports, 44 kg of CO2 are eliminated. Liquid bulk, an important proxy for the energy component of ports, is the most significant product category for Italy in terms of volume, and is therefore strategic. In 2020, with a clear prevalence of imports, about 157 million tons were handled, mainly related to the refining demand of petroleum products and the energy demand to be met. The top five Italian energy ports (Trieste, Augusta, Cagliari, Milazzo and Genoa) represent 69% of the entire national liquid bulk traffic and Trieste, with 37.6 million tons, has the highest volume in Italy, followed by Augusta and Cagliari. Other types of traffic are basically stable; Italy still hasn't managed to increase container traffic and remains "anchored" around 10 million TEU, where it has been for years. The year 2020 marked a change, however, given the excellent performance of the port of Gioia Tauro, up 26.6% on 2019, with transshipment compensating the reduction seen at gateway ports, which were down 8.3%. Italy remains the Mediterranean leader in short sea shipping, with 244 million tons of goods transported (a 37% market share). The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) includes over 3.8 billion euros for ports, logistics and maritime transport for work to modernise and strengthen ports, the creation of a national cold ironing plan that allows ships to be tied up at port without polluting emissions, green ports, and facilitating intermodality with the creation of the last railway mile in the ports of Venice, Ancona, Civitavecchia, Naples and Salerno. Southern Italian ports are a strategic resource for the country, with 207 million tons of goods managed in 2020, for a total of 47% of Italian traffic. The south showed greater resilience during the pandemic, with a 3.4% decrease compared to the nearly 10% of Italy overall. In import-export, southern Italian businesses use sea transport more intensely than others in the country. A total of 57% of the south's trade, worth about 42 billion euros, is conducted by sea, compared to 33% for Italy overall. The report also highlighted the strategic importance of Naples' candidacy as a location for the regional Mediterranean headquarters of EMSA, the European Maritime Safety Agency, in order to better relaunch southern Italy's sea economy. Egypt: the widow of Sadat, president of peace, dies Jihan was 87; she got married in 1949 (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, JUL 9 - Jihan El-Sadat has died at the age of 87, a spokesman of the Egyptian presidency, Bassam Radi, announced on his Facebook page. She was married to Anwar al-Sadat, the Egyptian president who was murdered in 1981 after being the protagonist of peace talks with Israel in the 1970s. "The presidency of the Arab republic of Egypt mourns with great sadness and pain" the death of Jihan El-Sadat, "wife of the late president Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat, hero of war and peace", wrote the spokesman. "A milestone in the modern history of Egypt, to which he restored pride and dignity", added Radi, announcing moreover that "president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has issued a decree, conferring to Jihan El-Sadat "the Order of Perfection". Jihan married Sadat in 1949. The Egyptian politician and soldier was the third president of the Egyptian Republic from 1970 to 1981, the year of his murder perpetrated by an Islamic terrorist to punish him for the peace stipulated with Israel. Sadat received the Nobel peace prize in 1978 together with Israeli Premier Menachem Begin over their efforts in the Israeli- Egyptian process that led to the Camp David Accords. Among the protagonists of the Egyptian revolution in 1952 that led to the fall of the monarchy, Sadat de facto created a regime with strong autocratic elements. (ANSAmed). Ocean Viking in Augusta. EU, ready to reallocate migrants Brussels praises Italy on safe port for 572 on ship (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUL 9 - Italy has decided to assign the port of Augusta, In Sicily, to the Ocean Viking vessel of the NGO Sos Mediterranee which has 572 migrants on board who were rescued in different operations over the past few days off Libya. The decision was welcomed by the European Union: "We welcome Italy's decision to assign a safe port to the Ocean Viking". "The European Commission is ready to coordinate voluntary reallocations" of migrants on board "to other member States, and we ask all EU countries to join the effort, in a spirit of shared solidarity and responsibility to manage migration in Europe", a spokesperson said, responding to a question in Brussels. "We have not received the request to coordinate reallocations for migrants on board this ship, but we are ready to give our support as soon as it is requested", the spokesperson added. (ANSAmed). Supreme Court confirms Israel nation state of Jewish people Ten judges reject appeal, only Arab magistrate votes in favor (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JUL 9 - With a nearly unanimous decision, Israel's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal against a 2018 law that defines the country as the "nation state of the Jewish people". Out of the court's 11 judges, only the Arab member George Kara voted against upholding the law on Thursday. The presiding judge, Esther Hayut, said "this fundamental law is only a chapter of our constitution and does not deny Israel's character as a democratic state". "I don't believe that the Knesset has exceeded the restricted limit of its legislative authority when it issued the fundamental law on Israel as a nation-state of the Jewish people". The law - which was approved under the then-government of Benyamin Netanyahu - was attacked as discriminatory against non-Jewish citizens and various civil rights groups had appealed to the court to strike it down. Members of Arab parties spoke against the decision. The NGO Adalah - one of the groups that filed an appeal - denounced, quoted by local media, that "today it has been definitely shown that the Supreme Court does not protect Palestinians from laws that are among the most racist in the world since World War Two and the fall of the apartheid regime in South Africa". Justice Minister Gideon Saar applauded the Court's ruling. The law - he tweeted - is "important" and forms "another chapter in the constitution of the state that declares the essence and character of Israel as a nation-state of the Jewish people". Saar said the law does not endanger "the individual rights of any citizen". (ANSAmed). Carlos Fresco took his dying pet dog Monty up Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons on one last walk, pushing him in a wheelbarrow. (SWNS) A dog owner took his dying pet on one final walk up his favourite mountain - in a wheelbarrow. Carlos Fresco pushed Labradoodle Monty up Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons in the barrow so he could enjoy one last adventure before he died. The pair had visited the area many times over the years but after an 18-month battle with leukaemia, Fresco knew his 10-year-old pet didn't have long left. Fresco improvised to help Monty, who had battled cancer for 18 months, get to the top. (SWNS) He decided to return to the area so they could share one last journey together before Monty passed away on 21 June. Fresco took his four-legged friend to the peak of Pen y Fan, helping him to the top with the aid of a wheelbarrow. Fresco said he and Monty had explored hills and walks all over the country, even summiting the three peaks. But after being diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago and responding well to chemotherapy, Monty's leukaemia returned eight weeks ago and he started to decline. Fresco said Monty had responded well to treatment but his cancer had returned eight weeks ago. (SWNS) Complete strangers even offered to help push Monty, his owner said. (SWNS) Fresco said: "I knew Monty was dying as his cancer had returned. He was diagnosed 18 months ago and responded very well to chemotherapy. "But unfortunately his leukaemia returned eight weeks ago and he declined very rapidly." He said Monty always loved hill walks so he had improvised to make sure he could get him to the top, despite his weakness. The pair had visited the Brecon Beacons many times over the years - and have even summited the three peaks. (SWNS) Monty received plenty of fuss and attention from complete strangers, said Fresco, with many even wanting to push him. "People on the hills were so kind and equally so sad at his deteriorating condition," he said. "In fact total strangers asked if they could share in pushing Monty on his last journey - many total strangers shed a tear as we all love dearly our little four-legged friends. Carlos Fresco and Monty had been on adventures together all over the country. (SWNS) I would like very much to thank them all for their support, encouragement and genuine concern over Monty. That little guy touched so many lives. Made everyone he came into contact with smile and just take a moment to reflect how sometimes lifes not that bad. "Our little companions are never judgemental, are always there waiting for you and offer comfort when things havent gone well." He said Monty had passed away at the foot of his bed, aged ten. "The little fella hung on for Fathers Day and is now at peace," he said. "I would like to thank all the wonderful people that we met in Brecon and on the hills for their true kindness and genuine sympathy. "He was truly a special boy. God bless and goodnight little fella." Southern Water has been fined a record 90 million after bosses admitted dumping sewage illegally thousands of times over a five-year period. The company pleaded guilty to 6,971 unpermitted sewage discharges the equivalent to one pipe leaking continuously for seven years. Tonnes of sewage polluted rivers and coastal waters in Kent, Hampshire and Sussex between 2010 and 2015, a court heard. Passing sentence, the Honourable Mr Justice Johnson said, of the formal 51 guilty pleas, that the companys behaviour had been shocking. He said: Each of the 51 offences seen in isolation shows a shocking and wholesale disregard for the environment, for the precious and delicate ecosytems along the North Kent and Solent coastlines, for human health, and for the fisheries and other legitimate businesses that depend on the vitality of the coastal waters. Each offence does not stand in isolation. It is necessary to sentence the company for the totality of the offences to which it has pleaded guilty. But even that does not reflect the defendants criminality. That is because the offences are aggravated by its previous persistent pollution of the environment over very many years. Bosses deliberately painted a misleading picture of compliance to the Environment Agency, which brought the criminal prosecution, Canterbury Crown Court heard. And some of the dumping hit conservation sites, causing major environmental harm to shellfish waters. The criminal prosecution follows a 126 million penalty on Southern Water in 2019 as a result of the companys regulatory failings over the same period. Chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd, said: With nature in crisis, no-one should profit from undermining environmental laws. This sentence shows fines for environmental offences are starting to reach the same level as the highest fines for crimes in financial services and that is good. She added: Like all water companies, Southern Water has a responsibility to operate in accordance with permit conditions and protect against serious pollution. In its deliberate, widespread and repeated offending, it has failed the environment, customers and the system of environmental laws the public puts its trust in. The case is the largest criminal investigation in the Environment Agencys 25-year history and saw pollution offences from 16 waste water treatment works and one storm overflow. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: The findings in this case were shocking and wholly unacceptable. Water companies should not be letting this happen and those that do will be punished by the full force of the law. This fine, the largest ever imposed on a water company, is absolutely appropriate and welcomed. Southern Water chief executive Ian McAulay said: I am deeply sorry for the historic incidents which have led to todays sentencing and fine. I know that the people who rely on us to be custodians of the precious environment in southern England must be able to trust us. What happened historically was completely unacceptable and Southern Water pleaded guilty to the charges in recognition of that fact. He added that the fine would not have an impact on customers bills, with shareholders bearing the cost. A post from the Twitter account of an SNP MSP which suggested Jacob Rees-Mogg will undoubtedly rot in hell has been reported to the Standards Commission for Scotland. James Dornan, the partys representative for Glasgow Cathcart, reportedly replied to the high-profile Conservative MPs post about the Nationality and Borders Bill. Mr Rees-Mogg quote-tweeted a video from the @CommonsLeader account, adding: The bands of blighters bringing illegal entrants to Blighty will be broken up by this brilliant borders bill. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The reply from Mr Dornans account read: Hope you remember this the next time you go to confession. You and your cronies are already responsible for the deaths of thousands and youre now happy to see the most desperate people in the world suffer and drown. If your god exists you will undoubtedly rot in hell. Mr Dornans account has since been protected, meaning only the people he is following can see any posts made. Scottish Conservative chief whip Stephen Kerr MSP criticised his Holyrood colleague and called for an immediate apology. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Mr Kerr said: These comments from James Dornan were poisonous and beyond the pale. He is well known for his outbursts on Twitter but this vitriol simply has no place in respectful political debate. Fresh from his fake claims about Lothian Buses discriminating against Catholics, this gaffe-prone MSP has once again shown his nasty side and shamefully brought religion into his anger at a fellow elected representative. It is clear that he wasnt interested in adhering to the MSPs Code of Conduct when posting this reply, which is why this post has now been reported to the Standards Commissioner. James Dornan must urgently apologise for this wholly unacceptable and abusive behaviour immediately. The Standards Commission for Scotland and the SNP have been contacted for comment. The murder of Sarah Everard resonated with so many women because it spoke to the fear and anger that theres nothing we can do to keep ourselves safe, a Labour MP has said. Jess Phillips said she feels a certain sense of relief for the 33-year-olds family after Wayne Couzens pleaded guilty to kidnapping, raping and murdering her. She told the PA news agency: When I say Im relieved, its because Im used to these sorts of murders being diminished, and so Im glad that Sarah Everards family have potentially been spared a long and lengthy and very public trial. Ms Phillips said people have become more aware of violence against women and girls during the coronavirus pandemic. Asked why she believes the case has resonated with so many people, she said: Its the universal experience of a woman walking home, that weve all felt that fear, weve all been frightened that there was a man like Wayne Couzens who was going to kill us. Because, ultimately, women have to live their lives quite a lot of the time, whether thats at work or on the streets or at home, sort of with a certain level of accepted violence against them, and Sarah Everard walking home, the story of her speaking to her boyfriend and taking a well-lit and busy route, it spoke to the idea that women try and do everything to keep themselves safe and I suppose the response to her killing was that weve done everything, weve risk-assessed, weve called our mates, we put trackers on our phones, and still this can happen at the hands of a police officer. So it speaks to all sorts of fears that we have bubbling away in the background and the anger that theres nothing we can do to keep ourselves safe. A mural painted by Irish artist Emmalene Blake in Dublin following the death of Sarah Everard (Niall Carson/PA) But she said that, despite the outpouring of grief following Ms Everards death, very little has changed legislatively. We cant just let these moments pass, as if Oh, its just another case we have to see it in the round of why women arent safe, and do everything that we can, not just lip service, not just coming up with a policy about putting plain-clothed police officers in pubs, we actually need proper structural change. Ms Phillips is calling for a thorough review of how domestic homicides and violence against women are treated in the courts, and said more work must be done to ensure the early indicators of potentially dangerous behaviour are not overlooked. Violence against women will continue to be a main focus of her work as an MP until women no longer feel they have to wear trackers, she said, adding: We are a long, long, long way off that. Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Womens Justice, said there should be a full public inquiry into police failures and misconduct and the wider culture of misogyny following Couzens guilty plea and the recent guilty verdict in the murders of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman in Wembley by Danyal Hussein. She said: As protesters made clear, women do not feel safe and it is incumbent on the Government and all criminal justice agencies to now take action over the epidemic of male violence which is the other public health crisis of our day. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Reclaim These Streets, the original organisers of the vigil for Ms Everard, tweeted: Whilst we are relieved that Sarahs friends and family have been spared the ordeal of a trial, nothing will ever bring her back. It is maddening that if women get any justice at all it is only when they have already been taken away from us. We will never stop campaigning until we live in a society where womens safety is more of a priority than protecting statues and limiting our right to protest. Residential flats and apartments overlook the illuminated roundel of London Underground's Green Park tube station and the iron gates of Green Park that leads downhill towards Buckingham Palace A witness has described the utterly terrifying moment he saw a man attacking a Tube passenger with a foot-long machete on the Jubilee Line. British Transport Police (BTP) said they attended reports of a stabbing at Green Park underground station in central London at 6.47pm on Friday, and the victim is in a stable condition in hospital. A passenger in his 30s, who was among those trapped in a carriage with the attacker, said he feared he would be hacked to death underground. The witness, who did not want to be named, said: All of a sudden there was a huge commotion. A man stood in the middle of the carriage and brandished a foot-long black machete. People started screaming, there was a stampede to the front carriage people got trampled on and pushed into the plastic and stuff. The witness said he moved into the next carriage away from the attacker, adding that the victim had a wound on his head which he described as a deep gash meaning the side of his head was hanging off. He added that the driver was unaware of anything happening for 10 minutes because the intercom was not working, and passengers were left defenceless on the moving Tube as the attacker taunted them. The attacker went back down the train. We heard screaming but we dont know what happened, he said. He then came back and stood at the opposite end of the carriage taunting us and making out he was going to break down the door of the carriage. It was completely and utterly terrifying. For about 10 minutes I genuinely thought I would be hacked to death underground. However, people showed compassion and care to each other people held others hands, and a teenage boy saved his mum from being trampled. The witness said the Tube train eventually stopped and armed police arrested the attacker, who did not resist them. BTP said a man has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm, and that Green Park station has been closed. Paramedics also attended the scene and took the victim to a nearby hospital. Two boys aged 14 and 15 have been arrested on suspicion of murdering 15-year-old Tamim Ian Habimana, police said. They are the second and third boys to be arrested over the stabbing death of Tamim in Woolwich, south-east London, on Monday evening. The Metropolitan Police said both were arrested on Friday and remain in police custody along with another 15-year-old boy who was arrested on Thursday. Flowers left near the scene at Woolwich New Road (Danielle Desouza/PA) Tamims death came hours before the unrelated knife death of another teenager in London. A 29-year-old man continues to be questioned over the murder of Keane Flynn-Harling, 16, in Lambeth, south London, later on Monday night. The families of both victims are being supported by specially trained officers. The number of violent teenage deaths in London this year could be one of the worst in nearly a decade. As of Tuesday, a total of 21 teenagers had been killed in just over six months this year in the capital, leading to concerns that the grim tally for the whole year will exceed the previous high of 27 in 2017. This would mean the highest teenage death toll since 2012. Despite their mundane product, insurance commercials have become one of the wackiest parts of almost any TV ad break. Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul turns into a basketball for State Farm, cave men hawk Geico, and Progressive's (PGR) long-running character Flo does absolutely nothing. The sector's unlikely penchant for jokes owes in large part to the Aflac (AFL) duck, which made its debut more than 21 years ago and almost immediately transformed the fortunes of the company. But the ad campaign almost never happened. Aflac CEO Dan Amos tells Yahoo Finance in a recent interview that he was "very reluctant" to go forward with the ad because it risked making light of the company's name. But the ad made Aflac a household name, exploded sales, and was soon released by the company's Japan operation to similar effect, he said. "The advertising agency that we had was sitting on a park bench in New York City, and heard the ducks quacking, and one of them said, 'That is what we need to go for,'" Amos said. "I said that I would never do it at that time you didn't have the Geico ads, you didn't have all of the other ads.". "We took a big chance making fun of our name, because you're not just doing it, you're actually making fun of your name,"he says. "And yet, it forever changed our life and doubled our business in three years in the U.S." The duck even got the job over actor Ray Romano, then a major TV star on "Everybody Loves Raymond," who taped a test commercial with Aflac. "It tested an 18 50% better than anything we had ever tested," Amos says. "The Aflac Duck tested a 27. Three, almost two and a half times better. So which one do you go with?" While Geico's gecko may not have been on screens when Aflac designed its duck, the gecko was the first to be released into the wilderness. It made its television debut in 1999, and the Aflac duck followed soon after on Jan. 1, 2000. "It was Y2K and we thought we were gonna have all these problems," he adds. "So we had all these ads that we had booked on CNN, and other places to be ready for it." "Well, then when there were no problems, [and] they didn't have anything to talk about with the news. So our commercials ran over and over and over again. And overnight, we realized that we had a hit. We actually had more hits on the internet the first week than we had the entire year before," he says. Over the next 14 years, Aflac's brand recognition leapt from 11% to 94%, making it one of the most well-known companies in the world, Aflac says. From January 2001 to January 2014, Aflac's stock rose 85%, far-outpacing the S&P 500 (^GSPC), which rose 35% over that same period. Initially, the voice behind the duck was longtime comedian Gilbert Gottfried. But the company fired Gottfried in 2011, after he tweeted a series of insensitive jokes about a tsunami that struck Japan, where Aflac operates a significant portion of its business. He was replaced with Daniel McKeague, a sales manager from Minnesota. NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 25: Aflac Duck attends 2018 Billboard Power 100 List at Nobu 57 on January 25, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage) Amos, whose father Paul Amos co-founded Aflac, began at the company in 1973 as a regional sales director. In the ensuing years, he climbed the ranks as president and then CEO. In 2001, he was also named the company's chair. Speaking to Yahoo Finance, Amos explained how the company adapted the duck for a Japanese audience, changing the premise of the sketch and even the volume of the quack. The company also has become well known in Japan since the duck ad launched there in 2003, Amos said. "They used a softer duck because they don't like loud noises in Japan," he says. "So we turned around and made it the Japanese style and it took off." "Today, our name recognition is even higher in Japan than it is in the U.S.," he adds. Read more: Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. Murray Bartlett Jennifer Coolidge The White Lotus Its safe to say there was a lot of laughter on set of The White Lotus. Jennifer Coolidge, Jake Lacy, Alexandra Daddario, Steve Zahn, Connie Britton and more make up the cast of writer Mike Whites latest satirical miniseries and were quick to agree on the funniest person of the group. Mike had written this wonderful material for Jennifer and theyve worked together and he knows her incredible talent. And so it was like, Hey, this is what Ive written, and then also do your thing. Im sure theres multiple takes where Im like looking at her and then have to, like, drift my eyes out to the horizon to not ruin the take, Lacy, 36, said. Shes unbelievable. And is wickedly smart, observant and thoughtful as a person. Read article Daddario, 35, agreed, referring to the Legally Blonde star, 59, as one of the funniest people on the planet. She also has such a kind heart and makes me laugh hysterically, the American Horror Story alum said. She made me laugh the most, but the whole cast were all wonderful people with great sense of humor because we were all trapped together in this hotel. We all tried to make each other laugh every day because we were away from our families and couldnt even go out and do anything. So we became like a little family trying to support each other. Sydney Sweeney added that she could not stop laughing anytime Coolidge was shooting whether she was in the scene wit her or simply admiring from afar. Everything that came out of her mouth was just comedy gold, the Euphoria star, 23, said. HBO Alexandra Daddario, Jake Lacy and Murray Bartlett in The White Lotus. For the Promising Young Woman actress, all of the casts reactions come as a surprise. You want to take that compliment and go, I was really funny on that job. I want that to be my answer, but I really dont think thats what it was. I think a lot of my actors just cant believe that Im alive and how I get through life, Coolidge told Us with a laugh. People give you credit sometimes when they think youve made these acting choices when sometimes youre personally just trying to get through the moment. Read article In the series, the American Pie actor portrays Tanya McQuoid, a woman visiting the Hawaii resort after her mothers death and searching for some sort of purpose and, well, a really good massage. Ive known Mike for 14 years. He knows a lot about me and thought I should play someone like this. Im sort of a hopeless romantic and oblivious aspects of Tanya the self-hating and all of that, she told Us. I think Mike just wanted these very versatile, yet incredibly debilitating aspects to a person where theyre sort of just paralyzed by all their anxiety. Shes controlled by her anxiety and just fear and self-hate, and without very good coping skills. The money buffers her from getting to the core of it earlier than this. Natasha Rothwell Jennifer Coolidge The White Lotus The comedian described Tanya as an incredibly lonely person, noting that her privilege to blame. It comes from the burden of being a very wealthy person and how much money isolates you, how much of your suffering actually comes from having too much money and how alone you feel in the world, she explained. Shes someone who really feels alone in the world and then, of course, thinks that a man will somehow fill the void every time. I definitely see that a lot and know about it myself. What wasnt funny? Filming in the tropical setting in the middle of COVID-19. Read article It was just really hot, and uncomfortable. So I think some of the people were thought that was funny, but it was just survival. I was just trying to survive on every level, she explained. Covid times, even in that fancy hotel, it was hard to operate. I was convinced that I was gonna get the virus. I guess what Im saying is all my neuroses came out and then they thought that that was my choice! Although Lacy was entertained by those neuroses, he always made Coolidge laugh, too. His deadpan look at what an ass I am, that probably made me laugh the most, she said. I think Jakes disgust for me as an actor it really made me laugh. It was someone who really had their st together and he was horrified by my inability to function. The White Lotus debuts on HBO Sunday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET. July 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday updated its guidance to help reopen schools in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms. The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools in the United States should continue to mandate wearing masks indoors by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated. The agency said that if localities decide to remove prevention strategies in schools based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time. Schools should monitor closely for increases in COVID-19 cases before removing the next prevention strategy. "Because of the importance of in-person learning, schools where not everyone is fully vaccinated should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures, but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement," the new guidance said. A study by the CDC also released on Friday showed that half of unvaccinated adolescents and parents of unvaccinated adolescents reported being uncertain about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, or did not intend to get one at all. (Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Dan Grebler) This story has been updated to include a statement from the Education Department. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) a national student loan servicer that has been criticized for failing to forgive the debts of public servants is planning to exit the federal student loan servicing business in December of this year. PHEAA, which administers the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and operates as FedLoan Servicing, has notified the Education Department (ED) that it would not seek a renewal of a 12-year federal student loan servicing contract, which expires on Dec. 14, 2021. "Millions of loan borrowers can breathe a sigh of relief today knowing that their loans will no longer be managed by PHEAA, an organization that has robbed untold numbers of public servants of debt relief and was recently caught lying to Congress about its atrocious record of fines and penalties," Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who has called on ED previously to fire PHEAA, told Yahoo Finance, in an emailed statement. She added: "PHEAA remains responsible for ensuring these borrowers experience a swift and orderly transition to a new servicer that won't cheat them and we are all responsible for fixing our broken student loan system." Flanked by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks during a press conference about student debt outside the U.S. Capitol on February 4, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) While it was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly 58 years ago, PHEAA has become a national provider of student financial services and says it serves millions of students and thousands of schools. The move to exit the federal program is designed to help PHEAA "more appropriately focus on its core public service mission in Pennsylvania," PHEAA spokesman Keith New said in a statement on Thursday. "In the 12 years since PHEAA accepted the terms of its federal servicing contract, the federal loan programs, as managed by the U.S. Department of Education, have grown increasingly complex and challenging while the cost to service those programs increased dramatically," New added. The company said it will focus on its commercial servicing and student lending and software as a service business, "as it refocuses on its core mission for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." EDs office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) and PHEAA agreed to work together to develop and implement a wind-down plan focused on ensuring borrowers transition smoothly to a different loan servicer, FSA COO Richard Cordray said in a statement. The wind-down plan will also include the transition of specialized activities PHEAA currently manages for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and TEACH Grants. Cordray stressed that ED will communicate early and frequently with borrowers on what to expect, and maintain oversight during the transition so borrowers are supported and not negatively impacted during this transition. (Source: New York Fed) PHEAA has worked with ED since 2009 PHEAA started work with ED in 2009 to service federal student loans by collecting and keeping track of borrowers' payments. That 10-year contract expired in June 2019, and the company had done piecemeal extensions, which were set to expire this December. But PHEAA's tenure with ED over the administration of the loan forgiveness program has been marred with many issues, including a high rate of denials for applicants. Designed by Congress to help public servants from teachers to firefighters with federally-backed student loans apply for loan forgiveness, the PSLF program has been a major problem the federal government has been grappling with for years. Multiple lawmakers have called out the program and PHEAA for not serving its borrowers well due to poor implementation. "Rampant breakdowns across the student loan market harm every type of borrower, with every type of loan, at every stage of repayment," former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) official Seth Frotman said in a testimony in Congress in September 2019. "Lost paperwork, mishandled payments, deceptive disclosures, and the routine denial of borrowers repayment rights all add up to billions of dollars in additional debt for millions of borrowers." Sen. Warren told Yahoo Finance in April: "Weve got these middlemen, these student loan debt servicers that were with us today, who cant seem to keep straight." Warren has also called on ED to stop working with Navient (NAVI), another provider of student loans. "These student loan debt servicers, theyre making buckets of money to help their bottom line but not to help the students who are really in trouble trying to repay their loans," she said. A graduating student wears a money lei, a necklace made of US dollar bills, at the Pasadena City College graduation ceremony, June 14, 2019, in Pasadena, California. (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) Additionally, federal student loan payments have been paused since March 2020, which is likely to have affected servicers' revenue. "What made sense in 2009 relative to supporting our public service mission does not make sense today," said New. "Its a business decision that has been under consideration since 2019 when the contract was initially set to expire." Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group, advised patience for the millions of borrowers who will now be transitioned from PHEAA to another servicer. He added that for student loan servicers, it's "a challenging environment for any organization to service these loans with the complicated rules and program requirements written by Congress and ED, especially when some people misdirect blame and aren't focused on fixing the real challenges that servicers and borrowers navigate together that are rooted in government requirements and law." Aarthi is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. She can be reached at aarthi@yahoofinance.com. Follow her on Twitter @aarthiswami. Read more: Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. Former President Donald Trump launched a Hail Mary pass in three lawsuits on Wednesday that claim Facebook (FB), Twitter (TWTR), and YouTube (GOOG, GOOGL) violated the First Amendment by kicking him and others off their services. But legal experts say the effort wont fly, largely because the First Amendment protects against censorship by the government and not censorship by private companies. The First Amendment bars censorship by the state, Northwestern University law professor, Andrew Koppelman, told Yahoo Finance. Media platforms are not the state. They are private companies. Trumps lawyers know this perfectly well. The lawsuit is a frivolous stunt whose only purpose is to attract attention. In the three suits, which seek class action status, Trump claims members of Congress coerced the social media companies to remove his accounts in the wake of a deadly Jan. 6. attack on the U.S. Capitol that hes accused of inciting. As such, the suits claim, the companies acted as agents of the government and therefore must be bound by free speech rules that govern state actors. Former President Donald Trump speaks at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Ultimately, Trump argues, banning his social media accounts impeded his First Amendment right to free speech. The First Amendment protects social media companies Generally, the First Amendment guarantee of free speech applies to state and local governments. While governments arent allowed to censor speech, with some exceptions, private businesses and individuals can typically muzzle anybody they want to. Most social media platforms require users to abide by terms of service, something YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter argued Trump failed to do the day of the attack on the Capitol. Typically these are going to be difficult lawsuits to win on, especially making a First Amendment argument, because these are private media companies that are not operating as government entities, Syracuse University professor and director of the Tully Center for Free Speech, Roy Gutterman, told Yahoo Finance. Social media companies are not the government, and therefore there's no First Amendment issue at play. In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as President in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Still, the Supreme Court has found exceptions to the rule that private parties can censor speech. In Public Utilities Commn v. Pollak the court said that a private radio company, found to have a sufficiently close relationship to the governments railway service, could allow the court to at least consider whether it violated the First Amendment. (Ultimately, the court found the company did not violate the First Amendment.) The theory has already been raised by plaintiffs arguing that social media should be designated as government actors. Attorney Peter Ayers points out in Suffolk University Law Schools Journal of High Technology Law that trial courts have so far rejected the claim; however, the Supreme Court has yet to weigh in on the theory. Eric Goldman, associate dean for research and professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, sees Trumps lawsuits as infringements on the social media companys free speech rights, rather than the other way around. The lawsuits turn the constitutional argument on its head, Goldman said, arguing that forcing companies to publish content they don't want to publish takes away the entities rights. They have a First Amendment protected right to decide what's best for their audience. And the lawsuit is designed to strip them of that right. It's the lawsuit that's unconstitutional. Section 230 controversy The suits also argue that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, as intended by its drafters, encourages social networks to censor third-party speech. Section 230, seen as a foundational law for the modern internet, allows sites that host third-party content to moderate without having to fear that theyll be stuck dealing with frivolous lawsuits that would otherwise be thrown out on free speech grounds. In addition to claiming the tech companies violated the First Amendment, the suits ask the court to declare Section 230 unconstitutional. Section 230 has been a frequent target of both sides of the aisle in Congress. Some Republicans say it allows social media sites to censor their content, while Democrats claim it allows sites to host lies without facing any consequences. Some scholars say that without Section 230, social networks would be more inclined to censor speech hosted on their sites to avoid any potential lawsuits. Rioters loyal to then-President Donald Trump outside of U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) These are still not government entities, even with Section 230 immunity, Gutterman said. Critics claim that Trump may view the suits, however futile, as a fundraising opportunity, given the filings close proximity to a message the former president sent to supporters seeking political donations. Goldman instead said he believes the suits could have a more simple explanation. I think the most plausible explanation is purely the ability to stay relevant, he said. It's to continue to dominate the headlines. The suits are asking for unspecified monetary damages, and for Trump's accounts on all three services to be restored. In January, in response to the attack by mobs of Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol, Facebook instituted a temporary ban on the presidents account. The move was followed by a company decision in June to implement a two-year ban to be reevaluated in January 2023. Twitter similarly banned the president from its platform, indefinitely, two days after the Capitol Hill riot. YouTube also suspended Trump's account the following week. If they can do it to me they can do it to anyone, the former president said about his removal from the accounts. Sign up for Yahoo Finance Tech newsletter 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. Stay in the area. Move away. Volunteer around the community. Find a cause to dedicate your time to. Travel the world. Take a breath and relax. Yell at the kids to "stay off my lawn!" Other. Vote View Results FORSYTH, Ga. Dozens of residents packed the cafeteria at South Forsyth High School June 29 to share their thoughts with legislators on this years statewide redistricting process. Although the final district lines will be drawn largely based on data collected in the 2020 Census, other factors are taken into consideration, said State Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon). At the end of the day, weve got to make sure that every house seat covers about the same amount of population, Kennedy said after the session. And then beyond that, you got all the other requirements that we have to meet. What you heard was a smattering of folks touching on the issues that really are part of the requirements of what we consider through the process. One of the other requirements redistricting must adhere to comes from the Georgia Constitution. It says that the districts must be geographically connected and not disjointed. Rahul Garabadu, voting rights attorney from the ACLU of Georgia was also present at the townhall. Representatives from the Georgia chapter have been present at each of the townhalls and will continue to represent at each of the remaining seven. So there are a couple factors that we think must be considered regarding redistricting, Garabadu said. First and foremost, the principle of one person, one vote. In other words, the idea that individuals should have equal representation in voting. The second factor, Garabadu said, is making sure maps comply with the Voting Rights Act. We want to make sure that the maps that are drafted in 2021 give voters of color the same opportunities as White voters to elect their candidates of choice regardless of where they live in the state and regardless of who they vote for, Garabadu said. Complete census data will not be available until fall, said State Rep. Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee), who chairs the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee. The Census Bureau has indicated that they will provide us with the data that we need by the end of September, Rich said. Several attendees pressed legislators to keep their communities intact, including Theresa Shen of Suwanee. I would hope that Forsyth becomes one Forsyth, and hoping well have more fair state representation in Forsyth, Shen said. Others, like Suwanee resident Anita Tucker, said those calls were partisan in nature. I hadnt planned on speaking, but when I heard people in my county saying community, community, preserve my community, that is code for all the White Republican conservatives in the county, Tucker said. Others simply wanted to be heard, saying they want some say in who represents their district because it will impact the treatment citizens receive. I call my representative sometimes and they dont call you back, other ones will, Suwanee resident Todd Harrison said. A lot of times they dont want to hear from you if you dont vote for them. And I think thats sad because you should be able to work with anyone in office. You should be able to work with whoever your constituents are. Disagreements aside, many residents and representatives said they were pleased to see so many community members involved in the democratic process. Theres so many people in there that maybe are not really familiar with redistricting, and now people are getting educated, theyre getting informed, Cumming resident Carter Barrett said. And theyre from all walks of life Its very encouraging to see that kind of participation and so many people just trying to figure out how the process works. And thats what needs to happen. We need to have a much bigger tent with more people involved in the process. Anthony Parlogean contributed to this report. Dave Ramsey is Americas trusted voice on money and business. Hes authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the Web at daveramsey.com. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 541-889-5387 Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. 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. The meet will see Sangh's top brass discussing organisational issues, reviewing Covid welfare and relief work along with the upcoming polls New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's annual ''prant pracharak" meet, which began in Madhya Pradesh's Chitrakoot on Friday, will see Sangh's top brass discussing organisational issues, reviewing Covid welfare and relief work along with the coming Assembly polls. The four-day long meet is being attended by Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, his predecessor Suresh Bhaiyya Joshi and joint general secretaries. Keeping in mind Covid-19 protocols, prant prachraks and sah-prant pracharaks will be joining the Sangh top brass virtually. Organisational secretaries of various Sangh affiliates will also be joining the meet with updates about the various ongoing programmes. The Sangh top brass will review the progress of ongoing Covid related activities and will also ask cadres to prepare for the possible third wave of Covid. With crucial Assembly polls lined up from early next year, including in Uttar Pradesh, Sangh will also review the coordination regarding it between its affiliates, including the ruling BJP. "This meeting would primarily focus on organisational issues. In addition, the review of service work done by Swayamsevaks throughout the country during the pandemic would be reviewed. Also, an assessment of the possibility of a third wave of the Corona pandemic would be done and, accordingly, required preparations that need to be made would be discussed. In this context, the training needs and other arrangements that are required would be assessed," said Sunil Ambekar, RSS prachaar pramukh, in a statement. During the meet, review of training camps and tour programmes of senior RSS leaders will also be finalised Twitter has been in the eye of a storm over its alleged failure to comply with the new IT rules in India 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. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A little under 2,000 examples were shipped to U.S. dealers, and most of them featured the RB Super Commando 440 big-block motor with a single four-barrel carburetor. Chassis number RM23U0A165362 is one of those base specifications, a car thats been carefully refurbished in 2005 in the original exterior color of Vitamin C Orange. Offered on Bring a Trailer at no reserve, this eye-popping bird also features a replacement vinyl roof.Purchased by the sellers late feather in 1986, the winged machine is flexing the original 7.2-liter engine and three-speed Torqueflite 727 automatic transmission. The only difference over the bone-stock drivetrain is the upgrade to a six-barrel induction system, namely a triple two-barrel setup akin to the Six Pack from the good ol days of Detroit Muscle.In this configuration, the RB is good for at least 390 gross horsepower and 490 pound-feet (664 Nm) of gross torque. As far as the latter rating is concerned, its on par with the range-topping 426 HEMI thats known to be a little temperamental in day-to-day scenarios such as stop-and-go traffic.Offered with two broadcast sheets that show the 052 code for the Chrysler 8.75-inch rear axle with a 3.55:1 ratio, the Superbird is also accompanied by the original intake manifold, four-barrel carburetor, and air-cleaner assembly. The five-digit odometer shows 74,778 miles (120,344 kilometers), of which approximately 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers) were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown although its not that big of an issue because the car is free of rust and a solid runner to boot.At the moment of writing, the highest bid stands at a slightly undervalued $55,000 with six days left until the Bring a Traile r auction ends on July 15. The twin-engine turbofan-powered jet aircraft has entered service in 1974 and served a long career with 18 Navy squadrons. After approximately 1.7 million flight hours, the U.S. Navy retired its S-3B fleet in 2009. But, not all of them were grounded.One S-3B was flown almost daily as a research aircraft at NASA 's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. To better suit its scientific purpose, the jet was completely reconfigured in 2006: its weapons systems were replaced with civilian avionics.During its service at NASA, the aircraft played an essential role in determining safe operation in the U.S. airspace by helping aviation pioneers establish Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) communications standards for unmanned aircraft systems.The old S-3B has flown in every type of terrain in the national airspace, from mountains, hills, over lakes, plains, and even deserts. These flights provided data to NASA and the FAA that contributed to the development of reliable command-and-control radios used for ground-to-air communication.The S-3B also helped university scientists study and track the problem of algal overgrowth (which can release toxins that contaminate drinking water) from Lake Erie. For that mission, researchers mounted to the aircraft's underbelly hyperspectral imagers, which helped them identify the types of harmful algal blooms in the water.Now, after a 16-year career as a research aircraft, the last S-3B flying is ready to retire. "It's been a workhorse for NASA, but we just can't source its unique parts anymore," says Jim Demers, Glenn's Flight Operations Manager.Farewell "Hoover"! People will get the chance to see the jet at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in California from now, where it will be displayed to remind us of its important role in the U.S. Navy and at NASA. But on the other hand, Google rarely provides a changelog with these Android Auto updates, so its up to each and every one of us to figure out whats new.This seems to be the case with Android Auto 6.6 as well, as the Mountain View-based search giant has just published a new version of the app, with the rollout currently underway through the Google Play Store.Android Auto 6.6 thus comes without release notes, though there are several things that need to be mentioned about this new update.First and foremost, the first beta build of version 6.6 landed in early June, while an updated release received the go-ahead later the same month. So if youve been running these beta builds, you should already know what to expect.The new Android Auto version, however, is 6.6.6125 , and its a stable build that will land on all Android phones out there through the app update engine bundled with the Google Play Store.As for whats new in this update, Google itself has already confirmed several fixes for Android Auto, including one for a glitch causing the USB connection setting to switch to No File Transfer. This update could therefore address this glitch, or at least, include additional polishing to make Android Auto overall more stable in this regard.Then, version 6.6 could also include more fixes for the crashes experienced by Samsung users when unlocking their devices. A problem thats been around for a while causes Android Auto to close unexpectedly when the Samsung phone is unlocked, with the South Korean device manufacturer itself announcing a fix for the whole thing.So presumably, Google itself used Android Auto 6.6 to include more refinements in addition to Samsungs fixes, yet it remains to be seen if the problem is all gone after installing the latest updates. Huawei is joining forces with carmakers as part of other collaborations, and after bringing its software to new-generation cars sold in China, the company has now reached an agreement with a Volkswagen supplier for a massive licensing deal.Huawei says its 4G standard essential patents will be used by Volkswagen Group in all cars that offer wireless connectivity, with the company confirming this is its largest licensing deal in the automotive industry.The Chinese tech company estimates that its technology would end up being used on more than 30 million vehicles sold by the Volkswagen Group.Huawei has been having a hard time lately in some key industry sectors after being banned by the U.S. government from working with American firms. In other words, after being added to the U.S. Entity List in May 2019, Huawei is no longer allowed to collaborate with companies based in the United States and is therefore prohibited from using their products and services.These include both software and hardware, so Huaweis tech business has been severely hit by the sanctions, with the company forced to give up on essential products like Android and Google services.Its mobile devices now come with HarmonyOS, an in-house built platform supposed to replace Android, as well as with its own suite of services that are offered as alternatives to the likes of Google Maps and Gmail. HarmonyOS has been developed from the very beginning to also double as a car platform to power smart capabilities behind the wheel.In the meantime, Huawei is investing big in its car expansion, as the company believes this industry sector could help deal with the losses experienced in the mobile market and caused by the sanctions it received in the United States. Autonomous driving represents an appealing and flourishing market in this day and age. And weve got all the tools to make that happen. Halo and T-Mobile are starting a driverless car service powered by 5G technology. T-Mobiles 5G network has been used by Halo since its begun driving on the public roads of Las Vegas earlier this year.The two companies will start with five cars available through an app. Once the client orders the vehicle, the Halo driverless car will arrive at the pick-up location, being remotely operated. After the ride is over, the car doesnt need to be parked, as the remote operator will take back the control of it and take it to the next customer.It is all happening through Halos RemotePilot technology that trains in-house drivers on remotely operating the vehicles over T-Mobiles 5G network. And because security is the top priority, the Advanced Safe Stop mechanism developed by Halo will immediately stop the car if it detects an anomaly or safety hazard. Then theres also the AI (artificial intelligence) algorithm that allows the Halo car to continuously learn while humans are behind the wheel and to develop its capabilities over time.Even though five is too small of a number to call this a fleet, Halo aims to replace the need for thousands of personally owned cars in the future, thus creating more carbon-free traffic in the area. Halo is continuously working with local municipalities to speed up the transition to electric vehicles and this driverless service is another step in that direction.The autonomous driving service offered by Halo and T-Mobile will be available later this year and it will initially cover the urban parts of the Las Vegas Valley. If you dont know why the A321XLR is already famous, lets just say that this new generation aircraft is not only better for the environment and more fuel-efficient compared to previous models, but its also able to provide an unprecedented range. 6 photos Like so many other vehicles with a huge fan base, the Mercedes G-Wagen is for many owners a true canvas for expressing their personality. And the Mercedes-AMG G 63 version clearly makes up for a high-performance canvas, considering the feisty twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine from under the hood. Its good for no less than 577 hp and will eagerly jump to 62 mph (100 kph) in just 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137 mph (220 kph).Still, we have a feeling this special commission from the leading designers and creators of high-end automotive culture and lifestyle over at the Platinum Group might have a big reason to remain still. For starters, theres going to be a huge crowd thats eager to admire the unique monochromatic paint job . Its not a vinyl wrap, like so many others, and instead, its been painstakingly applied to almost every plastic or metal surface on the exterior.Unfortunately, the aftermarket outlet hasnt been too forthcoming with additional information on the build, even though the fan base was quick to embrace this monochrome creation . Instead, they only specified that were dealing with a work in progress build thats just about ready to embark on phase two of the project. That one will include a full bespoke rear executive 4 seat configuration and it will probably be ready for the new owner to ride the summers waves into the sunset.Were quite sad that Platinum refrained from naming this milk chocolate-looking paintjob, but at least someone managed to extract a bit of information about the color-matched bespoke wheels. As it turns out, the G 63 rides on a custom set of Agetro F700 wheels. Its a three-piece forged model they manufacture in-house, but again they overlooked a crucial detail: the exact size of the hulking wheels. There was reason for celebration at GA-ASIs headquarter in California, where the two parties marked the completion of the aircraft with a special roll-out ceremony. The RPA will be delivered by the end of this year, making the Netherlands another European country to benefit from GA-ASIs advanced technology. The United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Italy already have such aircraft in their fleet, and Belgium is the next to sign a contract with the American manufacturer in the next few years. GA-ASI is an American company based in California and it specializes in manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles and radar solutions for the U.S. military as well as for commercial applications to customers all over the world.According to the company, its MQ-9A aircraft has millions of hours of proven performance under its wings and is extremely suitable for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It was designated "Reaper" by the U.S. and Royal Air Force. The aircraft has an endurance of more than 27 hours, a top speed of 240 Knots True Air Speed (276 mph/444 kph), and can operate to altitudes of up to 50,000 ft (15,240 m). Its payload capacity is 3,850 pounds (1,746 kg) that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) of external stores and its maximum endurance is 27 hours.GA-ASI's aircraft measures 36 ft (11 m) in length and has a 66 ft (20 m) wing span.As for its technological features, the MQ-9A Block 5 has great surveillance capabilities, with full-motion, video, a Lynx multi-mode radar, automated identification system (AIS), Raytheon electro-optical sensors, to name just a few of its characteristics. It has a triple-redundant flight control system and it can operate fully autonomous or be remotely piloted.The MQ-9A aircraft will enter the testing phase later this year at GA-ASI s facility near Palmdale, California, before being shipped to the Royal Air Force by the end of 2021. So, with the summer fully upon us, its time for those long-postponed vacation plans to finally come to fruition. If one lives in Russia and all the road trip dreams relate to both the Lada Niva and a camper, theres good news, in the form of the Lux Form Lada Niva Autodom motorhome. And its exactly that, a simple Lada Niva with a cool RV strapped to its chassis.First up, the bad news. Its going to be virtually impossible to snatch it over in the United States, on the account of regulations and the likes. Even in Europe, were not exactly sure if the company will bring it to customers, although as far as we can tell (remember, this is a Russian website translated with Google) theyre actively searching for distribution partners for their creations. Which, by the way, also include other neat stuff, such as Lada Granta, UAZ Elbrus, and Baikal motorhomes, food and refrigerator trucks, as well as regular vans.Back to the quirky yet intriguing Niva RV, the Russian company somehow managed to cram into a compact footprint enough creature comforts (USBs and LEDs included) to last the owner and friends or family several days away from civilization. Russia's mythical off-road vehicle is just the starting point, but the motorhome still has just 4.76 meters (15.4 ft.) in length, a width of 1.74 meters (5.6 feet), and a total height of 2.77 (9.1 feet).Nothing seems to be missing, from a transformable day/night living and sleeping arrangement to a gas tank for the kitchen, clean/wastewater supplies, as well as Webasto heating for when the summer makes way for cold Russian winter road trips. There are just a couple of places up front in the vehicle, but an equal number of beds (sized 1580 x 1980 mm/ 62.2 x 78 in.) means theres room for more to enjoy the adventures EV #GigaBerlin Some screenshots from the drone flight on Friday 25 June. #1 Exhaust stacks of the aluminum smelting furnaces are built #Gigapress ( CA ) #2 Tank farm #3 RTO ( regenerative thermal oxidizer ) (PT) 'Painting' #4 Waste water treatment plant under construction. pic.twitter.com/ah5KZRRObZ @GF4Tesla ???????? ???????? ??????????.build #GigaBerlin. (@Gf4Tesla) June 26, 2021 Ironically, the issue would have started when Tesla fans made drone shots of the construction site that presented a tank farm. After seeing the pictures, the environment associations Grune Liga Brandenburg and NABU (Naturschutzbund, or Nature Conservation Association) denounced Tesla to the ministry. Yet, they would have considered that fines are a lighter punishment than themanufacturer deserves.Michael Ganschow, managing director of the Grune Liga, said that the tanks were not included in the construction plans and should therefore be dismantled. He told Der Tagesspiegel that it is a scandal that Tesla crossed this red line without proper permission. Ganschow also said that it goes against the transparent, reasonable level of approval the building process should follow.He was sided by Christian Gorke, a Die Linke (The Left) politician that was a minister in Brandenburg from 2014 up to 2019. For him, Tesla not getting a general construction freeze for the tanks is "a declaration of bankruptcy against one of the richest men in the world." Brandenburgs Landesumweltamt (State Environment Agency) said it is checking if further measures are necessary but did not mention which they could be.If Tesla faces any other restriction, even the idea that it could only produce cars by May 2022 may be optimistic. That timeframe has to do with the development of the 4680 cells , which is still not complete. The Model Y to be made in Grunheide will need these batteries because it will not use the same structure as the other electric crossovers Tesla builds in Fremont and Shanghai.The EV manufacturer is also facing difficulties in hiring employees in Germany. Reports that its factories are modern-day sweatshops are driving candidates away. According to Automotive News , Tesla is trying to overcome that with training and apprenticeships. When the enemy technology, like air-defense systems and communication systems, is the biggest potential threat, jamming becomes a highly important capability. Either by neutralizing or destroying it, jammers give fighter jets a considerable advantage during combat.The NGJ-MB is an electronic attack system that comes in the shape of an external jamming pod. Using some of the most advanced digital, software-based, and what Raytheon calls Active Electronically Scanned Array technologies, its able to counteract electronic threats. Particularly, those in the middle frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, as opposed to low-band jammers.One of the features that makes the NGJ-MB a game-changer is the ability to jam multiple radars at the same time. According to the manufacturer, this will not only make 4th and 5th generation fighters even more lethal and increase their chances of survival, but actually carve the path for a whole new way of conducting airborne electronic attacks.This next-generation jammer, which was designed to replace the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System that is currently used, is part of a larger collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Ministry of Defense. And, after more than 145 hours of developmental flight-testing and thousands of hours of lab testing at 2 Naval Air Stations, the NGJ-MB is finally ready to enter production.What about the EA-18G Growler ? Developed back in 2007, for the U.S. Navy, this fighter was specifically intended for electronic warfare. And, considering how fast things evolve when it comes to this type of warfare, it was important to keep the EA-18G Growler up to date. This game-changing jammer is a big step in the right direction. The large ships that have been always used for maritime research are expensive to build and to operate, which inhibits ocean exploration, instead of supporting it. But new technologies are revolutionizing this field. California-based Saildrone has just demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of the only vehicle in the world that can perform uncrewed ocean mapping operations, in long-endurance missions.With a 72-foot (22 meters) length and weighing 14 tons, the Saildrone Surveyor is much more compact than a standard research ship, much better for the environment (since its mostly wind- and solar-powered), but able to deliver data of the highest quality.During its first expedition trip from San Francisco to Honolulu, which lasted 28 days, this autonomous vehicle managed to map 6,400 square nautical miles of seafloor and sailed for a total of 2,250 nautical miles. Its highly-advanced sensors are able to map the seafloor in high resolution, even at a 23,000 feet (7,000 meters) depth. Plus, because its powered by the wind, this unmanned vessel is also quiet enough to obtain very accurate acoustic measurements.Built with a patented wind propulsion system , the Saildrone Surveyor is able to cover large distances, with a maximum speed of 10 knots, and also has incredible endurance it can stay at sea for up to 12 months, without needing refueling or maintenance. During its missions, the Surveyor is constantly supervised by a pilot via satellite, but its able to navigate autonomously. And, to make sure it operates safely, it also features navigation lights and a radar reflector.This autonomous research vehicle seems to bring only advantages. Its much more cost effective than standard survey ships, it reduces the carbon footprint, and it provides high-quality data for maritime research, helping us find out more about the vastness of the ocean , which is still mostly unexplored.After such a successful first voyage, the Saildrone Surveyors technology could be adapted for other applications as well, including homeland security and defense. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) on Thursday rejected the Biden administration's plan to send people door to door to urge residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Why it matters: McMaster called on the state's board of health to issue a directive to prevent state and local healthcare organizations from knocking on people's doors to promote the vaccines. President Biden announced the plan on Tuesday as a way to boost new vaccinations as the U.S. appears to be reaching its ceiling on vaccinations. What they're saying: A South Carolinians decision to get vaccinated is a personal one for them to make and not the governments, McMaster said in a statement on Thursday. Enticing, coercing, intimidating, mandating, or pressuring anyone to take the vaccine is a bad policy which will deteriorate the publics trust and confidence in the States vaccination efforts." White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday said, "The failure to provide accurate public health information, including the efficacy of vaccines and the accessibility of them to people across the country including South Carolina is literally killing people. So maybe they should consider that." The White House on Thursday had pushed back against Republican concerns with the door-to-door plan, saying conservatives are mischaracterizing the plan. had pushed back against Republican concerns with the door-to-door plan, saying conservatives are mischaracterizing the plan. "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, community leaders and others who are working to get people vaccinated, save lives, and help end this pandemic," Biden's COVID coordinator, Jeff Zients, said, per ABC News. Zients added that any door-to-door efforts would be led by local communities. By the numbers: About 43% of people in South Carolina are fully vaccinated, putting it in the lower half of states ranked by vaccination rate, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Mayo Clinic's vaccine tracker. Go deeper: Trump country continues to fall behind on COVID-19 vaccinations Editor's note: This story has been updated with Psaki's comments. The court received last week separate appeals from the opposition alliances led by former Presidents Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sarkisian and two smaller groups that failed to win any seats in the Armenian parliament. They claimed to have submitted evidence of irregularities which seriously affected the outcome of the June 20 elections. Pashinian and his political allies maintain that the vote was free and fair. They point to its largely positive assessment by European election observers. The opposition forces appealed to the Constitutional Court after the Central Election Commission (CEC) refused to annul the vote results, saying that they have not substantiated their allegations of widespread fraud. The court will question representatives of the CEC as well as the Armenian police and prosecutors during the hearings. It has agreed to allow Pashinians Civil Contract party to participate in the hearings as a third party. At the start of the proceedings two opposition plaintiffs demanded that one of the courts nine judges, Vahe Grigorian, recuse himself from the case. Ara Zohrabian of the Zartonk (Awakening) party argued that Grigorian has represented Pashinian in Armenian and European courts in the past. A representative of the main opposition Hayastan alliance led by former President Robert Kocharian claimed that Grigorian cannot make impartial decisions because of having represented relatives of protesters killed during Kocharians rule in a high-profile trial of the ex-president. The court rejected those demands, saying that it has already discussed the matter and found no conflict of interest in Grigorians involvement in the consideration of the opposition appeals. Grigorian said, for his part, that he is ready to present my explanations regarding that. He hinted that similar questions could be raised about the impartiality of Hrayr Tovmasian, another Constitutional Court member who used to be affiliated with Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). The HHK and another opposition party now make up the Pativ Unem alliance, one of the four groups challenging the official vote results. Grigorian and three other Constitutional Court judges were installed by Armenias outgoing parliament controlled by Pashinian. EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi discussed with Armenian leaders the planned sharp increase in EU aid while visiting Yerevan on the final leg of his tour of the three South Caucasus states. The sum cited by Varhelyi is part of an economic and investment plan drafted by the European Commission for six ex-Soviet republics involved in the EUs Eastern Partnership program. The EUs executive body said last week that it has asked the blocs 27 member states to approve the plan, potentially worth 17 billion euros in public and private investments, at an Eastern Partnership summit slated for December. The commission is specifically seeking 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion) in EU grants, loans and loan guarantees for five flagship initiatives drawn up by it for Armenia. That includes up to 500 million euros in funding for some 30,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and 600 million euros worth of capital investments in the countrys transport infrastructure. Varhelyi announced that the EU will also raise together with our international partners an additional 1 billion euros for Armenia. He did not specify what the extra funding will be spent on. We are ready to contribute in a very significant and operative way to the economic recovery of Armenia together with the entire Eastern Partnership region, he said after talks with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian. We have been working on a plan, together with the government of Armenia, that should bring growth and jobs. We will allocate 1.6 billion euros for these flagship initiatives, and altogether we are able to mobilize 2.6 billion euros under this plan, he told a joint news conference with Grigorian. The EU official said the large-scale aid and investments will significantly speed up economic growth in the country. Pashinian hailed the promised aid package, telling Varhelyi that he regards it as a reaction to irreversible democratic processes taking place in Armenia. He singled out the June 20 parliamentary elections described by European observers as competitive and generally well-managed. Varhelyi also praised the Armenian authorities handling of the snap elections which were called to end a serious political crisis resulting from last years war in Nagorno-Karabakh. I do hope that we will soon have a strong government, a strong parliament and a strong parliamentary majority in Armenia because we have a lot to do, he said. Pashinian and Varhelyi also discussed the aftermath of the six-week war stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire in November. I want to confirm that the EU is ready and committed to take on a very active role on in the post-hostilities situation both as a facilitator of confidence-building measures and later on as a key partner in the economic recovery, Varhelyi told journalists. Avanesian told reporters that the country will receive this fall 50,000 doses of Johnson & Johnsons single-dose vaccine and 300,000 doses of the Novavax jab. She said the Armenian government is also planning to purchase the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine through the World Health Organizations global COVAX Facility. The government has not done that so far because of a lack of ultra-cold freezers needed for storing the vaccine, she said. Armenian health authorities are currently using only vaccines developed by Russia, China as well as Oxford University and the Anglo-Swedish company Astra Zeneca in their immunization campaign launched in mid-April. According to Avanesian, only 103,317 vaccine shots were administered in the country of about 3 million as of Friday morning. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian met with the health minister and other senior officials on June 30 to discuss ways of addressing a lack of popular interest in COVID-19 vaccinations. He said relevant government agencies must do more to encourage people to get vaccinated. The vaccination process appears to have gained momentum in the last few days not least because of an apparent influx of people from neighboring Iran keen to get free shots offered to not only Armenians but also foreign nationals visiting the country. Long lines formed outside policlinics and other vaccination centers across Yerevan earlier this week. This prompted the Armenian Ministry of Health to restrict on Thursday non-resident foreigners access to those facilities. From now on foreigners who do not have Armenian residency permits or arrived in the country less than ten days ago can get vaccinated only at mobile sites set up in shopping malls and several major streets in downtown Yerevan. Hundreds of mostly young Iranians continued to queue up outside one such outdoor facility on Friday. Some of them told RFE/RLs Armenian Service that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is much easier in Armenia than in Iran where priority is given to elderly people and younger citizens have to wait for inoculation for weeks. Another Iranian, a young woman, said she travelled to Armenia because we dont have good vaccines in our country. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS5) A driver involved in a deadly wreck on I-10 earlier this month has been arrested just after being released from the hospital. The collision happened Friday July 2 in the eastbound lanes of I-10 near Tonopah when two vehicles, a GMC Envoy and a Nissan Altima, were struck by a commercial tractor-trailer. Both the GMC and the Nissan had significant damage. Six people in the Nissan, a mother, identified as 35-year-old Natisha Nicole Moffett, and her five children died in the collision. The driver of the GMC Envoy, identified as 35-year-old Iyona Holton, and four occupants were transported to nearby hospitals with serious injuries. Arizona Department of Public Safety investigators determined the GMC Envoy and a Nissan Altima, were initially traveling westbound on I-10. Both vehicles drove into and through the dirt median, a marked No U-Turn zone, in order to turn around and travel eastbound on I-10. As the GMC and Nissan vehicles entered the eastbound travel lanes, they were struck by a commercial tractor-trailer. DPS officials say Holton was released from the hospital Thursday, July 8 and booked into the Maricopa County Jail. She is facing four counts of aggravated assault, one count of possession of dangerous drugs and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Editor's Note: Arizona's Family previously reported the suspect's name as Lyonwa Holton. Newly obtained court documents identified the name as Iyona Holton. All mentions of her name have been updated. Officers responded to a neighborhood southwest of I-17 and Northern Avenue around 9 p.m. According to Phoenix Police Sgt. Andy Williams, officers responded to the house for reports of a person that was hurt. When they arrived, a guy came out and said he had a gun. He then proceeded to aim th The heat relief stations will help provide indoor cooling and water to people who need it from July 9 to July 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the hottest times of the day. The Salvation Army says since May when temps started to climb, they were able to provide 12,000 people with heat relief Schools get CDC leeway on COVID-19 limits to keep kids in class Two Wasco city councilmen have asked Mayor Alex Garcia to step down following the recent revelation that he had been arrested on suspicion of 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 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) It took Caitlyn Jenner 77 days to hold her first press conference after announcing she would run for California governor, and the event Friday ended in less than 15 minutes, was light on policy specifics and she flubbed details about polling that showed her having tepid public support. Belying her celebrity as a reality TV personality and former Olympian, the brief meeting with about two dozen reporters took place in a nondescript hotel conference room with no visible security. After a two-minute opening statement in which she lamented the state's high taxes, she answered 10 questions in about 11 minutes, responding with brief answers before the exchange was cut off by an aide. Jenner said she is a serious candidate in the Sept. 14 recall election of first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and claimed she is leading the field of Republican candidates, even though no independent polling has been done that shows that. I'm here to win it, she said. She also dismissed criticism of her spotty voting record I voted when I needed to said she would spend the final month of the campaign on a bus tour of the state and planned to release her tax returns next week. Jenner also suggested building desalination plants to produce more water for the drought-ridden state but provided no specifics about when or where such facilities could be built. Jenner, who won the Olympic decathlon in 1976 and decades later came out as a transgender woman, said she is better known than any other GOP candidate and even Newsom. The governor has been in office more than two years and earlier served as lieutenant governor and San Francisco mayor. I have a tremendous advantage, obviously, because of name recognition," she said. To be honest with you, I've been in a lot of races in my life, and I know how to win. I just keeping working hard." Jenner also shrugged off polling released last spring that showed she had little public support. However, in referring to the Berkeley IGS Poll issued May 11, she stated incorrectly that it came out in April and was conducted before she entered the race. The poll was conducted April 29 through May 5, after Jenner announced her candidacy on April 23. After an initial burst of publicity, Jenner has faded from the campaign spotlight while other GOP candidates have sought to raise their profiles. They include San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and businessman John Cox, who was defeated by Newsom in 2018. State Assemblyman Kevin Kiley also entered the race last week, and conservative radio host Larry Elder is considering a run. The 71-year-old Jenner has anchored her campaign to televised media interviews, which have included embarrassing stumbles that highlighted her inexperience, including recently acknowledging she wasnt deeply versed in Newsoms latest budget. She appeared to embrace the role of campaign neophyte. You got to prepare yourself, you got to get better with the issues, you got to understand the issues," Jenner said, comparing it to athletic training. Her candidacy has brought a hostile reaction from some members and groups within the LGBTQ community, which frequently cited her ties to former President Donald Trump. Jenner supported Trump in 2016 but later criticized his administrations reversal of a directive on transgender people's access to public school bathrooms. She also split with Trump after he said transgender people would not be allowed to serve in the U.S. military. She said Friday that she doesnt want Trumps endorsement and hadn't spoken to him about the campaign. Meanwhile Friday, attorneys for Newsom were in court seeking a ruling that would allow him to list his Democratic Party affiliation on the recall ballot. He sued the Democratic secretary of state he appointed, Shirley Weber, after Newsoms campaign failed to file the appropriate paperwork to list his party. Those opposing any change include Jenner. Sacramento County Superior Court Judge James Arguelles said he will issue a written ruling Monday after the Democratic officials argued that Newsom merely missed a harmless filing deadline in February 2020 and that it is in voters best interest to know his party affiliation. ___ Associated Press writer Don Thompson contributed. BEIJING (AP) China sent a flight to bring home 210 of its nationals from Afghanistan, state media reported Friday, as the U.S. military prepares to leave the country and the security situation grows increasingly fraught. The Global Times newspaper published by the ruling Communist Party said the Xiamen Airlines flight departed July 2 from the Afghan capital, Kabul, and landed in the central province of Hubei. The airline confirmed the report in a post on its Twitter-like Weibo account but offered no additional details. The Global Times and other reports said 22 of those onboard tested positive for COVID-19. The National Health Commission on Wednesday reported 25 new imported cases in Hubei on Wednesday, apparently including those who had arrived from Afghanistan the previous week. U.S. forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by Aug. 31 after nearly 20 years of battling the Taliban. Chinese companies have invested in Afghan mining and infrastructure, but those assets appear increasingly in jeopardy as the Taliban seize large amounts of territory, possibly placing Kabul at risk. Afghanistan security issues will be discussed at a meeting next week of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which is led by China and Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily briefing on Friday. Members of the group, which includes most Central Asian countries along with India and Pakistan, will discuss promoting regional security and stability, advancing the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, and deepening cooperation between the SCO and Afghanistan," Wang said. Against the backdrop of the complex evolution of the situation in Afghanistan as the U.S. and NATO complete their withdrawal from the country within a short period of time, this meeting is of great significance in properly addressing the changes in the situation in Afghanistan in the post-withdrawal era," Wang said. A statement will be issued following the meeting, Wang said. Afghanistan is an observer to the eight-member grouping. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the National Health Commission reported new imported cases in Hubei on Wednesday. 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. NEW DELHI (AP) Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, hailed as the Tragedy King and one of Hindi cinema's greatest actors, died Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 98. The Tragedy King title came from Kumars numerous serious roles. In several, his character died as a frustrated lover and a drunkard. He also was known as Bollywoods only Method actor for his expressive performances identifying a characters emotions. Kumar was hospitalized twice last month after he complained of breathlessness, and his family tweeted with a heavy heart and profound grief the announcement of his passing. Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet. An institution has gone," Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted. Whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar .. Kumar's body, draped in the Indian flag, was accorded a state funeral led by a police band. He was buried in a Muslim graveyard in Mumbai city. Major Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, visited Kumar's residence to pay their respects. Its the end of an era, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said. Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a Muslim, on Dec. 11, 1922. His Pathan family hailed from Peshawar, in what became Pakistan after the Partition, and he visited his ancestral home in the late 1980s. Kumar was hugely popular among cinema lovers in Pakistan as well. In 1998, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz," Pakistans highest civilian honor, becoming the only Indian citizen to receive it. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of Kumars death. "For my generation, Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor, he tweeted. Khan also recalled Kumars generosity in helping to raise funds in Pakistan and London for a trust to set up cancer hospitals in his mothers memory. He changed his name as he debuted in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry centered in Mumbai, with Jwar Bhata, or Sea Tides, in 1944. Kumar's career spanned over six decades with over 60 films. His first major box-office hits were Jugnu, or Firefly, in 1947 in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan, and the 1948 film Shaheed, or Martyr." He played a variety of characters a romantic hero in Andaz, a swashbuckler in Aan, a dramatic drunkard in Devdas, a comic role in Azaad." But his portrayal of a Muslim prince in the historical epic Mughal-e-Azam cemented his popularity among the masses and catapulted Indian cinema to the world stage. Mehboob Khans blockbuster Aan in 1952 was his first film in Technicolor and was among a string of light-hearted roles he took at the suggestion of his psychiatrist to shed his Tragedy King image. He starred in many social drama films like Footpath, Naya Daur ("New Era"), Musafir ("Traveller") and Paigham ("Message") in 1950s. His top female co-stars included Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, Kamini Kaushal and Vyjanthimala. In 1966, Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him, and the couple acted in Gopi," Sagina Mahato and Bairaag. They had no children. In 1961, he produced and starred in Ganga Jamuna in which he and his brother Nasir Khan played the title roles. It was the only film he produced. Indian media reports say he declined the role of Sherif Ali in David Leans "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962. The role went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. He took a break in the late '70s but returned with a character role in the successful Kranti," or Revolution in 1981. He continued playing key roles in films such as Shakti, Karma and Saudagar. His last film was Qila ("Fort") in 1998. In 1994, he was given the "Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honor for contributions to Indian cinema. He also served in the upper house of Indian Parliament after being nominated for a six-year term. Kumar is survived by his wife, actor Saira Banu. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Catesby Holmes, The Conversation (THE CONVERSATION) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/haitis-president-assassinated-5-essential-reads-to-give-you-key-history-and-insight-164118. COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) Soldiers from North Macedonia and Senegal will be visiting Vermont for training with the Vermont National Guard starting next week. The two countries have been paired with Vermont through the National Guard State Partnership, the Guard said Thursday. CAIRO (AP) Jehan Sadat, widow of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, the first Arab leader to make peace with Israel, died in Egypt on Friday. She was 87. In recent weeks, Egyptian media press reported that she had been hospitalized and was battling cancer. Last year, she received medical treatment in the United States but was hospitalized again shortly after returning home as her condition deteriorated, her family told local newspapers. No further details about her illness were made available. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's office said she had been a role model for Egyptian women and granted her a national award posthumously. A key highway in Cairo is to be named after her. She was buried in a military funeral ceremony on Friday, attended by el-Sissi and dozens of other government officials. Jehan Safwat Raouf was born in August 1933 in Cairo to an Egyptian middle-class father and a British mother. In 1949, at age 15, she married Anwar Sadat, a military officer at the time who later served as Egypt's president from 1970 until his assassination by Islamic extremists in 1981. It was said that initially, her parents had opposed her marrying a man 15 years her senior. She later said that what attracted her to Sadat at such a young age were his revolutionary activities that challenged the British occupation in the 1940s. The couple had four children: daughters Noha, Gihan, Lobna and a son, Gamal. Jehan Sadat consistently defended her husbands decision to sign a peace agreement with Israel in 1979 after nearly three decades of war, a move that was controversial domestically and regionally. After his assassination, she largely withdrew from public life. But in recent years, she emerged as a supporter of former military general el-Sissi and his government, after the country's 2011 popular uprising forced her husband's successor, Hosni Mubarak, to resign. Mubarak's ouster plunged Egypt into chaos and uncertainty, and set up a power struggle between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood group that had long been outlawed. Some two and a half years after Mubaraks ouster, el-Sissi led a military overthrow of Egypts first freely elected president, who hailed from the Brotherhood, and rolled back freedoms gained in the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. During her husbands tenure, Sadat established herself as a staunch advocate of womens rights by pushing for a set of laws that granted women the right to alimony and custody of children in case of divorce. She also made headlines with her volunteer work and charitable activities. Her high visibility in the 1970s drew criticism from observers who accused her of exploiting her husbands position to gain political leverage for herself. She also presided over several national relief agencies, including the Egyptian Red Crescent, the country's blood bank and the Egyptian Society for Cancer Patients. During Egypts 1973 war with Israel, photographs of her visiting the wounded appeared on most front pages of Egyptian newspapers. Her public visibility and political influence as Egypts first lady marked a complete departure from her predecessor Tahia Abdel Nasser, who had kept a low-profile during the rule of her husband Gamal Abdel Nasser. In 1972, Sadat established the Wafa Wal Amal Society, Faith and Hope in Arabic, which now operates a fully integrated city for handicapped war veterans and civilians. In 1997, she created an endowment to establish The Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland in memory of her husband. On the university's website, she is quoted as saying: I never again want to see the face of a starving child or hear the weeping of a mother who has lost her son to war. Peace, this is what my husband gave his life for, and I want the world to know that he did not die in vain. Peace, this is what will make me very happy. Her husband was assassinated on Oct. 6, 1981 during a military parade in Cairo. Mubarak, who was seated next to him, escaped with a minor hand injury as gunmen sprayed the reviewing stand with bullets. Days later, Mubarak was sworn in as president. Under Anwar Sadat, the government had sought the support of Islamic groups to counter the influence of leftists. It released hundreds of jailed Muslim Brotherhood members and backed the nascent Al Gamaa al-Islamiyya, or Islamic Group. But after the peace accord, radicals condemned Sadat for establishing relations with Israel and standing in the way of an Islamic state. The Brotherhood eventually turned on him, and the Islamic Group grew so radical that it joined forces with another militant group, Islamic Jihad, to assassinate the president. It went on to try to overthrow the Egyptian government in a campaign over many years that killed more than 1,000 people, and thrust the country under emergency law. In 1977, Sadat graduated with an BA in Arabic literature from Cairo University. In 1986, she completed her PhD in comparative literature at the same university. She authored two books: her autobiography A Woman Of Egypt, and My Hope for Peace, about the Arab-Israeli conflict and the rise of Islamic extremism, which she said was contrary to the true spirit of the religion. She also served as a visiting instructor at several American universities, including the University of South Carolina, Radford University and the University of Maryland. - Associated Press journalist Ahmed Hatem in Cairo, Egypt contributed to this report. 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 3 1 of 3 Fran Ruchalski/The Enterprise Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Kim Brent / The Enterprise Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The air quality over the Big Thicket National Preserve units in East Texas is pretty good and wed like to keep it that way. The preserves nine land units and six water corridors are far enough away from the regions petrochemical plants that air pollution is usually not a problem for them. But a recent decision by the state environmental agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, could jeopardize that status for the Big Thicket or any national park or preserve in Texas. The state agency is resisting proposals to take new action to comply with federal rules requiring management of haze at certain national parks and wilderness areas. TCEQ officials say theyre already on track to meet visibility goals, but environmentalists and advocates disagree. They maintain persuasively that TCEQ is missing an important opportunity to reduce air pollution that not only contributes to hazy skies but also can be harmful to people who breathe it. Local featured New shuttle service coming to Bedford Will DeShong / Gazette Photo/Will DeShong Palitha Pal Paranamana, owner of Pal Car Service, stands alongside the new Bedford Shuttle that will soon be transporting people around Bedford. A new shuttle service is arriving in Bedford. The Bedford Shuttle operated by Pal Car Service will soon be circling the town Thursdays through Sundays, reaching nearly all businesses in the Bedford community. The shuttle service was started by Palitha Pal Paranamana, who has been in the hospitality and tourism industry all his life. When I moved to Bedford, the first thing I noticed was there was no public transportation, Paranamana said, noting he had previously operated a transportation service in the Washington, D.C. area for about a decade before moving to Bedford. The 14-seat shuttle will begin operating four days per week. It will be an hour-long loop route, which will complete four loops from 9 a.m. to noon, and again from 6 to 9 p.m. It also will be available other times by appointment. It will cover 99% of businesses in the Bedford community, Paranamana said. The route will begin at the top of the hour at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, which Paranamana called a hub for the towns tourists. They get a lot of visitors there, he said. Thats the place where most of the visitors are staying in Bedford. The route will travel from the Springs into town and make its ways to popular destinations in the borough before taking Route 30 to the Bedford Plaza, Bedford Square Plaza and UPMC Bedford. Following additional stops along Mile Level, the shuttle will return to the borough and continue up North Richard Street to Business 220 and eventually Weber Lane and Country Ridge Road, where Paranamana said a number of businesses are located. The shuttle then will return to the borough via Route 30, passing the Bedford Fairgrounds, and make a few more stops prior to returning to the Springs. Paranamana said the shuttle service will fill a variety of needs for both visitors and the communitys residents. This is for everybody in Bedford, he said. The cost of the shuttle will be $5 one-way, regardless of how many stops. The launch of the shuttle service is pending completed documentation from the state, although Pal said the transportation is available by appointment. Paranamana said he has been working to promote the shuttle service, including at hotels, via fliers. He also joined the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce this week, which he said has been fantastic in expanding the new business promotion. It has exceeded my expectations, he said. Paranamana said demand will dictate whether the service will grow beyond its four-day schedule. He said he is looking forward to helping people navigate the town he calls home. The people in Bedford are very friendly, he said. Its a nice beautiful town. Im looking forward to serving the community. Covid-19 hot BTC vaccine clinic to close next week, vaccine outreach continues Austin Montgomery/Beloit Daily News In this Beloit Daily News file photo, staff with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare attend a training session on Feb. 10 at the DHS-led community-based vaccination clinic at Blackhawk Technical College. The community-based vaccine clinic is set to close after operating next week as vaccine demand wanes. New case numbers for COVID-19 remain low in the Rock County area, and the vaccine clinic at Blackhawk Technical College is set to host its final week of immunizations next week as public health officials urge unvaccinated residents to seek shots or risk infection and a resurgence of the virus this fall. On Feb. 16, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) partnered with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare to open the first community-based vaccine clinic in the state at Blackhawk Technical Colleges central campus between Beloit and Janesville. Since February, vaccine supply has remained stable and prevalent for all community providers, from health systems to nonprofits with vast networks. During a media briefing on Thursday, Rock County Public Health Department officials attributed the clinic with boosting vaccinations across the county to reach people who might not have had access to a major health system or health provider. It really helped us fill in the gaps in the community, said Jessica Turner, the health departments media coordinator. The Blackhawk Technical College clinic will offer COVID-19 vaccinations on Tuesday and Thursday only next week. Vaccine will be offered from 11 a.m.5 p.m. on Tuesday and from 11 a.m.3 p.m. on Thursday. Those who attend vaccination appointments next week will be guided by AMI staff for rescheduling a second dose at an alternate provider. The more people become vaccinated, the more we can keep the virus from spreading, and that is what we need to do to prevent other mutations that could potentially be even more dangerous, Turner said. We all want to continue to experience the benefits of the reduced spread that we have been seeing and getting as many people as possible vaccinated is what is going to keep us on the right track. A total of 17,947 doses were administered as of Thursday at the Blackhawk Technical College site, but there remains work to be done in reaching all in Rock County as the area sits at around a 50% vaccination rate. Wisconsin Department of Health Services data shows that 49.5% of Rock County residents have received at least one dose and 46.6% of Rock County residents are fully-vaccinated. Early on in the vaccination process, health providers and health department staff noticed gaps appearing in the Black and Hispanic communities as vaccine uptake waned quickly when compared to White residents. Equity among vaccine distribution has slowly caught up since December of 2020, when the first doses were given to frontline workers. State vaccine racial data shows that 43.8% of White county residents are fully vaccinated followed by 40% Asian; 20.3% American Indian and 20.1% Black. Ethnicity data shows that 44.8% of those fully-vaccinated in Rock County identify as non-Hispanic as 27.8% of residents who have been vaccinated are Hispanic. COVID-19 infection among young people continues to be a problem for communities across the country, and Rock County health officials said Thursday that a majority of new cases are of the contagious Delta COVID-19 variant. In Rock County, fewer than one in four (23.7%) of kids aged 12 to 15 are fully-vaccinated. As the demographics increase in age, so too do the uptake rates, data shows. A total of 32.1% of all those ages 16-17 are vaccinated; 38.9% of those 18 to 24; 39.7% 25 to 34; 49.6% of those 35 to 44; 53.7% of those 45 to 54; 64.6% of all 55 to 64 and 82.7% of those 65 and older. All three major vaccines have shown to offer protection against variants of the virus, including the Delta variant, Turner said. Thats why we are stressing that everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated, Turner said. If vaccine uptake remains slow, Turner said the health department was concerned about a potential increase in cases and hospitalizations this fall and into the winter as residents move back indoors due to the colder weather. Its definitely something we will be monitoring and something thats a concern to us, Turner said. Even as the clinic ramps down at Blackhawk Technical College, many future options remain for residents to get vaccinated. The health department will continue to push outreach campaigns and is in the process of developing further targeted strategies to reach young people and underserved residents. Below is a list of future vaccine clinics: DeLong Co., 214 Allen St., Clinton, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 10 Hackett Elementary School, 625 8th St., Beloit, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 14 Beloit Woodmans grocery store, 1877 S. Madison Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 17 Janesville Woodmans grocery story, 2819 N. Lexington Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 17 Wilson Elementary, 465 Rockport Road, Janesville, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 19 Merrill Elementary School, 1635 Nelson Ave., Beloit, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 28 For more information, visit www.Rockcountyshot.com. Unidentified relatives of victims mourn at the site after a fire broke out at the Hashem Foods Ltd. factory near Dhaka, July 9, 2021. Most of the at least 52 people who died in a massive factory fire near Bangladeshs capital have yet to be identified because their bodies were burned beyond recognition, authorities said Friday. The blaze broke out Thursday evening on the ground floor of the six-story beverage factory, which only had two exits for the entire building, fire officials said. The fire was the latest in a long line of industrial disasters in Bangladesh, once again highlighting lax oversight and corruption in the nations factories. The bodies of the 49 badly burned victims were recovered from the third floor of the Hashem Foods Ltd. Factory in Rupganj, some 20 hours after the blaze began, fire officials said, noting that the exit door on that floor was locked. More than 50 other people were injured in the fire, whose cause was being investigated, officials said. Firefighters work at the scene of a fire that broke out at the Hashem Foods Ltd. factory in Rupganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, July 9, 2021. [Reuters] The six-story building had only two exits and there were huge flammable products stored in the building, Debashish Bardhan, a Fire Service deputy director said at a briefing, without giving details about the products. We found the exit gate of the third floor locked, because of which the trapped workers could not come out of the floor and died. If the gate had not been not locked, so many people would not die in the fire. Three of the people who died had jumped off the building on Thursday evening two burned women leapt from the roof and a man from the third floor. The three have been identified. People look on as flames rise after a fire broke out at beverage factory in Rupganj, near Dhaka, July 9, 2021. [Reuters] The bodies of the remaining 49 who could not be identified were wrapped in white bags and sent to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. These victims DNA would have to be matched with that of their family members, Ashraful Alam, a DNA analyst at the Criminal Investigation Department, told reporters. Police forensic teams have started collecting DNA samples from the bodies. Teams were also taking DNA samples from families whose kin were working in the factory when the blaze began, and who were still unaccounted for. Firefighters wave hands to communicate after entering the factory building where a fire broke out and killed dozens of people in Rupganj, Bangladesh, July 9, 2021. [Reuters] As of Friday evening, 38 people who were working in the factory at the time of the blaze were reported missing by their families, said Jayedul Alam, the Narayanganj superintendent of police, told BenarNews. Around 400 people had been working overtime at the factory when the blaze started, and they were spread out across five floors of the building, Salahuddin Mia, an administrative official at the plant, told reporters. Firefighters carry bags with bodies of victims of the factory fire in Rupganj, near Dhaka, July 9, 2021. [BenarNews] Rahima Begum and her son, Rajib Hossain, were among the lucky workers who managed to escape because they working on the ground floor, they said. But Rajibs wife Amena Begum, who was working on the third floor, was missing as of Friday evening. Rahima and Rajib spent all of Thursday night outside the burning factory. On Friday afternoon, they went to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the unidentifiable bodies had been taken. The two were among scores of others waiting outside the hospital waiting for information about their missing loved ones. Exhausted firefighters rest at the site of a factory fire that broke out in Rupganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, July 9, 2021. [Reuters] By Friday evening, their patience worn thin, and with little information on their loved ones they clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the hospital. Some factory workers also blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway to protest what they said was a delay in the search-and-rescue efforts for the missing. Md. Jaher, the husband of a missing worker, Feroza Begum, told BenarNews that most of the factory laborers were female and underage. Firefighters stand inside the Hashem Foods Ltd. factory, where burnt items are visible after a fire, July 9, 2021. [Reuters] As of 10:30 p.m. on Friday (local time) the blaze had yet to be fully put out, as firefighters were working to extinguish the sporadic fires on the top floor of the factory. Bangladesh President M. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at this latest incident. The Narayanganj district administration announced 25,000 taka (U.S. $295) compensation for the family of each victim killed and 10,000 taka ($118) for every injured worker. Hashem Foods had not announced any compensation as of Friday night. Hashem Foods official Mia denied there was anything flammable inside the 35,000-square foot factory. Md. Abul Hashem, the factorys chairman and managing director, said he was not aware of any exit being kept locked. My factory maintains all global standards and it was just an accident, Hashem told BenarNews. According to the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006, it is an offense to keep any factory exit locked during work hours. Fire Service Director for Operations Lt. Col. Zillur Rahman said officials would investigate whether the building owner violated any provisions of the Bangladesh National Building Code. Two separate investigative committees one headed by a Fire Service officials and the other by a district administration official have been formed to probe the fire and its aftermath. An exhausted firefighter rests at the site of a massive fire at the Hashem Foods Ltd. factory in Rupganj, Bangladesh, July 9, 2021. [Reuters] But eight years after Bangladeshs deadliest industrial accident, factories in the South Asian nation remain unsafe, with payoffs at various stages of their construction and little to no oversight by the responsible government departments, rights and anti-corruption watchdogs have said. In April 2013, more than 1,000 workers were killed and over 2,000 injured in the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in a Dhaka suburb, which housed five garment factories. Labor unions in the South Asian nation called the incident a mass industrial homicide. An investigation found that several building-safety codes were violated and management officials had required factory workers to enter the building against their will, even though the building had developed major cracks on the eve of the collapse. Bangladeshis gather next to a medical center building after soil erosion caused it to collapse into the Padma River about 40 km (25 miles) south of Dhaka, Sept. 13, 2018. Forty-eight countries that say they are the worlds most vulnerable to climate change are demanding wealthy countries deliver on a pledge of U.S. $500 billion in climate financing by 2024 to help them adapt. At the first-ever summit by its finance ministers, the Vulnerable 20 group which has more than doubled in size since it was formed in 2015 this week called for a solid plan to demonstrate how to fulfill this as yet unmet commitment. We are specifically demanding a joint delivery plan from the developed nations to concretely demonstrate how the $100 billion in annual climate finance will be met over the five years period from 2020 to 2024 within total a minimum of $500 billion of climate finance provided, the nations said in a communique at the end of the virtual summit hosted by Bangladesh on Thursday. During her opening address, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a challenge to other nations. Our national parliament declared a planetary emergency and called everyone to work on a war footing to stop climate change. We expect similar actions from the rest of the global leaders, Hasina said. We would like to call upon the developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions drastically. We also count on the delivery of the agreed $100 billion per annum as climate finance, she said. The end-of-summit communique expressed similar concerns. [W]e are concerned that less than half of all nations, and particularly the major carbon emitting nations, failed to increase the ambition of their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement for the once-in-five-year mandated deadline, even despite our appeals to the international community, it said. An associate with the Sustainable Finance Center at the Washington-based World Resources Institute (WRI) said the developing nations had sent a clear signal that they expected to collect the full amount of $500 billion. Thats a smart way of framing it, Joe Thwaites told BenarNews. He said the most up-to-date figure, from 2018, showed that about $79 billion had been donated, but because there was a two-year lag in reporting, totals for 2020 were due next year. I dont know what was delivered in 2019 and 2020, Thwaites said, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive disruption in international finances. Its hard to say what the state of play is for 2020, he said. The deal for developed nations to contribute $100 billion per year beginning in 2020 to developing nations surfaced in the 2009 Copenhagen Accord, and was finalized the next year in Cancun and reaffirmed as a key element of the 2015 Paris Agreement, according to a recent U.N. report. The December 2020 report, Delivering on the $100 billion Climate Finance Commitment and Transforming Climate Finance and commissioned by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the goal for 2020 likely was not met. Two WRI staffers were a part of the group that authored the report. UN secretary general speaks out On Thursday, Guterres joined the V20 finance ministers in calling for developing nations to step up. But I am keenly aware that developing countries need reassurance that their ambition will be met with much-needed and still lacking financial and technical support, Guterres said in a virtual address. To rebuild trust, developed countries must clarify now how they will effectively deliver $100 billion in climate finance annually to the developing world, as was promised over a decade ago, he said. Solidarity begins with the $100 billion. We need a clear plan on this goal from now until 2025. In April, Bangladesh and the Philippines leaders brought up similar concerns about a lack of funding during the Leaders Summit on Climate convened by the United States. Ensuring the annual target of 100 billion U.S. dollars is imperative, Hasina said at the time. A 2014 report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identified Bangladesh as being at risk from climate change because of its exposure to sea-level rise, extreme weather events and concentrated poverty. Bangladeshs population at risk of sea level rise is predicted to grow to 27 million by 2050, the report also said. Three months later, the summit communique offered a bleak assessment before offering hope in its conclusion. We are not nearing the point of no return; we have arrived at it, it said. Still, the failure to deliver climate finance does not have to be permanent. Despite the high degree of uncertainty and the great and growing need for more predictability, the ultimate equation remains unchanged: risks and the opportunities arising from the climate crisis will continue to be determined by where and how financial resources are mobilized, monitored, exchanged, and invested, it said in the conclusion. Workers walk along a newly paved road and past buildings in Marawi destroyed in 2017 when Islamic State-inspired Muslim militants laid siege to the city in the southern Philippines, May 23, 2021. Residents of Marawi, who saw their city destroyed four years ago during a battle to kick out militants linked to Islamic State extremists, accused the Philippine government on Friday of taking their properties during a slow rebuilding process. Ibrahim Mimbalawag, one of the lawyers representing about 11,000 people who remain displaced, said that the governments rehabilitation team had bulldozed parts of the city previously identified as being owned by his clients. Thats land grabbing. Its private land and we have titles and documents. There was no consultation made, Mimbalawag said. The lawyer said he was among those who had seen their land taken over by the government. Recently, I tried to pay my property tax but they wont accept my payment since our land was covered by the rehabilitation, he said. Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who chairs the Task Force Bangon Marawi, which oversees the citys rehabilitation and reconstruction, responded on Friday to the lawyers allegations. If you mean well as an alleged Maranao leader, be part of the solution and not be part of the problem by spreading unfounded and deceitful public statements. Instead, let us unite for Marawi to rise as a prosperous and peaceful city again, del Rosario said in a statement. Hundreds of pro-Islamic State (IS) militants, led by Abu Sayyaf member Isnilon Hapilon, took over the lakeshore city starting in May 2017. During the siege, which was broken by government forces in October 2017, the militants beheaded Christians and held dozens of civilian hostages before government troops defeated them. The city was heavily bombed by the military. President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in the entire south, after the battle broke out on May 23, 2017. He allowed martial law to remain in force until December 2019, so that the military could prevent militants from regrouping and carrying out fresh attacks. Despite the declaration, violence has persisted in the southern Philippines with deadly attacks carried out by IS-linked militants, including suicide bombings. Hardest hit villages Manila has so far spent about 17.5 billion pesos (U.S. $350 million) to rebuild Marawi, mostly for showpiece public facilities such as markets, government halls, schools, a museum and a central park. The site being rebuilt covers four villages hardest hit by gunbattles in 2017 in a 40-acre area, in what used to be Marawis commercial district. It has remained off limits to the public since the siege ended. Much of the property is covered with overgrowth, according to International Alert, a London-based NGO that specializes in the prevention and resolution of conflicts worldwide. Everything that is happening there is an insult to the people, said Saripada Pacasum Jr. of the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch, which tracks the rehabilitations progress. It affects the majority. We feel the pain of the people thats why we are doing this. Jalilah Sapiin, another volunteer with the group, said restricting people from returning home was a social time bomb that could lead to conflict. Its not the solution to the problem. Obviously what they are doing is wrong. We have titles obtained from our forefathers, she said. Police personnel search for suspected insurgents in Chamao Sam Ton village in Sai Buri, a district in Pattani province in Thailand, July 5, 2021. Thai human rights groups urged the government to use proportional force when trying to arrest alleged insurgents in the Deep South, after military and police personnel surrounded and gunned down two suspects during a long standoff this week. As many as 100 police and servicemen were deployed to catch seven suspected insurgents during a raid in Pattani province on Monday, said Pornpen Kongkachonkiet, director of the Cross-Cultural Foundation. The overwhelming numbers of troops deployed made the suspects fight back, resulting in the deaths of two of them, she said. They had no intention to fight but the raid put them in a corner. To pursue suspects, persons who jumped bail, or fugitives, violent means should be the last resort, Pornpen told BenarNews. In an endeavor to end Deep South violence, we urge the government to abide by human rights laws, the criminal code, human rights principles and proportionality in the rules of engagement. Since June 21, officials said that the combined forces of the military, police and back-up units shot and killed four insurgents in separate raids in Pattani province, including the one on Monday. Before dawn on Monday, security forces pursued some seven suspected insurgents who had traveled to Chamao Samton village in Sai Buri district, officials said. Two of the suspects besieged the Mahad Subulussalam Islamic Private School before they were gunned down after a standoff that lasted 17 hours. Three soldiers were injured in the operation. The rest of the suspects fled. A day later, in what police said was a retaliatory incident, a soldier was killed and three others injured in a land-mine explosion in Chana, a district of nearby Songkhla province. Pornpen and another Pattani-based NGO, Duayjai Group, said that taking the suspects alive and trying them in court would help avoid suspicion among the residents of the Malay-speaking Muslim-dominant southern border provinces, which for decades have been the flash point of armed conflict between government troops and separatist rebel groups. By bringing them to justice, that would instead create confidence in the governments governance, Pornpen said. Never force them to fight back Meanwhile, the military in the Deep South said that security forces usually negotiate with the suspects and ask them to surrender. Servicemen involve local and religious leaders as well as suspects relatives in the negotiations, said Col. Kiatisak Neewong, spokesman for ISOC-4, the militarys regional command. We always leave room for them to surrender, never force them to fight back, Kiatisak told BenarNews. We negotiate with them every time but they did not yield, shot at officials and even a dog. In Sai Buri on Monday, suspects fired at officials who then had to defend themselves, Kiatisak said. Like when they opened fire or hurled a grenade to injure officials in Sai Buri, we have to defend ourselves, he said. He also denied that they had deployed as many as 100 troops to pursue suspects in the Monday incident. We dont use 100, only 20 members are in tactical teams. The rest are support teams like food supplies, scout, drone operators no weapons used, Kiatisak said. A Buddhist group leader in Yala, another province in the Deep South, said it was hard to define a fair operation when officials have to arrest suspects. The question as to how officials can conduct a humanitarian-compliant search or raid is hard to answer, said Rukchart Suwan, president of the Buddhist Network for Peace. It may be way too much to use 50, 60 or 100 men per two suspects in hiding, but it depends on their tactics they use a combined force of soldiers, police and civil servants. Since the decades-old insurgency reignited in January 2004, more than 7,000 people have been killed in the region, according to Deep South Watch, a Pattani think-tank. Face-to-face peace talks between Thailand and Barisan Revolusi Nasional (the National Revolutionary Front, or BRN), which is the largest of the armed insurgent groups in the far south, have been stalled since March last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But both sides said they continued to meet online at technical-level panels, with Malaysia serving as facilitator. The last virtual meeting was held in February, Abdul Rahim Noor, the Malaysian broker of the southern Thai peace talks, confirmed to BenarNews at the time. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. 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. SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY At Shakespeare & Company, Christopher Lloyd takes on 'King Lear' a role that was never on his bucket list Francesca Paris is The Eagle's data and public records reporter. She was previously the North Adams reporter. A California native and Williams College alumna, she has worked at NPR in Washington, D.C. and WBUR in Boston. Find her on Twitter at @fparises. Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Find her on Twitter at @amandaburkec. Days after Chinas largest ride-hailing app, Didi Global Inc., went public in New York, Chinese regulators ordered the firm to halt new registrations and remove its app from Chinas app stores while the company undergoes a cybersecurity review. The move threw global traders for a loop. Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine? Well, rapper Juvenile and DJ/producer Mannie Fresh have reimagined the 1999 club song "Back That Azz Up" to urge the Black community to get their COVID vaccinations. The duo has teamed up with the dating app BLK. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 28, 2021 that 12% of Black folks in the U.S. have received at least one vaccine dose I just wanted to do something positive for my people and to stand in the front to show that I'm willing to sacrifice my life not just for me but also for my family, Juvenile said in an official statement obtained by Rolling Stone. We don't know what we're facing right now but we really do all need to be vaccinated so we can continue to do our thing and survive. RELATED: Mannie Fresh Regrets What Cash Money Did to Hip-Hop Culture The new version of the song comes with a fresh new music video and lyrics promoting a new purpose, with the help of New Orleans artist No Limit's Mia X. "Girl you look good once you vax that thang up," Juvenile raps in the hook. "You a handsome young brother once you vax that thang up/Dating in real life, you need to vax that thang up/Feeling freaky all night, you need to vax that thang up." Watch the Vax That Thang Up music video below: BOISE - Amid extreme drought, excessive heat, multiple fire starts, and dwindling firefighting resources regionwide, Idaho Governor Brad Little has issued an emergency declaration for wildfire and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist in the effort. Wildfire is presenting an imminent threat to life, property, and the environment, and we need all hands on deck. I appreciate our firefighters and fire managers for working so hard under such challenging conditions, and I am grateful that our guardsmen are able to step in once again to support Idaho communities, Governor Little said. I want to thank Idahoans for doing their part to prevent wildfires during a season where Idaho is particularly vulnerable to human-caused wildfires. North Idaho is experiencing multiple wildfires resulting from dry lightning events. Extreme fire conditions are now at an all-time maximum or exceeding all-time maximum levels, and weather forecasts indicate no break in fire weather conditions in the weeks ahead. Fire suppression resources available to respond to ongoing wildfires or new wildfire ignitions are significantly diminished in the region because of the number of significant fires burning in the West. It is the first time the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has requested the Governor issue an emergency declaration to make Idaho National Guard resources available for fighting wildfire on the 6.2 million acres of land across mostly North Idaho where IDL provides fire protection. The Governors emergency declaration authorizes National Guard personnel with fire line qualifications to work on active wildfires and for other personnel to support fire logistic activities. In addition, the Governors emergency declaration makes National Guard aircraft resources available. In anticipation of the emergency declaration, the IDL has been working with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management to begin the process of activating National Guard resources for fire suppression and logistics support. In 2020 and in the spring of 2021, in preparation for severe fire conditions like Idaho now faces, the IDL provided wildland firefighter training to National Guard personnel, a phenomenal collaboration between agencies. In addition, the IDL has requested its own agency personnel anyone with fire line qualifications to make themselves available for fire assignments. FIRE RESTRICTIONS EXPECTED IN COMING DAYS Fire managers are expected to announce in the coming days that parts of Idaho will enter Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions. More than 80-percent of the nations fires are started by people, not lightning. What are fire restrictions? Fire restrictions are meant to prevent human-caused wildfires. There are Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions, with specific prohibited activities for each listed below. Restrictions can be declared in a portion of the state, or in multiple areas by local authorities. Who can declare fire restrictions? Fire restrictions can be implemented on state, federal, Tribal Trust and private lands under applicable federal and state laws. These laws grant the respective agencies the general authority to protect lands entrusted in their care by restricting use or closing areas to entry for protection of life and safety of public. Why are fire restrictions done locally rather than for the entire state? Local agencies follow established, statewide-approved guidelines for implementing fire restrictions in their geographic areas. There are eight main fire restriction zones in Idaho, with additional fire restriction areas within those zones. Area representatives use their hyper-local expertise and specific, objective criteria to determine if restrictions are needed. The local decision-making approach is critical for determining the right place and the right time for fire restrictions. One zones determination for restrictions may not be appropriate statewide. What is prohibited during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site. If you live within a city limit or incorporated area, follow local direction. If you own land outside city limits or incorporated area you may have a campfire on your own land but only within a fire structure. Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. What is prohibited during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire (wood or gas fueled), or stove fire. Campfires are not allowed anywhere when under a Stage 2 restriction. Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails. The following acts are prohibited from 1:00pm to 1:00am during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering. Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material. Using an explosive. A patrol is required for one hour (three hours for anyone engaged in a Forest Operation requiring a Certificate of Compliance) following cessation of all work as described above. The latest recorded information on fire restrictions is available by calling 1-844-ID-FIRES or 1-844-433-4737. For specifics on exemptions, frequently asked questions, and more, please refer to the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan. Find out more about fire restrictions at www.idl.idaho.gov. TROY, ID - On Thursday, July 15, 2021, Troy, ID will host Idaho Governor Brad Little's "Capital For a Day" event. Governor Little along with other officials will be in-person for the event that will be held from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Troy Lions Club (415 S Main Street). Residents will be able to address their issues directly with the Governor and his administration for an entire day. The event will be held at the Troy Lions Club with breakfast and lunch provided. Officials joining Governor Little include: Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra Treasurer Julie Ellsworth Department of Labor Director Jani Revier Department of Environmental Quality Director Jess Byrne Department of Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould Division of Financial Management Administrator Alex Adams Representatives from Idahos congressional delegation In addition, representatives of the following agencies and state entities will be on hand to help answer questions: Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. I am happy to announce Troy as the next Capital for a Day in Idaho, Governor Little said. It is important to me to continue this monthly tradition, and I look forward to hearing from the people of Latah County as they share their thoughts and concerns with state leaders. BIG RAPIDS Helping sharpen the vision for a new home to Ferris State Universitys Jim Crow Museum, Washington D.C.-based design firm Howard+Revis will lead the expanded exhibition space development for the future 31,130-square-foot stand-alone building on the Big Rapids campus. Already home to more than 14,000 objects, a more prominent facility positions the museum to continue as a national and global leader in the history and consequences of the Jim Crow era while being prepared to address and educate about relevant current topics as they arise. The new Jim Crow Museum, Archive and Research Center will host, preserve and have greater capacity to share an ever-expanding collection, physically and virtually. A larger permanent home will pave the way for improved archiving capability, more robust programming and greater accessibility for students, educators, researchers and the public, museum staff say. The estimated $18.5 million project addresses current facility limitations, including lack of visibility and tight configuration, in FLITE, the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education. Partnering with Howard+Revis to design ideal exhibition space is a critical step. The Jim Crow Museum team is thrilled to engage with Howard+Revis Design for the exhibit design of our new museum facility, said Cyndi Tiedt, the collections manager for the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, which moved into its current location, inside FLITE, in 2012. This collaboration represents the creative synergy and passion of both teams, and we are delighted to work with a design firm that appreciates and amplifies the museums mission. Expanded opportunities for education, such as what the new museum will offer, align with the mission of the Jim Crow Museum, founded by curator and Ferris Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives David Pilgrim. The Howard+Revis team recently visited campus to better understand the role of the Jim Crow Museum, including touring its current home and examining many additional artifacts that the new museum will display. The larger space will be valuable, the museum has so much material and yet its so condensed," said Tracy Revis, a principal and senior designer at Howard+Revis Design. "I think we can help tease out the stories there, give it a little more breathing space and allow the stories to unfold more. Dr. (David) Pilgrim wants to add two new stories, including one thats about Jim Crow in Michigan." "Another one is more contemporary and addresses the issues of today its forward-facing," she added. "Where do we go from here, what do we do with this knowledge that racism has been with us for a long time? Thats very challenging, but I think this extra room allows us to rise to this challenge. Visiting Ferris to learn more about the Jim Crow Museum and the people behind it has provided the Howard+Revis team, which includes its other principal and senior designer, Jeff Howard, a starting point for its work. Focusing on showcasing Jim Crow Museum objects in a way that maximizes educational value is a focal point for the Howard+Revis team, which will have more than 8,000 square feet as a canvas for the firms storytelling expertise. Weve talked about those stories as being antidotes to these sort of stereotypes and the iconography that youre seeing that are not real people, said Elizabeth Eubanks, director of exhibit development at Howard+Revis. Were interested in balancing those gross generalization images with actual people to give visitors a better, more accurate, fuller picture of African American life. The timing of the new Jim Crow Museum project may offer greater opportunity. Neumann/Smith Architecture, a leading museum design firm, will develop the conceptual plans for the future Jim Crow Museum, Archive and Research Center. Neumann/Smith Architectures planning includes climate-controlled storage and archives, expanded exhibition space, research and reading rooms, and staff offices ideal for the growth of the museums team. Weve been on this project since its inception and did the work in FLITE, said Joel Smith, president of Neumann/Smith Architecture. Weve been involved since the early days. Our long-term involvement with Dr. Pilgrim and the whole idea of the teachings of the Jim Crow Museum, and what it stands for, have been important to our office and to me in my career. For more information about the Jim Crow Museum: www.ferris.edu/news/jimcrow/ Bill hits back at the Utah chapter of Black Lives Matter and its director Lex Scott, who denounced the U.S. flag as a symbol of hatred and racism. Bill also chastises those miserable people who see everything, absolutely everything, through the prism of race and skin color. Sign up for our Premium Membership and get Killing the Mob free. In a No Spin News exclusive, Bill asks Donald Trump about Joe Biden's mental state, whether or not he thinks the president is in "cognitive decline." The former president also reveals what was on the note he left for Biden as he left the White House and why cities ran by Democrats are suffering from crime. Become a BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members to watch the entire interview, anytime. The scheme aims to accelerate health system preparedness for immediate responsiveness for early prevention, detection and management, with the focus on health infrastructure development including paediatric care and with measurable outcomes The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a new scheme India COVID-19 Emergency Response & Health System Preparedness Package: Phase-II amounting to Rs 23,123 crore for FY 2021-22. The scheme aims to accelerate health system preparedness for immediate responsiveness for early prevention, detection and management, with the focus on health infrastructure development including paediatric care and with measurable outcomes. The Phase-II of the Package has Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) components. Under the Central Sector components: Support would be provided to Central Hospitals, AIIMS, and other Institutions of National Importance under DoHFW (at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, LHMC & SSKH, Delhi, RML, Delhi, RIMS, Imphal and NEIGRIMS, Shillong, PGIMER, Chandigarh, JIPMER, Puducherry and AIIMS Delhi (existing AIIMSs) and new AIIMSs under PMSSY) for repurposing 6,688 beds for COVID 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 INSACOG Secretariat support. Support would be provided for the implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) in all the District Hospitals of the Country (presently, it is implemented only in 310 DHs). All district hospitals would implement HMIS through NIC developed E-Hospital and CDAC developed E-Shushrutsoftwares. This will be the biggest impetus for the implementation of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) at the DHs. This support includes the support provided to the District Hospitals towards augmentation of the hardware capacity. Support would also be provided for expanding the National Architecture of eSanjeevani Tele-consultation platform to provide up to 5 lakhs teleconsultations per day from the present 50,000 Tele-consultations per day. This includes support to the States/UTs to enable teleconsultations with the COVID patients at the COVID Care Centres (CCCs) by strengthening Hubs for eSanjeevani Teleconsultation in all the districts of the country. Support would also be provided for IT interventions, including strengthening the Central War room at DoHFW, strengthening Countrys COVID-19 Portal, 1075 COVID helplines and COWIN platform. Under the CSS components, the efforts are aimed at strengthening district and sub district capacity for an effective and rapid response to the pandemic. States/UTs would be supported to: Create paediatric units in all 736 districts and also, establish Paediatric Centre of Excellence (PaediatricCoE) in each State/UT, (either in Medical Colleges, State Govt. Hospitals or Central Hospitals such as AIIMS, INIs, etc) for providing Tele-ICU services, mentoring and technical hand-holding to the District Paediatric units. Augment 20,000 ICU beds in public healthcare system out of which 20 per cent will be paediatric ICU beds. 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. Install 1050 numbers of liquid medical oxygen storage tanks with Medical Gas Pipeline System (MGPS), with an aim to support at least one such unit per district. Augment the existing feet of ambulances - 8,800 ambulances will be added under the package. Engage Undergraduate and postgraduate medical interns and final year MMBS, BSc, & GNM nursing students for effective COVID management. As Test, Isolate and Treat and following-up COVID Appropriate Behaviour at all the times, is the national strategy for effective COVID-19, support is provided to the States to maintain at least 21.5 lakhs per day. Flexible support to the districts for meeting the requirement of essential medicines for COVID-19 management, including creation of buffer stock. "India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project: Phase-II" would be implemented at a total cost of 23,123 Crore, till March 31, 2022 with central and state share as under: Central Share of the ECRP-II Rs 15,000 crore State Share of the ECRP-II Rs 8,123 crore With the focus on immediate needs for the next nine months of FY 21-22, to provide support to Central government hospitals/agencies and to State/UT Governments to augment their existing response to the second wave and the evolving pandemic, including at district and sub-district levels in peripheral facilities. According to Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, media is an important stakeholder in creating an enabling environment for covid appropriate behaviour and for vaccination in the North Eastern states Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) in partnership with UNICEF, held a capacity building workshop for media professionals and health correspondents of North Eastern States on the current COVID situation in India, the need to bust myths about COVID vaccines and vaccination, and reinforce the importance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB). Media professionals and health correspondents of North Eastern States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura participated in the workshop virtually. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry addressed the workshop, which was attended by more than 130 health journalists and senior officials of DD News, All India Radio, Press Information Bureau (PIB) of these states. Agarwal, in his opening remark, commended media professionals for their sustained efforts in the collective fight against COVID-19. He said that media persons are major influencers of society as they can encourage people to vaccinate and follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour. He acknowledged that the media plays a constructive role in overcoming vaccine hesitancy by busting myths and fake news that is widely shared on social media platforms. Highlighting Indias COVID-19 management strategy, he said that there are three important components of the fight against covid i.e community ownership of covid appropriate behaviour, evidence-based reporting and busting myths on covid and vaccination. Agarwal while giving a brief snapshot of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in North East India said that 80 per cent of new cases in India reported from 90 districts and 14 out of 90 districts are from North-Eastern states. Highlighting specific challenges linked to the North Eastern States, he added that the Government of India has supported North Eastern States by following a proactive, pre-emptive, graded approach for fighting the COVID pandemic. He also shared the details of active cases and the status of vaccination drives in the North-Eastern states. Acknowledging the media as an important stakeholder in creating an enabling environment for vaccination by busting myths, fears and apprehensions surrounding COVID vaccination, he added that more than 36.48 crore vaccine doses have been administered in the country to date. He urged media persons to create a Jan Andolan (Public Movement) by applauding community warriors as role- models. Besides various reasons for vaccine hesitancy, which may be local and could vary for different community groups, the workshop highlighted Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI), its management, and the best practices while reporting on AEFI. Various queries of the media persons were also addressed during the workshop. Senior officials of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of I&B, UNICEF, DD News, PIB, AIR News and health journalists from across the country participated in the national workshop. At just 14 years old, Rabia Ghoor started a makeup brand in her bedroom in Pretoria. With just two products, an Instagram page and the teen entrepreneur's determination to launch an innovative digital makeup brand, Swiitch Beauty was born. Rabia Ghoor, Swiitch Beauty founder. Source: Supplied Swiitch community Source: Supplied You started Swiitch Beauty at just 14 years old. What inspired the idea? What were the first few years of running your business like? Source: Supplied To what/whom do you owe your entrepreneurial spirit? You dropped out of high school when the Swiitch business demanded more of your attention. Looking back on your decision, do you have any regrets? How has the Swiitch business grown since its humble beginnings six years ago? Source: Supplied The Swiitch social media community seems to be utterly smitten with the brand. How have you gone about cultivating such an engaged audience? Youve added quite a bit of skincare products to the Swiitch lineup in recent years. What inspired the expansion into this category? Swiitch often involves its online community in the product development process. Can you speak about the benefits of this approach? You recently started selling your products in physical stores such as Egg in Cavendish. As the founder of a digital native brand, what value do you see in physical retail? Egg aims to disrupt SA retail's status quo "The world is not as it was, and neither is retail. A new approach was needed that challenged the status quo and offered a way for local brands to be seen and bring excitement back to shopping malls..." What have been some of the highlights of your Swiitch journey so far? What is your ultimate vision for Swiitch Beauty, and whats next for the brand? Six years later and those two makeup products have expanded to 14, spanning cosmetics and skincare, and that Instagram page has attracted over 100,000 doting Swiitch followers. The online beauty store has also since expanded into physical retail, selling its wares at multibrand retail concept Egg in Cavendish Square Throughout her business's product development journey, Ghoor has leaned into the engaged online community of 'Swiitch babes' to crowdsource ideas and feedback from the very people who will be using the products.As a makeup enthusiast from a young age, it was important for Ghoor to create products that she wanted to use herself. "I guess most makeup thats made isnt made by the user, that's what makes Swiitch special," she says.Ghoor's vision was to build an accessible and desirable beauty brand with products that didn't break the bank but also delivered on their promises. Her efforts seem to have paid off, with Swiitch blooming into one of South Africa's most popular beauty brands, and the entrepreneur recently claiming the coveted Forbes Woman Africa Young Achiever award at just 21 years old.Here, Ghoor fills us in on her journey developing SA's very own cult beauty brand.As a young makeup user and skincare enthusiast, I saw a gap in the South African market for a local beauty brand harnessing the power of social media to connect with its consumer and so Swiitch was born.Looking back it was absolutely shambolic for me to have been in business at such a young age, but if youd have asked me then I wouldve told you I was having the ride of my life.The first few years were intense and I always thought it had something to do with my age but the older I get the more I realise that life is just intense and age is just a number. Its still intense, I suppose you just get better at adjusting your frequency.Definitely my father; he is the greatest tradesman I know. Also a high school dropout, hes had many failed businesses ventures and as a result, developed an incredibly thick skin, shrewd business acumen and unbelievable confidence.Absolutely zero regrets, everything Ive ever wanted to learn since Ive gone out and learned in practice. Also, dont underestimate the power of the internet in teaching yourself things it really is our generation's greatest resource.Weve gotten better, and faster at everything operationally and thats happened organically through practice. There is still so much to improve on and team Swiitch is learning every day.I think by treating social media as more of a communication tool and less of a marketing tool. People come onto Instagram to be engaged, spoken with and listened to not to be sold stuff.Ive noticed a dramatic shift in focus within the beauty community where users are more concerned with taking care of their skin and much less concerned with covering it up. Ive adjusted our product development strategy accordingly.Anytime we're working on anything, we're working on it with the people who are going to end up using it, making it the most effective, valuable version of itself.Egg is really pioneering experiential retail in South Africa making them the ideal partner for us. Consumers want so much more than to walk into a store, pay for things and walk out. Egg is offering them a personalised, curated and wholesome experience and we arein for that chat.I know it sounds cheesy but on a daily basis, I feel so overwhelmed by the love, loyalty and dedication we have been shown by our online community. The people on the internet really want to see Swiitch thrive and it shows.The girls at the Swiitch office show me and Swiitch that exact same love, loyalty and dedication and I couldnt be prouder to work alongside them.Id like to continue (with the help of our community) making things that do what they say theyre going to do. Weve got some very exciting product launches lined up for August so keep your eyes peeled! :) TOWANDA, Pa. (AP) A Pennsylvania county prosecutor who pleaded guilty to pressuring clients for sex when he was a defense attorney was sentenced Friday to 18 months to 5 years in prison. A judge in Bradford County imposed the sentence on former District Attorney Chad M. Salsman, who had emphatically denied the allegations before pleading guilty in May to witness intimidation, promoting prostitution and obstruction of justice. A message seeking comment was left for his defense attorney. Salsman, 44, a resident of Wyalusing, was charged in February with sexually assaulting women who were his clients in criminal and child custody cases. Sexual assault charges and other counts were dropped as part of a guilty plea agreement. A Republican, he was elected district attorney in November 2019. His accusers told a grand jury he groped them, sought nude photos and pressured or forced them into sexual acts, sometimes on his office desk. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat whose office charged and prosecuted Salsman, said Salsman coerced vulnerable Pennsylvanians because he thought his victims would be easy to silence and less likely to be believed if they ever came forward. Shapiro said Salsman has been taken out of his position of authority where he can no longer hurt women. After Salsman was first charged, he emailed a statement from his Bradford County government address calling the charges vicious lies and pledging to vigorously defend himself against what he called false allegations. A judge appointed Albert Ondrey to serve as Bradford's district attorney in May. Salsman was also sentenced to six years of supervision upon his release. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 814-368-3173 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. MONTREAL - Quebec will impose a vaccine-passport system in September in areas where COVID-19 outbreaks occur, requiring people to prove they are vaccinated to enter places such as gyms and bars, Health Minister Christian Dube said Thursday. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube responds to a question during a news conference in Montreal on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Quebec is reporting 64 new cases of COVID-19 today, as Health Minister Christian Dube is expected to announce the province's plans around so-called "vaccine passports." THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson MONTREAL - Quebec will impose a vaccine-passport system in September in areas where COVID-19 outbreaks occur, requiring people to prove they are vaccinated to enter places such as gyms and bars, Health Minister Christian Dube said Thursday. The system will apply for specific periods of time in parts of Quebec where COVID-19 transmission is high, Dube told reporters, adding that proof of vaccination will be required only to access non-essential services. "The vaccination passport will be used if, and only if, the transmission or outbreaks justify it in a sector or in a territory," he said. "To be clear, the vaccination passport will not be used for access to public or essential services. Dube said the proposed health order will allow the government to avoid imposing fresh lockdowns if cases begin to rise in the colder months, and he said it would permit businesses to operate despite having COVID-19 outbreaks. "Its an extra tool in our management of cases and contacts," he said. "We found an alternative to a generalized lockdown." In a news release Thursday, the Health Department didn't provide a concrete list of places where the vaccine passport will be required, but it suggested it could be used at bars, gyms, restaurants, sporting events and festivals. Should an outbreak at a gym occur, Dube said as an example, "we're not closing the gym, we're saying that for a period, only the people that have a double dose can go to the gym. It's a risk-management approach." The government is waiting until September to impose the passport system because everyone over 12 should have been able to receive two COVID-19 vaccine doses by then, Dube said. They system will apply to Quebec residents and to visitors. Details of how private businesses will be expected to verify proof of vaccination and how the state will manage an exemption system for people who can't receive a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons still have to be worked out, Dube said. Vardit Ravitsky, a bioethicist who teaches at Universite de Montreal and Harvard Medical School, said she thinks announcing the plan early was a good move and will encourage people to get vaccinated something she said could prevent the passport's use entirely. It's the right approach, she said in an interview Thursday, to require proof of vaccination for specific locations and to lift the health order when an outbreak is over. "This is such a targeted, such a finely nuanced proposition that it really takes care of all the worries that we sometimes have about discrimination, because it's not meant to punish those who are not vaccinated, it's not meant to create barriers for anyone, it's just meant to keep as much of society open and functional around eruptions of the virus," she said. "It's meant to protect the health-care system while protecting our economy." She said it's reasonable to prevent someone who chose not to get vaccinated from visiting a bar for a specific period of time. "The limitations that they will face will be so minor, that I think for the common good, it's a very reasonable, proportional idea." Cara Zwibel, director of the fundamental freedoms program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, said more detail is needed about how the passport system will work. "When they say we're not going to use this until it becomes necessary, I think we need to know in advance what necessary looks like," she said in an interview Thursday. "We need a clear threshold that says this is when this is a measure that's going to be appropriate." She said she also has concerns about how the private health data will be stored. "What happens to that information? Who holds it? And what kind of restrictions are put on its use and sharing? How secure is it?" The Health Department said 113,084 doses of vaccine were administered Wednesday, and Quebecs public health institute said 42.7 per cent of residents over 12 are considered adequately vaccinated. Quebec reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and 10 more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus, nine of which occurred before July 1. Health officials said COVID-19-related hospitalizations dropped by two, to 101, and 23 people were in intensive care, a drop of two. Montreal reported 25 new COVID-19 cases while no other region in the province had more than 19 new cases. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. Manitobas government announced on Thursday its intention to raise Manitoba Hydro rates by 2.5 per cent per year over the next three years. Advertisement Advertise With Us Manitobas government announced on Thursday its intention to raise Manitoba Hydro rates by 2.5 per cent per year over the next three years. Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton and Finance Minister Scott Fielding told the media during a joint conference call that their government will introduce legislative amendments to Bill 34 to make those rate increases a reality during the fall legislative session. Bill 35 was introduced in the last legislative session, but the Manitoba NDP used their power as the Official Opposition to delay passage of the bill until the fall. The bill was created in response to the Wall Report into multibillion-dollar cost overruns at major Manitoba Hydro projects during the tenure of Manitobas previous government. If passed, it would change how the Public Utilities Board sets rates for utilities and oversees future major projects. Rates would be set for multi-year terms under the bill. As the bill is implemented, the provincial government would step in to set rates as the PUB prepares for the changes. "This means that Manitoba households and businesses will have stability and certainly as our economy recovers from the COVID-19," Wharton said of the increases. "Todays announcement balances the needs for Manitoba Hydros to repay their massive debts created by the former governments reckless mismanagement and keeps our electricity rates among the lowest in North America." Last week, Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Jay Grewal told a legislative standing committee that the Crown corporation was looking for 3.5 per cent increases over the next three years. The lessened amount, Wharton and Fielding said, is a compromise between what Hydro was asking for and what Manitobans can afford as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. "We think its an appropriate balance between protecting ratepayers and paying for past mistakes by the former NDP government," Fielding said. "It provides predictability, it provides stability for residents as well as business users. Its going to be voted (on) by all members of the legislature through Bill 35, which we think is important." Scott Fielding According to Wharton, the rate increases will save Manitobans a total of $40 million that would otherwise have been spent on rate increases while amounting to a price increase of $35 per ratepayer. Additionally, he said these three years of rate increases represent the lowest such increases in 10 years. The ministers were asked if their government could also be accused of interfering with Manitoba Hydro as they have accused the NDP of having done, setting rates without the PUB and not having applied for a general rate application since 2016. In response, Fielding reiterated his comments about seeking a balance with the announced rate increases. Speaking to the Sun by phone Thursday afternoon, the NDPs critic for Manitoba Hydro, Adrien Sala, said it was disappointing the government is raising electricity rates without an independent review from the Public Utilities Board. "Thats hugely concerning for a lot of Manitoban families who are facing major affordability challenges right now," he said. "Costs are going up, costs of rent, costs of food and so families on fixed incomes and seniors who are facing these challenges now have a situation where their own provincial government is piling on and creating more and more challenges for them to face. Obviously, this isnt a time to be creating more economic uncertainty for Manitoban families." Sala believes that the rates being changed by cabinet twice in a year instead of by the PUB means that Manitobans will never know if the rate increases being implemented by the government were justified. "Bill 35 will ensure that they (the government) will interfere in perpetuity," he said. "This is a really concerning bill thats going to be passed this upcoming fall ... it will all but ensure that Manitobans will be guaranteed to overpay for electricity on a regular basis. In a statement emailed to members of the media, Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont called the announcement "a blatant declaration of corruption." "The PCs are abusing their power and putting Hydros financial future at risk by fixing prices in the hope of buying some political popularity," Lamont stated. "Hydros rates should be set by the PUB after public hearings, not figured out on the back of a napkin in the premiers office." cslark@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ColinSlark COQUITLAM, B.C. - The federal government has reached a deal with British Columbia, the first in the Trudeau Liberals bid to build a national daycare system, and a move longtime advocates marked as "very good news" for families and the economy. 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 COQUITLAM, B.C. - The federal government has reached a deal with British Columbia, the first in the Trudeau Liberals bid to build a national daycare system, and a move longtime advocates marked as "very good news" for families and the economy. The deal aims to create 30,000 new spaces in B.C. in the next five years, with average fees for regulated spaces cut in half to $21 per day by the end of 2022 and hitting $10 per day in for children under six by 2027. Funding is also being targeted at low-income, Indigenous, Black and newcomer families. In making the announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the pandemic has laid bare that it is practically impossible for parents, especially mothers, to build a career without good child care. "Hard-working families deserve better and our economy deserves better as well," he said. "This is exactly what a feminist recovery looks like." The province is the first to sign on to the Liberal offer laid out in April's federal budget, which pledged $27.2 billion over five years in new spending that the government aims to send to provinces to subsidize daycares. The text of the agreement, posted Thursday to a provincial website, shows the per capita funding model the Liberals are using will see B.C. receive about $350 million this year, rising to $910 million in the last year of the deal. Child-care advocates had viewed the first deal on the national system as the benchmark for others. Advocates are now casting their eyes out east, such as Atlantic Canada, for another deal in the coming weeks. "The federal government is speaking to all the provinces and territories," said Morna Ballantyne, executive director of the group Child Care Now, "and everything that we have heard is that nobody is staying away." The NDP government in B.C. began a $10-a-day daycare pilot program after being elected in 2017 and pledged during last fall's election campaign to expand the program provincewide. The new agreement requires the province to have created at least 12,500, $10-a-day spaces by the end of next year. Horgan said the province had heard calls for affordable child care not only from advocates and parents, but also from business councils and chambers of commerce. "They recognize of course because our society is made up of families, that if were going to have full participation (in the economy) as we come out of the pandemic, we need everybody in place," Horgan said. Lynell Anderson, a child-care researcher and analyst, said economists widely agree that affordable child-care systems pay for themselves in the near term and offer long-term benefits. Families that have participated in B.C.'s pilot program have described it as "life changing," she said. Rates in B.C. vary depending on where you live, but it's not uncommon to pay $1,200 a month for toddler care or $800 a month for kids ages three to five, said Sharon Gregson, who works with Anderson at the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. Cutting average child-care prices in half by the end of next year would be significant, Gregson said, adding that it is important that the transition to lower fees occurs quickly. The deal also calls for expanding public and not-for-profit daycare spaces and boosting workers' wages needed to attract and retain good people to help with early childhood development. "These two points are crucial in helping to ensure high-quality care," said Andrew Bevan, a former chief of staff to former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne who has written about child care. "It matters who is operating child care, and the workforce really matters." Trudeau faced broadsides from his political opponents. Conservative critic Corey Tochor decried the Liberals' "'Ottawa knows best' approach" and suggested his party would rethink daycare plans to give Canadians the "freedom to choose the child-care option that is right for them." The federal NDP argued signs the prime minister is readying for an election undermine his government's stated priority of helping parents. After the news conference, Trudeau made a campaign-style stop at White Spot restaurant to pick up lunch, bump elbows and pose for selfies with surprised patrons. His stop in B.C. follows visits to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Alberta and Saskatchewan. The hints of an election are why Ballantyne and other advocates plan to ask federal parties to honour any child-care agreements and resume negotiations for others regardless of an election outcome in a nod to the move away from a national system after the Conservatives came to power in 2006. "I'm chastened by that history, but I'm really convinced the public landscape has shifted and we understand the gender equality consequences of investments in child care ... and the economic consequences," said Kate Bezanson, associate dean of social sciences at Brock University. "It's a triple word score it's good for kids, it's good for families and it's good for the economy." 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 also had an afternoon meeting scheduledwith the mayor of Lytton and Indigenous leaders from the Fraser Canyon community to discuss recovery from a wildfire that destroyed the village last week. - By Amy Smart in Vancouver with files from Jordan Press in Ottawa This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021. VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government is being urged not to appeal a landmark court ruling halting new industrial development that doesn't first have the approval of a First Nation whose territory has long been the focus of resource development. The Site C Dam location is seen along the Peace River in Fort St. John, B.C., on April 18, 2017. The chief of a B.C. First Nation that won a landmark court case called on the provincial government to respect the decision ordering the province to stop authorizing industrial developments on the nation's territory. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward VANCOUVER - The British Columbia government is being urged not to appeal a landmark court ruling halting new industrial development that doesn't first have the approval of a First Nation whose territory has long been the focus of resource development. Chief Marvin Yahey of the Blueberry River First Nation, located in northeastern B.C., said industrial development without regard for the nation's treaty rights has been going on for decades. "This confirmation from the court proves that our treaty has not been honoured," he said at a news conference held outside the B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday. "There is a lot of work to do. We will not accept anything less than full enforcement of our rights as recognized by the courts." The B.C. Supreme Court found the provincial government breached the Treaty 8 agreement signed with the nation more than 120 years ago because it allowed development such as forestry and natural gas extraction without the community's approval. It found the province failed its treaty promise to maintain the nation's rights to hunt, fish and trap without interference. "For at least a decade, the province has had notice of Blueberrys concerns about the cumulative effects of industrial development on the exercise of its treaty rights," Justice Emily Burke wrote in her ruling issued last week. "The province failed to respond in a manner that upholds the honour of the Crown and implements the promises contained in Treaty 8." Burke said the rights, obligations and promises made in the treaty must be respected, upheld and implemented. The ruling said that while not one single project has had a devastating effect on the community, the cumulative effect of a series of projects has limited their ability to maintain their treaty rights. Two hydroelectric dams currently operate in the nation's territory, and the controversial Site C dam project is under construction on the Peace River. A spokeswoman for B.C.'s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation said in a statement that it is reviewing the ruling, and will be reaching out to the First Nation to discuss the next steps. The Ministry of the Attorney General directed questions to the Indigenous Relations Ministry, and did not comment on whether the government would appeal the ruling. Maegen Giltrow, the lawyer who represented the First Nation in court, said the case is precedent-setting and vindicates the belief the community had when it attempted to negotiate with the government in the past. "The way of life that was negotiated, the balance that was negotiated in the treaty cannot be stolen," she said. If the provincial government was truly committed to reconciliation, it would not appeal the B.C. Supreme Court ruling, Yahey added. The trial heard that over 84 per cent of Blueberry territory is within 500 metres of an industrial disturbance. Yahey said while they aren't anti-development, they want to be consulted. "We are not against industry, if this is done right there's plenty of work for everyone," he said, adding that he wants to sit down with the province and have them hear their concerns. A 2016 report published by the David Suzuki Foundation and Ecotrust Canada found that more than 110,000 linear kilometres of roads, pipelines and transmission and seismic lines had been cut across less than 40,000 square kilometres of Blueberry River territory. Other representatives of Treaty 8 nations in attendance at the news conference spoke of the future impact the case could have. "What this case means to our people is preservation of the connection to our land," said Chief Trevor Makadahay, from the Doig River First Nation. Chief Roland Willson, of the West Moberly First Nations, said Blueberry River's win gives him hope for his nation's ongoing legal battle against the provincial government over the Site C dam. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version misspelled Chief Marvin Yahey's last name. COQUITLAM, B.C. - British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he will lobby Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deploy Canada's military to help clear fire danger zones to prevent future wildfires. A motorist watches from a pullout on the Trans-Canada Highway as a wildfire burns on the side of a mountain in Lytton, B.C., Thursday, July 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck COQUITLAM, B.C. - British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he will lobby Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deploy Canada's military to help clear fire danger zones to prevent future wildfires. Trudeau and Horgan met Thursday with local government and First Nations leaders to discuss the recent wildfire devastation in the village of Lytton and the ongoing extreme fire situation across the province. Horgan said B.C. is experienced and accustomed to dealing with wildfires during the summer months, but massive, destructive fires over recent years now demand governments look at new approaches to prevent and fight fires. "The intensity and frequency of fires has been unprecedented in the last five years," said Horgan, referring to the consecutive record wildfire years in 2017 and 2018 and the early, concerning start to the current season. "This speaks to me and the government of B.C. as a critical time to pivot to find new and innovative ways to do the work that we do," he said. "We need to find better ways to prepare. That means not just deploying our resources when the fires start, but when the fires stop." During questioning after a news conference with Trudeau about child-care funding, Horgan said the military could be called upon to serve in a larger prevention role by clearing forest debris to reduce fuel before fires start. "We're hopeful we can find new ways to redeploy military resources, the Armed Forces of Canada, to help with fuel management, because if there's no fuel, it's easier to manage the fires." Trudeau said the federal government's primary concerns are currently focused on supporting the residents of Lytton, but future methods of fire prevention must be considered. "We need to be thinking about stronger processes to put in place and better things to respond to, but right now we're still very much in the support for grieving families, for the people who've lost so much." A wildfire raced through Lytton last week, leaving residents minutes to get out. Two people were killed and several others were injured. An investigation is underway for the cause of the fire, but the BC Wildfire Service says human activity likely set it off. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan established earlier this month a military forward operation wildfire location in Edmonton, with one Hercules aircraft, two Chinook helicopters and 350 troops. A National Defence spokesman said Thursday the military was deployed to support B.C. wildfire efforts on July 4. "Canadian Armed Forces assets are positioned to provide airlift to transport personnel and equipment into and out of areas affected by fires and provide emergency airlift for evacuation purposes, if required,'" said Daniel Le Bouthillier, chief media spokesman, in a statement. He said highly trained military personnel are ready to assist and support civilian authorities during crisis situations in Canada when asked by the federal government. Trudeau said he will tell Lytton's municipal and Indigenous leaders that the federal government is there to help. "Help in rebuilding and help in supports for families who have lost so much, families who are grieving," he said. "To be there with our provincial friends and partners to be there with Canadians across the country who want to be helpful, who want to support families who are going through incredibly difficult times." Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman left the meeting saying he received a promise to help the community. "They made a commitment to rebuilding the town of Lytton," said Polderman. "The commitment I've heard is one thing, the followup is another." There are more than 200 active fires burning across the province, of which 15 are classified as highly visible or potentially threatening, including the blaze that destroyed Lytton last week and a 392-square-kilometre fire northwest of Kamloops. Taylor Colman, a B.C. fire information officer, said rain showers over the province's Interior regions Wednesday night helped firefighters establish better guard areas around several fires and cooler temperatures forecast for next week will also aid their efforts. -- By Dirk Meissner in Victoria This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021. NEEPAWA There arent many options for building small houses in Westman, but that doesnt mean the movement is bypassing the region. NEEPAWA There arent many options for building small houses in Westman, but that doesnt mean the movement is bypassing the region. Some municipalities are investigating the trend, and at least one is poised to welcome its first pocket neighbourhood of small houses in the coming months. Siblings Zach and Rachel Choboter are seen with the cargo van theyre living in this summer as part of a cross-country trip from the west to east coasts. (Submitted) In Neepawa, This N That Mfg. Ltd. has built three small park-model buildings under the roof of a quonset, two of which production manager Rob Moman offered the Sun a tour of last week. The initial prototype has since relocated to Portage la Prairie, but two completed buildings one 528 square feet and one 428 square feet in size offer insight into the small house movement. "I think tiny living like this, for me, is something where you keep your life simple," Moman said while touring the larger of the two buildings. "Theres very little clutter, and yet with 528 square feet you literally have space to do all that large home living does." Despite its minimal size, he said the building "feels like home," with all of its appliances and components full-sized. "Going tiny doesnt mean you give up on your comfort-high toilet and your custom shower." Although residing in the building as a full-time home is easy to imagine, these models are meant for seasonal living on campgrounds, which their building code certification of CSA Z241 limits them to. That said, Moman clarified theyve considered broadening their scope to include the construction of year-round houses and are always receptive to pursuing special customized projects. Shifting from the park-model builds theyre currently constructing to single-family detached homes wouldnt be too great a stretch, he said, and would require a handful of building code requirements such as increasing the value of insulation. "Were not far away if we want to use it for a cabin or a four-season house," he said. "Its not a big leap for us." Complicating matters are municipal requirements that prevent small homes from being installed on regular lots. In Neepawa, for example where the park-model buildings are being constructed theres a minimum main-floor square footage requirement of 800 square feet for single-family detached houses. MUNICIPAL BARRIERS This N That Mfg. Ltd. production manager Rob Moman is seen in front of a 528-square-foot park-model structure the company built in Neepawa for use in a campground. See story on Page 2. (Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun) Neepawas requirement that new single-family residential builds be at least 800 square feet on the main floor came up earlier this year, when Neepawa Town Council unanimously rejected a variance request. According to the March 26 edition of the Neepawa Banner & Press, an applicant had gone to council to request permission to build a two-storey house approximately 540 square feet on the main floor and another 540 on the second. At the time, the newspapers publisher, Ken Waddell, injected his opinion into the story, writing that council had made a mistake in rejecting the variance application. "The proposed house had no objections from neighbours, would have been a big improvement and would have generated more taxes," he wrote. As of last week, Neepawa Mayor Blake McCutcheon said the 800-square-foot minimum requirement remained in place, and that it was established a few years ago around the time the current council first took over. "We tried to pick a number," he said. "We didnt want to end up with a 400-square-foot house we just tried to pick a number we thought was reasonable and still looked good on a street, and 800 is not bad. If you put a full basement under it, that still gives you 1,600 square feet." The Town of Neepawa is far from alone, with various Westman municipalities reporting similar minimum requirements related to square footage. In the Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain, it varies, but is 600 square feet for single-family detached houses within Killarney. The minimum is also 600 square feet in Riverdale Municipality and the Municipality of Two Borders. In the City of Brandon, its 78 square metres, or approximately 840 square feet, while the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton has a 1,000-square-foot requirement. "Were currently in the process of going through our development plan," said Kara Paradis, assistant administrator for the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton. "Were looking into the future needs of things like that and we might see some changes down the road." MUNICIPAL CONSIDERATION The fact the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton carries the most stringent square-foot requirement for new single-family residential builds is very much on the mind of Head of Council Judy Swanson. "We understand times of change, so we have it up for review and will hopefully be dealing with it this summer or this fall," she said. "Times have changed since it was brought in, so it was time for a review." Minimum size requirements such as these came about during a time in which municipalities sought greater homogeneity on its residential streets, she said, adding "those days are gone." A side view of a 428-square-foot park-model building Neepawa-based This N That Mfg. Ltd. built for use in a campground. (Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun) "We have to look at what people need today for housing and how can we accommodate housing today." In the Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain, planning officer Jesse Hansen said he anticipates seeing residential build requirements coming up for review soon, particular as it relates to a push for smaller homes. "Youre really going to see this being pushed and the envelope being pushed because I think that its trending to go that way," he said. "Youre going to see this get really, really popular, and its going to be interesting to see how people interpret it on this level because its a municipal jurisdiction. Its really going to be different across the board so its going to be interesting to see who does it right and who are going to be the first ones to open it up." Theres much to consider, including things such as building codes and neighbourhood buy-in, with Hansen noting smaller homes tend to be greeted by neighbourhood concerns regarding property devaluation. Rather than have people build small homes on regular-sized municipal lots, its more likely municipalities allow for the development of intentional neighbourhoods. So described City of Brandon director of planning and buildings Ryan Nickel, who contended building a small house on a regular lot "wouldnt make sense on a return of investment." "Generally, people make money based on square footage, so why would you build a tiny home on a really deep lot that youre not using the land?" he asked. "Ive never had anyone looking to do that. To build tiny homes, you need a development set up for that where youre purposefully set up so theyre smaller lots or its a cottage cluster where youre parking off site and people can walk to their homes." This, he added, is exactly whats taking place at 235 Glen Ave. in Brandon, where the first units for the citys first-ever pocket neighbourhood will begin arriving later this year. Pocket neighbourhood Glendale Mobile Homes Park has been cleared by the City of Brandon to open up a "cottage cluster" of small housing, which theyre advertising as a pocket neighbourhood. The development will consist of 21 homes ranging in size from 500 to 900 square feet, including 10 one-bedroom houses 500 square feet in size. The smaller units will have a central parking area residents can use in lieu of individual driveways. A walking path will connect the parking area with all units, which will start in price at approximately $125,000, plus lot fees. The first few show units will arrive later this year, and park manager Arlene Johnston said each unit will include a porch, storage shed and will be energy-efficient and well-insulated. "I think its going to be a really neat neighbourhood," she said. "Most of us probably have more space than we really need. For some people, this is going to be ideal for downsizing or just having a place to hang your hat and youre not putting all your money toward housing." THE TINY LIFESTYLE Last week, B.C. siblings Zach and Rachel Choboter stopped in Brandon with a cargo van renovated to accommodate a small kitchenette, bed and storage area underneath. Although they were living in the van during their cross-country trip raising funds for their Blading for Bees effort for which Zach was rollerblading across Canada to raise awareness and funds for sustainable living causes Zach planned to continue living in the van upon his return back home to Whistler. This type of lifestyle is more common on the West Coast than it is in the Prairies, he said. "I know a lot of the time people assume when you see someone living in a van, they assume that they dont really have a job or anything," said Zach, a carpenter by trade. "I know people who are teachers and engineers, and a friend whos an architect professional people, and they seem to live in these van conversions and have what they need." Upon his return home, Zach said he plans on doing additional conversions to free up more space in the van, as well as purchase a compost toilet. Even for van living, he said this is extreme minimalism and that larger models tend to include the same style of toilet typically found in recreational vehicles. Its a bit of an adjustment at first, but he added, "Once you get into it, its super fun." Solar panels will create the power he needs to sustain his lifestyle, and Zach said with very little space to heat and fill with items theres an environmental bend to tiny living. Affordability and ease of life is a similar benefit, Moman said, noting his 428-square-foot park-model units start at $87,500 and the well-insulated units are inexpensive to heat during the winters. As for a similar trend toward tiny homes those as small as approximately 100 square feet and typically built on trailers he said there isnt really a Canadian standard for them yet. When it comes to tiny living and all its forms, as long as the structure adheres to national and provincial building codes, it will very much come down to what individual municipalities allow, which always remains in flux. Although zoning bylaws are constantly up for review, Swanson said residents can always apply for a variance and that all builds are treated on a case-by-case basis through this application process. "Boissevain is open for housing, so we would look at whatever we need to look at to accommodate people in our community." tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB The execution of a search warrant by the Taney County Sheriffs Office on Friday, July 2, in Merriam Woods resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of a firearm, meth, fentanyl, prescription medications and cash. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts and Pats is the place to do it. Loading We dont know if we can survive for much longer. At the moment we survive month by month, she said. Weve been in this business almost 30 years but never seen it happen like this. If the government helped us we might survive. From the beginning, we had no customers. Then we built up to have regular customers and COVID came and everything changed. My heart is set on this shop. Shop owners said police had been patrolling the streets of Sydneys south-west to ensure people were complying with the stay-at-home orders as part of a major operation launched on Friday morning. Mounted units, traffic and highway patrol and helicopters were deployed in the operation. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the crackdown was necessary because of acute concerns about very high virus transmission rates between households in the large region spanning three local government areas. He welcomed the communitys response to the warnings about the spread of the highly contagious Delta strain and said compliance with the public health orders appeared very high on Friday. We are seeing less people moving around in the community in the south-western suburbs. We are seeing significantly less people gathering in ... shopping centres, malls, business districts. And the interactions with the community so far have been excellent, Mr Lanyon told the Herald. NSW Mounted Police patrol the streets of Fairfield during the lockdown. Credit:Kate Geraghty Were absolutely welcoming and thanking the community for their initial support. That type of compliance is absolutely vital to ensuring we can stop the spread of the virus. Between 7am and 3.30pm, officers issued eight fines and 51 warnings in the citys south-west and conducted 87 business inspections. No one was arrested or charged. The announcement of the operation targeting the area was immediately met with concerns about unfair attention on local communities that are more diverse and less affluent than elsewhere in Sydney. Greens MPs and lawyers labelled the operation over-policing of vulnerable communities, calling instead for improved communication and support to increase compliance with public health orders. NSW Mounted Police patrol the streets of Fairfield. Credit:Kate Geraghty All communities need equal access to health information, resources and support to get through this difficult time. Increasing penalties to lower economic areas is not the answer, Redfern Legal Centre solicitor Samantha Lee said. Opposition police spokesman Walt Secord blamed the state government for poor communication on the stay-at-home order and said police had a tough job. The NSW Police are the meat in the sandwich due to the poorly communicated health orders, he said. Police noted that multicultural liaison officers have been working in south-west Sydney to boost compliance and information on the public health orders had been made available in 60 languages. This is not picking on any particular race or ethnicity or religion. This is really focusing to make sure we get compliance in that south-west metropolitan area, simply because of the areas of concern, Mr Lanyon said. He said similar operations involving extra police resources, including mounted units, had been launched in the northern beaches and eastern beaches in response to outbreaks in the areas. He said south-west Sydney was also a very large area and needed more personnel to police. Mr Lanyon said that police had also not taken their eye off the ball in other parts of Sydney as there were other areas of concern and the entire city was under lockdown conditions. Authorities are particularly concerned about the spread of the virus further south into the Hurstville area. City of Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Khal Asfour said he was not against police enforcing the public health order, but he did oppose the language that had been used. [NSW Police] say we are all in this together, but my community feels the tough talk only refers to them, he said. This issue is not just an issue in south-west Sydney, there appears to be complacency across the entire metropolitan area ... Our community is no different to any other when it comes to following health advice. He urged the community to stay at home unless it was essential to go out and to follow the health advice. I have family and relatives that I would like to visit, in fact my mother is currently in hospital and my father is at home and I cant visit either, he said. Franks Lebanese Restaurant owner Frank Abdo says is determined to say open throughout the lockdown if he can. Credit:Kate Geraghty Franks Lebanese Restaurant owner Frank Abdo said he had seen a 60 to 70 per cent reduction in his Fairfield business since lockdown, but is determined to stay open. He said most people in the area would do daily grocery shopping, often seeing friends along the way. But during the past two days, the streets have been significantly quieter. In all these areas, people sit down at night and walk in Fairfield. That is why police are cracking down, he said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In Iran, people are shot or tortured for the simple act of protesting. But this, a desperate and despairing father says, is nothing compared with the trauma he has suffered while detained by the Australian government. Amin Afravi has no privacy. No freedom. He says he is treated like a five-year-old. It is, he says, an animals life. And back home, he has a son unable to recognise his father. In 2013, Afravi had two options. Torture and possible death under the Iranian regime, or travel through Indonesia for a treacherous journey on a wooden boat to Australia. He would eventually leave behind his family in Ahvaz. Advertisement He would bid farewell to the rubble of Iran. The freedom fighters. The death. And open his eyes to a world so unlike what he expected, the killings in his home country seemed preferable. Amin Afravi is glad to be on Australian soil. But the toll is heavy. After days at sea on the worst boat he had ever seen, Afravi reached Australian waters, grasping tightly to the hope of better years ahead. The 32-year-old is now detained in Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation Centre in the citys eastern suburb of Pinkenba, after being medevaced from Manus Island to Australia in 2019 and moved from a detention centre in Brisbanes Kangaroo Point. He breathes through each day from his small room in the facility, among about 40 other refugees and asylum seekers. Advertisement Asylum seeker Amin Afravis room in Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation centre in Pinkenba. It is a far cry from his homeland, where hangings and torment are a regular part of life as the Islamic Republic quashes dissent, keeping prominent moderate politicians under house arrest and manipulating the recent presidential election in favour of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, while seeking to extend its power abroad through Shiite militias in Iraq and Yemen and support for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. But Afravi says the countrys oppressive leadership is better than Australia in one way. Loading There is one difference between the Iranian regime and Australian government and that is the Iranian government: they have no human rights nothing they kill people easily, he says. But the good thing is they dont make them suffer. The Australian government, they will make people suffer as much as they could so people will hang themselves or kill themselves, and afterwards they will say, Oh, Im sorry, he was mentally ill, they wont mention what made him mentally affected or mentally ill. Advertisement Afravi is glad to be on Australian soil. But the toll is heavy. Every day security come in my room and say I have an appointment ... they wont leave you alone. As long as Im inside the detention, I have no single right in here. I risked my life because I didnt want to die by torture in the hands of the Iranian government... Amin Afravi The two-year-old son he left behind is now 10. He doesnt know me as a father because of what the Australian government has done to us, Afravi says. He grew up with my brother, actually, and he knows my brother as his father. Advertisement I miss him a lot. I want him to be with me and I can not. Problems continue to hang over Afravi. In recent weeks, he was informed by Border Force that he was being placed on suicide watch. He says when he asked why, he was told it was because he was not leaving his room to eat in the kitchen. But Afravi says he instead eats food from the canteen after having his throat cut while in detention on Manus Island. They slit my throat back in Manus and I see security and have flashback memory ... I dont want to see security, he says. Afravi says he had his throat slit while he was detained on Manus Island. I am not a prisoner, I havent done any crime, so why should I see the security that are reminding me of how they slit my throat? Advertisement The coronavirus pandemic forced Queensland police officers to farewell their fallen colleague Senior Constable Dave Masters by standing in a field, in the rain, 1500 metres from his coffin. But as the rain dripped off their uniforms, the attention of the hundreds of officers in the Burpengary field, north of Brisbane, never wavered from the big screen broadcasting the funeral service. Senior Constable Masters, 53, was killed while using road spikes to try to stop an allegedly stolen car on the Bruce Highway in Burpengary about 3am on June 26. Kari OBrien, 24, and Skye Anne Wallis, 33, were charged with murder, arson (motor vehicle) and unlawful use of a motor vehicle after the police officers death. Mr Stock is one of two senior managers at the Office of the Special Investigator who will report to the investigatory bodys chiefs, former Queensland Police deputy commissioner Ross Barnett and senior Victorian Court of Appeal judge Mark Weinberg, QC. Mr Stock is a highly experienced criminal investigator who previously served as a senior policy adviser to Mr Dutton when he was home affairs minister, and as a senior officer in the Australian Border Force. Former senior Queensland detective and one of Australias leading corporate investigators, Graham Newton, previously worked with Mr Stock and said he was highly regarded in policing circles. Hes a quintessential detective who is made for this role. He loves the chase and he doesnt let go, Mr Newton said. Matt Stock during his time as an Australian Border Force commander. Another former police colleague of Mr Stock said even experienced state homicide detectives were missing the cut as the Office of the Special Investigator seeks elite officers prepared to take on unpopular, gruelling investigations that may take years to wind through the courts. The Office of the Special Investigator confirmed the agency had recruited investigators with significant experience in managing complex investigations, including historical and overseas crimes from the NSW, Queensland, South Australian, West Australian and Victorian police services as well as the AFP. The final Brererton inquiry report provides no clues as to the identity of the alleged kill squad patrol, when it served in Afghanistan or if it involved SAS or Commando soldiers. But Justice Breretons inquiry found unnamed officers up the chain of command bore moral command responsibility for the conduct of soldiers engaged in what the senior judge described as possibly the most disgraceful episode in defence force history. Converting the exhaustive Brereton inquiry, which included classified interviews with hundreds of soldiers and officers, into criminal charges is a monumental task for the Office of the Special Investigator and the AFP. Not only did many of the alleged murders occur years ago, experts are warning of a rapidly deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan that could interfere with evidence gathering. Afghanistan is falling into Taliban hands again. Here an Afghan woman begs for money on the Bagram-Kabul highway, north of Kabul. Credit:AP Australian National University Professor William Maley, who specialises in Afghan politics, warned this week that the Taliban were on a roll and were placing Afghan towns they were capturing under totalitarian control. However, the joint taskforce is not coming off a standing start. Several SAS insiders who served in Afghanistan, as well as local Afghan villagers, have already provided detailed sworn statements to the AFP. They include SAS soldiers who allege they observed or participated in unlawful executions. Those statements have been gathered by a small AFP team of investigators which, since June 2018, has been probing some SAS members over allegations they directed the murder of Afghan prisoners. The AFP investigations were triggered by what the final Brereton inquiry report described as an exceptional referral by Justice Brereton to the defence force and onto federal police in late May 2018. That referral and the subsequent investigations have produced two briefs of evidence, which have sat with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Sarah McNaughton, SC, for more than a year. The interplay of war crimes investigation and prosecution officials, powers and jurisdiction are a potential bureaucratic quagmire that no agency or politician envisaged when the Brereton inquiry began its four-year investigation in 2016. In addition to the Office of the Special Investigator staff and state and federal homicide investigators, the personnel now involved in the sprawling investigations include a special counsel, Tim Begbie, SC, who is advising on what evidence from the Brereton inquiry is admissible. Ms McNaughton has appointed David McLure, SC, a former special forces officer turned Sydney silk, to advise the Commonwealth prosecutions agency on whether the evidence gathered by police is strong enough to charge suspects. And AFP commander Anthony McClement has also been appointed to oversee the AFPs war crimes work with the Office of the Special Investigator. AFP Commissioner Kershaw has assigned overall oversight of war crimes and related inquiries to two of the AFPs highest-ranking officers, Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney and Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee. Officials dealing with aspects of the investigation and prosecution structure, but who are not authorised to speak publicly, told The Age and Herald that critical decisions were at risk of being stalled. They include deciding which ex-special forces soldiers should receive immunity from prosecution and how to safeguard witness safety in Afghanistan and Australia. The Brereton inquiry in November recommended several soldiers receive immunity because they had confessed to crimes that otherwise would have remained hidden and in doing so implicated more senior personnel. Loading While it is ultimately a matter for the CDPP, the inquiry considers that the interests of justice and public policy in holding to account those in positions of authority in the defence force, who have caused their subordinates to commit crimes, makes these cases appropriate ones for such immunities, Justice Brereton wrote in his final report. The evidence of such individuals is likely to be crucial in the prosecution of their superiors which should take priority, both because of the greater criminal responsibility of the superiors, and because of the greater national importance in holding the superiors to account, and showing that they are held to account. Boarded up with broken windows and pigeons inside, a 19th century building in the middle of Melbournes central business district is sitting empty and derelict above the street-level shopfronts. Despite advertising retail spaces at 317-321 Little Collins Street for its elite location, the owners have allowed the upstairs floors to fall into disrepair and its only tenants appear to be the pigeons that can be seen peering out of the windows that have not been boarded up. A pigeon inside the upper levels. Credit:Joe Armao Known as Hotel Barclay, the ornate red brick building with its own turret, between Elizabeth Street and the Block Arcade, was built in 1891 as the Colonial Bank Hotel. Architectural historian Graeme Butler, who studied the CBD for the City of Melbourne in 1985, said the building was designed by Hyndman & Bates and built by R.C. Brown of Chancery Lane as a hotel, five shops and a warehouse. Two men have been arrested by the Missing Persons Squad after human remains were found at a Noble Park address following the suspicious disappearance of Brendon Farrell. Forklift driver Mr Farrell, 32, was last seen about 12.30pm on May 31 by a friend at a bungalow he was living in behind a house on Kidds Road in Doveton. Police are appealing for information about Brendon Farrell. Credit:Victoria Police Human remains were found by police at a Cyril Grove address in Noble Park, 25 kilometres south-east of the Melbourne CBD. A crime scene has now been established at the site. A 30-year-old Hampton Park man and a 49-year-old Noble Park man were arrested on Friday morning and are assisting police with enquiries. Bryan, OH (43506) Today Sunshine this morning. Increasing clouds with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. NEW ORLEANS Eager to get your first look at the 2021 New Orleans Saints? The European Commission (EC) on Thursday fined German carmakers and a total of 875 million euros ($1.036 billion) for colluding to curb the use of emission cleaning technology in diesel cars. The European Union's (EU) antitrust authority found that the two companies had made illegal agreements between June 2009 and October 2014 to limit the introduction of AdBlue (an aqueous urea solution) to diesel engine exhaust gases, reducing its effectiveness as a way to produce cleaner emissions, the Xinhua news agency reported. Car producer Daimler, which had blown the whistle on the wrongdoing, was spared a fine of around 727 million euros. The Group received a 45 per cent reduction in the fine for helping the European Commission prove the existence of the cartel. It was fined 502.3 million euros, while was fined 372.8 million euros. Margrethe Vestager, EC's executive vice-president for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and Competition, explained in a statement that Daimler, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche possessed the technology to reduce harmful emissions beyond what was legally required under EU emission standards. During these meetings, and for over five years, the companies colluded to avoid competition on cleaning better than what is required by law despite the relevant technology being available, the statement read. "Today's decision is about how legitimate technical cooperation went wrong," Vestager said. "We do not tolerate it when companies collude. It is illegal under EU antitrust rules. Competition and innovation on managing car pollution are essential for Europe to meet our ambitious Green Deal objectives. And this decision shows that we will not hesitate to take action against all forms of cartel conduct putting in jeopardy this goal." The Commission found that the car manufacturers held regular technical meetings to discuss the development of the selective catalytic reduction technology, which eliminates harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel passenger cars through the injection of AdBlue into the exhaust gas stream. --IANS int/rs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Transport Corporation has issued an order directing for route diversion of its buses plying via underpasses of Minto Bridge, Pul Prahaldpur and Jakhira prone to overflooding during the monsoon season, officials said. Incidents of public transport buses, including those of the DTC, stranded at underpasses flooded during heavy rains during Monsoon season recur every year. In many such incidents, Delhi Fire Services personnel had to be roped in to rescue the stranded passengers and bus staff. The order issued by the DTC on Monday stated that buses passing through underpasses of Minto bridge, Pul Prahaldpur and Jakhira will be diverted to alternative routes in case of obstruction to traffic due to overflooding there. Recently, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued an order directing for preventing traffic through underpasses flooded with more than 20 cm of rain water during the monsoon. Last year, a mini transport van driver drowned after his vehicle was struck in the waterlogged Minto Bridge underpass. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. 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Digital Editor One Systems, the digital wallet and payments start-up, is preparing to file a draft prospectus for a Mumbai initial public offering that could raise about $300 million, people familiar with the matter said. plans to lodge the listing documents with the Indian securities regulator as soon as the next few days, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. It could seek a valuation of around $1 billion from the offering, according to the people. The Gurugram-based company plans to raise about $250 million of fresh funds from the offering, while MobiKwiks current backers are considering selling about $50 million of existing stock, the people said. IPO-bound Paytms president Amit Nayyar has quit the company, two people close to the development said. Some others exited the Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led fintech company recently. The list includes Rohit Thakur, chief human resource officer, Amit Veer, chief business officer and senior vice president of user growth, and Jaskaran Singh Kapany, head of marketing of Nayyar had joined in August 2019 and had led Paytm's foray into verticals across lending, insurance distribution, non life insurance, wealth management and stock broking. He was responsible for strategy, leadership hiring, mergers and acquisitions, licensing and strategic partnerships while leading group corporate development, M&A and investor engagements. Responding to a request for comment, a spokesperson said: As a company, we do not comment on personnel changes. We have built an incredible management team with some of the most reputed names in the industry, who are focused on driving growth at Paytm. ALSO READ: PharmEasy parent API Holdings in talks with SoftBank to raise $100-200 mn According to regulatory filings, the Paytm board also saw a recast recently. Without any changes in shareholding, many board members stepped down. After the change, theres no Chinese national on the board. Ahead of an IPO in India, Alipay representative Jing Xiandong, Ant Financials Guoming Cheng, and Alibaba representatives Michael Yuen Jen Yao (US citizen) and Ting Hong Kenny Ho have been replaced by others. According to media reports, Saama Capitals Ashit Ranjit Lilani and SoftBank representative Vikas Agnihotri have joined the Paytm board of directors. Also, Douglas Feagin, a US citizen, is the Ant Group representative on the board. ALSO READ: Temasek, Warburg Pincus, Bhavish Aggarwal invest $500 mn as Ola plans IPO Paytm is headed for a $2.3-billion IPO by the end of 2021. At the time of IPO, its valuation could touch as much as $35 billion. In 2019, the companys valuation was at $16 billion after it raised $1 billion in funds from Softbank and Ant Financials. IT services major (TCS), said that it is planning to take iON, which provides technology on IT-as-a-services model for small and medium enterprises and educational sector, to international markets. Rajesh Gopinathan, CEO and MD, said that iON, which has a huge market share in India, aspires to go international. The team has been testing markets and they have had success in UK, Ireland and even in Japan. They are now testing the APAC region. Significant business models will come out only when we find what the business opportunities are in different markets. We will have to wait and see how that pans out, he added. The India business of the company which dipped by almost 14 per cent for the quarter, primarily due to the impact of second wave of Covid-19, has impacted the iON business too. Much of the work we do in India is government projects, which has variable pricing. iON business caters to SME and education assessment work. They are all on variable pricing basis. Some of the exams have been postponed, so it is question of deferment. Revenues are not lost, whenever they will get back revenue will be back. Based on the indications that we see in the last 2 weeks of this quarter, most of these projects will get executed in Q2 or the early part of Q3, said N Ganapathy Subramaniam, COO and executive director, While the companys industry verticals collectively grew 4.1 per cent sequentially in constant currency, headwinds in regional markets and others segment brought down overall revenue growth to 2.4 per cent. Barring the India geography, the management said that digital transformation with cloud adoption is accelerating. Rather the companys flagship product for financial services BaNCS not only won five new deals and five go-lives, almost 50 per cent of deals using BaNCS are in software-as-a-services (SaaS) model. Rather in the Q1, TCS signed one of its largest SaaS deal for TCS BaNCS, with one of the largest financial groups in Finland for their retail consumer lending business. We talked about the opportunity in cloud and transformation and how everybody is looking to adopt cloud in an accelerated pace. We also spoke about horizon led opportunities. Here is an example, the largest SaaS deal is a horizon 2 opportunity. We believe more and more SaaS deal coming in, will bring more non-linearity into the business, added Subramaniam. TCS to hire over 40,000 freshers from Indian campuses in FY22 Largest software exporter TCS will be hiring more than 40,000 freshers from campuses in the country in the financial year 2021-22 , a top executive said on Friday. The company, the largest employer in the private sector with a base of over 5 lakh employees, had hired 40,000 graduates from campuses last year and will do better on that number, its chief of global human resources Milind Lakkad told reporters here. Read more Temasek, Warburg Pincus, Bhavish Aggarwal invest $500 mn as Ola plans IPO Ola, the worlds leading mobility platform, said that Temasek and Plum Wood Investment Ltd, an affiliate of Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity fund focused on growth investing, are partnering with Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal for a $500 million investment ahead of Olas IPO. Warburg Pincus is a new investor and Singapore-based Temasek is an existing investor since 2018, said a person familiar with the development. This is mainly a secondary transaction. Read more HC gives 'first task' to Scindia: Formulating policy for naming airports The Bombay High Court said on Friday that the Union government must come up with a uniform policy to name airports across the country and the new civil aviation minister should give top priority to this task. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni, while hearing a PIL, said the new civil aviation minister (Jyotiraditya Scindia) must consider formulation of such a policy as his "first task." Read more Vedanta, Hindalco among 34 firms to put bids for Commercial Coal Auction-II For the second round of bidding under the commercial coal auction, the ministry of coal has received technical bids from 34 including Ltd, Balco, Hindalco, Sunflag Iron & Steel, Adani Power and Adhunik Power etc. Most of the bidders are from steel and iron industry. There are three state-owned which have also submitted bids, namely Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd, Jhar Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd, MP Natural Resources Power Ltd. Read more The ED is soon expected to question and record the statement of former Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in a money laundering case linked to his allegation of a Rs 100 bribery-cum-extortion racket in the state police establishment that led to the resignation of former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, officials said on Friday. They said 59-year-old Singh has been issued summons to appear before the investigating officer of the case in and the senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer has sought some time to depose apparently owing to an health issue. The summons has been issued to Singh sometime ago as part of the investigation into the case involving him and Deshmukh, they said. Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer, is currently the director general of Maharashtra Police home guards unit. He was removed as the Commissioner of Police (CP) after multiple investigations were launched into an instance of security scare that was reported from near the Mumbai house of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani in the capital city of Maharashtra. The investigation in the alleged bribery case gathered pace after the ED late last month raided the premises of Deshmukh, 72, and his aides in Nagpur and Mumbai and later arrested two of his staffers. The former home minister was also summoned by the (ED) thrice but he skipped the dates. Deshmukh, some days ago, moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from any coercive action by the ED in this money laundering case. The ED case against Deshmukh and others was made out after the CBI booked him in a corruption case related to allegations of at least Rs 100 crore bribery made by Singh. In his letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after he was removed from the police commissioner's post, Singh had alleged that Deshmukh had asked suspended assistant police inspector Sachin Waze to extort over Rs 100 crore a month from bars and restaurants in Mumbai. Deshmukh had to resign from his post in April following the allegations and he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The ED has questioned Waze in this case twice at the Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai and it is expected that it may grill him again on Saturday after it obtained a court permission to record his statement for three days. Waze is in jail after he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a case related to parking of an explosives laden SUV near the residence of Ambani and the murder case of businessman Mansukh Hiran. He had also told the ED that he attended a meeting at the official residence of the former home minister Deshmukh wherein he was given a list of bar and restaurant owners and asked to "collect Rs 3 lakh per month" from each of these businesses in Mumbai. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The said on Friday that the Union government must come up with a uniform policy to name airports across the country and the new civil aviation minister should give top priority to this task. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni, while hearing a PIL, said the new civil aviation minister (Jyotiraditya Scindia) must consider formulation of such a policy as his "first task." The bench said it could not allow instances such as the one from last month in Navi Mumbai, when around 25,000 people organised a rally in defiance of COVID-19 protocols to demand that the upcoming airport in the satellite city be named after a local leader who fought for the rights of Project Affected People. On June 24, thousands of people from local agri and fishing communities along with some politicians staged a protest to press for their demand to name the international airport in Navi Mumbai after late activist and parliamentarian D B Patil. Earlier last month, the Maharashtra government and state-run town planning agency CIDCO had announced to name the greenfield airport after Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray. The HC noted that a draft policy had been formulated in 2016 to name airports after cities and not individuals. However, the current status of such policy was not known, it said. "We would like to know the present position of draft policy? Over this issue of naming (of airports), we took the state government to task last month as there was a gathering violating COVID-19 protocols with nearly 25000 people. Why should we allow this?" the HC said to the Union government's counsel, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh. "If there is a new policy still in the draft stage, get it done now. You have a new set of ministers now. Let this be the work of the new aviation ministry. It should be the first task of the new aviation minister," it said. The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Filji Frederick seeking directions to the to frame a uniform policy for naming and renaming of airports. The petitioner sought directions to the to not act upon proposals sent by state governments for naming airports, including the one coming up at Navi Mumbai, until a policy is framed. The HC directed ASG Singh to take instructions on the issue and posted the PIL for further hearing on July 16. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hyderabad-based Hetero has sought emergency use authorisation from the Indian drug regulator for anti-viral medicine molnupiravir, a drug, which has shown that it helps in early recovery of patients. Hetero had entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Merck in April this year to manufacture and supply this oral antiviral drug in India and over 100 low and medium income countries (LMICs). Apart from Hetero, Merck had signed licensing agreements with several other Indian companies including Cipla, Dr Reddys Laboratories (DRL), Emcure, Sun Pharma and Torrent Pharma. These five pharma companies had entered into a collaboration agreement in late June to jointly sponsor, supervise and monitor the clinical trial in India. The subject expert committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has said that DRL will conduct the clinical trial using its product, and the other four pharma companies will be required to demonstrate equivalence of their product to the product used by DRL in its clinical trial. Earlier in May, another Hyderabad-based firm Natco had said it has initiated phase-3 of molnupiravir on patients. It had not entered into a licensing agreement with Merck. Molnupiravir inhibits the replication of multiple RNA viruses including Sars-CoV-2 in human airway epithelial cell cultures and the company claims that it has the potential to eliminiate Sars-CoV-2 from the body within five days. Hetero had done phase 3 here on 1218 mild Covid19 patients to assess the efficacy and safety of this drug. Patients were given Heteros molnupiravir capsules (800 mg) every 12 hours for five days along with standard of care according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. In the control arm of the study, the patients received only standard of care (SOC). Interim results from the study analyzing 741 Covid19 patients showed early clinical improvement (or a two point decrease in WHO Clinical Progression Scale) in the molnupiravir group. Hetero claimed that the median time to clinical improvement as early as 8 days in Molnupiravir group compared to 12 days in SOC alone group. There were fewer hospital admissions in molnupiravir receiving patients. In addition to the above clinical trial studies, Hetero is also undertaking a separate Molnupiravir study on moderate Covid-19 patients approved by CDSCO, the company said. The phones that arrived in three consignments from Dubai were misdeclared as garments, the Air Cargo (ACC) Export Commissionerate, Delhi said. The consignment was detected due to the alertness of the officer posted at the X-Ray scanning department. The consignment comprised a total of 90 iPhone 12 Pro models, the ACC export commissionerate said. Further details are awaited. (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 Central government on Friday said the Lambda variant of COVID-19 is not found in India but people should be cautious of such variant. "Lambda variant of is a variant of interest. We should be watchful of such variants. As of now, there is no evidence that this variant has been identified in India," Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog said at a weekly press conference. On June 14, the World Health Organization designated the Lambda variant, previously known by its formal scientific name C.37, as the seventh and newest "variant of interest". Dr Paul also said mass gathering at tourist spots in the country is a "serious cause of concern". "We cannot lower our guard. A new risk is being seen at tourist spots where a gathering of crowds being seen, social distancing and mask protocol is not being followed. This is a serious cause of concern," he said. The NITI Aayog member also reiterated that pregnant women should take the vaccine. "Guidelines on vaccination for pregnant women have been issued by the ministry. Three vaccines are entitled to be used. Pregnant women should receive the vaccine, it is very important," he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Thursday said there is no "one size fits all" approach for localization of (SDGs), but can certainly share experience and learn from each other to implement the 2030 Agenda at 2030 SDG Agenda is the global effort to mobilize actions and commitments to achieve clean, affordable energy for all by 2030. Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on the issue of "How can localization of SDGs contribute to Leaving no one behind?" said that the global pandemic is threatening to disrupt the "Decade of Action". "It goes without saying that we need to work together collectively to ensure that all countries, especially vulnerable ones, stay their course on the 2030 SDG Agenda." "I am convinced that due to the localization efforts we are undertaking, our path to implementing the 2030 Agenda will be relatively smooth even in the face of the pandemic," added Tirumurti. Speaking at the Forum, Tirumurti stressed the localization of SDG goals. "Breaking down goals and implementation to sub- and local levels is the only way to succeed in achieving SDG targets. Localization also allows developing local solutions to local challenges by empowering provincial and local levels of government." "SDG localization process is not limited only to government interventions, but also includes civil society organizations," said the Indian envoy. He gave the example of successful implementation of localization of SDGs has been the Aspirational Districts Programme which focuses on 112 of India's most developmentally challenged districts across five sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and skill development. The program involves real-time monitoring of 49 indicators across the five focus areas on the 'Champions of Change' dashboard, with a monthly ranking of the best-performing districts. It has also strengthened the technical and administrative capacities of the districts through collaboration with development partners for providing technical expertise and skills training. In June 2021, UNDP's appraisal report has pointed out that the programme is a very successful global model of "local area development" by leveraging local structures of governance with multi-stakeholder partnerships, to ensure that localization of the SDGs becomes a reality. "In spite of the pandemic, we have seen remarkable progress in some crucial goals, for example in Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)," said Tirumurti in a statement. The overall coordination for implementation of SDGs in India is handled by the Institution for Transforming India or NITI Aayog, which is driven by the mandate to work in a spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism and has been extensively engaging with governments at and local levels as well as civil society organizations. The crucial aspect of SDG localization is the fine-tuning of the monitoring and data system. The first major breakthrough was the development of the State Integrated Framework (SIF). (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.) Its original recipe, more than a century old, is tucked away in a highly secure, temperature-controlled family archive in Indias capital. But the sugary summer cooler Rooh Afza, with a poetic name that means soul refresher and evokes the narrow alleys of its birthplace of Old Delhi, has long reached across the heated borders of South Asia to quench the thirst of generations. In Pakistan, the thick, rose-coloured syrup called a sharbat or sherbet and poured from a distinctive long-neck bottle is mixed with milk and crushed almonds as an offering in religious processions. In Bangladesh, a new groom often takes a bottle or two as a gift to his in-laws. The same old taste is also there in new packaging to appeal to a new generation and to new drinkers: in the juice boxes in childrens school bags, in cheap one-time sachets hanging at tobacco stalls frequented by labourers, and in high-end restaurants where its whipped into the latest ice cream offering. As summer heat waves worsen, the drinks reputation as a natural, fruits-and-herbs cooler that lowers body temperature and boosts energy four-fifths of it is sugar means that even a brief interruption in manufacturing results in huge outcries over a shortage. The drink brings about $45 million of profit a year in India alone, its manufacturer says, most of it going to a trust that funds schools, universities and clinics. It might be that one ingredient or couple of ingredients have changed because of availability, but by and large the formula has remained the same, said Hamid Ahmed, a member of the fourth generation of the family who runs the expanded food wing of Hamdard Laboratories, which produces the drink. In the summer of 1907 in Old Delhi, the young herbalist, Hakim Abdul Majid, sought a potion that could help ease many of the complications that come with the countrys unbearable heat heat strokes, dehydration, diarrhoea. What he discovered was less medicine and more a refreshing sherbet. It was a hit. The bottles, glass then and plastic now, would fly off the shelves of his small medicine store, which he named Hamdard. Majid died 15 years later, at 34. He was survived by his wife, Rabea Begum, and two sons; one was 14, and the other a toddler. Begum made a decision that turned Hamdard into an enduring force and set a blueprint for keeping it profitable for its welfare efforts at a time when politics would tear the country asunder. She declared Hamdard a trust, with her and her two young sons as the trustees. The profits would go not to the family but largely to public welfare. The companys biggest test came with Indias bloody partition. Somewhere between one million and two million people died, and families including Begums were split up. Hakim Abdul Hamid, the older son, stayed in India. He became a celebrated academic and oversaw Hamdard India. Hakim Mohamad Said, the younger son, moved to the newly formed Pakistan. He gave up his role in Hamdard India to start Hamdard Pakistan and produce there. He rose to become the governor of Pakistans Sindh Province but was assassinated in 1998. When in 1971 Pakistan was also split in half, with Bangladesh emerging as another country, the facilities producing in those territories formed their own trust: Hamdard Bangladesh. All three businesses are independent, run by extended members, or friends, of the young herbalists family. But what they offer is largely the same taste, with slight variations. During a visit to Rooh Afzas India factory in April, which coincided with Ramadan, workers in full protective gowns churned out 270,000 bottles a day. At the loading dock in the back, from dawn to dusk, two trucks at a time were loaded with more than a 1,000 bottles each and sent off to warehouses and markets across India. Ahmed who runs Hamdards food division, for which remains the central product is trying to broaden a mature brand with offshoots to attract consumers who have moved away from the sherbet in their teenage and young adult years. New products include juice boxes that mix Rooh Afza with fruit juice, a Rooh Afza yogurt drink and a Rooh Afza milkshake. One survey the company conducted showed that half of Rooh Afza in Indian households was consumed as a flavour in milk, the rest in cold drinks. We did our twist of milkshake, Ahmed said, which is Rooh Afza, milk and vanilla. Ahmed is proud of two products in particular. One is a sugar-free version of the original Rooh Afza, 15 years in the making as the company looked for the right substitute for sugar. More than twice the price of the original, it caters to a more affluent segment. There is a growing market, for runners, athletes, those who watch what they eat and drink, said Ahmed, also a runner. With the other product, he is targeting those who cant afford the 750-milliliter bottle, which sells for $2, offering one-time sachets that sell for 15 cents. Kerala Chief Minister on Friday urged the Centre to waive GST and customs duty on a life-saving drug to be imported from the US for the treatment of a child suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare disease, in the state. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he detailed the plight of 18-month-old Muhammed, a native of Kannur district, who is undergoing treatment for the disease. Noting that the medicine for SMA is 'prohibitively expensive' and 'unaffordable' for the child's family, Vijayan said it costs a whopping Rs 18 crore and is proposed to be imported from the US. The CM, in the letter, also pointed out that the central government had recently waived tax in a similar case of a five month old child, who is suffering from SMA in Mumbai. "I request you to give directions to the Union Finance Ministry to take steps not to levy Customs duty and integrated Goods and Services Tax (GST) in this case involving the import of the life saving drug zolgensma," he said. The Chief Minister's plea to the Centre came days after funds for purchasing the drug had been raised in Kerala through online crowdfunding for Muhammed. Son of P K Rafeeq and Mariyumma, the child requires a dose of Zolgensma, which is considered as one of the most expensive drug in the world. The treatment committee had on Monday informed the public that over Rs 18 crore reached the bank accounts opened for the donations and asked the people not to deposit any more. The campaign was taken over by social media resulting in raising the amount within seven days from across the world. Incidentally, 15-year-old Afra, the elder sister of Mohammed, was also affected with the same disease. The medicine would have to be procured from abroad and the treatment committee had petitioned the state government to initiate the process for procurement. Medical experts suggest that the child will have to be administered the dose of the medicine before he reaches the age of two, family sources 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.) lets children go out after a year of staying home After keeping them at home for more than a year, the has allowed children to visit parks, playgrounds, and restaurants, among other places. However, they are not allowed to go to malls. The relaxations apply to areas that are at levels one or two in terms of infections, and at which the curbs are the least. Economic managers have been calling for looser movement curbs on kids as family activities can help drive consumer demand and boost an economy thats struggling to recover. The is battling one of the worst outbreaks in Asia, with nearly 1.46 million cases and more than 25,000 deaths as of July 8. The daily case count has eased from a record-high in April. Read here Let's look at the global statistics Global infections: 185,573,594 Global deaths: 4,010,729 Vaccine doses administered: 3,356,247,321 Nations with most cases: US (33,790,505), India (30,752,950), Brazil (18,962,762), France (5,861,128), Russia (5,638,901). Source: John Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center Pfizer outlines booster dose plans Pfizer outlined its plans for a booster dose that could be given six to eight months after the original two doses, in the wake of emerging threats from highly contagious variants. The pharma major said it has received initial data from an early human study showing that a third dose of its existing vaccine is safe and can raise neutralising antibody levels by 5 to 10 fold compared with the original vaccine. It is looking to apply for emergency use authorisation after it gets more data. Separately, Pfizer and BioNtech are planning to test a vaccine exclusively against the Delta variant, currently the dominant strain sweeping the world. Read here How does the Delta variant dodge the immune system? Researchers in a study, published in Nature, found out the effectiveness of vaccines and antibodies produced after a natural infection, that reveals a lot about how the Delta variant evades the antibodies that target certain parts of the virus. It 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. However, previous studies suggest that one dose of vaccine is still enough to prevent hospitalisation or death from the virus, suggesting that people who have recovered from Covid-19 still need to be vaccinated to fend off some variants. Read here South Korea raises Covid restrictions to highest level in Seoul South Korea will raise curbs to their highest level yet in the Seoul area, prime minister Kim Boo-kyum said, warning that a record rise in new cases had reached maximum crisis level. The country had previously been held up as a model of how to combat the pandemic, with the public largely following social distancing and other rules, but it was slow to start its vaccine rollout due to supply shortages. On Friday it recorded 1,316 cases, its highest daily rise since the pandemic began, with most new infections in the capital of Seoul and its surrounding areas, home to almost half the South Korean population. Read here Both the Centre and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) will offload a part or the entirety of their stakes in in one go, according to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). In the instant transaction there will be divestment of GoI (Government of India) and shareholding in along with transfer of management control, has said in response to queries on the disinvestment of The government holds 45.48 per cent in IDBI Bank and holds 49.24 per cent. An open offer can be triggered in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebis) regulations, said. At present, any person holding less than 25 per cent of shares in a company can make an open offer provided that it is for a minimum of 26 per cent. Therefore, the government is looking to appoint only one transaction advisor for sale of both the governments and LICs stakes, said. The exact quantum of the stake dilution by both the government and will be determined as the transaction progresses, and by ascertaining investors interest and market appetite, it said. In May, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had given in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment along with transfer of management control in IDBI Bank. As DIPAM looks to appoint a transaction and legal adviser to assist the government for the privatisation of the lender, it has extended the due date to accept bids by nine days to July 22. Earlier, intermediaries had to place their bids by July 13. The Indian Navy has expressed reservations in vacating 100 Mhz of the spectrum, proposed to be sold in the tender expected next year, sources said. This could delay the Centres plans to proceed with the 5G auctions in 2022. A department of telecom (DoT) official said, The Indian Navy is showing reluctance in vacating the spectrum from the 3.3 GHz-3.4 GHz band that it is using. Unless there is some traction with them on this issue, we cant seek consultation from TRAI. The 3300 MHz-3600 MHz (or 3.3GHz-3.6GHz) will be auctioned for the first time in the ... The India industrial system has been integrated with industry-based GIS systems of 17 states so far and will achieve pan-India integration by December 2021, the commerce and industry ministry said on Friday. The system is a GIS-based portal - a one-stop repository of all industrial infrastructure-related information connectivity, infra, natural resources and terrain, plot-level information on vacant plots, line of activity, and contact details. Currently, the system has about 4,000 industrial parks mapped across an area of 5.5 lakh hectare of land, serving as a decision support system for investors scouting for land remotely. "The system has been integrated with industry-based GIS systems of 17 states to have details on the portal updated on a real-time basis and will achieve pan-India integration by December 2021," it said. Its website, it said, has seen a 30 per cent increase in page views each month since April and received 55,000 page views in June. "Regarding country wise visitors, after India, the US has the maximum number of visitors followed by Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, UAE, Germany, and Indonesia," it added. Indias risk-averse lenders are emerging as one of the biggest hurdles to the speed of the nations recovery from the pandemic-induced downturn, as they hold back credit when the economy needs it the most. Loans to companies and individuals has been growing at a subdued 5.5%-6% in recent months, which is half the pace seen before the pandemic struck, Reserve Bank of India data shows. The nations biggest lender State Bank of India wants to nearly double its credit growth rate to 10% in the year started April 1, but is willing to miss the goal. It is a very fragile situation, Dinesh Khara, chairman of SBI, said after reporting earnings for the fiscal year ended March. The bank would not compromise on asset quality to achieve targets, he said. Kharas comments underline the biggest obstacle to both credit off-take and economic growth, pegged at 9.5% this year, already reduced from the central banks previous forecast of 10.5% and following an unprecedented contraction last year. Banks risk aversion -- or the fear of soured loans jumping in a tough economic environment -- could slow the economys recovery further, according to analysts, including those at the RBI. Credit is a necessary and probably most important ingredient for economic growth, according to S. S. Mundra, a former deputy governor of RBI, who estimated that the multiplier effect of credit on nominal gross domestic product growth is 1.6 times. It doesnt help Indias case that its already home to one of the biggest piles of soured loans among major economies. And add to that a crisis in the shadow banking sector, which culminated in the rescue of two lenders and bankruptcy of two more over the past couple of years. The RBI expects banks bad-loan ratio to rise to 9.8% by the end of this financial year from 7.48% a year ago. Sluggish Capex While banks are dithering on loans on the one hand, companies are pushing back investment plans amid lack of demand on the other. Corporate willingness for new investments is low, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt., with capital expenditure declining. While companies have posted bumper profits mostly on the back of widespread cost cutting, most have used the extra funds generated to pay down bank loans. According to research from SBI, where economists analyzed the top 15 sectors and a thousand listed companies, more than 1.7 trillion rupees ($22.8 billion) worth of debt was pared last year. Refineries, steel, fertilizers, mining and mineral products as well as textile companies alone reduced debt by more than 1.5 trillion rupees, with the trend continuing this year, the banks chief economist Soumya Kanti Ghosh wrote recently. Any meaningful recovery beyond a 10% growth in credit demand will require a substantial turn in the private capex cycle, which still seems sometime away as corporates are focused on deleveraging, said Teresa John, economist at Nirmal Bang Equities Pvt. in Mumbai. She forecasts GDP growth of 7% this year, which is at the lower end of a Bloomberg survey with consensus at 9.2%. What Bloomberg Economics Says... A further slump in credit growth means that the RBI is likely to allow some more time for credit recovery to take shape before its begins to unwind its stimulus measures. -- Abhishek Gupta, India economist Consumers too are repairing their finances, which bodes ill for overall demand for goods and services as well as retail loans, and in turn economic growth. The current recovery is likely to be less steep than the bounce that unfolded in late 2020 and early 2021, according to analysts at S&P Global Ratings. Households are running down savings, the S&P analysts wrote. A desire to rebuild their cash holding may delay spending even as the economy reopens. And while Covid-19 relief measures may provide banks some reprieve, the need to raise capital will remain high once virus related stress start to emerge on their balance sheets. Indian banks challenges posed by the pandemic have increased due to a virulent second wave, Fitch Ratings Saswata Guha and Prakash Pandey said this week, as they cut Indias growth forecast by 280 basis points to 10%. That underlines our belief that renewed restrictions have slowed recovery efforts and left banks with a moderately worse outlook for business and revenue generation. --With assistance from Suvashree Ghosh. After seeing a contraction in the portfolio during the first quarter of this financial year, Fairfax-backed said it expects the segment to be back to normalcy by the second quarter. The contraction in gold business was seen during the quarter after posted a record 61 per cent increase in in 2020-21. In 2019-20 also, the company's gold-loan business saw an increase of 28 per cent compared to the previous year. First quarter has been a bit challenging for the portfolio and growth has been negative. As the economy is recovering fast from the second wave, I expect normalcy to be restored in the second quarter, said CVR Rajendran, managing director (MD), and chief executive officer (CEO) of The decline in gold loans was reportedly owing to subdued disbursements due to lockdowns announced by various states and shorter tenure of gold loans, which resulted in higher repayments. The share of gold loans in the total mix comes to around 40 per cent. Other than gold, everything is in line. As far as gold loans are concerned, non-performing assets (NPAs) is not a cause for worry as recovery is only a matter of time as we have adequate security coverage. This optimism is grounded on the past trends, he said. CSBs hope of recovery comes at a time when gold-loan-focused non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are staring at an NPA crisis from the September quarter. The gold loan portfolios of widened last year after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed to offer 90 per cent of the value of gold loans (LTV) from 75 per cent. This was in effect from August 6, 2020. This was close on the heels of gold prices scaling record highs in the Indian market last year, following the global trend. A six-member central team of experts has been dispatched to Kerala to monitor the situation and support the state government in management of cases, the Union health ministry said on Friday. The southern state has so far reported 14 cases of It has been put on alert. At a press conference here, joint secretary in the health ministry Lav Agarwal said, "There are some Zika cases which have been reported from Kerala. To monitor the situation and to support the state government, a six-member team comprising public health experts, vector-borne disease experts and clinicians from AIIMS has already been issued instructions to reach there and support the state government in terms of management of Zika there." A 24-year-old pregnant woman was the first to have been diagnosed with the mosquito-transmitted disease on Thursday. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed 13 more cases on Friday, according to the state government. The symptoms of Zika are similar to dengue and they include fever, rashes and joint pain. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that an action plan has been drawn up to control the spread of Zika. (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 hit several Australian industries with economic sanctions as part of punishment over Canberra's criticism of Beijing blocking investigations into the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on A Chinese official openly declared on Wednesday that Beijing has singled out for economic punishment, saying the federal government cannot profit from while "smearing" it, reported ABC News. China's government has hit several Australian industries with economic sanctions, imposing hefty tariffs on Australian barley and wine exports while throwing up barriers to several other products including timber, lobster, and coal. But it has typically not framed these decisions as acts of political retaliation. For example, Beijing insisted it targeted Australian wine because it was being "dumped" at an unfair price, while other Australian products were blocked at Customs after Chinese officials cited problems with bio-security or labeling, reported ABC News. Australian officials have long scoffed at these claims, saying Beijing has been laying a thin veneer of plausible deniability on its campaign of economic punishment. On Tuesday evening Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian dropped this pretense. When he was asked about a drop in Australian agricultural exports to China, Zhao made it clear Beijing had deliberately targeted Australian goods, reported ABC News. "Mutual respect is the foundation and safeguard of practical cooperation between countries," he said. "We will not allow any country to reap benefits from doing business with while groundlessly accusing and smearing China and undermining China's core interests based on ideology." Zhao also declared that was being punished because it was trying to attack China on behalf of the United States, and suggested that American farmers were the big winners from Chinese tariffs on Australian goods. "When a certain country acts like a cat's paw for others, it is the people that pay for misguided government policies," he said. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg did not directly comment on Zhao's remarks but said was dealing with a "more assertive" China. He also pointed out Australia was still raking in massive amounts of revenue from iron ore exports to China, reported ABC News. "They have made no secret of the fact that some of our exports are not making their way to China -- our barley, wine, coal," he told reporters in Canberra. "But what is making its way to China because they need it most is our iron ore, and the price of iron ore is at record highs. And that is providing significant revenue." The rift between China and Australia has deepened in 2021 after a turbulent 2020 that saw a high-level diplomatic freeze and rapidly mounting disputes over trade, foreign interference, Chinese investment, the COVID-19 outbreak, and human rights abuses in China. Australia has also taken China to the WTO over its tariffs on barley and wine. Last month the departing secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Frances Adamson, said China was "dogged by insecurity", and she described its decision to release a list of "14 complaints" about Australia as a "massive own goal", reported ABC News. Though China has imposed punitive trade restrictions on Australian coal, barley, meat, and wine, it is spending more than ever on Australian imports. (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.) Cigarette maker agreed on Friday to buy Vectura for 1.05 billions pounds ($1.44 billion), giving the U.S. firm access to the British drugmaker's respiratory ailment treatments and inhaling device technology. The deal, which topped a proposal by investment firm Carlyle Group, offers 150 pence a share to investors in Vectura, which makes 13 approved inhaled medicines and associated devices. The offer by Philip Morris, which also makes a range of vaping products, is 11% higher than Vectura's closing price on Thursday and beats Carlyle's bid agreed in May of 136 pence. Vectura, whose shares rose as much as 14% to 154 pence, said it was withdrawing its recommendation for the Carlyle offer in favour of the bid and was adjourning a shareholder meeting it had convened on Monday. Carlyle said it was "considering its options and a further announcement will be made in due course." It said it encouraged Vectura shareholders to take no action in the meantime. Analysts at Peel Hunt said bid underscored the strategic value of Vectura's technology platform, reducing the likelihood of private equity participation in the sale process. The deal is Philip Morris' second acquisition in the past week, after agreeing to buy nicotine gum maker Fertin Pharma from private equity firm EQT for 5.1 billion Danish Krone ($812 million). The cigarette maker launched its 'beyond nicotine' strategy in February, saying it expected more people to quit smoking in the coming years amid health concerns and regulatory crackdowns. The U.S. company said it planned for Vectura to operate as an independent unit at the centre of its inhaled therapeutics business, seeking to use its expertise in inhalation and aerosolization in areas such as respiratory drug delivery. Philip Morris said the acquisition of Vectura meant "the can create a fully-owned pipeline of products across a broad range of sectors in the prescription drug and over-the-counter categories." Philip Morris Chief Executive Jacek Olczak said acquiring Vectura and Fertin Pharma would help the U.S. firm's 'beyond nicotine' strategy "by expanding our capabilities in innovative inhaled and oral product formulations." The deal requires the approval of shareholders, among other conditions. ($1 = 0.7264 pounds) ($1 = 6.2842 Danish crowns) (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.) Germany declared all of Spain a risk area on Friday after Spanish COVID-19 infection rates more than doubled in a week as the Delta variant spread rapidly among unvaccinated young adults. The move, which includes the Balearic and Canary islands and takes effect on Sunday, will have a small immediate impact on travellers as it merely means they have to provide a negative test to avoid quarantine. However, a further rise in Spain's infection rate could lead to mandatory quarantine for unvaccinated travellers, causing uncertainty ahead of the peak school summer holiday season, when Germans flock to beach destinations abroad. Highly dependent on tourism, Spain is trying to strike a balance between opening up enough to entice back travellers while keeping infections in check to avoid putting off potential visitors. Spanish travel associations said the measure would further damage the already struggling sector. "It's ridiculous the lack of coordination between EU member states on travel recommendations," said Juan Molas, head of the Mesa del Turismo association. Mallorca's FEHM hotel federation, whose members rely heavily on German travellers, said the move was far from trivial. "It serves as a clear disincentive for tourists, further complicating the fragility of this season," the group said. Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said Spain was a safe destination for tourists, citing its vaccination programme and hospitalised patient numbers being kept under control. She spoke after a report that Germany planned to add Spain to its risk list and after French Junior European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune advised French people to avoid Spain and Portugal for their summer holidays. Germany's foreign ministry said it was also designating Cyprus as a high incidence area, meaning that incoming travellers must quarantine - which can be shortened if they test negative five days after entering the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance ministers from the Group of 20 countries will push for agreement on proposals backed by US President Joe Biden to deter tax dodging by multinational companies. While approval of the sweeping tax package is likely at the G-20 meeting Friday and Saturday in Venice, the proposals still face a key hurdle in the US Congress, where Republicans have vowed to oppose it. Biden's proposal for a 15 per cent global corporate minimum tax resulted in a breakthrough in stalled tax talks. An agreement was reached July 1 among 131 countries in negotiations convened by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The deal aims to discourage the use of often-complex accounting schemes to move profits to where the least tax is due. The OECD deal asks countries where companies are headquartered to enact the minimum tax so that their companies would pay tax at home even if they shift profits to subsidiaries in low-rate countries overseas, so-called tax havens. Countries have lowered their tax rates to attract the revenue, moves described by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as a global race to the bottom that the proposal could stop. Another part of the tax package would let countries tax a portion of the profits of large and profitable companies that have no physical presence but make significant amounts of money there, such as through digital businesses like online retailing and advertising. Endorsement of that deal by the G-20 finance ministers is likely since all 20 member countries representing more than 80 per cent of the global signed the deal at the OECD. A thumbs-up would mean more technical work at the OECD, followed by a bid for final approval at a Group of 20 leaders' summit October 30-31 in Rome hosted by Italy, which has the rotating G-20 chair. Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for Economics, said it was an opportunity the US and the world should not miss. Asked how he would describe the deal to non-economists, he said, right now we got a bunch of countries ripping us off by essentially giving kickbacks to many American big multinationals, to pay their taxes there instead of in the U.S.... if we make this deal we can stop it cold, so let's stop this kickback game that some of these countries are playing. But there are political issues to be cleared up. For one, there is friction over the EU's plans to impose what it calls a digital levy to help pay for pandemic recovery spending. The OECD deal commits countries to drop or refrain from their own digital services taxes largely aimed at US tech companies such as Google and Amazon a key demand from the Biden administration, which considers such unilateral taxes to be unfair trade practices. European officials have downplayed concerns, saying their digital tax will not clash with the OECD agreement. US officials are not convinced; the EU will not unveil the plan until later this month and it's not clear what's in it. And though Biden was successful on the stage in winning backing for the deal, he faces opposition from Republicans in the US Congress. The US already has a tax on big companies' overseas earnings but Biden seeks to roughly double the rate to 21 per cent. As part of a broader plan to raise money for infrastructure and clean energy investment, the administration is further urging Congress to boost the US domestic corporate tax rate from 21 per cent, where it is currently, to 28 per cent. Support for the global minimum is regarded as a boost to domestic passage of Biden's plans. Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the top Republican on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, blasted the OECD deal, saying, This is an economic surrender to China, Europe and the world that Congress will reject. The Peterson Institute's Posen said it was difficult to see how the global deal could work without the US joining it: If the US doesn't deliver, it may not survive, or it will survive but in a not very functional way... It's very difficult to imagine Europe, Japan and China getting together on this without the US chipping in." The administration plans to bypass the need to get 60 votes in an evenly divided 50-50 Senate by using a legislative tool known as budget reconciliation, which will only require a majority vote to pass the foreign profits rate. The part of the deal letting countries tax companies with no physical presence would require countries to sign a diplomatic agreement. Posen said that on tax matters, that would likely be a treaty requiring a two-thirds majority in the Senate. That might be difficult given the partisan environment, despite the provisions removing burdensome national digital tax taxes on US tech companies. While GOP lawmakers remain opposed to tax increases, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, thinks the Biden administration will be able to achieve much of what it wants in the tax area, both domestically and internationally. There is a general view around the world that corporations have to pay more to help shoulder the burden of dealing with climate change, income inequality and other government needs, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. Corporations have been doing very well and their profits are up. (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.) officials said on Friday the Sunni Muslim insurgent group had taken control of 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, and concern mounted over problems getting medicines and supplies into the country. According to Russian news agencies, the was discussing a possible ceasefire with the Afghan government and would halt its offensive if talks in Doha are successful. Three visiting officials are currently visiting Moscow. Afghan government officials, on the other hand, dismissed the Talibans assertion of controlling most of the country as part of a propaganda campaign, even as foreign forces, including the US, sped up their withdrawal after almost 20 years of fighting. Americas military mission in would end on August 31, President Joe Biden announced on Thursday, saying the US did not go to the war-torn country to nation-build. He said no amount of sustained American military presence in could resolve the countrys own intractable problems. Local Afghan officials said Taliban fighters, emboldened by the withdrawal, had captured an important district in Herat province, home to tens of thousands of minority Shia Hazaras. Torghundi, on the border with Turkmenistan, had also been captured by the Taliban overnight. Hundreds of Afghan security personnel and refugees continued to flee across the border into Iran and Tajikistan, causing concern in Moscow and other foreign capitals that radical Islamists could infiltrate Central Asia. The three Taliban officials sought to address those concerns during their visit to Moscow. We will take all measures so that Islamic State will not operate on Afghan territory... and our territory will never be used against our neighbours, Taliban official Shahabuddin Delawar told a news conference. says situation fast deteriorating Addressing the Senates Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf expressed concern over the fast deteriorating situation in and hinted that wont be able to tackle the influx of more refugees. They urged all parties to agree on a power sharing formula to avert a civil war. As fighting continued, a World Health Organization official said health workers were struggling to get medicines and supplies into Afghanistan, and that some staff had fled after facilities came under attack. The claimed on Friday that they now control 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory amid a surge in wins on the ground and as American troops complete their pullout from the war-battered country. The announcement came at a press conference at the end of a visit by a senior delegation to Moscow this week a trip meant to offer assurances that the insurgents' quick gains in do not threaten Russia or its allies in Central Asia. The claim, which is impossible to verify, was considerably higher than previous statements that more than a third of the country's 421 districts and district centres were in their control. There was no immediate response from the government in Kabul on the latest claim. 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 Russian officials have expressed concern that the Taliban surge could destabilize the ex-Soviet Central Asian nations north of Since mid-April, when President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's forever war, the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. They recently have swept through dozens of districts, taking control, often without a fight. Over the past week, they seized border crossings with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and on Thursday, with Iran. However, at the Moscow presser, the Taliban promised not to attack provincial capitals or seize them by force, and expressed hopes for a political resolution with Kabul. We will not seize provincial capitals in order not to inflict death on Afghan citizen, said Taliban negotiator Mawlawi Shahabuddin Delawar. Guarantees for that have been presented to the Afghan authorities, along with demands for the release of more Taliban prisoners from Afghan jails, Dilawar said. He added that the Taliban now control 85% of Afghan territory. The Taliban also vowed they would "not allow anyone, any individual, any entity to use the soil of Afghanistan against the neighboring country, regional country and world country, including the United States and its allies. We don't want to fight. We want to find a political resolution through political negotiations, said Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen. The Taliban representatives spoke through a translator. Iranian media reported Friday that the Taliban were in control of two border crossings between Afghanistan and Iran, including the key transit route of Islam Qala seized on Thursday. Iranian state radio said 300 Afghan soldiers and civilians had escaped the Taliban advance and slipped across the border to Iran. In southern Kandahar there was fighting on Friday near the provincial capital and the government had sent more troops to protect the prison there from attempts by the Taliban to attack it and free the inmates. 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 US 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 labelled them a terrorist organisation. Asked about this week's visit and the terrorist label, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Moscow's contacts with the Taliban were necessary, given how intensely the situation in Afghanistan is developing, how the situation on the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is developing. The United Kingdom government said it doesnt accept the European Unions assessment that London owes the bloc 47.5 billion euros ($56.2 billion) as part of the Brexit settlement, a higher figure than the UK had originally estimated. We dont recognise that figure, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons spokesman Jamie Davies told reporters Friday. The UKs estimate remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion euros (40.8 to ^45.5 billion), he said, and full details will be published in parliament shortly. The EU assessment, which was published in a budget document, is aimed at accounting for the UK.s ongoing commitments to EU programs its still benefiting from, as well as other obligations to the bloc. The bulk of funds are due to the EU in the coming years. The accounting seems likely to trigger new discussions with the UK, which estimated in 2018 that the total bill would amount to 41.4 billion euros. Rebuilding after the latest devastating war between Israel and the territory's militant Hamas rulers will cost up to USD 485 million, the said. The report says it will take up to $380 million to repair the physical damage alone, with more required for other recovery needs. Israel carried out waves of airstrikes during the 11-day conflict in May and Palestinian militants fired thousands of rockets, most of which were intercepted. More than 260 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians. has been under a crippling Israeli and Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinians forces in 2007 and is still scarred from three previous wars between Israel and the Islamic militant group. The said the war caused up to $190 million in economic losses, in a territory where unemployment already hovered around 50%. It says over 4,000 homes were demolished or partially damaged. This is yet another unfortunate episode in which the Palestinian people in saw themselves in the midst of conflict and destruction,'' said Kanthan Shankar, the director for the West Bank and Gaza. The report, carried out with the United Nations and the European Union, was released Tuesday. At least 254 people were killed in Gaza during this latest war, including 67 children and 39 women, according to the Gaza health ministry. Hamas has acknowledged the deaths of 80 militants. Twelve civilians, including two children, were killed in Israel, along with one soldier. Israel blamed the civilian losses on Hamas, which placed rocket launchers and other military infrastructure in residential neighborhoods. The military said it made every effort to spare civilians. Gaza's more than 2 million Palestinian residents have borne the brunt of recurrent conflicts and hostilities during the past three decades. Movement in and out of the territory is heavily restricted, power outages are frequent, and Gaza is also coping with a coronavirus outbreak. (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.) Equity indices buckled under selling pressure for the second straight session on Friday as risk appetite remained subdued amid lacklustre global cues and lower-than-expected results from IT major TCS. Banking, finance and IT counters accounted for most of the losses, while strong demand for metal stocks cushioned the fall. The Sensex ended 182.75 points or 0.35 per cent lower at 52,386.19. The broader Nifty dropped 38.10 points or 0.24 per cent to close at 15,689.80. was the top laggard on the Sensex chart, shedding 1.99 per cent, followed by TCS which dropped 1.52 per cent post its results. The country's largest IT firm had on Thursday reported a 28.5 per cent jump in June quarter net profit at Rs 9,008 crore, but called out the domestic business as a drag which restricted its overall growth. HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Reliance Industries, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Bank and IndusInd Bank were among the other losers. ALSO READ: GR Infra Projects, Clean Science IPOs subscribed close to 100x each On the other hand, Tata Steel led the gainers' list with a jump of 4.16 per cent, followed by Bajaj Finserv, Bharti Airtel, NTPC, Maruti and Bajaj Finance. During the week, the Sensex declined 98.48 points or 0.18 per cent, while the Nifty dropped 32.40 points or 0.20 per cent. Domestic equities traded on a weak note on Friday mainly led by continued profit-booking in financials, said Binod Modi, Head - Strategy at Reliance Securities. However, metals, pharma and realty indices shined, while IT index remained soft after TCS missed earnings estimates, he said, adding that buying momentum remained visible in midcap and smallcap stocks as improved earnings prospect attracted investors' interest. "While visible improvement in business momentum with ease of business curbs by states started offering comfort, recent uptick in daily caseload and increasing positive rate could be a near term risk as we saw Japan imposing fresh restrictions in Tokyo," he noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shares of Macrotech Developers, the recently listed real estate company, surged 10 per cent to Rs 754 on the BSE in the intra-day trade on Friday, having rallied 14 per cent in two days, after the company released operational performance for the quarter ended June 2021 (Q1FY22). The stock was trading at its highest level since its listing on April 19, 2021. Besides, with the past two days' rally, is now up 55 per cent against its issue price of Rs 486 per share. At 01:50 pm, it was trading 7 per cent higher at Rs 734 as compared to a 0.39 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. A combined 1.5 million shares have changed hands on the counter on the NSE and BSE till the time of writing of this report. In its quarterly business update, said that it pre-sales clocked a growth of 88 per cent YoY at Rs 957 crore relative to Rs 509 crore reported in Q1FY21. The company's pre-sales, however, were down by 62 per cent compared with Rs 2,531 crore in Q4FY21. "While April and May had very limited pre-sales on account of the second Covid wave in India, June saw pre-sales of Rs 654 crore. This pick-up in June is despite some continuing Covid related restrictions in our operating markets," the management said. It added that subject to no further Covid related disruptions, the company is on track to meet its pre-sales guidance. Customer collections, meanwhile, stood at Rs 1,714 crore in the first quarter of the current financial year, higher by 346 per cent compared with the corresponding period a year before. Sequentially, the collections have declined by 18 per cent from Rs 2,089 crore in Q4FY21. The copany has reduced consolidated net debt by Rs 3,600 crore during the quarter. Separately, has entered into joint development agreements (JDA) with two new projects totaling 1.5 million sq ft of saleable area during the quarter. These 2 projects are in addition to 2 projects which were informed with Q4FY21 results in May 21. Incorporated in 1995, Macrotech Developers [formerly known as Lodha Developers] is one of the largest real estate developers in India. The company is primarily engaged in affordable residential real estate developments and, in 2019, it entered into the development of logistics and industrial parks and also develop commercial real estate. The company generated maximum revenue from this segment as of fiscal 2020 which was 57.77 per cent of total revenue. Under the logistic and industrial park portfolio, it plans to develop an industrial park of over 800 acres of land near Palava. However, the commercial real estate portfolio includes projects like corporate offices, IT campuses, and boutique office spaces. As on December 31, 2020, the firm had successfully completed 91 projects comprising 77.22 million sq. ft. of developable area, with 59.13 million sq. ft. in the affordable housing segment. Shares of (BDL) rallied 7 per cent to Rs 399 on the BSE in the intra-day trade on Friday after the company signed a contract worth about Rs 499 crore with Ministry of Defence for manufacture and supply of Akash Missiles to the Indian Air Force (IAF). With the present contract signed for supply of Akash to Indian Air Force, the company's order book position stands at about Rs 8,683 crore. "The company has bagged new orders worth about Rs 2,803 crore (including taxes) during the FY 2020-21 which includes Anti - Tank Guided Missiles order worth about Rs 1,820 crore and Surface to Air Missiles order worth about Rs 793 crore", BDL said in a press release. BDL is supplying Akash Missiles to Indian Army and Indian Air Force. With the announcement from the Union Cabinet regarding clearance of Akash Weapon System for Export, the company is exploring to offer Akash for export to foreign countries. BDL has already received export leads from some countries expressing interest in procuring the Missile, the management said. BDL is the prime production agency for projects under Indias Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Akash is one of the missiles under IGMDP being manufactured by BDL, both for Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The company also manufactures Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Air to Air Missiles, Air to Surface Weapons, Launchers, Test Equipment, Underwater weapons and Counter Measure Systems. That apart, BDL is also aiming to expand its footprints in the international market by offering Air to Air Missiles, Anti-Tank Guided missiles, underwater weapons and Counter Measure Systems in addition to Akash Missiles to friendly countries. At 09:48 am, BDL was up 3 per cent at Rs 384, as compared to a 0.56 per cent decline in the S&P BSE Sensex. Trading volumes on the counter jumped over five-fold with a combined 1.9 million shares having changed hands on the NSE and BSE. SGX Nifty traded 42 points or 0.26 per cent down at 15,668 around 8.40 am, indicating a weak start for the benchmark indices on Friday. Here are the top stocks to track in today's session: Results today: A total of 15 companies, including Delta Corp, Suryavanshi Spinning Mills, and Vikas Lifecare are set to release quarterly earnings on Friday. TCS: Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) Q1 FY22 performance missed estimates even as the net profit jumped 28.5 per cent YoY to Rs 9,008 crore and revenue rose 18.5 per cent YoY to Rs 45,411 crore. According to Bloomberg poll, analysts were estimating revenue of Rs 45,767.5 crore and net profit of Rs 9,391.9 crore for the quarter gone by. READ MORE Bharat Dynamics: The company signed a contract worth about Rs 499 crore with Ministry of Defence for manufacture and supply of Akash Missiles to the Indian Air Force. Tata Steel: CARE upgraded long term credit rating for to AA+ from AA and the outlook to Stable from Negative. Union Bank of India: The lender said it has accepted bids to raise up to Rs 1,150 crore by issuing Basel III-compliant bonds. CDSL: Leading depository CDSL on Thursday said the number of active demat accounts opened with it has reached 4-crore mark. CDSL, which began operations in 1999, had 1 crore active demat accounts in September 2015, crossed 2 crore in January 2020, 3 crore in January 2021 and 4 crore in July 2021. CIL: State-owned Coal India (CIL) on Thursday said it has inked a pact for purchase of 11 Russian rope shovels for nearly Rs 1,462 crore. Electric rope shovels play a vital role in opencast mines for loading of material. STFC: Shriram Transport Finance Company (STFC) on Thursday said it has received Rs 312.50 crore from its promoter Shriram Capital Finance in lieu of allotment of preference shares and warrants. Tata Motors: The auto major has inked a two-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jammu & Kashmir Bank, the largest commercial vehicle financier in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in a collaborative effort to offer financing options to its customers. Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services: The company has completed the acquisition of 20 per cent of the Equity Share Capital of Ideal Finance Limited from its existing shareholders, resulting in an increase in MMFSLs stake in Ideal Finance from 38.20 per cent to 58.20 per cent. Phillips Carbon Black: CRISIL has assigned A1+ rating to the captioned debt programme. Bank of Baroda: The company has appointed Alok Vajpeyi as shareholder director of the bank. The board has also approved raising up to Rs 2,000 crore. As Wall Street ponders the longevity of the value trade after a miserable few weeks of performance in the US, outside of the country it could be just getting started. For all the dominance of megacap growth names, American stocks led the world during the cyclical upswing in the first half of the year -- and that means other regions are now primed for a catch-up. Take With a far more economically sensitive equity market, a vaccine roll-out finally closing the gap to the US and business activity gathering speed, firms from Lombard Odier to BlackRock Inc. are recommending investors boost their exposure to the region. The post-pandemic growth relay has shifted, Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management, wrote in a note. From China to the US and now to the euro zone. With stabilizing on Friday following a slump, the Stoxx 600 Index jumped 1% at 9:57 a.m. in New York compared with the S&P 500s 0.7% gain. Thats a contrast to the year so far. The US benchmark gained 15% in 2021 through Thursday, while its European peer climbed about 13%. At the same time, a US index of value shares outpaced a rest-of-world gauge by more than 6 percentage points, according to MSCI Inc. indexes. It all means European shares look cheap. Members of the Stoxx 600 trade at less than 17-times expected earnings versus 21-times for stocks in the S&P 500. In the UK its even more dramatic -- FTSE 100 Index companies trade at an average of 13-times the coming years earnings. Euro zone and UK equities still trade at relatively cheap multiples, despite their exposures to both the global recovery and the reflation themes, Stephane Monier, chief investment officer at Lombard Odier, wrote in a note. These are where we see the greatest likely benefits from economic re-openings, an acceleration in relative earnings momentum as well as attractive valuations. And while European equity funds drew $16 billion last quarter, the strongest flows in four years, they stand to gain even more given $230 billion of outflows over the last three years, Sanford C. Bernstein strategists pointed out in a Friday note. It helps that the regions economic growth is also likely to accelerate -- European Union officials markedly raised their outlook for the euro-area economy this week. We see a sizeable pickup in activity helped by accelerating vaccinations, BlackRock Investment Institute strategists wrote in their mid-year outlook this week, as they shifted to overweight on European shares and to neutral on US equities. Valuations remain attractive relative to history and investor inflows into the region are only just starting to pick up. Of course, the bull case depends on a conviction that economic momentum is only poised to accelerate. There remain fears that new Covid variants can set back the global recovery, which in any case may be constrained by labor shortages and supply bottlenecks -- both legacies of the pandemic. Concerns about growth momentum are part of what has stalled the reflation trade in the US Treasury yields sunk to a four-month low this week, and a long-short value strategy is down again in July after sliding the most since January 2020 last month. Giant growth shares like Amazon.com Inc. and Apple Inc. -- the kind doesnt have -- have been back in the ascendancy. At Citigroup Inc., strategists say it might be too soon to worry. Strong EPS momentum should provide further support for global equities in 2H21, but monetary tightening will loom larger into 2022, strategists including Robert Buckland and Beata Manthey wrote in a note. The UK remains our favorite value trade. With effect from 08 July 2021 ABans Enterprises announced the resignation of Nirbhay Vassa, Chief Financial Officer from the end of business hours of 08 July 2021. Vassa's resignation from the position of Chief Financial Officer of Abans Enterprises is on account of administrative reasons and is being proposed to be appointed in another company of Abans Group. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharat Dynamics (BDL) has signed a contract worth about Rs.499 crore with Ministry of Defence for manufacture and supply of Akash Missiles to the Indian Air Force. The company has bagged new orders worth about Rs.2803 crore (including taxes) during the FY 2020-21 which includes Anti - Tank Guided Missiles order worth about Rs.1820 crore and Surface to Air Missiles order worth about Rs.793 crore. With the present contract signed for supply of Akash to Indian Air Force, the order book position now stands at about Rs.8683 crore. The company is also aiming to expand its footprints in the international market by offering Air to Air Missiles, Anti-Tank Guided missiles, underwater weapons and Counter Measure Systems in addition to Akash Missiles to friendly countries. BDL is the prime production agency for projects under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Akash is one of the missiles under IGMDP being manufactured by BDL, both for Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The Missile has been successfully test fired on several occasions and is regarded as one of the best missiles in its category. The company also manufactures Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Air to Air Missiles, Air to Surface Weapons, Launchers, Test Equipment, Underwater weapons and Counter Measure Systems. CMD, BDL Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd) stated that BDL is supplying Akash Missiles to Indian Army and Indian Air Force. With the announcement from the Union Cabinet regarding clearance of Akash Weapon System for Export, the company is exploring to offer Akash for export to foreign countries. BDL has already received export leads from some countries expressing interest in procuring the Missile. The company has a well-established infrastructure and expertise to execute these orders and meet the customer delivery schedule. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 8 July 2021. Shares of Bharat Dynamics fell 0.03% to settle at Rs 372.70 yesterday. Bharat Dynamics manufactures defense equipment. The company offers ammunitions, counter measures dispensing, infra-red interference indicators, and missile systems. It serves military and aerospace industries in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HCL Technologies announced a five-year, global agreement to provide digital transformation and managed services to The Mosaic Company, a Fortune 500 company and the largest U.S. producer of phosphate and potash. As part of the agreement, HCL will manage and transform Mosaic's global application and infrastructure environments to enhance the company's agility and ability to drive growth in the marketplace. This partnership with Mosaic capitalizes on the company's strong focus on the agriculture business, mining and chemical segments. In addition, Mosaic will benefit from the company's presence in the Latin American market where it will be able to execute on go-to-market models for different segments, including B2B and B2C firms. Ajay Bahl, executive vice president for HCL America, said: We recognize the strong focus of our customers to move to a more product-centric, stream-driven delivery model, which is an exceptional area of strength for us. We're thrilled to help Mosaic scale its global capabilities with our transformative services. Separately, HCL Technologies said that it has successfully completed the first phase in building a modern digital workplace for multinational energy company bp. This multi-year strategic partnership with HCL will help transform bp's workplace services, enabling it to drive efficiency and create a standardized end-user experience for its employees across more than 500 sites. HCL has been providing global site support services and managed telephony for 60,000 IT end-users at bp. The implementation of HCL WorkBlaze and DRYiCE OptiBot has led to significant efficiency gains and supported the rapid shift to remote working in the pandemic. HCL's success in improving employee satisfaction through better omnichannel experiences as well as increased first call resolution led to a five-year extension of the engagement and enhancement of scope to include the global service desk, Microsoft platform services and platform engineering services. Sandeep Kumar Saxena, executive vice president - UK & Ireland, diversified industries, HCL Technologies, said: "The success we've achieved with bp is a great example of why HCL is the partner of choice for forward looking enterprises looking to transform IT service delivery. bp's drive to optimize user experiences is closely aligned to our own philosophy of putting employees first. We are proud to have developed a next generation digital workplace for one of the largest names in energy." HCL Technologies offers its services and products through three business units - IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products & Platforms (P&P). On a consolidated basis, HCL Tech reported 25.6% drop in net profit to Rs 2,962 crore on 1.8% rise in revenues to Rs 19,642 crore in Q4 FY21 over Q3 FY21. The IT firm's consolidated net profit declined 6.1% while revenues jumped 5.7% in Q4 FY21 over Q4 FY20. The scrip shed 0.07% to currently trade at Rs 976.35 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a dig at the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government for its full-page advertisements in major newspapers of about a welfare scheme for families affected by COVID-19, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is interested more in publicity than in implementing the plan. The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the upper age for receiving financial assistance - from 18 to 21 - by children who have lost their parents to COVID-19 in Referring to the government's recently launched "Bal Seva Yojna", Rupani said the BJP government in the state gives Rs 4,000 per month to COVID-19 orphans, much higher than what is being offered by the administration (to affected families in Delhi). "These ads show that they (the government in Delhi) are more interested in publicity than implementing schemes. Unlike the AAP, we focus only on schemes. "As against Rs 2,500 offered by them, we give Rs 4,000 as a compensation" Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar when asked about the ad campaign launched by the rival party, which has announced plans to contest on all seats in Gujarat in the 2022 assembly polls. "Under our scheme, orphan children are eligible to get a monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 till the age of 21 and then Rs 6,000 if they continue higher studies till they turn 24. "We have already deposited the money into the bank accounts of affected children. It shows we are more interested in scheme implementation than in publicity," the BJP leader said. Under the 'Bal Seva Yojna', the Gujarat government had on July 7 disbursed monthly financial assistance of Rs 4,000 each to 776 children who have lost both their parents to COVID-19 in the state. Notably, when the scheme was announced a month back, the state government had said the eligible children will get the monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 till the age of 18. On Friday, Rupani announced that children will continue to get the financial assistance of Rs 4,000 till they turn 21. If they opt for higher studies after the age of 21, the state government would give Rs 6,000 per month till they attain the age of 24, he added. The full page advertisements in major Gujarati and English newspapers of Gujarat were meant to inform the masses about the government's new scheme, "Chief Minister's COVID-19 Family Financial Assistance Scheme", for the people of Delhi. As per the advertisement, the AAP government would give a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to Delhi-based families whose earning member has died due to COVID-19. It added that a one-time compensation of Rs 50,000 will also be given to families on death of any member due to COVID-19. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court Friday dismissed a plea by leader of one of the factions of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Chirag Pawan challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to recognise his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras as the leader of the party in the House. I find absolutely no merit in the petition, Justice Rekha Palli said. The court, which was inclined to impose cost on Chirag, did not do so after a request was made by his counsel. The petition sought setting aside speaker's June 14 circular showing the name of Paras as leader of Jan Lokshakti Party in the Lok Sabha. Paras, who was administered the oath of office as Union cabinet minister on July 7, has spent the larger part of his career under the shadow of his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan. (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.) New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI/NewsVoir): Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. ("Max Life" / "Company"), launches a new training transformation program for its agency channel with the unique 'Max Life Ace Talk' initiative. The talk series aims to showcase inspirational stories by Max Life's top agent advisors to a network of upcoming agent advisors, fueling inspiration from personal stories of success and professional journeys. The series developed under 'Project Navodaya' seeks to re-imagine the Agency Channel business at Max Life by helping the vertical achieve scale, growth in market share, and profitability. The project further follows a four-pronged approach towards training transformation, agent advisor recruitment, top agent advisor growth, and digital competence. V Viswanand, Deputy Managing Director, Max Life Insurance said, "The launch of 'Max Life Ace Talk' demonstrates our continuing commitment to digitize, grow and develop our agency force, which is the backbone of our organization. For the new-age agent advisor, getting the right training and technology will make all the difference. With these programs, we seek to build a community of successful mentors who can inspire younger advisors with their stories of talent and success." Delivered virtually across various regions, 'Max Life Ace Talk' focuses on a range of attitudinal topics such as discipline in life insurance, emotional intelligence, preparation required to attain higher case size, business performances, and others. Some of the upcoming topics for the talk series include - 'Insurance as a noble profession', 'habits of a successful life insurance advisor', 'life after retirement', 'exploring health and wellness', amongst others. Date: July 20, 2021 - 11 AM - 12:30 PM Link: (https://zoom.us/j/93919549605?pwd=R1pzVGhGVHB0UkdTOW5lK0Q1WU9XZz09#success) Passcode: 878057 Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group, an Indian multi-business corporation. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over almost two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per public disclosures and annual audited financials for FY20-21, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 19,018 crore. As of 31st March 2021, the Company had INR 90,407 crore of assets under management (AUM) and a Sum Assured in Force of INR 1,087,987 crore. For more information, please visit the Company's website at (https://www.maxlifeinsurance.com) This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In todays Caixin energy news wrap: Coal prices are expected to remain high in the second half on strong demand, brokerage house says; China finishes its first batch of metal release from national reserves in a rare move to cool commodity prices; and the countrys national carbon trading is set to start. National carbon trading for power generators to start China will launch national carbon trading for power generation in July, the State Council said at a Wednesday meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang. The move is part of Chinas efforts to roll out a nationwide carbon-trading market to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through market measures as the country strives to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. China to roll out new lending tool to support green push The State Council, Chinas cabinet, proposed to set up monetary policy instruments to support carbon emissions reduction, a step toward the rollout of new financial tools to serve the countrys ambitious climate goals. Caixin learned that the new tool will take the form of relending quotas loans from the central bank to commercial banks -- with preferential rates issued to qualified financial institutions to encourage their funding for clean energy and carbon reduction-related projects. Coal price to surge more than 30% in 2021 on tight supply, report says Coal prices in China this year are expected to be 30% to 40% higher than last year due to strong demand and tight supply, Citic Securities said in a recent report. Although coal production is expected to expand in the second half, rising demand will keep the prices at relatively high level, it said. CNOOC signs 10-year LNG purchase agreement with Petronas Malaysia's state oil firm Petronas has signed a 10-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with a subsidiary of China's offshore oil and gas major CNOOC Ltd. Under the deal, valued at about $7 billion, CNOOC will purchase 2.2 million tons per annum over the period. China completes first release of metals from strategic reserves The first round of Chinas much-anticipated state metal reserves auctions has been completed as the government seeks to cool commodity prices by adding market supply. A combined 100,000 tons of copper, aluminum and zinc were sold through public bidding this week, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. The National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration will continue to release stocks soon to ease raw-material cost pressure on businesses. Sinopec starts construction of 500,000-ton degradable plastics project State energy giant Sinopec has officially kicked off the first phase construction of a polyglycolic acid project with annual capacity of 500,000 tons in Southwest Chinas Guizhou province, the company said Wednesday. Polyglycolic acid, or PGA, is a new environmentally friendly degradable plastic product. The first phase of construction will complete facilities with 200,000 tons of capacity, with the remaining capacity to be built in the second phase. CATL joins hands with Hong Kong utility Towngas for new energy development Chinas largest battery maker, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) (300750.SZ) and Hong Kong utility, Towngas, set up a strategic partnership to tap the renewable energy businesses. The parties said they will also explore cooperation in battery technology, semiconductor chips and joint investments in the energy space. Contact editor Han Wei (weihan@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. (ThinkChina) In a study on consumers shopping patterns across provinces in China, Associate Professor Chu Junhong of National University of Singapore Business School and Professor Pradeep K. Chintagunta of the Chicago Booth School of Business found that Chinese buyers tend to buy from sellers they trust, and a sellers location forms a large part of that equation. Buyers in China care about where their goods come from. It has been well-established that a products country of origin adds to the branding effect. Think of Belgian chocolates, Swiss watches and South Koreas kimchi. Research shows that this geographical preference applies to goods made within China. Data from e-commerce platform Taobao shows that Chinese buyers prefer to purchase products from some provinces more than others. Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu are the most preferred shopping destinations. Anhui, Jiangxi, Shanxi, and Heilongjiang are the least preferred while Hubei and Henan lie somewhere in the middle. Consumers also like to buy products from their home provinces. This implies that provincial-level governments have an incentive to continue investing in the branding of their respective provinces products. As early as 2015, Zhejiang province issued a directive to build the Zhejiang brand, making it mandatory for businesses and governments at all levels to participate. Hubei and Henan quickly followed suit and there are now dedicated websites to help Chinese cities with the branding of their products. At first glance, these efforts would be useful in attracting international investment. But they are also useful in attracting domestic buyers from other provinces. Professor Pradeep K. Chintagunta from the Chicago Booth School of Business and I co-authored a study on consumers shopping patterns across provinces in China. This was recently published in the journal Quantitative Marketing and Economics. Place of origin matters Why do buyers look at the province? There is always risk and uncertainty in online shopping. To reduce their risk, buyers often look at seller reputation and reviews. In large marketplaces like Taobao however, good reviews can be plentiful and hence inconclusive. At the time of our data collection from 2011 to 2013, there were eight million sellers on Taobao. Beyond reviews and the perceived quality of the products, the sellers location is another cue for buyers to ascertain their risk. In other words, the location becomes a brand associated with the products quality and the sellers trustworthiness. Preference is unrequited It is easy to assume that buyers will prefer to buy from their home province or nearby provinces, possibly due to familiarity and lower transport costs due to a shorter distance. In that case, buyers in a group of nearby provinces should show similar levels of preference for sellers located in this group. Interestingly, that was not the case. Our analysis of weekly Taobao sales figures found that buyers from province A may show a preference for sellers from province B, but not vice versa. For example, Zhejiang buyers have a lesser preference for Guangdong sellers but Guangdong buyers find Zhejiang an attractive source of products. This is not because the product is only available in certain provinces. We chose data across eight common product categories such as womens shoes, cellphones and disposable diapers. Our research showed that standard products were sold in all provinces. For shoes, which came in various designs, we were also able to find a visually identical pair of shoes in nearly all provinces. At the time of data collection, Taobao sellers could not launch targeted marketing promotions based on the buyers province. Sellers only got to know the buyers location after an order had been placed. Hence, marketing timing was not a factor affecting buyers preference for sellers from a certain province. It thus seems that the seller's location has a certain role to play in these asymmetric shopping patterns. Besides the distance to the sellers province, the location also determines if there is trust. Trusted provinces get more sales Previous studies compared respondents views of "the provinces they found most trustworthy. People trusted their home province the most. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong also ranked among the most trusted provinces. There was a high correlation between trust and preferences in online shopping: Buyers showed stronger preferences toward and hence bought more from provinces they trusted more. We also looked at the provinces socioeconomic standards, and found that buyers preferred to buy from places with similar socioeconomic levels as their own province. Migrants also showed strong support for sellers from their home province, particularly in the category of women's shoes. Our findings are similar to a study conducted in the U.S. The study by Daniel Elfenbein and his co-authors, using monthly eBay data collected in 2015 and 2016, found that buyers showed geographic preferences for certain states. However, the factors were different. U.S. buyers tend to buy from states with similar ethnic make-up, religion and political affiliation as their own state. This is not surprising, given the huge differences in social, religious and economic environments of the two countries. As online shopping booms, particularly during the pandemic, it would pay for provincial or state governments to increase their efforts on branding. This would help to attract more sales, be they from international or domestic customers. This is particularly relevant and important for e-commerce platforms and businesses in Singapore and Southeast Asia since their sellers and buyers are located in different regions, provinces or countries, and a sellers location might be an important factor for buyers to choose products. Chu Junhong is deans chair and an associate professor at the National University of Singapore Business School. This story was originally published in ThinkChina. Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter. Become A Subscriber A subscription opens up access to all our online content, including: our interactive E-Edition, a full archive of modern stories, exclusive and expanded online offerings, photo galleries from Caledonian-Record journalists, video reports from our media partners, extensive international, national and regional reporting by the Associated Press, and a wide variety of feature content. St. Johnsbury, VT (05819) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. High 86F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in * Username This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Choose wisely! * First name * Last name Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! * Email Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else. * Password Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. FILE - In this July 1, 2021, file photo President Joe Biden, right, looks at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, during a briefing with first responders and local officials in Miami on the condo tower that collapsed in Surfside, Fla. As he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign, the tragedy in Surfside is exposing voters to a different side of DeSantis. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) Beachgoers crowd the strand in Atlantic Beach over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. (Cheryl Burke photo) Ufotable, the animation studio behind the smash-hit feature Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Mugen Train, has been formally indicted by the Japanese government for tax evasion. Prosecutors in the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office sought 137 million ($1.24 million) in unpaid taxes. Studio founder Hikaru Kondo, 51, has also been indicted, according to The Japan Times. Kondo stepped down as the companys president in 2019. The Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau found that Kondo minimized the companys income for the fiscal years ending in August 2015, 2017, and 2018, underpaying 109 million in corporate taxes. This weekend at the Marche du Film, the market counterpart of Cannes Film Festival, Chile will present five animated films in search of partners. For a country that has barely released a dozen animated features in its entire history, this is a watershed. The five features will be presented on Saturday, July 10 as part of the markets Animation Days segment. They vary widely in themes, tone, and technique, ranging from 2d to cgi, and road-trip comedies to wartime dramas. Yet the stories are all steeped in the country of their origin, depicting the history, politics, traditions, and landscapes of Chile. This slate of confidently local animation IP shows how far Chilean animation has come in the last two decades. In that time, films and series from the country, such as Paper Port and Nahuel and the Magical Book, have earned plaudits around the world; the short film Bear Story even took home an Oscar. Studios have proliferated chiefly in 2d, but increasingly in cgi and stop motion too as have educational opportunities. As Cristian Freire, coordinator for the Chilean Animation delegation at Cannes 2021, tells Cartoon Brew, In the last ten years, the quantity and quality of Chilean [animation] studios has grown enormously, with better prepared artists in the discipline, access to technological tools, and institutional support. This growth is buttressed by a three-pronged state funding system. The economic development agency CORFO supports series and features in their early stages. CNTV, the agency that oversees tv services, invests in many animated series. Finally, the Audiovisual Fund of the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage covers all stages of the development and production of animated features, shorts, and webseries. All features at the Marche du Film benefited from it. Yet the cost of animation production is such that local money alone cant necessarily cover a full feature. Two of the films below are currently set up as international co-productions, and this model is likely to endure. I would say that with new co-production agreements with countries around the world, says Freire, the chances of obtaining foreign funds and, of course, talent will become a common practice in all types of productions, not only in feature films. Freire stresses the importance of features to Chiles long-term animation strategy. Productions help develop the industry, of course, but features also often have artistic, cultural, and social goals that are important to our society. The projects heading to Cannes certainly promise to provide this kind of value. Read on for details of the five films that will feature at Animation Days: Underground Stories (Historias Clandestinas) Year of production: 2023 Format: Animation and live action 2k Duration: 90 min Countries: Chile, Sweden Director: Jose Maria Gonzalez Producers: Catalina Donoso, Patricio Ochoa, Kamila Velich Production companies: Cusicanqui & Nino Viejo (Chile) in co-production with Laika Film & Television (Sweden) Website: www.cusicanquifilms.cl Stage: late development/pre-production Synopsis: Franco Franco is a teenager who only interacts with Siri, the virtual assistant on his computer. To get closer to him, his father Ariel starts reading him a graphic novel he wrote some time ago. It tells the story of Ariels experiences as a child during Pinochets dictatorship, and about how his parents decided to hide two of the military regimes most wanted people for ten years. Devils Vein (La Veta del Diablo) Year of production: 2024 Format: 2k Duration: 90 min Country: Chile Director: German Acuna Producer: Sebastian Ruz Production company: Carburadores Website: www.carburadores.tv Stage: pre-production Synopsis: At the height of the mining boom of the 1920s in the Atacama desert, Mercedes, a humble 16-year-old girl, decides to steal a mysterious piece of gold. She hopes to use it to help her brother, who has gotten in trouble with the real owner of the gold: the devil under the desert. Grandpa Miguel (Tata Miguel) Year of production: 2021 Format: 4k Duration: 80 min Country: Chile Director: Tomas Montalva Producer: Cecilia Baeriswyl Production company: Llolleo Creativo Website: www.osobucoanimacion.cl State: pre-production Synopsis: Grandpa Miguel makes the last trip of his life in search of his youthful love with the help of his eight-year-old granddaughter, whom he just met. Grandpa Miguel teaches her on this trip that an adventure cant wait! Uky & Lola in the Land of Fire (Uky & Lola en Tierra del Fuego) Year of production: 2021 Format: 2k Duration: 90 min Country: Chile Director: Fabian Andrade Producer: Simon Barrionuevo Production company: Wild Bunch Studio Website: https://vimeo.com/wildbunchstudio Synopsis: Uky, an impetuous and young Selknam, and Lola, a Shaman apprentice, must save their people from the evil sheep farmers who are trying to enslave them and usurp the land. Uky and Lola must work together to learn how to channel the magic of the spirits, re-establish the balance in the Karukinka, and solve the eternal dispute between the Sun and the Moon. Winnipeg Seeds of Hope (Winnipeg el Barco de la Esperanza) Year of production: 2023 Format: 4k Duration: 80 min Countries: Chile, Spain Directors: Elio Quiroga, Benat Beitia Producers: Antoni Marin, Ricardo Ramon, Marianne Mayer-Beckh Production companies: La Ballesta, Dibulitoon, El Otro Film Distributors: La Distribucion (Chile), Barton Films (Spain) Synopsis: Victor, a widowed father, left Barcelona in 1939 with his little daughter Julia. In France, concentration camps and hardships awaits them. But there is a chance to escape aboard the Winnipeg, a ship which the poet Pablo Neruda and the Quakers in Paris have chartered to take more than 2,000 people safely to a new destination: Valparaiso, Chile, where a new life is possible. Photo: CTV News Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier John Horgan Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Incident Response Group to discuss the impact of the B.C. wildfires during his stop in the province Thursday. A news release summarizing the meeting says 80 firefighters from Ontario, Quebec have now arrived to help bolster crews on the frontline, and Parks Canada has dispatched 23 fire management specialists to B.C. and neighbouring Alberta. It also confirms Canada is in discussions with international partners to prepare for the potential need for additional assistance. The Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers who are part of the Incident Response Group agreed on the continued importance of providing resources as needed to provinces to help them recover and keep people safe. They also talked about ongoing issues around rail transportation infrastructure. Indigenous leaders and some residents of Lytton are upset at the prospect rail traffic has resumed through the community that was levelled by fire on June 30. RCMP have not yet wrapped up the investigation into what sparked the flames that spread so quickly many people had to flee with just the clothes on their backs. Some witnesses say it began near the rail line. The release says the Prime Minister and ministers will also continue to prioritize federal action on climate change to mitigate exacerbating impacts to extreme conditions and protect the health and safety of communities across Canada. Hundreds died during the heat dome that pushed temperatures well over 40 C in B.C. for several days in late June and early July. Photo: Government of B.C. B.C.s credit rating has taken yet another hit after S&P Global Ratings downgraded it from a top AAA rating to AA+. Wednesdays move comes after Fitch Ratings downgraded the provinces credit rating from AAA to AA+ late last month. The COVID-19 pandemic's blow to the provincial economy has turned after-capital results into large deficits and is elevating the burden of tax-supported debt such that the Province of British Columbia's key fiscal and debt metrics are no longer comparable with those of AAA-rated peers, S&P Global said in its July 7 decision. In April, B.C. unveiled its first budget since the fall 2020 election, projecting a $9.7 billion deficit. Budget 2021-22 included $13 billion in additional operational spending over three years, of which $8.7 billion is in new, permanent program spending, and $4.6 billion in pandemic recovery and contingencies. It also included a $3.5 billion increase over three years to capital spending, which brings the total capital spend to $26.4 billion over three years. We now consider that operating and after-capital deficits for fiscal 2021-2022 will be significantly larger than expected at the outset of the pandemic, which will likely lengthen the time it takes for the province to return to fiscal balance, S&P Global said in its decision. B.C.'s 5.3% contraction in 2020 was in line with that of the country and we expect the province's real GDP rebound in 2021 and 2022 will be broadly the same. The credit rating agencys outlook for the province stands at stable. "As with all Canadian provinces rated by Fitch, British Columbian's debt sustainability is sharply deteriorating due to the fiscal strain caused by the pandemic at the provincial and federal levels," Fitch said in its own June 25 decision that saw it downgrade the provinces rating from AAA to AA+. The rating action reflects Fitch's expectation that the province's debt burden will rise substantially over the coming year as it addresses the economic and fiscal disruption caused by the pandemic. It also reflects the parallel rapid increase in federal borrowing, which Fitch incorporates in its approach to rating Canadian provinces." Moody's Investor Service rated B.C. at AAA as of June 2, while DBRS Ltd. (DBRS Morningstar) rated B.C. at AA (high) as of June 15. Photo: CFSEU-BC A Coquitlam man was arrested and charged after B.C.'s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) seized several firearms suppressors and conducted energy weapons. A Coquitlam man has been charged with six offences after a special B.C. police team seized a series of illegally imported weapons. John Summers was arrested and charged last month for possession of various firearms suppressors and conducted energy weapons (CEWs) among other items by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC). The 33 year old's investigation is now with the courts and the following charges have been listed: Four = Relation to possessing a prohibited weapon, namely a Conducted Energy Weapon (Criminal Code of Canada) One = Unlawfully possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act One = Attempt to import a prohibited device, namely Firearm Suppressors, under the Criminal Code of Canada On June 8, CFSEU-BC members investigated a case involving alleged illegally imported weapons and devices that took them to a storage locker and a home on 900-block Quadling Avenue. Officers then executed search warrants and found four CEWs, $54,000 in Canadian cash, roughly 80 grams of suspected cocaine and several items of police clothing. These weapons and devices in the wrong hands can pose a significant risk to public safety and be used during the commission of serious crimes," explained CFSEU-BC operations officer Supt. Duncan Pound in a release. "CFSEU-BC will continue to investigate individuals suspected of illegally acquiring these items; if you have information that can assist us, please visit our website for more information. Pound said the unit's Crime Gun Intelligence and Investigations Group is working to find individuals and groups involved with trafficking all kinds of prohibited weapons and devices. This particular investigation was a joint partnership with Coquitlam and Burnaby RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team. Photo: Twitter Pope Francis is walking, working and has celebrated Mass at a Rome hospital where he also will deliver his Sunday weekly blessing while recovering from intestinal surgery, the Vatican said Friday. The Vaticans daily medical update said that Francis temperature was normal again following the slight fever he ran Wednesday evening. It said his treatment and recovery at Gemelli Polyclinic were proceeding as planned. Francis, 84, had half of his colon removed last Sunday for what the Vatican said was a severe narrowing of his large intestine. He is expected to stay at Gemelli, which has a special suite reserved for popes, through the week, assuming there are no complications. The statement said Francis would deliver his noontime Sunday blessing from the 10th floor of the hospital, an appointment that will recall the practice of St. John Paul II, who also delivered the Angelus prayer and greeting from his hospital during his occasional hospital stays. During one stay in 1996, John Paul quipped that after so many visits, Gemelli had become the Vatican No. 3," after St. Peter's and the papal summer estate in Castel Gandolfo. Francis, for his part, was continuing to eat regularly and walk in the corridor, the Vatican said. It said he had resumed working, alternating it with moments of reading texts." He celebrated Mass in the papal private apartment on Thursday afternoon, attended by all those assisting him during his hospitalization, the Vatican said. The Argentine pope 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. Photo: The Canadian Press Transport Minister Omar Alghabra speaks while Ottawa South MP David McGuinty looks on during a press conference at the Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Kawai Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is ordering most trains in the vicinity of Lytton, B.C., to halt as residents return temporarily to the wildfire-scorched community. Alghabra says the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways must cease movement for 48 hours, except for emergency fire response and maintenance and repair work, on stretches of track spanning parts of the British Columbia interior. He says the aim is safe rail operations and public safety as residents arrive in Lytton today by bus to inspect their homes after evacuating the village when a wildfire swept in last week. The raging blazes have damaged rail tracks and held up shipments across the B.C. interior, prompting a backlog of deliveries. Residents are still processing the loss of their homes after most buildings in their community were levelled by the wildfires, one of which spanned nearly 90 square kilometres. Premier John Horgan plans to ask the federal government to send in the Canadian Armed Forces to help clear fire danger zones in an effort to prevent future blazes. Photo: Cermaq A fish-farm company whose bid to have a federal fisheries ruling reconsidered was denied by the Federal Court last week says the federal fisheries ministers initial decision on the matter was politically motivated. Cermaq Canada director David Kiemele said in a statement that Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan, in denying a final transfer of 1.5 million smolts in the Discovery Islands, ignored her departments advice in favour of what we can only assume is a politically driven agenda. He said Jordans recent decision to revoke 60 per cent of commercial fishing licences in B.C. shows her lack of understanding of rural coastal communities, First Nations rights and the reconciliation process, and the role that all seafood needs to play in order to support a growing global population. Kiemele said salmon farming supports many of Jordan and Prime Minister Trudeaus goals for the country, including the creation of a strong marine economy, creating food security, furthering reconciliation, and helping Canada reach it carbon targets. Last week, the Federal Court sided with the fisheries minister when it dismissed Cermaqs request to reconsider Jordans decision not to allow the company to transfer young salmon to net pens in the Discovery Islands and extend their licences until February 2023. Cermaq wanted to relocate close to 1.5 million Atlantic salmon from its Cecil Island fish farm to farms at Brent Island and Venture Point, where they would mature for 18 to 22 months prior to being harvested. Moving the fish would have gone against the intent of a Dec. 17, 2020, announcement from Jordan ordering that all fish farms in the Discovery Islands, between Campbell River and the mainland, be closed by the end of June 2022. B.C. salmon farmers operating in the Discovery Islands have banded together to seek a judicial review of Jordans decision. That review is scheduled for Oct. 18 in Federal Court in Vancouver. Cermaq has said it will have to cull the fish if they cant be transferred. This week, Cermaq produced a memorandum from fisheries staff to the minister that was included in court documents showing the department supported the option of allowing the transfer of salmon to the Venture Point and Brent Island facilities, and extending the licences of the facilities until 2023. According to Cermaq, the company has been working with the Wei Wai Kum Nation, in whose territory both the farms are located. The company said they had an agreement that would have allowed for shared wild salmon conservation initiatives, an economic transition, and the creation of a program giving the nation oversight of Cermaqs operations. We are perplexed as to why we find ourselves in this position. Both the nation and Cermaq have been working hard to find middle ground and offer solutions to Minister Jordan which would not only support her plan to develop a blue economy and support wild salmon, but also support the overall Liberal governments commitment to truth and reconciliation in Canada, said Linda Sams, Cermaqs sustainable development director. Overall, this is a sad day for us as an organization, for our employees and the local communities who rely on local industry such as salmon farming. It is also a blow to First Nations and their struggle to assert self-determination and to have their rights recognized within their own territories. Photo: VPD The driver of a white Tesla could have video evidence that may help a Vancouver Police investigation into a crash that took the life of a toddler girl. The collision took place the evening of July 6, and involved a black Ford Escape and a black McLaren. The vehicles collided at the intersection of Smithe and Hornby streets about 6 p.m. One of the vehicles went onto the sidewalk and struck a 31-year-old Vancouver man who was carrying his 23-month-old daughter. The toddler died at the scene, while the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Authorities say a white Tesla was seen driving in the same direction as the suspect's vehicle before the time of the crash. Investigators are asking for that person to come forward and speak to police," says Const. Tania Visintin. Police believe that driver may have video on the Tesla's camera that captured evidence related to the collision. Investigators are asking the driver to call VPDs Collision Investigation Unit at 604-717-3012. The driver of the Ford Escape was arrested, but no charges have been recommended so far. The VPD initially indicated the little girl was 11-months-old, however, she has since been identified as a 23-month-old named Ocean. A family friend set up a GoFundMe page to help the girl's mother, Star, whose partner, Michael, remains hospitalized with injuries he sustained in the incident. The mother "has prior mental health challenges and a history of PTSD, and having to bear a financial burden at this point will only worsen the impact of what's happened to this family," the GoFundMe page says Funds raised will go toward "covering expenses for daily living, legal and counselling costs, for little Ocean's funeral arrangements and anything else they may need." Photo: The Canadian Press Indigenous dancers perform a welcoming ceremony at an event calling for a halt to local acts of violence and vandalism, in Esquimalt, B.C., Friday, July 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner Leaders of nine southern Vancouver Island First Nations want an immediate end to recent violence and vandalism, including the toppling of statues and vandalism of totem poles. The leaders have signed a document saying such acts are not supported by Indigenous communities. A Canada Day crowd watched as the statue of Capt. James Cook was pulled from its pedestal near Victoria's Inner Harbour, the head was torn off and the remains were tossed in the water. A Malahat Nation totem pole was damaged in apparent retaliation and the document signed by the leaders says such acts fuel hate and prevent healing. The declaration calls on southern Vancouver Island residents to "walk together, support each other and demonstrate humanity." Leaders of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations are among those signing the treaty, while B.Cs Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin and local Victoria-area politicians attended the ceremony. Instead of violence and senseless destruction, the document says residents should "lock arms and look out for one another." 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Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions A furniture store worker allegedly shot their manager while on the job; State and local leaders met to break ground on a large new company; PCS leaders wait for state guidance before updating the mask policy; A Henry Co. judge forwarded charges against a Texas man charged with kidnapping a 1 Pictured are Julie and her coworker Linda Ramsey (they worked side by side for years) Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Walter Parkhurst, Julie Freudenberg, Charlie Lathram, Galen chief administrative Oofficer, and Katie Ashby, Galen chief financial officer Julie Freudenberg is retiring after working for Dr. Walter Parkhurst for 40 years. Mrs. Freudenberg went to work for Dr. Parkhurst in May 1981 when his office was located behind Erlanger North in Red Bank. Dr. Parkhurst had recently re-located to Chattanooga from Virginia. A short time later several doctors, including Dr. Jim Stanko, joined Dr. Parkhurst and they formed North Chattanooga Medical Associates. That practice joined Galen Medical Group in 1993. During the 40 years, Mrs. Freudenberg served in several administrative positions and was also a Galen North site supervisor. Former State Rep. Bobby Wood was in the office with his mother. He said, Mrs. Freudenberg was part of a caring. understanding staff devoted to those they cared for. Co-worker Ginger Walker Standifer said, Julie was one of my all time favorite employees and a very hard worker. Her office manager, Julie Guidry, said, Julie Freudenberg is the most humble and hard working person Ive ever worked with. She is compassionate, smart and loyal to anything she commits to. Dr. Parkhurst called Julie my most loyal employee. I couldnt have made it without her. Mrs. Freudenberg was honored by several Galen doctors and some of her co-workers. She is married to longtime Chattanooga radio personality Earl Freudenberg. "National Parks are highly valued and culturally meaningful places for ecological process, historic preservation, and public recreation. Larry Dilsaver (2009) At the start of the 1920s, communities around Cades Cove were prospering, and the people of Cades Cove hoped that they could change their communitys outlook by welcoming outsiders. John Oliver, who was the third great-grandson of Cades Cove pioneers and founders John and Laquita Oliver, created cabins and led hikes into the Smokey Mountains. Sadly, by 1937, John Oliver and the community of Cades Cove were forced off their lands by the National Park Service who took control of the community through eminent domain. One would think this would be the last time that tourists would know of the community of Cades Cove. However, the big question after National Park Service took over Cades Cove was what they would do with the land. Would they leave the land as it was when the community of Cades Cove left it? Or would they tear down the homes and bring it back to the state it was before the Olivers settled into the area in the early nineteenth century? Lucky the millions of people who visit Cades Cove every year, the National Park Service decided to keep a number of the historic structures within Cades Cove. The National Park Service has been providing a number of different ways for people to enjoy the park from bicycle riding, horseback riding, hiking or just driving vehicles around the loop. However, another way of enjoying the visit to Cades Cove is camping overnight in one of the 159 camping sites found in Cades Cove campgrounds. In 1986, a study stated that When people visit National Parks they are interested to see wildlife.If that is the case then nature lovers will be very happy to see the abundance of wildlife found in Cades Cove. Some of the examples of wildlife found are: deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, beavers, cottontail rabbits, minks, foxes, skunks, squirrels, wild boars, woodchucks, snakes, red wolves, and many species of birds.There are also heritage tours that go through the park and one can choose a public or private tour. However, since these tours are not offered every day tourist should call ahead. Today, over two million people visit Cades Cove a year. The eleven-mile loop around Cades Cove illustrates time when life in our country was much simpler, and where neighbors helped one another.The economic impact the Smokey Mountains brings to East Tennessee cannot be over looked. The national park creates over $806 million dollars in revenue to the area. Also, the National Park brings over 12,759 jobs to the local area. Visiting Cades Cove will conjure a number of emotions from amazing to tranquil. There is never a bad time to see this place. However, one needs to check the website for up-to-date information regarding the park. Even though that Cades Cove is open year around tourist need to check the National Park website information for updates on weather and road conditions. Sadly, with more and more tourist coming into the Smokey Mountains causes issues that 100 years ago people would not suspect. One of these is the area of carbon monoxide levels found in the park. However, due to the increase of automobile emissions, a significant number of scenic overlooks have been degraded over the years. In fact, in 1948 a study shows that visibility of the Southern Appalachians had diminished 40% in the winter, and by the summer months visibility is only 80%. It is not just the loss of the scenic views that have people concerned in the Smokies; however, acid rain has caused the ecosystem to be depleted. Because of these issues and many others, United States Congress created the Clean Air Act in 1970. Also, in 1992 the U.S. Interior Department that not allowed permits in five states allowing pollution within a 120-mile radius of the Smokey Mountains. In 1996, a survey was conducted by the Smokey Mountain National Park in which 74% of summer visitors stated clean air lean air was extremely important and that 84% stated scenic views were extremely important. Even though some changes have implemented changes to occur in the park. However, sadly though as of 2002, the Smokey Mountain National Park ranks number one in most polluted National Parks in the country. Pollution is sadly not the only problem facing the Smokey Mountains. Another major issue is that of the bringing in of invasive species. This issue is causing not just damaging the ecosystem with plant life, but it is also causing issues with animal life. Some of these invasive species that are found in the Smokey Mountains are balsam/hemlock woolly adelgids, Asian lady beetles, wild hogs, and rainbow trout. In addition, there are currently 380-species of non-native plants found in the Smokey Mountains. The last item that the influx of tourist, which is causing damage to not just Cades Cove, but the mountains are not found in any research. However, when people enter Cades Cove they will see the destruction of buildings and the scenic beauty of the mountains. This destruction is not found by paint. However, people have defaced many of the cabins by engraving their names or initials into the cabins and other buildings within the cove and even in trees. Alex McKeel Angelina Jolie wants to cut yet another tie with Brad Pitt. An automatic temporary restraining order (ATRO) is currently blocking the sale of their jointly-owned winery, Chateau Miraval in Provence, France. Jolie says its standing in the way of a deal with an interested buyer, and over $60 million is allegedly at stake. Heres whats happening with the celebrity ex-couple. Pitt and Jolie were married there in 2014 Angelina Jolie | Jeff Spicer/Getty Images The famous chateau and adjacent vineyard and winery are located in the south of France. The Maleficent star first purchased the Correns property in 2008. In 2014, the couple was married in a lavish ceremony at the estate after an entire decade of dating with their six children in attendance. Aside from her famed 16-carat engagement ring, Jolie wore a custom Versace gown with drawings from each of her children stitched into the cathedral veil and the back of the dress. The non-denominational ceremony was performed before an intimate audience of the couples closest family and friends. Their sons, Pax and Knox, served as ring bearers. Although their engagement lasted nearly 10 years, their marriage only lasted two. Jolie filed for divorce in September of 2016, effectively ending one of the most powerful unions in Hollywood. They cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The couple obtained legally single status in 2019, but the messy details of their custody and financial agreements have yet to be finalized. Jolie entered her petition on July 6th An aerial view taken of Chateau Miraval, a vineyard estate owned by actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie | MICHEL GANGNE/AFP via Getty Images UsWeekly recently reported that the July 6th petition asks to halt the ATRO so that she can proceed with the business transaction before the potential buyer loses interest. Now her legal team is arguing that because the sale of the estate occurred before the couples 2014 wedding, the property belongs to Jolie alone. Pitt and Jolie do hold equal shares in the venture, complicating the issue even further. The enterprise operates under a company called Nouvel, LLC. Legal documents obtained by Fox News indicate Jolie had been hoping to sell the property for two years. The documents show a hearing is scheduled for September 22, but thats not soon enough for Jolie. An earlier attempt to have the order lifted on June 25 failed, with Hon. Judge Andrew Giza saying that Jolie did not show immediate danger/irreparable harm or immediate loss/danger to property. Jolies attorney alleges that Pitts attorney has not filed a response to the June 25th filing Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive at the AFI FEST 2015 presented by Audi Opening Night Gala Premiere of Universal Pictures By The Sea | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images The memo obtained by Fox News indicates Jolies attorney Joseph Mannis stated the petition was filed because Pitts lawyer, Lance Spiegel, did not respond and explain why they are against lifting the ATRO. As of the signing of this declaration, I have not received a response to my inquiry on June 25, 2021, whether Respondent will stipulate to lift the ATROs as they may apply to the subject sale transaction, wrote Mannis. I also have not received an explanation of the legal basis for Respondent to block the sale other than the existence of the ATROs. According to Fox News, attorneys for Pitt have not returned their request for comments. Although the Pitt-Jolie divorce has dragged on for five years, it doesnt appear to be wrapping up anytime soon. RELATED: Angelina Jolie Says Shes Healing Her Family After Really Hard Past Few Years F9 took the Fast and the Furious franchise to places it never went before. In addition to going someplace they didnt need roads, F9 also took the Fast Saga back. Vinnie Bennett played Young Dom in a series of flashbacks set in 1989. Those beg the question: Is a young Dom movie coming? L-R: Sung Kang, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez and Vin Diesel | Universal Pictures Bennett spoke with Showbiz Cheat Sheet about his role in F9 on July 2. While describing a deleted scene from the movie, Bennett speculated that the filmmakers may be leaving room for more spinoffs. But, have they signed him for future movies? What Vinnie Bennett has heard about more Fast and the Furious movies after F9 Theres a lot of time between 1989 and 2001s The Fast and the Furious. At some point by the late 90s Bennett would have to transform into Vin Diesel. However, a Young Dom prequel has plenty of room to play in before then. Ive obviously heard a few whispers but no, I havent been spoken to by the producers about that yet, Bennett said. I feel like it might be a thing. It could be a thing soon. What about more flashbacks in Fast 10 and Fast 11? F9 was the first Fast and the Furious movie to include flashbacks to an era earlier than the films took place. If they told the story of young Dom and young Jakob (Finn Cole), they could include more in the next two sequels they have planned. Again, Bennett has not heard anything official. Vin Diesel | Universal Pictures RELATED: F9: Vin Diesel Never Met Young Dom Actor Vinnie Bennett Until After Filming Heres What Diesel Said About His Performance Im trying to think about where young Dom could possibly fit in any kind of 10, 11, etc., Bennett said. If there is some kind of space for the character, some more flashbacks, Id be more than happy to come back for it. Bennett liked playing in the 1989 era. It would be cool, Bennett said. Its a cool era. Now I feel like late 90s, early 90s, early 2000s, its been long enough now that its kind of got its own nostalgia to it. Until then, Vinnie Bennett is having a great summer Theres plenty of time for the Fast and the Furious franchise to decide where they want Bennett. Since F9 opened June 25, Bennett has been enjoying the summer. Vinnie Bennett | Rich Fury/WireImage RELATED: F9: The Ending Explained and What it Means for The Fast and the Furious Saga Its been winter in New Zealand and I just got back maybe three weeks ago, Bennett said. So its been good to come into one thing this summer and two, the buzz around the film that weve been waiting so long to see. Bennett is a bit harder to find on social media than Diesel and some of the other F9 cast. However, theyve found him. I get on Instagram and stuff, Bennett said. Im not on Twitter so I havent been seeing anything but yeah, theres been some really nice, lovely messages. Its all been pretty positive which Im extremely grateful for because fans are so important in this franchise. Im really pleased that I was able to achieve what I set out to do with this role. Amid the news that NBC pulled the plug on Good Girls, fan reactions came hard and swift. Many came to the defense of beloved star Manny Montana after reports alluded that Montana may have stalled contract negotiations. The three other stars Christina Hendricks, Retta, and Mae Whitman reportedly agreed to take pay cuts for the sake of another season. Some want to know why Montana is the only one taking the heat. Another season of Good Girls was on the horizon Manny Montana as Rio | Jordin Althaus/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images RELATED: Good Girls: Some Fans Say Beth and Rios Gross Relationship Made Her Lame and Depressing Unfortunately, the remaining episodes in season 4 Good Girls are the last. Though plans for season 5 appeared to be in motion in the spring, NBC confirmed the decision to eliminate the series. The announcement left cast members and fans confused with petitions calling for someone to save the crime dramedy. Netflix took on the series about friends who become entangled in money laundering before NBC. That new business model helped offset some of the costs but caused issues making a profit. This made sense before all the streaming platforms (including Peacock) emerged. Now that the business model changed, cuts were made. In recent weeks, reports surfaced that Hendricks, Whitman, and Retta would take pay cuts for another season. Montanas name became the focal point of those conversations and fans were not happy. NBC source says financials were to blame RELATED: Good Girls Star Christina Hendricks Previously Complained About Manny Montana Not Calling Her by Her Name Is This a Factor in the Shows Cancellation? Production for Good Girls was tentatively set to begin in Spring 2022 before the deal seemingly fell apart. At least, thats whats been said about the news so far. We very much wanted to bring Good Girls back for one more season to close out the story, but unfortunately we were unable to make the financials work, an NBC source who requested to remain anonymous told TV Line. Sources pointed to Montana as the reason for contract negotiations stalling out or that possible backstage drama between Montana and Hendricks who play Beth and Rio could have contributed to the cancellation, the outlet reported. While Universal Television couldve created another season without Montana, a source told TV Line the network was looking for an excuse to cut bait. Fans say Montana shouldnt be a scapegoat With such muddied waters about the truth of what happened, fans didnt hesitate to defend Montana, deeming him NBCs scapegoat. Yea the whole thing is sketchy as hell. And its very icky the way Manny is being dragged under the bus and through the mud. It has a serious Mean Girls vibe. Definitely seems like they wanted a scapegoat and it was Manny, one fan said on Reddit. I know, it absolutely makes sense to cancel a show that is not profitable. But to put the blame of the cancellation of the show on the back of one supporting actors salary negotiations is ridiculous at a network worth billions. Like is NBC really that delicate that one actors salary, whos not even well known, can dictate a big decision at a huge network thats ridiculous, another said. This whole thing happening now seems like a blatant smear campaign against Manny and its absolute BS. Based on screen time alone, Manny is not a main anymore. If ONE lone supporting character could actually bring down a series with 100s of cast and crew members, the entire NBC network is a joke, another added. The cancellation may have to do with NBCs new structure As The Hollywood Reporter stated in June, the cancellation might have more to do with restructuring the business model than the stars paychecks. Former NBC co-president of scripted shows Tracey Pakosta was the one who gave Good Girls multiple renewals. She left for a job at Netflix and her former position was filled by former VP for content, Bela Bajaria. Now, NBC has a new business structure (which now includes Peacock titles) run by Susan Rovner and Frances Berwick which led to the cancellation of all their bubble shows. This includes Manifest, Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, and Debris. Theyve renewed plenty of other scripted originals, such as The Blacklist, with new shows such as La Brea and Ordinary Joe to take the now empty slots. Will another network save Good Girls RELATED: Good Girls: Fans Point out 1 Thing Christina Hendricks and Manny Montana Have in Common Under previous management, Netflix picked up cast-away shows like Foxs Lucifer for a second chance. The streamer also picked up previously passed on shows like AMCs You and other pilots. However, the new Netflix regime is more selective with the titles they save, according to THR, which means Good Girls might not get the treatment. Only time will tell if Good Girls can somehow make a comeback in some other realm. In the meantime, Beth and Rio fans hope the network steps up to clear Montana of any drama if such is the case. Well keep you posted. Good Girls two-hour series finale airs July 22 on NBC. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex went from being a moderately known actor on the USA drama series, Suits to one of the most recognizable women on the planet. Meghan met and fell in love with Prince Harry quickly, and suddenly her entire life changed. The Los Angeles native quit her career in acting and moved across the pond to become a senior working royal in the British royal family. However, what she did not expect was the backlash she received from the British public and even the royals themselves. A career woman used to running her own life, Meghan had a challenging time adjusting to the archaic traditions and ideals of The Firm. Moreover, as a mixed-race American woman, she was subjected to racism and sexism at all levels. Eventually, Meghan and Prince Harry decided that leaving the royal fold would be the best course of action. However, one expert is still trying to pin the blame on Meghan. Meghan Markle | Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty Images Why did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave the British royal family? The world was stunned in January 2020 when the Sussexes announced they were resigning from their roles as senior working royals. For a time, the pair lived in Canada before permanently relocating to Meghans home state of California and launching their own foundation Archewell. The pair have all signed deals with Netflix and Spotify, and Meghan is now a New York Times Best Selling author. For a time, royal fans thought we would never get the true reason why the Susexes decided to resign. However, in March 2021, the pair shocked the world by giving a tell-all interview about the exit to Oprah Winfrey. The couple revealed that they came to their decision due to the racism and bullying Meghan endured as well as the royal familys lack of support. Its the job, right? Grin and bear it. Get on with it, Prince Harry later elaborated on Dax Shepards Armchair Expert podcast via Daily Mail. I was in my early twenties, and I was thinking I dont want this job, I dont want to be here. I dont want to be doing this. Look what it did to my mum, how am I ever going to settle down and have a wife and family when I know its going to happen again. Ive seen behind the curtain, Ive seen the business model and seen how this whole thing works and I dont want to be part of this. RELATED: How Has Prince Harry Relationships With Prince William and Prince Charles Changed Since Prince Philips Funeral? Meghan Markle did not make a good first impression, expert says However, one royal expert says all of this could have been prevented if Meghan made a better first impression in the royal family. I was hearing very bad stories from early on that Meghan was upsetting people, royal expert Penny Junor said in the ITV documentary, Harry and William: What Went Wrong via Page Six. She added that Meghan had a celebrity approach to royal life that didnt work. Yet, as Meghan explained in her interview with Oprah, she was never given any real royal training, so she was winging it the entire time. How are things between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and the British royal family now? To say that the royals were not at all happy with the Sussexes Oprah interview would be an understatement. Moreover, Meghan and Prince Harry were frustrated by the royals lack of accountability. However, following Prince Philips death and the birth of more royal babies, all parties seem intent on moving forward. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in particular has been playing peacemaker. Setting aside any personal resentment she may still feel about Harry and Meghans televised two-hour tell-all, Kate put her best foot forward in trying to carve a path to reconciliation between the brothers, journalist Camilla Tominey told Stella magazine via the Daily Mail. Princess Dianas life continues to fascinate people all over the world. She was best known as a royal wife, mother, and humanitarian. Although some fans put Diana on a pedestal, she was ultimately a normal person like anyone else. Her former secretary once revealed some of Dianas biggest fears in life. Princess Diana in 1988 | David Levenson/Getty Images Princess Diana had a tumultuous life Diana did not lead such an easy life. When she was a child, her parents went through a bitter divorce, and she lived with her father afterward. However, she did not get along with her stepmother, which made her childhood rather difficult. When Diana was only 20 years old, she married Prince Charles and was thrust into the royal limelight. She became one of the most photographed women around and expected to mold herself into a future queen. Behind the scenes, Dianas marriage unraveled as her husband had an affair with his ex-girlfriend Camilla Parker Bowles. Diana knew about her husbands feelings for Camilla in the early days of their marriage, but the royal couple remained together until they simply couldnt anymore. They divorced in the mid-1990s. After the divorce, Diana went on to live as a single woman. However, her life was tragically cut short in 1997 when she died in a car crash in Paris. Princess Dianas former secretary revealed some of her biggest fears Princess Diana with Patrick Jephson | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images RELATED: Princess Diana Used to Scream the House Down When She Was Upset, Royal Author Said Diana struggled with a lot of personal turmoils. Her former secretary, Patrick Jephson, once shared some of her biggest fears. She had many [fears]: the safety and happiness of her children; any attempt to constrain her rights as mother of the future king; failure to live up to the publics ever-higher expectations of her, Jephson told P World. Jephson added, She also feared, in light of her barren home life and her husbands infatuation with Mrs Parker-Bowles, that she would never find emotional fulfillment. Despite some well-known romantic dalliances, I dont think she ever did. Instead I believe she never ceased to love her husband and what she interpreted as her failure to be sufficient for him was sad confirmation of the worst of all her fears. Princess Diana opened up about her life to the media Princess Diana being interviewed by Martin Bashir for BBC Panorama interview | Pool Photograph/Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images RELATED: Princess Diana Used These 3 Genius Tricks to Outsmart the Paparazzi For much of her life as a royal, she maintained a public image of a future queen. However, in the 1990s, she began opening up to journalists about her life. For example, she spoke to Andrew Morton, who published the book Diana: Her True Story based on interviews the princess gave. Diana revealed many heartbreaking things about her life, including her husbands affair and her inability to fit in with the royal family. She also went in front of the camera in 1995 and talked to Martin Bashir for BBCs Panorama. Diana shocked the world by speaking candidly about numerous subjects, including her bulimia and her romantic affair with James Hewitt. In any case, Diana was a woman with both beautiful and tragic sides to her. Its unlikely she will be forgotten anytime soon. Tom Holland and Zendaya have finally confirmed theyre an item after years of dating rumors. The Spider-Man 3 co-stars havent released an official statement about their romance, but they were recently spotted kissing. Heres a complete timeline of their romance. Zendaya and Tom Holland attend Spider-Man: Homecoming photocall on June 14, 2017, in Madrid, Spain. | Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Tom Holland and Zendaya were co-stars for the first time in Spider-Man: Homecoming Holland landed the role of Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2015 and made his debut in Captain America: Civil War. One year later, Zendaya was cast as MJ in Spideys first solo film, Spider-Man: Homecoming. Not long after Zendaya got the part, the duo started popping up in each others Instagrams. Of course, the pair had a lot of promotion and press to do together. They graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter in late 2016. And when Zendaya posted the image on Instagram, she had nothing but good things to say about Holland. Amidst all the chaos and sadnessthis one good thing did happen to me today, she wrote. Honored to share it with the very bestSpider-Man himself @tomholland2013 . The Marvel stars were just the best of friends By 2017, their first movie together had hit theaters and the chemistry was obvious. The dating rumors immediately started swirling. But during interviews, Holland insisted he and Zendaya were simply the best of friends. We are like the best of friends. Shes so great and amazing, Holland told People magazine. Im a little worried [about dealing with fame but] Zendaya is super famous and shes been through this and I just call her up and say, How do I manage being famous? Im very glad I have a friend like her. Tom Holland and Zendaya shot down the dating rumors As the dating rumors heated up, the duo took to social media to shoot them down. Zendaya tweeted that she hadnt been on vacation in years, despite media reports that she had enjoyed a holiday with Holland. He responded by asking if their press tours counted. A few weeks after the Twitter exchange, Zendaya reiterated to Variety that she and Holland were just friends. We are friends, she said. Hes a great dude. Hes literally one of my best friends. This past how many months weve had to do press tours together. Theres very few people that will understand what thats like at 20 years old. The social media interaction continued Throughout 2018 and 2019, Holland and Zendaya occasionally posted about each other on social media. Or, they would comment on one anothers posts. They also filmed Spider-Man: Far From Home, which meant they spent even more time together. But at the same time, Zendaya started dating her Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi. They were spotted together on vacation in Greece, which briefly silenced the rumors about Zendaya and Holland. By early 2020, Holland was dating actress Nadia Parks. When the pandemic hit, they decided to isolate together and continued dating through the end of the year. But at some point, both Zendaya and Hollands respective relationships came to an end. Tom Holland and Zendaya were spotted kissing in Los Angeles After the dating rumors completely died down, Holland and Zendaya set the internet on fire. On July 1, cameras caught them locking lips while they were sitting in Hollands car at a red light in Los Angeles. According to Page Six, the duo was making out while sitting in Hollands Audi. The day before, they were spotted having dinner together. Will they publicly confirm their relationship? Maybe fans will see them walk the red carpet together for the premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home? Well have to wait and see. Spider-Man: No Way Home premieres in theaters on December 17, 2021. RELATED: Spider-Man: Far From Home Stars Tom Holland And Zendaya Had One Of The Most Epic Lip Sync Battles Ever Mukinda wept over the news that her daughter had bled to death, after delivering her baby son, as she was rushed by motorcycle from a clinic to the only hospital in the region where she lives in Uganda. In her village she and other women are 1000 times more likely to die in childbirth than those who live in industrialized populations, often succumbing to blood loss compounded by anemia due to intestinal parasites and malnutrition. These women are part of the 1 billion neglected people worldwide who are infected by tropical diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, while also being burdened by a lack of clean water and effective sanitation. The suffering of Mukinda and other families was made worse in 2020 when the COVID pandemic hit and caused world health advances to retreat 25 years. Relief organizations found that they could not deliver food and medicine across closed borders, resulting in vaccinations and relief funds being withheld from those who needed them most. Sustainable Medical Missions (Sustainable Med), founded in 2013 and equipped with faith-based teachings and proven disease reducing protocols, continued to thrive in 2020 with over 15,000 trained local volunteers in 21 countries. Sustainable Med believes that women, men, and children can lift the shroud of disease using sustainable solutions with resources that can be accessed at the local level. Local answers and empowering local leaders are essential elements, and they are core values shared by our key partners like American Leprosy Missions and Hope International. Subscribe to email digests from the Better Samaritan. With these solutions, Mukinda and others are empowered by learning a process that helps them to adopt best practices to reduce their vulnerability to neglected diseases like Dengue or Ascariasis (intestinal parasites) that rob them of life. These new and transformative behaviors are supported by local leadership, approved at the national health level, and led by local churches who model behavior. Through the Sustainable Med process, villages like Mukindas in Uganda were able to reduce disease prevalence to a point that they received national recognition. Using small seed grants, Sustainable Med can fund these local-led projects and transform communities to experience unprecedented levels of health and the ability to work and take care of their families. As of 2021 nearly 2 million women, men and children were durably healed and trained in biblical faith and health best practices through Sustainable Med. How did Sustainable Med do this? Neglected disease teaching and treatment practices were communicated in training sessions through simple, actionable guidelines. These guidelines, along with gospel centered teaching, helped local pastors and healthcare workers, including women, to identify sustainable behaviors that could be accomplished before, during and after diseases took hold in their villages. (This process is outlined in our website www.sustainablemed.org) This led to local innovations and enduring change in numerous villages in places like Uganda. Many villagers in Uganda and elsewhere can now say that diseases no longer dominate their lives. Men, women and children can better see a way forward to ensure that newly adopted practices are continued. These villagers can look forward to a lifelong process that will help them build on practices they adopted and continue to achieve improvements to their healthcare. Sustainable Med is committed to work at reducing the devastating impact of disease on over 1 billion people by bringing the whole Gospel to those in need to heal physically and spiritually in the most neglected parts of the world. We welcome any volunteer that would like to be part of this organic and reproducible NGO program. Mark Snyder MD is a recently retired total joint reconstructive surgeon and innovative care process inventor. After conversion to Christian faith in 1983 he continually sought radical safety and quality improvements in surgery and world health. He believes that transformative innovation arises out of asking God to give new insights, observing clinical areas for improvement and opportunity, and integrating best evidence so it can be operationalized into local and worldwide health needs, even if the diseases have been neglected and stubbornly persistent. (Note: To protect patients rights and privacy, Mukinda is not the womans real name) A true culture war commences: Who runs the publics schools? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment On the 245th anniversary of American independence, the American people received some really good news and some really disturbing news. First, the good news! Polling reveals that 68% of Americans said they were very or extremely proud. Another 15% said they were moderately proud. Another 8% said they were at least slightly proud. So, 91% of Americans were positive in their attitude toward their native land. By age group, senior citizens led the parade with 86% of those over 65 saying they were very or extremely proud, compared with 75% of the middle aged (45-64) and 59% of median adults (25-44). While these numbers do reflect a generational decline in patriotism from senior adults (86%) to middle adults (75%) to median (59%), the really disturbing news is the dramatic drop off among young adults (24%). Among Americas youngest adults, only 36% said they were proud or extremely proud and 35% claim to be only slightly or not at all proud of being American. Shockingly, Americas young people, 18-24, were three times less likely to be proud of being American and were more than twice as likely to say they were not at all or only slightly proud of their country than their countrymen. These findings pose a real and present danger to Americas future. How do we explain this? What changed? What can we, as Americans, do about it? One major reason for this precipitous decline in patriotism is undoubtedly the rise and spread of the lethal and corrosive critical race theory (CRT), which has been simmering and percolating just under the surface for at least a decade in the nations universities, especially in the education departments. CRT has been filtering down into the K-12 curricula of this nations public schools. CRT, a variant of Marxism based on race rather than class, is the source of the cultural phenomenon popularly called wokeness, the term for being sensitized or waking up to the reality of systemic and structural racism and the resulting inequity in our society from its inception. CRT defines inequity as inequality of outcome, rather than inequality of opportunity. CRT will inevitably lead people to reject America as a racist society, which must undergo the revolutionary overhaul of its oppressive institutions such as the traditional family, the church, and the nation-state itself. As the public has become more and more aware in recent months of the extent to which CRT has wrought havoc among our young people, a fierce grassroots backlash has been generated across the nation. Initially, the progressive educational establishment and its media lackeys tried to reframe the issue to say CRT was not being taught and that all that was going on was telling the truth about Americas racist past. Now progressives are coming out of the closet and their masquerade is over. At their annual convention a few days ago, the National Education Association, representing 3 million public school employees, enthusiastically approved funding for increasing the implementation of Critical Race Theory in K-12 curriculum across the nations public schools. Furthermore, the NEA pledged funding for doing opposition research on those who are opposing CRT (including local associations of parents) and providing funds for attacking these groups. At least the battle lines are now clear. The gloves are off. America is now engaged in a true culture war over the minds and hearts of the nations children. The issues are clear. We are now going to see who decides what happens in our nations public schools and classrooms. Will it be the parents, and their elected representatives, or will it be national teachers unions and their minions in the educational bureaucracy that former Secretary of Education William Bennett called, the blob. Make no mistake about it. Every freedom-loving American has a great stake in this struggle, whether you have children or grandchildren in public schools or not. We must all get involved at the local, state and national level. The good news is that 58% of Americans already oppose CRT. I am confident that many more will do so when they understand what it is and how it would fatally fracture American society if it were fully implemented. This struggle is crucial to Americas future survival as the worlds best example of freedom and liberty for all. Let us all pray that God will grant us the wisdom to prevail in this crusade to protect our children from being brainwashed against their priceless heritage as Americans. May we all continue to struggle for a society in which everyone is judged not by the color of his/her skin, but by the content of his/her character. DC to pay $220K for restricting Baptist church's in-person worship during pandemic Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The District of Columbia and Mayor Muriel Bowser have agreed to pay $220,000 as part of a legal settlement with a local Baptist church that sued the city over in-person worship restrictions during the pandemic. Last September, Capitol Hill Baptist Church sued the district over the governments ban on outdoor worship services that had more than 100 people in attendance. In a settlement agreement and release approved on Thursday, the city agreed to pay $220,000 to the counsels representing the church, which broke down to $210,000 for the law firm WilmerHale and $10,000 for the national legal nonprofit First Liberty Institute. As explained in the settlement, the district has lifted earlier meeting restrictions so that Capitol Hill Baptist can gather indoors for worship services. The District agrees that it will not enforce any current or future COVID-19 restrictions to prohibit CHBC from gathering as one congregation in the District of Columbia, explained the settlement. The District further agrees that, should it decide that new restrictions on religious gatherings are necessary during the current, or any future, COVID-19 (or variant thereof) public health emergency, it will not impose restrictions on CHBC that are more restrictive than the restrictions on comparable secular activities, as defined by the Supreme Court. Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel for the First Liberty Institute, said in a statement that Capitol Hill Baptist is relieved and grateful that this ordeal is behind them. All Capitol Hill Baptist Church ever asked is for equal treatment under the law so they could meet together safely as a church, stated Sasser. "Government officials need to know that illegal restrictions on First Amendment rights are intolerable and costly. In March 2020, as part of the effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bowser issued an executive order restricting the capacity for religious services of 10 or more people. The restriction was eventually expanded to no more than 100 people or 50% of the building capacity. The 850-member Capitol Hill Baptist filed its lawsuit last September, arguing that the restrictions unfairly burdened houses of worship compared to comparable secular entities. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, granted an injunction in favor of the church last October, arguing that the current restrictions substantially burden the Churchs exercise of religion. the District has failed to offer evidence at this stage showing that it has a compelling interest in preventing the Church from meeting outdoors with appropriate precautions, or that this prohibition is the least-restrictive means to achieve its interest, wrote McFadden. Soon after, the church held its first outdoor service since the litigation began, meeting at Anacostia Park in Southeast D.C. on a Sunday morning. The attendees wore face masks and maintained social distancing in keeping with the official public health recommendations at that time. "It is absolutely appropriate to take stock, to give thanks, to give honor to whom honor is due, to recognize the many blessings that our government continually secures and provides for us," Associate Pastor Bobby Jamieson preached at the October 2020 service. "The only conditions that justify disobedience to legitimate government authority, legitimate earthly authority are when they either command something God forbids or forbid something God commands." San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus faces backlash after releasing were coming for your children video Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus has faced intense backlash after releasing a song that many believe is intent on pushing the LGBT agenda on children. In the song, which was released earlier this month but made private Thursday following immense public criticism, the choir sings such phrases as, well convert your children and were coming for your children, which was viewed as an overt threat to parents. "You think we're sinful. You fight against our rights, one choir member sings in a solo at the beginning of the song. You say we all lead lives you can't respect. But you're just frightened. You think that well corrupt your kids if our agenda goes unchecked, he continues. Funny, just this once, youre correct. Well convert your children. Happens bit by bit. Quietly and subtly. And you will barely notice it. You can keep them from disco, the full chorus sings. Warn about San Francisco. Make em wear pleated pants. We dont care. Well convert your children. Well make them tolerant and fair ... The gay agenda is coming home." The Were Coming For Your Children song went viral, and after being slammed on social media, the choir released a statement on Twitter regarding the backlash. The far-right conservative media found [our video] and have taken it as their cause, the choir said in a statement released Thursday. This has all happened in the past 24 hours and it continues to pick up steam. They have taken the lyrics out of context to support a narrative that suits their intolerant and hateful needs. It is obvious this tongue-in-cheek humor is lost on many. An Important Message to the Chorus Family. ?? pic.twitter.com/XBpSY6r4j7 SF Gay Men's Chorus (@SFGMC) July 8, 2021 The choir said it made the video private to keep members of the chorus in the video safe due to vitriolic threats of harm and comments that became increasingly alarming. The choir added that it's in contact with local and national law enforcement regarding the threats and will take legal steps. The video, titled A Message From the Gay Community, reportedly received 88 likes and 5,000 dislikes before it was made private, according to The Post Millennial. The song was written by Rosser and Sohne, the duo that previously apologized for writing music endorsing Afghan child sex abuse, according to Andy Ngo, editor-at-large for The Post Millennial. Conservative podcast host Ben Shapiro, editor emeritus for The Daily Wire, reacted to the video by saying he doubts the song was actually a tongue-and-cheek parody, as the choir said in its statement. The left has a very different vision of what America ought to be and the way theyre going to achieve this is by changing how your kids are taught, Shapiro said. And if you push back on them, then this, of course, makes you the true threat to the kids. , he continued. If you want to separate the country, this is how you are going to separate the country. As I say, Im going to educate my kids how I want to educate my kids. Frankly, I am not interested in what the San Francisco Gay Mens Choir thinks my kids should learn. Multiple pastors and Christian leaders expressed their disapproval of the LGBT agenda that's promoted in the video. Arizona-based pastor and apologist James White tweeted about the song, saying, Reason #1,462,908 to homeschool and communicate a passionate, deep Christian worldview that explains how men are to be men, women to be women, and all are to be thankful for the gifts and roles God has given. Reason #1,462,908 to homeschool and communicate a passionate, deep Christian worldview that explains how men are to be men, women to be women, and all are to be thankful for the gifts and roles God has given. https://t.co/838GX7FFya James White (@DrOakley1689) July 7, 2021 Similarly, Andrew T. Walker of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary quipped, But remember, everyone, it's the religious conservatives who spend their day plotting the next chapter of the culture war. In its statement, the choir added that it was working to control the narrative and is dedicated to being role models, teaching and spreading the message of love, tolerance and celebration through our music. After decades of our children being indoctrinated and taught intolerance for anyone who is other, from using Bible as a weapon to reparative therapy, its our turn, the choirs statement continued. Although the choir sings about teaching children not to hate, the chorus repeats the phrases, Were coming for them. Were coming for your children. The song ends with the choir singing, no escaping it, and once the children are converted, they will start converting you. "Your children will care about fairness and justice for others, the song continues. Your children will work to convert all their sisters and brothers. Then soon were almost certain, your kids will start converting you!" "We'll make an ally of you yet. The gay agenda is coming home, the choir sings. The gay agenda is here! But you don't have to worry because there's nothing wrong with standing by our side." The Christian Post reached out to the San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus but did not receive a response by press time. Kissing but no sex: 3 Christian couples tell what it's like Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment "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. Myanmar Christians face increased persecution under military rule since coup, experts say Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Christian and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar face even greater danger since the southeastern Asian country fell under the Tatmadaw military rule due to the Feb. 1 coup that toppled the civilian government and initiated a wave of violence, experts warned this week. United States-based international religious persecution watchdog International Christian Concern hosted a panel discussion Thursday focusing on the increased hardships Christians endure. Panelists discussed ICC's new report, Caught in the Crossfire: Myanmar's Christian Minorities Under Tatmadaw Rule. "Violent incidents are escalating, with airstrikes and ground fighting spreading to various regions around the country. Tens of thousands have fled, and many more are sure to follow in the months ahead," the report explains. "Instability, food shortages, and great loss of life threaten the Burmese people especially its vulnerable minorities." Myanmar, also known as Burma, is home to several Christian minority groups, including those within the Kachin, Chin, Rohingya and Karen communities. The report also touches on Christians in the Wa state, ethnic Indian and Chinese Christians and Karenni Christians in Kayah State. Myanmar is predominately Buddhist, while Christians make up around 6.2% of its 54 million population. Buddhism is recognized as the state religion. Christians, however, are not the only group persecuted by the Tatmadaw military, as many minority groups are suffering from religious freedom violations. No ethnoreligious minority has been safe from persecution or discrimination," Nadine Maenza, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said during the panel discussion. "Since the Feb. 1 coup, the situation, however, has deteriorated significantly." Maenza urged the international community to pay attention and act against the atrocities religious minorities suffer in Burma as it struggles as a democracy. Despite an election last November, the Tatmadaw military refuses to accept the result and has alleged voter fraud. The military declared a yearlong state of emergency and put its civilian leaders under house arrest. The military-led Feb. 1 coup has led to widespread violence, protests and worsened conditions for religious minorities. In recent months, churches have been damaged or destroyed by military shelling as thousands of displaced individuals have taken shelter in churches when their villages have come under attack. Last month, the United Nations estimated that as many as 100,000 people were displaced due to increased fighting in the Kayah state, including "indiscriminate attacks by security forces against civilian areas." The international body expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Kayah state and other areas in southeast Myanmar. "The increased attacks on churches show the hostilities the Tatmadaw has towards Christianity and its disregard for human lives," the ICC report reads. David Eubank of Free Burma Rangers is on the ground in Burma serving in ministry. He offered a glimpse into the crisis unfolding and the constant danger. He shared a recent story of being shot at by the military while attempting to plant rice. Eubank said direct humanitarian assistance, political recognition from the international community and intervention are needed in Myanmar. The country is ranked No. 18 on Open Doors USA's 2021 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. The persecution level in Myanmar is very high due to the religious nationalism that places increasing emphasis on Buddhism. Due to the deteriorating condition of Burmas democracy and its lack of peace, human rights activist Benedict Rogers, the East Asia team leader of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said the response to Burmas worsening situation must be long-term. The type of pressure needs to be as intense and targeted as possible," Rogers advised. "But it also should be as sustained as possible, recognizing that this is probably going to be a long, strong struggle or a long new chapter in Burmas ongoing struggle. So it is going to be both intense but also sustained." ICCs report offers recommendations to the international community to impose sanctions, create a cohesive bloc, support the National Unity Government and pressure the Tatmadaws allies. The protection of Myanmars many ethnic and religious minority groups, long persecuted by the Tatmadaw, is a critical matter and one that must rank high on the international communitys list of priorities, the report states. ICC Regional Manager for Southeast Asia Gina Goh, one of the authors of the report, warns that the "chaos caused by the coup is not likely to cease for the next few months or even years." We have already witnessed the targeting of churches and religious leaders in states such as Chin and Kayah by the Tatmadaw, she said in a statement. As the resistance forces fight on, there could be tens of thousands more IDPs who direly need humanitarian aid and medical help. We should not stand idle. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In the nineteenth century, Harriet Beecher Stowe was the most important woman in the United States. It is reported that during the American Civil War, when she was introduced to President Lincoln he said, So this is the little woman who gave us this great war. Harriet was born in New England into the Beecher family, a distinguished American dynasty. Her father was a famed Christian preacher, and Harriet grew up in a godly family that promoted social causes, such as the abolition of slavery and the education of women. Harriet, intelligent and well educated, underwent a conversion experience in her teens that changed her for the rest of her life. When Harriet was twenty-one, her family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where she became a teacher. Although Ohio banned the holding of slaves, it bordered Kentucky where slavery was legal, and in Cincinnati Harriet encountered many escaped slaves. Harriets objections to slavery deepened when, visiting Kentucky, she saw families being broken up and sold at slave auctions. Her loathing of slavery was supported by her faith. After all, if a slave was a child of God, what right did anyone have to buy or sell them? Harriet became friends with Calvin Stowe, a professor of theology. After his wife died, Calvin married Harriet in 1836. They had a long marriage that produced 7 children. Moving back with her husband to New England, the Stowes were involved in the Underground Railway, the network of individuals that helped slaves flee to safety. As they housed fugitives, Harriet listened to their harrowing stories. In 1851 she was asked to write for an abolitionist newspaper. Following the pattern established by authors like Dickens, she started a novel in weekly installments. It was a great success, running to forty installments, and was published as a book. Uncle Toms Cabin, as it was titled, is an gripping novel that deals openly with the horrors of slavery. It ends with Uncle Tom, a noble and humble Christian slave, being beaten to death by his master because he refuses to reveal the location of two escapees. With his final words, Tom offers forgiveness and utters an appeal for conversion. The passionate and emotional storyline of Uncle Toms Cabin had an extraordinary impact on people. It quickly became a blockbuster, breaking publishing records and selling a million copies in the States before the Civil War even began. It was a global success as well, with well over a million copies sold in Britain alone. Britain, with its enormous cotton industry, was even tempted to support the Southan action that would probably have changed the course of the warbut the enormous success of Harriets book made that politically unacceptable. Did it cause the American Civil War? Probably not. But it did make slavery morally indefensible in the minds of many Americans and may have even helped Abraham Lincoln become president. Harriet continued to write books and undertook national and international tours. She made three trips to Europe where she met with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria. She and her husband continued to live modestly, donating much of her considerable profits to charity. Following the death of her husband, Harriets mental health declined drastically, and she finally died in 1895. What can we learn from Harriet Beecher Stowe? Thinking about the remarkable achievement that is Uncle Toms Cabin, I note four intriguing and challenging elements: First, Harriet was a woman who was ready. Its been said that fortune favors the prepared mind. A similar but overlooked phenomenon occurs in the Christian life: prepared people find that God gives them things to do. Harriet, deeply rooted in the Christian faith, Bible knowledge, and committed to social action, was certainly prepared. All that was needed was the opportunity to write against slavery. Are we making it a priority to prepare ourselves for God to use us? Second, Harriet reacted. One of the troubling features of slavery is how so many people conveniently managed to overlook it as a moral issue. Harriet not only saw what slavery entailed, but her offended conscience demanded that she act. We live at a time when there are plenty of overlooked outrages, and we need more Christians with Harriets enthusiasm to notice them and react wisely. Third, Harriet responded. Her gift was storytelling and that is what she did. The horror of slavery might seem to have demanded more, but what she was able to do turned out to be remarkably effective. What gifts do we have that can be used to make a difference? Let us use them! Finally, I see how God brought results. As with the boy with the five barley loaves and two small fish in Johns account of the feeding of the five thousand, God delights in making much out of little. God achieved much through Harriet Beecher Stowe. He can use us too. Target stealth bans trans-skeptic books Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Remember when Target banned a pair of books that ran afoul of the secular lefts view of sexuality and gender? Maybe not it was all the way back in November, after a complaint on Twitter, that they removed Irreversible Damage (Abigail Shrier) and The End Of Gender (Dr. Debra Soh) from their online store. And while the controversy was major, it was also short-lived: Target banned and then unbanned the books over the course of a single day. End of story, right? If only. No, Target did not do the obvious thing, which would be to step back from social-political activism. Instead, they banned the books again secretly, earlier this year, without any public statement on the matter. I only know this because I attended Targets annual shareholder meeting and wrote to their investor relations department. As someone who has had a front-row seat to the worst of corporate activism as of late, I have never seen anything quite like this. This episode should be of particular concern for Christian investors. There is a reason these books were considered so offensive they needed to be banned twice: both are critical of a specific narrative surrounding sex and gender which is diametrically opposed to traditional Christian, Muslim, and Jewish views. This is not to imply that Shrier or Dr. Soh were writing an explicit defense of the Christian understanding of sex and gender, or that they were writing as Christians or for a Christian audience specifically. They were not. Nevertheless, they became Targets targets because they wrote that there is such a thing as biological sex, that there are innate differences between the two sexes, and that it is problematic for minors to undergo gender and sexual reassignment procedures all things people of traditional religious views would agree with. Target outraged their shareholders and created a national controversy in November because their corporate culture was too biased and insular to realize most people do not believe in banning books.When Targets error became publicized, they quickly reversed the ban. They even told me that they had changed their process. Then sometime in the spring, despite knowing the bans were controversial, even though they were regarded as biased and short-sighted, and even though management assured me the whole episode would be corrected, Target repeated their mistake. Only this time, they did so quietly, without telling anyone until they were forced to do so. Not only does the removal of those books demonstrate that Targets corporate managers fundamentally do not understand their role (or do not care), its also indicative of the increasing hostility for traditional religious faith in corporate America. If Target (a large, powerful, prolific, mainstream corporation) thinks it unacceptable to even broach the idea that some young women identify as transgender because of social factors, how do we expect them to treat the views held by conservative Baptists or Catholics? I invite you to read Targets new book policy and see whether this seems like a corporation that tolerates dissenting social views, let alone one that is looking out for its shareholders interests. Again, its important to understand that we only know about this policy (which led to the book bans) because I engaged with the corporation by attending their annual meeting and writing to investor relations. By email, an IR representative told me, This Spring, Target rolled out new guidelines that shape our book assortment. These guidelines [] put more definition around harmful content that will be excluded. As a result, some books previously in our assortment no longer fell within these guidelines. (Note: Earlier this year, I had several off-the-record conversations with a representative from Targets investor relations department. After the annual meeting, I reached out to them again and received this response. As of this writing, they have not responded to numerous follow-up questions asking for comment and clarification.) According to their new guidelines for publication, if a book has the potential to cause harm to an individual or group of people on the basis of various identity groups (such as gender and sexual orientation), Target reserves the right to remove it. Amazon announced a similar policy earlier this year, saying they have chosen not to sell books that frame LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness. Combined, Amazon and Target control a sizable majority of all new book sales. What that means in practice is that if you are a Christian author who publishes a book that, for instance, maintains the traditional religious view of sex or sexuality or gender, you are running a risk of being unable to publish your book. What rational, profit-oriented publishing house would contract a book that some of the countrys largest retailers will not sell? Targets policy was, apparently, not unveiled with some white paper or other announcement. Why the secrecy? Shareholders were kept out of the loop on the new policy and its accompanying book bans, even though the last time Target tried this it was a major controversy. This is one of the many reasons it is critical for Christian investors to be engaged with corporations. Without input from Christians and conservatives, corporate management will continue to side with the ideologues who hold our views in contempt. They will continue to sideline mainstream religious views whenever they differ from those held by the meddling activists and politicians. Engaging is the only way to stop this. If we cannot pull these corporations away from this dishonest, dangerous spiral of ever-more extreme activism, we ought to at least know how far they are willing to go. I did not know Target had introduced this policy until I engaged. Even though Target is one of the most biased major corporations in America, it was still beyond the pale that they would secretly re-ban these books. The lesson Target should have learned in November is we need to stop with the activism. The lesson they appear to have learned is we should do more activism but be sneakier about it. Even if we cannot pull corporate America back to sanity, we can still shine a light on them as they slide to the anti-religious left. Prison Fellowship partners with Moody Bible Institute to give daily devotionals to 100K inmates Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Americas largest evangelical prison ministry organization, Prison Fellowship, recently partnered with Chicagos Moody Bible Institute to create new daily devotionals to be distributed to over 100,000 inmates across the United States. The two 120-day devotionals, which are based on Moodys Today in the Word daily devotional, contain readings on all four holy Bible gospels and include Bible studies, discussion questions and a series of Christian testimonies from previously incarcerated Christians who found God while in prison. While one devotional is crafted for incarcerated men, the other is geared for incarcerated women. The partnership has been described as one of the largest outreach efforts in Prison Fellowships 45-year history. Prison Fellowship chaplains began distributing the Bibles to inmates on July 1. We are thrilled to have partnered with Moody Bible Institute and we cannot wait to see so many lives changed through these devotionals, Prison Fellowship Vice President of Field Programs Dan Kingery told The Christian Post. The devotionals are handheld books written by professors and staff of Moody Bible Institute, an evangelical Bible college with campuses in Illinois, Michigan and Washington state. The books have been ordered by many prisons throughout the U.S. They will be distributed to inmates who choose to receive copies. The womens devotional differs from the mens devotional because it contains chapters that focus on how to heal after facing trauma. Both devotionals encourage incarcerated individuals to lead Bible-centered and goal-oriented lives. Many women have suffered tremendous trauma who are in prisons, and men and women go through different walks and experiences in prison, Kingery, 60, said. So, we wanted to create two devotionals specifically designed to pinpoint key issues each gender primarily faces. And we hope these books remind both men and women that Jesus is there and that Jesus has extended an invitation that says, Come to me if you are weary and need help. Kingery said that people in prison face the same kinds of spiritual struggles that people outside prison face. However, the spiritual struggles may be heightened for inmates due to a lack of access to friends and family and having no alone time. He added that while inmates are often in very crowded prisons, they can feel very lonely because they are not near their close friends or family. The mission of Prison Fellowship is to restore those impacted by crime and incarceration. Its not like the people who are in prisons can just go to get a coffee with their best friends or see their family members or relatives, Kingery said. We want to encourage those in prisons to have the pattern of thinking daily about what they think about. And we hope to encourage them to think about what the truth is, where the truth comes from. And this will then allow them to apply truth to their everyday thinking and actions. Jamie Janosz, managing editor of Today in the Word, who helped write the devotionals, said she has always had a heart for men and women in prison. Employed at Moody Bible Institute for 31 years, she said she was naturally inclined to participate in creating a devotional. Janosz hopes the books will bless many. Seeing the completed devotional is a dream come true, she said, because its been her dream since childhood to play a role in teaching others about the love of Jesus and find hope in Jesus. The bigger picture is to show others how the word of God is applicable to their daily lives, and to show those in prisons how to read a scripture passage and reflect and pray while modeling what it looks like to live out a Gospel-centered life through the testimonies in the books, Janosz detailed. We wanted to make the devotionals understandable for the inmates so they could live out what they read. Sam Choy, the five-year chief marketing officer at Moody Bible Institute, stressed that the Gospel should be available to every person and that folks that are in prison should be no different. We are proud of how many people we know will be blessed by these two devotionals and we have been blessed to work alongside Prison Fellowship, Choy stated. Capitol Hill Baptist Church holds first outdoor service in DC after winning lawsuit Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Members of Capitol Hill Baptist Church gathered in Washington, D.C., to hold their first outdoor services in the nations capital since they successfully sued to do so. Capitol Hill Baptist had filed a lawsuit against the District over COVID-19 shutdown restrictions that prevented them from holding outdoor worship services. We are so excited to be able to meet together in DC again! And we are thankful for the generosity of the National Park Service who is graciously accommodating us, stated the church in an announcement. Even though our church is finally meeting again, you should feel free in your conscience not to join us if that seems to be the wisest course of action. The sermon audio will be posted on the website following the service as usual. The church gathered at Anacostia Park in Southeast D.C. on Sunday morning, with attendees wearing face masks and being socially distanced in keeping with public health recommendations. Attendees were asked to bring their own Bibles and printed out bulletins. Thankful that the Capitol Hill Baptist Church was able to meet in the District again today, said Pastor Mark Dever on Twitter, including a short video showing people gathering for the service. The worship service in the park featured a sermon preached by Associate Pastor Bobby Jamieson focused on the nature of civil government. "It is absolutely appropriate to take stock, to give thanks, to give honor to whom honor is due, to recognize the many blessings that our government continually secures and provides for us," preached Jamieson. "The only conditions that justify disobedience to legitimate government authority, legitimate earthly authority are when they either command something God forbids or forbid something God commands." Last month, the church filed a complaint against D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District in federal court, accusing the local government of violating their religious freedom. At issue was an executive order by Bowser from March that prohibited religious gatherings indoors or outdoors of over 100 people, which impacted the 850-member Capitol Hill Baptist. Meanwhile, Defendants have been discriminatory in their application of the ban on large scale gatherings. For example, on June 6, 2020, Mayor Bowser appeared personally at an outdoor gathering of tens of thousands of people at the corner of 16th and H Streets, NW and delivered a speech describing the large gathering as wonderful to see, argued the complaint. And only three weeks ago, the Mayor coordinated with organizers of the Commitment March on Washington to re-imagine the five-hour event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for several thousand people in attendance to hear an array of speakers. During the shutdown on large gatherings, Capitol Hill Baptist held worship in neighboring Virginia, which has more lenient restrictions on worship gatherings than D.C. On Oct. 9, United States District Court Judge Trevor McFadden ruled in favor of the church, concluding that the District has failed to offer evidence at this stage showing that it has a compelling interest in preventing the Church from meeting outdoors with appropriate precautions. The Church has consistently represented that it will take appropriate precautions such as holding services outdoors, providing for social distancing, and requiring masks, wrote McFadden. As explained, the District has not put forward sufficient evidence showing that prohibiting a gathering with these precautions is necessary to protect the public. Justin Sok, another pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist, said in a statement released before the Sunday service that he and the church continue to appreciate our mayor and her dedicated efforts to protect the public health of our city while balancing the importance of various First Amendment rights. With this ruling, our government is restoring equity by extending to religious gatherings the same protections that have been afforded other similar gatherings during this pandemic, he stated. A church is not a building that can be opened or closed. A church is not an event to be watched. A church is a community that gathers regularly and we are thankful that such communities are once again being treated fairly by our government. Well before killing 26 at Texas church, Devin Kelley threatened Air Force mass shooting Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A federal court ruled Tuesday that the U.S. Air Force is 60% responsible for the worst mass shooting in Texas history because it failed to report the criminal history of former serviceman Devin Kelley who executed 26 people at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs before killing himself in 2017. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in San Antonio noted in his ruling after a bench trial that the Air Force was negligent when it failed to submit Kelleys criminal history to the FBI, which would have prevented him from purchasing the guns he used to carry out the massacre at the church on Nov. 5, 2017. The Court concludes that the Government failed to exercise reasonable care in its undertaking to submit criminal history to the FBI. The Governments failure to exercise reasonable care increased the risk of physical harm to the general public, including Plaintiffs. And its failure proximately caused the deaths and injuries of Plaintiffs at the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church on November 5, 2017. The Court finds the United States 60% responsible for this harm and jointly and severally liable for the damages that may be awarded, Rodriguez wrote. A video of the massacre of the 26 members of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, shows Kelley methodically shooting his victims, including children, in the head in an episode that lasted for several minutes inside the church's sanctuary, law enforcement reported at the time. At least eight members of one family, including a pregnant mother, were killed. Police say Kelley unleashed about 450 rounds of ammunition on the helpless congregation and survivors say the shooter, who later killed himself, expressed an intention to execute the entire congregation. Court documents shared by The Ammons Law Firm, one of several firms representing families of the victims in the lawsuit against the federal government, show that the Air Force was acutely aware of the danger posed by Kelley and that he even threatened to carry out a mass shooting while he was in the service. Dr. Harold J. Bursztajn, a psychiatrist, testified that Kelley was psychotic. And the Air Force knew that he enjoyed abusing animals and dismembering them because he told them so. His mental health had deteriorated so badly while in the service that he had to be committed to a mental health facility on two occasions. A just under 2,000-page transcript from the trial cited evidence from records in which an Air Force colleague worried that Kelley had a coldness about him and that he wasn't all there. Her uneasiness regarding Devin Kelley resulted in telling her supervisor, Sergeant Troy Bizzack, 'We need to watch this guy because he's the kind of person who will come in and shoot everybody.'" It's safe to say that the Air Force knew more than anybody else in Devin Kelley's life that this was a deeply depraved, mentally unstable man who had extensive violence that the Air Force knew more about than any other person in his life. And that included sexual violence, physical violence, domestic violence. And now we know more than we knew before, extensive threats of mass shooting violence, plaintiff attorney Jamal K. Alsaffar argued during the trial. Lieutenant Colonel Bearden, the commander of the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, documented warnings about Kelley. "AB Kelley has repeatedly threatened to kill his leadership, he noted on March 22, 2013. "I view this airman as a threat not only to myself but to my staff and the other airmen in this squadron. I have communicated my concerns to the security forces/commander Lieutenant Boyd. And he will be providing the unit an armed escort during his out-processing." The evidence showed that before Kelley was eventually discharged from the service, he went AWOL twice and the Air Force was so concerned about the threat he posed to his colleagues they even had to assign someone to watch him while he slept. "The patient, during his hospitalization, also made threats that if he was discharged to the military police, he would try to disarm the police and either be killed or kill someone. At that point, measures were taken to prevent that from happening, one statement on Kelley noted. In addition to that, Kelly was convicted of assaulting his then-wife, Tessa Brennaman, and his stepson in November 2012 by General Court-Martial. If the government had entered Kelleys criminal history into a federal background check database used for gun purchases, according to Rodriguez, he would have been prevented from carrying out the mass shooting at the church. The trial conclusively established that no other individualnot even Kelleys own parents or partnersknew as much as the United States about the violence that Devin Kelley had threatened to commit and was capable of committing, the judge wrote. Moreover, the evidence shows thathad the Government done its job and properly reported Kelleys information into the background check systemit is more likely than not that Kelley would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting. A later trial to assess damages owed to the families is expected to take place at a later date. Parents sue Catholic school to nullify $1.35M donation pledge over woke culture School labels couple's claims 'false and unsubstantiated' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Florida couple has filed a lawsuit against a Catholic school, claiming that the academic institution has a woke climate at odds with its claims of being a Catholic entity and wants their $1.35 million donation pledge voided. Anthony and Barbara Scarpo filed the complaint last month against the Academy of the Holy Names of Tampa and its leadership. Adam S. Levine, a law professor and attorney for the Scarpos, provided The Christian Post with a copy of the complaint filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Hillsborough County. The complaint charges the academy with several counts of breach of contract related to the familys belief that the school provides the antithesis of a Catholic education by focusing solely on the new, politically correct, woke culture. Defendant Academy used Plaintiffs names, images, and personal relationships to raise funds including 1.35 million dollars from Plaintiffs where 1 million dollars was a testamentary pledge and $350,000.00 was a cash gift pledge, stated the complaint. Plaintiffs here sue Defendants seeking further declaration that their 1.35-million-dollar gift pledge be held null and void, that all pending testamentary and cash gift pledges be cancelled, that any already paid funds be returned, and that tuition be refunded and donated to Tampa Bay Catholic Charities designated by Plaintiffs. In an interview with CP Friday, Levine said that the Scarpo family wanted to provide a Catholic education for their two daughters at the Academy of the Holy Names. They were promised a Catholic Education. The Scarpos became enamored with the school and ultimately pledged $1.35 million when a capital campaign was announced, Levine explained. The President, Art Raimo then asked the Scarpos to lead the campaign. The Scarpos became the face of the schools fundraising campaign. According to Levine, the Scarpos had a change of heart when the school invited a radical-left speaker for a school assembly. The speaker reportedly told the students that they were too white and essentially that they should be guilty because their parents could afford to send them to the Academy. The Scarpos tried over the course of two years to resolve the Academys dramatic shift towards its virtue-signaling of being woke. And the president and board all refused to meet with them claiming, as they do now, that they provide a Catholic education, he continued. Neither the Scarpos nor I care not about publicity or building a brand. Rather the Scarpos seek to require the school to either adhere to its Catholic name and educate its students in Catholicism or cease advertising itself as a Catholic school. The lawsuit states that at some point during the Scarpo children's tenure at the academy, "the Academy lost its way." The complaint argues that the school is "embracing the new, politically correct, divisive and 'woke' culture where gender identity, human sexuality, and pregnancy termination among other 'hot-button issues,' took center stage ..." "... Catholicism and the Catholic Catechism were relegated to what was billed as an unfortunate past deserving of its Students guilt for not having been 'woke' sooner," the lawsuit claims. The academy's communications director, Emily Wise, told CP on Friday that while the school could not comment on the litigation, they consider the allegations to be false and unsubstantiated. The Academys curriculum is, and always has been, based on Catholic values and rigorous academic standards. Our graduates have earned admittance to many of the best colleges and universities in America and matriculate prepared for rich and rewarding lives, Wise stated. The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, the schools founding order, are dedicated to the full development of the human person through education, social justice, contemplation and the arts. Wise provided CP with a copy of a letter sent in late June on behalf of the school by Tampa lawyer Gregory A. Hearing, contending that the lawsuit was a publicity stunt." The letter expressed plans to file a motion to dismiss. Hearing added that for a court to delve into whether the substance of matters taught by a Catholic school are consistent with a Catholic education would entangle the court excessively in religious matters, and thereby violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Overwhelming majority of US voters support teaching 'traditional values' of Western civilization in schools Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment More than three-quarters of likely U.S. voters believe it's important for schools to teach traditional values associated with Western civilization, according to a new Rasmussen Reports survey. Rasmussen noted that 78% of likely U.S. voters believe that it's, at the least, somewhat important for schools to teach the traditional values of Western civilization, including 52% that list it as very important, the polling organization said Thursday. By contrast, 14% of respondents said they didn't believe it was important to teach traditional Western civilization values, while 4% said it was not at all important. There was some political party difference as well, as Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say that it was important (86% versus 73%) and more likely to say it was very important (66% versus 42%). According to Rasmussen, the percentage of support for traditional values in schools is virtually unchanged from four years ago, and in line with surveys dating back to 2013. Only 29% of voters think most public schools do a good job of teaching the traditional values of Western civilization, though thats up two points from 2017 and the highest finding in surveying since 2013, Rasmussen added. For the report, Rasmussen drew from a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who were likely voters, conducted on Tuesday and with a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points. The findings of the poll come amid renewed debate over whether public schools should teach controversial ideas like critical race theory, which argues in part that racism is a fundamental aspect of American history and institutions. Proponents of CRT have argued that it is necessary to better understand how racism continues to be a problem in the United States, while critics claim that the movement teaches bad history, exacerbates racial tensions and is founded on Marxist ideology. Many states have considered pursuing bans on CRT in public schools, with the Florida State Board of Education unanimously voting to do so in June. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed support for the ban, stating that the woke class wants to teach kids to hate each other, rather than teaching them how to read, but we will not let them bring nonsense ideology into Floridas schools. As the Governor of Florida, I love this state, and I love my country. I find it unthinkable that there are other people in positions of leadership in the federal government who believe that we should teach kids to hate our country, DeSantis said last month. We will not stand for it here in Florida. Im proud that we are taking action today to ensure our state continues to have the greatest educational system in the nation. The National Education Association, a 3 million-member labor union, recently expressed their opposition to such bans, pledging to set aside over $120,000 to promote CRT in schools. 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, stated NEA President Becky Pringle at the unions annual meeting last week. Boy Scouts failing because program abandoned laser focus on boys, Trail Life USA CEO says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Days after new data showed Boy Scouts of America lost approximately 2 million members in eight years, Trail Life USA CEO Mark Hancock suggests the embattled organization is failing because it abandoned its laser focus on boys. Its not the pandemic or social trends away from the outdoors that is hurting the Boy Scouts, Hancock, who heads the leading alternate scouting program founded in 2014 after controversial changes at BSA, said in a statement shared with The Christian Post Tuesday. When an organization with a remarkable past that provided us with Presidents and astronauts and generals and civic leaders for over 100 years decides to abandon its laser focus on boys and its commitment to the core strengths that made them and this country great, what would you expect? Trail Life USA, which started in the wake of the Boy Scouts lifting a ban on gay youth, seeks to guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure. Other changes Boy Scouts have made over the years include allowing openly gay scout leaders in 2015 and expanding membership to include girls in 2019, which led to a lawsuit from Girl Scouts of the United States of America. In just nine months after it launched, the "unapologetically Christian" alternative to BSA attracted more than 14,000 members. It recently reported some 30,000 members and has continued growing even during the pandemic. In just the past month, over 200 individuals have reached out to ask about how to start a Trail Life Troop in their community, Hancock, who holds two graduate degrees in mental health counseling, said. Families are scrambling in search of an organization that will help them make godly men from the stuff of boys. Trail Life is that organization, and thats why our numbers are exploding. From 2019 to 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the BSAs flagship Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA programs lost 850,000 members, dropping from 1.97 million to 1.12 million over the period. Since then, membership in those programs has fallen a further 358,000 to the current 762,000, according to figures recently reviewed by The Associated Press. Last Thursday, the 111-year-old youth organization reached a historic restructuring support agreement filed in bankruptcy court in Deleware with about 60,000 sexual abuse victims that legal experts believe could exceed $1 billion in compensation. After months of intensive negotiations, the Debtors have reached resolution with every single official and major creditor constituency in these chapter 11 cases. The debtors now have a plan of reorganization that is supported by the Future Claimants Representative, the TCC, the Creditors Committee, JPM (the Debtors senior secured lender), the Coalition, and the AHCLC, attorneys for the BSA wrote. Attorneys for the tort claimants committee, or TCC, previously estimated the value of some 82,500 sexual abuse claims at about $103 billion, AP reported. Ken Rothweiler, a lawyer representing a group of survivors, told USA Today that the new agreement, which reflects an initial settlement of $850 million, is the largest settlement of sexual abuse claims in United States history." "I am pleased that both the BSA and their local councils have stepped up to be the first to compensate the survivors, Rothweiler said. Paul Mones, another attorney also representing survivors, told USA TODAY that he expects the settlement amount to exceed $1 billion with contributions from insurance companies. New Fla. law improves protections for sex trafficking victims, makes it easier to expunge records Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Florida has passed a new bill aimed at bolstering efforts to protect human trafficking victims and foster better communication between advocates and victims at a time when data suggests that nearly half of trafficking victims do not have anyone reach out to help. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1826 into law last Tuesday as advocates commend the Sunshine State for having some of the strongest human trafficking demand laws in the United States. The bill was passed in the state House and Senate unanimously earlier this year. The new law prioritizes victims of human trafficking by providing protection and advocacy for the victims and enables human traffickers and those looking to purchase sex to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Among other things, the bill allows for communication between a victim of sex trafficking and trained victims advocate to be confidential in certain circumstances and prevents court clerks from charging fees for petitions of expunction for sex trafficking victims criminal records. Sex trafficking victims are often forced to commit crimes under the pressure of their sex traffickers, advocates say. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation, an advocacy group founded in 1962 that seeks to expose all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, praised the measure. NCOSE attorney Pansy Watson said the new law strengthens trafficking laws in a number of different ways. The process prior was a little bit more complex. They could only expunge one offense at a time. This allows them to expunge multiple offenses, Watson said in an interview with The Christian Post. Oftentimes, what a trafficker might do is ... force the victims to commit crimes. And there might be multitudes of misdemeanor crimes and maybe certain types of felonies that appear on their [the victims] record. But they were forced to do so under some form of coercion. Further, the law establishes that the confidential communication helps with the victims protection, Watson explained. Theyre not being forced to have to take a stand when they expunge their record or appear in court, she said. If a victim has been traumatized, it can compound the trauma to have to confront people and tell their story again and again. Senate Bill 1826 authorizes judges to make procedural accommodations for victims of human sex trafficking in judicial proceedings. The new law further expands the definition of human trafficking to include purchasing patronizing or procuring another person for exploitation and the trafficking of an adult believed by the person to be a child. Additionally, the definition of obtain is amended to mean in relation to labor, commercial sexual activity, or services, to receive, take possession of, or take custody of another person or secure performance thereof. Florida state Rep. Jackie Toledo thanked DeSantis on Twitter for signing this much needed bill that puts human traffickers on notice that Florida is NOT open to human trafficking! In an earlier tweet, Toledo stressed that the bill reduces the barriers survivors face when trying to live a normal life. NCOSE CEO Dawn Hawkins said in a statement that the legal and procedural changes in the bill will have a real impact in the lives of survivors of human trafficking, supporting them in both the criminal justice system and in their healing journey. In a time when some jurisdictions around the U.S. are systematically letting offenders off the hook, Florida is taking the crime seriously enough to continue fighting one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in the world. Florida is absolutely taking the lead with human trafficking demand laws, Watson said. Only a handful of other states have very strong demand laws and Florida is probably the most renowned, and especially right now because of Gov. DeSantis. The NCOSE lawyer said that other states are also taking steps to tackle sex trafficking. Hawaii has just passed a bill that describes the demand for sex as commercial sexual exploitation, and it is very similar, Watson said. Maine recently attempted to pass a bill that would essentially stop punishing the prostituted person but punish sex buyers as commercial sexual exploiters. And the governor, unfortunately, vetoed that because she had concerns about the way it was written. According to the Guardian Group, an organization whose mission is to prevent sex trafficking of women and children while enabling partners to identify victims and predators in the US, 44% of sex trafficking victims report that no one reached out and offered help. Another 26% reported rarely ever being offered support. Also, 55% of victims say they attended school at some point while being trafficked. The Guardian Group contends that everyone in society must do better in capitalizing and counteracting sex traffickers efforts because it could be happening in the next aisle of the grocery store or their backyard. The hotline for human trafficking is 1-888-373-7888. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment These days, the younger generation is encouraged to despise their American birthright. According to this worldview, the United States was a force for oppression in centuries past, and racism, baked into the very structure of the republic, constitutes the true narrative of the American people. And what is this worldviews solution to our countrys alleged ills? To tear down the existing order, cleanse it of its sins, and reeducate the youth such that they become activists against democracy, free speech, and free thought. This new mentality is driven by what some call wokeness. As I detail in my forthcoming bookChristianity and Wokeness, being woke means waking up, per the tenets of Critical Race Theory, to the reality of structural racism and inequity in a society. This entails standing against institutions that mediate oppression through power dynamicsinstitutions like the family, the church, and the nation-state. There is much to say about wokeness anti-institutional commitments, but we shall concern ourselves here with the distinctively anti-national nature of the movement, and the fact that it targets religious people explicitly. Today, defending American ideals and history means one is painted as a proponent of white Christian nationalism. The argument commonly goes that the evangelical movement has lost its moral compass by choosing to support conservative political candidates. Instead of standing for equity, justice, and fairnessbuzzwords of the modern ideological revolutionthe church allegedly chose to back xenophobia, narrowness, and tribalism. Wokeness has offered Christians the salutary chance to be antiracist, but according to many prominent media voices today, Christian conservatives have rejected this move, instead lending their support to the white Christian nationalist movement, thinking they are patriots while actually being racist extremists. This criticism is fierce, as one can see. It is not playing for a draw. But in this brief piece, I believe it is worth responding to the criticism for the good of the rising generation. I want Americas young people, especially Christians who believe in the power of the Gospel, to hear a stronger and sounder word than these lazy bromides. Let me briefly list out a few responses to the ideology mentioned above. First, it is not wrong for a Christian to love their country. Every believer is called to love their neighbor as themselves (Mat. 22:34-39), and a country is essentially a great mass of neighbors. Does this mean we will love every country the same? No, it will be harder to love a tyrannical state than a free one. Further, Americas real failings as a nation temper our enthusiasm and keep us from enshrining this body politic as perfect. Nevertheless, it is good and right for a believer to seek the good of the city in which they live (Jer. 29:7). There is much to be thankful for as an American citizen. If you and I can be thankful for our local community or a city we treasure, why can we not love our country? Second, it is right that we be engaged as believers in our country. We are called to pray for kings, honor the emperor, and submit to government as much as we can (1 Tim. 2:5, 1 Peter 2:17, Rom. 13:1-7). All this activity is expressly Christian; we perform such duties not as secularists, but as born-again believers. Christians of all kinds should live in these ways. It is not white people who are called to engage our community and country in some form, but all Christs church. Third, it is wrong to identify white people as national oppressors in our time. America has real historical failings in terms of slavery and Jim Crow, failings supported by groups of white people in days past. And surely white people in our day need Jesus just as anyone does. But wokeness would have us see the American church, which does include many white people, as a present-day racist force acting to oppress people of color. Could white people fall prey to such evil? Yes, any person of any skin color or background could. But is the evangelical church inherently and incurably racist today? This is a claim that is regularly made, but it should be read as a statement of slander rather than a statement of fact. A group that is majority white does not automatically an oppressive body make. The fever dream of many columnists, that a militantly racist body of extremist white fundamentalists waits just beyond the city gates to take back America, is downright silly. A whole lot of white Christians do want America to thrive, yes. But this does not mean they wish to oppress other people; I am linked up with evangelicals across America, and I dont know anyone who has this goal. If they did, I would try to talk them out of it! Fourth, supporting conservative politicians does not make you hateful. It does not make you a white Christian nationalist. Over and over, Christians who want their country to flourish have been labeled in such terms for voting for candidates of a Republican or conservative bent. The vast majority of Christians I know supported such candidates in past days because they are ardently pro-life, pro-religious liberty, anti-big government, anti-progressive agenda, and pro-free market. They do not have anything close to an evil vision of America that would ruin the lives of people of color. Nor do they wish to impose a ferocious theocracy on any who dare disagree with them. Instead, they want people of all kinds to be free, prosperous, and able to worship God. The stereotypes about white Christian nationalism will likely endure. There are very well-paid and highly connected journalists and leaders who make such arguments, and all too often they serve as a kind of house evangelical for elite media. It makes sense why this would be so. Wokeness is the imperial ideology of our age and standing against it is no popular move in our time. On the political front, it works neatly and nicely to denounce a huge and diverse group of people as promoting the evil specter of white Christian nationalism. Sadly, different professing Christians are glad to serve this odious cause. I encourage Christians, and especially younger Christians, to shake off such name-calling. Be a principled Christian young man or young woman. Serve your local church. Trust and follow Christ, the crucified king. Be salt and light in your community, on your campus, wherever God puts you in this land (Mat. 5:13-16). Learn American history, both the regrettable parts and the serious accomplishments. Live without fear. Know that God is good, is building his church, and that whatever the media and academicians may label you, if you are in Christ by faith, you will have your vindication on the last day. Art is the highest task: a collectors guide to Symbolism The revolutionary art movement of fin-de-siecle Paris is enjoying a revival. Mysticism is not the unfashionable subject it once was, explains specialist Alastair Plumb, and Symbolism has influenced many artists and movements, from Surrealism to David Bowie When Friedrich Nietzsche exuberantly proclaimed the death of God in 1872, he gave a new role to artists, declaring that through them cultural and spiritual renewal could be found. Art is the highest task and real metaphysical activity of this life, he wrote in The Birth of Tragedy. The German philosophers faith in arts alchemical power and the godlike nature of creation found purchase with a loose association of artists, poets and musicians living in fin-de-siecle Paris, who turned their imaginations inwards to reflect their deepest emotions. They became known as the Symbolists, and among them were the hell-raising poets Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) and Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867), the decadent writer Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848-1907), the maverick composer Erik Satie (1866-1925) and a group of visionary painters, including Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) and Armand Point (1860-1932), who promoted a sensual, mystical aestheticism using occult symbols, Christian imagery and ancient Greek mythology. Montmartre and Moreau These radical thinkers gathered in dissolute Montmartre, gravitating towards the satirical atmosphere of the celebrated cabaret Chat Noir. Absinthe was the drink of choice, and it seeped into their art through dreamlike imagery and dazzling colour. Moreau was the most celebrated of the Symbolists, particularly for his use of colour. On viewing an exhibition of his paintings in 1881, the critic Charles Blanc wrote: It is as if one were in the presence of an illuminant artist who had been a jeweller before becoming a painter. Offered for sale at Christies in London on 15 July is Le lion amoureux (below), a striking example of Moreaus technique of applying multiple layers of pigment to achieve a glittering effect. From his airy upstairs atelier near the Gare Saint-Lazare, the French painter conjured up a harem of luminous, pale sirens to threaten mans transcendence and drag him down into the underworld. Fernand Khnopff and Carlos Schwabe According to Christies specialist Alastair Plumb, French Symbolism is currently enjoying a revival. It is the beginning of a modern revolution in art, he says. Mysticism is not the unfashionable subject it once was, and Symbolism has influenced many artists and movements, from Surrealism to David Bowie. Moreau has always been popular, and his prices reflect that, but younger Symbolists such as Fernand Khnopff (1858-1921) and Carlos Schwabe (1866-1926) are also attracting attention. They are easy to live with, says Plumb. Beautiful and, yes, hallucinatory but not completely removed from real life. Khnopff trained under Moreau, learning how to instil a mood of lonely introspection in his works. Les Caresses (below) is a drawing based on a much larger painting, an enigmatic depiction of an androgynous youth and a sphinx now held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Gender fluidity and the occult Androgyny was a central theme for the Symbolists. Their figures often blur the boundaries between male and female, the human and the savage. Gender fluidity represented an ideal sexual union and a utopian aesthetic. Khnopff revisited this theme throughout his career, particularly through his muse, his sister Marguerite. The occult was another influence on the Symbolists. In the late 19th century, new religions with arcane rituals, such as Theosophy and Spiritualism, were proliferating in Paris, and medieval orders such as the Knights Templar were being revived and reinvented. One cult, the Order of the Catholic Rose + Croix of the Temple of the Grail, led by the lapsed art critic Josephin Peladan (1858-1918), became a focus for the Symbolist artists. Peladan was a curious figure: he went by the name Le Sar (an ancient word for king) and could be seen strolling about Montmartre in priestly robes and a fur hat, proclaiming his gospel of an art dedicated to beauty, reverie, the past and tradition. He wrote in Le Figaro that a work of art is more an operation of the soul than of the hand. In addition to his cult, Peladan established a salon for artists who shared his desire for an enchanting modern art. Parallels with the Pre-Raphaelites Peladan was familiar with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and was keen to establish a similar movement in Paris, says Plumb. He wrote to Edward Burne-Jones, who was the most mystical of the brotherhood, and asked him to join them. Like their English predecessors, the French Symbolists rejected the soot-stained industrial world for an idealised, primitive one dominated by nature. They represented a total break with realism and modernity, adds the specialist. They wanted to revive early Renaissance masters such as Botticelli and Fra Angelico and demonstrate the ability of art to transform daily life. The first exhibition Burne-Jones declined Peladans invitation, but Khnopff accepted, as did Schwabe, Point, and the Dutch painter Jan Toorop (1858-1928). The groups first exhibition was held in March 1892 and featured 75 artists. The poster (below) was designed by Schwabe, and the event opened with a flamboyant Mass and a phantasmagorical trumpet composition by Erik Satie. Over the next six years, the Salon de la Rose + Croix brought together some 200 Symbolist artists from across Europe, making it one of the first international art movements. As the years wore on, however, Peladans demands grew ever more dogmatic. His love of controversy and his desire to impose an increasingly bizarre ideology on members became suffocating. Promotional poster for Josephin Peladans Salon de la Rose + Croix by Carlos Schwabe. Photo: The History Collection / Alamy Stock Photo Inspired by William Morris Although many of the artists broke with Peladans salon, Symbolism endured. Point established an artistic community in the French countryside that had its roots in William Morriss Arts and Crafts movement, while Schwabe, perhaps the most purist of the Symbolists, continued to strive for the unobtainable. His painting LIdeal (below) best encompasses that yearning. It depicts an angelic muse leading an artist to the heights of artistic expression and ultimately to his death. Influence: from Picasso to Kandinsky Such seductive, romantic notions had an impact on the trajectory of modern art and inspired some of its radical pioneers. Symbolism anticipated many later avant-garde trends, says Plumb. We can thank the Symbolists for Picassos obsession with Greek mythology and Wassily Kandinskys explorations in synaesthesia. Then theres Surrealism, of course, which has its roots in Symbolisms looking-glass world and its obsession with dreams and the psyche. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe As far as we know, there are only four other copies in private hands: the Caxton Cicero The Caxton Cicero published exactly 540 years ago contains the first works of classical antiquity ever printed in English. Specialist Margaret Ford discusses its significance in the history of literature It was in about 1475, while England was locked in a bitter and bloody civil war, that the merchant William Caxton (c. 1422-c. 1491) returned to England from the relative safety of the Low Countries to set up a printing press in Westminster. At around 50 years of age, he had recognised a great commercial opportunity: to become the first printer in England. William Caxton is a national hero, says Christies International Head of Books and Manuscripts Margaret Ford, and he deserves that reputation not only for bringing the printing press to England, but also for introducing the English more widely to literature in their own language. Until Caxtons arrival, printed books had to be imported from Europe and were usually in Latin for the international market, or the vernacular for a more local readership. Born in England, Caxton had spent much of his career travelling across the continent, negotiating trade deals for the English crown. In the Low Countries and the Rhineland he had learned the art of printing pioneered only 20 years previously by Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400-1468). Now he was bringing that new technology home. A portrait of William Caxton by an unknown artist held by the National Portrait Gallery in London. Woodcut. 3 in x 2 in (97 mm x 63 mm) paper size. Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (nee Fleming), 1931. Photo: National Portrait Gallery, London Caxton consciously developed a printing programme of largely literary texts in English aimed at the upper echelons of society, several translated by Caxton himself. Hes a good and interesting translator, says Ford. A few texts are a little rote, but for the most part he is creative and literary. Caxton also printed the translations of others. For example, the works of Cicero being offered in the Valuable Books and Manuscripts sale on 14 July Of Old Age and Of Friendship were translated into English by Stephen Scrope and John Tiptoft. As far as we know, there are only four other copies of the Caxton Cicero in private hands, says Ford. To have any largely complete work from Caxtons press is rare, and to have one so textually important is significant. These are the first works of classical antiquity printed in the English language. The Caxton Cicero is considered a milestone in early English Humanism. The Roman statesman and scholars thoughts on leading a good life, based on reason and our common humanity, resonated with English intellectuals of the 15th century. There was also an economic imperative to provide the public with books they wanted to read, says Ford. Cicero was fashionable among Caxtons patrons and benefactors. However, at a time of shifting factions and political instability, the printer was shrewdly watchful about those who supported him. These were dark times, and one of his most active patrons, Earl Rivers of the powerful Woodville family, was beheaded in 1483. English artist Edward Henry Wehnerts (1813-1868) imagining of William Caxton reading the first proof sheet from his printing press in the Almonary, Westminster Abbey, March 1474. From Illustrations of English and Scottish History, Volume I. Engraving. Photo: The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images In order not to offend, Caxton would sometimes avoid mentioning his patrons, simply referring to a singular frende & gossib of myne. It is not known, for example, who commissioned Caxton to translate and publish The Knight of the Tower by Geoffroy de la Tour Landry. Seven pages of this exceedingly rare edition are bound in with the Caxton Cicero offered on 14 July. Written by the 14th-century French nobleman for the edification of his daughters on reaching marriageable age, it advises women on how to behave in a courtly setting. William Caxtons printers mark It is a fascinating work, because it reveals so much about the education of women at that time, says Ford. Only six copies of the book survive today, and its rarity is due in part to its risque nature. The manual didnt shy away from the subject of sex, and by the dawn of the 16th century in England it was already being warned against as too instructive in vices, subtlety and craft and charged with containing grossly offensive passages. The fact that it was forgotten for so long makes it all the more exciting for us as a discovery specialist Margaret Ford The Caxton volume containing both the Cicero and the Knight of the Tower fragment comes from the Kenyon Library at Gredington in Wales. The 5th Baron Kenyon, a keen bibliophile, made the volume available to scholars in the middle decades of the 20th century, yet it somehow escaped bibliographic notice, and so it emerges onto the public stage for the first time only now. The fact that it was forgotten for so long is surprising, says Ford, but that makes it all the more exciting for us as a discovery. It is fair to say that Caxton had a transformative impact on British literary tastes, and on the English language itself. Not only was he responsible for disseminating Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales in print for the first time (it has never been out of print since), he published British chroniclers including the Benedictine monk Ranulf Higden (c. 1280-1364), who was a fierce advocate of the English language. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe 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. We definitely need assistance and weve asked our international partners for help, Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph told The Associated Press in an interview, declining to provide further details. We believe our partners can assist the national police in resolving the situation. Joseph said that he was dismayed by opponents whove tried to take advantage of Moises murder to seize political power an indirect reference to a group of lawmakers that have declared their loyalty and recognized Joseph Lambert, the head of Haitis dismantled senate, as provisional president and Ariel Henry, whom Moise designated as prime minister a day before he was killed, as prime minister. "Im not interested in a power struggle, Joseph said in the brief phone interview, without mentioning Lambert by name. Theres only one way people can become president in Haiti. And thats through elections. Joseph spoke just hours after the head of Colombia's police said that the Colombians implicated in Moise's assassination were recruited by four companies and traveled to the Caribbean nation in two groups via the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, the U.S. said it would send senior FBI and Homeland Security officials to help in the investigation. Haitian National Police Chief Leon Charles said 17 suspects have been detained in the brazen killing of Moise that stunned a nation already reeling from poverty, widespread violence and political instability. As the investigation moved forward, the killing took on the air of a complicated international conspiracy. Besides the Colombians, among those detained by police were two Haitian Americans, who have been described as translators for the attackers. Some of the suspects were seized in a raid on Taiwans Embassy where they are believed to have sought refuge. At a news conference in Colombias capital of Bogota, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia said four companies had been involved in the recruitment, the gathering of these people implicated in the assassination, although he did not identify the companies because their names were still being verified. Two of the suspects traveled to Haiti via Panama and the Dominican Republic, Vargas said, while a second group of 11 arrived in Haiti on July 4 from the Dominican Republic. In Washington, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said senior FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials will be sent to Haiti as soon as possible to assess the situation and how we may be able to assist. The United States remains engaged and in close consultations with our Haitian and international partners to support the Haitian people in the aftermath of the assassination of the president, Psaki said. Following Haiti's request for U.S. troops, a senior administration official reiterated Psakis earlier comments that the administration is sending officials to assess how it can be most helpful, but added there are no plans to provide military assistance at this time. The U.S. sent troops to Haiti following the last presidential assassination in the country, the murder of President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam in 1915 at the hands of an angry mob that had raided the French Embassy where he had sought refuge. In Haiti, National Police Chief Leon Charles said another eight suspects were still at large and being sought for Investigative Judge Clement Noel told the French-language newspaper Le Nouvelliste that the Haitian Americans arrested, James Solages and Joseph Vincent, said the attackers originally planned only to arrest Moise, not kill him. Noel said Solages and Vincent were acting as translators for the attackers. The same newspaper quoted Port-au-Prince prosecutor Bed-Ford Claude as saying he ordered an investigative unit of the National Police Force to interrogate all the security agents close to Moise. These include Moises security coordinator Jean Laguel Civil and Dimitri Herard, head of the General Security Unit of the National Palace. If you are responsible for the presidents security, where have you been? What did you do to avoid this fate for the president? Claude said. The attack, which took place at Moises home before dawn Wednesday, also seriously wounded his wife, who was flown to Miami for treatment. Joseph assumed leadership with the backing of police and the military and declared a two-week state of siege. Port-au-Prince already has been on edge amid the growing power of gangs that displaced more than 14,700 people last month alone as they torched and ransacked homes in a fight over territory. The killing brought the usually bustling capital to a standstill, but Joseph urged the public to return to work. Vargas has pledged Colombias full cooperation, and authorities there identified 13 of the 15 Colombians implicated in the attack as retired members of the military, 11 captured and two killed. They range in rank from lieutenant colonel to soldier. The commander of Colombias Armed Forces, Gen. Luis Fernando Navarro, said they had left the institution between 2018 and 2020. In the criminal world, there is the concept of murder for hire and this is what happened: they hired some members of the (army) reserve for this purpose and they have to respond criminally for the acts they committed, said retired Colombian army general Jaime Ruiz Barrera. Senior officials from Colombias security forces will travel to Haiti to help with the investigation. U.S.-trained Colombian soldiers are heavily recruited by private security firms in global conflict zones because of their experience in a decades-long war against leftist rebels and powerful drug cartels. The wife of one former Colombian soldier in custody said he was recruited by a security firm to travel to the Dominican Republic last month. The woman, who identified herself only as Yuli, told Colombias W Radio that her husband, Francisco Uribe, was hired for $2,700 a month by a company named CTU to travel to the Dominican Republic, where he was told he would provide protection to some powerful families. She says she last spoke to him at 10 p.m. Wednesday almost a day after Moises killing and said he was on guard duty at a house where he and others were staying. The next day he wrote me a message that sounded like a farewell, the woman said. They were running, they had been attacked. ... That was the last contact I had. The woman said she knew little about her husbands activities and was unaware he had even traveled to Haiti. Uribe is under investigation for his alleged role in extrajudicial killings by Colombias U.S.-trained army more than a decade ago. Colombian court records show he and another soldier were accused of killing a civilian in 2008 who they later tried to present as a criminal killed in combat. The CTU in question may be CTU Security in Miami-Dade. The business has two listed addresses on its website. One was a shuttered warehouse with no sign indicating who it belonged to. The other is a simple office under a different companys name where the receptionist says the CTU owner comes once a week to collect meal and hold the occasional meeting. Solages, 35, described himself as a certified diplomatic agent, an advocate for children and budding politician on a now-removed website for a charity he started in 2019 in south Florida to assist resident of his home town of Jacmel, on Haitis southern coast. Solages also said he had worked as a bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti, and on his Facebook page, which was also taken down after news of his arrest, he showcased photos of armored military vehicles and a shot of himself standing in front of an American flag. Canadas foreign relation department released a statement that did not refer to Solages by name but said one of the men detained for his alleged role in the killing had been briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard at its embassy by a private contractor. Calls to the charity and Solages associates went unanswered. However, a relative in south Florida said Solages doesnt have any military training and doesnt believe he was involved in the killing. I feel like my son killed my brother because I love my president and I love James Solages, Schubert Dorisme, whose wife is Solages aunt, told WPLG in Miami. Taiwans Embassy in Port-au-Prince said police had arrested 11 individuals who tried to break into the compound early Thursday. It gave no details of their identities or a reason for the break-in but in a statement referred to the men as mercenaries and strongly condemned the cruel and barbaric assassination of Moise. As for whether the suspects were involved in the assassination of the president of Haiti, that will need to be investigated by the Haitian police, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou told The Associated Press in Taipei. Police were alerted by embassy security while Taiwanese diplomats were working from home. Haiti is one of a handful of countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan. ___ Suarez reported from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Goodman reported from Miami. AP videographer Pierre-Richard Luxama in Port-au-Prince and Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed. United Airlines said Friday it will add nearly 150 flights this winter to warm-weather destinations in the U.S. and will also add flights to beach spots in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The airline said its winter schedule to places such as California and Florida will be larger than it was in 2019, before the pandemic crushed air travel. Uniteds announcement is further indication that airlines are confident that a travel rebound that began this spring will grow stronger. Earlier this month, Delta revamped its schedule to add flights this winter to U.S. ski destinations including Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Aspen, Colorado. And discount carrier Spirit Airlines said Thursday that it would add new domestic flights and resume international ones from Orlando, Florida, that it had dropped during the pandemic. Airlines cut their workforces last year through buyouts, early retirements and voluntary leaves. Now they are recalling employees from leave and hiring again to meet the increase in travel. U.S. air travel has rebounded from pandemic lows last year to frequently more than 2 million people a day, although numbers are still about 20% below July 2019, according to figures from the Transportation Security Administration. Some airlines have struggled to keep up with the bigger crowds, particularly Southwest and American. So far in July, both airlines have canceled about 3% of their flights and more than one-third were delayed at least 15 minutes, according to figures from tracking service FlightAware. In June, 40% of Southwest flights were delayed and 3% were canceled, while 31% of American flights were late and 4% were canceled, Flightaware said. The airlines have mostly blamed their difficulties on bad weather. Click here to read the full article. WASHINGTON The top election official in Arizona says there should be a criminal investigation into newly revealed efforts by Donald Trumps allies to interfere with the 2020 vote count in the state. In an interview with MSNBC, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, referenced multiple phone calls made by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Trump himself to a county election official in Arizona, and said those calls should be probed by law enforcement to see if they constituted criminal election interference. What we have seen here is what appears to most people to be clearly violating laws and clearly calling for interference into the election, Hobbs said, adding that the evidence of possible interference warrants further investigation regardless of anyones party involved in this. The Arizona Republic, the states largest newspaper, recently reported on the pressure campaign mounted by Trump and his acolytes aimed at local election officials in the days and weeks after Joe Biden narrowly won Arizona in the 2020 election. Twice, Trump attempted to contact supervisors in Maricopa County, the most populous county in the state, after the 2020 election. Rudy Giuliani also tried to contact county supervisors in the state. In a voicemail left for one county supervisor, Giuliani said: I have a few things Id like to talk over with you. Maybe we can get this thing fixed up. You know, I really think its a shame that Republicans sort of, were both in this, kind of, situation. And I think there may be a nice way to resolve this for everybody. Kelli Ward, a conspiracy theorist, former congressional candidate, and chair of the Arizona Republican Party, texted the then-chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, a man named Clint Hickman. We need you to stop the counting, Ward texted Hickman soon after the election. Ward continued peppering Hickman with text messages in the weeks that followed. She urged him to contact Sidney Powell, the Trump-backing lawyer who promoted baseless theories about the election and now faces a $1.3-billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems, a frequent target of Powells unsupported theories. Here is Sidney Powells number, Ward texted Hickman on November 17th. Please call her. Then, on November 20th, Ward texted Hickman: I know you dont want to be remembered as the guy who led the charge to certify a fraudulent election. Under Arizona law, anyone who knowingly interferes with an election official or induces an election official to violate or refuse to comply with the officers duty or any law regulating the election violates the law, according a letter Secretary of State Hobbs sent to Arizonas attorney general. Hobbs told MSNBC that interfering with an election officials duties is against the law in Arizona and it certainly violates some federal laws, too. This was not the only time Trump and his followers pressured state officials to change the election result in his favor. In early January, Trump held an hour-long phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. On that call, Trump urged Raffensperger to find enough additional or supposedly fraudulent votes to flip the state in his favor. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have because we won the state, Trump told Raffensperger. (The Daily Beast reported in March that two grand juries had been convened in Fulton County, Georgia to investigate the Trump campaign for election interference.) Election-law scholars and experts on democratic governance say the actions of Trump, Ward, Giuliani, and others are egregious attempts to subvert a free and fair election. These experts say its imperative for lawmakers in Congress and in the states to pass new laws guarding against future attempts at election subversion. In June, a group of Democratic House members and senators introduced the Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2021 to deter future attempts at strong-arming state and local government employees who run elections. American elections and the public servants who oversee them should be free from partisan interference, threats of violence, and acts of intimidation, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said in a statement. In Arizona, Katie Hobbs call for a criminal investigation comes with a partisan tint, as shes now running for governor. But Hobbs insists the voicemails and texts from Trump and his associates meant to pressure Arizona officials speak for themselves. Its clear to everyone watching that this absolutely warrants further investigation and whatever that leads to, she said on MSNBC. I think most lay people can look at this say, This doesnt look right. This doesnt smell right.' 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 Click here to read the full article. Last Sunday, Mayor Jan Poldermans town, a small village in British Columbia called Lytton, made international news when it became the hottest place in Canadian history. Then on Monday, his town broke that record. And on Tuesday, it did it again, reaching 121.3 degrees hotter than Miamis hottest day on record. But by sundown on Wednesday, his town which was home to 250 residents, and surrounded by 2,000 First Nation people virtually no longer existed, consumed by a wildfire in a matter of minutes. This week, Polderman published an open letter to the residents of his town who have been scattered throughout the province in emergency shelters and friends couches, unable to return to their home. Where many buildings stood is now simply charred earth, the mayor wrote. Officials have estimated that 90 percent of the town was destroyed in the fire. For those looking at heartbreaking pictures of our village, please understand that if a wall is standing, it does not mean there is anything on the other side of it. The wildfire erupted as the heat dome descended on the Pacific Northwest, bringing record-breaking, dangerously high temperatures from Portland, Oregon to Western Canada. The heatwave killed at least 500 people in British Columbia alone, and along 4,000 miles of Pacific shoreline, literally cooked a billion shellfish in their shells. That brutal confluence of record temperatures, months of drought, and high winds made it nearly impossible for local officials to get ahead of the fire. In his letter, the mayor said his staff learned of the threat when someone banged on the office windows after hours. An evacuation order was issued just minutes before the fire arrived, but the villages emergency operations center was destroyed in the blaze, and power and cellphone towers were quickly compromised, so many residents didnt know the fire was coming until they saw smoke billowing outside their windows. We were trying to check to see if there were any emergency orders, or any information about what was happening, said Gordon Murray, a Lytton resident, to CBC News. We could see that there was a lot of smoke. But we couldnt find anything. But then the cell service died and the power went out, and we knew that it was serious. Many residents fled the fire with less than 20 minutes of warning, collecting their loved ones and packing what they could in their cars. Murray, who couldnt find one of their family cats before they had to evacuate, filmed his frantic drive out of the village. We could actually hear the timbers exploding as we were driving, said Murray. Wed come around a corner and have big flames shooting out on one side or the otherWe finally saw a little bit of sky beyond the smoke and we realized that we were going in the right direction, or a direction that was going to get us out of there. The 44-mile-per-hour winds fed the fires and scattered embers through the valley, while blowing water from fire hoses away from the blaze. For some residents, the embers spread to their homes before they could evacuate, immediately igniting the drought-parched landscape. I finally got one little spot fire out and then this one started, Jeff Chapman told CBC. He eventually took shelter by laying on the gravel along the train tracks for 45 minutes while the fire raged around him. The whole house went up. The time between when I saw smoke and when I knew there was trouble? I dont think it was 10 minutes. Residents have seen images in the media of entire blocks leveled, melted cars, and brick buildings charred down to the support beams, but none of them have been allowed into the town since the evacuation; the wildfire is still burning, and officials have been assessing the toxicity and smoke levels in the town. But today, the local government will take residents, including the mayor, through the village in an escorted bus tour to see the destruction, and what might have survived. In his letter, Polderman warned residents that even if their homes are among the few that are still standing, the towns infrastructure including power, water, and sewage was all destroyed, leaving little to come back to. What has not been melted, incinerated or damaged beyond repair has been compromised to the point of being unsafe, wrote the mayor. And with the emergency operations center destroyed, he wrote, they are currently trying to operate it from a couple of laptops, an iPad and our cellphones. Residents are eager to see what made it. When Murray left, his house was still standing, and he told CBC hes hopeful that it might have been spared. Chapmans home is gone what we worked our whole life for but hes eager to recover the bodies of both of his parents, who were killed when a power line fell on the trench they were taking shelter in. The government is providing trauma and grief counseling on the busses, the mayor wrote, to assist with the shock people are going to experience upon actually seeing the devastation. Im afraid to go back, said Byron Spinks, elder and former chief of the Lytton First Nation, but I want to go back at the same time just to witness the devastation and to make us acknowledge the loss that weve had. This magnitude of destruction will only become more common as the climate crisis progresses. This fire already has a precedent: In 2018, the Paradise, California, wildfire destroyed 95 percent of the town in a matter of minutes. And studies have assured us that instances of megafires will increase as temperatures rise and droughts expand; one study projects that by the middle of the century, well have 35 percent more fire days per year. Were at the spear point of climate change, but its coming for everybody, said Murray. We have to work together to get ready to make changes now, because as we discovered, if youre scrambling at the last minute, you leave people behind. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) An Alabama appeals court Friday sided with a judge who rejected the appeal of a man convicted of murder and sentenced to die for the shooting deaths of six people on a farm in southwestern Alabama nearly two decades ago. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upheld a Crenshaw County judge's decision refusing a challenge by Westley Devone Harris, 41, who was convicted of using guns to slaughter his girlfriend's family members one-by-one before abducting her in 2002. LOS ANGELES (AP) It took nearly a decade and a federal lawsuit for U.S. Marine Corps veteran Hector Ocegueda to finally come home. Following a conviction for intoxicated driving, he had been deported to Mexico, a country he left with his parents when he was a child. The 53-year-old has spent the past nine years living in Mexico but on Friday, he became an American citizen allowing him to return to his family in Southern California. Judge Mark C. Scarsi thanked Ocegueda for his military service before administering the citizenship oath in a federal courtroom in Los Angeles. As one American citizen to a soon-to-be American citizen, I just wanted to thank you very much for that, Scarsi told Ocegueda, who wore a mask decorated with images of his father and late brothers. Afterward, Ocegueda smiled and stood with his mother and sister, who sobbed and planted a kiss on his cheek. Im so happy, said Ocegueda, who was stationed with the Marines at Camp Pendleton and in Japan. Im very thankful for all the work everybodys done. He got to this point after connecting with a group for deported veterans while he was in Mexico and applying to become an American citizen. Under U.S. law, veterans who serve honorably during a conflict are eligible to become citizens if they meet a series of requirements, including undergoing an interview with a citizenship officer. He had been scheduled for the interview in Los Angeles last year but couldn't attend because border authorities wouldn't allow him back into the country following his deportation order. Ocegueda sued last month, asking U.S. officials to give the citizenship interview on the border, where he could attend, or allow him to cross so he could make an appointment in Los Angeles, which is what happened this week. It felt that I was coming back home when I crossed that border. I was so happy, he said. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer interviewed Ocegueda on Thursday. A day later, he became an American. I know the system is not perfect. I am mad at the system but not at this country," Ocegueda said before attending the ceremony with his sister and other relatives. "I love this country. The case comes as the Biden administration has stepped up efforts to reach out to noncitizen military members and veterans. Last week, the Departments of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs announced plans to identify deported veterans, ensure they can access benefits they are entitled to and remove barriers to naturalization for current and former service members who are eligible to become American citizens. The American Civil Liberties Union issued a report in 2016 detailing the cases of dozens of veterans who were deported or facing deportation, many over convictions for minor crimes. Had these veterans become citizens on account of their military service, they wouldn't have been deported. Ocegueda was brought to the United States from Mexico by his parents and grew up in the Southern California city of Artesia. He served in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991 and spent four more years in the reserves before he was honorably discharged. He got married, had two daughters and obtained a green card through his wife. But Ocegueda also had a drug problem. He was convicted of driving under the influence, prompting U.S. immigration officials to deport him in 2000, his lawyers said. Despite that order, Ocegueda returned to California to be with his family and participated in a drug treatment program through a local veterans hospital. But he was deported two more times. Since 2012, Ocegueda says he has remained in Mexico, where he worked as a driver and a security guard and connected with the leader of a group for deported veterans who encouraged him to stay put so he could pursue citizenship. It came at a cost. It was difficult to adjust to life in a country he had left when he was a boy. But nothing compared to the hurt of being away from his family. His marriage was suffering, and he wound up divorced. He missed out on time with his daughters. And he was lonely; he said his relatives often had to work and couldn't make the trip down to see him as often as he would have liked. Now, Ocegueda said he hopes to go back to school so he can work as a nurse assistant, find a job and spend time with the people he loves. I am going to take it day by day, he said. It's great to be here with them. SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP) When the coronavirus ravaged Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis defiantly bucked mask mandates. He later cracked down on protesters advocating racial justice, blasted President Joe Biden on immigration, jumped into the fight over transgender athletes and signed sweeping legislation to toughen voting rules. But after a deadly building collapse, the Republican governor is largely hitting pause on the culture wars. In the two weeks since a 12-story condo tower in this coastal community suddenly crumbled, killing at least 78 people, DeSantis has stood somberly with local officials, including Democrats, as they assessed the damage. He nodded in agreement when Biden visited and hailed their joint appearance as a sign that those with opposing political views can work together in a crisis. And he even skipped a rally in Sarasota headlined by former President Donald Trump, whose early endorsement was crucial in helping DeSantis win the governor's race in 2018. Since that victory, DeSantis has often taken his cues from Trump. But as he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign, the tragedy in Surfside is exposing voters to a different side of the governor. He's still the conservative populist who rarely parts with Trump. But unlike the former president, DeSantis is showing that he can tone down some of his most extreme partisan rhetoric during a disaster. The governor has been decisive. Hes been constant. Hes been collaborative, Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, a Democrat who has sparred with DeSantis in the past, said in an interview. "Hats off to the governor for how he has supported us in this crisis. Charles Burkett, the nonpartisan mayor of Surfside, called the level of cooperation astounding, even surprising. DeSantis isnt ushering in a new era of bipartisanship or leading the election deniers in his party back to reality. The governor has dodged direct questions on whether Biden's victory in last year's election was fair. A day after the collapse, DeSantis promoted an unusual plan to deploy officers from Florida to the southern border, a move Democrats dismiss as political theater. Still, DeSantis' actions present a sharp contrast with Trump. The former president often threatened to withhold aid to Democratic officials who criticized him, including Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York. At other times, he appeared insensitive or clumsy in his response to people's suffering. During a visit to hurricane damaged Puerto Rico, for instance, Trump tossed rolls of paper towels into a crowd of residents. Mac Stipanovich, a former Republican campaign strategist, said DeSantis is less frightening than Trump" to some voters even as he steadily courts the former president's base. DeSantis has a finely tuned sense of what is the best red meat, on any given day, to throw to the MAGA base and he does it with some skill and no shame, Stipanovich said. Soon as were beyond the window of this tragedy, everybody will be at each others throats once again. Indeed, the debate could swiftly move to how the state and local governments manage aging infrastructure. Officials in Miami-Dade County are moving forward with a 30-day audit of buildings that are more than 40 years old. DeSantis has questioned the necessity of a statewide review of older buildings. While effective responses to catastrophes can help burnish a governor's political reputation, the boost can sometimes prove fleeting. Former Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Chris Christie of New Jersey were widely praised for their response to devastating storms. But Trump, who never held political office before running for president, defeated both men for the 2016 Republican nomination. DeSantis' handling of the tragedy appears to have caught some Democrats off guard, leaving them with no unified response. Rep. Charlie Crist, a Democrat hoping to challenge DeSantis next year, didn't respond to requests for comment on the governor's response to the collapse. Nikki Fried, Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner who has also announced a bid for governor, praised local officials, Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But she knocked DeSantis for wading into the politically charged immigration debate by sending Florida law enforcement to the border with Mexico. Although the Florida Division of Emergency Management has been working around the clock to support search and rescue efforts, it was unfortunate that Governor DeSantis diverted first responders to the southern border during this incredibly difficult time for the Miami community and our entire state, she said. Rep. Val Demings, a Democrat seeking to challenge GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, said she was glad to see productive partnership between local, state, and federal officials as we work to save lives. In times of crisis, she said, we need to set partisanship aside and do whats right for our communities. For his part, Rubio has also appeared at the scene of the condo collapse multiple times with local officials, including Democrats, and has worked with the Biden administration to expedite visas for family members of victims. DeSantis is gaining national attention at a critical juncture for Republicans. While Trump decides whether to run again in 2024, those with presidential ambitions are making aggressive moves to position themselves as his heir should he opt against a campaign. For now, Trump remains happy to be aligned with DeSantis. But several people in touch with the former president and his team said he has paid close attention as DeSantis has wooed donors at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in South Florida and gained traction in some conservative circles. If DeSantis popularity rises and he threatens Trumps status as the undisputed leader of the party, many Republicans privately expect Trump to turn on the governor. Friction between the two spilled into the public for the first time last week when Trump rebuffed DeSantis entreaties to postpone the rally in Sarasota. Trump, who opened his remarks with a moment of silence for the victims in Surfside and their families, told the conservative network Newsmax that he and DeSantis had mutually agreed that the governor should skip the rally. Trump has sought to keep the upper hand in the relationship, bringing up his early endorsement in several recent interviews. He has also said he would consider DeSantis as a potential running mate if he chose to run again for president. DeSantis has said he is focused more on winning reelection next year than the 2024 contest. He is one of the few leading Republicans who has not yet visited Iowa, home to the leadoff presidential caucuses and a state dominated by conservative evangelicals who can sway the GOP's direction. DeSantis has instead spent part of his summer traveling to political fundraisers in states including Pennsylvania and California. Tony Krvaric, who helped arrange an event on DeSantis' behalf in San Diego, said the excitement surrounding the governor was sky high and his response to the collapse has further helped his reputation. He's handled it professionally and with empathy, Krvaric said. ___ Sloan reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report. 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. 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. Virgin Galactic will become the first rocket company to launch the boss when Richard Branson straps into one of his sleek, shiny space planes this weekend. The self-described tie-loathing adventurer and troublemaker will join five company employees for Sundays test flight from New Mexico's southern desert the companys fourth trip to the edge of space. Branson assigned himself to Virgin Galactics first full-scale crew, jumping ahead of Blue Origins Jeff Bezos, an even richer rocketeer looking to launch himself into space. Bezos liftoff is set for July 20 from West Texas. A brief look at Bransons ride and company: BOSS ON BOARD Just a week shy of turning 71, the London-born founder of the Virgin Group says he's "not apprehensive at all and it is the dream of a lifetime to ride into space. The longtime fitness fanatic put in extra effort to prepare for the brief up-and-down flight. Im in my 70s now so you either let yourself go or you get fit and enjoy life. His wife, children and grandchildren will be there as he climbs aboard the rocket plane thats attached to a dual-fuselage aircraft for takeoff. During the three to four minutes of weightlessness, Ill be looking back at our beautiful Earth and taking it all in and realize that only 500 other people have done this. Closer to 600, actually, but still a relatively small number. Upon landing, hell celebrate with a great, great grin on my face. WHO ELSE IS FLYING Two pilots are needed to fly the rocket plane from the time its released from the mothership to shoot into space until it glides down to a runway. It will be the third trip to space for chief pilot David Mackay, a Scottish-born test pilot for the Royal Air Force who went on to fly for Bransons Virgin Atlantic, and the second for chief flight instructor Michael Masucci. Chief astronaut instructor Beth Moses, a former NASA engineer, is also launching for the second time. Joining Branson as space rookies are lead operations engineer Colin Bennett and Sirisha Bandla, a vice president. The six will grab a lift from mothership pilots C.J. Sturckow, a former NASA astronaut, and Kelly Latimer. ROCKET PLANE Virgin Galactics space plane, Unity, will take off attached to a specially designed double aircraft nicknamed Eve after Bransons late mother. After reaching nearly 50,000 feet (15,000 meters), the plane will be released and drop for a moment or two before its rocket motor ignites to send the craft on a steep climb toward space, exceeding 3 Gs, or three times the force of Earths gravity. The motor will shut off once the craft reaches space a maximum altitude of about 55 miles (88 kilometers) is anticipated enveloping the ship in silence as everyone but the pilots unbuckle, float and gaze out the 17 windows at Earth and the black void of space. After a few minutes of weightlessness, the occupants will strap back in as the plane reorients itself for entry folding up its wings, then folding them back down in unique technique known as feathering. The rocket plane will glide back, NASA space shuttle style, to conclude about 15 minutes of free flight. TRACK RECORD Founded in 2004, Virgin Galactic got its start when Branson teamed up with aircraft designer Burt Rutan to provide the necessary spaceship technology. A 2007 rocket motor test in Californias Mojave Desert left three workers dead and three more injured. Then in 2014 the rocket plane Enterprise named after the Star Trek ship broke apart during a test flight, killing one pilot and seriously injuring the other. Unity, the replacement ship named by the late physicist Stephen Hawking, began flight tests in 2016. It made its first trip to the edge of space with two pilots in 2018 and the second in 2019, both times from Mojave. The operations moved to New Mexicos Spaceport America, with the plane soaring from there on May 22 to achieve the companys third spaceflight. WHATS NEXT After Branson's launch, Virgin Galactic plans two more test flights this summer and fall before inviting paying customers on board. The next one will include more company employees, and the last will have Italian Air Force members conducting research. If all goes well, the first of the more than 600 confirmed ticket holders will climb aboard next year. The company plans to reopen reservations once Branson soars. Initial tickets went for $250,000; no word on whether that will change. Branson promises a surprise after his ride to give more people the chance to become an astronaut because space belongs to us all. In the meantime, scientists are lining up for research rides, including Southwest Research Institutes Alan Stern, who was behind NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond. ___ 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. SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (AP) In dress shirts and pants, Chuck Grassley and Tom Cotton dropped to their knees on stage at a recent Iowa Republican Party fundraiser and began pumping out pushups. The 87-year-old Iowa senator's were slow and deliberate while his Arkansas colleague's were crisp and level, befitting the 44-year-old former Army captain. The 22 reps were part of a campaign to curb veteran suicides. But for Grassley, a senator considering a bid for an eighth term, it was also a moment to send another message to voters: I can still keep up. After 40 years in the Senate, serving under seven presidents, Grassley's resilience isn't just physical. Once proudly bipartisan, Grassley adapted deftly to the new hyperpartisanship of the Trump era. While some of his fellow longtimers in Washington are calling it quits, fed up with the rightward lurch of the GOP or the inertia in Congress, Grassley has set out to show he's thriving. He goes out and talks to Republicans, and sees the party still includes a number of people who are big-time Trump supporters," said longtime adviser Mike Schreurs. One way or another, you've got to accommodate them. And that's Grassley's astute politics. Grassley has said he will announce his plans this fall, later than usual for the senator, who typically has decided to run again immediately after each of his previous reelections. But the senator's campaign team is functioning as if hes running. Grassley and his pollster Brian Tringali met last month with leaders of the National Republican Senatorial Committee at their headquarters in Washington. Other advisers, including Grassleys longtime advertising consultant Fred Davis, participated in the meeting via Zoom. They reviewed Grassley's polling and fundraising head start, pleased with what they saw. The senator is raising money at a healthy clip. He reported having $2 million in his campaign account at the end of the first quarter. It's been enough to scare off any big-name challengers. Two little-known western Iowa prospects have announced their candidacy: Republican state Sen. Jim Carlin and Democratic farmer Dave Muhlbauer. Still, Grassley's age he would be 95 at the end of his term if he won inevitably raises questions about his future, and the senator isn't shying from them. Advisers say Grassley has said he wants to avoid a situation like the final months in office of Sens. Robert Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat, and Strom Thurmond, a South Carolina Republican. Byrd was in and out of the hospital before he died in office at age 92 in 2010. Thurmond, frail and guided through the Capitol in a wheelchair before retiring in 2003, died six months later at age 100. Grassley would be the second-oldest member of the Senate and among the 10 oldest senators in history. With his signature gruffness, Grassley acknowledges his age is one of the reasons that Ive put off making the decision until later on. Who knows? I could die tomorrow, he told The Associated Press as he visited tiny Ida Grove in northwest Iowa last week. If I announce Im running, Im planning on living to be 95. But I might not live that long. His health habits suggest otherwise. The pushups aren't just for show, but part of his daily routine, he says. He also runs 12 miles (19 kilometers) per week, though he chuckles calling it a shuffle. He wakes up at 4 a.m. and is in his Washington office by 6 a.m. Despite the pace, and his activity on Twitter, there's no hiding Grassley has decades on most of his voters. At events, Grassley references his hearing aid, sometimes as a joke, but he also relies on a staffer to repeat what he misses. He often illustrates his points with creaky references and examples that predate his listeners. Meeting with a group of young professionals in Sioux City last week, Grassley fielded a question about same-sex marriage by noting that it reminded him of some constitutional research he did in college in 1953. When answering a question about the fuel tax and electric cars, he illustrated the improvement in fuel efficiency over time by recalling a billboard from the 1950s advertising a Chevrolet that got up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) per gallon. He referenced things long in the past," said Josiah Paulsrud, 35, of Sioux City, who is a Republican and undecided about Grassley. Whether it was him trying to educate people or rambling on, I can't say. Five Senate Republicans, including Richard Shelby of Alabama, who is also 87, are retiring after 2022. In announcing his retirement, two-term Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio expressed frustration with the dysfunction in Washington. Grassley, however, has adapted smoothly to changes in the party. He's consistently supported Donald Trump's agenda and often his political tactics. At times, he's even taken a lead role in satisfying the party's vocal right wing. Grassley helped spur Trump Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation days before the 2020 election even after effectively killing Democratic President Barack Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland, saying it came too close to the 2016 election. He partnered with the pro-Trump Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson on a high priority for the far right, investigating Hunter Biden's financial dealings last year as his father ran for president. And, having criticized him as president, he has been nearly silent on Trump's false claims that he won the 2020 presidential election. When pressed at a recent public meeting to call out Trump's falsehood, Grassley declined. Grassley replied curtly to retired anesthesiologist Phil Dokter: On December the 12th, after the electoral votes were cast, Biden is the president of the United States. Thats not enough. Youve used your soapbox over the decades," said Dokter, an independent who has voted for Grassley in the past. And were talking about a big deal here. Grassley moved on to the next question. But the senator hasn't always been a Trump acolyte. He voted to count Arizonas and Pennsylvanias Electoral College votes the day of the deadly Capitol riot in January. He also objected loudly to waivers the Trump administration gave petroleum companies from the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, a goal that helps Iowa farmers. The senator says he's doesn't consider Trump the de facto leader of the national Republican Party, despite the former president's continued effort to influence Republican primary contests. Right now, the Republican Party doesnt have a leader. Weve got people who have great influence within the party like Sen. Cotton, Sen. (Ted) Cruz, Sen. Lindsey Graham. People like that," he said in the AP interview. And Trump is one of them." Still, Grassley's appeals to the right appear to have hurt his approval in Iowa, once called stratospheric" by J. Ann Selzer, director of The Des Moines Register's Iowa Poll. In June, the poll showed Grassley's approval at 45%, down 30 percentage points from 2009, when he was a key figure in bipartisan negotiations over health care legislation. His approval remains healthy among Republicans, and more Iowans approve than disapprove of his performance. Grassley's numbers have dropped sharply among Democrats and fallen among independents, both of whom used to pad his high ratings. Democrats are no longer willing to give him the benefit," Selzer said. But it could also be that hes doing things, more things, that are ticking off Democrats. The two are conjoined." Grassley won't need the Democratic support to win. Iowa has drifted decidedly Republican in the past decade, electing and reelecting GOP governors, filling longtime liberal Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin's seat with conservative Republican Joni Ernst. The state voted twice for Trump, a fact that appeared top of mind as Grassley visited a friendly crowd in Ida Grove. The senator railed against the Biden administration's U.S.-Mexico border policy, and when asked his opinion about Trump's recent visit to the border, Grassley gave the audience of 50 in the town's recreation center what they wanted. Nobody can tell him what to do," he said. And if you did tell him what to do, he wouldnt do it anyway." The gym burst into applause and laughter. BEIRUT (AP) Families of the victims of last years massive blast at Beiruts port protested in the Lebanese capital on Friday to pressure parliament to lift immunity of three legislators. The judge investigating the explosion had requested such a step. One of the protests took place near the residency of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, where the legislatures justice committee was meeting over the immunity request. Lebanese troops pushed the protesters back from the tightly secured building. Many Lebanese blame the country's ruling elites for negligence that led to the port explosion. You blew up Beirut and put people in coffins, read a banner carried by one of the protesters. According to the deputy parliament speaker, Elie Ferzli, the committee decided to first ask the judge to review the evidence against the three before deciding on the immunity. Last week, Judge Tarek Bitar announced he intends to pursue senior politicians and former and current security chiefs in the case, and requested permission for their prosecution. Hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material used in fertilizers that had been improperly stored in the port for years, exploded on Aug. 4, killing 211 people, injuring more than 6,000 and devastating nearby neighborhoods. Shame on them. They are bringing riot police to face the families of martyrs, shouted Ibrahim Hoteit, whose brother of Tharwat Hoteit was killed in the blast. Last Friday, Bitar asked the government and the interior ministry for permission to question two of Lebanons most prominent security chiefs, including the head of General Security Directorate, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim. Interior Minister Mohamed Fehmi reportedly rejected the request on Friday. Ibrahim issued a statement saying he abides by the law but that someone is trying to tarnish his image. Family members of the victims later Friday also held a rally outside the Interior Ministry, to protest Fehmis decision. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The family of an innocent motorist who was killed when a Minneapolis police officer crashed into him while chasing a suspect called Friday for the officer to be fired and prosecuted. The crash this week fatally injured Leneal Frazier, 40, an uncle of Darnella Frazier, the teenager who was given a special citation by the Pulitzer Prizes for recording cellphone video of George Floyds arrest and death last year. Police have said Officer Brian Cummings had his lights and siren activated Tuesday as he pursued a suspect in a carjacking and several robberies, and that the suspect ran a red light just before Cummings crashed into Frazier's vehicle in a residential neighborhood. They have disclosed few other details. Mayor Jacob Frey, who called the crash a horrific tragedy, said Thursday that the city will review its police pursuit policy. Frazier's relatives plan to sue the city over his death, said one of their lawyers, Jeff Storms, who works with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who negotiated a $27 million settlement for the Floyd family. It's just so messed up, Orlando Frazier, Leneal Frazier's brother, said at a news conference with other family members and supporters outside City Hall. Like, my brother got took away from us for no reason at all, like we don't even know the reason, we don't really know what happened, we haven't even seen my brother's body. The family and supporters also called on Gov. Tim Walz to ask Attorney General Keith Ellison to take over and prosecute the officer, as Ellison did in the cases of the four ex-officers charged in Floyd's death, because they have no confidence in Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Activists have long complained that Freeman has been reluctant to prosecute police officers in the deaths of Black people. Leneal Frazier was Black. This is about race, Storms said, referring to a 2016 USA Today investigation that found that African Americans innocent bystanders and those fleeing officers have been killed in police chases at a rate nearly three times higher than everyone else nationwide. When someone says this isnt about race, thats ignoring the various systematic race issues that are at play here how law enforcement polices Black communities, the aggression with which law enforcement polices in particular our Black brothers and sisters," Storms said. Freeman spokeswoman Lacy Severins said the county attorneys office cant comment because the case hasnt been submitted to prosecutors. Storms said the family needs to learn more facts and see more evidence before proceeding with a lawsuit. He declined to say when the family might file it or what kind of damages or other relief relatives may seek. But will there be a lawsuit? You betcha, Storms said. And he went on to suggest that it might be better if the city simply settles rather than forces the family to go through a drawn-out lawsuit. The city of Minneapolis is going to ask itself, and has to ask itself, What kind of precedent are we going to set now? OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Nebraska and Iowa have seen a rise in hate crimes in recent years, most of which have been committed on the basis of race and ethnicity, according to the FBI. The FBI region that includes Nebraska and Iowa has seen a 21% increase in the reporting of hate crimes in recent years, Eugene Kowel, special agent in charge at the FBIs Omaha field office, said Thursday in a news conference. HELENA, Mont. (AP) Gov. Greg Gianforte has discontinued Montana's membership in a coalition of two dozen states dedicated to fighting climate change. The U.S. Climate Alliance is a nonpartisan group committed to achieving the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. Democratic former Gov. Steve Bullock joined the alliance in 2019. The alliance is made up of nearby Western states, including Colorado, Washington and Oregon. Evan Westrup, of the U.S. Climate Alliance, said Gianforte did not respond to the organizations invitation to continue Montanas membership, Montana public radio reported. Gianforte spokesperson Brooke Stroyke said in a statement that the governor believes the solution to climate change is unleashing American innovation, not overbearing government mandates. She added that the Paris Agreement punishes the U.S., while letting countries like China off the hook. Stroyke didnt respond to requests to clarify Gianfortes climate goals, or what sort of innovation is necessary in Montana. Amy Cilimburg, executive director of Climate Smart Missoula, said the state needs more than innovation. The U.S. Climate Alliance was not some kind of a radical group, it was governors realizing that were stronger together, that energy transmission lines cross state boundaries, that watersheds cross state boundaries, that wildfire smoke crosses state boundaries, and were only gonna be resilient if we work together. And so were not at the table, and that is really frustrating, Cilimburg says. Cilimburg was part of a council under then-governor Bullock that produced a climate solutions plan released in 2020 that set goals for the state. A representative of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality said the Gianforte administration has not offered guidance yet on how to handle the climate solutions plan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has officially declared a state of emergency for Huron County following the recent tornado that caused damage in Port Austin. The governor expanded a state of emergency originally declared for Wayne County flooding on June 26 to include Huron County, along with Ionia and Washtenaw counties, which are dealing with their own disasters. Wayne and Washtenaw counties have dealt with flooding while Ionia County is recovering from its own tornado damage. The residents of these three counties have suffered significant hardship due to the recent severe weather, Whitmer said. Adding the counties to the declaration commits available state resources to help the communities as they rebuild and recover. As part of the declaration, the emergency management and homeland security divisions of the state police will coordinate and maximize all state efforts and may call upon all state departments to use available resources to assist. Huron County Emergency Services Director Randy Miller said that the county did submit paperwork for potential assistance for tornado recovery efforts. The county asked the state for help on behalf of the village of Port Austin, Port Austin Township, and Pointe Aux Barques Township, which are the affected areas. There are several more steps involved before (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) would be potentially involved, Miller said. Related Stories: Port Austin Fire Department sees 'phenomenal' support post-tornado Community comes together in 'amazing' show of support after Port Austin tornado Thousands without power, dozens of properties destroyed following Port Austin tornado Port Austin Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason Zimmerman said volunteer efforts have currently been put on pause to allow insurance companies to assess the damage and potentially compensate victims. Though volunteering has momentarily stopped, Zimmerman said the department is still checking in with people. Even when I spoke with the victims, their needs change daily, Zimmerman said. I think that's where the recovery effort is going, and its going to be a process. I would say the initial cleanup and initial recovery is over. Moving forward, Zimmerman said he recommends community members develop a safety plan in their homes and businesses for natural disasters. Zimmerman said the tornado is already changing his and the fire departments approach to responding to natural disasters. There already is a lot of preparedness (within the department), but I think that everybody will take that preparedness more seriously, Zimmerman said. Last night, I saw lightning in the distance, and I was checking the radar. I think were just more aware (about the possibilities). FEMA teams are currently assessing and collecting home damage information in Wayne County after flooding occurred there. These assessments are one of the initial steps in the federal disaster declaration process, with other counties possibly added to the assessments as identified and requested by the state. The declared state of emergency will be terminated at a time where the threats to public safety and property no longer exist, and appropriate programs have been implemented to recover from the emergency. The date it will expire is July 24, 2021, unless extended as provided by the Emergency Management Act. KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) Activists and faith leaders are demanding a federal investigation into Kansas City, Kansas, police. Lora McDonald, executive director of MORE2, the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, said Friday during a news conference that the group plans to file a request with the U.S. Department of Justice to review the police department, The Kansas City Star reports. The department came under scrutiny in 2017 when Lamonte McIntyre was exonerated after spending 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit. A lawsuit filed by McIntyre claims officers manipulated eyewitnesses and wrote police reports with fabricated information. One officer also pleaded guilty to assaulting a cadet and another officer filed a lawsuit claiming she faced discrimination and sexism. Mayoral candidate Tyrone Garner, a retired police officer, said if elected, he would support a DOJ investigation. Karl Oakman, who was sworn in as police chief last month, said in a statement that the department was willing to assist with investigations involving the department. Our relationship with the community is of utmost importance which is why we are focused on strengthening current relationships and restoring those that have been broken, the statement said. 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. Eight people have been arrested in connection with what federal authorities are calling a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking ring operating between California and New England. Traffickers are bringing massive shipments of methamphetamine to New England, and that creates a new and especially dangerous threat, acting U.S. Attorney for Boston Nathaniel Mendell said in a statement Friday. Meth is exceptionally destructive, and the people selling it here should see this prosecution as a warning: we are on to you, we are going to prosecute you, and you will go to federal prison." PARIS (AP) France will withdraw more than 2,000 troops from an anti-extremism force in Africas Sahel region by early next year and pivot its military presence to specialized regional forces instead, President Emmanuel Macron said Friday. Macron announced last month a future reduction of Frances military presence, arguing that its no longer adapted to the needs in the area. The French Barkhane force, operating in Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, had also met opposition from some Africans. After discussions Friday with leaders of the African countries involved, Macron announced that France would reduce its force to 2,500 to 3,000 troops over the long term. The country currently has 5,000 troops in the region. The French leader insisted that his country is not abandoning African partners, and would keep helping them fight groups linked to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. France doesnt have the vocation or the will to stay eternally in the Sahel, Macron said. We are there because were asked to be. French troops have been present in Mali since 2013, when they intervened to force Islamic extremist rebels from power in towns across the countrys north. Operation Serval was later replaced by Barkhane and was expanded to include other countries in an effort to help stabilize the broader Sahel region. Islamic militants, though, have continued to launch devastating attacks against the militaries fighting them as well as increasingly against civilians. Hundreds have died since January in a series of massacres targeting villages on the border of Niger and Mali. While governments in the Sahel have embraced Frances military help, some critics have likened their presence to a vestige of French colonial rule. France will focus over the next six months on dismantling the Barkhane operation and reorganizing the troops, Macron said. The French military will shut down Barkhane bases in Timbuktu, Tessalit and Kidal in northern Mali over the next six months, and start to reconfigure its presence in the coming weeks to focus particularly on the restive border area where Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger meet. Nigers President Mohamed Bazoum, speaking at Macrons side, welcomed the French military support and training, but on African terms. The main thing is that France maintains the principle of its support, its cooperation and support for the armed forces of our different countries. We need France to give us what we dont have. We dont need France to give us what we already have, he said, without elaborating. He acknowledged failings of local armed forces but also praised their courage in fighting extremists. Frances military presence in the future will focus on neutralizing extremist operations and strengthening and training local armies, Macron said. There will also a dimension of reassurance ... to remain permanently ready to intervene rapidly in support of partner forces, notably via military aviation from Niger and Chad. This new structure seems to us to respond better to the evolution of the threat, he said. Once the reorganization is complete, he said, the Barkhane operation will close down. Some experts say that Frances decision may be linked to growing political instability in Mali. Macrons June announcement came days after Mali coup leader Col. Assimi Goita was sworn as president of a transitional government, solidifying his grip on power in the West African nation after carrying out his second coup in nine months. Late in June, the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the U.N. peacekeeping mission in crisis-wracked Mali and said its imperative that the military government holds presidential and legislative elections on schedule next February. The council maintained the ceilings in the U.N. force at 13,289 military troops and 1,920 international police, but it asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to make a recommendation on the force level given growing levels of insecurity and physical violence against the civilian populations in central Mali. ___ Petesch reported from Dakar, Senegal. Masha Macpherson in Paris contributed. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) An outspoken Minnesota lawmaker who was ticketed for a drivers license violation is alleging he was racially profiled. The citation said state Rep. John Thompson, a Democrat from St. Paul who is Black, presented a Wisconsin drivers license during a traffic stop in St. Paul over the weekend, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. His driving privileges in Minnesota were revoked because of a child support issue, said Doug Neville, a Department of Public Safety spokesman. They were reinstated Wednesday after taking care of the child support issue, he said. While Thompson has never held a Minnesota license, according to the agency, the state can still revoke driving privileges. Thompson, who has said hes lived in the capital city for more than 18 years, told the newspaper Thursday he had kept his Wisconsin drivers license and had not switched it over to a Minnesota one. Minnesota law requires drivers to apply for a Minnesota license within 60 days of becoming a resident. Police denied that Thompson was racially profiled. Spokesman Steve Linders said Thompson was stopped Sunday because he did not have a front license plate. He said Thomson was not cited for that, nor for having a license from another state, but for driving after suspension. Thompson said he had no idea" beforehand that his privileges had been suspended. Thompson disclosed that he had been pulled over during a memorial Tuesday for Philando Castile, who was Thompsons friend and was killed by a police officer in 2016. Im still being profiled, Thompson said in remarks shared on social media. Matter of fact, I was just pulled over Saturday. The old pretextual stop. You dont have a front license plate. And I got a ticket, for my license. Anyway, I thought we werent doing pretextual stops here in the state. But we are. You can still get driving-while-Black tickets in the state." Thompson belongs to the Legislature's People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, which is pushing for changes to policing laws, including an end to stops for minor infractions that activists say are often used to racially profile Black drivers. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Three of Missouri's top health officials said Friday that trusted local leaders and community representatives must be the primary influencers in the state's efforts to reduce a surge in COVID-19 cases. During a virtual news conference, Robert Knodell, acting director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state continues to have a strong relationship with federal health experts but they all believe local health department workers and community representatives are the best avenue for persuading residents to be vaccinated. Knodell said federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials agree that people from out of state cannot parachute into the state to persuade residents to get vaccinated. We're on the same page as it relates to that, Knodell said. So we've had various conversations about who effective local messengers are in rural communities as well as in our inner cities ... The federal government is more than willing to engage with us in those conversations with trusted local messengers and provide us with messaging materials and efforts that have been successful elsewhere." The comments came after Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said this week that he does not support a suggestion from President Joe Biden's administration that government employees go door-to-door to urge people to get vaccinated. Jeffrey Zeints, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, responded that the program would rely on local doctors, faith leaders and others, and suggesting otherwise was misinformation. State epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze said federal officials have not yet provided the state with details on how federal surge response teams might work. But he warned the delta variant is spreading from mostly rural areas to larger populations and health officials don't expect the surge to turn around quickly unless more people are vaccinated. The state health department this week issued a hot spot advisory for three Lake of the Ozarks-area counties: Camden, Miller and Morgan. The agency predicted those areas could be the next to get hit hard with the delta variant because of spread from the southwest Missouri region. Turabelidze said vaccinations are the best way to prevent another winter with masking, covered faces, limited travel (and) limited social life." Nobody wants that, Turabelidze said. Missouri hospital leaders this week have also renewed pleas for people to get vaccinated in hopes of preventing another surge. Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth, on Thursday tweeted that within a month the delta variant could spread and hit other areas of the state just as hard as southwest Missouri. Begging people to take the vaccine while there is still time, Edwards tweeted. If you could see the exhaustion in the eyes of our nurses who keep zipping up body bags, we beg you. Lake Regional Health System on Thursday limited emergency room patients to only one support person and now is screening visitors, KRCG-TV reported. We need you to get vaccinated now," CEO Dane Henry wrote in an open letter. If you havent already, please roll up your sleeve. Do it to protect yourself, your family and this community. St. Louis cases are also creeping up. Dr. Faisal Khan, director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, said the countys seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases rose 30% over the past week, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Khan he expects cases to continue to increase, and area officials called on people to get vaccinated to lessen the potential outbreak. Springfield's Missouri State University on Friday announced incentives for vaccinations ranging from $25 bookstore gift cards for every vaccinated student to a lottery for iPads, AirPods and Xboxes. Two students will win an entire year of free tuition, housing, meals, textbook money and a parking space. Parson has said he's considering offering incentives for people to get vaccinated. Parson on Friday also vetoed legislation that would have allowed businesses affected by city or county restrictions to receive a property tax credit. In a letter to lawmakers, Parson applauded the effort to help businesses hurt by what he described as overly intrusive local health measures" during the pandemic. But he said the legislation would have gone far beyond that and would have allowed almost everyone living in a city or county to receive a tax credit. LAS VEGAS (AP) Las Vegas could hit its all-time high this weekend as the state and much of the Western U.S. are forecast to see extreme heat. The record high for the city is 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.22 degrees Celsius) at McCarran International Airport, most recently in June 2017, according to the National Weather Service. The city has recorded that high temperature four times, but Saturday and Sunday offer a chance for Las Vegas to net a fifth. Theres a chance for both days. Right now, our current forecast is just underneath that," National Weather Service meteorologist Stan Czyzyk said Friday. Saturday's high is currently forecast at 116 (46.67 C) and Sunday at 115 (46.11 C). The high temperatures on Friday led to delays of flights at McCarran airport, where air traffic control workers re-arranged the runways because of heat and wind. The airport said in a Twitter post that flights were still taking off and landing, but extreme heat and wind prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to change the direction of airplane traffic. It was not clear Friday how many flights had been affected. Nighttime is expected to offer little relief, with overnight lows staying above 90 (32.22 C), Czyzyk said. There's a chance the Las Vegas valley might see isolated thunderstorms early next week. But there's a long hot summer ahead with the potential for the city to hit more records in the weeks ahead. High heat and record temperatures are expected across the West this weekend. In Californias Death Valley, about 150 miles west of Las Vegas, temperatures could reach 130 (54 C). Laughlin, about 100 miles south of Las Vegas on the Nevada-Arizona border, is also expected to approach its all-time high temperature this weekend. Forecasters are predicting city, which faces the Colorado River, could hit 124 (51.11 C) on Saturday. Laughlin's record high is 125 (51.67 C). That was set in 1994 and is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Nevada. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas and Laughlin, has set up 13 cooling stations for those in need of a break from the heat. An excessive heat warning is also in effect until Monday night for northern Nevada, especially in the north-central part of the state where the service said dangerously hot conditions are expected from Fernley to Lovelock, Yerington and Hawthorne. Highs there forecast up to 105 (40.5 C) on Friday could reach 109 (42.7 C) by the weekend. New record highs on Thursday included 99 (37.2 C) in Eureka and 98 (36.6 C) in Ely. Tonopah tied its record-high of 102 (38.8 C). It was 107 (41.6 C) in Lovelock, 105 (40.5) in Fallon and 100 (37.7 C) in Reno. ___ Associated Press writer Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, contributed to this report. 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. ___ Follow Anderson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BryanRAnderson. ___ Anderson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma health officials on Friday urged more residents to get vaccinated amid an alarming spike in new cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19, particularly in the northeastern part of the state. Oklahoma is seeing an uptick in cases with the emergence of the new delta variant, particularly in rural areas where there are lower rates of vaccinations, said Oklahoma Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye. He said those numbers will likely continue to increase following the Fourth of July holiday. Vaccination numbers for 12-34 years old are particularly low, meaning this demographic is especially at risk," Frye said. We want people to get out and enjoy their lives and their freedoms. Vaccination is the way to get there." Oklahoma currently has the 11th lowest percentage of its population fully vaccinated at 38.9%, compared to a national average of 47.8%, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Oklahoma has risen over the past two weeks from 190.29 new cases per day on June 23 to 278.71 new cases per day on July 7, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Oklahoma currently ranks 11th in the nation for most new cases per capita over the last two weeks. Neighboring Arkansas and Missouri rank No. 1 and 2, respectively. Meanwhile, the CDC on Friday said it identified 47 COVID-19 cases in April and May associated with a central Oklahoma gymnastics facility, including 23 gymnasts, three staff members and 21 of their household contacts. All of the specimens that were tested were identified as the more contagious delta variant, the CDC said. The CDC did not publicly identify the facility. Of the 47 cases, the CDC reported 40 of those infected were unvaccinated, many of them because they were too young to receive a vaccine. The ages of those infected ranged from 5 to 58, with a median age of 14, the CDC reported. Among the 47 cases, two adult patients, both of whom were unvaccinated, were hospitalized, including one who required intensive care. PARIS (AP) Paris police released rapper Lil Baby from custody on Friday after fining him for having cannabis in his car, according to the city prosecutor's office. He was stopped along with NBA star James Harden, who was frisked but not detained. Lil Baby's arrest on Thursday along one of the French capitals most upscale avenues shocked fans of both high-profile Americans, in town for Paris Fashion Week and also resurfaced questions about racial profiling in France. After his release, the Grammy-nominated rapper from Atlanta posted on Instagram Im Good and said that he was heading back to the U.S. Plainclothes police stopped Harden, Lil Baby and his bodyguard because a strong smell of cannabis was coming from their car, according to a French police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to be publicly named. The official said that Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones, initially refused to allow police to check the car. The situation was tense because the Americans didnt understand what was happening. Uniformed officers then arrived and proceeded to search the car, finding 32 grams of cannabis, according to the official. Lil Baby and the bodyguard were taken into custody on suspicion of transporting drugs, and released Friday morning after being handed fines, according to the prosecutor's office. Video of the incident shared online shows a plainclothes officer frisking a confused-looking Harden while he holds his phone. A student in the area described seeing the ruckus on what is normally a quiet avenue, lined with luxury boutiques. I turned my head and it was unbelievable, I saw Lil Baby and James Harden ... they are standing and are being frisked, said the witness, Lance Avraham Pena. Language appeared to pose a problem and police didnt recognize the two Americans, said Pena, who filmed a bit of the scene. Fans of Harden and the singer in France raised concerns online about racial profiling. But the Paris police department appeared to deflect suggestions the arrest was groundless by tweeting that it was based on an infraction. Both men are Black, and the police officers white. A lawyer who has researched racial profiling in France asked, Would a white person have been stopped the same way? ... Its not at all sure. Lawyer Slim Ben Achour cited research showing that white people in France are less likely to get stopped and frisked or fined for this kind of drug offense. The research also showed that police are more likely to carry out identity checks on Black or Arab men in housing projects known for crime, or in neighborhoods where the assumption is that they dont belong. You see that you can be a millionaire or a super star and you always have this stigma, Achour told The AP. Black Americans have their own problems and some think that Europe is better, and they see that ... there are common problems. A representative for Lil Baby did not respond to requests for comment. Lil Baby topped charts with his 2020 sophomore album My Turn, and reached the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his hit The Bigger Picture, which evokes the killing of George Floyd and other police abuse. In the opening frames of his Bigger Picture Grammy video released earlier this year, police make a Black man get out of his car and wrestle him to the ground. His collaborative album with Lil Durk called The Voice of the Heroes debuted at No. 1 this year. Other hits include Yes Indeed, featuring Drake, and Drip Too Hard. He won best male hip-hop artist at this years BET Awards and was named artist of the year at the Apple Music Awards last year. Harden, meanwhile, posted photos online soon before the arrest of the two friends at various Paris locales, but hasn't commented publicly since the incident. Harden, the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player, played with the Houston Rockets before joining the Nets this season. He briefly committed to play with the U.S. mens national team at the Tokyo Olympics later this month but has since told the national team that the hamstring injury that affected him during the NBA playoffs would not allow him to participate. ___ Kristin Hall in Nashville contributed. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) The man who murdered five people at a Maryland newspaper acted out of revenge for an article about his prior harassment case that he believed would hurt his ability to get dates with women, a prosecutor said Thursday during a trial to determine whether the shooter is criminally responsible due to insanity. Anne Colt Leitess, the prosecutor, gave her opening statement after defense attorneys rested their case. Defense attorneys said Jarrod Ramos suffers from multiple forms of mental illness that precluded him appreciating the criminality of his conduct. But Leitess said that while Ramos has personality disorders like narcissism, he does not have serious mental illness that qualifies him to be found not criminally responsible for five murders. He has issues with his personality, Leitess told the jury. "They are things that make him eccentric or odd not things that make him insane. Mental health experts for the defense contend Ramos suffers from a delusional disorder, as well as autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis, a psychiatrist retained by the defense, testified that the combination of mental problems caused him to attack the Capital Gazette newspaper on June 28, 2018. Defense attorneys argue Ramos suffered from a paranoid delusion that he was the victim of a vast conspiracy involving the newspaper and the courts blocking his efforts to try to rehabilitate his reputation after a 2011 article about him pleading guilty to a harassment charge against a former highs school classmate. His 2012 lawsuit, which alleged that the paper defamed him, was dismissed as groundless. His appeals failed. His attorneys say Ramos actually thought he was doing the right thing by attacking corruption. It was his obsession with an unjust world and a world that was out to get him and defame him and that he had to destroy it, Lewis said. Leitess said Ramos thought he was smarter than everyone else, and his repeated losses in court were "too much for him to bear, and so he started plotting his revenge. She said he first wanted to attack the building housing the state's appellate courts, but later changed his mind when he realized there were police there. Instead, he decided on the soft target of the newspaper an attack he planned for years. Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about revenge by a person who had a well-planned out scheme, Leitess said. "He had contingencies in place if his plan didnt work. John McNamara, Gerald Fischman, Wendi Winters, Rob Hiaasen and Rebecca Smith died in the mass shooting. Leitess said the meticulous planning proves Ramos understood the criminality of his actions. She also noted that Ramos walked by McNamara outside the building and chose not to attack him then evidence that he was able to conform his behavior to the requirements of the law. Ramos already pleaded guilty to all 23 counts against him in 2019, but he has pleaded not criminally responsible due to his mental health. The defense has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence in arguing whether he's criminally responsible and went first in presenting its case. As she spoke late in the afternoon, Leitess showed photos inside the Capital Gazette's office of Ramos on a rampage inside the newsroom, as the newspaper's staff ran for the lives. They saw a photograph of shattered glass Ramos blasted through with a shotgun and a pool of blood after one victim had been shot. Jurors saw surveillance video on the trials first day showing the attack, as well as graphic photos of victims. If Ramos were found not criminally responsible, he would be committed to a maximum-security psychiatric hospital instead of prison. ___ Eds: Corrects attribution in 2nd paragraph to defense attorneys who said Ramos suffers from multiple forms of mental illness that precluded him appreciating the criminality of his conduct. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) A South Carolina agency cleared a former Charleston police lieutenant who was fired for alleged misconduct in a case involving a fellow officer accused of striking a handcuffed man. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council determined that Charleston police failed to establish that former Lt. Arther Myers made false or misleading statements regarding the July 2019 arrest of Rashad Robinson. With this finding of no misconduct by the council, Mr. Myers looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of South Carolina with the same integrity, honor and compassion he has repeatedly demonstrated over the course of that distinguished career, Myers' attorney, Jack Frost, said Friday. Myers was fired after investigators interviewed him about the arrest. Myers and officer Kevin Schlieben had apprehended Robinson on charges of trespassing, jaywalking and evading arrest following a chase, The Post and Courier reported. Schlieben ended up charged with third degree assault and battery, with investigators saying body camera video showed him striking Robinson after binding him with handcuffs. The charge was dismissed in March after a judge threw out the arrest warrant for the officer. Frost said Myers will start a new job this month as a police officer in Summerville. Schlieben is now a Charleston firefighter. Robinson has a civil lawsuit pending against Charleston police, accusing the department of negligence, false arrest and assault and battery in connection to his arrest. BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) While close to 80% of adults in Connecticut have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, state officials said Thursday they're concerned the vaccination rate is less than 50% in some cities and towns as autumn approaches. Communities as varied as rural Sterling and urban Hartford fall on that list. We really want to eliminate any pockets of low vaccination, said Dr. Deidre Gifford, the state's acting Department of Public Health commissioner. She voiced concern about the highly infectious delta variant of COVID-19 becoming widespread in other parts of the world and the U.S. Its not predominant yet in Connecticut, due in large part to our high vaccination rate, but it could become dominant in these pockets of under vaccinated people," she warned during a news conference at Bristol Hospital. We know its more transmissible and we know it probably causes more severe disease. So we want to make sure that we dont have any areas that are vulnerable to the return of COVID in the fall. Gifford said the state hopes to fend off the delta variant as much as it can by getting more people vaccinated. As of Thursday, there have been 51 cases so far in Connecticut. State officials have tried to encourage people to get the shot by offering incentives ranging from free drinks at bars and restaurants to contests for concert tickets to big-name country music, hip-hop and pop performers this summer. On Thursday, with reporters listening in, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont personally called a man who won tickets to see country performer Luke Bryan. More than 3,000 people have signed up for the state's contest so far. People can also snag free tickets by being among the first to get vaccinated at certain clinics. Gifford on Thursday tried to publicly assuage people's concerns about the safety of the vaccine, stressing their effectiveness and noting that nearly all COVID-associated deaths in Connecticut have been among unvaccinated people. I understand and appreciate those issues of trust. But talk to somebody that you do trust to get the information that you need about getting vaccinated," she said. Gifford stressed there are more than 300 locations across Connecticut where people can get vaccinated, including large-chain pharmacies, grocery stores and Wal-Mart stores. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas Republicans on Thursday brought back efforts to ban 24-hour polling places and drive-thru voting as Gov. Greg Abbott opened a special legislative session aimed at notching late victories on a lengthy conservative agenda left unfinished last month. Republicans unveiled the details of the overhaul of the voting laws, a do-over of a push thwarted by Democrats when they walked out of statehouse. Similar to the GOP's the sweeping bill blocked in May, the revived version would also empower partisan poll watchers and ban drop boxes for mail-in ballots, making it what would be one of the most comprehensive reworking of a states voting and election system passed this year. But its far from the only thing on the Texas GOPs to-do list. Republicans also will attempt to impose new abortion restrictions, rules over classroom lessons and ban transgender athletes from participating in girls sports. Democrats have cast the agenda as a ploy to shore up conservative voters ahead of 2022, when Abbott is up for reelection. Already, the two-term governor has drawn two primary challengers. The rushed schedule riled Democrats, who attacked Abbott over handing them a to-do list of nearly a dozen items but excluded more improvements to the state's power grid following a deadly February blackout and calls to conserve power when sweltering temperatures returned. Thats what Abbott should be focused on, not his next primary election, not to pandering to Donald Trump and his extremist base, said Democratic state Rep. Chris Turner, chairman of the House Democratic caucus. He ought to be working for the people of Texas. Abbott began the latest session with a show of strength, announcing that his campaign was now sitting on $55 million heading into the midterm elections, setting yet another record for a Texas governor. He said the GOP-controlled Legislature was ready to get his agenda passed. We have to have integrity in our elections, Abbott told Dallas radio station WBAP. Under the new voting legislation filed by both the House and Senate, GOP lawmakers continued a push to ban the soliciting of mail ballot applications by an election clerk efforts that began in Harris County, which includes Houston and is the state's largest Democratic stronghold. The new bills also revive expanded rights to poll watchers. However, some items originally included in May's final version of the voting bill which sparked the Democrats' walkout, including a limiting of Sunday early voting hours, were notably absent from versions filed for the special session. Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain, the author of May's blocked voting legislation, declined to comment on the special session's approach to voting laws. The new House voting bill is being carried by Republican state Rep. Andrew Murr, who did not respond to an interview request Thursday. The GOP's overwhelming majority in the Texas Capitol makes it likely that a voting bill will pass. Democrats have vowed to continue fighting and have not ruled out breaking quorum again. Other new bills that Abbott wants on his desk before the end of summer include new restrictions on how race can be taught in public schools, as the concept known as critical race theory becomes the new lightning rod of the GOP. Abbott is also demanding new border security measures, added restrictions over abortions done by medication and a law reaffirming existing prohibitions in Texas on transgender student athletes playing girls' sports. ISLAND PARK, Idaho (AP) Idaho state wildlife officials say a man was injured after he was attacked by a grizzly bear in eastern Idaho on Friday morning. Idaho Department of Fish and Game spokesman Roger Phillips said in a prepared statement that the man was running on a trail in the Kilgore area near Island Park around 6:30 a.m. when he encountered the female grizzly with her cub. The female bear charged him, and the man laid down in an effort to protect himself. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Frank LoMonte, University of Florida (THE CONVERSATION) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/trump-cant-beat-facebook-twitter-and-youtube-in-court-but-the-fight-might-be-worth-more-than-a-win-164146. DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) A fire engulfed a food and beverage factory outside Bangladesh's capital, killing at least 52 people, many of whom were trapped inside by an illegally locked door, fire officials said Friday. The blaze began Thursday night at the five-story Hashem Foods Ltd. factory in Rupganj, just outside Dhaka, sending huge clouds of black smoke billowing into the sky. Police initially gave a toll of three dead, but then discovered piles of bodies on Friday afternoon after the fire was extinguished. So far 52 bodies have been recovered, but the top two floors of the factory have yet to be searched, said Debasish Bardhan, deputy director of the Fire Service and Civil Defense. He said the main exit of the factory was locked from the inside and many of those who died were trapped. Many workers jumped from the upper floors of the factory, and at least 26 suffered injuries, the United News of Bangladesh agency reported. Information about how many people were in the factory and how many were missing was not immediately available. For now, we only have these details. After searching the top floors we will be able to get a complete picture, Bardhan said. Bangladesh has a tragic history of industrial disasters, including factories catching fire with the workers locked inside. Continuing corruption and lax enforcement have resulted in many deaths over the years, and big international brands, which employ tens of thousands of low-paid workers in Bangladesh, have come under heavy pressure to improve factory conditions after fires and other disasters killed thousands of people. The factory that caught fire Thursday was subsidiary of Sajeeb Group, a Bangladeshi company that produces juice under Pakistans Lahore-based Shezan International Ltd., said Kazi Abdur Rahman, the groups senior general manager for export. According to the groups website, the company exports its products to a number of countries including Australia, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Bhutan, Nepal and nations in the Middle East and Africa. Rahman told The Associated Press by phone that the company is fully compliant with international standards, but he was not certain whether the exit of the factory was locked. According to Bangladeshs factory laws, a factory cannot lock its exit when workers are inside during production hours. We are a reputed company; we maintain rules," he said. What happened today is very sad. We regret it. As the recovery effort was carried out Friday, victims in white body bags were piled in a fleet of ambulances as relatives wailed. As the heavy smoke continued to rise from the still smoldering factory, weeping family members of missing workers waited anxiously for news of loved ones outside the charred site. Earlier, family members clashed with police as they waited overnight without any word of the fate of their loved ones. The government ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire. Past industrial tragedies have often been attributed to safety lapses that still plague the South Asian country despite its rapid economic growth. In 2012, about 117 workers died when they were trapped behind locked exits in a garment factory in Dhaka. The countrys worst Industrial disaster came the following year, when the Rana Plaza garment factory outside Dhaka collapsed, killing more than 1,100 people. Authorities imposed tougher safety rules after that disaster and the countrys garment industry has since become largely compliant under domestic and global watchdogs. But many other local industries fail to maintain safety compliance and the disasters have continued. In February 2019, a blaze ripped through a 400-year-old area cramped with apartments, shops and warehouses in the oldest part of Dhaka and killed at least 67 people. Another fire in Old Dhaka in a house illegally storing chemicals killed at least 123 people in 2010. The International Labor Organization said in a 2017 report that Bangladeshs regulatory framework and inspections had not been able to keep pace with the development of the industry." BEIRUT (AP) The American and French ambassadors to Beirut said in a joint statement Friday that Lebanon is in desperate need of a new, pro-reform government to lead it out of its unprecedented economic and financial crisis. The statement by ambassadors Dorothy Shea and Anne Grillo came a day after the two held talks in Riyadh with Saudi officials on how to find a unified strategy to help Lebanon. Friday's statement said France, the U.S. and other countries will continue extending urgent assistance to the Lebanese people, including health, education, and food support. WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. immigration authorities will no longer routinely jail migrants facing deportation if they are pregnant or recently gave birth, reversing a Trump-era immigration policy. The new directive, announced Friday, does not bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement from initiating proceedings to deport women who are pregnant, nursing or have given birth within the past year. But they generally would no longer be detained pending the outcome of their cases except under exceptional circumstances," the agency said. The practice of detaining pregnant migrants has been condemned as a threat to maternal and fetal health by immigrant and women's advocacy groups critical of medical care at detention centers. This reflects our commitment to treat all individuals with respect and dignity while still enforcing our nations laws, acting ICE Director Tae Johnson said. The change is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to roll back Trump-era enforcement measures and return to policies resembling those in place under President Barack Obama. ICE recently adopted draft guidelines to focus apprehensions on people in the United States illegally who recently entered the country, pose a national security threat or have committed serious crimes. While these efforts have angered immigration opponents, the number of people in immigration custody has risen sharply in recent months. There are more than 27,000 people in ICE custody, up from less than 14,000 at the end of March, according to data compiled by the Transactional Research Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. Nearly 80% of those in ICE custody have no criminal record, and a majority of those who do have committed largely minor offenses, according to TRAC. Advocates praised Friday's announcement, but said it doesnt go far enough. The American Civil Liberties Union called on the government to stop detaining anyone who might be at risk in detention. This action by the Biden administration is a welcome step in the right direction, said Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney with the organization. Under Obama, ICE adopted a policy in August 2016 that pregnant migrants would be presumed eligible for release as their cases made their way through immigration courts. President Donald Trump ended that policy of presumed release, part of his administration's heightened immigration enforcement, including arrests of anyone without legal residency regardless of whether they had committed some other offense. The number of pregnant women detained by ICE increased from 1,380 in 2016 to 2,098, according to the Government Accountability Office. ICE is required by law to detain some migrants, including foreign nationals who have been convicted of certain crimes or terrorist activity. The agency pledged that the very limited number of pregnant women detained under the new policy would receive regular health care as needed and officials would be prohibited from using restraints on them except in extraordinary circumstances. Any child born in the U.S. would automatically have American citizenship. MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) A white man captured on video in New Jersey calling his Black neighbors racist slurs and arrested on harassment charges now faces weapons, stalking and drug charges, prosecutors said Thursday. Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced the additional charges against Edward C. Mathews of Mount Laurel in a statement. In addition to harassment and trespass charges, Mathews now faces two counts of criminal mischief and charges of possession of a weapon a slingshot for an unlawful purpose, possession and intent to distribute a controlled, dangerous substance, stalking, unlawful possession of a weapon and drug paraphernalia charges. The new charges stemmed in part from a search of Mathews residence. Mathews was arrested Monday after video footage posted online showed him using racist epithets against his Black neighbors. Attempts to reach an attorney for Mathews have not been successful. In a video filmed by protesters who came to his house over the weekend he apologized. According to authorities, the confrontation captured on video happened after Mathews knocked on the door of a neighbor's house demanding to see the husband, who is Black. His wife, who is white, called police. Another neighbor, who is also Black and is currently serving in the Air Force, met Mathews on the stoop and walkway to the neighbors house in an attempt to help his friends. Video shows Mathews calling the Black neighbors racist names. That confrontation was the second call police got Friday about Mathews, according to the documents. A Black woman in the neighborhood called police earlier saying Mathews was harassing her, approaching her front door and shouting racial slurs, according to prosecutors. She had previously told police she suspected Mathews of criminal mischief involving her car. A doorbell camera captures Mathews bringing his dogs to her front yard, repeating a racial slur and thrusting his hips in a vulgar way after police responded and talked to him, prosecutors said. On Thursday, Coffina said that investigators determined that one of the victims of harassment believed Mathews had used a BB on her car, and authorities recovered a slingshot and ball bearings that matched those used to damage two vehicles belonging to a neighbor. Officials also recovered psilocybin mushrooms, according to the prosecutor. Mathews is currently in Burlington County Jail, Coffina said. Prosecutors are asking the state Superior Court to keep him incarcerated while his charges are pending. A hearing is tentatively scheduled for next week. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) A woman shot and set on fire Friday morning in a neighborhood on the west side of Indianapolis, police said. When Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers arrived, they found the woman suffering from both a gunshot wound and burns. Medics took the woman to a hospital in critical condition following the incident that occurred just after 5 a.m. File photo Selena Quintanilla fans aren't happy with the possibility of her killer, Yolanda Saldivar, being released in 2025. On March 31, 1995, Saldivar murdered the beloved Tejano star in Corpus Christi. At the time of her death, Quintanilla was a 23-year-old rising queen who was changing the Tejano music industry. Marion, IN (46952) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. A. Asking isn't enough and neither is the current level of enforcement. B. Entrance into Three Sisters Springs needs to be staggered. C. Human entry into Three Sisters Springs should be limited to only the boardwalk - no swimming or paddlecraft. D. The current levels of erosion are acceptable and can be addressed with additional rock installation. Vote View Results Florida, FL (34429) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High 89F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are among 7 new countries that are now included in Canada's fast-track program for international students. Study in Canada: IRCC expands Student Direct Stream (SDS) to 7 new countries Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are among 7 new countries that are now included in Canada's fast-track program for international students. Study in Canada: IRCC expands Student Direct Stream (SDS) to 7 new countries Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are among 7 new countries that are now included in Canada's fast-track program for international students. Study in Canada: IRCC expands Student Direct Stream (SDS) to 7 new countries Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are among 7 new countries that are now included in Canada's fast-track program for international students. Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Canada has expanded its fast-track program for international students to seven new countries. This was announced today by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The countries are: Brazil Colombia Peru Antigua and Barbuda Costa Rica Trinidad and Tobago Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers expedited study permit processing to those looking to study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). Potential international students to Canada first need to receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI. DLIs are universities, colleges, and other post-secondary educational institutions in Canada that are authorized by the government to welcome international students. Once a candidate receives an LOA, they then need to submit a study permit application to the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The purpose of the study permit is to authorize an individual to move to Canada to pursue their education. Contact Campbell Cohen Law Firm for Study Permit Assistance Study permit processing varies by each country but it can take several months. The benefit of the SDS is that eligible participants can get their study permit application processed by IRCC within 20 calendar days on average. IRCC launched the SDS in 2018 to students from India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It expanded the program in 2019 to include Pakistan, Senegal, and Morocco. Those from the above 14 countries wishing to apply for a study permit under the SDS need to meet the following criteria: Language Test: They must have obtained a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS (either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training) on each skill: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Francophone candidates need to obtain a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) equivalent of 7 in each skill on the Test dEvaluation de Francais They must have obtained a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS (either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training) on each skill: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Francophone candidates need to obtain a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) equivalent of 7 in each skill on the Test dEvaluation de Francais Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of at least $10,000 CAD: This needs to be from an eligible Canadian financial institution This needs to be from an eligible Canadian financial institution Proof of full payment of tuition for the candidates first year Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution Most recent educational transcript Proof of upfront medical exam: This requirement is for applicants who have lived or travelled for 6 months in designated countries or territories and/or their field of study requires an upfront medical exam Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Canada hosted a record 642,000 international students in 2019. Among the top 15 source countries, India, China, Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, and Morocco are SDS participants. Among todays additions to the SDS, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are likely to have the most significant impact on international student enrollment in Canada. Canadas population of Brazilian students has increased nearly ten-fold over the last two decades while the Colombian student population has nearly quadrupled. Perus student population has increased five-fold since 2000. IRCC notes that nearly 16,000 study permits were issued to residents of the seven new SDS countries in 2019, of which about 10,000 went to those in Brazil and some 4,400 to students from Colombia. For international students, the SDS is beneficial in that it offers greater certainty their study permit application will be approved, and in a timely fashion. For IRCC and DLIs, the SDS is beneficial in that it provides greater certainty candidates are genuinely interested in pursuing education in Canada, and not using education as a loophole to enter Canada for alternative purposes (e.g., to enter the Canadian labour market). Contact Campbell Cohen Law Firm for Study Permit Assistance CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. What cannabis users need to know before travelling to Canada How to travel to Canada with existing cannabis convictions and avoid new ones. What cannabis users need to know before travelling to Canada How to travel to Canada with existing cannabis convictions and avoid new ones. What cannabis users need to know before travelling to Canada How to travel to Canada with existing cannabis convictions and avoid new ones. Michael Schwartz Matt Hendler Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Offences involving cannabis can have a serious impact on ones ability to enter Canada. In 2018, Canada legalized buying and using recreational cannabis. While weed is now legal, it is also strictly regulated. Cannabis-related charges could potentially hurt a foreign nationals ability to immigrate or travel to Canada. Here are some of Canadas marijuana regulations, as well as some options for overcoming inadmissibility for cannabis users who have gotten in trouble with the law. Want a free legal consultation on admissibility to Canada? Contact the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen Cannabis at the border Transporting marijuana from Canada to another country or to Canada from another country, remains illegal. This rule applies even if weed is legal in both the other country and Canada. The only exception is for recognized suppliers to whom the Canadian government issues a permit. These permits are available only for medical or scientific reasons. In all other cases, travellers must declare and surrender the marijuana at the Canada border. A person cannot get around this ban by sending or receiving cannabis through the mail. Failure to comply with these rules risks punishments. These can include detainment, fines, and restrictions on ones future ability to enter Canada. Cannabis-impaired driving The risks of driving while drunk or on drugs such as prescription medication are well known. However, many people are unaware of the risks of driving while high on marijuana. Canada regards impaired driving, including driving while under the influence of weed, as a serious crime. The following are all criminal offences. Conviction may subject the offender to fines or prison time: driving, or having driven within two hours of, having more than 2 nano-grams of cannabis per mL in ones blood; driving in a dangerous manner; and, refusing to comply with a roadside drug or alcohol test are all criminal offences. Obtaining and using marijuana in Canada In Canada, each province and territory sets the minimum age for cannabis use. Currently, it is 18 in Alberta, 21 in Quebec, and 19 in every other province or territory. It remains prohibited for underage individuals to access cannabis or for adults to facilitate access. Adults using cannabis must obtain it legally. This means they must get it from a store or supplier with a government licence. The maximum amount an individual can publicly possess is 30 grams of dried cannabis. As cannabis can come in other forms, the Canadian government has established a conversion method. For example, 1 gram of dried cannabis is equivalent to five grams of fresh cannabis. The Canadian government provides an online cannabis converter. This tool allows users to input and convert different amounts and kinds of marijuana to make sure they remain within the legal limit. You may access the calculator here. Cannabis criminal histories The Cannabis Act legalized certain previously illegal marijuana-related activities. This changes impact extends to individuals outside Canada who may wish to travel to Canada. This is because Canada has strict rules for entry for people who have foreign criminal records. In such cases, Canada compares the foreign law with Canadas own. If something is a crime in both countries, the person may have a problem. If the act is not a crime in Canada, there should generally be no issue. Since public possession of up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) is now legal in Canada, a foreign criminal charge or conviction for mere possession of amounts up to this level should not pose a problem. However, if the person was charged or convicted outside Canada of acts that remain illegal in Canada, they may face hurdles entering. The nature, number, and date of their crime will determine if the individual is admissible or not. Want a free legal consultation on admissibility to Canada? Contact the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen Overcoming inadmissibility Generally, there are three paths to resolving inadmissibility: Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): This document grants temporary access to Canada for someone who is otherwise criminally inadmissible. If the traveler is an American citizen or permanent resident, they can apply for a TRP at a Canadian consulate or border. A TRP might be valid for a single day, or for up to three years. It may be good for only a single entry to Canada, or it may allow multiple entries. These elements will depend on the purpose of the visit to Canada. Reviewing officers have considerable discretion when determining the validity period of a TRP. The purpose for entering Canada is usually the most important factor. Criminal rehabilitation: Criminal rehabilitation gives permanent admissibility to someone who was formerly inadmissible. Eligibility depends on factors such as the crime committed, the sentence, and how much time has passed since sentence completion. If you have been convicted of a crime or crimes in a foreign country, and more than five years have passed since you finished your sentence, you are likely eligible to apply for Canadian criminal rehabilitation. Criminal rehabilitation is a one-time solution that, unlike a TRP, never requires renewal. This process requires at least five years to have passed since completion of the sentence. This means that for some recent marijuana cases, TRP will be the only pathway for someone who wants to come to Canada. For example, if someone drove under the influence of weed after October 17, 2018, they are inadmissible to Canada on serious criminality grounds. Not enough time will have passed since the act or sentencing to be eligible for rehabilitation. In short, just because weed is legal in Canada does not mean everyone who has ever had a cannabis-related charge can cross the border. However, for those who have, it does not necessarily mean the end of your Canadian dream. Legal Opinion Letter: Another remedy to a potential Inadmissibility issue is a legal opinion letter, which is a document that a Canadian immigration lawyer prepares. It contains details concerning a past marijuana charge or conviction and the lawyers legal conclusion on the situation. The purpose of the letter is to identify relevant Canadian law and explain why the person should be deemed admissible to Canada. If you have been denied entry in the past due to a marijuana related conviction (such as possession of paraphernalia), have a recent charge or admitted marijuana use at a port of entry a legal opinion letter may be valuable for your next trip into Canada. A legal opinion letter can also be beneficial to those in a pre-sentencing situation prior to making a final plea. The letter can explain a direct equivalency of a particular cannabis-related crime into Canadian law. Want a free legal consultation on admissibility to Canada? Contact the Law Firm of Campbell Cohen CIC News All Rights Reserved. Discover your Canadian immigration options at CanadaVisa.com. With a lineage dating back to 2010, when it first began to offer cloud computing services, AVM Cloud Sdn Bhd (formerly Integrated Global Solutions Technologies Sdn Bhd) today is at the forefront of the growing and rapidly accelerating transition to a software-defined approach in Malaysia. We recently caught up with Kenny Lim Chief Technology Officer of AVM Cloud and a co-founder of Integrated Solutions Technologies, to learn what he sees driving the shift to the cloud, and what it means to be VMware Cloud Verified. Over the past decade we established ourselves and proved that were on par with the worlds leading cloud service providers, says Lim Today we have more than 200 corporate customers and more than 250 cloud tenants that utilize our private, public, and hybrid cloud solutions and services. And the appetite for the capabilities and cost savings the cloud makes possible is driving more growth than ever. Its hard to believe that we began to deliver cloud services just over a decade ago, but that of course is a worldwide phenomenon. I think we can all remember a time just a few years ago when it was debated whether it was pertinent and proper to keep mission-critical data in the cloud. That is no longer a question. Acquired recently by fixed-line telecommunications leader TIME dotcom, AVMs cloud menu includes everything the companys customers including financial services companies, restaurant chains, media companies, retailers, and government agencies need to thrive in the cloud. This includes Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, Backup and Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service, a wide array of storage offerings, Containers-as-a-Service, and an extensive menu of professional and managed services, including those for artificial intelligence and data analytics. Built on a VMware software stack, the companys AVM Cloud is a robust private cloud that is offered in both multi-tenant and dedicated versions that integrate with the companys public and hybrid cloud solutions. AVM Cloud also offers a Cloud-in-a-Box version of its private cloud that resides on customers premises. Three years ago the second largest bank in Malaysia deployed our Cloud-in-a-Box offering, while for other customers or workloads, our public or hybrid solutions are ideal, says Lim We remain flexible and constantly listen to each customers unique needs so we can provide the optimal solution for their IT requirements. For example, we just deployed the AVM Cloud for a customer that wanted to use it for the deep analytics needed to better understand its customers and to fine-tune its strategies for new competitive products. The use cases for the cloud are as diverse as the clients we serve. Lim notes that one common theme among all of AVMs customers is a strong desire to lower their software and hardware costs, as well as the capital expenditure that was required to operate their own data centers. Importantly, he also stresses that this must be done while satisfying data sovereignty and performance requirements. The companys three data centers are located in Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya, all of which are Tier III-certified and offer low-latency performance throughout Malaysia and the surrounding region. Many organizations are reducing their internal tech refreshes and beginning to outsource their talents, Lim adds. In these times of uncertainty, organizations want to avoid long-term commitments that will dent their cash flows. Our solutions and services typically deliver savings or offset existing costs by providing our customers with additional capabilities while still using the proven and trusted VMware technologies they are accustomed to. AVM Clouds extensive relationship with VMware culminated in being awarded VMwares Hybrid Cloud Provider of FY 2018. Being VMware Cloud Verified and AVMs IaaS and software-defined network are VMware Cloud Verified is a source of pride for all of us, as is being one of the pioneering partners in Malaysia, says Lim With VMware, we also instill confidence in our customers. They know our products, solutions, and services are proven in mission-critical environments. Learn more about AVM Cloud and its partnership with VMware here. Some results in the June 22 New York City primary elections felt like a foregone conclusion. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would win reelection easily, and Gale Brewer would be a council member once again. Even in the hard-fought mayoral race, Eric Adams seemed to take control of the race a month or two before the primary and never let go. But some of the 63 races across the city were much harder to predict, leading to major victories and surprising upsets. Here are some of the citys most eye-popping primary results. Brad Lander, New York City comptroller Brad Lander had been plotting a comptroller run for at least three years, but when City Council Speaker Corey Johnson entered the race late, in March 2021, he seemed all but destined to win citywide office on the strength of his name recognition, grassroots fundraising and labor union endorsements. Many of the most trusted pollsters avoided the race, but the polls that were published mostly showed Johnson winning, and City Council Member Brad Lander often far, far behind. While early progressive consolidation never happened in the mayoral race, it certainly did in the comptroller race, and that paid off for Lander, whod been building a resume of progressive legislation and relationships with players on the left for more than a decade. While Kathryn Garcia and Maya Wiley battled for votes in Manhattan, northwestern Brooklyn and western Queens in the mayoral race, Landers advantage in those areas outside of Johnsons own Chelsea-Hells Kitchen district and the Central Harlem district of state Sen. Brian Benjamin, another candidate was total. Preliminary results including absentee ballots showed Lander with 51.9% of the final-round vote to Johnsons 48.1%, and Lander formally declared victory on July 6. Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney There was little question that the race to replace the retiring Cy Vance would be focused on progressive change the question was just how far would Manhattan Democrats be willing to go toward decarceration. Much of the institutional left, including the Working Families Party, backed civil rights lawyer Tahanie Aboushi, while former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York Tali Farhadian Weinstein raised more money than the rest of the field combined and picked up key endorsements from moderate Democrats fearful of rising crime. Ideologically, former state Chief Deputy Attorney General Alvin Bragg positioned himself between them. He appealed to voters with his stories of experiencing crime as the only Black man in the race, while not shying away from his prosecutorial experience in the attorney generals office. Preliminary election night results showed Bragg with 33.8% of the vote to Farhadian Weinsteins 30.4%, and she conceded on July 2, seeing no path to victory with absentee ballots. Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn borough president City Council Member Robert Cornegy Jr., a business-friendly candidate from Bedford-Stuyvesant had the backing of much of Brooklyns political establishment and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, a liberal from Boerum Hill with long-standing relationships in gentrified brownstone Brooklyn, also had a strong base. But nobody could deny the energy that Council Member Antonio Reynoso brought to the race, showing off his break dance moves around the borough. Reynoso is one the councils most progressive members and with support from a coalition from heavy hitters such as Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams he won by running up huge margins in neighborhoods that, like his own North Brooklyn district, include large numbers of Latino voters and young progressives, from Bushwick down to Sunset Park. Preliminary results including absentee ballots showed Reynoso winning 54.8% of the votes in the final round, to Simons 45.2%. The Dominican American Reynoso will be the first Hispanic borough president in Brooklyn. Vito Fossella, Republican for Staten Island borough president An endorsement from former President Donald Trump was the key for former Rep. Vito Fossella, who had 50.8% of the final-round vote according to preliminary results including absentee ballots, while City Council Member Steven Matteo had 49.2%. Matteo was the county organizations pick, and seemed to be cruising to victory in the Republican primary, since Fossella was barely campaigning until last month. Fossella was well known, having served 11 years in Congress before declining to run for reelection in 2008 after a drunken driving arrest revealed he had a second family living in Virginia. A last-second endorsement from Trump, who is enormously popular among Republicans in the most conservative borough, may have been enough to push Fossella over Matteo in the tight race. Now Fossella will face Democrat Mark Murphy in the general election. Christopher Marte, City Council District 1, Manhattan Christopher Marte, a political organizer, fell just 222 votes short of unseating incumbent City Council Member Margaret Chin in 2017. But with Chin term-limited out, longtime Chinese American advocate and City Council staffer Jenny Low seemed to be getting all the attention and support in the race to replace her, picking up endorsements from Velazquez, Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou and just about every major labor union. But Marte, who is Latino, built bridges with Asian American and white voters by partnering with politically engaged constituencies to oppose certain real estate developments, and it paid off. He won almost every precinct in the district, and topped Low in the final round of ranked-choice instant runoff, 60.5% to 39.5%. Kristin Richardson Jordan, City Council District 9, Manhattan City Council Member Bill Perkins was running for reelection after four years on the council, 11 years in the state Senate and eight before that in the City Council, all representing Central Harlem. So even though he barely campaigned at all, and even though hes dealing with health issues including alleged cognitive decline, many Harlemites thought he would win. And if Perkins didnt top the crowded field of 13 candidates, then insiders thought it would be an older candidate from the traditional power structures like Cordell Cleare, Perkins former chief of staff, or Athena Moore, who runs the Manhattan borough presidents uptown office. Richardson Jordan, a poet, teacher and democratic socialist, proved them all wrong, and it looks likely shell hold on to her narrow 100-vote lead over Perkins in the final round, according to preliminary results including absentee ballots. Richardson Jordan had 50.3% of the vote to Perkins 49.7%. Perkins actually had 525 more first-place votes than Richardson Jordan, but this was one of the rare races where lower-ranked votes helped a trailing candidate into the lead. Richardson Jordan, who is 34 and queer, ran on the most progressive platform in the race, including prison abolition. She also raised the most money and ran an early, aggressive campaign as one of the first candidates to announce. Julie Won, City Council District 26, Queens This race was the most crowded in the city, with 15 Democrats competing to succeed Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer in western Queens. Many had their eyes on Amit Bagga, a political operative whod held many positions in the de Blasio administration. He had support from Van Bramer, the Working Families Party and major unions including the janitors union 32BJ SEIU. But in the end it was Julie Won, a business consultant with IBM with far fewer endorsements who pulled it off, winning 56.7% of the vote in the final round of ranked-choice voting, according to preliminary results including absentee ballots, to Baggas 43.3%. Won didnt work directly in politics or government, but volunteered her time in the district and brought her personal story as a Korean immigrant to a district with a large Asian American population. Crystal Hudson, City Council District 35, Brooklyn Candidates endorsed by the New York City Democratic Socialists of America won 2020 primaries for Assembly and state Senate in districts that shared a lot of territory with this district, which includes Fort Greene, Prospect Heights and part of Crown Heights. Now the DSA was trying again, supporting graphic designer and tenant organizer Michael Hollingsworth for office. Crystal Hudson, a political operative who had worked for Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and the current local Council Member, Laurie Cumbo, garnered support from influential elected officials, including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke. Hudson, who will be the first gay Black woman in the council, also got outside financial support from labor-backed independent expenditure committees that supported her and real estate-backed committees that opposed Hollingsworth. The race became heated around issues like development and gentrification, with Hollingsworth pitching a socialist vision and Hudson running on a big tent, progressive platform. In the end, preliminary results including absentee ballots showed Hudson with 54% of the final-round vote, to Hollingsworths 46%. Chi Osse, City Council District 36, Brooklyn Chi Osse, the 23-year-old Black Lives Matter activist, said that as recently as last year, he didnt even know who represented him in the City Council in the seat from Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. Thats not something you could say about his opponents Henry Butler, the local community board district manager who had previously run for the council and leads an influential political club, or Tahirah Moore, a longtime political operative who worked in de Blasios City Hall. Butler picked up endorsements from labor unions, but it was Osse who earned 56.9% of the vote to Butlers 43.1% in the final round, according to preliminary results including absentee ballots. The influx of progressive young professionals to the district may have helped bolster the queer, Haitian American Osses stylish campaign and progressive politics. Darlene Mealy, City Council District 41, Brooklyn Darlene Mealy had represented this Central Brooklyn district including parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville for 12 years, from 2006 through 2017, and she had been a district leader since then. But for the past four years, the district had been represented by Alicka Ampry-Samuel, a well-connected council member who had earned so much respect in the body that she was considered to be among the top candidates for City Council speaker in 2022. Just 11 days before the primary, Mealy reported spending merely $1,260, suggesting that she wasnt taking this comeback attempt seriously. But Mealy seemed to spend big in the final days after unlocking public matching funds, and preliminary results including absentee ballots showed a comfortable victory in the two-person race. Mealy had 57.3% to Ampry-Samuels 42.1%. Ampry-Samuel and most political observers, who didnt consider Mealy to be a serious candidate after her uninspiring tenure in the council seemed to be taken by surprise. Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc. Knock LAa digital startup that launched in 2017 to bring an alternative voice to Los Angeles news coveragesaw donations increase almost forty-fold over the past year. As they look to the future, three Knock LA volunteers who have all served rotations as managing editors talked with CJR about working collectively, a volunteer-based model, and building a sustainable future. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. CJR: How did Knock LA get its start? Liam Fitzpatrick: Knock LA is a project of Ground Game LA, which is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit in Los Angeles focused on civic engagement and political outreach. We launched Knock back in 2017 or so. When lockdown started in 2020, we noticed that this is a really great brand, and we produce a lot of really great things. For example, we do a very comprehensive voter guide every yearcovering a lot of different local and municipal races in LAthat a lot of people really like and rely on. Through a grant, were able to translate into Korean and Spanish and Armenian, so were proud of that. Its an all-volunteer organization, people have different levels of capacity that they can put into it, so the spring of 2020 was a more [low-coverage] period, and we thought we could establish more editorial workflows: making this more of a cohesive operation and recruiting freelance writers. And it was weirdly good timing. A lot more people had a lot more time to dedicate to organizing and to writing. Then, over the next, you know, several months, there were the George Floyd uprisings in LA, which we were covering; there was the 2020 election, which was incredibly contentious. In March 2020, when I started volunteering with Knock LA in a more focused way, we received $73 in monthly donations through Patreon as our source of income, which averages out to around $876 annually. It was basically all purely unpaid volunteer labor at that point. We really werent able to start paying people until around the summer of 2020. But, as of now, Knock LA receives a little over $3,000 a month in Patreon donations (so currently projected to around $38,000 annually) plus an additional $7,416 this year so far through ActBlue. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Now, were talking about forming our own separate LLC. Were at a place where maybe we can start staffing. CJR: So youre a volunteer organization, but you work to pay freelancers and editors? Whos doing the volunteer work? Whats the organizational structure? Shelby Eggers: The service positions that we hold are volunteer-based, and we rotate. We work through Slack. Pretty much everyones in on every part of it, and participates as much as they want. Weve gotten to a place now where we have a solid group of twenty or so people who are doing lots in different areas that theyre passionate about, whether thats editing, fundraising, recruitment. We get pitches and we throw them in Slack and see what people think. Then we move forward and people will volunteer to edit. And editors get paid now for specific articles. But the volunteer labor behind the scenes is not paid at all, just voluntary people who are passionate. Maggie Clancy: Were horizontally aligned, because thats how our umbrella organization works. That definitely creates some fun, creative opportunities for inventing new editorial processes. We absolutely try to pay our writers and our editors, and it works on a sliding scale. There have been times where Ive been lucky with other freelance work where I can volunteer time; other times, Im actually going to need the stipend for this editing piece. Most people who can give up their time are people with work-from-home jobs. Thats another reason why I think its important that we are able to hire people to staff [to diversify our team]. CJR: How do you think about editorial independence, being an offshoot of a political organization? Fitzpatrick: There are occasions where Ground Game may assist organizationally in supporting a community (for example, the unhoused residents of Echo Park Lake) that Knock LA will also report on, as it would be a disservice to our readership to turn a blind eye to important issues. We do our best to disclose our relationship to Ground Game and specific members of the org as often as is appropriate. Ground Game LA does explicitly endorse candidates as a 501(c)(4). Our voter guides recommend candidates across LA County. When we cover candidates endorsed by Ground Game, we make that disclaimer clear in our articles. Additionally, Knock does not accept contributions from political campaigns or candidates, and we never publish pieces under the direction of campaigns. CJR: Your model doesnt adhere to traditional expectations of what a newsroom should look like. Do you have people that come through that have worked in newsrooms? How do you think about the traditional model compared to what Knock LA is doing? Fitzpatrick: We come from a place that says non-biased journalism is bullshit. Its a fantasy idea that you can be a thinking, feeling human with a heart and lungs attached to a brain and move through the world without having opinions on things. Weve always been very upfront that we are news with a progressive spin, because when newsrooms try to present themselves as pure information with no context, the conversation tends more towards corporate interests and the status quo. Weve been very staunch from the beginning about replicating practices from traditional newsrooms that work, but always challenging ourselves into thinking, Okay, are we doing this because its a good way for us to tell stories in Los Angeles that dont get told very frequently, or are we doing this because its the thing that we know happens in a more corporate newsroom? We do have journalists that come from more traditional backgrounds. We did a series on the history of deputy gangs in the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department that was written by Cerise Castle, an incredibly gifted journalist who went to journalism school and has worked in different newsrooms: the whole nine yards. But the thing that makes Knock worth putting so much time into is the ability to consistently challenge the status quo. CJR: Ive had a lot of conversations over the past year with newsrooms that depend on an advertising business model, and theyve had a terrible year. Some of those have been traditional alt-weeklies. Youve had the opposite happen: multiplying your financial resources. What made the difference this past year? Eggers: Last year politically activated a lot of people in Los Angeles specifically. People wanted to be aware of whats going on and know where to find that information. We report on certain things in ways that people care about, like stories about the unhoused community and other minority groups in Los Angeles. Clancy: I think the fact that we dont have a paywall is huge. We never have, because we want all the information to be publicly available. Were doing a public service. Fitzpatrick: And were telling hyper-local stories. CJR: How do you make editorial decisions? What makes a story for a Knock LA audience? Eggers: We have internal guidelines, but I think one of the biggest ones is that its about Los Angeles. It needs to be very localized and affect the people here in LA. Thats inherent with our values as a movement. Not every media outlet or business has to be an empire. Fitzpatrick: Another one of our core values is not to have false urgency, which I think is very easy to fall into in a newsroom, where youre like, Hey, we got to do this now, now, now. A larger media outlet can cover the facts quicker and more efficiently than us, but we can take another week and do some more digging, to provide some more historical context, to talk with organizers. Its not really in our interest to cover breaking news. CJR: Over the past year, Ive talked to a lot of newsrooms about the idea of sustainability. Is your work sustainable? Eggers: You know, people give exactly the amount of time and energy they want. If we started producing significantly less content, theres a worry of losing patrons, but we say all the time that many hands make light work and I think that is really important for sustainability. We want many people to be involved. Different people will give different amounts of time and energy. And I think thats what makes it more sustainable than some other places where theres like a small staff working full time. Clancy: Its kind of like a choir, when someone has to stop to take a breath, you cant really tell, because everyone else is still singing. Thats how I think about when people need to take a break. Maybe they were carrying a lot, but there are still a lot of other people singing in various capacities. And I think a huge part of keeping it sustainable. The Journalism Crisis Project aims to train our focus on the present crisis, fostering a conversation about what comes next. We hope youll join us (click to subscribe). EXPLORE THE TOW CENTERS COVID-19 CUTBACK TRACKER: Over the past year, researchers at the Tow Center have collected reports of a wide range of cutbacks amid the pandemic. Now theres an interactive map and searchable database. You can find it here. Below, more on recent media trends and changes in newsrooms: Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Lauren Harris is a freelance journalist. She writes CJR's weekly newsletter for the Journalism Crisis Project. Follow her on Twitter @LHarrisWrites. Ten days ago, gunmen in Haiti shot and killed a reporter named Diego Charles. He had just gotten a ride home from Marie Antoinette Duclaire, a political activist and former journalistic colleague of his; shooters killed her, too. Charles and Duclaire were both thirty-three, and among more than twenty people murdered in Port-au-Prince, the capital, the same night. The director of Haitis National Police said that they were random victims of a spasm of violence; another officer had been killed earlier in the day, prompting his allies to go on a killing spree. But human rights groups and people close to Charles have questioned the explanation provided by police; a colleague told the Committee to Protect Journalists that it seemed like a pretext to avoid investigating possible political motives. (At the time of his death, Charles had been investigating the sensitive case of a prominent lawyer who was killed last year; Duclaire was allied with an opposition party.) Judicial authorities will announce investigations that lead nowhere, Jacques Desrosiers, who leads the Haitian Journalists Association, predicted. We are used to that. What Haitian journalists are used to makes clear the dangers inherent in their work. Since 2000, at least six of their number have been murdered; several others have gone missing. Last year, Chantal Flores reported for CJR on the violence that journalists have faced while covering longrunning protests against Haitis governmentat the hands of both demonstrators, some of whom view news outlets as stooges for the regime, and the regimes supporters and police. The protests intensified after June 2019, when an investigation implicated Jovenel Moise, the president, in an embezzlement scheme. The same month, Petion Rospide, a radio anchor who had criticized protesters for burning cars belonging to a rival news organization, was shot dead. Later in the year, Nehemie Joseph, a journalist who had been covering the protests, met the same fate. Chery Dieu-Nalio, a photojournalist for the Associated Press, was injured when a senator fired on a crowd outside Haitis parliament. In February of this year, constitutional experts and opposition leaders argued that Moises term had to come to an end, but Moise clung to power, fueling more dissent. At one demonstration, two reporters, Alvarez Destine and Meus Jeanril, were shot and injured. It wasnt clear who fired on them, but they were shot as police sprayed live ammunition to disperse protesters. ICYMI: Why CNNs audience deserves federally regulated news These attacks on journalistsand more broadly, the worsening political and security situation in Haiti, exacerbated by the devastating impact of the pandemic and a lack of access to vaccineshave barely made a ripple in the US news cycle. Among ourselves, Haiti watchers have marveled at the lack of reporting on the situation in the international media, Amy Wilentz wrote in The Nation on Tuesday. Usually the international media is quick to cover Haitis dysfunctions. And Haiti is now at its most dysfunctional. Wilentz could not have known that, hours after the publication of her piece, Haiti would be a big international story again: early on Wednesday morning, a gang of assassins murdered Moise at his home. The attack quickly attracted intense interest in the US, though it was shrouded in mystery: Haitian officials said that the killers were heard speaking English and Spanish; later, a video circulated that appeared to show them impersonating agents of the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Their motives were unclear; Moise had plenty of enemies. It was also unclear who, exactly, was now in charge of Haiti. Claude Joseph, the interim prime minister, has since appeared to take chargeeven though Moise had been in the process of replacing him. (The president of the supreme court was next in the line of succession, but he died of COVID two weeks ago.) Yesterday, Robert Taber, a history professor at Fayetteville State University who is working on a book about Haiti, wrote, in the Washington Post, that US readers tend to view the country as a tropical tapestry for tales of dictators and political dysfunction, of poverty and adversity, of stories and tropes that exist in an ever-present now. But these stereotypes are steeped in anti-Black racism and mask an important truth: the histories of Haiti and the United States are intertwined and reach back centuries. The media, Taber continued, has long been central to shaping perceptions of Haiti, and complicit in the distortions: in colonial times, French slave owners would exchange newspapers with cities along the Eastern Seaboard; after the Revolution, early American publications twisted the story of Black Haitians fight for independence, fearing that the truth might encourage Black emancipation back home. Since then, coverage of Haiti has been intermittent, tending to rise and fall with the US governments involvement. That was the case the last time a sitting Haitian president was assassinated, in 1915, when the Woodrow Wilson administration responded with an invasion and occupation that would last nearly twenty years. More recently, coverage of humanitarian interventions in Haiti has hardened the stereotype of its powerless victimhood. Following a massive earthquake, in 2010, the writer Gina Athena Ulysse made the case that in the Western public sphere, Haiti had effectively been incarcerated, both rhetorically and graphically. Similar tropes have come up in the coverage of Moises murder: passive references to chaos and turmoil, often eliding the complex story of his rule, as well as Haitis history. In some quarters, the US has been cast, once again, as a savior. The upheaval always affects us here at home, CNNs Chris Cuomo said on Wednesday. The United States will have to get involved if it gets bad, and it may. (He then brought on a former CIA official to discuss the situation.) The editorial board of the Washington Post advocated that the US push for a swift and muscular intervention by United Nations peacekeepers. UN troops from Nepal introduced a severe cholera epidemic in Haiti, and others fathered hundreds of babies born to impoverished local women and girls. There were credible allegations of rape and sexual abuse by troops, the board wrote. The UN force did manage, however, to bring a modicum of stability. The Miami Heralds editorial board also demanded US intervention, though it was not particular about the form, and argued that the Haitian people should be consulted in the process. That view has not been universal in coverage, however: Slates Joshua Keating asked Monique Clesca, a writer and activist based in Port-au-Prince, how the West could best help her country. Certainly not invade us, she said. Certainly not send us troops. Let us deal with the issue and find solutions rather than impose one on us. Its our mess, but let us resolve our mess. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Other writers who have lived and worked in Haiti argue that Western coverage of Moises murder needs to become more critical. I am here to tell you, my colleagues in the English-language media, that youre not asking enough questions about what happened, Susana Ferreira, a former Reuters correspondent, tweeted. Thats what the poorest country/basketcase of the Western hemisphere line does: it keeps you from asking questions. And Haitians deserve those questions, at the very very least. Journalists who are still on the ground continue to face the threat of violence, and other obstacles. Following the murder, officials declared a state of siege. Among other things, it placed limits on press freedom. Below, more on Haiti: The latest: Yesterday, police in Haiti announced that they have arrested seventeen people in connection with Moises murder; fifteen are Colombian nationals, and the other two are US citizens who come from Haiti. Both Americans have ties to South Florida; Jacqueline Charles and Michael Wilner, of the Miami Herald, have more details. The murder is a big story for the Herald, given the sizable Haitian population in the Miami area; Charles, the papers Caribbean correspondent, is worth following as the story develops. So, too, is the Haitian Times, a newspaper based in New York. For more context on the murder, listen to Garry Pierre-Pierre, the papers publisher, speaking with Brian Lehrer on WNYC. Yesterday, police in Haiti announced that they have arrested seventeen people in connection with Moises murder; fifteen are Colombian nationals, and the other two are US citizens who come from Haiti. Both Americans have ties to South Florida; Jacqueline Charles and Michael Wilner, of the Miami Herald, have more details. The murder is a big story for the Herald, given the sizable Haitian population in the Miami area; Charles, the papers Caribbean correspondent, is worth following as the story develops. So, too, is the Haitian Times, a newspaper based in New York. For more context on the murder, listen to Garry Pierre-Pierre, the papers publisher, speaking with Brian Lehrer on WNYC. Migratory Notes: Last month, Migratory Notes, a newsletter tracking immigration news, convened a town hall conservation, featuring Jacqueline Charles, Pierre-Pierre, and other experts, exploring the context and history of why people leave Haiti, growing migrant communities on the border in Mexico, as well as the pressing issues facing diaspora communities throughout the US. You can watch it here. (Since the town hall, Migratory Notes has shut down. Daniela Gerson and Elizabeth Aguilera, the newsletters cofounders, explained why in an op-ed for CJR.) Last month, Migratory Notes, a newsletter tracking immigration news, convened a town hall conservation, featuring Jacqueline Charles, Pierre-Pierre, and other experts, exploring the context and history of why people leave Haiti, growing migrant communities on the border in Mexico, as well as the pressing issues facing diaspora communities throughout the US. You can watch it here. (Since the town hall, Migratory Notes has shut down. Daniela Gerson and Elizabeth Aguilera, the newsletters cofounders, explained why in an op-ed for CJR.) Press freedom: The recent violence against reporters in Haiti hasnt been limited to political protests. In April 2020, for example, eight journalists were assaulted, apparently by officials, while they investigated the poor enforcement of social-distancing protocols at a government office. Then, in August, armed men accosted a reporter named Setoute Yvens in an apparent act of retaliation for his coverage of crime in their area. The men shot at Yvenss motorcycle, but he was able to flee. CPJ has more on both incidents. Other notable stories: ICYMI: Facebook launches Bulletin, its Substack challenger Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Fifteen more states reached an agreement with Purdue Pharma LP and members of its wealthy Sackler family owners that moved the OxyContin maker a step closer to resolving widespread opioid litigation and exiting bankruptcy protection. All but a handful of states nationwide now support Purdues bankruptcy plan, with the latest agreement emerging after weeks of mediation. The deal, outlined in bankruptcy court papers filed late on Wednesday, was reached after Sackler family members agreed to contribute another $50 million toward a proposed litigation settlement and to release tens of millions of additional internal documents for public inspection. Another $175 million would come from relinquishing control of family charitable institutions. The Sackler family members have also agreed to a prohibition with regard to naming rights associated with charitable contributions until litigation settlement funds are fully paid, the documents said. In all, the Sackler contributions toward Purdues bankruptcy-exit plan now total roughly $4.5 billion. The plan aims to resolve some 3,000 lawsuits brought by U.S. communities alleging Purdue and its family owners contributed to an opioid crisis that has claimed the lives of roughly 500,000 people since 1999, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Stamford, Connecticut-based company and family members have denied the allegations in the litigation. Purdue said that the latest agreement built on support from other creditors in the companys bankruptcy proceedings and that it hoped to reach additional consensus on its plan to move billions of dollars of value into trusts for addressing the U.S. opioid crisis. Sackler family members called the deal an important step toward providing substantial resources for people and communities in need. The agreement, supported by longstanding holdouts including Massachusetts and New York, sets the stage for Purdue to gain court approval in coming weeks for its bankruptcy plan, which the company values at more than $10 billion. That value is contingent in part on future donations of overdose reversal and addiction treatment medications the company has under development. The plan would dissolve the company and shift assets to trusts run on behalf of plaintiffs that alleged the company and its owners aggressively marketed the painkiller OxyContin while playing down its abuse and overdose risks. 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, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, the first attorney general to sue Sackler family members, said in a statement. If approved by the court, the bankruptcy plan would include legal releases shielding the Sacklers from future litigation. A bankruptcy judge halted lawsuits against both the company and the Sacklers after Purdue filed for Chapter 11 court protection in 2019. It is upsetting that the Sackler family never declared bankruptcy yet were still granted all the same protections of bankruptcy as their company, New York Attorney General Letitia James said during a news conference with Healey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Thursday. There is no perfect solution here, James added. But we cant let perfect be the enemy of the good. This deal gets one of the nations most harmful drug dealers out of the opioid business. Healey, who said she spoke to opioid victims earlier on Thursday, urged reform in aspects of the U.S. legal system that allowed the Sacklers to obtain relief from a federal bankruptcy court. But she welcomed the additional deposition transcripts, emails and other evidence that will eventually be online forever, searchable and free to the public. Purdue in November separately pleaded guilty to three felonies arising from its marketing of prescription opioid painkillers, part of a separate settlement eclipsing $8 billion to resolve U.S. Justice Department criminal and civil investigations. Sackler family members have not been criminally charged. They previously agreed to pay $225 million to resolve separate civil allegations with the Justice Department. The family members have denied those allegations. (Reporting by Mike Spector; Editing by Howard Goller) The collapse of a condominium tower near Miami will set off years of litigation as victims and their families look to find fault among the buildings management as well as engineers, architects and others, according to legal experts. Disaster struck in Surfside, Florida, on June 24 as a major repair project was beginning, although the cause of one of the worst residential construction failures in the United States is likely to have many contributing factors stretching back years. Whether it be architects, engineers or contractors that had any involvement in this building, well be looking at everybody to hold each party responsible for their negligence, said Daniel Wagner, a real estate lawyer in south Florida, who declined to say if he was representing anyone involved in the collapse. But it will be a process complicated by finger-pointing and a trend in recent years in Florida law that has made it increasingly difficult to hold parties accountable for construction defects, lawyers said. Liability in complex disasters often gets parceled out among defendants, with a certain percentage being apportioned to each, legal experts said. Its my professional opinion that everyone is going to blame everybody else, Wagner said. Less than 24 hours after the collapse, the first of at least three lawsuits was filed against Champlain Towers South Condominium Association Inc, run by a volunteer board comprised of owners, for failing to ensure the buildings safety. Bob McKee, a lawyer who brought a case on behalf of Steven Rosenthal, a resident who survived the collapse, said until another cause can be identified, the presumption is failed maintenance was to blame. The condo association president warned residents in an April letter that the situation had gotten significantly worse since major structural damage was identified in a 2018 inspection. The president urged them to support a $15 million assessment for repairs while acknowledging the work could have been done or planned for in years gone by. McKee said plaintiffs will identify other potentially liable parties through the discovery process. One lawsuit by the family of missing resident Harold Rosenberg also named as defendants Morabito Consultants and SD Architects for failing to warn residents of the danger of collapse. The lawsuit blamed the Morabito engineering firm, which conducted the 2018 inspection, for allegedly failing to warn the condo association of the need to evacuate the building. The firm was retained again in 2020 and did not warn residents the damage it uncovered two years earlier had not been repaired, the lawsuit said. Morabito said in a statement that it provided its 2018 report and recommendations to the condo association. Rene Rocha, a Morgan & Morgan attorney working on the Rosenberg case, said informing the board may not have been enough. They could have walked away from the job if they told the board it would be unsafe to proceed this way, said Rocha. Obviously, it didnt happen that way. The Rosenberg lawsuit also said it planned to sue Surfside for allegedly failed to hire an independent expert to inspect the building after receiving the 2018 Morabito report. The condo association declined to comment on the lawsuit, SD Architects could not be reached, and the town did not respond. Legal experts said the defendants will likely argue there was no evidence that the building was not an immediate risk of collapse. A Florida judge appointed attorney Michael Goldberg of the Akerman law firm on Friday as a receiver for the condo association, which disclosed on Thursday it had $30 million in property insurance and $18 million for liability. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said the insurance will obviously be inadequate to compensate everyone fully. Accountability Residents and their families may have to contend with Florida laws and court rulings that have made it more difficult to hold parties accountable for defects in professional design, construction or code compliance, according to Barry Ansbacher, a Florida attorney who specializes in condo and construction law. For example, a 2006 law shortened to 10 years from 15 years the window for plaintiffs to sue for certain defects in design and construction and the potential personal liability for architects and engineers has also been narrowed, Ansbacher said. Court rulings have also limited liability, including a 1985 decision that sovereign immunity protects local government building inspectors. Often, by the time something is discovered that was not done properly, the clock has run out and there is no liability, Ansbacher said. There is also the possibility of criminal charges. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said she would have a grand jury examine the collapse, although she did not say whether she would consider charges. Florida grand juries can also make recommendations on matters of public policy. One Florida prosecutor said the most likely charge if someones actions led to the collapse would be the crime of manslaughter by culpable negligence. To have a crime here you need more than what is presently being reported, said Dave Aronberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach County. You have to have someone who knew that destruction was imminent and did nothing about it. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; additional reporting by Alexandra Ulmer; editing by Noeleen Walder and Jonathan Oatis) Top Photo: Search and rescue personnel work alongside heavy machinery to sift through the rubble at the Champlain Towers South condo building, where scores of people remain missing almost a week after it partially collapsed, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Surfside, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) SACRAMENTO, Calif. 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 Bontas 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 Bontas predecessor raised concerns about the cost and workload. And it doesnt 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 laws 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. Training Requirements Williams was happy the investigations are going to the attorney generals 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 Bontas 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 werent 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 Bontas office took his organizations suggestions in developing its new protocols. If so, its a good step in the right direction, he said. Oversight Layer 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. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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 news 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. Beachwood, OH (44122) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Clinton, IA (52732) Today Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight An isolated thunderstorm possible this evening, then occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Tommy and Annie Ye look over the interior of Osaka restaurant on Wednesday July 7, 2021. The restaurant opens Friday, July 16. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 10) The Supreme Court has issued a resolution outlining the guidelines on the use of body-worn cameras in the serving of search and arrest warrants. A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC issued June 29, 2021, lists down the approved rules for the use of body cams that shall cover "all applications, issuances, and executions of arrest and search warrants under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure," as well as "warrantless arrests." Under the rules, law enforcers are required to wear at least one body camera and one alternative recording device during the serving of warrants. In case of unavailability of body cams, implementing officers shall file an ex parte motion before the court to be allowed to use an alternative device for justifiable reasons. When making arrests, officers wearing the device shall notify the person being arrested and other subjects. In the case of warrantless arrests, the media representative may be allowed to record the operation subject to custody requirements of the resolution. All recordings shall be stored in an external media storage device and be surrendered to the issuing court. An officer may seek permission to retain a back-up copy for justifiable reasons for not more than 15 days. The rules also state that failure to observe the requirement of using the recording device does not render arrest unlawful or the evidence obtained inadmissible. Testimonies of arresting officers, those arrested, and other witnesses may help prove the executed warrant. However, an officer who fails to use the device without reasonable grounds or intentionally interferes with the ability of the camera to record the arrest or search warrants may be held liable. Failure to use the required body camera or alternative device without reasonable grounds during service of search warrant shall also render the evidence obtained inadmissible. Unlike before when Quezon City and Manila judges can issue search warrants outside their jurisdiction, the Supreme Court now limits the judges' power to issue such only within their judicial regions. Multiple search warrant applications based on the same evidence filed in the same court shall also be ground for denial. When the execution of a search warrant leads to death, an incident report shall be submitted detailing what occurred, including the cause of death. To ensure no tampering is done when downloading, subjects of the recordings or their counsels are allowed to witness the process. Data recorded shall not be publicized, unless when the incident involves loss of life, or an assault was made. If a person declines to use the recording during the court proceeding, this may not be used by or against him or her. Recordings shall not be released to other persons, including the media, before and after its use in a trial. Violating this may constitute contempt of court. In a statement, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar thanked the High Court for helping them "craft a legal framework on the use of the body-worn cameras." He added that they will now study and incorporate the rules in their protocols. CNN Philippines senior correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. 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 9) The Philippine Nurses Association said Friday that they were "uncomfortable" with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III's recommendation to scrap licensure exams, noting that these are "checks and balances" on competencies of professionals. "When we heard it, immediately we disagreed and we expressed our sentiments din na hindi dapat siguro (that we are not in favor) and we are uncomfortable about it," PNA president Melbert Reyes told CNN Philippines' The Source. "We all know that this is the check-and-balance para ma-assess natin yung competencies ng ating nursing graduates," he added. [Translation: We all know that this is the check-and-balance to assess the competencies of our nursing graduates.] Reyes added that there are other ways to help the nursing community, especially with lingering issues surrounding the lack of stability in their job, their salary, and career growth. "Honestly, we have many nurses in the Philippines but they are in call centers, other government agencies," he added. On Wednesday, Bello called for a review of the holding of the board and bar exams, noting that the several years of education and the accompanying tests students go through before graduating are enough to prepare them for work. READ: Labor chief proposes scrapping board, bar exams Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, who chairs the 2020-2021 bar exams, however, said the exams for aspiring lawyers will still push through this November and the Supreme Court is in "full throttle" when it comes to its preparations. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo also rejected Bello's idea and pointed out the legal profession is vested with public interest. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) Former senator Bongbong Marcos will surely run in next year's elections, but has yet to decide on what position, his sister Senator Imee Marcos said Friday. When asked if Bongbong is eyeing the presidency or vice presidency to redeem the Marcos family, Imee told CNN Philippines' News Night there is no "burning fixation" on that idea, adding that Bongbong may even aim for a return to the Senate. "Siyempre tatakbo si Bongbong sa 2022," Imee said. "Hindi naman natin sigurado kung ano tatakbuhan." [Translation: Of course Bongbong will run in 2022. But we are not sure what position he's looking at.] Imee also stressed that she still supports President Rodrigo Duterte - who recently told the public to "consider" him for the vice presidency - despite her brother possibly gunning for the same post or higher. "Importante para sa akin tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho ni Presidente [What is important to me is that the work of the President will continue]," she said. "All these reforms need time and space and budget and certainly with the President as the vice president we will see some kind of continuity in that sphere." Imee was also earlier spotted meeting with presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who also revealed she is now open to running for president. "At the end of the day ay 'yung mag-ama ang magdedecide [the father and daughter will decide]," she said. "The first order of business, magpalakas muna kung sino man ang admin candidate [is to strengthen support for the administration's candidate]." Cebu (CNN Philippines, July 9) Another Duterte may run for the country's top post in the 2022 national elections as Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Friday said she is now "open" to seeking the presidency. "Yes," the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte said when asked in a chance interview if she is open to running for president next year. However, she added there is no final decision yet. READ: Miriam Defensor-Santiago's PRP declares support for Sara Duterte's potential presidential bid The Davao City mayor was in Cebu for a closed-door meeting with Gov. Gwen Garcia at the Provincial Capitol. She said the discussions did not touch politics, but added that she told Garcia she would be back in Cebu soon with her Hugpong Ng Pagbabago party to further consult supporters. Duterte also thanked Cebuanos who have put up "Run, Sara, Run" tarpaulins in Cebu and other localities for "their trust and confidence in me." "Ang importante sa pagkakaron is mahibal an namo kung unsay ginahunahuna sa mga tawo ug unsay gusto sa mga tawo," she told reporters. [Translation: What is important now is that we know the sentiments of the people and what they really want.] The mayor previously insisted she will not run for president next year despite emerging as the top choice in recent surveys. Her father had also discouraged her from running, saying the presidency is no job for a woman. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) Filipinos stranded in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates due to the travel ban may soon be able to come home. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Friday said special commercial flights from these seven countries can be arranged exclusively for Filipinos. The task force has prohibited the entry of travelers from these countries since April 29 to prevent the spread of the feared Delta coronavirus variant. The IATF said several concerned government agencies will form a special working group, which will craft the implementing protocols alongside airlines. Their approval is necessary before mounting the special flights. The Philippines has to date 19 Delta variant cases, all from returning overseas Filipinos. Every first-year student at Penn State is required to attend New Student Orientation before officially starting classes in the fall and some students hold varying opinions on NSOs format and effectiveness. Geby Subrata said she compared her NSO experience to the online institutions in the Philippines she attended before transferring to Penn State. Subrata (freshman-business management) said she would rate the orientation a six from a scale of one to 10 on effectiveness. NSO was a bit compact, but it helped me to learn how to navigate everything available to us, Subrata said. Ive attended other online learning schools before, but they never held a formal orientation for us to learn how to transition to schooling. Subrata said she believes the orientation being virtual was boring because it was simply watching videos about student life and resources at Penn State. However, she said students can take out of it what they want from it for it to be effective. It depends on the student because people can think that its mandatory, so theyre not going to put any thought into it, Subrata said. If you actually want to know how to use the resources at Penn State, then I would say its really helpful. Natalia Reed said her NSO experience was dependent on the people there, but it was effective for signing up for classes. NSO allowed me to schedule my first classes with the help of my adviser, which was nice, Reed (senior-psychology and rehabilitation and human services) said. I think there are fun things to do during the two days at [the Intramural Building], but if you dont know anyone there with you, it isnt that fun, and its difficult to make friends. MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE Penn State IT investigates network access issue across university Penn State IT is investigating a network access issue across the university, according to Pe Reed also said she thinks signing up for classes at NSO could be more effective for students who sign up earlier compared to those closer to the fall semester. I wish that students knew beforehand that signing up for a date earlier in the summer allowed you to have a better chance of getting into a class of your choice, Reed said. As you approach the middle, or latter end, of the summer, those selections drastically go down because seats are mostly full in classes. Eda Uyanik said she believes NSO was a good experience and helped get her acquainted with campus better. It was nice to go to Penn State and see the campus from a student perspective rather than with my parents on a walking tour, Uyanik (junior-math education) said. I even made some friends from NSO and kept in touch with them as best as I could freshman year. Uyanik also said she thought eating in the dining halls and staying in Pollock dorms was a good representation of her freshman year, and her NSO guide made the experience even better. It was cool going to the dining hall and the [HUB-Robeson Center] and feeling more like a college student, Uyanik said. Never being at Penn State before made it a better learning experience. Tom Richardson said NSO is a good thing to have, but the experience would have been better if there were a few changes made to the orientation. Coming from a small high school, I wasnt used to the big transition to college with the amount of people there, Richardson (junior-accounting) said. Im a junior now, and I think Im just making sense of college. Richardson said he felt NSO created uncomfortable dynamics between students for a brief period of time. NSO did not completely prepare me for what I was about to get into, Richardson said There were a lot of good points the orientation went over with us, and living in the dorm overnight was a good step, but it was an awkward adjustment. He said he felt worse for the students who had to complete the orientation virtually because students wouldnt get the on-campus feel from being at NSO. Richardson said he would recommend introducing clubs and ways to find interests and better friend groups at NSO in the future. Two years removed from it, its a little harder to speak about the good things because the bad things resonate more from it, Richardson said. College is overwhelming in and of itself, especially at a big school like Penn State, but if they were able to make a few changes to the orientation, the program would be better fit for students. MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Columbia, MO (65201) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Danville, IL (61832) Today Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. iPhones and iPads continue to replace the terminals once used by field service teams, but there are bigger implications as the kind of information gathered using Esris industry-standard ArcGIS Field Maps app finds new deployments in smart city management and digital twins. With tens of thousands of clients worldwide, Esri is a leader in geospatial information system (GIS). Its core product, ArcGIS Pro, is highly complex software with a wide array of capabilities and numerous extensions that can be used to handle challenging tasks. It's supported by ArcGIS Field Maps on iPhones and iPads, a component of the larger product designed to link accurate mapping technologies with location-based data to help track, place, and monitor resources in the field. ArcGIS Field Maps is much more efficient than paper-based asset tracking, as it enables agents to gather and edit data and report it in real time. The process is less error-prone and also makes it easy to audit who entered what data when, and to share data across the company in real time. [ Further reading: How AR and VR will change enterprise mobility ] The fact the app works on iPhones reflects once again the extent to which Apple has seized space in enterprise ecosystems. How do you use it? You might use the Field Maps app to track electricity pylons, mobile masts, or utilities as a means to support public safety or for government use in, for example, traffic management systems. Some examples of its use: The Charlottesville, Va., fire department uses ArcGIS Field Maps to maintain 1,500 fire hydrants across the city, replacing a cumbersome paper-based process. Globally, food retailers use ArcGIS to identify optimal locations in which to open up new stores. The app is used to manage the water supply in Colorado. A spokesperson said the solution had improved data quality and generated measurable improvements in efficiency compared to the paper-based system it replaced. The Field Maps app was also used to support recovery efforts following severe storms in southeast Alaska in the fall of 2019. Mike Davis, mobile technology practice group lead at HDR Engineering, said: With the durability of iOS devices, which weve used in the field since 2014, we can support teams from the deserts of Dubai to the North Slope of Alaska. Weve never mobilized a team as fast and efficiently as we have with ArcGIS Field Maps app on iPad. More than maps This foundational technology has implications beyond mere maps. Esri has created deep learning systems to extract useful data from information it gathers, such as extracting accurate geographical data from satellite images. The best way to look at these systems is that they can make use of technologies such as iPhones, LiDAR sensors, or iPads to gather accurate real-time data that can itself be combined with other sets of data to yield actionable insights. The on the ground, the real-time reporting provided by these products also helps support emerging digital enterprise use cases, such as digital twins systems that emulate real-world assets to optimize users' understanding, management, and decision making around those assets. Amsterdams Schiphol airport has created its own twin that runs multiple data sets, such as passenger numbers, aircraft, and ground vehicle movement. This virtual digital airport runs alongside the real thing, helping provide insights to manage airport traffic flow, track equipment, and warn of problems. Were also seeing digital twins deployed to help design and manage highly complex challenges, such as traffic management in major conurbations or the design and management of smart cities. Digital transformation Inevitably, as IoT sensors proliferate, networks improve, and on-device/cloud-based machine learning models emerge, the transformation of daily life into data accelerates. This surely is part of what is driving Apples interest in on-device machine learning, LiDAR, the Neural Engine in Apple Silicon, and long-term investments in both 5G and next-generation 6G networks, along with ultra wide-band (UWB). Built for consumers, even with the addition of indoor mapping tools, Apples Maps app is absolutely not a full-fledged GIS product to rank against ArcGIS Field Maps, but both solutions weave well into the digital tapestry as 'mobile everything' and 'processor anything' change how we see and manage our worlds. Whether it's augmented humans wearing Apple Watches or augmented city management systems wielded on iPhones, data is becoming an echo of our world. Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe. How sharp are your formulating skills? Cosmetics & Toiletries puts them to the test with the new 'Label Challenge.' Each Monday, we post a product ingredient disclosure to our social media pages (LinkedIn and Facebook) and you guess the product/product type in the comments. Answers are published here and shared through our Friday newslettersand include a shoutout to the winners. This Week's Answer Caress Shea Butter & Brown Sugar Body Wash, a gentle exfoliating body wash to enhance radiant skin. This body soap is said to wash away dirt and bacteria while leaving skin feeling moisturized. It also can be used as hand soap. Users are directed to smooth the lather all over for a glowing effect. Additionally, the product's fragrance is reported to offer aromatherapy benefits. Related: Formula Focus: Refreshing Face Wash Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamide MEA, Fragrance (Parfum), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Mica (CI 77019), Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Gelatin, Acacia Senegal Gum, PPG-9, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Caramel, Molasses, Maltodextrin, Methylisothiazolinone, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 33 (CI 17200), Blue 1 (CI 42090). Winners Congratulations to Radnaine Sitkei Krisztina, who guessed the correct product type first on Facebook, and Elisa Felippim, who guessed the correct product type and brand first on LinkedIn. Thanks to everyone who played along this weekwe had some very constructive responses. Be sure to check back for next week's "Label Challenge." As of this writing, Black Widow still hasnt premiered, so we have yet to see the first live-action portrayal of the movies main villain, Taskmaster, not to be confused with the British panel show of the same name. Then again, both are equally criminally underrated and hilarious (in a good way). The comic book Taskmaster has been around for more than 40 years now, during which time he went toe to toe with some of Marvels most famous heroes because of his photographic reflexes superpower. Basically, Taskmaster can perfectly replicate any movement that he observes, especially fighting styles. Meaning that he can somersault like Daredevil, throw a shield like Captain America, shoot arrows like Hawkeye, and screw like Tony Stark because you just know that Tony has just a bunch of leaked sex tapes out there. Marvel Comics Good thing I already had the latex and mask. Continue Reading Below Advertisement This was originally a natural ability, but it was later retconned to being the result of injecting himself with Nazi super meth or something. By the way, that story ended with Taskmaster finding a hidden village in the Andes populated entirely by people infected with Hitlers brain. We dont have the time or the acid trip guide necessary to get into the specifics but suffice to say, there is a canonical Hitler Village in Marvel comics thats full of Hitlers who are waging war against other Hitlers to be the only Hitler standing. Marvel Comics Wait, hold up, so the guy in a skull mask and white hood is NOT on our side? Continue Reading Below Advertisement How did Taskmaster end up there? He was trying to recreate his past, which he actually forgets on the reg. See, committing all the moves of every Marvel hero to memory comes at a price. The human brain can only hold so much information, so whenever Taskmaster copies a new fighting style, his mind pushes out some biographical info in order to make room for it. This essentially turns Taskmaster into a recurring amnesiac and the best person to borrow $20 from. So, wait, is Taskmaster even evil? Its true that he went on the occasional trip to Antiheroland, but, typically, the character acts as a mercenary for criminal organizations, meaning that the true villain in all of Taskmaster stories is capitalism. Taskmaster is also known for holding fighting classes for villains, including US Agent, the persona John Walker adopts at the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In conclusion, Black Widow's comic accurate version would basically be a story about a Russian spy punching an American teacher with a brain disorder. Follow Cezary on Twitter. Top Image: Marvel Studios 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 Yes, it should be raised a little bit. It should be increased significantly. No, it should not be raised. Vote View Results Justin Tate is a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver. He got his start as a staff writer for the Balch Springs Sentinel in 2011 and has covered boxing for Bleacher Report and Fox News. He joined CPH in 2021. Follow Justin Tate 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 UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Friday to extend the delivery of humanitarian aid from Turkey to rebel-held northwest Syria for six months with another six months virtually guaranteed after a U.S.-Russia deal, an agreement the U.N. said will provide lifesaving aid to over 3.4 million people in desperate need of food and other assistance. The issue of aid to northwest Idlib has been a top priority for the U.S. administration and President Joe Biden raised it at his summit last month with Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield traveled to the Bab al-Hawa border crossing in Turkey in early June to spotlight the importance of keeping it open. Russia U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia called the vote a historic moment saying Moscow expects it to become a turning point for Syria, the Middle East, the world and hopes that it might be a turning point that is indeed in line with what Putin and Biden discussed in Geneva." Thomas-Greenfield responded calling it an important moment in our relationship that shows what can be achieved if we work with them diplomatically on common goals. The key issue during final negotiations had been whether the council should authorize deliveries through the Bab al-Hawa crossing to northwest Idlib for another year, which the West, U.N. and humanitarian groups said was critical or for six months as Russia, Syrias closest ally, had insisted on. The current one-year mandate for aid through Bab al-Hawa expires on Saturday. The resolution authorizes aid deliveries through Bab al-Hawa for six months until Jan. 10, 2022, with an automatic extension for another six months until July 10, 2022, subject to the issuance of a substantive report by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres -- which is all but certain -- on the transparency of the aid operation and progress on delivering aid across conflict lines within Syria as Russia wanted. Thomas-Greenfield said the resolution assures that food, clean water, vaccines and medicines, which now enter Idlib on about 1,000 trucks every month through Bab al-Hawa, will continue for a year. Thanks to this resolution, millions of Syrians can breathe a sigh of relief tonight knowing that vital humanitarian aid will continue to flow into Idlib through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing after tomorrow, and parents can sleep tonight knowing that for the next 12 months their children will be fed, she said. The humanitarian agreement weve reached here will literally save lives. Nebenzia called the resolution a milestone on the path to resolving the Syrian crisis and overcoming its consequences and said he was grateful to the Americans and all council members for reaching agreement in spite of all the difficulties and problems. The members of the council have given the green light for the cross-border mechanism to be enhanced gradually and then eventually be replaced by cross-line deliveries, he said. For the first time it addresses the need to improve cross-line deliveries. But humanitarian and human rights organizations including Oxfam, the International Rescue Committee, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights criticized the Security Council for allowing Russia to only allow aid through a single crossing for six months, with a six-month extension subject to conditions. Russia and some council members said a second resolution might be needed in January though the U.S., U.K. and others said another resolution isn''t necessary. 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 reopening the Al-Yaroubiya border crossing from Iraq to Syrias mainly Kurdish-controlled northeast. But last week, Nebenzia called that idea a non-starter, so they revised their proposal to just keeping the Bab al-Hawa crossing open for a year. Russia countered Thursday with a rival resolution to keep Bab al-Hawa open for just six months, with the anticipation of renewal subject to a report from Guterres on transparency in aid deliveries and progress on sending aid directly across conflict lines within Syria. It would have required another Security Council vote when the six-month extension expired on Jan. 10. Oxfams Georges Ghali said, one crossing point for such a short period of time is woefully insufficient for the scale of humanitarian need. International Rescue Committee President and CEO David Miliband accused the council of again failing to address life-saving challenges in Syrias northeast where needs have increased up to 40 percent. Human Rights Watchs U.N. Director Louis Charbonneau accused Russia of once again successfully blackmailing the council and allowing only a single crossing. Amnestys U.N. head Sherine Tadros accused Russia of playing political games and ignoring the humanitarian needs of Syrians. Physicians for Human Rights policy director Susannah Sirkin called the compromise resolution shameful, saying Syrian civilians deserve better. But there was relief among the 15 council members that after months of negotiations and not knowing whether Russia would use its veto to close Bab al-Hawa and end all cross-border aid deliveries not only was a compromise reached but it was unanimously agreed. Norways U.N. Ambassador Mona Juul told the council after the vote that it is, in fact, the first time since 2016 that we have unanimously adopted this life-saving cross-border resolution. Irelands U.N. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason said many in the West would have preferred to authorize three border crossings. But we recognize at all times that this is a political process that involved very sensitive, complex negotiations and Ireland believes keeping Bab al-Hawa open for another 12 months is a very good outcome for the people of Syria today, she said. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision to maintain the Bab al-Hawa crossing which will ensure humanitarian assistance continues for over 3.4 million people in need, including 1 million children, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Chinas U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said Tuesday that Beijing wanted the council to not only extend humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria from neighboring countries, but to tackle the impact of Western sanctions by the U.S. and European Union and the need to expand deliveries across conflict lines -- issues he again raised after the vote. It should be stressed here that unilateral sanctions are the main obstacle in improving the humanitarian situation in the country, Zhang said. - This story corrects the date of the second extension to July 10, 2022 Officials in the Lower Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline reported minimal damage Friday as Tropical Storm Elsa dumped rain all along the coast, before clearing the area by early afternoon. Several towns, however, were left to deal with power losses. Flooding ranged from minor, to some low-lying roads submerged and one bridge that will need to be replaced due to the storm. Guilford Deputy Fire Chief Christopher Massey said Friday afternoon he had no substantial incidents in town to report. There were some minor roadway flooding conditions in a couple areas that appear to be resolved, and few road closures. East Haddam Director of Emergency Management Craig Mansfield said Friday that the large number of reported power outages in the town were due to a number of downed trees that snapped utility lines. Hundreds of customers were reportedly without power Friday in East Haddam, Haddam and Durham. Around 3 p.m., after the storm had passed, Mansfield said power had been restored to all but about 200 customers in East Haddam. Theres a couple events with wires that are down, roads that are blocked, Mansfield said. No significant property damage or flooding had been reported. Overall, we fared pretty well so far, he said. East Hampton Town Manager David Cox said midday Friday that two roads in town were covered in water from rain-swollen creeks. Lake Drive is under a couple of feet of water near where Hales Brook flows into Pocotopaug Lake, he said. Meanwhile, crews are investigating a flooded portion of Highway 196 south of Highway 16 to determine the depth of the water. Cox said officials have not received calls about stranded vehicles, though the fire department was responding to several calls for assistance on private property. In Essex, First Selectman Norm Needleman said late morning that he had been in touch with Eversource officials and the most recent report is were all right. The utility reported a handful of outages in towns along the mouth of the river. In Middletown, Mayor Ben Florsheim said on the social media that several streets were blocked due to flooding: Paddock Road, Lee Street, Lyceum Road, Randolph Road between Lee and Millbrook, Highland Ave between South Main and Stevens Lane, Wesleyan Hills Road between South Main and Long Hill, Newfield Street at Congdon Street Mill Street between South Main and Ridge and Mile Lane between Ridgewood and Talia's Trail. Unfortunately, there was permanent bridge damage on Mile Lane, so that section of the road will be closed until it can be repaired. We are working to get all others cleared in the next few hours, Florsheim wrote on Facebook. Florsheim said in an early afternoon call with Hearst Connecticut that he believes Middletown is past the worst of the storm and there was no permanent damage on the flooded roads. The bridge, however, was flooded out, said the mayor, who expects a bridge replacement may need to be done. There were no reports of flooding in Old Saybrook, Fire Department Chief Joe Johnson said at 10:30 a.m. I dont want to anticipate anything, he said of the storms potential damage. Generally, in big storms, the fire department is called to rescue motorists stranded in their vehicles from flooding, or people in homes, whose basements have flooded, said Max Sabrin of the Old Saybrook Fire Department. There had been no calls during the height of the storm, he added. Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna said in a text message Friday morning there was some minor flooding, in town, but not many reports of vehicles becoming stuck in the water. High tide in Connecticut occured shortly before noon Friday, bringing a potential for increased flooding. Officials were waiting for the tide to come in and go. I just took a drive by the low-lying areas and theres no flooding as of yet, said Ray Guasp, emergency management director in Chester. Well see what happens around high tide. In Clinton, officials were seeing minor road flooding as the heavy rain bands passed through mid-morning, according to Michael Neff, Network and Security Manager for Clinton Public Schools. All streets are passable at this point, he said. He advised people to stay home; stay safe. And if you see standing water in the road, do not drive through it drive around. Friday morning, Branford Fire Chief Tom Mahoney said there were three local roads that were impassable due to flooding: Alps Road at West Main Street, Pent Road at West Main Street, and Red Hill Road. Weve had a couple of cars stuck, but no injuries or anything like that, and you know, were just waiting for high tide to come and go, he said. In Westbrook, Its been relatively mild this morning, said Fire Department Capt. Greg Prevost, who is also technical operations supervisor at Valley Shore 911 as well as the Westbrook Ambulance chief. The typical underpasses were getting the normal flooding that occurs during heavy rains, but the Shoreline areas did not, Prevost said. As far as outages, he added, there is nothing power-wise. Middletowns full Public Works contingent made up of the public works department, parks and recreation, water and sewer department all worked overtime Thursday night. Florsheim said their activation was to make sure they could respond as quickly as possible. Middletowns new pump station that moves the sewage up to Cromwell was overloaded, Florsheim said, and there was a bit of flooding in the basement there but it was built to withstand that. It just sort of speaks to the incredible volume, the mayor said. It looks like its going to be closer to six inches [of rain] than to four. Visit our live storm blog at middletownpress.com and outage tracker at ctpost.com . Middletown Press Managing Editor Cassandra Day contributed to this story. 99 cent introductory offer Includes everything we offer online for 24-7 news. This option allows you to read unlimited stories at ctnewsonline.com, and access our e-Edition (digital replicate of the daily newspaper). $7.99 per month after the introductory offer. This service comes with a complimentary CT Select Card allowing for local discounts. Rates are subject to change. avid_creative / Getty Images BRIDGEPORT City police want the publics help to gather information regarding an incident in the Jewett Avenue area Thursday morning, according to a news release. Police shared a Ring video of a person walking down a sidewalk in front of a home a person they say attacked a woman around 11 a.m. Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidance Friday morning stating vaccinated students, teachers and staff dont need to wear masks in school this fall, with some exceptions. Masks will still be required on all public transportation, including school buses, and apply to passengers and drivers. The new recommendations give leeway to school administrators who may opt to require universal masking. Unvaccinated teachers and students, including those who are not yet age-eligible, should continue to wear face coverings in school buildings, according to the agency. Students and educators, vaccinated or not, can go mask-less in most outdoor settings including recess and gym. Though the CDCs guidance is not a mandate, the recommendations will likely help state and district leaders make key decisions about school reopenings this fall. In a joint statement, the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the state Department of Education said they are reviewing the CDC guidance and will be assessing Connecticuts current and future guidance for schools. The departments said they strongly endorse and support the guidances emphasis on the importance of in-person learning, and on vaccinating the maximum number of students and staff eligible. The statement also said the departments are working toward the release of Connecticut-specific guidance for schools in the coming days. Some reasons the CDC cited for more stringent masking requirements include teaching students under the age of vaccine eligibility (grades prekindergarten through six) and high COVID-19 transmission rates in the school or area. A school might decide to mandate face coverings if they lack a system to monitor vaccine status or have difficulty enforcing non-universal policies, the agency said. The CDC makes clear that schools and school systems should be supportive of people who are fully vaccinated but wear a mask on their own accord or due to a medical condition. The states largest teachers union encouraged districts on Friday to follow the CDCs guidance, including on other preventative measures. The CDC continues to recommend proper ventilation and three feet of social distancing, though it said the latter should not impede a full school reopening. Students and teachers who are not fully vaccinated still need to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19. Were clearly very happy with the idea that more and more, it looks like teachers and kids can be back in school in-person, doing it the way we know it should be done, said Jeff Leake, president of the Connecticut Education Association. Everything seems to be heading in that direction. The guidelines also make it clear that people have to cooperate; people have to be honest. We dont want people saying theyre vaccinated when theyre not, said Leake, who added he hasnt heard of official vaccine-status reporting requirements at this stage. He said that safety should remain a top priority as students return to school buildings this fall. Im seeing in some communities that parents are saying no kids should wear masks, he said. Thats clearly not what this says. The American Federation of Teachers Connecticut was largely in agreement. Our members are concerned that communities reporting high immunization rates today will abandon mitigation strategies like masking, distancing and ventilation for the fall, said Mary Yordon, AFT CT vice president for preK-12 educators. Those tactics can interfere with instruction somewhat, but last year we learned that they effectively reduce risks. Our union members wish nothing more than to return to no-mask, in-person classrooms. Such convenience and comfort should not come at a risk to their health or that of their students and families, she said. Debates over masking have broken out across Connecticut since the early stages of the pandemic. At first, parents and educators were concerned about or outright rejected that children would follow masking rules, but students showed those fears were mostly unwarranted. Then in May, updated mask guidance from the CDC said people who are vaccinated could go mask-less in most indoor and outdoor settings. That left many school officials and administrators confused, until the agency clarified that universal masking should remain for schools through the end of the academic year. The mask debate then heated up across Connecticut, with mostly parents demanding the requirement be lifted for schools, too. Families in the Danbury-area urged urged school boards to remove the mandate. Parents in Branford staged an anti-mask rally along a well-traveled parkway. The Fairfield school board called on the state to end the requirement. Some school districts have been waiting on Fridays guidance to make any determinations on masking, while others have put in place their own rules. While it is good to have some updated guidance from the CDC, much can change between now and the first scheduled day of school, said Stamford Superintendent Tamu Lucero. We will continue to monitor the national, state and local health professionals recommendations and make a determination closer to the beginning of the school year. East Hampton and Newtown Public Schools opted to make masks optional last month. New Fairfield, meanwhile, plans to require masks at the beginning of the year, even if the state does not. The CDC guidance also urges schools to promote vaccination, calling it one of the most critical strategies to help schools safely resume full operations. School districts throughout Connecticut have made vaccinating eligible students a priority. Bridgeport Public Schools and Southwest Community Health Center have partnered to host Pfizer vaccine clinics next week. Students ages 12 and older with a parent or guardian present can get vaccinated at four schools Batalla, Roosevelt, Blackham and Read School on different days starting Monday. Other districts have run similar initiatives as more students have qualified for the vaccine. Students ages 12 to 15 only became eligible for the vaccine in May, but time is already running out for them to get fully vaccinated before schools reopen. A complete series of the Pfizer vaccine, the only shot currently authorized for children ages 12 to 17, takes at least five weeks for the two shots to be administered and full protection to kick in. That means if students wait to get vaccinated for the next few weeks, they wont reap all the benefits until the end of August or early September. Staff writers Ignacio Laguarda and Julia Perkins contributed to this report. LOS ANGELES (AP) Rocker Marilyn Manson surrendered to police in Los Angeles last week in connection with a 2019 arrest warrant out of New Hampshire where he allegedly assaulted a videographer at a concert, authorities said. Manson, whose legal name is Brian Hugh Warner, is charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault stemming from an alleged incident on Aug. 19, 2019 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford. Gilford police Chief Anthony J. Bean Burpee said Thursday that Manson had turned himself into law enforcement in Los Angeles the week before. Manson was booked and released without bail pending a court appearance in New Hampshire. Manson's attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. The victim, a videographer, was in the venue's stage pit area at the time of the alleged assault, Gilford police previously said. The misdemeanor charges can each result in a jail sentence of less than a year and a $2,000 fine if convicted. Los Angeles Police Capt. Brent McGuyre confirmed Manson's surrender to The Associated Press. Manson turned himself in at the department's Hollywood station on July 2 and was processed on the warrant before being released. This is consistent with anybody who has a misdemeanor warrant that is not local, McGuyre said. Manson also has faced abuse accusations unrelated to the New Hampshire incident in recent years. He has denied wrongdoing. In February, actor Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Manson, her ex-fiance, of sexual and other physical abuse, alleging she was manipulated into submission during their relationship. Months later, Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco sued Manson in federal court in Los Angeles, alleging sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The AP generally does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, but Bianco and Wood have spoken publicly. In 2018, Los Angeles County prosecutors declined to file charges against Manson over allegations of assault, battery and sexual assault dating to 2011, saying they were limited by statutes of limitations and a lack of corroboration. The accuser in that case was identified only as a social acquaintance of Manson. The executive director of Women Against Mass Incarceration is leading a clemency quilt tour through the state next week to highlight the fact that there are women being held for long terms in the states prisons who she said deserve to be freed. These women have been in prison for 10 years or more and some have medical issues that have to be addressed but cant be completely addressed by the Department of Corrections, Tiheba Bain said. If they were considered a threat to society at the time of the crime, they are not a threat at this time. WAMI is an organization that advocates for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in Connecticut. It also helps women, who are released from prison, re-enter the community. Bain, who previously worked with a national re-entry program, began WAMI in 2017. She said during the beginning of their campaign to seek clemency for incarcerated women they had quilts made up for every state to highlight the names of women who were incarcerated. Bain said at this point they have a list of 20 to 25 names of women in Connecticut prisons who meet some of the criteria for clemency including that they are elderly, medically infirm long-timers. However, she said they are currently seeking the release of four female prisoners, including Krista LaFountain, Ebony Casey, and Madeline Griffin. Griffin is currently serving a 12-year sentence for burning down her mothers house on Light Street in Stratford in 2013. Casey is serving a 40-year term for murder and robbery and LaFountain is serving 55 years for murder. We are asking the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the governor to use their clemency power and release these women, Bain said. The tour is beginning on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Old New Gate Prison, a former state prison in East Granby. A symposium will then be held the following day at 11 a.m. at the state capitol then reconvene on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Samuel M. Peretz Park in East Lyme before ending up at 1 p.m. at the WAMI offices at 840 State St. in Bridgeport. Bain said at the end of the tour, in Bridgeport, they will be holding a rally for the community to highlight their organization and goals. So that the people of Bridgeport get to know exactly what is going on here, she said. She said the rally will include information on community re-entry programs for former inmates. Bain said they will be having activities for children and they are currently promoting the rally in the citys housing projects. 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. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on currypilot.com. The Curry Coastal Pilot's E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) Elizabeth City, NC (27909) Today Sunny early then increasing cloudiness this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Dalton, GA (30720) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. featured Travel New look, new food options for Thruway service areas 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. Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. West Chester Fleming honored for serving as fire service volunteer for 50 years featured East Marlborough Hollywood turns to Chester County man when it needs antique cars A deadly gun battle tore through the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince yesterday as police fought heavily-armed men suspected of assassinating the countrys president in the early hours of Wednesday. Haitian officials said last night that four suspects were killed, six arrested and two more are still at large. They believe two Haitian Americans are among those arrested, including James Solages, a former bodyguard at the Canadian embassy in Port-au-Prince. Reportedly pretending to be U.S. drug enforcement agents, the gunmen had burst into the home of President Jovenel Moise and riddled him with bullets, seriously injuring his wife. A diplomat described the assassins as well-trained professionals, killers, commandos. Former Haitian President Jovenel Moise and his wife Martine Marie Etienne Joseph when he took office in 2017 Ruling by fear: Papa Doc and son Baby Doc in 1965. Papa doc had feared enforcers the Tontons Macoutes Haitis acting prime minister Claude Joseph, who has declared a state of siege, had appealed to his citizens to hand over any remaining suspects rather than lynch them. Ordinary Haitians who joined the hunt had set fire to cars used by the attackers in anger over the killing and roughed up two suspects they found hiding in bushes before handing them to police. Protesters gathered outside a police station where they believed the suspects were being held, shouting: Burn them. It remained unclear whether police believed they had found all the alleged gunmen, although police chief Leon Charles said his forces attention had now turned to identifying those who masterminded the plot. A Haitian judge said the attackers had burst into the presidents home at 1am, tying up staff before going to Mr Moises bedroom where they shot him at least 12 times. His wife, Martine, was evacuated by air to Miami where she is now in a stable condition. Their daughter, Jomarlie, was also at home but hid in a bedroom and escaped unharmed. The murder of Mr Moise has plunged the deeply troubled Caribbean country into turmoil but turmoil has always been the natural state of the country of Papa Doc, his feared enforcers the Tontons Macoutes and voodoo. A country so poor that most of its trees have been cut down to make charcoal. Its last major disaster came in 2010 when a devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale flattened much of Haiti in 2010, killing up to 300,000 people. Shortly afterwards, U.S. evangelical preacher Pat Robertson caused a stir when he claimed that Haitians were reaping the consequences of the pact their founding fathers had made with the devil. He was referring to how, according to folklore, slave leaders were so desperate to throw off the yoke of their brutal French overlords that they held a voodoo ritual known as the Bois Caiman ceremony to invoke the aid of dark forces when they met in 1791 to plan their insurrection. Some dismiss the tale as anti-voodoo Christian propaganda but it illustrates how Haiti is so uniquely blighted that some are even ready to believe that a curse explains its endless nightmare. The country was founded in blood and has continued to wade through it for much of its history. The French colony known as Saint Domingue ceded to France by Spain in 1697 was incredibly lucrative for France. However, the sugar plantations that principally provided its wealth relied on vast numbers of African slaves some 40,000 a year. Their existence was utter misery. They only had to survive two years to recoup their purchase costs, encouraging plantation owners to work them literally to death. They were cowed into submission by barbaric punishments such as being thrown into boiling cauldrons of cane syrup or down mountainsides in barrels lined with spikes. By 1789, when revolution erupted in France, the whites were heavily outnumbered and the slaves rebelled two years later with a savagery they had learned from the French. The severed heads of European children were sometimes placed on spikes and carried at the head of advancing slave armies. There were bloody massacres on both sides before the slaves won their freedom in 1804, only for an independent Haitis first ruler, former slave Jean-Jacques Dessalines, to be assassinated two years later. After another revolution in 1911, Haiti convinced Washington that it might default on its debts, and so the U.S. occupied it in 1915 and only left in 1934. A relentless succession of revolts, assassinations, massacres, and repressive regimes culminated in the emergence of one of the most terrifying dictators of modern times. Francois Duvalier, whose former occupation as a doctor earned him the nickname Papa Doc, became president in 1957. The despot enforced his will with his notorious secret police, the Tontons Macoutes who, in their trademark floppy hats, jeans and sunglasses, tortured, raped and murdered anyone who opposed him. His corrupt and repressive regime is estimated to have killed up to 60,000 people. Duvalier wrapped himself in the traditions of voodoo the homegrown religion that mixed Catholicism with traditional West African spirit-based beliefs. He modelled himself on voodoos Baron Samedi, the sinister spirit of the graveyard, hiding his eyes behind sunglasses and affecting a deep nasal tone. The Tontons Macoutes were named after a folklore bogeyman who kidnapped badly-behaved children and ate them for breakfast. An armed member of the Tonton Macoute (the Haitian militia) controls crowds in the streets of Port-au-Prince, circa 1980 Duvalier reportedly kept in a cupboard the head of Blucher Philogenes, a political rival who tried to overthrow him. Papa Doc was succeeded on his death in 1971 by Baby Doc, his equally depraved 19-year-old son Jean-Claude. The playboy Baby Doc continued his fathers repulsively corrupt and repressive ways. When Baby Doc fled a coup in 1986, driving his BMW into the hold of a U.S. military cargo plane which whisked him to Paris, he reportedly took $900 million in stolen funds with him. Avenging Haitians armed with machetes hunted down the fleeing Tontons Macoutes through the streets. Successive leaders have faced violent protests, often triggered by food and oil shortages, poverty and corruption. The Tontons Macoutes were named after a folklore bogeyman who kidnapped badly-behaved children and ate them for breakfast Jovenel Moise was also branded a dictator and faced accusations of campaign fraud and corruption, but used his control of the judicial system to have the charges dismissed. But why is Haiti so dysfunctional? Apart from an unbroken chain of bad leadership, the huge indemnity to France and the early hostility of Western countries including Britain, some even blame voodoo. Most people in Haiti quietly respect it even if they dont practise it and Haitians say it is much-maligned. (I had dinner with two high-ranking voodoo priests in Port-au-Prince after the earthquake, and they were eminently respectable.) However, critics say voodoo has instilled superstitious Haitians with a terrible fatalism that prevents them from making more of their circumstances. But, whatever its cause, there seems no end in sight to Haitis misery. A terrifying letter was waiting for us at home this week, on our return from our first summer break in two years. Addressed to Thomas and Lucinda Utley, it came from our local council and threatened us with a penalty of tens of thousands of pounds if we failed to comply with an enclosed 'Requisition for Information' within 14 days. 'Dear Sir/Madam,' it began, 'the London Borough of Lambeth have information that the property above is being used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and is required to be licensed... 'Failure to license is an offence and enforcement action can result in either a civil penalty of up to 30,000 or prosecution (unlimited fine).' My blood ran cold. How on Earth had the council got hold of this totally false notion that we let rooms in our house to three or more people in two or more households which is apparently the definition of an HMO? A terrifying letter came from our council this week and threatened us with a penalty of tens of thousands of pounds if we failed to comply with an 'Requisition for Information' (stock image) It's true that back in the early 1990s, when the Utley finances were at rock bottom, we took in a lodger called Olga. But this unhappy experiment lasted for only a few weeks and we haven't repeated it since. It wasn't poor Olga's fault that she got on my nerves. But there was something about the way she would tiptoe about the house, like a child playing Grandmother's Footsteps, that I found infinitely more irritating than if she'd clumped around in hobnailed boots. Another thing about her was that all her clothes, without exception, were beige. For reasons I can't explain, the sight of all those beige skirts, trousers, shirts and underwear hanging on our washing line filled me with profound depression. I know. I'm a thoroughly unreasonable old curmudgeon and I ought to be ashamed of myself. Anyway, on that joyous day 30 years ago when our lodger announced that she was moving out, I resolved that we'd never take another. Since then, the only occupants of our house have been me, Mrs U and our four sons only the youngest of whom remains in permanent residence, although another keeps moving back for long spells when he's 'between flats'. Nor have I ever charged any of them a penny in rent (though I've often been tempted to, if only to drive them out). My first thought when I read Lambeth's threatening letter was that perhaps some mean-spirited, curtain-twitching neighbour had been spreading malicious gossip about me. He or she might have witnessed the comings and goings of our grown-up boys and assumed that they were tenants. But I quickly dismissed that idea, since our neighbours seem far too nice to be capable of doing anything so nasty. How had the council got hold of a false notion that we let rooms out to three or more people in two or more households - which is apparently the definition of an HMO? (stock image) So I rang the council for an explanation. After five recorded assurances that 'your call is important to us', I finally got through to a functionary, who told me that he'd had numerous similar calls from people who had received the same letter. He didn't know anything about it, he said, but gave me an email address for somebody who would. I duly fired off a furious email and received an automated reply, saying that I'd be contacted within ten days. Well, I was damned if I was going to wait that long, with the threat of prosecution hanging over me. So I emailed Lambeth's head of communications, saying that I was writing a column about this, and asking for the council's side of the story. He promised to make inquiries and get back to me ASAP. It was only when I woke up yesterday morning that I suddenly remembered a curious incident ten years ago, when 11 identical letters dropped on to my doormat, each containing an application form for a postal vote. They were addressed to people with highly improbable-sounding names: David Bottoms, Fatima Merkhel and Billinda Apostol, among others. I was convinced that I'd stumbled on a clear case of electoral fraud, since nobody with those names had ever lived at my address. But then extensive inquiries revealed that all these people were residents at the old folks' home two doors up the road from us, whose address had been wrongly entered on the electoral roll as mine. Could the same mistake have been made again? Sure enough, the council's press chief got back to me and confirmed that my letter had been sent in error, because of what appeared to be an issue with the electoral roll. With profuse apologies, he said that in view of my complaint, council officers were now discussing how to rephrase their standard letter, so as to make it less frightening. A happy ending, then, up to a point. But not all the recipients of that scary letter are lucky enough to be Daily Mail columnists. Others, who may also have been sent it in error, are likely to have suffered days of anxiety while they waited for the council to investigate. This episode has also set me thinking that there isn't really a severe housing shortage in the South-East, as we're so often being told. Many hundreds of thousands of couples like us are rattling around in large family homes, with rooms lying empty after our young have flown the nest. I suspect many of these, unlike me, would welcome the extra income to be had from taking a few lodgers and a great many young people would welcome the opportunity to move in for a reasonable rent. What property owners don't welcome, however, is all the hassle and bureaucracy involved in having tenants, from council inspections to the risk of massive fines if they fail to comply with regulations. So the rooms stay empty. Yes, all those rules on fire doors, etc, have the noble aim of cracking down on rogue landlords who keep tenants in appalling conditions. But they also contribute hugely to pushing up rents and limiting the housing stock available to rent. All of which brings me back to our blissful four-day summer break in a wonderful flat in Devon. It was lent to us by hugely generous friends, who use it themselves only when work permits. Despite all my pleading, they've refused to accept any payment from me, though they are very far from rich. The episode set me thinking that there isn't a housing shortage in the South-East. Many couples are rattling around in large family homes, with rooms lying empty (stock image) It was while we were there that I read this week's stories about the extortionate rents being demanded for UK properties in holiday locations during the pandemic prices doubling in Dorset, for example, and more than 10,000 a night being asked for a three-bed cottage in Cornwall. Of course, asking for that much is not the same thing as getting it (if you want my opinion, you'd have to be seriously deranged to pay 10,000 a night for a cottage or else so ludicrously rich that money meant nothing to you). But quite clearly, my friends could charge hundreds of pounds a night for their flat, with its breathtaking panoramic views across the river to Dartmouth. What stops them is not just their extreme kindness to their friends, but a clause in their 56-year lease which forbids sub-letting. If they charged anyone so much as a tenner, they'd risk bringing the law crashing down on them. Or so they claim. The result is that their flat, like countless other second homes in beauty spots, lies empty for much of the time, while it could be giving them much-needed income and allowing other families to enjoy a wonderful holiday like ours. Nor do you have to be a Nobel-prizewinning economist to understand that if only the rules on letting were relaxed, many more properties would become available and rents would therefore come down to within the reach of many more of us. Of course, regulations on letting are well intentioned. But where increasing the sum of human happiness is concerned, I would submit that they cause more problems than they solve in Lambeth and Devon alike. As for our friends, do the rules permit us to give them a small token of our love and gratitude? Or is even that forbidden by law? A high school teacher who was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a painless lump beside her nipple is urging women to check their breasts once a month. Ashwini 'Ash' Sivanantham discovered a hard mass that 'felt like a tiny AirPods case' in her left breast while showering on the morning of April 1, 2019. Despite feeling perfectly healthy and experiencing 'absolutely none' of the other telltale symptoms, the then-30-year-old from Perth, WA, saw her GP for an ultrasound to rule out anything sinister. Four days and one biopsy later, Ms Sivanantham was stunned to be diagnosed with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma - the most common form of breast cancer. Ashwini 'Ash' Sivanantham (pictured) discovered a hard mass that 'felt like a tiny AirPods case' in her left breast while showering on the morning of April 1, 2019 Ms Sivanantham said her immediate reaction was disbelief. 'I just felt it wasn't possible, no-one gets cancer at 30 it's too young,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Ms Sivanantham recalled sobbing in her sister's arms until her doctor assured her that her cancer was at an early stage and therefore highly treatable. Three weeks later, surgery on April 22 to remove the 4cm lump plus seven cancerous lymph nodes proved successful and Ms Sivanantham immediately began treatment to prevent the cancer from recurring. After a biopsy to examine the lump, Ms Sivanantham (left and right) was stunned to be diagnosed with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma - the most common form of breast cancer Over the following five months, she underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation. Ms Sivanantham continued to work as a special needs teacher at a Perth high school throughout her treatment, an outlet she calls her 'saving grace'. 'I did take a few days after chemotherapy off... it was the single most brutal thing I have ever had to go through. The pain you get after chemo is next level,' she said. Ms Sivanantham will continue to take daily medication for the next five years to reduce the risk of her cancer recurring, but she 'counts her blessings everyday' nonetheless. 'I'm currently cancer free and hopefully I'll stay that way,' she said. Ms Sivanantham (right, with a friend) is now cancer free but must take daily medication for the next five years to prevent it from recurring Symptoms of IDC breast cancer * Lump in the breast * Nipple discharge * Thickening of the breast skin * Rash or redness on the breast * Rash on the nipple * Swelling in one breast * Dimpling of the nipple or breast skin * The nipple turning inward * Lumps in the underarm * Unusual changes in breast or nipple appearance Source: Cancer Council Australia Advertisement Ms Sivanantham is one of an estimated 19,807 Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In 2019 - the year of her diagnosis - breast cancer was the fifth leading cause of cancer death in Australia and the second most common cause of death from cancer for women. The invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) Ms Sivanantham bravely battled is the most common type of breast cancer in the world, accounting for roughly 80 percent of all diagnosed cases. This form of cancer begins in the milk ducts before breaking through the lining of the duct and spreading into the surrounding breast tissue. Ms Sivanantham (pictured) is one of an estimated 19,807 Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer each year Left untreated, invasive ductal carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. The early symptoms most invasive ductal carcinoma sufferers experience are few and easy to miss, which makes it difficult to spot and often leads to delays in diagnosis. The only warning signs most women experience are a small, hard lump in the breast, and occasionally breast tenderness, rashes and a nipple that turns inwards - but these symptoms only occur in rare cases. If detected early, the chance of successful treatment and long-term survival is excellent, so long as the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. A breast cancer survivor's tips for post-chemo hair growth 1. Coconut oil hair mask 'I was super good with this at the beginning and applied it every weekend, but I got lazy. So now it's as and when I remember to!' Ash said. 'I use the Macro Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Woolworths, you can find it in the health aisle. Basically put it all over your roots and hair, chuck it in a bun and leave it for an hour. 2. Bondi Boost shampoo and conditioner The only thing Ash uses in the shower. 3. Bondi Boost Intensive Growth Spray Ash said she applies this everyday. 4. Bondi Boost Heat Protector Spray For whenever she uses heated styling tools. 5. Hair Growth Vitamins Ash said she tries to take these everyday. Advertisement In the two years since her diagnosis, Ms Sivanantham said her priorities have changed. She politely declines invitations whenever she feels she needs to rest and puts her health above everything else. Ms Sivanantham is urging other women to do the same by checking their breasts every month for lumps and changes in texture, no matter how insignificant they may seem. 'Sometimes your body changes and it suddenly decides to appear. A lump might not always be cancer, but it's best to be safe,' she said. 'Early detection is key. It's confronting, but act on it fast.' Ms Sivanantham believes the Australian Government could do more to raise awareness about youth cancer. Ms Sivanantham (pictured) is urging women to check their breasts every month for lumps and changes in texture, no matter how insignificant they may seem 'A lot of people think cancer is an old person's thing, it's not,' she said. 'Cancer is ruthless. It doesn't stop and say "oh not you, you're too young".' She said she would like to see more support groups being created for young adults diagnosed with cancer, as the ones currently in existence are geared towards under 18s and over 40s. Ms Sivanantham praised the Australian Instagram page Cancer Chicks for being the support she needed throughout the most difficult stages of her journey. The account, founded by lymphoma survivor Rikki Stern, now has 1,869 followers, many of whom regularly get together for holidays, day trips, dance classes and art therapy sessions. 'Those women have helped me through some of my hardest times,' Ms Sivanantham said. For more information on invasive ductal carcinoma and other types of breast cancer, please visit the Australian Cancer Council. As we head into barbecue and picnic season, strawberries are firmly back on the menu as a quintessential part of our summer get-togethers with friends and family. But when you sip a G&T or tuck into a bowl of strawberries and cream, you probably don't think twice about a berrys journey from seed to fruit. While strawberries are flying off the shelves this summer, producing them does have an impact on the environment, as they require a lot of warmth and water to grow, particularly in colder climates like the UK. Wicks Farm, near Chichester, uses vertical farming technology that requires 50 per cent less water and a 90 per cent reduction in carbon footprint per kilo of fruit Thats something Tesco is keen to reduce as part of its mission, in partnership with WWF, to halve the environmental impact of the average shopping basket. Tesco and its suppliers have been working hard behind the scenes to reinvent the way strawberries are grown in a bid to make Britains favourite summer fruit more sustainable. And using cutting-edge vertical farming techniques, Tesco supplier Direct Produce Supplies Ltd (DPS) has managed to innovate a greener way of growing strawberries, all while ensuring customers can enjoy them at their freshest and juiciest all summer long. With support from Tesco, it has set up the UKs first commercial vertical farm, Wicks Farm, near Arundel, West Sussex. Here, an incredible five hectares of neatly-stacked rows of strawberries are grown indoors for Tesco customers using natural light, and without soil. And this week, the first strawberries grown in this way will be hitting Tescos stores. This method of growing strawberries, which will produce nearly a thousand tonnes for Tesco this year, uses 50 per cent less water and reduces their carbon footprint by 90 per cent per kilo compared with traditional farming methods. This is not only better for the environment, but it also means strawberries can be grown on a larger scale, in all weathers, meaning even more fresh strawberries for Tesco customers this season. Wicks Farm's location was specifically chosen to make the most of high levels of natural light and temperature The berry industry is grappling with how to feed an ever-growing global population in a more sustainable way' Weve been working with Tesco for the past three years, perfecting how to grow the best strawberries in this way, says DPS CEO Paul Beynon. Last year, we made the decision to scale up the project and alongside Tesco we commissioned our state-of-the-art 11m vertical farm. 'We chose our farm location near Chichester on the south coast because this region gives the highest natural levels of light and temperature in the UK, maximising the potential to grow strawberries sustainably. At Wicks Farm, strawberries are grown using hydroponic technology, instead of growing in soil. This means the plants are fed the nutrients they need through water, allowing growers to fully control their conditions and maximise the amount of strawberries that can be produced while ensuring theyre tasty and fresh for customers. The area of land required to grow a kilo of strawberries can be cut down by 80 per cent when using this new vertical farming method, meaning five times more strawberries can be grown this way than using traditional methods, too. Tescos Fruit Technical Manager, Sabina Wyant, explains another way that Tescos new method of growing strawberries helps the environment. 'Only good quality indoor growing structures (glasshouses) allow growers to capture, filter and re-use water,' she says. By using a vertical indoor glasshouse structure, we can both reduce the amount of water that we need, and capture and re-use rainwater. While strawberries are traditionally grown using coir bags, Wicks Farm uses clay balls as a growing medium, which can be recycled and re-used for up to three years, reducing waste. Growers at Wicks Farm, West Sussex, are harvesting the first vertically-grown strawberries for Tesco stores at their state of the art farm in time for the summer season When it comes to traditional methods of growing strawberries, unpredictable weather conditions can create a big challenge in meeting demand. During the summer, the UK sees its highest annual demand for strawberries, but too much rainfall can stunt production, leaving suppliers and retailers with a shortfall. And while theyve done their best to come up with ways to extend the growing season and protect against adverse weather - such as growing in polytunnels and using fleece for crop protection - the UK yield is still struggling to meet an ever-growing demand for strawberries. This is where vertical farming can also come in handy. Land can be effectively used by growing crops in areas where the weather usually wouldnt allow, and careful monitoring allows high-quality plants to be grown year-round. Through an in-depth understanding of the chemistry and biology underlying its even shape and sweet flavour, this unique method also enables growers to optimise the specific strawberry characteristics customers love most, producing only the best varieties based on flavour and shelf life. DPS and Tesco have also invested in a new QR code on strawberry packaging, enabling customers to learn more about where their berries have come from and the work that goes on behind the scenes to fill every punnet. 'For shoppers there is a clear benefit, with consistent quality fruit and availability for up to nine months of the year, regardless of the weather conditions,' explains Sabina. Tesco and DPS also hope to eventually extend the British season beyond its traditional window. 'We hope that our project will encourage others to evolve the way they farm' The new production system means even more fresh strawberries will be on Tescos shelves this summer Paul believes this unique method of growing sustainable produce could be the future of the agricultural industry and offer a glimpse of hope for a greener planet. The berry industry, like all areas of agriculture, is grappling with how to feed an ever-growing global population in a more sustainable way. 'Given the increasing pressure on land for food, energy and accommodation, were trying to do our bit by ensuring we can grow high-quality, affordable produce using the minimum precious finite resources possible. Its hoped vertical farming could soon be used to grow other types of fruit, too. 'We are still at a relatively early stage in vertical growing, and in the future we believe that we can make even further advances in sustainable strawberry production that we could use for other fruit crops too.' says Paul. We hope if our project is successful, it might encourage others to evolve the way they farm, which will ultimately benefit us globally. The mother of one of the Columbine school shooters admitted she 'prayed her son would die' when she learned of the massacre. Sue Klebolds son Dylan Klebold was one of the two teenagers behind the school shooting at Columbine High School, Colorado, in 1999. Klebold and Eric Harris opened fire at their high school, killing 13 people and injuring a further 24 in the attack, with Sue dismissing her son's sullen moods for teen anguish while he quietly plotted the deaths. Appearing in BBC Four documentary Raising a School Shooter, the 72-year-old said that her son was laid to rest in a cardboard box, and that she was terrified to leave the premise in case someone 'hurt him' or stole his body. Although she has battled for decades to gain a greater understanding over her son's actions, Ms Klebold she is now in a place where she is 'happy'. Dylan Klebold was one of the two teenagers behind the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999, one of the deadliest school shootings in history Sue Klebolds son Dylan Klebold was one of the two teenagers behind the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999. She appeared on BBC Four documentary Raising a School Shooter where she broke down while remembering his funeral Recalling the day her son was buried, Ms Klebold said he was laid to rest in a cardboard box, and broke down into floods of tears as she said she wanted to 'crawl in that casket with him' and was desperate to understand what drove her son to commit such an atrocious crime. 'He was just there in a cardboard box and they allowed us each to have a few minutes with him,' said Sue. 'What I remember doing was just wanting to crawl in that casket with him, he was so cold I just kept thinking, I've got to get him warm, I just wanted him to be warm. 'I said out loud, "Darling help me understand what happened, that's all I want to understand". And I didn't realise until this very moment that did become my life mission, I hope Dylan has helped me understand because that's what I've been seeking for 20 years, was understanding.' Sue remembered the moment she was told that her son was one of the shooters, admitting that she prayed for her son to die after finding out he had hurt so many people. The 72-year-old said broke don in floods of tears as she revealed that her son was laid to rest in a cardboard box, and that she was terrified to leave the premise in case someone 'hurt him' or stole his body 'I got home and before long a SWAT team got there and a detective and it was just craziness', said Sue. 'They were saying 25 people were dead and I remember thinking at one point, if Dylan is really hurting people the way they're saying he is - I prayed that he would die.' Later that afternoon the mother discovered that her son was dead, and remembered 'groaning' with emotional pain out loud while watching the news. For months Sue was in denial about what her her son had done: 'They said the boys did all these terrible things. 'Not only killed and hurt people, but that they would say awful racist things and sadistic things and I just shut that out of my mind. I thought, Dylan would not say anything like that. 'They had got so much information wrong about Dylan and our family, that I settled into the belief system that they were wrong about what Dylan did.' It took the mother six months to fully acknowledge the extent of her son's crimes, with police having to show Sue evidence that proved the massacre was premeditated. 'For the first time I got it,' Sue said. 'I saw it was planned, I saw video tapes they had made, I saw Dylan in a way I had never seen him before, they were talking about what they were going to do, it showed him with weapons. It was horrifying to see him in that mode. 'I had been grieving so much for this lost previous child and remembering who he was and that was the point I realised who he was to the rest of the world, everything died in my world, God died, my belief in truth in what my family was.' Klebold and Eric Harris opened fire at their suburban Denver school, killing 13 people and injuring a further 24 in the attack For months Sue was in denial about what her her son had done and police had to show footage of her son and Harris openly speaking about the attack. They are pictured examine a sawed-off shotgun at a makeshift shooting range the year of the shooting Following the shooting, Sue said their entire community was 'in chaos', and that their local governor went on television to hold the parents responsible, which started 'open season on their family'. 'I was exposed to all the horrible things people believed to be true about us,' she said. 'Somehow we were lesser human beings we were evil, we were people who did not know how to raise children, there were a world of people who hated us.' While Dylan had run into trouble for stealing in the past, Sue believed her son was in a good place, happy that her he was employed, doing extracurricular activities and set to go to a university of his choice. 'I remember thinking everything was good,' she said. 'From what I saw he was on the right track, there were times he was quiet and sullen and spent a lot of time in his room, but I have never met a 17-year-old boy for whom that is not true.' Following the shooting, Sue says their entire community was 'in chaos', and that their local governor went on television to hold the parents responsible, which started 'open season on their family' Sue believed her son was in a good place, happy that her he was employed, doing extracurricular activities and set to go to a university of his choice But journals found by police told a different story, and Sue was devastated and shocked after discovering the mental anguish her son was in - with passages describing the mental 'agony' he was in and detailing his forms of self-harm. 'If I saw Dylan face to face and I could ask him anything, I would ask him to forgive me for not being the mom that he deserved,' said Sue. 'For not being someone he could come to and talk to, for not knowing how to listen properly to him, that's what I would wish from him. I would give anything to have him come to me and put his arms around me and say "it's okay".' After the shooting, Sue considered leaving her hometown, but decided against it so she could stay close to her support network of friends and neigbours who have stuck by her side. Despite being tormented by guilt, Sue says she is finally in a better place, and has 'plenty to be thankful for' 'I decided to keep my name and stop hiding eventually and just acknowledge who I was,' she said. Despite being tormented by guilt, Sue says she is finally in a better place: 'You might have days where you start to smile or forget for a while who you are and what has happened to you. 'Then you start to feel guilty, because as soon as you begin to feel happy, you begin to hate yourself. 'Because you think, "how can I possibly feel happy when this terrible thing has happened? What kind of a horrible person am I to feel joy?" Because I know that suffering is going on and I feel somehow it's unjust to be happy. 'But at this stage in my life, I guess I would say, yes, I am. Of course I wish these horrible things never happened, but certainly I'm grateful I've reached a place where life is okay and there's plenty to be thankful for.' A royal correspondent has claimed Prince Albert was 'fearful' his 'low-key' bride Charlene wouldn't cope with the Monaco 'fish bowl' in a new documentary released days after the couple spent their 10th anniversary apart. Princess Charlene and Albert, who share six-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella, spent their anniversary thousands of miles apart. The Princess remains in South Africa where she is undergoing 'multiple, complicated' procedures after contracting an ear, nose and throat infection in May, while on a solo visit to the country. Speaking in The Curse of Grace Kelly's Children, airing at 9pm on Saturday on Channel 5, Joel Stratte-McClure, who covered Monaco for People and knew Prince Albert, has said his wife faced pressure from the start. Joel revealed: 'Albert has told me that he felt sorry for anybody who would become the princess of Monaco, due to the fish bowl effect and the obligations that come with that role.' Charlene, 43, who hasn't been seen in Monaco since January, recently said she had faced a 'trying time' in the past few months. An old friend of Prince Albert has said he was 'fearful' his 'low-key' bride Charlene wouldn't cope with the Monaco 'fish bowl' in a new documentary released days after the couple spent their 10th anniversary apart (Pictured: Albert, now 63, with his wife of 10 years Princess Charlene, 43, on their wedding day on July 1 2011) After the death of his mother when he was just 23, Albert did not seem in a rush to find a partner, and his sister Caroline became the Principality's de-facto First Lady. While he was rumoured to be dating several women, including Brooke Shields and supermodel Claudia Schiffer, the young Prince struggled to settle down with anyone. Albert met Charlene in 2000 at a swimming competition in Monte Carlo and the pair bonded over their shared love of sports. The Monaco prince waited ten more years to propose to Charlene after asking her father for her hand. It comes days after Princess Charlene said she 'misses Prince Albert dearly' after spending their 10th anniversary apart as she remains in South Africa 'I don't know if at the time he immediately knew that, "this is the woman that I want",' said Street-McClure, who worked as Monaco Correspondent from 1984 to 2004. 'But he obviously waited a long time before he chose someone, and was sure after a number of years that she was the one. I think in retrospect, it was his time table.' Meanwhile royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'I think Albert was worried about the inevitable comparisons to Grace Kelly. 'He was concerned that Charlene might not be able to cope with and forever being compared to them and put on that pedestal, it was quite a big decision to make. ' Meanwhile the experts said Albert was concerned his bride would inevitably be compared to Grace Kelly (Albert, pictured with his mother Grace of Monaco in July 1980, two years before her death) Royal commentator Angela Levin reflected on Albert's decades as a single man, saying: 'As long as his sister was stepping up to be first lady he didn't have to bother.' The documentary comes as Princess Charlene called Albert her 'rock and strength' in a recent interview. She told Channel24: 'What has been extremely difficult for me was when I was instructed by my medical team that I could not return home for my 10th wedding anniversary. Without his love and support I would not have been able to get through this painful time.' Last week, Princess Charlene shared the two-minute long video, titled 'Chapter 1: A New Princess for Monaco', on her official account. Charlene and Albert, who share six-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella, spent their anniversary thousands of miles apart (pictured, Albert, Jacques and Gabriella last month in Monaco The royal shared this photo of her husband Albert, her twins, her brother and nieces and nephews on safari in South Africa last month. It is thought Albert will travel to South Africa with their children soon so they can see their mother Set to stirring classical music, the video montage offers a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary time, effort and cost that went into staging the couple's civil wedding on July 1, 2011. Princess Charlene's life in the Monaco royal family 1987 - Bea Fiedler, a German topless model, claims her son Daniel was the prince's son. 1992 - An American national files a paternity lawsuit against the Prince, claiming that he was the father of her daughter, Jazmin Grace. 2000 - Princess Charlene meets Prince Albert at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo 2005 - In May, a former flight attendant claims that her youngest son, whom she named Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, was Prince Albert's child. She states that his parentage had been proven by DNA tests requested by the Monegasque government. On 6 July, a few days before he was enthroned on 12 July, the Prince officially confirms via his lawyer Lacoste that Alexandre was his biological son. 2006 - After a DNA test confirmed the child's parentage, Albert admitted, via statement from his lawyer, that he is Jazmin Grace's father. 2010 - Princess Charlene and Prince Albert announce their engagement 2011 - Princess Charlene was said to have bolted two days before the royal wedding after hearing Prince Albert had a third love child during their relationship. It was alleged that Charlene tried to flee home to South Africa three times before her 'arranged marriage', at one point taking refuge inside her country's embassy in Paris. Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride that she provide him with a legitimate heir. After that she would be free to leave of her own free will. During the wedding, Charlene was in floods of tears, while her husband looked on impassively. Later in the year, Princess Charlene confessed she felt 'very lonely' in Monaco 2012 - Princess Charlene was reported to be 'depressed' at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir. 2014 - Pregnancy was announced in May. In December Charlene gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques. 2017 - Princess Charlene visits Africa, tells media: 'I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. Its in my heart and in my veins.' 2019 - In a rare interview, Princess Charlene confessed it is 'sometimes hard to smile' and said the year had been 'very painful' In another interview, she said she found motherhood 'exhausting' 2020 - Charlene debuts a shocking half-shaved hairstyle. It is announced Prince Albert of Monaco will appear in court in the new year to fight explosive claims he fathered a third love child with a secret girlfriend before marrying his now wife Princess Charlene. 2021 - January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. It is the last time she has been seen in Monaco this year. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter. It is unknown where the image was taken. May and June - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend several events in Monaco without Charlene, while she shares snaps from her trip in South Africa. June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately July 7 - Charlene says the last few months have been 'trying' and says she misses her husband and children Advertisement A religious ceremony was held the following day and a two-day national holiday was declared to mark the occasion. Clips show Charlene and Albert exchanging vows in front of close family and friends in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace, and sharing a kiss on the palace balcony to the delight of a cheering crowd. The couple also appeared on stage together at a celebratory concert for the public. The mother-of-two hasn't been seen in Monaco since January, but her husband and children visited her in South Africa last month. In a statement last month, Charlene explained she would not return to her family in time for the anniversary, saying: 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me. 'However, Albert and I had no choice but to follow the medical team's instructions even though it is extremely difficult. He has been the most incredible support to me. 'My daily conversations with Albert and my children help immensely to keep my spirits up, but I miss being with them. 'It was special to have my family visit me in South Africa, and it was truly wonderful seeing them. I can't wait to be reunited with them.' Princess Charlene came to South Africa to do conservation and anti-poaching work, earlier this year. Her foundation says she was driving the causes close to her heart, pouring herself into her Foundation work in South Africa when she fell ill. Before contracting the infection and undergoing the procedures, Princess Charlene worked with various ambassadors and partners to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation's initiatives. Prince Albert and their children will visit Princess Charlene in South Africa again soon to be with her and support her, a spokesperson said. Former Olympian Charlene, who debuted a radical new hairstyle while on the trip, had originally been due to return to Monaco in time for the Grand Prix in May, where she was guest of honour. Months later and she is still not home. Charlene and Albert's marriage has been plagued with rumours from the start. The couple met at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, announced their engagement in 2010. Former Olympic swimmer Charlene reportedly tried to flee Monaco for her native South Africa on three separate occasions before the royal wedding after discovering Albert had fathered a love child - his third - while they were together. Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride, saying she could leave once she had provided him with a legitimate heir. One source said at the time: 'Charlene will provide an heir, then if things don't go well, she will receive a generous divorce settlement once she's served a decent amount of time.' Charlene was seen in floods of tears on her wedding day in 2011. Just one year after their wedding, it was reported that Charlene was 'depressed' at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir. Her pregnancy was announced in May 2014, and in December that year she gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques. In the almost 10 years since, Charlene, who shares six-year-old twins with Albert, has rarely spoken publicly of her experience. In 2017, the Princess made an emotional return to Africa, where she spoke about how much the continent means to her. 'I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. Its in my heart and in my veins,' she told Eyewitness News. Last year she admitted life was 'very painful', saying: 'I have the privilege of having this life, but I miss my family and my friends in South Africa and I'm often sad because I cannot always be there for them.' It's been a tumultuous start to the year for the royal, after news emerged that her husband is facing a paternity suit over a love child born in the early years of their relationship. The 63-year-old prince, who already supports two illegitimate children, is alleged to have had a relationship with a Brazilian woman which resulted in a daughter in 2005. The claim, which his lawyers dismissed as a 'hoax', is particularly painful as he was dating Charlene at the time, having met the former Olympic swimmer in 2000. Princess Charlene of Monaco shared a slickly-produced video documenting her royal wedding to Prince Albert on Instagram last week, a day after the couple spent their 10th anniversary apart. Pictured, the couple waving to a waiting crowd after their civil ceremony on July 1, 2011 The 34-year-old claimant who cannot be named for legal reasons says she had a passionate affair with Albert, leading to the birth of their daughter whose name is also classified on July 4, 2005. Albert received a handwritten letter from the child, who is now 15, in September last year reading: I don't understand why I grew up without a father, and now that I have found you, you don't want to see me. Legal papers were also filed, as lawyers for the claimant called on Albert to undergo a DNA test just as he did before finally being identified as the father of two illegitimate children born in the 1990s and early 2000s. In January, Charlene spoke publicly for the first time since the allegations, telling Point de Vue: 'When my husband has problems, he tells me about it. Last public outing together: Charlene and Albert were last pictured together at an official event together in January (left) at the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. On April 2, she shared a photograph alongside her husband Prince Albert and their children Jacques and Gabriella to mark Easter, although it is not clear where it was taken 'I often tell him, "No matter what, no matter what, I'm a thousand percent behind you. I'll stand by you whatever you do, in good times or in bad." The mother-of-two went on to say she also often tells her husband she will 'protect him' and will 'always be by his side.' Charlene, who was raised in South Africa and represented the country at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, travelled to Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal to learn more about being done by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa to help save rhinos from poachers. The princess took part in conservation operations including rhino monitoring and tracking, deployment with the Anti-Poaching Unit, educational wildlife photography sessions, and a White Rhino dart and dehorning exercise. British reality star Adela King has shared chilling new details about her alleged encounter with Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, recalling how she ended up topless and alone in a room with the convicted sex offender when she was a young model. The Ladies of London alum, 47, first shared her story on Instagram in 2019, claiming that Maxwell and Epstein had tried to recruit her for a threesome under the ruse of a Victoria's Secret casting in the 1990s. 'I was very lucky to get away,' she told David Yontef on the latest episode of his podcast Behind The Velvet Rope. Scroll down for video Looking back: British reality star Adela King, 47, has opened up about her alleged encounter with Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was 'very lucky to get away' Accusations: King first alleged on Instagram in 2019 that Maxwell and Epstein (pictured in 1995) had tried to recruit her for a threesome under the ruse of a Victoria's Secret casting According to King, she was about 20 years old when Maxwell approached at a cocktail party at Syon Park in London under the guise of offering her modeling work. 'This woman comes up to me and she said, "Are you a model." And I said, "Yes," because, at the time, I was modeling. I was 20. And she said, "Well, I'd really like you to come for a casting for a Victoria Secret campaign,"' the fashion designer alleged. 'I mean, who wouldn't want to do that? I was like, "Hell yeah."' King said Maxwell introduced herself and gave her a business card, instructing her to show up at Claridges Hotel the next night at 8 p.m. for the casting and 'ask for Mr. Jeffrey Epstein.' She recalled walking down the hotel's corridor and seeing two women fall out the Epstein's suite, laughing. Looking back, she believes one of the women was Maxwell. 'So already then I knew that this was something not right. You know? And obviously, that became very, very apparent afterwards,' she said. Story: King detailed her alleged encounter on the latest episode of the Behind The Velvet Rope podcast, telling host David Yontef that she was 20 when Maxwell approached her at a party Allegations: The former model said Maxwell told her to show up at Claridges Hotel at 8 p.m. for a Victoria's Secret casting and 'ask for Mr. Jeffrey Epstein' King alleged that Epstein sat her on the sofa in the dimly-lit suite and flipped through her modeling portfolio before instructing her to stand up and take her top off. 'He said: 'And bend forward and push your breasts together,"' she claimed. 'Then he was like just sort of staring at me.' King quickly realized it was a 'BS casting' and tried to extricate herself from the situation, saying 'it was very uncomfortable' and 'it just didn't feel right.' She said she told Epstein she had dinner plans and left, but that wasn't the last time she encountered Maxwell. The mother of two alleged that she ran into Epstein's ex-girlfriend at a private dinner party hosted by a socialite just two days later. Manipulated: King alleged that during her meeting with Epstein, he instructed her to take her top and push her breasts together as he stared at her Yikes: According to King, Maxwell (pictured with Epstein and Carol Mack in 1995) was 'absolutely mortified' when they ran into each other at a dinner partya few days later Say what? King said she was told by a friend that the socialite (pictured in 2005) had sent her to Epstein's hotel suite to cast her for a threesome 'Ghislaine walks in and she sits next to the host and she took one look at me and she was absolutely mortified. She couldn't believe that I ran the same circles as her,' King claimed. 'Once she saw me there, she couldn't look at me. She was literally mortified.' The former model recalled turning to a friend and saying: 'Oh my God, that's the woman that sent me along to the VS casting the other night. And they said, "Adela are you crazy? She sent you along to cast you for threesome." And I was like, "What? Are you joking?"' King said she never heard from either of them again until ten years later when Epstein was investigated for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. 'I was like, "Oh My God, that's the guy. That's the guy,"' King said. 'I was very fortunate nothing, you know, happened to me.' In 2008, Epstein was convicted in a Florida state court solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor under the age of 18. He served nearly 13 months in jail and registered as a sex offender. Run-in: King said she never heard from either of them again until ten years later when Epstein was investigated for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl Lucky: The fashion designer (pictured in 2018) said that she is 'very fortunate' nothing happened to her, adding that she is 'incredibly sorry for what's happened to everybody else' Headed to trial: Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and other charges over her alleged role in procuring four teenage girls for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 2004 Epstein died in August 2019 in a federal Manhattan jail at age 66 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide, though it was shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and other charges over her alleged role in procuring four teenage girls for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 2004. Death: Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 at age 66 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges in a federal Manhattan jail Her trial is slated for November; however, her lawyers requested last week that the judge in her case dismiss the charges against her and let her go in the wake of Bill Cosby's release. In a letter on Friday, her team of attorneys asked Judge Alison J. Nathan to dismiss the sex trafficking charges against her, claiming that she, like Cosby, was promised that she wouldn't be prosecuted under a deal that Epstein was given in 2010. Cosby was freed on June 30 because of a promise a prosecutor made in 2005 that he would not be charged. He went on to incriminate himself in a civil case and another prosecutor, years later, used those remarks to charge him. Pennsylvania's Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional and that had he not thought he was beyond reproach, he wouldn't have made the incriminating remarks. King didn't mince words when she shared her revulsion over Epstein and his right-hand woman alleged crimes. 'I feel incredibly sorry for what's happened to everybody else,' she said. 'It's just disgusting. I mean, it's absolutely disgusting. Solidarity: 'I am doing this as it's the truth and the truth is in question so I am telling my story in support of all the women that suffered so horrifyingly at the hands of them and their accomplices,' King wrote 'And you know, to be honest with you, I'm disgusted with Ghislaine as well,' she added. 'I mean, for her to have that in her, that she would actually go and do that just to please a man.' The only other time King has spoken of her alleged run-in with Maxwell and Epstein was in a series of Instagram posts nearly two years ago. She shared an account identical to the one she alleged on Yontef's podcast this week when she publicly claimed for the first time that Maxwell and Epstein tried to recruit her for a threesome with the lure of a bogus modeling job. 'I've come out with this in support of all of those women who were mostly children at the time and I hope they get the justice and peace they deserve. Love to you all as always,' she wrote. 'I have shared the following true story about my encounter with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on my feed but I am posted [sic] it here too,' she added. 'I am doing this as it's the truth and the truth is in question so I am telling my story in support of all the women that suffered so horrifyingly at the hands of them and their accomplices. I wish them justice, peace and healing.' An American expat living in Melbourne has revealed some of the 'odd' things he had never heard of before travelling to Australia, including the term 'tradie'. In a recent TikTok video, Adam Foskey, from Georgia, US, revealed it was an unusual concept for him to have to purchase his own whitegoods. 'First of all we have rental properties not coming with a refrigerator, washer or dryer. When you rent a property in the US it usually comes with these items,' he said in the viral clip. Scroll down for video In a recent TikTok video, Adam Foskey, from Georgia, US, revealed four things he was introduced to in Australia 'Which when you think about it is definitely more convenient but does not seem as sanitary,' he added. The next item on his list was the word 'entree'. 'In America we would call this an appetiser. The entree would actually be the main meal,' he said admitting it continues to confuse him. The next term he had never heard of was 'tradie' which refers to a tradesperson. But the American said he could get on board with the term because he loves the Australian tendency to shorten words. And the final baffling thing he has come across is the humble lamington. 'It is a small piece of cake that is covered in chocolate and coconut,' he explained. 'I have had it a few times and it is definitely tasty,' he said. The most controversial topics on the list appeared to be the term entree which many people defended loudly and the fridge issue. The word tradie was also foreign as was the concept of bringing your own whitegoods to a rental property 'So it is only Australians who know the strain of getting a new fridge every time they move,' one complained. While another said: 'I would definitely not want to use someone else's washer, gross.' Previously the popular TikTok creator spoke about the Australian things he can't live without. 'I just want to run through a few things which were invented in Australia that I can't live without,' he said in his distinct accent. Adam previously revealed the Australian inventions he can no longer live without, including TimTams, Wifi and Google Maps In a recent TikTok video, Adam Foskey, from Georgia, US, spoke about the life-changing products that have come out of Australia 'First thing we have is wifi and on behalf of everyone globally, thankyou Australia,' he says in the recent video. 'Secondly we have Tim Tams, specifically the all chocolate ones. I love sweets so y'all know I love these,' he said. The expat, who has previously shared viral videos about his life in Australia, also added Google Maps to his list. 'Without this there would be no way I would be able to navigate some of these Australian streets, especially some of these intersections,' he said. The last thing on his list was McCafe which he claims 'changed the entire McDonald's game'. And people agreed with his list, especially 'number two, Tim Tams'. He included Google Maps and Wifi on his list of inventions he can't live without He also said McCafe, which was invented in Australia 'changed the face of McDonalds 'Yum, double coated Tim Tams are the best,' one person wrote. While another offered frozen caramel Tim Tams up as the king of the biscuits. Others laughed at the list. 'It is hilarious that we invented wifi but you can't get good wifi in most of the country,' one woman said. Another fan offered up their own list of 'must have' inventions from Australia. Including medical penicillin, The inflatable slides on the side of aircraft and the cochlear ear implant. Recently the American expat shared the unwritten rules of Australia, much to the delight of his fans. He said there are four habits he advises all overseas residents to form if they want to fit in with 'true blue' Aussies. They include holding onto the handrail on trams, having a go-to coffee order that you always place and walking on the left-hand side of paths and escalators. Mr Foskey also recommends following an AFL team or at least understanding the sport so you can get involved with the annual Grand Final parties, which he said are 'always a good time'. The most important lesson Mr Foskey said he has learned is to always hold on to something while riding the tram around Melbourne. 'I had to learn this the hard way. We rounded this corner at 90 miles an hour, next thing I know I'm sprawled on the floor with 10 other people,' he said. Mr Foskey's observation is grossly exaggerated as statistics from network operator Yarra Trams show trams move sluggishly around the Victorian capital at an average speed of just 16 kilometres per hour. Mr Foskey said he has learned to hold onto tram rails (left) and have a go-to coffee order (right) since moving to Melbourne Next, he encouraged viewers to stick to the left side while out and about in the city. 'It'll just help traffic flow,' he said. Mr Foskey then urged viewers to choose a favourite AFL team because Australians are more than likely to ask who you support. 'Also try to keep up with the AFL throughout the year because the Grand Final parties are always a good time,' he said. Finally, Mr Foskey said Australians drink 'a lot of coffee' so it's best to have a usual order to save time in the queue. 'Mine's an iced long black,' he said. Shoppers are devastated after spotting the dreaded one-letter code on a shelf label that indicates their favourite garlic dip from Aldi will be discontinued. Posting in a Facebook group, a customer broke the news to fellow shoppers on social media after she shared a picture of the $2.99 Mediterranean garlic dip with a little 'D' marked on its shelf ticket. 'Saw this today, the Mediterranean garlic dip had a "D" marked on its tag,' she wrote. The soon-to-be-discontinued item will not be replenished in the fridge aisle once the stock sells out. Shoppers are devastated after spotting the dreaded one-letter code on a shelf label that indicates their favourite garlic dip from Aldi will be discontinued The garlic dip has been a huge hit among thousands of shoppers Many were stunned by the news, with one saying: 'I hope they don't discontinue it. It's exactly the same as the Lebanese versions that cost three to four times the price. How does everyone know D means discontinued?' However, one Aldi employee quickly responded to the post, confirming: 'D means discontinued. Sorry I know, I work at Aldi.' Despite the discontinued product, many revealed the same garlic dip can be found at many independent fruit and vegetable grocery shops and selected IGA stores. 'They sell them in Middle Eastern grocery shops too,' one customer wrote. The garlic dip has been a huge hit among thousands of shoppers, with many using it to add a burst of flavour to their dishes - including roast vegetables, potato bake, and cheesy garlic bread pizza. What the little-known code looks like: The little 'D' indicates the item has been discontinued (pictured above of Kenny's discontinued choc chip cooking dough ice cream tubs) The worker, from New South Wales, urged fellow shoppers to stock up on the hugely popular $3.69 bao buns after she had to write the little 'D' on the shelf ticket in February Besides the bao buns, other discontinued items have been spotted with the little 'D' on its shelf label, including Essential Health multivitamin and Vitamin C gummies (pictured above) Earlier this year, an Aldi employee urged fellow shoppers to get their hands on the $3.69 bao buns after she had to write the little 'D' on the shelf ticket. 'For all you bao bun lovers out there, it might be time to stock up. They were on the discontinued list [on February 10],' the employee wrote in a Facebook group. 'My first thought when putting the little D on the ticket: "Oh the Aldi mums are going to be disappointed".' Dozens of shoppers quickly responded to the post, saying they were shocked to see their favourite item being discontinued just weeks after first hitting shelves. 'I don't need this kind of negativity in my life,' one shopper wrote. 'Nooo they are awesome,' another said, while one added: 'I better buy up.' With the item set to sell out, one shopper joked: 'Now this will be a justified pandemonium with scenes similar to the great toilet paper shop off in 2020.' However, some home cooks revealed they have been able to buy a similar version in the freezer aisles at Asian grocery stores, Costco and IGA. A lipstick range inspired by the TV series Gossip Girl is up for grabs across Australia to celebrate the hotly anticipated reboot of the iconic American drama. After a nine-year wait since the finale of the original show, which ran from 2007 to 2012, a group of new 'Upper East Siders' are scandalising the leafy streets of Manhattan with backstabbing, betrayal and racy rumour spreading. To mark the release of the premiere on BINGE, the Australian streaming service has teamed up with beauty brand Karen Murrell to create a collection of four limited-edition lipsticks named after the show's best-loved quotes. The line, which features shades of peach, rose pink, red and deep purple, includes names such as 'Rumour Has It', 'This Just In' and 'Spotted: A Scandal'. Scroll down for video A lipstick range inspired by the TV series Gossip Girl (pictured) is up for grabs across Australia to celebrate the hotly anticipated reboot of the iconic American drama The Gossip Girl reboot (pictured, the cast) premiered in Australia on BINGE on July 9, with a shocking twist that revealed the identity of Gossip Girl in the first episode - a group of the high school's teachers, led by Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson) Each lipstick is made from natural ingredients including avocado oil, beeswax, jojoba, cinnamon and sweet orange oils that hydrate and moisturise while slicking your pout with long-lasting colour. Fans can get their hands on all four by posting a photo, video or story to Instagram telling BINGE what they love most about the new series. Entrants must tag and follow the platform's account to be in with a chance of winning. The first instalment of the reboot won instant praise from fans after it dropped Friday morning, with many taking to social media to declare it was everything they had hoped for over the show's near decade-long hiatus. The lipstick line, which features shades of peach, pink (pictured on Australian model, Cartia Mallan), red and purple, includes names such as 'Rumour Has It' and 'Spotted: A Scandal' Fans can get their hands on all four shades (pictured) by posting a photo, video or story to Instagram telling BINGE what they love most about the new series 'No I want the next Gossip Girl episode now,' one woman wrote. Another added: 'Yeah that was just what I wanted, I'm so excited for this show.' The first episode of the new series, which stars a diverse cast that catapults the original story into 2021, introduces the new students of upscale New York academy, Constance Billard. The group includes the new 'Serena van der Woodsen', Julien Calloway, played by Jordan Alexander, who enjoys queen bee status as the daughter of a famous star. Each lipstick from the Karen Murrell collaboration (left, worn by media personality Christian Wilkins, and right, by blogger Kristy Who) is made from natural ingredients including avocado oil, beeswax, jojoba, cinnamon and sweet orange oils 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. But in a surprising twist, viewers of the reboot learned the identity of 'Gossip Girl' in the very 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). Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium was photographed in her camouflage cadet uniform as she carried out tactical drills at the Royal Military Academy. Elisabeth, 18, the eldest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and heir to the Belgian throne, is finishing her first year at the academy after completing her secondary education at UWC Atlantic College in Wales. The young royal joined the military academy in September last year. Today she was photographed at the Lagland camp in Arlon, where she marched in formation with her fellow cadets. For the officer cadets of the Royal Military Academy (RMA), this camp is part of the last training phase for first year students, and constitutes part of the Initial Military Phase. It is not known how long Elisabeth plans to spend at the academy but her father King Philippe studied there for three years as a teenager. Belgium's Crown Princess Elisabeth was seen donning her camouflage cadet uniform as she undergoes her final stage of training during her first year at a 'tough' military academy The young royal, 18, who was previously studying at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, joined the army in September last year, she is seen standing to attention with her fellow cadets Heir to the throne Elisabeth was seen attending a tactical military exercise at the Royal Military Academy at the Lagland camp in Arlon. She is seen having breakfast during the exercise The youngster could be seen standing to attention with her fellow cadet officers during the military training exercise as she proudly wore her blue military beret. In other pictures the royal lined up for her breakfast before sitting down with other students at the RMA where she appeared to be getting on well with other officer cadets. When the news hit the headlines, one of the training school's students has offered insight into the course and some sage words of advice ahead of Elisabeth's enrolment. Evelyn Gravez, 22, has almost completed her master's degree in social and military Sciences at the school. For the officer cadets of the Royal Military Academy (RMA), this camp is part of the last training phase for first year students, and constitutes part of the Initial Military Phase. Elisabeth can be seen marching in formation during the training day The princess can be seen standing to attention during the military training exercise as she proudly wore her blue military beret A student previously said the Princess Elisabeth, pictured standing to attention during the exercise, was in for a 'tough' life at the school The student revealed Elisabeth's first weeks would include learning to fire a gun, setting up an army tent, marching with a backpack, tactical training and reading maps She told local media: 'My advice? Above all, make as many friends as possible. They'll help you through if you're having a hard time.' Speaking about what life will be like for the teenage princess, Evelyn revealed her first weeks would include learning to fire a gun, setting up an army tent, marching with a backpack, tactical training and reading maps. She added that the experience is 'pretty tough' and that 'they really throw you in', warning the initiation period is not for everyone and that a number of students drop out each year. Elisabeth, pictured during the training exercise, is the heir apparent to the Belgian throne - the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde Elisabeth, stands to attention as she attends a tactical military exercise at the Royal Military Academy this morning The young royal spent 18 months boarding at UWC Atlantic College in South Wales before joining the military academy In other pictures, the young royal lined up for her breakfast at the Lagland camp in Arlon Princess Elisabeth later sat down with other students at the RMA where she appeared to be getting on well with other officer cadets However, Ms Gravez added that the camp is not like the cliches of military school often seen in Hollywood movies: 'They don't yell at you when you make mistakes. Of course, sometimes they have to be strict. 'Because mistakes, they have to be sorted out as quickly as possible. But if you are a bit slow to learn, they are there to encourage you, not to bark at you.' Although there will be tough days ahead, the student believes that the princess will get used to it and that it might even help her lead the country in the future. The princess, who received her International Baccalaureate Diploma last summer, is currently at the end of a one-year course in social and military sciences The course is said to teach in-depth about the four components of Belgian defence; Army, Air Force, Navy and Medical Princess Elisabeth of Belgium can be seen participating in tactical training at the Lagland military camp in Arlon She can be seen getting stuck in to the physical military training with her fellow officer cadets It is not known how long Elisabeth, pictured taking part in tactical training today, plans to spend at the academy She added: 'I think Elisabeth will certainly get used to it. Even if she only stays one year. 'We learn to make decisions under stress, leadership techniques. That will be useful for her as head of state.' A change in the law a decade ago made it possible for the eldest child, male or female, to ascend the throne in the country. She will become the country's first Queen Regent if she takes up the role. Elisabeth spent 18 months boarding at UWC Atlantic College in South Wales before returning home to Brussels in March ahead of the government lockdown. The royal appeared to be in high spirits as she smiled at the camera during the tactical training today The Belgian royal can be seen crawling under low barbed wire as part of an obstacle course during her training Elisabeth didn't seem to be deterred by the physically demanding drill which took place this morning Belgium's Crown Princess looked thrilled that she had completed a section of her tactical training Elisabeth looked on as her fellow officer cadets crawled under low barbed wire as part of their training She spent lockdown living with her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and her three siblings in Brussels. The princess, who received her International Baccalaureate Diploma last summer, is currently at the end of a one-year course in social and military sciences. The course is said to teach in-depth about the four components of Belgian defence; Army, Air Force, Navy and Medical. King Philippe, 60, spent three years at the esteemed institution between 1978 to 1981. Elisabeth was seen concentrating as she climbed over a large frame as part of her training obstacle course She showed off her upper body strength as she completed the physically demanding drill at the training obstacle course today Elisabeth is seen with her fellow officer cadets standing to attention during her training session today Prince William is 'dreading' finding out what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's next business venture will be following their lucrative Netflix and Spotify deals worth an estimated 130m, a royal expert has claimed. Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, went on to explain how he believes the Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, are still cashing in on the royal brand every time they talk about it. 'What do they do next? That's a question Prince William is dreading the answer to,' he said, speaking to OK! magazine. 'Ultimately, they have to find a way to do their work in LA while not trading in on the royal brand.' Prince William is 'dreading' finding out what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry plan on doing next following their lucrative Netflix and Spotify deals, royal expert Duncan Larcombe claimed. Pictured, The Duke of Cambridge and and Duke of Sussex at Princess Diana's statue unveiling at Kensington Palace, London, on Thursday July 1, 2021 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to step back as senior royals in March last year and went on to sign a lucrative podcast deal with Spotify (pictured) worth up to 30million Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped back as senior royals in March last year and went on to sign a lucrative podcast deal with Spotify worth up to 30million. The Sussexes' agreement came just months after the royals agreed a 100million partnership with Netflix and days after Meghan invested in a $28-per-pack oat-milk 'superlatte' business later promoted for free by her LA neighbour Oprah Winfrey. Duncan continued: 'Prince Harry hasn't exactly been subtle. He's revealed to the world that he pretty much hates his family and the whole system is rotten to the core. 'But by continually talking about the royals, they're cashing in on the brand. If they spend their whole careers selling that royal brand, they'll never speak to William again.' The brothers were reunited at Kensington Palace last Thursday where together they unveiled a statue of their beloved late mother on what would have been her 60th birthday after a tumultuous 18 months for their own relationship. Prince Harry's wife Meghan stayed at their $14.7million home in Santa Barbara with son Archie two, and newborn daughter Lilibet Diana. Prince William was reportedly left 'reeling' after Prince Harry's tell-all Oprah Winfrey interview (pictured) aired and is now 'uncomfortable' talking to his brother, a source told US weekly. Larcombe went on to claim how the poignant event may have left him feeling torn after he 'sacrificed everything' by deciding to continue his non-royal life with his wife. 'Harry and Meghan seem to think they can co-exist in these two worlds the world of British royals and American celebrity,' he previously told Closer magazine. 'Harry is loving the American life now but he's still in the honeymoon phase. 'I think coming back and seeing his brother, especially against the very moving backdrop of a memorial for their mother, will maybe make him question what he's given it all up for.' The reunion came in the aftermath of Harry and Meghan Markle's explosive two-hour CBS interview with Oprah Winfrey which aired in March, where the royal made reference to his relation with William amid reports the brothers had fallen out in the wake of Megxit. Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex at Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London on 11 March 2019 Prince Harry told the talk show host: 'As I've said before, I love William to bits. He's my brother. 'We've been through hell together. I mean, we have a shared experience. But we're on different paths. During the interview, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said racism drove them out of Britain and claimed their son Archie was denied the title of prince because he is mixed-race. Meghan also claimed that Kate Middleton left her in tears during a row over bridesmaid dresses and Prince Harry accused his father Prince Charles of refusing to take his calls when the pair moved to the US last year. Duncan continued: 'Harry's totally sacrificed relations with his family for his new life with Meghan, and things seem to have been done her way and with her needs first. 'But, ultimately, Harry will want and need his family they are his flesh and blood.' He added: 'I think Harry and Meghan will have to make compromises to make things work with the royals, and even to save their marriage because there will be a point when he'll be torn between Meghan's world and his own family,' he said. 'They need to plan what they say and do moving forward and communicate with the royals, if they want to have a relationship with Harry's family.' A 21-year-old Michigan woman has called out a local fashion boutique boss after he branded her 'not that cute' in response to her application for a 'sales model' in his store. Gracie Lorincz posted a screenshot of an email that was sent to her by Chuck DeGrendel, the VP of operations at Ava Lane Boutique - an Auburn Hills fashion store that is owned by his wife, Laura - in a now-viral TikTok video, while deftly pointing out that the irony in the company's motto: 'beauty through confidence'. In the message, which appears to have been intended for his wife but was sent to Gracie in error, DeGrendel, 42, questions whether he really needs to interview her for the sales position after voicing his blunt opinion that she is 'not that cute'. 'So I applied for this job as a brand representative to a company called Ava Lane and their motto is "beauty through confidence". This is the email I accidentally got sent from the VP. Enjoy,' Gracie begins the video, before flashing up a screenshot of the email - which includes DeGrendel's full name and job title. His email reads: 'This girl is fresh out of college (hope college) and not that cute. She applied to the sales model position. Are you sure you want me to interview her?' Viral: A 21-year-old Michigan woman has publicly blasted a fashion boutique owner after he accidentally sent her an email in which he called her 'not that cute' after she applied for a job Upset: Gracie Lorincz received the email from Ava Lane Boutique VP Chuck DeGrendel - whose wife Laura owns the store - after she applied for a 'sales model' role at the 'women-led' brand Ironic: In her now-viral video, Gracie deftly pointed out that the company's motto is 'beauty through confidence', before joking that DeGrendel's email made her 'feel amazing' The subject line of the email is 'photos and Instagram handle', suggesting that Gracie was required to send in images of herself as part of her job application. Clearly stunned by the response, Gracie simply concluded the video by stating: 'Not that cute. Not that cute. OK, OK. That's OK.' She captioned the clip: 'Feeling amazing.' TikTok users were quick to blast DeGrendel's actions - and many called for a virtual 'takedown' of the boutique, admitting that they had rushed to leave negative reviews on the Ava Lane Google pages, while others pointed out that the brand had not only hastily changed its motto to 'confidence through fashion', it had also made its social media accounts private. However, the company's Google page does not currently list any of the negative reviews - and the most recent customer comment is listed as being posted more than one month ago, leading some TikTokers to accuse Ava Lane of 'deleting its negative reviews'. Gracie's video currently has more than 1.4 million views and upwards of 11,000 comments - and the furious viral reaction to her post prompted DeGrendel to make a tearful public apology on Facebook Live hours later, in which he insisted he 'didn't know why he had said that'. '[I need to] apologize to somebody for something I did yesterday that was very inappropriate, very unprofessional, and downright stupid,' he says in the clip. Support: Many TikTok users rushed to reassure Gracie, calling her 'beautiful', while others called for a virtual 'takedown' of the boutique DeGrendel went on to try and explain the situation, noting that Gracie had submitted photos with her application, which was initially seen by his wife, who forwarded the email to him because their HR person is on vacation. He continued: 'I reviewed the email, I reviewed the application, I downloaded the resume, and I sent a reply back to Laura that said that she was a recent college grad and I didn't feel she was that cute. So I didn't know if I wanted to proceed with an interview. 'I don't know why I said that, but I did, and I am very sorry for saying that.' At one point during the 10-minute-long video, he wife Laura appeared alongside him, putting a reassuring hand on his back, before taking when her husband seemingly became too emotional to carry on. Sitting on a stool in the boutique, Laura began crying as she thanked their supporters for standing by them, and then revealed that the couple's 'phone numbers are out there' and claimed their 'children have been threatened' as a result of the video. 'I'm sure that was not [Gracie's] intention, but that's what has happened,' the boutique owner said. 'So we appreciate your support. It is okay for people to come on and... leave hurtful comments. We can move on from that. 'But it's when you start threatening children. That's where we have to draw the line. So yes, we are making our accounts private. We don't really have anything else to say at this point.' Too little, too late? In response to the furious backlash over his email, DeGrendel, 42, issued a tearful public apology on Facebook Live - which only earned him further criticism Criticism: Many Facebook users accused DeGrendel of trying to gain sympathy with the tearful video - while Gracie's mother, Heather, slammed him for not contacting her directly Threats: His wife Laura took over the video, in which she began crying as she claimed that her 'children have been threatened' in the wake of Gracie's post going viral Despite the couple's apparent upset, their tearful video was flooded with comments from outraged Facebook users, with some accusing the boutique bosses of trying to garner 'sympathy' through the post. 'The only reason you are apologizing is because you got caught. Had you not sent the email to the girl you wouldnt be crying and you wouldnt be sorry,' one person said. 'I'm disappointed to see Laura on here turning the apology into a cry for sympathy,' another added, calling out DeGrendel and his wife. Another chimed in: 'How you act when you [think] people arent looking is pretty much exactly your core values.' Speaking to local news outlet, Fox 2, Gracie's mother, Heather, slammed DeGrendel, revealing that his email was 'embarrassing' for her daughter and 'made her feel terrible'. She also hit out at his Facebook apology, revealing that DeGrendel had yet to reach out to Gracie directly. 'I don't want [Ava Lane Boutique owner Laura's] business to suffer. I don't, but I feel my daughter deserves a real apology, not a Facebook Live.' Heather added that her daughter had not anticipated the viral response to her TikTok post, nor the furious outrage being directed at the DeGrendel family, insisting: 'She is sweet kid, she is not an attention hog, she is not a social media personality and didn't anticipate what this turned into.' Advertisement Anna Wintour's pregnant daughter Bee Shaffer and her husband Francesco Carrozzini are soaking up their final months as a family of two by enjoying a romantic Italian vacation in the same spot where they tied the knot three years ago. The 33-year-old mother-to-be put her growing baby bump on full display while strolling around the seaside town of Portofino with her husband, 38, earlier this week, looking every inch the fashion heiress in a pretty white maxi dress and black bikini. She paired the beach-appropriate ensemble with a straw tote bag and tortoiseshell shades and a pair of orange leather sandals, which she removed and carried with her as the couple climbed aboard a boat to enjoy some time on the water. Bee and Francesco, who tied the knot in two July 2018 wedding ceremonies - one at her mother's sprawling Long Island home and the second in his hometown of Portofino - were also seen strolling through the cobbled streets of the sunny Italian location, before getting onto a Vespa together and riding off into the distance. Blooming: Anna Wintour's pregnant daughter Bee Shaffer has revealed her growing baby bump while enjoying a romantic getaway with her husband Francesco Carrozzini in Italy Fun in the sun: The 33-year-old was pictured in Portofino with her husband, 38, earlier this week, looking beach-ready in a pretty white maxi dress, which she wore over a black bikini Tender: Bee and Francesco were seen chatting together - while the mother-to-be rested a hand on her bump, flashing her wedding ring in the process Style star: The TV producer accessorized her look with a pair of tortoiseshell shades and a straw tote bag, and she wore her long brunette hair in a straight, natural style While walking along the waterfront, the couple had their arms around one another, with Bee pausing for a moment to check something on her iPhone. At several points during their outing, Bee was also seen resting a hand on her baby bump, while her long brunette hair hung in a natural straight style over her shoulders. Brood: Bee's baby will be 71-year-old Anna's third grandchild. The mother-and-daughter are seen together in November 2018 She held onto her bag with a tight grip as she and Francesco climbed aboard their rental boat, with some help from the staff from a local leasing company. Both Bee and Francesco held their shoes in their hands - with the latter leading the way, before turning back to help his wife. While on-board the boat, the mom-to-be took some time to put her feet off, and she kicked back on a cushioned seat to enjoy her book: Empire of Pain. The hefty tome explores the 'secret history of the Sackler dynasty', detailing the family's involvement in the pharmaceutical industry, and their role in America's opioid crisis. The couple were spotted again on Friday, when they were pictured walking through the town together, this time with Bee wearing a pretty blue floral dress that fell to just above her knees. She kept things relatively casual, adding the same tortoiseshell sunglasses to her look that she had worn earlier in the week, although on this occasion she replaced her straw tote with a leather handbag. Her husband meanwhile opted for a pair of printed swim shots - the same design that he chose for the couple's boat outing a few days prior - which he wore with a white T-shirt and green Superga sneakers with a tan sole. He opted to go without sunglasses, but did wear a face mask, which he had pulled down around his chin as their pair strolled past a local restaurant. Unsurprisingly, Bee and Francesco looked very much at home in Portofino - which is where they threw their second wedding celebration back in 2018, having already tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at 71-year-old Anna's beach house. Romantic: The couple were pictured strolling along the cobbled streets of the seaside town - which is where they hosted their second wedding celebration in July 2018 Home away from home: Francesco spent his childhood splitting his time between Portofino and Milan, and unsurprisingly looked very much at home in the coastal town Ahoy! At one point the couple walked along the waterfront, before climbing aboard a boat Plenty to celebrate! The couple marked their third wedding anniversary on July 7, when Bee shared a sweet throwback photo of them dancing together after their first ceremony The couple's first wedding was held on July 7 and they are understood to have flown to Italy from New York on the following day on an overnight flight, arriving in Portofino on July 9. For both ceremonies, Bee donned a white dress, although she chose a different design for each wedding location, wowing in a classic silhouette to say her first 'I do', then opting for a more summer-friendly Dolce & Gabbana alternative for her second time tying the knot. Details of both weddings were kept very much under wraps - and Bee declined to publicize her nuptials in the pages of her mother's magazine, as so many other high-society brides have chosen to do in the past. It is understood that the couple implemented a strict no-social media rule at their weddings, echoing the same regulations that Anna insists upon at the Met Gala - although those restrictions have become increasingly lax over the years. Francesco and Bee have always tried to keep their personal lives very much under and the radar in the three years since their wedding the latter has shared just a few social media snaps of her husband - including a goofy photo of him hamming it up for the camera, which she posted on his 38th birthday last September. Neither Bee nor Francesco have yet to address their baby news publicly. Helping hand: They boarded a small boat that was crewed by several men All aboard! Both Bee and Francesco removed their shoes before stepping onboard Ready to relax: Bee carried a book in her straw tote, which she clung onto as she stepped onto the deck of the vessel Heavy going: Once onboard the boat, Bee pulled out her copy of Empire of Pain, which details the 'dark history of the Sackler dynasty' and the family's role in the opioid crisis The new arrival will be the first child for the pair, however it will be Vogue editor-in-chief Anna's third grandchild; her son Charlie has two daughters, Caroline, four, and Ella, two, with his wife Lizzy. Their happy baby news came just one day after the couple celebrated their third wedding anniversary, with Bee, marking the marriage milestone with a touching Instagram post on Wednesday, which featured a sweet snap of her and Francesco dancing at their wedding. 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. Chit chat: They paused to converse with a staff member from the local boat rental comany Home bound: After their boat journey, the couple were seen climbing onto a Vespa Vroom vroom: Francesco drove the scooter, while his wife held on behind him 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. 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. 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. Feeling blue: On Friday, Bee and Francesco were spotted again, this time strolling past local stores and restaurants Summer lovin': TV producer Bee donned an airy blue floral dress for their end-of-week outing, pairing the look with the same tortoiseshell sunglasses that she was seen wearing earlier in the week Matchy matchy: Francesco complemented his wife's floral frock with a pair of plant-print swim shorts, which he wore with a white T-shirt and a pair of green Superga sneakers Easy going: The couple didn't look to be in any rush, and Francesco was pictured looking down at his phone as they enjoyed their relaxed walk '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. 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. 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 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. 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) '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. Partnering black churches and medical professionals could increase uptake of the coronavirus vaccine in African American communities, a new study suggests. Researchers looked at San Bernardino County vaccination rates and found that just 3.2 percent of people immunized at mass vaccination sites were black. However, after black churches and black pharmacists provided COVID-19 information sessions to parishioners, the rate increased to 4.3 percent - a jump of 34 percent. What's more, when the church served as the vaccination site, more than three-quarters of all people who got a dose of the vaccine were black. The team, from Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Pharmacy, in California, says it hopes other local leaders can use community-based approaches like this one to help vaccinate vulnerable pockets of the U.S. To boost vaccination rates among African Americans, black churches delivered COVID-19 vaccine information to congregants and pastors coordinated with a black pharmacist to host COVID-19 education webinars. Pictured: Melanie Paige gets her first COVID-19 vaccine dose at her church, St. Matthew Christian Methodist Episcopal, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 2021 'Black churches have long been more than places of worship to their communities,' said lead author Dr Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, an assistant professor at the LLU School of Pharmacy. 'They serve as strongholds for disseminating trusted information and have been integral in our initiative to help achieve racial equity in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.' Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 since the early days of the pandemic. They are up to three times more likely than white Americans to likely to contract the virus, fall severely ill and die. Health experts had hoped the national rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine could help narrow the gap between African Americans and Caucasians. However, black Americans have several barriers to getting coronavirus shots including having less access to computers to schedule an appointment, limited public transportation and being more likely to live in a pharmacy desert. After the approach, a mass vaccination clinic in San Bernardino County went from administering 3.2% of doses to black residents to 4.3%, an increase of 34%. Pictured: Terrell Carter encourages his neighbors to get a vaccine at Friendship Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, April 2021 As a result, only about 10 percent of black Americans have gotten at least one dose, according to data from the CDC. For the study, the team at LLU worked with black churches and pharmacists to come up with the program in San Bernardino County in California. About 20 black churches delivered COVID-19 vaccine information to congregants and building black faith leaders demonstrated their support for the vaccine. Next, pastors coordinated with a black pharmacist to host COVID-19 education webinars with vaccine sign-up sheets. Lastly, houses of worship were used as vaccination sites so people could be immunized at their church. Prior to the community-based approach, between January 5 and February 5 of this year, just 3.2 percent of the more than 14,000 residents who got vaccinated at LLU clinics were black. This is despite African American residents making up almost eight percent of San Bernardino County's population. By comparison, at the mobile vaccination clinic held at a church on February 6, 2021, 84 percent of those vaccinated were black. The approach also helped increase the proportion of black people vaccinated at LLU mass vaccination sites from 3.2 percent to 4.3 percent 'In religious communities of color, where access to vaccination centers is limited and vaccine hesitancy is often rooted in mistrust of heath care systems, seeing faith leaders put their trust in COVID-19 vaccines is a key motivator for them to do the same', said Abdul-Mutakabbir. 'We have vaccinated 1,542 Black individuals in San Bernardino County to date and have expanded our efforts to provide comprehensive information to Latino/LatinX communities, who have also been underrepresented in traditional vaccination efforts. We hope to have our results available within the coming months.' The research is being presented virtually at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases this week. Thousands of men could benefit from a new combination of prostate cancer drugs which cut deaths and shrink tumours. Patients given two different pills were three times more likely to experience complete remission than those given only one, a trial found. They were also 23 per cent less likely to die or see their tumour grow or spread. Doctors at the Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust described their findings as 'promising'. Thousands of men could benefit from a new combination of prostate cancer drugs which cut deaths and shrink tumours (stock image) And they believe it could improve treatment for more than 10,000 men a year who have advanced prostate cancer with a faulty PTEN gene. The PTEN gene usually works to suppress tumour growth. However, half of advanced prostate cancers do not have it, meaning they tend to be more aggressive and have a worse outcome. The research, published in The Lancet, involved 1,101 men in 26 countries. All patients had advanced prostate cancer and had received no previous treatment, and half had tumours without a fully-functioning PTEN gene. Some participants were given both the existing drug abiraterone, which is standard treatment for many men, and the experimental drug ipatasertib. Patients given two different pills were three times more likely to experience complete remission than those given only one, a trial found (stock image) Others received just abiraterone and a placebo. Of the patients without the gene, 61 per cent saw their tumour get smaller when they took both drugs. Only 39 per cent saw the same result when they took the one. However, two drugs proved no better than one when tumours had a fully-functioning PTEN gene. Professor Paul Workman, chief executive of the ICR, praised the findings, saying the combination could 'extend the time before men's prostate cancer worsens' so that 'they can spend as much time as possible with their loved ones'. The Daily Mail has long campaigned for better awareness, treatment and diagnosis of the disease. A public health expert says that fully vaccinated Americans are helping spread the Indian 'Delta' variant of the novel coronavirus across the country. The variant, which is 50 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant that originated in the UK, currently makes up more than half of cases in the U.S. But because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that vaccinated people not get tested for COVID-19 unless they're symptomatic, it could mean that the true prevalence is much higher. 'We actually have states where hospitalizations are going up more than cases,' Dr Christopher Murray, the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, told Insider. 'We're probably missing a bunch of transmission in vaccinated individuals...There's no doubt in my mind.' It could explain why states with high vaccination rates such as California, Illinois, New York and Washington are seeing a rise in cases. A public health expert says he believes the Indian 'Delta' coronavirus variant is partly being spread due to transmission from vaccinated Americans, even in highly vaccinated pockets of the country (above) LOS ANGELES: At least 60% of residents aged 16 and older are fully vaccinated, but COVID-19 infections have risen by 165% in a week (above) NEW YORK CITY: Around 63% of all adults have completed their vaccine series, new cases have risen by 295 since June 24 (above) According to CDC data updated on Tuesday evening, the Delta 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 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, where vaccination rates are lagging. 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. But unvaccinated communities are not the only regions reporting increases in infections. Los Angeles County, where 60 percent of residents aged 16 and older are fully vaccinated, is reporting an explosion of new cases. According to a news release from the county's Department of Public Health, there has a been a 165 percent increase of new cases over the last week with 839 new infections of COVID-19. Additionally, the average case rate has increased from 1.74 cases per 100,000 to 3.5 cases per 100,000. What's more, the Delta variant now makes up 54 percent of all samples that underwent genomic sequencing. Meanwhile, New York City - one of the country's first epicenters - is seeing a similar situation unfold. According to CDC data updated on Tuesday evening, the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, makes up 51.7% of all new infections The expert said the CDC's guidance that vaccinated people only get tested if they have symptoms means the U.S. 'is missing a bunch of transmission' and that the true prevalence of Delta is much higher New cases have risen by 29 percent from a seven-day average of 193 on June 24 to 249 on July 7, city data show, despite 63 percent of adults fully immunized. What's more, the Delta variant now makes up 26 percent of cases sequenced in the city, up from 17.1 percent, according to the health department. This mean the strain has now overtaken the Iota variant that first cropped in New York City and the Brazilian 'Gamma' variant, as the second most prevalent strain and will likely overtake the Alpha variant by next week. According to Murray, although these increases are less dramatic than those seen in unvaccinated pockets of the country, vaccinated areas are also seeing spikes because coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. In New York City, nearly all capacity limits and mask requirements were lifted when the state hit 70 percent of adults with at least one vaccine dose last month. And, on June 15, California lifted all physical distancing requirements and capacity limitations, which means the same occurred in Los Angeles. Transmission is going up 'due to the Delta variant and the fact that everybody's stopped wearing a mask and just basically stopped most precautions,' Murray told Insider. He also referenced data from Scotland which showed that, although more than half of the country is fully vaccinated, cases have surged. Since June 25, COVID-19 infections have jumped 84 percent from 1,747 cases to 3,216 recorded on Friday, according to data from the Scottish Government. 'You cannot explain the explosive epidemic in Scotland, in a pretty highly vaccinated population, if they're not playing a role in transmission,' Murray said. 'That window of transmission probably goes down,' he said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance on Friday and called on schools to fully reopen in the fall. The federal health agency says this step should be taken even if schools cannot follow all recommended steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the recommendations, the CDC says masks should be worn indoors by anyone over age two - both pupils and staff - who is not fully vaccinated and desks should be placed three feet apart. But, if social distancing would prevent schools from fully reopening, officials can use other strategies such as regular testing and increased ventilation. What's more, the CDC said that school districts should use data from their local health departments to determine when to tighten or loosen public health measures. 'Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority,' the agency wrote. The CDC also encourages schools to promote COVID-19 vaccination by 'providing information, encouraging vaccine trust and confidence, and establishing supportive policies and practices that make getting vaccinated as easy and convenient as possible.' The CDC issued new guidance on Friday calling for K-12 schools to fully reopen in fall 2021. Pictured: A kindergarten student at Resurrection Catholic School in Los Angeles, California, February 2021 Recommendations include all unvaccinated children ages two and older wear masks and that desks are placed at least three feet apart (file image) Children make up 14% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S. but just 0.1% of all deaths, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics Despite the fact that the Indian 'Delta' variant continues to spread, and that no vaccines are approved for children under age 12, many health officials said the guidance is the right decision. Although children can contract COVID-19 and pass it on to adults, they are much less likely to fall severely ill and die. Currently, children under age 18 make up 14 percent of all cases to date and just 0.1 percent of all Covid-related deaths in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Polls suggest that parents are 50/50 about vaccinating children with a recent CDC report suggesting 56 percent of parents 12-to-17-year-olds plan to vaccinate their children. 'For the first time, I really think they hit it on the nose,' Dr Benjamin Linas, an infectious disease specialist at Boston University told The New York Times. 'I think it's science-based and right on the mark. I don't want to send my 11-year-old to school without a mask yet, because Delta is out there. 'And even if she's not going to get severe Covid from Delta, I'm not ready to take that risk.' Dr Erin Sauber-Schatz, a Commander in the United States Public Health Service, who helped write the CDC guidance, told The Times the recommendations started being drafted in May after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine for ages 12 and up. It relies on a multi-layered approach, meaning using several strategies to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms. This includes masks, social distancing, symptoms screenings, contact tracing, increasing ventilation, hand-washing and making sure anyone with signs of illness stays home. 'We know that in-person learning is really important for school, for children, for their educational, social and emotional well-being, and so we really want to get kids back in the classroom,' Sauber-Schatz told The Times. 'Physical distancing is still a recommended strategy...[but not having enough space] should not keep children out of the classroom in the fall.' Heath experts also acknowledge that the guidance help relieve the emotional and economic burden that parents have experienced, many of whom had to remain home to watch their children. 'This a big moment,' Dr Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC told The Times. 'It's also a recognition that there are real costs to keeping children at home, to keeping them out of school, that school is so important in terms of children's socialization and development and it provides other supports as well' including to working parents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had asked for a federal investigation into its approval of a controversial Alzheimer's drug. Dr Janet Woodcock, acting commissioner of the FDA, announced she sent a letter to the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for a probe into communications between FDA staff and Biogen Inc representatives in the lead up to the approval of Aduhelm, the company's Alzheimer's drug. 'Given the ongoing interest and questions, today I requested that [The Office of the Inspector General] conduct an independent review and assessment of interactions between representatives of Biogen and FDA during the process that led to the approval of Aduhelm,' she wrote on Twitter on Friday. Aduhelm received FDA approval on June 7 despite limited data that it worked in clinical trials. Aduhelm, developed by Biogen, received controversial FDA approval on June 7 despite two failed clinical trials. The FDA is asking for an investigation into itself to look at communications between agency staff and Biogen in the lead up to the drug's approval The move comes after a turbulent month for the FDA and Biogen, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based drug maker. In the weeks since approval, three members of an FDA advisory board have stepped down in protest of the drug's approval, a congressional investigation has been launched and the agency even revised the drug's label earlier this week. Now the agency wants to look into its own communications to determine if proper procedure was followed in the lead up to the drug's approval. 'We believe an independent assessment is the best manner in which to determine whether any interactions that occurred between the manufacturer and the agency's review staff were inconsistent with FDA's policies and procedures,' Woodcock tweeted. 'We believe this review and assessment will help ensure continued confidence in the integrity of FDA's regulatory processes and decision-making. 'If [The Office of the Inspector General] decides to conduct the review, the agency will fully cooperate & should they provide the agency with any recommendations, FDA would review expeditiously to determine the best course of action. 'The trust of the American public, especially during these difficult times is of the utmost importance to the FDA and we will continue to exercise transparency around our decision-making as allowed by the law. ' She also posted a statement to Twitter, outlining her concerns. 'I have tremendous confidence in the integrity of the staff and leadership of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research involved in the [Aduhelm] review and their commitment to unbiased and science-based decision-making,' the statement read. 'There continue to be concerns raised, however, regarding the contacts between representatives from Biogen and FDA during the review process, including some that may have occurred outside of the formal correspondence process. 'To the extent these concerns could undermine the public's confidence in the FDA's decision, I believe that it is critical that the events at issue be reviewed be an independent body such as the Office of the Inspector General in order to determine whether any interactions that occurred between Biogen and FDA review staff were inconsistent with FDA policy and procedures.' Woodcock has previously defended the drug's approval from critics, saying it was 'reasonably likely' that the drug could help slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's. Some disagree, though, due to a rocky trial process by the drug manufacturer. Biogen launched two clinical trials for Aduhelm, the commercial name of the drug aducanumab, in 2016. Both were stopped midway because researchers concluded that neither trial would end up reaching its goal. Biogen found data from their second clinical trial that showed the drug could reduce the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's by 22%. If true, it would be the only drug with the ability to do so Later, the company revealed updated data from the second study showed patients had 22 percent decrease in speed of their cognitive decline. It also showed that Aduhelm could remove amyloid beta plaques on the brain that some experts believe can reduce the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer's. Woodcock and others have said that the removal of these plaques can stop cognitive decline, which would make the drug the only available Alzheimer's treatment to do so. The FDA has since rolled back a bit on the drug. Earlier this week, the agency revised its label, now only recommending it to be prescribed to those in the early stages of Alzheimer's, or with more mild case of the condition. 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.' The large price tag of the drug has been a point of concern as well. 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 A year of treatment using the drug will cost $56,000 a year, a huge premium to the $10,000 to $20,000 the drug was expected to cost. Two congressional committees in the House have 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. 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. 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. A Missouri hospital system has become the latest in the U.S. to mandate that its employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Mercy Health hospital system, headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, has given its 44,000 workers until September 30 to get fully vaccinated or risk termination. The system, which also Arkansas, Oklahoma nd Kansas, says so far 75 percent of its employees have received at least one dose. Hospitals like Mercy's St Louis location and its locations in Arkansas have been hit hard by a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks as the Indian 'Delta' variant sweeps through both states. Mercy also has a location in Springfield, in southwest Missouri, the area of the country being among the hardest hit by an early-summer COVID surge. Mercy Hospital is mandating that all employees get vaccinated by September 30 to keep their jobs. Pictured: The system's St Louis location 'As health care leaders in our communities, it is important we set the standard to prevent the spread of COVID-19,' Dr William Sistrunk, an infectious disease specialist told the St Louis Post-Dispatch. 'Our goal is to ensure the safest possible work environment for our co-workers and patients while also being a part of the effort to stop the spread of the virus in the communities we serve.' Mercy Health employs 44,000 people between its 25 locations. It joins Houston Methodist hospital (26,000 employees) and NewYork-Presbyterian (46,000 employees) among other major hospitals nationwide to institute vaccine mandates. Three other hospital systems that serve the St Louis area have also instituted vaccine mandates in recent weeks - BJC HealthCare and Washington University (September 15 deadline), St. Lukes Hospital (August 13) and SSM Health (September 30). All of the states the hospital system serves are among those in the worst shape in fighting the virus this summer. The Delta variant is now the dominant strain in the United States, making up 51.7 percent of new infections, and has hit no state harder than Missouri. New daily cases in Missouri have doubled in recent weeks, from around 500 new cases a day on June 8 to 1,000 on average on July 8. An estimated 96 percent of new cases in the state are linked to the Delta variant. Mercy Springfield location reported that at one point over the weekend, the case load got so bad they ran out of ventilators. 'Last weekend the number of ventilators in use escalated so quickly-something our care team has never experienced before-that we had to activate our plan to bring in more,' Erik Frederick, the chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield wrote in a tweet, though he said the hospital never reached a point where they could not meet demand. Arkansas has seen its daily cases increase by more than 230 percent as well, from 180 new cases a day on June 8 to 600 on average on July 8. Three-fourths of new cases in the state can also be attributed to the Delta variant. Daily averages are also expected to skyrocket in the coming days, as the state recorded over 1,000 new daily cases two times this week. Cases in Oklahoma have increased from around 100 a day on June 8 to 283 a day on July 8, a 180 percent increase, with 75 percent of new cases being of the Delta strain. Kansas (37.5 percent increase in cases over the past month) is having a less pronounced rise in cases than its peers, but 88 percent of new cases are of the Delta variant - setting the stage for a bigger outbreak soon. All four states have struggled to get their population vaccinated. Kansas (42.4 percent of population fully vaccinated) are leading the group with a lackluster total, with Missouri (39.5), Oklahoma (38.9) and Arkansas (34.7) following. Recent research finds that people who only have received one shot of a two-shot vaccine sequence are still vulnerable to the virus. Amazon Studios, the film division of the retail giant, and Carbon Health, a health tech startup, are joining together to host pop-up vaccination clinics in New York City and Los Angeles. The effort started on July 8 in the Big Apple, when Amazon Studios launched a clinic at St John's Bread & Life, non-profit organization serves Brooklyn and Queens. The first scheduled pop-up clinics in Los Angeles will be on July 17 and 18. The clinics are being created in an effort to deliver the vaccines to underserved populations, including communities or color and poorer areas in the two cities. Amazon Studios and Carbon Health are joining together to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics in underserved communities of New York City and Los Angeles (File Photo) 'Amazon Studios first collaborated with the teams at Carbon Health at the onset of the pandemic in early 2020 and since then we have seen, first-hand, their dedication to helping all communities fight COVID-19,' Jennifer Salke, CEO of Amazon Studios, said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. 'As we enter this pivotal juncture in the pandemic, we want to join forces to help bring vaccinations to the locations where they are needed most.' The clinics plan to distribute around 150 doses of the Moderna vaccine every day. Carbon Health had previously teamed with the office of LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and the LA Fire Department to assist a massive vaccination site at Dodgers Stadium. Now, is is working with Amazon to expand those efforts. 'We are proud to extend our collaboration with Amazon Studios to reach under-vaccinated communities, like unhoused individuals served by Bread & Life,' said Dr Sujal Mandavia, Carbon Health's chief medical officer, in a statement. Carbon Health also previously worked with Amazon to help members of the studio's cast and crew vaccinated. Carbon Health previously worked with LA officials to set up a massive vaccine clinic at Dodger Stadium, pictured here in January 2021 'Over the last year, Carbon Health has joined forces with Amazon Studios to bring mobile COVID-19 testing clinics to 12 production sites, making it easier for cast and crew to continue to operate during the pandemic,' Mandavia continued. The company has helped distribute more than 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and 1.4 million COVID tests across the country in efforts with local governments and non-profits, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Increasing access to vaccines in order to get the remaining unvaccinated Americans jabbed has become a major effort in recent weeks. Currently, a little more than two-thirds of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and about 58 percent are fully vaccinated. The Indian 'Delta' variant, a more-contagious strain of the virus that originated in the south Asian country, is beginning to sweep across the nation and is now the country's dominant strain. Many, particularly in rural areas of the Midwest and southeastern regions of the country, remain unvaccinated. President Joe Biden encouraged Americans to get vaccinated during a press briefing on Tuesday, and announced that his administration would work to bring vaccines to people within their communities - even going door-to-door if need be. '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,' Biden said. The President previously set a target of getting 70 percent of Americans at least partially vaccinated by July 4, which the country failed to reach. Some in the inner city have struggled to get vaccinated as well, specifically in black and Latino communities, as they have sometimes not been allocated the necessary supplies to meet demand. Amazon and Carbon Health hope to close the gap, though they are not the only ones attempting to do so in LA. 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center, a cannabis dispensary that previously gave away products worth up to $30 for only a penny, is hosting a walk-in vaccine clinic as well this weekend. It's time to raid those drawers, cupboards and storage boxes for old mobile phones, as many could be sitting on thousands of pounds, new research suggests. The ten most valuable old mobile phones are worth more than 25,000 in total, according to data from online marketplace LoveAntiques. Pre-production iPhone 1's top the list of the most valuable 'antech' mobile phones with an average value of 10,000. The marketplace has reported a spike in people's interest for 'antech' which is any product older than two generations of technology. Some old mobiles are now worth thousands of pounds online as they are seen as antiques Phones most likely to be worth big sums are often the first model in a range, had an unusual design, became associated with iconic movies or made from luxury materials. Will Thomas of LoveAntiques said: 'As something most people use every day, it's almost strange to think of mobile phones as antiques, but as we outlined with our "antech" category the pace of technological advancements means that a lot of them are nearing that stage.' He adds: 'It is safe to say that there are some weird and wonderful models out there, some I'm sure a lot of people today wouldn't even know were phones and yet they can be worth an enormous amount. 'Collecting tech is particularly interesting because you can almost create a timeline of how it has developed over the years, and even how it continues to develop with new advancements.' Below, LoveAntiques has listed the top ten most valuable antech mobile phones. Price ranges were calculated using eBay sales over the last year and valuations from an antique tech expert. 1. Pre-production Prototype iPhone 1 - 10,000+ If you have a pre-production prototype of an Apple iPhone 1 you could make thousands The Apple iPhone of 2007 was a major milestone in phone design and concept. While a New in Box 2G iPhone might itself be worth 2,000 currently, if you are fortunate enough to have a pre-production prototype of that phone then you could be in luck. Prices vary considerably but in online auctions genuine examples have been known to make more than 30,000 before. However, beware there are lots of standard iPhones with prototype software installed being passed off as the real thing. 2. Motorola 8000x- 800 to 3,500 The Motorola 8000x was available from 1983 to 1994 with a full charge taking roughly 10 hours, offering just 30 minutes of talk time. Although compared to today's standards, the phone is huge, it was considered much less bulky than mobile phones which were usually found in cars or briefcases. These were often branded to different companies (such as BT) and are not always labelled on the front so it is worth learning how to spot this collectible classic. The phones were sold for 3,000 new. The Motorola 8000x was available from 1983 to 1994 with a full charge taking 10 hours 3. Nokia 7700 - 1,000 to 2,000 This phone is still worth thousands despite being around many years after the Motorola 8000x. This is because the phone was never properly released despite a prototype being produced between 2003 and 2004. It was intended to be the first pen based device but was ultimately cancelled. Only around 20 models were made which explains the hefty price point. The phone was never released despite a prototype being produced between 2003 and 2004 4. Mobira Senator NMT- 800 to 2,000 Undoubtedly one of the largest mobile phones ever made, the Mobira Senator NMT was launched by Nokia in 1981. It weighed around 22 pounds, making it one of the heaviest devices. Today, it is one of the rarest cell phones that have ever existed, accounting for why some collectors would be happy to pay up to 2,000 for their own slice of history. These were estimated as 5,000 when bought new. Heavy device: The Mobira Senator NMT was launched in 1981 and weighed around 22 pounds 5. IBM Simon Personal Communicator- 800 to 2,000 The IBM Simon Person Communicator was released in 1994 as a handheld, touchscreen personal digital assistant. It sold approximately 50,000 units during the product's six months on the market. However, the battery only lasted an hour, and as flip smartphones became much smaller, this led to it being discontinued. They were 539 when bought new. The phone was soon discontinued due to the popularity of flip smart phones in the market 6. Nokia Sapphire 8800 - 500 to 2,000 Produced by Nokia in 2005 as a luxury phone there were several variations including one with 24 carat gold plating. The original came with a scratch-resistant screen and has a weight of 134 grams. The model came with a manufacturer-specified talk time of up to 1.5 to 3 hours or up to 8 days standby time per battery. However, users said this was optimistic and most had to charge their phone several times a day. Now, it is one of the most popular second hand models to purchase. The devices were 500 new. Nokia introduced the 8800 as a luxury model with a 24ct gold plated version available 7. Technophone PC105T - 600 to 1,500 Released in 1986 this was the worlds first pocket-sized mobile phone with an original price tag of 1,900 - hugely expensive for its time. It was with a grant from the UK's Department for Trade and Industry, and its small size inspired government policy makers to see the mass-market potential of mobiles. In fact, it was pitched as being able to fit into the a pocket as opposed to in a car or briefcase. A model of the phone is able to view in the Science Museum in London. The phones were 1,990 new. Check your cupboards: The Technophone PC105T is now worth between 600 to 1,500 8. Orbitel Citiphone- 600 to 1,000 The Orbitel Citiphone is a classic brick phone from 1987 which rarely turns up now. Originally sold for 999 plus VAT, was another of the first mobile phones at its time of released. Collectors will have to shell out between 600 to 1,000 in order to secure one. The Orbitel Citiphone is one of the original brick phones that can now be worth up to 1,000 9. Ericsson R290 Satellite Phone - 300 to 1,000 Released in 1999 this was one of the first satellite phones making it possible to call friends and family from even the most inaccessible places in the world. It uses a foldable antenna that is the same length as the body of the telephone and also has a built-in modem for data and fax communication. For UK users, access to the Globalstar network was available when using a Vodafone GSM Sim card. They were estimated at a huge 2,000 new but those looking to buy a model now will be looking at paying between 300 to 1,000. The Ericsson R290 was one of the first satellite phones with customers able to call worldwide 10. Rainbow StarTAC - 100 to 400 Motorola released the StarTAC range in 1996 and was one of the first clamshell design phones. A multi-coloured version was released in limited numbers and is a great example of an early fashion phone. The phones were 1,400 new but collectors will be looking at paying between 100 to 400 for a model now. The multi-coloured version of Motorola's StarTAC range was released in limited numbers What makes a phone more valuable? Experts suggest that small factors like branding, software, model, cult status and rarity are just some things that can make a mobile phone valuable. The mobile at the top of the list for example - the prototype iPhone 1 - has been known to fetch up to 30,000. Unfortunately many post-production iPhones have had prototype software installed making them far less valuable. It is also important to know the common signifiers of a fake versus the real deal. In looking at collectible technological items, LoveAntiques experts believe the pace of advancement in technology means traditionally used terms like 'antique' at least 100 years old and 'vintage' at least 20 years old are inappropriate. They will now define any product older than two generations of technology as 'antech', opting for the recognisable Latin prefix 'ante', meaning 'before'. Five common mobiles that could net you some cash While you could fetch big bucks for the mobiles mentioned above, it is more likely that you'll have one of the below 'classics' hidden away - and it is well worth finding out the resale value of them. Nokia 3310: 20 to 50 Motorola RAZR V3: 30 to 150 Philips Savvy: 5 to 20 Samsung Galaxy S: 10 to 50 Blackberry Curve: 20 to 120 The RAZR is arguably the most visually iconic phone and will go up in price steadily, experts say. However, the Samsung and Blackberry are the ones to leave in your drawer for a few years as while they are interesting, they are also the most common right now. Top tips for collecting mobile phones Check the condition of the phone - items in their original packaging, with their original paperwork and accessories will fetch more money. Find the unique selling point of the phone - icon status and tech milestones are far more valuable than age alone. Understand the tech - many old phones either don't work due to the battery or can no longer connect to a network, this is not necessarily a bad thing but make sure to understand why the phone no longer works. Study the phones - most importantly make sure to understand the differences between models that have barely been altered, it could make a vast difference to the price. Vauxhall has this morning announced it will ditch the petrol and diesel engine from 2028 and sell only fully-electric cars and vans in the UK from that date. The announcement comes in the same week the brand confirmed it is converting its Ellesmere Port factory - which currently produces the Astra hatchback - into an electric van plant. With the battery-powered Corsa-e the UK's most-bought new EV currently, the marque has also promised a return for the iconic Opel Manta as a fully-electric vehicle to be sold in Britain by 2025. The decision means Vauxhall dealers will be offering only battery powered cars two years ahead of the Government's plan to ban the sale of new models with internal combustion engines from 2030. Vauxhall to go all-electric in the UK: The British marque has confirmed it will stop selling petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2028 - two years ahead of the Government's plan to ban them Making the announcement on Friday morning, Vauxhall said it is 'opening the next chapter of its comprehensive electrification offensive'. Part of the process will see every model on sale by 2024 be offered with an electrified version, be that an entirely battery-powered alternative to petrol and diesel or a hybrid choice. Paul Willcox, managing director of Vauxhall Motors, added: 'As of 2028, Vauxhall will only offer fully electric cars and vans in the UK. 'The future of the automotive industry is electric and Vauxhall will lead that in this country. 'We are on a journey to reinvent Vauxhall and heading towards a net zero CO2 future CO2 is the new currency in our industry.' The all-electric target of 2028 for Vauxhall will be more immediate than other brands under the banner of parent group Stellantis, which also includes the likes of Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Jeep. With Vauxhall being a UK-only product - with the same models sold as Opels in mainland Europe - it makes sense for it to sell only electric vehicles ahead of the Government's plans to banish internal combustion engine cars by the end of the decade. One of the new EV models already promised by bosses is a 'modern day version of the Opel Manta' - which was originally available from 1970 to 1988 in two generations, Manta A and Manta B - following a 'positive public reception' to the Manta GSe ElektroMOD restomod unveiled in May. One of the new EV models already promised by bosses is a 'modern day version of the Opel Manta' following a 'positive public reception' to this Manta GSe ElektroMOD that was unveiled just two months ago The concept shown earlier this year has a 31kWh battery and 145bhp electric motor. The claimed range is 124 miles, while an on-board 9kW charger means a full charge takes four hours The concept car has a stripped-back interior and old-school steering wheel. Even the instrument cluster, which is digital, has retro clocks displayed on the screen Bosses say it will be on sale by 2025. The concept shown earlier this year has a 31kWh battery and 145bhp electric motor. The claimed range is 124 miles, while an on-board 9kW charger means a full charge takes four hours. It has brake regeneration technology that helps it to recoup energy when slowing down that would have otherwise been wasted. It also recently gave an early glimpse of the next-generation Astra, of which there will be electrified version when it goes on sale from next year. The decision will see Vauxhall become one of the first mainstream brands in Britain to stop selling petrol and diesel cars. Its biggest rival, Ford, has promised to offer only plug-in hybrids and EVs from 2027 before going entirely electric in 2030 These are the first images of the new Astra that's due to be sold from next year. There will be electrified versions of the car Currently, Vauxhall offers nine electric or electrified cars and vans with the Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Grandland PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid), Combo-e, Combo-e Life, Vivaro-e, Vivaro-e Life and Movano-e. In the first six months of this year, Corsa-e is the bestselling battery electric supermini and Vauxhall itself is the UKs number one electric van manufacturer. With the introduction of the all-electric Combo-e and Movano-e LCVs, Vauxhall will offer fully electric vans across its range by the end of 2021. Including the car range, the entire Vauxhall portfolio will offer electrified versions by 2024 and then move to fully electric in 2028. The decision will see Vauxhall become one of the first mainstream brands in Britain to stop selling petrol and diesel cars. Its biggest rival, Ford, has promised to offer only plug-in hybrids and EVs from 2027 before going entirely electric in 2030. In the first six months of this year, Corsa-e is the bestselling battery electric supermini The Corsa-e is priced from 26,390, which is 9,735 more than the entry Vauxhall supermini with a petrol engine. The electric version also has 2,500 knocked off the asking price as it qualifies for the Government's Plug-in Vehicle Grant The Vauxhall Corsa-e has a claimed full battery range of up to 209 miles and can take just 30 minutes to charge to 80% battery capacity The news of Vauxhall becoming all-electric from 2028 follows parent company Stellantis confirming on Thursday that the group will invest 30 billion (21.7 billion) by 2025 in its electrification strategy for the next decade. By 2030, it said that 70 per cent of its European sales will be low emissions vehicles, which includes both plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles. It has promised a host of new electrified models across its portfolio of 14 brands, ranging from city cars to pick-up trucks. It also announced that it will built its first 'gigafactory' in Italy, having previously suggested that the UK was in the running for the home of its initial battery-making plant. Vauxhall's transition to becoming an all-electric vehicle maker follows the announcement on Tuesday that the Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire will be the first Stellantis plant to produce solely electric vehicles. A 100million investment will see the Vauxhall Combo-e LCV and passenger version (as well as Peugeot and Citroen versions on the same platform) go into production at the site at the end of next year. The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD concept is real-wheel drive and features a single-speed gearbox The design is very much in the ilk of the Opel Mata A, which was produced from 1970 to 1975 The electric Vivaro-e commercial vehicle is already being built at Vauxhall's Luton factory The Vivaro-e Life is a large family MPV based on the Vivaro-e van. It will continue to be made in Luton while production of the smaller Combo-e will take place at Ellesmere Port The move will safeguard around 1,000 jobs at the plant - and up to 7,000 workers in the supply chain, according to union Unite - and receive funding from the UK Government. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a video message to the firm's bosses and workers at the factory earlier this week, while Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng was in attendance at the plant for the announcement. Mr Johnson said: 'It's a huge vote of confidence in our economy, in the people of Ellesmere Port and in our fantastic post-Brexit trading relationships. 'And it's a great example of the kind of high-skilled, well-paid jobs that we're securing as part of our green, industrial revolution. 'The Stellantis plant marks the new age of cheap and efficient mass-produced electric vehicles. 'And I could not be more proud of the fact that, in just a couple of years from now, your packages will be gliding silently to your door in an electric van marked 'Made in Great Britain'.' Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday delivered a video message on stage during the press conference announcing Stellantis' investment in the Vauxhall Ellesmere Port plant to build new electric vehicles Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, speaking during a press conference at the factory, where it was announced that the site is to become parent company Stellantis's first manufacturing facility dedicated to solely battery-electric models, in both commercial and passenger versions, by the end of next year Mr Kwarteng would not be drawn on the exact arrangements during a round of media interviews at the factory. He said: 'We have contributed an amount. But of course that has been superseded and dwarfed by Stellantis, the 100 million, that Stellantis has put into this investment. 'You will appreciate we talk with lots of automotive companies; the amount of support we give is commercially sensitive and I'm not going to disclose that to you on television. 'What we have to appreciate is every advanced manufacturing country is supporting the automotive sector, is supporting really what is a once-in-a-generation transition away from traditional internal combustion engine machines to electric vehicles, to hydrogen vehicles in some cases, but this is really a new green, industrial revolution, and we are happy to back it.' Mr Kwarteng added: 'I think we are much more flexible outside the EU, I'm not going to say we wouldn't have been able to do it in the EU, but I think clearly we are in a much more flexible situation, we can have much more nimble action. 'And certainly in my role as Business Secretary, I've been struck by the number of people who have come to my door, wanting to invest in the UK and very excited about the prospects of investing here after our departure from the EU.' Social media platform TikTok has launched a crackdown on influencers' promotion of financial services products, including cryptocurrency, share trading and buy now pay later. The move is aimed at halting a growing tide of unsuitable high-risk investments and frauds being promoted on social media, but will also hit reputable financial firms. Banks and fintechs have cottoned on to the benefits of advertising and partnering with influencers on TikTok. Monzo and Revolut post regulator content and savings app Plum has collaborated with authentic fintok voices. But these new rules will put a stop to that. TikTok is cracking down on financial content amid concerns younger investors are being scammed The social media platform has updated its branded content policy to ban the promotion of all financial services and products globally. This includes but is not limited to loans and credit cards, buy now pay later services like Klarna, trading platforms, cryptocurrencies and get rich quick schemes. Its advertising policy, which allows financial services companies to advertise to people over the age of 18, remains unchanged. Adverts promoting virtual currencies and cryptocurrencies are already prohibited, as are pyramid schemes and get rich quick schemes. The platform has come under scrutiny for allowing unregulated financial advice which could mislead younger investors. Some of the advice - I see a stock going up and I buy it, and I just watch it until it stops going up, and then I sell it - is questionable at best, or possibly tongue-in-cheek. Others on the platform are straight scammers. The Financial Conduct Authority has already warned that financially vulnerable, young investors are engaging in unsuitable high-risk investing. We are worried that some investors are being tempted - often through online adverts or high-pressure sales tactics - into buying higher-risk products that are very unlikely to be unsuitable for them, the regulator said in March. Holly Mackay, founder and chief executive of Boring Money said: The sole incentive for unqualified influencers to talk about financial products has been making money. With that removed, it still leaves the road open for those who want to help and inform, but are agnostic about which products people end up choosing. In practice, most of the big brands are still struggling to get their heads around Twitter, let alone work out TikTok, so this should actually just clean up those who were spouting dangerous rubbish for commercial gain. Other companies are also starting to take a harder line on scam adverts on their platforms. Google announced plans to clamp down on saving and investing scam adverts in the UK. Businesses advertising financial services or products via Google will, from 30 August, have to demonstrate that they are authorised by the FCA or qualify for one of the limited exemptions available. The exemptions, among others, include products in scope of its 'Debt service policy', financial spread betting, gambling adverts and 'Products in scope of our Cryptocurrencies, Credit repair, and Binary options policies.' All adverts for these products or investments will still have to comply with separate Google advert policies. The regulator threatened to take legal action against Google and social media companies after it issued 1,200 warnings about fraudulent adverts on their platforms last year, which is double the amount from 2019. Normally, I do not like fashion fads, as they tend to lead to next year's disasters. However, I am willing on this occasion to find some exceptions. One of these is the selling of record back catalogues, in which the value of nostalgic music can compensate for the fashion embarrassments of that time where did I leave those flared trousers? On song: In 1997 British musician David Bowie (pictured) sold 'Bowie bonds', which gave investors a share in his future royalties for 10 years Why Does It Matter? There is nothing new about artists selling access to their folio of creativity. After all, you may recall the enthusiasm for 'Bowie Bonds' when the late Starman raised cash backed by the future income of his music. The success of such structures, though, is based upon the quality and longevity of the music or whatever art form is being sold. The other factor is the control of the rights to this music. With free downloading so commonplace, effective measurement of your potential earnings is vague, to say the least, even though there will no doubt be litigation and other action to try to ensure artists do not lose out to freeloaders. What Should I Do? In 2018, a company called Hipgnosis was formed precisely to address this market and raised money to go out and purchase back catalogues of work, including those from Neil Young, Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Beyonce. Technically this company is an investment trust, so it trades as any other standard stock although you always have to watch the discount value that such trusts tend to have against their underlying assets. You might think that such a business is a 'banker' and what could possibly go wrong? Well to start with, your stars of yesterday could just become unplayable. More importantly, suppose all those clubs, pubs and other outlets playing music are forced to shut down for some reason. Sound familiar? Any Suggestions? This company has come back to the markets to raise more money with the direct intention of doing more of the same. It is a simple model and one that I like. The share price has not been that dramatic, but it provides a decent yield, currently at 4.27 per cent, which is better than any high street deposit account that I can see. The concept of listening to the music and making money out of it is most appealing to me, although I think I would be happy to avoid Barry Manilow. However, there is a passive fund which may be a good alternative, and that is the Invesco Dynamic Media ETF, although this does focus on US media companies. Marlboro-maker Philip Morris International has swooped on British inhaler firm Vectura in an audacious 1billion takeover. The world's largest tobacco group said the move on the FTSE 250 outfit was part of its long-term strategy to rebrand as a 'wellness company'. But it is another setback for UK plc and the latest example of pandemic plundering that has seen innovative British companies become the targets of overseas vultures. Philip Morris, the world's largest tobacco group said the move on FTSE 250 outfit Vectura was part of its long-term strategy to rebrand as a 'wellness company' The AA, G4S, Aggreko and Morrisons are among the major firms that have succumbed to takeovers since the coronavirus crisis struck. Vectura has accepted Philip Morris' offer and urged shareholders to get behind it too. The London-listed company's shares rocketed 14 per cent, or 19p, to 154.6p on the news. Philip Morris' offer gazumped a 958million buyout that Vectura bosses had previously agreed with US private equity house Carlyle. Vectura has withdrawn support for the Carlyle bid and scrapped a vote on the tie-up. Senior bounces back Senior proved why it rejected five private equity bids in two months as it reported a stronger-than-expected rebound from the pandemic. The British engineer said there were clear signs of recovery in its major markets. Senior fended off a string of approaches from Lone Star before spurning a final 840million takeover offer last month prompting the US private equity house to walk away. Bosses were adamant that the offers fundamentally undervalued the firm because it is set to thrive when Covid has passed. The company is worth 680million, or 161p a share far lower than Lone Stars final 200p proposal. Based in Chippenham in Wiltshire, Vectura specialises in making inhalers and nebulisers. But it also helps top drug companies to convert their medicines into powders that can be inhaled. Its customers include Glaxosmithkline and Hikma Pharmaceuticals and during the pandemic it has been working with Inspira Pharmaceuticals to develop a Covid vaccine. Philip Morris' enthusiasm to buy a company that focuses on treating lung conditions comes as tobacco companies are racing to move away from selling traditional cigarettes. Chief executive Jacek Olczak said it was part of a plan to become a 'broader healthcare and wellness company'. Terminally declining sales in the western world where smoking has been banned in many public spaces has led all companies in the sector to plough cash into developing new product lines such as vaping. Philip Morris' main new product has been IQOS, a cigarette-like device that heats, rather than burns, tobacco, giving users a nicotine hit without any of the damage delivered by smoke. The company has pledged to make 722million in sales per year by 2025 from what it calls 'Beyond Nicotine' products. In 2016 it first promised to eventually stop selling cigarettes altogether. But last year it sold 263bn Marlboro cigarettes outside the US and China. And it also owns other popular brands such as Chesterfield and Parliament. Philip Morris said it intends to run Vectura as an autonomous business that form 'the backbone' of an inhaled treatments division. Vectura employs 400 people and generated revenues of 191million last year. The deal is worth 150p per share with a 19p dividend, handing Vectura's bosses around 1million and 400,000 to chairman Bruno Angelici, a former Astrazeneca executive. Analysts at US brokerage Stifel said they were 'surprised' Philip Morris made a higher offer than Carlyle. They added it was 'hard to see a competing bid or raised offer from Carlyle'. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'There seems to be an element of poacher turned gamekeeper for Philip Morris in this deal as it looks to use its expertise in inhalation for good making Vectura's inhaled drug delivery solutions a good fit.' Exports to the European Union have bounced back following a slump in trade after Brexit. Britain sold 14.2billion of goods to the bloc in May, a rise of 1.1billion or 8.8 per cent since April, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. The May haul was the biggest since October 2019 and followed a sharp fall in trade after the UK finally left the EU at the end of 2020. In January, goods exports to the EU fell to 7.9billion. On a roll: Britain sold 14.2bn of goods to the European Union in May, a rise of 1.1bn or 8.8 per cent since April, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics But the recovery makes a mockery of claims that Brexit has done irreparable damage to British exporters. Exports of goods to the rest of the world were also up 5.5 per cent to 15.2billion, the highest level since January 2020. However, imports from the EU to Britain totalled 18.5billion. While that was the most this year, it was still well below pre-pandemic and pre-Brexit levels and less than the 19.4billion of goods shipped in from the rest of the world. Britain typically imported more than half of its goods from the EU until January this year when new barriers to cross-border trade went up as a result of Brexit. A separate report from the ONS showed a global shortage of microchips has hit car production in the UK and held back the recovery from the coronavirus recession. The ONS said output in the manufacture of transport equipment tumbled by 16.5 per cent in May the biggest fall since April last year when the first lockdown hammered business. The slump came as microchip shortages disrupted car production, the report added. Other areas of the economy performed better in May, with the accommodation and food services sector growing by 37.1 per cent following the reopening of pubs, restaurants and hotels. But overall, gross domestic product rose by just 0.8 per cent following a 2 per cent leap in April. That was much weaker than the 1.5 per cent growth expected by economists and means the economy was still 3.1 per cent smaller than it was before the pandemic struck. Paul Dales, an economist with Capital Economics, said: Of course, the pace of the recovery was always going to slow as the economy climbed back towards its pre-crisis level. But we hadnt expected it to slow so much so soon. Britain suffered one of the biggest hits from the pandemic among advanced economies last year with output falling nearly 10 per cent the sharpest decline for over 300 years. The Bank of England expects the economy to grow by 7.25 per cent this year, the fastest annual growth since 1941 when Britain was rearming during the Second Word War. But a shortage of computer chips is wreaking havoc in the world of manufacturing as they are now crucial in smartphones, computers, cars and even fridges. Supply chains have been hit by the pandemic. Aboriginal academic Victoria Grieve-Williams remembers the first time a white female acquaintance asked if she would support her claim to be Indigenous. The woman was working in what was then the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and it would help her career if she was actually Aboriginal. Dr Grieve-Williams, a Warraimaay woman from the mid-north coast of NSW and now adjunct professor at RMIT University in Melbourne, refused the woman's request. 'She actually called me and asked if I would support her in her claim to be an Aboriginal person,' Dr Grieve-Williams told Daily Mail Australia. 'I said to her that I couldn't do that because I didn't know anything about it. I'd always known her as a non-Aboriginal person.' An increasing number of Australians are identifying as Indigenous. Aboriginal historian Victoria Grieve-Williams (pictured) says some of them - particularly in academia and the public service - are 'box-tickers' who falsely claim Aboriginality for personal gain Members of Melbourne's Aboriginal community are pictured protesting during a rally in April There is no way of knowing how many box-tickers there are in Australia but the practice seems particularly prevalent in academia where Aboriginality is sought and sometimes rewarded. It is not suggested that the University of Sydney is employing people who identify as Aboriginal without due diligence Ten years earlier the woman's mother, who worked at a university with Dr Grieve-Williams, had made a point of saying her daughter was not Aboriginal when they were discussing a particular course. 'Other people filled in the story with what was going on with her and why she wanted to be Aboriginal,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. Indigenous fraud terms Box-tickers: Australian term for those who falsely claim Aboriginality Pretendians: Those who falsely claim to be citizens of Native American tribal nations Race-shifters: Similar American term Nine-to-five blacks: Those who are Aboriginal at work and white at home Advertisement 'A big reason was that she was working within ATSIC and they'd reclassified a job to be a position held by an Indigenous person. She told me that on the phone.' The woman then sought to claim membership of an Aboriginal family group but they rejected her. A second mob did the same and she has since sought to identify with a third group that has not accepted her as one of their own. The woman is now a professor at an Australian university where at least on paper she is considered Aboriginal. Dr Grieve-Williams says the woman is one of growing number of Australians who claim to be Indigenous when they have no such ancestry. These people are sometimes called 'box-tickers' - because they literally tick a box to say they are Aboriginal - but are known in Canada as Pretendians and in the United States as race-shifters. Dr Grieve-Williams describes what they do as 'Indigenous identify fraud'. 'Aboriginal people are actually very badly affected by this,' she said. 'Universities and governments are employing so-called Aboriginal people without due diligence. 'High-level positions, huge salaries, great opportunities through Indigenous Business Australia, all of that's being gobbled up. 'There's no penalties, or checks and balances. These numbers are increasing.' A person's Indigenous status is determined by their response to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Standard Indigenous Question: 'Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?' There is no way of knowing how many box-tickers there are in Australia but the practice seems particularly prevalent in academia and sectors of the public service where Aboriginality is sought and sometimes rewarded. 'It's a huge problem but the figures are difficult to assess,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. Dr Grieve-Williams said Australian universities employed bogus Aboriginal academics as professors and right up to pro and deputy vice-chancellors. How the government accepts Aboriginality The federal government has applied a three-part test of Indigeneity since the 1980s. A person is considered Indigenous if he or she: a) Is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent b) Identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and c) Is accepted as such by the Indigenous community in which he or she resides or has resided. When accessing services intended to address the social, health and educational issues that Indigenous people often face, proof of Indigeneity is required to ensure the intention of the assistance is honoured. Most individuals seeking government assistance are required to provide a certified statement from an appropriately qualified individual or organisation (such as a local land council) to prove their identity and eligibility to receive services. Source: Office of the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt Advertisement 'The interesting thing I'm finding with my research is that Aboriginal people always recognise them, they always know they're not Aboriginal,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'Aboriginal people have been saying, "Hold on, that person isn't one of us" and nobody takes any notice. 'It's not only Aboriginal people who recognise it. It's non-Aboriginal people too.' Box-tickers, who are concentrated in major east coast cities, are appropriating a culture that is not theirs and taking jobs and resources meant for Aboriginal Australians. 'It's very surreal, particularly to a person my age because when I grew up the worst thing you could be was Aboriginal,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'Aboriginal people were so scorned and vilified. There were these nasty "Abo" jokes. I couldn't begin to tell you the depths of racism that I experienced. 'We were always made to feel in deficit. And now the tables have turned right around but it's not the real Aboriginal people who are getting the benefit from all of this.' There are particular benefits for box-tickers within academia who falsely claim to be Aboriginal. 'The benefits are to do with status, you have a certain status when you're a recognised Aboriginal person,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'But the main benefit is material. 'People get promoted very quickly. The interesting thing is box-tickers, or those committing identity fraud, seem to get the big jobs. 'They're promoted over other Aboriginal people. We joke and we say they're better at being Aboriginal people than we are.' Until recently, the focus in Australia on box-tickers has been on outing individuals - in what some see as a witch hunt - but race-shifting is now recognised to be an international phenomenon. Dr Grieve-Williams, a historian, spoke on the topic in May at a conference held by the Canadian Anthropology Society at the University of Guelph, Ontario. There are particular benefits for box-tickers within academia who falsely claim to be Aboriginal. 'The benefits are to do with status, you have a certain status when you're a recognised Aboriginal person,' Dr Grieve-Williams says. 'But the main benefit is material' She and fellow conference contributors were concerned the willingness to adopt a fake Aboriginal persona was causing real harm to genuine Indigenous people. 'I just thought this needs to be viable new area for research the way that it is in the United States and Canada,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'We need to be able to research this without a lot of opprobrium. 'The voices in Australia in defence of Indigenous identity fraud are very shrill, they're very damaging. You can be absolutely cancelled out because a lot of people have something to protect. 'One of the things that's been established in the United States and Canada is that the Pretendians support each other and it's the same thing in Australia. 'They will give each other jobs, they will give each other references, and they will often be quite aggressive and ostrasising of real Aboriginal people.' Dr Grieve-Williams said non-Aboriginal people taking public service jobs meant for Aboriginal applicants were known as 'nine-to-five blacks' and caused resentment. 'If you've got a person who comes in who calls themselves Aboriginal but who actually doesn't know anything about being Aboriginal then they rely on other people to inform them,' she said. Box-tickers are taking jobs and resources meant for Aboriginal Australians. 'It's very surreal, particularly to a person my age because when I grew up the worst thing you could be was Aboriginal,' Dr Grieve-Williams says 'They call them nine-to-five blacks because they're only black when they're in the office and then they go home to their white lives.' Another term, 'black cladding', refers to a non-Indigenous business masquerading as an Indigenous business by deceptive marketing which invents or exaggerates Aboriginal involvement in the enterprise. How the Census counts Indigenous Australians A person's Indigenous status is determined by their response to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Standard Indigenous Question: 'Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?' There are three options to answer: 'No, "Yes, Aboriginal' and 'Yes, Torres Strait Islander'. This question also allows respondents to report they are both 'Aboriginal' and 'Torres Strait Islander' if that is how they identify. The Standard Indigenous Question is based upon the federal government's definition of Indigenous status - two elements of self-identification - but does not include the third factor, that he or she is accepted as such by the community in which they live. The lack of that element is due to it being 'usually not practical to collect information on community acceptance in a survey or administrative data collection setting.' The Standard Indigenous Question is also asked in the health, education, and crime and justice sectors in most Australian state and territory government departments and agencies, and in many non-government sector collections. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Advertisement A spokeswoman for the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt - who is Indigenous - said there were government guidelines [see fact boxes below] to reduce such fraud. 'Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity is something that is personal and can be extremely complex,' the spokeswoman said. 'Where concerns around a person's Indigeneity are raised, it is important that these concerns are considered on a case-by-case basis in an appropriate and sensitive manner.' A spokesman for the Department of Education, Skills and Employment said: 'Verifying student and staff identities are matters for individual universities.' Dr Grieve-Williams was frustrated the box-ticking problem was not taken more seriously by governments. She said any debate was stifled by those with vested interests and that the fakes protested personal offence when their Aboriginality was challenged. 'The people who are committing this identify fraud, they cry lateral violence. They say, "Are you questioning my Aboriginality? I'm getting traumatised by this".' It is indisputable the number of Australians who say they are Aboriginal has been increasing for decades at a rate far faster than the broader population, or that can be explained by births. The last Census, conducted in 2016, estimated there were 798,400 Indigenous Australians - Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both - making up 3.3 per cent of the citizenry. That number was an increase of 19 per cent - or 128,500 people - on the estimate of 669,900 from the previous 2011 Census. During the same period the whole Australian population grew by just 8.4 per cent to 24,210,800. Since the introduction of a Standard Indigenous Question in 1996 - 'Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?' - the Census count of Indigenous Australians had increased by 83.9 per cent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics cites several factors in this increase, including higher fertility rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. But it also recognises some respondents change whether or not they identify as Indigenous between Censuses, the next of which will be taken on August 10. Part of the increase can be attributed to Australians discovering a previously unknown forebear, or a late acceptance of a once-shunned Aboriginal ancestry. Dr Grieve-Williams said programs meant to encourage Aboriginal students into university had been abused.'A lot of people came along and said, "Well, I believe I'm Aboriginal". And the universities accepted them' But at least some of these box-tickers are likely to be moved by a belief that to be white in modern Australia is to accept being part of a dark colonial history deeply associated with guilt. Anecdotes suggest there is a mindset that identifying as Aboriginal seems more exotic, or might somehow afford claimants some spiritual connection with the land that doesn't exist. Censuses record Australians in age brackets and there are not enough 'new' Indigenous individuals in the 0-4 years range each five years to account for the rise. Between 2011 and 2016 almost every five-year Indigenous age cohort under 70 increased in size. And where the increases occur shows box-tickers don't live in the bush. 'The growth in counts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons between 2011 and 2016 is not consistent across the country, with growth primarily occurring in major cities and on the eastern coast of Australia,' the Australian Bureau of Statistics states. Dr Grieve-Williams has a store of tales about white people suddenly - or conveniently - deciding they were black. 'A friend of mine was running an ATSIC office in Tasmania in the 1990s and the Aboriginal population in Tasmania had just suddenly boomed by 13,000 people. She said people were just able to do it.' 'I'll never forget at one student meeting at a university in Brisbane this young man said that he was Aboriginal because he supported Aboriginal people's aims. 'He actually thought that was all he had to do to be Aboriginal. Then somebody said is your family Aboriginal and he said no.' Aboriginal Australians by numbers The number of Australians who say they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander has been increasing for decades at a rate far faster than the broader population. The last Census, conducted in 2016, estimated there were 798,400 Indigenous Australians - Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both - making up 3.3 per cent of the citizenry. That number was an increase of 19 per cent - or 128,500 people - on the estimate of 669,900 from the previous 2011 Census. The vast majority of the increase was attributed to births - 72.7 per cent - but 21.4 per cent were deemed unexplainable. During the same period the whole Australian population grew by just 8.4 per cent to 24,210,800. Since the introduction of a Standard Indigenous Question in 1996 - 'Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?' - the Census count of Indigenous Australians has increased by 83.9 per cent. Large increases in the counts of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people have been observed since 1971. The increase between the 1991 and 1996 Censuses was 33 per cent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics cites several factors in this increase, including higher fertility rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. But it also recognises some respondents change whether they identify as Indigenous between Censuses. Censuses record Australians in age brackets and there are not enough 'new' Indigenous individuals in the 0-4 years range each five years to account for the rise. Between 2011 and 2016 almost every five-year age cohort under 70 increased in size. The increases are also not observed geographically across the board. 'The growth in counts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons between 2011 and 2016 is not consistent across the country, with growth primarily occurring in major cities and on the eastern coast of Australia,' the ABS states. The largest populations of Indigenous Australians lived in NSW (265,700) and Queensland (221,400). The smallest lived in the ACT (7,500 people). Indigenous Australians comprised 30 per cent of the population of the Northern Territory, the highest proportion of any state or territory. In Tasmania, 26,152 identified as Aboriginal, 1,322 as Torres Strait Islander and 1,063 as both for a total Indigenous population of 28,537. Annual government expenditure on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was estimated at $33.4billion in 2015-16. The Productivity Commission's 2017 Indigenous Expenditure Report stated mainstream services accounted for about $27.4billion or 82 per cent of that total, with the remaining $6billion on Indigenous-specific services. Mainstream services included health, welfare and education available to all Australians. The direct expenditure per Indigenous person was $44,886, almost twice the rate for non-Indigenous Australians ($22,356). The higher rate was attributed to a greater intensity of service use and the higher cost of providing services due to factors including remote locations. In the same period, Australian governments, federal and state, spent $522.7billion on non-Indigenous people. Advertisement Dr Grieve-Williams said it was once much harder to fake Aboriginality. When she arrived at Redfern in the 1980s she had to explain her background to the local Indigenous community. 'People generally ask, "Where are you from?" and that question means who is your family, who is your kin and what is your country? And then they place you,' she said. 'They might say, "I knew so and so from there" and you say, "Hes my uncle" and that's how we are all connected.' Dr Grieve-Williams believed changes in government policy - particular education - had led to a rise in the number of Australians claiming Aboriginality. Programs meant to encourage Aboriginal students into university had been abused. 'A lot of people came along and said, "Well, I believe I'm Aboriginal". And the universities accepted them. Some universities only require statutory declarations from people saying that they believe that they're Aboriginal.' When Dr Grieve-Williams's own son went to a university orientation week he came home upset that a boy he knew only as white had been accepted as Aboriginal. 'He said, "I feel like I'm the only real blackfella there",' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'What the university had done was accept a boy who had never identified himself as an Aboriginal. Some box-tickers apparently believe being white in modern Australia is to be part of a colonial history associated with guilt. They may also think identifying as Aboriginal is more exotic or affords them some spurious sense of spirituality 'He had never talked about his family or his kin or anything like that and he got special admission to this university.' Dr Grieve-Williams said non-Aborigines masquerading as Aborigines corrupted important demographic figures. 'The employment statistics, the average income, the life expectancy, the birth rate, the infant mortality rate. All of these figures become skewed.' White students with privileged backgrounds were being admitted to university courses and graduating as Aboriginal success stories, depriving genuinely disadvantaged candidates and distorting Indigenous education figures. 'It's costing an awful lot of money to put these people through these programs, to allow them to identify, to allow them to get through university programs, to apply for support through Indigenous Business Australia, or whatever they're doing. 'A lot of educated Aboriginal people have been sitting back and looking at this phenomenon and thinking what is the government doing here?' Dr Grieve-Williams pointed to North American indigenous groups which maintained community membership rolls. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt (pictured) did not respond directly to a question about whether he thought Indigenous identity theft was a problem The suggestion Aboriginal Australians build and maintain their own lists of groups - Wiradjuri people, Warraimaay people, and so forth - has been resisted. 'It was howled down by not only the Aboriginal people but the identity fraud people and white people as something akin to Nazism,' Dr Grieve-Williams said. 'Can you believe that? They were saying this is what the Nazis did - "We won't have any lists, we won't agree with lists".' 'And that just takes away the opportunity for Aboriginal people to manage their own affairs the way they're able to do it in North America, in the US and Canada.' 'I think there needs to be a realistic conversation about this but currently the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in Australia is saying it's not a problem. 'I just don't understand what people like him are doing. Why are they taking this particular stand to support people who are obviously and proven to be not Aboriginal?' Mr Wyatt's office did not respond directly to a question about whether he thought Indigenous identity theft was a problem. Advertisement Up to one in 50 people in Newcastle were 'pinged' by the NHS Covid app last week after coming into contact with a positive case, shocking figures show. MailOnline can reveal alerts were sent to every area of England during the final seven-day spell of June - with even a handful of residents in the Isles of Scilly told to self-isolate for up to ten days. And nearly 30 areas of the country saw enough alerts to effectively sentence one per cent of residents living there into quarantine. Latest NHS statistics shows the app issued more than 350,000 alerts during the last week of June, 60 per cent up on the previous week. People are told to self-isolate even if they test negative for the coronavirus and have already had both vaccines. The growing number of people being forced into quarantine has led to growing fears it may create a lockdown 'by stealth' even after the country officially ends restrictions on July 19. Pubs, restaurants and shops fear they may have to close because so many staff are being left stuck at home by the warnings, and NHS hospitals in Leeds and Birmingham have even had to cancel routine operations because so many staff are isolating. The problem is expected to get worse as the outbreak grows, with new Health Secretary Sajid Javid warning there could be more than 100,000 new infections every day by August. People pinged by the app are not legally obliged to isolate, which has led to fears Britons will simply delete the software. But in a desperate attempt to keep the nation on it, Boris Johnson has promised that fully vaccinated people will not need to comply with the rules from August 16. That day 'is not too far off', he said yesterday. And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today urged people not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are 'pinged' and advised to self-isolate. Amid fears the app will cripple the already struggling economy this summer, the Mail can reveal that officials are working to water down the app. Ministers have ordered an urgent review of the software over concerns it is bringing the system into disrepute by ordering too many people to self-isolate. Government sources said the app's 'sensitivity' will be reduced to cut the numbers being asked to isolate unnecessarily. The NHS Covid app issued more than 350,000 pings last week, which was the most since the Government began publishing data at the start of February. There are growing concerns it could lead to a lockdown by stealth Tens of thousands to be spared quarantine as 'ministers rush to water-down controversial Test and Trace app so it pings fewer people' The controversial self- isolation system will be watered down within days, amid fears it will cripple the economy and public services this summer. Ministers have ordered an urgent review of the NHS app following concerns it is bringing the system into disrepute by ordering too many people to self-isolate. Sources told the Mail the app's 'sensitivity' will be reduced to cut the numbers being asked to isolate unnecessarily. Figures yesterday revealed a record 50,000 a day were ordered to isolate by the app last week - more than half of the 85,000 told by the NHS to stay away from others. At present, those using the NHS app are 'pinged' to self-isolate for ten days if they are found to have spent more than 15 minutes within two metres of someone who tests positive for the virus. A computer algorithm identifies the 'risk' posed to everyone who came into contact with the infected person at any time from two days before they first displayed symptoms. It is understood Health Secretary Sajid Javid is looking at reducing the sensitivity of the system. One option is that fully vaccinated people could be allowed to spend longer in close proximity with an infected person before being 'pinged', to reflect the extra protection vaccines provide. Advertisement NHS data for England and Wales showed Newcastle had the highest proportion of alerts from the app. A total of 6,467 pings were sent in the week to June 30. This would be the equivalent of around 2.1 per cent of residents being told to self-isolate. However, the true figure is likely to be much lower because the data only breaks down the number of alerts sent out - not how many people received them. Officials do not give a separate figure for how many people have been pinged. York had the second highest proportion, with 3,580 alerts - the equivalent of up to 1.7 per cent of residents. And North Tyneside came third with 3,511 alerts, or as much as 1.7 per cent of the borough's population. Department of Health data shows the North East is currently the country's Covid hotspot. There have been outbreaks at universities in recent weeks, with 258 staff and students at York University isolating after testing positive last week. Every area of the country had at least one ping sent by the app last week, with its alerts even reaching to the Isles of Scilly (up to five were sent), Merthyr Tydfil (44) and Torridge in North Devon (124). Leeds saw the highest number of alerts from the app (7,825), followed by Manchester (7,621), Birmingham (6,485) and Newcastle. More than 26million Britons or almost half the country have downloaded the app. Current rules say everyone told to self-isolate by the app should do so, although this is not a legal requirement, regardless of whether they have been jabbed. Ministers are planning to ease this requirement for everyone who has got both doses of the vaccine more than a month after Freedom Day on August 16. There are mounting calls to push this date forward. At present, those using the NHS app are 'pinged' to self-isolate for ten days if they are found to have spent more than 15 minutes within two metres of someone who tests positive for the virus. A computer algorithm identifies the 'risk' posed to everyone who came into contact with the infected person at any time from two days before they first displayed symptoms. What was the point in having the vaccine if we still had to keep self-isolating at the drop of a hat or ping of a mobile? Boris Johnson today pleaded with Britons not to delete the NHS Covid app saying it was still needed to battle the virus. The new director of the UK Health Security Agency Dr Jenny Harries said experts were looking to tweak the device to take account of people who have received at least two doses of the vaccine Where were more than one per cent of residents 'pinged' last week? City of London , 534 alerts , 534 alerts Newcastle , 6,467 alerts , 6,467 alerts York , 3,580 alerts , 3,580 alerts North Tyneside , 3,511 alerts , 3,511 alerts Oxford , 2,472 alerts , 2,472 alerts Nottingham , 5,462 alerts , 5,462 alerts Lambeth , 4,845 alerts , 4,845 alerts Brighton and Hove , 4,330 alerts , 4,330 alerts Gateshead , 2,948 alerts , 2,948 alerts Warwick , 2,092 alerts , 2,092 alerts Wandsworth , 4,729 alerts , 4,729 alerts Manchester , 7,621 alerts , 7,621 alerts Islington , 3,241 alerts , 3,241 alerts Sunderland , 3,594 alerts , 3,594 alerts Cambridge , 1.602 alerts , 1.602 alerts Exeter , 1,699 alerts , 1,699 alerts South Tyneside , 1,913 alerts , 1,913 alerts Reading , 2,001 alerts , 2,001 alerts Southwark , 3,954 alerts , 3,954 alerts Bristol , 5,672 alerts , 5,672 alerts County Durham , 6,452 alerts , 6,452 alerts Lincoln , 1,203 alerts , 1,203 alerts Hammersmith , 2,143 alerts , 2,143 alerts Tamworth , 893 alerts , 893 alerts Lichfield , 1,212 alerts , 1,212 alerts Hackney , 3,171 alerts , 3,171 alerts Cheltenham , 1,256 alerts , 1,256 alerts Tower Hamlets , 3,530 alerts , 3,530 alerts Charnwood , 1,966 alerts Advertisement 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 Professor Tony Brookes, a health data scientist from Leicester University, told MailOnline the NHS app only 'made sense' when many people were at risk of hospitalisation from the virus but is now redundant. 'The app made sense when most people were not immune to the virus and many people were dying, it made sense to limit infection,' he said. 'But now it is a different world, with 90 per cent of adults having antibodies and 60 per cent of youngsters having antibodies.' He heralded the Covid vaccination programme which has jabbed more than 45million people or 86.6 per cent of adults with at least one dose for turning the virus into a 'bad cold' among the double-jabbed. Despite growing fears the app could soon see more than a million people isolating across the country at once, Mr Johnson yesterday pleaded with Britons not to delete it. The PM said 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.' Meanwhile, Mr Shapps today also urged people not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are 'pinged' and advised to self-isolate. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'You shouldn't ignore this because it is vital information. 'People should want to know if they have been in contact with somebody with coronavirus. You don't want to be spreading it around. It can still harm people.' England is set to lift most of its remaining Covid restrictions on July 19, which will again allow mass gatherings to take place and night clubs to reopen. But figures suggest the country could start recording more than 100,000 cases by this point, with one SAGE adviser saying last week this could lead to a lockdown by stealth with 'large numbers of people' stuck at home. Experts have warned that up to 3.5million a week could be asked to self-isolate if case numbers continue to rise. Business leaders are venting their fury against the app, warning it threatens to cause chaos for their workforce even before July 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.' 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.' 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'. It is understood Health Secretary Sajid Javid is looking at reducing the sensitivity of the system. One option is that fully vaccinated people could be allowed to spend longer in close proximity with an infected person before being 'pinged', to reflect the extra protection vaccines provide. Mr Shapps today said the app is being kept under review to ensure it is 'calibrated in the right way' for the prevailing circumstances. 'The medical experts will advise us on what the level of sensitivity should be relative to where we are, for example, to our vaccination programme overall,' he said. 'We will follow scientific advice, keep this under review and tweak the app to be suitable to the circumstances of the time - double vaccination, for example, being at record highs in this country.' Dr Jenny Harries, who chairs the new UK Health Security Agency, said yesterday that 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. 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.' Public Health England data shows that the risk of catching Covid after two doses of the vaccine is slashed by up to 90 per cent among Britons. Grant Shapps urges people not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are told to self-isolate Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured today) has urged people not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are advised to self-isolate People have been urged not to ignore the NHS Covid app if they are advised to self-isolate, after cases of the dominant Delta variant rose by a third in the past week. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it is important that people continue to use the app, amid concerns about the increasing numbers being 'pinged' as restrictions are rolled back. Rules governing travel for people in England are due to be eased on July 19 but measures on self-isolation for the fully vaccinated will remain in place until August 16, raising fears that people will delete the app rather than risk having to cancel a holiday. Mr Shapps told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'You shouldn't ignore this (the app) because it is vital information. People should want to know if they have been in contact with somebody with coronavirus. 'You don't want to be spreading it around. It can still harm people.' The number of exposure alerts sent to users of the app in England soared by more than 60% in a week, according to the latest contact tracing figures. The head of the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Jenny Harries, told the Commons Public Accounts Committee on Thursday that work is being done to 'tune' the app to work within an increasingly vaccinated population to ensure it is there 'for a purpose, not for annoyance'. Mr Shapps reiterated this on Friday, saying the sensitivity of the app is being kept under constant review and that he has spoken to Health Secretary Sajid Javid about it. 'He is very aware of this and we will keep it under constant review because we want the app to be a useful tool in our armoury,' Mr Shapps told Sky News. Professor Henry Potts, a member of the Spi-B group of behavioural experts advising the Government, said that if ministers want people to self-isolate they need to make it easier to do so. 'The problem of people deleting the app or simply turning the app off or ignoring what it says has been a problem for many months. We have seen steadily rising numbers of people deleting the app,' he told the Today programme. He added: 'The best way of improving isolation is more support financial support, it can also be practical support.' The latest figures from Public Health England show that 216,249 confirmed and probable cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant, first identified in India which now accounts for approximately 99% of confirmed cases of coronavirus across the UK have been identified in the four nations. This is up by 54,268, a rise of 34 per cent, from the previous week. Of the 216,249 cases, 180,643 have been in England, 28,559 in Scotland, 3,666 in Wales and 3,381 in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has stressed the benefits of getting back to the workplace when coronavirus restrictions lift. The order to work from home is expected to be scrapped on July 19 in England and Mr Sunak said he is looking forward to the shift back to offices. But unions have raised concerns about the lack of guidance for employees to safely return to the workplace. Mr Sunak told the Daily Telegraph: 'I think, for young people especially, that ability to be in your office, be in your workplace and learn from others more directly, is something that's really important, and I look forward to us slowly getting back to that.' There have been widespread concerns about the economic impact of people staying at home, with town centre businesses such as cafes suffering from the lack of trade as workers have been kept away from their offices. At Step 4 of England's road map, the guidance to work from home where possible will end, to allow employers to start planning a safe return to workplaces. Mr Sunak said it is not for ministers to tell firms what they should or should not do, adding: 'Ultimately I trust people and businesses to make decisions for themselves.' The Trades Union Congress has written to ministers to raise concerns about the lack of consultation on plans which will affect millions of workers. TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady warned that without detailed plans the country could be 'hobbled by rising infections and enforced self-isolation' keeping workers out of action. It remains the case that the majority of people being admitted to hospital in England with the Delta variant are unvaccinated, the Public Health England figures show. Of the 1,283 people under the age of 50 admitted to hospital in England as of June 21, 987 (77 per cent) were unvaccinated. Some 106 (8%) were less than 21 days after their first dose of vaccine, 118 (9 per cent) 21 or more days after their first dose jab, and 48 (4%) were fully vaccinated. For the 615 people aged 50 or over, almost one third were unvaccinated, while 265 (43%) were fully vaccinated. As of June 21, there had been 257 deaths in England of people who were confirmed as having the Delta variant and who died within 28 days of a positive test. Of the 26 people under 50, three were at least 21 days after a first dose of vaccine, two had received both doses and 21 were unvaccinated. Of the 231 people aged 50 or over, 71 were unvaccinated while 116 had received both doses. Advertisement DR MAX PEMBERTON: Why doctors like me have chosen to DELETE the NHS Test and Trace app We heard rumours of doctors or nurses being 'pinged' after just walking down corridors near wards with Covid patients When I downloaded the NHS Test and Trace app I thought I was doing something sensible, diligent and public-spirited. Like many of my medical colleagues, I believed I was doing my bit to stop the spread of Covid-19. Soon though, we began to realise it wasn't so simple. The reality of working in a hospital meant we were surrounded by people with Covid. You couldn't avoid them, particularly at the height of the pandemic. Colleagues were constantly being sent home to isolate even if, like me, they were double jabbed. Patients were suffering as a result. So, along with many other clinicians, I have long since deleted the app. The NHS Covid-19 app does allow you to 'pause' contact tracing while working in clinical areas in full PPE. But it is a complicated affair to keep remembering to pause and un-pause depending on where you are, what you are wearing and whether the patient or other staff are wearing masks. We heard rumours of doctors or nurses being 'pinged' after just walking down corridors near wards with Covid patients. There was a constant threat that anyone might get sent home to self-isolate and this would have tremendous impacts on the service. Some wards were already running on a skeleton staff because people had been sent home to self-isolate. The app risked bringing the NHS to its knees. Just this week, a colleague was sent home after being 'pinged', leaving an entire department without a consultant. As widespread regular 'lateral' flow testing began to be rolled out which saw staff testing themselves at least three times a week it seemed less relevant. Indeed, regular lateral flow testing was introduced for the NHS specifically to address the appalling staff shortages that were the result of the NHS's Covid policy which stated that anyone with symptoms must stay at home for seven days. A sense of duty and a desire to do the right thing prompted doctors and nurses to download the app Each time I was sent home, I consistently tested negative meaning I could have continued working So during the pandemic, up to one in four doctors were at home self-isolating at any one time. Regular testing was intended to put a stop to this, but the app put us back to square one. The risks of being sent home with the consequent, serious impact on patients began to far outweigh the benefits of the app. If we doctors had picked up the virus, we would soon know anyway because we were being tested so regularly. When my boss at the time found out I'd downloaded the app, he was horrified. What if it went off after seeing a patient and I was sent home? I had already been forced to self-isolate several times after being exposed to confirmed cases of Covid, meaning entire clinics being cancelled, on-calls hastily rearranged and locums booked. It was costly both in terms of administration and patient care. Each time I was sent home, I consistently tested negative meaning I could have continued working. The idea that would keep happening was simply too much once vaccination started. I think this was the tipping point for many NHS staff. What was the point in having the vaccine if we still had to keep self-isolating at the drop of a hat or ping of a mobile? It seemed ridiculous so I, along with a significant number of others I suspect, quietly pressed 'delete'. When I asked medical friends this week who still uses the app, not one said they did. They have either turned it off or deleted it entirely. Earlier this week Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, raised fears of 'huge swathes' of public services unable to cope in the coming weeks because of the numbers self-isolating. Ashworth said changes planned for August 16 should be brought forward, with people given daily lateral flow tests and PCR tests where needed (to confirm a positive lateral flow). This so-called 'test and release' approach would mean that those who tested negative could quickly return to work, preventing the chaos and disruption that occurred last year. A sense of duty and a desire to do the right thing prompted doctors and nurses to download the app. Now, seeing the pandemonium it brings, is it any surprise we are giving up on it? It was founded 112 years ago amid escalating tensions with Imperial Germany. Since then, MI5's spies have worked in the shadows to snoop on targets, foil bomb plots and keep leading politicians informed. But now, the domestic intelligence agency, which is also known as the Security Service, has said goodbye to secrecy and revealed the inside of its former Mayfair base for the first time. Posting the 'for your eyes only' pictures on it's Instagram account, the spy agency said: 'More than 25 years after MI5 left the building for the last time, we're now pleased to be able to share some rare images of our Curzon Street office, the home of MI5 between 1977-1994.' The collection of five photos shows female intelligence officers at their desks at 1-4 Curzon Street, known as 'Curzon Street House', where the Security Service housed its registry, administration and technical services departments. The female staff were known as 'Registry Queens' and it was here that phone-tapping and other electronic surveillance methods were monitored. MI5 has taken to instagram to share images of its former headquarters in Curzon Street, Mayfair. Above: A female member of staff sits at a machine in the undated photo The collection of five photos shows female intelligence officers at their desks at 1-4 Curzon Street, known as 'Curzon Street House', where the Security Service housed its registry, administration and technical services departments. MI5 vacated the building in 1994 In one photo, a dark-haired spy is seen listening back to a reel of tape, presumably of a covert surveillance. Another photo shows an office with women apparently listening to recordings. A third shows a female officer changing a spool of tape on a machine. Built in the 1930s, the most noticeable feature of the building was the absence of windows on the street level. Higher floors were hidden by weighted net curtains to prevent prying eyes. In one photo, a dark-haired spy is seen listening back to a reel of tape, presumably of a covert surveillance Another photo shows an office with women apparently listening to recordings A third image shows a female officer changing a spool of tape on what appears to be a recording device Writing on Instagram, MI5 added: 'Although there was never any official mention of MI5's offices at Curzon Street, bus conductors and taxi drivers were far less discreet. 'One former colleague recalls, "When you got off the bus in Park Lane the conductor would shout down the bus 'Curzon Street and MI5' and all of us would troop off looking somewhat embarrassed!"'. Prior to moving to 'Curzon Street House', MI5 housed its registry department on the ground floor of the street's Leconfield House. Also seen in the collection is an image showing a series of machines on wheels. Writing on Instagram, MI5 added: 'Although there was never any official mention of MI5's offices at Curzon Street, bus conductors and taxi drivers were far less discreet. One former colleague recalls, "When you got off the bus in Park Lane the conductor would shout down the bus 'Curzon Street and MI5' and all of us would troop off looking somewhat embarrassed!"' It was there that in famous MI5 whistleblower Peter Wright was based before he wrote his explosive book Spy Catcher following his retirement. He revealed how the service 'bugged its way across London' and also alleged that MI5 boss Sir Roger Hollis was a Russian spy. The book was published first in Australia but was initially banned in England due to Wright's explosive allegations. Prior to moving to 'Curzon Street House', MI5 housed its registry department on the ground floor of the street's Leconfield House However, the book was still available elsewhere and the attempted censorship only increased its popularity. In mid-1987, a previous ban on English newspapers reporting about the book was lifted. A year later, the book was cleared for sale and sold more than two million copies, making Wright a millionaire when he died in 1995. Since 1994, MI5 has been based at Thames House, a building it had previously occupied in the 1930s. It's post on Thursday came after the service joined Instagram in April. In its first post, it shared a picture from the lobby of its Thames House headquarters. It said @mi5official will 'bust popular myths about its work, provide explainers for intelligence terminology, promote career opportunities and bring to life events in MI5's 112-year past'. Earlier this year, MI5's director general Mr McCallum said he wanted the traditionally highly secretive agency to 'open up and reach out in new ways'. 'Much of what we do needs to remain invisible, but what we are doesn't have to be,' he said in his first media engagement in October, after taking up the job in late April. 'In fact, opening up is key to our future success,' added McCallum, a MI5 veteran of more than 25 years who oversaw all counter-terror operations around the 2012 London Olympics. The first ever post by MI5 on Instagram shows a frame of the entrance, where workers step int security pods before entering the building A foster mother once accused of having Munchausen by proxy who used to run a home for disabled children is being investigated by a grand jury, after being accused of abuse in lawsuits and official reports for years. Michelle Morris, 80, ran the Michelle Morris Home for Disabled Children with her husband Larry Kerin. They were licensed by the state to take in six kids at a time. She was paid up to $6,000 per month per child. But according to past lawsuits filed by the families of some of the kids, and a report by Orange County officials in 2002, Morris ran a home where there were major concerns over the kids' wellbeing. She surrendered her license in 2019, three weeks after the death of 17-year-old Diane Ramirez, a wheelchair-bound girl who died after vomiting blood while in Morris' care. Her family had placed her in the home temporarily while finding full-time care for her. One of the most disturbing allegations is that she coaxed her adopted son, Ryan, into marrying a trucker, 18 years his senior, by telling him he'd get a cell phone of he did. Ryan's biological family fought the adoption but it was finalized in 2002 after Morris told the court his grandmother - who would have looked after him - didn't adequately understand his disabled needs. Michelle Morris, 80, ran the Michelle Morris Home for Disabled Children with her husband Larry Kerin. They were licensed by the state to take in six kids at a time. She was paid up to $6,000 per month per child. Since the 1990s, she has been accused of abuse and now, there are reports that a grand jury is investigating her for criminal activity In 2014, a wedding was held in Morris' backyard, between Ryan, who was 20 at the time, and Sean Spicer, the trucker, who was 38. Ryan, according to the reports, has the mental capacity of a kindergartener and during the ceremony yelled out: 'Baptize in the name of Jesus.' His new husband corrected him: 'Its not a baptism. Its a wedding.' Now, The Mercury News reports that a grand jury has been tasked with looking into the allegations against Morris. Local officials will neither confirm nor deny that an investigation is underway and Morris has not commented on the claims either. Klein and Morris started receiving complaints in the 1990s. According to a 2019 Orange County Register article, Klein abandoned a nine-year-old non-verbal child at a social services office in 1997 because the couple hadn't been paid by the state to look after him for two months. Two years later, Morris allegedly took a child in for surgery without the knowledge of the child's biologicals parents, a report by the Orange County Regional Center said. Another disturbing report was in 2001 when a male staff member was allegedly found naked in bed with a female child. No evidence was found to support the claim. In 2002, the regional center said it had 'serious concerns' about the 'quality of care' at the home and it claimed Morris suffered Munchausen by proxy, where she imagined illnesses among the kids. Michelle and her husband adopted Ryan Morris, a boy they took in when he was a young child, in 2002. In 2014, when he was 20, he married Sean Spicer, a trucker who is 18 years his senior. Their wedding is shown. During the ceremony, Ryan - who has the mental capacity of a kindergartener - yelled: 'Baptize in the name of Jesus!' Diane Ramirez died in April 2019 after being placed in Michelle Morris' care. She had cerebral palsy and was vomiting blood but no one called 911 for eight hours. She died in the hospital She successfully sued for defamation and received a payout of $750,000. The city didn't admit guilt, and the Mercury News reports they avoided putting disabled kids through a trial by settling. Before opening her home, Michelle worked as a social worker. She also released a novel in 1982 about an incest relationship between a father and daughter Ryan went to live with Morris in 1997 and in 2002, she finalized his adoption after telling the court that his grandmother and biological relatives weren't able to care for him properly. His grandmother and his twin brother, who is not disabled, had fought it. Ryan now lives with his husband in a trailer with Spicer's parents, according to the Register. They met when he was 17 and Spicer was 35 but Spicer insisted in a deposition that was part of the families' battle that they waited until Ryan was 18 until they began a romantic relationship. He also insists that Ryan knew what he was doing when they got married, saying: 'Ryan knows who he loves.' In 2015, Morris stepped down as Ryan's conservator and she was replaced by his husband. But she kept caring for other kids. In 2019, Diane Ramirez went to stay with her after her parents separated. She wanted to go and live with her father again, according to a lawsuit filed by her parents afterward her death on April 6. She was placed in the care of Michelle Morris by Riverside County. On April 2, four days before her death, she went to the hospital because she had been vomiting. She was released and Michelle Morris was told to call 911 immediately if she saw Diane vomiting blood. This is an interior of one of the rooms at the home Morris ran in Murrieta, California, before surrendering her license in April after the death of 17-year-old Diane Ramirez Before running the home in Murieta, California, Morris ran one out of this property in Santa Ana. She moved county after being accused by local officials of having Munchausen by proxy syndrome On April 5, Diane saw her father and was fine but that night at 11.30pm, started vomiting 'dark brown liquid', according to an autopsy carried out after her death. Morris did not call 911 or take her to the hospital. Instead, she told staffers that Diane was sick because her father had given her solid food - which he wasn't meant to, because she had a feeding tube Eight hours later, an ambulance was called to the home and Diane died in the hospital. Three weeks later, Michelle Morris surrendered her license to care for disabled children. Diane's mother and father filed a lawsuit last year against the county for putting their daughter in Morris' care. At the time, her mother said: 'What kind of monsters are these people to allow a young girl to endure such pain?' Before opening her home, Michelle worked as a social worker. She also released a novel in 1982 about an incest relationship between a father and daughter. Titled 'If I Should Die Before I Wake', it became an off-Broadway play. She has not commented on the public criticisms of her care of Diane but in the past has vehemently denied ever mistreating any of the children in her care, including Ryan. She said in response to his biological family's claim that she didn't let them see him that whenever she did allow it, he would return to her distressed and prone to seizures. A wealthy Florida couple has filed a lawsuit demanding that the Catholic school their daughters attend return their $240,000 donation and reimburse their younger daughter's tuition for teaching 'woke' LGBTQ curriculum. Anthony and Barbara Scarpo pledged to donate $1.35 million to the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Florida at a fundraising event in 2017. They had asked that the money be used toward the school's 'master plan' and for scholarships for disadvantaged students, according to the Tampa Bay Times. By 2018, they had already paid $240,000 towards their pledge and have raised more than $9 million for the school. For their efforts, the school renamed its auditorium the Scarpo Family Theater and named the two philanthropists co-chairs of the school's fundraising campaign. But the wealthy couple, who own a diamond and jewelry import company as well as the First Trust Funding Group, have filed a lawsuit demanding that their pledge be rescinded and the tuition they had already paid for their younger daughter, who has been transferred to another school, be donated to the Catholic charity of their choice. Former Academy of the Holy Names president Art Raimo, left, posed with Barbara and Anthony Scarpo during the Tampa school's annual gala fundraiser in 2017, when they pledged to donate $1.35 million to the school Their two daughters attended the school. One has since graduated and the other has been transferred to another school over the academy's alleged 'woke' curriculum A lawsuit filed in the Hillsborough County Circuit Court last week also asks that the school stops advertising itself as a Catholic institution and the Florida Catholic Conference stop accrediting the school as such. In the lawsuit, obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, the couple claims the school has distanced itself from traditional Catholic teachings and is instead embracing a divisive 'woke culture' where priority is given to 'gender identity, human sexuality and pregnancy termination among other hot button issues.' It says students at the school are made to feel guilty for being white and having enough money to attend the private school, where tuition and fees range from $14,650 for preschool students to $22,450 for girls at the college preparatory high school. In a letter Anthony wrote to the school at his older daughter's graduation, he said: 'The continued indoctrination of your twisted version of social and racial justice, equity, inclusion, sexuality and today's politically-correct narrative has permeated like a stench through the halls of the Academy and been allowed to seep into the minds of our children, causing stress, anger, guilt and confusion.' 'You were always eager to solicit our hard-earned money and take what you could,' he wrote, 'but held firm as you dragged dozens if not hundreds of conservative families and teachers through your re-imagined, highly progressive world, even as parents and students asked you, pleaded with you to stop, slow down.' The suit also reportedly includes a letter from Art Raimo, then-president of the academy, and Ernie Garateix, chairman of the school's board, sent to parents about the creation of a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion committee. In the letter, the school officials wrote that the school has to 'reject racism and hatred' in the wake of the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. 'It is imperative we have conversations that are uncomfortable, learn from them, reconcile and grow,' the letter reads, according to the Tampa Bay Times. It also reportedly said 'the social teaching of the Church and our participation within this teaching should be at the heart of what guides our work as a community. 'The well-being of all staff and pupils requires the removal of any barriers of prejudice, discrimination and oppression if we are all to strive and realize our full potential as unique and fulfilled human beings.' The Scarpos filed a lawsuit in county court last week demanding that their pledge be rescinded and the tuition they had already paid for their younger daughter be donated to the Catholic charity of their choice The Scarpos argue in their lawsuit that the letter did not 'recognize the harm to their white, non-diverse students by making them believe that they and their families are personally responsible for the historic harms some members of our society have visited on other members of society.' The suit also claims parents were upset about a sign in one of the school's common areas that explains how to be an ally to the LGBTQ community without 'an explanation into the perspective within mainstream Catholicism.' Emily Wise, a school spokeswoman, told the Times that these claims are 'false and unsubstantiated,' and that the curriculum 'is and always has been based on Catholic values,' which she said should include education on social justice, with special emphasis on women, children the poor and marginalized groups. 'We will continue to pray for all parties involved, and if necessary, we are prepared to defend ourselves in court,' she told the Times, with the school's lawyer, Gregory Hearing, saying that if the Scarpos move forward with the lawsuit, the school would file a counterclaim asking them to pay the remained of the pledge - which, he said, they may be required to do under Florida law. A series of bungles by detectives investigating sexual assault claims against NRL star Jack de Belin led to him applying for his trial to be thrown out. In May the charges against de Belin and co-accused Callan Sinclair were withdrawn by the top prosecutor in NSW after two District Court trials ended in hung juries. But the case almost never made it to trial in the first place with de Belin's lawyers applying for a stay of proceedings in January 2020 - the details of which have been revealed this week. Jack de Belin's rape trial was withdrawn earlier this year after two hung juries (pictured) Jack de Belin (pictured second from left) made his return to footy in May for his first game since he was stood down by the NRL in 2018 Both de Belin and Mr Sinclair have maintained their innocence and plead not guilty to the charges. The stay of proceedings was eventually denied in a ruling by Judge Andrew Haesler - though his findings were sealed under non-publication orders and closed court proceedings. But following the withdrawal of the charges his comments can be revealed and provide a scathing indictment of police's early handling of the investigation. 'Police illegality cannot be countenanced,' Judge Haesler said, court documents seen by The Daily Telegraph reveal. But he added the importance of the matter going to trial outweighed detectives' disregard for procedure. 'Police illegality of the type shown here cannot be allowed to end the trial process,' he said. Co-accused Callan Sinclair (pictured) leaves the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney in May The court documents reveal detectives seized mobile phones belonging to the accused in raids in December 2019 and January 2020. They then accessed privileged communications between the pair and their lawyers. Text messages sent between de Belin and his lawyer Craig Osborne - also a St George board member - were downloaded. Lead investigator on the case Detective Senior Constable Shawn Adams initially said he thought the texts were about club business. However, after being given immunity from incriminating himself, admitted he knew the messages were relevant to the trial and were privileged information he was not supposed to have. Similarly when Mr Sinclair's phone was returned he found emails from his lawyer had been viewed. The contents of his phone had also been downloaded and later briefly viewed by a solicitor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. A barrister for the defence argued the material allowed detectives to further their investigation using information they should not have had. St George Illawarra Dragons player Jack de Belin reacts with his family after his return to rugby league in May This included a search warrant on the St George Dragons club after the messages mentioned a witness might have given them information. Judge Haesler said Detective Adams had shown a 'reckless disregard' for the legal system in seizing the devices and then lying to the court. 'Whether as a result of brain fade or overzealousness or a simple cock up,' Judge Haesler said. He eventually ruled that the matter should proceed to trial as the information illegally gained did not form any basis for the police case but was a 'distraction'. Judge Haesler added that a permanent stay of proceedings on anything other than 'exceptional' cases would cause the public's confidence in the legal system to falter. A high-profile restaurant chain owner has been dramatically arrested and charged as police launch a massive crackdown in southwest Sydney to enforce Covid lockdown compliance. Rami Ykmour - the founder of the hugely popular Rashays eatery - was arrested after refusing to provide his details to officers while two of his staff were fined for not wearing face masks at the company's head office at Chester Hill on Thursday. The confrontation emerged as more than 100 extra officers started patrolling the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool local government areas on Friday. Just hours into the blitz, officers were spotted escorting a handcuffed man outside of a shopping centre in Fairfield. It was announced yesterday that the extra show of force was necessary to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions as the city faces surging Covid-19 community transmission. Dramatic footage has also emerged of a co-founder of popular Rashays being arrested and two of his staff fined for not wearing face masks at the head office Police allege two staff members were not wearing face masks and that co-founder Rami Ykmour, 46, became aggressive and refused to provide his details Footage uploaded to Facebook shows Mr Ykmour speaking calmly with an officer at the front of the office on Ferngrove Place at Chester Hill after police were tipped off about a Covid-19 health order breach by an anonymous caller about 3.50pm on Thursday. Police allege two staff members were not wearing face masks and that the Rashays co-founder became aggressive and refused to provide his details In the video, the officer points to several staff at reception he can see who are not wearing face masks. Mr Ykmour suggests the workers might have been eating lunch or blowing their nose. He claims the staff members have since put on their face masks and insists there is no longer an issue. 'I'm here to follow the law,' Mr Ykmour says to the officer. 'You've just got to understand that these people here, are here supporting people who are unemployed. That's what we're doing, during a pandemic.' The argument escalates as Mr Ykmour asks the police officer to wait outside. He refuses and insists on waiting in the lobby as 'an offence has been committed'. Moments later he is joined by several more police officers who crowd into the front office. 'He's calling for backup,' Mr Ykmour says to the camera, shocked. 'Look how many police officers he's got. He's got 10 officers.' A staff member sitting behind reception desk begins to break down as the commotion escalates. The dramatic arrest was captured on camera as it unfolded outside of the Rashays office on Ferngrove Place at Chester Hill, in south-west Sydney, at 3.50pm on Thursday The woman then collapses onto the floor and Mr Ykmour pulls out his phone to call an ambulance while telling off the officers Mr Ykmour is then told that he is under arrest before he is escorted out of the premises to the squadron of police cars parked in the driveway 'One, two, three, four,' Mr Ykmour points around at the officers. 'There's 20 people here for a young girl.' The woman then collapses onto the floor and Mr Ykmour pulls out his phone to call an ambulance while telling off the officers. Another officer raises his voice at Mr Ykmour to stop arguing with police and focus on the call. Moments later Mr Ykmour calms down and tries to understand why police have swarmed to his office. 'A police officer walks in and says to me there's 30 people in here, I got an anonymous call, that 30 people in here don't have a mask on,' he says. The other officer confirms that police received the anonymous call to the shock of Mr Ykmour. He is then told that he is under arrest before he is escorted out of the premises to the squadron of police cars parked in the driveway. A NSW Police spokesperson said two staff members had been issued $200 fines for not wearing face masks. Members of the public have already been arrested with officers spotted escorting a handcuffed man outside of a shopping centre in Fairfield New South Wales reported 38 new cases on Thursday, its highest daily number in a year More than 100 extra officers were sent in to patrol residents living in the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool local government areas on Friday Mr Ykmour was also arrested and issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for hinder police. He will front Parramatta Local Court on August 18. Daily Mail Australia contacted Rashays for comment. Asked about the arrest, Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged everyone to do the right thing. 'If you are not doing the right thing, please know, you'll have the law come down on you,'' she said. The arrest came after it was announced that NSW Police would be cracking down on virus-hit areas of south-west Sydney from 7am on Friday. More than 100 extra officers surged into the area to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions. New South Wales reported 38 new cases on Thursday, 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. AOC blamed the severe weather on 'fossil fuel execs' and said her Green New Deal was the solution Severe weather and flash flooding has hit New York City, leaving motorists stranded in water and subway stations submerged, even as Tropical Storm Elsa prepares to pound the region. As shocking videos emerged showing New Yorkers wading through filthy waist-deep water to catch a train, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez weighed in on Twitter to blame 'fossil fuel execs' and promote her Green New Deal as the solution to severe weather. The thunderstorms that brought large hail to parts of New Jersey and spurred flash flooding in Manhattan are unrelated to Elsa, which hit the DC area on Thursday night as it heads towards NYC. But the severe weather gave New Yorkers a taste of what could be in store for them, with Elsa predicted to arrive there by Friday afternoon with tropical-force winds and heavy rain. Some subway system ya got there. This is the 157th St. 1 line right now. @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio pic.twitter.com/xyfTAUPPNu Paullee (@PaulleeWR) July 8, 2021 Clouds hang over Manhattan on Thursday as severe thunderstorms hit and Elsa approaches As flash flooding hits NYC, video showed a woman plunging into the squalid, trash-filled water to catch a train as it arrived in the station On the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, the NYPD Strategic Response Group was deployed to rescue motorists whose vehicles stalled in deep water On the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, the NYPD Strategic Response Group was deployed to rescue motorists whose vehicles stalled in deep water. Utilizing a department truck designed to haul crowd-control barriers, NYPD officers rescued several stranded motorists, loading them onto the truck's flatbed to ford the floodwater. The rescues took place near 179th street in the University Heights neighborhood. Meanwhile, several Manhattan subway stations experienced severe flooding as well. In the Washington Heights neighborhood, the 1 Train station at 157th Street was seen submerged in deep water. One shocking video circulating on social media showed a woman plunging into the squalid, trash-filled water to catch a train as it arrived in the station, holding shopping bags high above her head to keep them dry. Potato sack race approach pic.twitter.com/DBzuqoIdTM Paullee (@PaulleeWR) July 8, 2021 New Yorkers received a flash flood warning on Thursday as thunderstorms swept through Some brave commuters waded through filthy water at 157th St, while others innovated and tried to hop through it in a trash bag, in the style of a potato-sack races Utilizing a department truck designed to haul crowd-control barriers, NYPD officers rescued several stranded motorists on the Major Deegan The rescues took place near 179th street in the University Heights neighborhood Other subway riders at the station were spotted stepping into trash bags and hopping through the water, in the style of a potato-sack race, to make their trains. Ocasio-Cortez responded to the videos on Twitter, mocking her critics by writing in their voice: 'The Green New Deal, which is a blueprint to create millions of good jobs rebuilding infrastructure to stem climate change & protect vulnerable communities, is unrealistic.' 'Instead we will do the adult thing, which is take orders from fossil fuel execs &make you swim to work,' she continued. Flooding was also spotted in Penn Station, and the Metropolitan Transit Agency warned that A Train service was suspended between Inwood-207 Street and 181 Steet 'because of an excessive amount of rainfall collecting at track level near Dyckman St.' Uhhhh hey MTA? pic.twitter.com/toIZBdfqfL zaddy long legs (@williamferr94) July 8, 2021 Storm clouds are seen over Manhattan as flash flooding hits the roads and subways People walk along Wall Street in the rain on Thursday in New York City All lanes of the Major Deegan were closed in both directions due to severe flooding FDNY crews used pumps to clear the roadway and restore traffic flow 'Crews are actively addressing flooding issues in our stations. Weve hardened stations in coastal flooding zones, but when streets above flood, water will always flow downhill,' the agency said in a statement. 'Please be safe and do not enter flooded stations while our crews work to resolve this,' the MTA added. New York City's major airports all experienced major delays as the storms rolled through, and called a 'ground halt' on incoming traffic until the weather passed. Thursday's Mets game against the Pittsburgh Pirates was another casualty of the bad weather, with the 7.10pm game rescheduled for a double-header on Friday. Friday night's game could also be at risk as Tropical Storm Elsa makes its way up the East Coast. It's the second rainout this week for the Mets, who waited nearly 2 1/2 hours Tuesday to play the Brewers before owner Steve Cohen tweeted that the game was called off. New York made it up Wednesday as part of its ninth doubleheader this season. FlightAware's 'Misery Map' showed major airport delays in New York City due to the storms A tarp covers the infield prior to the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets being postponed at Citi Field. The teams will shoot for a double-header on Friday Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to approach New York on Friday with winds of up to 50 mph State Senator Mike Gianaris warned in a tweet: 'This is only going to get worse as Elsa passes through. Please be safe and dont go out unless absolutely necessary.' Forecasters predict that Elsa's tropical-force winds will arrive in New York City by Friday afternoon. 'Tropical Storm Elsa, currently moving through eastern North Carolina this afternoon, will continue to bring tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall to portions of the Mid-Atlantic tonight and parts of the Northeast into Friday,' the National Weather Service said in a flash bulletin on Thursday. 'From eastern North Carolina northward into New England, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts, are possible and could lead to numerous instances of flash and urban flooding,' the bulletin added. The heartwarming moment a single mother is reunited with her four-year-old son after two years apart during Covid border closures has been shared online. Rajshree Patel sent her son to visit his grandparents in India in July 2019 but when the pandemic hit he could not travel back and they remained separated. In the video Ms Patel runs up and embraces her son Nevaan at the arrivals gate of Sydney airport and bursts into tears as she hugs him for the first time in 24 months. Rajshree Patel embraced her son Nevaan (pictured) at Sydney airport as they were reunited after he went to visit his grandparents in July 2019 and became stranded overseas 'I feel so relieved, it's like my heart is back,' an overwhelmed Ms Patel says. Ms Patel applied four times for travel exemptions to allow her parents to bring the toddler back to Australia but they were denied because her parents weren't 'immediate family'. The fourth application was finally approved and Nevaan and his grandmother travelled from India to Darwin where they quarantined at the Howard Springs facility. Ms Patel questioned why her application was not approved sooner. She said that single mothers in particular needed the physical and mental support of at least one parent during their pregnancy and child's early years. The government should take steps to allow exceptional cases into the country even if those people aren't permanent residents, she said. 'Everyone needs their family'. Ms Patel had applied for times for a travel exemption so Nevaan could travel back to Australia with his grandmother More than 1,200 people have reacted on the video and while some questioned why Ms Patel allowed her son to visit his grandparents, most showed empathy. 'I couldn't imagine how heartbreaking this would be, I'm so glad they're reunited,' one person said. 'No one ever imagined that the world would see a pandemic like this and Australia would behave this way. Be happy for family who got reunited. Meanwhile let's just stick to the cause of reuniting families,' added another. Australia slammed its international border shut in March 2020 as a response to the growing Covid-19 situation. Plane arrivals back into the country were also limited so as not to overload the hastily established hotel quarantine system. Hundreds of thousands of Australians overseas have struggled to get home since with many thousands still stranded overseas. National cabinet last week decided Australia will reduce international arrivals by 50 per cent due to the risk of the Delta variant of Covid. The single mother said the government should consider travel exemptions in special cases for people who are not permanent citizens Outbreaks of the new variant including one involving hundreds of cases which emerged in a Sydney in mid-June, plunged 12 million Australians into lockdown in early July. Labor premiers in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia previously called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to reduce passenger caps. 'We are at a pressure cooker moment,' Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. But Home Affairs Minster Karen Andrews had rejected calls to reduce caps. 'We need to learn to live and to work in the COVID environment in which we find ourselves,' she told reporters on the Gold Coast. 'The first response should not be to close down our borders.' Ms Andrews said weekly caps of about 1000 passengers entering Queensland and 3000 coming to NSW were not large. A Liberal MP and former medical researcher has blamed scaremongering on the AstraZeneca jab for vaccine hesitancy among Australians - and singled out a government agency. Hours after a third Australian's death was linked to AstraZeneca, Melbourne backbencher Katie Allen slammed the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and also claimed media coverage of the vaccine was creating fear. 'I have to say the media has made very clear the side effects of AstraZeneca they haven't made clear some of the other side effects of Pfizer in the same way,' she told the ABC's Q&A program on Thursday night. A Liberal MP and former medical researcher has blamed scaremongering on the AstraZeneca jab for vaccine hesitancy among Australians - and singled out a government agency. Hours after a third Australian's death was linked to AstraZeneca, Melbourne backbencher Katie Allen (pictured) suggested media coverage of the vaccine was creating fear Many Australians are reluctant to get an AstraZeneca dose and are instead waiting for Pfizer's Covid vaccine, which is in short supply until at least August. In June, ATAGI recommended Pfizer instead of AstraZeneca be administered to those under 60. Two months earlier, it had recommended Pfizer over AstraZeneca for those under 50, just days before a 48-year-old diabetic woman from the Central Coast, north of Sydney, died of a blood clot five days after taking AstraZeneca. Dr Allen, the federal member for Higgins, was so annoyed about the advice on AstraZeneca she wrote to ATAGI, which makes recommendations to the Department of Health on vaccinates. 'I wrote to ATAGI and asked them to review their advice based on the changing situation internationally,' she said. 'I would have preferred that ATAGI said there is risk and warnings but not that you should not say it should not be administered. 'People understand now they can receive AstraZeneca in these other age categories.' The risk of those under 50 getting a rare blood clot or TTS (Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome) from an AstraZeneca stands at three in 100,000, ATAGI said. Many Australians are reluctant to get an AstraZeneca dose and are instead waiting for Pfizer's Covid vaccine, which is in short supply until at least August. In June, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommended Pfizer instead of AstraZeneca be administered to those under 60. Pictured is nurse Annabel Thomas getting a Pfizer vaccine Dr Allen said the blood clots were treatable. 'We know that early on the clots associated with AstraZeneca were being mistreated by doctors. That's been rectified now,' she said. The chance of a young person dying is one in a million. The third AstraZeneca death was a 61-year-old woman with immune thrombocytopenia, a rare autoimmune bleeding condition, which followed the death of a Melbourne woman, 52. On June 28, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced doctors would be indemnified if there were side effects from an AstraZeneca vaccine they administered. Adults of all ages can now get AstraZeneca if they have a consultation with a GP. Mr Morrison on Friday urged residents in south-west Sydney who have had AstraZeneca to get their second dose after eight weeks, even though clinical trials had recommended a 12-week gap. Infectious diseases expert Professor Raina MacIntyre, the head of biosecurity at the University of New South Wales's Kirby Institute, said there was no issue having an earlier AstraZeneca booster shot - even if a three-month gap is recommended Infectious diseases expert Professor Raina MacIntyre, the head of biosecurity at the University of New South Wales's Kirby Institute, said there was no issue having an earlier AstraZeneca booster shot - even if a three-month gap is recommended. 'The trials didn't show great results when it was given at four weeks, but by accident in that trial some people had got it at three months and those people had better protection,' she told the ABC's 7.30 program. 'The label for the vaccine actually says you can give it any time from four to 12 weeks. 'So there is no problem with giving it.' Sydney's lockdown had been extended for another week until at least July 16, with a heavy police presence in the city's south-west in the Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield local government areas. New South Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday imposed even more stringent lockdown rules banning visitors to homes and a new 10km limit on leaving home for exercise. She argued just 9 per cent of people in NSW were fully vaccinated and flagged letting pharmacists administer it New South Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday imposed even more stringent lockdown rules banning visitors to homes and a new 10km limit on leaving home for exercise. She justified this by arguing that just 9 per cent of people in NSW were fully vaccinated and flagged letting pharmacists administer AstraZeneca. 'We are working hard behind the scenes to make sure we have supply of AstraZeneca,' Ms Berejiklian said. Dr Allen said both Pfizer and AstraZeneca were recommended. 'I would say, "Please, go and get vaccinated",' she said. 'Both of them are good at preventing death and thats the point about this vaccination program. From above, Melbourne appears to be on the mend after four lockdowns that effectively reduced the city to a ghost town. Office workers have again taken to the streets and washed away the sea of fluorescent vests that made-up the numbers during the lockdowns. Cafes can once again serve limited numbers of customers, who during the day pack into socially distanced seating. As the afternoon sets in, Melbourne's remaining pubs to have survived the lockdowns serve drinks to happy customers. Looks can be deceiving and it is something Sydney residents ought pay more than glancing attention. With the highly-contagious Delta strain taking hold (44 new cases reported on Friday) and Sydney residents facing the prospect of and extended lockdown, this is a look into their future - and it ain't pretty. Lockdown lag: Melbourne is still hurting after enduring months shut down, with tram stops in CBD near empty at peak hour Lifeless: While parts of Melbourne, particularly suburban areas, have returned to normal, the once bustling Hosier Lane in the CBD remains void of activity Melbourne had upward of 20,000 Covid cases at the height of the pandemic with hundreds of new cases a day during the second lockdown. In August last year, Victoria recorded 725 new cases in a day, 15 deaths and 530 people in hospital - 42 in intensive care. On February 14 this year - the day Victoria went into its third lockdown - Victoria recorded three new case, bringing the tally of active cases to 22. In May - Victoria's fourth lockdown - Melbourne had just 26 cases of the virus, which were all linked back to the same quarantine breach from South Australia. Before the last lockdown Melbourne could have been mistaken for making a miraculous comeback. The city was on the cusp of bouncing back. So confident the city was in the clear, the magistrates' court cleared the way for in-person hearings to resume. The district had been a hub of activity in a pre-Covid world. For a moment, it sparked back to life as trials kicked into action and workers returned to the office. 'It's been really quiet in the city': Barista Sinead Brassil said Melbourne had been devastated by the constant lockdowns The heart of the city at the Bourke Street Mall was far from bustling when visited on Friday Shoppers are slowly returning to Melbourne but there has been no miraculous comeback On Collins Street - the business heart of Melbourne's CBD - workers had returned in numbers that could not be described as anything less than encouraging. At night, pubs pumped with the drunken, familiar voices of a population that was contemplating 'getting back to normal'. Then the switch was flicked, and it all went back to square one. Melbourne office workers have forgotten how long it's been since they've been able to work a day inside without a mask. On Friday, as office workers were told they could finally dump them, the city crawled to life. It was Groundhog Day. Out west, train stations from Werribee to Footscray showed the signs of a city in hiding. Peak hour trains were near empty, with commuters arriving well into the peak still able to find prime parking positions outside the stations. City workers commuting from anywhere other than the originating station know all-too-well the pain of peak travel into the CBD. Jammed into carriages with no room to even dump a backpack, they would wait miserably locked together until the doors opened and set them free. At Flinders Street Station - Melbourne's main hub - and nearby Southern Cross Station, you could swing a cat getting out of the turnstiles. Before lockdown, you wouldn't dream of driving to and from the city everyday into the heart of Melbourne. Barista Sinead Brassil said Melbourne had been devastated by the constant lockdowns. 'It's been really quiet in the city. It's been busy in all the suburbs, but the city has just been so dead,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Friday. 'All of the little businesses on these little lanes have been really struggling and it's only just starting to pick up now. All of the office workers can work from home so I feel until they return we're all in trouble.' 'Things are picking up a little': Tom Wust who works at Melbourne Bike & Tours on Southbank hopes Melbourne will eventually get back to normal Plans are underway to entice people back to the city. Workers visit cafes in Degraves Street for take away on Friday Just a few years ago, in a pre-Covid world, the City of Melbourne was exploring banning cars from entering the city altogether. So congested were the roads leading from the west into the CBD that the Victorian Government green-lighted the build of a multi-billion dollar tunnel. It was the very venue Premier Daniel Andrews used as a prop to announce his triumphant return to office after recovering from his back injury. The state had already forked out more than one-and-half billion dollars on funding Melbourne's Sky Rail in anticipation of moving more traffic and commuters into town on the train. This week, Mayor Sally Capp announced a plan to entice Victorians back to the big smoke by offering $5 parking across 33 different locations in the city. 'Every extra person that comes into the city provides an opportunity for local traders who have just been through the toughest trading period in decades,' she said on announcing the initiative. So desperate for people to return, the council has offered 2450 free tickets for shows including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as Broadways Frozen the Musical. They're giving away hotel accommodation and shopping vouchers for the Queen Victoria Market. The city doesn't need a miracle, it needs an assurance that it will not be locked down again. Even then, the damage may well have been done. 'It was definitely a lot busier before the fourth lockdown with the morning and lunch rushes,' Ms Brassil said from outside a cafe just off Degraves Street. 'People weren't scared to come into the city ... now we don't know what is going to happen again and people are in their own routines now.' Melburnians who can now freely come into the city largely don't have to. What's worse for CBD traders, they don't want to. At night, Melbourne's iconic nightlife remains decimated. While office workers might pop into the pub after work for a drink, it often is just that. Like town folk scared of what might come once sun sets, they flee to the comforts of their own homes. Is the lockdown over? A deserted laneway in Melbourne's CBD Melbourne is still a shadow of itself one year after it was plunged into a 112-day lockdown At best, they home into venues closer to home, in the suburbs surrounding the CBD. Melbourne pre-Covid was a place you could find a happening watering hole any time of the week at any time of the year. It's something the council has tried to combat too with diners who spend between $50 and $500 in Melbournes restaurants, cafes and bars able to claim a 20 per cent rebate on their total food and drink bill. Although those still coming to the city to get on the beers hardly know the scheme exists. 'No-one knows about it because Melbourne City Council suck and haven't done any promotion,' one struggling cafe owner told Daily Mail Australia. Tom Wust, who works at a Southbank bicycle tour company, has watched the city die over the past eight months since coming across the Nullabor from Perth. From his Docklands apartment, high above the city, he watches a sea of darkness across the CBD as the sun sets. 'Things are picking up a little ... it feels like everyone gets together after a lockdown,' he said. 'But people are only coming into town two or three times a week. If you look at buildings you can see a lot of lights are off and they're pretty dark. ' The weekends are dead, with restaurants and bars that he and his mates used to attend now closed. Workers are back in Melbourne's CBD but there is sill a long way to go before the city is humming again. Council is trying to entice them to return with cheap $5 parking Sydney was a dead zone on Friday as it faces its own extended lockdown 'They all close on weekends and only open during the week when they can get some office people in,' Mr Wust said. The tour operator watched Melbourne bounce back in February following its third hard lockdown before it was reduced to ashes again following the fourth. With tourism halted from across the borders and the New Zealand travel bubble burst, Melbourne's tourism industry remains in deep turmoil. 'Things have been pretty slow,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Friday. 'Especially through the school holidays with New South Wales in lockdown. It has really affected us.' Mr Wust has heard stories about Melbourne being the beating heart of Australia's music and pub scene, where punters could find a place to drink, eat and be merry any time of the week no matter the time of year. 'That's what I heard and it's a real shame,' he said. 'I feel like eventually things will come back to normal. it's like we take two steps forward and one step back. We'll get there slowly.' Savinski, bashed him on the head and slit his throat Savinski was found dead in his Upper East Side apartment on January 27 with a gash in his head and neck wounds Alex Ray Scott is seen in a November mugshot during his arrest on lewd molestation charges in Tulsa An Oklahoma man accused of killing an antiques dealer he had a romantic affair with was back in court to face Manhattan Supreme Court judge on Thursday. Alex Ray Scott, 24, is facing murder, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property charges related to the death of 64-year-old Kenneth Savinski, who he is said to have met on a dating app. Savinski was found dead in his Upper East Side apartment on January 27, with a deep gash in his head and neck wounds. Just after midnight two days later, Scott walked into a Manhattan police station covered in blood, saying, 'I think I may have killed someone last night.' DailyMail.com has reached out to his attorney, Jessica Horani, for comment on today's court appearance. Scott, 24, was escorted into Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday as he faces charges of murder, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property Scott is being represented by Jessica Horani, who previously claimed he may have been deliberately drugged at the end of January because he had no recollection of what had happened when 64-year-old Kenneth Savinski was killed in his apartment Scott had turned himself into authorities in connection with the murder two days after Savinski's body was found in his Upper East Side apartment Victim Kenneth Savinski (center) is seen with two friends in 2006. He moved his antique store to NYC from Maryland in 2000 and received a favorable mention in the New York Times The grim murder case first unfolded at about 5.20pm on January 27, 2020 when a friend who hadn't heard from Savinski for a long time went to check on him at his Upper East Side apartment on 83rd Street near Park Avenue. Cops rushed to the scene and found Savinski with a deep gash in his head and neck wounds. He was declared dead at the scene. Initially, police were uncertain whether Savinski had tripped and suffered accidental injuries. But closer examination revealed that the antique dealer's throat had been slit, and blood splatter indicated he had been attacked. Police searched for a motive in the case, and it was not immediately clear if investigators had identified Scott as a suspect before he surrendered at the 19th Precinct on East 67th Street. But just a few hours earlier, the New York Daily News reports, Scott was allegedly seen walking out of the apartment building, wearing Savinski's black jacket and counting money in his wounded hands. He then allegedly used Savinski's credit cards to pay for a hotel room in New Jersey, where he woke up the next day, covered in blood with little memory of what had happened the night before, according to the Daily News. Scott allegedly returned to the Savinski's apartment the night after the killing, prosecutors said. Surveillance video at the time showed Scott arriving and then quickly leaving after noticing police officers, the New York Times reports. Prosecutors now claim Scott choked Savinski, bashed him on the head and slit his throat, using various throw pillows to try to soak up the blood from his wounds. Victim Kenneth Savinski, 64, was found dead in the living room of his first floor apartment on E. 83rd St. near Park Ave. about 5.20 p.m. Wednesday A friend who hadn't heard from Savinski for a long time went to check on him at his apartment Scott was arrested in connection with Savinski's murder just two days after his body was found Savinski and Scott had been in a romantic relationship, sources told the New York Daily News. Detectives say the two men had met the night before and that Savinski brought Scott home for what he believed would be a 'romantic liaison,' the Manhattan district attorney's office said. Scott made incriminating statements to investigators after his surrender, a police source told the New York Post. He was found in possession of five stolen credit cards, according to the Post. Murder victim Kenneth Savinski (left) is seen with a friend at an event at Bergdorf Goodman's Restaurant 'BG' in 2006. Savinski was an antiques dealer and decorator Neighbors were shocked at the murder in the normally quiet area near Central Park Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Scott was previously under investigation for child molestation in that state, stemming from accusations in September 2018 that he had forced a co-worker's five-year-old son to engage in oral sex, according to the New York Times. Police in Tulsa say that before they could interview Scott about the allegations, he quit his job, left his apartment and rented a car that he never returned. In October, cops on Long Island made contact with Scott, who told them he had driven there in order to kill himself. Scott was taken to a psychiatric hospital for observation and later transported back to Tulsa to be charged there with two counts of lewd molestation. He said in a statement to the police that he had fled to New York 'to get away from that case,' according to court documents. He had apparently been in New York City for several weeks, according to prosecutors in Manhattan, and was staying in hotels and in people's apartments. He seemed to have little connection to the city. Scott's court-appointed lawyer, Jessica Horani, said at the time he did not remember much of the past few days, the New York Times reports, and suggested that he might have been deliberately drugged. A health minister sparked a row in the House of Lords yesterday after he questioned the effectiveness of masks at preventing Covid. Lord Bethell said face coverings offered only 'marginal protection' when questioned over Government plans to lift the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England on July 19. The move has faced criticism from more than 120 scientists and doctors who signed a letter in The Lancet accusing the UK Government of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment'. Lord Bethell said face coverings offered only 'marginal protection' when questioned over Government plans to lift the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England on July 19 Pressed by peers, Lord Bethell said: 'Masks simply aren't a panacea. 'Were the whole country to wear a mask for the rest of their lives we would still have pandemics, because they only offer marginal protection.' But Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oates said: 'Is the minister aware the comments he just made are not just nonsense, they are dangerous nonsense and will he withdraw them?' He sparked a row in the House of Lords yesterday after he questioned the effectiveness of masks at preventing Covid (stock image) Lord Bethell responded: 'I don't accept that at all. The argument I make is an extremely reasonable one.' He also told peers: 'This isn't a question of libertarian ideology. This is a question of assessing the risks faced by the country I'm afraid to say we cannot have in place laws on the intimate practicalities of people's lives for the long-term. 'We don't have a law on sneezing. I wouldn't think of sneezing in the presence of peers, but I don't accept that I should be given a fine for doing so.' A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a teenager was stabbed to death on a night of bloodshed in south London on Monday, the Metropolitan Police has said. The boy, who has been named as 16-year-old Keane Flynn-Harling, was discovered suffering from stab injuries in Lambeth. The Met said the man was arrested on Thursday afternoon and remains in custody at a south London police station. A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after Keane Flynn-Harling (pictured) was stabbed to death in south London on Monday Officers were called to Oval Place just before midnight and attended along with members of the London Ambulance service - but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Enquiries remain ongoing and the Met have urged anyone with further information to come forward. Just hours earlier, a 15-year-old boy was killed in Woolwich, southeast London in front of horrified onlookers in broad daylight. According to witnesses, he tried to use an umbrella to fight off his attackers but died at the scene, the Evening Standard reports. On Tuesday, friends and family arrived to lay flowers and cards at the scene in Lambeth - paying tribute to the 'friendly, bubbly' Keane. Police near to the scene in Lambeth where a 16-year-old boy was killed on Monday evening Multiple bunches of flowers and messages were left tied to nearby railings addressed to 'Keane', and signed by aunts and uncles. 'I'm so sorry you're gone. We love you so much, rest in perfect peace,' read one, while another said 'love you with all my heart baby boy, we love you millions.' 'Keano, taken too soon. Sleep tight with the angels,' said another. Speaking to the PA news agency a family friend of the boy described him as 'nice, friendly, bubbly... a nice character,' and said she had known him all his life. Tributes and flowers have been left at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Oval Place, Lambeth Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, responsible for local policing in Lambeth and Southwark, said: 'I am shocked and saddened by the senseless loss of another young life to knife crime. 'I am also deeply saddened that another family experiences the painful loss of a son, and the trauma knife crime brings is once again experienced in our local community. 'Every loss of life is a tragedy and this needless violence must end. I urge anyone with information to come forward.' Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 8532/05Jul. Advertisement Premier Gladys Berejiklian has brought in a raft of tough new social distancing restrictions in a desperate bid to contain the highly contagious Delta strain after Sydney recorded another 44 local cases of Covid-19 overnight. An increasingly worried Ms Berejiklian warned the community to brace for worse case spikes in coming days and flagged the city's now-three week lockdown was unlikely to be lifted by July 16. Of particular concern is that 29 of the cases were out in the community for either the entire time they were contagious or part of their infectious period. The 44 new cases is the largest daily increase in infections since April 2020, with 21 found in south-west Sydney where police have stepped up controls to enforce lockdown compliance. There are 10 COVID-19 patients in NSW in intensive care; four of them are being ventilated. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant - who appeared shocked by the spike in cases - said one of the patients in the ICU was only in their 20s. From 5pm on Friday evening, Greater Sydney residents can travel only 10km from their homes to exercise and must not gather in groups of more than two while outside. Sydneysiders are also banned from carpooling with anyone they don't live with when going out for exercise to prevent the spread of the virus in confined spaces. Only one member of each household meanwhile will be allowed to leave the home per day to shop for essential items. The NSW premier said she was also making the 'heartbreaking' decision to limit funeral gatherings to 10 attendees from Sunday. Ms Berejiklian claimed the rapid spread of the Delta variant and the fact only nine per cent of NSW residents are vaccinated against Covid-19 gave her no option other than tightening Sydney's stay-at-home-orders. 'New South Wales is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started and I don't take it lightly,' she said. 'Unless there is a dramatic change, unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the numbers, I can't see how we would be in a position to ease restrictions by next Friday.' She added the number of cases who were infectious in the community would have to reach zero before she would consider easing the hard lockdown. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW RESTRICTIONS IN GREATER SYDNEY From 5pm on Friday: - Residents can travel only 10km from their homes - Exercise and gather in groups of two while outside - Only one member of each household per day allowed to leave the home for essential shopping - No browsing in supermarkets and retail businesses. Shop only for essential items - Funerals capped at 10 - No car pooling with other households when going out for exercise The new rules are in addition to the stay-at-home orders already in place until July 16, which include only leaving the home to: shop for essential items (one person only) give care and compassionate reasons (one visitor only) exercise or for work or education that cannot be conducted remotely Advertisement Pictured: A woman trains in Rushcutters Bay Park on Wednesday. From 5pm on Friday, Greater Sydney's five million residents can only gather in groups of two while outside Shoppers are pictured in Cabramatta in Sydney's south-west. Only one member of each household will be allowed to go out to shop for essential items from Friday evening 'We need to have zero people who have been infectious in the community because that tells us they still could be undertaken with strains of community transmission,' she said. The state leader said the spread of the virus had now reached a point where the government's 'gold standard' contact tracing program could only do so much. 'We are now not only looking at areas where the transmission has occurred but trying to prevent any super-seeding events,' Ms Berejiklian said. Another eight cases were also found in south-east Sydney and Dr Chant also warned residents in Sutherland, Carrillo, Sylvania, Hurstville and Maroubra to come forward for testing if they have even the slightest symptoms. In western Sydney, she said those living in suburbs experiencing high levels of transmission such as Bossley Park, Smithfield, Fairfield, Glenfield, West Hoxton, St Johns Park, Bonnyrigg Heights and Casula should also stay on high alert. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was making the 'heartbreaking' decision to limit funeral gatherings to 10 attendees from Sunday Who you can visit, where you can exercise and how you can care for your elderly family members: Everything you need to know about Sydney's new Covid restrictions Can you still exercise outdoors? Yes, but in reduced groups. Greater Sydney residents from Friday evening will only be allowed to exercise outdoors in groups of two - down from the 10 previously allowed. The only exception to this rule is members of the same household already living together can exercise outdoors together. How far can you travel to exercise? Additionally locals can only travel within a 10km limit of their homes to exercise. 'Please do not leave your house. Do not leave your home, unless you absolutely have to,' Ms Berejiklian pleaded with Sydneysiders. What about leaving the house for essential items? Locals should only leave their house for essential supplies and should not browse, the premier said. The premier also said only one member of a household should be traveling to the shops for essential items and carpooling especially with other households - whether to the shops or work - is not allowed. Can you still travel to work? Ms Berejiklian restated only people who need to travel for essential work should leave their house. 'Too many people who have continued to go to work, too many people have either misunderstood the rules or not followed them. And that has to stop.' What about funerals and weddings? Health officials have also made the decision to cap funerals at 10 attendees from Sunday. Weddings were already prevented from going ahead early on in the lockdown. How many people can you have at your house? Only those providing essential care are allowed to visit another household. 'We are still getting questions through Service NSW about how many people you can have into your home. The answer is zero.' Ms Berejiklian said. 'I don't mean these words lightly, or say these words lightly. But we are facing the greatest threat that we have faced in New South Wales and the pandemic started. And it is up to all of us to turn things around'. Advertisement The announcement comes after Scott Morrison on Friday morning said he supported locking down Sydney until new local Covid-19 cases are eliminated amid reports some NSW cabinet ministers want to let the virus spread. The shut down is due to end on July 16 but Premier Gladys Berejiklian has left the door open for another extension to eradicate the highly infectious Delta strain. '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,' she said on Thursday. 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 Police patrol a shopping centre in Fairfield. There is an increased police presence in south-west Sydney to enforce lockdown The virus is spreading south western Sydney and police have stepped up patrols in the area. Picture: Chapel Road in Bankstown '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. 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 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. Police have stepped up patrols in the south-west Sydney area after the epicentre of the outbreak shifted away from where it began in he city's eastern suburbs. Despite a plea for residents to get tested for Covid-19, testing centres in the area were largely empty on Friday morning. On Thursday night the Sydney Morning Herald reported 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 Mr Hazzard 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 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' he said. 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 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 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. 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. A butcher wears a mask whilst setting up a meat display at a local store along Chapel Road in Bankstown during lockdown 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.' Advertisement 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.' Police patrols will be ramped up in Sydney's Covid-riddled south-west from Friday morning to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA'S INTERACTIVE MAP OF COVID EXPOSURE SITES ACROSS SYDNEY 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.' Fully-vaccinated Americans do not need a booster COVID-19 shot at this time, the U.S. health authorities said on Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 55.8 per cent of Americans over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated, and therefore do not need to concern themselves with a booster yet. 'We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed', said the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a joint statement late on Thursday. Pfizer's top scientist said earlier the drugmaker plans to ask U.S. regulators to authorize a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine within the next month. 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. A 26-year-old woman in Los Angeles is seen receiving her COVID-19 vaccination on July 6. The FDA and CDC on Thursday said those who have received their full course of vaccinations do not need to worry about a booster yet Pfizer 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 Indian 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. 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. The total number of deaths from COVID-19 in America totalled 606,475 on Thursday The total number of COVID-19 infections since the start of the pandemic have reached more than 33.7 million in the US 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 per cent of all new infections. That's up from the 26.1 per cent 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 per cent of new infections in Midwestern states such as Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Scott Morrison has defended a Melbourne pub offering free beers to vaccinated patrons, saying a health body's decision to ban the incentive was 'a bit heavy-handed'. 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. The Therapeutic Goods Administration contacted the bar on Wednesday to inform it they could not offer such a promotion, leading the Prime Minister to say the government are working to 'get it sorted' with 150,000 jabs being given weekly. 'Cheers to the PA (Prince Alfred),' she said to Sunrise on Friday morning. 'They might want to be careful, there might not be enough kegs to back that one up.' 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 Morrison said while the TGA were doing their jobs, he saw the lighter side of the scheme and thought it was a creative idea. 'The TGA is doing a good job, the rules are there for important reasons,' he told Sunrise. 'It is a sensible rule, but in these circumstances, the national interest is to get vaccinated, so the Prince Alfred down in Melbourne, good on you for getting behind it.' 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. Morrison said while the TGA were doing their jobs, he saw the lighter side of the scheme and thought it was a creative idea 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. 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.' 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 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.' 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'. The book Not My Idea is promoted in some fashion in more than two dozen schools and school districts across the country. It features a page in which a shadowy devil figure offers the reader a harmful 'whiteness contract' A private Manhattan elementary school which charges $55,000-a-year tuition is among dozens of schools across the US teaching from children's book that features a shadowy devil figure that offers the reader a 'whiteness contract.' Anti-critical race theory activist Chris Rufo published a list on Thursday of schools and districts across more than a dozen states, including one Native American tribal school, that promotes the book Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham. Rufo says the book, 'traffics in the noxious principles of race essentialism, collective guilt and anti-whiteness.' Corlears School in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, which charges $55,000 a year tuition for pre-K to fifth grade students, has recommended the book for children over 8 years old, Fox News reported. At least 31 other schools across the US are also teaching from the book, according to a list compiled by Rufo. In April, the Manhattan school hosted an event for parents to learn about raising their children to value anti-racism, and featured a discussion of how author Ibram X. Kendi's book, 'Antiracist Baby' is being used by teachers. The book featuring the 'whiteness' contract, Not My Idea, features a figure inspired by the devil, with a red tail and all, offering the reader a 'contract binding you to whiteness,' which if signed will net them 'stolen land, stolen riches and special favors,' but will cause one's 'soul' to 'mess endlessly with the lives of your friends, neighbors, loved ones and all fellow humans of COLOR.' One of the pages in the book claims 'whiteness is a bad deal. It always was' The pages in question feature a 'whiteness contract' being offered by a shadowy devil figure The contract ends with the caveat, 'Land, riches, and favors may be revoked at any time, for any reason.' The book posits: 'Whiteness is a bad deal. It always was.' It also asks white readers to fight white supremacy, saying that they are also gaining their own liberation in opposition to it. 'White supremacy has been lying to kids for centuries,' the book reads. 'White supremacy is pretend. But the consequences are real.' Also according to the book: 'Skin color makes a difference in how the world sees you and in how you see the world,' and 'your skin color affects the most ordinary daily experiences.' Anti-critical race theory activist Chris Rufo (left) identified the districts and schools that use the book, which was authored by Anastasia Higginbotham (right) in some form or another Manhattan's Corlears school, which charges $55,000 a year for tuition is one of the private schools known to promote the book 'Racism is a [W]hite person's problem and we are all caught up in it,' it continues. The book is also the subject of a lawsuit filed in Illinois against a school district on behalf of drama teacher Stacy Deemar Not My Idea is also the subject of a lawsuit brought by a teacher against a school district in Illinois, as part of its alleged habit of racial discrimination, Fox News also reported. The Southeastern Legal Foundation, working as part of Rufo's legal coalition, filed the suit on behalf of drama teacher Stacy Deemar. The suit alleges Illinois' Evanston-Skokie district was treating students and employees differently based on race. In one instance, for example, suit says the district asked teachers to take part in racially segregated 'affinity groups' for an exercise. It also alleges that teachers were forced to undergo 'antiracist training,' and uses the teaching of Not My Idea in the district as one of the examples of ways the district is discriminating against white people. The list Rufo compiled also indicates how the book was promoted in each respective school or district. Rufo tweeted that he'd listed the schools who were teaching from the book to children as young as eight Rufo's list denotes more than 31 schools and school districts that promote the book, and the ways in which they've featured it Most have included it in a recommended reading list, but some are teaching it as part of their curriculum, and in some cases teachers and principals have recorded themselves reading it aloud to students. Rufo included links to the readings in his list. In one instance of a presentation for pre-school-aged children, the reading left out the two pages featuring the 'whiteness contract,' as did two others. Three other presentations included the pages, and one featured a principal quickly glossing over them, calling them additional 'activities and resources' that the book features. The New South Wales chief health officer temporarily stopped the Covid-19 press conference to use her face mask to wipe her eye. Dr Kerry Chant had been providing the latest update on the Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney on Friday. She then paused before wiping her right eye with her face mask, bringing the conference to a halt. 'Sorry, I have something in my eye,' she said. The New South Wales chief health officer has temporarily stopped the Covid-19 press conference to use her face mask to wipe her eye Dr Chant quickly realised she was using her face mask before apologising to the media. 'I should not be using my mask for that but, sorry,' she said. 'If I could just get a tissue and apologies for that.' The chief health officer was then handed a tissue before she turned around to clear her eye. 'Sorry. Something was in my eye then. My apologies,' she said, turning back to face the media. NSW recorded 44 new local COVID-19 cases - the highest number of daily infections since the pandemic's first wave in early 2020. State premier Gladys Berejiklian said the number of cases in the community was a significant concern. 'That is the number really concerning us,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'It tells us that in the next few days, those numbers are going to go up. 'This is the opposite of where we need or want the numbers to trend.' She then paused before wiping her right eye with her face mask, bringing the conference to a halt Pictured: A woman trains in Rushcutters Bay Park on Wednesday. From 5pm on Friday, Greater Sydney's five million residents can only gather in groups of two while outside As a result, locked-down residents from 5pm will be banned from exercising more than 10km from their home, and only in groups of two people. Funerals in these areas will also be capped at 10 people. 'We are now not only looking at areas where the transmission has occurred but trying to prevent any super-seeding events,' Ms Berejiklian said. Ten COVID-19 patients in NSW are in intensive care, with four ventilated. The 44 reported cases came from more than 42,000 tests. It comes after NSW Police said officers will patrol the streets of southwest Sydney to ensure compliance with COVID-19 health orders, with senior cops insisting the measure is not about discrimination or racism. The crackdown from Friday comes after Ms Berejiklian hinted earlier this week the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool council areas could soon be subject to stricter COVID-19 restrictions. Shoppers are pictured in Cabramatta in Sydney's south-west. Only one member of each household will be allowed to go out to shop for essential items from Friday evening Bondi lifeguards sounded the alarm after a herd of sharks were spotted swimming perilously close to surfers. Surf Life Saving warned beach-goers of the danger after being alerted by an ABC chopper, with those on board filming the predators at about 9.30am on Friday. Video footage shows at least five sharks in the water within metres of board riders, with a larger shark broken away from the pack seemingly stalking one of the surfers. Um, did the news helicopter just film several SHARKS near surfers at Bondi Beach just now? pic.twitter.com/zYxIxRWUxU Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) July 8, 2021 Bondi Surf Club staff notified beach-goers over their PA system. French-Vietnamese local surfer, Marco Ngoxuan, was at the scene. 'We were told there was a shark, and the helicopter was above looking for it,' Mr Ngoxuan told The Daily Telegraph. 'It was up to us if we wanted to stay in the water or just leave but we heard the alarm, so I think everybody just got the same feeling'. Mr Ngoxuan said he felt safe venturing out into the waves thanks to routine surveillance. 'It's always part of the risk of going out in the water. They have drones and everything now to improve safety, so it's better than nothing,' he said. Up to five sharks were sighted by a chopper early Friday morning within metres of surfers prompting lifeguards to sound the alarm The sighting comes after a spate of recent sharks attacks on Sydney's coastlines. Mark Sanguinetti, 59, from Sydney's Northern Beaches, was fatally mauled by a 4.5m great white shark off Tuncurry Beach near Forster on the mid-north coast in early May. Another young surfer was attacked by a shark while catching waves at Crescent Head Beach on the mid-north coast in early July. The teen who allegedly shot and injured a Marine in Times Square is seen being led led to court Wednesday evening to face an attempted murder charge after turning himself in to cops. On Wednesday, Avon Darden, 16, accompanied by his mother, handed himself over to police at the Midtown South Precinct station house. 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:.15pm on June 27. The young Marine was hospitalized after the shooting but was 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. Avon Darden, 16, was led out in front of media to court Wednesday evening after he was charged with attempted murder in connection to the shooting of 21-year-old Marine Samuel Poulin in Times Square on June 27 Darden turned himself into police earlier on Wednesday accompanied by his mother, 10 days after the shooting Darden is being charged as a minor due to his age 'I don't want to say anything about my son,' the teen's mom, who declined to give her name, told the New York 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. Darden is seen inside Manhattan Supreme Court on attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon charges Wednesday evening Darden reportedly has been arrested for three felonies 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.' Pfizer has confirmed it will 'ramp up' its delivery of vaccines to Australia as Sydney's outbreak grows to 439 cases. The company has agreed to deliver at least a million vaccines a week from July 19, meaning more than 4.5million jabs will arrive in August. Previously only three million doses were expected in August and 4.5million were due in September. Shoppers make a purchase at a local fish market along Chapel Road in Bankstown in western Sydney as lockdown entered its fourteenth day The total number delivered to Australia in 2021 will remain at 40 million, as agreed in April. Pfizer is simply sending the shipments earlier. The company said in a statement: 'Pfizer is committed to delivering 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to Australia over 2021. 'The total number of 40 million doses we are contracted to deliver to Australia over 2021 has not changed. We continue to work closely with the Government to support the ramp up of their rollout program. 'While the details of our agreement with the Government are confidential, we can confirm that deliveries to Australia remain on track, and we continue to update our weekly delivery schedule in line with the ramp up. 'We expect the remainder of the 40 million doses to be delivered by the end of 2021'. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Daily Mail Australia: 'From 19 July, Australia's Pfizer supply now plans to increase to approximately 1million 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.' People line up at the mass vaccination hub at Olympic Park in Sydney, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more vaccines were needed to get Sydney out of lockdown. 'We need to have zero people who have been infectious in the community,' she said in her press conference on Friday. '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.' Mr Morrison has supported locking down Sydney until new local Covid cases are eliminated. A picture posted to Twitter on Thursday shows a U.S. Border Patrol agent carrying a Honduran migrant to safety after claiming to be injured near the United States-Mexico border. The photo was posted by Brian Hastings, the chief agent for the U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector, which has been inundated in recent months with an influx of undocumented immigrants. A U.S. Customs and Border Protections spokesperson told DailyMail.com on Friday that the woman was spotted by two border agents on Wednesday and said that she was unable to walk. The agents then took turns carrying her for about 2,600 feet through the brush and muddy terrain before they reached a road and took her to Border Patrol station near Mission, Texas. While there, a physician examined the woman and discovered that nothing was wrong with her. The Honduran woman was processed and expelled to Mexico under Title 42, a former President Trump-era measure - that has been kept by the administration of President Joe Biden - that allows for border crossers to be deported, generally within two hours, on public health grounds of trying to prevent spread of COVID-19. A photo posted to Twitter on Thursday shows a Border Patrol officer slogging through muddy terrain with an undocumented immigrant over his shoulder as he tried to get him to safety The photo was posted by Brian Hastings, who said the migrant suffered an injury while being smuggled into the United States The picture is reminiscent of a video last month that showed another Border Patrol officer carry a migrant on his back after the woman sustained a sprained ankle while trying to cross the border. The 40-year-old woman's illegal journey over the international border line unraveled the morning of June 14 when she got lost in the Jacumba Wilderness region in California, according to US Customs and Border Protection. The woman alerted Mexico's C5 hotline, the equivalent of 911 in the US, to request help at 7.45am. Mexican authorities subsequently contact the US Border Patrol El Centro Sector, which was able to track the injured woman's location via her GPS and eventually located her at 10.22am. After diagnosing the woman with a sprained ankle, one of the Border Patrol agents carried her away and made sure to balance himself as he walked through the rocky terrain, as seen on a video released by CBP on Sunday. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment. It is reminiscent of a video last month that showed another Border Patrol officer carrying an injured female migrant who sustained a sprained ankle when she tried to cross the border United States Customs and Border Protection officials said in their June update that the agency had carried out 7,084 of these types of rescues nationwide between the beginning of October 2020 through the end of May. Of those rescues, 97.4 percent took place along the United States-Mexico border. By comparison, the New York Post reports, agents carried out a total of 5,255 rescues nationwide in all of 2020 and 5,297 in 2019. Border Patrol agents have also rescued a number of children who have been dumped over the border, according to FOX News. And just last week agents in the Rio Grande Valley sector announced they had rescued a woman who said she had escaped from her attacker - a smuggler who separated her from her family, forced her to the ground and pulled off her clothes. Border crossings in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas have been spiking in recent months Border Patrol agents stopped 180,034 migrants in May along the southwestern border Meanwhile, in Laredo, Texas, Border Patrol officials announced on Thursday they had discovered more than 70 undocumented immigrants being held in 'stash houses.' They said they uncovered the first 'stash house' Monday evening after receiving a tip from the Laredo Police Department, and when they arrived at the scene thy found more than 40 undocumented immigrants crammed into the house from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. More than 30 others were discovered in a second stash house on Tuesday afternoon, Newsweek reports. The stash houses are used to temporarily house migrants after they are smuggled across the border, often in cramped quarters with potentially life-threatening living conditions. The agency said it has carried out 7,084 rescues for people trying to cross the border According to the CBP, 103 of 397 of these stash houses found in the United States between October 2019 and October 2020 were discovered in Laredo, Texas. 'The use of stash houses by criminal organizations continues to be a threat to national security and to the citizens of our Nation,' CBP wrote in a statement, ' but they are also a danger to the people they exploit by concealing them in dilapidated close quarters.' Last week, Newsweek reports, agents in El Paso also discovered two other stash houses containing 65 migrants as part of the Border Patrol's effort 'to disrupt human smuggling by transnational criminal organizations in our region,' according to El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez. 'We will continue to work together with other agencies to rescue these migrants from these deplorable living conditions where they are held for long periods of time.' The migrants found in El Paso were all deported back to Mexico. This chart shows how 2021 border crossings - pictured in blue - rocketed on crossings made in 2020, represented by the brown line (2018 is pictured in gray, with 2019 in orange) A CBP monthly report released June 10 showed that Border Patrol agents stopped 180,034 migrants in May along the southwestern border, a slight increase from 178,854 the prior month, with the increase driven largely by single adults. From March to May more than 530,000 people were apprehended and pushed back into Mexico after attempting to cross without legal immigration documents. Encounters with unlawful border crossers at the United State-Mexico border were at a low of 17,106 in April 2020 before increasing during President Donald Trump's last eight full months in office. The numbers of encounters at the southwestern border increased during President Biden's first four months at the White House. 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. 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. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Breonna Taylor's family alleges that Louisville police may be lying about the existence of body camera footage from the raid that killed her. The lawsuit filed on Thursday by the same attorney that netted Taylor's family a $12million wrongful death settlement against the Louisville Metro Police says the department may have given 'misinformation' when it said that there was no body camera footage from the botched March 13, 2020 drug raid during which officers fatally shot her. Additionally, the suit alleges the LMPD is withholding records that might prove the existence of such body camera footage, WDRB reported. Police have said that the only officer involved in the raid equipped with a body camera, Anthony James, had turned it off. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Breonna Taylor's family alleges that the Louisville Metro Police lied when it said it did not have body camera footage of the March 13, 2020 drug raid that killed her Attorney Sam Aguiar filed the suit on behalf of Taylor's family. He is the same that netted them a $12million wrongful death settlement from the city of Louisville The suit, filed by attorney Sami Aguiar in the Jefferson Circuit Court, calls for a judge to order the department turn over records requested under Kentucky's open government law. It alleges there were multiple officers on the scene issued body cameras both before and after the raid. Police have released some footage from the aftermath. 'Given that Metro was able to verify that certain LMPD members' body cameras were specifically assigned on March 13, 2020, there is a reasonable basis to believe that misinformation has been presented to the general public regarding the usage of body cameras,' the suit reads. Police have released some footage of the aftermath of the botched raid, but have said there is none from when officers opened fire in Taylor's apartment The suit alleges that Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove had all been issued body cameras before the botched raid, but the LMPD says it has no record of footage from them that night The suit also alleges that the flashing lights from police vehicles on the scene should have automatically activated the department-issued Axon body cameras of any officers equipped with one on the scene. The suit says, for example, that former officer Myles Cosgrove, was known to have activated the lights on his unmarked police vehicle. 'Simply put, it would have been difficult for most of the LMPD members with body cameras and who were associated with events at Breonna's' home 'to not have had their Axon body cameras activated at one point or another,' the suit claims. The records sought through the suit are a so-called 'audit trail' of any footage recorded on the night of Taylor's killing. The 'audit trails should assist in verifying whether Metro has been truthful to the public regarding the existence of footage,' according to the suit. Officers fired a total of 32 shots during the home invasion in March 2020 Only Hankinson was charged in Taylor's death after he shot blindly through her patio door The botched raid did not net any drugs or money. Bulletholes can be seen on a doorframe leading to Taylor's bedroom Aguiar alleges in the suit that Cosgrove, former Det. Brett Hankinson and former Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, who was shot in the leg in the raid, among others on the scene had all been issued body cameras before the raid. LMPD do not comment on ongoing litigation. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room tech, had been shot during an undercover drug raid at her apartment after her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, had opened fire on the officers, saying that he thought they were intruders. Police fired a total of 32 shots in the the raid. It did not, however, net any drugs or money. Only Hankinson has been charged with wanton endangerment in the shooting after he shot blindly through the patio door and window of Taylor's apartment. He along Cosgrove were fired for violating department use-of-force policy. Mattingly announced his retirement from the force in April. Fox News host Tucker Carlson isn't backing down from his claim that the National Security Agency tried to leak his private emails to the press, inviting a guest on his show to say such an action would be a 'serious federal crime.' Carlson has said that his communications seeking an interview with Vladimir Putin were intercepted by the NSA, and his identity - which should by law have been kept a secret - was 'unmasked' by senior intelligence officials. Carlson claimed that the content of his emails and texts was then disseminated to members of the media, in a bid to discredit him as an agent of Russia. On his show on Thursday, Carlson spoke with legal scholar Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University. 'If reporters were given that information, it would be even more serious because even if your email itself was not classified, the intercept is,' said Turley. 'NSA... material is heavily classified. I do national security work and it takes years for me to get access to a FISA warrant, I should say, or an NSA surveillance document,' he added 'So the mere fact that they engaged in surveillance is classified. So it would be a serious federal crime,' said Turley. Fox News host Tucker Carlson interviews legal scholar Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University on Thursday Carlson has said a whistleblower told him that the NSA intercepted his emails attempting to secure an interview with Putin, then spread the information in a smear campaign The NSA is generally barred from spying on American citizens, unless the agency obtains a warrant from the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. However, it is possible for the agency to collect the communications of Americans if they are in contact with a foreign surveillance target. Turley said that there were a number of scenarios in which the NSA could have legally intercepted Carlson's emails, but added: 'that doesn't explain the more troubling questions.' 'How that information was circulated and also how your name was not masked,' he said. Masking refers to the practice of redacting the name of U.S. citizens from intercepts, which the NSA is generally required to do. 'Now, you can unmask people in a surveillance documents of that kind but it requires someone to ask for unmasking and there would be no legitimate reason to do so here,' added Turley. Carlson first revealed his allegations on June 28, saying that he had been alerted by a source in the intelligence community. On his Wednesday show, Carlson revealed that he was trying to arrange an interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin when he 'was spied on by the NSA'. Carlson was trying to secure an interview with Vladimir Putin before the Russian leader's June 16 meeting with Joe Biden (above) but the attempt fell through 'Late this spring I contacted a couple of people I thought could help get an interview with the Russian President Vladimir Putin,' Carlson told his viewers. Trying to secure an interview with a world leader is routine journalistic practice, and should not have raised alarm. Indeed, his Fox News colleague Chris Wallace won Fox News its first Emmy nomination for his 2018 Putin interview. Shortly before Putin met President Joe Biden in Geneva, NBC's Keir Simmons sat for a lengthy interview with the Russian leader, which aired on June 14, scooping Carlson. 'I told nobody I was doing this other than my executive producer, Justin Wells,' Carlson said. 'I wasn't embarrassed about trying to interview Putin. He's obviously newsworthy. I'm an American citizen, I can interview anyone I want, and I plan to. 'But still in this case I decided to keep it quiet. I figure that any kind of publicity would rattle the Russians and make the interview less likely to happen. 'But the Biden administration found out anyway by reading my emails.' Carlson said that, despite telling no one, apart from his producer, news of his efforts soon spread around Washington DC. Carlson called on Paul Nakasone (left), the director of the NSA, and Avril Haines (right), the director of national intelligence, to explain why he was 'umasked' 'I learned from a whistle-blower that the NSA planned to leak the contents of those emails to media outlets,' he said. Earlier on Wednesday he said he had been approached at a funeral in Washington DC by someone who told him of the spying. 'Why would they do that? 'Well, the point, of course, was to paint me as a disloyal American, a Russian operative. I've been called that before, ' he said. 'A stooge of the Kremlin, a traitor doing the bidding of a foreign adversary.' Carlson on June 28 said he learned of the alleged spying on his show thanks to 'a whistleblower within the US government who reached out to warn us that the NSA, the National Security Agency, is monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.' Carlson said that the whistleblower 'repeated back to us information about a story that we are working on that could have only come directly from my texts and emails.' He added: 'The Biden administration is spying on us. We have confirmed that.' The NSA on June 29 responded with a highly unusual denial. The intelligence agency does not normally comment on its activities. The NSA denied the targeting of Carlson, but did not deny that his communications were incidentally collected. On June 29, the NSA denied that Carlson was 'an intelligence target' The NSA, in their June 29 statement, denied that Carlson had been deliberately targeted. But they did not deny that may have been incidentally swept up in their surveillance of foreign targets They tweeted: 'On June 28, 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged that the National Security Agency has been 'monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.' 'This allegation is untrue. Tucker Carlson has never been an intelligence target of the Agency and the NSA has never had any plans to try to take his program off the air. 'NSA has a foreign intelligence mission. We target foreign powers to generate insights on foreign activities that could harm the United States. 'With limited exceptions (e.g. an emergency), NSA may not target a US citizen without a court order that explicitly authorizes the targeting.' The high-profile restaurant chain owner dramatically arrested and charged during a Covid compliance crackdown in Sydney's south-west insists he did nothing wrong. Rami Ykmour, founder of the hugely popular Rashays eateries, was arrested after allegedly refusing to provide his details while two of his staff were fined for not wearing face masks at the company's head office at Chester Hill on Thursday. Footage uploaded to Facebook shows Mr Ykmour speaking calmly with an officer at the front of the office after police were tipped off about a Covid-19 health order breach by an anonymous caller. Police allege two staff members were not wearing face masks and that the Rashays co-founder became aggressive and refused to provide his details Mr Ykmour told Daily Mail Australia on Friday he had only being trying to support his employees, but he did not blame police for how they handled the situation. Rami Ykmour, founder of the popular Rashays eateries, was arrested after allegedly refusing to provide his details to officers while two of his staff were fined for not wearing face masks at the company's head office at Chester Hill on Thursday. Mr Ykmour is picture with wife Shannon Dramatic footage has also emerged of Rashays co-founder Rami Ykmour being arrested and two of his staff fined for not wearing face masks at the restaurant chain's head office 'There's nothing that I've done wrong, except back my staff 100 per cent and I will always back my staff,' he said. 'The police were doing their job. That's the way they saw it and it is what it is. We don't want to criticise. It's not time for criticising, that's for sure.' Mr Ykmour said the community needed to band together to deal with Covid-19 and everyone had to 'keep a level head' when dealing with the lockdowns. 'Everyone, whether you're a police officer, or you're a chef, or an ambo, or a CEO, the pressures on us as human beings today especially in NSW are just next level,' he said. 'We're all one. If we all come together and help each other and work together, that's what it's all about. 'It's just about staying positive, that's what I want to try and say about the whole situation at the moment.' Just hours into the Covid compliance blitz, officers were spotted escorting a handcuffed man outside of a shopping centre in Fairfield. Rami Ykmour has said he was only trying to support his staff when arrested on Thursday. He is pictured with wife Shannon and children (L-R) Aliyah, Zain, Amelia and Kameelah The confrontation emerged as more than 100 extra officers started patrolling the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool local government areas on Friday. It was announced yesterday that the extra show of force was necessary to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions as the city faces surging Covid-19 community transmission. In the Rashays video, am officer points to several staff at reception he can see who are not wearing face masks. Mr Ykmour suggests the workers might have been eating lunch or blowing their nose. He claims the staff members have since put on their face masks and insists there is no longer an issue. 'I'm here to follow the law,' Mr Ykmour says to the officer. 'You've just got to understand that these people here, are here supporting people who are unemployed. That's what we're doing, during a pandemic.' Police allege two staff members were not wearing face masks and that co-founder Rami Ykmour, 46, became aggressive and refused to provide his details The dramatic arrest was captured on camera as it unfolded outside of the Rashays office on Ferngrove Place at Chester Hill, in south-west Sydney, at 3.50pm on Thursday The argument escalates as Mr Ykmour asks the police officer to wait outside. He refuses and insists on waiting in the lobby as 'an offence has been committed'. Moments later he is joined by several more police officers who crowd into the front office. 'He's calling for backup,' Mr Ykmour says to the camera, shocked. 'Look how many police officers he's got. He's got 10 officers.' A staff member sitting behind reception desk begins to break down as the commotion escalates. The woman then collapses onto the floor and Mr Ykmour pulls out his phone to call an ambulance while telling off the officers Mr Ykmour is then told that he is under arrest before he is escorted out of the premises to the squadron of police cars parked in the driveway 'One, two, three, four,' Mr Ykmour points around at the officers. 'There's 20 people here for a young girl.' The woman then collapses onto the floor and Mr Ykmour pulls out his phone to call an ambulance while telling off the officers. Another officer raises his voice at Mr Ykmour to stop arguing with police and focus on the call. Moments later Mr Ykmour calms down and tries to understand why police have swarmed to his office. 'A police officer walks in and says to me there's 30 people in here, I got an anonymous call, that 30 people in here don't have a mask on,' he says. The other officer confirms that police received the anonymous call to the shock of Mr Ykmour. He is then told that he is under arrest before he is escorted out of the premises to the squadron of police cars parked in the driveway. A NSW Police spokesperson said two staff members had been issued $200 fines for not wearing face masks. Members of the public have already been arrested with officers spotted escorting a handcuffed man outside of a shopping centre in Fairfield New South Wales reported 38 new cases on Thursday, its highest daily number in a year More than 100 extra officers were sent in to patrol residents living in the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool local government areas on Friday Mr Ykmour was also arrested and issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for hinder police. He will front Parramatta Local Court on August 18. Asked about the arrest, Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged everyone to do the right thing. 'If you are not doing the right thing, please know, you'll have the law come down on you,'' she said. The arrest came after it was announced that NSW Police would be cracking down on virus-hit areas of south-west Sydney from 7am on Friday. More than 100 extra officers surged into the area to 'ensure compliance' with lockdown restrictions. New South Wales reported 38 new cases on Thursday, 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. Advertisement How the prices of some flights, hotels and package holidays for sun-starved Britons has gone up since Grant Shapps' 'amber' announcement Package holidays Zante 10 nights from August 19 including flights from the UK Price on July 8 with TUI: 3,800 Price after Grant Shapps' announcement: 4,700 Difference: UP 900 Flights Mallorca (Palma) from Luton with WizzAir, leaving July 21 and arriving 26 return Price last week: 26 return Price after Grant Shapps' announcement: 120.98 return Difference: UP 94 Hotels Malta Four nights at the sea-view Hotel Qawra Palace Price on July 9: 398 per person Price on August 6: 477 per person Difference: UP 79 Italy One night in the Hotel Augustus Riccione Price on July 9: 194 per night Price on August 6: 241 per night Difference: UP 47 Spain Sun Club El Dorado, Llucmajor A couple travelling with two children, three nights Price on July 9: 456. Price on August 6: 776 Difference: UP 320 Advertisement Holiday companies were today accused of adding up to 1,000 to the price of foreign breaks to cash in on the rush for quarantine-free foreign breaks as airlines offered double-jabbed Britons thousands of flights to Europe for between 5 and 15 after July 19. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has even warned holidaymakers to expect border chaos as he announced that millions of fully vaccinated Britons will not have to self-isolate after trips abroad to amber list countries from July 19. And after the news that opens up travel to 147 destinations, people with two jabs started furiously booking their breaks abroad. Skyscanner said that the price of flights is now at its lowest for years with the biggest bargains for those wanting to jet to Spain, Greece and The Canary Islands. But one customer tweeted TUI, Britain's largest package holiday firm: 'Im absolutely disgusted! Looked at a holiday this morning and it was 1000 cheaper before the ditching quarantine was announced'. Tui replied with an apology and said: 'We work off of a live pricing system which does mean prices can increase or decrease at anytime'. Experts say that the prices of package breaks are creeping up as demand increases. Others accused British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 of 'jacking up' prices in the past 24 hours - while some people who booked earlier this year claim their flights have been cancelled, forcing them to rebook at a higher price. EasyJet said flight bookings to Alicante and Malaga in Spain, Faro in Portugal, Nice in France and Corfu in Greece exploded by 400 per cent compared to a week ago, with an extra 145,000 extra seats put online, and package holiday sales were up 440 per cent. Ryanair are selling tickets for 4.99 to dozens of European destinations. The changes announced by Mr Shapps yesterday will allow Britons to head to France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Cyprus in ten days time. But some EU countries are still restricting entry, including Italy, which still demands Britons self-isolate for five days on arrival. The United States is on the amber list but still bans British tourists. As people scrambled to go abroad, MailOnline has learned today: Ryanair has 4.99 sale, BA will fly you to resorts such as Malaga for 9 and easyJet will take you Barcelona for 20 in August; Online searches for holidays are through the roof - up 300% on TravelSupermarket with people most interested in breaks to Crete, Majorca, Tenerife, Ibiza and Fuerteventura; Airlines accused of cancelling the flights of people who had booked earlier in the year, forcing them to rebook at higher prices; Flights appear to be getting more expensive than package holidays, while private jet companies say there has been a 45% increase in enquiries following Grant Shapps announcement; Sources have warned that the extra checks could initially result in queues at borders of up to six hours. A Whitehall source said Border Force is 'nowhere near ready' to cope with the changes. The source predicted that the agency was unlikely to have upgraded its system until next month, potentially leading to weeks of chaos at the border. 'You could easily be looking at queues of six hours to start with,' the source said, adding: 'The Border Force is nowhere near ready. What no-one knows is how much extra traffic there will be as a result of the change.' Grant Shapps also faces a backlash over mandatory PCR tests for children as young as five when they return from holidays. All adult travellers will still have to take two tests - one pre-return within three days of travel to England and another post-arrival by day two. Children aged 11 to 17 will also need to take the pre-return and post-arrival tests. But controversially children aged 5 to 10 will need to take the post-arrival test by day two. The level of testing means it could easily add 400 to the cost of a holiday for a family of four. Molly Kingsley, co-founder of parents' group Us for Them told the Telegraph: 'It is very unclear why we would be doing this now at a time when we know the vaccines have broken the link between infections and hospitalisations. 'Many parents would feel uneasy about normalising testing for children as young as this. It sends a very negative message to our children that they are disease vectors. Any holiday with a family is expensive enough as it is. I would not put a five or eight-year-old through this to go away'. This Twitter user accused Tui of adding 1,000 to the price of a holiday in the past 24 hours This Twitter user looking at booking a holiday said that BA were changing the prices adding 'several hundred pounds per person', calling it clickbait This woman claimed that easyJet is cancelling flights, and reselling seats based on evidence from friends People walk in the sea as they enjoy the hot weather at the beach on July 8 near Malaga, Spain, a a bargain destination for Brits who want to travel Airline easyJet said bookings for flights to amber countries surged 400 per cent and 440 per cent for package holidays following the news of quarantine-free holidays Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that new 'amber list' rules will kick in from July 19 Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps confirmed that from the so-called 'Freedom Day', double-jabbed people can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return Pictured: Passengers at Terminal 5 Departures on Thursday. Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow Airport despite passenger numbers being around 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels Arriving passengers queue at UK Border Control at the Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain June 29 Border staff say massive queues for holidaymakers coming back into Britain will be Government's fault for insisting on checks of four documents for every passenger and staff shortages due to Covid isolation rules Border staff say massive airport queues will be the Government's fault for insisting on checking four different documents - on top of staff shortages due to self isolation. Pictured: Queues in Heathrow Airport this year Border staff say massive airport queues will be the Government's fault for insisting on checking four different documents - on top of staff shortages due to self isolation. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned holidaymakers to expect border chaos as he announced that millions of fully vaccinated Britons will not have to self-isolate after trips abroad to amber list countries from July 19. Sources say the extra checks could initially result in queues at borders of up to six hours - with the Border Force 'nowhere near ready' to deal with such an influx. Now, a union representing border staff has insisted that 'it's a political decision to check 100 per cent of Covid arrivals and that largely is the problem here' in the latest slanging match between policy makers and airport workers. Immigration Services Union spokeswoman Lucy Moreton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that peak queues are currently up to two hours as the process take three to four times longer to check Covid documentation. She warned of more staffing shortages before self-isolation rules are changed for double-jabbed coronavirus contacts. "There still will be queues associated with EU exit, with staff perhaps not being as available particularly if self-isolation figures surge in the way people are suggesting they might do before August 19', she said. "But whilst we retain the requirement to check four pieces of documentation for every arriving passenger - the e-gate cannot check the pre-departure test certificate because they're not uniform, and they can't at the moment check any vaccination status, if that becomes relevant. 'So whilst that remains the political imperative these queues are going to happen.' Advertisement Flight comparison sight Skyscanner insists there are a huge number of bargains. Spokesman said Hugh Aitken said: 'Since the announcement was made, we have seen fares as low as weve seen them in years, and certainly much lower than we would expect to pay pre-pandemic. For example, you can currently find deals such as London to Malaga for 27, London to Corfu for 30 and Manchester to Tenerife for 39'. Grant Shapps today warned of major challenges reopening Transatlantic travel with states having different systems for proving whether Americans are double-jabbed. The Transport Secretary said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to quarantine. But he cautioned that it will be 'easier' to organise for some places than others, pointing out that there are '50 different systems' for proving vaccine status in the US - many of them paper based. By contrast the EU has been setting up a digital app that will apply across the bloc, similar to the NHS arrangements. Mr Shapps announced yesterday that from so-called 'Freedom Day' on July 19, people who have received both doses in the UK can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return. Speaking on Sky News, he said he expected to be able to make an announcement 'in the next couple of weeks' on extending the benefit to people who receive a World Health Organisation-approved vaccine in other countries. 'The next thing is to be able to recognise apps from other countries or certification from other countries,' he said. But he added: 'It is easier done from some places, like the EU where they have a digital app coming along, than it is in the United States where I think they have 50 different systems, one for each state.' Airlines, businesses and the tourism industry have been stressing the importance of reopening travel links with the US. America does not currently allow Britons to visit for non-essential reasons. But it is on the UK's 'amber list' and has a high vaccination rate, meaning that if the self-isolation exemption for the double-jabbed could be extended to US citizens it could significantly free up movement. Yesterday's announcement means quarantine-free holidays to major European destinations such as Greece, Spain and Portugal can get under way for the first time since last year. For the double-jabbed, it also effectively turns 147 destinations currently on the amber list into green-list destinations. Currently, Britons returning from amber-list countries have to self-isolate at home for up to ten days after their return. MPs and tourism leaders hailed the announcement as 'a shot in the arm' for the beleaguered travel sector and UK economy. But they also warned that the cost of tests remains a 'barrier' to foreign travel for many families as they urged ministers to drive down prices further. Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps warned that the extra checks which come with the overhaul could see huge queues at both foreign and UK borders. Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow Airport despite passenger numbers being around 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. There was also confusion last night about whether the Foreign Office will fully align its travel advice to the new amber rules. It currently advises against non-essential travel to most amber destinations, invalidating most insurance policies and putting people off travel. Last night the Foreign Office dropped its advice against non-essential travel to 23 destinations including France, Greece, the Greek islands, Spain and the US. But it was unclear if it would be changed for the more than 100 other amber destinations. Airline easyJet said bookings for flights to amber countries surged 400 per cent and 440 per cent for package holidays following the news. Ryanair is using the pent up demand for holidays to launch a 4.99 sale to destinations all over Europe Travel firm Skyscanner said 30 minutes after the announcement, the agency saw a 53% increase in traffic from the UK compared to the same time on Wednesday. Martin Nolan, from the company, said: 'It's clear that people are aching to be able to travel again within the guidelines, as evidenced by the immediate uptick in searches and bookings we've witnessed as destinations have been added to the green list. 'This is a huge moment for the UK travel industry, who have been waiting for measures that will truly help to kickstart travel in a safe, smart and sustainable way. 'This move will reunite families and allow people to finally plan travel to their favourite destinations around the world, many of which will be delighted to finally be able to welcome UK travellers for the first time in a year.' Thomas Cook said web traffic doubled in the moments after the announcement, and has only grown since. A spokesperson said: 'Searches for Greece have tripled in volume and will be the biggest winner from families booking last-minute summer holidays. '(Before Thursday) we have been selling very few holidays to amber countries and so with Greece, mainland Spain and Canaries all now available to people who've been double jabbed we'd expect a flood of bookings over the weekend.' In the Commons, former prime minister Theresa May hailed the easing of restrictions for the double-jabbed as 'the first step in opening up Britain for business'. But she called on Mr Shapps to broker a deal with fellow ministers to boost border resources to avoid 'inordinately long queues'. Responding, Mr Shapps said: 'Quite a lot of the check-in would be done before you board the aircraft, or what could also be a train or boat, from the location you're coming back from. And so the queues at check-in, whilst you're abroad, may in fact be the place where those problems most exist. 'I know that many of the airlines are developing systems to further automate that check-in, but they will be doing quite a complicated job.' Asked by Tory MP Sir Roger Gale what would be done to ensure the UK-French Channel border runs smoothly, Mr Shapps said: 'These additional checks are likely to cause delays, potentially on both sides of the Channel this summer, and that people will want to prepare and plan their journeys with supplies and also ensure that they have picked the best time of day to travel in order to avoid it.' Tory MP Huw Merriman said the revamped amber rules were 'a shot in the arm' for the double-vaccinated and the travel industry, but tackled Mr Shapps over the cost of testing. The current traffic light system has very few recognised holiday destinations on the 'green list' for Britons to visit Mr Shapps' announcement means that for fully-vaccinated Britons the rules will be essentially the same for green and amber list countries Health minister sparks row after claiming face masks only offer 'marginal' benefit in Covid fight A health minister sparked a row in the House of Lords yesterday after he questioned the effectiveness of masks at preventing Covid. Lord Bethell said face coverings offered only 'marginal protection' when questioned over Government plans to lift the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England on July 19. The move has faced criticism from more than 120 scientists and doctors who signed a letter in The Lancet accusing the UK Government of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment'. Pressed by peers, Lord Bethell said: 'Masks simply aren't a panacea. 'Were the whole country to wear a mask for the rest of their lives we would still have pandemics, because they only offer marginal protection.' But Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oates said: 'Is the minister aware the comments he just made are not just nonsense, they are dangerous nonsense and will he withdraw them?' Lord Bethell responded: 'I don't accept that at all. The argument I make is an extremely reasonable one.' Advertisement Mr Merriman urged ministers to consider allowing travellers to use cheaper, rapid tests upon arrival in England rather than the more costly 'gold standard' PCR swabs. But Mr Shapps said the 'scientific evidence' showed PCR tests were needed because they can be used to detect variants of concern. He said 'there are quite a number of tests now for much lower prices' and cited some on the government-approved list 'as inexpensive as a tenner'. But these are for swabs which are self-administered at sites that people often have to travel miles to reach and yesterday most were sold out. Some of the prices stated on the government website are also wrong. The Daily Mail found that the cost of a post-arrival test listed as 4.98 from one firm on the government website was in fact 85 when clicking through to the company's webpage. The travel industry largely welcomed the announcement, but called for testing requirements for the fully vaccinated to be dropped altogether and more countries be added to the green list. There was also anger from domestic tourism firms that the new measures will not apply to foreign visitors coming from amber countries, who will still have to quarantine. It means these firms will continue to be starved of the cash spent by visiting foreigners. British Airways chief Sean Doyle said: '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.' Holiday firms have been gearing up for a bookings surge with quarantine-free trips 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. Mr Shapps told the Commons: '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. 'They'll still be required to take a test three days before returning, the pre-departure test, demonstrating they're 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. Quarantine-free holidays are set to be unlocked for millions of families to more than 130 countries including the US, Thailand and Spain (pictured, Malaga) Sky Scanner has produced an interactive service that tells travellers what restrictions they currently face at both ends of their journey What restrictions do other countries have on Britons visiting? FRANCE Travellers who can prove they are fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and do not need to self-isolate on arrival. Anyone aged over 11 years must give evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours of departure, as well as a 'sworn statement' they are not suffering from Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. SPAIN Britons aged 12 or over must have either proof of a negative test 48 hours prior to arrival, or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days beforehand. ITALY Anyone aged six or over who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days must present a negative test result from the past 48 hours. They must also self-isolate for five days and take another test at the end of the period. Those arriving without a negative test will need to self-isolate for 10 days and then have a test. GREECE Travellers from the UK can avoid quarantine requirements if they have proof of a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before arrival, a rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or that they have received two vaccine jabs at least 14 days earlier. It is also acceptable to show evidence of having recovered from coronavirus - such as a positive test from months earlier. PORTUGAL All travellers, apart from children under 12, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through mainland Portugal. If you have travelled from the UK to mainland Portugal, you must quarantine for 14 days in the place you are staying. But this requirement is waived if people can show they are fully vaccinated, and children travelling with a vaccinated adult are exempt from quarantine. In Madeira and Porto Santo tests are not required for people who are fully vaccinated. GERMANY Fully vaccinated Britons are exempt from quarantine, but must do a pre-departure digital registration. Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age are allowed to enter Germany if they present proof of a negative test result and travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. UNITED STATES Since 16 March 2020, it is not possible for most British nationals to enter the US if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, or China within the previous 14 days. Advertisement 'In essence, this means that for fully vaccinated travellers the requirements for green and amber list countries are the same. 'To be clear, a full vaccination means 14 days have passed since your final dose of the vaccine, and it's also important to note that health matters are devolved, so decision-making and implementation may differ across the UK administrations and we'll continue to work with the devolved administrations to ensure we achieve our shared objectives of safe, sustainable and robust return to international travel.' Mr Shapps said the changes he had announced would 'prioritise those vaccinated in the United Kingdom' - but suggested that foreign tourists coming to England could soon benefit from the same treatment. '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. Mr Shapps said he would update MPs in 'due course' on the issue. Former PM Theresa May urged Mr Shapps to take action to make sure that travellers did not face massive queues due to Covid red tape. He said 'a lot of investment' was going into minimising the issues - but admitted there is likely to be longer waits. 'I have been working with the Home Secretary and Border force on exactly this issue,' he said. 'I should be perhaps a little but more specific about where travellers might expect queues. Quite a lot of the checking will be done upstream, in other words before you board the aircraft typically, or it could be a train or a boat, from your location you are coming back from. 'The queues at check in whilst you are abroad may in fact bye the place where those problems most exist. 'I know that many of the airlines are developing systems to further automate that check-in but they will be doing quite a complicated job checking the passenger locator form against the booked test still required on day two and of course vaccine status as well. 'So I just think it is fair to warn people who are travelling this summer that is something we haven't had to do before.' The news was warmly welcomed by the travel industry. British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle said: 'We're pleased to see this common sense approach which is already working safely for many other countries, but 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.' 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. 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 there's 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. What countries are on the 'amber list' for travel? Akrotiri and Dhekelia Albania Algeria Andorra Armenia Aruba Austria Azerbaijan The Bahamas Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Burkina Faso Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad China Comoros Congo Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic (Czechia) Denmark Djibouti El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Estonia Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece (including islands) Greenland Guadeloupe Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malaysia Mali Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Myanmar (Burma) Nauru Netherlands New Caledonia Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway The Occupied Palestinian Territories Palau Papua New Guinea Poland Portugal (including the Azores) Madeira is on the green watchlist. Reunion Romania Russia Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Korea South Sudan Spain (including the Canary Islands) The Balearic islands are on the green watchlist. St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Maarten St Martin and St Barthelemy St Pierre and Miquelon St Vincent and the Grenadines Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Turkmenistan Tuvalu Ukraine United States (USA) Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vietnam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Advertisement 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 '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. According to the Telegraph, Mr Shapps has told the industry: 'Day-two testing will remain for arrivals from amber countries, regardless of vaccinated status, as this pro vides genomic sequencing capability to identify the risk of importing variants.' 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. Vaccinated travellers from low risk countries will quarantine at home for seven days in a trial in South Australia, National Cabinet has agreed. The trial will find out if it's safe to scrap the 14-day hotel quarantine requirement as the country looks to gradually open its borders once more people are vaccinated. A date for the trial, which will last for two weeks, has not yet been decided. Shoppers queue to buy fruit and vegetables at a store in the suburb of Fairfield in western Sydney on Friday Mounted officers made a brief appearance around lunchtime in Bankstown during lockdown on Friday Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: 'We will work with [South Australia] now to set up a time frame of how that will be put together and transparency arrangements for the other states and territories. 'I think this is an important development. I think it's trialling out these new quarantine arrangements which will take significant pressure off, if it's successful.' There have been at least 26 hotel quarantine leaks since the start of the pandemic, including six in June. Last week Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said home quarantine can be safer than hotel quarantine because it avoids contact with hotel staff. 'Seven days of home quarantine can be very similar to the outcome of 14 days' hotel quarantine,' he said. A woman wears a mask and visor in Chapel Street in Bankstown on Friday Residents shopped for essentials wearing masks in Sydney. Pictured: Chapel Street in Bankstown 'If people are staying at home, it actually can be safer for them and the community because of the decreased interaction with staff.' When he outlined his four-stage roadmap to freedom last week, Mr Morrison said home quarantine for vaccinated travellers would happen in the second stage expected early next year. 'You have a great opportunity for Australians who are vaccinated to be able to leave Australia and come back and put no pressure on the hotel quarantine system,' he said on Friday. National Cabinet also discussed incentives for disability and aged care workers to get vaccinated. All aged care workers except in Victoria must be vaccinated by mid-September under state and territory health orders. WA Premier Mark McGowan said he proposed offering $100 Coles, Woolworths or Bunnings vouchers to those workers if they get vaccinated. Meanwhile, Pfizer has confirmed it will 'ramp up' its delivery of vaccines to Australia as Sydney's outbreak grows to 439 cases. The company has agreed to deliver at least a million vaccines a week from July 19, meaning more than 4.5million jabs will arrive in August. Previously only three million doses were expected in August and 4.5million were due in September. The total number delivered to Australia in 2021 will remain at 40 million, as agreed in April. Pfizer is simply sending the shipments earlier. Shoppers make a purchase at a local fish market along Chapel Road in Bankstown in western Sydney as lockdown entered its fourteenth day Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more vaccines were needed to get Sydney out of lockdown as the city recorded 44 new cases. 'We need to have zero people who have been infectious in the community,' she said in her press conference on Friday. '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.' Mr Morrison has supported locking down Sydney until new local Covid cases are eliminated. He said the slow vaccination rollout is not to blame for the extension of lockdown. 'It was always known at this time of the year, in July of this year, that we would still be in the suppression phase,' he said. 'We've had breaches here, there have been breaches in other places, and when there are breaches it's about trying to contain it as quickly as possible.' The four-phase plan to return Australia to 'Covid normal' which will eventually see holidays resume On Friday Scott Morrison outlined a four-phase transition towards living with Covid and finally ending the cycle of lockdowns and border closures. The Prime Minister hailed a 'new deal for Australians' as he explained the stages titled vaccinate, prepare and pilot; post vaccination phase; consolidation phase; and final phase. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrives to a press conference at Kirribilli House in Sydney on Friday The pace of the plan - which will eventually let the country manage Covid like flu - depends on the vaccine rollout, with lockdowns eliminated once a certain percentage of Aussies have been fully jabbed with two doses. 'I have made it very clear today what is on the other side. If we all get vaccinated then this all changes,' Mr Morrison said. 'The pathway we have agreed today gives all Australians encouragement and much needed hope in what has been a very difficult time.' The plan was announced after 12 million Australians were locked down last week due to several outbreaks across the nation. Two people were seriously injured with another nine treated by paramedics after a hot air balloon crash in New Zealand. The incident unfolded in Arrowtown in Otago, on the shores of South Islands Lake Wakatipu, just before 10am Friday. Experienced balloon pilot Carrick McLellan was treated at Lakes District Hospital for injuries following the crash and was later released. 'On approach, the balloon was caught by a sudden wind gust and the basket containing passengers impacted with a low bank,' a statement from Sunrise Balloons read. 'The balloon basket came to rest alongside a fence and trees near a property driveway. 'In the immediate aftermath of the incident, some balloon fabric became draped over a subsidiary power line to the house.' Rescue crews tend to victims in a hot air balloon crash near Arrowtown, New Zealand on Friday morning The balloon crashed as it was about to land on Friday in New Zealand, injuring all 11 people on board, including two passengers who suffered serious injuries Experienced balloon pilot Carrick McLellan was treated at Lakes District Hospital for moderate injuries following the crash in New Zealand on Friday morning It is believed all 11 passengers were New Zealand residents, with the two seriously injured people on board the basket airlifted to Dunedin Hospital. Sunrise Balloons owner and chief pilot Hugh McLellan said the company was 'deeply upset' about the incident. 'We are fully supporting our staff and guests at this difficult time, and we wish all involved a full and speedy recovery,' he told stuff.co.nz. 'An internal investigation is under way, and we are working closely with all relevant authorities.' Queenstown Lakes mayor Jim Boult said it was the first crash in the area that he was aware of. 'It's enormously sad that this has happened,' he said. 'On behalf of the rest of the district, I wish them (all) a speedy recovery.' Operating flights at dawn seven days a week, Sunrise Balloons offer passengers a three to four-hour experience in the air. The flights take in scenic views of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas, as well as Mount Aspiring in the Southern Alps and Mount Tutoko in Fiordland National Park. Sunrise Balloons have operated in the region for 23 years without incident, according to a company representative. The company have since suspended further flights and are cooperating with police and aviation authorities, who are investigating the incident. Pope Francis could visit North Korea, the head of South Korea's intelligence services announced on Monday. If the visit goes ahead, it would be the first time a pontiff has visited the totalitarian state. Park Jie-won announced he would have a meeting with Archbishop Kim Hee-jung and the Vatican's ambassador in South Korea, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, to discuss the potential visit to Pyongyang, according to Agenzia Fides, the news agency of the Vatican. It is thought that Park told North Korean Catholics at a mass that he planned to meet with officials to plan the trip, The Times reported. Pope Francis could visit North Korea, which would be the first time a pontiff has visited the totalitarian state It is believed there are several hundred North Korean Catholics who practise their faith under the North Korean Catholic Association and not the Roman Catholic hierarchy. The North Korean leader extended an invitation to the Pope to visit North Korea in 2018, when Kim Jong-un arrived for a meeting with a US Secretary of State. The Pope said he would consider a trip to the country in certain circumstances if it could help bring peace. A spokesman for South Korean president Moon Jae-in said Kim invited Pope Francis to Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (pictured) extended an invitation to the Pope to visit North Korea in 2018, when Kim Jong-un arrived for a meeting with a US Secretary of State Kim Eui-kyeom said: 'Chairman Kim said he will "ardently welcome the Pope if he visits Pyongyang".' The announcement confirmed President Moon's plan to visit Europe the following week, which included a trip to the Vatican where the South Korean leader was going to pass on the message. Pope Francis is currently recovering from intestinal surgery, it was announced by Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni. In a statement late on Sunday, he said the pontiff, 84, 'responded well' to the surgery, which the Vatican had said earlier had been scheduled. The spokesman gave no further details about the surgery and did not say how long the pope would remain in hospital. The Pope said he would consider a trip to the country in certain circumstances if it could help bring peace Mr Bruni said Francis was suffering from 'symptomatic diverticular stenosis' of the colon, a condition that can cause recurrent abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. The operation took place on Sunday in Rome's Gemelli hospital, which is the institution where popes receive medical treatment. It is the first time the pope has been admitted to hospital since his election in 2013. North Korea closed its borders in January last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the country now faces food shortages as imports and aid into North Korea have all-but stopped after the country closed its borders to stop it importing Covid cases, it was reported in April. Meanwhile a series of typhoons that hit last summer led to widespread devastation on farmland just before harvest season. North Korea has so far claimed to have had no coronavirus infections, despite testing thousands of people and sharing a porous border with China - the source of the disease. Experts say the claim is highly dubious and have warned that any outbreak could easily overwhelm the isolated country's poor health infrastructure. Grant Shapps today warned of major challenges bringing back quarantine-free Transatlantic travel with parts of the US having different systems for proving whether Americans are double-jabbed. The Transport Secretary said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to self-isolate. But he cautioned that it will be 'easier' to organise for some places than others, pointing out that there are '50 different systems' for proving vaccine status in the US - many of them paper based. By contrast the EU has been setting up a digital app that will apply across the bloc, similar to the NHS arrangements. Mr Shapps announced yesterday that from so-called 'Freedom Day' on July 19, people who have received both doses in the UK can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return. Grant Shapps said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to quarantine There are currently severe restrictions on travel to and from the US. Pictured, details from the Sky Scanner website Which US states have digital Covid vaccine passports, and which ones don't The US public health agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks how many Americans get their Covid jabs each day, but a national 'vaccine passport' system will likely never come to pass. While a handful of states are pioneering a digital certification system, several Republican-led state governments have come out against 'proof of vaccination,' claiming it opens the door to discrimination against unvaccinated Americans. The ongoing debate means that many Americans will have to rely only on a standard-issue CDC paper vaccination card - adding another complex layer to the tricky task of reopening borders to international travel post-pandemic. New York In addition to receiving the printed CDC card, fully-vaccinated New Yorkers are entitled to the state's digital Excelsior Pass. The mobile certificate is the first of its kind in the country, and provides residents with a unique QR code that confirms their vaccination status. Florida Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a landmark bill in early May prohibiting businesses from requiring vaccine passports, citing 'government overreach' and privacy issues. Americans traveling from the state only have their paper CDC card as proof of their jabs. California The state has looked to make it abundantly clear that vaccine passports will not be mandatory, but has rolled out a Digital COVID-19 Vaccination Record. Users create a four-digit pin and are able to access their CDC card information on their smartphones. Like New York, it also gives them a QR code for easy proof-of-entry scans. California officials have stressed the use of this program will be left largely up to private entities. Texas Texas' Republican-led government also forces citizens to rely on the CDC paper card. Governor Greg Abbott banned government entities from requiring proof of vaccination for fear it would 'tread on our personal freedoms.' Louisiana The only Southern state that provides residents with a digital Covid vaccination pass, the Democrat-led state added proof-of-vaccination to its LA Wallet mobile app. The app also allows state residents to digitally retrieve their drivers license. Hawaii The cluster of islands is the final of four states currently offering digital vaccine passports. After being tested among Hawaiians hopping between islands, the Safe Travels digital system is now open to all Americans looking to travel to the tropical state. Users are required to register either their proof-of-vaccination or negative Covid test in the state-run database. Illinois Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker vowed in April that his state would not roll out vaccine passports, though he left the door open for residents to 'look for some way to have an electronic measure available.' The city of Chicago announced plans to roll out its own digital 'Vax Pass' for urban dwellers earlier this year. ....Other states that have banned the vaccine passport requirement and only leave residents with the CDC paper card are Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Vermont, Alaska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Advertisement What restrictions do other countries have on Britons visiting? FRANCE Travellers who can prove they are fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and do not need to self-isolate on arrival. Anyone aged over 11 years must give evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours of departure, as well as a 'sworn statement' they are not suffering from Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. SPAIN Britons aged 12 or over must have either proof of a negative test 48 hours prior to arrival, or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days beforehand. ITALY Anyone aged six or over who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days must present a negative test result from the past 48 hours. They must also self-isolate for five days and take another test at the end of the period. Those arriving without a negative test will need to self-isolate for 10 days and then have a test. GREECE Travellers from the UK can avoid quarantine requirements if they have proof of a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before arrival, a rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or that they have received two vaccine jabs at least 14 days earlier. It is also acceptable to show evidence of having recovered from coronavirus - such as a positive test from months earlier. PORTUGAL All travellers, apart from children under 12, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through mainland Portugal. If you have travelled from the UK to mainland Portugal, you must quarantine for 14 days in the place you are staying. But this requirement is waived if people can show they are fully vaccinated, and children travelling with a vaccinated adult are exempt from quarantine. In Madeira and Porto Santo tests are not required for people who are fully vaccinated. GERMANY Fully vaccinated Britons are exempt from quarantine, but must do a pre-departure digital registration. Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age are allowed to enter Germany if they present proof of a negative test result and travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. UNITED STATES Since 16 March 2020, it is not possible for most British nationals to enter the US if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, or China within the previous 14 days. Advertisement Speaking on Sky News, he said he expected to be able to make an announcement 'in the next couple of weeks' on extending the benefit to people who receive a World Health Organisation-approved vaccine in other countries. 'The next thing is to be able to recognise apps from other countries or certification from other countries,' he said. But he added: 'It is easier done from some places, like the EU where they have a digital app coming along, than it is in the United States where I think they have 50 different systems, one for each state.' Airlines, businesses and the tourism industry have been stressing the importance of reopening travel links with the US. America does not currently allow Britons to visit for non-essential reasons. But it is on the UK's 'amber list' and has a high vaccination rate, meaning that if the self-isolation exemption for the double-jabbed could be extended to US citizens it could significantly free up movement. Yesterday's announcement means quarantine-free holidays to major European destinations such as Greece, Spain and Portugal can get under way for the first time since last year. For the double-jabbed, it also effectively turns 147 destinations currently on the amber list into green-list destinations. MPs and tourism leaders hailed the announcement as 'a shot in the arm' for the beleaguered travel sector and UK economy. But they also warned that the cost of tests remains a 'barrier' to foreign travel for many families as they urged ministers to drive down prices further. Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps warned that the extra checks which come with the overhaul could see huge queues at both foreign and UK borders. And, a Whitehall source said Border Force is 'nowhere near ready' to cope with the changes. The source predicted that the agency was unlikely to have upgraded its system until next month, potentially leading to weeks of chaos at the border. 'You could easily be looking at queues of six hours to start with,' the source said. 'The Border Force is nowhere near ready. What no-one knows is how much extra traffic there will be as a result of the change.' Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow Airport despite passenger numbers being around 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. There was also confusion last night about whether the Foreign Office will fully align its travel advice to the new amber rules. It currently advises against non-essential travel to most amber destinations, invalidating most insurance policies and putting people off travel. Last night the Foreign Office dropped its advice against non-essential travel to 23 destinations including France, Greece, the Greek islands, Spain and the US. But it was unclear if it would be changed for the more than 100 other amber destinations. In the Commons, former prime minister Theresa May hailed the easing of restrictions for the double-jabbed as 'the first step in opening up Britain for business'. But she called on Mr Shapps to broker a deal with fellow ministers to boost border resources to avoid 'inordinately long queues'. Responding, Mr Shapps said: 'Quite a lot of the check-in would be done before you board the aircraft, or what could also be a train or boat, from the location you're coming back from. And so the queues at check-in, whilst you're abroad, may in fact be the place where those problems most exist. 'I know that many of the airlines are developing systems to further automate that check-in, but they will be doing quite a complicated job.' Asked by Tory MP Sir Roger Gale what would be done to ensure the UK-French Channel border runs smoothly, Mr Shapps said: 'These additional checks are likely to cause delays, potentially on both sides of the Channel this summer, and that people will want to prepare and plan their journeys with supplies and also ensure that they have picked the best time of day to travel in order to avoid it.' Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps confirmed that from the so-called 'Freedom Day', double-jabbed people can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return Britons are split down the middle over whether to open UK borders to double-vaccinated travellers from abroad without quarantining Britons are split on whether fully-vaccinated visitors from abroad should be exempted from UK quarantine rules along with double-jabbed Brits after July 19. An exclusive poll for MailOnline found people torn over whether international travellers should still be required to isolate after arriving in the country, with 34 per cent of those polled supporting or strongly supporting the measure, and 35 per cent in opposition. An exclusive poll for MailOnline found Brits torn over whether international travellers should still be required to isolate after arriving in the country As of now vaccination status, has no bearing on whether travellers coming into the UK have to isolate (pictured: Heathrow Airport on July 8) The poll was taken July 7 and specifies dropping quarantine restrictions on travellers from all countries. It found the most pushback to be coming from people ages 55 to 64 - nearly a quarter of Brits in that bracket say they oppose the lifting of restrictions, and 20 per cent say they strongly oppose it. Meanwhile a whopping 28 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds support the measure, with 15 per cent in strong support. The majority of respondents, 26 per cent, 'neither support nor oppose' lifting quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers. Boris Johnson's push for a July 19 'Freedom Day' has been met with some unease on the whole - 39 per cent of people responding to the same poll are concerned the government has been too 'impatient' lifting pandemic restrictions at its current pace. Johnson still hopes to push ahead with July 19 'Freedom Day,' but a majority of poll respondents say the government may be moving too fast (pictured here on July 8) The worry brings a cynical outlook as more than half of all respondents - 54 per cent - anticipate another lockdown in 2021. In comparison just 22 per cent believe it's unlikely. :: Redfield & Wilton Strategies polled 1,500 adults online on July 7, with the results weighted to represent the wider population The British Army's withdrawal from Afghanistan has left locals in an 'uncontrollable fire' as the Taliban sweeps across the country, an ex-solider on the Islamist's 'kill list' has warned. Afghan's are 'afraid for their lives' as they lose 'hundreds of soldiers every day' amid fears the government is about to collapse, the father from the Kabul area said. His desperate comments come after Boris Johnson confirmed 'most' British servicemen have left Afghanistan after a military presence of 20 years. In a statement to Parliament he vowed the withdrawal did not mean the UK would 'turn away' from the country's precarious position. But Russia revealed today militants now control about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border as their surge continues. The foreign ministry spokesman said Moscow was ready to take 'additional measures' to 'prevent aggression' on its ally Tajikistan by the Taliban. Afghan's are 'afraid for their lives' as they lose 'hundreds of soldiers every day' amid fears the government is about to collapse, the father from the Kabul area said. Pictured: Afghan National Army soldiers at a checkpoint in the Guzara district of Herat province today Soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland marked the drawn down of Operation TORAL last month with a flag lowering ceremony at the New Kabul Compound military base in the Afghan capital (pictured) Russia revealed today militants now control about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border as their surge continues. Pictured: Taliban negotiator Shahabuddin Delawar points at a press conference in Moscow today One Afghan, a former solider who is on the Taliban's hit list, said locals feel 'helpless' as the Taliban sweep across the country. The father, who is in his 30s and asked not to be named, said people were scared for their future amid fears the government could collapse. He told MailOnline: 'The situation here is really bad and I am afraid of my future because the Taliban everyday they capture more districts and Government is about to collapse and we loss everyday hundreds of our soldiers. 'So I am really afraid of my life and unfortunately I can't leave the country because there is no way for me.' He continued: 'Regarding how Afghan people think or feel about leaving of foreign forces in total they became hopeless for their future. 'Now the war is very fierce in Afghanistan and the Taliban day by day get control of more areas and Afghan people they are unhappy from foreign forces because the foreign forces left Afghan people in an uncontrollable fire. 'Now the Taliban become more powerful and they have found more supporters the supporters of the Taliban are those countries that are opposed the presence of American forces in the region.' He added: 'Taliban believes those people that they worked with foreigners they helped Americans and NATO forces to occupy Afghanistan. 'The Taliban are not only after me they are after all those people that worked [with] foreigners and it will get more worse when they get the control of whole Afghanistan as they will search for them - now they are busy in battles.' One Afghan, a former solider who is on the Taliban's hit list, said locals feel 'helpless' as the Taliban sweep across the country. Pictured: An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier searches a man at a checkpoint in the Guzara district today The father, who is in his 30s and asked not to be named, said people were scared for their future amid fears the government could collapse. Pictured: Afghan security forces at a checkpoint in the Guzara district of Herat province today Britain's PM Mr Johnson said yesterday 'most' British service personnel have already left Afghanistan. In a statement to Parliament he vowed the withdrawal did not mean the UK would 'turn away' from the country's precarious position. He admitted 'there could never be a perfect moment' to pull out all troops after a conflict that saw more than 450 service personnel lose their lives. But the UK's hand was forced by the United States' decision to withdraw its much larger force by September. The Ministry of Defence released images yesterday of troops from the Royal Regiment of Scotland lowering the Union Jack in Kabul last month. The drawback of troops in recent weeks has emboldened the Taliban, and a series of victories for the extremists sparked warnings of the nation falling back into chaos. The 3rd Batallion Royal Scots led the Kabul Security Force (KSF) until late last month Mr Johnson told the Commons he could not comment on the exact timing of the withdrawal, but added: 'Most of our personnel have already left.' He added: 'I hope that 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 may lie ahead. 'We always knew supporting Afghanistan would be a generational undertaking and we were equally clear that the instruments in our hands would change over time. 'Now we shall use every diplomatic and humanitarian lever to support Afghanistan's development and stability.' But as soon as this morning it emerged the Taliban had made ground on the Afghan-Tajik border amid a huge rise in tensions in the region. The Islamist group now control about two-thirds of the area, Russia's foreign ministry revealed. The Taliban appear to be winning the propaganda war with videos to prove they will welcome surrendering soldiers (pictured, Taliban fighters and villagers on March 2, 2020) As soon as this morning it emerged the Taliban had made ground on the Afghan-Tajik border amid a huge rise in tensions in the region. Pictured: Leaders of the Taliban movement walk to a press conference in Moscow today Taliban negotiator Suhail Shaheen speaks at the press conference in the Russian capital on Friday Foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said: 'We have noted a sharp rise in tension on the Afghan-Tajik border. 'The Taliban movement quickly occupied a large part of border districts and currently controls about two-thirds of the border.' Moscow urged restraint. She warned Russia will take 'additional measures' to 'prevent aggression' on its ally Tajikistan and called on all sides to 'avoid spreading tensions outside of the country.' The Taliban said Friday they had captured a key border crossing with Iran, hours after Joe Biden issued a staunch defence of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. This week more than 1,000 Afghan troops fled into Tajikistan after a blistering offensive by the insurgents in the north of Afghanistan. Afghan authorities vowed to retake all the districts lost to the Taliban and deployed hundreds of commandos to counter the insurgents' offensive in the north. The fighting in the north has also forced Moscow to close its consulate in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province. Since 2001, 457 members of the British Armed Forces have lost their lives in Afghanistan, and more than 150,000 UK personnel have served in the country. City crews are finally clearing a homeless camp in Venice beach that has plagued the area for months. Los Angeles sanitation workers spent several hours every morning this week working to clear the camp along Ocean Front Walk, accompanied by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department. The workers were forced to carry out the cleanup during the early hours under cover of darkness to avoid attention from activists and media outlets. The homeless encampments have become a virtual tent city in recent years with violent crime and rampant drug use, pushing tourists and families out. Most of the camp has now been cleared, but some tents and semipermanent structures still remain in the northern section. Los Angeles sanitation workers spent several hours every morning this week working to clear the camp along Ocean Front Walk Workers from St. Joseph Center housing association and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority offered shelter to the homeless people, many of whom refused to leave and required hours of negotiation before budging The homeless encampments have become a virtual tent city in recent years with violent crime and rampant drug use, pushing tourists and families out Workers from St. Joseph Center housing association and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority offered shelter to the homeless people, many of whom refused to leave and required hours of negotiation before budging. Homelessness has been a growing concern in Los Angeles in recent years, but the fallout of the pandemic triggered a wave of homelessness that has resulted in hundreds of tents and makeshift encampments lining the sidewalks and parks of Venice beach. The cleanup of the homeless encampment comes just days after the Los Angeles City Council voted to draft rules prohibiting people from sleeping specific distances from some public areas. The measure requires a second vote in late July, and instructs that homeless people must not be arrested during the rehousing scheme unless a crime is committed, in an attempt to take a more humanitarian approach to the problem. The council also allocated $5 million for interim housing on a path to permanent housing for about 200 people in the encampment, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. The cleanup of the homeless encampment comes just days after the Los Angeles City Council voted to draft rules prohibiting people from sleeping specific distances from some public areas The measure requires a second vote in late July, and instructs that homeless people must not be arrested during the rehousing scheme unless a crime is committed, in an attempt to take a more humanitarian approach to the problem The cleanup efforts began last week in an attempt to clear the beach for Independence Day weekend The cleanup efforts began last week in an attempt to clear the beach for Independence Day weekend, amid violent crimes both against the homeless and within the homeless community in the area. A viral video showed a homeless man on Venice beach being beaten and kicked by two people with no intervention, while just one week before a homeless man was found dead in his tent, leading to the arrest of another homeless man in connection with the killing. Fox News reported that Venice had a 132% increase in assaults in which a homeless person was a suspect in 2021 and a 126% increase in cases in which a homeless person was a victim as of the end of May. Meanwhile, robberies in which a homeless person was the victim increased by 1,100% while robberies in which homeless person was a suspect increased by 160%. Felony arrests in the area have increased by 81% so far this year, while homeless has doubled to around 15,000 in the past five years. The man was attacked by two women who alleged he had touched their breasts Bystanders are seen walking past the incident while taking out their phones, though none of them appear to intervene '(Residents) want to be able to use their parks and their sidewalks and their libraries,' Councilman Paul Krekorian, who coauthored the measure restricting the locations of homeless camps, told the LA Times. 'They want to be able to go into the entrance of their business. They want to be able to know that when they pull into a parking lot, they don't have to worry about running someone over when they're going through the driveway.' However critics slammed the move as 'reckless', and demanded to know where the homeless people were expected to go after they were moved on from their current camps. The measure is being billed as a humane approach to get people off streets and restore access to public spaces, and it wouldn't be enforced until someone has turned down an offer of shelter. It would severely limit the number of places where homeless encampments have been allowed to grow and become a common sight across the city. 'There are right ways and wrong ways to disrupt the status quo and improve conditions on the street,' Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, coauthor of the measure, said in a statement. 'I am governed by a fundamental position: Before the unhoused are restricted from occupying public space, they should be offered a suitable alternative for housing.' '(Residents) want to be able to use their parks and their sidewalks and their libraries,' Councilman Paul Krekorian, who coauthored the measure restricting the locations of homeless camps, told the LA Times This is the horrifying moment a woman was crushed to death by giant karaoke television screens while celebrating her birthday in a Russian nightclub. Tatiana Pokhorenko, 35, died on the spot after the 440lb metal structure with six screens crashed down on her in the city of Surgut in western Siberia, Russia. The incident was captured by a CCTV camera at the local Gallery Club where Tatiana was celebrating her birthday with friends. Club owner Semen Kopaigora was charged with causing death by negligence and this week received a three-year suspended sentence over the incident, which happened in 2018. Tatiana Pokhorenko (pictured), 35, died on the spot after a metal construction with six karaoke screens collapsed on her in the city of Surgut in western Siberia, Russia In the video, she is seen dancing under karaoke screens installed on a structure hanging from the ceiling In the video, Tatiana is seen dancing under karaoke screens installed on a structure hanging from the ceiling. Footage shows the structure moving upwards, with the mechanism controlled by a DJ working on the night. But seconds later the screens collapse and fall from a height of 25ft on top of Tatiana. The video then shows shocked witnesses rushing to the scene and removing the crumpled metal structure. Tatiana can be seen lying motionlessly on the dance floor. A crew of paramedics pronounced Tatiana dead after receiving a call and racing to the scene. The structure above Tatiana moved up then suddenly collapsed on her from a height of 25 ft The woman had no chance of survival after 440 lbs of metal and television screens fell on her David Skvortsov, who was working as a DJ at the club when the tragedy unfolded, told local media: 'I was lifting up the screens so that customers on the first floor could enjoy karaoke as well. 'At one point, the karaoke screens dropped down and killed the woman.' The club's owner, identified as Semen Kopaigora, was investigated and found responsible. On July 6, the businessman was charged with causing death by negligence and received a three-year suspended sentence. Footage shows shocked witnesses gathering at the scene and removing the metal construction from the victim The club's owner, identified as Semen Kopaigora, was found responsible. On July 6, the businessman was charged with causing death by negligence and received a three-year suspended sentence According to prosecutors, Kopaigora 'installed the structure with karaoke screens without making sure it meets safety requirements'. The Surgut city court explained the verdict was softened due to mitigating circumstances. Judges took into account Kopaigora's two young children, his actions to make amends to the victim's relatives and the fact he had admitted his guilt, local media reports. Vincent Bibbs, 49, was charged with murder and carrying a handgun without a license An Indiana gas station clerk is facing a murder charge after he pulled out a handgun and shot a man in the face for stealing 'several' four-packs of Red Bull. Vincent Bibbs, 49, was arrested late last month, according to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department. His first court hearing took place on Tuesday, and he is due back in court for a pretrial conference in September. Bibbs was heading up a Speedway at 4960 E 56th Street the night of June 29 when witnesses saw him leave his post to chase a man who was carrying 'a big clear bag of something.' One witness reported hearing yells of 'hey, hey, hey' and 'just give it back' before a single shot was fired, according to a police report obtained by the Indianapolis Star. Bibbs then went inside and waited on two customers before calling 911. Damon McClain, 49, is described as an Army vet with a 'huge heart of gold' in a memorial page. He was pronounced dead in the front seat of his car late at night on June 29 He denied having anything to do with the shooting when he was first interviewed by police. He told them he never heard shots and never had a gun, according to WISH-TV. Police found the victim, later identified as 49-year-old Damon McClain, in the front seat of his car. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 11:35 pm. Officers found a black 9mm handgun and a single shell casing nearby, as well as 'several' four-packs of Red Bull strewn about. Surveillance video shows McClain stuffing the energy drinks in a bag and walking out of the store. Bibbs is then seen following him outside. The clerk later told police that he 'messed up by going outside,' adding that the gun was his and that he pointed it at McClain before it 'went off.' Bibbs was arrested the next morning, with an added charged of carrying a handgun without a license. A memorial website for McClain describes him as a father and Army veteran with a 'huge heart of gold' who had multiple careers throughout his life. Indiana state Rep. Ed Delaney said Bibbs was doing what he thought was right, and that the problem is low security combined with late operating hours. 'The high-end convenience stores, they have bright lights, multiple staff; theyre open 24 hours; they dont let people loiter in the parking lot; they know how to do it,' the lawmaker told WISH. 'The problem is the low-end convenience stores in the tougher neighborhoods just dont want to spend the money on safety but want the revenue they can get.' runs the functional fitness gym F45 in Nowra, also on NSW south coast A former NRL star turned F45 gym owner has been charged with allegedly supplying a prohibited drug on the NSW south coast. Ex-St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs centre Dylan Farrell, 30, was arrested in South Nowra on Thursday morning. Police will allege Farrell smashed his phone when officers pulled him over in his car. Farrell, who runs the functional fitness gym F45 Nowra, was charged with supplying a prohibited drug and participating in a criminal gang. His arrest was part of detailed ongoing investigations into the supply of cocaine in the Nowra area. Former St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs centre Dylan Farrell, 30, was arrested in Nowra on Thursday morning for a raft of drug offences Police will allege ex NRL star Dylan Farrell smashed his phone when officers pulled him over in his car. The former first-grader now runs an F45 gym (pictured) After retiring from the NRL in 2016 due to a back injury, Dylan Farrell ran a F45 gym on the NSW south coast - he was arrested in South Nowra on Thursday for a number of alleged drug offences Investigations began in November last year, when officers attached to the south coast Police District established Strike Force Happ to investigate alleged drug supply activities in Nowra and surrounding areas, according to the Daily Telegraph. Officers stopped a vehicle on Old Southern Road in South Nowra at about 8.30am on Thursday and arrested the fallen footy star, a police spokesman confirmed. Farrell was taken to Nowra Police Station and charged with a number of offences including supplying a prohibited drug, cultivating prohibited plants and participating in a criminal group, as well as traffic offences. Police will allege Farrell was continually supplying an illicit drug as well as being involved in the cultivation of a hydroponic cannabis crop at a residence in Nowra. He was granted strict conditional bail and is set to appear in Nowra Local Court on August 30. Farrell made his name in rugby league with the Rabbitohs as a talented centre before a back injury saw him retire from the NRL in 2016, with 89 first grade games to his name. In recent years, Farrell has been playing Group Seven rugby league locally with the Nowra Bomaderry Jets and Gerringong Lions. Earlier this year, a man, 29, from Sanctuary Point and another man, 30, from Worrigee were charged in relation to the drug investigation. Joe Biden has insisted that the American mission in Afghanistan has not failed 'yet' even as the Taliban recaptures swathes of territory in the wake of US withdrawal. The President conceded that it is unlikely the government in Kabul can retain control over the entirety of the country once all American troops leave by August 31, but said a full Taliban takeover is far from assured. It comes as the Taliban continues to make advances across the country, including capturing Islam Qala - the country's main border post with Iran - on Friday. The Taliban now claims to be in control of 85 per cent of Afghanistan, though observers put the real figure at something closer to 30 per cent. Whatever the true figure, the group's rapid advance has led to increasingly panicked warnings that Afghanistan could soon fall back under their control - or else descend into a civil war that would benefit terror groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. With the future of Afghanistan in the balance, the Taliban is keen to appear as a government-in-waiting and has begun making diplomatic overtures to neighbours including China - which a spokesman praised as a 'friend' and future ally on Friday. Meanwhile Afghans have described an acute sense of 'betrayal' they feel towards western forces which entered the country on a pledge to help in the fight the extremists only to retreat with the group in the ascendancy. Shukria Barakzai, Afghan ambassador to Norway, was asked by the BBC whether she feels betrayed by the sudden withdrawal. She replied: 'In a word, yes.' Joe Biden told reporters that the US mission in Afghanistan hasn't failed 'yet' as he spoke about troop withdrawal from the country at the White House last night The Taliban claim to be in control of 85 per cent of Afghanistan, including its main border crossing point with Iran at Islam Qala (left) - though observers say the true figure is 30 per cent Afghanistan's future now hangs in the balance - with the peace talks stalled and the Taliban rapidly gaining control of rural territories from government forces. The Islamists have been trumpeting their victories on the battlefield, including - in some cases - striking deals with government troops to disarm and go home. While the Afghan government concedes it has lost some territory in fighting, in others it insists the retreat is tactical - ceding rural districts that are difficult to defend without US air support to concentrate its forces in regional capitals. The true test of the Taliban's strength will come once all foreign forces have withdrawn - with Biden saying that will happen by August 31 - when the group is expected to launch an offensive on the towns and cities. If the Afghan government can win battles there, then it may force the Taliban back to the negotiating table for some kind of power-sharing deal. A complete capitulation by government forces in those battles would see the group regain control of the country and undo 20 years of western intervention. A drawn-out and messy series of attacks and counter-attacks could see the country fracture and descend into civil war that would benefit terrorist groups such as ISIS which thrive in power vacuums. At the moment, Taliban insurgents control an arc of territory which stretches from the western borders with Iran and Tajikistan across to the eastern border with China. On Friday they claimed to have captured Islam Qala, the main border crossing with Iran and a key trading route which the group can leverage for cash. 'All Afghan security forces including the border units are present in the area, and efforts are under way to recapture the site,' interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian told AFP. Members of the Taliban give a press conference in Moscow today, claiming they are in control of 85 per cent of Afghan territory Taliban negotiator Shahabuddin Delawar also insisted the group is still negotiating a peace deal with the government, though observers doubt this Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the crossing was 'under our full control'. Meanwhile Russia said the Taliban controls about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border and urged all sides in Afghanistan to show restraint. 'We have noted a sharp rise in tension on the Afghan-Tajik border. The Taliban movement quickly occupied a large part of border districts and currently controls about two-thirds of the border,' Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, adding that Moscow urges all sides to 'show restraint'. She said that Moscow is ready to take 'additional measures' to 'prevent aggression' on its ally Tajikistan and called on all sides to 'avoid spreading tensions outside of the country.' Shukria Barakzai, Afghan ambassador to Norway, said she feels betrayed by the withdrawal of western forces Capturing such border posts adds legitimacy to the Taliban as potential rulers of the country, bolstered by talks with regional neighbours such as China. Speaking with the South China Morning Post, spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Friday that Beijing is a 'friend' to the Taliban and that the group looks forward to working together in the future. Sketching out his vision of their relationship, Shaheen said the Taliban would be willing to help China deal with what it considers to be terror groups operating in its western provinces in return for trade and investment in Afghanistan. The Taliban hopes that Afghanistan can join the Chinese Belt and Road initiative - sometimes described as the new Silk Road - which already runs through Pakistan. Such a move would bring billions of dollars of investment into Afghanistan which has relied for years on foreign aid from the US and its allies to function. In return, China could get its hands on some of the world's largest untapped reserves of oil, coal, gold, copper and other rare earth materials. 'We have been to China many times and we have good relations with them,' Suhail said, referring to cooperation between the two countries in the 1990s. 'China is a friendly country that we welcome for reconstruction and developing Afghanistan.' Alongside the negotiations, the Taliban has been keen to break with its past image - insisting it is no longer a fundamentalist organisation and will not revert to the repressive regime of old. The group also claimed at a press conference in Moscow on Friday that it is in peace talks with the Afghan government. Afghanistan's fate now hangs in the balance with the Taliban taking vast swathes of countryside as government forces retreat to cities in anticipation of a major offensive However, few people with knowledge of the group or is actions within the country are willing to buy it. Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme on Friday, Christina Lamb - the Sunday Times' chief foreign correspondent - said 'nobody' believes the group. 'What we're seeing in areas where they have moved into already have been saying to women 'don't leave your houses, you mustn't go to school, mustn't go to work.' 'Certainly the Taliban negotiators that I've met at these talks have seemed the Taliban of old,' she said. Plans for an American withdrawal from Afghanistan were drawn up under President Trump, before Joe Biden recommitted himself to the idea following his election win. The issue has proved hugely divisive in Washington, with politicians from both Republicans and Democrats both in support and against the idea. Biden last night insisted that America's mission in Afghanistan - to kill Osama bin Laden and drive the Taliban from power - was completed many years ago, and that withdrawal is long overdue. 'The status quo is not an option,' Biden said. 'I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan.' But he admitted it was 'highly unlikely' Kabul would be able to control the entire country. Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like. Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: 'No, it is not.' The Taliban, for their part, welcomed Biden's statement. 'Any day or hour that US and foreign troops leave earlier is a positive step,' spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP. Smoke rises from destroyed fuel tankers at the Islam Qala border crossing with Iran, which the Taliban claimed to have captured on Friday (file image) Afghan commandos have clashed with the insurgents this week in a provincial capital for the first time, with thousands of people fleeing Qala-i-Naw in northwest Badghis province. President Ashraf Ghani said the government could handle the situation, but admitted difficulties lay ahead. 'What we are witnessing is one of the most complicated stages of the transition,' he said in a speech in Kabul. 'Legitimacy is ours; God is with us.' The Taliban have been emboldened by the troop withdrawal and, with peace talks with the government deadlocked, appear to be pressing for a full military victory. Still, on Thursday a member of the negotiating team in Doha insisted the insurgents were seeking a 'negotiated settlement'. 'We do not believe in monopoly of power,' spokesman Shaheen told AFP. In Moscow, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the Taliban controlled about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border as a delegation from the insurgents wound up a visit. Some '85 percent of Afghanistan's territory' was under the group's control, said Taliban negotiator Shahabuddin Delawar. This week more than 1,000 Afghan troops fled into Tajikistan in the face of a Taliban onslaught. Border staff say massive airport queues will be the Government's fault for insisting on checking four different documents - on top of staff shortages due to self isolation. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned holidaymakers to expect border chaos as he announced that millions of fully vaccinated Britons will not have to self-isolate after trips abroad to amber list countries from July 19. Sources say the extra checks could initially result in queues at borders of up to six hours - with the Border Force 'nowhere near ready' to deal with such an influx. Now, a union representing border staff has insisted that 'it's a political decision to check 100 per cent of Covid arrivals and that largely is the problem here' in the latest slanging match between policy makers and airport workers. Border staff say massive airport queues will be the Government's fault for insisting on checking four different documents - on top of staff shortages due to self isolation. Pictured: Queues in Heathrow Airport this year Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned holidaymakers to expect border chaos as he announced that millions of fully vaccinated Britons will not have to self-isolate after trips abroad to amber list countries from July 19. Pictured: Queues in Heathrow Airport this year Now, a union representing border staff has insisted that 'it's a political decision to check 100 per cent of Covid arrivals and that largely is the problem here' in the latest slanging match between policy makers and airport workers. Pictured: Queues in Heathrow Airport in January Pictured: Passengers at Terminal 5 Departures on Thursday. Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow Airport despite passenger numbers being around 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels Arriving passengers queue at UK Border Control at the Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain June 29 Immigration Services Union spokeswoman Lucy Moreton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that peak queues are currently up to two hours as the process take three to four times longer to check Covid documentation. She warned of more staffing shortages before self-isolation rules are changed for double-jabbed coronavirus contacts. "There still will be queues associated with EU exit, with staff perhaps not being as available particularly if self-isolation figures surge in the way people are suggesting they might do before August 19', she said. "But whilst we retain the requirement to check four pieces of documentation for every arriving passenger - the e-gate cannot check the pre-departure test certificate because they're not uniform, and they can't at the moment check any vaccination status, if that becomes relevant. 'So whilst that remains the political imperative these queues are going to happen.' A Whitehall source said Border Force is 'nowhere near ready' to cope with the changes. The source predicted that the agency was unlikely to have upgraded its system until next month, potentially leading to weeks of chaos at the border. 'You could easily be looking at queues of six hours to start with,' the source said, adding: 'The Border Force is nowhere near ready. What no-one knows is how much extra traffic there will be as a result of the change.' EasyJet has seen a 400 per cent rise in sales, while Ryanair launched 4.99 flights to amber list destinations as Britons rush to cash in on quarantine-free travel from July 19. EasyJet said flight bookings to Alicante and Malaga in Spain, Faro in Portugal, Nice in France and Corfu in Greece exploded by 400 per cent compared to a week ago, with an extra 145,000 extra seats put online. The firm said package holiday sales were up 440 per cent. Ryanair are selling tickets for 4.99 to dozens of European destinations. The change will allow Britons to head to France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Cyprus. Airline easyJet said bookings for flights to amber countries surged 400 per cent and 440 per cent for package holidays following the news of quarantine-free holidays But some EU countries are still restricting entry, including Italy, which demands Britons self-isolate for five days on arrival. The United States is on the amber list but still bans British tourists. Mr Shapps also faces a backlash over mandatory PCR tests for children as young as five when they return from holidays. All adult travellers will still have to take two tests - one pre-return within three days of travel to England and another post-arrival by day two. Children aged 11 to 17 will also need to take the pre-return and post-arrival tests. But controversially children aged five to ten will need to take the post-arrival test by day two. The level of testing means it could easily add 400 to the cost of a holiday for a family of four. Molly Kingsley, co-founder of parents' group Us for Them told the Telegraph: 'It is very unclear why we would be doing this now at a time when we know the vaccines have broken the link between infections and hospitalisations. 'Many parents would feel uneasy about normalising testing for children as young as this. It sends a very negative message to our children that they are disease vectors. Any holiday with a family is expensive enough as it is. I would not put a five or eight-year-old through this to go away'. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that new 'amber list' rules will kick in from July 19 Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps confirmed that from the so-called 'Freedom Day', double-jabbed people can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return People walk in the sea as they enjoy the hot weather at the beach on July 8 near Malaga, Spain Surge in flight bookings after Shapps announces change to travel rules Announcing the move in the Commons, Grant Shapps confirmed that from the so-called 'Freedom Day', double-jabbed people can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return. Already airlines reported a surge in flight bookings, with easyJet recording a 400 per cent rise in bookings to amber destinations in the house after the policy change. EasyJet added an extra 145,000 seats for the summer, while British Airways said traffic to its website almost doubled after the announcement yesterday - with Spanish and US amber destinations becoming the most searched alongside the green-listed Balearic and Caribbean islands. Advertisement Grant Shapps today warned of major challenges reopening Transatlantic travel with states having different systems for proving whether Americans are double-jabbed. The Transport Secretary said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to quarantine. But he cautioned that it will be 'easier' to organise for some places than others, pointing out that there are '50 different systems' for proving vaccine status in the US - many of them paper based. By contrast the EU has been setting up a digital app that will apply across the bloc, similar to the NHS arrangements. Mr Shapps announced yesterday that from so-called 'Freedom Day' on July 19, people who have received both doses in the UK can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return. Speaking on Sky News, he said he expected to be able to make an announcement 'in the next couple of weeks' on extending the benefit to people who receive a World Health Organisation-approved vaccine in other countries. 'The next thing is to be able to recognise apps from other countries or certification from other countries,' he said. But he added: 'It is easier done from some places, like the EU where they have a digital app coming along, than it is in the United States where I think they have 50 different systems, one for each state.' Airlines, businesses and the tourism industry have been stressing the importance of reopening travel links with the US. America does not currently allow Britons to visit for non-essential reasons. But it is on the UK's 'amber list' and has a high vaccination rate, meaning that if the self-isolation exemption for the double-jabbed could be extended to US citizens it could significantly free up movement. Yesterday's announcement means quarantine-free holidays to major European destinations such as Greece, Spain and Portugal can get under way for the first time since last year. For the double-jabbed, it also effectively turns 147 destinations currently on the amber list into green-list destinations. Currently, Britons returning from amber-list countries have to self-isolate at home for up to ten days after their return. MPs and tourism leaders hailed the announcement as 'a shot in the arm' for the beleaguered travel sector and UK economy. But they also warned that the cost of tests remains a 'barrier' to foreign travel for many families as they urged ministers to drive down prices further. Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps warned that the extra checks which come with the overhaul could see huge queues at both foreign and UK borders. Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow Airport despite passenger numbers being around 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. There was also confusion last night about whether the Foreign Office will fully align its travel advice to the new amber rules. It currently advises against non-essential travel to most amber destinations, invalidating most insurance policies and putting people off travel. Last night the Foreign Office dropped its advice against non-essential travel to 23 destinations including France, Greece, the Greek islands, Spain and the US. But it was unclear if it would be changed for the more than 100 other amber destinations. Airline easyJet said bookings for flights to amber countries surged 400 per cent and 440 per cent for package holidays following the news. Ryanair is using the pent up demand for holidays to launch a 4.99 sale to destinations all over Europe Travel firm Skyscanner said 30 minutes after the announcement, the agency saw a 53% increase in traffic from the UK compared to the same time on Wednesday. Martin Nolan, from the company, said: 'It's clear that people are aching to be able to travel again within the guidelines, as evidenced by the immediate uptick in searches and bookings we've witnessed as destinations have been added to the green list. 'This is a huge moment for the UK travel industry, who have been waiting for measures that will truly help to kickstart travel in a safe, smart and sustainable way. 'This move will reunite families and allow people to finally plan travel to their favourite destinations around the world, many of which will be delighted to finally be able to welcome UK travellers for the first time in a year.' Thomas Cook said web traffic doubled in the moments after the announcement, and has only grown since. A spokesperson said: 'Searches for Greece have tripled in volume and will be the biggest winner from families booking last-minute summer holidays. '(Before Thursday) we have been selling very few holidays to amber countries and so with Greece, mainland Spain and Canaries all now available to people who've been double jabbed we'd expect a flood of bookings over the weekend.' In the Commons, former prime minister Theresa May hailed the easing of restrictions for the double-jabbed as 'the first step in opening up Britain for business'. But she called on Mr Shapps to broker a deal with fellow ministers to boost border resources to avoid 'inordinately long queues'. Responding, Mr Shapps said: 'Quite a lot of the check-in would be done before you board the aircraft, or what could also be a train or boat, from the location you're coming back from. And so the queues at check-in, whilst you're abroad, may in fact be the place where those problems most exist. 'I know that many of the airlines are developing systems to further automate that check-in, but they will be doing quite a complicated job.' Asked by Tory MP Sir Roger Gale what would be done to ensure the UK-French Channel border runs smoothly, Mr Shapps said: 'These additional checks are likely to cause delays, potentially on both sides of the Channel this summer, and that people will want to prepare and plan their journeys with supplies and also ensure that they have picked the best time of day to travel in order to avoid it.' Tory MP Huw Merriman said the revamped amber rules were 'a shot in the arm' for the double-vaccinated and the travel industry, but tackled Mr Shapps over the cost of testing. The current traffic light system has very few recognised holiday destinations on the 'green list' for Britons to visit Mr Shapps' announcement means that for fully-vaccinated Britons the rules will be essentially the same for green and amber list countries Health minister sparks row after claiming face masks only offer 'marginal' benefit in Covid fight A health minister sparked a row in the House of Lords yesterday after he questioned the effectiveness of masks at preventing Covid. Lord Bethell said face coverings offered only 'marginal protection' when questioned over Government plans to lift the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England on July 19. The move has faced criticism from more than 120 scientists and doctors who signed a letter in The Lancet accusing the UK Government of conducting a 'dangerous and unethical experiment'. Pressed by peers, Lord Bethell said: 'Masks simply aren't a panacea. 'Were the whole country to wear a mask for the rest of their lives we would still have pandemics, because they only offer marginal protection.' But Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oates said: 'Is the minister aware the comments he just made are not just nonsense, they are dangerous nonsense and will he withdraw them?' Lord Bethell responded: 'I don't accept that at all. The argument I make is an extremely reasonable one.' Advertisement Mr Merriman urged ministers to consider allowing travellers to use cheaper, rapid tests upon arrival in England rather than the more costly 'gold standard' PCR swabs. But Mr Shapps said the 'scientific evidence' showed PCR tests were needed because they can be used to detect variants of concern. He said 'there are quite a number of tests now for much lower prices' and cited some on the government-approved list 'as inexpensive as a tenner'. But these are for swabs which are self-administered at sites that people often have to travel miles to reach and yesterday most were sold out. Some of the prices stated on the government website are also wrong. The Daily Mail found that the cost of a post-arrival test listed as 4.98 from one firm on the government website was in fact 85 when clicking through to the company's webpage. The travel industry largely welcomed the announcement, but called for testing requirements for the fully vaccinated to be dropped altogether and more countries be added to the green list. There was also anger from domestic tourism firms that the new measures will not apply to foreign visitors coming from amber countries, who will still have to quarantine. It means these firms will continue to be starved of the cash spent by visiting foreigners. British Airways chief Sean Doyle said: '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.' Holiday firms have been gearing up for a bookings surge with quarantine-free trips 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. Mr Shapps told the Commons: '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. 'They'll still be required to take a test three days before returning, the pre-departure test, demonstrating they're 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. Quarantine-free holidays are set to be unlocked for millions of families to more than 130 countries including the US, Thailand and Spain (pictured, Malaga) Sky Scanner has produced an interactive service that tells travellers what restrictions they currently face at both ends of their journey What restrictions do other countries have on Britons visiting? FRANCE Travellers who can prove they are fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and do not need to self-isolate on arrival. Anyone aged over 11 years must give evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours of departure, as well as a 'sworn statement' they are not suffering from Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. SPAIN Britons aged 12 or over must have either proof of a negative test 48 hours prior to arrival, or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days beforehand. ITALY Anyone aged six or over who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days must present a negative test result from the past 48 hours. They must also self-isolate for five days and take another test at the end of the period. Those arriving without a negative test will need to self-isolate for 10 days and then have a test. GREECE Travellers from the UK can avoid quarantine requirements if they have proof of a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before arrival, a rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or that they have received two vaccine jabs at least 14 days earlier. It is also acceptable to show evidence of having recovered from coronavirus - such as a positive test from months earlier. PORTUGAL All travellers, apart from children under 12, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through mainland Portugal. If you have travelled from the UK to mainland Portugal, you must quarantine for 14 days in the place you are staying. But this requirement is waived if people can show they are fully vaccinated, and children travelling with a vaccinated adult are exempt from quarantine. In Madeira and Porto Santo tests are not required for people who are fully vaccinated. GERMANY Fully vaccinated Britons are exempt from quarantine, but must do a pre-departure digital registration. Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age are allowed to enter Germany if they present proof of a negative test result and travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. UNITED STATES Since 16 March 2020, it is not possible for most British nationals to enter the US if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil, or China within the previous 14 days. Advertisement 'In essence, this means that for fully vaccinated travellers the requirements for green and amber list countries are the same. 'To be clear, a full vaccination means 14 days have passed since your final dose of the vaccine, and it's also important to note that health matters are devolved, so decision-making and implementation may differ across the UK administrations and we'll continue to work with the devolved administrations to ensure we achieve our shared objectives of safe, sustainable and robust return to international travel.' Mr Shapps said the changes he had announced would 'prioritise those vaccinated in the United Kingdom' - but suggested that foreign tourists coming to England could soon benefit from the same treatment. '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. Mr Shapps said he would update MPs in 'due course' on the issue. Former PM Theresa May urged Mr Shapps to take action to make sure that travellers did not face massive queues due to Covid red tape. He said 'a lot of investment' was going into minimising the issues - but admitted there is likely to be longer waits. 'I have been working with the Home Secretary and Border force on exactly this issue,' he said. 'I should be perhaps a little but more specific about where travellers might expect queues. Quite a lot of the checking will be done upstream, in other words before you board the aircraft typically, or it could be a train or a boat, from your location you are coming back from. 'The queues at check in whilst you are abroad may in fact bye the place where those problems most exist. 'I know that many of the airlines are developing systems to further automate that check-in but they will be doing quite a complicated job checking the passenger locator form against the booked test still required on day two and of course vaccine status as well. 'So I just think it is fair to warn people who are travelling this summer that is something we haven't had to do before.' The news was warmly welcomed by the travel industry. British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle said: 'We're pleased to see this common sense approach which is already working safely for many other countries, but 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.' 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. 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.' A Royal Navy helicopter flying at 115mph narrowly avoided smashing into a firefighters' drone as it monitored a blaze in a barn, a report has revealed. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service launched the drone on March 8 to take aerial pictures of the inferno, caused by a lorry which had caught fire inside the barn. The craft, which was assisting five crews on the ground, had hovered at 250ft for 15 minutes when an RN Wildcat helicopter suddenly passed 'at a similar or lower height'. The drone operator said there was 'very little audible warning' before the chopper flew almost directly over the barn in Heighington, County Durham. A report by the UK Airprox Board which investigates near misses said the operator made no attempt to lower the drone over fears that the helicopter might smash into it. The helicopter had passed around 150ft from the DJI Inspire drone above County Durham on March 8 this year The drone operator said there was 'very little audible warning' before the helicopter flew almost directly over the barn containing a burning lorry. Pictured: A DJI Inspire drone The operator described the risks of a collision as 'high' and assessed that the helicopter had passed around 150ft from the DJI Inspire drone on March 8 this year. The drone was not seen by the crew of the helicopter who were flying a circular route from RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire and the Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton, Somerset. The UKAB rated the event as a Category C incident where the risk of a collision had been averted. The drone operator said that the National Police Air Service was informed that the craft was being flown over the scene of the fire. The near miss between a Royal Navy chopper and a drone occurred above a burning truck in Heighington, County Durham But Joint Helicopter Command military chiefs stated that the helicopter pilots had no way of knowing that it was airborne. The report said the JHC would continue to remind its crews of the importance of keeping a lookout due to increasing numbers of drones in UK skies. It added that the JHC had recently warned its pilots of the increase in emergency services using drones 'at short notice'. Advertisement Four out of 10 patients hospitalised with the Indian Covid variant in England may have been admitted for something else, MailOnline analysis of official data suggests. Public Health England's fortnightly report on the 'Delta' strain showed a total of 1,904 people had spent at least one night in hospital with the mutant virus by June 21. But the agency admits 739 (39 per cent) of these patients may have gone to hospital for a different condition or injury and tested positive through routine NHS testing. Experts said the findings show that a significant number of the Covid admissions reported by the Government every day will be 'incidental cases'. Cambridge University epidemiologist Dr Raghib Ali and Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist at Reading University, told MailOnline that this will become more common as the outbreak grows. Officials expect there to be at least 100,000 Covid infections per day by next month. There are still some patients who fall gravely ill with the virus and do not get tested until they arrive at hospital, Dr Raghib said, but this is happening less often now that testing is so widespread. Fewer people are becoming severely ill thanks to the vaccines. Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said that by next winter 'most cases admitted with a positive test will not be admitted because of Covid'. PHE's figures also show that of the Indian variant patients who presented at A&E by June 21, just over three in 10 spent the night in hospital, with the rest sent home on the same day. The promising stats come amid growing anecdotal reports of hospital Covid patients having milder symptoms than in previous waves, due to vaccines and the fact younger people now make up a greater proportion of cases. Overall, cases of the ultra-infectious Indian variant have risen by 54,000 in a week - up by a third - and the strain now makes up 99 per cent of all new cases in England. There have been 215,000 Indian variant cases in total but this is an underestimate because not every positive sample is analysed for mutations. Since the strain was first detected in April, the most cases have been discovered in Manchester (6,818), Bolton (5,984), Leeds (5,353), Birmingham (4,777) and Blackburn (3,918). Public Health England's fortnightly report on the 'Delta' strain showed a total of 1,904 people had spent at least one night in hospital with the mutant virus by June 21. But the agency admits 739 (39 per cent) of these patients may have gone to hospital for a different condition or injury and tested positive through routine NHS testing PHE's figures also show that of the Indian variant patients who presented at A&E by June 21, just over three in 10 spent the night in hospital, with the rest sent home on the same day Since the strain was first detected in April, the most cases have been discovered in Manchester (6,818), Bolton (5,984), Leeds ( 5,353), Birmingham (4,777) and Blackburn (3,918) Overall, cases of the ultra-infectious Indian variant have risen by 54,000 in a week - up by a third - and the strain now makes up 99 per cent of all new cases in England. There have been 123,000 Indian variant cases in total but this is an underestimate because not every positive sample is analysed for mutations Professor Clarke said MailOnline's analysis highlighted the need to be wary of using general hospital admission figures as an indicator of how much severe disease is being caused by Covid. 'It's detecting the proportion of Covid in society, but what it's doing is meaning the total number of admissions is not a good indicator of the disease burden. 'And that is reflected in the low number of people who are going into intensive care [compared to general admissions].' There are currently about 450 Covid patients being admitted to hospital every day in the UK and the number appears now to be growing rapidly after more than doubling in a month. England's Covid R rate may now be 1.5 - the highest since before second wave spiralled out of control in October England's Covid R rate may now be as high as 1.5 the highest it has been since the second wave spiralled out of control in October, Government scientists have announced. SAGE estimates the R rate in England is between 1.2 and 1.5, growing three to seven per cent every day. It came as official data today showed around one in 160 people had Covid with the outbreak growing nearly 60 per cent in England last week. The R rate is highest in the South East, South West and North East and Yorkshire, all of which have rates as high as 1.6 according to estimates. It is now lowest in the North West despite spiralling cases in the region which has an estimated rate of between 1.1 and 1.2. And office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows around 330,000 were infected with coronavirus on any given day last week. Cases increased in all age groups and in all regions, statisticians said, as the Indian 'Delta' variant continues to cause a surge in infections across the country. The figures come despite some signs the third wave across the UK may already be slowing. Department of Health bosses posted 32,551 new infections yesterday, up 16.3 per cent on last Thursday. But it was the sixth day in a row the rise in the seven-day average for cases 34.92 per cent fell, down from 42.81 per cent on Wednesday. And experts today said the outbreak in England may begin to shrink once people stop meeting up in large crowds as regularly when Euro 2020 is finished. Advertisement But in a clear sign of the 'vaccine effect', admissions are far lower now than at any point previously in the outbreak when cases were this high there are 28,000 cases on average each day. The last time there were this many new infections and the epidemic was rising was in late December in the midst of the second wave, when there were more than 2,000 patients going into wards each day. Dr Ali said the PHE data provided 'some evidence that there are a higher proportion of patients now that have Covid as an incidental finding' than in previous waves. The fact there is far more testing now than ever before roughly a million swabs are deployed daily now compared to 400,000 in winter means it's a 'reasonable assumption' that more incidental cases will be picked up in the NHS. Professor Hunter said this will become more of an issue as community transmission continues to double every nine days, as it is now. He told MailOnline: 'There is no doubt that the overall figures on hospitalisation will include cases who just happen to be positive and are picked up by routine screening when they are admitted for something else. 'This will become more of an issue as more people have mild or asymptomatic infections as a result of vaccination or prior infection.' Like Dr Ali, Professor Hunter warned that disentangling the primary cause of admission among Covid hospital patients was difficult. 'It's difficult to know for sure, sometimes even in an individual patient. For example, take someone who has been admitted following a car crash and tests positive. Did they crash because the were driving when not well? 'This is more likely to be an issue in younger people and children where a higher proportion of admissions with a positive test may not be admitted because of the disease. It's also more likely in the vaccinated. 'I suspect in a year or so most cases admitted with a positive test will not be admitted because of Covid.' Hospitals are still required to separate any patient who tests positive, no matter what condition they were primarily admitted for, which puts extra pressure on the NHS. Trusts in Leeds and Birmingham, where the Indian variant is spreading quickest, have already cancelled some routine operations - including non-urgent cancer care - to cope with the recent rise in Covid admissions. Stringent infection control measures and repeated lockdowns during the pandemic have led to a record waiting list of 5.3million in England. But there are already early signs that those presenting at A&E with Covid are experiencing a milder illness than in previous waves. PHE's report shows that 43 per cent of A&E attendees with the Kent variant, which began spreading before the UK's vaccination drive picked up pace, spent a night or more on a ward compared to 35 per cent with the Indian version. Of the 1,904 people who were admitted to hospitals in England with the Delta variant by June 21, 1,283 (67 per cent) were under the age of 50. Among the age group, 77 per cent were unvaccinated, and further 8 per cent were less than 21 days after their first dose of vaccine. A total of 118, or 9 per cent, had had one jab and 48, or 4 per cent, had had two. Of the 615 aged 50 or over, a third were unvaccinated, a quarter had been given one dose and 43 per cent were fully vaccinated. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows around 330,000 were infected with coronavirus on any given day last week Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urges Brits not to delete NHS Covid app which confined 350,000 to home quarantine last week Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today warned Britons not to ignore or delete the NHS Covid app because the virus can 'still harm people' amid widespread criticism of the software which is telling hundreds of thousands of people to isolate regardless of their vaccine status or a negative test. Travel quarantine rules in England are due to be eased on July 19 when lockdown restrictions are lifted wholesale, but rules on self-isolation for the fully jabbed will remain in place until August 16, raising fears that people will abandon the app en masse rather than risk having to cancel a holiday. People pinged by the app are not legally obliged to isolate, which means there is little stopping Britons from simply deleting the software or ignoring its alerts. Mr Shapps told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'You shouldn't ignore this (the app) because it is vital information. People should want to know if they have been in contact with somebody with coronavirus. 'You don't want to be spreading it around. It can still harm people.' Latest NHS statistics shows the app issued more than 350,000 alerts during the last week of June, 60 per cent up on the previous week. The growing number of people being forced into quarantine has led to fears it may create a lockdown 'by stealth' even after the country officially ends restrictions this month. Pubs, restaurants and shops fear they may have to close because so many staff are being left stuck at home by the warnings, and NHS hospitals in Leeds and Birmingham have even had to cancel routine operations because so many staff are isolating. Advertisement But this is not a sign that the vaccines aren't working, according to Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, an eminent statistician at the University of Cambridge. He said this was simply due to the fact Britain has had extremely wide jab coverage and that no vaccine is 100 per cent effective. 'This is exactly what we would expect with high coverage by a very effective but not perfect vaccine,' he added. PHE said that of the 1,904 Indian variant patients, it was confident 1,165 were admitted primarily for Covid. The other 739 patients tested positive for the virus for the first time on the same day they were admitted. The agency said it separated these patients in its reporting to 'help remove cases picked up via routine testing in healthcare settings whose primary cause of attendance is not COVID-19'. It added: 'Some of the cases detected on the day of admission may have attended for a diagnosis unrelated to COVID-19.' The report also showed there were 257 deaths in England 28 days after testing positive for the Indian variant. In total 26 were under the age of 50, and 231 were aged 50 or over. Of those aged over 50, 71 were unvaccinated and one was within 21 days of a first dose. Forty-one people died after developing immunity from their first jab and 116 had received both. In the 26 under 50, three were at least 21 days after a first dose of vaccine, two had received both doses and 21 were unvaccinated. Professor Spiegelhalter said: 'The latest PHE data show that the majority of the 257 people who have died with the Delta variant are over 50 and have had at least one vaccination - nearly half have been fully vaccinated. 'But this is exactly what we would expect with high coverage by a very effective but not perfect vaccine. Many more fully-vaccinated over-50s have died with the Delta variant... but this is expected due to the very strong risk-gradient with age: an unvaccinated 30 year-old has a lower risk than a fully vaccinated 60-year-old. 'Around a quarter of the deaths are in unvaccinated over-50s, who presumably will have been offered the vaccine. Communities with lower vaccine uptake will be hit hard in current wave.' PHE is monitoring four variants of concern the Indian, Kent, South African and Brazilian strains the highest classification, and nine variants under investigation. There are several other strains which PHE is monitoring, including two new ones announced this week, known as B.1.619 and B.1.629. Sources told MailOnline they were picked up in random sampling and published for transparency purposes but they are 'nothing to get concerned about' yet. Vaccines have been proven to reduce the risk of severe illness from the dominant Indian variant by more than 90 per cent and slash transmission by at least 60 per cent after two doses. Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency said: 'The data continues to show that the sharp increase in cases that we are seeing is not being followed by a similar increase in hospitalisation and death. 'This is because two doses of the available vaccines offer a high level of protection against the Delta variant. 'Getting both jabs is the best way to ensure you and the people you love remain safe, so we once again urge everyone to come forward as soon as they are eligible. 'As we approach the planned end of restrictions, we must remain cautious and careful. Cases are rising across the country, and whilst the vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not offer 100 per cent protection. 'Be sensible, and follow 'hands, face, space, fresh air' at all times and make sure to get tested if required.' A teenager who allegedly tried to crash a passenger plane with five other people on board has been arrested in Alaska. Jaden Lake-Kameroff, 18, was a passenger aboard the small Cessna Caravan aircraft flying from Bethel to Aniak on Wednesday, a journey of around 90 miles. Lake-Kameroff got up from his seat and grabbed the yoke of the plane, sending it into a full nosedive towards the ground before the pilot was able to regain control with help from the other passengers. According to troopers, Lake-Kameroff told trooper Jason Bohac that he was trying to end his life by crashing the plane. He now faces charges of terroristic threatening, assault and attempted assault, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety. (File image) The incident took place aboard a Cessna Caravan aircraft, a small passenger airplane used extensively for small flights in Alaska (File image) A trooper spokesperson said the aircraft had no barrier between the rest of the aircraft and the pilot and co-pilot seats, which typical in this type of small aircraft in Alaska According to troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel, the 18-year-old had asked the pilot to fly the plane earlier during the flight and initially asked to sit in the unoccupied co-pilot seat. When both requests were denied, Lake-Kameroff stood up from his seat and stepped into the front of the plane, where he took the co-pilot controls by grabbing the yoke. McDaniel said the aircraft had no barrier between the rest of the aircraft and the pilot and co-pilot seats, which typical in this type of small aircraft in Alaska. 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 plane was in the process of landing when the incident occurred, about 5 miles from the airport, and landed safely in Aniak where the 18-year-old was arrested. According to the affidavit, the pilot, who was identified as Joshua Kersch, said he felt the yoke go forward and saw the man over the co-pilot seat pushing on the yoke. 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. 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. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's 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. The plane was in the process of landing when the incident occurred, about 5 miles from the airport, and landed safely in Aniak where the 18-year-old was arrested 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 'very professionally', Ryan said. '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.' He said safety is the air carrier's highest priority, and he was glad 'this ended without further incident.' The state's online court records system showed an arraignment was held Thursday, and message seeking comment was left for the public defender agency which is listed as representing the man. A woman has posted an online tribute to her brother after his body was pulled from a river south of Brisbane following an argument with another man. Detectives have charged a 30-year-old Eagleby man with manslaughter after a swift water crew pulled a man's body out of the Albert River at Eagleby about 7.30am on Friday. Police had been contacted by a male caller about half an hour earlier, reporting a man was missing in the waterway. The body of Danny Herman was found in Logan River. His sister Christel Herman shared a Facebook post which read: 'found out my big brother died today'. Officers have not named the 27-year-old who died. But Christel Herman has paid tribute to her brother Danny in a Facebook post, and linked to a story about the discovery of the body. The message suggested he was expecting the arrival of a child. 'Found out my big brother died today,' Ms Herman wrote. Police have confirmed a second man is in custody, and that two men were confirmed to have been in an altercation prior to the discovery on Logan river (pictured) 'Love you always I'm gonna make you proud and look after mum faith and Val , Gunnar and the new little one on the way I love you always thank you for always being the best big brother just wish I could of had more time to hug you longer.' Earlier Logan District Detective Acting Inspector Nicola Brown told reporters of an altercation involving two men who were 'in each other's company by consent of both parties'. When asked about reports the men had been play wrestling before the body was found she said: 'I can confirm there was an altercation involving two males, known to each other, on the banks of the river and that's the subject of our investigation'. Police had been contacted by a male caller about half an hour earlier, reporting a man was missing in the waterway (pictured) Officers are working to establish how long the man was in the water before his body was found. 'Police were called just before 7am, he was recovered at 7.30am. At this point in time it's unknown how long he was in the river, but it may have been up to an hour or two before that.' Investigations continue. A tax consultant was fired after he got into a blazing row with a female colleague at a wedding - having mistakenly congratulated her on being pregnant. Dan Downes' co-worker Lisa Waller was left distraught at his comment believing that he was calling her fat, an employment tribunal heard. During the reception, Mr Downes became embroiled in a 'heated exchange' with Ms Waller over the remark and concerned other colleagues with his 'bad' drunken behaviour, a Birmingham hearing was told. Mr Downes - a research and development tax consultant - was sacked from accountancy firm MPA Group after just 11 months following the string of behavioural incidents. But, he took the firm to an employment tribunal, making a series of unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. All of his claims were dismissed by a judge at the employment tribunal after it was ruled they were unfounded. Dan Downes' (pictured) co-worker Lisa Waller was left distraught at his comment believing that he was calling her fat, an employment tribunal heard At the wedding, Mr Downes allegedly made 'sexually inappropriate comments' during a conversation with company owner Mike Price. He was also said to have made 'derogatory' comments about his manager Peter Corley, whose wedding it was. In separate incidents, Mr Downes made up a series of allegations against sales manager Mr Corley. Mr Downes falsely claimed his colleague called him a 'deaf twat' and physically assaulted him. Speaking at an employment tribunal, he insisted 'there seems to be a dark underbelly of group intimidation towards me which I genuinely feel is bullying and harassment'. The hearing was told that over the course of his employment, Mr Downes wrongly grew to suspect Mr Corley 'had it in for him'. A tribunal report said: '(Mr Downes') view of the situation became increasingly tainted by confirmation bias. 'Every time something happened which he was unhappy about, it fed into his theory that Mr Corley "had it in for him".' During the reception, Mr Downes became embroiled in a 'heated exchange' with Ms Waller (pictured) over the remark and concerned other colleagues with his 'bad' drunken behaviour, a hearing was told Colleagues said Mr Downes was 'overly sensitive' to Mr Corley's innocuous actions and had a 'victim mentality'. By the time of Mr Corley's wedding in Cambridge in July 2019, Mr Downes had had a number of disputes. Employment Judge Pauline Hughes said: '(He) decided that he would go to Mr Corley's wedding notwithstanding his otherwise negative view of him. 'That was surprising because Mrs Downes had decided not to go. '(He) and his wife explained that his reason for going was that he felt that he would be criticised if he did not. 'We found that difficult to accept because it is very easy to make a polite excuse not to attend a social event. 'There was a dispute about whether (he) was already inebriated when he arrived at the reception. 'Inappropriate comments were made and there were some heated moments amongst the claimant and other guests who were work colleagues. '(His) case was that he was not responsible for this behaviour and was the victim of it.' Mr Downes claimed when he gifted Mr Corley a cigar at the reception he 'snubbed him' by putting it in his pocket without thanking him. But, the tribunal found the groom 'didn't mean to offend' and that Mr Downes was 'reading too much into inconsequential matters and taking things very personally'. Judge Hughes also said: 'There was an incident at the wedding involving one of (his) colleagues called Lisa Waller. 'A few days previously Downes had congratulated her on being pregnant. 'He said that Mr Corley had informed him she was. In the event, she was not pregnant and took the comment very badly, asking if he was calling her fat. Mr Downes - a research and development tax consultant - was sacked from accountancy firm MPA Group (file image) after just 11 months following the string of behavioural incidents 'It appears that Ms Waller with another colleague called Katie tackled (him) about this at the wedding and there was a heated exchange. '(Mr Downes) went outside, having realised the situation had become tense and difficult. 'He telephoned his wife. She told him that he should not go back inside and should return to the Bed and Breakfast which he duly did. 'A number of concerns were raised about (Mr Downes) during the next few days. '[Company owner] Mike Price told Mr Lowndes that he had a conversation with (him) during the reception and was concerned that during it Downes had made sexually inappropriate comments. 'Mr Corley told us that after he returned from honeymoon, a colleague told him that (Mr Downes) was making derogatory remarks about him.' Following the incidents, Mr Downes was sacked in August 2019 with the company claiming there was 'a fundamental breach of trust in confidence in the employment relationship'. Although the panel voiced disapproval of the manner in which he was fired, it dismissed his claims of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and whistleblowing. MPA Group, based in Milton Keynes, Bucks, sought 25,000 costs but Judge Hughes refused the request. Lord Ashcroft's son has taken his two children out of Belize, his ex-partner Jasmine Hartin has claimed. Canadian socialite Jasmine, 32, was released on bail last week as she awaited trial for shooting Superintendent Henry Jemmott, a 42-year-old father-of-five, with his own service pistol in May. She has claimed it was an accident. Speaking to The Times, Hartin said Andrew Ashcroft, 43, flew out of Belize with their two children and nanny on June 28, but she only found out this week when she video called the children. It came after Jasmine filmed herself asking Andrew 'Why won't you let me see the kids?'. Andrew denied last week ever preventing Jasmine from seeing their children. Lord Ashcroft's son has taken his two children out of Belize, his ex-partner Jasmine Hartin (pictured) has claimed An explosive video in which wealthy socialite Hartin lambasted the youngest son of Lord Ashcroft, and accused him or refusing her access to the couple's children, was made public on June 22. The couple have been embroiled in a bitter public row since Hartin was charged with manslaughter in the Caribbean hotspot of Belize earlier this year. Hartin claimed no-one from the family of her former partner Ashcroft visited her while she was on bail over the shooting because they had been told they couldn't have 'bad press associated with their reputation'. Speaking to 7 News Belize's Cherisse Halsall, Hartin said the Ashcroft family was told to 'distance' themselves from her, adding that she wasn't allowed to speak to her infant twins while she was in Belize Central Prison. She said that although she has had a 'complicated' seven-year relationship with Ashcroft with many 'ups and downs', she has been 'shocked' about the Ashcroft family's treatment of her since her arrest. Hartin filmed on her cell phone as she chased Andrew Ashcroft, the son of influential British billionaire, Lord Michael Ashcroft. Why wont you let me see the kids Andrew? Why wont you let me see the children? Hartin, 32, says as she confronted Ashcroft in a hotel kitchen Her public interview followed the release of an eye-opening video in which she filmed on her phone as she chased Ashcroft, who is the youngest son of influential British billionaire, Lord Michael Ashcroft. MailOnline understands the clash took place at the luxurious Alaia Hotel which Hartin ran with her common law husband before she 'accidentally' gunned down Jemmott on a secluded pier in San Pedro island. Confronting Ashcroft in the hotel kitchen, Hartin said: 'Why won't you let me see the kids Andrew? Why won't you let me see the children? 'Why are you stopping me from being at my house and seeing my kids Andrew? You don't want to be on camera? Why are you keeping my children from me Andrew? You lied to my whole family. Let me see my children.' Hartin was released on bail earlier this week as she awaited trial for shooting Superintendent Henry Jemmott (above), a father-of-five, with his own service pistol in May. She has claimed it was an accident Last week, a three-page post was shared by 7 News Belize's Facebook page that claims to be a statement sighed off by Ashcroft himself on June 25. Early reports suggest it was a statement provided to investigating officers with Belizean police as part of their enquiries. Within it, Ashcroft reportedly refutes the suggestion that he prevented Hartin from having access to their twin children, Elle and Charlie, and claims she has made 'unreasonable demands'. He also provides excruciating detail of the events of June 22 - the day of the video that saw him accused of refusing her access to her children. The statement reads: 'At no time have I told Jasmine that she cannot see her children. 'When she was situated in the Cayo district after being granted bail, I flew the children all the way from San Pedro there to spend several hours with her. 'The following week I again arranged to have the children flown over to see her, only to discover that she had abandoned the residence I had arranged for her. Hartin said Andrew flew out of Belize with their two children and nanny on June 28, but only found out this week when she video called the children 'I have explained to Jasmine that we have to agree on dates, time and place convenient to all of us where she can see the children. 'Instead, she insists on making unreasonable demands, showing up without prior notification and alerts the media.' Hartin is awaiting trial for shooting Supt Jemmott with his own service pistol last month. Jemmott, a highly-rated officer tipped as a future leader of his country's police force, was struck behind his right ear by a 9mm round from his own Glock 17 service pistol. According to a criminal complaint he had been 'socializing' and drinking alone with Hartin on a secluded hotel pier in Ambergris Caye, a tropical island haven for millionaire expats. A security guard heard a 'loud bang' at 12.45am and police arrived to find Canadian national Hartin 'covered in red substance as that of blood' and Jemmott, 42, floating dead on his back 30ft from the shore. City centre retailers were handed a recovery blow today as a new poll revealed workers are set to shun a full-time return to offices and factories. An exclusive poll for MailOnline shows that just a third of staff are planning to return to their workplace full-time after July 19 Freedom Day. And almost a fifth (18 per cent) of those surveyed by Redfield and Wilton Strategies said they would not be going back at all. More than four-in 10 said they would be only returning part-time once the long-running guidance to stay away because of the pandemic officially lapses. The findings will cause alarm for businesses relying on the return of commuters for their trade. But they may provide a boost for those in smaller commuter towns who could see an upturn in business. It comes as Rishi Sunak urges Britons to get back to the workplace when coronavirus restrictions lift - emphasising its importance for young staff. An exclusive poll for MailOnline shows that just a third of staff are planning to return to their workplace full-time after July 19 Freedom Day. Rishi Sunak is urging Britons to get back to the workplace when coronavirus restrictions lift - emphasising its importance for young staff Mr Sunak insisted that there was a benefit to workers from being with their colleagues (pictured: A morning commute in Waterloo, London) Masks could be here to stay as three quarters of Brits say they will keep wearing them Masks look to be here to stay as a poll showed three-quarters of Britons plan to keep wearing them on public transport. An exclusive poll for MailOnline has found that 72 per cent of the public are likely to don coverings to go on the train, Tube or bus after they become voluntary on 'Freedom Day'. Two-thirds say they will keep the habit in shops and cinemas - while 32 per cent even expect to do so in parks, according to the research by Redfield & Wilton Strategies. Some 64 per cent would back businesses barring customers who refuse to put on masks, and significant proportions would feel uncomfortable inside with others bare-faced. The evidence of ongoing anxiety among the public comes despite Boris Johnson declaring his intention of pushing ahead with 'Freedom Day' on July 19. The poll, carried out on Wednesday, found people tend to be concerned that Mr Johnson has been 'too impatient' about lifting restrictions. Some 39 per cent said that was the case, compared to 29 per cent who thought he had been too cautious. A third thought the premier had struck the right balance. Advertisement The order to work from home is expected to be scrapped on July 19 in England, but unions have raised concerns about the lack of guidance for employees to safely return to the workplace. There have been widespread concerns about the economic impact of people staying at home, with town centre businesses such as cafes suffering from the lack of trade as workers have been kept away from their offices. But Chancellor Mr Sunak said he looked forward to the shift back to offices. He told the Daily Telegraph: 'I think for young people, especially, that ability to be in your office, be in your workplace and learn from others more directly, is something that's really important and I look forward to us slowly getting back to that.' Mr Sunak insisted that there was a benefit to workers being with their colleagues. He said that apprentices at a car mechanic training centre he met in Wolverhampton were 'super-excited to be back in their workplace'. 'They were over the moon, because they've spent six months trying to learn on Zoom and Teams and everything else, and it hasn't been great,' he said. 'They were saying actually being in, and most importantly, getting the support from their mentors, has been really valuable to them.' At Step 4 of England's road map, the guidance to work from home where possible will end, to allow employers to start planning a safe return to workplaces. Mr Sunak said it was not for ministers to tell firms what they should or should not do, adding: 'Ultimately I trust people and businesses to make decisions for themselves.' The Trades Union Congress has written to ministers to raise concerns about the lack of consultation on plans which will affect millions of workers. TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'We all want working life to get back to business as usual. 'But as restrictions are lifted and increasing numbers return to their workplaces, it is crucial that we get workplace safety right, and give workers and members of the public confidence.' She said the TUC has 'real fears that clear, detailed guidance for employers will be replaced by vague exhortations to employers to do the right thing, resulting in confusion'. Ms O'Grady warned that without detailed plans the country could be 'hobbled by rising infections and enforced self-isolation' keeping workers out of action. A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw has grilled Scott Morrison over Australia's current Covid vaccination rate - with the Prime Minister responding by claiming 30,000 lives have been saved across the nation during the pandemic. In a tense interview where the veteran journalist posed a number of questions about Sydney's current lockdown, struggling businesses remaining closed and government assistance payments, talk soon turned to vaccination rollout numbers. 'We are behind other countries in the vaccine rollout. We put so much faith in one vaccine (AstraZeneca) that we make here but that has been presented by problems. If you could go back one year, would you have bought more Pfizer doses?' Grimshaw asked. 'I can't stress enough how important it is for people to get vaccinated,' the Prime Minister said. 'We bought 20 million Pfizer (doses) and we have been able to upgrade that to 40 million Pfizer doses. Prime Minister Scott Morrison told A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw 'he can't stress enough' how important it is for Australian residents to get vaccinated (pictured, health workers preparing Pfizer vaccinations) Scott Morrison also pointed Australia is on track to chalk up one million people being vaccinated this week (pictured, people lined up for Covid vaccinations in Brisbane on Thursday) 'We are also on track to see a million people get vaccinated this week. If we keep up those numbers, we will go a long way towards fighting back (against the virus). 'I am aware of the hesitancy around people over 70 not wanting to be vaccinated, we are looking to change that perception.' The PM also refuted talk Australia will eventually achieve complete population vaccination coverage. 'We cannot totally eradicate the virus. No country will get to 100 per cent. This is the myth going around the vaccination debate around the world,' Mr Morrison said. 'There is only one country in the world that has two dose vaccination rate higher than 65 per cent and that is Israel.' Mr Morrison then added the nation needed to 'get some perspective' and change its coronavirus focus. 'Other countries are moving forward with opening up because they have had millions of people who have actually contracted the virus and there is more antibodies in that population," he said. 'Globally speaking, we have a low rate of deaths in this country, and that has been a state and federal level focus. 'We have also seen our economy recognised as one of the best performing in the world. During this pandemic we have created jobs and seen less deaths... we have delivered that as a government. 'Our main focus is saving lives and saving livelihoods.' The prime minister told Grimshaw, 'We've saved 30,000 lives here in Australia.' In NSW on Friday, 44 new cases of Covid were recorded, including 27 people who were infectious in the community. It is the highest number of daily infections in the state since the pandemic's first wave in early 2020. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has suggested the lockdown could again be extended beyond July 16, as restrictions for residents in Greater Sydney were further tightened at 5pm on Friday. A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw was on the front foot in her interview with Scott Morrison on Friday night - especially about vaccination numbers in Australia PM Scott Morrison (pictured) also told ACA host Tracy Grimshaw Australia has secured 40 million Pfizer vaccination doses The Morrison government is also looking to reduce fears of those aged over 70 about vaccinations, especially AstraZeneca (pictured, Sydney resident Kelly Nankivell getting her jab this week) An anxious Ms Berejiklian said the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus left her no choice but to expand restrictions. Ms Berejiklian added with the rate of vaccination hovering around 9 per cent, allowing the virus to spread in the community was not an option. 'Unless there is a dramatic change, unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the numbers, I can't see how we would be in a position to ease restrictions by next Friday,' she said. 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 Pfizer has claimed immunity given by its Covid vaccine is already waning and it wants to dish out booster jabs for people to take six months after they have their second dose. The US drug giant and the German firm it partnered with to develop the jab will ask American and European regulators to approve a top-up dose within weeks, it was reported. They claim real-world data from Israel's world-beating drive has shown 'vaccine efficacy in preventing both infection and symptomatic disease has declined six months post-vaccination'. Meanwhile, scientific trials of its booster jab show it can generate up to 10 times more neutralising antibodies than just two doses, Pfizer and BioNTech say. But researchers devoted to studying the pandemic have repeatedly warned there is currently no substantial evidence that a third shot is even needed. Attempting to downplay fears, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday that fully-vaccinated Americans do not need a booster shot yet. But Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla has consistently claimed that he believes people will need a third dose, and has even suggested the vaccine will become annual like the flu shot. It comes as No10 is continuing to plan for a Covid booster programme, with top-ups set to be dished out alongside flu jabs this autumn. But ministers have yet to commit to the drive, with the final decision based on trials and advice from top experts. Pfizer did not release the full set of Israeli data, which has sparked the debate about booster vaccines. However, efficacy estimates have dropped in the Middle Eastern nation over the past few weeks amid the rapid spread of the Indian Delta variant. 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 The Pfizer jab was found to be 94 per cent effective, but Israeli health chiefs claim the jab now blocks 64 per cent of infections Britain should NOT give out booster Covid vaccines until poorer countries get more supplies because there's no evidence third doses are even needed yet, Oxford jab chief says Britain should park plans to dish out booster Covid vaccines and ship spare doses to poorer countries, one of the leading researchers behind Oxford University's jab said. Sir Andrew Pollard argued it would be 'difficult to justify' giving out top-ups in the UK when rates are lagging behind so badly in low-income nations. Fewer than one per cent of the world's Covid vaccine supplies have gone to poorer nations so far. Sir Andrew, who was knighted last month for his role running trials of the Oxford jab, also admitted 'we do not have the evidence yet that we need boosters'. Writing in The Times about No10's plan to dish out top-up jabs this autumn, he said 'it is very early to make the call' because only six months have passed since the first batch of second doses were dished out. 'If a booster is not needed yet, it may be better to wait, since they usually work better when given later,' he added. Around 32million Brits may be in line to receive a third jab in as little as two months, amid concern over a winter Covid wave. The Government's top scientists have set out plans for over-50s to get extra shots in September and beyond, although ministers are yet to sign them off. It could see pharmacists give out Covid booster jabs at the same time as the yearly flu shot. Vaccines are not perfect. Thousands of fully vaccinated Britons have already been struck down with the Indian Delta variant, which began spreading rapidly in May. But the current jabs are highly effective and have dramatically severed the link between infection and severe illness, with hospitalisations and deaths yet to spiral at the same pace as cases. Sir Andrew admitted some scientists, including himself, were worried about the body making fewer antibodies against mutant strains such as Delta. But he said such fears 'may not be justified' because other key parts of the immune system will remember how to fight off the virus. Writing in The Times, Sir Andrew said: 'Our immune system never forgets those doses weve had. 'It is ready to spring into action if we meet the virus in the future. Immune memory can last a lifetime.' Advertisement Israeli health officials now claim the jab blocks 64 per cent of infections, compared to 94 per cent in May before the mutant strain took hold. Ministers described the data as 'disturbing'. But scientists have attempted to quash any fears about the vaccine efficacy, saying overall the picture was still 'reassuring'. The same statistics showed the jab still protects against serious illness, slashing the risk of being hospitalised by 93 per cent. For comparison, Israeli news website Ynet reported the figure in May was slightly above the 98 per cent mark. Israel eased its remaining restrictions in early June, relaxing requirements to wear face masks inside and customer caps on cafes, bars and restaurants. But indoor coverings were reintroduced just 10 days later amid a spike in infections, with 90 per cent of cases blamed on the Indian variant. Israel recorded 611 new cases yesterday, up from 219 two weeks ago. Pfizer said this data shows its injection offers less protection against transmission and illness after six months, which is why a third dose is needed. Pfizer and BioNTech said clinical trials found the third dose, given six months after the second, 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. The companies said they plan to publish 'more definitive data' soon and submit it for approval to regulators. Both firms said they believe their booster shot has the potential to offer the 'highest levels' of protection against all variants, including the Indian Delta variant. However, scientists are 'remaining vigilant' and are developing an updated version of the third dose. '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 dominant 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. '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. Responding to the claims by Pfizer and BioNTech, the CDC and US Food and Drug Administration said: 'We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.' The UK is planning for Covid boosters in the autumn, but have not yet made a final decision on whether to administer to everyone. Oxford University's Andrew Pollard, who ran trials for the AstraZeneca jab, said: 'We haven't got evidence so far that we do need boosters. 'It is difficult to justify getting a third dose to ourselves, especially if not clearly needed, ahead of zero-doze people whose lives remain at risk.' Officials at Moderna, which is also testing a third dose of its Covid 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. The heartbroken daughters have mourned their 'happy and outgoing' mother who was stabbed to death - police arrest a man for murder. Tamara Padi, 43, was found injured at a house in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, at 3.40am on Wednesday, and died soon after arriving in hospital. Paramedics called police, and a man in his 40s was later arrested on suspicion of murder in Dukinfield, around two miles away. Ms Padi's eldest daughter, Tia, 15, said her mother was her 'best friend', and 'the most important woman in my life'. Meanwhile, her sister, ten-year-old Mia, said Ms Padi 'was always there for me and loved me wholeheartedly'. Tamara Padi, 43, (pictured) was found injured at a house in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, at 3.40am on Wednesday, and died soon after arriving in hospital On Friday, Tia, 15, said in a tribute released through Greater Manchester Police (GMP): 'I feel so distraught having to write this. 'It all still feels so surreal. When I woke up to this today, it just didn't feel the same knowing you weren't here, knowing that the most important woman in my life is no longer here with me. 'I not only lost my mum but also my best friend all at once. 'You always were such a happy and outgoing soul, you always knew how to put a smile on my face by just being your crazy, happy self. 'I hope you know that you were and still are loved by everyone and I will make sure to take good care of Mia for you. I love you.' Mia said: 'Tamara Padi was my mum and my friend. 'She was always there for me and loved me wholeheartedly. 'She said that she loved how I could comfort her in the most hopeless of situations. Ms Padi's eldest daughter, Tia, 15, said her mother (pictured) was her 'best friend', and 'the most important woman in my life' 'She promised that I would never have a reason to cry. 'I've come to realise crying is natural so today I will cry. I love my mum.' A friend described Ms Padi as a 'happy soul', full of joy and love, with a way of lifting the spirits of those close to her. The tribute added: 'Tamara leaves two beautiful girls behind and we, her friends, promise to be there for them. 'Our friend, you will be terribly missed and will forever be in our hearts. Continue dancing in heaven, sleep well, friend - we love you.' GMP said the suspect remains in custody and continued to appeal for information. The body of British teacher Alice Hodgkinson has been found in Japan eight days after she went missing, her devastated family said today. Tearful father Steve Hodgkinson told how he had received 'the worst news imaginable' from police about 28-year-old daughter Alice, and said the family are 'at a complete loss' over her death. Concerns had been raised last week when Alice, from Nottingham, failed to turn up for work at the English language school where she taught in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Police subsequently broke into her apartment and found a note addressed to her dad and brother, though they have not disclosed its contents. Her body has since been found, though it is not clear where her remains were found, exactly when they were discovered, or in what circumstances. However, officers say they are not looking for anybody in connection with her death. The body of Alice Hodgkinson, 28, from Nottingham has been found after she disappeared in Japan last week It comes after worried friends in Japan, where the Edinburgh University graduate had been living for more than a year, launched a poster campaign in a bid to find her. Her family in the UK faced an agonising wait for news and desperately clung onto a glimmer of hope she could still be alive although her dad admitted earlier in the week: 'We fear the worse.' Retired computer software engineer Steve, 68, said at his Nottingham home he shares with son Peter, 32: 'We were notified last night. Police told me that had found Alice's body. It was the worst news imaginable. 'We are devastated and it is a very difficult time for our family.' Steve - divorced from Alice's mum NHS worker Julie, 63, who also lives in Nottingham - added: 'We are at a complete loss and her mother is struggling, she's beside herself with grief.' The family want to repatriate her body as soon as possible. He said he wasn't yet sure if he and his son would be travelling to Japan, saying: 'We've not decided what best to do. If we go out there we'll need to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks. But we need to bring Alice home.' He added: 'Close family are aware. It is not a murder investigation and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.' It is understood officers who broke into Alice's apartment on July 01 after she was reported missing found a note addressed to her dad and brother. Steve was too upset to say where his daughter's body was found or how she had died. He told how the family had been 'anxiously waiting by the phone' when she disappeared after last being seen on June 29. He had received an email from her the following day on June 30 - her last one. Steve recalled how touched he was to receive a special gift from his daughter. He said: 'I'd got a Father's Day present from her, a membership to Sheffield University Theatre, and I responded with an email thanking her. 'She then sent an email in reply, that was our last communication and everything seemed absolutely fine. Her father Steve, who last spoke to her on June 30 via Skype, said they had received 'the worst news imaginable' by police, adding that the family were 'at a complete loss' 'As far as we know she wasn't depressed, she seemed to be leading a happy, fulfilling life.' Mr Hodgkinson, who last saw Alice in 2019 before she went to live abroad, said they had a 'good relationship.' Before her body was found he said: 'We are very very anxious. You hear of awful things happening all the time and my daughter wouldn't just disappear. 'She has not been in contact with anybody. It is totally out of character and I'm afraid we fear the worse.' In a heartfelt plea to his daughter, he said: 'Alice, please, please make contact. So many people are concerned about you. 'You are very much loved. Please get in touch.' He told how Interpol had joined forces with Nottinghamshire and Japanese police in the search for Alice as her frantic friends in the country where she has lived since March last year have launched a poster campaign in a bid to help find her. He described his single daughter as 'a bright young lady and quite outgoing in sharing her views on veganism, animal welfare and human rights, adding: 'She was a bit of a loner at times, not the partying type and not looking for a relationship.' He told how Alice was reported missing after failing to turn up for work last week. He explained: 'She hadn't been in work for a few days and her bosses were getting concerned for her wellbeing. They got the police involved and launched an investigation. 'We've desperatley being tying to call her but her phone's not doing anything. It's either switched off or the battery is dead. She wouldn't normally be out of contact for so long. 'Something's wrong. It's very worrying. We would noramlly speak face to face on Skype every four weeks and exchange the odd email in between.' He told how Alice, who graduated from Edinburgh University with a Masters degree in Psychology, didn't speak any Japanese but 'relied on Google Translate.' Alice shared an apartment block in Yokohama - 20 miles south of Tokyo - with different nationality tenants and intended to stay in the country for another year. Mark Zuckerberg and his deputy Sheryl Sandberg have 'drifted apart' following disagreements about his handling of Trump, according to a new book - with the staunch Democrat left 'burning with humiliation' at having to defend some of Facebook's policies. Sandberg, 51, is said to have taken exception to Zuckerberg's wooing of the former president, which included showing him internal data revealing he had the most Facebook engagements of any politician and refusing to take down a fake video of Nancy Pelosi slurring her words. The 37-year-old CEO was determined to prove Facebook was not biased against conservatives, leaving his staunch Democrat deputy increasingly isolated, while Zuckerberg has also become 'critical of her handling of public relations', the new book claims. Sandberg, 51, is said to have taken exception to Zuckerberg's wooing of the former president. The pair are pictured at a tech summit Thursday in Sun Valley, Idaho Cecilia Kang and Sheera Frankel, authors An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination, spoke to dozens of former and current Facebook staff who said that the appearance of Zuckerberg and Sandberg still being close is misleading. Although the pair still meet together twice a week, Zuckerberg is 'less swayed by Ms. Sandberg's view' than he was when he first hired her to do the bits of his job he found 'boring' 13 years ago, the authors say in an extract obtained by the New York Times. Facebook spokesman Dani Lever strongly rejected the allegations, saying that judging from the extracts the company had seen so far, the authors tell 'a false narrative based on selective interviews, many from disgruntled individuals, and cherry-picked facts.' 'The fault lines that the authors depict between Mark and Sheryl and the people who work with them do not exist,' she said. 'All of Mark's direct reports work closely with Sheryl and hers with Mark. Sheryl's role at the company has not changed. 'The excerpts are typical of attacks on women leaders - denying their power, dismissing their competence, and marginalizing their roles and relationships.' Zuckerberg first hired Sandberg to deal with political matters due to her long experience in Washington DC, but as soon as Trump, who she 'didn't like', became president, he increasingly disagreed with her and made key politics-related decisions himself, it is alleged. Zuckerberg shaking hands with Trump at the White House on September 19, 2019 Sandberg, Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, was said to be 'mourning' Hilary Clinton's defeat, and lacked contacts in the new Republican administration due to her Democrat leanings. She is an active fundraiser for the party. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg went out of his way to cultivate Trump, with the pair at one point enjoying a cosy meeting in the White House in September 2019 where he showed him internal data showing that the Republican had the highest engagement of any politician on Facebook. One key moment of tension for Facebook's two top executives was the question of what to do about a doctored photo of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slurring her speech, which quickly racked up millions of views on the platform. After a long consideration process, Zuckerberg decided not to take the video down, in spite of the fact that Sandberg thought 'there was a good argument to take the video down under rules against disinformation'. Kang and Frankel claim this tested the relationship between Zuckerberg and Sandberg, the latter of whom had actively fostered a good relationship with Pelosi. When Sandberg was later challenged over this decision and other issues involving privacy and regulation in an interview with TV host Katie Couric, she presented a calm defence of the company. Zuckerberg and Sandberg were seen chatting together Thursday on the third day of an annual 'billionaire summer camp' in Sun Valley But this was all for show, claims the book due to be published next week. 'She later told aides that inside, she was burning with humiliation,' it says. Zuckerberg was also said to be disappointed at Sandbergs public relations work, which included handling the outcry over elect interference and the revelation that political consulting firm had harvested data from Facebook to help Trump target voters. Among her responsibilities were containing public anger over both scandals and charming Washington on Facebooks behalf, but she had limited success. Facebook spokesman Dani Lever denied that Sandberg had any less involvement with policy issues than she has had been previously. 'Both Mark and Sheryl have spent more time on policy issues - and hired more senior members to the team, including Nick Clegg who reports to Sheryl,' she said. 'These areas demanded more time, attention and focus, which both Mark and Sheryl have given them.' Zuckerberg and Sandberg were pictured together Thursday on the third day of an annual 'billionaire summer camp' in the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, which was also attended by Bill Gates. Philanthropist Bill Gates also made an appearance on the third day of the annual 'billionaire summer camp' in the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho on Thursday. A doctored video, which was seen millions of times, showed Pelosi slurring her words and appearing to stare off vacantly into space as reporters ask her questions during a Capitol Hill conference 'The Zuck' cut a casual figure in $35 Adidas flip flops as he conferred with his second in command. It came as Facebook was named alongside Twitter and YouTube in a class action lawsuit launched by Trump in a bid to get his accounts reinstated. Zuckerberg, along with Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Google CEO Sundar Pichai were personally named in the lawsuit, announced at a press conference Wednesday in New Jersey. 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 on Wednesday. 'We're asking the US 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. 'We're 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. Britons are split on whether fully-vaccinated visitors from abroad should be exempted from UK quarantine rules along with double-jabbed Brits after July 19. An exclusive poll for MailOnline found people torn over whether international travellers should still be required to isolate after arriving in the country, with 34 per cent of those polled supporting or strongly supporting the measure, and 35 per cent in opposition. As of now vaccination status has no bearing on whether travellers coming into the UK have to isolate. An exclusive poll for MailOnline found Brits torn over whether international travellers should still be required to isolate after arriving in the country As of now vaccination status, has no bearing on whether travellers coming into the UK have to isolate (pictured: Heathrow Airport on July 8) People arriving from amber list countries such as the United States, Canada and France currently have to undergo a 10-day isolation period after arriving in the UK. Covid tests on days two and eight are also mandatory to be released from quarantine. Countries on the red list like Turkey, South Africa and Argentina are only permitted to send travellers if they are UK or Ireland residents. The poll was taken July 7 and specifies dropping quarantine restrictions on travellers from all countries. It found the most pushback to be coming from people ages 55 to 64 - nearly a quarter of Brits in that bracket say they oppose the lifting of restrictions, and 20 per cent say they strongly oppose it. Meanwhile a whopping 28 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds support the measure, with 15 per cent in strong support. The majority of respondents, 26 per cent, 'neither support nor oppose' lifting quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers. Boris Johnson's push for a July 19 'Freedom Day' has been met with some unease on the whole - 39 per cent of people responding to the same poll are concerned the government has been too 'impatient' lifting pandemic restrictions at its current pace. Johnson still hopes to push ahead with July 19 'Freedom Day,' but a majority of poll respondents say the government may be moving too fast (pictured here on July 8) The worry brings a cynical outlook as more than half of all respondents - 54 per cent - anticipate another lockdown in 2021. In comparison just 22 per cent believe it's unlikely. However, Brits' courage to venture outside their borders during the pandemic is growing, according to an earlier poll that said 44 per cent feel comfortable taking holidays abroad. The figure is up 10 points from May this year. :: Redfield & Wilton Strategies polled 1,500 adults online on July 7, with the results weighted to represent the wider population Russians have been told to abstain from sex for at least three days after getting vaccinated against Covid. Dr Denis Graifer, deputy health minister for the Saratov region, said Russian should abstain from 'increased physical stress' after being jabbed - including sex. It comes after Russian were also told to avoid vodka, smoking and visits to the sauna immediately after getting their inoculations. Russia has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the world, with just 13 per cent of the country fully immunized compared to a European average of 30 per cent. Russians have been told to avoid 'increased physical stress' for three days after getting their Covid jabs, including abstaining from sex (file image) 'I believe, and everyone knows this, too, that sex is a very energy-consuming activity,' Dr Graifer told a press conference. 'So we warn people who have been vaccinated that increased physical activity, including having sex, is not recommended after vaccination.' Graifer, 38, is a married father of two, and has been vaccinated. Russia is using its home-grown Sputnik V vaccine for its roll-out, a two-dose adenovirus jab similar to AstraZeneca's shot. While the vaccine has yet to gain approval from international health bodies such as the WHO and European Medicines Agency, data gathered from 47 countries where it is in use suggests it is highly effective at stopping severe cases of the virus. However, take-up in Russia has been low, thanks in part to mistrust of the government and mis-management of the programme. Graifer - a qualified doctor as well as a politician - was criticised on the Russian state media by a senior medical official who dismissed him as a 'young colleague' who had gone over the top with his sex ban. 'You can do it, just do it with caution,' said his boss Oleg Kostin referring to sex after vaccines. Russians should 'have common sense and not overdo it,' he urged. Russia is currently in the midst of a third wave of Covid that is thought to be driven by spread of the Delta or Indian variant, which is more transmissible than earlier forms of the virus. On Friday, the country announced more than 25,000 cases of the disease - the highest total yet in the third wave and approaching the all-time highs of 28,000 cases which occurred over the winter. Russia also reported more than 700 deaths from the virus, the highest total yet and a strong indication that cases are being under-counted. Russia has one of the world's lowest vaccination rates even as cases of the virus soar, caused by the increased spread of the Delta - or Indian - variant Russia's Covid death toll is currently at an all-time high, suggesting that cases in its third wave are being significantly under-counted This comes as Moscow has been criticised in The Economist for its Covid-19 response. 'Hundreds of thousands are dead, partly thanks to the Kremlin's incompetence,' said the newspaper. 'Russia is in the midst of its third and most severe wave of Covid-19, with more people dying daily than at any point during the pandemic. 'The number of new daily cases is currently around 25,000, somewhat fewer than in Britain, and rising. 'But whereas in Britain this surge has translated into an average of 18 daily deaths over the past week, in Russia it has resulted in an average of 670 deaths a day. 'The contrast is all the more striking because Russia was the first country in the world to approve a working vaccine, one based on the same science as the British-Swedish AstraZeneca one and apparently just as effective. 'But whereas in Britain 78% of the population has received at least one jab, in Russia the proportion is only 20%. 'The difference is not the availability or the efficacy of the jab, but people's trust in the government and its vaccines.' Putin's government had 'other priorities' like jailing his political foe Alexei Navalny and banning street protests, claimed the report. The official Covid-19 death toll is 141,501 although critics say the true figure is higher. Advertisement The wife of Wayne Couzens has told of her horror at the police officer's sickening crimes and her distress at failing to spot any warning signs in the months before Sarah Everard's kidnap and murder. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Elena Couzens, 38, said: 'I keep on asking 'why?' What Wayne did wasn't human behaviour.' As Couzens today pleaded guilty to snatching Ms Everard, 33, off the street and then raping her, his wife of 15 years says she is still picking up the pieces of her shattered life and rebuilding it together with the couple's two young children. 'If I had any idea what was going on in Wayne's head, then none of this would've happened but I didn't know anything,' she said. 'He didn't appear to be acting strangely. I didn't notice anything was wrong. I'm working full time, most of the time I'm dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle. 'I can't comprehend it because he never once previously showed any glimpse of violence, he was never that way. I'm just as puzzled as everyone else. 'I saw nothing wrong. He had a beautiful family, a good house what else did he need? I'm constantly asking myself 'where I did miss the signs?' How on earth could this have happened?' Police still don't know what drove the Metropolitan Police firearms officer to hire a car and snatch Ms Everard off the street. The 48-year-old was a devoted family man on the surface, but made every effort to hide his dark behaviour from colleagues in Scotland Yard. Despite being an armed officer tasked with protecting politicians, dignitaries and VIPs, Couzens admitted regularly cavorting with prostitutes and was also suspected of taking dangerous body-building steroids. Just three days before abducting, raping and murdering Miss Everard, Couzens allegedly flashed two female members of staff at a McDonald's drive-thru restaurant in Swanley, Kent. Tragically, despite CCTV cameras identifying his car, he was not arrested for the alleged offence until it was too late. And an investigation is ongoing into claims Kent Police could have stopped Couzens five years ago, but they failed to properly investigate an allegation of indecent exposure when he was seen driving naked from the waist down, in 2015. In an exclusive interview, Elena recalls the moment armed police raided their modest two-bedroom semi-detached home in Deal, Kent, and arrested her husband of 15 years, assuming it was his colleagues playing a prank. It wasn't until police were still rifling through their things an hour later that she realised it was serious. Opening up for the first time, the mother-of-two reveals how she had to break the news to the couple's children - a daughter, 11, and son, nine - that their father had been arrested after they were moved into a temporary house. She also reached out the family of Ms Everard and said she cannot imagine what her parents are going through. As Wayne Couzens today pleaded guilty to snatching Sarah Everard, 33, off the street and then raping her, his wife of 15 years, Elena (pictured together), 38, says she is still picking up the pieces of her shattered life In an exclusive interview, Elena recalls the moment armed police raided their modest two-bedroom semi-detached home in Deal, Kent, and arrested her husband of 15 years, assuming it was his colleagues playing a prank 'He didn't appear to be acting strangely. I didn't notice anything was wrong. I'm working full time, most of the time I'm dropping the children off at school and picking them up, I have a really busy lifestyle', said Ms Couzens (pictured outside her home in Kent in March this year) Ms Everard had spent the evening at a friend's house on March 3 when she started to walk from Clapham to her home in Brixton Still seeking answers herself, Elena says: 'The only thing I can think of is manic depression. I know he suffered from depression, but it was always such a subtle thing, you couldn't always tell what it was. 'He'd be up and down. Sometimes he'd feel really happy and energised and he'd start doing things around the house. But I cannot explain why he did this.' Elena spoke before Couzens appeared at the Old Bailey this morning where he admitted Ms Everard's murder. He will be sentenced on September 29. Ms Everard had spent the evening at a friend's house on March 3 when she started to walk from Clapham to her home in Brixton. She had phoned her boyfriend, Josh Lowth, for 15-minutes shortly before being snatched off the street, killed and her body dumped in woodland near Ashford in Kent. Couzens, who worked for the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit, guarding embassies in the capital, was arrested at his home in nearby Deal, Kent, on March 9. Elena said: 'When the police arrived at the house, I was in shock. At first I thought it was a prank. I thought these are his friends playing a joke. 'Even an hour into the police search, I remember thinking this is a bit much for a prank but that's when I started asking questions. Elena (pictured in March this year) spoke before Couzens appeared at the Old Bailey this morning where he admitted Ms Everard's murder. He will be sentenced on September 29 Serving Met Police officer Couzens (above) from Deal, Kent, had been charged with the kidnap and murder of Ms Everard Wayne Couzens seen in a court sketch during a previous hearing relating to the case. His wife moved out of the family home with her daughter, 11, and nine-year-old son in March A number of areas were searched in Clapham as police tried to look for missing Sarah before they turned the hunt to Kent 'The children were here but luckily the police were very professional and the kids didn't have a clue about what was going on. They were just taken away.' Elena, a forensic scientist, moved out of the family home with her daughter, 11, and nine-year-old son in March when it became the centre of the murder investigation. They have now moved back in and she said that she has briefed the children on what has happened to their father as best she can. She said: 'The children know about what happened now but they heard it from me. I wanted them to hear it from me and I think I did a good job, they've accepted what's happened as best as anyone could. 'We are a safe triangle, I protect them, trust them. We have fun together. Their life goes on, as far as I'm concerned. They go to school and the school has been very supportive, everyone has been very supportive, especially the other school mums.' Sarah's family leave the Old Bailey after a previous hearing where Couzens made two guilty pleas. Her father Jeremy is seen on the left, with her sister Katie who can be seen on the right CCTV footage of Sarah Everard captured earlier on the night she was kidnapped in south London in March this year Ukrainian-born Elena has also gone back to work as a laboratory manager. She has contacted the devastated family of Ms Everard through intermediaries at the Metropolitan Police and added: 'I had a conversation with the officers asking them to pass on my condolences. I am sorry that this happened, what happened to Sarah should not happen to any woman but her family are grieving. 'The feelings I'm going through, they are going through much worse. It is horrendous. 'As a parent, I have my own two children. I do not want anything like that to happen to them. I cannot imagine the heartache that Sarah's parents are going through. 'If I had the power to bring anyone back from the dead, Sarah would be the first person that I would choose. I wish I could rewind the last three months and stop this from happening.' How was he still on the force? Killer cop Wayne Couzens was caught flashing six years ago and four days BEFORE he snatched Sarah Everard - as 12 cops face 'gross misconduct' probe over her murder By Dan Sales for MailOnline Sarah Everard's murderer and rapist PC Wayne Couzens, 48, is being investigated over more unsolved sex crimes as it emerged today he could have been caught six years ago when police failed to probe a flashing complaint against him - with 12 officers now under standards watchdog scrutiny. The Independent Office for Police Conduct revealed the allegation as it confirmed Couzens was suspected of two other indecent exposures feared not to have been properly probed by the Met force days before he killed Sarah. As Dame Cressida Dick apologised after the murderer's guilty plea at court this morning, her force refused to comment on what other crimes he may now been linked to. But the IOPC laid bare a series of worrying incidents and said it had served 12 officers from several forces with gross misconduct or misconduct notices with multiple investigations ongoing. One gross misconduct notice and six misconduct notices relate to a probe into allegations officers from 'a number of forces' breached standards of professional behaviour by sharing information linked to the prosecution of Couzens via a messaging app. Gross misconduct notices have been served to three officers over an investigation into a probationary Met Police constable who allegedly shared an inappropriate graphic relating to the Sarah Everard case with officers over social media before subsequently manning the cordon at the scene of the search for her. A probe into the Metropolitan Police's alleged failure to investigate allegations of indecent exposure linked to Couzens in February 2021 continues with two officers being investigated for possible breaches of professional standards that may amount to misconduct. A separate investigation is also ongoing into claims Kent Police failed to investigate an incident of indecent exposure in 2015, but no notices have been served by the IOPC to officers over this. An investigation into how Wayne Couzens sustained head injuries while in custody on both March 10 and March 12 following his arrest has almost concluded, the IOPC said, with all officers involved treated as witnesses. Kent Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: 'Kent Police made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to its investigation into an alleged indecent exposure in Dover in June 2015. 'It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst the IOPC continues to carry out its independent investigation.' The serving Metropolitan Police officer, appearing via video link from HMP Belmarsh, told the hushed Old Bailey today he murdered Sarah after the abduction and sex attack. Couzens, who may now face a rare whole life prison sentence, came up with an implausible lie an Eastern European gang had forced him to kidnap her after underpaying a prostitute. As the Met pursued its investigation the absurd story was dropped as he realised he could not escape justice. But despite his new confession, Couzens - a diplomatic protection officer - has still refused to explain why he carried out his crimes, offering brazen 'no comment' replies in every police interview. He had even tried to kill himself in custody by running into a wall at the station. He had meticulously planned the kidnap and hired a car three days earlier and bought a roll of self-adhesive film advertised as a carpet protector on Amazon. The circumstances of what happened after he took Sarah will not be detailed until a hearing in September, but the court was told investigations have found she was transferred to Couzens' own car in Kent, which is where he may have carried out the rape. Carolyn Oakley, CPS Specialist Prosecutor in the Special Crime Division, said: 'Wayne Couzens lied to the police when he was arrested and to date, he has refused to comment. We still do not know what drove him to commit this appalling crime against a stranger.' Questions will also be asked over whether the Met could have stopped him after an indecent exposure was reported to it four days before he struck. CCTV footage showed it was Couzens but it was not realised until after he had killed Sarah. The sequence of events are currently under investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct. Sarah was taken as she was walking home through Clapham Common from a friend's house towards Brixton on March 3. She had been reported missing by her boyfriend, who she called for around 14 minutes on an approximately 2.5 mile journey home which began at around 9pm. Hunched over in a grey prison tracksuit, bald and bearded Couzens' quietly answered 'guilty maam' when the charge was put to him by the court clerk. Tom Little, QC, prosecuting, confirmed today the cop did not 'and had never met Sarah' before he abducted her. Ms Everard's parents, Jeremy, a professor of electronics at the University of York, and her mother, Susan, were among members of Sarah's family in court to hear Couzens admit murder today. The marketing assistant, who grew up in York and lived in London, was seen on a doorbell camera at around 9pm walking along Poynders Road towards Tulse Hill. CCTV caught her alone at quarter past nine and again at 9.28pm, before she was seen on the camera of a marked police car at 9.32pm. Then at around 9.35pm, a bus camera captured two figures on the road and a white Vauxhall Astra with its hazard lights flashing. Footage from another bus caught the same car with both front doors open. Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, went missing as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham, South London, on March 3 Police today released this mugshot of murderer police officer Wayne Couzens after he admitted the offence this morning The vehicle was later confirmed to have been hired from Dover after police caught its registration number and traced it as it left London for Kent. Today the court heard investigators are still analysing scientific evidence relating to Wayne Couzens' own car, into which he transferred Ms Everard from the hire car he used to kidnap her. They believe it could establish where it was she was raped and murdered by the killer. Her disappearance saw a major Metropolitan Police investigation launched before her burnt body was found a week later in woodland in Kent. When the killer first appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 13, prosecutor Zoe Martin detailed how the investigation began the day after Ms Everard was last seen. 'Sarah Everard saw a friend in the Clapham Junction area, on March 3 and bought a bottle of wine. 'She left that address at about 9pm to come home. Her address was about two and half miles away and a 9.15pm she called her boyfriend for about 15 minutes. 'That call finished at 9.28pm and there has been no further activity on her phone since then. Couzens as he served as a Kent police officer before transferring to the Met Police elite unit where he was armed for his duties Jeremy Everard (second left), the father of Sarah Everard, leaves the Old Bailey, central London, at an earlier hearing Killer officer was accused of indecent exposure three days before he murdered Sarah The public reacted with horror when the Metropolitan Police announced that one of their own had been arrested over the death of Sarah Everard. Wayne Couzens, who is married with children, was a highly trusted member of the force's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command. The armed unit is responsible for guarding the Parliamentary estate, including Downing Street and the Palace of Westminster, as well as embassies in London. The 48-year-old officer had been accused of indecent exposure in a branch of fast food restaurant McDonald's three days before Miss Everard died, but was not arrested or taken off duty while the matter was investigated. A number of separate troubling incidents involving police officers have attracted public attention in recent months. In June, West Mercia Pc Benjamin Monk was convicted of the manslaughter of former footballer Dalian Atkinson, having kicked the 48-year-old in the head twice after what the judge called an 'excessive' 33-second use of a Taser. In April, former probationary Metropolitan Police officer Ben Hannam, 22, was found guilty of membership of banned right-wing extremist group National Action (NA) and jailed for four years. He had been with the London force for nearly two years before he was found on a leaked database of users of extreme right-wing forum Iron March and arrested last year. Hannam, who pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited image of a child, was also convicted of lying on his application and vetting forms to join the police and having two terror documents detailing knife combat and making explosive devices. In March, ex-Pc Oliver Banfield, who served with West Midlands Police, was given a curfew and ordered to pay compensation and costs after admitting assault by beating. Advertisement 'She was reported missing at 8.10pm on March 4 after she failed to meet her boyfriend as arranged. 'Investigating officers became involved on Friday March 5. Sarah Everard was captured on CCTV at 9.15pm. 'The next siting was at 9.28pm and again she was alone. 'At 9.38pm a bus camera captures two figures standing by a White Vauxhall Astra. One of the figures had lighter clothing and the other darker clothing. 'Another bus camera also capture the same vehicle. The registration of the vehicle was captured and the police tracked the vehicle using CCTV.' The Vauxhall drove to Tilmanstone in Kent. 'The white Vauxhall Astra is a hire car with Enterprise Car Hire in Dover. On 28 February 2021 Wayne Couzens (WC) booked a hire car using his name, address and two different mobile numbers. 'He paid a deposit using his bank card. WC collected the white Vauxhall Astra seen in the CCTV on Wednesday 3 March 2021 at 16.45 and returned it at approximately 08.30 on 4 March 2021. 'On investigating the telephone numbers given to Enterprise it is discovered that WC is a serving police officer; it is the same mobile number on his personal records at the MPS. 'He is currently employed within the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group and is a trained firearms officer. 'On 2 March 2021 at 19.00 he started work at his base in Lille Road, West Brompton and worked a 12-hour shift. He then began a period of leave and was not due back at work until Monday 8 March. 'On 5 March he reported to work that he was suffering with stress. On 6 March he emailed his supervisor to say that he no longer wanted to carry a firearm. On 8 March he reported in sick.' Couzens was arrested at his home in Deal on 9 March and interviewed but told investigators a pack of absurd lies. He initially said he 'did not know Sarah Everard '. 'He then disclosed that he had financial difficulties and he and his family were being threatened by a gang of Eastern Europeans,' said the prosecutor. 'He said that 2/3 weeks ago he had underpaid a prostitute (he usually meets them at Hotel Bursten or the Holiday Inn in Folkestone) and a gang with links to this prostitute told him that, as a consequence, he had to deliver them 'another girl'. 'They said that if he didn't, they would harm his family. He also detailed that that the gang had been watching him at his house. 'He said he kidnapped SE and drove her out of London. When he got between Ashford and Maidstone, he was flashed by a Mercedes Van with Romanian number plates. Sarah's murder sparked outpouring of grief Kind, caring and beautiful', Sarah Everard came to represent women everywhere who feel unsafe on the streets of Britain. Lockdowns intensified the vulnerabilities of lone women who took to the streets on foot or bicycle rather than risk public transport during the Covid-19 crisis. On March 3, the 33-year-old marketing executive had picked up a bottle of wine before visiting a friend in Clapham, south London, and later decided to walk two-and-a-half miles home. The last time her boyfriend, Josh Lowth, spoke to her was in a 14-minute phone call after she set off. Her route through south London was tracked by CCTV and even a passing police car dashcam - yet none was able stop the unfolding horror. As a serving police officer, Pc Wayne Couzens might have appeared to her as a trusted figure before the dreadful realisation of his true intent. After Ms Everard was found dead in woodland in Kent, her family issued a statement, describing her as a 'shining example'. They said: 'Sarah was bright and beautiful - a wonderful daughter and sister. 'She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable. 'She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour. 'She was strong and principled and a shining example to us all. 'We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives.' Amid the outpouring of shock and grief, women came together to share their experiences and push for more to be done to stem the tide of violence. Advertisement 'He pulled into a layby and three Eastern European men got out of the van and took SE. 'This was between 23.00 and 23.30 on 3 March 2021 and she was still alive and uninjured when he delivered her to the men. 'He gave a description of the men and a rough indication of the location of the exchange. 'Police established that WC and his wife purchased a small area of land in 2019. 'The woodland is off Fridd Lane in Ashford. This together with the phone data which will be briefly summarised, led to the area being designated as a crime scene. 'At about 16.45 on 10 March 2021 a body was discovered approximately 100 meters away from the area owned by WC. The body was in a large green builders' bag and deposited in a stream. As referred to, dental records have confirmed that this is the body of SE.' Couzens had made several recent purchases on Amazon. On 28 February, the day he booked the hire car, he purchased a roll of self-adhesive film advertised as a carpet protector. On 5 March Couzens was seen on CCTV at B&Q in Dover purchasing two green rubble bags for 9.94. The transcation is confirmed from his banking records. On 6 March the officer ordered a two metre by 2 metre tarpaulin and a bungee cargo net. The items were shipped to him the next day. Ms Everard's phone has never been found. Couzens' mobile was seized but it had been wiped of all data at 7.11pm on March 9. Earlier in the case's long history Couzens' lawyer Jim Sturman QC said: 'Responsibility for the killing is also admitted.' During a previous hearing in June via videolink Couzens sat with his head bowed, only repeating 'guilty sir' when charges were put to him. Sarah's family were in court that day too for the 20-minute hearing and saw him make his pleas. Today Tom Little, QC, prosecuting, told the court: 'Before the defendant kidnapped Sarah Everard, he had not previously met her, he did not know her, and did not have direct or indirect contact with her. 'They were total strangers to each other.' There was a huge search for Sarah Everard after she went missing after visiting a friend A handout photo made available by the Metropolitan Police of Sarah Everard Sarah's death prompted a vigil in her memory to be held in London near where she vanished Police officers clash with people as they form a gathering in Clapham Common, South London, after the Reclaim These Streets vigil for Sarah Everard was officially cancelled on March 13 Met's apology over revealing how Sarah died The Metropolitan Police's senior investigator in the Sarah Everard murder case has apologised 'wholeheartedly' after the force put out a press release revealing her alleged cause of death. The trial judge, Lord Justice Fulford, criticised the release of the interim findings of the pathologist before the material had been considered by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewing lawyer or the defence. At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday June 4, which members of Ms Everard's family watched by video link, prosecutor Tom Little QC said the press release had been issued 'a matter of hours' after the report was uploaded to the court's digital case files. 'The prosecution case will be that she was strangled, there's no doubt about that. How that came into the public domain is another matter,' said Mr Little. 'DCI Katherine Goodwin apologises wholeheartedly to the court and the defence for the fact this press release was issued in terms setting out in very short form the underlying evidence. 'But this was done before the material had even been considered by the reviewing lawyer, the court and the defence.' DCI Goodwin sat in court throughout the hearing. The judge said the Met's directorate of media and communications 'was responsible for providing the information to the press', which had been justified on the 'basis of transparency' after repeated requests for an update from the media on Ms Everard's cause of death. The court heard the pathologist Dr Ben Swift had not been able to provide a final report until Professor Charles Mangham had reviewed the evidence. 'This is in fact an interim rather than a final finding which may go to underscore the undesirability of this kind of event taking place,' said the judge. Lord Justice Fulford detailed the reporting of the release but did not criticise the press. He said: 'Whatever the strict position in law, given this press release came from the Metropolitan Police, it is unsurprising that this material was reported by the press, given the appearance of authorisation that had been created in the way in which this material was provided to the press. 'I do not therefore in these particular circumstances in any sense criticise the press for what happened.' Advertisement Psychiatric reports are yet to be prepared, and Lord Justice Fulford said: 'This has been a mammoth investigation which has produced some very significant results to establish what happened. Mr Little said: 'It was a very swift investigation in which the defendant was identified very quickly given the limited CCTV evidence available to identify the suspect.' Jim Sturman, QC, for Couzens, said: 'He has pleaded guilty today based on genuine guilt. 'He accepts that the victims in this case are Ms Everard's family and friends, not him. 'He will bear this burden for the rest of his life and in his words 'I deserve it'.' Lord Justice Fulford remanded Couzens in custody ahead of a two day sentence listed to begin on September 29. The prosecution had objected to bail when Couzens first appeared at the Old Bailey in March over fears he would kill himself. Mr Little had said: 'The objections to bail are failure to surrender second a fear of further offending and third remand for the defendants own protection. 'In relation to a failure to surrender we rely on the gravity of the offences, the strength of the evidence and the substantial media coverage setting out what we submit is a substantial risk that he will try to abscond if granted bail. 'He obviously has some knowledge having trained as a police officer which might assist him in that regard. Couzens is a member of the elite Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection squad a role that entitled him to carry a firearm and a Metropolitan Police warrant card. Formed in 2015, the unit is responsible for the protection of government owned buildings and embassies as well as ministers and visiting heads of state. As part of his armed duties protecting MPs and dignitaries, Couzens has provided static security for major public events attended by senior members of the Royal Family. All police recruits undergo careful vetting to check whether they have a criminal record when they join the force. To be accepted into the elite Westminster armed unit, officers must face rigorous tests and firearms training. Scotland Yard has referred itself to the police watchdog over the arrest of its own officer and separately over the force's actions after Sarah was reported missing. It was previously revealed she spent a quarter of an hour on the phone making plans to see her boyfriend Josh Lowth the following day, before her mobile was either switched off or ran out of battery. Mr Lowth, 33, whose LinkedIn says he is Marketing Director at MA Exhibitions, later raised the alarm to police when she failed to meet him as she had arranged, her aunt confirmed. The death toll from the record-breaking heatwave that struck the Pacific Northwest last week has risen to nearly 200 people as Oregon and Washington State authorities report 116 and 78 deaths, respectively. The update comes as Washington State reels from the loss of life as it saw more than twice as many people suffer from heat-related deaths this past week than in the last five years combined. The heatwave rocketed temperatures up to more than 95 degrees, with some areas in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia hitting as high as 115 degrees. The heatwave lasted from June 26 to July 1. The historically scorching temperatures are the result of a high-pressure jet stream known as a 'heat dome,' which is essentially trapping the hot weather in place. 'This huge jump in mortality due to heat is tragic and something many people thought they'd never see in the Pacific Northwest with its mostly moderate climate,' said Scott Lindquist, the state's acting health officer. 'But climates are changing, and we see the evidence of that with dramatic weather events, major flooding, historic forest fires, and more.' Many found refuge from last week's unprecedented heatwave at the cooling shelter in Portland. The state attributed a total of 116 deaths to the heat, saying many of the victims lacked the means to cool themselves amid temperatures that reached as high as 115 degrees. Of the 116 deaths recorded in Oregon, most of the deaths occurred in Multnomah County. Officials said many of the victims had no air conditioners or fans and died alone. The youngest victim was 37, and the oldest was 97. On Tuesday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered state agencies to review how Oregon could improve its response to heat emergencies and enacted emergency rules to protect workers from extreme heat after a farm laborer collapsed and died on June 26 at a nursery in rural St. Paul. June's heatwave across North America resulted in the continent having the hottest June on record. The average temperature spiked 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the average from 1991-2020 The average surface temperature for June in North America was 0.25 degrees Fahrenheit higher than June 2012, the previous record According to Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service agency, the average temperature for June in North America spiked 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the average from 1991-2020. The average surface temperature was 0.25 degrees Fahrenheit higher than it was in June 2012, which had held the previous record. The 'once in 10,000 years' event is being caused by a heat dome, which means the warmth extends high into the atmosphere and impacts pressure and wind patterns. A mountain of hot air is trapped by high-pressure conditions, further heating its and compressing it like a lid and wedging the high pressure between areas of low pressure, pushing cooler air away. The 'once in 10,000 years' event is being caused by a heat dome, which means the warmth extends high into the atmosphere and impacts pressure and wind patterns The wild temperatures are stretching from the US west coast up to Canada where records have now been broken for three days in a row The drought has brought on a crisis to the diverse basin filled with flat vistas of sprawling alfalfa and potato fields, teeming wetlands and steep canyons of old-growth forests. The Climate Change Service agency also noted that the European continent had its second-warmest June on record, behind only June 2019, up 1.5 degrees Celsius over the 1991-2020 average. Northwest and southern Africa, along with Iran, Afghanistan and western Pakistan also saw 'unusually high temperatures,' Copernicus added in its climate bulletin. 'Arctic Siberia also experienced high temperatures. Antarctic temperatures were predominantly colder than usual.' June 2021 was the fourth hottest June globally, behind 2016, 2019 and 2020 June 2021 was the fourth hottest June globally, behind 2016, 2019 and 2020. 'Globally, the twelve-month period to June 2021 was 0.28 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1991-2020 average,' the statement noted. It's likely that the US will experience a hotter than normal summer, according to recent analysis from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as climate change continues to disrupt weather patterns all over the planet. Scientists largely agree that temperatures could rise anywhere between 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) and 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) by the end of the century, due to rising carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Scientists largely agree that temperatures could rise anywhere between 2.7-5.4 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century, due to rising carbon emissions and greenhouse gases Ron DeSantis risks the wrath of Donald Trump as his political star rises. Even as he runs for a second term as governor of Florida, DeSantis is being mentioned as a top White House contender. Trump has not ruled out another run at the Oval Office in 2024. And DeSantis is already taking baby steps to split with Trump even as he courts MAGA supporters and talks with GOP donors during visits to Mar-a-Lago. In the wake of the Surfside building collapse, DeSantis, who built his reputation as a partisan governor willing to defy COVID restrictions to keep his state open, has turned the other cheek. He's stood with local officials, including Democrats, as they assessed the damage. And he sat next to Joe Biden when the president came down for a briefing and to meet with rescue officials, nodding along as Biden patted his hand in solidarity. But most telling could be his absence. DeSantis skipped Trump's campaign Sarasota last weekend, citing his duty to the Surfside community, where at least 64 people have died in the condo collapse and more than 70 are still missing. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, visit a memorial to those missing outside the 12-story Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside, Florida President Joe Biden and Gov. Ron DeSantis at a July 1 briefing on the condo collapse He's still the conservative populist who rarely parts with Trump. But unlike the former president, DeSantis is showing that he can tone down some of his most extreme partisan rhetoric during a disaster. 'The governor has been decisive. Hes been constant. Hes been collaborative,' Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, a Democrat who has sparred with DeSantis in the past, said in an interview. 'Hats off to the governor for how he has supported us in this crisis.' Charles Burkett, the nonpartisan mayor of Surfside, called the level of cooperation 'astounding, even surprising.' Of course, DeSantis isn't ushering in a new era of bipartisanship or a Republican return to reality-based rhetoric. The governor has dodged direct questions on whether Biden's victory in last year's election was fair. A day after the collapse, DeSantis promoted an unusual plan to deploy officers from Florida to the southern border, a move Democrats dismiss as political theater. Still, DeSantis' actions present a sharp contrast with Trump. The former president often threatened to withhold aid to Democratic officials who criticized him, including Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York. At other times, he appeared insensitive or clumsy in his response to people's suffering. During a visit to hurricane damaged Puerto Rico, for instance, Trump tossed rolls of paper towels into a crowd of residents. Mac Stipanovich, a former Republican campaign strategist, said DeSantis is 'less frightening than Trump' to some voters even as he steadily courts the former president's base. DeSantis 'has a finely tuned sense of what is the best red meat, on any given day, to throw to the MAGA base and he does it with some skill and no shame,' Stipanovich said. 'Soon as were beyond the window of this tragedy, everybody will be at each others throats once again.' Indeed, the debate could swiftly move to how the state and local governments manage aging infrastructure. Officials in Miami-Dade County are moving forward with a 30-day audit of buildings that are more than 40 years old. DeSantis has questioned the necessity of a statewide review of older buildings. Gov. DeSantis skipped Donald Trump's July 3 rally in Sarasota, Fla. While effective responses to catastrophes can help burnish a governor's political reputation, the boost can sometimes prove fleeting. Former Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Chris Christie of New Jersey were widely praised for their response to devastating storms. But Trump, who never held political office before running for president, defeated both men for the 2016 Republican nomination. DeSantis' handling of the tragedy appears to have caught some Democrats off guard, leaving them with no unified response. Rep. Charlie Crist, a Democrat hoping to challenge DeSantis next year, didn't respond to requests for comment on the governor's response to the collapse. Nikki Fried, Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner who has also announced a bid for governor, praised local officials, Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But she knocked DeSantis for wading into the politically charged immigration debate by sending Florida law enforcement to the border with Mexico. 'Although the Florida Division of Emergency Management has been working around the clock to support search and rescue efforts, it was unfortunate that Governor DeSantis diverted first responders to the southern border during this incredibly difficult time for the Miami community and our entire state,' she said. Rep. Val Demings, a Democrat challenging GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, said she was 'glad to see productive partnership between local, state, and federal officials as we work to save lives.' 'In times of crisis,' she said, 'we need to set partisanship aside and do whats right for our communities.' DeSantis is gaining national attention at a critical juncture for Republicans. While Trump decides whether to run again in 2024, those with presidential ambitions are making aggressive moves to position themselves as his heir should he opt against a campaign. For his part, DeSantis has said he is focused more on winning reelection next year than the 2024 contest. He is one of the few leading Republicans who has not yet visited Iowa, home to the leadoff presidential caucuses and a state dominated by conservative evangelicals who can sway the GOP's direction. But DeSantis led a straw poll of presidential contenders at the by the Western Conservative Summit last month with 75 percent to Trump's 72 percent. Democrats are already using the 2024 reports against him, arguing to Florida voters that, if they give DeSantis a second term, he will immediately pivot to a White House race. For now, Trump remains happy to be aligned with DeSantis. But several people in touch with the former president and his team said he has paid close attention as DeSantis has wooed donors at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in South Florida and gained traction in some conservative circles. If DeSantis popularity rises and he threatens Trumps status as the undisputed leader of the party, many Republicans privately expect Trump to turn on the governor. Friction between the two spilled into the public for the first time last week when Trump rebuffed DeSantis entreaties to postpone the rally in Sarasota. Trump, who opened his remarks with a moment of silence for the victims in Surfside and their families, told the conservative network Newsmax that he and DeSantis had 'mutually agreed' that the governor should skip the rally. Trump has sought to keep the upper hand in the relationship, bringing up his early endorsement in several recent interviews. He has also said he would consider DeSantis as a potential running mate if he chose to run again for president. Police have warned car owners over keyless thefts as a gang is jailed for 23 years for stealing high-performance motors worth 2.6million. The group frequently used cloned wireless key signals to open the doors of cars parked on drives across Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire - therefore avoid the need to break into houses to steal key fobs. In total, the gang were responsible for 162 burglaries, thefts and attempted burglaries. Around 2.6million- worth of cars, jewellery and other luxury items was stolen, police said. The vehicles included Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Land Rover and Mini models. Seven gang members were sentenced to a total of 23 years and three months in prison at Liverpool Crown court today. Police have warned of a rise in the number of keyless thefts in recent months, and have urged vigilance among drivers. A keyless car theft gang have been jailed for 23 years for stealing high-performance motors worth 2.6million. Pictured: CCTV footage shows the thieves stealing a BMW from a house in Liverpool Neil O'Brien, 19, (left) of Knotty Ash, was jailed for six years in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. Noah Hassan, 29, (right) was sentenced to four years and nine months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles How can drivers prevent keyless car theft? Keep keyless entry fobs out of sight or hidden Buy a Faraday Bag/signal blocking case to keep keys in. These can be bought online. To make sure they work in blocking the signal, try to unlock your car with the key still in the bag Use physical security devices, such as mechanical steering locks, driveway posts, wheel clamps and trackers If you have a vehicle that is not keyless, park this in front of the keyless vehicle Contact your dealer and check if your vehicle has any outstanding software updates, which may improve security Check if the keyless fob can be turned off/on, your dealer can confirm and advise how to do this Be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood to the police Advertisement Merseyside Police's Operation Castle - an dedicated burglary team - said the investigation into the group is the biggest they have ever completed. The court heard how 50-year-old gang member Paula Heathers was in a relationship with Keith Russell - a senior player in the group. Russell received payment for some of the burglaries from the gang's ringleader via Heathers, who accepted deposits into her bank account, Liverpool Crown Court heard. Heathers was briefly detained yesterday when she allegedly took photographs of police officers and lawyers on her mobile phone, inside the court. She was released from the dock and told she would be summoned back to court at a later date. The other gang members sentenced today were: Lewis Tankard, 20, of Huyton, was jailed for five years and seven months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles Neil O'Brien, 19, of Knotty Ash, was jailed for six years in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles Noah Hassan, 29, was sentenced to four years and nine months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles Stephen Hooten, 29, of Craigburn Road, Tuebrook, was sentenced to five years and two months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles Sireen Rafiq, 36 - also known as Shamilia Tabassum - from Blackburn, Lancashire, was sentenced to 21 months for transferring criminal property Paula Heathers, 50, of Stoneycroft, was sentenced to 14 months suspended for two years and 115 hours of unpaid work for possessing criminal property Susan Russell , 20, of Stockbridge Village, was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years, 60 hours unpaid work and a curfew, following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court Three more men - including Russell - will be sentenced later this year. The court heard how 50-year-old gang member Paula Heathers (pictured) was in a relationship with Keith Russell - a senior player in the group. Heathers was briefly detained yesterday when she allegedly took photographs of police officers and lawyers on her mobile phone, inside the court Lewis Tankard, 20, (left) of Huyton, was jailed for five years and seven months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. Stephen Hooten, 29, (right) of Craigburn Road, Tuebrook, was sentenced to five years and two months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles Detective Sergeant Darren Hankin of Operation Castle said: 'It is very pleasing to see this OCG (organised crime group) dismantled following an extensive operation, working closely with our colleagues at our neighbouring Cheshire and Lancashire forces. Mother-of-two gang member 'took photos of police officers in court after being spared jail for money laundering' A mother-of-two allegedly took photos of police officers in court after she was spared jail for money laundering. Paula Heathers, 50, was in a relationship with 42-year-old Keith Russell, described as one of the main players in a 2.5m burglary plot. Prosecutors said Russell received payment for some of the burglaries from the gang's ringleader via Heathers, who accepted deposits into her bank account. She was set to walk free from court after her defence lawyer outlined the impact that jailing her would have on her two sons, both of whom have ADHD. But after she was spared jail and decided to stay and watch other members of the gang being sentenced, she took out her mobile phone and started taking photos which is strictly forbidden and carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. Heathers was arrested and detained in the cells at Liverpool Crown Court, before she claimed only to have taken the photos to show one of her sons what court looks like. Advertisement 'It soon became clear that this OCG were sophisticated, prolific and causing misery wherever they went. 'The OCG organised their burglary of vehicles and their onward distribution via a network of associates. 'Operation Castle is a dedicated team of detectives and we've seen more than 500 years in prison handed out to suspects since we launched in 2018. 'Every sentence handed down makes the communities of Merseyside and beyond safer from the harm, distress and inconvenience that burglary brings.' Discussing the keyless thefts, Detective Sergeant Hankin added: 'Theft offences we investigated as part of this operation were keyless entries, something we have seen emerging in recent months in Merseyside and elsewhere. 'As well as the undoubted deterrent of today's sentences, we're keen to educate owners of keyless cars on some simple, inexpensive steps they can take to minimise the chances of their cars being stolen in this way. 'While keeping your keyless entry fobs out of sight or hidden is recommended, it does not necessarily stop it from being cloned. 'We are asking car owners to consider investing in a Faraday Bag/signal blocking case for their keys. 'They block the signal from the fob, are relatively inexpensive - costing as little as around 5 - and are widely available online. 'It is important however to research the product you are buying and once purchased check that they effectively block the signal by trying to open your car while the key is in the bag or case. 'Additional physical security devices, such as mechanical steering locks, driveway posts, wheel clamps and trackers are also effective in protecting vehicles from thieves. 'If you have a vehicle that is not keyless, it would be advisable to park this in front of the keyless vehicle.' Police have released CCTV footage as part of their latest search efforts after a father and his son have still not been found more than five days after being declared missing. James Malone, four, was last seen playing with his father Ian, 44, at around 10.15am on Sunday, July 4 near an address in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. Ian had met James as part of a planned visit but during their trip, he left the area with his son and neither of them have been seen or heard from since. Northumbria Police released a 10-second CCTV clip of the pair on Sunday, July 4, believed to be the last time they were seen together, earlier this week. James Malone, four, was last seen playing with his father Ian, 44, at around 10.15am on Sunday, July 4 near an address in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead Northumbria Police released this CCTV footage of Ian and James together when they were last spotted on Sunday, July 4 Although the force has been desperately searching for Ian and James for five days, they have not yet traced them. Earlier this week detectives released images of Ian but now they have released a picture of James, and CCTV footage of the pair in Rowlands Gill on the day they disappeared. Ian is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall, slight build and with mousy brown hair. He was last seen wearing a dark coloured jacket, jeans and trainers. James has curly, auburn hair and was last seen wearing a rust coloured t-shirt Chief Superintendent Sav Patsalos is the Central Area Commander at Northumbria Police and has asked anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward. Ian is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall, slight build and with mousy brown hair. James has curly, auburn hair and was last seen wearing a rust coloured t-shirt He said: 'Our top priority is the welfare of Ian and James and the focus of our investigation is making sure we can locate them safe and well. 'We have carried out a number of enquiries in recent days but know that assistance from the public could be crucial to tracing their whereabouts. 'We are now in a position to release an image of James and are today also releasing some CCTV footage that shows the pair together after their disappearance. 'A number of people have already called us with information, and we are following up on every lead, but we still need anyone with information to come forward. 'If you think you have seen Ian and James in recent days, or could help us trace their whereabouts, then please get in touch with us immediately.' If you think you've seen Ian & James in recent days, please call 101, quoting NP-20210704-0851. Britain and the EU clashed today over Brussels' demand for a Brexit 'divorce payment' than is billions of pounds more than the UK is willing to pay. Downing Street rejected a new net figure that emerged in Brussels' latest accounts of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion). No 10 insisted the figure Britain owes remains within the range of its previous estimates of between 35 billion and 39 billion. Downing Street said it does not accept the revised sum, but the EU insisted that the figure was 'final', setting up a potentially combustable legal battle over the cost of Brexit. The bill, buried in the EU's accounts for 2020, states that 6.8 billion euros (5.8 billion) is to be paid by the UK this year. The row comes amid an ongoing face-off over Brexit laws covering Northern Ireland Frost blames NI Brexit woes on predecessors Brexit minister Lord Frost has blamed negotiators under Theresa May as being responsible to a 'very large degree' for issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Conservative peer was grilled in person by assembly members on Stormont's Executive Office Committee, which is scrutinising issues arising from Brexit, on Friday. Lord Frost argued that the problems with the post-Brexit agreement that has caused a trade barrier in the Irish Sea are largely down to the EU's implementation of the deal he helped broker. But he argued that the protocol could have been better negotiated if it were not for the work done by the team of Boris Johnson's predecessor as prime minister. DUP member Christopher Stalford quoted Mrs May's former chief of staff, Lord Barwell, who has claimed the Mr Johnson's Government 'knew it was a bad deal' but intended to 'wriggle out of it later'. Mr Stalford said that Lord Frost had inherited 'a dog's breakfast of a deal, adding: 'You've been left to clean up the mess haven't you?' Lord Frost responded: 'I would say that it was the inheritance that we inherited from the previous Government and from the previous negotiating team that has been a significant part of the difficulty and the reason the protocol is shaped as it is is because we had a particular inheritance from the previous team who could not get their deal, rightly in my view, through Parliament. 'Unfortunately we were not able to go back to scratch and do things in a different way and I think the previous team are to a very large degree responsible for some of the infelicities in this protocol and the Withdrawal Agreement that we might be better without but unfortunately we are where we are.' Advertisement 'We don't recognise that figure, it's an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes,' a No 10 spokesman told reporters today. 'For example, it doesn't reflect all the money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay. 'Our estimate remains in the central range of between 35 and 39 billion and we will publish full details in Parliament shortly.' The so-called divorce bill covers spending commitments made during the 47 years of the UK's membership of the bloc. A methodology for calculating the sum was agreed during negotiations for the Withdrawal Agreement that paved the way for the UK's departure, but an exact figure was not agreed. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimated it to be 37.1 billion in 2018. But accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years. European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro bill for 2021 had been paid on time and in full. 'The report is final,' Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. 'And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement. He said the bill amounts to '47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years.' The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June. 'Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested,' Ujvari said Former President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on authors of books about his administration, after enduring weeks of unflattering excerpts describing behind-the-scenes divisions, dysfunction and squabbles. His intervention appeared to be triggered by an anecdote in a forthcoming book by journalist Michael Bender, describing how he threw a newspaper article at Vice President Mike Pence as they argued about personnel moves. It is just one of a slew of new accounts lifting the lid on Trump's turbulent time at the White House. 'It seems to me that meeting with authors of the ridiculous number of books being written about my very successful administration, or me, is a total waste of time,' said Trump in a statement sent by his political action committee. 'They write whatever they want to write anyway without sources, fact-checking, or asking whether or not an event is true or false.' Former President Donald Trump reacted with fury to a string of unflattering books on Friday, saying many of their stories were false or made-up. Two books, by journalist Michael Bender and Michael Wolff, are due to be published next week Trump dismissed books about his administration as containing stories that are 'made up, or pure fiction.' Two are due to be published next week promising more unflattering headlines 'Frankly, so many stories are made up, or pure fiction.' Bender's book, 'Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost,' will be published next week. It reveals how Trump told his stunned Chief of Staff John Kelly that 'Hitler did a lot of good things,' according to The Guardian. It also describes one of the rare disagreements between Trump and Pence, triggered by the president in 2018 learning that his vice president hired his former campaign aide Corey Lewandowski. 'So disloyal,' said Trump as he threw a crumpled newspaper article about the hiring at Pence. Pence was reportedly furious, pointing a finger a few inches from Trump's chest, as he told him he had made the hire on the advice of the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner and that they had discussed it over lunch. 'We walked you through every detail of this,' said Pence, according to an excerpt published by the Wall Street Journal. 'We did this for you as a favor. And this is how you respond? 'You need to get your facts straight.' The publishing industry is awash with books about the final months of the Trump administration, revealing behind-the-scenes tensions and rows In his book, Bender said he had twice been invited to Mar-a-Lago to interview the former president and on Friday he said he stood by the reporting in his book In one of two statements issued on Friday, Trump dismissed Bender as a 'third-rate reporter.' 'No such fight ever happened, it is fiction as are so many others stories written in the vast number of books coming out about me,' he said. But his statement is a reminder that Trump faces a problem in delivering his side of the story: He has yet to sign a book deal. Reports suggest publishers fear a public backlash and are at a loss to know how to manage an author with a relaxed attitude towards facts. Meanwhile, the flow of books about him continues. A account of the White House response to the COVID-19 pandemic - 'Nightmare Scenario: Inside the Trump Administration's Response to the Pandemic that Changed History' - revealed how aides feared Trump might die after becoming ill with the coronavirus, despite officials insisting he only went to hospital out of 'an abundance of caution.' And more bombshells are expected when Michael Wolff's 'Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency' is published next week. Excerpts have already revealed that Trump considered calling off the 2020 election because of the pandemic and that he mulled a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, companion to Jeffrey Epstein, such was his concern about being linked to the financier's sex scandal. Then there is 'I Alone Can Fix It' by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker due a week after that. They will be followed by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Woodward and Robert Costa of The Washington Post, whose book is expected in the fall. Not to mention those due next year. Until now, Trump had tried a charm offensive, inviting journalists including Bender to his Florida home at Mar-a-Lago. Aides also offered fact-checking services. On Friday, he changed tack, dismissing the books as works of invention. 'These writers are often bad people who write whatever comes to their mind or fits their agenda. 'It has nothing to do with facts or reality. So when reading the garbage that the Fake News Media puts out, please remember this and take everything with a grain of salt.' For his part, Bender said he had corroborated details of the Trump-Pence bust-up. 'I stand by my reporting,' he tweeted in response to Trump's statement. 'The fight happened in front of others and multiple sources confirmed. 'It is correct - and just one of many revealing details in the excerpt and still unreported in the book.' St George Illawarra's dirty dozen remain in limbo with some of the club's sidelined players refusing to sign a statutory declaration over details of last week's Covid bubble breach. All 12 players who attended Paul Vaughan's infamous party on July 3 have been provided with a statement from the NRL, asking them to sign off on the details. Included in it is confirmation that no-one from outside of the club's bubble was at the party besides NSW Police, and that no ride sharing, taxis or public transport were used to travel to or from Vaughan's house. The full extent of the breach is pictured above, as 12 players were fined and host, Paul Vaughan losing his lucrative $800k contract The information in the statement is from details provided to the NRL Integrity Unit as part of investigations last Sunday and Monday. None of the group are able to return to training or playing until all declarations are returned, to ensure there is no risk of a biosecurity threat. In a copy of the document published by the Daily Telegraph, players are warned of 'significant penalties' from the NRL if they provide 'false, incomplete or inaccurate information'. The Dragons had hoped to have the group back at training on Friday, but their absence combined with that of State of Origin players meant there were less than five players in attendance from their last game. The club are also closing in on a plan on how to manage each of the players' one-game bans through the next four rounds, provided the declarations are signed. When police arrived at Paul Vaughan's house (pictured) they found some players running down the streets and others hiding in cupboards. Jack de Belin was hiding underneath a bed The suspensions must be served between the next two-to-four weeks, with games against Manly, Gold Coast, South Sydney and Canberra. The clashes against the Titans and Raiders in particular are crucial, as they battle with both for the bottom two spots in the top eight. St George Illawarra are currently placed seventh, but have a hard run home and have lost Vaughan from their squad after sacking him immediately. They are expected to at least have Warriors forward Jamayne Taunoa-Brown on a short-term deal to cover their shortcomings in the middle. Each of the offending players have already been fined a combined $305,000 by the NRL, as well as $1000 by NSW Police for breaching stay-at-home orders. The party took place on July 3rd, as Police were called to Paul Vaughan's Shellharbour home about 9.45pm after neighbours complained of a noisy get together taking place. The alleged breach occurred after St George Illawarra came from 12 points behind to beat the New Zealand Warriors in golden point on Friday night (pictured) What officers saw when they arrived was like something they're used to seeing when they're called out to an underage party brimming with illegal booze. Vaughan, a veteran St George Illawarra prop, copped the most serious punishment of the lot, having his lucrative $800,000-a-season contract torn up for his repeated Covid breaches. Most guests at Vaughan's party did an abysmal job at hiding from the cops. Troubled playmaker Corey Norman reportedly legged it out the back door but forgot his car - fitted with personalised number plates - was parked out the front. The only player who was any good at the impromptu game of hide and seek was star lock Jack de Belin, who escaped immediate punishment by allegedly hiding under a bed but handed himself in two days later at the behest of his club. Donald Trump lashed out against attorney general Bill Barr after a fruitless attempt to recruit a federal attorney to probe the 2020 election and called him a 'phony', a new book claims. In the weeks following the November election, Barr - until then a staunch Trump ally - publicly began distancing himself from the former president's wild claims of widespread fraud. Trump had made personal calls to U.S. attorneys in swing districts urging them to open an investigation into President Joe Biden's victory, according to an excerpt of Michael Wolff's book Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency in the Daily Beast. When they didn't, he turned his anger toward an increasingly distant Barr, claiming 'If I had won, Barr would have licked the floor if I asked him to. What a phony!' Donald Trump called Bill Barr a 'phony' after the former president failed to find a U.S. attorney to probe the 2020 election results, a new book claims (pictured holding a press conference in Bedminster on July 7) Wolff's third book on the Trump White House delves into the dramatic fallout of an outgoing president desperately trying to cling to power - even as his own circle expressed unease. Barr resigned from his role in early December and stepped down after Christmas, seemingly drawing a line after months of walking in lock-step with Trump. Wolff's new book is his third about Donald Trump He said in the weeks following the election the U.S. intelligence community found no evidence of fraud "on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election" in an interview with the Associated Press. Months later Barr went even further and told The Atlantic that Trump's claims were 'bulls--t' and he suspected 'all the way along' that 'there was nothing there.' His apparent initial suspicions did not dissuade him from launching an investigation into 'substantial allegations' that could 'potentially impact the outcome' of the race, just days after Biden was declared the 46th president, according to a Justice Department memo. It was after pressure from fellow DOJ officials and Mitch McConnell that Barr voiced his opposition. In the months leading up to the election Barr also echoed his boss's unfounded criticisms of mail-in voting. He likened it to 'playing with fire' in an interview with CNN. Barr's sudden and direct criticism of Trump was seemingly a first for the longtime lawyer. He previously dismissed allegations over Trump's 2016 campaign seeking help from Russia as a 'bogus narrative' and even appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham to investigate Special Counsel Robert Muller's probe of that election - which turned up no meaningful results and has now gone on longer than Mueller's. The latest revelation in the public fallout between Trump and Barr is just one of many bombshell claims Wolff makes in his book. 'If I had won, Barr would have licked the floor if I asked him to. What a phony!' Trump said of an increasingly distant then-attorney general Barr, formerly a staunch Trump ally, said in the weeks following the election the U.S. intelligence community found no evidence of fraud "on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election" (pictured in September 2020) Trump reportedly told a 'stunned' John Kelly during his 2018 Europe trip to mark 100 years since the end of World War I that 'Hitler did a lot of good things.' Kelly allegedly admonished Trump that 'You cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler,' though the book claims Trump continued. Another excerpt in Wolff's book features a fearful ex-president fretting that Jeffrey Epstein's close associate Ghislaine Maxwell would drag him into the late pedophile's sex scandal and even mulled pardoning her. 'Has she said anything about me?' Trump said in January 2021, according to an excerpt of Wolff's book in The Times. 'Is she going to talk? Will she roll on anybody?' Trump released a statement Friday blasting 'authors of the ridiculous number of books' written about him since his departure from the White House. 'They write whatever they want to write anyway without sources, fact-checking, or asking whether or not an event is true or false,' he said. He called Wolff and other authors 'bad people, adding 'when reading the garbage that the Fake News Media puts out, please remember this and take everything with a grain of salt.' The French state has acquired the original manuscript of the Marquis de Sade's 120 Days Of Sodom for 4million, safeguarding for the country a work declared a national treasure, the culture ministry said on Friday. The 18th-century erotic masterpiece has endured a turbulent destiny over the centuries but the future of the original text now appears secure after a private benefactor stepped in with the money. In December 2017, the culture ministry had stepped in to pull the sale of the manuscript from an auction, declaring it a national treasure and banning its export. The ministry said in a statement that it had paid 4.55 million euros (3.9million) to acquire the work for France. It hailed the text as a 'monument' that has influenced numerous authors. The French state has acquired the original manuscript of the Marquis de Sade's 120 Days Of Sodom for 4million, safeguarding for the country a work declared a national treasure, the culture ministry said on Friday Sade wrote the controversial work about four rich libertines in search of sexual gratification on a roll made from bits of parchment he had smuggled into his cell in the Bastille prison. Measuring 40ft long, the manuscript is itself something out of the ordinary, consisting of 33 sheets stuck together in a scroll. The book only became known to the public after German psychologist Iwan Bloch bought it and allowed its first publication in 1904. It languished unpublished for more than a century and was banned in Britain until the 1950s. Before the culture ministry's intervention, the manuscript had been due to be sold in an auction of historic documents owned by the French investment firm Aristophil, which was shut down in scandal two years previously, taking investors' money with it. The sum for its purchase by France was provided entirely by Emmanuel Boussard, a former investment banker and co-founder of the Boussard & Gavaudan investment fund, the ministry said. When the Paris prison Bastille was stormed at the beginning of the French revolution on July 14, 1789, the famously philandering aristocrat was freed, but he was swept out by the mob without his manuscript. The 18th-century erotic masterpiece has endured a turbulent destiny over the centuries but the future of the original text now appears secure after a private benefactor stepped in with the money The ministry said in a statement that it had paid 4.55 million euros (3.9million) to acquire the work for France. It hailed the text as a 'monument' that has influenced numerous authors Sade believed it had been lost to looters and wept 'tears of blood' over it, but the unfinished manuscript was preserved after being hidden by a revolutionary and then secretly bought by an aristocrat, the Marquis de Villeneuve-Trans. The manuscript will become part of the collection of the Arsenal library in Paris, a branch of France's BNF national library. French courts seized 130,000 historic documents that Aristophil had bought for its investors in 2015 after police denounced the company as a huge 'pyramid scheme'. Aristophil claimed to have amassed the greatest private collection of French literary and historical documents in the world. A libertine persecuted by the former regime and after the French Revolution, the marquis, whose full name was Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade (1740-1814), spent a good part of his life behind bars. His contribution to literature was not truly recognised until the twentieth century, when the scandal over his writing abated in favour of understanding his ideas beyond the term 'sadism' that takes his name. The United States added 34 entities to its economic blacklist, including 14 Chinese companies over alleged human rights abuses and high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang. The Commerce Department said the Chinese companies had been 'implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China's campaign of repression, mass detention, and high technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.' Beijing denies the alleged abuses. Uyghur detainees in a camp in Lop County, Xinjiang, in April 2017. The United States added 34 entities to its economic blacklist, including 14 Chinese companies over alleged human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims and high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang Workers walk around a camp for Uyghurs Muslims in the Xinjiang region of China. The Commerce Department is punishing companies for their involvement in human rights abuses against Uyghurs Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei. The U.S. also punished companies that are trying to facilitate U.S. exports to Iran Reuters first reported the planned additions late Thursday. They include the China Academy of Electronics and Information Technology; Xinjiang Lianhai Chuangzhi Information Technology Co; Shenzhen Cobber Information Technology Co; Xinjiang Sailing Information Technology; Beijing Geling Shentong Information Technology; Shenzhen Hua'antai Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.; and Chengdu Xiwu Security System Alliance Co., Ltd. In a Federal Registry update Friday, the Commerce Department said in total it was adding 34 entities listed under 43 entries. Twenty-three are based in China, including the 14 related to human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Additionally, six are based in Russia and two are based in Iran. Two are from Canada, two are from Lebanon and one company each is based in the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the U.K. While five of the entities are based in multiple destinations, according to a breakdown from Bloomberg News. The U.S. added some of the entities for their support of China's military modernization programs related to lasers and battle management system. The list includes entities facilitating the export of U.S. items to Iran and involved in the procurement of U.S.-origin electronic components, likely in furtherance of Russian military programs. 'The Department of Commerce remains firmly committed to taking strong, decisive action to target entities that are enabling human rights abuses in Xinjiang or that use U.S. technology to fuel China's destabilizing military modernization efforts,' Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement. The latest action shows President Joe Biden aims to press China over what the administration says are worsening human rights abuses against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang The action follows the department's decision last month to add five other companies and other Chinese entities to the blacklist over allegations of forced labor in the far western region of China. China dismisses accusations of genocide and forced labor in Xinjiang and says its policies are necessary to stamp out separatists and religious extremists who plotted attacks and stirred up tension between mostly Muslim ethnic Uyghurs and Han, China's largest ethnic group. 'The Chinese side will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and rejects U.S. attempts to interfere in China's internal affairs,' said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Friday. The latest action shows President Joe Biden aims to press China over what the administration says are worsening human rights abuses against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. Generally, entities added to the economic blacklist are required to apply for licenses from the Commerce Department and face tough scrutiny when they seek permission to receive items from U.S. suppliers. This is not the first time the U.S. government has targeted Chinese firms linked to allegations of high-tech surveillance activity in Xinjiang. In 2019, the Trump administration added some of China's top artificial intelligence startups to its economic blacklist over its treatment of Muslim minorities. The Commerce Department under Trump targeted 20 Chinese public security bureaus and eight companies including video surveillance firm Hikvision, as well as leaders in facial recognition technology SenseTime Group Ltd and Megvii Technology Ltd. The socialite accused of 'accidentally' shooting dead a top Belizean police officer faces a bitter custody battle over her two young children after her wealthy ex branded her a drunk and a drug addict in scathing court papers, DailyMail.com can reveal. Andrew Ashcroft, the son of influential British billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft, claims that Jasmine Hartin is unfit to care for twins Charlie and Ellie, four, because of her 'immoral habits' and her involvement in the accidental shooting death of Superintendent Henry Jemmott. 'The mother of the children hardly spends any time with the children. She is frequently more than not leaving the children in the care of others,' Ashcroft, 43, claims in a court summons obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. 'Her main occupation is attending and socializing and she is addicted to non-prescribed and illegal drugs and is a habitual drunkard. 'The mother of the children is also presently charged with serious offences; causing death of a police officer by negligence, as well as assault of a person, while out on bail.' Andrew Ashcroft, the son of influential British billionaire Lord Ashcroft, claims his ex Jasmine Hartin is unfit to care for twins Charlie and Ellie Ashcroft, 43, claims in a scathing court summons obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com that Hartin 'hardly spends any time with the children' Canadian national Hartin, 32, rejected the allegations today and said Ashcroft had blocked her from seeing her children without any court order or lawful authorization since June 11. She said the summons was filed one day after she complained to Belizean and Canadian authorities that her ex-partner of seven years had allegedly taken their children out of Belize without her permission. 'When Andrew obviously caught wind that I was doing this, all of a sudden I get served with a custody paper and it's all bogus what he's accusing me of,' she told DailyMail.com. 'He says that I'm never around the kids but I've been trying to be around the kids and I have video evidence showing that he's been refusing me access to them.' Hartin, 32, rejected the allegations and said Ashcroft has blocked her from seeing her children without any court order or lawful authorization since June 11 Hartin provided a copy of a recent medical report to DailyMail.com to prove that she was not on drugs. The examination, carried on July 5, states that she tested negative for a variety of illegal substances, including cocaine, ecstasy, meth and marijuana. 'As soon as I take one step to get my kids back he attacks me and he's coming out with false allegations,' she said, explaining that the notoriety around Jemmott's death was making it hard for her to find a family lawyer willing to represent her. 'I'm playing an unfair game. They are able to do whatever they want while I'm tied up in red tape,' she added. Prior to the shooting of Jemmott, 32, she and Ashcroft enjoyed a jet-set lifestyle operating a string of luxurious resorts in Ambergris Caye, a tropical island haven for rich ex-pats off the eastern coast of Belize. That came to a shocking halt in the early hours of May 28 when Jemmott, a father-of-five tipped as a future leader of his country's police force, was struck behind his right ear by a 9mm round from his own Glock 17 service pistol. According to a criminal complaint he had been 'socializing' and drinking alone with Hartin on a secluded hotel pier one block from the swank Alaia Belize hotel, which she operated with Ashcroft. A security guard heard a 'loud bang' at 12:45am and police arrived to find Hartin 'covered in red substance as that of blood' and Jemmott floating dead on his back 30ft from the shore. An expended shell casing was still lodged inside the gun which was found on the Mata Rocks hotel pier along with a magazine, live bullets and a pool of blood. After spending the weekend behind bars, Hartin gave a statement saying the off-duty officer was showing her how to handle his firearm as the pair drank and hung out. Hartin provided a copy of a recent medical report to DailyMail.com to prove that she was not on drugs. The examination, carried on July 5, states that she tested negative for a variety of illegal substances, including cocaine, ecstasy, meth and marijuana Ashcroft claimed that Hartin's 'main occupation is attending and socializing and she is addicted to non-prescribed and illegal drugs and is a habitual drunkard' Last month, Hartin filmed on her cell phone as she confronted Andrew at the Alaia hotel. 'Why won't you let me see the kids Andrew? Why won't you let me see the children?' she says as she chased him in the hotel kitchen In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, she later gave her first public account of the shooting saying the gun went off unexpectedly in her hands as she tried to re-insert a clip and hand it back. 'Henry was my friend. It was an accident, I didn't flee the scene. The first thing I did was call the police myself,' she said. 'I didn't go there looking for a fight. I went there hoping to see my children whom I have been denied access to, and to collect my things,' Hartin later told DailyMail.com Hartin also revealed that the reason she was practicing with the gun was because an unnamed man had tried to rape her at a party six days earlier. She was charged with manslaughter by negligence after prosecutors opted against murder or full-fledged manslaughter on the strength of her witness statement insisting it was an accident. The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of nine months or a fine of around 10,000 Belizean dollars ($5,000 in US money). Since then Hartin has been in and of prison as she struggles to find the legal funds to mount both a criminal defense and now a bitter custody battle for her kids. Her relationship with Ashcroft came to an unseemly end after he allegedly barred her from accessing their apartment and stopped her from seeing Charlie and Ellie after her release on bail. Hartin filmed herself chasing Ashcroft through the Alaia's restaurant to demand answers, a clash that earned her an additional assault charge when a manager later accused her of 'attempting' to push her in the melee. Ashcroft has not commented on the incident but in a leaked statement to police he said he was worried she was trying to seize the children 'by force'. 'At no time have I told Jasmine that she cannot see her children. I have explained to Jasmine that we have to agree on dates, time and a place convenient to all of us where she can see the children,' the statement read. Ashcroft also pointed to her arrest for 'accidentally' shooting dead Belize police officer Henry Jemmott, 42, in May Jemmott, a 24-year veteran of the Belize Police Department, leaves behind five children and a partner of 14 years, described by family as his common-law wife. His funeral service was held on June 12, nearly two weeks after her was shot dead The two will now meet again in front of magistrates on July 20th to hear Ashcroft's claim for legal custody. Hartin will appear before the country's Supreme Court next month to enter a plea over Jemmott's killing where the case will likely include a close examination of her competency with firearms. Hartin has been pictured with pistols and rifles on social media including a video of her firing at a watermelon with a shotgun, scoring a direct hit from around 20 yards away. It was also reported this week that she was involved in another accidental shooting incident in May 2020 that took place at an apartment in the Grand Colony, another Ashcroft-owned resort where she lived with Andrew prior to Jemmott's death. Ray Thompson, a maintenance worker, told News 5 Belize that Hartin was sitting with a security guard and each of them were cleaning a firearm when a shot suddenly rang out. Thompson recalled Hartin telling the guard: 'I am sorry, it was an accident'. However he said he could not be sure that it was her gun that went off. Thompson said nobody was hurt and nothing more was said about the alleged accidental discharge. The U.S. sent 1.4 million doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Afghanistan even as the Taliban continues to take over rural parts of the country with a final U.S. troop withdrawal set to be completed within weeks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted out images of the arriving vaccine doses, which will total 3.3 million doses, amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the long-struggling country. He termed it part of the '#EnduringPartnership' between the two nations and a demonstration of 'continuing support,' even as the U.S. prepares to pull out remaining troops amid an aversion to what President Biden on Wednesday referred to as 'nation building.' The first shipment of 1.4 million Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine doses arrives at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Friday, July 9, 2021. The delivery comes as the U.S. is withdrawing remaining forces from the country after a two decade war, and the Taliban is claiming significant territorial gains 'As part of U.S. commitment to help lead the global fight against COVID-19, we are delivering 3.3 M doses of J&J vaccines to Afghanistan. We are committed to continuing support for Afghanistan, including promoting the security and health of the Afghan people,' Blinken said. Taliban insurgents claim to have taken over 85 per cent of the country, although Afghan officials said the true amount of territory they control is far lower. Nevertheless, Taliban forces have seized control of a number of districts amid the U.S. drawdown. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted out images of the arrival of vaccines President Joe Biden speaks about the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Washington A smoke plume rises from houses amid ongoing fight between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the western city of Qala-i- Naw, the capital of Badghis province, on July 7, 2021 - The Taliban launched a major assault on a provincial capital in Afghanistan on July 7 Afghan commando forces gather together in Kunduz, Afghanistan July 7, 2021 in this still image taken from a video Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted out images of the arriving vaccine doses Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told CNN Friday: 'What we have seen is a deteriorating security situation on the ground, no questions about that, that the Taliban continues to take district centers' He said he was 'not in a position to quantify or validate what their assessment is' with respect to the Taliban's claims of seizing territory. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the U.S. would continue to provide support to the Afghan government, and rejected the idea that Taliban victory was assured. 'Theres not a conclusion that, in fact, they cannot defeat the Taliban,' Biden said. UNICEF said in a statement that the 1.4 million U.S.-donated doses had arrived, the first of two shipments. A second shipment of vaccines donated by the United States through the COVAX global sharing program will bring the total to 3.3 million doses, UNICEF said. The U.S. vaccine donations come as U.S. military forces withdraw from Afghanistan, ending a 20-year war in the country. The deliveries are part of President Joe Biden's pledge to share 80 million vaccine doses globally, most through COVAX, which is run by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the World Health Organization and UNICEF. 'These vaccines arrive at a critical time for Afghanistan as the country faces a difficult surge in COVID-19 infections,' said UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, Herve Ludovic De Lys. Over 1,200 new infections were reported in Afghanistan on July 8th down from a record peak of 1,853 new cases on June 21st, according to the Reuters COVID-19 tracker. Less than four percent of the Afghan population is vaccinated, UNICEF said. 'As many countries face vaccine supply challenges, the dose-sharing mechanism is a rapid way to close the immediate supply gap,' De Lys said. 'I hope that other governments will step up and share their doses, supplies and therapeutics to protect those most in need.' Most Americans now accept the theory that COVID leaked from a lab in Wuhan, a new poll found Friday, illustrating a dramatic shift in opinion from when the idea was dismissed as a fringe conspiracy theory. The survey found 52% of people believe the virus leaked from a lab, including 59% of Republicans and 52% of Democrats, compared to 28% of respondents who said it was from an infected animal. The Politico-Harvard study shows that what was once covered by liberal media as a far-right fake news story is now broadly accepted on a bipartisan basis. By contrast, in March 2020 just 29% of Americans accepted the lab leak theory. The survey found 52% of people believe the virus leaked from a lab, which is commonly identified as the Wuhan Institute of Virology (pictured) The absence of a large bipartisan split is particularly notable, according to poll designer Bob Blendon, a professor of health policy and political analysis at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 'Usually, our polls find a big split between Republicans and Democrats, so this is unique,' he said. 'More conservative media have been carrying the ''lab leak'' issue, and it's been a Trump talking point from the beginning, so we expected people who lean Democratic would say either ''It's not true'' or ''I don't know.'' But the belief is bipartisan.' The lab leak concept was widely ridiculed by Democrats, with VP Kamala Harris even going so far as to say in June 2020 that Trump's endorsement of it represented, 'racist and xenophobic rhetoric against Asian Americans and Asian immigrants directly puts their lives at risk.' Blendon said Democrats were likely to have become more receptive to the idea after President Joe Biden ordered the US intelligence services to investigate it. Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr Anthony Fauci, has flip-flopped on the issue, but recently said it was worth looking into. 'We always said keep an open mind and continue to look,' he told CBS News. Whether or not they believe the lab leak theory, Americans are united about the need to investigate COVID's origins, with almost two-thirds of Republicans and Democrats calling the issue 'very' or 'extremely' important. The Politico-Harvard survey shows that what was once covered by liberal media as a far-right fake news story is now broadly accepted on a bipartisan basis Fauci flip-flops on origins of COVID April 2020: Fauci repeatedly made public statements suggesting COVID was the result of an 'unusual human-animal interface' in a Chinese 'wet market' and that 'the mutations that it took to get to the point where it is now is totally consistent with a jump of a species from an animal to a human.' May 2020: Still adamant that he didn't believe COVID was man-made, Fauci told National Geographic: 'If you look at the evolution of the virus in bats and what's out there now, [the scientific evidence] is very, very strongly leaning toward this could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated. 'Everything about the stepwise evolution over time strongly indicates that [this virus] evolved in nature and then jumped species.' Late May 2021 to early June 2021: During an event called 'United Facts of America: A Festival of Fact-Checking,' Fauci was asked if was 'still confident' that the virus evolved naturally. 'No, actually I am not convinced about that. I think we should continue to investigate what went on in China until we continue to find out to the best of our ability what happened. 'Certainly, the people who investigated it say it likely was the emergence from an animal reservoir that then infected individuals, but it could have been something else, and we need to find that out.' 'So, you know, that's the reason why I said I'm perfectly in favor of any investigation that looks into the origin of the virus.' Advertisement The poll surveyed 1,009 adults from June 22 to 27. Former CDC director Dr Robert Redfield backed the lab leak theory last month, saying he thinks COVID was 'taught and educated' by scientists before emerging into the wider world. Redfield implied he believed the virus had been modified before leaking from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China because it is not 'biologically plausible' that it could have become so infectious had it jumped from an animal host to humans. In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News contributor Dr Marc Siegel on June 15, Redfield doubled down on his belief that COVID was leaked from the Chinese lab after being tweaked by scientists. The virus is believed to have originated in bats, but debate is currently raging over whether it leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology - and whether it was modified by Chinese scientists to become more contagious beforehand. Redfield also said Dr Anthony Fauci was 'holding on tightly' to the theory that the virus evolved naturally, before likening the White House COVID tsar to a 'dog with a bone.' And he slammed the 'highly compromised' World Health Organization for not cracking down on China at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for letting its communist government dictate the terms of the WHO probe into the origins of COVID. Redfield, who was CDC director under the Trump administration, first revealed back in March that he believes the virus escaped from the Wuhan lab. Evidence has been mounting that supports the lab leak theory and President Biden has ordered a 90-day intelligence review to investigate the possibility. Donald Trump and his supporters were widely derided for sharing the same theory last year when he was president. Redfield, who doesn't believe the virus was intentionally leaked by China, said COVID-19's ability to spread rapidly from human-to-human was unlike other coronaviruses such as SARS. He said he didn't believe it was 'biologically plausible' that COVID-19 could have spread from a bat to an unknown animal and then to human. Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr Anthony Fauci, has flip-flopped on the issue, but recently said it was worth looking into Did Covid leak from a Wuhan lab? The evidence for an against Evidence for Wuhan lab-leak theory An article in the respected Science journal on May 14 kick-started the recent surge in interest for the lab-leak theory. Some 18 experts wrote in the journal that 'we must take hypotheses about both natural and laboratory spillovers seriously until we have sufficient data'. Later that month, a study by British Professor Angus Dalgleish and Norwegian scientist Dr Birger Srensen claimed it had 'prima facie evidence of retro-engineering in China' for a year. The study included accusations of 'deliberate destruction, concealment or contamination of data' at Chinese labs. It followed statements from the WHO Director General, US and EU that greater clarity about the origins of this pandemic is necessary and feasible to achieve. Previously, the theory had been dismissed as conspiracy by most experts, partly because of its association with President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden in May ordered a full investigation into the origin of the pandemic virus and demanded scientists work out whether there is truth to the theory. The head of the World Health Organization insisted just a day earlier that the theory that Covid emerged from a Wuhan lab has not been ruled out as he said China should help solve the mystery out of 'respect' for the dead. The body's director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, suggested that Beijing had not cooperated fully as he urged more 'transparency' in the continuing investigation. Evidence against the theory Several other sects of the scientific community continue to suggest the virus could only be natural in origin. A series of recent papers pointed to the virus evolving in animals before being transmitted to humans, in the same way as all other previously discovered coronaviruses. The first study, published in Scientific Reports, showed some 47,000 wild animals from 38 species were sold across four markets in Wuhan between May 2017 and November 2019. The authors, including Dr Chris Newman, an evolutionary ecologist at Oxford University, claimed the evidence showed the conditions for animal-to-human transmission were in place in Wuhan. But they acknowledged there was no proof Sars-CoV-2 was present or originated in any of these animals. A joint World Health Organization-China investigation also concluded it was 'very likely' the virus jumped from bats to humans via an as-yet-unknown intermediary animal. Advertisement Redfield pointed to how other coronaviruses spread to humans from animals but that it occurred at a much slower pace than COVID-19. 'When I said before that I didn't think it was biologically plausible that COVID-19 went from a bat to some unknown animal into man and now had become one of the most infectious viruses. That's not consistent with how other coronaviruses have come into the human species,' Redfield said. 'It does suggest that there's an alternative hypothesis that it went from a bat virus, got into a laboratory, where in the laboratory it was taught, educated, it evolved, so that it became a virus that could efficiently transmit human to human. 'My professional opinion as a virologist... that's the hypothesis I support. 'Other individuals, Tony Fauci for example, would prefer to support that it evolved from nature. I think Tony is holding onto this hypotheses tightly. Why would that be? Sometimes scientists bite into a bone on a hypothesis. It's hard for them to move on.' Redfield said he was 'disappointed' there was a lack of openness within the scientific community early on to investigate both hypotheses. Some scientists, the media and academics long heaped scorn on the lab leak hypothesis, insisting that it was a fringe conspiracy theory and even racist after Donald Trump embraced the idea. New evidence, including reports of three workers at the Wuhan lab who fell seriously ill with COVID-like symptoms in November 2019, has forced a sober reassessment among doubters. Redfield went on to say that it was a 'critical error' to treat COVID-19 the same as SARS in January and February last year. 'By calling it SARS-like, we mounted a public health response that was mirrored off SARS. The problem is, COVID is nothing like SARS,' Redfield said, adding that response was 'flawed'. Redfield acknowledged that he should have pushed harder for the CDC to be allowed into the Wuhan lab when the virus first emerged and said the World Health Organization was compromised by China. 'I think they were highly compromised. Clearly they were incapable of compelling China to adhere to the treaty agreements they have on global health,' Redfield said. According to Siegel, the Fox contributor who interviewed Redfield, the ex-CDC director told him he started suspecting the lab leak in January 2020 but the White House COVID task force was focused on what was happening in the United States. Redfield's comments come just weeks after Fauci dismissed revelations he was warned at the start of pandemic that COVID-19 may have been 'engineered' after a trove of his emails - 3,200 in total - were made public. Fauci seemed to play down a mass trove of damaging emails that included warnings from the start of the pandemic that the virus originated in the lab. He said his emails are 'ripe to be taken out of context' but he 'can't guarantee everything that is going on in the Wuhan lab'. The emails were sent between January and June of last year. They showed leading virus experts had warned him COVID-19 may have been created in a lab while he publicly played such claims down. A woman is in critical condition after being set on fire then shot in Indianapolis. Police have not released the woman's identity nor have they given any detail of the attack other than that she was found at 5am on Friday. She was found in a residential part of west Indianapolis. The shooting is the latest incident in a recent uptick in violence across America after many police forces were defunded last year. So far this year, 23,000 people have been killed in gun-related crimes, figures by the Gun Violence Archive reveal. Police have not released the woman's identity nor have they given any detail of the attack other than that she was found at 5am on Friday. She was found in a residential part of west Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, a city of 864,447, five people were killed and five people were injured in shootings between Friday and Monday last week while celebrating July Fourth. Indianapolis did not strip its police force of resources last year, but the coroner's office in Marion County said it was a record weekend for them with gunshot wound deaths, and described it as an 'unfortunate trend'. A similar situation is unfolding in other cities across the country. The Oakland Police Chief said his city was having a 'crisis of violence' on Thursday. 'When the yellow tape is gone and when the streets are cleaned up, there is still hurt and pain and tragedy in our community. '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. New York City, which had $1billion stripped from its budget, is seeing a spike in crime that rivals its 70s and 80s figures. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also went to President Biden to appeal to him to give her city extra resources. When Anita took her six-year-old daughter to a Los Angeles Korean spa last year, she went with an open mind and a desire to experience a different culture. But she never expected to encounter a person with a beard and an exposed penis in the women-only hot tub. She was so shocked to see what appeared to be a naked man confidently joining the women's space, which included several small children, that she reported the incident to police, feeling her young daughter had been a victim of indecent exposure. Last week Anita, who asked DailyMail.com to obscure her identity in fear of being 'canceled' and losing her job, was dismayed to come across a viral video alleging a similar incident at the spa. The video sparked violent protests outside Wi Spa in Los Angeles last weekend - one side believing transgender rights were being threatened, the other wanting to protect the innocence of their children and the safety of women's private spaces. Scroll down for video Los Angeles mother, 'Anita,' who asked to obscure her identity, described her uncomfortable experience visiting Wi Spa in Los Angeles with her young daughter last January, in an interview with DailyMail.com The Koreatown spa made headlines last week after a viral video showed a woman complaining about a transgender woman exposing their penis in a women-only steam room Anita, a registered Democrat, said she's an LGBTQ supporter but still wants to protect her six-year-old daughter's innocence Anita, a millennial daughter of Latin immigrants, says she is a Democrat voter and a supporter of the queer community, but felt compelled to speak out about the thorny issue in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com. 'I read about the spa in a magazine, the LA Parent, and I'd driven past it before late at night and it almost looks like a nightclub, with cars lined up waiting to get in,' she said. 'It's in Korea Town and is super-Korean. There's entire families moms, dads, two kids, and they're just hanging out at all hours. It just seemed like a really cool thing to try with my daughter.' Anita described her January 2020 visit to the spa, which has a clothed section for both sexes, and separate sections for men and women with locker rooms, hot tubs, massage, relaxation and pampering rooms where patrons are traditionally unclothed. 'When I walked into the women's section everyone was naked,' she said. 'I wasn't raised to be super comfortable being naked around others. But I'm from LA and it's kind of hip to participate in authentic cultural things. 'I didn't want my daughter to feel uncomfortable and I saw a lot of little Korean girls naked with their grandmas and their moms, it was really cute actually. I was like, wow this is something that I didn't know existed, this is awesome.' Anita and her daughter put on face masks, ate snacks and hung out in the sauna. Then the little girl asked to swim in the hot tub. 'We were in there with five or six other women. She was swimming and splashing at me and stuff,' she said. 'Then these three people came and sat down on the edge of the hot tub. It was two women and what appeared 100% to be a man. Tense protests erupted Saturday outside the California spa with one side believing transgender rights were being threatened, while the other wanting to protect the innocence of their children and the safety of women's private spaces The protests came after a video was posted to Instagram by an account named Cubana Angel (left) which shows the furious woman complaining to a spa staff member (right) about the alleged exposure 'All three people were white. The two girls had tattoos and colored hair. I don't like the whole race-baiting thing, but I would categorize them as the privileged, white, progressive-type people. 'They came in with this air of entitlement. It was almost an aggressive attitude. 'I'm trying really hard not to get in trouble calling the person with a penis a male, but the 'guy' was this skinny white guy with scraggly long hair and a beard. He had a five o'clock shadow on him, and his penis and scrotum hanging out. 'The person I saw seemed like an activist Almost enjoying everyone around them being uncomfortable. 'The other Korean women in the hot tub were looking at each other like 'what the f**k?' We all suddenly were quietly communicating with our eyes. '[The Korean women] were motioning at my daughter, she was giggling and splashing, she hadn't noticed. 'All around the locker room you see all the women suddenly whispering and this tense feeling. 'I saw old ladies poking out from behind the shower stall, holding their towels up, looking horrified. Nobody says anything. All the women are in shock but also don't want to say anything. 'I was in there for about a minute, then I said 'okay, honey, time to come out.' 'The whole time I was blocking my daughter's view of the penis, and one of the other Korean women maneuvered herself to block my daughter's view. Thankfully she has no idea this happened.' Lily Weaver joins protesters in support of transgender people as they gathered across the street from the Wi Spa in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles A counter protester holds a sign saying 'Shame on Wi Spa' at the protest in support of transgender rights near the Wi Spa in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles Counter-protesters preach about Jesus to protesters gathered in support of transgender rights Anita said the experience deeply shocked her, and she was almost in tears when she complained at the front desk. 'I was upset. They were very sympathetic, it was a really nice person. They said 'there's nothing we can do, it's a pre-op[eration] trans[gender] person.' They offered me two free passes,' she said. 'Another woman came up to me in the locker room and told me the staff asked [the trans woman] to cover up but [they] refused. Anita said after she complained, the staff that day started warning customers there was a 'pre-op trans woman' in the women's section. 'This whole time I wasn't being angry or mean. I was just crying and I didn't know how to handle it,' she said. 'I came home and felt like s***. I in no way equate this to being abused or sexually assaulted but I had those same feelings where I just felt shame and I didn't want to tell anybody. I didn't tell my husband about it at all until the next day.' Anita's husband encouraged her to make a police report. She said she got an initially sympathetic response from police at the local precinct's front desk, adding that the officers told her the incident could be reported as indecent exposure. But she said a third officer who made the report was dismissive and blamed her. 'The third officer told me it was my fault and asked why I would take my daughter to a place like that, why would you put your daughter in that situation,' Anita said. Koreatown resident and Wi Spa patron Brittany Blackhorn joins protesters in support of transgender rights who gathered across the street from the Wi Spa Protesters could be seen brawling in the street as police declared the demonstrations as an unlawful assembly LAPD officers face off with protesters in support of transgender rights who had gathered outside the Wi Spa in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles 'I felt like I got punched in the stomach and I just started crying. 'After that I didn't talk about it because I felt, I guess it was my fault, I guess I am stupid, my feelings are wrong because of trans rights.' The millennial mother said she is petrified of being labeled a bigot, but wants to protect her daughter's 'innocence', and believes parents should be notified and given the choice before their children are exposed to the opposite sex's genitals. 'She's never seen a penis before, she doesn't have any brothers. Maybe other people don't think it's a big deal. But she's innocent still,' Anita said. The LA mother said that she is worried some men may abuse laws designed to allow trans women access to private women's spaces like locker rooms, in order to expose themselves to women for sexual gratification or to attack them. 'You can't just believe people because they say it. I hate that the activists pretend that's not a thing. And forcing women and girls to be cool with it is not fair, we're entitled to feel uncomfortable,' Anita said. Anita shared with DailyMail.com Uber and credit card receipts evidencing her trip to the spa in January 2020, and an email she wrote to managers complaining about the incident in the days after. LAPD officers face off with protesters in support of transgender rights who had gathered outside the Wi Spa in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles 'I honestly don't know what the solution is. I definitely would have appreciated knowing in advance,' she told DailyMail.com. 'It's fine to have a co-ed spa, but I just wouldn't take my daughter there. 'I would like there to be a female genitals only space. Penises here, no penises on this side. I would appreciate having somewhere to go where I didn't think I would see a male penis.' The clash outside Wi Spa on Saturday erupted after a woman posted a video on her Instagram account last month of herself complaining to spa staff that there was a naked 'man' in the women-only steam room. The video went viral, prompting protesters to gather on Saturday outside the spa to campaign against the law which they believe puts women and children at risk. Pro-trans counter-protesters also showed up. Anita said she was at the protest but hid her sign for fear of being attacked by radical far-left group Antifa who she claims started the violence that broke out in the street and led to police breaking up the demonstration. Videos show an independent journalist was hit in the head with a pipe, and one protester stabbing another in the arm with a knife. A reporter at the scene claimed it showed a 'far right anti-trans extremist' who 'stabbed one of their own'. Some anti-trans protesters appeared to conflate being transgender with pedophilia, with signs and chants that said: 'pedophile is not a sexual orientation.' Other pictures appear to show an anti-trans protester with a handgun. In some footage, 'leftist counter protesters' were seen scuffling with police. Police later declared the demonstrations as an unlawful assembly with five reports of assault. Wi Spa said in a statement that California's anti-discrimination law protects transgender people but said it would not tolerate 'lewd conduct' by customers. A Florida police chief has lashed out at a local congressman after he publicly revealed, without the family's consent, that an officer who was shot in the head two weeks is now awake and speaking. Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor, 26, was critically wounded when he was allegedly shot by Othal Wallace while investigating a 'suspicious incident' on June 23. Rep. Mike Waltz tweeted on Thursday that Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young had told him Raynor, who is still in hospital, is now awake. 'Officer Raynor is speaking and opening his eyes. His mother felt comfortable leaving the hospital for the first time in weeks,' Waltz said. 'Nothing short of a miracle!' The police chief lashed out on Friday morning, saying Waltz had 'no right' to make Raynor's condition public. Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor, 26, was critically wounded when he was allegedly shot by Othal Wallace while investigating a 'suspicious incident' on June 23 'If I or @DaytonaBchPD intended to give an update on Officer Raynors status we would have done so ourselves! '@michaelgwaltz had NO RIGHT to tweet this! I apologize to the Raynor family for this egregious violation of their trust. This is nothing more than politics at its best.' OthalWallace was charged this week with attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm Waltz apologized soon after, saying: 'My sincerest apologies to the Raynor family and @DaytonaBchPD. I was excited at the prospect of good news for Officer Raynor and did not intend to share info that wasnt meant to be released. Continuing to pray for a speedy recovery.' Wallace was charged this week with attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm. Police said the 29-year-old was taken into custody on June 26 following a 56-hour manhunt after he fled to Atlanta, Georgia following the shooting. Wallace was found hiding in a treehouse on a 3-acre property that has links to No F-ing Around Coalition - a black nationalist paramilitary organization. He was transported back to Florida to face charges. Police had been offering a $100,000 reward for information that led to Wallace's capture. Rep. Mike Waltz (left) tweeted on Thursday that Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young (right) had told him Raynor, who is still in hospital, is now awake. The police chief lashed out on Friday morning, saying Waltz had 'no right' to make Raynor's condition public Raynor's body camera captured the moment Wallace allegedly fired at him. The officer had approached a vehicle that Wallace was sitting in outside an apartment complex the night of June 23. Raynor could be heard asking Wallace if he lived at the complex before telling him to sit down after he tried getting out of the car. Responding to the officer's repeated calls for him to 'sit', Wallace said: 'Come on man. Sir, don't do this. Why are you asking me do I live here? What's going on though?' Wallace could then be heard telling the suspect to 'back up' before a struggle broke out between the pair. A gunshot rang out and Raynor fell to the ground. The last official word from the police department was that Raynor was in a critical condition. Since the shooting, the Daytona Beach Police Department has organized a series of fundraisers to raise money for the injured officer. Police have been selling yard signs that read 'Daytona Strong, Raynor Strong' with all proceeds going towards Raynor and his family. A GoFundMe page has also already received more than $366,000 in donations. Raynor's body camera captured the moment Wallace allegedly fired at him. The officer had approached a vehicle that Wallace was sitting in outside an apartment complex the night of June 23 Ministers have held talks with some of the UK's largest mortgage lenders about underwriting home loans for people in homes affected by the post-Grenfell disaster cladding crisis. Representatives of Lloyds, Natwest, HSBC and Barclays were among those at a meeting at Downing Street earlier this week to find a solution to a problem that has affected hundreds of thousands of people. Rule changes brought in after the fire in 2017 that left 72 people dead have seen many trapped in homes with flammable cladding unable to move on because of a lack of finance. It came after a former Bank of England economist warned that the scandal could lead to the next banking crisis if leaseholders are forced to pay for repairs. According to the Financial Times the meeting - which was attended by Boris Johnson - discussed whether the Government could underwrite mortgages affected, potentially putting the taxpayer on the hook for millions of pounds. Rule changes brought in after the fire in 2017 that left 72 people dead have seen many trapped in homes with flammable cladding unable to move on because of a lack of finance. It came after a former Bank of England economist warned that the scandal could lead to the next banking crisis if leaseholders are forced to pay for repairs. This week it was revealed up to 70 per cent of fire-trap flats may not be covered by new powers to sue developers over building safety failures. A Bill extending the period during which building firms can face legal action over 'shoddy workmanship' from six to 15 years after construction was published on Tuesday by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. But a snap poll by the UK Cladding Action Group found 239 out of 330 buildings surveyed with fire safety defects are too old to qualify. Leaseholders in 79 blocks said they could sue in principle because their homes were built after 2006 but few could afford it. Mr Jenrick had claimed the 'lion's share' of buildings with dangerous cladding would be covered by the new law. Earlier this year Mr Jenrick set aside 5billion to replace unsafe cladding on buildings above 18 metres (60ft) in height. But hundreds of thousands of families living in lower blocks face bills of up to 600 a year. Meanwhile, all affected leaseholders still face average costs of 25,600 each to fix non-cladding related defects. The Government has identified 419 high-rise buildings with the same cladding as Grenfell Tower. It says 216 have been fixed. But it still has not given a firm estimate of how many buildings have other forms of dangerous cladding. In March ex-BoE economist Dean Buckner said widespread mortgage defaults could spark a Northern Rock-style run on the banks. His dire warning came after campaigners told the Commons Housing Select Committee that ministers needed to ask them for a spreadsheet of building safety data because they 'had no handle' on the scandal themselves. In January Boris Johnson warned banks they must not refuse mortgages on homes with cladding that are 'perfectly safe'. Five California police officers are suing the city of Palo Alto over a 'discriminatory' Black Lives Matter mural that was erected on the street across the street from the Silicon Valley town's city hall and police station. The 245-foot-long mural, which spells out Black Lives Matter, features cop killer Assata Shakur, AKA Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted of the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster. It also depicts the logo for the New Black Panthers, which is classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Multiple officers based at the nearby police station have complained they feel 'harassed' by the mural every time they have to pass it. 'For law enforcement required to enter the building, is there any description other than a hostile work environment?' the National Police Association said in a statement. 'Officers, including (the five) Plaintiffs, were forced to physically pass and confront the Mural and its offensive, discriminatory, and harassing iconography every time they entered the Palo Alto Police Department,' the lawsuit filed on June 4 read. Five California police officers are suing the city of Palo Alto over a 'discriminatory' BLM mural that was on display last summer The lawsuit identified the five police officers as Eric Figueroa, Michael Foley, Christopher Moore, Robert Parham and Julie Tannock. The mural in question was initially put on display last June amidst mass nationwide protests over the police-involved killing of George Floyd, and was originally intended on only remaining on display for a year, however it was gone by November. The inclusion of Shakur, who is also rapper Tupac Shakur's aunt and godmother, is a controversial one, but she remains an icon for some among the black liberation movement who insist she is innocent and was framed for the murder. After she was convicted, Shakur subsequently escaped prison before fleeing to Cuba, where Fidel Castro granted her political asylum. The former member and reputed leader of the Black Liberation Army, a Black Panthers splinter group, has eluded authorities ever since and remains on the FBI's Most Wanted list to this day. Joanne Chesimard (left) is New Jersey's most wanted fugitive after being convicted of killing state trooper Werner Foerster before fleeing to Cuba in 1979 Elusive: Chesimard, seen here in an FBI photo, has eluded American authorities since her prison escape in 1979 Officer Julie Tannock was listed as a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Palo Alto City Officer Robert Parham, another California cop suing the Silicon Valley city The National Police Association called the move to keep the celebratory mural 'reprehensible,' prompting the organization to create a petition last July to have it permanently removed. 'If it is not possible to imagine putting a 17' tall mural of nurse killer Richard Speck in front of a hospital or putting a 17' tall mural of Dan White, who assassinated San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, in front of a mayor's house, the atrocity of the celebration of a fugitive convicted cop killer in front of Palo Alto's City Hall is equally reprehensible,' the petition reads. Oakland-area artist Cece Carpio, who's responsible for painting the Shakur part of the BLM mural, said she included the controversial figure due to the 'status quo' seeing Shakur as a threat to 'racial capitalism and white supremacy,' according to the Palo Alto Daily Post. The outlet reports that in July 2020, city spokeswoman Meghan Horrigan-Taylor said 'in no way does the mural take away from the value we have in our police officers who serve our community every day.' The 245-foot-long, 17-foot-tall mural depicts cop killer Assata Shakur, who was convicted in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper The street mural itself was the result of 16 different artists, after the idea was proposed by members of the community and supported unanimously by the City Council and Public Art Commission. 'This is a step in a good direction,' said Nia Taylor, the sole Black commissioner on the art commission and the mural project's co-leader. 'I think there's been a lot of African Americans in this community who have often felt underrepresented.' Each artist was given a letter from the words 'Black Lives Matter,' for instance, the letter 'M' includes a portrait by muralist Nico Berry of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old who was shot to death while inside her apartment by Louisville Metro Police Department officers. City Attorney Molly Stump told the Daily Post that the city has not been served with the lawsuit as of Friday. John Kerry will travel to Russia next week to discuss 'global climate ambition,' the State Department announced. Kerry, who serves as President Joe Biden's special envoy on climate issues, will meet with various Russian officials during his July 12 through July 15 trip to Moscow. No further details were released. Kerry will be the highest-ranking Biden official yet to visit the country. The trip comes as Biden is facing criticism for his response to Russian President Vladimir Putin when it comes to a series of ransomware attacks and his failure to 'get tough' on Russia despite vowing retaliation if there were any attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry will meet with Russian officials in Moscow next week Rep. John Katko told DailyMail.com last week the U.S. is 'facing a time of reckoning' in relations with Russia. 'Only weeks after President Biden sat down with Putin and allegedly talked a tough game with Russia, hackers from Russia again attacked thousands of U.S. companies, compromising our nation's critical infrastructure,' Katko, ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said. Other Republicans have also piled on the criticism. Biden said on Wednesday that he will personally deliver a message to Putin about the rash of cyber attacks taking place on American companies and groups. 'I will deliver it to him,' he told reporters at the White House when asked his message for the Russian president. It's unclear how the message will be transmitted or when and comes less than three weeks after he warned Putin he would respond if the US was hit by another hack. Last week, a U.S. software firm was hit by a REvil - a Russian cybercriminal group - in a ransomware attack that crippled hundreds of companies worldwide. Kaseya provides services to more than 40,000 organizations and it was considered the single, largest global ransomware attack on record. Additionally, Russia's S.V.R. intelligence agency hacked a contractor for the Republican National Committee last week, the New York Times reported, although the committee said none of its data had been breached. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday the administration won't 'preview our punches' and has a 'range of options' when it comes to a response. Meanwhile, some Biden aides are skeptical that Putin will act to rein in cyber criminals based in Russia. 'He's not going to,' says one administration official told Time magazine. Without Putin intervening, 'the criminal groups will keep doing what they're doing' the official says. 'He's wreaking havoc.' Psaki said on Tuesday that the US and Russia have kept up a dialogue on the issue since the June 16 sitdown between the two leaders. Since the Geneva summit 'we have undertaken expert-level talks that are continuing, and we expect to have another meeting next week focused on ransomware attacks,' she said. 'And I will just reiterate a message that these officials are sending. As the President made clear to President Putin when they met, if the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action or reserve the right to take action on our own,' she added. President Biden is under fire for not being tough enough in his dealings with Vladimir Putin when it comes to ransomware attacks In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in a virtual climate summit hosted by the White House In April, Russia participated in a virtual White House climate summit. President Biden said at the time that he was 'heartened' that Putin called for collaborating with other countries to advance carbon dioxide removal. 'The United States looks forward to working with Russia and other countries on that endeavor,' Biden said. China and then the United States lead the globe in climate-damaging emissions of coal and petroleum fumes, according to the Associated Press, but Russia, at No. 4 globally due to its dependence on coal burning, is an outsize contributor to climate change relative to the size of its economy and population. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden believes children need to learn about the country's 'challenging' history as she answered a question Friday about his views on critical race theory being taught in school. 'The president believes that in our history there are so many dark moments and there is not just slavery and racism in our history, there is systemic racism that is still impacting society today,' Psaki said during the press briefing. 'And he believes, as I believe as a parent of children, that kids should learn about our history.' Psaki pointed out how the first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, is an educator and added that the president 'continues to believe that children should learn not just the good but also the challenging in our history.' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden believes children need to learn about the country's 'challenging' history as she answered a question Friday about his views on critical race theory being taught in school Critical race theory taught in the classroom has become a political rallying cry for Republicans who argue that it sows division and makes children feel guilty for being white 'And that's what we're talking about here, even as it's become politically charged,' Psaki added. Psaki was asked about the National Education Association's call for an honest teaching of the nation's racial histories. 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,' Pringle said. Then on Tuesday, the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation's largeset teachers unions pledged to defend members who are punished for teaching an 'honest history' of the United States. President Randi Weingarten said her union is preparing litigation and has a legal defense fund 'ready to go.' She promised to fight 'culture warriors' who attempt to limit lessons on racism and discrimination by labeling it as critical race theory. At least eight states have passed new laws limiting how race can be taught in the classroom, and similar proposals are being considered in at least 10 others. Many of the bills are intended to bar the teaching of critical race theory - an academic framework that examines history through the lens of racism. I t centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation's institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law forbidding schools from teaching that people 'should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress' because of their race or sex. It adds that slavery and racism can only be taught as a deviation from the nation's 'authentic founding principles' of liberty and equality. Bills in some other states threaten to fine individual teachers who violate the rules or reduce state funding to their schools. 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. A mother-of-three attempted to trick police and Interpol into arresting her French ex-lover by claiming she had been the victim of a 65,000 international extortion plot. Tracy Barron, 46, from Ballater, Aberdeenshire, claimed her rich oil worker ex-boyfriend had attempted to blackmail her for the five-figure sum by threatening to release intimate pictures of her to her family and the press. The multi-national deception even saw the mother convince her male friend to post her fake extortion letter back to Scotland from Paris, a court has heard. But Barron's string of lies were exposed when police managed to tie DNA evidence on the stamp to her friend. The man was arrested and revealed details of her scheme. Tracy Barron (right), 46, from Ballater, Aberdeenshire, claimed her rich ex-boyfriend tried to blackmail her for 65,000 by threatening to release intimate pictures of her to her family In June 2019, Barron had contacted police claiming she had been the victim of attempted extortion by her ex-partner, fiscal depute Lucy Simpson told Aberdeen Sheriff Court. Barron told police that she had received a typed letter from her former partner requesting she transfer 65,000 within 14 days otherwise 'intimate images' of her would be shared, according to Ms Simpson. She told officers she had been 'living in constant fear' and a six-month-long investigation was launched involving Police Scotland's International Division, French authorities and Interpol. Ms Simpson said Barron also told police she was especially worried about the two-week deadline on the letter and 'at points expressed her dissatisfaction that her ex had not yet been arrested'. After police discovered the DNA profile of Barron's friend on the letter, he was cautioned and interviewed at Kittybrewster Police Station, where he revealed Barron's role in the plot. He claimed she had asked him to post the letter when she found out he was flying from Aberdeen Airport to Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris for work. He told police that he thought the request was 'harmless' and that Barron had told him it could help her in her separation case against her former partner. The mother-of-three was charged with wasting police time after the elaborate scheme was revealed. Barron pleaded guilty to wasting police time and as an alternative to a prison sentence, Sheriff McLaughlin sentenced her to a two-year supervision order and 200 hours unpaid work. Her multi-national deception even saw the mother convince her male friend to post her fake extortion letter back to Scotland from Paris, Aberdeen Sheriff Court (pictured) has heard Defence solicitor Peter Keene told the court that Barron had become an 'emotional wreck' following the breakdown of her original marriage and the relationship that followed. He said being isolated from friends saw her develop a kind of 'siege mentality' after the demise of her relationship with the wealthy French oil worker. 'It would be fair to say that Mrs Barron had reached a point of rock-bottom in her life,' he said. 'She understands this is a serious matter that caused officers a great deal of time and effort to investigate. 'She is utterly horrified at having to come to court today.' Sheriff Morag McLaughlin told Barron: 'I think you can be in no doubt about how serious a position you find yourself in today. 'This is serious in terms of the number of hours of work that the police have put into it and the amount of extensive, complicated inquiries and police resources. 'Not to mention the unfortunate man who was arrested and questioned by police.' A Rio de Janeiro woman is facing jail time after she lied to her ex-boyfriend that she was pregnant and then claimed a coworker had stolen her non-existent newborn. Maria da Silva, 38, carried on a fake pregnancy for nine months, used a picture of a child she found on the internet that she claimed was her own, and even had a baby shower where she received gifts from friends and family members who were unaware that she'd been lying, according to online news portal Extra. After nine months, she claimed she'd given birth but said a coworker had stolen her newborn from the maternity ward. On June 15, da Silva visited the 15th precinct in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Gavea and reported that her son, who had been born three days earlier, was missing. Police chief Daniel Rosa said da Silva stated that a co-worker who was with her at the hospital room had stolen her child. But when police began to probe her story, she quickly changed it. Maria da Silva made her ex-boyfriend believe she was pregnant for nine months. She claimed her newborn son died after she gave birth on June 13 and then told the police a co-worker had stolen the child from a maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Da Silva claimed that she had given the child to the colleague to adopt to get revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend Jandeilson Nascimento, 27 Maria da Silva went on a online site and pulled a photo of a newborn baby, who she claimed was hers as part of her ploy to get her ex-boyfriend back. The 38-year-old woman lied about being pregnant as friends and family members held a baby shower She claimed that she had given the child to the colleague to adopt to get revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend Jandeilson Nascimento, 27. The co-worker, who has not been named, told investigators that da Silva had fed her yet another story. Sent in various text messages, de Silva had said she was going to a maternity hospital to give birth but that her son had died due to a complications with a lung. She had also told her ex the same - that their 'son' was stillborn. Maria da Silva was charged with filing a false police report and embezzlement The former couple met on the day of the bogus birth and Nascimento found da Silva sobbing and lying about the fake newborn's death. During police interview, da Silva eventually confessed she had never been pregnant, admitting the con job had been crafted so that Nascimento could give their broken relationship a section chance. 'It is necessary that people are aware that lying when reporting an incident is a crime and whoever commits it must be punished with the rigor of the law,' Rosa said. She has been charged with making a false police report and embezzlement. A New Jersey grandmother has died trying to rescue her nine-month-old granddaughter from an overnight house fire, which also killed the infant. Family and sources familiar with the investigation have identified the deceased victims as 43-year-old Tiffany Jones and her granddaughter, Malani. The inferno ignited inside a wood frame rowhouse in the 200 block of Woodlawn Avenue in Hamilton Township just before 4am on Friday. According to a press release from Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri's office, the fire caused a partial roof collapse while six family members were inside the residence. Nine-month-old Malani and her grandmother Jones were found dead inside the home by firefighters who responded to the scene. A relative told NBC10 Jones died trying to save her granddaughter's life. Family members identified Tiffany Jones, 43 (left), and her nine-month-old granddaughter, Malani (right), as the two people who were killed in an overnight house fire in New Jersey A devastating house fire killed a grandmother and her baby granddaughter in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, early Friday The two-alarm fire consumed much of this woodframe row house on Woodlawn Avenue, leaving two dead and three injured According to Facebook posts from loved ones, Jones' husband, Prince Jones, and her 23-year-old daughter, Princess Jones, who is Malani's mother, were among three people who were taken to the hospital suffering from critical injuries. Their conditions were not immediately disclosed. Officials have not formally identified the victims as of Friday afternoon. The prosecutors' office stated that the cause of the fire is unknown at this time, as are the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the woman and child. An adjacent home sustained extensive damage as a result of the two-alarm fire, but its inhabitants were said to have escaped unharmed. Joe Shamon, the owner of that house, told 6abc that his tenants were saved thanks to a smoke alarm. The fire caused a partial roof collapse, trapping the family members inside the burning home Firefighters later discovered the grandmother and her nine-month-old granddaughter dead inside the scorched structure Family members are seen embracing outside the burned out house in Hamilton Township on Friday morning Malani's mother, Princess Jones, 23 (pictured), was said to have been hospitalized with injuries The American Red Cross said that the fire has displaced three families. A next-door neighbor told the station that she was awakened by the light of the fire and saw through her window a screaming man running out of his home engulfed in flames. Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin released a statement addressing the deadly house fire. 'This is a very sad day for Hamilton,' he said. 'This tragedy touches the heart of everyone. This morning I met with the family to grieve with them and their loved ones and offer our support in any way we can.' The Biden administration on Friday told immigration officers not to detain pregnant and nursing mothers, reversing a Trump-era directive that removed protections and allowed officials to jail thousands of such women. The new policy goes further than Obama-era guidelines, which exempted pregnant mothers only. And it adds to an expanding series of protections for immigrants accused of violating civil immigration laws. Tae Johnson, acting director of U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (I.C.E.), said: 'I.C.E. is committed to safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and preserving the health and safety of pregnant, postpartum and nursing individuals. 'Given the unique needs of this population, we will not detain individuals known to be pregnant, postpartum or nursing unless release is prohibited by law or exceptional circumstances exist. 'This reflects our commitment to treat all individuals with respect and dignity while still enforcing our nations laws.' Five-months pregnant Mayra Culio is helped from an inflatable raft after crossing the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas, in this file photo from March. The Biden administration announced on Friday it would stop detaining migrants facing deportation if they are pregnant or recently gave birth in a reversal of a Trump-era policy The directive follows other moves by the Biden administration to reverse This chart shows how 2021 border crossings - pictured in blue - rocketed on crossings made in 2020, represented by the brown line (2018 is pictured in gray, with 2019 in orange) The new policy reverses 2017 rules that removed the presumption of release for pregnant aliens, instead setting out a case-by-case policy. Pregnant women could be detained if they represented a flight risk or a danger to the community, among other factors. The number of pregnant women detained increased by almost 50 percent from Obama's final year in office, reaching 2094 in 2018. Advocates for immigrants have warned frequently of the dangers of detaining pregnant women and condemned the Trump policy. The American Immigration Council welcomed the move. 'This memo is long overdue,' it said. 'In 2017, we filed a complaint on behalf of numerous people who were pregnant and detained by I.C.E. 'Several told us the stress of detention, combined with the lack of medical care provided by ICE, caused them to miscarry.' And Kamala Harris was among senators who raised the issue of pregnant detainees with I.C.E. after Trump's changes had taken effect. 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 Their letter cited the case of a Honduran woman who arrived in the U.S. seeking asylum from gang violence and sexual abuse. 'After reportedly alerting ICE officials of her pregnancy, and informing them that she was "bleeding and needed immediate medical attention," she expected to receive medical care,' they wrote. 'Instead, she was detained, and reportedly did not receive medical care for 48 hours. Several days later, she had a miscarriage.' The new orders require I.C.E. officers to obtain authorization before detaining anyone who is pregnant or nursing and that permission would be granted in only extreme circumstances. They also largely ban the use of restraints on pregnant women in an I.C.E. facility unless they present an immediate threat to themselves or others. Although the new policy will affect only a few hundred immigrants, it could trigger a backlash among conservatives who may see it as relaxing controls on migrants trying to get into the country to deliver babies with the guarantee of birthright citizenship. Earlier this year, the Biden administration ended family detention. President Joe Biden on Friday vowed there would be consequences for Russia after another round of ransomware attacks but he didn't detail what those might be. Biden, however, said he felt optimistic about his conversation with Vladimir Putin that took place earlier in the day. He called his Russian counterpart to demand Putin 'take action' about the ransomware attacks on the United States, warning him that he will take 'any necessary action' to defend the U.S. 'It went well. I'm optimistic,' Biden told reporters at the White House about the call. The president said he made it 'very clear' that when a ransomware attack originates on Russian soil 'we expect them to act' even if the attack wasn't directed by the Russian government. 'I made it very clear to him that United States expects when ransomware operation is coming from his soil but is not, not sponsored by a state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is,' he noted. He also replied 'yes' when asked if there would be consequences for Russia but offered no further details. When Biden met with Putin in Geneva last month, he issued his first warning of consequences to come if the cyber attacks persisted. The White House released a photo of President Biden on the phone with Vladimir Putin; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is taking notes President Joe Biden vowed there would be consequences for Russia after another round of ransomware attacks but he didn't detail what those might be President Biden held a one-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss the rash of ransomware attacks In the one-hour call with Putin, Biden 'underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware,' according to a readout of the call from the White House. The president 'reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge,' the statement noted. The call came after REvil - a Russian-based group of cyber hackers - launched another round of ransomware attacks last week and Republicans criticized Biden for giving an initial lackluster response. The Kremlin, in its readout, said 'Putin noted that despite the Russian sides readiness to jointly stop criminal activities in the information sphere, U.S. agencies havent made any requests during the past month.' The Kremlin also said the two leaders emphasized the need for cooperation on cybersecurity, which it said 'must be permanent, professional and non-politicized and should be conducted via special communication channels ... and with respect to international law.' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the call took place because Biden knew, even after his June sitdown with Putin in Geneva, that ongoing conversations would need to take place at the leader level. 'The president knew, even when they met in Geneva, that there would be a need for ongoing discussions and engagements,' she said at her press briefing on Friday. 'I'm not going to give you a tone and tenor readout here,' she said. She said Biden made clear that 'we reserve the right to take action.' Biden said on Wednesday he would personally deliver a message to Putin about the rash of cyber attacks taking place on American companies and groups. 'I will deliver it to him,' he told reporters at the White House when asked his message for the Russian president. Last week, a U.S. software firm was hit by a REvil - a Russian cybercriminal group - in a ransomware attack that crippled hundreds of companies worldwide. Kaseya provides services to more than 40,000 organizations and it was considered the single, largest global ransomware attack on record. Additionally, Russia's S.V.R. intelligence agency hacked a contractor for the Republican National Committee last week, the New York Times reported, although the committee said none of its data had been breached. Psaki said on Tuesday that the US and Russia have kept up a dialogue on the issue since the June 16 sitdown between the two leaders. Since the Geneva summit 'we have undertaken expert-level talks that are continuing, and we expect to have another meeting next week focused on ransomware attacks,' she said. 'And I will just reiterate a message that these officials are sending. As the President made clear to President Putin when they met, if the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action or reserve the right to take action on our own,' she added. The White House has not offered any hint of their response or what action officials may take. At their meeting on June 16 in Geneva, President Biden warned President Putin he will take action if the ransomware attacks continue Right-wing media and groups excoriated Biden for an awkward exchange in Michigan on Saturday where he fumbled with paper in his suit jacket pocket to answer a question on the ransomware attack. During that trip to a cheery farm store, Biden said he was just briefed on the attack, which was launched on Friday, but he had to refer to notes to give a non-answer updating reporters on the situation. And, on Tuesday, Biden again pulled out notes to deliver a prepared response to reporters questioning whether he would retaliate against Russia. 'I can tell you a couple things,' Biden said when asked if the attack warrants a response from the U.S. as he started reading from a notebook. 'I received an update from my national security team this morning.' The president insisted the attack 'appears to have caused minimal damages to U.S. businesses,' despite reports showing at least 1,000 American companies were affected and the hacking gang claims up to 1 million companies were targeted. 'We're still gathering information to the full extent of that attack,' Biden said after delivering an update on the coronavirus pandemic and state of vaccinations from the White House. He previewed: 'I'm going to have more to say about this in the next several days. We're getting more detail and information but that's what I can tell you now.' REvil was able to breach Kaseya, a Miami-based IT firm, and use their malware protection product to target, it claims, up to 1 million different businesses in at least 17 different countries. The gang is publicly demanding $70 million bitcoin to fix the issue, which the White House is advising Kaseya against. REvil has lowered their asking price to $50 million, according to private negotiations reported by Reuters on Monday. Biden has faced a slew of criticism for his slow response to the ransomware attack and his failure to 'get tough' on Russia despite vowing retaliation if there were any attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. Rep. John Katko told DailyMail.com Monday night the U.S. is 'facing a time of reckoning' in relations with Russia. 'Only weeks after President Biden sat down with Putin and allegedly talked a tough game with Russia, hackers from Russia again attacked thousands of U.S. companies, compromising our nation's critical infrastructure,' Katko, ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said. Two weeks after the resignation scandal which rocked Whitehall, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been spotted for the first time in his Suffolk constituency while his lover strolled at her London home, having removed her wedding ring. Ironically enough, given that he resigned after breaking Covid rules, Mr Hancock was photographed at a vaccination centre at Newmarket Racecourse, where he is believed to have received his second jab on Wednesday. Gina Coladangelo, 43, Mr Hancock's former closest aide, whom he was caught kissing and hugging in footage leaked from a CCTV camera in his office, is still believed to be living in her marital home with her three children and retail tycoon husband Oliver Tress. But the recent removal of her wedding band suggests they are now estranged. This week former Health Secretary Matt Hancock was photographed alone, looking at his phone in a stationary car, parked in Newmarket Mr Hancock, 42, left his osteopath wife Martha and three young children as soon as the affair broke on June 25. He was reported to have told her their marriage was over the evening the story was published and woke up his children to say goodbye. This week he was photographed alone, looking at his phone in a stationary car, parked in Newmarket. He cancelled an engagement at the same venue on the morning his affair was revealed for the first time in The Sun. Student Guilherme Cavaleiro, 20, who was attending for his first jab, said: 'I glanced at him and thought he looked familiar. I took a second look and realised it was Mr Hancock. We didn't exchange any words he looked very thoughtful, just staring at his mobile phone.' Mrs Coladangelo also cut a solitary figure as she walked her dog on Wandsworth Common, south London earlier this week, wearing sunglasses, a denim jacket, floral print skirt and Jesus sandals. Like Mr Hancock, about 80 miles away in Suffolk, she was also carrying a mobile phone and appeared to have having a conversation while connected by Bluetooth earphones. Mr Hancock's lover Gina Coladangelo, 43, strolled at her London home having removed her wedding ring Mr Hancock was caught kissing and hugging his former closest aide in footage leaked from a CCTV camera in his office Where Mr Hancock is in hiding is a mystery, as he was yesterday nowhere to be seen at his rented rambling Grade II listed farmhouse which lies just outside his West Suffolk constituency in the neighbouring South Suffolk seat of his Tory colleague James Cartlidge. A neighbour said Mr Hancock had not been seen there for a week. 'He zipped in last Friday, but I think he was just picking up his mail,' said the resident. Mr Hancock resigned his Cabinet post two day after the affair was revealed, even though Downing Street initially described the matter as 'closed.' In a letter to the PM Mr Hancock said the government 'owe it to people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down'. Boris Johnson said he was 'sorry' to receive the resignation. Mr Hancock had been under increasing pressure to quit, after The Sun published photos, and then a video, of Mr Hancock and Ms Coladangelo kissing. Mr Hancock resigned his Cabinet post two day after the affair was revealed, even though Downing Street initially described the matter as 'closed' The footage was taken inside the Department of Health on 6 May, during a time when people were ordered to social distance from family and friends. Mr Hancock ended his 15-year marriage to his wife, Martha, and the relationship with Ms Coladangelo is understood to be a serious one. But Mr Hancock's political troubles may still not yet be over, it emerged yesterday. Although the executive committee of Mr Hancock's local West Suffolk Conservative Association has formally given him its backing in a statement released a week ago, not all rank and file members of the organisation are happy for him to remain as their MP. He could face a crunch vote on July 23, when a new, larger executive committee will be formed, and at least one prominent member of the association intends to challenge Mr Hancock. Tom Kerby, the former deputy Mayor of Newmarket, told MaiOnline he hoped that the issue of Mr Hancock's deselection would be on the agenda. 'I will be trying to get onto the executive, but even if I'm not successful, I hope that enlarging the executive to more than 20 people will mean a broader representation of members' views. 'I can tell you that there is certainly a feeling among some members that Mr Hancock should step down it's a combinaton of the hypocrisy of breaking the Covid rules and the lies he must have told. 'If he's lied about one thing, how can we believe him over other matters?' Former chancellor Sajid Javid who was chosen as Mr Hancock's replacement, yesterday cracked a joke at his predecessor's expense. Sitting in Mr Hancock's old office for an online conference on Thursday, Mr Javid quipped: 'I hope my camera is on, is my camera on? I mean, the one on my laptop, not the one in the ceiling.' Mr Javid has previously praised Mr Hancock, saying: 'I think Matt Hancock worked incredibly hard. He achieved a lot and I'm sure he will have more to offer in public life'. A Confederate monument that helped spark the violent 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville four years ago, will be removed on Saturday, the city announced Friday. In a news release, Charlottesville confirmed the statue removal of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, along with a statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson. Designated public viewing areas of the removals will be established in both parks where the statues are located, the news release said. The decision comes more than four years after the city voted to remove the Lee statue. The decision sparked the 'Unite the Right' rally lead by white supremacists and neo-Nazis, which clashed violently with counter-protesters leaving dozens injured and one counter-protestor dead. The statue of Robert E. Lee is seen uncovered in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Va., on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018. In a news release Friday, Charlottesville said that the equestrian statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee as well as a nearby one of Confederate Gen. Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson will be taken down Saturday The decision comes more than five years after a 2016 debate was ignited on what to do with Lee's statue. It was a debate that later sparked neo-Nazis to gather in the city for an aggressive rally that left dozens injured and one protestor dead. A statue of Stonewall Jackson is seen uncovered in Justice Park, in Charlottesville, Va., on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 Because of litigation and changes to a state law dealing with war memorials, the city had been unable to act and remove the monuments until now. A coalition of racial justice activists who have long been fighting for the removal of the statues issued a statement Friday celebrating the news. 'As long as they remain standing in our downtown public spaces, they signal that our community tolerated white supremacy and the Lost Cause these generals fought for,' the coalition, Take 'Em Down Cville, said in its statement. Preparations around the parks began Friday, including the installation of protective fencing. Although the city confirmed removal of the statues, the stone bases will be left in place temporarily and removed later. Perched in a small, picturesque city in the Blue Ridge mountains, the statues are located in places of relative prominence in Charlottesville. Commissioned by a UVA graduate, the statues are just blocks apart from each other. In 2017, Charlottesville City Council voted to take Lee's statue down, but a lawsuit was quickly filed which put the citys plans on hold. White supremacists rallied by torch-light in May 2017 following that decision The issue reached a crescendo in August, when white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizers of the 'Unite the Right' rally gathered in the city to defend the statue of Lee. Seen in this picture, counter-protestors clash with white supremacists at the 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017 In February 2017, the Charlottesville City Council voted to take Lee's statue down, after a petition was started by Black high school student, Zyahna Bryant. In addition, advocacy from other local leaders and activists, and the work of a commission appointed to study the issue, were also involved in the removal decision. A lawsuit was quickly filed, putting the citys plans on hold, and white supremacists seized on the issue. First, white supremacists rallied by torch-light at the state in May 2017, following a small group of Klansmen in July, far outnumbered by peaceful protesters. The issue reached a crescendo in August, when white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizers of the 'Unite the Right' rally gathered in the city to defend the statue of Lee. They seized on the issue for publicity, meeting in what was the largest gathering of extremists in at least a decade. They brawled in the streets with anti-racist counterprotesters as police largely stood by and watched. Neo-Nazis seized on the issue for publicity, meeting in what was the largest gathering of extremists in at least a decade. Seen in this picture anti-racist protestors clash with white supremacists during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017 White supremacists brawled in the streets with anti-racist counterprotesters as police largely stood by and watched. Seen in this picture, anti-racist protestors clash with white supremacists during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017 A short time later, James Alex Fields, Jr - an avowed white supremacist and admirer of Adolf Hitler - intentionally plowed his car into a crowd of people, killing Heather Heyer, 32, and leaving others with life-altering injuries. Because of the litigation over a state law protecting memorials to war veterans, Charlottesvilles hands were tied. Although the city government still wanted Lee's statue gone, and voted to remove the nearby Jackson statue, the pair of monuments had to stay in place. A judge prevented the city from even shrouding them with tarps. After Democrats took control of the General Assembly in the 2019 elections, the monument-protection law was rewritten a year later. Since then, local governments across the state have removed statues that stood for a century or more. Charlottesville, however, was waiting for the resolution of the lawsuit, which came in April, when the states highest court sided with the city. Since that ruling, the city government has been working its way through the requirements of the new law, like holding a public hearing and offering the statue to a museum or historical society for possible relocation. The offer period for Charlottesvilles statues ended Thursday. So far, ten responses have been received and the city remains open to 'additional expressions of interest,' according to Friday's news release. Under the new law, the city has the final say in the statues' disposition. Both will be stored in a secure location on city property until the City Council makes a final decision, the news release said. In the aftermath of the rally, Charlottesville residents unleashed a torrent of pain, anger and frustration at city and state officials, laying bare deeper issues about race, economic inequality and what should be done to move forward. Activists have since pushed the city to address its legacies of racism and slavery, its dearth of affordable housing and police accountability, among other issues. Kristin Szakos, who was a City Council member at the time of the rally, said in an interview earlier this week that there was a determination to make sure the violence of 2017 was not in vain. 'It really brought up a lot of awareness of white supremacy that is not just from visitors from Idaho, but also from structures in our own culture and in our own institutions that we have to deal with. And that those are more important than just chasing Nazis out of our town,' she said. Szakos, no longer in office, said she thinks the city has made some progress toward that work and that the statue removals will be another step in the right direction. City officials have said they plan to redesign the park spaces where the statues are located 'in a way that promotes healing and that tells a more complete history of Charlottesville.' Who was Confederate general and slave owner Robert E. Lee? A portrait of Confederate general Robert E. Lee Robert E. Lee was a decorated Confederate general. He joined the army in 1825, and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1829. He married Mary Anna Randolph Custis, the only daughter of George Washington Parke Custis, the grandson of Martha Washington, in 1831. Lee first saw action with the American military in Mexico in 1846. He later served as major general of Virginias state forces. He inherited the Virginia mansion when his father-in-law died in 1857, leaving Lee to manage the large estate. The estate was in disarray and Lee ended up taking a two year leave of absence from the army to re-organize the flailing plantation. He had extremely strict expectations of his slaves and exacted harsh punishments for those who fell short. His efforts led to near slave revolts on site, especially as many believed they would be released on Custis' death. In 1859, Lee severely punished three slaves - Wesley Norris, his sister Mary, and a cousin of theirs - after they tried to escape the plantation. A newspaper at the time claimed Lee had them whipped once they were captured and returned to Virginia. Mary received 20 lashes while the two men received 50 before the pair were sent to work on railroads in Virginia and Alabama. Many of the 200 slaves he had inherited were either sold to traders or jailed by Lee and by 1860, only one family remained intact. He is believed to have told his son in 1868: 'You will never prosper with the blacks, and it is abhorrent to a reflecting mind to be supporting and cherishing those who are plotting and working for your injury, and all of whose sympathies and associations are antagonistic to yours.' After the Civil War, Lee resisted efforts to build Confederate monuments in his honor and instead wanted the nation to move on from the Civil War. After his death, Southerners adopted 'The Lost Cause' revisionist narrative about the Civil War and placed Lee as its central figure. The Last Cause argued the South knew it was fighting a losing war and decided to fight it anyway on principle. It also tried to argue that the war was not about slavery but high constitutional ideals. As The Lost Cause narrative grew in popularity, proponents pushed to memorialize Lee, ignoring his deficiencies as a general and his role as a slave owner. Lee monuments went up in the 1920s just as the Ku Klux Klan was experiencing a resurgence and new Jim Crow segregation laws were adopted. The Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, Virginia, went up in 1924. A year later, the U.S. Congress voted to use federal funds to restore the Lee mansion in the Arlington National Cemetery. The U.S. Mint issued a coin in his honor, and Lee has been on five postage stamps. No other Union figure besides President Abraham Lincoln has similar honors. A generation after the civil rights movement, black and Latino residents began pressuring elected officials to dismantle Lee and other Confederate memorials in places like New Orleans, Houston and South Carolina. The removals partly were based on violent acts committed white supremacists using Confederate imagery and historians questioning the legitimacy of The Lost Cause. A Gen. Robert E. Lee statue was removed from Lee Circle in New Orleans as the last of four monuments to Confederate-era figures to be removed under a 2015 City Council vote. The Houston Independent School District also voted in 2016 to rename Robert E. Lee High School, a school with a large Latino population, as Margaret Long Wisdom High School. In this June 30, 2015, photo, activists gather around the Confederate Army Gen. Robert E. Lee statute at Lee Park chanting the names of Civil War era activists in Dallas The Charlottesville, Virginia, City Council voted to remove its Lee statue from a city park, sparking a lawsuit from opponents of the move. The debate also drew opposition from white supremacists and neo-Nazis who revered Lee and the Confederacy. Monuments and memorials to Lee remain hugely controversial. Currently Virginia's Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether the state has the right to take down a statue of Lee on a horse in Richmond. The monument, which depicts the controversial general mounted on a horse, was dedicated in 1890 and has been the topic of fierce debate in Richmond, the former capital of the Confederacy, for decades. Protesters gathered around the monument last year and defaced it with graffiti and spray paint decrying the death of George Floyd. In December, a statue of Lee in the U.S. Capitol was removed and replaced with one of civil rights pioneer Barbara Johns. It was removed after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam requested it be swapped because Lee was not seen as a fitting symbol for the state. There has also been calls to change the name of military bases, including one named after Lee - Fort Lee -, that bear the names of slave owners. Advertisement A third of former hospitality workers would not consider returning to the industry even though they are looking for a job, a new survey found Friday - in another worrying sign for a sector that is suffering from an acute labour shortage despite a high unemployment rate. Separately, half of former hospitality staff said they would not want to return to their previous position, according to Joblist's second-quarter survey of around 13,000 job seekers. Just under half - 45% - wanted higher pay, and 29% better benefits. Although bars and restaurants in cities like New York are now operating almost as normal, bosses are facing a fight to tempt workers back, with President Biden's continuing $300-a-week unemployment benefits combined with state payments sometimes making it more lucrative to stay at home than take a low-paid role. Bank of America estimates that anyone who earned $32,000 before the pandemic can now get more from a combination of state and federal unemployment benefits. They are also allowed to claim benefits for up to 39 weeks - nearly a full year - whereas before, it was capped at 26 weeks. The average US salary in 2019 was $31,133. It has created a scenario where restaurant workers, cleaners, retail workers and other people who slogged for minimum wage are simply choosing to stay at home because they earn more and are not put at risk of catching the virus. Now, the only way for businesses to make up for it is by raising their prices - and Republicans are up in arms about the fast-paced inflation it is causing. A new survey has revealed the difficulties hospitality businesses are having with luring back former employees who left during the pandemic Jobseekers complained that the pay offered by hospitality jobs was too low and said they preferred working in a different setting The number of available jobs across the US rose to a record high of 9.2 million in May, which essentially means there is now a position available for every unemployed person across the country. The $300 additional rate is set to expire in September. Millions of hospitality workers lost their jobs during the pandemic, forcing many to move into other sectors. Hospitality jobs tend to pay far lower wages than other industries, with average pay for hourly workers in non-managerial roles at $16.21 in June, compared to $25.68 across the wider public sector, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, a huge labour shortage has seen bosses push up wages, with McDonald's boosting pay by 10% at its directly-owned branches. One McDonald's in Arlington, Virginia, is offering a $500 sign-on bonus for new employees, reports Axios, while Wendy's is offering $100 signing and referral bonuses to new hires, in addition to same-day pay. Chipotle is increasing the pay of restaurant workers to an average of $15 an hour. In Ohio, White Castle has started to boost hourly pay from $11.50 to $15, according to The Columbus Dispatch. One factor blamed for the ongoing labor crisis are the ongoing COVID-related unemployment benefits being offered by many US states - some of which pay considerably more than an entry-level job would. Nearly 15 million people claimed some form of unemployment insurance benefits in late May, up from about 2 million before the pandemic. Massachusetts and Washington are the most generous states, offering those on unemployment benefits up to $850-a-week, although those handouts will end in September as the economic recovery gathers pace. Businesses have been jacking up their wages to attract staff, with this Dunkin Donuts advertising roles at $15 an hour The lack of these benefits is a major factor in attracting employees right now, with 55% of job seekers saying that they would even consider taking a lower-paying job if it offered better benefits, according to the survey (pictured) In March 2019, the average weekly payment to an unemployed person was $348 when combining federal and state unemployment payments. 'I had to take off my $800 sneakers and cut my own grass': Mass labor shortage in the exclusive Hamptons leaves the rich to cut their own lawns By Sandra Salathe for Dailymail.com A mass labor shortage has left the privileged residents of the Hamptons fending for themselves. The combination of soaring local rental prices, the ban on temporary work visas and the fact that many hospitality workers are not keen to rush back to their grueling, low paid jobs after generous Covid-19 boosted unemployment, has left many Hamptonites without paid help for the first time. A mass labor shortage has left the wealthy and privileged residents of the Hamptons fending for themselves in ways they could never imagine. Pictured, the Hamptons shoreline Some wealthy residents have even been forced to do the unthinkable; mow their own lawns or wash their own laundry. 'I had to buy a lawn mower and cut my own lawn. I wanted flowers planted behind the pool,' one resident posted on the neighborhood app Nextdoor. 'The landscaper didn't show up. I had to do it myself,' The same person added that their brother had to teach them how to use 'the thing that trims the weeds.' 'Yesterday, I finally did that. I had to take my $800 sneakers off first, but it was actually satisfying,' the resident added. Advertisement That nearly tripled to $938 in April 2020, when Trump passed CARES - a temporary economic plan that boosted weekly unemployment payments by $600 and also gave employed people one-off stimulus checks. It expired in last summer. Now, the average weekly unemployment check is $638 - still $300 more than before the pandemic, and it'll stay that way until September 6 at least. It means, someone who was working 40 hours a week before the pandemic now gets nearly $16-an-hour to do nothing at home, which is more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Federal unemployment benefits are supposed to end by Labor Day across the country, but in some states, such as Maryland and Tennessee, they are ending early. The 9.2 million jobs posted by employees on the last day of May was up slightly from the 9.19 million in April, a report from the Labor Department said. It is the most since record-keeping began in 2000. About 9.5 million people were officially unemployed last month amid President Biden's ongoing $300-a-week jobless benefits. The number of people quitting their jobs slipped in May from a record high in April but remains elevated, according to the report. The percentage of workers getting laid off hit a record low in May. The fact there was one open job for every unemployed American in May is a situation that is far more typical of an economy with a much lower unemployment rate. The unemployment rate in the US was still elevated at 5.9 percent in June. In the first three months of the year, the government has estimated that the economy expanded at a brisk 6.4 percent annual rate. In the April-June quarter, the annual rate is thought to have reached a sizzling 10 percent. And for all of 2021, the Congressional Budget Office has projected that growth will amount to 6.7 percent. That would be the fastest calendar-year expansion since 1984. The economy is recovering so quickly that many companies can't find workers fast enough to meet their increased customer demand. In June, employers added a strong 850,000 jobs, and hourly pay rose a solid 3.6 percent compared with a year ago - faster than the pre-pandemic annual pace and a sign that companies are being compelled to pay more to attract and keep workers. Still, the nation remains 6.8 million jobs short of the level it had in February 2020, just before COVID-19 tore through the economy and eliminated tens of millions of jobs. In eight states, the unemployed can earn at least $600 per week in benefits. Massachusetts offers the most generous benefits In March 2019, the average weekly payment to an unemployed person was $348 when combining federal and state unemployment payments. That nearly tripled to $938 in April 2020. Now they're still $638 -a-week - $300 more than they were before. It means, someone who was working 40 hours a week before the pandemic now gets nearly $16-an-hour to do nothing at home, which is more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25 Weekly applications for unemployment benefits, though down sharply from earlier peaks, are still comparatively high: Before the pandemic, they were typically coming in at only around 220,000 a week. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week to 373,000, a Labor Department report on Thursday showed. The total number of Americans receiving jobless aid, including supplemental federal checks that were intended to provide relief during the pandemic recession, amounted to 14.2 million people during the week of June 19, down from 33.2 million a year earlier. Many states, though, have dropped the federal aid, responding to complaints that the generous benefits were discouraging some of the unemployed from seeking work: A total of 26 states plan to end the $300-a-week federal benefit before it ends nationally on September 6. Most of those states will also cut off federal assistance to the self-employed, gig workers and people who have been out of work for more than six months. Still, many factors other than the enhanced federal jobless benefits are thought to have contributed to the shortage of people seeking work again: Difficulty arranging or affording child care, lingering fears of COVID-19, early retirements by older workers, a slowdown in immigration and a decision by some people to seek new careers rather than return to their old jobs. 'We see weekly filings declining over coming weeks as job growth picks up, although at least some of the improvement will be due to states suspending federal support measures,'' Rubeela Farooqi, chief US economist at High Frequency Economics, said in a research note. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Hunter Biden had a 'right to pursue an artistic career,' as she tried on Friday to justify the administration's role in brokering arrangements for the sale of his paintings. It followed revelations that the White House helped set up a deal for buyers' identities to remain hidden to ensure they did not win presidential favors. This White House has frequently promised full transparency in pursuit of the highest ethical standards. Now that means secrecy. 'I think it would be challenging for an anonymous person, who we don't know and Hunter Biden doesn't know, to have influence,' said Psaki during her daily briefing. The plan will allow Hunter Biden to forge ahead with his new life as an artist after a career change from high-paid consultant on international deals. 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. Psaki confirmed that the White House had been involved. 'Of course he has the right to pursue an artistic career just like any child of a president has the right to pursue a career, but all interactions regarding the selling of art and the setting of prices will be handled by a professional gallerist, adhering to the highest industry standards, and any offer out of the normal course would be rejected out of hand,' she said. 'And the gallerist will not share information about buyers or prospective buyers, including their identities with Hunter Biden or the administration, which provides quite a level of protection and transparency.' Hunter Biden's artworks could sell for as much as $500,000 raising questions about whether buyers will think their money is buying access or favors. The White House says it was involved in making arrangements to keep their identities hidden from officials and to ensure the gallerist would not accept inflated bids White House Press Secretary defended the arrangements, saying it would be difficult for an anonymous buyer to wield influence over the administration. She also said Hunter Biden had 'the right' to pursue an artistic career 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 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. 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. 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 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 '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!' 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. 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 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 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. A Wyoming rancher who was pinned by an all-terrain vehicle survived on nothing but beer and bottled water for two days until he was rescued by a search party. Frank Reynolds, 53, was trying to round up a cow and calf on a neighbor's pasture outside Gillette when the vehicle tipped over on him Sunday, Reynolds told the Gillette News Record. 'It was scary as hell is what it was,' a badly bruised Reynolds said Wednesday from a hospital room. Wyoming rancher Frank Reynolds is pictured being rescued on Tuesday from a dry creek bed, where he had been trapped beneath an overturned ATV for nearly two days Reynolds, 53, is pictured covered in bruises in the hospital following his rescue. He was rounding a cow and calf when his vehicle tipped over on him Sunday Family thought Reynolds had gone camping or was with friends, said Quentin Reynolds, the Campbell County undersheriff and Frank's brother. Later Monday, they began to worry. Eventually, they learned Frank had planned to do some work on the property where, unbeknownst to them, he was laying with a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs. A search began at around 2pm, and the rancher's family filed a missing person report with the sheriff's office three hours later, reported Cowboy State Daily. Meanwhile, Reynolds, trapped in a dry creek bed, honked the ATV's horn so much he wore down the battery - to no avail. He was able to ration a couple of bottles of water and Keystone Light beers from a cooler he had brought with him, Sheriff Scott Matheny said. Reynolds survived on a few bottles of water and beer for two days until help arrived Reynolds' cooler, which was within his reach, contained Keystone Light beer (stock image) Searching on horseback in the rough terrain, neighbor Don Hamm finally came upon the missing rancher just before 8am on Tuesday, more than 40 hours after he had left home. By that point, Frank recalled he was 'pretty much out of it' as a result of pain and dehydration. 'Everything on the left side pretty much hurt, from the top of my head to my toes,' he said. A photo taken in the hospital showed the brew-loving rancher with black and purple bruisers on his left shoulder and under his left eye, and a large bump on his head. 'Hes really lucky that the drinks landed within reach of his right arm,' his brother said. He was expected to remain in the hospital a few more days and eventually recover. Daniel Slater, 51, admitted to hiring who he believed was a hitman to kill his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend and her sister and brother-in-law A Florida landscaper pleaded guilty to a murder-for-hire plot to kill three people, including his ex-girlfriend, and set the crime scene up to appear as if someone from the Black Lives Matter movement was behind it. Daniel Slater, 51, admitted to hiring what he believed to be a hitman to kill his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend and her sister and brother-in-law who he thought was responsible for ruining their relationship, the Palm Beach Post reported. From May to June 2020, Slater met with 'hitman' who was actually an FBI informant, according to the Department of Justice. Slater and the undercover agent discussed the logistics behind the hit, including bringing in a third person to assist. Slater even went so far as to drive by the victim's home with the agent, instructing them on how to carry out the murders when the time came. In one instance, Slater pointed out which of the home's windows to shoot through to kill the couple and he instructed the supposed hitman to spray-paint the house to make it appear as if members of the Black Lives Matter movement had committed the crime, the DOJ said. Slater told the supposed hitman to spray-paint the house to make it appear as if members of the Black Lives Matter movement had committed the crime Slater agreed that as payment for the murders, he would forgive a debt that his associate owed him and agreed to pay the fees of the third person they talked about bringing in to help. In the end, the planned murders did not occur, and none of the intended victims were injured. Slater, who was facing a 90-year prison term if found guilty, agreed to a plea deal where federal prosecutors agreed to drop two other murder-for-hire and three drug charges he faced. His attorney, Richard Della Fera, admitted the evidence against his client was 'quite voluminous,' the Post reported. Prosecutors had tape recordings of Slater explaining how his ex-girlfriend should be handled over the phone where he said 'throw acid on her face' and 'beat the s**t out of her, knock her teeth out, break her f*****g nose,' court documents revealed. Brianne Slabaugh, 26, told police weeks before her overdose death that Slater was training her to be an assassin to 'kidnap people associated with his ex-girlfriend' Also used as evidence against Slater was a doctored a photo the FBI used to convince the 51-year-old that the supposed hitman had killed his ex-girlfriend's sister and brother-in-law, the Post reported. The FBI was led to Slater following the February 2020 arrest of 26-year-old Brianne Slabaugh. She had allegedly been hired by Slater who was training her to be an assassin to 'kidnap several people associated with his ex-girlfriend.' Her father says she'd hired a car for 'surveillance' but was arrested after failing to return it. She was found in another stolen car, with a gun. She told police of Slater's plot. A few weeks later she was dead. Slabaugh was found dead from an overdose in the Everglades on February 22, 2020. After Slabaugh's death another unidentified person reached out to the FBI with a similar story which led to a confidential source for the agency to contact Slater and plan out the multiple hits as well as pretend to help him distribute cocaine, the Post reported. Slater offered to pay the FBI source $2,500 to carry out a drive-by shooting but ultimately only paid $400, while promising more would be coming. Slater, who now faces a single charge of murder for hire charge is scheduled to be sentenced September 16 and will likely serve a 10-year sentence. Kirstie Alley has been pictured out in public for the first time in three years and hot on the heels of her latest Twitter controversy. The 70-year-old Trump advocate and devout Scientologist was seen stepping out for some groceries on Wednesday in her adopted hometown of Clearwater, Florida. Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the former Cheers star flying solo as she left a Nature's Food Patch near downtown. She went makeup-free and dressed comfortably in a green checkered shirt, leggings, and orange slip-on shoes, and carried a Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote. Out and about: Kirstie Alley was pictured out in public for the first time in three years while grocery shopping in Clearwater, Florida Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the actress leaving a Nature's Food Patch near the city's downtown area on Wednesday afternoon The 70-year-old devout Scientologist ditched the makeup and dressed comfortably in a green checkered shirt, leggings and orange flats Alley, who was raised Methodist, is now known as one of the few Scientologists in Hollywood Alley, who became a member of the Church of Scientology in 1979, has been living semi-permanently in Clearwater after purchasing a waterfront property just a stone's throw from the church's global headquarters in 2000. An outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, the actress has made headlines in recent years over her controversial opinions. She drew backlash once again last week after firing off a series of tweets railing against the 'perverse' content being normalized on the internet and on television. She was condemned by activists, fellow celebrities and LGBTQ groups for the outburst. 'Was watching TV...we've gone too far in my opinion. I feel sorry for our children,' she tweeted last Friday. 'Their exposure to everything perverse on every kind of screen is mind boggling. And even more tragic, it's being hyped as 'normal'.' The former Cheers star became a member of the Church of Scientology in 1979 and owns a waterfront property just a stone's throw from its global headquarters in Clearwater The actress, who has been an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, has made headlines over her controversial opinions in recent years Kirstie Alley during her grocery shopping trip in Clearwater, Florida Alley has claimed that her conservative political views have put her at odds with most stars in woke Hollywood Earlier this year, Alley - who has not starred in a movie since 2015 - questioned why her Hollywood peers can behave in illegal or unethical ways and not receive the same type of ostracization that she has 'No other generation has had such easy access to the underbelly of humanity. SO many screens & chronic bombardment of images and concepts. Our current society would have been praising Caligula. Protect your children,' she continued. 'People are becoming so 'open minded' that down the road they will support pedophilia as people 'just loving children.' You think I'm kidding. I'm not. 'It's the direction this insanity is headed. You can 'ok boomer' me all you want but this is where we will veer unless we change,' she added. Back in May, Alley appeared as a guest on Tucker Carlson Today where she admitted that her conservative political views have put her at odds with most stars in woke Hollywood. She told the Fox News host that she was first warned to keep quiet about her interest in Trump back in 2015, with a producer telling her that she would stop getting roles if she came out as conservative. She claimed the unidentified producer was also a Trump fan, but chose to keep quiet for fear they'd 'never work again'. Alley, however, chose to speak up. Alley drew backlash once again last week after firing off a series of tweets railing against the 'perverse' content being normalized on the internet and on television and claiming society's 'open mindedness' was leading people down a road towards pedophilia 'People go, 'You're so brave.' I go, 'No, I think I'm stupid'. Because honestly... it is a real blackballing situation,' she stated. 'It's so strange to me because artists are free-thinkers for the most part.' Alley - who has not starred in a movie since 2015 - argued that her Hollywood peers can behave in illegal or unethical ways and still not receive the same type of ostracization that she has. 'You can be cooking meth and sleeping with hookers but as long as you didn't vote for Trump [you're fine],' she told Carlson. 'I feel like I'm in the 'Twilight Zone' a bit with the whole concept of it.' She revealed that she voted for Obama in both 2008 and 2012 but threw her support in 2016 after criticizing Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Death Valley has come within four degrees of the highest outdoor temperature ever recorded on Earth, as the West Coast braces for yet another record-setting heatwave. The official temperature in the California national park hit 130 degrees on Friday, breaking the daily record for June 9 and coming close to the all-time worldwide record of 134, which was set there in 1913. Temperatures on the West Coast are set to hit up to 117 degrees over the weekend, just two weeks after the deadly 'heat dome' capped North America's hottest month of June on record, as wildfires continue to burn across the state. The 'heat dome lasted from June 26 to July 1, killing 116 people in Oregon and another 78 in Washington State as temperatures soared up to more than 95 degrees. It also caused some areas in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia to hit as high as 115 degrees. Now National Weather Service forecaster Sarah Rogowski has warned that this weekend's heatwave will likely be even hotter, especially in the central part of the California from Friday and into Monday, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees higher than average in some parts of the state. Lows in some regions will be in the high 80s, which is normally the usual high temperature mark for the state in the late summer months. Signage warns of extreme heat danger inside Death Valley National Park in a file photo. The official temperature in the California national park hit 130 degrees on Friday, four degrees from the all-time record Temperature forecasts are seen for Death Valley, which is flirting with the all-time record for surface temperature The West Coast is bracing for yet another record-setting heatwave, with temperatures set to hit up to 117F just two weeks after deadly 'heat dome' The heat dome, which capped North America's hottest month of June on record, killed 116 people in Oregon and another 78 in Washington State In preparation for this weekend's record-setting temperatures, the Office of Emergency Services are offering cooling centers throughout the state, especially for those without air conditioning Even nighttime temperatures are expected to soar, with authorities expressing concern over potential increases in heat-related illnesses. 'People dont have that recovery time,' Rogowski said of the constant heat. 'You dont have time to cool off your home and to really just recover from the heat.' 'This is on top of the heat wave we saw earlier in the summer,' she added. 'Its been a pretty hot period with not much relief across the state.' Meanwhile, hundreds of firefighters aided by aircraft were fighting the Beckwourth Complex on Friday, two blazes sparked by lightning that were carving their way through the eastern edge of the million-acre Plumas National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada near the Nevada state line. Campgrounds and homes around California's Frenchman Lake were under evacuation orders and a nearly 200-square-mile area was closed due to wildfires. Sarah Rogowski, a National Weather Service forecaster, warns that this weekend's heatwave will likely be even hotter than the 'heat dome' from Friday and into Monday, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees higher than average in some parts of the state Meanwhile, campgrounds and homes around Frenchman Lake were evacuated Friday and a nearly 200-square-mile area was closed due to wildfires After a day and night of explosive growth, the wildfire covered more than 38 square miles as of midmorning Friday, causing containment to drop to 11 percent After a day and night of explosive growth, the fire covered more than 38 square miles as of midmorning Friday, causing containment to drop to 11 percent. Officials with the California Office of Emergency Services believe the Golden State is undergoing serious climate changes amidst the recent influx in temperatures, droughts and wildfires. 'We believe that California is very clearly experiencing the impacts of a changing environment,' said deputy director of crisis communications for the California Office of Emergency Services Brian Ferguson. 'Were seeing drought conditions we havent seen before, and there is a cascading impact, but it really all comes back to climate.' In preparation for this weekend's record-setting temperatures, the Office of Emergency Services are offering cooling centers throughout the state, especially for those without air conditioning. 'Were competing with Mother Nature,' Ferguson said. 'Were throwing everything we have at this challenge to help keep those who are vulnerable safe.' One of the prison guards who had sex with child killer Susan Smith behind bars said she turned to drugs because she could no longer get male attention. Smith made headlines in the 1990s after killing both of her sons by letting her car roll into a lake while they were strapped into their car seats. She went on TV afterwards, claiming the boys had been kidnapped by a black man who ambushed her and stole her car. It later emerged she'd killed them because she was dating a man who didn't want kids. Smith was imprisoned for life without parole in 1995. In 2001, prison guard Alfred Rowe pleaded guilty to having sex with Smith while she was incarcerated at Camille Graham Correctional Center in Columbia, South Carolina. In an interview with Lifetime's Cellmate Secrets that airs this Friday, he tells how she started using drugs afterwards, because she could 'no longer get male attention' and that she used that as a drug before. Monster mom: Susan Smith when she was first arrested in 1994, right, and in 2017, left. She is now 49 and remains in prison Alfred Rowe, shown in a previous interview with Dr. Oz, had sex with Smith in 2001. He said she then turned to drugs because she 'could no longer get male attention' 'She could not longer get the male attention that she used as a drug,' he said in a clip of the episode. A woman who once shared a cell with her also told of the many ways she watched Smith ingest drugs. 'I've seen Susan do everything. Snort, booty bump, swallow, shoot. I've seen her do it all. My main purpose was to bring her her pills,' Christie Smith said. Rowe's wife also told the program how angry she was when she found out that he'd slept with her. 'Which one do I want to choke first? My heart was being ripped out,' she said. He said he regretted it, particularly when he had to tell his children. 'I regretted to have to tell my children, I made a mistake and I allowed it to happen. I had the power to say no and I didn't.' Smith had sex with at least one other guard - Houston Cagle - while in custody. In 1994, she claimed publicly that her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex, were kidnapped by a black man in a carjacking. Murdered: Smith initially blamed a 'black man' she claimed carjacked her and then sped off with the boys, who were found strapped into her car at the bottom of a lake She appeared on TV with her husband, the boys' father David Smith, to make a tearful plea for their return. It later emerged that she'd been having an affair with a man called Tom Findley, who broke off their romance because he didn't want children. That is the motive prosecutors presented at trial. Prosecutors pushed for the death penalty, claiming she was a callous killer who didn't think she'd done anything wrong. The jury rejected it and instead gave her life without parole. Smith, now 49, has been given multiple violations for using drugs in prison. She previously said there was something 'not right in her head' that night.' Advertisement In the weeks that followed her murder, Sarah Everard became the nation's 'Everywoman', a poster girl for a generation fired up to tell their own stories of sexual violence and harassment at male hands. People who didn't know her, had never met her, spoke her name or wrote it on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram; her photograph appeared in online posts that were shared millions of times. This political hijacking of her death, said Sarah's closest friends, was not something she would have wanted. Sarah's family, breaking their silence today, could not agree more. Now that the marketing executive's killer has finally been brought to justice, it is time to restore her memory to her family; to pay tribute to the bright, kind, joyous woman taken in the prime of her life so loved by those who knew her. Talking exclusively to the Daily Mail this week, one of Sarah's cousins has spoken for the first time about how her death has left a gaping hole in her closely-knit loving family. A hole nothing can ever fill. One of Sarah's cousins has spoken for the first time about how her death has left a gaping hole in her closely-knit loving family. Pictured: Sarah Everard Having cleared out the flat where the 33-year-old lived in south London and quietly laid her to rest in a private family funeral, her parents, Jeremy and Sue, are still struggling to come to terms with their unfathomable loss. 'It's just so heart-wrenching. The family is so broken over it,' says Marlene Smith. 'Sarah will be forever in our hearts. She was just such a lovely person, very effervescent and outgoing. Such a kind, loving person. 'She was so young and innocent and it's still hard to believe this has happened to our family. Last month would have been her 34th birthday. The grief is still overwhelming.' Marlene, a former pilot with Jamaican Airlines, is Sarah's second cousin and first cousin to her father, Jeremy who was born in Jamaica into a family with roots in Britain and on the island. Sarah's grandmother was Jamaican nurse Pamela Smith who travelled to London in the 1950s. There she met Sarah's paternal grandfather, civil engineer Ken Everard, who worked for the United Nations after the Second World War and moved with his wife back to Jamaica where he designed and built bridges. Sarah's father Jeremy, 67, and her two uncles, Nick and Douglas, were all born on the Caribbean island and spent their early years there. 'We are a very close family,' says 56-year-old Marlene. 'This has hit us hard. Sarah was very loved by all of us. Being the youngest of Jeremy's kids, it's a huge loss and terrible to know what she might have endured.' Although she keeps in close contact with Sarah's parents, the last time Marlene saw Sarah was around 20 years ago when she travelled to the UK for Sarah's grandfather's funeral and stayed with the Everards at their home in York. 'Sarah was a young teenager at the time. Very fun and friendly and loving and kind,' says Marlene. Having cleared out the flat where the 33-year-old (pictured) lived in south London and quietly laid her to rest in a private family funeral, her parents, Jeremy and Sue, are still struggling to come to terms with their unfathomable loss Sarah's parents have since been to visit Marlene in Florida where she now lives. 'When I saw Jeremy's Facebook message saying that Sarah was missing, we were in such shock,' she adds. 'It's the kind of thing you think only happens to other families. We couldn't believe it was happening to our own. 'We've had such an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from everyone.' The past three months, she says, have been unbelievably hard for the Everards. In the aftermath of Sarah's death, she says, even the Jamaican High Commissioner in London contacted Sarah's parents to offer his condolences. 'Jeremy and Sue had to clear out her apartment. That was very hard although they were able to see some of Sarah's friends and that was lovely. I check in with them all the time to see how they are coping and to give love and moral support. It is so terrible that this has happened to them. They are such lovely people.' Sarah Rosemary Everard was born on June 14, 1987, at Redhill Hospital in Surrey not far from the 1930s three-bedroom semi-detached home in Horley, Surrey where her parents lived with her older siblings, James and Katie. Her mother Sue, now 64, trained as a physiotherapist. Her father Jeremy is one of the nation's most brilliant engineers and a leading expert on microwaves and low-noise oscillators. After gaining a PhD from Cambridge in 1983, he worked for GEC Marconi and Philips Research Laboratories on radio and microwave circuit design before teaching for nine years at King's College London. When Sarah was six years old, he was made professor of electronics at the University of York and the family moved north to a new home in the city. At Fulford School, the high-achieving state school where Sarah studied for GCSEs and A-levels, staff still remember how 'her kindness, care and humanity benefited all who knew her.' Sarah's cousin Marlene said the past three months, she says, have been unbelievably hard for the Everards. Pictured: Sarah Everard at the Taj Mahal A number of areas were searched in Clapham as police tried to look for missing Sarah before they turned the hunt to Kent Wayne Couzens seen in a court sketch during a previous hearing relating to the case. His wife moved out of the family home with her daughter, 11, and nine-year-old son in March Sarah's parents (left, Jeremy Everard) have since been to visit Marlene in Florida where she now lives After finishing school in 2005, Sarah went on to study geography at Durham, where she was a member of St Cuthbert's Society, one of the colleges which make up the university. The college motto, 'kindness begets kindness', might have been written with her in mind. Rosie Woollard, a teacher who studied with Sarah at university, described her as 'beautiful, thoughtful, incredibly kind'. Marlene Smith (pictured) is a former pilot with Jamaican Airlines Sarah's second cousin and first cousin to her father She added that she was an 'exceptional friend, dropping everything to be there to support her friends, whenever they need her.' She was hugely popular and during her fun-loving student days she took part in university ski trips and black-tie parties on the Thames. She travelled to South Africa in 2007 and to Paris and New York in 2008. Her warm, sociable personality also made her a perfect fit for a career in marketing and PR when she finished her studies. After graduating in 2008 with a 2:1 degree, she immediately moved to London to embark on a career in marketing. During her first job at award-winning 'customer experience' agency Proximity London, she worked alongside Save The Children and the RNLI. In spring of 2009, she took time out to travel around Asia, visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India with her university friends. Later that year, she returned to London to start work with Rapier, a communications agency. Writing on Twitter, former colleague Georgina Burrows remembers Sarah as 'always there with her big smile, being hilarious'. Another ex-colleague, Victoria Murray wrote: 'We were all so young and working things out together. I don't think I realised how much fun we were having too. I'm so thankful to have those wonderful memories and share them with others.' And yet another friend, Holly Morgan, who met her through work in London, said she was 'sunshine and light'. 'There are those moments where it's like love at first sight, but with a friend,' she added. 'You meet a woman and go, 'I love you, and I don't know you yet properly, but I know that I'm going to love you'.' In 2013, wanderlust led Sarah to quit her job and travel around South America for seven months. Back in London in the summer of that year, she settled back into working life, taking up a position as an account director at McCormack & Morrison. Over the next eight years, she progressed through her profession, working for a new generation of digital marketing agencies, including Unlimited, Start Design and, a month before her death, Flipside Group, where she had been appointed freelance client lead. A recent photograph, taken at work, showed a confident young woman, full of poise, standing in front of a window with the city stretched out behind her. Another former colleague, Peter McCormack, who said he had been left 'heartbroken' by her death, posted a photograph of Sarah on Facebook taken during a 1980s-themed work night out. Met's apology over revealing how Sarah died The Metropolitan Police's senior investigator in the Sarah Everard murder case has apologised 'wholeheartedly' after the force put out a press release revealing her alleged cause of death. The trial judge, Lord Justice Fulford, criticised the release of the interim findings of the pathologist before the material had been considered by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewing lawyer or the defence. At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday June 4, which members of Ms Everard's family watched by video link, prosecutor Tom Little QC said the press release had been issued 'a matter of hours' after the report was uploaded to the court's digital case files. 'The prosecution case will be that she was strangled, there's no doubt about that. How that came into the public domain is another matter,' said Mr Little. 'DCI Katherine Goodwin apologises wholeheartedly to the court and the defence for the fact this press release was issued in terms setting out in very short form the underlying evidence. 'But this was done before the material had even been considered by the reviewing lawyer, the court and the defence.' DCI Goodwin sat in court throughout the hearing. The judge said the Met's directorate of media and communications 'was responsible for providing the information to the press', which had been justified on the 'basis of transparency' after repeated requests for an update from the media on Ms Everard's cause of death. The court heard the pathologist Dr Ben Swift had not been able to provide a final report until Professor Charles Mangham had reviewed the evidence. 'This is in fact an interim rather than a final finding which may go to underscore the undesirability of this kind of event taking place,' said the judge. Lord Justice Fulford detailed the reporting of the release but did not criticise the press. He said: 'Whatever the strict position in law, given this press release came from the Metropolitan Police, it is unsurprising that this material was reported by the press, given the appearance of authorisation that had been created in the way in which this material was provided to the press. 'I do not therefore in these particular circumstances in any sense criticise the press for what happened.' Advertisement 'You couldn't have met a nicer, sweeter, funnier, more beautiful person,' he wrote. 'Crap at karaoke. Brilliant at everything else.' Right up until the moment that her life was so cruelly snatched away, Sarah was living the kind of life in London enjoyed by thousands of bright young graduates who head for the capital, post-university, wielding good degrees and aspirational dreams. With a flat in Brixton, an area in south London to which many of her friends flocked after university, her social life was as lively as her working days. She was a regular attendee at Glastonbury festival. She shared a love of music with her boyfriend, 33-year-old Nottingham University chemistry graduate Josh Lowth, who also works in marketing but, before the Covid-19 pandemic, helped to organise a small music festival in an apple orchard in Kent. The couple were looking forward to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions and, with a group of music-loving friends, had already booked a holiday to Ibiza later this summer to celebrate the end of lockdown. On the night she disappeared, she and Josh shared a 15-minute phone call, making plans to meet each other the next day as she walked home to Brixton from a friend's house in Clapham Junction at around 9pm, a journey which should have taken around 50 minutes. It was her worried boyfriend who first raised the alarm to police after Sarah failed to meet him as agreed. And it was Josh, along with Sarah's siblings and friends who, in the early days of her disappearance, put up missing posters along the route she was walking that night and embarked on an extraordinary social media campaign, asking for information from the public that might lead them to Sarah. Those torturous days of searching ended with the worst outcome imaginable. News that a serving police officer had been arrested on suspicion of her murder sent shockwaves through society, setting off a public movement that, in reality, had little to do with the profound grief felt by those who knew and loved her. A vigil held in her name on Clapham Common on March 13 was attended by thousands despite being declared illegal under coronavirus regulations. Even the Duchess of Cambridge made a quiet visit to lay flowers at the spot, close to where Sarah had last been seen alive. But what was meant to be a peaceful event ended in chaos amid clashes between protestors and police, ending in several arrests. Given the circumstances of Sarah's death, the spectacle of women being handcuffed and dragged away by male officers was a particular ugly one. For a while, it seemed as if Sarah's death had become public property and given a meaning that, as her friends pointed out, she would never have wanted it to have. 'Sarah was a victim of one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. She was extremely unlucky that is all there is to it,' said Helena Edwards, one of Sarah's closest friends at Durham University who wrote an article in March on the online media site, Spiked. 'My friend's tragic death has been hijacked. It is not a tribute to her any more, it's about something else and I don't like what it has become.' Now that her killer has finally faced justice, Sarah's family, says Marlene, want to grieve in peace. In the only public statement they have made about their daughter, Jeremy and Susan Everard, described the youngest of their children as 'bright and beautiful a wonderful daughter and sister' as well as 'strong and principled and a shining example to us all.' They added: 'We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives.' Marlene says that all they can do is to remember her with love. 'Sarah will forever be in our hearts. She will never fade away.' Around 11 people die of hunger every minute, a shocking new report from Oxfam has found. The humanitarian group said that 155million people around the world are now living in crisis levels of food insecurity or worse some 20million more than last year. Around two thirds of them face hunger because their country is in military conflict. Oxfam said 155million people are in crisis levels of food insecurity or worse some 20million more than last year. File photo: A doctor measures the arm of malnourished girl in Yemen The report also found the death toll from famine outpaces that of Covid-19 which kills about seven people a minute. Oxfam chief Abby Maxman said: 'The statistics are staggering, but we must remember that these figures are made up of individual people facing unimaginable suffering. Even one person is too many.' Despite the pandemic, Oxfam said that global military spending increased by 36billion over the last year. Around two thirds of them face hunger because their country is in military conflict. Pictured: Yemeni fighters leave after clashes with Houthi rebels on the Kassara front line The figure is over six times what the UN needs to fund its hunger appeal. The pandemic as well as climate change have pushed food prices to new highs forcing millions more into hunger, the report also found. Oxfam added that the 'worst hunger hotspots' in the world included Afghanistan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. A Capitol rioter allegedly set up a militia group under the guise of a 'Bible study' that discussed freeing fellow January 6 suspects from jail and preparing for a second civil war. Fi Duong, 27, aka 'Monkey King' or 'Jim,' was seen in videos of the January 6 insurrection wearing a white mask with a wide grin. He's believed to be the one who yelled: 'We're coming for you, Nancy,' according to court documents unsealed this week. Unbeknownst to him, he met an undercover cop when he stormed the Capitol who later introduced Duong to an undercover FBI agent. They gathered intel on Duong's plans, 'Bible study' group and weapons cache before he was arrested, according to his indictment, which was unsealed this week. He told the undercover FBI agent that they 'can't be out in the open' and he's part of a militia group that's a 'little bit more cloak and dagger' that is 'building resistances ... for what will inevitably come,' the indictment says. The militia recruited 'like-mind' guys local to the Alexandria, Virginia area to 'build a more robust network ... for what will inevitably come as a worst case scenario,' according to court documents. The undercover FBI agent embedded himself in Duong's 'Bible study,' where they discussed two verses of the Bible before combat and firearms training and making plans for the future, according to court documents. Those plans included freeing other January 6 suspects from jail, preparing for a second civil war and seceding from the US, according to court documents. Fi Duong, 27, was among the people facing charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot He was seen wearing a white 'Japanese-style mask' with a wide grin During a March 31 'Bible study,' the undercover FBI agent said people that stormed the Capitol were being locked up, to which Duong replied: 'I see that as an opportunity.' 'With every great revolution, you go to the prisons and you break them out.' Duong went to the jail in Lorton, Virginia with the undercover agent and talked about testing explosives, according to court documents. He was not charged with any violent crimes but 'repeatedly expressed his willingness to engage in conflict, including violence, against groups that shared different views than his own,' the indictment says. Following the Derek Chauvin verdict, Duong told the group to 'make sure your rifles are zeroed,' court documents say. In response to a conversation about increased gun laws in the US, Duong said: 'They will not be unscathed from the political fallout. The consequences will be tremendous, potentially the spark to kick off the next hot civil conflict.' 'Regardless of what they do. Nothing for us changes. Keep your guns and be ready to use them,' he said, according to court documents. There were several weapons, including an AK-47, and the material to make 50 molotov cocktails found in his Alexandria, Virginia home during his arrested, according to court documents. Most of the 'the Bible studies' were held in his home, and the weapons were in plain view. When the undercover agent asked what the molotov cocktails were for, Duong said he's looking at the big picture. 'What if we devolve into something like the Spanish civil war where you have pockets of resistance,' said Duong, who discussed what the different factions of a second American civil war would look like, according to court documents. Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6 As the group breached the doors, Duong is allegedly the one who yelled, 'We're coming for you, Nancy' 'Everything that weve built and set up here is for our own mutual defense. Defense of each others lives and property,' Duong said. 'Theyre not likely to want to get themselves lit on fire. And its a good effective means of deterrence in that sense where its also ammo efficient.' 'The Bible study' also discussed a Virginia secession movement called 'the State of Appalachia,' which Duong wanted to be set up as autonomous zone, court documents say. Duong was released to home confinement on July 2 after facing multiple charges, including disorderly conduct and obstruction of an official proceeding tied to the riot. To date, about 550 people have been charged in the Capitol insurrection, but the FBI said in a tweet on Tuesday that 'Some of the most violent offenders have yet to be identified.' A lieutenant colonel is facing dismissal after becoming the most senior Army officer known to have failed a drugs test, the Daily Mail can reveal. The shamed officer, who is paid around 80,000, was caught at a British Army base in Cyprus. The vast majority of troops who fail Compulsory Drugs Tests (CDTs) are young private soldiers, lance corporals and corporals, the Army's three lowest ranks. Most commonly these inexperienced soldiers are caught having been persuaded to take cocaine or a cocktail of banned substances on a night out. If officers suspect they have taken drugs, tests are arranged as quickly as possible, reducing their chance to flush the narcotics out of their system by drinking water. For any officer to be caught taking an illegal substance is rare but it is unheard of for a lieutenant colonel who has served in the Armed Forces for decades to fail a drugs test. A lieutenant colonel is facing dismissal after becoming the most senior Army officer known to have failed a drugs test, the Daily Mail can reveal (stock image) The senior officer is now fighting to save his career. The recent test is said to have proved he was taking an illegal steroid with a Class C categorisation under the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act. He is apparently claiming that he requires the drug as a painkiller. But, according to defence sources, the drug had not been prescribed by a British doctor and he is understood not to have declared he was taking it before the test. Last night, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that administrative action was being taken against the lieutenant colonel, who is contesting the most likely sanction against him dismissal and loss of pension. Troops who fail CDTs may be granted waivers but only if they are particularly young or inexperienced, or there are significant mitigating circumstances and commanders are convinced they made a one-off misjudgment that will not be repeated. While in recent years waiver protocols have been massaged to reprieve soldiers who the Army is eager to keep for example when they possess skills and experience that are in short supply it is considered highly unlikely that any exception would be made for a lieutenant colonel. The shamed officer, who is paid around 80,000, was caught at a British Army base in Cyprus (stock image) Last night one soldier said: 'Junior ranks have been kicked out for taking Class C substances so officers should be too. Really committed soldiers were booted out for taking performance-enhancing "gym drugs" in recent years. They should have been retained. 'An officer with his rank and experience should definitely have known better. It can't be one rule for him and another for everyone else.' An MoD spokesman said: 'Administrative action for this case is ongoing and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. 'The Army does not tolerate drugs misuse by service personnel. Those found to have fallen short of the Army's high standards face being discharged from service.' Earlier this year it emerged that ten elite soldiers are facing dismissal from the Army's new 120million high-tech unit, the Experimentation Battlegroup, after being caught taking cocaine in Cyprus. They failed drugs tests at their base. President Joe Biden nominated his political ally Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India, the White House said on Friday, setting up a tricky confirmation battle amid claims the Los Angeles mayor failed to act on sexual harassment allegations leveled at his adviser. Garcetti, 50, was long seen as frontrunner for the post and, if confirmed, would be taking on one of the most difficult diplomatic jobs at a time when India remains in the grip of the coronavirus crisis. But his nomination sets up tough Senate hearings. Republicans will have plenty of ammunition from a lawsuit alleging that Rick Jacobs, a former top staffer, sexually harassed one of the mayor's police bodyguards while Garcetti ignored it or laughed it off. Matthew Garza claimed Jacobs sexually harassed him on multiple occasions. Garza, who spent some six years on the mayor's security detail, said Garcetti had witnessed Jacobs' alleged harassment several times and failed to take any action to correct his behavior. Joe Biden could face an uphill battle against Senate Republicans after nominating LA Mayor Eric Garcetti (pictured last January) as the US ambassador to India. Garcetti's former bodyguard sued the city last year claiming mayoral adviser Rick Jacobs sexually harassed him on multiple occasions and the mayor allegedly failed to intervene The photo, obtained this week by The @latimes, shows Jacobs placing his hand near the crotch of a civic activist as the two posed for a group photo at the U.S. Conference of Mayors convention in 2017. Garcetti stands next to the men, smiling and giving a double thumbs-up gesture. pic.twitter.com/zqyjZe4hM0 Los Angeles Times (@latimes) November 21, 2020 Garcetti is not a defendant in the case but testified in a deposition taken earlier this year. The mayor flatly denied allegations that he kept mum when Jacobs 'screamed' an anti-Asian slur at another aide out the window of Garcetti's car and that Jacobs sexually harassed Garza in his presence 'hundreds' of times. Garcetti's nomination was announced along with those of Democratic fundraiser Denise Bauer to serve as ambassador to France and Monaco, career foreign service officer Peter Haas as ambassador to Bangladesh and former Obama-era national security aide Bernadette Meehan as ambassador to Chile. In Garcetti, Biden will be seen as rewarding a loyal ally, someone who mulled his own 2020 run before stepping aside to manage the COVID crisis. He then entered Biden's inner circle, joining the committee to vet potential vice presidential contenders. Now he must survive his own vetting. The case filed by Garza also includes the partially unsealed testimony of former Obama White House social secretary Jeremy Bernard, who claims Garcetti expressed awareness that Jacobs' behavior had exposed the mayor's office to legal jeopardy. At least one other person who worked for Garcetti and Jacobs testified that they saw examples of the latter's alleged behavior and according to former senior aide Henry Casas, it was 'common knowledge' in the office that 'it was very inappropriate.' An ambassadorial nomination normally follows an extensive FBI background check and screening by White House counsel. Ambassadors report directly to the president on national security matters and rule over US embassy facilities that often include a Central Intelligence Agency station. Section 28 of the SF86 form that nominees must fill out as a detailed roadmap for the background check, instructs them to disclose 'involvement in non-criminal court actions' and 'provide details of the nature of the action.' Garza's lawyer Greg Smith said he has not heard from the FBI or the White House but believes the sealed deposition and other testimony in the case are salient to Garcetti's potential nomination because they contain information 'that would be very relevant, that speak directly to the candor of the mayor.' 'The FBI can take the steps that are required to get the depositions released,' Smith told DailyMail.com. 'If there's something in the depositions that could shed light on Garcetti's fitness to act as ambassador it seems to be that that's something that they should look into.' In October, Garcetti cut ties with Jacobs (left) after journalist Yashar Ali (right) accused him of forcibly kissing and hugging him multiple times. Jacobs has denied all claims of misconduct Yashar Ali attempted to confront Jacobs about his alleged behavior in a series of texts last July, when Garza launched the sexual harassment suit In his lawsuit, first filed last July, Garza claims Jacobs subjected him 'on hundreds of occasions to unwanted and unwelcome sexual comments and touching, including tight hugs and shoulder rubbing' as well as as graphic 'comments about having 'rough sex' with his gay partner(s)..' A December 9 amended complaint states 'Mayor Garcetti was present on approximately half of the occasions when Jacobs behaved in this way, and witnessed Jacobs' conduct, but he took no action to correct Jacobs' obviously harassing behavior.' In a sworn deposition taken on February 8, Garcetti denied ever witnessing or hearing allegations of any untoward behavior by Jacobs. Garcetti suggested that if people claim he was present for any such episodes the plaintiff and witnesses may simply be fabricating them. 'Well, based on accusations of that [sic] I witnessed things, it called into question for me whether or not these things have happened.. your closest friends can do things that are wrong. I have not witnessed that, and I have never witnessed that,' Garcetti said. In seeking an ambassadorship, Garcetti - who earlier flamed out as a contender for a Biden Cabinet post - may be trying to cash in on loyalty he showed by backing Biden when he was languishing in the polls prior to winning the Democratic primary in South Carolina last year. The lawsuit also claims Jacobs (pictured in 2016) hurled anti-Asian slurs at another city aide That victory resurrected Biden's chances and essentially launched him into the White House. There has been relatively little drama to Biden nominee confirmation hearings thus far, but testing Garcetti's deposition could garner particular attention given that the case involves a rare high-profile '#hetoo' allegation by a man against another man. At least one leading Democratic advocate for harassment victims, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who led the charge to force liberal Al Franken out of the Senate, passed up the opportunity to comment on Garcetti's potential nomination when contacted by DailyMail.com through her spokesman. But for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, it could be a different story - particularly for its GOP members. The panel will not only privately review the FBI background check but it could also mount a probe of its own. Though chaired by a Democrat, the panel's GOP members include once-and-likely-future presidential hopefuls Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida who may find it hard to pass up the opportunity to make headlines. A spokesperson for Foreign Relations Committee Republicans said by email that they would not 'not officially begin our vetting process for a nominee until there is a formal nomination and we have received all the requested paperwork from the nominee, prospective employing agency, and the White House.' Experts said the committee is likely to take a hard look at the case. President Joe Biden is facing increasing criticism for not yet nominating more than 90 ambassadors this far into his term. Eric Garcetti (pictured with the president in 2019) was reported to be a top contender for the US ambassador to India Garcetti is reportedly trying to cash in on loyalty he showed by backing Biden when he was languishing in the polls prior to winning the Democratic primary in South Carolina last year 'When you've got complicated civil litigation with sealed depositions and allegations of sexual harassment, of course the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is going to want to take a hard look at all the documents surrounding this matter before moving any nomination forward,' said Elliot Berke, a Republican ethics attorney who has helped over a dozen nominees both Democratic and Republican through Senate confirmation. He also said he 'would absolutely expect the White House Counsel's office is going to want access to those depositions,' including sealed ones. Berke said this could be done in ways that protect witness identity and perhaps involve the judge allowing in-camera review. Among the already-public evidence is a photo showing Garcetti grinning and giving a double thumbs-up as Jacobs' hand hovers in front of the crotch of another man standing to Garcetti's immediate right. Garcetti testified that the photo was taken on a trip to a Conference of Mayors meeting in Miami in 2017. He claimed that he was not aware of Jacobs' digital outreach at the time but was offended when he learned of it in a Los Angeles Times story last November. Late last month, Ali tweeted of the expected Garcetti ambassadorship nomination saying 'Biden is nominating a man who witnessed his top aide sexually harass/assault others & didn't hold him accountable Ali, who himself was the subject of a scathing profile published this week, on Tuesday tweeted that he had asked that the sealed depositions be released Asked about the photo, Garcetti said in the deposition: 'I've stated on the record, while not knowing the context of the photo or any of the detail, how quick, how long it was there, et cetera, whether it was a gesture or not, I have stated on the record that I find, at least what was captured here, offensive, yes.' Garcetti also said he did not witness Jacobs hurling slurs at an Asian American city aide from the window of the mayor's vehicle. Jacobs is alleged to have referred to the man as a 'c***k' and allegedly shouted at him saying: 'Chinaman, come here,' using the word 'Chinaman' or the other 'C***k,' if I can say that,' according to former mayoral aide Henry Casas' Daccording to former mayoral aide Henry Casas' December 17 deposition. Casas said he was not present but swore that another city aide told him he witnessed the incident and said Jacobs 'rolled down the window and screamed out' from the car while the mayor was inside. Casas said he felt pressure not to tell Garcetti and his wife Amy Wakeland anything adverse about Jacobs, a sort of Svengali who held great power over the political future of Garcetti and his aides. Jacobs enjoyed a tremendous amount of sway over Garcetti's political and governmental activities over the years spanning the suit's allegations and all the way until last October, months after the suit was filed. Casas said in his deposition that Jacobs 'controlled [Garcetti's] schedule, he controlled the agenda, he controlled the fundraising, he controlled the mayor's future.he was always in the room.. everything went through him and the mayor's wife prior to' the Mayoral City government staff. Casas said he feared that if he complained about Jacobs, 'I would have fallen out of favor.' A lawyer for Jacobs did not return DailyMail.com's calls for comment. Jacobs also did not return a call. The blogger Yashar Ali, who has covered the matter aggressively, reported in October that two sources told him Jacobs had 'grabbed them without consent and forcibly kissed them at fundraisers in front of Garcetti.' It was only after Ali's October report - which came months after Garza's suit was filed and made headlines - that Garcetti parted ways with Jacobs, who had continued playing an outsized role in Garcetti's political life. Meanwhile, then-candidate Biden had continued featuring Garcetti prominently in his campaign activities. Ali also alleged personal experience in which he wrote that Jacobs 'used to forcibly kiss me on the lips.' Ali included a statement from Jacobs in which he said the lawsuit was 'a work of pure fiction, and is out of left field.' 'Officer Garza and I worked together for many years without incident. I will vigorously defend myself, my character and my reputation,' he added. DailyMail.com sought comment from the White House, Mayor Garcetti's office and attorneys for Jacobs and Bernard and the City Attorney's office. Garcetti is set to participate on a 'Climate Crisis' hearing held by the House Select Committee Friday afternoon. The event will focus on the federal government efforts to 'reduce climate disaster risks in neighborhoods across America, while fostering innovation and community leadership,' according to the website. Garcetti, a Democrat who once was speculated to be edging toward a presidential run, is one of four public officials scheduled to provide 'testimony' on their efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Garza's lawyers have reportedly been sparring with Garcetti's Los Angeles City attorneys over efforts to get the mayor's wife Amy Wakeland (pictured) to sit for a deposition Late last month, Ali tweeted of the expected Garcetti ambassadorship nomination saying: 'Biden is nominating a man who witnessed his top aide sexually harass/assault others & didn't hold him accountable. 'Since this history of predation was revealed publicly, Garcetti has repeatedly lied about it,' he added. Ali, who himself was the subject of a scathing profile published this week, on Tuesday tweeted that he had asked that the sealed depositions be released. Eleven months after the suit was filed, The Los Angeles Times this week also filed an official request in court for confidentiality orders to be lifted except for items that must be concealed to protect privacy. The still-sealed depositions include those of Jacobs, whose alleged conduct is the central issue, and parts of Obama aide Jeremy Bernard's testimony. Parts of Bernard's March 24 deposition unsealed Wednesday, showed that he confirmed having heard Garcetti marvel at the fact that the city had not previously been sued over Jacobs' conduct. Bernard claimed Garcetti said something along the lines of, 'I can't believe Rick worked out at City Hall and that we got through it without a lawsuit. 'I don't remember the exact words. He did make that comment,' Bernard said during his testimony. In his deposition, Garcetti swore that 'I have not' ever made any such remark about Jacobs prior to Garza's suit being filed. Bernard also said he 'certainly have heard' Jacobs talk about men's body parts. Until April 2020, Bernard headed the Mayor's Fund, a non-profit founded to push Garcetti's agenda and which said it was raising tens of millions of dollars for underprivileged affected by the coronavirus pandemic. He was paid about $206,214 in his last 10 months on the job, according to disclosures, more than double the $92,903 he received for his first 11 months. In his deposition, Bernard's lawyer said he had a confidentiality agreement relating to his departure. The disclosures show that the Mayor's Fund raised tens of millions of dollars without disclosing its donors. Also under seal is one of Officer Garza's several depositions, which his lawyer said the City of Los Angeles requested to be kept sealed. Among the allegations included in the lawsuit's amended complaint, was that Jacobs had made flirtatious comments while touching Garza during a May 2018 trip to New Hampshire when Garcetti was exploring a presidential bid. Jacobs 'would reach forward from the backseat and massage Plaintiff's shoulders while stating words to the effect of, 'You're so strong; I love my LAPD officers',' the complaint states. 'Garcetti was not only present, but was seated directly next to Jacobs. Nevertheless, the mayor did nothing to stop Jacobs or curtail his behavior.' In an October 2018 trip to Mississippi, 'in the car, Jacobs - while seated next to Mayor Garcetti - repeatedly made inappropriate and/or harassing comments, including comments about his young lover's penis, being tired from having 'rough sex' the night before, liking 'big c**ks', liking rough sex, and being attracted to younger men. 'Once again, Mayor Garcetti took no action to stop Jacobs from making these comments.' Later on the same trip, the complaint claims, Jacobs allegedly 'pointed to some Magnum brand condoms and asked Plaintiff if he wears Magnum large condoms,' after the group stopped for gas and food. In a March 2019 trip to Palo Alto, Jacobs allegedly gave Garza a 'long, tight hug while stating words to the effect of, 'You're so strong and handsome.' Later that evening, Garcetti and some VIPs met in the hotel lobby for a meet and greet. On multiple occasions, Jacobswho was drinking an alcoholic beverage with a straw in itlooked directly at Plaintiff and licked his straw in a sexual manner. This action deeply offended Plaintiff and made him extremely uncomfortable.' Meanwhile, Garza's lawyers have been sparring with Garcetti's Los Angeles City attorneys over efforts to get Garcetti's wife Amy Wakeland, 51, to sit for a deposition. The Garza suit has not completely chilled relations between the Garcettis and the police. The Los Angeles Times reported in February that Wakeland acknowledged complaining to her family's LAPD security detail some 80 times from March through December 2020 about noise from protesters for racial justice and against coronavirus restrictions that she said had disturbed her daughter's sleep or homework. 'If the nomination proceeds, it probably reflects the White House decision that there may not be any significance in that litigation for Garcetti,' a witness and thus far not a defendant in the case, said Jan Baran, a longtime leading Republican ethics lawyer in Washington. 'The vetting process for an ambassador is substantive, usually thorough and often political. And especially for non-career ambassadorial nominees. There are going to be multiple eyes focused on this candidate. 'It'll be the White House, it'll be the FBI it will be Senate investigators, it will be Senators. 'And there will also be open-ended opportunities for any citizen to submit materials to the Senate. So this is a largely but not totally open process.' A member of the violent Trinitarios gang was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for the 2018 beating of a 14-year-old boy in New York City. Ramon Paulino, then 21, was among a dozen Trinitarios gang members who were caught on a cellphone video attacking Esaid Hoke on the side of a highway in the Bronx on June 18, 2018. On Wednesday, the now 24-year-old broke down in front of U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon at his sentencing. According to the Daily News, Paulino complained that 17 months away from his two-year-old daughter and family had changed him for good. 'I swear to you I will never commit another crime in my life,' Paulino said. Ramon Paulino, then 21, was among a dozen Trinitarios gang members who were caught on a cellphone video attacking Esaid Hoke (pictured) on the side of a highway in the Bronx on June 18, 2018 Hoke was trapped in the middle of the Bronx River Parkway after he had been chased from a neighborhood pool in 2018 when he was attacked. McMahon showed no leniency, telling him 'I have no doubt the people who love (Hoke) the way you love your daughter have gone through hell because of what you and your buddies did.' Hoke was trapped in the middle of the Bronx River Parkway after he had been chased from a neighborhood pool in 2018 when he was attacked. Gang members took turns hitting and stabbing him 16 times. Paulino was seen on the viral video assaulting Hoke with a tree log, a federal court document from 2018 indicated. Gang members took turns hitting and stabbing him 16 times Paulino was seen on the viral video assaulting Hoke with a tree log, a federal court document from 2018 indicated The complaint initially revealed that Hoke had identified himself on Facebook as member of the Grizzlies, a faction within the notorious Bloods gang. But McMahon said Hoke was not affiliated to any gangs and did not do anything to provoke the attack. Hoke survived the attack despite suffering two heart attacks and losing a lung. A nurse who was stuck in traffic and a paramedics aboard a ambulance that was on the highway sprung into action and helped save his life. The attack on Hoke took place before Trinitarios gang members brutally stabbed an innocent 15-year-old Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz to death with a machete outside of a Bronx bodega on June 20. A man claiming to be an artist vandalized the Soho gallery on Friday where Hunter Biden is having an art show, with paintings being sold for as much as $500,000. The man, who identified himself as Rod Webber, was removed from the upscale gallery by NYPD officers after spray painting 'Daddy' on the wall. Witnesses told DailyMail.com he also threw a pile of bills onto the floor of the gallery. Webber, who has a long history of provocative stunts, had previewed his latest act on Facebook, writing earlier on Friday: 'Art gallery promotes crime family. 'What will happen today is no worse than Ellis Gallagher scribbling with chalk that washes off in the rain.' Gallagher is a chalk artist who in 2010 sued the city for removing his chalk art. Webber later added: 'Who's ready for a weird live stream?' It came on a day when the White House at the daily press briefing publicly defended Hunter Biden's right to produce his art and sell it on the open market. Filmmaker Rod Webber is seen in restraints after he spray-painted 'daddy' inside the New York art gallery where Hunter Biden's paintings will be displayed Webber was taken down at the Georges Berges Gallery in Soho on Friday afternoon The cash Webber threw in the air remained on the floor until police removed him. One witness said Webber had intended to write 'Daddy War Crimes,' before he was stopped a claim Webber would later repeat. Webber documented his act of vandalism in a Facebook Live, telling viewers: 'I'm at Georges Berges gallery here, otherwise known as the Hunter Biden gallery. 'As we all know, going back for many, many years - roughly 40 years - Joe Biden has involved himself in all kinds of shenanigans. 'Ask any politician - you can't avoid being corrupted by the office. Maybe he went in with good intentions, but he's been corrupted over the years. He's worked with segregationists, Klansmen. And now, I don't even know what's going on with this gallery situation but he can't stop bombing Syria or Iraq and someone should say something about it, so let's go see Hunter Biden's gallery.' Webber filmed himself on a Facebook Live spray painting the walls of the Georges Berges gallery Webber's stunt had been planned, and he promoted it in advance on Facebook He walks into the art gallery, and for several minutes wanders around the room, before bringing out a can of what appeared to be spray paint - but what he said was hair spray. He begins spraying the walls, only for a gallery staff member to wrap his arms around Webber. 'You are assaulting me,' Webber says. The man replies: 'This is a citizen's arrest.' Webber responds: 'Oh, because you're down with Joe Biden's war crimes?' Webber had also previewed his attack on his blog, writing: 'New Daddy is same as the old Daddy. Bombings in Syria and Iraq. Endless wars. Weapons of Mass Destruction was a lie. 'Art Gallery promotes crime family.' The witness said a gallery staff member slammed Webber to the floor before he could complete his protest, and that it was not police who did the take-down. Webber was wearing paint-splattered pants, and was seated on the gallery floor in the company of several NYPD officers after the incident. He was also briefly looked at by EMTs. As police officers removed him from the scene, Webber said he wrote 'Daddy war crimes with hair spray which washes off like any sidewalk art' although the word 'Daddy' was all that could be seen on the wall in pink lettering. A staff member could be seen painting over the graffiti shortly after the incident ended. Hunter Biden's artworks could sell for as much as $500,000 raising questions about whether buyers will think their money is buying access or favors. The White House says it was involved in making arrangements to keep their identities hidden from officials and to ensure the gallerist would not accept inflated bids This Biden art work is titled 'Self portrait' and is a mix media work on paper that measures 48in x 32in Asked by DailyMail.com why he vandalized the gallery as he was being led to a squad car, Webber yelled out: 'Because Hunter Biden is helping to launder money for his godfather. That's why Daddy War Crimes were the words on the wall.' Asked by DailyMail.com why he vandalized the gallery as he was being led to a squad car, Webber yelled out: 'Because Hunter Biden is helping to launder money for his godfather. That's why Daddy War Crimes were the words on the wall.' 'Biden is here to launder money for the oligarchs and to do business for his masters to hurt brown people across the other side of the globe,' he continued. He yelled: 'Download that s***.' An NYPD officer, asked about the pile of bills on the gallery floor, said: 'We don't know whose money that is yet.' Nadja Rosemaddder, who described himself as a renaissance artist who intends to be one of the first artists to go to the moon, saw the attack. 'I saw him - he was hitting the floor right in the doorway, by the man inside,' he said. 'While he was writing on the wall, the gallery employee kind of body-slammed him to the ground. The money was already scattered out on the floor.' Rosemaddder said he intervened to get the gallery to release Webber so he wasn't harmed. 'And then I grabbed some dollar bills,' he said. The gallery has not responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment. NYPD said they had not yet processed him. White House Press Secretary earlier on Friday Jen Psaki said Hunter Biden had a 'right to pursue an artistic career,' as she tried to justify the administration's role in brokering arrangements for the sale of his paintings. It followed revelations that the White House helped set up a deal for buyers' identities to remain hidden to ensure they did not win presidential favors. This White House has frequently promised full transparency in pursuit of the highest ethical standards. Now that means secrecy. 'I think it would be challenging for an anonymous person, who we don't know and Hunter Biden doesn't know, to have influence,' said Psaki during her daily briefing. The plan will allow Hunter Biden to forge ahead with his new life as an artist after a career change from high-paid consultant on international deals. He also threw money on the floor when he walked in, and was then arrested As police officers removed him from the scene, Webber said he wrote 'Daddy War crimes with hair spray which washes off like any sidewalk art' although 'Daddy' was all that could be seen on the wall 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. Psaki confirmed that the White House had been involved. 'Of course he has the right to pursue an artistic career just like any child of a president has the right to pursue a career, but all interactions regarding the selling of art and the setting of prices will be handled by a professional gallerist, adhering to the highest industry standards, and any offer out of the normal course would be rejected out of hand,' she said. 'And the gallerist will not share information about buyers or prospective buyers, including their identities with Hunter Biden or the administration, which provides quite a level of protection and transparency.' Webber said he used hair spray and planned to write 'daddy war crimes' 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 A crowd gathered on the street on Friday as Webber was led into the back of a patrol car Families given the green light to go on holiday face paying 1,000 for coronavirus testing, research reveals. Consumer champion Which? found that the cost of tests for holidaymakers is unaffordable for many families. An unvaccinated traveller on a return trip to Spain currently requires four tests totalling an estimated 233 per person or 932 for a family of four. Families given the green light to go on holiday face paying 1,000 for coronavirus testing It comes as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced fully vaccinated travellers and under-18s will not be required to quarantine on return to the UK from July 19. Under the new rules, vaccinated travellers to green and amber list destinations need to pay for a lateral flow test before travelling home and a PCR test on or before day two of return. Children aged five and over will also need to be tested. The cost to a fully vaccinated family of four travelling to France would be 532. For an unvaccinated traveller to Italy, tests would cost 177 708 for a family of four, according to Which?. Mr Shapps yesterday warned that people should expect more disruption than usual due to Covid-related inspections after the easing on July 19. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced fully vaccinated travellers and under-18s will not be required to quarantine on return to the UK from July 19. Pictured: Barcelona on Friday He said most of the queuing will be before departure back to England, with checks on passenger locator forms, pre-departure tests and a booked post-arrival test. The place to expect queues is the airport you are coming from, he told BBC Breakfast. But Lucy Moreton, spokesman for Immigration Services Union said peak UK border queues could be up to six hours with Covid inspections. n Officials are actively working on ways to help expats by accepting jab certificates from other countries, the Transport Secretary said last night, after it emerged the new quarantine rules would only apply to NHS jabs. Terrifying video captured the moment a fairground ride at a Michigan festival almost ended in tragedy as the entire construction seemed to come loose while people were on it. The Magic Carpet ride was in full swing when its base suddenly appeared to detach from its support with the entire unit almost toppling over at the Traverse City's National Cherry Festival on Thursday night. In a scene that could have come straight from a horror movie, those on the ride didn't know anything was amiss until there was a huge clatter of metal. A Magic carpet ride at a Michigan festival seemed to come lose from its base The ride could be seen on the cusp of toppling over as it became unbalanced Video posted to social media shows the ride's operator dashing for cover after hearing sounds he knew were not good. All the while, the pendulum on the ride continued to swing. It's not clear if there was an emergency stop button, however no sooner had the operator jumped from the platform, the ride began tipping over at an angle. Other fairgoers rushed to the ride's railings in order to try and produce a counter-balance and stop the the Magic Carpet from from topping over entirely. Onlookers screamed in horror as they realized what appeared to be unfolding before their eyes, while other rushed to cling onto the side. Some onlookers screamed in horror as they saw what was happening The ride's scary malfunction was posted to social media in several videos Others rushed to the base of the ride in an attempt to provide counterbalance The ride is no longer being used and has been sent back to manufacturers The quick-thinking undoubtedly helped steady the structure which remained upright until the pendulum slowly stopped spinning and finally came to a halt. The ride, which had been in operation for six days of the festival, is no longer being used. 'Inspections of the rides happen daily and written reports are filled out and completed on each ride every morning prior to operation,' said the festival's executive director, Kat Paye. 'I am grateful for the quick response of staff and community members and very thankful that there were no injuries.' The ride is heading back to the manufacturer in an attempt to determined what caused the fault. 'It was a scary situation and we're very fortunate all of the patrons as well as the operator and the other customers that were around the ride are all safe,' Joey Even, the company's office manager, told The Daily News. People could be seen rushing to the side of the ride to stop it keeling over Anyone who was nearby suddenly rushed to the side of the ride to stop it from toppling over Fairgoers can be seen clinging to the side of the ride to stop it tipping over Fox News host Tucker Carlson has said he felt he had 'no choice' but to go public with his explosive allegation that the National Security Agency tried to leak his private emails to the press. Carlson first went public with his claim late last month, saying a government insider warned him that the NSA had intercepted his emails and 'unmasked' his identity, which by law should have been kept secret. In an interview with his colleague Lisa Boothe for her upcoming podcast, an advance clip of which obtained by Mediaite, Carlson explained that he was reluctant to go public with the allegation, but felt he had no other option. 'So, like, getting on TV and saying the government spying on me was, you know, I did not want to do that at all, but they were spying on me and I felt like I had no choice,' Carlson explained. 'I mean, I did it defensively, you know?' he added. 'I dont have any other I dont have subpoena power. I cant arrest anybody. I cant make them answer questions.' 'All I can do is talk about stuff, um, with the megaphone of the show in the hope that that will, you know, protect us, but I really felt threatened by it.' Tucker Carlson spoke out in an interview with his colleague Lisa Boothe (right) for her upcoming podcast, saying he felt he had 'no choice' but to go public with his NSA claim Carlson has demanded answers from National Security Agency Director Gen. Paul Nakasone (above) after revealing that a government source warned him his emails were intercepted Carlson's full interview with Boothe is due to air on Monday's episode of her podcast, The Truth With Lisa Boothe. After Carlson first went public, the NSA took the highly unusual step of denying that he had been an 'intelligence target', without actually denying that his emails were intercepted. Carlson refused to back down from his claims, going on to explain that he had been in contact with press agents for Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to secure an interview, and alleging that the NSA had leaked the contents of those emails to media rivals in an attempt to discredit him. On his show on Thursday, Carlson spoke with legal scholar Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University. 'If reporters were given that information, it would be even more serious because even if your email itself was not classified, the intercept is,' said Turley. 'NSA... material is heavily classified. I do national security work and it takes years for me to get access to a FISA warrant, I should say, or an NSA surveillance document,' he added. 'So the mere fact that they engaged in surveillance is classified. So it would be a serious federal crime,' said Turley. Fox News host Tucker Carlson interviews legal scholar Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University on Thursday Carlson has said a whistleblower told him that the NSA intercepted his emails attempting to secure an interview with Putin, then spread the information in a smear campaign The NSA is generally barred from spying on American citizens, unless the agency obtains a warrant from the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. However, it is possible for the agency to collect the communications of Americans if they are in contact with a foreign surveillance target. Turley said that there were a number of scenarios in which the NSA could have legally intercepted Carlson's emails, but added: 'That doesn't explain the more troubling questions.' 'How that information was circulated and also how your name was not masked,' he said. Masking refers to the practice of redacting the name of U.S. citizens from intercepts, which the NSA is generally required to do. 'Now, you can unmask people in a surveillance documents of that kind but it requires someone to ask for unmasking and there would be no legitimate reason to do so here,' added Turley. Carlson first presented his allegations on June 28, saying that he had been alerted by a source in the intelligence community. On his Wednesday show, Carlson revealed that he was trying to arrange an interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin when he 'was spied on by the NSA'. Carlson was trying to secure an interview with Vladimir Putin before the Russian leader's June 16 meeting with Joe Biden (above) but the attempt fell through 'Late this spring I contacted a couple of people I thought could help get an interview with the Russian President Vladimir Putin,' Carlson told his viewers. Trying to secure an interview with a world leader is routine journalistic practice, and should not have raised alarm. Indeed, his Fox News colleague Chris Wallace won the outlet its first Emmy nomination for his 2018 Putin interview. Shortly before Putin met President Joe Biden in Geneva, NBC's Keir Simmons sat for a lengthy interview with the Russian leader, which aired on June 14, scooping Carlson. 'I told nobody I was doing this other than my executive producer, Justin Wells,' Carlson said. 'I wasn't embarrassed about trying to interview Putin. He's obviously newsworthy. I'm an American citizen, I can interview anyone I want, and I plan to. 'But still in this case I decided to keep it quiet. I figure that any kind of publicity would rattle the Russians and make the interview less likely to happen. 'But the Biden administration found out anyway by reading my emails.' Carlson said that, despite telling no one, apart from his producer, news of his efforts soon spread around Washington, DC. Carlson called on Paul Nakasone (left), the director of the NSA, and Avril Haines (right), the director of national intelligence, to explain why he was 'unmasked' 'I learned from a whistle-blower that the NSA planned to leak the contents of those emails to media outlets,' he said. Earlier on Wednesday he said he had been approached at a funeral in Washington DC by someone who told him of the spying. 'Why would they do that? 'Well, the point, of course, was to paint me as a disloyal American, a Russian operative. I've been called that before, ' he said. 'A stooge of the Kremlin, a traitor doing the bidding of a foreign adversary.' Carlson on June 28 said he learned of the alleged spying on his show thanks to 'a whistleblower within the US government who reached out to warn us that the NSA, the National Security Agency, is monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.' Carlson said that the whistleblower 'repeated back to us information about a story that we are working on that could have only come directly from my texts and emails.' He added: 'The Biden administration is spying on us. We have confirmed that.' The NSA on June 29 responded with a highly unusual denial. The intelligence agency does not normally comment on its activities. The NSA denied the targeting of Carlson, but did not deny that his communications were incidentally collected. On June 29, the NSA denied that Carlson was 'an intelligence target' The NSA, in their June 29 statement, denied that Carlson had been deliberately targeted. But they did not deny that may have been incidentally swept up in their surveillance of foreign targets They tweeted: 'On June 28, 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged that the National Security Agency has been 'monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.' 'This allegation is untrue. Tucker Carlson has never been an intelligence target of the Agency and the NSA has never had any plans to try to take his program off the air. 'NSA has a foreign intelligence mission. We target foreign powers to generate insights on foreign activities that could harm the United States. 'With limited exceptions (e.g. an emergency), NSA may not target a US citizen without a court order that explicitly authorizes the targeting.' Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul is refusing to give up his post after he was fired by President Joe Biden on Friday, and declared that he will show up for work on Monday as usual. Saul, a Trump-era holdover, was accused of mismanaging the delivery of COVID stimulus payments and union bashing. He was asked to resign his post but was fired when he refused, according to a White House official. However, Saul, 74, told the Washington Post that he would report for work on Monday morning by logging on remotely from his New York home. 'I consider myself the term-protected commissioner of Social Security,' he said, added that an email asking for his resignation was the first of the administration's plans for him. Andrew Saul was appointed to a six-year term as Social Security Administration commissioner in 2019 by President Trump. On Friday he was fired by President Biden after refusing to resign 'It was a bolt of lightning no one expected,' he said. 'And right now it's left the agency in complete turmoil.' Republicans immediately accused Biden of politicizing the role, as the White House leveled the same charge at Saul. 'Since taking office, Commissioner Saul has undermined and politicized Social Security disability benefits, terminated the agency's telework policy that was utilized by up to 25 percent of the agency's workforce, not repaired S.S.A.'s relationships with relevant federal employee unions including in the context of COVID-19 workplace safety planning, reduced due process protections for benefits appeals hearings, and taken other actions that run contrary to the mission of the agency and the president's policy agenda,' said the official. A White House official said: 'Andrew Saul refused to to resign as requested, and he was notified his employment as commissioner was terminated immediately' Democrats and unions have been demanding the removal of Saul for months. They celebrated news of his dismissal on Friday evening Saul's deputy, David Black, resigned on Friday upon request. Kilolo Kijakazi, currently the deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy at SSA, has been appointed acting commissioner in the meantime. Staff were informed of the changes by email on Friday afternoon. It follows a Justice Department legal opinion that Saul could be removed despite a statute saying he could only be fired for malfeasance or neglecting his duties. It found that a recent Supreme Court ruling meant that he could be fired at will. Saul, a wealthy Republican donor and former women's clothing executive, was nominated in 2018 by President Trump. His removal follows a turbulent six months during which Democrats on Capitol Hill and campaigners for the disabled and elderly urged the Biden administration to fire him. Saul's nomination in 2018 drew immediate criticism for his lack of experience in the complex field of Social Security benefits and his association with the right-wing Manhattan Institute As word of Saul's dismissal began to percolate through Washington Republicans said his removal would represent a 'dangerous politicization' of the Social Security Administration He clashed with unions representing the 60,000 employees who work for the S.S.A. and was accused of dragging his feet during the roll-out of COVID stimulus payments to millions of disabled Americans by being slow to share files with the Inland Revenue Service. Republicans said Social Security beneficiaries had the most to lose from the dismissal. As word spread, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell tweeted: 'This removal would be an unprecedented and dangerous politicization of the Social Security Administration.' And in a joint statement, U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo and U.S. House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady, said: 'It is disappointing that the administration is injecting politics into the agency, given that Commissioner Saul was confirmed with bipartisan approval, worked closely with both parties in Congress, and provided smooth benefit and service delivery during the largest management challenge ever faced by the agency.' As commissioner, Saul oversaw one of the biggest spending government departments. It pays out more than $1 trillion each year to some 64 million beneficiaries. Trump nominated him for the post in April 2018 but Saul's involvement in the conservative Manhattan Institute, which has repeatedly called for cuts to Social Security benefits, drew immediate criticism 'Like so many of Donald Trump's nominees, Andrew Saul is utterly unqualified for the position to which he has been nominated,' said the campaign group Social Security Works at the time. 'He has no background in Social Security whatsoever.' A bid to deliver 300,000 homes a year in England by 2025 under proposed planning reforms has raised the ire of at least 90 Tory MPs, including Theresa May. Under the blueprint for change, which has been dubbed a 'developers' charter', planning permission for 'substantial development' would automatically be given in certain areas. The discontent cost the Government the Chesham and Amersham by-election last month. The Lib Dems, who took the seat, exploited the proposals to raise concerns over construction in the Chilterns. Reforms: Under the blueprint for change, dubbed a 'developers' charter', planning permission for 'substantial development' would automatically be given in certain areas Meanwhile, environmental groups fear the relaxation of the system risks the loss of natural habitats, and archaeologists say the new regime would not allow sufficient time to excavate on building sites, meaning fewer historical treasures would be unearthed. How could the new system change things? The new system would require local authorities to draw up ten-year plans, in which land in their district would be classified as 'protected, for 'renewal' or 'growth'. Protected zones, such as areas of Green Belt, natural beauty or at risk of flooding would be restricted. Councils would be required to look favourably on development in 'renewal areas'. These are places in towns and cities that have already been built on, or strips of land in or at the edge of villages. Automatic initial planning consent would be given on 'growth areas'; the most contentious aspect of the proposed relaxation. Despite the bill being extended to the whole of the UK, the majority of changes will only apply to England. Why does the Government want these reforms? Under the current rules which date back to 1947, permission for development is made on a case-by-case basis. These arrangements are considered cumbersome and a significant bar to home ownership among the members of Generation Rent who Boris Johnson wants to turn into Generation Buy. The Prime Minister takes issue with aspects of the existing system, including the attention paid to protected species such as the great crested newt, whose discovery on a site can delay construction. He said: 'The newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag on the productivity and prosperity of this country.' Going for growth: Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, aims to increase the number of new homes that are built every year from about 240,000 to 300,000 Does this mean we have no say in our neighbourhood? The Government says that making the planning system digital (at present, it's document-based) will make it easier for locals to get engaged in development in their area and they should be able to become involved in the compilation of the ten-year plans. At present, only about 3 per cent of the population participates in planning which rather gives the lie to the assertion that we are a nation of Nimbys. But people would have far less freedom than before, if any, to make known their views on individual planning applications which some say makes the new system significantly less democratic. Will there be any quality or design standards? The basis of the objection to many new developments is the look of the scheme. Some housebuilders will reflect local 'vernacular' architectural styles and materials in the design of their homes; others rely on standard models not adapted to their setting. A National Model Design Code is to be published in the autumn, setting out guidelines on such things as 'the arrangement and proportions of streets and urban blocks, successful parking arrangements and the placement of street trees'. The Code will lay down design principles that councils must observe when giving consent to developments. But it's not clear how these criteria will achieve the top quality homes that we need, or avoid a repeat of the cladding scandal that's blighting the lives of the owners of some new-build properties. How soon will the system be put in place? The changes are not yet law. David Bainbridge, a director of planning at Savills, says that the Planning Bill which will contain the proposals has not yet appeared and that it will face a stormy time in its passage through Parliament. This week, Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, promised that the Bill would be published later this year. He will not wish to be swayed in his aim to increase the number of new homes that are built every year from about 240,000 to 300,000. But Mr Bainbridge makes the point this could start to be achieved if, for example, schemes that now have planning permission are obliged to go ahead. Will the Government listen to the protesters? The proposals are regarded by some as 'electorally toxic' despite the early abandonment of the plan to use a computer algorithm to determine how many homes ought to be absorbed in an area. This risked 'concreting over' wide swathes of southern England. There may be more emphasis now on development on already built-on brownfield sites in urban locations. Yet the dismay caused by this threat to the countryside has coloured the perception of all of the reforms. The latest source of dissent is the lack of assurance of about how many affordable homes will be produced by the system. How can the upheaval be justified if it does not help a significant number of first-time buyers onto the ladder? A series of city-sized asteroids bombarded the early Earth between 2.53.5 billion years ago striking with a frequency of one impact every 15 million years. This means that the onslaught may have been some ten times more intense than was previously estimated, experts from the Southwest Research Institute have reported. These impactors, the team explained, would have been significantly larger than the asteroid believed to have killed off the dinosaurs, which was only seven miles wide. While the craters formed by these ancient impacts have long been weathered away or destroyed, traces of them can still be form of glassy particles called spherules. These spherules formed as a result of the impacts throwing up molten particles and vapours in to the atmosphere, where they cooled and fell back to Earth. Their distribution can also reveal information on the size of an impactor the larger the colliding body, the more further afield spherules end up being deposited. A series of city-sized asteroids (like illustrated) bombarded the early Earth between 2.53.5 billion years ago striking with a frequency of one impact every 15 million years A series of city-sized asteroids bombarded the early Earth between 2.53.5 billion years ago striking with a frequency of one impact every 15 million years. Pictured: an artist's impression of the surface of the Archean Earth, the period during which simple life first emerged THE ARCHEAN EON The Archean is the name given to the second geologic eon of Earth's history, which ran from 42.5 billion years ago. Entering this time period, the planet had cooled enough to allow the first continents to form and primitive life to emerge. The latter took the form of mats of microbes which leave characterises layered remains called 'stromatolites' in the fossil record. The Archean atmosphere is believed to have lacked free oxygen, but due to a relative abundance of greenhouse gases maintained a surface temperature similar to that of today, despite the Sun only being at 7075 per cent of its present luminosity. Unlike later geological eons and period, the Archean is defined not by a definite boundary layer in the Earth's stratigraphy, but by means of absolute dating. Advertisement 'We have developed a new impact flux model and compared with a statistical analysis of ancient spherule layer data,' said paper author and physicist Simone Marchi of the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado. 'We found that current models of Earth's early bombardment severely underestimate the number of known impacts, as recorded by spherule layers. The true impact flux could have been up to a factor of 10 times higher than previously thought.' This, Dr Marchi explained, means that in the period between 3.52.5 billion years ago, 'we were probably being hit by a Chicxulub-sized impact on average every 15 million years. Quite a spectacle!' 'As we deepen our understanding of the early Earth, we find that cosmic collisions are like the proverbial elephant in the room,' Dr Marchi continued. 'They are often neglected as we lack a detailed knowledge of their number and magnitude, but it is likely these energetic events fundamentally altered the Earth's surface and atmospheric evolution.' 'For example, one outcome we are looking at is to try to understand if these impacts may have affected the evolution of atmospheric oxygen. We find that oxygen levels would have drastically fluctuated in the period of intense impacts.' 'Given the importance of oxygen to the Earth's development, and indeed to the development of life, its possible connection with collisions is intriguing and deserved further investigation. This is the next stage of our work.' 'These large impacts would certainly have caused some disruption,' said geologist Rosalie Tostevin of the University of Cape Town, in South Africa, who was not involved in the present study. Pictured: the aptly-named Meteor Crater, in Arizona the result of an impactor just 164 feet in diameter, far smaller than the bodies that bombarded the Earth during the Archean 'These large impacts would certainly have caused some disruption,' said geologist Rosalie Tostevin of the University of Cape Town, in South Africa, who was not involved in the present study. 'Unfortunately, few rocks from this far back in time survive, so direct evidence for impacts, and their ecological consequences, is patchy,' she added. 'The model put forward by Dr Marchi helps us to get a better feel for the number and size of collisions on the early Earth.' 'Some chemical markers suggest there were "whiffs" of oxygen in the early atmosphere, before a permanent rise around 2.5 billion years ago.' 'But there is considerable debate surrounding the significance of these "whiffs", or indeed, whether they occurred at all.' 'We tend to focus on the Earth's interior and the evolution of life as controls on Earth's oxygen balance,' Dr Tostevin noted. 'But bombardment with rocks from space provides an intriguing alternative.' The full findings of the study were presented at the 2021 Goldschmidt Conference, which is being held virtually this year from July 49. Advertisement This gives new meaning to the song, It's Raining Men. With the Brood X cicadas nearly done mating and dying, a new generation of trillions of cicadas will soon hatch and 'rain' down from the trees. Though the adult insects can make extremely loud noises that can rival airplanes and caused some Georgia residents to phone 911 in May, these young cicadas are different. They are whisper quiet and barely noticeable in their descent from the trees, no bigger than an ant, George Washington University biologist Dr. John Lill told WUSA-TV. Cicada eggs are miniscule, at less than a quarter-of-an-inch long and almost entirely translucent. With the Brood X cicadas nearly done mating and dying, a new generation of trillions of cicadas will soon hatch and 'rain' down from the trees Young cicadas are whisper quiet and barely noticeable in their descent from the trees, no bigger than an ant The eggs are miniscule, less than a quarter-of-an-inch long and almost entirely translucent After hatching and falling to the Earth, the cicadas burrow about two feet underground, looking for tree roots to provide nourishment. Prior to the downpour, the miniscule insects will spend roughly six weeks inside the branches of the trees where they were laid in order to avoid predators. 'Across their geographic range, trillions will fall out of the trees,' entomologist Samuel Ramsey told WJLA-TV. 'They will look like a small ant or termite. When they emerge from the trees many will be eaten by other organisms. Each one of the female cicadas can lay 500-plus eggs considering the number of them that have emerged.' Cicadas don't really care which type of tree they lay their eggs in, but females have been known to be somewhat about branch or twig diameter. They do like trees in sunny areas though, Lill told the news outlet. 'Trees in the deep forest or deep shade will be less likely to be chosen by the females as the site of oviposition,' Lill said. After hatching and falling to the Earth, the cicadas burrow about two feet underground, looking for tree roots to provide nourishment The abdomen of a cicada nymph stick out of mulch and soil, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in Frederick, Maryland An adult cicada sheds its nymphal skin on the bark on an oak tree. Brood X cicadas are known for their unique coloring they boast orange stripes down the body and an orange patch between the eye The 17-year Brood X cicadas started to emerge in May across 15 states: Connecticut, Ohio, Kentucky Indiana, along with Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington D.C. This is brood was the same one that emerged in the spring and early summer of 2004. The next big cicada emergence will be in 2024, when the 17-year Brood XIII (13) and 13-year Brood XIX (19) will emerge. This group, Brood X, however, will not emerge until 2038. The colony, knowns as Brood X (yellow), includes trillions of insets that were set to appear the first week of May across 15 US states that cover land from Tennessee up into New York There are 15 major 'broods' of cicadas in different geographic areas, with life cycles of either 13 or 17 years. Brood X is the tenth - with the X being the roman numeral for ten. These insects emerge from the ground in droves, with some years seeing trillions of cicadas in a season. They mostly appear in the eastern and central parts of the US. Brood X cicadas are characterized by unique coloring they boast orange stripes down the body and an orange patch between the eyes. The loud buzzing is performed only by males as a way to attract a mate. In response, female cicadas click their wings and provide the area with a chorus of sounds that can be quite unpleasant. Following that, the two insects mate and the female lays eggs in the tree. The nymphs then drop out and burrow underground to begin their own hibernation. Cicadas are relatively harmless and are more of a nuisance - they fly into windshields and leave their tiny carcasses everywhere. What makes these creatures so interesting is the ability to harden their exoskeletons, which takes about five days, and shed it in order to being flying. After molting, the cicada's body hardens and darkens to resemble their familiar appearance. Men who speak in a lower pitch are worse at communicating with their loved ones, and so can be more likely to avoid forming close attachments, a study discovered. Scientists recruited 218 undergraduate students, assessed their attachment style through a questionnaire, and had them record sentences to assess their vocal pitch. Those with a 'more masculine' voice found it harder to develop strong attachments in a relationship, say experts from Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu, China. They also used less positive communication patterns in their relationships compared to those that speak with a higher pitch. The authors say this could be due to a previously discovered link between deeper voices and higher testosterone levels in men, or it could be that higher voiced men develop better communication strategies to attract a mate. Scroll down for video Men who speak in a lower pitch are worse at communicating with their loved ones, and so can be more likely to avoid forming close attachments, a study discovered. Stock image Men with deep voices are more likely to cheat Men with deep voices are more likely to attract a partner, but are also more likely to cheat on their partner - and it is due to high levels of testosterone, study finds. Researchers from China's Southwest University recorded the voices of 88 men and 128 women, then had them fill out a form to assess their attitudes towards infidelity. Women are often attracted to men with low, rich voices because they are associated with high testosterone levels which, in evolutionary terms, suggests the speaker will be a good mate for producing healthy children, according to the Chinese team. However, men with higher levels of testosterone are also more likely to have a lax attitude to infidelity, care less about their relationships and eventually cheat. The same was not true of women, with no noticeable difference in attitudes to fidelity whether they had high or low pitched voices. Advertisement The voice has been shown to convey information about relationship behaviours, the authors said, including pitch being linked to physical attractiveness being unfaithful. Lower voice pitch has been shown to be linked to greater levels of testosterone, and higher testosterone is linked to relationship issues, authors of the new study said. Jing Zhang and Lijun Zheng recruited 218 undergraduate students - 90 men and 128 women - who filled out a questionnaire that measured their attachment style. They then had the students speak five expressions into a microphone so the researchers could determine their voice pitch level. The questionnaire measured anxious attachment - characterised by clinginess and persistent need for reassurance. They also completed a scale that measured the communication patterns typically used when tackling relationship issues. During the recordings they had to speak five expressions into a microphone which were analysed to measure fundamental frequency - an indicator of the pitch of the voice. They then calculated variations in fundamental frequency over the five words to create a standard measure. Men with a lower pitch were more likely to avoid attachments and less constructive in their communication style. Voice pitch had no link to attachment and communication style among the female students involved in the study Zhang and Zheng say that people with feminine traits are more likely to show greater levels of warmth and empathy. They said these were important qualities in maintaining a healthy relationship, so men with more feminine voices would be more prone to adopting better relationship maintenance behaviours. This included positive communication strategies. They say that testosterone levels are the most likely explanation, with higher testosterone linked to lower voices. Those with a 'more masculine' voice found it harder to develop strong attachments in a relationship, say experts from Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu, China. Stock image The team say that the alternative is that as deep voiced men are more attractive to women, those with higher pitched voice develop more favourable communication strategies to increase their value to potential mates. It was a limited study, as the cohort was made of students who were likely less secure in their opinions than the general population. The findings have been published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. The brains of fish grow bigger when they have to think harder, then shrink back down when they can chill out, according to new research out of Canada. Frederic Laberge, an integrative biologist at the University of Guelph in Canada, has focused on brain size in fish and how it benefits them, especially given how 'the brain is known to be one of the most energetically expensive tissues to maintain,' he told New Scientist. In a study posted on the preprint server BioRXiv, LaBerge's team compared the brain sizes of rainbow trout living in a fish farm in Parry Sound, Ontario, to those who had slipped out of the hatchery and were living wild in a nearby lake. After seven months, the brains of the wild trout were 15 percent heavier than the captive trout, relative to their body size. The growth spurt was limited to their gray matter, LaBerge told New Scientist, and didn't affect their heart or other oFELrgans. His theory is that more complex living environments force fish to literally increase their brain power. Laberge says the brains of fish are 'elastic' and can literally grow larger when faced with more complex environments. The brains of rainbow trout that escaped a fish farm in Ontario and were living in a lake were 15% heavier than their captive cousins. Frederic Laberge, an integrative biologist at the University of Guelph, says that's because fish have elastic brains that literally grow larger when faced with more complex environments But the change isn't necessarily permanent: in another preprint study, posted on Authorea, Laberge studied trout in two Ontario lakes over the course of several years. He found their brain size increased in the fall and winter, and then decreased in spring and summer. Lake trout actually prefer cooler waters, so when the cold chills the lake, they can forage for food closer to the surface and shore. That creates a more competitive and complex environment for them, Laberge says, requiring more gray matter. Studies of lake trout over several years found their brains were larger in fall and winter, when they would swim closer to the shoreline, and smaller in spring in summer, when they stuck to to the cool lake bottom. Pictured: A lake trout (top) and lake trout brain 'That's the assumption,' he told New Scientist. Earlier research by Laberge found the brains of sunfish living in shoreline habitats were larger than those of their counterparts in open water. According to a 2018 study he published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, all the fish were equally healthy with similar sized heads. But the brains of sunfish in the littoral (shoreline) area were 8.3 percent bigger on average than the pelagic (open water) fish, though no one region of the brain was more outsized than another. 'Habitat indeed has an effect,' co-author Caleb Axelrod said in a university release. 'Overall it's just better cognition.' Axelrod theorized the shoreline fish may be better at adapting to the growing issues of pollution and climate change 'because they already have more cognitive capacity.' Scientists have proven fish in labs have smaller brains than their free-range cousins, but LeBarge's work is the first to show such variance in the wild. Scientists in the Czech Republic said brown trout (pictured) became less active and disturbingly dependent when put in water containing amounts of meth equivalent to what's found in freshwater rivers The cognitive abilities of our marine neighbors may be under attack, as separate research indicates lake trout are becoming addicted to meth, cocaine and other drugs. Pharmaceuticals, both legal and illicit, are constantly introduced into waterways through discharge from wastewater treatment plants. While they filter out sewage and other contaminants, the plants are not equipped to stop trace elements of drugs, including antidepressants, birth control medication and even cocaine and ketamine, from making their way back into the water. In a report this week in the Journal of Experimental Biology, scientists in the Czech Republic said they found brown trout (Salmo trutta) became less active and disturbingly dependent when put in water containing small amounts of meth equivalent to what's in freshwater rivers. Later, when given a choice between a freshwater tank or water containing methamphetamine, the trout invariably chose the latter. Drug addiction could potentially drive fish to congregate near unhealthy water treatment discharges 'in search of a fix,' study author Pavel Horkey told DailyMail.com previously. Holiday cottage giants - owned by private equity firms - have been named the worst in Britain following a deluge of complaints over refunds and prices. Sykes and Hoseasons, which have been the focus of criticism during the pandemic, placed bottom in a consumer survey carried out by Which?. Both have been at the centre of action by the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) over the failure to pay refunds to customers who were banned from travelling due to lockdowns. First place in the Which? survey went to Rural Retreats (image from website above) Hoseasons (image from its website left) and Sykes (right) have been the focus of criticism during the pandemic At the same time, customers have used social media to criticise the firms for imposing punishing increases in prices at a time families were effectively banned from taking foreign holidays. Which? surveyed more than 2,400 members to assess their experience with the major holiday cottage providers in terms of customer service, value for money and the quality of the accommodation. Sykes came bottom with a customer score of 70 per cent versus 71 per cent for Hoseasons. The consumer champion said: 'Sykes received a refund satisfaction score of just 52 per cent. Additionally, of those who did manage to go ahead with their Sykes booking, some still complained about poor experiences, with one in 10 saying they were dissatisfied with their stay. 'Despite being one of the cheapest providers, the company only received three stars for value for money, and three stars for customer service. The Landmark Trust was the runner-up in the survey ranking. Pictured is one of its holiday lets 'While some customers spoke of positive experiences, one recent customer reported that their cottage was invaded by flies, another described their experience with an "aggressive owner" and said their accommodation was "not fit for purpose", while a third said "the Sykes website was inaccurate in about five respects".' Which? added: 'Hoseasons fared better in terms of handling cancellations, with a refund satisfaction score of 71 per cent among those who had a booking cancelled by the company. 'In the main survey though, it still only managed to muster three stars in most categories, including customer service, value for money, and quality of cottages among those whose holidays went ahead.' Sykes was bought by the private equity Virtuvian Partners for a reported 375million in 2019 and it is also part-owned by a second private equity firm, Livingbridge. It has grown rapidly over the past five years and now controls 24 brands and businesses, including Pure Cottages Group and Carbis Bay Holidays. Hoseasons is part of the Awaze group, which is owned by another private equity giant - Platinum Equity. Last year, the CMA took action against Sykes and Hoseasons following thousands of complaints they had been refusing to provide full cash refunds to all customers whose holidays could not go ahead. Which? warned Britons planning to book holidays in the UK that they should seek out firms with a good track record on service and refunds. Last year, the CMA took action against Sykes and Hoseasons following thousands of complaints they had been refusing to provide full cash refunds to all customers whose holidays could not go ahead First place in the Which? survey went to Rural Retreats, which specialises in luxurious holiday homes and has around 600 high-end properties. It was followed by The Landmark Trust, the National Trust, which was identified as being relatively good value, and Classic Cottages, which has more than 1,000 properties in the south and west of England. The editor of Which? Travel, Rory Boland, said: 'Restrictions on our freedoms may have lifted considerably since last summer, however it's clear that many of the risks posed by the pandemic will be here for some time to come - so it remains vitally important to make sure your money is safe when booking a holiday, whether it's abroad or in the UK. 'Our research has found that paying a little more for a holiday cottage in the UK is not only likely to give you a better holiday experience, but also ensure that you will get your money back without hassle if the pandemic prevents you from travelling.' Sykes Holiday Cottages said: 'We take any issues or complaints of this nature very seriously and we believe the findings of this research are not a true reflection of our business or the holiday lets we manage. We believe the findings of this research are not a true reflection of our business or the holiday lets we manage Sykes Holiday Cottages Sykes Holiday Cottages 'Our business has been serving the market for 30 years and this year we will host more than two million customers in our 19,500 properties. We have a very high standard for our properties and have won best large holiday cottage booking company at the British Travel Awards for eight consecutive years. 'Throughout this crisis, we have been working hard to protect both our customers and our owners. We have refunded or rearranged bookings for all those impacted and our customer services team have worked around the clock to make that happen. We will continue to work hard for our customers, helping them to enjoy every minute of their holidays at any one of our handpicked holiday cottages.' Hoseasons said: We strongly feel this survey doesnt accurately represent the views of our customers, millions of whom choose Hoseasons every year. The data within the Which? report only reflects the opinions of 81 customers, whereas our third party independent reviews show that of 130,000 customers surveyed, 94 per cent say they would book with us again. Heidi Klum has revealed the tips she gave her 17-year-old daughter Leni on joining the family business and becoming a model. Leni, who has covered such magazines as Glamour Germany and Vogue Germany in her mother's native land, is Heidi's firstborn. 'I said to her, at the end of the day you have to be happy with yourself. And don't do anything you don't want to do. It's okay to say no,' Heidi told People. Spot the resemblance: Heidi Klum has revealed the tips she gave her 17-year-old daughter Leni on joining the family business and becoming a model 'You don't always have to please people. But I'm always with Leni. And she has a very good head on her shoulders,' the Teutonic blonde elaborated. In fact when Leni hit the cover of Vogue Germany for its January issue this year she was accompanied by her famous mother. Heidi said of Leni's modeling work: 'It's a fun thing for her to do. She's not afraid of cameras because she's always come to my sets and my shows.' In fact according to Heidi despite how new Leni is to modeling: 'She's quite strong in the sense where she plays with it!' Family business: !hen Leni hit the cover of Vogue Germany for its January issue this year she was accompanied by her famous mother Leni just signed with CAA Fashion, according to a WWD report this week, and in her new interview Heidi talked about her own role in her daughter's business affairs. 'I've been helping her with deals and she has so many things in the pipeline. It's really exciting. She's doing the things I was always dreaming to do!' Heidi and her ex-husband Seal have three children - Henry, 15, Johann, 14, and Lou, 11 - and he recently spoke candidly about co-parenting with her. 'It can be challenging. It requires teamwork. If you are a team, if both parents are a team, then it's really easy and that's not a real challenge at all But you have to be a team. And if you're not a team, then it can all fall to pieces,' he told Us Weekly. 'It's a fun thing for her to do': Heidi said of Leni's modeling work: ' She's not afraid of cameras because she's always come to my sets and my shows' Seal then explosively claimed that he and Heidi 'never had that teamwork' with one another when it came to bringing up their children. Their differences hit the headlines last year when she wanted to take the children to her native country so she could film Germany's Next Top Model there. Seal objected on the grounds that the children might be exposed to coronavirus but an emergency court hearing was held and Heidi prevailed. Although she was permitted to take them to Germany he was given 'expanded time' with them before and after the trip. Throwback: Leni resulted from Heidi's previous relationship with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore whom she is pictured with in 2003 Meanwhile Leni resulted from Heidi's previous relationship with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, but in 2009 Seal legally adopted her as well. 'Leni is my natural daughter, but the three of us calmly agreed that it made the most sense that he adopt her, because a child needs to grow up in a family,' Flavio told the Milan-based daily Corriere Della Sera in 2016. Flavio, 71, whose Wonderbra model wife Elisabetta Gregoraci, 41, gave birth to their son Nathan in 2010, told the paper: 'Leni is Seal's family, Nathan mine.' At the moment Heidi is married to her fellow German Tom Kaulitz who rose to fame as the guitarist for the band Tokio Hotel. She recently flashed the flesh in a jaw-dropping underwear shoot for Body and Soul magazine. And on Friday, Australian Ninja Warrior host Rebecca Maddern, 43, revealed the real reason she decided to strip down for the saucy photos. Despite initially being 'a little embarrassed' that her leggy display was seen in newspapers across the country, Rebecca told The Daily Telegraph she wanted to do the shoot to promote body positivity as she nears her 44th birthday. Fit! Rebecca Maddern (pictured) has revealed why she decided to pose in her underwear for a recent shoot in Body and Soul. Pictured for an event in 2019 'I feel like its part of my responsibility, as a strong woman in the media, to be a role model,' she explained. 'To show myself, as an older woman, having a wonderful life and career. 'I hate the thought that women arent going to the beach because theyre worried about the bad bits of their body. We have to just enjoy our lives.' In the images, Rebecca showed off her never-ending pins and just a hint of cleavage in nothing but a beige blazer and a bodysuit. The usually conservative dresser went on to say she 'never thought' she'd grace the cover in such a slinky ensemble, because of where her career began. Responsibility: 'I feel like its part of my responsibility, as a strong woman in the media, to be a role model,' she explained. 'To show myself, as an older woman, having a wonderful life and career' 'I think its because I started my career as a newsreader and you never see newsreaders legs!' she added. The television host has barely aged a day since she appeared on Channel Seven television reporter in the mid 2000s. In the article, she thanked her good attitude and taking care of herself for her age-defying looks. Popular: In 2017, Rebecca joined Bed Fordham as the official co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior She said all the years of being kind to her body have really paid off, and that she has 'never felt better'. In 2017, Rebecca joined Bed Fordham as the official co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior. She married creative director Trent Miller in 2014, and they welcomed daughter Ruby in 2018. The Kid Laroi has released his new collaboration with Justin Bieber, Stay. The 80s synth-pop song was produced by Perth-based hitmakers Michael 'Finatik' Mule and Isaac 'Zac' De Boni, who have previously worked with Kanye West and Drake. Stay has already topped multiple Spotify charts around the world and is currently climbing up the Australian iTunes charts. It's here! The Kid Laroi has released his new collaboration with Justin Bieber, Stay Laroi, 17, also shared an exciting preview of the song's music video this week. In the teaser, the teen pop star and Bieber dance in an empty station. It's cut in with scenes of a melodramatic Laroi racing through Los Angeles. The Kid Laroi, whose real name is Charlton Howard, recently made history as the youngest solo artist to top the Australian album charts. And now he's on a mission to showcase his home country's rap scene to the world. Visuals: Laroi, 17, also shared an exciting preview of the song's music video this week. In the teaser, the teen pop star and Bieber dance in an empty station 'I don't think America is completely switched on to how big [and] great the Australian music scene and culture is, but I think that's kind of my job to shed light,' he told Triple J last month. The Waterloo-born star said he's long dreamed of putting Sydney's rap scene on the map 'the way Drake did with Toronto'. Born in Canada, rapper Drake often gushes about his home city of Toronto in his music, and even boasts a number of Toronto-themed tattoos. Superstar: Bieber was kind enough to lend his star power to the teenager's new single Laroi added: 'You have to do it in a way where people get it and really see it for what it really is; how great the scene really is.' 'That's the most important thing - I don't want people to overlook it or think because it's my country, I really want people to recognise Australia is the f**king future of music, in my opinion.' Stay is currently available to stream on all streaming services. Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler Powell welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Grace Warrior, three months ago. And on Wednesday, a casually dressed Bindi, 22, doted on their tiny tot in a sweet new photograph. The Wildlife Warrior can be seen holding her daughter as they cuddled their pet pooch, Piggy. Puppy love! On Wednesday, Bindi Irwin shared a sweet picture alongside her three-month-old daughter Grace Warrior and their pet pooch, Piggy 'Hi baby hoooman sister and sweet mama. I love you both so much. Piggy,' the photo was captioned on their pet's Instagram page Stella & Piggy. The adorable post comes after the proud mum took a short break from social media to focus her energies on baby Grace. Earlier this week, Bindi returned to Instagram and appeared to be doing just that when she was seen singing a nursery rhyme about US states to the cherubic infant. So sweet: The adorable post comes after the proud mum took a short break from social media to focus her energies on baby Grace. Earlier this week, Bindi returned to Instagram and appeared to be doing just that when she was seen singing a nursery rhyme about US states to the cherubic infant In a clip shared to Instagram on Wednesday by husband Chandler, Bindi is seen happily belting out the adorable tune. Grace smiled and laughed as Bindi alphabetically read out the names while playing with her arms, with the tot clearly enjoying it. 'Our little Grace Warrior learning about her dad's home country from her beautiful mama,' Chandler wrote under the clip. He then made a joke about Bindi missing New Hampshire, due to Grace's lovely laugh distracting her during the song. Playful: Grace smiled and laughed as Bindi alphabetically read out the names while playing with her arms 'P.S. Bindi wanted to send a shoutout to New Hampshire! Grace's laugh was too adorable to remember every state!' Bindi resurfaced on Instagram after exposing her highly publicised rift with grandfather Bob Irwin Snr. Last month, Bindi made headlines when she spoke about her strained relationship with Bob, 82, in a scathing Facebook post. Feud: Last month Bindi made headlines after she posted a scathing Facebook comment about her strained relationship with Bob (pictured in October 2016), claiming the 82-year-old conservationist - who founded the family business Australia Zoo in 1970 - had 'never said a single kind word' to her and even 'returned gifts' she'd sent him She claimed he has shown 'no interest in spending time with me or my family'. While Bob has yet to publicly respond to the accusations, members of his inner circle did fire back at Bindi. Bethany Wheeler, another granddaughter of Bob's by marriage, declared on Facebook: 'The time has come to speak up.' Breaking her silence: Bethany Wheeler (second from left), another granddaughter of Bob's (left) by marriage, declared on Facebook: 'The time has come to speak up... We have all felt sick reading [this] for too long.' Pictured: Ms Wheeler at her wedding to husband Wayne New addition: Bindi and husband Chandler announced their daughter's birth on March 26 'I read some absolutely appalling comments by Bindi today! Feel free to share this post (I will make it public) as we have all been silent... for too long,' she wrote. On June 21, Bindi shared a photo on Instagram of herself cuddling Grace and said she was 'working hard' to protect her mental health. She wrote: 'Hi guys, Just a note to say thank you for your support. I'm taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family. 'I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal). You can keep up with our adventures by following my family and Australia Zoo on social media,' as part of her statement. Bindi and husband Chandler announced their daughter's birth on March 26, just one day after she was born on their first wedding anniversary. It was reported she had pulled out of a stage tour that clashed with Strictly Come Dancing to take part in the upcoming series. And Motsi Mabuse was looking every inch as glamorous as she does on the Strictly judging panel, as she attended a make-up launch at Hotel Michelberger in Berlin. The professional dancer, 40, showcased her sizzling curves in a decadent gold and black mini dress, which also featured hot pink detailing. Sizzling: Motsi Mabuse was looking every inch as glamorous as she does on the Strictly judging panel, as she attended a make-up launch at Hotel Michelberger in Berlin The thigh-grazing number highlighted the stars shapely pins as she posed for snaps. She boosted her frame with silver metallic heles and added a small black padded bag with a chain strap to her evening ensemble. Motsi wore her hair in voluminous curls and opted for a full face of make-up for the outing, while accessorising with statement drop earrings. Hey! The professional dancer, 40, showcased her sizzling curves in a decadent gold and black mini dress, which also featured hot pink detailing Motsi, who will return to the judging panel with Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and newcomer Anton Du Beke, appeared in high spirits during the evening. The judge had signed up for Germany's Let's Dance tour but would have missed the first four weeks of Strictly had she honoured the commitment. An inside source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Her diary clash has been a real headache for everyone. There was no way she could have done both.' Panic over: Motsi pulled out of a stage tour that clashed with Strictly Come Dancing to take part in the upcoming series They continued: 'When push came to shove she passed on the tour and signed a new contract. The Strictly bosses are thrilled to have her back on board. 'Their main aim for this year was to get all four of the judges back on the panel, and Motsi has been the biggest question mark.' To add to the confusion, the Let's Dance tour in Germany are reportedly still selling tickets to the show with audience members expecting to see Motsi on stage. 'When push came to shove she passed on the tour and signed a new contract. The Strictly bosses are thrilled to have her back on board,' a source revealed on Sunday (pictured recently) Ahead of Motsi's decision to return to Strictly, there had been panic at the BBC at the prospect of her missing the series. As well as sitting on the panel for Strictly in the UK, Motsi - who lives in Frankfurt - is also a judge on Let's Dance, which is why she was involved in the theatre tour. Additionally, The Sun reported that until recently Motsi didn't know if Strictly would renew her contract for this year. Clash? To add to the confusion, the Let's Dance tour in Germany are reportedly still selling tickets to the show with audience members expecting to see Motsi on stage A source told The Sun: 'Producers have been pulling their hair out as they struggle to get all of their judges in the right place for the live shows. 'Motsi's fans in Germany are buying show tickets expecting to see her live. 'Pre-Covid it was easy for talent to jet in and out of the UK for the night, but with travel restrictions it's much harder.' The source added that producers want to avoid relying too much on video links, especially as they're paying big money for talent and that it's a real 'schedule clash'. However, a BBC spokesperson said: 'Motsi will be doing the next series, we will be working out the schedule as we have done in the past.' The Atlanta-based cast of Love Is Blind are coming face to face for the first time since the show premiered two years ago. On Thursday, Netflix released the official trailer for the new three-part series 'Love Is Blind: After The Altar,' in which the reality stars reunite to give updates on life and love or lack thereof after the wild dating experiment. Kicking off on July 28, viewers will get to catch up with some of the most memorable couples and exes in reality TV history, who boldly attempted to find romance without ever laying eyes on one another. Love Is Blind reunion: Netflix released the first trailer for the Love Is Blind reunion series 'After The Altar', in which the cast of the wild dating experiment come together to give updates on life and love two years after the show The one minute trailer begins with a trip down memory lane as the cast reflect on daring to move forward with an engagement to a complete stranger after only talking through a vault. The experiment which sought to see if emotional connection could conquer physical attraction ended in a lasting marriage for Lauren and Cameron Hamilton as well as Amber and Matt Barnett, who are set to discuss life as husband and wife. 'Two years ago, we fell in love and chose someone to marry without ever seeing them,' Lauren says in the teaser. Married life: Lauren and Cameron were the first couple to commit to marriage two years ago The setting: The wild dating experiment forced contestants to commit to marriage with a stranger who they had only connected with while talking blindly through chambers Happy couple: Amber and Barnett also walked away married despite attempts from contestant Jessica to thwart the relationship 'Some of us are still in love but some of us are still searching,' says single contestant Diamond Jack in a clip. She walked away from a possible life with Carlton Morton after he confessed his bi-sexuality after the proposal. 'I'm still emotional about it so much time after,' Morton says in the teaser through tears. Jessica Batten couldn't seem to stomach life with her much younger prospect Mark Cuevas after laying eyes on him, or shake her crush on Barnett. Still looking: 'Some of us are still in love but some of us are still searching,' says single contestant Diamond in the teaser Emotional: Carlton proposed to Diamond before confessing to being bi-sexual which was a non-negotiable for her Tough run: Batten couldn't seem to stomach life with her much younger prospect Mark after laying eyes on him, or shake her crush on Barnett which caused tension on the show after he chose Amber Not ready: Still reeling from the love triangle years later, Barnett quips back 'next question' when asked in the teaser what he thought about seeing Jessica 'Going through the experiment, I really kind of crashed and burned in front of the world,' Jessica says, but she has now found love off camera. Proving that there is still tension surrounding the love triangle involving she, Amber and Barnett, years later, when he was asked in an interview: 'What do you think about seeing Jessica?' he quipped back 'next question.' On the other hand Giannina Gibelli was left at the altar by Damian Powers, but the pair gave things another shot after the show, and dated for two years. Rekindled? After being left at the altar by Damian, Giannina and he gave things another shot but the status of their relationship is currently unclear Unclear: 'I really don't want to lose him,' she says in the trailer and the two are seen sharing a chat over wine but they spent the most recent Valentine's Day apart The status of their relationship now is currently unclear. They had last posted a photo together in October 2020 and seemingly spent Valentine's Day apart. 'I really don't want to lose him,' she says in the trailer and the two are seen sharing a chat over wine. And naturally the trailer teases lots of drama as Cameron says in a confessional: 'When we get the group together it's always a fun time,' prompting hesitation and an 'I hope so,' from wife Lauren. The three-part series kicks off on July 28 on Netflix. Emmerdale fans were left shocked as menacing Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) claimed her first victim on Thursday night. After a tussle atop the village's humpbacked bridge, Meena chucked Leanna Cavanagh (Mimi Slinger) over the edge, leaving her dead in the river below. Meena was compelled to kill off Leanna following her discovery that she had murdered before. Tussle! Emmerdale fans were left shocked as menacing Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) claimed her first victim on Thursday night, after she pushed Leanna Cavanagh (Mimi Slinger) off a bridge Meena had previously revealed that a friend from her past, Nadine, took her own life. Yet it was later unearthed that there was more to the story than that - and that Meena was instrumental in Nadine's death. Producers for the ITV soap had warned fans that something grizzly was going to take place in the sleepy village. Promising that viewers will be 'left on the edge of their seat', they teased that 'dominated by her own ego, Meena is hellbent on getting what she wants and ready to eliminate anyone who stands in her way'. Over the top: Meena was compelled to kill off Leanna following her discovery that she had murdered before Murder: Producers for the ITV soap had warned fans that something grizzly was going to take place in the sleepy village In recent weeks, viewers have seen her behaviour become increasingly erratic. Emmerdale Producer, Kate Brooks revealed: 'Meena has been a whirlwind since arriving in the village, scheming and manipulating people and situations to get what she wants and causing nothing but drama and unnecessary heartache in the process. 'Her seemingly caring facade belies her true persona; a woman with a murky past and no conscience.' Grizzly: Families will be torn apart and lives changed forever by the slaying (pictured with David Metcalfe) She added: 'Meena's lack of empathy is often perceived by those around her a little more than spoilt petulance, however, we soon learn the true extent of her narcissistic and amoral character.' Kate concluded: 'Malevolent Meena will wreak havoc in the village and once she has you in her sights, no one is safe from her devious and dangerous machinations. 'This storyline will see the viewers gripped as they realise that this is a woman who is capable of anything and everything.' Speaking about her character, actress Paige said: 'It's great to play a character that is on a completely different wavelength to everyone else, who always has a hidden agenda and will do anything to get what she wants. Speaking about her character, Paige said: 'It's great to play a character that is on a completely different wavelength to everyone else' (pictured with Liam Cavanagh and Leyla Harding) 'Her lack of empathy and her playfulness make her a very exciting character. She's the strangest character I've played for sure, but also the most fun.' Earlier in June, viewers were left horrified when Meena tried to kill Andrea Tate's (Anna Nightingale) pet dog Princess - offering fans a taste of just what she is capable of. In an attempt to split up Andrea and Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin), Meena lured Andrea's pet dog into a car before shutting the door and leaving the animal to overheat. Thankfully, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) spotted the dog, alerting Charles, who took her to the vets. Matt Damon attended a celebratory dinner after the premiere of his new film Stillwater at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night. The actor joined co-star Abigail Breslin and other cast members, along with the film's director, after reportedly tearing up during a five minute standing ovation following the movie. The dinner guests dined at La Terrasse restaurant in the French city, posing together for snaps on the patio. Matt Damon attended a celebratory dinner after the premiere of his new film Stillwater at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night [pictured with director Tom McCarthy] The men looked dapper in black tuxedos, with actress Abigail wore a floor-length green off-shoulder gown with a beaded detailing and a silken train. Camille Cottin wore a black Dior dress, while Abigail modeled a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown. According to Twitter, Matt - an Oscar-winning writer as well as actor - became overwhelmed with emotion at the strong reaction to the film. He 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. Woman in green: The actor joined co-star Abigail Breslin [pictured] and other cast members, along with the film's director, after reportedly tearing up during a five minute standing ovation following the movie Dinner guests: [L-R] Abigail, Tom, Camille Cottin and Matt at La Terrasse restaurant Chic: Camille wore a black cocktail dress with a belt at the waist and a tulle detailing Bringing the glam: The men looked dapper in black tuxedos, with actress Abigail wore a floor-length green off-shoulder gown with a beaded detailing and a silken train Matt Damon is brought to tears at the #Cannes2021 standing ovation for Stillwater. pic.twitter.com/phpK2mOJT1 Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) July 8, 2021 Call My Agent! actress Camille plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission. Abigail, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, plays the role of Matt's daughter, Allison. The last time Matt 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. Cos-stars: Matt posed for a snap with young actress Lilou Siauvaud Close-knit! The ensemble appear to have struck up a pally bond over the course of production Say cheese! The hunk grinned for the photographers lining the red carpet earlier that night Stars: [L-R] Idir Azougli, Moussa Maaskri, Lilou Siauvaud, Camille Cottin, Matt Damon, director Tom McCarthy, Abigail Breslin and Gregory Di Meglio are pictured earlier in the evening New film: The crime drama will be released on August 6 2021 During this portion of the festival Matt will 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. Kim Kardashian was given a five-year permanent order of protection on Wednesday from a man who sent her a diamond ring and morning-after pills, and has been at her property on multiple occasions. In court docs reviewed by TMZ, Kardashian's attorney Shawn Holley said that the man, Nicholas Costanza, had twice arrived at her home in the past, and sent the aforementioned items in a package her security team caught before it got into the reality star's hands. A Los Angeles judge ordered Costanza to keep at least 100 yards away from the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, and not contact her. The latest: Kim Kardashian, 40, was given a five-year permanent order of protection on Wednesday from a man who sent her a diamond ring and morning-after pills, and has been at her property on multiple occasions. She was snapped in NYC in 2019 Kardashian's legal team said that Costanza had visited her gated community twice this year, in February and May, once telling security he was picking her up for a dinner outing. Costanza had also attempted to communicate with Kardashian online, her legal team said, including a certificate of marriage and calling himself her 'knight in shining armor.' The package containing the two items were sent to her residence and discovered by her security guards on June 3, TMZ reported. It was addressed to Kim, 40, herself, containing a ring that appears to be a real diamond but it is not known if it is in fact authentic. Details: Kim Kardashian's legal team said the man who sent her a diamond ring and morning-after pills, and has been at her property on multiple occasions Incident: The items were intercepted by her security team upon arrival on June 3 The second item in the package was a box of Plan B pills, also known as Levonorgestrel. The pills prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if another form of birth control fails. The outlet reported that he has been allegedly harassing her online as well with a self-made marriage license for the two of them. He has also made an item with the words 'Queen Kimberly' is 'sitting up in they big castle alone waiting for her Knight in Shining Armor,' according to TMZ. The outlet reported that the man's social media accounts have all been shut down. The scary incident occurred just days after Kim got a protective order against another man who she claims was trying to get inside her home and harassing her for months. TMZ reported that he has been allegedly harassing her online as well with a self-made marriage license for the two of them Kim earlier this year got a protective order against another man who she claims was trying to get inside her home and harassing her for months The 32-year-old man, named Charles Peter Zelenoff, claims to be in love with Kim, her legal team said. Zeleneoff has had two recent convictions for battery and in the documents the star called him a 'stalker.' A judge granted Kim a temporary restraining order in late May, requiring Zelenoff must stay 100 yards away from her. Per the documents, he would allegedly film videos outside her house and get 'frustrated' he wasn't able to get inside her home. The star noted that she was 'scared' in the documents that he knew her address and could find her home, since she's never shared it. He allegedly posted on social media that he desired to pursue a physical relationship with her and that he allegedly had troubling obtaining entry. This year has been difficult for the reality star, as she filed for divorce in February from her husband of almost seven years, Kanye West. When they were in love: This year has been difficult for the reality star, as she filed for divorce in February from her husband of almost seven years, Kanye West; seen February 19, 2021 Kim admitted their marriage was over in an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians earlier this year. The mother-of-four sobbed in the penultimate episode of the show, following a 'big fight' with Kanye. The star, who was previously married to Damon Thomas and Kris Humphries, said through tears: 'I feel like a f***ing failure that it's, like, a third f***ing marriage. Yeah, I feel like a f***king loser' as she insisted she could no longer be 'stuck' with Kanye. Kim and Kanye are parents to four children together: North, eight, Saint, five, Chicago, three and Psalm, two. Penultimate episode: Kim Kardashian sobbed in the penultimate episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashian as she admitted her marriage to Kanye West had ended Tahar Rahim, star of The Serpent one of the BBC's most popular dramas ever has found a way to make crime pay. He will portray one of the drug kingpins behind the French connection, an underworld system that put dangerous narcotics on to American streets. The untitled television series will be about Corsican gangsters Antoine and Barthelemy Guerini, known as the Guerini Brothers. Tahar Rahim (pictured at Cannes Film Festival) will portray a drug kingpin behind the French connection, an underworld system that put dangerous narcotics on to American streets The untitled television series will be about Corsican gangsters Antoine and Barthelemy Guerini. Pictured: Tahar Rahim during the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival 'They ruled the Marseilles drug trade after the war and into the 1960s and 1970s,' Rahim told me in Cannes, where he is on the Film Festival jury led by Spike Lee. The screenplay for the show is still being written, the 40-year-old Paris-based star said. 'I will portray one of them but I cannot tell you which one until we are ready. We're at such an early stage and we do not plan to film until next year.' He stressed that it's a different story to the one told in 1971 thriller The French Connection, about two New York cops who break up an international drug-smuggling operation. In The Serpent, Rahim (pictured with Jenna Louise Coleman) portrayed Charles Sobhraj, a serial killer, fraudster and thief who preyed on hippies travelling through Asia in the 1970s Rahim's breakthrough came in Jacques Audiard's powerful movie A Prophet (pictured), a hit at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival The movie won five Oscars, including best actor for Gene Hackman and best picture, and remains a stunning piece of film-making (both it and its equally impressive sequel are on Disney+). Rahim said that his series, which is being backed by Netflix, will explore how the Guerini brothers fought for the Resistance during the Nazi occupation of France. 'Some of their wartime comrades became elected leaders in Marseilles,' he said. The brothers leveraged those alliances, which helped them gain control of the Marseilles dockyards, where officials turned a blind eye to their activities shipping heroin to the United States. In The Serpent, Rahim portrayed Charles Sobhraj, a serial killer, fraudster and thief who preyed on hippies travelling through Asia in the 1970s. Rahim also won acclaim for his performance in Kevin Macdonald's film The Mauritanian, with Jodie Foster (both pictured) starring as his lawyer The Mauritanian followed the true story of a prisoner called Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was held at Guantanamo Bay for 14 years The actor told me he enjoyed working with 'my partner in crime' Jenna Coleman. Rahim also won acclaim for his performance in Kevin Macdonald's film The Mauritanian, the true story of a prisoner held at Guantanamo Bay for 14 years (with Jodie Foster as his lawyer). His breakthrough came in Jacques Audiard's powerful movie A Prophet, a hit at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. SHAZAM! BUSY HELEN TAKES A SUPERHERO BREAK TO FLY IN Helen Mirren has been taking the red-carpeted steps at the nightly Cannes Film Festival premieres, in the Grand Theatre Lumiere, at a run. The steeper the stairs, the faster her pace. 'I say 'Action!' in my head and just keep going and going till I reach the top,' Mirren joked, when I mentioned this. The actress has been involved in several projects during the pandemic, including wartime drama White Bird: A Wonder Story, opposite Gillian Anderson. It was shot in the Czech Republic for director Marc Forster. Helen Mirren (pictured) has been taking the red-carpeted steps at the nightly Cannes Film Festival premieres, in the Grand Theatre Lumiere, at a run Mirren told me she'd taken a break from shooting Shazam! Fury Of The Gods in the States in order to see films at the festival with her director husband Taylor Hackford. I liked the first Shazam! movie that Warner Bros released in 2019 it was pure popcorn fun. Mirren chuckled and said: 'It is fun. And I enjoy working with a young company.' Another of her films, The Duke, in which she starred with Jim Broadbent, was shown at last year's Venice Film Festival. I visited the set in Leeds when director Roger Michell was shooting it back in 2019. It's based on a true story about a portrait of the Duke of Wellington that was stolen from the National Portrait Gallery in the 1960s. It's an utterly delightful picture; beautifully observant of Great British down-to-earth people. Film distributor Pathe were smart to hang on to it and wait for a UK cinema release on September 3. Mirren (pictured) said she'd taken a break from shooting Shazam! Fury Of The Gods in the States in order to see films at the festival with her director husband Taylor Hackford Mirren said that The Duke would have an American gala at the Telluride Film Festival, way up in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, also in early September. The Oscar-winning actress, who turns 76 later this month, said she hasn't visited England since before the pandemic. In fact, I'm pretty certain on that occasion we had tea together in Mayfair. As you do. 'I do miss family, and the theatre,' she said. She wants to return to the stage but is not sure about the timing. 'I'd love to do a 30-minute play!' she said, only half joking. Seeing the look on my face, she added: 'OK then. I'd love to do a 60-minute play.' The great dame would be luminous, no matter how long she spent on the boards. SOPHIE GOES TO TOWN IN A WELL-CUT GOWN... French actress Sophie Marceau told me the secret of Gallic glamour is to keep it simple and 'not overthink it'. She said: 'It's not really a secret, but simplicity is the key.' That, and a well- cut gown. French actress Sophie Marceau (pictured) graced the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of Francois Ozon's film Everything Went Fine Ms Marceau graced the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of Francois Ozon's film Everything Went Fine, in which she plays the daughter of a wealthy aesthete (Andre Dussollier) who, after suffering a stroke, asks her to help him end his life. After seeing The Father, I have found it very difficult to sit through movies about death. But Marceau, who has always been much more than 007 arm candy (opposite Pierce Brosnan in The World Is Not Enough) or the token femme in action films (Mel Gibson's Braveheart) finds touches of humour in the sadness, with the help of some gentle coaxing from Ozon. She and her co-stars Dussollier and Geraldine Pailhas (who plays her sister) allow welcome shafts of light to permeate the darkness so much so that I laughed out loud a few times at some of the tart exchanges between the family members. Oh, and there's a scene- stealing moment when Charlotte Rampling, playing the estranged wife, visits her husband in hospital. Her lip curls as she mutters scornfully 'your father doesn't look that ill'. Festival favourites such as Isabelle Huppert and Diane Kruger (pictured) supported a French film that speaks a language we all understand when it comes to frank honesty Within the context of the film, that tells you all you need to know about that relationship. It was lovely to see festival favourites such as Isabelle Huppert and Diane Kruger supporting a French film that speaks a language we all understand when it comes to frank honesty and common sense. WATCH OUT FOR Todd Haynes, who screened his excellent documentary Velvet Underground, about the cultural forces that brought together Lou Reed, John Cale, Maureen Tucker and all of Andy Warhol's Factory posse. It's so insightful and some of the comments about the counter-culture are brutal. I was never a devotee of the Velvet Underground (though I knew some of their music), so a lot of what Haynes and his associates uncover is a revelation. Plus, I like folk reflecting on their art from a distance. It's great to see Haynes working with long-time producer Christine Vachon (the first time I spotted Vachon's credit on a movie was for Superstar, the short film Haynes made in 1988 about Karen Carpenter). Velvet Underground will be streamed on Apple TV+. Pedro Almodovar, who presented Jodie Foster with an honorary Palme d'Or this week. The director flew in from Spain, where he is editing his latest film, Parallel Mothers. 'It's about mothers and their babies that are born on the same day,' the legendary filmmaker told me. Pedro Almodovar (pictured), presented Jodie Foster with an honorary Palme d'Or this week. The director flew in from Spain, where he is editing his latest film, Parallel Mothers He said the film was shot during the pandemic. 'We all wore masks. A lot of masks.' But masks won't feature in the actual movie which stars Almodovar's muse Penelope Cruz. Milena Smit, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon and Rossy de Palma also have key roles in the picture, which the director said he hopes to finish by December. Val another must-see documentary made from thousands of video tapes the screen artist Val Kilmer shot at auditions, on sets or at home with his family. Kilmer was too ill (after treatment for throat cancer) to travel to Cannes, so his children from his marriage to Joanne Whalley, Mercedes and Jack (who narrates his father's words), presented the film at the festival. It will be on Amazon Prime next month. Kilmer and I clashed a couple of times over the years regarding a few of the duds he made (he made some fab movies, too!). But I was very moved by Val. It's a cautionary tale for up-and-coming actors who believe the baloney about them being a star at the age of 21. Or was it 12? LUMA, STAR OF HER OWN MOO-VIE Andrea Arnold's captivating BBC Film, Cow, film follows Luma (pictured), a British milking cow, through two births and the daily grind of what a poor cow has to do for her supper Spending childhood summers at my uncle's dairy farm in Okehampton, Devon, allowed me, I think, to 'udder-stand' and appreciate the full power of Andrea Arnold's captivating BBC Film, Cow, which had a special gala in Cannes yesterday. The film follows Luma (aka No 29), a British milking cow, through two births and the daily grind of what a poor cow has to do for her supper. The wider point is: what are cows for? And are they being treated right? She stars as Natasha Romanoff's (Scarlet Johansson) 'sister-figure' Yelena Belova in MCU prequel Black Widow, which hit cinema screens across the UK on Wednesday. And Florence Pugh's boyfriend Zach Braff, 46, commissioned a portrait of his girlfriend, 25, as the enigmatic spy, which he revealed to social media on Thursday. The Scrubs star enlisted the help of 'legendary' painter Phil Noto to create the new artwork in honour of the film's release. Impressive: Florence Pugh's boyfriend Zach Braff, 46, commissioned a portrait of his girlfriend, 25, as Black Widow character Yelena Belova, which he revealed to social media on Friday He shared the piece to Instagram which saw Florence in a white jumpsuit and a green utility gilet while raising guns in the air. The portrait bore a striking resemblance to the Oxford born star. Zach captioned the upload: 'Go see Black Widow this weekend and watch @florencepugh save the world! 'I commissioned this painting from the legendary painter and comic book artist @philnoto. (the Russian says Widow.)' Sweet: The Scrubs star enlisted the help of 'legendary' painter Phil Noto to create the new artwork in honour of his love (pictured) and her new film release Supportive: Zach captioned the upload: 'Go see Black Widow this weekend and watch @florencepugh save the world!' Cate Shortland's $200M-budget flick - also starring David Harbour, William Hurt, and Rachel Weisz - has already scored an 82% critic approval rating (out of 166 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes. Florence shared the portrait to her own social media and wrote: 'Best birthday present,' despite her birth date falling in January. Zach originally met Florence in August 2018 when he directed her in his 12-minute Adobe Creative Cloud short film, In the Time It Takes To Get There. And last week, the Oscar nominated star admitted she avoids sharing couple snaps with her 'magical' boyfriend because she knows it 'bugs people' as he's 'not who they expected' her to date. 'It's my life and I'm not doing anything to please people or to make it a better headline or story,' the actress told The Sunday Times Style magazine. Starring role: Florence portrays Natasha Romanoff's (Scarlet Johansson) 'sister-figure' Yelena Belova in MCU prequel Black Widow, which hit cinema screens across the UK on Wednesday 'I want to also be a person!' At 46, the Scrubs alum is 21 years older than Florence, whom she's called 'a gift to the world' and 'the most fun person I've ever met.' 'It's so weird to me to go on to someone's page and s*** on it,' the Little Women actress said of trolls. 'That's so not my nature - to go and bully for the sake of bullying. It's such an odd thing that we've become okay with in the past 10 years of social media.' Florence continued: 'The thing is, people want Instagram to be a nicer place, they want to see nice things. They want to be inspired and they want to be happy. I don't mind you not liking me, that's absolutely fine. In which case don't follow me.' Together! Last week, the actress admitted she avoids sharing couple snaps with her 'magical' boyfriend because she knows it 'bugs people' as he's 'not who they expected' her to date (pictured in January) Candid: 'It's my life and I'm not doing anything to please people or to make it a better headline or story,' the actress told The Sunday Times Style magazine American Pickers star Mike Wolfe and his wife Jodi have split after almost a decade-long marriage. According to a report from TMZ on Thursday, Jodi, 50, filed for divorce from the 56-year-old reality star in November 2020, citing June 2020 is the pair's date of separation. The court documents, submitted in the couple's home county of Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee that irreconcilable differences were listed as the reason for the filing. Calling it quits: American Pickers star Mike Wolfe and his wife Jodi have split after almost a decade-long marriage. Seen in 2019 People magazine reported the court documents stated Jodi and Mike were 'unable to successfully live together' as husband and wife and that Jodi 'would further show that all hopes of reconciliation are exhausted.' The couple married on September 7, 2012 in Franklin and share a nine-year-old daughter, Charlie Faeth. According to the filing, Charlie lives with Jodi but they had yet to settle on a child custody arrangement. At the time of the filing, Jodi asked that the court 'make an equitable division' of the duo's assets and debts or present an agreement on how they should divide their marital property. In legal paperwork filed in March obtained by People, it was stated the two had 'entered a collaborative family law participation agreement.' Sad: The court documents, submitted in the couple's home county of Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee that irreconcilable differences were listed as the reason for the filing. Pictured in 2015 Hit show: The popular series follows Mike and his friend and co-host Frank Fritz as the two antiques and collectibles 'pickers' travel the United States by van to scour for valuable items in people's garages, homes and barns. Seen in 2010 American Pickers debuted on The History Channel in January 2010. The popular series follows Mike and his friend and co-host Frank Fritz as the two antiques and collectibles 'pickers' travel the United States by van to scour for valuable items in people's garages, homes and barns. Mike's biography on HIstory.com states that he 'has been searching for hidden treasure since he was four years old. Over the years, he's earned a reputation as one of the country's foremost foragers, traveling coast to coast in search of rusty gold. 'Where other people see dilapidated barns and overgrown yards, Wolfe sees the beauty of long-lost things and the stories of the people who made them, used them and somehow saved them.' Lifelong passion: Mike's biography on HIstory.com states that he 'has been searching for hidden treasure since he was four years old. Pictured in 2010 Mike owns an antiques company, Antique Archaeology, and sells some of the objects he discovers at the company's stores in Le Claire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee. He procures others for private clients and keeps some of the items for his own collections. Jodi, who has an adult son, Kyle, from a previous marriage, was diagnosed with Stage 2 non Hodgkins Lymphoma in September 2013. She told The Glow that the diagnosis came as a shock. 'Believe it or not even vegan, exercising, juicing mama's get cancer,' she said. 'I was the last one to expect it. Life was everything I could possibly dream of then bam' After five months of treatment, Jodi was declared cancer-free. On May 28, 2020, Mike celebrated his wife's six years of remission with a sweet Instagram post. Under a photo of Jodi with Charlie, he wrote '6 years cancer free today!! #powermama,' adding a heart and prayers hands emojis. Beating cancer: After five months of treatment after being diagnosed with non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Jodi was declared cancer-free. On May 28, 2020, Mike celebrated his wife's six years of remission with a sweet Instagram post Ben Fordham has claimed Triple M radio host Lawrence Mooney knew the lockdown rules before going on a holiday in Byron Bay earlier this month. On Thursday, Mooney was forced to issue a grovelling apology for breaking the rules, and said he felt 'like a goose' for 'not realising' he wasn't allowed to holiday in the popular tourist town, when he should have been in lockdown at his home in the Southern Highlands. In a stunning twist on Friday, 2GB host Fordham alleged the host was aware of the restrictions - before playing damming audio of Mooney reading out the lockdown rules on his show before jetting off to Byron Bay. Shock claims: On Friday, 2GB host Ben Fordham sensationally claimed Lawrence Mooney knew the rules following his grovelling apology over breaching lockdown restrictions 'I know Lawrence, he's not a bad person but he's had a shocker here,' Fordham said. 'He works in Sydney - he's been busted holidaying in Byron Bay against the health orders. 'There's a problem. He did know he wasn't allowed to travel to Byron Bay, and I'll prove it to you right now..' Fordham then shared audio of Mooney, 56, reading out the restrictions on June 24 - the day before he left for Byron Bay. 'Theres a whole lot of government areas that have been deemed red zones in Sydney,' Mooney said on-air. Idyllic getaway: The Triple M radio host, who should be in lockdown at his home in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, had been staying at the coastal enclave for almost two weeks 'If you live or work in those areas, you cant leave those areas unless you are an essential worker that enters one of those areas, then you can leave that area in order to go home. 'You have got to stay put. Gladys Berejiklian, our fearless Premier, said that she works in the city of Sydney obviously but she doesnt live in one of those LGAs (local government areas).' After playing the audio, Fordham said: 'When he was busted, Lawrence Mooney said he feels like an absolute goose for not realising. 'Lawrence, you knew you couldn't go - you said it yourself! Busted. Lawrence Mooney, you can't be serious. 'Honest mistake': Mooney said 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 'When you get caught, you get caught. It doesn't matter if you're a rugby player or a radio host, you've got to cop the consequences.' Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Triple M and Lawrence Mooney's representatives for further comment. It comes after Mooney told The Daily Telegraph that he'd breached lockdown by accident, as he didn't think Sydney's stay-at-home orders applied to him. '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.' Error: 'I mistakenly believed because my home is in a green zone and Byron Bay is in a green zone I could travel there,' Mooney claimed 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. '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'. Liev Schreiber was spotted looking every inch the silver fox while filming the Ray Donovan movie in Boston this week. The 53-year-old cut a dapper figure in a black suit as he leaned against a gleaming black car in South Boston on Thursday. Eventually he got into the car and could be glimpsed in the driver's seat giving a fist-bump to a man standing just outside the window. Smoldering: Liev Schreiber was spotted looking every inch the silver fox while filming the Ray Donovan movie in Boston this week Meanwhile his co-star Jon Voight, who plays Ray Donovan's father on the show and in the film, was spotted in character loitering next to a 'NO LOITERING' sign. Jon, 82, brought back memories of his iconic 1969 movie Midnight Cowboy by wearing a sleek cowboy hat with a striped ribbon. The father of Angelina Jolie threw what looked like a vinyl jacket over a sky blue t-shirt which he kept tucked in as a throwback chic touch. In keeping with his character Mickey's style he could be seen wearing a chain around his neck during his latest sighting. Meanwhile: His co-star Jon Voight, who plays Ray Donovan's father on the show and in the film, was spotted in character loitering next to a 'NO LOITERING' sign Palling around: Eventually he got into the car and could be glimpsed in the driver's seat giving a fist-bump to a man standing just outside the window On the show Liev's character Ray is a shady 'fixer' whose life is upended when his gangster father resurfaces after emerging from prison. Last February Showtime abruptly brought the axe down on the program after seven seasons to the surprise of even its showrunner David Hollander. 'We had no indicator that the show was ending. We were behaving creatively as though we were in mid-sentence,' he told Vulture. 'And so, there was no sense that this was going to be a completion. This was in no way a series finale,' he said, adding that he had planned out season eight. Throwback: Last February Showtime abruptly brought the axe down on the program (pictured) after seven seasons to the surprise of even its showrunner David Hollander Around that time Page Six insiders chalked the cancelation up to the Viacom merger with Showtime's parent company CBS. Shortly after the cancelation Liev wrote on Instagram about the 'overwhelming love and support' from fans and hinted that 'it seems' the story might continue. 'Too soon to say how or when, but with a little luck and your ongoing support, there will be more Ray Donovan,' the heartthrob assured fans. By that August Ray spilled in his Instagram comments that a movie script was underway and then this February Showtime finally announced the project. David Hollander is directing the film from a screenplay he wrote with Liev, with the release scheduled for sometime next year. Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher are making the most of life in Australia after relocating to Sydney from LA with their family late last year. The couple - who married in 2010 - enjoyed a surf session out on Wednesday. The 49-year-old Borat star was spotted riding the waves on a blue surfboard, while keeping warm in a black wetsuit. Hitting the beach: Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher are making the most of life in Australia after relocating to Sydney from LA with their family late last year Sacha appeared to have been having a great time, smiling as he navigated the ocean on his surfboard and paddling through the waves. Isla, 45, arrived at beach wearing a hooded surf poncho, with her long red hair worn loose and tousled. The Wedding Crashers star stood barefoot at the boot of the couple's car, as she pulled out her own wetsuit. Cute: Following their surf, Isla leant down to talk intimately to her husband, who she first met at a party in Sydney back in 2002 So in love: The couple shared a sweet moment, which saw Sacha - who stands at 191 centimetres tall - sweeping his wife off the ground Hovering: Isla - who stands at 160 centimetres tall - wrapped her arms around her husband's broad shoulders as he held her up Surf's up: The couple - who married in 2010 - enjoyed a surf session on Wednesday Making a splash: The 49-year-old Borat star was spotted riding the waves on a blue surfboard, while keeping warm in a black wetsuit Getting tide down: The petite actress carried a yellow surfboard and walked barefoot on the pavement She wore a charcoal grey pinstripe face mask amid Sydney's COVID lockdown, and donned brown Wayfarer suglasses. The couple appeared to have hired their surfboards from a local stall, with Isla spotted walking inside with her wetsuit in hand and a canvas tote bag on one of her shoulders. Following their surf, Sacha and Isla emerged from the water, with both carrying their surfboards as they walked. Salty but sweet: Sacha appeared to have been having a great time, smiling as he navigated the ocean on his surfboard and paddling through the waves Life's a beach: The British actor was seen paddling with his arms as he rode the waves on his surfboard Catching waves: At one stage, Sacha appeared content to just lie on his board as he eyed off the next wave Covered up: Isla, 45, arrived at beach wearing a hooded surf poncho, with her long red hair worn loose and tousled Feeling board: The couple appeared to have hired their surfboards from a local stall, with Isla spotted walking inside with her wetsuit in hand and a canvas tote bag on one of her shoulders The petite actress carried a yellow surfboard and walked barefoot on the pavement in front of her husband, who trailed just behind her. They both appeared with beach hair and sand covering their legs, happily chatting as they walked through a nearby carpark. After drying off, Sacha pulled on a black hooded surf poncho and white face mask, with Isla putting her floral print surf poncho back on. The couple that surfs together: Following their surf, Sacha and Isla emerged from the water, with both carrying their surfboards as they walked 'I love the people. I love the colours and the sights and the taste and the smells. And there's something about being home which is just it feels very magical,' Isla said of Australia Making an exit: Sacha peered over his shoulder as he pulled his surfboard out from the water while dripping wet 'I miss it so much when I'm away and I have a very Australian sensibility. Whenever I meet another Aussie, I always think, "Oh my gosh, we're twins!"' Isla said of Australia The couple shared a sweet moment, which saw Sacha - who stands at 191 centimetres tall - sweeping his wife off the ground. By comparison, Isla is a diminutive 160 centimetres tall. As she stood on a bench, Isla leant down to talk intimately to her husband, who she first met at a party in Sydney back in 2002. They then shared a hug, with Sacha lifting Isla off the bench, with her feet dangling off the ground. Isla wrapped her arms around her husband's broad shoulders as he held her up. In an interview with Marie Claire Australia last month, Isla spoke about returning home to Australia. In the hood: After drying off, Sacha pulled on a black hooded surf poncho and white face mask, with Isla putting her floral print surf poncho back on Back on home soil: In an interview with Marie Claire Australia last month, Isla spoke about returning home to Australia Home sweet home: 'I feel like I can be myself in Australia,' Isla told Marie Claire Australia in an interview last month 'I feel like I can be myself in Australia,' she said at the time. 'I love the people. I love the colours and the sights and the taste and the smells. And there's something about being home which is just it feels very magical. 'I miss it so much when I'm away and I have a very Australian sensibility. Whenever I meet another Aussie, I always think, "Oh my gosh, we're twins!"' Police are investigating Natalie Portman, her husband Benjamin Millepied and A-list friend Sacha Baron Cohen's lockdown boat ride after community outrage. Daily Mail Australia this week published pictures of the celebrity set cruising about Sydney's north on a rented boat with each of their children. Locals fumed about the high profile group's Monday morning activity given greater Sydney residents have been ordered to stay home except for 'essential' reasons, due to an alarming outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. Natalie Portman (centre) and her husband, Benjamin Millepied (left), headed out for a leisurely boat ride north of Sydney with Sacha Baron Cohen (right) during Sydney's Covid lockdown on Monday A NSW Police Force spokeswoman on Friday confirmed officers are now probing the boat excursion. 'NSW Police have been made aware of community concerns regarding a boat ride and are conducting inquiries into the matter,' the spokeswoman said. Pictures show the two clans appeared in good spirits they lapped up the winter sunshine in the city's northern beaches region. Mr Millepied got behind the steering wheel while leading lights of acclaimed films Black Swan and Borat watched on. On dry land: The outing proved to be a hands-on experience for everyone, as Natalie, Benjamin and Sacha were later seen anchoring the boat onto a nearby beach using a rope The group jaunt wasn't seen favourably by locals, who took to social media to vent. 'So nice that Hollywood celebs get to enjoy Sydney Harbour during lockdown,' tweeted Australian BBC correspondent Frances Mao. Ms Mao noted police had deployed 100 extra officers to the multicultural south-west Sydney region to ensure compliance with the public health orders. 'What lockdown?' added journalist Ben Grubb. 'Recreational activities are allowed as part of the sixteen rules but two separate families on a boat?' Catching up: The trio enjoyed a merry conversation as they strolled down the sand The public health orders that were in place on Monday said Sydney residents could only leave their homes if they had a 'reasonable excuse'. That included 'exercise and outdoor recreation'. The definition of outdoor recreation - and whether that included a day on the water - wasn't specified. The NSW Government had also advised locals to practise social distancing by keeping 1.5m from 'people you don't live with'. In the days since the photos of Portman and Baron Cohen were taken Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Ms Berejiklian and Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant have urged Sydney residents not to mix with people from other households. From 5pm on Friday evening, Greater Sydney residents can travel only 10km from their homes to exercise and must not gather in groups of more than two while outside. Sydneysiders are also banned from carpooling with anyone they don't live with when going out for exercise to prevent the spread of the virus in confined spaces. Only one member of each household meanwhile will be allowed to leave the home per day to shop for essential items. NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was also making the 'heartbreaking' decision to limit funeral gatherings to 10 attendees from Sunday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned New South Wales is facing its greatest Covid threat since the pandemic reached Australian shores in early 2020 The Covid situation has only worsened throughout the week the city's lockdown extended into a third week. The state reported 44 new Covid infections - the worst daily increase in infections since April 2020 - on Friday. At least 29 of those cases are believed to have been out in the community for either the entire time they were contagious or part of their infectious period. There are 10 COVID-19 patients in NSW in intensive care; four of them are being ventilated. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant - who appeared shocked by the spike in cases - said one of the patients in the ICU was only in their 20s. Police have stepped up controls to enforce lockdown compliance in south-west Sydney, where 21 of the new cases were reported. Ms Berejiklian claimed the rapid spread of the Delta variant and the fact only nine per cent of NSW residents are vaccinated against Covid-19 gave her no option other than tightening Sydney's stay-at-home-orders. 'We are facing the greatest threat that we have faced in New South Wales and the pandemic started and I don't take it lightly,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'Unless there is a dramatic change, unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the numbers, I can't see how we would be in a position to ease restrictions by next Friday, 'It is up to all of us to turn things around.' She added the number of cases who were infectious in the community would have to reach zero before she would consider easing the hard lockdown. 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. Portman, Millepied and Baron Cohen's representatives have been approached for comment. She is expecting her firstborn daughter. And Devon Windsor hinted at her baby bump in a tight electric green dress as she hit a red carpet in Miami this Thursday. The 27-year-old supermodel opted for a peekaboo number that accentuated her burgeoning belly at the fete for Ocean Drive magazine. Bun in the oven: Devon Windsor hinted at her baby bump in a tight electric green dress as she hit a red carpet in Miami this Thursday Her dress featured a hem that was split several times for a throwback Hollywood Western effect as she posed up a storm for the shutterbugs. Devon let her wavy platinum hair cascade freely over her shoulders and sharpened her screen siren features with makeup. She balanced expertly on a sky-high pair of sleek nude heels and held a gleaming gold clutch to her side during the red carpet gig. The St. Louis-born fashionista added a splash of dazzle to her ensemble with hoop earrings and a couple of bracelets. Glowing: The 27-year-old supermodel opted for a peekaboo number that accentuated her burgeoning belly at the fete for Ocean Drive magazine There she is: Devon has just fronted Ocean Drive and could be seen at the event signing a blown-up poster of her breathtaking cover shot Devon has just fronted Ocean Drive and could be seen at the event signing a blown-up poster of her breathtaking cover shot. She is expecting her baby by her sizzling husband Jonathan Dex Barbara whom she married in St. Barth's in November 2019. Jonathan runs a womenswear company called Alexis, for which Devon has just put out a line called Mommy & Me Swim. Devon went public with her pregnancy on Instagram in March and gushed: '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!' Off she goes: She balanced expertly on a sky-high pair of sleek nude heels and held a gleaming gold clutch to her side during the red carpet gig Looking fab: Devon let her wavy platinum hair cascade freely over her shoulders and sharpened her screen siren features with makeup Just one month later she uploaded a YouTube video of her outdoor gender reveal party where she revealed that she is expecting a little girl. 'My lifelong goal has always been to be a mom. I think its possible to still be a boss woman and a mom. Thats the ultimate job. I look at women like Gisele [Bundchen] or Heidi Klum, Lily Aldridge, and admire women who have families and can balance work life and home life,' Devon told Ocean Drive for her cover story. 'There is this weird stigma that if you have kids, your career goes down the drain, and I think every year we prove more and more how we can do it all, and thats just the coolest thing,' she added during her interview. Ray Hadley has slammed leakers and 'disaffected staff' from 2GB following a story that claimed that the network was becoming 'less conservative' to avoid advertiser boycotts and 'woke' Twitter backlash. Speaking on his radio show, Hadley called the media reports 'nonsense' and chalked it down to sour grapes. 'This stuff from a couple of disaffected staff, and I think they know who you (sic) are, you can't say the same things around the station and then go into print and say don't mention my name,' the 66-year-old raged on-air. Hitting back! Ray Hadley has slammed leakers and 'disaffected staff' from 2GB following a story that claimed that the network was becoming 'less conservative' to avoid advertiser boycotts and Twitter backlash 'It is nonsense. Staff are always going to be unhappy when their ambitions don't match their abilities,' he continued. He said the reports were 'simply garbage from a couple of people who aren't happy that management has not recognised their huge talents.' According to The Australian, which cited several unnamed senior sources at 2GB, 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 don't want these loud voices on their Monday-to-Friday breakfast, morning, afternoon and drive shows because they're 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, Nine's 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. You've 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. You've 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. Kate Garraway has revealed husband Derek Draper still faces 'huge challenges' after spending a year in intensive care with his Covid battle. The presenter, 54, appeared alongside Alastair Campbell on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain as she gave an update on her husband's condition, three months after he was discharged from hospital to stay in their family home. The mother-of-two explained that although Derek, 53, had been allowed to move home, that didn't mean he was 'out of the woods' and still needed time and plenty of care if he hoped to keep recovering. 'We didn't bring him home because he was better': Kate Garraway revealed husband Derek Draper still faces 'huge challenges' following his Covid battle as she appeared on GMB As Alastair asked how Derek was feeling, Kate replied: 'He's alright, he's alright. He's very up and down, we're certainly not a long way out of the woods.' Referring to why he came home from hospital in April, Kate explained: 'Not because he was better, no. But being home has meant we've seen some things improved. 'Definitely having the family around, having the children around has provided stimulation. 'I think the problem is you latch on to the positives, which is good because you have to, but there's absolutely no doubt that there's huge challenges ahead'. Heartbreaking: The mother-of-two explained that although Derek had been allowed to move home, that didn't mean he was 'out of the woods' and still needed time (pictured in 2019) Derek returned to the family home he shares with Kate and their two children, Darcey, 15, and Billy, 11, in April. It has been confirmed that Derek is Britains longest surviving Covid hospital patient after he was first admitted with breathing difficulties on March 30 last year. Derek was put on a ventilator and spent months in a form of coma before uttering his first word - 'pain' - in October last year. Updates: The presenter, 54, appeared alongside Alastair Campbell on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain as she gave an update on her husband's condition The father of two's body has been 'universally affected' by the condition, which means that it has targeted his lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. Kate reportedly spent 'thousands' on renovating their family home to support Derek's return. In June, the presenter made the heartbreaking admission that doctors warned 'there is very little chance of him making a meaningful recovery', if he doesn't make progress within a year. Kate disclosed that Derek's neurologist, known as Dr W, also said 'time and waiting are your friends' because he 'had never seen anything like this before so cant personally chart the recovery'. Struggles: The mother-of-two explained that although Derek had been allowed to move home, that didn't mean he was 'out of the woods' and still needed time and plenty of care However, when she pressed him on how much time to allow for his recovery, she was shocked to learn his estimate time frame of two years. In an exert of her new book, The Power Of Hope, she recalled her conversation with Dr W and said: 'I had already waited so long. '"How long before you know more? Not how long will it take for him to recover, because you dont know if he can even recover, but how long before you might know more?" 'It was a confusing question, but I knew what I meant and he seemed to as well.' Sweet: Kate said 'having the family and children around has provided stimulation (pictured with their children, Darcey, 15, and Billy, 11, in 2019) She continued: 'After another long pause, he looked straight at me, then away. "Well, Kate" the first time he had used my name "I think its fair to say if he is still like this after two years we will know there is very little chance of him making any meaningful recovery." '"TWO YEARS!" I screamed inside my head.' 'Up until now I had been living by the minute, hours on the phone monitoring infection levels and statistics, trying to get a handle on where Derek was, wondering every time I went to sleep if he would still be alive in the morning. 'How could I go on like this for another two years? Worse still, how could Derek be trapped like this for two years? The timescale winded me and Im sure I must have slumped a bit in the chair.' Shocking: It has been confirmed that Derek is Britains longest surviving Covid hospital patient after he was first admitted with breathing difficulties on March 30 last year Kate added that an intensive-care specialist, who was also present, explained the challenges that lay ahead. She added: 'He said, "Derek is still very sick, at serious risk of dying. But even if he can live, and begin to recover from the huge damage Covid has wreaked throughout his body, its not going to be quick. '"And you are going to have to bear that journey never knowing if he might ever be the person he was before, knowing he might never truly come back to you. You just have to give us time and be strong."' Struggling to come to terms with the news, she reflected: 'I sensed they were trying to wrap things up. But I couldnt take in what they were saying. I wanted space to take it in. I didnt want to wrap up on this level of bleakness.' Lawrence Mooney has apologised after being slapped with a $1000 fine for breaching Covid-19 restrictions in NSW. The star of Triple M radio show Moonman In The Morning copped the penalty after spending two weeks on holiday in Byron Bay. According to The Daily Telegraph, officers from the Southern Highlands Police District spoke to the comedian on Friday and ascertained that he had travelled to Byron Bay on July 2nd. Fined: Lawrence Mooney (pictured) has apologised after being slapped with a $1000 fine for breaching Covid-19 restrictions in NSW A police statement provided to the paper read: 'The man has been issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching the stay at home direction'. Lawrence said in an apology on Thursday that he did not realise that the restrictions applied to him. The radio star lives in the Southern Highlands, and works in the Sydney CBD, and claims he did not realise this prevented him from travelling to Byron Bay. Holiday: Officers from the Southern Highlands Police District spoke to the comedian on Friday and ascertained that he had travelled to Byron Bay on July 2nd. A police statement provided to read: 'The man has been issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching the stay at home direction' 'I live in a green zone (the Southern Highlands) and am permitted to travel to Sydney for work as an essential service worker,' he told the paper. 'I travelled directly between home and work. I mistakenly believed because my home is in a green zone and Byron Bay is in a green zone I could travel there. I also had a Covid test before I departed.' On Thursday, Lawrence said he was 'very embarrassed' by his, 'misunderstanding and stuff up'. Holiday: During his getaway to Bryon Bay, the radio host shared several social media images documenting his relaxed escape. His activities included a spot of horse riding 'I feel like an absolute goose for not realising I wasn't permitted to travel to Byron Bay during my break,' he added. According to Heath NSW, because Lawrence works in Sydney, he is not permitted to travel and stay at home orders do apply to him. 'If you live in, usually work in, or usually attend a university or other tertiary education facility in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas, you must stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse to leave or you haven't been in Greater Sydney in the last 14 days,' the advice reads. Out and about: He enjoyed a catch up with fellow comedian Jimeoin at the Hotel Brunswick During his getaway to Bryon Bay, the radio host shared several social media images documenting his relaxed escape. His activities included a spot of horse riding, as well as a catch up with fellow comedian Jimeoin at the Hotel Brunswick. Additionally, he had shared a photo which showed him cuddled up in bed, likely at a hotel or rental property. In January, they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. And now, Michael Caine, 88, and his wife Shakira, 74, have enjoyed a night amongst friends as they visited Oswald's members' club in London on Thursday night. The veteran actor looked dapper as he left the venue with his wife and made his way into a waiting taxi. Glammed up: Michael Caine, 88, dressed to impress on Thursday night in a navy suit as he enjoyed a night out with his wife Shakira, 74, and some friends at Oswald's members' club Michael opted for a classy ensemble on the night, consisting of a navy blazer paired with black trousers. Beneath his jacket he wore a light blue shirt and he also wore black shoes. As he walked along the pavement, Michael used both a walking stick and the arm of a friend for support. Meanwhile, Shakira looked glamorous as she departed the members' club in a semi-sheer stunning red lace top. Dapper: Michael opted for a classy ensemble on the night, consisting of a navy blazer paired with black trousers and black shoes She had paired the red top with black trousers and black heels for the night out. Their romance has proved to be one of the longest marriages in showbiz, after tying the knot in Las Vegas in 1973. In 2019, the veteran British actor revealed how he met the love of his life after seeing her star in a coffee commercial. 'I was at home and this commercial came on, for Maxwell House coffee. And there was this beautiful Brazilian girl,' he told Andrew Denton's Interview. Loved up: Their romance has proved to be one of the longest marriages in showbiz, after tying the knot in Las Vegas in 1973. Michael first saw Shakira on a coffee commercial (pictured in 1972) 'I said to my mate "we're going to Brazil tomorrow - I have plenty of money, we're going to find her.'' Much to his surprise, his dream woman was not on the other side of the world, but instead a stone's throw away from where he was living. The thespian reportedly called his future wife every day for ten days until she finally agreed to go out with him. The couple have one daughter together, Natasha, 48, while the Alfie star has another daughter Dominique, 65, from his previous marriage with actress Patricia Haines. Happy days: In 2019, the veteran British actor revealed how he met the love of his life after seeing her star in a coffee commercial (pictured in 1999) Their appearance comes after Vin Diesel revealed that he 'would love' to cast Michael in the Fast And Furious franchise. Revealing the one person he would love to star alongside in the high-octane film series, Diesel, 53, said: 'Who else would I want? Personally, I would just love to have my mate Michael Caine be a part.' Mentioning The Last Witch Hunter - the 2015 film that he and Caine, 88, starred in together - Diesel added when speaking to Digital Spy: 'He's a part of Witch Hunter, grateful to have worked with him on The Last Witch Hunter.' The actor also made sure to name-drop all of the A-list actors who have appeared in the Fast And Furious franchise so far. 'We got Charlize, we've got Michael Rooker, we've got Cardi B, we've got Helen Mirren, we've got Statham, we've got Dwayne, we've got so many people that we've brought into the franchise,' Diesel gushed. Teasing big names that may appear in the film's tenth instalment, he then joked that fans 'have to wait to see who's coming'. They've formed a firm friendship on Made In Chelsea. So Olivia Bentley and Sophie Habboo were delighted to be in one another's company as they attended the launch of vegan eatery Clean Kitchen Camden at Buck Street Market in London on Thursday. Posing up a storm on the red carpet, the duo larked around together before heading inside to support their pal Verity Bowditch's new business. Delightful duo: Made In Chelsea's Olivia Bentley planted a kiss on pal Sophie Habboo as they larked around at restaurant opening in London on Thursday Olivia, 25, looked effortlessly stylish on the outing as she teamed a white bustier-style top with a black boucle blazer and skinny jeans. Boosting her modelesque frame even further, she donned a pair of strappy heels, while she toted a large tasseled clutch bag. Looking equally as stylish was Sophie, 27, who wowed in an ab-flashing cropped black blazer and brown slacks teamed with trainers. Rounding off the group of glamorous girls was Verity, who was a vision in a grey belted dress. Looking good: The pair were delighted to be in one another's company at vegan eatery Clean Kitchen Camden at Buck Street Market Fun times with friends: Posing up a storm on the red carpet, the duo larked around together before heading inside to grab a bite Olivia's girls' night out comes after she admitted she feared her relationship with boyfriend Tristan Phipps wouldn't make it through the latest series of Made In Chelsea. The couple's romance was put to the test as they moved into a luxury mansion in the Cotswolds with the rest of the cast of the E4 reality show. Asked if she feared her relationship wouldn't last, Olivia told new! magazine: 'I did. It must be the same for so many couples in lockdown. Top of the crops: Looking equally as stylish was Sophie, 27, who wowed in an ab-flashing cropped black blazer and brown slacks teamed with trainers Stylish: Rounding off the group of glamorous girls was Verity Bowditch, who was a vision in a grey belted dress Striking: Olivia, 25, looked effortlessly stylish on the outing as she teamed a white bustier-style top with a black boucle blazer and skinny jeans 'I know so many people where it's completely ruined their relationship. I've never lived with a boyfriend before so to go from that to living together is a huge step.' She added: 'We've gone from dating to living together, which is so intense in a short space of time. We have ups and downs. It's a lot more eventful than I thought it would be.' Olivia revealed there are a lot more arguments than usual on the new series as the cast had to come to grips with not being able to have space from each other. The former Celebs Go Dating star noted that she and Tristan were not the only couple who found living together tough, adding: 'everyone really struggled with it'. Delightful duo: Michael Pearce and Verity Bowditch looked delighted at the launch of their new vegan restaurant Posing up a storm: The duo seemed in good spirits as they headed inside to check out the launch Two's company: Conor and Jack Maynard were also showing their support for Verity's venture Olivia said her friends in the mansion witnessed a lot of her squabbles with Tristan and felt the rest of the cast were 'making their own judgements'. In spite of their arguments, Olivia believes Tristan has changed her for the better as before they started dating she was good at not 'relying' on anyone else. The pair were friends before they got together and they would previously help each other through their old break-ups. The sisters rose to prominence thanks to appearing in E4 reality show Made In Chelsea. And Lucy, 28, and Tiffany Watson, 26, showed off their minimalist sense of style as they enjoyed a girls' night out at Cecconi's restaurant in Mayfair, on Thursday. The duo looked chic in their attire, and were joined by their MIC castmates Olivia Bentley and Sophie Habboo for the swanky dining experience. Chic: Lucy, 28, and Tiffany Watson, 26, showed off their minimalist sense of style as they enjoyed a girls' night out at Cecconi's restaurant in Mayfair, on Thursday Lucy showed off a glimpse of her washboard abs in a white crop-top and a pair of paper-bag shorts. The brunette babe covered up somewhat with the help of a cropped khaki blazer as she made her way to the hot spot. Tiffany oozed elegance in her high-waisted camel coloured cargo pants and tank top, keeping things simple with nude sandals to complete her look. The blonde beauty accessorised with layered necklaces and multiple bracelets, while carrying her belongings in a classic black handbag. Fun with friends: The duo looked chic in their attire, and were joined by their MIC castmates Olivia Bentley and Sophie Habboo for the swanky dining experience Fashionista: Lucy showed off a glimpse of her washboard abs in a white crop-top and a pair of paper-bag shorts Gorgeous: Tiffany oozed elegance in her high-waisted camel coloured cargo pants and tank top, keeping things simple with nude sandals to complete her look Edgy: Sophie wore camel coloured trousers and a tan crop top with a cropped tux jacket and a pair of trainers Sophie wore camel coloured trousers and a tan crop top with a cropped tux jacket and a pair of trainers. Liv opted for a sexier look, stepping out in a white corset style top and skintight black skinny jeans. The heiress strolled along in strappy ballet shoes and draped a blazer over her shoulders while carrying her belongings in a tasselled clutch. Glam: Liv opted for a sexier look, stepping out in a white corset style top and skintight black skinny jeans Elegant: The blonde beauty accessorised with layered necklaces and multiple bracelets, while carrying her belongings in a classic black handbag Stylish: The heiress strolled along in strappy ballet shoes and draped a blazer over her shoulders while carrying her belongings in a tasselled clutch Gorgeous: Tiffany's freshly-blown tresses did all of the talking Lucy spent four years on the popular E4 show before deciding to start her own vegan restaurant Tell Your Friends, the jewellery line Creature and a series of cookbooks. She is currently in a relationship with James Dunmore, 30, who she first met on the E4 set of Made In Chelsea in 2015. They got engaged in September last year after he popped the question during a romantic getaway in Greece. Dan Webb is set to front court in Brisbane over an alleged multi-million dollar telemarketing scam. According to a report by AAP on Friday, as re-reported by Yahoo! Lifestyle, the 36-year-old former Married At First Sight star will stand trial with four others. The alleged scam raked in around $24million from hundreds of people between 2013 and 2014. Married At First Sight groom Dan Webb (pictured) is set to face a Brisbane court over an alleged scam that raked in $24million Dan was committed in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday after it was alleged the scammers were running a call centre, known as a 'boiler room' by police. He's been charged with dishonestly gaining benefit to a value of over $30,000, and will stand trial in front of the Brisbane District Court. No trial date has been set as yet. According to a report by AAP on Friday, as re-reported by Yahoo! Lifestyle, the 36-year-old former Married At First Sight star will stand trial with four others Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Dan for comment. The alleged scam involved people cold calling people and pressuring them to invest money in products that didn't exist. 'In fact the monies were not so invested, and monies were dispersed to a number of the defendants within the operation,' Magistrate Belinda Merrin said of the case. The alleged scam raked in around $24million between 2013 and 2014 Police alleged that companies would disappear, only to be rebranded and replaced to ensure the continuation of the scam. 'The court was told of instances of "dummy" directors, the use of false names by staff, the shredding of "mountains" of paperwork and the withdrawal of cash before a business was shut down,' read the report. A committal hearing took place in February, during which the court heard that the people in charge of the operation hid behind associates used as signatories. He's been charged with dishonestly gaining benefit to a value of over $30,000, and will stand trial in front of the Brisbane District Court. Pictured on Married At First Sight in 2019 Money was then deposited into bank accounts before being withdrawn and transferred elsewhere. Dan appeared on the 2019 season of Married At First Sight. He was famously embroiled in an affair with fellow participant Jessika Power, despite both being paired with other people. Katie Price has revealed she is thrilled with the results of her latest face surgery that saw her undergo procedures on her eyes, chin and lips. The former glamour model, 43, recently jetted of to Turkey for more cosmetic work, that also included a Brazilian butt lift and liposuction as well as the procedures on her face. Sharing an update two weeks after going under the knife, Katie told fans she is 'so happy' with the results, before addressing her recent work during an appearance on Good Morning Britain - insisting she is not addicted to cosmetic surgery and 'doesn't want to look like a freak'. Thrilled: Katie Price has revealed she is 'so happy' with the results of her facelift surgery after undergoing procedures on her eyes, chin and lips during a recent trip to Turkey Revealing the results of her face surgery on Instagram, Katie is seen posing with her new puppy Buddy and sporting a full face of glamorous make-up. She told fans that she is still 'swollen' from the procedures she's had done, but was pleased with how they had gone as she modelled her new look. Katie had undergone lifting surgery on her eyes, chin and lips to create a more contoured look. 'Omg Im soo happy with my face surgery,' Katie said while tagging in her hair stylist and make-up artist. Honest: The former glamour model addressed her recent surgery during a live appearance on Good Morning Britain on Friday morning Ouch: Katie was left swollen and bruised over her face surgery and covered in bandages Pleased: Katie shared glamorous selfies to showcase her new look while posing with her new puppy Buddy and revealed she is 'still swollen' after going under the knife two weeks ago She revealed: 'Im still swollen but its been 2 weeks since surgery.' While some fans commented telling Katie they 'love' her new look, others shared their concerns. Some of Katie's followers questioned whether she is 'addicted' to cosmetic surgery, as others urged her not to get anything else done. One person posted: 'She will never stop , shes addicted end off. One day she will go a step to far .. for what vanity (sic).' Concerns: Her followers were seen voicing their concerns over her new look, with some questioning whether Katie was 'addicted' to surgery Hitting back: Katie insisted she is not addicted to surgery and sees procedures like giving her body an 'MOT' Another said: 'The more you have done ... its not looking like you... you really dont need it katie (sic).' A third wrote: 'Stop now please.' Katie has always spoken openly of the cosmetic work she has had done over the years and was seen addressing such concerns during her appearance on Good Morning Britain on Friday. Insisting she is not 'addicted' to surgery, Katie said: 'Its like a car - you have an MOT. If you get a scratch or a dent, you fix it, and thats how I feel with my body. Im not trying to look younger and I definitely dont want that alien look - when people go over the top and look like freaks. Candid: Katie insisted she is 'not trying to look younger' and 'doesn't want to look like a freak' Body overhaul: At the same time, Katie had also undergone full body liposuction, including on her thighs and around her rib cage, and a Brazilian bum lift 'Having surgery isnt fun and games, it is painful and its irreversible Everyones got imperfections, I could go over the top but I dont want to look like a freak.' She said: 'Im not addicted, but if people want to say Ive got body dysmorphia, just say it, even my mum says it, "You need to see somebody, youre not normal in the head, are you?" 'I said, "Mum, if you could have your face done again, you would but you cant because youre terminally ill at the moment, you used to have Botox, this and that."' Katie explained that she had wanted to 'transform' herself after being left 'frustrated' over the way she looks, after breaking both of her feet in a freak accident last year. The mum-of-five sustained life-changing injuries after jumping off a wall while at a theme park during a holiday to Turkey. She was left in a wheelchair for eight months and was forced to endure a six-hour surgery on her feet and ankles. Doctors warned Katie that it could take two years for her to completely recover. Transformation: The mum-of-five explained how she wanted to 'transform' herself after spending eight months in a wheelchair due to breaking both feet in a freak accident She explained: 'I broke my feet last year and before that I used to go running to keep fit and ride the horses. I can never run again, so it changed my life. 'I was in a wheelchair for eight months, I had to learn to walk again. From being in a wheelchair, Ive put on loads of weight and Im not used to that unless Im pregnant. So I was getting frustrated. It wasnt me, I hated it, my clothes didnt fit.' Katie confirmed that she had undergone full body liposuction and a Brazilian bum lift that works by injecting her own fat into her behind. She explained that she decided to have a surgical lip lift after trying lip fillers and not liking them. Katie said she hated the way they made her look like a 'duck' so had them dissolved. When GMB presenter Kate Garraway pointed out to Katie that there were other ways to lose weight than turning to liposuction, she responded: 'I tried healthy eating, it just wasnt shifting.' Painful: Katie had to endure a six-hour surgery on her feet and said she was left 'frustrated' after putting on weight while recovering from her injuries (pictured above in hospital last year) Intense: Katie has had to learn to walk again following her fall and says she's found her recovery 'frustrating' (pictured above with boyfriend Carl Wood) She also touched on her plans to have a baby with fiance Carl Wood, adding: 'I do want a baby, people normally have surgery after theyve had a baby. Ill be getting married again and I do want more children, but the weight does make a difference.' Katie also addressed having her surgery done in Turkey during the pandemic. Turkey is currently on the government's list of red countries when it comes to travel and requires those returning to the UK to test prior to flying, quarantine for 10 days in a managed hotel on arrival and to take two Covid-19 tests while isolating. Katie said of her trip: 'I went to a red country, but Im working, Im doing my YouTube, had two jabs, done all my tests. 'I knew it would be being at the hospital, then flying to an amber country and staying in a villa away from everyone.' Current restrictions list that on return to the UK from amber countries, people must quarantine at home or the place they are staying for 10 days and complete two tests before or on day two and on or after day eight. At the time following her surgeries, Katie was pictured looking swollen and bruised and sporting several bandages all over her face and body. An insider revealed: 'Katie is in horrendous pain after undergoing a BBL where they put fat into your bum, eye lift to give her a slight cat eye look, lip lift for a fuller pout, liposuction on her thighs and legs, under her rib cage and back, and scarring from her previous facelift fixed. 'Despite the pain, Katie's thrilled the operation went to plan. She saw a top doctor in Turkey at the Comfort Zone Clinic and has been looked after extremely well. 'Katie is very swollen and bruised but says she is really happy and feels like the old Katie again.' It was claimed she was forced to spend her recovery lying on her back with her legs in the air as they were 'so swollen' due to the liposuction. Katie has previously dubbed herself a 'surgery veteran' after countless operations including three facelifts and three bouts of liposuction. She admitted she can't remember how many boob jobs she's had, but believes it is 12, while insisting that Botox no longer works on her after having it so many times since the age of 30. Demi Jones has said that she is 'staying super positive' amid her thyroid cancer battle and that she has to be 'strong and positive-minded' or she'd 'make herself depressed'. The Love Island star, 23, - who has had two surgeries already - revealed she has more treatment coming up in September and will find out if she is cancer-free at the end of the year. She recently revealed the shock news that she's been diagnosed with thyroid cancer after previously having a lump removed from her neck. Brave: Demi Jones has said that she is 'staying super positive' amid her thyroid cancer battle and that she has to be 'strong and positive-minded' or she'd 'make herself depressed' Speaking to Capital XTRA radio when asked how she is staying positive she said: 'Do you know what, I feel like if I didn't I would make myself ill - you've got to be positive-minded and you've got to be strong-minded to get yourself through it otherwise you just wouldn't. 'You'd make yourself depressed. So I'm staying super positive and I've got some more treatment in September coming up and then hopefully by the end of the year I'll find out if I'm cancer-free.' She added: 'But I'm staying positive. I've had my two surgeries, I feel like that's the worst thing to go through, two surgeries in six weeks, but I've bounced back pretty quick and it's just nice to be out with my friends. Journey: The Love Island star, 23, - who has had two surgeries already - revealed she has more treatment coming up in September and will find out if she is cancer-free at the end of the year (pictured after her 2nd surgery) 'Bring on the 19th July, I'm ready to dance and have fun again!' Radio presenter Will Njobvu then asked if she had found it difficult to share the news with her fans. She replied: 'Oh god, it was hard because I feel like I'm sharing a massive side of me that's really important. 'But the impact it's had I was literally at a train station two days ago and a woman just comes up to me and goes 'Demi, thank you, because if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have had my lump checked last week' and just walked past. Pain: Speaking to Capital XTRA radio when asked how she stayed positive she said: 'Do you know what, I feel like if I didn't I would make myself ill' (pictured after first surgery) 'I was like 'wow'. It's so great I'm having this impact on people which is amazing but it is hard because sometimes when I'm out drinking or I'm out having fun with my girls, people are constantly coming up to me and asking me about it and it can be quite emotionally hard.' Will went on to ask if that annoyed her or if she found it emotionally distressing. She said: 'It's just a bit difficult but I'm glad people are speaking about it and it's so nice that people are concerned about me, but yeah it can be a bit difficult, especially when I'm out drinking. I'm like 'oh I just want to boogie!' Demi also spoke about her split from Luke Mabbott, 25, who she left with as a couple after Love Island. Tough: She recently revealed the shock news that she's been diagnosed with thyroid cancer after previously having a lump removed from her neck She said that the hunk is 'so much better suited' to fellow Love Island alum Lucie Donlan, 23, who he has been in a relationship with since last summer. Speaking about why her and Luke drifted apart, Demi said: 'Do you know what, I think lockdown had a major thing to do with it. 'Because we came out and he got pushed back up to Redcar and I was down in Portsmouth so we were so far apart and we couldn't see each other. 'It was just Facetimes every day and we naturally realised maybe we're not that compatible and then he found a surfer girl.' Will asked how she felt when she saw that Lucie and Luke were a couple to which she replied: 'Honestly, it's fair enough, they're so much better suited, I can't complain! So, just onto bigger and better things!' Exes: Demi also spoke about her split from Luke Mabbott, 25, who she left with as a couple after Love Island (pictured together) During the interview she was also questioned about her love life after the star reportedly found love with a 'music boss'. She said: 'I might have a man, I night have a man, but do you know what, I'm going to keep that under wraps. Some things you gotta keep private! But do you know what who is in my life right now is making me happy. 'It's very, very early days when I say it's early days Will, it's early days - but you know they're very supportive and as you know I've got a lot going on in my life right now, so I need someone there. But we'll just see how it goes.' Earlier this month it was reported that Demi had grown close with a man who goes by the name 'Miami' on social media. Happy for them: She said that the hunk is 'so much better suited' to fellow Love Island alum Lucie Donlan, 23, who he has been in a relationship with since last summer A source told The Sun: 'Demi has been friends with Miami for a while and he knows the Gale twins as well. They've really enjoyed spending time with each other recently, but are trying to keep things on the quiet. 'He's super supportive and giving Demi something else to focus on at the moment.' Miami posted a snap of Demi lying on his chest as they watched the first episode of Love Island two weeks ago. The reality star laughed when she noticed she was being filmed with Miami captioning the snap: 'She's reminiscing when she was on Love Island!' Love: Earlier this month it was reported that Demi had grown close with a man who goes by the name 'Miami' on social media (pictured) Demi teased a new romance last week when she shared a snap of his legs but kept his identity a secret. Miami is friends with rapper Yungen and is said to have worked with him on projects in the past. MailOnline contacted a representative for Demi Jones for comment at the time. Tune into Will Njobvu on Capital XTRA Saturdays from 9am 1pm and Sundays 4pm - 7pm. Megan Blake Irwin is no stranger to trying out different looks as a model. And on Thursday, she kept herself busy trying on a range of bizarre new looks with Instagram filters as counted down to her 27th birthday, while in lockdown in Sydney. The blonde beauty shared a series of posts on her Stories, including one which clip which made her cheeks look very wide and her lips extra puffy. New look: Megan Blake Irwin (pictured) is no stranger to trying out different looks as a model. And on Thursday, she kept herself busy trying on a range of bizarre new looks with Instagram filters as counted down to her 27th birthday, while in lockdown in Sydney The filters gave the appearance of the beauty having undergone some cosmetic augmentation - including one angle which made her nose tiny, however it was all just social media tricks and a little fun. The stunner followed that with another clip alerting her followers that it was 'fifty-five minutes until' her birthday. She shared a clip of herself with another filter on her head that said 'bday girl', and another with a halo light around her as she said sweetly: 'I've got everything I need.' Changes: The blonde beauty shared a series of posts on her Stories, including one which clip which made her cheeks look very wide and her lips extra puffy Just fun: The filters gave the appearance of the beauty having undergone some cosmetic augmentation - including one angle which made her nose tiny, however it was all just social media tricks and a little fun Megan posted another clip of herself with the same halo filter and played with her hair as The Final Countdown played in the background. The excited model captioned her post: 'It's my birthday incoming... and I cut my hair!' Megan's fun birthday videos comes as enjoys she continues to enjoy life in Sydney, after recently returning home Down Under. Back home: Megan's fun birthday videos comes as enjoys she continues to enjoy life in Sydney, after recently returning home Down Under Keeping fit: She has been seen doing gruelling training session with celebrity personal trainer Jono Castano (pictured) She has been seen doing gruelling training session with celebrity personal trainer Jono Castano. The blonde bombshell has been keeping a low-profile since splitting with American actor, Skeet Ulrich, back in August. They had been dating for three months. The pair have since unfollowed each other on Instagram and also removed photos of one another. Jessica Chastain cut a stylish figure when she arrived at the five star Hotel Martinez in Cannes on Friday. Stepping out in a smart black blazer teamed with tailored caramel trousers and pointed black heels, the actress, 44, looked effortlessly chic during the fourth day of the Cannes Film Festival 2021. Keeping the sunshine at bay behind an oversized pair of cat eye sunglasses, Jessica wore her flame-hued hair swept up into a bun and toted her belongings in a luxury black handbag. Stylish: Jessica Chastain, 44, cut a stylish figure when she arrived at the five star Hotel Martinez in Cannes on Friday The Golden Globe winner appeared in high spirits as she went about her day, flashing photographers a smile before stepping inside her luxury accommodation. Layered beneath Jessica's structured jacket was a silk bronze top, and the screen star accessorised with two silver rings. She was also sporting a blunt full fringe ahead of the weekend. Jessica has been named the godmother of the Trophee Chopard - on the 20th anniversary of the award. Chic: Stepping out in a smart black blazer teamed with tailored caramel trousers and pointed black heels, the actress looked effortlessly chic Hair up: Keeping the sunshine at bay behind an oversized pair of cat eye sunglasses, Jessica wore her flame-hued hair swept up into a bun Luxury: The actress toted her belongings in a luxury black handbag and accessorised with two silver rings Happy: The Golden Globe winner appeared in high spirits as she went about her day, flashing photographers a smile before stepping inside her luxury accommodation She will be entrusted with presenting duties on July 9 ahead of a gala dinner and will hand over the award to the male and female winners. The award itself is handed out to the best emerging talent and has previously been awarded to stars such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh and James McAvoy. Jessica's filmography includes acclaimed roles in films like A Most Violent Year, The Tree Of Life and her Oscar-nominated turn in Zero Dark Thirty. Taking time out of her day: Jessica made sure to pose for fan photographs before heading inside Jessica's performance in The Help also got her an Oscar nod for best supporting actress - but she lost out to her co-star Octavia Spencer. It comes after the star donned a brightly-coloured dress from Versace for the first day of the acclaimed film festival on Tuesday. Jessica's plunging neckline flashed a hint of cleavage, and she teamed her gown with a bold shade of scarlet lipstick. Police are taking 'no further action' following an investigation into Natalie Portman, her husband Benjamin Millepied and A-list friend Sacha Baron Cohen's lockdown boat ride after community outrage. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Friday evening, a spokesperson for NSW police said: 'Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command received information about a group on a boat on Monday 5 July 2021, potentially breaching Public Health Orders (PHOs). 'Police have reviewed the information and confirm the activity, and the number of people in the group, complied with the PHOs in force at that time. There will be no further police action taken'. Daily Mail Australia this week published pictures of the celebrity set cruising about Sydney's north on a rented boat with each of their children. Police are taking 'no further action' following an investigation into Natalie Portman, her husband Benjamin Millepied and A-list friend Sacha Baron Cohen 's lockdown boat ride after community outrage. Natalie and Sacha are pictured Locals fumed about the high profile group's Monday morning activity given greater Sydney residents have been ordered to stay home except for 'essential' reasons, due to an alarming outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. A NSW Police Force spokeswoman had confirmed officers were probing the boat excursion earlier on Friday. 'NSW Police have been made aware of community concerns regarding a boat ride and are conducting inquiries into the matter,' the spokeswoman said. Pictures show the two clans appeared in good spirits they lapped up the winter sunshine in the city's northern beaches region. Mr Millepied got behind the steering wheel while leading lights of acclaimed films Black Swan and Borat watched on. Portman (centre) and her husband, Benjamin Millepied (left), headed out for a leisurely boat ride north of Sydney with Baron Cohen (right) during Sydney's Covid lockdown on Monday But the group jaunt wasn't seen as favourably by locals, who took to social media to vent. 'So nice that Hollywood celebs get to enjoy Sydney Harbour during lockdown,' tweeted Australian BBC correspondent Frances Mao. Ms Mao noted police had deployed 100 extra officers to the multicultural south-west Sydney region to ensure compliance with the public health orders. 'What lockdown?' added journalist Ben Grubb. 'Recreational activities are allowed as part of the sixteen rules but two separate families on a boat?' Catching up: The trio enjoyed a merry conversation as they strolled down the sand The public health orders that were in place on Monday said Sydney residents could only leave their homes if they had a 'reasonable excuse'. That included 'exercise and outdoor recreation'. The definition of outdoor recreation - and whether that included a day on the water - wasn't specified. The NSW Government had also advised locals to practise social distancing by keeping 1.5m from 'people you don't live with'. In the days since the photos of Portman and Baron Cohen were taken Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Ms Berejiklian and Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant have urged Sydney residents not to mix with people from other households. From 5pm on Friday evening, Greater Sydney residents can travel only 10km from their homes to exercise and must not gather in groups of more than two while outside. Sydneysiders are also banned from carpooling with anyone they don't live with when going out for exercise to prevent the spread of the virus in confined spaces. Only one member of each household meanwhile will be allowed to leave the home per day to shop for essential items. NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was also making the 'heartbreaking' decision to limit funeral gatherings to 10 attendees from Sunday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned New South Wales is facing its greatest Covid threat since the pandemic reached Australian shores in early 2020 The Covid situation has only worsened throughout the week the city's lockdown extended into a third week. The state reported 44 new Covid infections - the worst daily increase in infections since April 2020 - on Friday. At least 29 of those cases are believed to have been out in the community for either the entire time they were contagious or part of their infectious period. There are 10 COVID-19 patients in NSW in intensive care; four of them are being ventilated. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant - who appeared shocked by the spike in cases - said one of the patients in the ICU was only in their 20s. Police have stepped up controls to enforce lockdown compliance in south-west Sydney, where 21 of the new cases were reported. Ms Berejiklian claimed the rapid spread of the Delta variant and the fact only nine per cent of NSW residents are vaccinated against Covid-19 gave her no option other than tightening Sydney's stay-at-home-orders. 'We are facing the greatest threat that we have faced in New South Wales and the pandemic started and I don't take it lightly,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'Unless there is a dramatic change, unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the numbers, I can't see how we would be in a position to ease restrictions by next Friday, 'It is up to all of us to turn things around.' She added the number of cases who were infectious in the community would have to reach zero before she would consider easing the hard lockdown. 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. Portman, Millepied and Baron Cohen's representatives have been approached for comment. John Mulaney's wife has reportedly moved out of their marital home, two months after the comedian asked for a divorce. Anna Marie Tendler previously said she was 'heartbroken' that John had decided to end their marriage. Now Page Six reports that the jewellery designer has spent the last few days 'quietly' moving out of their Los Angeles property. Moving on: John Mulaney's wife Anna Marie-Tendler has reportedly moved out of their marital home, two months after the comedian asked for a divorce (pictured in 2019) Her decision comes after Mulaney went public with his new girlfriend Olivia Munn, with the couple spotted enjoying cosy dates in the city following his rehab stint. MailOnline has contacted reps for Mulaney and Tendler for comment. While Tendler has kept a low-profile in recent months, Mulaney was seen out enjoying a date with new girlfriend Munn at Rick's Drive In & Out last week. The 38-year-old comedian laughed alongside his new leading lady as they dined al fresco after sources reported the couple is 'going strong' amid his divorce. New flame: Her decision comes after Mulaney went public with his new girlfriend Olivia Munn, with the couple spotted enjoying cosy dates in the city following his rehab stint 'They were really enjoying each other's company,' a source told PEOPLE, adding they had 'great time during lunch, laughing and talking.' Munn is reportedly convinced she found her 'dream guy' nearly one month into their relationship, which became public just a few days after news broke that Mulaney had left his wife of six years. 'Olivia and John are going strong,' the insider told US Weekly. 'She has been sneaking into some of his shows and loves them Olivia is so smitten.' 'John thinks Olivia is really smart and she makes him laugh too,' the source added. 'They both have a very dry sense of humor.' Good times: While Tendler has kept a low-profile in recent months, Mulaney was seen out enjoying a date with new girlfriend Munn at Rick's Drive In & Out last week A source told People the relationship with Munn is in the early stages. 'This is very new, they're taking it slowly,' the insider said. 'They met at church in Los Angeles.' The two have been friends for a while, it was claimed, and she encouraged him to keep his chin up during rehab. 'Sending SO MUCH love and support to John Mulaney. You got this,' she tweeted when he was getting help in December 2020. Working on himself: The comedian entered a 60-day treatment program last year for cocaine and alcohol abuse, and was in outpatient services in February The comedian entered a 60-day treatment program last year for cocaine and alcohol abuse, and was in outpatient services in February. Tendler spoke out about their split: 'I am heartbroken that John has decided to end our marriage. I wish him support and success as he continues his recovery.' She also reportedly entered rehab for 'emotional and eating' disorders around the same time as her estranged ex. Gossip columnist AJ Benza claimed on his podcast, Fame, Ain't It A B***h, that textile artist Tendler went to therapy at Silver Hill in Connecticut. A source then told Page Six: 'Anna Marie was in rehab at Silver Hill for [emotional] and eating disorders.' They added that Tendler did not talk openly about her husband's issues, stating: 'She didn't talk at all about that, we were all on our own journey of recovery. But it is clear she suffered during their marriage.' Tendler is now said to be out of rehab and 'doing better', while 'focusing on her art.' This Morning's Phillip Schofield became embroiled in a heated row with Matthew Wright on Friday's show as they discussed topics including the end of lockdown and going on holiday amid the restrictions. The two were joined by Holly Willoughby and Julia Hartley-Brewer to discuss the main topics of the day when things got slightly tense during a discussion over the upcoming 'Freedom Day', with Phil arguing the government 'cant lock people down' forever. With the new rules about travelling to countries on the amber list coming into effect on July 19th, the panel had their say on the matter, with not everyone in agreement. Row: This Morning's Phillip Schofield became embroiled in a heated row with Matthew Wright on Friday's show as they discussed topics including the end of lockdown and going on holiday amid the restrictions Julia shared similar views to Phil as she told how she can't wait to go on holiday, with Matthew snapping back: 'Why are we obsessed with going on holiday in the middle of a global pandemic where weve had 200,000 infections in the past seven days.' He added: 'Id like to go away but now doesnt seem the right time. Good luck to anybody trying.' As the two argued over whether it was right to go away within a pandemic, Phil then let his own thoughts be known as he questioned how long the government can keep the country locked down. Referring to Boris Johnson, he said: 'How long does he think we are prepared to be locked down? Id say to him the same as you say to these doom and gloom people, "you can't do it to us anymore."' Heated: Phillip and Matthew shared a difference of opinion during the tense debate Chat: The two were joined by Holly Willoughby and Julia Hartley-Brewer to discuss the main topics of the day when things got slightly tense during a discussion over the upcoming 'Freedom Day', with Phil arguing the government 'cant lock people down' forever Matthew then argued back: 'Unvaccinated people become breeding ground of variants, those variants could one day overcome our vaccine regime and well be back to square one.' With Phil then hitting back: 'Every death is terrible, without question. But the numbers are so tiny. More people are dying from flu now.' Wanting to get his point across, Matthew argued back: 'Yes but youve still got disruptions in businesses, in schools. When people go back...' Opinion: Julia shared similar views to Phil as she told how she can't wait to go on holiday, with Matthew snapping back: 'Why are we obsessed with going on holiday in the middle of a global pandemic' With Phil then interjecting: 'Youve got more disruption if you shut them down!' while Matthew responded that 'organised disruption is sometimes better than chaotic disruption'. On Thursday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that from so-called 'Freedom Day' on July 19, people who have received both doses in the UK can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return. The announcement means quarantine-free holidays to major European destinations such as Greece, Spain and Portugal can get under way for the first time since last year. For the double-jabbed, it also effectively turns 147 destinations currently on the amber list into green-list destinations. Tense: As the two argued over whether it was right to go away within a pandemic, Phil then let his own thought be known as he questioned how long the government can keep the country locked down Argument: Matthew then argued back: 'Unvaccinated people become breeding ground of variants, those variants could one day overcome our vaccine regime and well be back to square one' Currently, Britons returning from amber-list countries have to self-isolate at home for up to ten days after their return. MPs and tourism leaders hailed the announcement as 'a shot in the arm' for the beleaguered travel sector and UK economy. But they also warned that the cost of tests remains a 'barrier' to foreign travel for many families as they urged ministers to drive down prices further. Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps warned that the extra checks which come with the overhaul could see huge queues at both foreign and UK borders. Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow Airport despite passenger numbers being around 15 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Update: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that new 'amber list' rules will kick in from July 19 There was also confusion last night about whether the Foreign Office will fully align its travel advice to the new amber rules. It currently advises against non-essential travel to most amber destinations, invalidating most insurance policies and putting people off travel. Last night the Foreign Office dropped its advice against non-essential travel to 23 destinations including France, Greece, the Greek islands, Spain and the US. But it was unclear if it would be changed for the more than 100 other amber destinations. Matt Damon and Camille Cottin's new movie Stillwater was met with huge praise following its premiere on Thursday night. And on Friday, the actor, 50, and actress, 42, put on a jovial display as they attended a photocall for Stillwater during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival in France, amid the Oscar buzz surrounding the crime drama. The duo celebrated positive reviews with their co-stars after the crime drama movie was met with a standing ovation following its premiere screening the night before. Happy days: Matt Damon, 50, and Camille Cottin, 42, put on a jovial display as they attended a photocall for Stillwater during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival in France Matt kept things simple for the photocall, wearing a black sweater and a cropped pair of taupe trousers. Camille looked effortlessly cool in a cream A-line shirt dress which she teamed with chunky black biker boots. The French actress showed off her styling skills by accessorising with three Christian Dior belts. Abigail Breslin, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, looked sublime in a floral frock and silver heels as she stood next to her co-stars. Joy: They celebrated positive reviews with their co-stars after the movie was met with a standing ovation at its premiere screening the night before (Pictured with Abigail Breslin) Laid-back cool: Matt kept things simple for the photocall, wearing a black sweater and a cropped pair of taupe trousers Friends and colleagues: Camille and Matt shared a laugh together at the photocall Fashionista: Camille looked effortlessly cool in a cream A-line shirt dress and multiple waist belts, teamed with chunky black biker boots Beauty: Camille showed off her styling skills by accessorising with three Christian Dior belts Delighted: Matt and Camille looked delighted to be out promoting Stillwater Matt reportedly teared up during a five minute standing ovation following the premiere screening of Stillwater on Thursday night. According to Twitter, Matt - an Oscar-winning writer as well as actor - became overwhelmed with emotion at the overwhelming positive reaction to the film. He stars as a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, who is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. Camille plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission, while Abigail plays the role of Matt's daughter, Allison. Stillwater is slated for release on August 6th 2021. Loving life: Camille touched Matts biceps and laughed while the cameras took photographs Tickled? Matt struggled to contain his laughter as he cosied up to Camille for photos Gorgeous: Abigail Breslin, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, looked sublime in a floral frock and silver heels as she stood next to her co-stars The stars: Matt plays a man who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, who is in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit Fresh: The stars of the movie looked fresh and elated the morning after the premiere Leading ladies: Camille plays the character Virginie, a French woman who aids him in his mission, while Abigail plays the role of Matt's daughter, Allison Rising star: Matt wrapped a protective arm around Lilou Siauvaud who plays Maya in the film IndieWire wrote of Stillwater: 'Damon's performance is graced with a quiet softness that offsets the sheer volume of the character he's playing, and the light comedy of the well-intentioned culture clashes between he and his new roommates is so endearing that you almost forget the tragic reason why Bill came to France in the first place.' According to The Times: 'Matt Damon's new film has a stirring mix of brutality and sweetness that's an audience-pleaser.' 'Matt Damon gives a solid performance as an unemployed Oklahoma oil rig worker with a messy past, determined to do right by the daughter stuck in prison for a murder she claims she didnt commit,' wrote Hollywood Reporter. The press conference: Matt spoke about the film at a press conference following the photocall Steeping up: Abigail also answered questions while sitting on the panel Watching on: Matt looked over as others spoke passionately about the movie Packed house: The press conference was packed full of journalists eager to learn more Getting involved: Matt was happy to speak about his part in the crime drama Camille is best known for her role as sexually liberated firecracker Andrea Martel in Call My Agent!, a French TV series about a top Paris talent agency and their high-maintenance movie star clients. Most recently, the actress made her debut as Helene - a high ranking member of The Twelve - in Killing Eve season three, episode four, and speaking to Canal Plus, Camille described her character as 'mysterious' and 'enigmatic.' Camille - who was born in Paris but spent her teenage years in London - is also well known for playing Monique in the 2016 war film, Allied, with Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard. She will next star alongside Lady Gaga and Al Pacino in Ridley Scott's biographical crime film House of Gucci, which is slated for release later this year. Quirky: Idir Azougli wore shades and a shirt embellished with the words 'A Poem' Talent: The three main characters are played by incredibly talented actors She's no stranger to putting on a fashionable display at many an A-list event. And Chiara Ferragni was at it again on Friday as she turned heads in a bold blue Louis Vuitton co-ord as she left her hotel on day four of the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival. The influencer and fashion designer, 34, ensured she caught the eye as she rocked the bright shirt and shorts combo, which she teamed with matching sliders. Wow: Chiara Ferragni turned heads in a bold blue Louis Vuitton co-ord as she left her hotel on day four of the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on Friday Chiara looked full of confidence as she strutted out of the building in ombre effect outfit adorned with the brand's logo, which flashed a hint of her toned midriff as her shirt lifted as she walked. The stunner showed also off her tanned pins in her shorts, with Chiara accessorising her look with gold hooped earrings. She swept her blonde locks into a chic ponytail, which she highlighted her features with a light palette of make-up. Blue beauty: The influencer and fashion designer, 34, ensured she caught the eye as she rocked the bright shirt and shorts combo, which she teamed with matching sliders The outing comes after Chiara welcomed her second child - a daughter - in March. The social media star and her husband Fedez, 31, both shared the same picture of their daughter, writing 'Our Vittoria', meaning Victory. alongside a pink ribbon. The couple are already parents to son Leone, three, who they call Leo for short. Fans of the couple had been guessing what the child's name would be' because Fedez had been seen wearing a shirt with the initials of Chiara, Leone and a 'V'. Looking good: Chiara looked full of confidence as she strutted out of the building in ombre effect outfit, which flashed a hint of her toned midriff as her shirt lifted as she walked Leggy: The stunner showed also off her tanned pins in her shorts, with Chiara accessorising her look with gold hooped earrings Radiant: She swept her blonde locks into a chic ponytail, which she highlighted her features with a light palette of make-up Fresh faced: Chiara sported a radiant smile as she left her hotel amid the festival They had kept their baby's gender a secret up until the birth but their latest post garnered almost three million likes in a short space of time. The couple finally tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Sicily back in 2018, just a few months after Leone was born. Federico Leonardo Lucia, or Fedez, proposed to Chiara in May 2017 during one of his concerts at Veronas Arena venue which the blogger was attending with friends as part of her 30th birthday celebrations, as reported on WWD. Happy news: The outing comes after Chiara welcomed her second child - a daughter called Vittoria - in March with her husband Fedez Celebration: Chiara revealed her daughter's name, Vittoria as a host of celebrities sent their well wishes The concert and proposal was broadcasted live on the Italian radio and TV channel RTL 102.5 and shared on social media. The couple then headed to Venice to celebrate and Chiara went on to host a part in Milan. The engagement came a year after the pair started dating and they welcomed their son, Leone, on March 19, 2018. Chiara and Fedez split their time between Los Angeles and Milan. Italian blogger Chiara opted to sport three Dior bridal gowns on her wedding day, designed by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Reese Witherspoon and Dakota Fanning commented on their 2002 film Sweet Home Alabama this week. The 45-year-old actress shared a triple-cut photo of one of the film's final scenes, showing her character, Melanie Carmichael, leaving her fiance at the altar, and left a comment in the post's caption that read: 'Do you remember what she said?' The performer's 27-year-old costar, who played the younger version of her character in the feature, then responded in the comments section with the lines that Witherspoon recited in the scene. This comes after another co-star, Josh Lucas, said he would love to do a sequel to the hit comedy. Hinting at the future: Reese Witherspoon and Dakota Fanning started up speculation about a potential sequel to the 2002 flick Sweet Home Alabama through a post made to the former's Instagram account on Thursday; she is seen at the 93rd Annual Academy Awards in April Fanning wrote: 'The truth is I gave my heart away a long time ago, my whole heart, and I never really got it back.' The Legally Blonde star took notice of the comment and responded to her former castmate's post by writing: 'Love you, little Melanie.' Several of the movie's fans responded to the exchange in the comments section, with many surmising that a potential sequel could be prime for development. Sweet Home Alabama was helmed by Fool's Gold director Andy Tennant, and its title was taken from the Lynyrd Skynyrd song of the same name, which was originally released in 1974. Remembering the lines: When the film's leading actress asked her fans if they recalled a certain quote from the movie, Fanning responded in the comments section; she is seen at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2020 Fueling the fire: Many of Witherspoon's followers also took to the comments section to express their desire to see a continuation of the story In addition to its two leading stars and Lucas, the flick also featured actors Patrick Dempsey and Candice Bergen, among others. The film followed Carmichael, born Melanie Smooter, as she returns home to Alabama to both finalize her divorce from her first husband and prepare to marry her second. The feature was released to a mixed to negative critical reception, although several critics praised Witherspoon's performance. The actress' post comes just days after Lucas stated that he would 'love to do a sequel' to Sweet Home Alabama during an appearance on Sirius XM's Pop Culture Spotlight with Jessica Shaw. Storyline: Sweet Home Alabama followed a clothing designer as she returned to her home state in order to finalize a divorce and prepare to marry her second husband Showing interest: Witherspoon's co-star, Josh Lucas, previously expressed his desire to work on a sequel to the 2002 feature The 50-year-old actor noted that the discussions regarding a follow-up had been met with trepidation, as many producers have responded to with a statement such as, '"Oh, you can talk to [Witherspoon] about stuff five years from now."' The performer also recalled his time on set, and spoke about how he predicted that the feature's then 26-year-old star was destined for greater things. He described her as 'a mogul. And back when I was doing Sweet Home Alabama, I, for some reason, remember telling the director or somebody speaking about her, but I said, "I bet this woman ends up running a movie studio one day."' Prediction: The actor recalled discussing Witherspoon's future on the film's set and remarked that he thought she would turn out to be a 'mogul'; he is seen at the 2019 premiere of Ford V Ferrari Lucas then concluded the conversation by speaking to Witherspoon directly, stating: 'Reese, come on, let's go do it.' The actor previously revealed that he had spoken with Sweet Home Alabama's director during an interview with Good Morning America, where he noted that the potential project's story had already been planned out. He noted: 'my character is back in Alabama and Reese is actually, her character is in New York with our kids and we're divorced. So, their whole life is super complicated. And Patrick Dempsey's character is still in the picture.' Lucas was quick to point out that the idea was not set in stone and that the story's rundown was 'just the proposal.' Jasmine Stefanovic (nee Yarbrough) welcomed her first child, daughter Harper, last year. And the new mother, 37, has revealed how she winds down after her little one, who she shares with husband Karl Stefanovic, 46, goes to bed. In photos shared to Instagram, the fashion designer posed alongside her bath in her robe and filled the tub with warm water and lit a candle. Me time! Jasmine Stefanovic (nee Yarbrough) welcomed her first child, daughter Harper, last year. And the new mother, 37, has revealed how she winds down after her little one, who she shares with husband Karl Stefanovic, 46, goes to bed Lined up were some niche products, including body milk and cleansing oil from the French beauty brand Officine Universelle, valued at $79 each. In her Instagram Stories, Jasmine shared a look at her chill space, which included a scented candle and one of her wedding photos. She wrote in the caption: 'With the baby fast asleep, it's time to enjoy some self-love time (while it lasts).' Chill: In photos shared to Instagram, the fashion designer posed alongside her bath in her robe and filled the tub with warm water and lit a candle. In her Instagram Stories, Jasmine shared a look at her chill space, which included a scented candle and one of her wedding photos She wrote in the caption: 'With the baby fast asleep, it's time to enjoy some self-love time (while it lasts).' Pictured with Harper Jasmine and her husband Karl finally moved into their new home in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, in June. The couple took ownership of the property just two days before Sydney was forced into lockdown on Saturday, reports Realestate.com.au. The Today host and his shoe designer wife purchased the home in March for $3.2million after the house they'd been renting nearby was sold for more than $8million. Welcome home! Jasmine and her husband Karl (right) finally moved into their new home in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, in June The new property, which the Stefanovics are expected to renovate, boasts views over Castlecrag's north escarpment and is close to the village's cafes and shops. It includes a self-contained unit with a separate entry and its own bathroom. They also own a holiday home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, which they bought for $3.6million in January last year and travel to frequently. She will be turning 49-years-old on Saturday. But Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara looks at least 10 years younger in new images shared to Instagram on Thursday. The wife of True Blood actor Joe Manganiello posed in a colorful swimsuit as she traveled on a boat in the Caribbean while at the hideaway she calls Casa Chipi Chipi. More like 39! She will be turning 49-years-old on Saturday. But Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara looks at least 10 years younger in new images shared to Instagram on Thursday On the high seas: The wife of actor Joe Manganiello posed in a colorful swimsuit as she rode a yacht in the Caribbean hideaway where she has been staying at her home Casa Chipi Chipi The looker had slender arms and a small waist in the decorative suit as her hair was worn down' she also had on a pair of Foster Grant sunglasses she helped design. The former model was also seen with her Chihuahua Bubbles and her niece Claudia. And on Wednesday, Vergara shared some photos to Instagram from her idyllic retreat. The Colombian actress posed for snaps with Joe, 44, against a tropical background of lush green foliage. Cuties! The former model was also seen with her Chihuahua Bubbles and her niece Claudia She can't take a bad photo! The looker had slender arms and a small waist in the decorative suit as her hair was worn down and she had on a pair of her Foster Grant sunglasses 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. 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. So in love: Vergara and Manganiello looked the picture of contentment in a photo the actress posted to Instagram on Wednesday from their Caribbean hideaway Chipi A diva in a hot design: The siren seen this week in a green Versace dress at her vacation pad 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. Rebecca Judd is no stranger to taking risks when it comes to fashion. And on Friday, she modelled her collection of unusual, futuristic winter coats along with her sons - Oscar, nine, and four-year-old twins Tom and Darcy. The 38-year-old donned a bizarre pink and white garment with puffer details, which created a curvy silhouette and a cinched waist line. Fashion forward: On Friday, Rebecca Judd (pictured) flaunted her trim and toned figure as she modelled a bizarre winter coat by one of her favourite Australian labels - J'Aton Couture The former Postcards host was also joined by her beaming boys who modelled other versions of the spacesuit-inspired attire alongside her. The doting mother captioned the sweet picture: 'Glow worms.' In further photos, Bec posed in a long, white jacket, which she said was perfect for 'snow brides'. One more image showed the model in a similar, space-themed coat with puffy sleeves, and scalloped edging. Frozen: In further photos, Bec posed in a long, white jacket, which she said was perfect for 'snow brides' UFO: One more image showed the model in a similar, space-themed coat with puffy sleeves, and scalloped edging Lastly, she posed in a slightly less edgy puffer with a blue and black marbled design. The garments are a collaboration between one of her favourite Australian labels, J'Aton Couture, and Italian brand KMpiumini. Missing from the family photo session was Bec's husband, former AFL star Chris, and their seven-year-old daughter Billie. Space cadets: The former Postcards host was also joined by her beaming boys who modelled other versions of the spacesuit-inspired attire alongside her. All pictured A look: Lastly, she posed in a slightly less edgy puffer with a blue and black marbled design It comes after Bec revelated she had purchased a candle worth an eye-watering $250. The Jaggad creator shared a picture of Diptyque's three-wick Roses candle burning away in her kitchen, claiming 'just a whiff of it makes me happy. 'Roses by Diptyque is my absolute fave. It's a sweet, zingy rose as opposed to an old lady rose and just a whiff of it makes me happy. I just bought this big one and it lives in my kitchen,' she captioned the image. Love: Missing from the family photo session was Bec's husband, former AFL star Chris (pictured), and their seven-year-old daughter Billie Bec and Chris, 37, have raked in the money with their many endeavors over the years. Chris was at one point one of the highest paid AFL stars, earning about $1million-a-year at the height of his career. Meanwhile, Bec co-owns activewear line Jaggad with her husband, has a slew of ambassador roles, and earns thousands of dollars a week sharing sponsored posts with her 816,000 Instagram followers. Molly-Mae has revealed that she has had more of her lip fillers dissolved as she continues to adopt a more natural look. The 22-year-old former Love Island star made the reveal during a vlog uploaded to her YouTube account on Tuesday as she gave fans a glimpse of her daily routine. At the start of the video she apologised if her face looked strange at all to her viewers, because part of her lips had temporarily lost their senses because of numbing cream. Spur of the moment: Molly-Mae Hague,21 has revealed she 'randomly' decided to dissolve more of her lip fillers while having laser hair removal - but it left her face feeling numb In the footage, she said: 'Sorry if there's a little bit of a weird look to my face right now, I can't overly move my lips. 'I had to have numbing cream all over my face, I randomly actually ended up getting filler dissolved in my face this morning.' Molly-Mae moved on to reflect on the transformation she is gradually going through to embrace a more natural look. She said: 'I feel like I'm still definitely going through the process of trying to make everything as natural as I possibly can. Pictured: Molly-Mae pictured in May last year Vlogging: The 22-year-old former Love Island star made the reveal during a vlog uploaded to her YouTube account on Tuesday as she gave fans a glimpse of her daily routine 'I made that many mistakes when I was younger I'm genuinely still trying to correct them now. 'That's how far I took it a few years back - it's not just a few appointments to correct that level of mistakes I made.' The social media star also revealed that she only 'randomly' had her fillers dissolved, because she had originally only planned to have laser hair removal. She said that on top of the hair removal procedure, she had 'also booked in for a consultation to talk about getting the rest of the filler I feel is still in my face dissolved, and after I decided to just go ahead and get it done today'. Before and after: Molly-Mae pictured after having her comestic procedures reversed (left) Post-treatment: At the start of the video she apologised if her face looked strange at all to her viewers, because part of her lips had temporarily lost their senses because of numbing cream This isn't the first time that Molly-Mae has had her lip fillers dissolved, having previously revealed the results of a similar procedure back in October 2020. In another video uploaded to her YouTube account, Molly-Mae explained that she had been receiving filler since she was 17 and getting it dissolved was the 'best decision she's made in a long time'. At the start of the video, the reality star showed fans what her lips looked like before the dissolving as she admitted she was 'really nervous' to head to Leeds for the procedure. Molly-Mae said: 'I remember my lips before filler, there was nothing there. I literally had no lips! Results: This isn't the first time that Molly-Mae has had her lip fillers dissolved, having previously revealed the results of a similar procedure back in October 2020 'Do you notice how unnatural, see how much filler, they feel really hard. It's just time they went! Molly-Mae revealed she had around a total of 5ml of filler in her lips and the last time she had been topped up was back in 2019. Showing the dissolving process being done, the reality star admitted the surgeon had to use a 'record level amount' of dissolver. After heading back to her Manchester flat with Tommy, Molly-Mae unveiled the results of her dissolved lip filler although she noted that they were still swollen. Before and after (L-R): Posting a video to her YouTube channel back in October 2020 documenting her journey Molly-Mae explained that she had been receiving filler since she was 17 and getting it dissolved was the 'best decision she's made in a long time' She said: 'I'm home guys and wow, wow, wow, my lips. They're not there anymore, they're gone!' Molly-Mae added: 'Nothing in there, they were rock solid, look how liney they are now with no filler. I'm weirdly happy about it, I don't know how to feel, I've gone back to 15-year-old me again.' The reality star confessed: 'I've made so many mistakes when it comes to filler on my face, slowly, I'm starting to reverse it all. Look how small [her lips] look. Next is to sort teeth out!' Sean Penn has joined the long list of A-listers touching down in France for Cannes Film Festival 2021. Arriving at Nice airport on Friday alongside his model daughter Dylan, the Oscar winner, 60, cut a casual figure in a khaki coat teamed with jeans. Both Sean and Dylan, 30, wore face masks in keeping with pandemic protocol, with the latter stepping out in black jeans and a green sweatshirt. Touch down! Sean Penn, 60, has joined the long list of A-listers touching down in France for Cannes Film Festival 2021, arriving alongside his daughter Dylan, 30, on Friday Casual: Arriving at Nice airport alongside his model daughter, the Oscar winner cut a casual figure in a khaki coat teamed with jeans Sean appeared to chat away to his eldest child as they strolled through the airport, with Dylan whipping out her phone to check her messages upon landing in France. The Mystic River star also donned a denim shirt and white trainers. The pair were quickly swarmed by fans keen to get Sean's autograph. Sean shares his daughter Dylan and son Hopper, 28, with House of Cards actress Robin Wright, 53, Sean's second wife. Masks on: Both Sean and Dylan wore face masks in keeping with pandemic protocol, with the latter stepping out in black jeans and a green sweatshirt The family lived together in Marin County, California until their parents' divorce in 2010. Dylan received early career success with modelling campaigns for the likes of Gap, and has appeared in several independent films. Hopper has worked on movies Heirlooms and Puppy Love. Exciting: Sean's upcoming film Flag Day will be screen at this year's coveted film festival, which he not only stars in alongside Josh Brolin and Miles Teller, but also directs Sean's upcoming film Flag Day will be screen at this year's coveted film festival, which he not only stars in alongside Josh Brolin and Miles Teller, but also directs. He is next set to star opposite Dakota Johnson in Daddio, which will explore two complete strangers making revelations about 'sex and power dynamics', according to Deadline. The actress, 31, will be playing a young woman who is picked up from JFK airport by a cabbie named Clark, played by Seann. After the duo engage in 'amusing chit chat', the conversation veers into 'mysterious and playful' before growing into 'viscerally honest revelations about relationships, sex and power dynamics, loss and vulnerability,' according to the website. Kim Kardashian treated fans to a sizzling bikini snap bright and early Friday morning. The reality star, 40, bared her fabulous bikini body as she posed up a storm in her itty bitty purple two piece during a getaway to Palm Springs. In a series of shots posted to her Instagram, Kim put her envy-inducing abs and legs on display as she worked her magic in the string bikini. Bikini babe! Kim Kardashian put her gym-honed body on display as she worked her magic in a purple bikini in snaps posted to her Instagram on Friday morning The first snap captured Kim throwing up two peace signs into the air as she posed upon a lush green yard with view of the neighboring mountains. In a subsequent shot, Kim struck a slightly more demure pose as she tugged at her ponytail and crossed her legs. The third and final photo captured Kim walking across the desert lawn with her cleavage and trim waist grabbing attention. 'Good Morning (sun emoji) Palm Springs (palm tree emoji),' Kim captioned the photos. Strike a pose! In a subsequent shot, Kim struck a slightly more demure pose as she tugged at her ponytail and crossed her legs The snaps come after it was reported that Kim's estranged husband Kanye West was helping her in the rebranding of her makeup business KKW Beauty. Kanye, 44, helped Kim 'come up with the new name' of her makeup brand, a source Thursday told Page Six, a name which has yet to be announced. The new business direction has nothing to do with her divorce, the source said, as 'it has been in the works for awhile. Va va voom! The 40-year-old put on a head-turning display as she strolled across the desert lawn 'Kims decision to rebrand has nothing to do with dropping the W in KKW since she has not changed her legal name and still goes by West,' the source told the outlet. Kim is back on the market after she filed for divorce from Kanye earlier this year after seven years of marriage. The A-list couple married in Italy in 2014 and share four children together: North, eight, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, two. Since ending their marriage, Kanye has begun a blossoming relationship with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk, 35. Kanye and Irina have known each other for at least a decade, having first worked together when she played an angel in the music video for his song Power before hitting the runway for the rapper when he debuted a fall/winter collection at Paris Fashion Week in 2012. The new couple were first seen celebrating his birthday in Provence, France last month in photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. She's a talented actress with a refined sense of style. And, Michelle Keegan, 32, channeled Lara Croft in a white tank top and shades, which she teamed with distressed jeans, while leaving the Corinthia Hotel in London, on Friday. As temperatures began to heat up, the former Coronation Street star ditched her khaki bomber jacket to reveal her toned arms. Style Radier: Michelle Keegan, 32, channeled Lara Croft in a white tank top and aviators, which she teamed with distressed jeans, while leaving the Corinthia Hotel in London, on Friday Michelle wrapped the oversized jacket around her slim waist as she went out for a walk in the sunshine. The stylish star strolled along in navy blue canvas pumps and carried her belongings in a Prada cross-body bag. In True Lara croft style, Michelle styled her long brunette tresses into a messy braid and wore a circular pair of gold-rim sunglasses. Michelle looked ready for a day of adventures with her headphones in as she carried a water bottle in her hand before picking up a takeaway coffee. Gym bunny: Michelle revealed her toned arms after removing her jacket Sunshine stroll: Michelle wrapped the oversized jacket around her slim waist as she went out for a walk in the sunshine Last year, Michelle admitted that she felt 'frustrated' by constant questions about when she and husband Mark Wright will have a baby. The actress, who has been married to the TOWIE star turned TV presenter, for six years, hit out at sexist double standards - admitting queries about when she is going to have a baby do 'bother' her now. In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, she said: 'A few years ago it didn't bother me and I answered the question. All in the detail: In True Lara croft style, Michelle styled her brunette tresses into a messy braid Fashionista: The stylish star strolled along in navy blue canvas pumps and carried her belongings in a Prada cross-body bag Fan favourite: Michelle graciously paused to take a distanced-selfie with a fan 'But now I think, ''I don't need to answer that because nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors''. 'I remember when I finished Our Girl people were like, ''Is it because you're going off to have a baby?'' 'I know for a fact if Mark finished a job, nobody would ask him if he was going to have a baby. It's not fair. It does make me feel frustrated.' Michelle and husband Mark have been together since late 2012 when they met while they were both on holiday in Dubai. The former TOWIE star popped the question nine months later and the pair married in a lavish ceremony at Hengrave Hall in Suffolk in May 2015. More than 10 years after first taking on the Marvel character, Scarlett Johansson has revealed she has 'no plans' on returning to her role of Black Widow. The actress, who has been playing Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow since 2010, says the upcoming film Black Widow will be a 'great way' to part ways with the character. 'I have no plans to return as Natasha,' the actress, 36, told Fatherly. 'I feel really satisfied with this film. It feels like a great way to go out for this chapter of my Marvel identity.' 'I have no plans to return': Scarlett Johansson says she will not be returning to her role of Black Widow While Scarlett is ready to say 'goodbye' to her role of Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, she did leave the door open for future collaborations with the world of Marvel. 'I would love to be able to continue to collaborate with Marvel in other ways because I think there's just an incredible wealth of stories there. 'Re-imagining this genre is something that I find very interesting. I think there's a lot of opportunities to tell these stories in different ways than audiences have come to expect.' Scarlett's character made her big screen debut in the 2010 film Iron Man 2, before returning for a slew of other Marvel movies including Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Infinity War. 'I would love to continue to collaborate': While Scarlett is ready to say 'goodbye' to her role of Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, she did leave the door open for future collaborations with the world of Marvel Coming soon: The upcoming Black Widow film will hit theaters on July 9, 2021 This is not the first time Scarlett has discussed parting ways with her character. Last month, the actress said leaving her role after 11 years was 'bittersweet.' 'I've had an incredible decade working with my Marvel family,' she said on Good Morning America. 'I'm going to miss not seeing them every 18 months or two years, like those kind of milestones I always really look forward to.' 'But I feel really proud of this film and I think it's great to go out on a high note. This movie is so different from any other Marvel film that we've done so far, so yeah... like I said, it's bittersweet.' Parting ways: Last month, the actress, pictured February 2020, said leaving her role after 11 years was 'bittersweet' Outside of her film career, Scarlett is currently expecting her first child with husband Colin Jost, according to Page Six. It will be the first for the 39-year-old SNL funnyman. An insider for the publication said: 'Scarlett is actually due soon, I know she and Colin are thrilled.' Another source added that the actress 'has been keeping it very quiet. She has been keeping a very low profile.' Johansson already has one child - a six-year-old daughter named Rose Dorothy Dauriac - with French journalist ex-husband Romain Dauriac whom she was married to from 2014 to 2017. Christine Quinn showcased her incredibly toned physique as she stepped out in Beverly Hills. The 32-year-old Selling Sunset star's trim post-baby figure was on full display as she was spotting heading to a house in the ritzy Los Angeles neighborhood on Thursday. Christine, who gave birth to her first child less than two months ago, flaunted her flat tummy in a crop top and leggings set. Wow! Christine Quinn showcased her incredibly toned physique as she stepped out in Beverly Hills The Dallas native's long-sleeved turtleneck crop top clung to her lithely muscled arms as she carried an orange juice to the house. Her high-waisted black marble-patterned leggings matched the crop top and featured black panels on the sides. The sleek ensemble showed off the stunning television personality's endless legs as she closed the door of her canary yellow Lamborghini Urus. Svelte: Christine, who gave birth to her first child less than two months ago, flaunted her flat tummy in a crop top and leggings set Quinn was also sporting black sneakers with neon green stripes. She accessorized with several beaded bracelets on both wrists as well as a watch with a brown-leather strap. The blonde beauty's platinum waves cascaded down her back as she strolled toward the house. On Thursday night, she shared a Instagram story in which she is seen dancing down the hallway to Mariah Carey's song Obsessed. Fit: The sleek ensemble showed off the stunning television personality's endless legs as she closed the door of her canary yellow Lamborghini Urus Quinn stops to pose in front of a mirror clad in a fire engine red Versace Greca Border bralette and matching high-leg jersey briefs under low-slung gray sweatpants. She ran her fingers through her hair before raising her arm and flashing a peace sign. Lyrics from the song along the bottom of the video read 'Oh, why you so obsessed with me (boy, I wanna know).' Baring some skin: Quinn posed in front of a mirror clad in a fire engine red Versace Greca Border bralette and matching high-leg jersey briefs under low-slung gray sweatpants Christine welcomed son Christian Georges Dumontet, whom she shares with her husband Christian Richard, on May 15. At the time, she told People magazine, 'Baby C is more precious that I could have ever imagined. Nine months seems like a lifetime to wait to meet someone,' 'It is the most incredible feeling to know that you have created life. My protective mama bear mentality is stronger than ever. My sole job is to protect him, to love him and to raise him.' Quinn also described the moment that she first held her baby boy. 'It was the most magical moment of my life. She continued, 'Suddenly, there is a tiny human in my arms. It was surreal when I was finally able to hold him and kiss his little nose. I can't believe that we created this little miracle.' Hofit Golan oozed glamour in a strapless gown as she attended the premiere of Benedetta at Cannes Film Festival on Friday. The fashion mogul, 35, appeared in high spirits at the glittering event as she beamed at onlookers and made a heart shape with her hands. Hofit looked flawless as she worked her angles on the red carpet in the floor-length gown that featured a striking black floral pattern. Wow: Hofit Golan oozed glamour in a fuchsia strapless gown as she attended the premiere of Benedetta at Cannes Film Festival on Friday Hofit channelled classic Hollywood glamour as she sported a bright red lipstick and sultry winged eyeliner. The blonde beauty wore her tresses up in an elegant low bun with some strands loose to frame her face. She accessorised with a glittering diamond necklace and a pair of matching drop earrings. Hofit didn't fail to turn heads as she put on a busty display when posing on the red carpet ahead of the film screening. Upbeat: The fashion mogul, 35, appeared in high spirits at the glittering event as she beamed at onlookers and made a heart shape with her hands Stunning: Hofit looked flawless as she worked her angles on the red carpet in the floor-length gown that featured a striking black floral pattern Gorgeous: Hofit channelled classic Hollywood glamour as she sported a bright red lipstick and sultry winged eyeliner The fashionista radiated confidence as she posed with her hand on her hip amongst the other A-list arrivals. Benedetta tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it is based on the non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown. Flawless: The blonde beauty wore her tresses up in an elegant low bun with some strands loose to frame her face Finishing touches: She accessorised with a glittering diamond necklace and a pair of matching drop earrings Show time: Hofit didn't fail to turn heads as she put on a busty display when posing on the red carpet ahead of the film screening Virginie Efira takes on the lead role and she joins a star-studded cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in competition for the Palme d'Or. Hofit has been at multiple film screening and social events in Cannes this week. The fashion mogul, who comes from Israel, has been a regular on the showbiz party circuit for several years. Stepping out: The fashionista radiated confidence as she posed with her hand on her hip amongst the other A-list arrivals Maggie Gyllenhaal looked stunning as she graced the red carpet for the premiere of Benedetta at Cannes Film Festival on Friday. The Donnie Darko star, 43, put on a stylish display in a plunging red gown that showed off a glimpse of her cleavage as she posed on the red carpet. The dress featured a structured bust and showcased her stunning figure as she posed for pictures at the prestigious event. Red carpet ready: Maggie Gyllenhaal looked stunning as she graced the red carpet for the premiere of Benedetta at Cannes Film Festival on Friday Maggie added glitz to her red carpet look with a dazzling diamond necklace and a statement ear cuff. The screen star wore her brunette bob in a bouncy blown out style, and sported a full face of make-up in a dark pallet. Benedetta tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century. Sizzling: The Donnie Darko star, 43, put on a stylish display in a plunging red gown that showed off a glimpse of her cleavage as she posed on the red carpet Details: Maggie added glitz to her red carpet look with a dazzling diamond necklace and a statement ear cuff Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it is based on the non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown. Virginie Efira takes on the lead role and she joins a star-studded cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in competition for the Palme d'Or. Earlier this week, Maggie was in attendance at the Annette screening, on the opening night of the 74th annual festival. Film: Benedetta tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century Make-up look: The screen star wore her brunette bob in a bouncy blown out style, and sported a full face of make-up in a dark pallet Maggie oozed old Hollywood glamour in a stunning champagne gown, which she wore with a matching pleated cape. Maggie's strapless dress was cinched around her svelte waist and dropped to the floor, while she teamed the look with a pair of diamond-encrusted hoop earrings. The Deuce actress wore her brunette locks in a stylish quiff and swept the rest of her tresses into an up do, away from her pretty features. Maggie had opted for a glamorous coat of make-up, including a slick of pink lipstick, which was expertly applied by the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty team. Glitz: Earlier this week, Maggie was in attendance at the Annette screening, on the opening night of the 74th annual festival (pictured) Izabel Goulart sets pulses racing in a thigh-split white gown as she attended the Bendetta premiere at Cannes Film Festival on Friday. The former Victoria's Secret angel, 36, showcased her toned physique in the figure-hugging gown as she took to the red carpet to pose for cameras. The fashionista flaunted her pert posterior as she worked her angles in the racy dress which had a bedazzled cut out detailing across the back. Stunning: Izabel Goulart sets pulses racing in a thigh- split white gown as she attended the Bendetta premiere at Cannes Film Festival on Friday Izabel paired the stunning floor-length dress with a pair of silver stilettos that accentuated her endless legs, which were on display through gown's slit. The supermodel accessorised with an impressive collection of diamonds, including a cuff bracelet, rings and drop earrings. She swept her brunette tresses up into a high ponytail and curled the length for an effortlessly chic look. Izabel accentuated her natural features with a smoky eye makeup look and added a touch of bronzer to highlight her impressive cheekbones. Wow: The former Victoria's Secret angel, 36, showcased her toned physique in the figure-hugging gown as she took to the red carpet to pose for cameras Inbetween premieres and parties, the Brazilian model has been staying at the Martinez Hotel in the South of France. Tonight's screening, Benedetta, tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it is based on the non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown. Turning heads: And the fashionista flaunted her pert posterior as she worked her angles in the racy dress which a bedazzled cut out detail at the torso Virginie Efira takes on the lead role and she joins a star-studded cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in competition for the Palme d'Or. This year's award-winners will be decided and announced by a nine-member jury, which includes Spike Lee, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Song Kang-Ho, and Melanie Laurent. The gongs will be handed out at the end of the festival on July 17, with films by Leos Carax, Wes Anderson, Sean Penn, and Paul Verhoeven also all in the running. Stepping out: Izabel paired the stunning floor-length dress with a pair of silver stilettos that accentuated her endless legs which were on display through gown's slit The Cannes Film Festival is in full swing after being cancelled last year amid the coronavirus pandemic. And Tina Kunakey ensured she returned with a bang, as she made a statement on the red carpet at Benedetta screening during Cannes Film Festival on Friday. The French model, 24, sported a quirky floor-length dress that featured a puffy light-purple top and a mermaid tail skirt in navy blue. Glam: Tina Kunakey ensured she returned with a bang, as she made a statement on the red carpet at Benedetta screening during Cannes Film Festival on Friday Her ensemble featured a hood that she wore over her head and it also had a large red sash at the front which she had tied into a bow. The wife of Vincent Cassel had slicked back her brunette locks into a dramatic bun, and she opted to forgo wearing any jewellery so all attention remained on her outfit. Benedetta tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century. Stunning: The French model, 24, sported a quirky floor-length dress that featured a puffy light-purple top and a mermaid tail skirt in navy blue Drama: Her ensemble featured a hood that she wore over her head and it also had a large red sash at the front which she had tied into a bow Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it is based on the non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown. Virginie Efira takes on the lead role and she joins a star-studded cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in competition for the Palme d'Or. Earlier in the day, Tina stayed true to form on Friday as she was spotted in France on day four of the festival. Plot: Benedetta tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century Flawless: The wife of Vincent Cassel had slicked back her brunette locks into a dramatic bun, and she opted to forgo wearing any jewellery so all attention remained on her outfit She looked stunning as she walked by the Martinez Hotel in a leggy tiger-print shirt dress and shades. Tina flashed a hint of cleavage, with her outfit featuring several buttons undone from the collar down. She was seen showcasing her toned legs in her stylish number as she strolled through the French city, making the most of the glorious weather. Film: Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it is based on the non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown Stars: Virginie Efira takes on the lead role and she joins a star-studded cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in competition for the Palme d'Or The model added height to her ensemble with a pair of chic blue heels and also wore a chunky pair of white-framed sunglasses on her face. Tina carried a single use disposable blue face mask in one of her hands and toted her essentials in a blue handbag slung over one of her shoulders. She joins a whole host of stars who have been spotted at Cannes Film Festival in recent days, including Hollywood actor Matt Damon and actress Jessica Chastain. Kim Zolciak's daughter Ariana Biermann has hit back at eating disorder speculation with a lengthy message detailing how exactly she shed nearly 50 pounds over the last few years. In a lengthy message posted to her Instagram Stories, Ariana slammed the speculation and insisted it took several years of hard work for her to gradually arrive at the weight that she is at today. 'I'm so over everyone acting like I lost 50 pounds overnight,' the 19-year-old wrote on Friday. 'I was 167 my sophmore year. 145ish my junior, started really working out, eating healthy etc. January of 2020. I am now 118 over a year and a half later. I was 125 last summer. Please stop. I do not have an eating disorder.' 'I do not have an eating disorder': Kim Zolciak's daughter Ariana Biermann has hit back at eating disorder speculation with a lengthy message detailing how exactly she shed 50 pounds over the last few years 'I worked my a** off to get to were I am today. I am not sick. This is ridiculous and awful to say to someone. Stop commenting on peoples bodies and worry about yourself.' To achieve her weight loss goals, Ariana says she went on runs wearing a waist trainer in 90 degree heat, counted calories, and hit the gym. 'I wish I could give yall some insane secret to get skinny overnight but I can't. That's not what I did. I ran 3-5 miles a day with a waist trainer on in 90 degree weather. It was hell. I went to the gym, and worked out. 'I went into a caloric deficit. I did intermittent fasting. I counted my calories. I ate healthy. I stopped snacking. I didn't drink soda anymore... So it is a process. It takes time. But believe in yourself. Do it for you. You got this s**t!' Hitting back: Biermann detailed all the hard work she had done in order to shed nearly 50 pounds Putting in the work! To achieve her weight loss goals, the 19-year-old says she went on runs wearing a waist trainer in 90 degree heat, counted calories, and hit the gym The posts included images of Ariana throughout her exercise journey, such as shots of the reality star posing in front of the mirror following one of her many workouts. 'It was not easy. But it was the best thing I ever did for myself and my body,' Ariana wrote in a photo of herself looking fresh from a workout. 'Change doesn't happen overnight,' she added in another mirror selfie snap. And her self-confidence was evident. 'It was not easy': The daughter of Kim Zolciak posted this photo of herself, fresh from a workout 'I'm so happy with myself. I've never felt so beautiful,' she described one photo of herself frolicking on the beach in her blue swimsuit. The message comes just days after Ariana hosted a Q&A on her Instagram Stories, where she fielded questions about her weight and lips. Asked if she had ever gotten liposuction or a tummy tuck, she replied: 'Nope just worked my a** off :)' Slow and steady: The reality star insisted 'Change doesn't happen over night' Going for the gold! Biermann says she achieved her goals with the help of running A few slides later, another question read, 'did you get your lips done'. Ariana shared a selfie from the car with her pout front and center, with the caption 'Sure did :) and I f**king love them. Best thing I ever did'. Another question from one of her 653K followers asked, 'do you have jaw filler?' To this, Ariana provided a brief video selfie that showed her beautiful jawline as she reclined. She wrote in the caption simply, 'LOL No'. Ask her anything! Ariana revealed she didn't get a liposuction or tummy tuck as she took part in a Q&A over the weekend Julianne Hough showed off her smoking hot summer body in a duo of snaps that were shared to her Instagram account on Friday morning. The 32-year-old dancer appeared to be making the most of the pleasant and sunny weather as she relaxed on a beach and showed off her curvy physique in the Italian region of Sardinia. The former Dancing With The Stars judge also took to her Instagram Story to give her nearly 5million followers a closer look into her summer getaway. Beach body: Julianne Hough was seen showing off her impressively sculpted physique in a duo of snaps that were shared to her Instagram account on Friday morning Hough wore a woven red-orange bikini that showed off her taut tummy and much of her beautifully tanned skin during her time at the beach. She also wore a matching bottom that placed her sculpted thighs and curvy hips on nearly full display, especially while posing for her second shot. The former America's Got Talent judge also added several elements of shine to her clothing ensemble with various articles of jewelry, as well as a pair of tinted sunglasses. Her luscious blonde locks remained free-flowing and slightly wettened as she took in all that the shining Sardinian sun had to offer. Dressed for the weather: The professional dancer wore a revealing red-orange bikini top and a matching bottom as she spent time on the Sardinian coast Hough also took to her Instagram Story to show her followers a bit more of her getaway experience. Her first shot showed her hanging out with her friend Doug while noting that the two had met during her first visit to Sardinia, which occurred just over a decade ago. She then shared a video of her oceanfront view for the beach trip and gave her fans a closer look at her immaculately tanned upper legs. A closer look: The former Dancing With The Stars judge also shared several photos to her Instagram Story to give her followers more information about her Italian getaway Beyond the sea: Hough's first video showed her sunning her legs while looking out at a gorgeous shining blue waterfront Better with friends: The former America's Got Talent judge also shared a video of herself taking a hike with her longtime pal Doug The dancer's second photo and first selfie featured her showing off an impressively constructed gold bracelet that she had worn during her excursion. Hough also sported a Christian Dior wide-brimmed cap while relaxing on the beach. Her second video showed her dancing while taking a hike with her friend, who instructed her to catch a view of the impressive beach next to the trail. The reality television personality then gave her viewers a much more comprehensive view of the waterfront in her following photo. Hough announced that her Italian getaway began earlier this week through a duo of Instagram photos where she was seen bending over backwards while sailing on a boat in Capri. The Primetime Emmy-winning choreographer humorously mentioned that it was 'good to be flexible' in the post's caption. Starting out strong: The dancer initially announced that she had decamped to Italy with a photo that was shared to her Instagram account earlier this week Sweet treats: On Wednesday, Hough shared a photo that showed her visiting what she called the 'most gorgeous fruit stand' On Wednesday, the Utah native shared a shot of herself visiting what she described as the 'most gorgeous fruit stand' and expressed that she would henceforth be 'permanently a resident of Italy and will be a fruit purveyor from here on out!' Hough followed that post up with a duo of photos of herself laughing and enjoying herself while sailing off the coast of the island of Capri, both of which were shared on Thursday. The Rock Of Ages star covered up much of her toned physique with an eye-catching and multicolored top, as well as a matching pair of pants. Famous actor and athlete William Smith, star of such titles as Laredo and Rich Man, Poor Man, has died at the age of 88. Smith passed away on Monday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California, his wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. A cause of death was not revealed. RIP: Famous actor and athlete William Smith, star of such titles as Laredo and Rich Man, Poor Man, has died at the age of 88; seen here circa 1975 Standing at 6ft2in tall, the brawny Smith cultivated a popular tough guy image in Hollywood, appearing into of the more famous fight scenes in movie history. One was in 1970's Darker Than Amber, in which William's villainous bodybuilder character faced off against Rod Taylor in one of the most violent and realistic brawl scenes of all time. And ten years later, he appeared in Any Which Way You Can alongside Clint Eastwood, in which they participated in a cinematic fistfight through the streets and restaurants of Wyoming. Smith, who was a champion discus thrower, arm-wrestler and black belt in martial arts, had an incredible 274 screen credits on his IMDb, spanning 1942 all the way until just last year, in the Steve Carell movie Irresistible. Hollywood tough guy: Standing at 6ft2in tall, the brawny Smith cultivated a popular tough guy image in Hollywood, appearing in titles ranging from Laredo to Any Which Way You Can Other highlights in the veteran actor's illustrious career include Conan The Barbarian in 1982 with fellow bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Red Dawn two years later with Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen and Jennifer Grey. In that film, William spoke fluent Russian as general Strelnikov. He also squared off against none other than Yul Brynner in 1975's The Ultimate Warrior, in which he played a menacing gang leader named Carrot. Other highlights in the veteran actor's illustrious career include: Hawaii Five-O, pictured here in 1968 Television credits include Hawaii Five-O, The Virginian and Laredo, along with countless guest appearances in everything from I Dream Of Jeannie to Walker, Texas Ranger. He also appeared twice on Fantasy Island first as Wyatt Earp, and then later as Frankenstein... which echoed his first-ever screen credit, as a child extra in 1942's in The Ghost of Frankenstein, with Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. Smith is survived by his makeup artist wife Joanne of 32 years, along with his children William E. Smith III and Sherri Anne Cervelli. It certainly seems like the full body workout of surfing is paying off. Leighton Meester looked in absolutely fantastic shape in a colorful bikini as she slipped out of a wetsuit in Malibu on Wednesday. The 35-year-old actress was joined by her actor husband Adam Brody, 41, during yet another surfing session in the beach city west of Los Angeles. Stunning: Leighton Meester looked in absolutely fantastic shape in a colorful Dippin' Daisy's bikini as she slipped out of a wetsuit in Malibu on Wednesday Sweet: The 35-year-old actress was joined by her actor husband Adam Brody, 41, during yet another surfing session in the beach city west of Los Angeles Leighton - who welcomed a son in September looked incredible and patriotic in a red, white and blue Dippin' Daisy's bikini featuring high-waisted bottoms. Her wet blonde tresses were combed back as she showed off her natural beauty by going make-up free. She sprayed a bit of sunscreen on her body before putting on a floral patterned maxi dress. In December Adam talked to WSJ. Magazine about surfing with his wife as he said: 'A big part of our quarantine life is that my wife and I have been surfing our brains out.' Patriotic: Leighton - who welcomed a son in September looked incredible in a red, white and blue bikini featuring high-waisted bottoms Pretty: Her wet blonde tresses were combed back as she showed off her natural beauty by going make-up free Details: She sprayed a bit of sunscreen on her body before putting on a floral patterned maxi dress He continued, 'My wife will come down with our son half an hour, 45 minutes after Im up and join the party and we will check the surf on our phones. Ive been off and on a lifetime surfer. My wifes relatively new to it but is very dedicated. She is going surfing right now. 'Other new hobbies? Honestly, were just beach bums.' The OC alum added. The couple tied the knot in 2014 and welcomed a daughter Arlo in 2015 and a baby boy this past September. Good spirits: The couple looked happy together 'A big part of our quarantine life is that my wife and I have been surfing our brains out': In December Adam talked to WSJ. Magazine about surfing with his wife. On the go: Adam also stripped off his wetsuit before they headed off Leighton revealed to Shape last year that it was her husband who had introduced her to surfing, and it's now her favorite way of keeping fit. 'I have found that when I don't have a physical result in mind when I'm exercising it's not just about getting sore or getting abs or burning fat I feel much more confident,' she explained to the magazine. 'I'm working on a skill, and that is so fulfilling to me.' The actress added: 'Being in the ocean is such a spiritual experience that you forget you're getting a real workout.' Red carpet glam: The couple tied the knot in 2014 and welcomed a daughter Arlo in 2015 and a baby boy this past September. They are pictured here at an event in 2017 No doubt it is an exciting time in Leighton's life as it was recently announced that she will star in the upcoming Netflix thriller feature The Weekend Away. She will appear as a woman accused of murder who's desperate to clear her name for the popular streamer, according to Variety. The mystery thriller will be adapted from the novel of the same name by Sarah Alderson, with the writer returning to adapt the screenplay. New role: No doubt it is an exciting time in Leighton's life as she will star in the upcoming Netflix thriller feature The Weekend Away, according to Variety; seen in 2019 Leighton will lead the movie as a woman who jets off to Croatia for a weekend getaway with her best friend. What should have been an idyllic vacation for the two turns into a nightmare after her friend turns up dead, leaving her as the prime suspect. But even as she tries to clear her name, she dredges up painful secrets hidden between the two. 'I am so excited to see The Weekend Away make it to the screen,' Alderson said via a statement. 'To have adapted my own novel makes it even more special, and I am thrilled that Leighton will be bringing this character to life.' They have recently jetted home from a sun-soaked trip to Greece. And following their return, Gabby Allen and her boyfriend Brandon Myers were spotted enjoying a date night together at BLVD in Manchester on Friday. The Love Island star, 29, flaunted her gym-honed abs in a tiny crop top, which she teamed with a pair of paperbag-style jeans. Stylish: Gabby Allen and her boyfriend Brandon Myers were spotted enjoying a date night together at BLVD in Manchester on Friday Gabby added a statement necklace to her look, while also adding a pair of orange heels to her ensemble, boosting her petite frame. The fitness guru wore her blonde locks in soft waves and opted for a natural pallet of make-up for the outing. She carried her essentials in a tiny blue grey handbag. Meanwhile, Brandon showcased his style credentials in a black T-shirt layered with a short-sleeved shirt, which he wore with jeans and trainers. Cute: The Love Island star, 29, flaunted her gym-honed abs in a tiny crop top, which she teamed with a pair of paperbag-style jeans The dinner date comes after Gabby recently returned from Greece where she and Brandon enjoyed a loved-up getaway in the sunshine. Gabby and Brandon have been dating since June last year and went public with their romance two months later. The television personality initially denied speculation they were in a relationship, stating at the time they were 'just friends'. Gabby previously dated Rak-Su star Myles Stephenson until August 2019, when she accused him of cheating on her. The reality star is thought to be worth an estimated 1.3million since finding fame on the 2017 series of Love Island. Greece was not the first trip abroad that the couple have been on during lockdown. Gabby and Brandon jetted to Dubai in the first week of December last year and stated she was staying 'for the foreseeable' future for work reasons. Vybz Kartels GAZA fans reacted with a mix of hope and consternation today when it was announced that Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness is now a member of Queen Elizabeths Privy Council. What a power move to approve of Kartels court appeal, wrote one of several excited Dancehall fans, while another advised that if Holness were to set Kartel free, the PNP [the Jamaican Opposition party] would never see back Gordon House. [Parliament]. Others were not as hopeful. Andrew being on the Privy Council means that Kartel doesnt have one standing chance, wrote one user. Andrew Holness has been appointed to the privy council. Anybody check pon Kartel yet?? another joked. However, they all need not concern themselves as the appointment is largely ceremonial in nature. Furthermore, Holness appointment to the Queens Privy Council is separate and apart from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) Jamaicas final appellate court which is often referred to as, simply, the Privy Council. Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen made the announcement in a statement on Thursday. #PressRelease: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has been appointed a member of the Privy Council. pic.twitter.com/heRYxxhKss Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) July 8, 2021 The brief statement from Kings House said: Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve that the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, be appointed a member of Her Majestys Most Honourable Privy Council. According to the statement, the accepted form of address of the Prime Minister as of today shall be as follows: The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister. The Privy Council is formally a body of advisers to the Queen. Some of the main functions of the Privy Council include: Extending legislation to British Overseas Territories, ratifying legislation from crown dependencies, such as the Channel Islands and issuing proclamations for example, announcing the dates of bank holidays. An appointment to the Queens Privy Council is for life and those appointed have usually achieved high political, ecclesiastical or judicial office or achieved eminence in public affairs in the United Kingdom, or the Commonwealth, or both. Kartels Privy Council appeal Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, and his co-accused received life sentences in 2014 for the murder of Clive Lizard Williams. Kartel, who has been in prison since 2011, was ordered to serve 35 years before parole but had two and a half years shaved off from his sentence, following a largely failed appeal in April 2020. In September 2020, Kartel was granted permission by the Jamaica Court of Appeal to have his case heard by the JCPC. Were waiting on the Privy Council, Isat Buchanan, attorney-at-law representing the Fever deejay, told DancehallMag today when asked for an update. Three weeks ago, the deejays defense scored another small victory when a cellphone, which reportedly contained damning text and voice messages linking Kartel to the murder of Williams, was allowed to be analyzed by an expert for signs of tampering. Archaeologists combing a hill near Plymouth Rock where a park will be built in tribute to the Pilgrims and their Native American predecessors have made a poignant discovery: It's not the first time the site has been used as a memorial. David Landon of the University of Massachusetts-Bostons Fiske Center for Archaeological Research says his team unearthed a cache of personal items he thinks were buried there in the late 1800s, most likely by a brokenhearted settler who had outlived all three of her children. Landon says the objects eyeglasses, clothing, sewing implements, a pocket watch and a book gave him chills. That's because they turned up during final excavations of Cole's Hill, a National Historic Landmark site in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where Remembrance Park is set to be constructed. Someone clearly used that space in that fashion in the past to memorialize members of their family, said Landon, whose team spent the past month scouring the waterfront site where the Pilgrims are said to have come ashore in 1620. Its an amazing array of things you dont usually find as an archaeologist, he said. It plays very much to the remembrance aspect of the site. The idea of a human memorial there is emotionally powerful. Remembrance Park originally was conceived to mark 2020s 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims 1620 arrival, the founding of Plymouth Colony and the settlers historic interactions with the indigenous Wampanoag people. But then the coronavirus pandemic hit, idling many commemoration events as well as construction. Work on the park is expected to begin late next year or early in 2023. The newly reimagined park will highlight three periods of epic historical challenge: the Great Dying of 1616-19, when deadly disease brought by other Europeans severely afflicted the Wampanoag people; the first winter of 1620-21, when half of the Mayflower colonists perished of contagious sickness; and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Donna Curtin, executive director of the Pilgrim Society & Pilgrim Hall Museum, which owns the tract, said the discovery of this exquisitely personal family cache makes the site even more evocative. A project like this helps reminds us that theres real emotional power in history because real people lived through it, she said. Thats really the purpose of Remembrance Park. Who left the items in the soil? Initial research points to Judith Jackson, a 19th-century family matriarch who died in 1905. She was predeceased by all three of her children a daughter who died very young, and then an adult son and adult daughter. Some of the items found date to the 1840s, and Landon believes it's likely that Jackson who once lived in one of four colonial houses that once stood on Cole's Hill buried the objects in memory of the offspring she'd outlived. The archaeologists also recovered stone-cutting tools evidence of a much older Wampanoag living site that appears to have survived the ravages of time because a 1700s home was built atop it, shielding it from the elements, Landon said. Sometimes when you look, you find something, and sometimes you don't, he said. This was a great success. The latest developments in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise: MIAMI An American arrested in connection to the assassination of Haitis president worked alongside Sean Penn to rebuild the country from a devastating earthquake in 2010, according to three people familiar with the Hollywood actors decade-old relief drive. The two people said James Solages worked as a driver and in a security capacity for J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which was started by Penn following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010 that killed more than 300,000 people in the impoverished Caribbean nation. One of the people said Solages had left the organization, now known as CORE, sometime in 2011. All three people requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Penn laid down what he considers lifelong roots in Haiti following the earthquake, at one point even living in a tent city among some 40,000 Haitians left homeless by the natural disaster. For his multi-year efforts on behalf of the Haitian people, former President Michel Martelly the mentor of slain President Jovenel Moise named Penn ambassador at large, the first non-Haitian to receive that designation. Solages is one of two Haitian Americans arrested as part of the investigation into Moises murder. The 35-year-old studied in south Florida and in 2019 created a charity to help residents of his hometown of Jacmel, along Haitis southern coast. He worked as a bodyguard for Canadas Embassy in Haiti but a relative says he had no military training. By JOSHUA GOODMAN and TRENTON DANIEL ___ BOGOTA, Colombia The director of Colombias police, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia, says that four companies had been involved in recruiting and gathering suspects implicated in the assassination of Haitis president, though he did not release the companies names, saying they were being verified. He said Friday that the Colombian suspects several of whom were earlier identified as military veterans travelled to the Caribbean nation in two groups by way of the Dominican Republic. Vargas said Duberney Capador Giraldo and Alejandro Rivera Garcia travelled from Colombia to Panama on May 6 and then to Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital. He said they then went to the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on May. 10. A second group of 11 Colombians followed later. Police released a document indicating they had travelled on June 4 from Bogota to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and two days later crossed into Haiti. It was not yet clear who had sponsored the men's recruitment. ___ BOGOTA, Colombia The wife of a former Colombian soldier arrested in Haiti in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise says her husband was recruited by a security firm to travel to the Dominican Republic last month. The woman told Colombias W Radio on Friday that her husband, Francisco Uribe, was hired for $2,700 a month by a company named CTU to travel to the Dominican Republic, where he was told he would be providing protection to some powerful families. She says she last spoke to her husband Wednesday at 10 p.m. almost 24 hours after the raid on the presidents home and said he was on guard duty at a house where he and others were staying. The next day he wrote me a message that sounded like a farewell, the woman, who identified herself only as Yuli. They were running, they had been attacked. ... That was the last contact I had. The woman said she knew little about her husbands activities and was unaware he had even traveled to Haiti, where Colombians need a visa to enter. Another arrested Colombian suspect, Manuel Antonio Grosso, last month posted on Facebook snapshots of himself visiting tourist spots in the Dominican capital, including the presidential palace. Uribe has been under investigation for his alleged role in a spate of extrajudicial killings carried out by Colombias U.S.-trained army more than a decade ago. Colombian court records show that he and another soldier were accused of killing a civilian in 2008 who they later tried to present as a criminal killed in combat. ___ WASHINGTON White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the U.S. will be sending senior FBI and Homeland Security officials to Haiti as soon as possible in response to a Haitian government request following the killing of President Jovenel Moise. She said Friday that the U.S. remains engaged and in close consultations with our Haitian and international partners to support the Haitian people in the aftermath of the assassination. She also said that Haiti will begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines from the U.S. as soon as next week, depending on conditions at the airport. The country so far has been unable to get its vaccination program operating. ___ PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti A judge investigating the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise says two Haitian-Americans arrested in the case were acting as translators for a larger group of attackers that originally planned to arrest, not kill the leader, the Le Nouvelliste newspaper reported Friday. Speaking to the French-language newspaper, Judge Clement Noel didnt elaborate on what grounds the group sought to arrest Moise. Noel said one of the suspects, James Solages, told him he found this job on the internet. Solages had been in Haiti for only a month and the other U.S. citizen arrested, Joseph Vincent, for six months, Noel said. A separate judge, Fidelito Dieudonne, said four of the 15 Colombians arrested in the case entered Haiti on June 6 after passing through the Dominican Republic. Noel also told the newspaper that police confiscated weapons used by the attackers, including pistols, cartridges, the server of the surveillance camera at Moise's home, a checkbook for the president and his wife, axes, wire cutters, clothes, food, cell phones and cash. Haitian police say they have arrested 17 people in all in Wednesday's killing and are looking for more. They have not revealed a possible motive. ___ TAIPEI, Taiwan Taiwans foreign ministry says Haitian police have arrested 11 armed suspects who tried to break into the its embassy in Port-au-Prince. It gave no details of the suspects identities or a reason for the break-in. As for whether the suspects were involved in the assassination of the President of Haiti, that will need to be investigated by the Haitian police, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou told The Associated Press in Taipei. Officials said police were alerted by embassy security guards while Taiwanese diplomats were working from home. The ministry said some doors and windows were broken but there was no other damage to the embassy. Haiti is one of a handful of countries worldwide that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan instead of the rival mainland Chinese government in Beijing. Seventeen suspects have been detained so far in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and Haitian authorities say two are believed to hold dual U.S.-Haitian citizenship and Colombias government says at least six are former members of its army. Leon Charles, chief of Haitis National Police, said Thursday night that 15 of the detainees were from Colombia. A mansion built on land designated as a National Historic Landmark in Connecticut is on the market for just under $2.5 million. Known as the Philip Cheney mansion, the brick Jacobean style mansion on 50 Forest Stree in Manchester was first the home of Knight Dexter Cheney who was the president of the Cheney Brothers silk manufacturing business, according to the estates website, Cheneys brother, Frank Woodbridge Cheney, owned and operated silk mills in Manchester and Hartford in the mid-1800s and early 1900s, according to the Connecticut Historical Society. They had about 170 acres of mills, which is now a historic landmark, Jeffrey Bodeau, the listing agent and luxury properties specialty with Bodeau Realty Group said. They were a lot of brothers and sistersand they all had mansions around the silk mills, and this happens to be the fathers house the larger of the mansions and the one with most significance. The ninth son of Knight Dexter Cheney, Philip inherited the original clapboard house on the property, the estates website notes, which was redesigned in 1928 to keep only the grand salon from the original house. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the property was purchased in 2003 by Anthony and Paula Viscogliosi, according to the estates website. With the help of Hartford-based preservation architect Jared Edwards, the listing reports they embarked on a 13-year, $12 million project to preserve the home. There is a difference between restoring and preserving the home, according to Bodeau. Restoration is when you would remodel and update the house to a certain criteria of tastes, he said. The preservation is the home was completely preserved back to its original glory and era. That means everything in the home is in its original state, Bodeau said, not a reproduction of furnishings from the 1900s. When you go through the house, there's not a modern kitchen with Viking sub-zero appliances or soft-close cabinets and things of that sort, he said. Everything has been preserved to its original state from back in the late 1800s, early 1900s that includes the ice chests and the refrigerators that were originally used back then. All the light fixtureseverything is original to the property. Inside the 26-room mansion, there are ceiling panels that once graced a palace in Vienna, original Zuber wall coverings of the Italian countryside [and] hand-scraped hardwood floors imported from Italy in 1860, according to the listing. There is also a collection of 25 paintings done by Russell Cheney the 11th and youngest child of Knight Dexter Cheney displayed in the home, the estates website notes. Thats not the only piece of the family left behind, Bodeau said. There are pillows with the silk of the Cheney mills, he said. Theres glassware and stemware all back from the Cheneys that are in the pantryso somebody could be dining with glasses from that era. While the home is kept and maintained in its original state, Bodeau mentioned that the Viscogliosi family was eyeing plans for some basement renovations. They have plans to turn the basement which is simply storage right now into a wine cellar, a cigar smoking room [and] a theater, he noted. At one point, they were looking at an underground casino like there was back in the Prohibition era. Because the current owners have cared for the home with such an attention to detail, Bodeau said whoever purchases it will have to be as unique as the property itself. I think the buyer that they're looking for somebody is going to share the same passion, he said. The buyer is going to be somebody who can absolutely appreciate the fine craftsmanship, detail and the significance of the estate. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: The Kerala government on Friday said it has an "open approach" towards the issues raised by Kitex group, even as the company stuck to its decision to back out from Rs 3,500 crore investment plan in southern state with its chairman Sabu Jacob alleging that he was being "hounded out." "The government is still open.. issues can be discussed with the investors and take things forward," Industries Minister P Rajeev told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. He was responding to Jacob's statement that he was not leaving his home state on his own, but was being "hounded out." Before heading for Hyderabad for holding talks with the Telangana government over his investment plans, Jacob alleged in Kochi today that the Kerala government authorities did not bother to intervene even after his announcement of withdrawal from the multi-crore investment project from the state. "I'm not going on my own. I'm being hounded out, I am being kicked out.," Jacob told reporters at the Kochi international airport. He left for Hyderabad in a special private jet sent by the Telangana government where he would stay two days, discussing his investment plans with the authorities there. Jacob said he was invited by the Telangana government after his group had a discussion with them "at different levels". Reiterating his allegation that the atmosphere in Kerala was not conducive for launching business, the industrialist said no other investor should face such an experience in the state. Jacob said he had been doing business in Kerala for the past 53 years. "If this is the experience of an investor who has created a history and a revolution in the industrial sector in Kerala, then what would be the fate of those who invest a meagre amount of Rs 10,000 or Rs 20,000 for earning their livelihood?" he asked. Rejecting Jacob's charges, Rajeev said the state has a conducive atmosphere for launching the industries and young investors in various start-ups would tell their better experience with the state government. "Let the society evaluate.. Ask Startups in Kalamassery. Ask those young fellows", the Minister said, when Jacob's allegation was brought to his notice. Rajeev reiterated that neither the state government nor any of its departments on its own initiated any enquiry into or inspection of Kitex Garments Ltd. "If there are complaints, that should be resolved. We are very open", the minister said. Earlier, the minister had said that all inspections were a result of various complaints to the National Human Rights Commission, Kerala High Court and the authorities -- against the company. He expressed his displeasure over the open statement of the company against the government's ease of doing business model. Jacob claimed that not a single Kerala minister telephoned him to enquire about the reasons for his group's withdrawal from investing in the state. "But chief ministers of nine states telephoned me. Industrialists also called me. Now a private jet has been sent for us", Jacob said and called for a change in the approach of the Kerala government towards industries. Kitex Garments Ltd had said it has decided to withdraw from the project signed during the "Ascend Global Investors Meet" organised by the state government here in January 2020, alleging that it was difficult for the company to run the existing industrial units in the state. The industrialist had alleged that various units of Kitex were raided 10 times by officials from various departments during the past one month. Moscow: India's "time-tested and trust-based" relationship remains very strong and continues to grow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday as he held "productive" talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to step up bilateral cooperation on space, nuclear, energy and defence sectors. Jaishankar, who is here on a three-day visit, also discussed global and regional issues like the situation in Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. He said the two leaders "made good progress" as part of preparations for the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin later this year. "I would say the talks were as always very warm, comfortable, comprehensive and productive," Jaishankar said. He said his talks with Lavrov showed that "despite the fact that so many things are changing in our world both before and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our time-tested and trust-based relationship is very much not just in place but remains very strong, continues to grow." Jaishanakar expressed appreciation for the support India got from Russia during the second wave of the Covid pandemic this year. India, he said, has always seen its relationship with Russia as a contribution to global peace, security and stability. "I think what makes our working together so natural and comfortable is our belief in a multipolar global order. We consider that to be a reflection of a very natural and inevitable process of evolution of inter-state relations in the 21st century," he added. He said his bilateral talks with Lavrov focused on reviewing the progress in different dimensions of their broad-ranging cooperation. "We have actually made very good progress even though for the last one year a lot of this has been through virtual contacts and I can assure you that when the Annual Bilateral Summit takes place this year, the development, the progress in our cooperation will be very much on display before all of you. "A new dimension that has been added to our relationship of course is the agreement to hold the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers. We felt that we should do that sometime as per mutual convenience this year. Otherwise, I can say we are very satisfied with the all-round development of our relations," he said. A lot of our cooperation is focused on the nuclear, space, energy and defence sectors, he said. "The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant project is on track and you heard Foreign Minister Lavrov tell you that the concrete first pour for Unit 5 has taken place. Space again has both practical and I would say symbolic importance for our relationship," Jaishankar said. Russia has been India's "original and strongest partner" on the space sector, he said. "The energy cooperation between us has grown very significantly in the last few years reflected both in new potential investments and long term commitments which we have agreed to in the field of oil and gas," Jaishankar said. "Our defence military-technical cooperation but I would say even industrial collaboration today has been strengthened by Russian interest in the 'Make in India' programme, which is very visible." They also discussed greater inter-regional cooperation particularly with the Russian Far East region. "We spoke about how we could take that forward, there are some agreements which have to be signed, I think we have made some progress there. We discussed connectivity, especially the North-South Corridor... the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor as well. He shared with Lavrov India's plan and ideas when the country will hold the Presidency of the Security Council in August. "We obviously value Russian participation and cooperation. ...We've worked very cooperatively and positively, so the strength of our strategic partnership is expressed today when it comes to deliberations in the UN," he said. The two leaders also discussed their cooperation in BRICS and the RIC. India is currently the chair of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and also of the RIC (Russia, India and China). "We have common membership of G-20, of ASEAN led forums, SCO and CICA. We have an SCO Foreign ministers' meeting coming up very soon," he said. They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan where Taliban militants have seized dozens of districts in recent weeks and are now thought to control about a third of the country, ahead of the complete withdrawal of US and Western troops from the war-torn country. "The situation in Afghanistan occupied a lot of our attention because it has a direct implication for regional security. We believe that the immediate need of the day is really a reduction in violence and if we have to see peace within Afghanistan and around Afghanistan," Jaishankar said. "It is important for India and Russia to work together and ensure that much of the progress that we've seen in economic, social and democratic terms are maintained. We are both committed to an independent, sovereign, united and democratic Afghanistan," he added. They also discussed the situation in Syria, the Iran issue and Libya. "We have both long standing interests in the region. We believe that peace and stability in such a sensitive region is very very important for global interest," he said. Jaishanakr also shared his viewpoint on the Indo-Pacific, a region which has seen aggressive behaviour from China. "We of course because of our larger geopolitical compatibility with Russia, we see a more active Russian presence and participation in the region as something very very important," he said. Ramana, a backward class leader from the Karimnagar region, was a Minister during the TDP regime and an MP of undivided Andhra Pradesh. (DC Image) Karimnagar: As anticipated, the already frail Telugu Desam (TD) received a major blow in Telangana with its state president L. Ramana quitting his post on Friday. This could mark the beginning of the end of the TDs remnants in the state formed seven years ago. Ramana sent in his formal resignation to TD president Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday. Ramana also announced that he would be joining the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) on Sunday at Pragathi Bhavan in presence of TRS supremo and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. In view of changing political equations in Telangana, it had been speculated since long that Ramana will be quitting as TD TS chief and joining the ruling party. It took a concrete shape when Ramana, accompanied by panchayat raj minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao, met Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday and held discussions for more than an hour. KCR invited me into the party and asked me to take a wise decision, so that I could serve the people better. After discussing the matter not only with TD workers, but also local leaders, I have decided to join the TRS party on July 11 at Pragathi Bhavan in the presence of the Chief Minister, Ramana announced. He thanked Chandrababu Naidu for helping him during his political journey for the past 30 years. It is learnt Chandrasekhar Rao has assured Ramana an MLC post after he joins TRS. Vijayawada: An army Jawan belonging to Dariwada Kothapalem village in Bapatla Mandal of Guntur district, Maruprolu Jaswanth Reddy was killed in the encounter in Rajouri of Jammu. According to the reports, the encounter took place in Rajouri after security forces came across a group of militants who had infiltrated from across the border recently during search operations. Naib Subedar Sreejith and Jawan Jaswanth Reddy were killed in the encounter at Daddal village in the Sunderbani sector. Jawan Jaswanth Reddy joined the army in the year 2016 in 17 Madras regiment. Later after completion of training he was posted to Nilagiri and further transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. Parents Srinivas Reddy and Venkateswaramma went into shock with the death of their son. The relatives said that recently parents decided to perform marriage to Jaswanth Reddy but their dreams shattered with the death of the Jawan. The relatives said that the army officials informed about the death of Jaswanth Reddy and they are waiting for the arrival of the body. (166w-ilyas). A warning of heavy rainfall has been issued. (Photo: PTI/File) Kottayam: The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in Kerala. "Generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thunderstorms is the forecast of July 9," said Regional Meteorological Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. "Scattered rains are predicted all over Kerala, including other districts," added the IMD. Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to construct nine lakh houses in two years under different housing projects in the state. The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on housing schemes in the state. It includes five lakh houses of state housing projects and four lakh houses under central housing projects, a release from the CMO said. It further said that a hundred houses will be distributed under each Gram Panchayat limit. "A subsidy of Rs 1.75 lakh is being provided to SC beneficiaries and Rs 1.20 lakh to others for house construction. Under central housing project, beneficiaries who have been allotted the houses will get a subsidy of Rs 72,000-that is 60 per cent from the Centre and Rs 48,000-- 40 per cent from the state government," it said. Further noting that Rs 6,200 crore is required to complete houses built under the state government's Basava Housing Project, Dr B R Ambedkar Nivas yojana, Devaraj Urs housing projects and Vajpayee urban housing project, which are under different stages of completion, the Chief Minister said that the funds will be released phase by phase. It has been decided to distribute 5,000 houses under the Chief Minister's '1 Lakh Housing Scheme' on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15, 2021, the release added. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pinarayi detailed the plight of 18-month-old Muhammed, a native of Kannur district, who is undergoing treatment for the disease. (Image credit: Social media) Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday urged the Centre to waive GST and customs duty on a life-saving drug to be imported from the US for the treatment of a child suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare disease, in the state. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he detailed the plight of 18-month-old Muhammed, a native of Kannur district, who is undergoing treatment for the disease. Noting that the medicine for SMA is 'prohibitively expensive' and 'unaffordable' for the child's family, Vijayan said it costs a whopping Rs 18 crore and is proposed to be imported from the US. The CM, in the letter, also pointed out that the central government had recently waived tax in a similar case of a five month old child, who is suffering from SMA in Mumbai. "I request you to give directions to the Union Finance Ministry to take steps not to levy Customs duty and integrated Goods and Services Tax (GST) in this case involving the import of the life saving drug zolgensma," he said. The Chief Minister's plea to the Centre came days after funds for purchasing the drug had been raised in Kerala through online crowdfunding for Muhammed. Son of P K Rafeeq and Mariyumma, the child requires a dose of Zolgensma, which is considered as one of the most expensive drug in the world. The treatment committee had on Monday informed the public that over Rs 18 crore reached the bank accounts opened for the donations and asked the people not to deposit any more. The campaign was taken over by social media resulting in raising the amount within seven days from across the world. Incidentally, 15-year-old Afra, the elder sister of Mohammed, was also affected with the same disease. The medicine would have to be procured from abroad and the treatment committee had petitioned the state government to initiate the process for procurement. Medical experts suggest that the child will have to be administered the dose of the medicine before he reaches the age of two, family sources said. The samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for final confirmation. (Photo: ANI) Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Veena George on Thursday said the first case of Zika virus has been reported in the state and the samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for final confirmation. George also stated that there also are 13 suspected cases. "The disease was reported in a 24-year-old pregnant woman from Parassala who was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. On June 28, the woman was admitted to the hospital with fever, headache, and red spots. Her samples showed that she contracted Zika virus, for confirming the samples have been sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune," said Veena George. The Health Minister said that out of 19 samples sent from some parts of Thiruvananthapuram district, 13 are suspected to be Zika positive. "But the final confirmation can be made after getting test result from NIV, Pune," she said. Regarding the health condition of the woman, Minister said, "Her health condition is satisfactory. On July 7, the woman gave birth normally. There is no travel history outside Kerala. But their house is on the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border. A week ago, their mother had similar symptoms," she said. She said that the health department took immediate action when the Zika virus was initially identified. "The District Surveillance Team, District Vector Control Unit and State Entomology Team visited the affected area of Parassala and initiated control measures. Steps have been taken to send samples of Aedes mosquitoes collected from the affected area and nearby areas for PCR testing. Preventive activities in the area will be strengthened. An alert had been issued to all districts," added the Health Minister. A man charged with threatening to kill his ex-partner has been remanded into custody after Derrys resident magistrate accused him of fabricating stories. Sean Cavan, 49, whose address was given as Waterloo Street, has been charged with threats to kill his ex-partner, common assault of his mother and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knife, with intent to commit an indictable offence on July 7, 2021. The court heard that on the date in question a woman reported that her ex-partner made threats to kill her. It was pre-arranged that the complainant would attend the home of Cavans mother where she would collect belongings. A police officer said the items were to be left outside to avoid any issues. When she arrived, a PSNI officer said, the alleged injured party was asked to enter the property. According to police, once in the hallway she realised Cavan was present and he tried to get out of a room to go towards her. The PSNI officer said in efforts to reach the alleged injured party the defendant pushed his 81-year-old mother aside. The court was told that Cavan lifted a knife, which he uses for art purposes, held it to his throat and said remember what Ill do. A police officer said Cavan then threatened to kill the woman and warned that if he couldnt find her, then he would kill her family. Police subsequently arrested the defendant at which point his mother denied being assaulted or pushed and made no further comment. Cavan denied the offences and said he hadnt spoken to the alleged victim as he wasnt at the property until 4pm. The court heard that the accused was in breach of bail for being in contact with the woman because he was involved in a previous domestic violence incident back in February. A police officer said Cavan is deemed a high risk perpetrator and placed the alleged victim in extensive fear while in possession of a knife. She added that the complainant has travelled to Liverpool but intends to return to Derry for work. Police were concerned that if released Cavan would have further contact but added that he has no convictions to date for domestic violence. Allegations were made in the past, the police officer said, but no formal complaint was lodged. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client entirely denies the charges. He questioned why the alleged victim lodged the complaint over an hour later. The officer said she wasnt sure. Mr Quigley said significant reference was made to a red handled knife and the officer confirmed that no knife was found. He added, evidence was given indicating that Cavan nicked his neck with the knife but no injury was observed. The defence solicitor said his client was ready to start a new job and he doesnt know where the complainant is living. District Judge Barney McElholm said: I dont believe a single word that hes saying. He wondered aloud whether abusers have a club, saying that strangulation was practically unknown years ago but all of a sudden abusers are strangling victims. The judge said if Cavan admitted he had over-reacted when he seen her instead of saying it was a figment of her imagination he may have considered granting bail. Bail was refused and the defendant will appear at a court sitting on July 14. Judge McElholm concluded: He has the right to go to the High Court and tell them stories. Sunday's game for Donegal is a big game, a do or die contest. Derry will be a much more difficult opponent than the Down team that Donegal met in Newry two weeks earlier. This is an all-round good Derry team, strong in defence, plenty of big men around midfield and they have some good forwards including their full-forward Shane McGuigan, who has been notching some big scores. There are some difficult decisions for Donegal ahead of the game. Considering the fact you would be expecting to play the following Sunday, but at the same time you can't look too far ahead, but you also have to plan. There is a big decision for the management if Michael Murphy is fit to play. Then the decision is to whether to start him or not. When you consider that Donegal are to face a more difficult test, then it is not an easy decision. We have our own strengths, not least the fact that we can kick points from a distance, no matter what sort of a defence that Derry put before them. We have Patrick McBrearty in top form at the moment and along with Jamie Brennan, they can cause a lot of problems inside if they get the ball in quickly. Ryan McHugh was also back to his best in Newry and even though he is likely to come in for special attention on Sunday, he can still be one of our leaders. There is no doubt that Derry are a top side now. They have come up from Division Three but I feel they are a top half of Division Two side. To be fair to Rory Gallagher, he has got a lot of confidence back into the team. But then there was always good club football in Derry and they have always been there or thereabouts over the years. I expect that they will give us a match for quite some time on Sunday. Winning is a good habit for them. But then we haven't lost many matches for some time. But we must remember that they are coming into the Lion's Den in MacCumhaill Park. We need to capitalise on our home advantage and not let them dictate the game. If we decide not to start Michael Murphy, then we have to get on with it. In his place we have the likes of Michael Langan, who brings an awful lot to the table. He has the capacity to score and the ability to kick dead ball. It is up to all the players to up their performance. There are a lot of players that can perform an awful lot better than they did in Newry, and they will have to. They have to make life difficult for Derry and not give them any space. I would be confident that we have the capacity to win the match, but we have to make it happen. Put our stamp on the game early on, don't give them any reason to boost their confidence. They have capacity to be defensive. And playing against a Division One side in Donegal, they can't afford to open up. We must get ahead and press on and press on. But overall we have a lot to look forward to. Unfortunately, we won't be there once again with clubs getting just two tickets once more. It is a sad situation with MacCumhaill Park capable of housing 18,500. You would feel that with proper stewarding that 25-30 per cent attendance would be viable. But we will have to settle for the TV for the second time this year and we missed out on the game in MacCumhaill Park last year against Tyrone also. There is always a great buzz in Ballybofey, meeting people and the pitch should be in great shape. We have a very good record there but that won't win us the match. But we should be confident going out and we can win it. Brian McEniff was in conversation with Donegal Live's Peter Campbell Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Tributes are being paid to a much-loved Derry dance teacher, Mary Harrison, best known as Mary Hill, who has died. Mrs Harrison passed away earlier today at her home at Stoneypath in the Waterside area of the city. Best known as the founder of the Mary Hill School of Ballet in the city, she taught thousands of ballerinas. Many of her former pupils have taken to social media to pay tribute. Among them, Leisa Smith-Anderson, who says there will be a 'lot of tears cried today, including my own.' She adds: She was an absolute incredible and powerful woman, tiny but fiery with the biggest heart ever. She was always up for a laugh and never missed an opportunity for a good giggle. She taught hundreds of ballerinas all over N. Ireland and Donegal from babies to adults and the entire ballet community will be grieving today . I have so many fond memories of sitting in their home on Dacre Terrace with Victoria over 20 years ago having some great laughs, introducing both my daughters to ballet, then in more recent years being their photographer for their ballerinas and shows every year. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family home is limited to close family and friends. Mrs Harrison will be laid to rest at a funeral service in the City Cemetery at 2.00pm on Sunday. On its way to the cemetery, the funeral cortege will pause at the original Dacre Terrace Ballet Studio and the Playhouse to allow students and parents to pay their respects at approximately 1.30pm. Those attending are asked to adhere to social distancing. Mrs Harrison is survived by her husband, Marcus and daughter Victoria. Saif Ali Khan, Arjun kapoor starrer Bhoot Police all set to arrive in September, makers announce new release date Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Yami Gautam, and Jacqueline Fernandez starrer Bhoot Police release date has finally been announced. The film which will land directly on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar introduced the characters of all the four actors who will be playing ghost hunters in the horror-comedy in the past few days. The maker shave now announced that the film will release on September 17. Saif Ali Khan's character is called Vibhuti while Arjun plays Chiraunji. Yami has been introduced as Maya while Jacqueline plays Kanika in the film. All the four stars have been given unique looks and Bhoot Police and the first posters have definitely seen a positive response from the audience so far. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arjun Kapoor (@arjunkapoor) The film was earlier set for a theatrical release in September itself but after the theatres shut down during the second wave of the pandemic, the makers of Bhoot Police struck a deal with Disney+ Hotstar to release the film digitally. Films producer Ramesh Turani expressed in an interview earlier that he didnt see the theatres re-open at full capacity anytime soon and since he wanted to stick with his original release plan he decided to go the OTT way. Bhoot Police helmed by Pavan Kriplani was shot and completed during the pandemic last year in Dharmshala and Mumbai. NEWS RELEASE Release Number: 2021-71 Date: July 7, 2021 Cal/OSHA High Heat Advisory: Employers Reminded to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Illness Oakland Cal/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect outdoor workers from heat illness as excessive heat warnings and watches have been issued throughout the state, with triple digits forecast through Monday, July 12. Employers in California must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training. Cal/OSHAs heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor worksites. To prevent heat illness, the law requires employers to provide outdoor workers fresh potable drinking water, access to shade when temperatures reach 80 degrees and whenever requested by a worker, cool-down rest breaks in addition to regular scheduled breaks, and establish an effective written heat illness prevention plan with training on the signs of heat illness and what to do in case of an emergency. It is important for employers to assess the risk of heat illness based on a workers duties and take appropriate steps to prevent them from getting sick. Regardless of the level of risk, all outdoor workers must be protected equally and employers with outdoor workers must implement and maintain an effective heat illness prevention plan year-round. Employers with outdoor workers in all industries must follow these heat illness prevention requirements: Plan Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures. Training Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention. Water Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so. Rest Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so to protect themselves from overheating. Workers should not wait until they feel sick to cool down. Shade Provide proper shade when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Workers have the right to request and be provided shade to cool off at any time. Cal/OSHAs Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program includes enforcement of the heat regulation as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for Californias employers and workers. Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online on Cal/OSHAs Heat Illness Prevention web page and the 99calor.org informational website. A Heat Illness Prevention online tool is also available on Cal/OSHAs website. Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHAs Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424. Workers who have questions about heat illness prevention can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative during normal business hours. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161 Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: InfoCons@dir.ca.gov, or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office Subscriber content preview By JONATHAN LEMIRE and KAREN MATTHEWS Associated Press 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 party's voters breaking away from its far-left candidates. Eric Adams, a former New York Police Department captain, this week became his party's nominee to lead the nation's largest city after making a centerpiece of his campaign his rejection of left-leaning activists' calls to defund the police. . . . Subscriber content preview 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 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. . . . Subscriber content preview HELENA Mont. (AP) A grizzly bear attacked and killed a person camping in western Montana early Tuesday, triggering an intensive search for the bruin by wildlife officials and law enforcement officers who planned to kill the animal, officials said. The pre-dawn attack happened in Ovando, a town of fewer than 100 people about 60 miles northwest of Helena, said Greg Lemon, a spokesperson with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. . . . Subscriber content preview By NICOLAS GARRIGA and ADAM EGAN Associated Press CANNES, France Cannes is back. The lights are in position, the stars en route to the French Riviera. And Spike Lee's face is peering out onto the Croisette from a huge banner announcing Tuesday's debut of the world's premier film festival. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE Live music is returning to the Seattle Center over the Labor Day weekend, with the new Day In Day Out music festival, set for Sept. 4-5 at the Fisher Green Pavilion. Single-day, two-day and VIP festival passes are now on sale at http://www.dayindayoutfest.com. Event organizer Daydream State has announced headliners including Scottish synth pop trio CHVRCHES and Grammy-winning electronic artist Kaytranada, along with Big Wild, AminA and other artists, plus local DJs playing between sets. . . . Subscriber content preview KENT An industrial property at 7915 S. 261st St. in Kent sold for $9.5 million, according to King County records. The buyer was Lift II 261st 7915 LLC, associated with Lift Partners of San Francisco, which hasn't filed any new plans. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE An older apartment building at 1519 N.W. 65th St. sold for almost $3.8 million, according to King County records. The seller was a family group that had owned the property for decades. . . . The Bondi, Byron, Bali triangle has the same attraction to spiritual urbanites as the Bermuda triangle has to light aircraft. This community was dealt a Chakra-stinging blow earlier this week, however, when news broke that Indonesia would be adopting a no vax, no fly policy. Coconuts Bali reports this is sending foreign nationals in Bali into a frenzy. From anti-vaxxers condemning the move, to travellers who prefer to get the COVID jab in their home countries, to those frustrated with not being able to get vaccinated even if they wanted to, the move has allegedly ruffled a lot of feathers, Coconuts Bali claims. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Betoota Advocate (@betootaadvocate) Here in Australia, our Beige linen wearing brethren now face a dilemma (beyond that of doing the right thing by the rest of the country) abandon the anti-vax rhetoric (which, unfortunately, quite a few in these communities seem to subscribe to) or have their wings clipped. With international travel tipped to resume in 2022, those looking to resume their annual pilgrimage to Mrs Sippy Seminyak will have to either get vaccinated or potentially be denied entry to Indonesia. At the time of writing, only 8.2% of Australians have been fully vaccinated, according to The Guardian. This rules out 91.8% of Australians from entering Indonesia (and by extension, Bali) right now. Australians cant leave Australia right now anyway due to our own governments travel ban. The big question Indonesias new policy raises is how many of us will be fully vaccinated next year (or whenever international travel resumes) and whether this no vax no fly policy for foreign nationals is going to remain in place permanently. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vacation in Bali (@vacationinbali) The COVID-19 Task Force issued the new requirements yesterday, Coconuts Bali reported on Monday, which mandates that foreign nationals entering Indonesia must test negative for the coronavirus and to show a card or certificate that indicates they have received their full dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. RELATED: Overseas Travel #1 Reason To Get Vaccinated For 80% Of Australians, Study Finds Foreigners who are already in Indonesia and are wishing to travel within the country are subject to domestic travel rules for Indonesian nationals, with one notable rule being that they are allowed to travel after having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 jab as well as a negative test result, Coconuts Bali added. The vaccine certificate requirement does not apply to foreign nationals with diplomatic visas, visiting on an official state capacity, or entering Indonesia under the Travel Corridor Arrangement scheme. Indonesians traveling from abroad can get their vaccines once they arrive in the country. News.com.au reports that, While some anti-vaxxers have slammed the rule, other travellers currently living in Indonesia say they would prefer to get the covid jab in their own home countries. Other travellers living in Indonesia, news.com.au also reports, Say that like in Australia getting access to the jab is proving near impossible. According to Coconuts Bali, the new rule has impacted peoples travel decisions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Uluwatu Surf Villas (@uluwatusurfvillas) One Facebook user said they recently arrived in Jakarta from the Netherlands and intended to travel to Bali, but are now unable to do so because they do not want to be vaccinated,' Coconuts Bali reported. Another user, who says hes seeking to leave Indonesia as soon as possible, wrote last night: Im not interested in taking the vaccines that are available here in Indonesia for personal reasons and just trying to get my family back home.' RELATED: Outrage Over New Zealand Travel Rule Shows Some Australians Still Living In COVID La La Land Other social media posts DMARGE has seen on Twitter show people speculating that Australia too, might introduce a no vax, no-fly policy when we eventually allow international travel again. This is pure speculation at this point, however. Read Next Opening the ongoing Special Meeting of Donegal County Council on Mica, newly elected Cathaoirleach Jack Murray (Sinn Fein) welcomed the members of the public who were in attendance at the first such live-streamed council meeting. Cllr Murray said: "I strongly believe in an open and transparent democracy and the more people that join these meetings to examine the workings of the Council, the better. "Among the members of the public who are here are the people who organised the protest march in Dublin on June 15. I said it when I accepted the Chair, I never came back from a demonstration feeling so proud to be a Donegal man as I did that day. So, I want to thank you all for uniting the people of Donegal in a way that was never done before . "I also want to wish the negotiators well in your ongoing meetings with the Government [Defective Blocks Working Group] and I note your frustrations this far. I am also very disappointed not elected member of this Council was invited to participate, particularly the Chair and the Vice Chair of Donegal County Council's Mica Redress Committee. "People were asking why a Special Meeting has been called. Essentially, I made a commitment Mica would be top of my agenda as Cathaoirleach. I am contacted every day by homeowners, Mica tenants, business people with Mica in their premises, with questions and concerns. Councillors have raised concerns with me directly and Cllr Frank McBrearty put it in writing and formally requested a Special Meeting of the Council and I am happy to agree to that," said Cllr Murray. Referencing the recent video which has been produced about the Mica scandal, Cllr Murray said it made "serious allegations about the Council". He added: "It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the [poor] perception that many people have at this moment in time of the Council. It should also be noted though that a significant number of Council staff are faced with the scourge of Mica, as are a number of elected Council members. It is an issue for all of the people of Donegal. It is an issue which unites every one of our citizens in a resolve to sort it out. We all need to work together to sort this out. "The issue that needs to be stated too, the only thing that will bring lasting comfort to the people affected by Mica is 100% Redress. Nothing else will ensure a roof over their heads under which their children can sleep knowing that they are safe. "This Council unanimously endorsed a motion to that effect at the last full sitting of the Council and we also stated our support for a full Public Inquiry, which is the only way to get to the truth of how this has happened, at every stage from the blockmakers and the quarries to the Local Authority and the people who authored and implemented the legislation under which all of this has happened," said Cllr Murray. Cathaoirleach Murray said it did not sit well with him Donegal County Council has brought homes which it knew contained Mica, in Buncrana. He added: "As a Councillor, I was not aware of it until I was contacted by a local paper. I am also concerned that we continue to buy from the manufacturers who we know supplied defective blocks, to us as a Council and to others. I understand the legal advice that has been received to date on this but I am still of the opinion that it should not continue. It is not right and I can only imagine the hurt that that causes to people whose homes are falling down around them. "I am also concerned at the delay at people accessing the [Defective Concrete Blocks Grant] Scheme, albeit, even though it is a Scheme which is not 100% Redress. Access to it needs to speed up massively. We need more resources and we need to work to remove the barriers people are facing. "Our social housing stock is also a concern and as a resident of Buncrana, where the problem is most acute, I can't walk down the street without people asking me what is going to happen their homes. These people, our tenants, are asking reasonable questions. To date, I have not been fully equipped to give them the answers they deserve. We also need to face the reality that our tiny rental market is going to disappear and homes are demolished and families temporarily relocate. It seems inevitable, some of the new houses the Council is constructing will be used to house people whose homes we repair or replace. So, we need a plan. Even if we were to get blank cheques tomorrow to carry out and restore, we don't have places for everybody to go to stay while the work is ongoing and that is something that really, really needs to be addressed. So again, I strongly believe we need to make a special case for funding in recognition of our unique circumstances to get more homes, to resource, design and construct those and to expedite the planning process to get those houses. "This is an emergency and emergency measures need to be taken. Collectively we represent more than 160,000 citizens of County Donegal and we are their voice and many of them are here today," concluded Cathaoirleach Murray. Four voluntary and community groups across Louth have been awarded Covid Stability funding. North Louth Hospice and Homecare Foundation received 150,000, Creative Spark Company received 15,339, Ardee Hospice Homecare Company received 12,000 and Ablevision Ireland received 3,000. Fianna Fail Senator for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has today welcomed over 180,000 in Covid Stability funding for community and voluntary groups across Louth. This funding is part of a wider package of almost 4.5 million for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises, which have suffered financially as a result of the pandemic. Senator McGreehan commented: The Government is fully aware of the tremendous role being played by community and voluntary groups in supporting communities and delivering important services, particularly during these challenging times. Covid-19 has brought challenges to these organisations, particularly with their cash flow and the practicalities of keeping their doors open. "This funding is a vital lifeline to stabilise the position of many of these social enterprises and help those who give so selflessly of their time to continue with their good work. "I am delighted to hear that four community groups across Louth will benefit from todays announcement. "It is my hope that funding will allow these organisations to continue this valuable support as we all work towards a social and economic recovery.'' Readers Survey As our valued readers, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. - Thank you, Eastern Arizona Courier Click Here Delta variant prevalence is still low in Oregon, but masks can help Comex upgrades equipment to save energy and meet highest global standards Packaging is a crucial feature of successful product marketing and greatly influences business and sales growth. Comex, a Serbian company specialising in the production of flexible food and non-food packaging and wrapping materials since 1990, knows this all too well. Even though packaging is a very specialised sector, it is also very competitive, says Rajko Pribilovic, General Director of Comex. Our recipe for success consists of three key ingredients: focus on our clients, dedicated employees and a drive to improve. The business has grown over the years to serve customers in Serbia and abroad. Comex now sells its products to more than 200 customers, with exports accounting for around 40 per cent of sales. We operate in an extremely dynamic environment, but keep up with the latest trends through permanent innovation and investment in production processes and technology and by keeping abreast of industry standards, Pribilovic says. Being up to date with current trends requires investment in new equipment and adherence to globally recognised standards. An EBRD and European Union (EU)-supported programme offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to credit lines through local partner financial institutions precisely for this kind of project. Once SMEs have successfully completed their investment, they are eligible for a cashback grant of 15 per cent, significantly reducing the overall cost. In addition, SMEs can obtain EBRD advisory support, which, in Serbia, is also funded by the EU. After we successfully implemented world-recognised ISO standards, which helped us to harmonise our production with the highest international safety and quality regulations, the next step was to upgrade our technology, says Pribilovic. His company decided to invest in a new printing machine, financed with a 1 million loan from Banca Intesa. In addition to the loan, the company also received a 150,000 grant, funded by the EU. The investment allowed us to replace old equipment with the latest technology, which led to several improvements, primarily in reducing our primary energy consumption, but also in boosting occupational health and safety standards, he adds. Investing in competitiveness pays off in the long run, generating higher sales, better-quality products and greater production capacity, among other things. Thus, the EBRD-EU programme in the Western Balkans improves SMEs access to well-structured finance and business advice, helping them grow. To date, the programme has supported more than 100 businesses in Serbia with more than 26 million worth of loans and grants, available through Banca Intesa and UniCredit Bank. This is just a small portion of the total amount the EBRD provides to the private sector in Serbia. In 2020 alone, the EBRD provided more than 480 million in financing to privately owned companies, the majority of which went to SMEs. EBRD President attends G20 meetings in Venice EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso is joining finance ministers, central bank governors and heads of international organisations in Venice this weekend to participate in the G20 Meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors for discussions of the latest G7 global corporate tax plan and the G20 International Conference on Climate. The EBRD President will share her thoughts following the Banks shareholders recent decision to align all its activities with the goals of the Paris Agreement from the end of 2022. As the lifting of public health measures is supporting a rebound of the global economy, it is all the more important that we learn the lessons from the recent Covid-19 pandemic and draw the right conclusions, she warned. Learn more EBRD deepens ccoperation with UNDP In the margins of the event in Venice the EBRD and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their partnership. The document strengthens the organisations joint efforts to support environmentally sustainable recovery and development in the economies of central and eastern Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia and the southern and eastern Mediterranean. Learn more Chernobyl storage reaches new milestone The Donor Assembly of the Nuclear Safety Account met this week to review the progress on the completion and operation of the Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facility (ISF-2); designed and constructed to safely process and store over 21,000 spent fuel assemblies from the Chernobyl reactors. Managed by the EBRD, the ISF-2 facility received its full operational licence in April and work to process and store the fuel commenced on 7 June 2021. This represents a major safety and project milestone in the transformation of the Chernobyl into an environmentally safe site following the 1986 nuclear accident and a demonstration of the benefits of international multilateral donor funding to support global nuclear safety. Watch here Dina Matta appointed EBRD Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer The 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. Learn more Project signings and agreements Fuelling the coal transition in Kragujevac Kragujevac, the fourth-largest city in Serbia, will make a big leap in its transition away from coal, thanks to an 18 million EBRD loan for the decarbonisation of the district heating system. The loan will finance the decommissioning of coal boilers in the citys district heating system, the installation of new natural gas boilers and the remediation of an open ash-disposal site. The financing will be complemented by technical support to the district heating company to help further decarbonise the heat supply and introduce renewable energy sources. Learn more Supporting Romanias online retailer eMAG The EBRD alongside Raiffeisen Bank arranged a syndicated loan package of 37.55 debt financing package for the leading Romanian online retailer eMAG. The loan is part of a larger package of 73.4 million aimed to finance the development of the companys second state-of-the-art logistic center as well as the hi-tech automation equipment to be installed. Founded in 2000, eMAG is today the largest online retailer in Romania connecting customers, suppliers and entrepreneurs across Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Learn more ProCredit Ukraine to support micro enterprises The EBRD is providing a loan equivalent to 25 million, available in hryvnia or in euros, to ProCredit Bank for on-lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine. At least 70 per cent of the funds will be dedicated to financing green technology. The funding is available under the EU4Business-EBRD credit line, which aims to increase the capacity of small businesses. Learn more Fostering youth entrepreneurship and skills development in Egypt The EBRD has launched a US$ 120 million Youth in Business programme for offering young entrepreneurs access to critically needed financing and technical assistance to grow their small businesses and a pilot US$ 20 million Skills in Business credit facility during a virtual event held in partnership with National Bank of Egypt (NBE). Learn more Supporting private Ukrainian gas trader ERU Trading With a new loan of 10 million to ERU Trading LLC, a privately owned gas trader, the EBRD is supporting competition and security of supply in the energy sector in Ukraine. The EBRDs two-year revolving working capital facility will boost the companys trade capacity. Learn more here and here Donors EBRD and EU support packaging producer in Serbia Being up to date with current trends requires investment in new equipment and adherence to globally recognised standards. An EBRD and EU-supported programme offers SMEs like Serbian Comex access to credit lines through local partner financial institutions to meet these goals. Learn more EBRD in the news EBRD Head of Greece, Andreea Moraru, spoke to the Greek business news portal Mononews about the EBRDs work in Greece and the prospects of the countrys economy. Learn more EBRD Head of Croatia, Victoria Zinchuk, spoke to Nacional, a business and banking magazine, about the Banks projects and plans in the country. She emphasized the EBRDs preparedness to support the recovery and help Croatia with urban regeneration projects. Learn more The EBRD Head of Kazakhstan, Agris Preimanis, spoke to the local business web portal kapital.kz about the EBRDs activities in the country. Learn more The EBRD Regional Head of Western Balkans, Matteo Collangeli, spoke to e-Kapija about the EBRDs work in Serbia. He set out the plans to support the green transition by strengthening renewables and reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. Learn more The EBRD experts for green bonds, Isabelle Laurent and Charles Smith, spoke to Intellinews. A robust green bond from issuers that are at the lower end of investment grade or even sub-investment grade can find significant investor interest that they would not find for their ordinary issuance, and that has allowed them both to increase the tenors at which they fund, as well as see an improvement in price, they said. Learn more EBRD in social media Our new video celebrated the latest safety milestone at Chernobyl. Watch here Our Policy Paper Going electric A pathway to zero-emission buses is out! Read more We welcomed Diana Matta, our new Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer Learn More Subscribe to instant email updates on EBRD news about topics such as coronavirus and climate finance. Sign up Cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of development efforts Joint programmes to support countries in building competitive and inclusive economies Reaffirming collaboration established in 2014 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) re-affirmed their partnership today with a memorandum of understanding signed by Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD. The memorandum, signed on the margins of the G20 meetings in Venice, strengthens the organisations joint efforts to support environmentally sustainable recovery and development in the economies of central and eastern Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia and the southern and eastern Mediterranean. The two organisations will also collaborate on issues including the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises and the promotion of equality of opportunity for women, youth and people suffering from disabilities. This renewed memorandum with the EBRD will strengthen our efforts to build forward better from the pandemic and to leverage digital transformation as a means of planting the seeds for tomorrows competitive and inclusive economies. By working together, we can focus on exploring new opportunities to promote a green recovery and equal opportunities for everyone, UNDP Administrator Steiner said. EBRD President Renaud-Basso said: I am pleased to renew the partnership between the EBRD and UNDP here today. The areas of collaboration highlighted in the new memorandum capture well our common commitment to support countries in their economic recovery journey, ensuring that it is both green and inclusive, leveraging the opportunities offered by the digital transition. The memorandum builds on the cooperation established between the two institutions in 2014. Since then, they have developed several initiatives, including to promote vocational training in Turkey, develop the first social impact bond in Armenia and create the Skills for an Inclusive Future network, which promotes stronger private-sector engagement in skills development to facilitate the inclusion of underserved populations. The network was officially launched earlier in July 2021 on the sidelines of the UN High Level Political Forum in New York. The UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, it helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. ART psychotherapist, Patrick Byrne, says our elderly population has possibly suffered the most since the pandemic landed on our shores over a year ago. He believes that the provision of emotional support as we begin to emerge from Covid-19 is crucial for the wellbeing of all our population, and particularly for our ageing population. Patrick is the resident art psychotherapist at the Carrigaline Family Centre. He also has a private practice in Wilton. For elderly people, he is also offering one-to-one therapy in their homes. Patricks practice is complementary to counselling and is influenced and underpinned by psychotherapeutic theoretical frameworks and treatment interventions. He stresses that you dont have to be good at art to avail of art psychotherapy or creative psychotherapy. He is all too aware of the plight of the elderly, who were initially advised to cocoon and who had to isolate themselves from others this past year and a half. For many older people, who were living in isolation, it really affected their mental health. I know that from my practice and from my instinct as an art psychotherapist. For some older people, admitting to having depression can be hard as they see it as having a stigma. Asking for help with their mental health wouldnt be culturally part of their tradition. If you think about the Ireland they grew up in, they were not encouraged to talk about feelings and emotions. They werent aware of them. They probably just didnt have time, living their lives and rearing their children. They hold a lot of their emotions and feelings because they have nowhere to express them. Not expressing them can result in them coming out in different ways. It could be arguing with a family care-giver, said Patrick. Aware of what older women may have experienced in their past informs Patricks practice. Years ago, women didnt have much of a life. There was no birth control so they had large families and no freedom. The wisdom that comes with age is something Patrick is keen to acknowledge. Older people may not have an opportunity to share their wisdom. We live in quite an ageist society compared to say Spain and Italy where the elderly are very much part of the community. We also live in a time of rolling negative news. Patrick advises his clients to limit their exposure to the news cycle. I tell people that I see to turn off the radio and to listen to the news just once a day. They should go out for a walk, bake a cake, do something that is creative. My TV has been broken since last year. I watch films on DVDs at night. I listen to the radio at 9am and thats it. Patrick, who graduated a few years ago from the Crawford Art College in art psychotherapy as a mature student, is well qualified to work with the elderly. His masters thesis, which he completed in 2019, is entitled An Exploration of Home-based Art Therapy Model in Elder Care as a Complementary Alternative to Traditional Art Therapy Spaces. In researching his thesis, Patrick discovered that not everybody wants to go into a day care centre. Not everyone wants to come to my practice for a number of reasons. An elderly person might have disabilities or be home-bound. So Im offering them the choice of having art therapy in their own house. When I meet the elderly person initially, there is an assessment. They (or a guardian) will give me a bit of background information. Then, Ill practise in their house in a room that is private. Ill have a notion of what is going on for the person and what their concerns are. Something from their past could be triggering them. It could be to do with an attachment issue or where they are with their family. We hold and carry a lot of trauma in ourselves from our past. A lot of stuff comes from the elderly persons past. I help them to regulate their emotions through different types of interventions. For example, Patrick might ask the elderly client to imagine living on a deserted island and state what they would need to survive there. They might make an image of an island. I would look at the image, which might tell a story. An island can be reflective of yourself. It can be about survival. The client might draw a fire on the island, or drinking water, or a strong shelter in which to live: It can reveal that the person has a sense of survival. For some people I work with, thats really important. Patrick says that an important part of his work with clients is simply listening to them. As a cancer survivor, the 57-year-old is empathetic: I have a lifetime of experience and Ive invested about 5,000 in my own counselling. A Cork publican has expressed frustration that a vaccine pass system looks like the only show in town to allow the resumption of indoor hospitality. Michael ODonovan, owner of the Castle Inn on South Main Street and Cork city chairman of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) said he envisages the measure, which looks increasingly likely to transpire, will be problematic at best to implement. None of us want to be in a position where were at the door asking people are you vaccinated or arent you vaccinated? and now were going to be pushed into this position by the Government which is really unfortunate. It seems like its the only show in town, its the only way that were going to get open with this vaccination certificate, he said. Michael ODonovan, owner of the Castle Inn on South Main Street and Cork city chairman of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) said he envisages the measure, which looks increasingly likely to transpire, will be problematic at best to implement. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Talks in relation to the return of indoor dining continued this afternoon between Government officials and the hospitality industry. Following todays meeting, six reopening scenarios will be presented to Cabinet for a final decision next Tuesday, a statement from the VFI said. While six options will be presented to Government, it is understood most of the discussions focused on devising a system that allows only vaccinated people and those recovered from Covid to dine and drink indoors. Taoiseach Micheal Martin also confirmed today that primary legislation will be needed to provide a legislative framework to enable the reopening of indoor hospitality in line with the public health advice the Government has received. Talks are underway at the moment and we are on target to have a plan ready in advance of the 19th and for the 19th. That was our commitment, to have a plan ready. It will mean the introduction of primary legislation to facilitate this and the reopening of hospitality. There has been further engagement the last number of days on that and over the weekend well be fine-tuning that legislation, he said. Mr Martin added that this will be short legislation. Speaking to The Echo, Mr ODonovan said if the vaccine pass system is whats required then the onus is now on Government to get the legislation passed next week before the Oireachtas takes its summer break. He added that the wait is frustrating for businesses who are currently in limbo. Were about 10 days out from July 19 and were going to be waiting until next week to see if theres the political will to get this through the Dail to enable us to reopen on July 19. Its hugely frustrating again that were going to go around on the merry-go-round, he said. We dont want to be doing this vaccination certificate but for those that want to open its the only way were going to get open and to get the trade in the foreseeable future. Under these circumstances, its really difficult that were effectively going to become agents of the State in operating this system, he added. Liam Edwards said he has serious reservations and would be nervous about the logistics of implementing a vaccine pass system. Picture. John Allen Liam Edwards of Jim Edwards restaurant in Kinsale and a member of the national council of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) voiced similar concerns. He said he has serious reservations and would be nervous about the logistics of implementing a vaccine pass system. Weve got an outside dining area here so the facilities non-vaccinated people will be using will be the same facilities used by vaccinated people, he said. We definitely want to get our doors open, Im just nervous that the buck will stop with us as far as the whole control measure of it all, he added. Mr Edwards pointed out that only allowing those who are fully vaccinated and those who have recovered from Covid-19 to dine indoors puts those working in hospitality in an awkward position. We run a restaurant in a small town where we know a lot of people and I just dont want to be the one to be refusing people. An astronaut currently aboard the International Space Station has given a special mention to Cork city on social media. Shane Kimbrough, who is one of the crew members aboard the ISS has been sharing some impressive images taken from space on twitter and an image of our city is the latest to be shared. Posting the image on Twitter, the US NASA astronaut said that he had great memories in the lovely city of Cork. The image shows Cork city centre and its suburbs with landmarks such as University College Cork (UCC), Fitzgerald Park, The Lough and Tramore Valley Park identifiable from above. Great memories in the lovely city of Cork, Ireland! Blackrock Castle Observatory (near the center of the photo) was first built as a fort in 1582, with the purpose of discouraging pirates & invaders along the River Lee & Lough Mahon. pic.twitter.com/osnyc73eNl Shane Kimbrough (@astro_kimbrough) July 8, 2021 A special mention was given by Mr Kimbrough to Blackrock Castle Observatory which is also pictured. "Blackrock Castle Observatory (near the center of the photo) was first built as a fort in 1582, with the purpose of discouraging pirates & invaders along the River Lee & Lough Mahon, he posted. Blackrock Castle staff were quick to reply, thanking him for sharing the image and inviting him back to Irelands real capital. "Thanks for sharing Shane! We hope you're keeping well and here's hoping we get to welcome you back to Ireland's real capital in the not too distant future!, they posted. Mr Kimbrough is one of seven astronauts and cosmonauts currently aboard the ISS, along with Pyotr Dubrov, Megan McArthur, Thomas Pesquet, Akihiko Hoshide, Oleg Novitskiy and Mark Vande Hei. Cork looks set for a weekend of mostly wet conditions, according to the latest forecast from Met Eireann. Showery bursts of rain will continue for the rest of today and overnight. Tomorrow will bring "a mix of sunny spells and a few passing showers" for much of the day, the national forecaster has said. However, during the evening there is the chance of some showery outbreaks of rain moving in. Tomorrow will be warm and humid with maximum afternoon temperatures ranging between 18 to 21 degrees in light southerly breezes. On Sunday there will be a mix of sunshine and heavy showers with the potential for "some thundery downpours". "Across Munster, the showers may merge to give a more persistent spell of rain," Met Eireann stated. While the forecast for the weekend looks less than ideal, brighter conditions have been forecast for next week with the national weather forecaster saying there will be "plenty of dry weather". Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has arrived home in Ireland after spending six months in the United States undergoing treatment. Ms Phelan said she landed back in Dublin in the early hours of this morning on a flight from Boston. Her return home marks the first time in six months she has been reunited with her family. HOME...At last! she said in a post on Instagram. I arrived home to Ireland in the early hours of this morning. Ms Phelan thanked the staff of Aer Lingus and Dublin Airport, who really pulled out all the stops for me and my family this morning with welcome home banners and balloons. The use of a private suite allowed me to have time and privacy to reunite with my family after 6 months of not seeing them, she said. Ms Phelan also thanked her social media followers for keeping me going over the last few weeks when coming home seemed so far away at times. I will post sporadically until I can (hopefully) move around more freely after my period of quarantine at home in Doonbeg when I will get out and about again, she added. The campaigner previously spoke of her relief at being back on track to come home to Ireland, after a period of being very ill in the US. Upon leaving the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin is quoted as saying that the constitutional delegates had chosen for America a Republic, if you can keep it. This came years after the founding fathers sat down and declared their independence from the British monarchy. Our democratic republic was an experiment, which had never been tried before as a form of government. I have no doubt that Ben Franklin was skeptical about whether or not we would be able to keep it, as he famously quipped. He would have had no idea about the trials and tribulations that our country would endure in the decades and centuries to come, but he did know that keeping our republic would not be easy. Over the years, democracy has undergone significant reforms and challenges as our country reconciled with womens suffrage, abolishing slavery and ensuring that people of color were afforded the right to vote, and overcoming Jim Crow laws. These were just some of the internal threats, but challenges to democracy came in the form of fascism, communism, and totalitarianism abroad as well. There were no women in the room the day the Declaration of Independence was signed nor at the Constitutional Convention. Women would not even get the right to vote for another 130 years. It would take many years after that for women to see meaningful representation in the halls of power in our nations Capital. Yet 234 years after the Constitutional Convention, when Democracy came under threat again, it was a new set of Founding Fathers, ahem, Mothers, who would be called upon to safeguard our democracy and therefore our republic. Over the last year, the integrity of our democracy has come under fire from an unlikely source, the outgoing American President. For months, he claimed that if he lost, it would be because the election was rigged and then, when he did lose, his supporters believed that to be true. To make a long story short, it fell to professional elections administrators to stand up for democracy in the face of some truly awful vitriol. These elections administrators are overwhelmingly professional, badass women who have been standing up for democracy for years. In Michigan, for example, a large majority of our County Clerks are women. Our Secretaries of State have been women for the last 26 years. Many voting rights advocates are women as well. This is a trend that you can find replicated across the country. In Georgia, Stacy Abrams has been the most high-profile voting rights advocate in the state over the last several years. She and her organization, Fair Fight 2020, was credited with registering an estimated 800,000 new voters in Georgia and her efforts to register and turn out voters impacted a presidential election. In Arizona, Katie Hobbs has continually fought for the rights of Arizonans as their Secretary of State. She has pushed back in the media and to the public against the partisan power grab attempting to placate conspiracy theorists in Maricopa County. This in the face of being stripped of her authority to defend state election laws, and that power being given to the Attorney General instead. Back here at home, Dana Nessel is not an election administrator, but has been fighting for the rights of Michigan citizens and standing up for truth in the face of election conspiracies, at a critical juncture in Michigans electoral history. At the urging of a Republican-authored report, Attorney General Nessel has committed to evaluate the falsehoods that many have made about the security and safety of the November 2020 General Election. While I do not wish the challenges these strong and influential women have faced on anyone, this may be just the beginning of the fight. I also stand ready to continue to protect our democratic way of being. I have found myself, time and time again, fighting to ensure that the truth is heard and understood about our safe and secure elections, taking every opportunity to speak to the public, as well as to our legislators, to help educate on this topic. I am committed to administering the elections in Ingham County in a manner that is transparent, bi-partisan, and meets the highest security standard possible. Ben Franklin did not know exactly who would need to step up and protect our democracy. Given the time period, he probably assumed it would be a group that very much fit the same demographic that sat in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention. While it took longer than it should have, I am pleased that we are in the very capable hands of our new Founding Mothers. Who do you consider our Founding Mothers? Submit your answer at www.barbbyrum.com/contact. B2B Lead Generation Service Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more. Clients of SolarWinds, which experienced a high-profile data breach last year, are being targeted in a probe by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, according to a Reuters report. The investigation is focusing on whether some of the companies doing business with the network management software maker failed to disclose they were affected by the attack, Reuters reported Monday, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the investigation. Those sources revealed that the SEC sent letters last week to a number of public companies and investment firms asking them to voluntarily acknowledge if they had been victims and failed to disclose it. "The SEC deciding to investigate a public enterprise breach is pretty significant, considering there could be financial implications from this breach that could affect a company's future," Piyush Sharrma, co-founder of Accurics, a cyber resilience company in Pleasanton, Calif. told TechNewsWorld. "The impact of these large-scale breaches clearly has the potential to destabilize stock prices and the broader stock market, so it makes sense that the SEC would pursue such a line of inquiry," added Oliver Tavakoli, CTO of Vectra AI, a provider of automated threat management solutions in San Jose, Calif. As cyberattacks continue to grow in sophistication and cost, it is significant that the SEC is aware of security breaches and is proactively requesting information about them, maintained Bryce Hancock, COO of Cerberus Sentinel, a cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing company in Scottsdale, Ariz. "This is important from a disclosure standpoint, as well as raising the awareness of the importance of creating a culture of cybersecurity," he told TechNewsWorld. The SEC did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Question of Reach James McQuiggan, a security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, a security awareness training provider in Clearwater, Fla. explained that SolarWinds has thousands of customers, many of them likely publicly traded companies. "While the SolarWinds breach itself was heavily in the news, it was not well known if the other organizations came forward to report that they were breached," he told TechNewsWorld. "However, the SEC requires organizations to have disclosure procedures, as they are required to report any data breaches or cyber incidents," he continued. "Ironically, the company may report to the SEC that they experienced a breach," he added, "but may not disclose it publicly if it did not involve losing any privacy-controlled data, like names or emails. Brent Johnson, CISO of Bluefin, a data security company in Atlanta, explained that a probe into the SolarWinds breach isn't entirely unexpected, since the agency has fined companies in the past for failing to disclose data breaches. "What is different this time around is the breadth of companies impacted by the SolarWinds incident," he told TechNewsWorld. "Confusion around whether running affected software versions impacted different companies' user bases has likely raised a lot of questions around the true reach of the hackers here," he told TechNewsWorld. Sunburst Backdoor The attack on SolarWinds Orion platform was disclosed in December. The platform is commonly used to manage complex switched and routed network architectures. Because of the sophistication of the attack, it's suspected that the operation was backed by a nation-state. What SolarWinds discovered was that hackers were able to penetrate its software development infrastructure and bolt a malware program, known as Sunburst, into a legitimate software update for Orion. In March of 2020, the malicious software patch was distributed to SolarWinds' customers. The patch set up a backdoor to the systems it infected, which gave the hackers a means for stealing data from those systems. McQuiggan noted that the SEC has required the reporting of data breaches to the agency since February 2018. "However," he continued, "with the SolarWinds attack being so prominent in the industry, the SEC may realize that there should be a significantly higher number of organizations that have yet to report if a breach impacted them via the Sunburst exploit." "This is not entirely new territory for the SEC, as it has sued companies related to breach disclosure and failure to adopt proper cybersecurity policies at least as far back as a decade ago," added Tavakoli. "But," he told TechNewsWorld, "this push feels more expansive and different than the ad hoc approaches of the past." Far Reaching Request In addition to requesting voluntary disclosures, Reuters reported that the SEC is seeking information from victims of the attack as to whether they experienced a lapse of internal controls, as well as any insider trading data. Reuters also reported the SEC is looking at some companies' policies to determine if they're designed to protect customer information. "I do find the internal controls piece interesting," Johnson said. "While a supply chain attack may be difficult to detect from an internal controls perspective, a company's ability to investigate, respond, and notify once the vulnerability has been detected could be under scrutiny." Sharrma maintained that the SEC is trying to understand if state threat actors were involved in the breach. He acknowledged, however, "Enforcing controls and policies could be more complicated because every control may not apply to every enterprise." "I think they're interested in learning, understanding and evaluating the impact of the breach, rather than enforcing security policies," he added. Tavakoli called the SEC's information requests "far reaching." "The SEC setting a clearer bar for what constitutes reasonable cybersecurity policies and practices has the potential to clarify corporate responsibility to protect shareholder value," he said. "Breaches -- and insider knowledge about them -- can clearly be used to illegally benefit in trading stocks, something that is squarely within the SEC's remit," he added. He also noted that what action the SEC may take against companies that voluntarily admit they failed to disclose the impact of the SolarWinds breach on their operations appears to be fuzzy. "It's unclear from the public reports whether companies which now disclose a breach will not be subject to fines -- just that the information they provide to the SEC would not be used as a basis for legal action," he said. "And companies may still wish to avoid public disclosure and the inevitable raft of civil lawsuits that would ensue from such disclosure," he added. John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. Effingham, IL (62401) Today Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Effingham, IL (62401) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Elkhart, IN (46516) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Washington, MO (63090) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Cavendish gets another opportunity to equal record of 34 stage wins Manx cyclist Mark Cavendish gets another opportunity to equal the record of 34 stage wins at cycling's Tour de France today. He finished in the peloton at the end of stage 12 - in front of overall leader Tadej Pogacar. German rider Nils Politt crossed the line first. The riders next have a 137-mile route from Nimes to Carcassonne. Athens, AL (35611) Today Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Since 2018, an app called Natural Cycles has allowed women to track their temperature and menstrual cycle as a way to know whether theyre fertile. In that time, the process of using the app hasnt changed significantly. Every morning when you wake up, it asks that you take your temperature with a basal thermometer and log that data. And while Natural Cycles says its okay for users to miss some days, the app is at its most effective as a contraception method when someone is methodical. With typical usage, the software is 93 percent effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies, according to studies published by the company . Following an application last fall , Natural Cycles has obtained clearance from the FDA to allows users to track their temperature with a wearable device, the startup told Fast Company . With the help of 40 women who used an Oura ring , the company found its software was able to accurately predict when they were about to ovulate. In fact, the wearable helped Natural Cycle better predict non-fertile days. The company said the approval makes it the worlds first wearable birth control, in a statement it shared with Engadget. At the moment, the feature is only available through an invite-only beta, and the company told Fast Company it currently doesnt have a timeline for when it will widely roll out wearable supports to its users. It plans to first test a variety of different devices, as well as work on its own first-party offering. Netflix has hired N'Jeri Eaton, the former head of content for Apple Podcasts, to head up its own podcast operations. According to Variety, she's the first person to lead Netflix's podcast programming, indicating the streaming service's growing commitment to audio content. Netflix has long been releasing companion talk shows for its original movies and TV series, including ones for The Crown, The Witcher and Stranger Things. Eaton will now oversee those companion audio shows, as well as any original ones the company produces. The new executive will be part of the company's editorial and publishing team, which will be under the leadership of Michelle Lee, the former editor-in-chief of Allure. Both Lee and Eaton will join the streaming service later this month. As Bloomberg notes, Netflix is expanding its editorial and publishing division as a whole and has been growing its stable of journalists. Eaton and Lee will report to Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, who also used to be an Apple executive. Prior to joining Apple in August 2020, Eaton worked at NPR for four years, where she acquired new talent, content and partnerships. She announced her departure from Apple in a tweet on July 2nd and more recently confirmed that she's joining Netflix as Head of Podcasts. As studios and streaming services continue to strike deals, jump ship and generally settle with preferred partners, its getting harder to figure out which movies will be available where and when. Amazons latest deal with Universal is case in point. Amazon has struck a multi-year deal for exclusive Prime Video streaming rights for Universal's live-action theatrical releases, which will kick in next year. According to a report from Deadline, it will cover blockbusters such as Jurassic World: Dominion, Get Out director Jordan Peele's next horror film and Halloween Ends. However, the deal is for a chunk of the pay-one window, which is the 18-month period after a movie's theatrical run. Just days ago, Universal struck an agreement with its NBCUniversal sibling, Peacock, for the first four and last four months of the window. So, that should mean that within four months of their theatrical release date, Universal's live-action movies will start streaming on Peacock. Four months after that, they'll move over to Prime Video for a 10-month run, before going back to Peacock for at least another four months. Universals plan seems to be shuffling the release schedule around different streaming platforms to ensure its movies get to more audiences across different services while keeping said platforms satisfied with what they get. The trouble is you might struggle to find the film you want to watch or miss the chance to see it unless youre paying a lot of attention to movie release dates. Mat Smith An expensive phone for spec die-hards. Qualcomm 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, it'll be more broadly available by August. Oddly, it wont pack the very highest-end Qualcomm mobile processor (Snapdragon 888+), but a Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, with whats described as "the most comprehensive support for all key 5G sub-6 and mmWave bands" of any device, along with WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E. Theres also 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The screen, too, is specced out: Its a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits of brightness. The rear 64-megapixel camera will also be capable of recording 8K video. Itll be one of the first phones to support Snapdragon Sound, which features 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, which is a nice touch. The ASUS-designed Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders will initially be available in a few countries, including the US, UK, Japan and South Korea. It will cost a heady $1,499 when it arrives later this summer. Continue reading. The first electric motorcycle from the company's LiveWire brand is here. Harley-Davidson The most eye-catching feature of Harley-Davidsons new LiveWire One is its price tag. The electric motorcycle will cost $21,999. Thats almost $8,000 less than the $29,799 the original LiveWire sold for when it came out in 2019. With federal subsidies, Harley-Davidson expects most US buyers will be able to get the LiveWire One for less than $20,000. Harley-Davidson has also improved the motorcycles range. Driving on slower city streets, the LiveWire One can travel 146 miles on a single charge, the company claims. By comparison, its predecessor was limited to a maximum of about 110 city miles. Using a DC fast charger, the company says you can get the LiveWire Ones battery from dead to a full charge in about an hour. The second electric motorcycle from Harley-Davidson will initially be limited to customers who live in California, New York and Texas since only 12 dealerships in those states are authorized to sell the LiveWire One at the moment. However, the bike will be available at more dealers come this fall. Continue reading. But it's still early days for the project. Square is building a bitcoin hardware wallet and service, a month after company CEO Jack Dorsey announced it's considering the move. Jesse Dorogusker, Square's Hardware Lead, revealed on Twitter that the company came upon the decision "to make bitcoin custody more mainstream. At this point, the company at least knows it wants to make the product available globally and prioritize mobile use. Continue reading. Headed to Paramount+. Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images Paramount has greenlit a full restoration of Robert Wises 2001 Directors Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The project will apparently take between six and eight months to finish, be formatted in 4K, with Dolby Vision HDR, and have a new Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The film, which was the first time Kirk, Spock et al. hit the big screen, was a slower affair than you might expect from a sci-fi series, taking some inspiration from 2001: A Space Odyssey. And no, this isnt the one where Kirk shouts Khan! Continue reading. If it can make parenting easier, its a good gadget in our book. Withings When it comes to dealing with a newborn baby, you need all the help you can get. While tech cant help with everything wheres our diaper-changing robot of the future? you can upgrade your nursery with some reliable, simple to use and effective kit. We pick out our favorite baby monitors, smart breast pumps and more. Continue reading. But wait, theres more... Dodge will debut an all-electric muscle car in 2024 Petcube is making a more affordable treat slinger for your pets EU fines BMW and VW $1 billion for limiting emissions reduction tech Marvel's 'What If...?' series debuts August 11th on Disney+ 'Death Stranding Director's Cut' will hit PS5 September 24th Canon's EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III get C-Log 3 support Volvo has made no secret of its plans to go green by 2030, first unveiling the XC40 Recharge SUV in 2019, then partnering with the Geely corporation to develop its performance EV Polestar line. And come early next year, the XC will be joined by a sleeker, curvier sibling dubbed the C40 Recharge. The C stands for coupe. Understand, the XC40 and C40 are very much the same vehicle, at least under the hood. The two along with the Polestar 2 all share the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that Volvo plans to build its future EV fleet on top of. As such, the C40 and XC40 offer literally identical performance profiles. They share a 78 kWh (75 kWh effective) battery pack which produces 408 HP and 486 lb-ft of torque across all four wheels, giving both cars a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds, a 112 mph top speed and an estimated 210 miles of range. Volvo And, like its predecessor, the C40 Recharge will do so at rates up to 150kW on an L3 DC charger, enabling it to refill its power cells from basically dead to 80 percent capacity in 40 minutes. The C40 Recharge can also accept power from Level 2 (220V) sources, requiring around 8 hours to fully charge. You can, technically, charge the C40 on a standard 110V outlet Volvo includes an adapter for doing so standard but the company is positioning that charging level as more of a trickle-charge, topping-off option than one for actually, fully refilling a completely depleted battery. As a Volvo rep explained to Engadget on Wednesday, the company envisions drivers using Level 3 DC fast charging stations located along their commutes more as quick recharge points stopping for 5-10 minutes at a time, grabbing a cup of coffee as they wait while using an in-home L2 charger to fully replenish the charge overnight, like an drivable cell phone. Volvo On the outside, the C and XC are easily discernible. While the XC40 adheres to the classic tenets of SUV styling, the C actually stands around 3 inches shorter overall and features a broadly curved roofline that falls away into an upturned spoiler resulting in the coupe designation. I for one am smitten with the styling, especially the Fjord Blue paint scheme, which mimics the color of Sweden's local waters, as well as the all-glass roof. The interior is even more impressive. For one thing, you wont find a speck of leather in there. The floor mats are produced from recycled water bottles, as are the startlingly realistic faux-suede seats. It's a very practical, sustainable solution, trying to get us away from traditional luxuries, Volvos design rep told Engadget. I think our future of luxury is more about the simplicity of something. Not, how many layers of wood and how many buttons you can have, it's more about the experience. One unique aspect of that experience are the highlight panels that run throughout the C40 Recharges cabin, which depict topographical features of a Swedish national park. Volvo The cabin itself is quite minimalist though youll find a host of storage spaces subtly placed around the front seats with slick holders for everything from travel mugs to credit cards. The dashboard consists of the front-and-center Android Auto infotainment system, a series of physical buttons and knobs controlling the audio playback, front and rear defrost, and hazards sit just below. While I personally am a fan of tactile controls, C40 drivers wont have a whole much use for them on account of the ever-present Android Assistant. Youll be able to control the stereo, make calls, send texts, adjust the climate controls and even turn on the heated steering wheel. The Assistants knack for locating and evaluating charging stations along your route should prove especially helpful to range-wary EV adopters, Volvo reps explained on Wednesday, by not only alerting drivers to where these stations are but also what kind of connections they offer and the status of the vehicles battery once it arrives. Volvo has yet to officially announce its MSRP for the C40 Recharge so itll be interesting to see how it might compare to its expected competition, assuming the C40 ends up being priced roughly around $54,000 like its XC predecessor. For example the Model Y Long Range starts from $52,490 and gets a 100 miles-plus more distance using an equivalently sized battery pack. The Audi Q4 e-tron on the other hand manages to achieve the same range on a surprisingly tiny 52 kWh pack. To be fair though, its 0-60 is 9 seconds flat and theyre only for sale in Europe for the moment. Then youve got the ID.4 which starts at $40,000 and boasts 50 miles more range but, in my opinion at least, doesn't offer quite the same level of refinement that I saw in the C40 Recharge. Volvo The C40 is expected to hit US streets in the first quarter of 2022 but it will not be available for sale through Volvo dealerships. Youll be able to see them at the dealership, sure, as well as test drive them, pick yours up from there and get it serviced there if you buy one. However the purchase process itself happens exclusively online. You can reserve one today for $500 at the Volvo website. Enid, OK (73701) Today Mostly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 88F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Enid, OK (73701) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Former child star and "Bachelor Party" actor Tawny Kitaen died aged 59 on Friday in Newport Beach, California. While the cause of her death was immediately unknown, her brother claimed that it was because of a broken heart. According to TMZ, her brother made the connection because their father just passed away a month earlier from skin cancer. However, a new report shines light into her death and hinted that it could also be linked to a lawsuit she was facing prior to the tragedy. According to Radar Online, the actress was facing some critical financial and personal problems in the months before she was found dead insider the Orange County home. Based on the court documents obtained by Radar, a debt collector named Midland Credit Management had filed a civil lawsuit against her back in August 2020. The debt reportedly amounted to $15,000. In court documents, the company said Kitaen had maintained a credit card with Neiman Marcus but since 2018, she already stopped making the necessary and regular payments. Capitol One closed the account eventually and then sent the $15,319.15 bill to the collector. ALSO READ: Justin Timberlake 'Bought' Forgiveness From Jessica Biel After Cheating on Her? The Truth Apart from her unpaid financial dues, she was also reportedly dealing with a 2019 DUI arrest prior to her death. Records revealed the actress was arrested on July 22, 2019 and in October 2019, was officially charged. Tawny plead not guilty to the charges and she was given a schedule to appear in court the following month. She died on this particular month. This was not the only legal issue that she was embroiled in in her life. In 2006, the model was only able to avoid being sent to prison after reaching a plea deal in a cocaine possession case. Otherwise, she could have served several years of sentence because cops found 15 grams of cocaine in her home. In 2009, she was again arrested for driving under the influence. The officers claimed she had pills in her system. At the time of her death, her family claimed there were no illegal drugs or alcohol that could be witnessed at the scene. Kitaen's brother also claims that law enforcement officers told them that the actress could not have committed suicide. ALSO READ: Britney Spears Calls 911 The Night Before Her Conservatorship Hearing - Her Desperate Plea Revealed Queen Elizabeth has surprised many royal watchers after Prince Philip passed away. This is because ever since the sad event, she was smiling more, attending more public events with grace and cheer, and just looking good, overall. Reports have now revealed why this could be so. According to Daily Mail, the Queen has made a secret agreement with Prince Philip on how either of them would live their lives upon one's passing. Allegedly, the secret agreement had the Queen agreeing not to mourn that long for her husband if he was the first to die. It went particularly like this: "whoever was left should mourn, but not for too long, then enjoy what remained of their life." It appears that the Queen Elizabeth is certainly keeping her end of the bargain. She definitely mourned her husband for a while, but bounced back quickly in her dedication to public duty. Instead of looking all glum about it, she is putting on a brave face - one that looks cheerier than usual. ALSO READ: Justin Timberlake 'Bought' Forgiveness From Jessica Biel After Cheating on Her? The Truth The monarch quickly transfromed from having "great sadness" etched in her features, which overshadowed her birthday into going back out and making jokes on certain issues. Her hilarious takes on Matt Hancock's mounting problems showed that she's recovering, or if not, she's certainly trying. According to some experts however, another reason why she is smiling so much these days is that she simply enjoys being out and about, after several months of being stuck at home due to the pandemic. "While it may only be 11 weeks since her beloved husband was laid to rest at Windsor Castle, I'm not surprised to see so many pictures of our beaming Queen - not least as the lifting of COVID restrictions means that she, like the rest of us, is now able to return to some semblance of normality, " editor and royal expert Camilla Tominey wrote in Telegraph. "It is no secret that the Queen loathed lockdown, which stopped her carrying out what she has always viewed as the most essential part of her job: being seen to be believed," she added. If she recovered quickly enough - enough to shock onlookers, they should not be doubting her hurt and grief over her husband's passing. They have been together for more than seven decades after all. But the monarch is just proving how dedicated she is to the palace and to the people - she would not be the longest reigning monarch if this is not the case. ALSO READ: Britney Spears Calls 911 The Night Before Her Conservatorship Hearing - Her Desperate Plea Revealed Steven Avery has been hit with another major blow after his mother, Dolores Avery, died. Avery's attorney, Kathleen Zellner, confirmed Dolores passing in a statement. She disclosed that the matriarch passed away on Thursday morning and that Avery needs everyone's support right now. In case people want to send him a letter, Zellner included his mailing address on the document. Avery currently stays at the Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. He reacted to the untimely passing of his mother, expressing the grief of losing both his parents before he could get out of the facility. The first part of the "worst nightmare" for him, unfortunately, happened already. "I worry my Dad will not live to see me as a free man. Today I lost the person I most wanted to take care of and give a better life when I am freed," he said. Meanwhile, his brother, Earl, confirmed that Dolores was in hospice care three weeks before her death. She passed away inside the facility due to dementia. According to the National Institute of Aging, dementia is a condition wherein a patient loses their cognitive functioning and behavioral activities. The once-healthy nerve cells in a person's brain stop working and lose their connections with the other neurons. Dolores, who consistently insisted that Avery was innocent, passed away at the age of 83 one day before her son's 59th birthday. What Happened to Steven Avery? Avery, the subject of Netflix's "Making a Murderer," has a heartbreaking past. The flick tackles the murder of Theresa Halbach in 2005 and how Avery became the star suspect of the crime. Despite staying behind the bars for years now, he always insists on his innocence. Instead, he suggests that the Manitowoc County Police Department framed him after suing them for wrongful conviction in 2003. Apart from the murder charges, he was initially got imprisoned for attempted murder and sexual assault in 1985. Only 18 years later when the DNA evidence proved that he was innocent. READ ALSO: Robert Downey Sr. Dead: 'Iron Man's' Father's TRAGIC Cause of Death Revealed Only two years after his release, he was convicted of Halbach's murder. In 2019, he scored a motion to appeal that allowed the court to revisit the case. His legal representative said that the bones discovered on Avery's property were mishandled by the police. However, their request for a new trial was rejected in the same year. Until now, Zellner continues to prove her client's innocence. A new appeal is currently under deliberation. Once approved, Avery would be given a new trial. READ MORE: Nick Cannon Calls Himself 'Seahorse' For Impregnating Several Women; Validates Deeds with ONE Word Tiffany Haddish recently confessed how Nicolas Cage contributed to one of her first-ever sexual experiences. The 41-year-old "Night School" actress revealed to NPR, "It was my first big O." Tiffany divulged that it happened while watching the famous actor terrorize John Travolta in the1997 action movie "Face/Off." In the interview, she also revealed she had never met Nicolas Cage before that and that she had to tell him the story before they proceed filming with their upcoming movie" The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent." Tiffany Haddish's Euphoric Experience The comedienne was initially hesitant to share the euphoric experience while on the set of their movie last year. Tiffany admitted that she really struggled to reveal the explosive truth. "It was a debate," Tiffany Haddish said. "'Should I tell Nicolas Cage this? This is inappropriate. I don't want him to hit me with a sexual harassment claim. But I gotta tell him.'" But because of the awkward vibes, it started to tarnish her behavior with Nicolas, and she ultimately just decided to spill the beans. Tiffany recalled the encounter, even revealing that she could tell the "National Hero" star was "getting irritated." "'I have to tell you this story, man, and once I tell you this story, it'll be fine,'" she reportedly told Nicolas. So she did. Tiffany Haddish also revealed she was "intimated" by Nicolas Cage in the middle of the confession. READ ALSO: 'Teletubbies' Commit Major Blunders In Recent PSA for COVID-19 Jabs, Fans Horrified Nicolas Cage' Unexpected Reaction to Tiffany's Story And what was Nicolas' reaction to the "big O" story? Tiffany revealed he "laughed super hard" when she told him, and it seemed it was all in good faith. The "Jiu Jitsu" star even related the experience to a story where his first wife, Patricia Arquette, also told him she thought she was going to marry the Hollywood hunk when she saw him in a movie - and then she did. However, Tiffany recalled telling Nicolas that he has nothing to worry about as it would never happen. "I said, 'Yeah, well, I didn't say that I was going to marry you, nor let you put your fingers anywhere on me, OK? I'm just letting you know.'" Tiffany Haddish then felt like a massive stick has been removed from her gut after making the embarrassing yet explosive confession. 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' Tom Gormican directs the upcoming action comedy movie. Aside from Nicolas Cage and Tiffany Haddish, the movie stars Pedro Pascal, Neil Patrick Harris, and Sharon Horgan. It is slated for a 2022 release. READ MORE: Demi Lovato, Noah Cyrus' Relationship Confirmed But There's One Catch The Limits of Empire: Sub-imperialism and Pukhtun Resistance in the North-West Frontier edited by Sameetah Agha, Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan Private Limited, 2020; pp xvii + 231, price not indicated. Pukhtun resistance to external intervention has acquired many characteristics of a dominant narrative. The Soviet invasion and retreat from Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989 was its longest external military intervention and ended in failure. The United States (US) is now on the verge of ending its longest external military intervention after two decades in Afghanistan and there is failure written all over this enterprise too. These late 20th and early 21st century developments focus interest on older histories, and in particular, on the second half of the 19th century as an expanding British imperialism displaced the Sikh kingdom and now had a direct interface with Afghanistan. In each of these three historical conjuncturesthe British, the Soviet, and the Americanthe frontier areas that today comprise the PakistanAfghanistan border zone have played a major role in establishing the narrative of Pukhtun resistance. This book centres around one particular episode of such resistance in 1897, when local Pukhtun tribes revolted against the British colonial administration along the North-west frontier with Afghanistan. The geography of that insurrection is largely the areas covered by the administrative territories of North and South Waziristan, Khyber and Swat, all falling in or adjoining what was till recently termed the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and familiar to those who have followed recent events relating to the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban. Split liver transplantation (SLT) provides an opportunity to divide a donor liver and offer transplants to two small patients, one or both of whom could be a child. SLT, which is underused in the United States, could be used more widely to decrease the number of deaths of people on transplant waiting lists. In a new article, researchers address some of the ethical decisions that go into decisions to split a liver and provide a model to help hospitals make SLT decisions. The article, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), appears in The BMJ, which is published by the Institute of Medical Ethics. "Should a large liver always be split if it is medically safe to do so?" asks Sridhar Tayur, Professor of Operations Management at CMU's Tepper School of Business, who coauthored the article. "We say not always, and clarify under what circumstances SLT is ethically desirable." Both the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network and the United Network for Organ Sharing have identified SLT as an important ethical issue. To flesh out the issues at play, the authors - including UCSF Transplant Surgeon, John Roberts who previously served as UNOS President - present several case studies regarding what to do with a large liver available for transplantation when recipients are different sizes and ages and have different levels of need. Using philosophical theory, the authors - that include Alan Strudler, an ethicist from University of Pennsylvania -- address considerations that limit transplantation of portions of the liver. SLT requires that the relative size of the donor and the recipient match because if the portion of the liver is too small for the recipient, it will fail. The most common split results in one part of the liver that is about 75 percent of the original mass (typically transplanted to an adult) and one part that is 25 percent (typically transplanted to a child). However, the larger part may be inadequate for a large adult, and splitting raises logistical issues, such as preparing two recipients in the same operating room, the time and expertise needed to split the liver, and the transportation of the parts of the liver. The authors suggest that hospitals use a flexible decision support model to allow for analyses that ask "what if" questions about the patients who need transplants and how their needs are changing. The model should consider various metrics of fairness and efficiency. For example, the medical community should reach reasonable consensus about what items constitute fairness, including patients' scores on measures of the severity of liver cirrhosis, which prioritize decisions about transplantation; waiting time until transplant; and likelihood of death. "Much of the ethics involved in SLT suggest a dynamic problem whose answer requires a dynamic solution," explains Tae Wan Kim, Associate Professor of Business Ethics at CMU's Tepper School of Business, who coauthored the study. "The problem of liver transplantation is dynamic, so the solution must be dynamic and oscillate qualitatively between different demographics." As an example of a dynamic allocation policy, decisions about SLT would oscillate between splitting a large liver if the health of the small patients involved were worse than that of the large patient and not splitting the liver if the opposite were true. ### Pichia pastoris (syn. Komagataella phaffii), a model methylotrophic yeast, can easily achieve high density fermentation, and thus is considered as a promising chassis cell for efficient methanol biotransformation. However, inefficient gene editing and lack of synthetic biology tools hinder its metabolic engineering toward industrial application. Recently, a research group led by Prof. ZHOU Yongjin from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences established an efficient genetic engineering platform in Pichia pastoris. The study was published in Nucleic Acids Research on July 1. The researchers developed novel genetic tools for precise genome editing in Pichia pastoris by enhancing homologous recombination (HR) rates and engineering the multiple intrusion-induced rearrangement (MIR) processes. The key gene RAD52, which played crucial role in HR repair in Pichia pastoris, was overexpressed for improving the efficiency of single gene editing to 90%. Furthermore, they increased the efficiency of multi-fragment recombination at one site by 13.5 times, and identified and characterized 46 neutral sites and 18 promoters for genome integration and gene expression. Finally, they developed a two-factorial regulation system for regulating fatty alcohol biosynthesis in Pichia pastoris from different carbon sources. "This advanced gene editing systems can theoretically realize stable loading of more than 100 exogenous genes and precise regulating of gene expression in Pichia pastoris, which will provide convenience for the synthetic biology research of Pichia pastoris. It also provides insights for metabolic engineering of other unconventional yeast," said Prof. ZHOU. ### This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Dalian Science and Technology Innovation Funding. A by-product of nicotine, found in the urine of smokers, could be used to identify when bladder cancer has returned, new research has found. The pilot study, presented today at the 2021 European Association of Urology Congress, found that patients with high levels of cotinine were four times more likely to have their cancer return, compared to those with lower levels of the chemical. The researchers' goal is that a simple urine test for cotinine could reduce the number of invasive investigations that cancer patients undergo following diagnosis and treatment. Cotinine is a chemical that is made by the body from nicotine, which acts as a marker for exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer, but this is the first study to show how cotinine levels could be used to signal recurrence of the disease. In non-invasive bladder cancer, where tumours are only found on the bladder lining, the cancerous tissue is surgically removed. For these low-risk cancers, there is no further treatment, but patients undergo regular cystoscopies every few months, where a camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder to check for further tumours. The study, led by Dr Maher Abdessater and Professor Raghid El Khoury from the Notre Dame de Secours University Hospital in Lebanon, checked the cotinine levels of 135 patients who were attending hospital for follow up cystoscopies over an 18-month period. The only patients included in the study were those with low-risk bladder cancer, who had not received chemotherapy or radiotherapy and had no other condition, such as urinary infections, likely to distort the results. Eighty of the patients had levels of cotinine consistent with heavy smoking: over 550 ng/ml. Three-quarters of these patients went on to develop cancer again, compared to just over 18 per cent of moderate smokers (with cotinine levels below 550 ng/ml). Some patients who identified as non-smokers or moderate smokers were found to have levels of cotinine in their urine consistent with heavy smoking. Dr Abdessater said: "One of the major advantages of using cotinine is that it can be detected using a simple urine test, which is a cheaper and less invasive alternative to cystoscopy. It can also pick up where patients are not accurately reporting their smoking levels, or where passive smoking combined with active smoking is pushing them into the heavy smoker category." "Although our sample size is small, the results to date show that cotinine could be a potential biomarker for recurrence of bladder cancer and is worth further investigation." The findings reported at EAU21 today cover patients recruited between January 2018 and June 2019, but the study - run through the hospital's urology department - is still continuing. The study team is also actively looking for other hospitals around the world interested in collaborating on the research, to broaden the study out to a wider range of patients and healthcare systems. Professor Arnulf Stenzl, from the University of Tubingen Medical Center, who is Secretary-General Adjunct of the EAU, said: "This study definitely gives food for thought, although as yet the findings are only in a small number of patients. We now need to test this in a larger trial, and also look at more precise indications of smoking levels and the type of cigarettes involved - particularly whether they are filtered or not. It would be interesting as well to look at whether cotinine levels are higher in patients with other risk factors for bladder cancer, such as exposure to arsenic or industrial benzole." ### Estonian historians have generally viewed the Soviet Union as a regressive and anachronistic country. The picture of the Soviet project that emerges through the eyes of late Soviet Estonian artists is modern in its own terms. The Soviet Postcolonial studies, which is becoming more popular in Estonia, recognises that the Soviet state was modern by nature; in most cases, however, modernity brings about colonialism. In the doctoral thesis, this view is supported by the tension between societal Soviet modernity and cultural postmodernity in the late Soviet era. In her monographic thesis, doctoral student Liisa Kaljula studied how the Soviet Union governed using visual culture, on the one hand, and on the other, how Estonian artists treated the Soviet political-aesthetic project in the late Soviet era. "Using contemporary vocabulary, it could also be said that I discovered the emergence of Soviet visual culture memes in late Soviet Estonian art, as Estonian artists' take on the Soviet political-aesthetic project were of course ironic and playful," adds Kaljula. Research found that Estonian artists saw the Soviet political-aesthetic project as a grandiose visual-cultural spectacle, but it was increasingly difficult to take this spectacle seriously in the late Soviet era. "To the artist Andres Tolts," comments the doctoral student, "the Soviet Union seemed like an empire of kitsch; a society where the same visual-cultural cliches circulated for decades with the help of modern reproduction techniques. From the floral chintz working gowns, to which all Soviet women could inevitably relate to, to the mass-printed Socialist Realist reproductions." While Estonian art historians have thus far described art that appropriates visual culture with the Anglo-American term of Pop Art, Kaljula describes it with the Eastern-European term of Sots Art. Sots Art is a regional term that is significantly less known globally, but Kaljula found that the term is more accurate for characterising works that appropriate Soviet visual culture. "By relinquishing the use of the dominant Western art term and using a regional term, we can describe Estonian art in the Soviet period in a significantly more accurate way." The supervisors of the doctoral thesis are Senior Researcher Mari Laanemets from the Estonian Academy of Arts and Associate Professor Tiina Ann Kirss from the University of Tartu. The opponents are Linda Kaljundi, Professor at the Estonian Academy of Arts and Senior Researcher at Tallinn University, and Professor and Senior Researcher Andres Kurg from the Estonian Academy of Arts. The doctoral thesis is available in the ETERA digital environment of the Tallinn University Academic Library. https:/ / www. etera. ee/ zoom/ 138746/ view?page= 1&p= separate ### *Note: this paper is being presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) and is being published in The Lancet Rheumatology. Please credit both the congress and the journal in your stories* A new study presented at this year's European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) and published in The Lancet Rheumatology, shows that the antibody - but not the T-cell - response to the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is weakened in patients taking the immunosuppressant methotrexate. In contrast, antibody and T cell responses are preserved in patients taking biological drugs such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Around 3% to 7% of people in Europe and North America have immune-related inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Treatments such as methotrexate, TNF inhibitors, and other targeted biological therapies work by suppressing the immune system and, while they can be highly effective, they can also increase the risk of serious infections. Patients taking immunosuppressants for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases were excluded from COVID-19 vaccine trials, so there is a lack of data on how well they work in this vulnerable group. Assessment of immune responses to a single dose of vaccine is particularly important given that many countries, including the UK, have extended the interval between doses to maximise population coverage. Dr Satveer Mahil, Professor Catherine Smith and colleagues at St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and King's College London, enrolled 101 participants from January 14 2021 to April 4 2021 (84 patients with the skin condition psoriasis and 17 healthy volunteers). The participants' median age was 43, 55% were male, 84% were of White ethnicity, and none had had COVID-19 previously. The psoriasis patients were taking methotrexate (17 patients, median dose of 15 mg/week), TNF inhibitors (27 patients), interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors (15 patients) or IL-23 inhibitors (25 patients). Immune responses were measured immediately before being given a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days later. The primary outcomes were humoral immunity (neutralising antibody response) to the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus and T-cell response 28 days after vaccination. Rates of seroconversion (the development of antibodies against the virus) were lower in the patients on immunosuppressants. All 17 (100%) healthy volunteers had evidence of seroconversion, compared with 78% of those on immunosuppressants. The lowest seroconversion rate, 47%, was in patients taking methotrexate. Levels of neutralising antibodies, antibodies able to stop the virus from entering cells, were significantly lower in patients taking methotrexate compared to healthy controls but were preserved in those taking biologics. T-cell responses were detected in all groups at similar rates and levels, and many participants without evidence of seroconversion showed a T-cell response. Levels of neutralising antibodies to the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant were also tested. These were similarly low in all participants (including healthy volunteers), underlining the need to continue to take preventative measures after having a first dose of the vaccine. Data on the participants' response to the second dose are awaited. The authors say: "While global mass COVID-19 vaccination programmes are underway, there remains concern over vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised patients, including against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that threaten immune escape." "Measures of the immune response that correspond to decreased risk of COVID-19 after vaccination are unknown, and emerging research in immunocompromised patients has focused on seroconversion alone. We show that serological responses are not representative of the complex immune response to vaccines." "Our data showing that the T-cell responses following the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine were not affected in those taking methotrexate or a biologic therapy - including in some of those who didn't seroconvert - is reassuring. However, ongoing monitoring of these patients is needed to determine what this means for the clinical effectiveness of the vaccines." ### *Note: this paper is being presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) and is being published in The Lancet Public Health. Please credit both the congress and the journal in your stories* New research from Switzerland presented at this year's European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), held online this year, shows that people living in poorer neighbourhoods were less likely to be tested for COVID-19 but more likely to test positive, be hospitalised, or die, compared with those in more wealthy areas. The study is by Professor Matthias Egger and Dr Julien Riou, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bern, Switzerland. For the study, the authors analysed surveillance data reported to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health from March 1, 2020, to April 16, 2021. They assigned a rating to each residence included in the study, using the Swiss neighbourhood index of socioeconomic position (Swiss-SEP). The index describes 1.27 million small neighbourhoods of approximately 50 households each on the basis of rent per m, education and occupation of household heads, and crowding, rating each residence from 1 (poorest) to 10 (wealthiest). Models were adjusted for sex, age, canton (administrative area), and wave of the epidemic (before or after June 8, 2020). Analyses were based on 4,129,636 tests, 609 782 positive tests, 26143 hospitalisations, 2432 ICU admissions, 9383 deaths, and 8,221,406 residents. Comparing the highest with the lowest Swiss-SEP group and using the general population as the denominator, those in the wealthiest SEP neighbourhoods were 18% more likely to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 than those in the poorest. And, compared with the poorest neighbourhoods, those in the wealthiest neighbourhoods were 25% less likely to test positive, 32% less likely to be hospitalised, 46% less likely to be admitted to the ICU, and 14% less likely to die. The authors also found these associations between neighbourhood SEP and outcomes were stronger in younger age groups, probably because frail people, who are over-represented in the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, die at younger ages; therefore, the survivors at older ages are a select group of healthier people. The authors say: "In this whole-population study of the COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland in 2020-21, we found that people living in wealthier areas were more likely to get tested for SARS-CoV-2 but less likely to test positive and be admitted to hospital or the ICU, and less likely to die, compared with those in poorer areas." They explain: "The higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections, combined with a higher prevalence of comorbidities in poorer compared with wealthier neighbourhoods is likely to have contributed to worse outcomes, including the higher risk of hospitalisation and death. By June 2021, vaccination coverage had increased considerably, with over 40% of the Swiss population having received at least one dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and the Government is gradually easing preventive measures. It is essential to continue to monitor testing for SARS-CoV-2, access and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, and outcomes of COVID-19. Governments and health-care systems should address this pandemic of inequality by taking measures to reduce health inequalities in their response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic." The authors also highlight that this study illustrates the "inverse care law" in the unique setting of a pandemic in Switzerland, one of the world's wealthiest countries. The inverse care law was formulated 50 years ago and states that disadvantaged populations need more health care than advantaged populations but in reality receive less. ### 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. "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. 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 Vuleti?, 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." ### The Delta variant was detected for the first time in India in October 2020 and has since spread throughout the world. It is now dominant in many countries and regions (India, the UK, Portugal, Russia, etc.) and is predicted to be the most prevalent variant in Europe within weeks or months. Epidemiological studies have shown that the Delta variant is more transmissible than other variants. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur (CNRS joint unit), in collaboration with Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou (part of the Paris Public Hospital Network or AP-HP), Orleans Regional Hospital and Strasbourg University Hospital, studied the sensitivity of the Delta variant to monoclonal antibodies used in clinical practice to prevent severe forms of the disease in people at risk, as well as to neutralizing antibodies in the sera of individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinated. They compared this sensitivity with that of the virus previously circulating in France (known as the Alpha or "British variant") and the "South African variant" (Beta variant). The scientists demonstrated that the Delta variant is less sensitive to neutralizing antibodies than the Alpha variant. Three of the four therapeutic monoclonal antibodies tested are effective against the Delta variant, but one of them (Bamlanivimab) loses its antiviral activity. The scientists demonstrated that sera from convalescent patients collected up to 12 months post symptoms were 4 fold less potent against the Delta variant, relative to the Alpha variant. They also studied sera from people vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine: their sera effectively neutralized the Delta variant, although efficacy was slightly lower than against the Alpha variant. Sera from individuals who had received a single dose of vaccine (Pfizer or AstraZeneca) were inactive or barely active against the Delta and Beta variants. In summary, the Delta variant is slightly more resistant to neutralizing antibodies than the Alpha variant. The study was published as a preprint on the bioRxiv website on May 28, 2021 and published in the July 8th, 2021 issue of Nature. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that the Delta variant is approximately 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant. The Delta variant's biological characteristics are still relatively unknown. It is characterized by the presence of nine mutations in the Spike protein and has been designated a "Variant of Concern" by several public health organizations including WHO. In the United Kingdom, for example, the number of cases diagnosed has risen in recent weeks. Between June 23 and 30, 2021, 135,000 people tested positive, with the Delta variant representing 70-90% of sequenced viruses. Two months ago, most cases were imported from India, but a significant rise in the number of indigenous cases has been observed since mid-April. In France, the Delta variant accounted for over 20% of new cases in the last week of June, compared to 9% the previous week. In a new study, scientists from the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou (part of the Paris Public Hospital Network or AP-HP), Orleans Regional Hospital and Strasbourg University Hospital, examined the sensitivity of the Delta variant to antibodies compared with the strains circulating in France and other variants referred to as the British (Alpha) and South African (Beta) variants. The aim of the study was to characterize the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies, as well as antibodies developed by individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinated, to neutralize this new variant. The scientists isolated SARS-CoV-2 variant Delta from a nasal sample of a patient who developed COVID-19 a few days after returning from India in April 2021. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and serum samples from people who had been vaccinated or previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were used to study the sensitivity of the variant to neutralizing antibodies. "We isolated an infectious strain of the Delta variant and used a novel semi-automated rapid neutralization assay developed in our laboratory. This collaborative multidisciplinary effort involved the Institut Pasteur's virologists and specialists in the analysis of viral evolution and protein structure, together with teams from Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou and the hospitals in Orleans and Strasbourg. We demonstrated that this variant, which spreads more rapidly, has acquired partial resistance to antibodies. For example, the sera of patients previously infected with COVID-19, collected up to 12 months after they experienced symptoms, and of individuals who had received two doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine are still neutralizing but are three to six fold less potent against the Delta variant as compared with the Alpha variant. And the sera of individuals vaccinated with a single dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine are relatively or completely ineffective against the Delta variant," continues Olivier Schwartz, co-last author of the study and Head of the Virus and Immunity Unit (Institut Pasteur/CNRS). The scientists also demonstrated that one therapeutic antibody, Bamlanivimab, no longer functions against this strain, although Etesevimab, Casirivimab and Imdevimab remain active. The scientists concluded that the mutations in the Spike protein of the Delta variant potentially modify virus binding to the receptor and allow partial escape from the immune response. Ongoing studies are now focused on understanding why this variant is more transmissible. ### UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Natural Black hair texture and styling practices - such a braiding, locking and crocheting - will help inspire and generate novel building materials and architecture structures using computational design processes in new research funded by the prestigious Graham Foundation. The team of researchers includes Felecia Davis, associate professor of architecture and director of the Computational Textiles Lab (SOFTLAB) in the Stuckeman Center for Design Computing at Penn State, as well as researchers from four other universities. Titled "Hair Salon: Translating Black Hair Practices for Architecture Using Computational Methods," the team's research project draws from the rich culture and history of African Americans to imagine transformative built environments. According to the proposal, "Very little of African material culture survived the transatlantic slave; [however] Black hair textures and styles are one of the most enduring signifiers of Black identity in the United States." According to Davis -- who is also the principal of FELECIA DAVIS STUDIO -- the project developed during weekly conversations she had with Sheryl Tucker de Vazquez, associate professor at the University of Houston and principal of Tucker De Vazquez architecture, during the summer of 2020 about how to translate the ideas of textiles and using textiles for architectural applications. Davis and Tucker de Vazquez -- as well as remaining team members Marcella Del Signore, associate professor in the School of Architecture and Design at New York Institute of Technology and principal of X-Topia; and William Williams, Smith Visiting Professor at Rice University School of Architecture and associate professor in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati -- have all been developing architectural and full-scale works using textiles. "Hair braiding, locking and crocheting are rule-based practices, not unlike the rule-based language of computer algorithms," said Davis. "Drawings, photographs and video demonstrations from a hair-braiding workshop will be used to translate hair structures and processes into a shape grammar and Rhino Python scripts." A shape grammar, she explains, is an accessible visual computational grammar that has been used to preserve traditional making practices and can be used to develop a material or fabric that can create architectural space. Rhino Python programming will then be used to develop hair or textile-based structures in code to 3D print "imaginary liberatory" architectural structures. One of the numerous contributions of the Hair Salon project is demonstrating the richness of Black cultural practices and engendering conversations about Blackness, identity and architecture. "We are so pleased that the Graham Foundation is supporting this work, which is not traditional architectural work or scholarship, and creates new territory for architectural design," said Davis. "We want to generate and expand the conversation about Black culture, its relationship to technology and architectural design and concepts of translation and meaning making." Davis said she hopes they can inspire other architects and those interested in Black culture and in the African Diaspora to make their own contributions. "In this time of re-thinking what architecture can be, we want this work to support other generations of architects who will be -- and who already are -- remaking the world in which we live," Davis said. Documentation of the team's process will be featured in an exhibition both online and at the Project Row Houses, a development in the Third Ward area of Houston that engages neighbors, artists and enterprises in collective creative action to help materialize sustainable opportunities in marginalized communities. The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts was founded in 1956 and "fosters the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture and society." The foundation realizes this vision through making project-based grants to individuals and organizations that investigate the contemporary condition, expand historical perspectives, or explore the future of architecture and the designed environment, and by producing exhibitions, events and publications. ### A lump in the thyroid gland is called a thyroid nodule, and 5-10% of all thyroid nodules are diagnosed as thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer has a good prognosis, a high survival rate, and a low recurrence rate, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Recently, a joint research team in Korea has proposed a new non-invasive method to distinguish thyroid nodules from cancer by combining photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound image technology with artificial intelligence. The joint research team - composed of Professor Chulhong Kim and Dr. Byullee Park of POSTECH's Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Convergence IT Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Dong-Jun Lim and Professor Jeonghoon Ha of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital of Catholic University of Korea, and Professor Jeesu Kim of Pusan National University - conducted a research to acquire PA images from patients with malignant and benign nodules and analyzed them with artificial intelligence. In recognition of their significance, the findings from this study were published in Cancer Research. Currently, the diagnosis of a thyroid nodule is performed using a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) using an ultrasound image. But about 20% of FNABs are inaccurate which leads to repetitive and unnecessary biopsies. To overcome this problem, the joint research team explored the use of PA imaging to obtain an ultrasonic signal generated by light. When light (laser) is irradiated on the patient's thyroid nodule, an ultrasound signal called a PA signal is generated from the thyroid gland and the nodule. By acquiring and processing this signal, PA images of both the gland and the nodule are collected. At this time, if multispectral PA signals are obtained, oxygen saturation information of the thyroid gland and thyroid nodule can be calculated. The researchers focused on the fact that the oxygen saturation of malignant nodules is lower than that of normal nodules, and acquired PA images of patients with malignant thyroid nodules (23 patients) and those with benign nodules (29 patients). Performing in vivo multispectral PA imaging on the patient's thyroid nodules, the researchers calculated multiple parameters, including hemoglobin oxygen saturation level in the nodule area. This was analyzed using machine learning techniques to successfully and automatically classify whether the thyroid nodule was malignant or benign. In the initial classification, the sensitivity to classify malignancy as malignant was 78% and the specificity to classify benign as benign was 93%. The results of PA analysis obtained by machine learning techniques in the second analysis were combined with the results of the initial examination based on ultrasound images normally used in hospitals. Again, it was confirmed that the malignant thyroid nodules could be distinguished with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 93%. Going a step further, when the researchers kept the sensitivity at 100% in the third analysis, the specificity reached 55%. This was about three times higher than the specificity of 17.3% (sensitivity of 98%) of the initial examination of thyroid nodules using the conventional ultrasound. As a result, the probability of correctly diagnosing benign, non-malignant nodules increased more than three times, which shows that overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies and repeated tests can be dramatically reduced, and thereby cut down on excessive medical costs. "This study is significant in that it is the first to acquire photoacoustic images of thyroid nodules and classify malignant nodules using machine learning," remarked Professor Chulhong Kim of POSTECH. "In addition to minimizing unnecessary biopsies in thyroid cancer patients, this technique can also be applied to a variety of other cancers, including breast cancer." "The ultrasonic device based on photoacoustic imaging will be helpful in effectively diagnosing thyroid cancer commonly found during health checkups and in reducing the number of biopsies," explained Professor Dong-Jun Lim of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. "It can be developed into a medical device that can be readily used on thyroid nodule patients." ### This research was conducted with the support from the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Key Research Institutes in Universities' Medical Device Innovation Center (MDIC) of the Ministry of Education, the Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the BK21 FOUR Project. Although Covid-19 affects men and women differently, the large majority of current clinical studies of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 makes no mention of sex/gender. Indeed, only a fraction, 4 percent, explicitly plan to address sex and gender in their analysis, concludes a new analysis of nearly 4,500 studies. 21 percent only take this variable into account when selecting participants while 5.4 % go as far as planning to have sex-matched or representative subgroups and samples. The article is published in Nature Communications. During the corona pandemic, differences can be observed between men and women. Men are more vulnerable to a severe course of COVID-19; more men are hospitalized, and more men die from the effects of the virus. Why that is, we do not know exactly yet, but the consequence of the difference may be that men and women might need different therapies. At the same time, gender is connected to the risk of infection, for example because women more commonly are employed in positions with client or customer contact, or as care-givers, increasing the risk of exposure. This calls for attention to both dimensions in the conduction of clinical trials and planning public health measures. Still, only a minority of 4,420 registered clinical studies on COVID-19 mention sex/gender in the study registration, a new analysis published in Nature Communications shows. The study is conducted by researchers at Nijmegen's Radboud University Medical Center, Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen and University of Bielefeld. According to the last author of the article, Sabine Oertelt-Prigione from Radboud University and at the Medical School of the University of Bielefeld, the lacking consideration of sex and gender is problematic: "We have seen from the beginning that the disease does not have an identical course for women and men. The differences in rates of hospitalization and death point to this. This means that our care, such as medicines or other interventions, could also have a different outcome depending on whether the patient is a woman or a man." Only 4 percent of studies registered plan to explicitly include sex as a variable in their analysis The researchers looked at 4,420 COVID-19 studies registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, a U.S. database of more than 300,000 studies from 200 countries. In the COVID-19 sample, 1,659 were observational studies, and 2,475 were intervention studies. Of these 4,420 registered studies, 935 (21.2%) explicitly addressed sex/gender solely as a recruitment criterion and only 178 (4%) mentioned sex/gender as a planned analytical variable. A further 237 (5.4%) planned sex-matched or representative samples (65) or emphasized sex/gender reporting (172). 124 studies (2.8%) focused solely on one sex, with 100 recruiting only female participants and 24 only male ones. Female-only studies mostly focused on the relation between COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes. Research under time pressure A reason for not including data on sex and gender may be that the studies are conducted under high time pressure. Sabine Oertelt-Prigione: "Researchers are sometimes worried that analyzing sex differences in a study might mean more participants and longer recruitment times to reach their targets. Especially in the early phases of the pandemic, they were working under lots of time pressure ". Emer Brady, first author of the study and working at the Danish Center for Studies in Research and Research Policy at Aarhus University supplements with: "On the subject of time pressures, we did hope that as the pandemic wore on and more awareness was raised about the sex and gender disparities we would see more of a focus on sex and gender in the study protocols being registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, but that turned out not to be the case. We also looked at the published trials, where the attention to sex and gender was higher, but still only one in four trials accounted for or reported sex or gender in their analyses." Oertelt-Prigione emphasizes the importance of sex and genders role in clinical research: "We increasingly see that men and women respond differently to pharmacological interventions. Ignoring this in trials might lead to serious unwanted side effects later. Looking at sex differences has helped us understand the infection better and it will help us understand our treatment options better. Taking into consideration sex differences is an essential step toward more personalized healthcare." ### A research team co-led by UCL has solved a decades-old mystery as to how Jupiter produces a spectacular burst of X-rays every few minutes. A research team co-led by UCL (University College London) has solved a decades-old mystery as to how Jupiter produces a spectacular burst of X-rays every few minutes. The X-rays are part of Jupiter's aurora - bursts of visible and invisible light that occur when charged particles interact with the planet's atmosphere. A similar phenomenon occurs on Earth, creating the northern lights, but Jupiter's is much more powerful, releasing hundreds of gigawatts of energy, enough to briefly power all of human civilisation*. In a new study, published in Science Advances, researchers combined close-up observations of Jupiter's environment by NASA's satellite Juno, which is currently orbiting the planet, with simultaneous X-ray measurements from the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton observatory (which is in Earth's own orbit). The research team, led by UCL and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered that X-ray flares were triggered by periodic vibrations of Jupiter's magnetic field lines. These vibrations create waves of plasma (ionised gas) that send heavy ion particles "surfing" along magnetic field lines until they smash into the planet's atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of X-rays. Co-lead author Dr William Dunn (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) said: "We have seen Jupiter producing X-ray aurora for four decades, but we didn't know how this happened. We only knew they were produced when ions crashed into the planet's atmosphere. "Now we know these ions are transported by plasma waves - an explanation that has not been proposed before, even though a similar process produces Earth's own aurora. It could, therefore, be a universal phenomenon, present across many different environments in space." X-ray auroras occur at Jupiter's north and south poles, often with clockwork regularity - during this observation Jupiter was producing bursts of X-rays every 27 minutes. The charged ion particles that hit the atmosphere originate from volcanic gas pouring into space from giant volcanoes on Jupiter's moon, Io. This gas becomes ionised (its atoms are stripped free of electrons) due to collisions in Jupiter's immediate environment, forming a donut of plasma that encircles the planet. Co-lead author Dr Zhonghua Yao (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing) said: "Now we have identified this fundamental process, there is a wealth of possibilities for where it could be studied next. Similar processes likely occur around Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and probably exoplanets as well, with different kinds of charged particles 'surfing' the waves." Co-author Professor Graziella Branduardi-Raymont (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) said: "X-rays are typically produced by extremely powerful and violent phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars, so it seems strange that mere planets produce them too. "We can never visit black holes, as they are beyond space travel, but Jupiter is on our doorstep. With the arrival of the satellite Juno into Jupiter's orbit, astronomers now have a fantastic opportunity to study an environment that produces X-rays up close." For the new study, researchers analysed observations of Jupiter and its surrounding environment carried out continuously over a 26-hour period by the Juno and XMM-Newton satellites. They found a clear correlation between waves in the plasma detected by Juno and X-ray auroral flares at Jupiter's north pole recorded by X-MM Newton. They then used computer modelling to confirm that the waves would drive the heavy particles towards Jupiter's atmosphere. Why the magnetic field lines vibrate periodically is unclear, but the vibration may result from interactions with the solar wind or from high-speed plasma flows within Jupiter's magnetosphere. Jupiter's magnetic field is extremely strong - about 20,000 times as strong as Earth's - and therefore its magnetosphere, the area controlled by this magnetic field, is extremely large. If it was visible in the night sky, it would cover a region several times the size of our moon. The work was supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Royal Society, and Natural Environment Research Council, as well as ESA and NASA. * Jupiter's X-ray aurora alone releases about a gigawatt, equivalent to what one power station might produce over a period of days. ### The University of Missouri School of Journalism announced today a $1.4 million, three-year grant from the Walton Family Foundation, a leading funder of environmental journalism in the United States, to create the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk -- a collaborative network of journalists focused on increasing coverage of agriculture, water and environmental issues surrounding one of the world's major river systems. The needs are vast -- the Mississippi River Basin covers more than 40% of the continental U.S., stretching east-west from Montana to Pennsylvania and north-south from Minnesota to Louisiana. Millions of people use the river system as their source of drinking water, and more than 90% of agricultural exports in the U.S. are grown there. Pollution, flooding, land use and climate change are some of the major issues across the region. David Kurpius, dean of the School of Journalism, said the network will be a signature program of the School of Journalism's emerging Center for Science Communication, which will include the development of student courses in immersive, multi-platform storytelling. "In our service to the public, it is important that journalists are able to help translate these very complex ecological issues to the communities we serve," Kurpius said. "We are deeply grateful to the Walton Foundation for the trust they are investing in us to tell these stories." Through a partnership with Report for America, the network will place 10 journalists in newsrooms throughout the region to cover these issues. The journalists will receive training and mentorship from faculty and staff at the Missouri School of Journalism, along with experts from the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ). "We are thrilled at this opportunity to partner with the University of Missouri and the Society of Environmental Journalists on this important project that will enable us to field 10 corps members in the Mississippi River Basin and provide both the reporters and our partner newsrooms with extra support, training and editing," said Steven Waldman, president and co-founder of Report for America. In addition, the journalists will be supported by five veteran journalists from the region who will serve as advisors and collaborators. A distribution network will share content with a larger regional and national audience. "This partnership offers an innovative model for philanthropic efforts to increase and improve environmental journalism in local news deserts," said Meaghan Parker, executive director of the Society of Environmental Journalists. "SEJ is pleased to be a part of this effort to better inform communities across the Mississippi River Basin, while also helping to build more sustainable careers for journalists covering the critical environmental challenges we all face." As local newsrooms increasingly have limited budgets and reduced staffing, they cannot always devote adequate resources to cover agriculture issues. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk aims to address that challenge. "We believe that an informed public makes better choices for nature and communities, and objective, good journalism is key to that," said Moira Mcdonald, director of the Walton Family Foundation's Environment Program. "Roughly 70 percent of the world's freshwater is used in the production of food. Protecting water while growing enough food to feed a growing population is the way of the future, and to get there, we need quality reporters who provide transparency and accountability on these issues." Newsrooms can apply for one of the 10 competitive positions starting July 12 with Report for America. Applications for five veteran journalist positions will open in August 2021. In addition, the School of Journalism will hire an editorial director and associate director to help run the program. Sara Shipley Hiles, an associate professor in the Missouri School of Journalism, serves as executive director of the project. Earnest Perry, associate dean for graduate studies and research at the Missouri School of Journalism, and Ryan Famuliner, associate professor in the Missouri School of Journalism and news director at KBIA-FM, are project advisors. ### University of Missouri School of Journalism: As the world's first journalism school, founded in 1908, the University of Missouri School of Journalism brings unparalleled breadth and depth to the study and practice of journalism. With more than 2,000 students in programs at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, the J-School pioneered hands-on education through the "Missouri Method." Today the school's real-world newsrooms and agencies include the Columbia Missourian newspaper; Vox Magazine; KBIA, an NPR-affiliate radio station; KOMU, an NBC-affiliate TV station, and the AdZou and Mojo Ad advertising agencies. The J School's 24,000+ alumni include some of the best journalists and communicators working in newsrooms, agencies and companies worldwide. Walton Family Foundation: The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of its founders, Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. The foundation works in three areas: improving K-12 education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. Report for America is a national service program that places talented emerging journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered topics and communities. Launched in 2017, Report for America is creating a new, sustainable system that provides Americans with the information they need to improve their communities, hold powerful institutions accountable, and rebuild trust in the media. Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization with an established track record of training and supporting teams of emerging journalists around the world, including the recent launch of Report for the World in partnership with local newsrooms in India and Nigeria. Society of Environmental Journalists: With more than 1,400 members, the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) is the largest network of professional journalists covering energy and the environment in North America. SEJ's mission is to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues. Through its annual conferences, grants, awards, webinars, online forums, and publications, SEJ increases and improves environmental journalism by supporting the people who cover the world's most important stories. Why do some Europeans discriminate against Muslim immigrants, and how can these instances of prejudice be reduced? Political scientist Nicholas Sambanis has spent the last few years looking into this question by conducting innovative studies at train stations across Germany involving willing participants, unknowing bystanders and, most recently, bags of lemons. His newest study, co-authored with Donghyun Danny Choi at the University of Pittsburgh and Mathias Poertner at Texas A&M University, was published July 8 in the American Journal of Political Science and finds evidence of significant discrimination against Muslim women during everyday interactions with native Germans. That evidence comes from experimental interventions set up on train platforms across dozens of German cities and reveals that discrimination by German women is due to their beliefs that Muslims are regressive with respect to women's rights. In effect, their experiment finds a feminist opposition to Muslims, and shows that discrimination is eliminated when Muslim women signaled that they shared progressive gender attitudes, says Sambanis, who directs the Penn Identity and Conflict Lab (PIC Lab), which he founded when he came to Penn in 2016. Many studies in psychology have shown bias and discrimination are rooted in a sense that ethnic, racial, or religious differences create distance between citizens, he says. "Faced with waves of immigration from culturally different populations, many Europeans are increasingly supporting policies of coercive assimilation that eliminate those sources of difference by suppressing ethnic or religious marker, for example, by banning the hijab in public places or forcing immigrants to attend language classes," Sambanis says. "Our research shows that bias and discrimination can be reduced via far less coercive measures--as long as immigration does not threaten core values that define the social identities of native populations." "The Hijab Effect: Feminist Backlash to Muslim Immigrants" is the fourth study in a multiyear project on the topic of how to reduce prejudice against immigrants conducted by Sambanis and the team. The study's co-authors, Choi and Poertner, started working on this project as postdoctoral fellows at the PIC Lab. The new paper builds on the first leg of the project which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2019 and which explored whether discrimination against immigrants is reduced when immigrants show that they share civic norms that are valued by native citizens. That study found evidence that shared norms reduce but do not eliminate discrimination. The new study explores the impact of norms and ideas that are important to particular subgroups of the native population, and finds stronger effects when such norms are shared by immigrants. The findings have implications for how to think about reducing conflict between native and immigrant communities in an era of increased cross-border migration, Sambanis says. He and his co-authors conducted the large-scale field experiment in 25 cities across Germany involving more than 3,700 unknowing bystanders. "Germany was a good case study because it has received the largest number of asylum applications in Europe since 2015, a result of the refugee crisis created by wars in Syria and other countries in the Middle East and Central Asia," Sambanis says. "Germany has had a long history of immigration from Muslim countries since the early post-war period, and anti-immigrant sentiments have been high as a result of cultural differences. These differences are manipulated politically and become more salient." The intervention went like this: A woman involved in the study approached a bench at a train station where bystanders waited and drew their attention by asking them if they knew if she could buy tickets on the train. She then received a phone call and audibly conversed with the caller in German regarding her sister, who was considering whether to take a job or stay at home and take care of her husband and her kids. The scripted conversation revealed the woman's position on whether her sister has the right to work or a duty to stay at home to care for the family. At the end of the phone call, a bag she was holding seemingly tears, making her drop a bunch of lemons, which scatter on the platform and she appeared to need help gathering them. In the final step, team members who were not a part of the intervention observed and recorded whether each bystander who was within earshot of the phone call helped the women collect the lemons. They experimentally varied the identity of the woman, who was sometimes a native German or an immigrant from the Middle East; and the immigrant sometimes wore a hijab to signal her Muslim identity and sometimes not. They found that men were not very receptive to different messages regarding the woman's attitude toward gender equality, but German women were. Among German women, anti-Muslim discrimination was eliminated when the immigrant woman signaled that she held progressive views vis-a-vis women's rights. Men continued to discriminate in both the regressive and progressive conditions of the experiment. It was a surprise that the experimental treatment did not seem to make a big difference in the behavior of men towards Muslim women. "Women were very receptive to this message that we had about Muslims sharing progressive beliefs about women's rights, but men were indifferent to it," says Sambanis. "We expected that there would be a difference, and that the effect of the treatment would be larger among women, but we did not expect that it would be basically zero for men." The experiment makes gender identity more salient and establishes a common identity between native German women--most of whom share progressive views on gender--and the immigrant women in the progressive condition. This is the basis of the reduction of discrimination, Sambanis says, and it does not require coercive measures like forcing Muslims to take off the hijab. "You can overcome discrimination in other ways, but it is important to signal that that the two groups share a common set of norms and ideas that define appropriate civic behaviors." The results are surprising from the perspective of the prior literature, which assumed that it is very hard for people to overcome barriers created by race, religion, and ethnicity. At the same time, this experiment speaks to the limits of multiculturalism, says Sambanis. "Our work shows that differences in ethnic, racial, or linguistic traits can be overcome, but citizens will resist abandoning longstanding norms and ideas that define their identities in favor of a liberal accommodation of the values of others," he says. ### Nicholas Sambanis is a Presidential Distinguished Professor in the School of Arts & Sciences, chair of the Department of Political Science, and director of the Penn Identity and Conflict Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. For media inquiries, please contact Kristen de Groot, krisde@upenn.edu, 215-756-5563 A specific police action, an arrest or a shooting, has an immediate and direct effect on the individuals involved, but how far and wide do the reverberations of that action spread through the community? What are the health consequences for a specific, though not necessarily geographically defined, population? The authors of a new UW-led study looking into these questions write that because law enforcement directly interacts with a large number of people, "policing may be a conspicuous yet not-well understood driver of population health." Understanding how law enforcement impacts the mental, physical, social and structural health and wellbeing of a community is a complex challenge, involving many academic and research disciplines such as criminology, sociology, psychology, public health and research into social justice, the environment, economics and history. "We needed a map for how to think about the complex issues at the intersection of policing and health," said lead author Maayan Simckes, a recent doctoral graduate from UW's Department of Epidemiology who worked on this study as part of her dissertation. So, Simckes said, she set out to create a conceptual model depicting the complex relationship between policing and population health and assembled an interdisciplinary team of researchers to collaborate. "This model shows how different types of encounters with policing can affect population health at multiple levels, through different pathways, and that factors like community characteristics and state and local policy can play a role," said Simckes, who currently works for the Washington State Department of Health. The study, published in early June in the journal Social Science & Medicine, walks through the various factors that may help explain the health impacts of policing by synthesizing the published research across several disciplines. "This study provides a useful tool to researchers studying policing and population health across many different disciplines. It has the potential to help guide research on the critical topic of policing and health for many years to come," said senior author Anjum Hajat, an associate professor in the UW Department of Epidemiology For example, the study points out when considering individual-level effects that "after physical injury and death, mental health may be the issue most frequently discussed in the context of police-community interaction ... One U.S. study found that among men, anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with frequency of police stops and perception of the intrusiveness of the encounter." Among the many other research examples explored in the new model, the researchers also examine the cyclic nature of policing and population health. They point out that police stops tend to cluster in disadvantaged communities and "saturating these communities with invasive tactics may lead to more concentrated crime." Consequently, it may be "impossible" to determine whether police practices caused a neighborhood to experience more crime or if those practices were in response to crime. However, the model's aim is to capture these complex "bidirectional" relationships. "Our model underscores the importance of reforming policing practices and policies to ensure they effectively promote population wellbeing at all levels," said Simckes. "I hope this study ignites more dialogue and action around the roles and responsibilities of those in higher education and in clinical and public-health professions for advancing and promoting social justice and equity in our communities." ### Co-authors include Dale Willits, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, WSU; Michael McFarland, Department of Sociology, Florida State University; Cheryl McFarland, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium, New Jersey; Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, Department of Epidemiology and Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, UW. To speak with Simckes, contact Jake Ellison at Jbe3@uw.edu. Authorities say a Kentucky girl who was snatched from her bicycle by a stranger was found quickly, returned to her family and a suspect was charged with kidnapping thanks to the quick actions of neighbors and police. The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate is trading at AUD1.8574, the pairings highest level in over a year. Australian Dollar (AUD) Exchange Rates Plunge Amidst Coronavirus Jitters The Australian Dollar (AUD) is beating a hasty retreat against the Pound (GBP) and the majority of its other peers this morning, with demand for the risk-sensitive Aussie being significantly undermined amidst a souring of market sentiment. The prevailing risk-off mood comes amidst renewed concern over the global economic recovery, as a resurgence of coronavirus cases throughout many parts of the world, threatens to disrupt many countries reopening plans. AUD investors are also concerned about the domestic coronavirus situation, after Sydneys lockdown was extended by another week amidst the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant. Gladys Berejiklian, the Premier of New South Wales, said that numbers are still too high as authorities announced a crackdown on compliance with lockdown rules. Berejiklian, said: We need to get those numbers down. 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. Further undermining risk appetite at the expense of the Australian Dollar this morning are concerns over a sharp drop in Asian stock markets, as investors grow increasingly concerned by Beijings crackdown on tech companies Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Continue to Face Coronavirus Headwinds At the same time, whilst it may be soaring against the Australian Dollar (AUD), the Pound (GBP) is struggling to replicate this success against its other peers. This comes as GBP investors grow increasingly concerned by the rapid rise of coronavirus cases throughout the UK. Boris Johnson announced earlier this week that all coronavirus restrictions would be lifted from 19 July, but this is now in doubt as NHS hospitals have been forced to start cancelling operations again due to a steady rise in coronavirus hospitalisations. Many experts have also warned that even if the UKs reopening should go ahead, it could be undermined by the surge in cases, coupled with the governments current isolation rules, which are to remain in place for at least six weeks past the reopening date. This could see the UKs economic recovery stymied as millions could be forced to self-isolate, leaving businesses short-staffed. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: The sector is experiencing severe staff shortages, compounded massively by the absence of team members who have been told to isolate despite not having shared shifts with colleagues who tested positive. With cases predicted to continue to rise, this means that hospitalitys recovery after 16 months of lockdown and severely disrupted trading will be harmed. Operators will be forced into reducing their operating hours or closing venues completely. GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Forecast: UK GDP Figures in Focus Looking ahead to the end of this weeks session, the Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate could extend its recent losses with the publication of the UKs latest GDP figures. Mays monthly growth release is expected to report the UK economy expanded by 1.5%, down from 2.3% in April, but still likely enough to bolster Sterling sentiment. Meanwhile, in the absence of any notable AUD data releases, the direction of the Australian Dollar is likely to continue to be influenced by market sentiment, potentially leading to further losses for the Aussie if the cautious mood continues to prevail. Friday, July 9, 2021 The informant would turn out to be Perry Russo. You can read more about Clyde Limbaugh here. Jim Garrison was in Las Vegas where he was meeting with Lawrence Schiller and James Dondson, the man who was with Clay Shaw the weekend of the assassination in San Francisco . Here's another reason why Garrison asked for a preliminary hearing. You can read more about Raymond Cummings here. The reference to Omaha was in regards to Sandra McMaines who was, at one point, Perry Russo's girlfriend. She had married and was living in Omaha. Russo had told Garrison that she was at the party with Ferrie and Shaw. She would later tell Shaw's defense team that she was not there and did not meet David Ferrie until 1965. Shaw's entry for March 9, 1967 notes an important point about his arrest - he could only travel outside New Orleans Parish with the permission of Garrison's office. "I was delighted at the chance for an excursion and we went across the river bridge looking at the city sparkling in yet another beautiful day. On the other side of the river I needed cigarettes and a rest room and so we turned off the highway. I suddenly found myself in Jefferson Parish which is technically a violation of my bond so we hastened back into Orleans and on to the commissary." Shaw and his lawyers discuss the possibility of hiring a famous lawyer like F. Lee Baily: "The difficulty, of course, is that all these people are famed for getting people out of things that they have done; and I have done nothing and, therefore, am a little reluctant to use their services. Moreover, there is bound to be some bias, even if it is subconscious, on the part of the Judge and jury against a "Yankee lawyer' who comes to defend a client." That was indeed part of the problem that Jack Ruby faced in hiring Melvin Belli as his attorney. Shaw notes that the Louisiana Weekly criticized the "Roman circus atmosphere which has developed": "Under these circumstances, it appears that Mr. Garrison should be making every effort to make his case as valid as possible so that the accused conspirators might be brought to justice, rather than giving his role as a publicist first priority." Shaw reads that Garrison's office has given Dean Andrews the choice of taking a lie detector test or sodium pentothal. This was true, and here is the letter that was sent to Monk Zelden, Dean Andrews' attorney, offering "memory refreshing procedures": Here is the article from the New Orleans Times-Picayune from March 7, 1967 about the ACLU: This article from the New Orleans Times-Picayune of March 8, 1967 discusses the various motions, the ACLU and the issues of private money paying for a public investigation. Thursday, July 8, 2021 Federal Bureau of Prisons Strikes AgainAnother Cares Act Releasee Returned To PrisonMany Others Fear They Too Will Be Returned As Well By Lynn Espejo Chief Investigative Correspondent The Midnight Report Over the last several weeks I've reported on returning citizens, who were released under the Cares Act, only to be later returned to prison. I was released under the Cares Act on May 27, 2020. I was returned to prison at the direction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on January 12, 2021. The BOP violated me for emailing with women I left behind using its monitored email system. Fortunately, fifteen days later, I was granted compassionate release by the court. Yesterday, Gwen Levi, the 76-year-old grandmother, who last month was returned to prison for failing to answer her phone while attending a computer class, was released after the judge in her case granted her compassionate release motion. Other returning citizens are not so lucky. They remain at federal holding facilities or have already been returned to prison for minor infractions. Many others live with the constant fear of being returned. Take the case of Keri Burroughs, who was released under the Cares Act in June 2020. Keri, who is a diabetic, spent several months housed at the City of Faith (COF) Half-Way house in Little Rock, Arkansas, before being sent to home confinement. During her stay at the COF, Keri became ill. However, she was not afforded medical treatment in a timely manner. It is unclear if this lack of medical treatment is the neglect of the COF or the BOP. One thing that is crystal clearthe delayed medical treatment resulted in Keri having to have one of her toes amputated. On June 25, 2021, Keri was returned to prison after being charged with escape. Keri was violated for being in a storage trailer on the property where she lived. The storage trailer in question sits approximately 50 feet away from Keri's home confinement address. Read Entire Story at the Midnight Report From: Dr. Judith Briles --The Book Shepherd Denver , CO Friday, July 9, 2021 The 2021 Inductees to the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Are Revealed! Denver, CO, July 9, 2021 The Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame will hold its second Author Induction celebration gala on September 18 at the Renaissance Central Park hotel in Denver, honoring an incredible group of exceptional authors. The 16 inductees include 4 Legacies: Robert Heinlein, often called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific accuracy in his fiction and became a pioneer of the subgenre of hard science fiction, Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener, National Book Award winner John Edward Williams, author of Butcher's Crossing and Augustus, and H. Marie Wormington, considered to be one of the nation's top anthropologists. The other inductees into the Hall of Fame are: Kevin J. Anderson : Author of over 170 published books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Dune, Star Wars, X-Files, and Batman/Superman universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy novels Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart. : Author of over 170 published books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Dune, Star Wars, X-Files, and Batman/Superman universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy novels Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart. Penny Rafferty Hamilton: A world-record setting aviator, she currently focuses on aviation and aerospace. Recently, she authored America's Amazing Airports, Inspiring Words for Sky and Space Women, and 101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space. Hamilton earned numerous journalism, education, business, and aviation awards. A world-record setting aviator, she currently focuses on aviation and aerospace. Recently, she authored America's Amazing Airports, Inspiring Words for Sky and Space Women, and 101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space. Hamilton earned numerous journalism, education, business, and aviation awards. Justin Matott: A children's author, notably known for Ol' Lady Grizelda and I think My Dog Might Be a Nerd. Picked up by Random House after selling 5,000 copies of his self-published children's book in three weeks, he left the corporate world to see if he could live the dream of being an author/speaker as his vocation. Millions of his children's books have been sold across the world. children's author, notably known for Ol' Lady Grizelda and I think My Dog Might Be a Nerd. Picked up by Random House after selling 5,000 copies of his self-published children's book in three weeks, he left the corporate world to see if he could live the dream of being an author/speaker as his vocation. Millions of his children's books have been sold across the world. Sandra Dallas: Denver based New York Times best-selling author Sandra Dallas is the author of 16 adult novels, four young reader novels, and 10 nonfiction books. She was dubbed "a quintessential American voice" by Jane Smiley in Vogue Magazine. Denver based New York Times best-selling author Sandra Dallas is the author of 16 adult novels, four young reader novels, and 10 nonfiction books. She was dubbed "a quintessential American voice" by Jane Smiley in Vogue Magazine. Carol Fenster: When major New York publishers rejected Colorado author Carol Fenster's pioneering work featuring gluten-free cooking strategies and how to eat healthy and happy, it didn't stop her. She is the pioneer of gluten free cooking. When major New York publishers rejected Colorado author Carol Fenster's pioneering work featuring gluten-free cooking strategies and how to eat healthy and happy, it didn't stop her. She is the pioneer of gluten free cooking. W. Michael Gear: Professional archaeologist and New York Times bestselling author with 60 novels, 2 short stories, and 17 million copies of his books in print that have been translated into 29 languages is what brings W. Michael Gear to the Hall. Professional archaeologist and New York Times bestselling author with 60 novels, 2 short stories, and 17 million copies of his books in print that have been translated into 29 languages is what brings W. Michael Gear to the Hall. Charlotte Hinger: Charlotte Hinger is a multi-published, award-winning author of fiction and nonfictionlong and short, historical, and contemporaryprimarily, but not exclusively, focused on the Western experience with an emphasis on the African-American/Black experience in the historical West, primarily in the Great Plains region. Charlotte Hinger is a multi-published, award-winning author of fiction and nonfictionlong and short, historical, and contemporaryprimarily, but not exclusively, focused on the Western experience with an emphasis on the African-American/Black experience in the historical West, primarily in the Great Plains region. Manuel Ramos: Among the first Latinos to publish in the mystery genre and was given the title "the Godfather of Chicano Noir" by the esteemed writer Luis Alberto Urrea. His books are set in the community in which he lives Denver's Northside, aka Highlands and in rural Colorado. Among the first Latinos to publish in the mystery genre and was given the title "the Godfather of Chicano Noir" by the esteemed writer Luis Alberto Urrea. His books are set in the community in which he lives Denver's Northside, aka Highlands and in rural Colorado. Patricia Raybon: Is an award-winning author, essayist, and novelist who writes top-rated books at the daring intersection of faith and race. Her most notable books are My First White Friend: Confessions on Race, Love and Forgiveness and All That Is Secret: An Annalee Spain Mystery. Is an award-winning author, essayist, and novelist who writes top-rated books at the daring intersection of faith and race. Her most notable books are My First White Friend: Confessions on Race, Love and Forgiveness and All That Is Secret: An Annalee Spain Mystery. Richard Weissman: one of the most productive and important authors writing about American roots music and the music business. Music Business: Career Opportunities & Self Defense has sold over 100,000 copies and used in many college music programs. Dick's work was among the earliest books written about the music business. one of the most productive and important authors writing about American roots music and the music business. Music Business: Career Opportunities & Self Defense has sold over 100,000 copies and used in many college music programs. Dick's work was among the earliest books written about the music business. Flint Whitlock: The current editor of the WWII Quarterly magazine since 2010, Whitlock's notable books include Soldiers on Skis: A Pictorial Memoir of the 10th Mountain Division and The Beasts of Buchenwald: Karl & Ilse Koch, Human-Skin Lampshades, and the War-Crimes Trial of the Century. The Smithsonian, National Geographic, Colorado National Guard, and other groups is honored to have him as a battlefield tour guide. The current editor of the WWII Quarterly magazine since 2010, Whitlock's notable books include Soldiers on Skis: A Pictorial Memoir of the 10th Mountain Division and The Beasts of Buchenwald: Karl & Ilse Koch, Human-Skin Lampshades, and the War-Crimes Trial of the Century. The Smithsonian, National Geographic, Colorado National Guard, and other groups is honored to have him as a battlefield tour guide. "Avi" Edward Wortis: Avi is the author of more than 70 books for children and young adults, including the 2003 Newbery medal winner Crispin: The Cross of Lead. He has won two Newbery Honors and many other awards for his children's fiction. The Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame is the first in the nation to recognize and celebrate the breadth of work that authors brought forth. Tickets are available to the public at www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org The ticket includes dinner and special program. Dom Testa, morning host of Dom & Jeremy on Mix 101 will emcee once again. There is limited space available so register for the gala early. You can buy single tickets, or reserve a table of 8 for your party. About Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame Authors' Hall of Fame strives to educate the people of Colorado and the country about the stories of the authors who shaped their works using their personal presence and the environment of our State with courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion, and creativity. Inductees are authors who've made a major impact on others with their words. The Authors' Hall of Fame recognition endeavors to ensure their legacies never die. The next Induction of the Hall of Fame will be held September 18, 2021 at the Renaissance Central Park in Denver, Colorado. Additional information about the upcoming Induction event, inductees, donations, events, and board members is available at www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org The public is invited to visit the website, read the criteria for nominations, and encouraged to nominate authors who they believe would be ideal to include in the 2021 celebration. Press inquiries: Contact Founder, Dr. Judith Briles, Judith@Briles.com or 303-885-2207. ROCKDALE, Texas - Chad Harris, the CEO of Whinstone Inc., the operator of the largest crypto "mine" in North America, remembers one of the last times Texas's electric power problem became his electric power problem. It was a Wednesday in June, and evening temperatures were hovering around 94 degrees - far higher than the state usually suffers at that time of year. Texans were churning up their air conditioning, and the state's grid, which infamously failed for days during a cold snap in February, was straining. "We just got a text saying, 'The power grid needs support. Please curtail now,' " Harris said, while standing outside the company's mining center at an old Alcoa aluminum facility about six miles outside this Central Texas town. Instantly, Whinstone's system went offline. The tens of thousands of computer servers that spin away generating bitcoin inside three long buildings simply stopped. "With the flip of a switch, we turned this off," Harris said. In the world of crypto mining, having all your computers shut down at once, and stay down for hours, as they did in June, sounds like a disaster. Crypto miners compete with one another the world over to generate the computer code that results in the production of a single bitcoin, and the algorithm that governs bitcoin's production allows only 6.25 bitcoin to be produced every 10 minutes, among the perhaps 70,000 crypto mines that operate around the world. If you're not able to generate the code, but your rivals can, you are out of luck. Photo for The Washington Post by Sophie Park But thanks to the way Texas power companies deal with large electricity customers like Whinstone, Harris's bitcoin mine, one of the few owned by a publicly traded company, didn't suffer. Instead, the state's electricity operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), began to pay Whinstone - for having agreed to quit buying power amid heightened demand. That sort of arrangement has helped make the state one of the go-to locations for expanding crypto entrepreneurs the world over, despite its continued agonizing over power shortages. Indeed, Whinstone's new owners are undertaking a major expansion of its facility outside Rockdale, with the intention of doubling its capacity. When fully developed, the crypto mine here is expected to require 750 megawatts of power - enough to power more than 150,000 Texas homes during peak demand. And it's not just Whinstone. More crypto farms want to move into the area as China, believed to be the nation with the most crypto miners, moves to restrict local bitcoin mining and trading by, among other limitations, ordering power companies not to sell them power. Shenzhen-based BIT Mining said in May that it plans to invest more than $25 million in a Texas data center, while Beijing-based server firm Bitmain is already modernizing the old aluminum plant across the street from Whinstone's Rockdale-area facility. Rockdale's mayor, a bitcoin miner himself with a rack of computers in his home, says he's met with at least one other firm interested in locating here. Whinstone, which leases shelving on its campus to other crypto miners' servers, has been contacted by "several," the company's CEO said. It's not just happening near Rockdale. Peter Thiel-backed crypto mining firm Layer1 Technologies last year opened a plant near Pyote in West Texas (population 138 in the 2020 census). In February, Canada's Argo Blockchain announced plans to buy 320 acres of land in the same West Texas area within a year. Events in China might make mining even more profitable for farms in Texas. Over the July Fourth weekend, as bitcoin's code self-adjusted to accommodate a sudden drop in global bitcoin miners tied to the crackdown in China, it became 28% less difficult to produce new bitcoin, according to the bitcoin data service BTC.com. The boom is both a worry and an opportunity, depending on whose perspective you choose to adopt. "One good thing about crypto mining is it's adding flexibility to the system," said Peter Cramton, a former board member of ERCOT, the nonprofit that's charged with managing the state's wholesale energy market. "But the problem is it's consuming real resources, doing a function that has no value." In mid-June, the state asked Texans to cut back on power by setting their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher as statewide electricity demand crept toward 70 gigawatts, nearly all that companies could generate at the time. How much the crypto explosion has helped Rockdale's economy is open to debate. For 50 years, Rockdale, with a population of about 5,600, was a company town, with hundreds of jobs at Alcoa's nearby coal mine and aluminum smelter. Its economic success even earned it the nickname "The Town Where It Rains Money" in a 1952 article by the Saturday Evening Post. But in 2008, Alcoa closed the mine and smelter, eliminating 1,200 jobs, and in 2018 the firm's power plant was shut down, adding to those job losses. But the electrical lines supporting those operations remain, making it an attractive site for bitcoin investment. Whinstone hired roughly 100 workers when it moved into town. But so far, the investment hasn't spurred meaningful growth. "What's 100 [newly hired] employees when you lost maybe 2,000 employees? It's not significant," said John King, Rockdale's mayor, who worked at the old Alcoa plant in the 1980s. His efforts to operate a crypto mine with a few servers in his home hasn't really paid off either. "I'm not very successful at it, and I can't afford to keep buying hard drives," he said, a reference to the hotly competitive market where the winnings go to those with the most computing power. And Whinstone has a lot. The company's fenced-off crypto compound houses more than 100,000 computer servers, stacked 20 feet high lining some of the walls. When the expansion is completed by the end of 2022, that number will have more than doubled, according to the company's CEO. On the outside, machines can be heard buzzing as workers in hard hats prep the 100-acre lot in near 100-degree temperatures for mining expansion. It's even louder and hotter on the inside, where fans on mining servers expel heat into a central "hot aisle." When the power is on, the chamber can hit 150 degrees as scorching air is shot out the ceiling. When the system powers down, the chamber's temperature falls soon after. Bitcoin mines of Whinstone's size may be capable of creating roughly 500 bitcoin per month, the company says. At today's bitcoin value of approximately $34,000, that's $17 million, helping to explain why Riot Blockchain, a publicly traded company, paid $80 million in May to acquire Whinstone. Expansion is an expensive undertaking, too. Each of Whinstone's buildings costs about $40 million to build. Still, Whinstone feels bullish on its future in Texas. The state provides myriad prime conditions for mining. For one, it has a deregulated electricity landscape that allows energy customers to choose their provider. The state often offers some of the cheapest energy prices in the country. And the arid locale known for its oil and gas business is the nation's leading energy producer. As such, crypto data centers requiring a seemingly endless amount of power know where to get it. When power prices start to rise because of increasing demand, software from start-ups like Texas-based Lancium give mines the flexibility to adjust their power consumption accordingly. The code is interfaced with online notices from ERCOT, triggering servers to power down during times of extreme energy shortages. During the days-long blackout that crippled Texas in February, bitcoin mines completely went offline. ERCOT paid the companies for doing so. "There's a lot of opportunities here compared to other states," said Katie Coleman, an Austin-based energy attorney. "Cryptocurrency miners can avoid high energy periods, get paid for doing that, and therefore get power for next to nothing here." Why Rockdale? Whinstone moved to the town's perimeter from Louisiana in 2019 to take advantage of relaxed regulations and Alcoa's shuttered facilities. The company signed a long-term lease with Alcoa, flattened trees on the unkempt land and completed three buildings in 18 months. Wanting to be well-liked among locals, Whinstone donated "a significant amount of money" to the Rockdale Police Department. "Then they probably spent $5,000 on fireworks for our graduating senior class," King, the mayor, said. The showering display was a notable investment, he added, in a four-square-mile town that hosts a Walmart, one other grocery store, a handful of Mexican restaurants and a couple of pizza places. It's also home to one of the oldest motels in Texas, Rainbow Courts, which is somewhat of a tourist destination built over a century ago. The move to the community's perimeter came as the start-up was running low on capital. The firm says it needed the recent Riot Blockchain buyout to expand. Riot needed Whinstone's infrastructure to run its mining hardware. "Our issue here was getting enough capital to build faster," said David Schatz, vice president of operations at Whinstone. "We virtually had an endless supply of power, whereas other companies, our competition - their issue is scaling up their power." KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) On a sweaty recent Thursday afternoon, Alex Berrios was instructing his team on how to get people to register to vote. Extend your hand, he said; 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 chamber's GOP 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. Courtesy JBSA-Fort Sam Houston A Department of Defense contractor from San Antonio was convicted Thursday of attempting to entice an underage child into engaging in sexual activity, the Justice Department said in a news release. Rick Benavides, 48, was an information technology contractor when he was arrested and charged in 2019. According to court records, he worked at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. A Guadalupe County judge was arrested Thursday on two felony charges related to child abuse, court documents show. County Court at Law Judge William "Bill" Squires was charged with child abandonment and injury to a child. On ExpressNews.com: South Dakota guardsmen are coming to Texas - and neither state will talk about it Officials did not provide additional details. Squires, who has held his position since 2019, resides over cases involving family law, misdemeanor drug court, juvenile drug court and more. He announced his bid for for re-election in late June. His bail was set at $6,000, according to court records. taylor.pettaway@express-news.net The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday encouraged a return to in-person learning for the nations schoolchildren this fall but also said that students and staff not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should wear masks inside school buildings. The updated guidance for K-12 education puts Texas parents and school officials in the middle of nationwide political debate over whether mask requirements are necessary to quell the pandemic or a symbol of government overreach and an infringement on personal freedom. In May, Gov. Greg Abbott barred public schools and other government entities from requiring masks. Violations of the order are punishable by fines up to $1,000. Until then, every public school system in Bexar County required students and staff to wear masks while indoors. Leaders of the regions largest districts expressed disappointment in Abbotts decision but said they would obey it. On ExpressNews.com: Abbott bars mask rules in Texas public schools The new CDC guidance, although nonbinding, complicates the issue by asserting that mask-wearing is essential to a safe reopening of schools in the fall in part because the government has not yet approved a vaccine for children under the age of 12. The guidance says consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Nevertheless, San Antonio-area school districts said the guidance did not change anything and that they would stick with plans to recommend but not require masks on campus. At this time, our facemask policy remains unchanged. We will continue to honor the governors executive order, said Barry Perez, a spokesman for Northside Independent School District, the regions largest with 103,000 students. While we continue to encourage the use of facemasks, they are not required at district facilities or events, Perez said in a statement. East Central ISD also will continue to recommend masks, especially for unvaccinated students, and will follow other CDC safety guidelines, spokesman Brandon Oliver said Friday. Well continue to do our part, Oliver said. While we are going forward with the in-person learning, it is going to be safely done, and the parents can have the outmost confidence in our abilities. Overall, the new CDC guidance seeks to balance health precautions with a recognition that many students lost ground academically during a year or more of remote instruction. It says that students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority. The guidance recommends that schools maintain at least three feet of distance between students in classrooms to reduce the risk of transmission. If that isnt feasible, schools should take other measures, such as mask wearing, COVID-19 testing, improved ventilation, use of disinfectants and handwashing. But it says schools should not exclude students from classrooms in order to meet social distancing guidelines. The CDC called on school districts to promote vaccination for students and staff. It said that reaching high levels of vaccination was one of the most critical strategies for fully and safely reopening schools. Individuals who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors, the agency said. A growing body of evidence suggests that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to have an asymptomatic infection or transmit COVID-19 to others, the CDC guidance states. In most settings, people who are fully vaccinated can safely resume activities they did before the pandemic. The health agency said school districts and local governments should closely track community transmission, vaccination rates, testing and outbreaks and be guided in their decisions by local conditions. The guidance is really written to allow flexibility at the local level, Erin Sauber-Schatz, who leads a CDC group that prepares recommendations to keep people safe from COVID-19, told the Associated Press. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona echoed the CDC in calling childrens return to classrooms a priority. We know that in-person learning offers vital opportunities for all students to develop healthy, nurturing relationships with educators and peers, Cardona said Friday, and that students receive essential supports in school for their social and emotional well-being, mental health and academic success. Melina Espiritu-Azocar, lead organizer for the Northside American Federation of Teachers, said the union agrees with the CDC guidance and recognizes that in-person learning is best for students academic progress. But she called on state and local leaders to make protecting vulnerable students a priority too. We still believe that theres a group of students, especially immune-compromised students, that until theres a vaccine in place for children 11 and younger, need to stay virtual, Espiritu-Azocar said. Our district should find a way to ensure that that is an option for them. Last year, near the height of the pandemic, Abbott imposed a statewide mask requirement, which remained in effect for about 10 months. He rescinded the order in March, citing declining COVID case counts and the increasing availability of vaccines. But some local governments continued to require masks, and in response Abbott issued his May order prohibiting Texas schools or government entities from mandating masks. Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, the governor said then. We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans liberty to choose whether or not they mask up. alejandro.serrano@chron.com danya.perez@express-news.net Catherine Perkins looked out over her class at Coker Elementary School and pointed her marker at the math problem on the page in front of her, projecting the worksheets image onto a white board at the front of the room. If Kevin has nine bags of candy and each bag holds nine pieces of candy, how many pieces of candy does he have? she asked. Her 10 third-graders grabbed their pencils and stared at their worksheets, some looking confident, others glancing at their classmates, hoping to pick up a clue. Its OK if you dont know all the facts right now. Were all learning together here, Perkins reminded them. She gave them a moment to think and began walking them through the solution, encouraging them to offer their ideas. When the class arrived at 81 pieces of candy together, a student shouted, Its so easy! Perkins flashed a smile and responded, Right!? Its getting so much easier. It was the last day of summer school at North East Independent School District and students were showing signs of real progress after seriously struggling with math during months of remote learning. Without hands-on activities, easily-asked questions and work with classmates, many fell badly behind. Now, when students and teachers would normally be taking long breaks from school, classrooms in San Antonio and across the country are filled with children and educators. Its part of a massive effort to get kids back up to speed that has generated the largest summer school and credit recovery programs ever. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer We knew this summer would be pivotal to re-engage and reconnect with our students, especially our virtual students and any student who had become lost for whatever reason due to the pandemic, Jennifer Gutierrez, North East ISDs executive director of elementary curriculum and instruction, said in an email. In January, we began planning the greatest summer school experience for students in the history of summer schools, she said. The classes are designed to be small, hands-on and engaging, because many students need targeted, individualized support and especially useful in math they need the social and educational benefits of collaborating with their peers, teachers said. For some students, its the first time in a classroom since March 2020, when the coronavirus shuttered every campus. Students who had gotten used to learning through a laptop screen during the school year said being back on a campus was refreshing for the first time in a long time, learning felt natural again. It gives you an actual experience, Judy Aranda, 11, who switched from remote learning to in-person learning a few months ago, said as she played math games with her fifth-grade classmates. Youre learning more than on a computer. Math woes At the Losoya Middle School campus in Southside ISD, 14-year-old Maya Campos sat at the back of Carissa Wells summer math classroom attentively listening to the lesson on fractions and ratios. Math has always been a difficult subject for Campos she needed summer school to transition to ninth grade - but that would be hard to know seeing her engagement and performance in the classroom. When Wells asked the 16 students present, Does anyone remember how to write a ratio? Campos was one of the few who quickly raised a hand. She took the time to help two classmates sitting next to her. This is part of what Campos missed during virtual learning, she said, being present to answer and ask. Communication was encouraged during virtual learning, she said, but she felt less comfortable speaking up and even her attendance suffered. In a classroom, there are other people struggling, its not just you, she said. You could help others. Others can help you. You can ask questions. And its always better to have more than one opinion. Wells was not surprised to see math scores on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, fall drastically across the state this year. The subject just doesnt translate via a screen and a lot of students need guidance and practice to keep their skills sharp. People may think that (math) is not very hands-on, but it is, Wells said. Its one of those If you dont use it, you lose it, and so I feel like a lot of students didnt actually use their (math) skills during the pandemic, so they lost a bit of that. The percentage of students who met or exceeded grade-level performance in math, as a statewide average, dropped this year to 35 percent compared to 50 percent in 2019, the last time STAAR tests were administered. In reading, that figure fell from 47 percent to 43 percent. STAAR scores among remote learners dropped even more sharply. School districts in the past year reported widespread disengagement from class and chronic absenteeism among students learning from home. Thousands of students in Bexar County didnt show up for school at all, forcing teachers and administrators to visit their homes to check on them. We got some catching up to do, said Carrie Clewett, a fifth grade teacher in North East ISD helping out with summer school this year. I think the kids just want to feel safe, they want structure, they want to feel like they're learning, they want positive experiences, they want to be with their friends, they want to experience whatevers coming. Summer school expansion School districts across San Antonio are using summer school as extra instruction time to address learning loss and get students adjusted to the classroom environment before they return in the fall. The remediation and credit recovery programs this year are unlike any done before - an all-hands-on-deck approach that educators hope will reach a record number of struggling students. Its not specific to San Antonio, said San Antonio ISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez. What we are seeing is symbolic of the entire nation, because children in poverty, children of color, are seeing some of the biggest, most significant proficiency declines ever, especially in science and math. Southside ISD was one of several area districts to open summer classes to any child or family interested in participating, with emphasis on those with low test scores. The district began advertising the four-week program early in the spring and attracted more than double its summer enrollment in 2020. Some 250 high school students are attending in-person, another 586 at the middle school level, and 575 at the elementary level, compared with about 780 total students last year. One of the things that we stressed is that we dont want it to be a take out a paper or book and do this. We wanted to make it as fun as we can and as engaging as we can so that the students look forward to coming, Southside ISD Superintendent Rolando Ramirez said. Students are not only brushing up on what they missed last year, but also what they are expected to know as they start the upcoming school year. Some school districts, like North East and Northside ISDs, opted for a targeted approach, using testing data and teacher assessments to identify the students who needed the most help - almost all of them remote learners - and requiring their participation in summer school. On ExpressNews.com: Performance declines are noticeable' - STAAR results show retreat, disparities in student scores during pandemic Not every student who was told to come in for the summer has showed up, but the enrollment increases are significant. At North East ISD, which has more than 60,000 students, about 5,600 attended the June program and about 3,500 are expected for the July program. Those numbers are up from about 2,000 total students in a pre-pandemic year, Gutierrez said. The district has also scaled up the number of campuses it is using for the summer, from six campuses in a normal year to 28 campuses in June and 26 in July. Approximately 450 teachers worked the June program and about 300 are working in July. The district increased their hourly summer rate from $25 per hour to $40 per hour, Gutierrez said. We know teachers have had a really tough year, said Barry Perez, spokesman for Northside ISD, which also raised teachers summer pay. We certainly wanted to make sure thats something they were well compensated for. Long-term support While all of the students in summer school are behind in their learning, some are further behind than others. Educators say that inconsistency is a result of the unusual learning models and disruptions of the past year and that it will take years, not weeks, to remedy. Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox You have to know that going in, that theyre going to be in different places for different reasons and that you're just trying to make progress every day, Clewett said. You dont have to be on the same level as everyone else, but you need to just keep moving in the right direction. In order to try to get students on the same proficiency levels in math and other subjects, school districts have planned intersession programs just before the start of next school year, as well as longer-term solutions like more professional development for teachers, individualized tutoring and year-round or extended-day calendars. San Antonio ISD will kick off its summer intersession program on July 19, an intensive two weeks that will act as a kickoff to the school year. The district focused on enrolling children who were clearly struggling and the session will have a strong focus on math and science, Martinez said. The hope was to register at least 10,000 students for it, Martinez said, but by the last week of the school year the district had close to 12,000 registrations. We know its not a function of the instruction, and its not that the children dont have the abilities, its just the conditions of last year, Martinez said. The summer session will also help assess where students stand and where to allocate the additional instructional hours and staff to better help them catch up. Out of the $78 million that SAISD is receiving in federal aid this year, more than $22 million is going toward additional instructional time, which includes teacher raises, increasing support personnel and paying teachers for working in the summer, Martinez said. The district added more than 30 instructional days to the calendar, which can be used to extend the school year with weekend classes or after-school programs. More than $20 million also was allocated for additional staffing for the first year, including teachers, parent engagement specialists and therapists. Weve added more than 150 teachers to also help keep class sizes small, especially in schools that struggled the most through COVID, Martinez said. So, we are trying to be very intentional, but Ive also been very clear in that we dont know what we dont know, and this is Year One on the recovery plan. Come August, many students will arrive at school in better shape than in May, but whether this summer was enough to make up for all the losses remains to be seen. Teachers will be key, as always, in supporting students through their struggles. They all come to you with different needs, different levels of learning, different circumstances, and they just need someone whos positive and encouraging to teach them that they can do it, Clewett said. It just might take a little more time, a little more effort. CORRECTION: This article was updated to correct the number of students who attended sumer classes in Southside ISD last year. danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH andy.picon@hearst.com | @andpicon Hundreds of San Antonio pet lovers collected bags of pet chow from the San Antonio Food Bank at the nonprofits first-ever pet food distribution aimed at low-income families with pets. Residents lined up in their vehicles around the block Thursday morning at the food banks main campus on the West Side. In all, food bank volunteers distributed 15 truckloads of dry pet food donated by PetSmart Charities, enough for 500 families. The first 200 households to show up also received pet beds donated by TJ Maxx. On ExpressNews.com: The story behind the viral photo of massive lines at San Antonio Food Bank The food bank staged the event in partnership with DaisyCares, a nonprofit that promotes animal welfare and provides assistance for food and veterinary care for pets. Our pets came second during the whole pandemic. First, it was feeding the family and then our pets, said Teresa Gutierrez, a San Antonio resident. Its going to help us out financially quite a bit, she said of the giveaway. Billy Calzada, Staff / Staff Photographer Cars were queued up back-to-back in four lines. As the vehicles approached the distribution point, they merged into two lines, and volunteers stacked heavy loads of pet food in the trunks. When the pile of bags dwindled, a forklift driver brought more. On ExpressNews.com: Thousands queue up for free food during pandemic Pet food is expensive, said Sonia Gonzales, a San Antonio resident who went to the distribution with her mother, who is disabled. Its going to help a lot, especially (her mother). Although the food bank stocks pet food, Thursdays distribution was its first-ever focusing on low-income families with pets. The distribution provided two bags of food for each cat or dog and one bed per pet while supplies lasted. Residents also received regular food donations as part of their visit. The unique part of today is all of our distributions have really been focused on serving the family and wed add pet food, said Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the food bank. At Thursdays event, were focusing on just the pets, he said. Cooper said although pets have provided mental relief for families during the pandemic, financial struggles could cause pet owners to consider giving away the animals. For us to be able to provide some relief by way of pet food allows that family to stay intact, Cooper said. Mae Benavides, a San Antonio resident who owns seven cats and two dogs, said she was glad to see the food bank include pet food in the distribution. Benavides said she was unable to obtain pet food at previous distributions, so we had to use the proteins that we got for ourselves and we had to boil it for our animals. Cooper said the food bank hopes to continue to provide pet food at its regular distributions. Last year, the charity distributed food for 80,000 pets, he said. Many of us that have pets and are financially able were purchasing our pet food along with our people food at places like H-E-B, and so when were giving out to the families, creating that same one stop is super-important, Cooper said. gabriella.ybarra@express-news.net For 18 years, a mystery has plagued Maria Z. Aguillon. A loud siren can be heard across downtown every workday at noon and 5 p.m. It reminds Aguillon of the work whistle that blew on the 1960s animated show The Flintstones when it was quitting time at the Slate Rock and Gravel Co. But where is it coming from? Aguillon, payroll manager at Goodwill Industries of San Antonio on West Commerce across from Market Square, and her co-workers came up with a range of theories about the source of the whistle. They eliminated the old Bexar County Jail it was torn down in October, and the shrill blasts continued. Aguillon thought maybe the whining whistle she heard from her second-floor office came from a factory across downtown. Co-workers said theyd heard it as far away as the Bexar County Courthouse and the King William neighborhood. Last week, Aguillon set out to research the source of the siren thats perplexed her for years. Her answer came from the unlikeliest of places: an office down the hall. On ExpressNews.com: Bill Miller Bar-B-Q plans to move downtown HQ to San Antonios West Side She mentioned the mysterious whistle Wednesday to creative and digital manager Lauren Serrato, 39, who casually said, Oh yeah, thats the Bill Miller whistle. Aguillon was crestfallen. She couldnt believe the source was Bill Miller Bar-B-Q headquarters, just two blocks away on Santa Rosa. Im so disappointed, said Aguillon, 55. I just needed to know about this mystery. I never thought it was from Bill Miller. The revelations from co-workers kept coming. Trina Hibbard, senior marketing and workforce administrator, said she learned two years ago that the sound came from the brick building. Hibbard, 63, first heard the blast a few years ago above her as she entered the building for lunch. Janet Ward, director of marketing, said she discovered the source six years ago. Its been a staple for all of us, said Ward, 49. Its our clock, too. On ExpressNews.com: Goodwill buildings are midcentury and distinctive Roxanne Mijares, social media manager for Bill Miller, said the siren is actually an air horn the business bought from a train company in the mid-2000s. A valve opens, and the horn bellows for 13 seconds from the roof of the commissary/bakery twice a day. Balous Miller son of original owners Bill Miller and his wife, Ila Faye Miller wanted us to get a working-man whistle to let everyone know about lunch and time to go home, Mijares said. During daylight saving time, workers adjust the settings of the horn thats contributed to many San Antonians downtown work experience. Aguillons joy in discovering the source of her curiosity may be short-lived. There were rumors the company, which operates more than 70 restaurants in and around San Antonio, is moving its headquarters to the West Side, to a site at the northwest corner of Texas 151 and Old Highway 90. If that were to happen, the co-workers said they would miss hearing the whistle that became part of their workday. Serrato jokingly said she would tape the siren for nostalgias sake. I can record it, Serrato said, in its full glory. There wont be a need for that recording or the group fretting about the sound of the siren being silenced. Bill Miller is not leaving downtown, Bill Miller CEO and president Jim Guy Egbert said, and the air horn will be there as long as we are downtown! vtdavis@express-news.net A physicians assistant pleaded guilty Thursday to defrauding Medicaid and Medicare in a kickback scheme. In addition, a state agency temporarily suspended his license after finding that Christopher Felix Montoya was still running his practice from jail. Montoya, 47, admitted to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, according to the Department of Justice. Montoya, who owns and operates TPC Family Medicine and Urgent Care Clinics in San Antonio and Laredo, was arrested in December 2019 along with Nancy Almaguer, the clinics chief operating officer. Almaguer, 41 of San Antonio, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and to pay and receive health care kickbacks and three counts of soliciting and receiving illegal health care kickbacks, officials said. Jury selection and trial for Almaguer is pending. On ExpressNews.com: Boerne man who harmed baby daughter gets 25 years in prison Authorities said Montoya was performing nasal swabs on patients, then accepting kickbacks for submitting those swabs to a particular laboratory for testing between September 2018 and June 2019. In a separate case Montoya pleaded guilty on June 15 to one count of conspiracy to receive health care kickbacks from Tricare, the health care plan offered to active and retired military members through the Department of Defense. Montoya billed Tricare $1,884,577.86 for prescriptions he wrote; Tricare paid out $797,262.21. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 23 before Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra in San Antonio. Montoya faces up to 20 years in federal prison. On June 23, a disciplinary panel of the Texas Physician Assistant Board temporarily suspended Montoyas license without notice. Montoya was still running his practice from jail, the board said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios USAA Life Insurance to pay $90 million in class-action suit on alleged overcharges They also said he continued to bill Medicare for services rendered despite not being present at his clinics to treat patients. The board determined that his practice as a physician assistant posed a continuing threat to public welfare, officials said. The temporary suspension remains in place until the board takes further action, officials said. Staff writer Laura Garcia contributed to this report. jbeltran@express-news.net If political success were measured by how frequently you dropped the term Orwellian into your everyday patter, Allen West would be a lock to win the 2022 race for governor. If election contests were decided by how many organizations you can refer to as Marxist, West would be president for life. Without a doubt, contemporary Republican Party voters have a way of rewarding candidates who traffic in conspiracy, paranoia, doomsday prophecy, gun fetishization and extravagant displays of patriotism and religiosity. After all, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert and Madison Cawthorn didnt make it to Capitol Hill on the strength of their policy chops. Even in that company, however, West, a retired 22-year Army veteran, former Florida congressman, outgoing chairman of the Texas Republican Party and as of last Sunday a 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary candidate, stands out. For one thing, as one of the few Black Republicans with real prominence, he seems to take special delight in challenging any suggestions that systemic racism exists in this country. Consider Wests July 4 campaign stop at South Padre Island. West: I see some white people out here. Crowd: Woo! West: I dont feel oppressed by yall being here. I am not a victim. I am the victor. And thats the message we have to send back to the United States of America. The implication, that other Black politicians feel oppressed by the presence of white supporters at their rallies, was nonsensical. But it went over well with an audience eager to embrace Wests view that social inequities dont exist in the United States; theyre merely the product of a whiners mentality. West told his crowd that Democrats have destroyed the Black community. He called Black Lives Matter a Marxist organization. He described critical race theory, a poorly understood form of academic scholarship which conservatives tend to equate with any race-based critique of U.S. society, as the next Marxism. Earlier that day, West launched his campaign with a visit to Sojourn Church in Carrollton, where he has been a parishioner since last fall. Clad in a red jacket, white shirt and blue jeans, he warned the congregation that gays and lesbians are plotting to upend Christianity. Here in the United States of America, we have a new religion that is being put forth, West said. Its the religion of same-sex marriage. Its the religion that says that God couldnt get Adam and Eve man and woman right. Theres 60-something genders, I dont know what were up to now. But you can choose to be whatever you want. And if you disagree with that, you have to be hauled in front of the court. What you didnt hear from West, in fact, what you havent heard from him at all over the first five days of his candidacy, is any real mention of the person hes running against: Gov. Greg Abbott. When asked about Abbott, West has insisted that hes not running against the governor, he is running FOR Texas. So West targets his barbs at Democrats, even though hes not running against a Democrat right now. He doesnt need to convince the GOP base that Democratic elected officials are a bunch of totalitarian monsters leading the United States into an Orwellian dystopia. They totally believe that already. He has to persuade Republicans to ditch Abbott, a fellow conservative who speaks the same culture-warrior language as West, albeit with a less aggro manner. With his agenda for the Legislatures special session, which began Thursday, Abbott is taking aim at critical race theory and trying to ban transgender kids from competing in girls sports. Abbott has also blocked his challenger on Wests other big issue, border security. Last month, Abbott promised that Texas would build its own border wall, and promised $250 million in state funds as a down payment. Apart from suggesting that the state should tax migrants for remittances sent to family members in their native countries, West doesnt bring much to the table. Nonetheless, his early reticence to criticize Abbott is a little strange, given the way he attacked the governor only a few months ago. Last September, he joined in a lawsuit challenging Abbotts decision to ease public-health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic by extending early voting by six days. A month later, West led a protest outside the governors mansion, blasting Abbott for his statewide mask mandate and temporary closing of bars. Hard feelings among Republicans over Abbotts COVID restrictions have dissipated since he opened up the state in March. Abbotts approval rating among Republicans stands at 77 percent, according to a recent University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll. His campaign also has $55 million in the bank. Where does that leave West? Shouting into the void about Marx and Orwell. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 As Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar prepares to name a new captain, the deputies union made a failed attempt to stop the process. The Deputy Sheriffs Association of Bexar County filed a temporary restraining order to stop all promotions until officers interested in moving up the ranks could be tested. Currently, Salazar is using a list first approved by the county in February 2020. The union stated that officers who werent eligible in 2019 or would like to re-test and possibly be ranked higher on the list arent being given a fair shot. The restraining order was issued June 24 by District Judge Aaron Haas and set to run through Thursday. As a result, the Sheriffs Office postponed a promotion set for June 25 to fill a captains vacancy expected to open up as a result of a retirement. But the 224th District Court tossed the temporary restraining order last week, allowing the sheriff to move forward with the promotion. On ExpressNews.com: Salazar: More bodies in blue or fewer in orange will solve jail woes The promotions list is supposed to be active for a year, but it can be extended with approval from the Bexar County Sheriffs Civil Service Commission, which is listed as a defendant in a lawsuit, along with the Sheriffs Office. According to the union, deputies who have qualified to take a promotion test since the list expired would be denied the opportunity to test or re-test and be placed on the list or moved up in ranking on the list. The lawsuit centered on the rank of captain one of only four positions at that level in the Sheriffs Office law enforcement division. All of the affected individuals will then lose the chance to obtain the experience and lessons of being a captain which would further their careers and possibly lead to higher position in law enforcement or the private sector, the union stated in court documents. Lawyers for the association also argued that one invalid promotion would cause a chain reaction of other promotions that would later have to be reversed. Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer But the Bexar County District Attorneys Office argued the promotion list was extended in meetings of the commission in October 2020 and again in May, without objections from association representatives who were present. Under the countys civil service rules, a promotion list can be extended when a position is left vacant as determined by the sheriff. County attorneys said the deputies association immediately sought to exploit this upheaval after the restraining order was issued by attempting to initiate a dialogue with the Sheriffs Office on a process to fill the captains vacancy. The Sheriffs Office said the order, if it had been upheld, would have cost taxpayers thousands of dollars for deputy back pay and promotional re-testing. It also would have adversely affected dozens of deputies who make up the DSABC membership, deputies who DSABC should be working for instead of against, the agency said. A spokesman for the department said they will resume promotions Saturday. On ExpressNews.com: Sheriff urges people to chill in wake of boat controversy The frivolous and haphazard manner in which this TRO was filed shows exactly where the DSABC leaderships priorities are, Salazar said. This weak attempt to hinder government function shows that the DSABC would rather obstruct progress, than actually help their members. The deputies association had no comment on the case Thursday. We launched SA Inc. a year ago, at the worst possible time. As we were planning it defining its mission, its tone and how it would look I kept expecting a call from the Express-News editor or publisher conveying this message: Never mind. Recessions are hard. I even had my response ready: Devastating news. Reality so mean sometimes. Well, Ill just get back to what I was doing before. Obviously, that message never arrived from our higher-ups, and Im grateful it didnt. Looking back on 52 issues of SA Inc., its been an accurate barometer of the chaos the pandemic unleashed on San Antonios economy on the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of San Antonians and businesses of all sizes and of the citys ongoing recovery. Every week, in print and on ExpressNews.com, SA Inc. has been home to the most insightful business reporting and commentary in South Texas. OK, I do have some shreds of modesty. So lets say most weeks. Not all of our work has been directly related to the pandemic. We shined a light on the toxic workplace at military-themed apparel maker Grunt Style under its founder. We published the most thorough and engaging profile to date of Sardar Biglari, the wily and controversial investment manager. We took deep dives into the state of Whataburger a year after a Chicago private equity firm acquired a majority stake in the famed burger chain and the frenzy of property acquisitions around the transformed San Pedro Creek downtown. Weve also been lucky to have personal-finance columnist Michael Taylor gently and humorously steering us away from the craziness of picking individual stocks and from investing in Tesla or b itcoin. (What do I think is the right price for bitcoin? Id say, roughly, zero.) SA Inc. readers have benefited as well from the expertise of real-estate reporter Madison Iszler and tech reporter Brandon Lingle. I challenged these talented writers to produce weekly columns that would both entertain and elucidate. Skyline and Accelerator were the results, and theyve beaten my expectations. I do some column-writing, too. But the feature Im proudest of is Flux, our weekly profile of a small or midsize business. Each Flux has been an opportunity to listen in as an owner tries to figure out how to respond when a virus tears a hole in his or her industry. These business people arent shy. Theyve talked with us openly about the anguish of having to lay off employees, their struggles to keep the doors open and how they adjusted to the COVID-19 cataclysm. And in recent Fluxes, business owners have begun expressing sure-footed optimism, something we didnt hear last year. As I said, SA Inc. is a reliable marker of where we are today. Its also a good guide to where were headed. To celebrate our first anniversary this week and in the spirit of Flux we asked business owners, CEOs and managers to tell us how they weathered the pandemic, how theyre doing now and what their near-term future looks like. You should read what they have to say, in their own words, but Ill sum it up: They panicked at first, suffered, made the changes needed to survive and are now incorporating some of what they learned in their operations going forward. Youll also hear in their accounts a big sigh of relief. As the economy continues to reawaken, we are busy making our own adjustments to how SA Inc. does its thing. Were putting the finishes touches on a revamp of ENdex, our weekly set of data points that illuminate the gyrations of our local economy. Weve redesigned the feature to pack in a broader array of information. Think of it as your weekly check-in on the health of San Antonios major industries, labor force and overall economy. More importantly, well be sharpening our focus on women- and minority-owned businesses and diversity or lack of it in the corporate ranks. Youll see it in many of SA Inc.s news stories, features and profiles. And we plan to introduce a weekly column this fall focused squarely on diversity and inclusion issues. In addition, well continue our in-depth coverage of the industries and the people behind them that make San Antonio tick: automotive manufacturing, tourism, real-estate development, banking and finance, insurance, health care and technology. Among the stories were devoting reporting firepower to: the shakeout of the local cybersecurity sector with the acquisitions over the past year of several of our oldest and most-recognized companies. San Antonio has never been synonymous with space travel. Never. But the Southwest Research Institute is deeply involved in the exploration of our solar-system neighbors, and a number of low-profile industry contractors operate out of this city, including Exploration Architecture, or XArc. Weve paid close attention in the past 12 months to these players, both here in SA Inc. and our daily coverage, and will build on that foundation of coverage. Well also keep a close eye on what SpaceX is up to at its Brownsville-area spaceport. Because who doesnt love rocket launches? And whose interest isnt piqued by Elon Musk? So thats what we have coming up in SA Inc.s second year. Thank you for reading us and please continue to do so. greg.jefferson@express-news.net Sterling, VA (20165) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 92F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some passing clouds. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Sterling, VA (20165) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. High 92F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. LANSING, Mich. (AP) Michigan's attorney general has opened an investigation after a Republican-led state legislative panel said people are making baseless allegations about 2020 presidential election results in a northern Michigan county to raise money or publicity for their own ends. Lynsey Mukomel, spokeswoman for Democrat Dana Nessel, said Thursday that the department accepted the request from GOP state Sen. Ed McBroom, of Vulcan, and the Senate Oversight Committee he chairs. State police are assisting. Election night results in rural Antrim County, which has roughly 23,000 residents, initially erroneously showed a local victory for Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump. But it was attributed to human errors, not any problems with machines, and corrected. A hand recount validated the results as accurate. In a report that also determined there was no widespread or systemic fraud despite Trump's claims, the committee said those promoting Antrim County as the prime evidence of a nationwide conspiracy to steal the election place all other statements and actions they make in a position of zero credibility. The report did not specify whom should be investigated. But people mentioned in it include lawyer Matthew DePerno, who unsuccessfully sued the county on behalf of a resident, and ex-state Sen. Patrick Colbeck. Colbeck has called the report shoddy and has called for the panel's GOP senators to be censured. DePerno has accused the committee of an election cover-up. On his website, Colbeck asks for donations to cover costs to defend himself after Dominion Voting Systems threatened legal action over his false claims that the election was stolen by manipulating the companys machines. Dominion has accused Colbeck of "knowingly sowing discord in our democracy" and soliciting exorbitant amounts of money over $1 million to his business. DePernos website seeks donations, too, and says $384,000 has been collected. The state Senate committee also urged the attorney general or Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to investigate a Wayne County Republican canvassers statement that election officials used poorly constructed drop boxes for absentee ballots despite the canvassing board having disallowed them. The report called it a serious breach. The attorney generals office did not elaborate on the probe's specifics, saying it is an open investigation. ___ Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00 Hartford Police / Contributed HARTFORD A man shot in the chest on Rockville Street late Wednesday afternoon remains in stable condition at the hospital, according to police. City officers responded to an area hospital around 5:25 p.m. for a report of a gunshot wound victim who had been dropped off to be treated. 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. Police found nobody in the yard and nobody inside responded initially when an officer yelled. They heard someone upstairs, however, and when walking up the stairs a male began yelling, Im the devil, you have to kill me. Roberts had blood all over his face and arms but no apparent wounds, and after running past officers toward an alley, they caught and detained him. Police then found Edwards lying on her back with no clothing and blood all over her face, neck and head areas. The blood around her head appeared to be coagulating and there appeared to be wounds on her neck, prosecutors say. An officer said he could feel a heartbeat, but when fire rescue personnel arrived, they could detect no life but continued life-saving efforts. She was taken to St. James Healthcare, where she was declared dead. Roberts mother arrived at the residence and told police she had picked up her son and Edwards in Bozeman and brought them to Butte. But she said she had no other information on Edwards. Roberts remained jailed following Thursdays arraignment with bond set at $250,000. Imagine, 75 years ago, some British officer lining up a group of young Indian children against a wall in Bombay, handing some bullets to Mahatma Gandhi, and ordering him to load soldiers rifles so that they could execute the youngsters. Would you expect Gandhi to go along with that? Why would an officer even give such an order except to humiliate Gandhi and mock what he stood for? Perhaps that gives you some idea of how it feels for the people of my congregation, Cedar Park Church, to be ordered by Washington state officials to provide an insurance plan that covers abortions. Directly paying for abortion coverage is as unimaginable to us as putting bullets in a gun we know would be used to end a childs life. It is antithetical to everything we preach, teach, and believe. Thats why we had to file a lawsuit through our Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys that is now on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which will hear arguments today. For us, sanctity of life is not some vague philosophy to which we owe religious lip service. It is a vital, driving theme of our theology, our worship services, and our varied ministries. We believe the sacrificial death of Christ for all people underscores the value of every human soul. In each service, we pray for the health and healing spiritual and physical of those in our congregation, their families, and loved ones. And we put hands and feet to those prayers. Our church partners with a local pregnancy center and foster care providers, sponsors a camp for foster care children, and operates its own funeral home. Each year, we host a special prayer service for couples struggling with infertility. We even encourage our members to adopt snowflake babies frozen embryos left over from in vitro fertilization. Does any of that sound like a church that takes its pro-life convictions lightly? Almost no other state in the country compels churches to offer abortion coverage as part of their employee insurance plan. But Washington does so despite not only the clear directives of the Free Exercise clause of the First Amendment which says government shall not interfere needlessly in the free practice of religious faith but also despite recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions specifically discouraging government hostility toward people of faith and forbidding the government from illogically offering exemptions to some that it wont offer to others. The state of Washington provides secular and religious exemptions to its abortion-coverage mandate, but it refuses to offer that grace to us. Incredibly, our state sets aside this most fundamental of our civil liberties our freedom to live out our faith in the name of its supposed interest in gender equity and womens reproductive health. But the abortion-coverage mandate is triggered when churches offer comprehensive maternity care in their health plans, as almost all of them do. In essence, the state demands that churches adopt the moral stance that abortion and childbirth are both equally good and acceptable options. And the state doesnt merely support abortion if a mothers life hangs in the balance. They hold the incredible belief that any living babys existence is expendable if her existence is no longer welcome or somehow seems incompatible with her mothers goals. My wife and I know very well how terrifying an unexpected, unwanted child can be. Two decades ago, we were teenagers leaders in our church youth group, the children of a deacon and the pastor, planning for college when we learned she was pregnant. That baby posed a terrible threat to our reputation and all our carefully made plans. And for one fleeting instance, my wife actually considered aborting the child. But we couldnt do that. We married a month later. We marveled, in the months that followed, at how God got our lives back on track and at the beautiful daughter He gave us and the three others who followed. We know that life is hard but also precious that out of even the worst circumstances, He can build a future and a hope. Thats a truth and yes, a joy that no government has the right to take away or compel us to ignore, which is why our church is challenging our states efforts to force us to compromise our most cherished principles: that life is a gift given by God, which we treasure, celebrate, and protect, especially in its most vulnerable forms. Jay Smith is the pastor of Cedar Park Church in Washington state. New research on the attitudes of people working in the UK dairy sector has revealed that many dairy farmers believe cows should graze for part of the year. Findings of the Cows eat grass, dont they? study shines a light on the perspectives of those working in UK dairy, touching upon economic, animal welfare and mental health aspects. The research was based on surveys and interviews with UK dairy farmers and key industry stakeholders to explore attitudes towards indoor and grazing systems. The survey found that 19% of respondents housed their cows all year round, while 68% of Scottish farmer respondents thought cows should graze for part of the year. Lead researcher Dr Orla Shortall, based at the James Hutton Institute, said this was a surprising finding. The mainstream view was that differences between systems grazing or indoor dont matter for animal welfare, economic or environmental outcomes, but management is more important. I was surprised when most respondents to the Scottish survey thought that cows should graze. "This view did coexist with the view that stock keeping was more important than system for welfare, and management was more important than system for economic outcomes." According to Dr Shortall, some of the reasons given by British farmers for preferring cows to graze were primarily linked to their experience working with cows outside. They liked working with cows outside, and liked letting the cows out in spring, Dr Shortall explained. "They liked being outside in nature and some of them had the view that their cows liked to graze," she added. I think in the industry the question of grazing or year-round housing has become quite controversial because year-round housing has been condemned by animal welfare charities. "And grazing is seen as something thats demanded by the public who are out of touch with farming." The research suggests that grazing neednt been seen as such a politicised issue within the dairy industry. "The farmers I spoke to who wanted their cows to graze generally didnt have a negative attitude towards housed systems, Dr Shortall added. The study shows that there is a reluctance in the UK industry to market milk as grass-fed because its seen as divisive and pandering to the public who dont understand the issues. However, farmers that participated in the research had a more pragmatic and positive attitude to grass-fed labels than key stakeholders. When the UK is negotiating trade deals with other countries, they dont need to shy away from the importance or value of grazing in the dairy industry," Dr Shortall said. "And with farmer mental health being a live issue, if farmers get meaning and enjoyment from spending time outside with their cows, thats also something worth celebrating." The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. Image: Shutterstock Behaviour disorders are more common than we evaluate them to be especially during childhood. This is majorly due to the varied range of experiences that children have owing to their curiosity about every stimulus around them. Most of these behaviour disorders are a part of childhood and gradually taper down as the child grows up, while some of them might require professional help. In both cases, an immense understanding and patience are expected from parents as that is one of the most important factors in the treatment of any behavior disorder for children.Lets discuss some most common issues in children which are related to their actions or behavior as deciphered by Shaili Mehta Sonani, in-house psychologist at Veda Rehab & Wellness. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category For Kriti Sanon, Friday began on a happy note as the actress shared the teaser for her upcoming film Mimi. The film which is based on surrogacy and is all set to release. The trailer of the film will be out on July 13th. Kriti shared a teaser showcasing her as Mimi who is expecting a child. It showcases how her pregnancy progresses from 12 to 40 weeks. It also gave us a glimpse of co-stars Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Supriya Pathak, Manoj Pahwa and others who are a part of Mimi's life. Sharing the teaser, the actress wrote, "Its nothing like what youre expecting! Delivering the #Mimi trailer on 13th JULY, #Tuesday!Beyondddd Thrilled!! Stay tuned! #MimiTrailer13July." As soon as Kriti dropped the teaser video, her fans began showering love on it. The teaser shows how Kritis character Mimi is going through different stages of pregnancy with her family by her side. Pankaj Tripathi, Supriya, Manoj, Sai and other actors could be seen going through the ups and downs of Mimi's pregnancy with her. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) On Thursday, Kriti even shared her first look from the film and promised to bring something 'extraordinary' for the audience. She had shared her first look captioning it, "This July, expect the extraordinary from the ordinary! Stay tuned." - Novo Holdings created and built Muna Therapeutics with pioneers in the field of neurodegeneration - Led by an experienced management team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence from Novo Seeds - Financing co-led by Novo Holdings, Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund, with participation from Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings, a global life science investor, today announces that it has co-led the Series A financing of its portfolio company, Muna Therapeutics ("Muna"), which is pioneering the development of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The financing also includes Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund with participation from Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB. Muna was founded in 2020 by progranulin pathway thought leader Professor Simon Glerup and his team from Aarhus University, Denmark, in collaboration with Novo Seeds, the early-stage investment team of Novo Holdings. Muna emerged as a result of Novo Seeds' company creation efforts, where the Novo team and its Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs) help build new biotech companies based on groundbreaking new science. Muna joined forces with K5 Therapeutics, co-founded in 2020 by Professor Bart De Strooper from VIB-KU Leuven Belgium, a pioneer in neurodegenerative diseases research, with investors Droia Ventures and VIB. The combined company - Muna Therapeutics - will be based in Copenhagen and Leuven and is led by seasoned pharma executives CEO Rita Balice-Gordon and COO Anders Hinsby, both EiRs of Novo Seeds. Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals, with increasing global impact as the population ages. Palliative treatments are scarce, and no curative therapies are currently available. Muna is focused on addressing the staggering unmet need experienced by patients around the world with neurodegenerative disorders. Morten Graugaard Dssing, Chairman of the Board and Partner at Novo Holdings, said: "Novo Seeds is delighted to welcome a global syndicate of first-class investors who strongly believe in Muna's world-leading science, experienced leadership team, and its potential to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. We are honored to co-lead this round with Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund - a tremendous joint effort to bring Muna to the next level." Rita Balice-Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Muna Therapeutics, said: "We are delighted for the support and backing from Novo Seeds and this world class investor syndicate. We are in an era of rapid advancement in understanding how to slow or stop the relentless progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia that devastate cognition and quality of life of patients as well as caregivers. Our team is committed to leveraging our collective expertise to deliver impactful disease modifying small molecule therapeutics to patients as rapidly as possible." Sren Mller, Managing Partner at Novo Holdings, added: "Our investment ethos, long-term vision, industry expertise and 'hands-on' approach enables us to create flagship biotech companies like Muna and ensure all the elements for success are there from the start. We're proud to see Muna emerge with our renowned EiR team. This new financing cements our position as the leader in biotech company creation, but also demonstrates how we synergistically collaborate with international investors to build early-stage biotech companies. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey alongside Rita, the Muna team and our fellow investors." Muna's innovative all-in-human target discovery and validation platform is based on proprietary insights into molecular pathways in different human brain cell types that underlie disease pathology and resilience to neurodegeneration, based on work from the De Strooper and Glerup laboratories. Muna has built a cutting-edge small molecule drug discovery engine that leverages high-resolution target structural approaches, AI-driven computational chemistry and cell-based screening. The financing will be used to advance Muna's small molecule programs focused on repairing neuronal dysfunction, resolving neuroinflammation and restoring neuroprotection and resilience to disease to Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. About Novo Holdings A/S Novo Holdings A/S is a private limited liability company wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It is the holding company of the Novo Group, comprising Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, and is responsible for managing the Novo Nordisk Foundation's assets. Novo Holdings is recognized as a leading international life science investor, with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life science investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. Further information: www.novoholdings.dk About Muna Therapeutics Muna Therapeutics is a private biopharmaceutical company founded in 2020 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Muna discovers and develops therapies that slow or stop devastating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal Dementia and Parkinson's. These disorders impact memory, movement, language, behavior and personality resulting in disability and death of millions of patients around the globe. We focus our groundbreaking science on identifying new medicines to preserve cognition and other brain functions and enhance resilience to neurodegenerative diseases. Our name reflects this focus: Muna means 'to remember' in Old Norse. www.munatherapeutics.com July 9, 2021: Oslo, Norway, based on a preliminary review, PGS expects to report Revenues and Other Income As Reported* according to IFRS for Q2 2021 of approximately $186 million, compared to $90.3 million in Q2 2020. Segment* Revenues and Other Income for Q2 2021 are expected to be approximately $152 million, compared to $138.7 million in Q2 2020. Contract revenues ended at approximately $51 million ($31.3 million in Q2 2020). Segment MultiClient pre-funding revenues were approximately $29 million ($66.2 million in Q2 2020), and MultiClient late sales revenues approximately $66 million ($35.5 million in Q2 2020). The difference between As Reported revenues and Segment revenues relates to MultiClient pre-funding where the As Reported MultiClient pre-funding revenues for Q2 are expected to be approximately $63 million ($17.8 million in Q2 2020). "I am pleased to see that we continue to deliver solid sales from our geographically diversified MultiClient data library. Sales from Europe were particularly strong in the quarter. We also secured healthy pre-funding for our ongoing MultiClient surveys. Vessel operations were dominated by production (4D) seismic, which were negatively impacted by challenging weather conditions during mobilization for projects offshore Norway. We still see a growing demand for new seismic acquisition, and we are increasingly confident in achieving higher Segment revenues in 2021, compared to 2020," says President & CEO Rune Olav Pedersen. PGS routinely releases information about 3D vessel utilization after the end of each quarter. Summary of Q2 2021 vessel allocation: Approximate allocation of PGS operated 3D towed streamer capacity Quarter ended June 30, Quarter ended March 31, 2021 2020 2021 Contract seismic 47% 15% 34% MultiClient seismic 21% 50% 55% Steaming 21% 21% 7% Yard 8% 0% 0% Stacked/Standby 3% 14% 4% The Q2 2021 vessel statistics includes six active 3D vessels. However, Ramform Sovereign was used as a source vessel for approximately half the quarter with corresponding lower revenue and cost, compared to when used as a 3D acquisition vessel. All cold-stacked** vessels are excluded from the statistics, including Sanco Swift which is not currently rigged for 3D but has been used as source vessel for parts of the quarter. The comparative period Q2 2020 is based on eight vessels***, while Q1 2021 is based on five vessels. The Company provides this information based on a preliminary summary of Q2 2021 revenues. The Company has not completed its financial reporting and related consolidation, review and control procedures, including the final review of all sales against the established revenue recognition criteria. The estimates provided in this release are therefore subject to change and the Q2 2021 financial statements finally approved and released by the Company may deviate from the information herein. PGS will release its Q2 2021 financial statements on Thursday July 22, 2021 at approximately 8:00am Central European Summer Time (CEST). A corresponding presentation is scheduled for 09:00am CEST the same day. *For the purpose of Segment reporting, MultiClient prefunding revenues are recognized on a percentage of completion ("POC") basis, and the related amortization of MultiClient library is based upon the ratio of aggregate capitalized survey costs to forecasted sales. This differs from IFRS reporting which recognizes revenue from MultiClient prefunding agreements and related amortization at the "point in time" when the customer receives access to, or delivery of, the finished data. For further description of the principles applied, see details in the 2020 annual report under Segment disclosure page 68 and Alternative Performance Measures page 52. Adjustments between preliminary IFRS and Segment revenue numbers for Q2 2021 are shown in the table below. Revenue and Other Income, As Reported $186 million Less Revenue for projects with IFRS performance obligations met during Q2 for completed projects $63 million Add Revenue recognized on a POC basis during Q2 $29 million Segment Revenues and Other Income $152 million **The term "cold-stacked" is used when a vessel is taken out of operation for an extended period of time. Costs are reduced to a minimum, with the vessel preserved for a long idle time, all or most in-sea seismic equipment removed from the vessel, and typically the Company does not have available crew to operate the vessel. ***PGS Apollo and Sanco Swift were cold-stacked during Q2 2020. FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communication Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35 *** PGS ASA and its subsidiaries. *** The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2020. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. QuantuMDx launches Q-POC - rapid PCR point of care diagnostic system Roll out at ECCMID 2021 with Q-POC SARS-CoV-2 assay 96.9 % sensitivity, 98.3 % specificity Sample to result - approximately 30 minutes CE-IVD marked - available to order now NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UK, 09 July 2021. QuantuMDx Group Limited ('QuantuMDx' or the 'Company'), a UK-based developer of transformational point-of-care diagnostics, today announces the launch of Q-POC - a rapid, PCR point of care diagnostic system. Launching at ECCMID 2021, QuantuMDx's Q-POC system and its first test, a SARS-CoV-2 detection assay, are now CE-IVD marked under the In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (98/79/EC), enabling use within Europe. The Q-POC SARS-CoV-2 assay has been evaluated at St George's, University of London, to assess clinical performance against tests in current use. The Development & Assessment of Rapid Technology (DART) Study shows 96.9% sensitivity (at CTs <35), 98.3% specificity and 0% cross reactivity with common commensal or potentially interfering organisms. Q-POC is a portable PCR system which compresses an entire molecular diagnostic laboratory into a simple to use, accessible and affordable single device offering rapid, molecular diagnostic testing at the point of care, with results in approximately 30 minutes. Q-POC has been designed for front-line healthcare professionals and can be used within a wide range of settings, including emergency rooms, ICU, birthing centres, clinics, and pharmacies. The Q-POC SARS-CoV-2 assay is contained within a sealed, single use test cassette designed for safety, ease of use and to eliminate contamination risk. On-board reagents are also lyophilised for room temperature storage, convenient shipping and a longer shelf life. QuantuMDx's Q-POC SARS-CoV-2 Assay has been designed with the most up-to-data sequence information to ensure 100% coverage of all known SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Jonathan O'Halloran, Chief Executive, QuantuMDx, said: "Q-POC represents a new class of molecular diagnostic device: it's fast, battery operated, can multiplex and is so simple to operate that anyone can be trained to use it. It's a true point of care diagnostic system. "Our Q-POC system is future-proof, and packs a great deal of complexity and power behind its modern lines and simple operation. Our SARS-CoV-2 test is just the first in a portfolio designed to meet real clinical needs. Over the next few years, we'll be driving menu expansion, comprising large syndromic panels and antimicrobial resistance mutation panels, ensuring we remain at the forefront of molecular, point of care diagnostics globally." Sanjeev Krishna, Professor of Molecular Parasitology and Medicine at St George's, University of London, said: "We are simply delighted to see the successful outcome of years of efforts to compress a diagnostics laboratory into a simple, portable and flexible device. The Q-POC platform was invented to address urgent diagnostic needs, particularly for pinch points for COVID-19 management in the NHS, and the community. In addition, how great is it to see the Northern Powerhouse delivering for us, with great potential to expand quickly and tackle other looming challenges like winter flu and antimicrobial resistance." Jonathan O'Halloran added: "Working with our British manufacturing partner, Cogent Technology and Singapore-based, Univac, we have scaled manufacturing to ensure security of supply for our customers and we are excited to be open for business." QuantuMDx was awarded 16m UK government funding in March 2020 to develop the company's portable diagnostic testing system, Q-POC, and disposable cassettes to allow for rapid, point-of-care testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in high and low-resource settings. The funding also included 3.2m towards production of QuantuMDx' lab-based coronavirus test which is now commercially available. For more information about QuantuMDx and Q-POC, its rapid PCR point of care system, go to: www.quantumdx.com. Notes to editor: 1) Q-POC brochureand video 2) Professor Sanjeev Krishna is a shareholder and advisor to QuantuMDx About QuantuMDx: QuantuMDx Group is an ambitious company with a global vision of empowering the world to control and eradicate disease by making transformative, quality point-of-care diagnostic technologies universally accessible. QuantuMDx has operations and strategic partnerships in the United States, Asia, Australasia, Europe and Africa - keeping it at the forefront of molecular diagnostics. For more information go to: www.quantumdx.com For media enquiries: Debra Daglish, Marketing Communications Manager, QuantuMDx Group, 0870 803 1234 Chris Gardner, Matthew Neal and Lindsey Neville, Consilium Strategic Communications, 0203 709 5700 / quantumdx@consilium-comms.com For investor enquiries: LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Senior plc (SNR.L), on Friday, reported that trading for the six months period ended June 2021 has been ahead of management expectations. The company noted that its cash performance has been robust with a net cash inflow of 61 million. Net debt at the end of June 2021 is expected to be around 71 million, with headroom on the company's committed borrowing facilities increasing by 58 million since December 2020 to 215 million. Looking ahead, the company said it expects production volumes for civil aerospace to be lower in 2021 than 2020 based on the production rates that the aircraft and engine OEMs have announced. Defence markets are anticipated to remain stable, while in power & energy markets, recovery in the oil & gas sector is likely to be at the end of 2021/start of 2022. Despite the well-publicised headwinds associated with freight and commodity costs; semiconductor supply chain challenges for our land vehicle customers; as well as the divestment of the company's Senior Aerospace Connecticut business, Senior plc now expects overall Group performance for 2021 to be slightly ahead of its previous expectations. 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. Company to expand its consent and preference management platform in Europe and the US Didomi today announced its Series B round of $40 million USD led by Elephant and Breega. The Paris-based startup helps developers and companies manage their users' consent and preferences across their online and off-line channels. This funding will allow Didomi to support strong growth in its European home markets, finance its expansion to the United States and invest in its technology platform globally. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005028/en/ The Didomi team "Jawad, Raphael and I have co-founded Didomi to make privacy easier for everyone and an obvious choice for companies," said Romain Gauthier, CEO, Didomi. "This fundraising is a major milestone on our journey to deliver on this mission. Not only does it reward the hard work of Didomi's entire team, scattered across the globe, but it also gives us resources to keep building the best technology for our existing and upcoming clients. We are happy that Elephant shares our ambitions, and that Breega has renewed their trust in our project. We look forward to helping brands and publishers make customer journeys more transparent and trustworthy through a delightful consent and preferences management experience." Privacy has become a strategic priority for companies globally Consumer sentiment studies all converge on the importance of privacy in any customer relationship. A recent European consumer survey showed that 80 percent of consumers pay attention to privacy before purchase, and about two-thirds of consumers modify their purchasing decisions in line with companies' privacy commitments. Regulators across the globe have taken notice. Gartner estimates that by 2023, 65 percent of the world's population will have its personal data covered by bespoke regulation, mostly to address growing concerns around privacy and national sovereignty. Technology is also witnessing massive tectonic shifts with the gradual phasing out of third-party trackers, the complete reinvention of targeted advertising models, and more generally the reduction of the availability of data for which no permission has been granted in large ecosystems like iOS. "Companies are now realizing they need to take action. What started as a pure compliance preoccupation, in the early days of GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California, has since become a global concern by companies of all sizes to foster trust through better permission management in the technology stack," said Maximilien Bacot, Co-founder Managing Partner of Breega. "Didomi is proposing popular and widely-adopted solutions for organizations seeking to address these challenges." Helping organizations embed permission into every customer touchpoint With Didomi solutions, companies like Giphy, Rakuten, UKG, Weight Watchers International and Wolters Kluwer get detailed analytics about consent behaviors that help them measure and optimize the benefits of transforming their user journey towards more privacy. This consent management tool can easily be customized and deployed across web, mobile, in-app, and even connected TV environments. "Didomi has taken a developer-first approach as a platform," said Jawad Stouli, CTO, Didomi. "With open APIs, public developer documentation and open-source SDKs for popular frameworks, our solutions are a good fit for tech teams and developers for all consent and preference management use cases. Didomi allows tech teams to easily embed consent into their apps and systems, lowering the cost of compliance and removing technical hurdles to invest in privacy, which is much needed across today's markets." Investing in technology and expanding into the US The funding will allow Didomi to develop a more convenient, self-service platform upon which organizations of all sizes can create consent and preference management interfaces. Beyond building world-class technology, the funding will also be used to expand its global footprint by opening an office in the US. To date, Didomi has raised a total of $46 million, which includes $6 million in a previous Series A round led by Breega with the support of Bpifrance. "Consent and preference management is becoming a must have for global businesses, and Didomi is at the forefront of innovation in this market," said Peter Fallon, General Partner, Elephant. "This investment is a testament to Didomi's unique approach, differentiated technology, and the team's ability to execute. The company has grown rapidly and is well positioned to continue scaling in the US and other international markets. We are excited to be working with Romain, Jawad, Raphael and the team, and we look forward to many more future milestones." ABOUT DIDOMI Didomi builds technology that allows organizations to place customer consent at the core of their strategy. By making consent and preferences easily accessible, companies benefit from compliant customer data while seeing higher engagement and increased user trust. Consumers, on their side, are free to choose what data to share and how to stay connected to their favorite brands across touchpoints. Didomi products include a Consent Management Platform (CMP), which collects billions of consents every month, a Preference Management Platform (PMP), and a powerful suite of bespoke solutions to build better consent and preference management. Find out more at www.didomi.io. ABOUT BREEGA Breega is a founder-friendly VC, with 260M under management, investing in promising European high tech startups from Seed/Series A stage. Breega provides much more than just capital. Built by founders for founders, Breega supports its portfolio companies through each phase of their development, providing them with free-of-charge operational expertise (HR, biz dev,marketing legal) and international development opportunities. Breega invests in trailblazing companies such as Exotec (robotics), Curve (fintech), uDelv (autonomous vehicles) or Fretlink (marketplace). ABOUT ELEPHANT Elephant is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 that invests in the enterprise software, internet and mobile markets. With offices in Boston and New York City, Elephant has raised over $900 million since inception and has a portfolio that includes KnowBe4, A Cloud Guru, Allbirds, and Scopely. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005028/en/ Contacts: Kerry Quintiliani Red Lorry Yellow Lorry for Didomi didomi@rlyl.com 92% of UK businesses have experienced a cyberattack in the last 12 months, with over two-thirds (72%) successfully breached at least once One in three UK businesses (31%) will hold the CTO directly answerable for a successful cyberattack on their organisation Over a third of UK IT decision makers (36%) have kept a cyberattack on their business secret UK businesses are struggling to deal with multiple urgent cybersecurity challenges, new research by Keeper Security has revealed. The 2021 Cybersecurity Census Report shows cyberattacks are becoming more vicious, frequent and sophisticated, while UK businesses are underprepared and too slow to counter these attacks. As a result, senior leaders within UK organisations are preoccupied with playing a cyberattack blame game instead of investing in boosting their defences. The report has found that more than nine in ten (92%) UK business suffered a cyberattack in the last 12 months and three quarters (78%) feel unprepared to deal with this threat. Nearly a third (31%) believe CTOs should take the blame in the case of a successful cyberattack.Such a weight of responsibility means cybersecurity standards are dropping: 36% of senior IT leaders confess to having kept a cyberattack to themselves, while 32% admit to using weak credentials such as 'password' or 'admin' to protect their data. "UK businesses are clearly worried about their cybersecurity and, as our report has found, the challenges are manifold, affecting everything from budgets to productivity," said Darren Guccione, CEO co-founder, Keeper Security. "While there is a desire to boost security efforts, companies are facing many competing challenges right now and, understandably, might not always make cybersecurity investments a priority. Our report is an urgent reminder for organisations to proactively address their cybersecurity challenges as a priority since deferring them will make the consequences far more severe." Key findings include: Almost all (92%) UK organisations are aware of gaps or weak links in their cybersecurity defences are, but less than half (40%) are actively addressing all of them Two-thirds (66%) of UK organisations have relaxed their cybersecurity policies over the past 12 months so staff can work remotely or in order not to stifle productivity 58% of IT professionals feel employees at their organisations do not understand the full consequences of poor cyber-hygiene 61% of UK companies have a skills shortage in cybersecurity The financial fallout of cyberattacks has been damaging, too, costing nearly one in ten (8%) UK businesses over 1 million An overwhelming 87% of IT leaders support the creation of a nationwide governing body to hold businesses to account when it comes to best online security practices And almost all (91%) are in agreement that UK businesses should be legally required to have basic cybersecurity protections in place to be allowed to operate "Companies are struggling to put the right solutions in place to cope with cyberattacks and the consequences are both damaging and costly," said Craig Lurey, CTO and co-founder, Keeper Security. "The conditions caused by Covid-19 have led to an increased amount of hybrid working, making effective cybersecurity defences even harder to achieve. But if businesses want to bounce back fully after the pandemic, they must get their security hygiene in order without delay." Despite the rise in cyberattacks and increasing pressures felt by security teams, more than a quarter of UK companies (28%) do not consider IT to be even in their top three priorities as they plan for the next 12 months. This is particularly worrying, given almost all (92%) UK organisations know where the gaps or weak links in their cybersecurity defences are but well under half (40%) are actively addressing them. Guccione concludes: "While this situation can't be rectified overnight, there are straightforward steps UK businesses can take to boost their cyber defences. First, organisations should do a comprehensive cybersecurity audit, looking at where the gaps lie and how they can be addressed. Next, they need to put in place a clear plan of action for how to address these challenges. Running cybersecurity training sessions to educate employees and introducing a password management platform to keep credentials safe and secure are two simple, yet highly effective actions business can take today, to be better prepared against cyberattacks tomorrow." +++ ENDS +++ About Keeper Security Inc. Keeper Security, Inc. (Keeper) is the highly-rated and patented cybersecurity platform for preventing password-related data breaches and cyberthreats. Keeper's zero-knowledge security and encryption software is trusted by millions of people and thousands of businesses across the globe to mitigate the risk of cybertheft, boost employee productivity and meet compliance standards. Keeper has been named PC Magazine's Best Password Manager of the Year Editors' Choice, PCWorld's Editors' Choice and is the winner of four G2 Best Software Awards and the InfoSec Award for Best Product in Password Management for SMB Cybersecurity. Keeper is SOC-2 and ISO 27001 Certified and is also listed for use by the U.S. federal government through the System for Award Management (SAM). Learn more at https://keepersecurity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005049/en/ Contacts: PR contact: Tara Geoghegan tara.geoghegan@archetype.co LONDON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the 31st World Population Day marked on July 11, Hon. Emmanuel Nanthan, the head of Dominica's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, said that Dominica is 'perfect' for families who want a sustainable nation to call their second home. As the world continues to face the consequences of overpopulation like inequality and climate change, Dominica has focused on becoming the world's first climate-resilient nation and achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he explained to CS Global Partners. The UN established World Population Day to bring attention to population issues and their impact on economic development, equality, poverty, and the environment. The organisation projects that the world population will grow to 9.7 billion people in 30 years, almost two billion more than what it is in 2021. Today, more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas. Estimations to 2050 show that nearly 90 percent of urban growth is expected to occur in Asia and Africa. "Applicants who choose Dominica's CBI Programme champion global citizenship. The revenue from their investment into the government fund option goes into making Dominica resilient and sustainable, and we also offer eco-friendly real-estate investment options to ensure sustainability remains a focus," said Nanthan. "Successful applicants are granted citizenship of Dominica and are assured that they have a home away from congested cities," he added. Dominica, a small Caribbean nation of 72,000, has set an example of sustainability for the world. With the help of CBI funds, the country is constructing over 5,000 weather-proof homes for its citizens and rehabilitating its agriculture and fishing industries. It is also working towards building a geothermal plant to reduce electricity costs for consumers and provide energy to neighbouring islands. CBI programmes legally grant citizenship status much faster than traditional immigration processes. Dominica's CBI programme provides applicants with a swift processing time, thorough due diligence and affordable investment options to develop local health, education and employment initiatives. To better cater to families, Dominica has expanded the dependants clause of applications. Now, dependants can be related to either the main applicant or the main applicant's spouse, and there is also no age limitation on parents and grandparents. With second citizenship from Dominica, individuals and their families can quickly formulate a Plan B and obtain global mobility without physically relocating, going through extensive interviews or waiting years as commonly associated with the traditional immigration process. pr@csglobalpartners.com www.csglobalpartners.com CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar climbed against its major counterparts in the Asian session on Friday, as growing fears over the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 and its impact on the global economic growth improved demand for safe-haven assets. Asian shares followed Wall Street lower as investors worry that a spike in Delta variant infections could have a greater drag on the economy. News that the Biden administration is planning to add 10 Chinese entities to its economic blacklist further dampened risk sentiment. China's crackdown on technology companies, worries over the Fed's policy tightening and political tensions in the Middle East also contributed to the decline. Overnight data showed that U.S. initial jobless claims rose more than expected last week. That was another signal of uneven recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The greenback reversed from its early lows of 1.3795 against the pound and 1.1850 against the euro, rising to 1.3755 and 1.1825, respectively. The greenback is likely to challenge resistance around 1.34 against the pound and 1.16 against the euro. The greenback edged up to 110.13 against the yen and 0.9175 against the franc, after falling to 109.66 and 0.9138, respectively in prior deals. On the upside, 112 and 0.94 are possibly seen as its next resistance levels against the yen and the franc, respectively. In contrast, the greenback retreated to 1.2520 against the loonie, 0.7440 against the aussie and 0.6953 against the kiwi, down from its early high of 1.2557, more than 7-month high of 0.7410 and a 3-week high of 0.6923, respectively. The next possible support for the greenback is seen around 1.23 against the loonie, 0.77 against the aussie and 0.72 against the kiwi. Looking ahead, the European Central Bank publishes the account of the monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council held on June 9-10 at 7:30 am ET. Canada jobs data for June and U.S. wholesale inventories for May are scheduled for release in the New York session. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AgDevCo is pleased to announce a multi-million-dollar mezzanine debt investment in Victory Farms, a rapidly growing aquaculture company in Kenya. AgDevCo's investment will support the company's continued growth and impact, including the construction of a feed mill and expansion into new countries in the East Africa region. For decades the wild catch from Africa's Great Lakes have been declining, with the result that local markets rely on imported frozen fish, often of low quality. Victory Farms saw an opportunity to supply affordable protein to consumers in a more sustainable way by growing tilapia, a native species. Victory Farms was founded in 2015. Today it operates as a vertically integrated business, with its own hatchery, nursery ponds and deep-water cages in Lake Victoria, plus a processing plant and a distribution network comprising 45 wholly-owned retail locations. Its direct customers are several thousand market women who buy fish in small batches from Victory Farms' outlets, before cooking and selling them in local food markets. The company is currently selling 1.5 million fresh fish per month, which are grown using the best aquaculture practices from around the globe, without antibiotics. Victory Farms takes great care to protect and restore local ecosystems, working continuously to improve biodiversity on both land and water. The company aims to be carbon negative by using sustainable feed inputs, installing solar power, and planting trees on degraded land. "We are delighted to back Victory Farms' ambition to be Africa's leading producer of affordable and healthy protein", said Chris Isaac, AgDevCo's Chief Investment Officer. "We see huge potential for East Africa's nascent aquaculture industry to grow and develop in a sustainable way, which should help relieve pressure on wild fish stocks". Victory Farms' co-founder and Chief Executive Office, Joseph Rehmann, said: "We're excited to begin this partnership with AgDevCo. Their long-term funding will more than double the size of our business. As we grow into new markets, and with AgDevCo's backing, we remain committed to being at the vanguard of environmental and social progress in the global fish industry". With this transaction, AgDevCo becomes the largest investor in Victory Farms to date, alongside the founding shareholders and external investors DOB Equity, Msingi East Africa, Ceniarth, CIVF, MCE Social Capital and DEG. AgDevCo was supported on this transaction by Law3Sixty and Kieti Law LLP in Kenya, Fieldfisher in The Netherlands and Charles Russell Speechlys in the UK. CrossBoundary Advisory provided commercial due diligence services under the United States Agency for International Development's Kenya Investment Mechanism Program. Victory Farms received pro-bono legal advice from Sidley Austin LLP and financial modelling support from Open Capital Advisors. About AgDevCo AgDevCo is a specialist investor in African agriculture. Our vision is a thriving commercial agriculture sector which benefits both people and planet. At the end of 2020 AgDevCo's portfolio comprised US$ 138 million of committed funds into 48 companies. To date, AgDevCo's investments and technical assistance (current and exited investments) have engaged 764,000 small-scale farmers (39% women) and created or sustained 15,600 jobs (23% women). Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/737847/AgDevCo_Logo.jpg LONDON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TBD Media Group is excited to present the latest edition of its inspirational Global Thought Leaders campaign. This set of candid documentary-style films provide a powerful insight into the companies innovating the future of their industries. Climate change is proving itself to be a destabilizing force across sectors, with businesses facing calls for greater sustainability from governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers alike. The thought leaders of today, far from making justifications or avoiding the changes required to survive in today's corporate sphere, are instead embracing the chance for innovation and a pioneering role within their respective industries. This latest edition of the Global Thought Leaders series showcases the companies engaging in such myriad areas as energy and resource efficiency, carbon neutrality through sustainable data, social impact within the community, and how technological innovation can nourish the world. Additionally, the series explores ground-breaking input into international finance and trade, along with meeting tomorrow's sustainable goals - today. TBD Media's creative and experienced filmmaking techniques ensure the films in this release are comprised of frank and insightful interviews with the figures inspiring transformation within their companies. The impact of leading businesses on wider industry and society will be given attention, with clear accounts of how the actions of today's thought leaders are establishing the future. Paolo Zanini, CEO of TBD Media Group, offers his own take on this important matter: "When dealing with thought leaders, you need to see the big picture. It's all very well looking at today's problems and figuring out the solution, but real innovators and industry leaders will look at the problems of tomorrow and work out resolutions that also have an impact today." Companies featured in this launch: Alef Education , Euro Exim Bank , Genus plc , Foodarom , Green Mountain , Klaus Faber AG , Oerlikon Group, QI Group , Rocky Mountain Institute , Swiss Post Solutions AG . About Global Thought Leaders: The Global Thought Leaders project showcases the businesses of today shaping the world of tomorrow. From digital transformation to industrial innovation, this thoughtful and insightful documentary series is educating the business community on how to use innovation to transform and grow. Businesses that wish to get involved should contact info@tbdmediagroup.com . About TBD Media Group: TBD Media Group is an international, purpose-driven, media developer that helps companies, organisations and governments tell their brand stories in a human and direct way. Learn more at https://www.tbdmediagroup.com/ . Media Contact: Jenna-Leigh Soobramoney Head of Marketing TBD Media Group j.soobramoney@tbdmediagroup.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560391/Global_Thought_Leader.jpg EXIT is the first major festival in Europe to take place this summer, opening its gates on 8 July. The Serbian event is a multiple winner of the 'Best European Major Festival' award in the past and this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. Besides looking back, the organizers are also looking forward to a bright future. A total of 42.000 fans from over 70 countries enjoyed the first night. NOVI SAD, Serbia, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It was a day of great emotions at the famous Petrovaradin Fortress, as music fans reunited and danced together once again to celebrate life and the return to normality. EXIT's crowd is as colorful as it gets with over 50% of the 4-day ticket holders coming from abroad, representing more than 70 countries. Proving the huge need for events like this one, EXIT 4-day tickets were sold out almost 1 week before the event started. Dusan Kovacevic, EXIT Founder & CEO said: "I believe this is our destiny. 20 years ago, after all the misery that happened in the Balkans during the 90's, EXIT was a sign of returning to normal life for the region. And in 2021 EXIT festival is again a sign of returning to normal life after the pandemic, but this time on a global level." "The energy created in the fortress when thousands of us were united again, elevated us to the highest possible level and opened a new dimension of the festival experience. I believe that each of us had to rub our eyes to make sure we're not dreaming." 4 days of music: The complete 4-day program from July 8 to 11 features over 20 stages and zones with an all star line-up led by David Guetta, DJ Snake, Sabaton, Charlotte de Witte, Paul Kalkbrenner, Solomon, Amelie Lens, Maceo Plex, Robin Schulz, Asaf Avidan, Satori, Boris Brejcha, Honey Dijon, Hot Since 82, Meduza, Paul van Dykand many others. Live streams available at Exit's YouTube channel and Facebook page. EXIT History: The festival was founded in 2000 as a student movement, fighting for democracy and freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. Social responsibility is still the key aspect of the festival activities, with the main focus on environmental and humanitarian involvement. More info: https://www.exitfest.org/en/ Photos and videos available here: Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/g303vhqr20dktou/AABAMsD5Fzv99qDJbxDmM47ta?dl=0 Videos: https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=LNBotalK - Summer Greetings from Andre Lvestam, CEO of Zwipe OSLO, Norway, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dear stakeholders of Zwipe, Through the first half of 2021, our global payment ecosystem of Smart Card Manufacturers, Payment Processors, Banks and Go-to-market Partners has continued to expand at a rapid pace, further strengthening our foundation for future market success. In these challenging times, our growing team of competent and passionate Zwipers, spanning 14 different nationalities in nine countries across three different continents and five time zones from Colorado Springs to Singapore, has demonstrated exceptional teamwork with a solid focus on customers. I am delighted to share that the interest in biometric payment cards based on Zwipe technology, which deliver a more convenient, secure and safe means to pay, has never been stronger. The voices of consumers captured by Zwipe in the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, Norway and Romania since August last year are encouraging and consistent with similar findings from card schemes and other industry players. Entering the Indian subcontinent and APAC region In the first half of 2021, we announced six new Smart Card Manufacturers into our ecosystem: KL HI Tech in India Beautiful Card Corporation in Taiwan Silkways Card and Printing Ltd in Bangladesh Three card manufacturers in Europe and Asia who at this stage want to remain anonymous Together, these manufacturers deliver around 200 million payment cards annually. In addition, we extended and expanded our partnership with TAG Systems, who delivers 100 million payment cards annually. Looking forward, it is great to see that our SCM and processor and issuer pipelines continue to grow. The encouraging developments with card manufacturers received a big boost when Asia's largest payment processor, Financial Software and Systems (FSS) embraced our next-generation payment cards platform based on Zwipe Pay ONE technology. FSS manages over 800 million cards, and we are now working with them to bring our ground-breaking innovation globally. We also strengthened our regional presence by appointing Masterline and Sonali Intellect Ltd. as our business development partners in India and Bangladesh, respectively. Acceleration in the MENA Region and Europe Middle East and North Africa (MENA) On the back of growing demand for biometric payments cards in the MENA region, Network International (NI), providing payment services to over 200 banks in Middle East and Africa, and Middle East Payment Services (MEPS), a leading payment service provider in the Levant region, entered new partnerships with Zwipe. NI and MEPS have boosted our reach and delivery capabilities in the MENA Region, on top of our already strong network of prominent partners in the region, notably Masria Digital Payments, Inkript, areeba and Veritech. To effectively serve our growing partner network and issuers, we appointed Ramzi Saboury as the General Manager for the MENA region. Ramzi brings over 26 years of experience and network in payment services in MENA from leadership roles in Kuwaiti banks, VISA and areeba. Europe and the UK In the past few months, we have seen an increasing in-flow of interest from card manufacturers in multiple regions, most notably in Europe. The same can be said for issuer engagements that come through our Processor Partners and Card Manufacturers in Europe, especially in the UK and Nordics. This is proof that our "Megaphone" partner strategy works! Swedish fintech VOPY, providing embedded financial services to clients globally, and France-based payment service provider, be ys Pay, selected Zwipe Pay ONE (ZPO) cards for their ssuers, aiming to pilot Zwipe Pay ONE this year. Both these developments came within months of OP Bank's decision to pilot with cards based on the Zwipe Pay ONE platform togheter with our Go-to-market partner, TietoEVRY. OP is Finland's largest financial services group and serves over four million customers. Delivery of Zwipe Pay ONE on track We had strong progress in the development of Zwipe Pay ONE, the world's first Single Silicon based biometric payment platform offered to card manufacturers globally. In April 2021, we demonstrated our enrollment solution and touch-free payment transactions above the transaction cap at a Point-of-Sales terminal with test keys to emulate fully EMV authorized and authenticated transactions in a live environment. The feedback from the market was very positive as everyone could see how these cards quickly and reliably provide a considerable boost to user experience and security. In fact, we have now passed most critical milestones and major risk points,with only piloting and certification left before commercialization in mass volumes. Next steps - pilots and certification Apart from pilots planned from late this quarter, certification will represent the last milestone before commercialization. We have already performed pre-tests at accredited test labs with excellent results. We are now working closely with the card schemes to secure these processes, which will be explained in detail during our H1 2021 reporting on 26 August. In the coming weeks, we will start handing out Zwipe Pay ONE demo cards to issuers and partners and continue to help them prepare for commercial launches. Zwipe 2.0 Last, but not least, H1 2021 has seen further strengthening of our team across all functions - commercial, technical, operational and regional. We have engaged every Zwiper in developing and honing our Winning Team Culture, with our Core Values driving us to be Innovative, Collaborative, Adaptable and Passionate. Each recruitment is intended not only to add capacity, but also to uplift our team. I am also pleased to see further strengthening of our board. I take this opportunity to thank each member of the Zwipe team for their remarkable effort and passion to our mission of Making Convenience safe and secure. My thanks also go out to all our customers, partners, and shareholders for sharing this mission as strongly as every Zwiper. I wish each one of you a very safe and happy summer ahead! For further information, please contact: Lars Kristian Solheim CFO +47 991 66 135 lars.kristian@zwipe.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/zwipe-as/r/zwipe-getting-ready-to-drive-next-generation-payment-cards,c3382611 The following files are available for download: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / iMetal Resources, Inc. (TSX.V:IMR) (OTC PINK:ADTFF) (FRANKFURT:A7V2) ('iMetal' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the commencement of trenching at its flagship Gowganda West property in the Shining Tree District of the Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt of Northern Ontario. The two-week program will concentrate on Zone 1 and Zone 3, where results from the April 2021 sampling program returned highlight gold grab sample values of: Zone 3 returned: 11.3 g/t, 29.6 g/t and 67.9 g/t gold; Zone 1 returned: 27.2 and 16.35 g/t gold; A value of 3.72 g/t gold was returned from a location approximately 400 metres NW of Zone 1 iMetal cautions investors the grab samples are selective and may not necessarily be representative of the showing as a whole. 'We have been anxious to get the mechanical trenching program underway at the key target areas of the Gowganda West property, to define targets for drilling in the upcoming late summer drill program,' commented iMetal President & CEO Saf Dhillon. 'The trenching will open up Zone 1 and Zone 3 exposing the structures along strike and allow field crews to better evaluate the test IP anomalies identified during the recent reprocessing and interpretation of the 2019 IP results, as well as test the newly discovered Zone 400 metres to the NW of Zone 1,' he concluded. Zone 1 is associated with Timiskaming type metasedimentary rocks comprising siltstone, sandstone and predominately conglomerate. Gold mineralization is found where conglomerate transitions into finer grained rock types. The conglomerate contains clasts of jasper rich, banded iron formation and is highly magnetic. In addition, the conglomerate contains significant amounts of pyrite, resulting in the unit showing as strongly conductive in induced polarization surveys. The 2018 airborne mag and 2019 IP surveys have allowed mapping of the conglomerate and its boundaries. The boundaries will be the focus of trenching programs. Figure1. Zone 1 Sampling Trenching will include stripping older exposures cleared in recent decades where the bedrock shows potassic alteration and silica flooding. Trenching will expose this area over a 50m length whereby field crews can use diamond blade saws to take continuous samples over the entire mineralized width enabling geologists to evaluate the extend of the mineralized system and establish the best drill targets. Presently the company believes gold mineralization is associated with narrow, quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins hosted within wider zones of ankerite-albite-silica-sericite alteration and variable amounts of fine-grained, disseminated pyrite. The work now underway should provide more geological context and better information on the nature and orientation of the mineralization. Figure1. Zone 3 Sampling Zone 3 similarly is hosted in metasedimentary rocks; however, the mineralization is oriented northeast-southwest and dips westward. iMetal has planned 3 trenches over a 200m strike distance to look at the continuity and test the grades in this area. Recent sampling returned stellar grades up to 67 g/t gold in this area. Trenching would hopefully show these grades to extend northeastward. The table below shows the best results from the spring sampling and prospecting program originallypresented in a press release dated May 11th, 2021. Table 1. Grab Samples from 2021 prospecting work in Excess of 0.1 g/t Gold Sample ID g/t gold Location Sample ID g/t gold Location 167303 67.9 Zone 3 167397 27.2 Zone 1 167252 29.6 Zone 3 167398 16.35 Zone 1 167015 11.3 Zone 3 167003 2.11 Zone 1 167008 4.02 Zone 3 167009 2.27 Zone 3 167312 3.76 Zone 1 W Quality Assurance and Quality Control All grab samples were delivered by the geological contractor to ALS Minerals in Thunder Bay, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility. All samples were analyzed with ALS's AuME-TL43 procedure, a 25 gram aqua regia digestion with an ICP-MS finish with a 1 gram upper limit for gold. All overlimit gold values were fire assayed with a 30-gram sample and a gravimetric finish, ALS's Au-GRA21 procedure. About Gowganda West The Gowganda West property covers approximately 147 sq km in the Shining Tree volcano-sedimentary succession of the southwestern Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt contiguous to the north and west of Aris Gold Corp.'s (TSX: ARIS) (formerly Caldas Gold Corp.) Juby Gold deposit, a series of four mineralized alteration zones along the Tyrrell Shear Zone. Gold mineralization at Juby is associated with narrow quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins hosted within 20- to 330-metre-wide zones of ankerite-albite-silica-sericite alteration and variable amounts of fine-grained, disseminated pyrite and also with multiple lenses containing narrow (<5m), higher grade quartz-carbonate-pyrite veins hosted within 5 to 50 metre zones of ankerite-albite-silica-sericite alteration and variable amounts of fine-grained, disseminated pyrite. The Juby Deposits host indicated resources of 774,000 ounces at 1.13 g/t Au and inferred resources of 1,488,000 ounces at 0.98 g/t Au. iMetal cautions investors mineralization at Juby is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at Gowganda West. Source: Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Juby Gold Deposit for Caldas Gold Corp. (named currently changed to Aris Gold Corp.) Dated 2020-Oct-05 By: J. Campbell, A. Sexton, D. Studd, and A. Armitage. iMetal acquired Gowganda West in 2016, discovering Zone 1 and Zone 3 through focused exploration proximal to the Aris property border, and subsequently completing programs of prospecting, channel sampling, airborne VTEM, ground IP and limited diamond drilling. Zone 1 has excellent access and has been traced over 500m south from the Juby property boundary. Two distinct outcrop areas approximately 300m apart have been sampled, Zone 1 and Zone 1 South. Selective grab samples returned: 6.47 g/t Au from Zone 1 and 39.3 g/t Au, and 16.9 g/t Au from Zone 1 South. Five holes were subsequently drilled in 2019 and one in 2020 at Zone 1, focusing on a short 150 strike length of Zone 1 South. The best drill intersections included: 2.95 g/t Au over 2.5 metres, 1.43 g/t Au over 4.6 metres and longer intervals of 0.37 g/t au over 29.4 metres and 0.32 g/t au over 30.25 metres. Zone 3 consists of two distinct areas separated by 225 metres, 3A and 3B are located approximately 6 kilometres due south of Zone 1, Highlights from Zone 3A grab sample results include 56.59 g/t Au and 34.81 g/t Au, while highlight Zone 3B grab sample results include 14.74 g/t Au and 12.7 g/t Au. Zone 3A and Zone 3B remain undrilled. About iMetal Resources Inc. A Canadian based junior exploration company focused on the exploration and development of its portfolio of resource properties in Ontario and Quebec. iMetal is focused on advancing its Gowganda West Project that borders the Juby Project, an advanced exploration-stage gold project located within the Shining Tree area in the southern part of the Abitibi greenstone belt about 100 km south-southeast of the Timmins gold camp. The Company is also focused on the Oakes Gold Project which forms part of a portfolio of projects it recently acquired from Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) who is now a strategic investor/partner. The Oakes Gold Project is located in the Oakes Township just north of Canadian National Highway 11 and about 2km north of the town of Long Lac, Ontario. The Oakes Township is part of the well-endowed Beardmore-Geraldton Greenstone Belt region, located northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario and the region has a long and rich mining history that has produced 4.1 million ounces of gold over the past 100 years including the combined MacLeod-Cockshutt Mine, which produced 1.5 million ounces of gold. More recently, the Hardrock Project held 50% by Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) has elevated attention to the area by announcing their intention to mine their gold resource near Geraldton, Ontario. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, PGeo (British Columbia), a Director of iMetal, and a 'qualified person' as defined in National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Saf Dhillon President & CEO iMetal Resources Inc. saf@imetalresources.ca Tel. (604-484-3031) Suite 510, 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B6. https://imetalresources.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements with respect to future exploration and drilling of the Company; statements with respect to the release of assays and exploration results; and statements with respect to the Company's geological understanding of its mineral properties. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration, variations in results of mineralization, relationships with local communities, market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. SOURCE: iMetal Resources, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654844/iMetal-Resources-Commences-Trenching-at-Gowganda-West WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil rose above $73 a barrel on Friday to pare a weekly loss after data showed a large drop in U.S. inventories last week. Brent crude futures for September delivery rose about 1 percent to $74.87 a barrel in European trade. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for August settlement were up 1.2 percent at $73.83 after a 1 percent rise on Thursday. Data released by U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Thursday showed crude inventories in the country fell by 6.866 million barrels last week, far more than the expected drop of about 4.03 million barrels, thanks to the ongoing recovery in consumption that's underpinned this year's crude rally. 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. Still, the U.S. benchmark remains on course for its first weekly decline since mid-May amid uncertainty lingering over the continued OPEC stalemate and concerns about the spread of the delta coronavirus variant. Without an agreement on production policy, it is feared that major oil producers would prefer to step up production much faster. Russia is reportedly trying to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the UAE to help strike a deal. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The "US EU Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market, Key Trends Growth Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The genomic market is poised to grow at a much faster pace with real-time drug discovery, cutting-edge diagnosis, and technologically advanced treatment. Genomic testing has proven to be a revolutionary tool in medicine, with applications including infectious disease diagnosis, cancer treatment selection, and non-invasive prenatal testing. Biomarkers and companion diagnostics are increasingly being included in FDA labelling of pharmaceuticals to guide therapy selection, a trend that is expected to accelerate, establishing genomic testing as a mainstay in the clinic. DTC-GT can be called directly by the consumer at home without any physician recommendation or through healthcare professionals, used for genealogy purposes. The increasing numbers of products provide medical information. For example, 23andME offers FDA-approved genetic testing that examines the consumer's risks for certain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, celiac disease, and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. One of the major concerns is the potential for misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the test results, particularly when pre- or post-test genetic counselling is not provided. With the growing consumer interest in DTC-GT, there is a shortage of trained specialists needed to meet this demand. The complexity of these tests is one of the reasons the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has recommended that genetics experts be made available for patient test result consultations. Thus, primary care physicians assisted by genetic counsellors will likely be asked to interpret DTC-GT results with increasing frequency. Success will be defined by the ability to properly communicate results and risks identified from genetic and genomic tests back to their patients. Many DTC-GT results relate to small risk changes for common diseases and pharmacogenetics, which may be more appropriately interpreted as part of primary care and may not require an in-person visit to a genetics specialist. Data from studies indicate that telegenetics is substantially less expensive for the institution and was associated with comparable patient satisfaction. Patients have reported high satisfaction with cancer telegenetics. These services can include a mix of virtual visits, remote monitoring tools, mHealth, and emergency response systems. Healthcare professionals and researchers are constantly seeking both to optimize medical treatments and to avoid adverse reactions to treatments, wherein comes the role of precision medicine (PM). The PM revolution began in oncology, where genomic understanding of disease progression (e.g., identification of cancer-causing genes) enabled development of targeted therapies based on observed mutations. Changing the treatment paradigm to include lifestyle data, and to leverage digital platforms and advanced analytics to create personalized predictive models will likely revolutionize treatment delivery and enable the delivery of precision care in large heterogeneous diseases. Widespread use of PM in these diseases will require a change in the healthcare ecosystem, with increased reliance on patient-collected data, use of new diagnostics (including digital biomarkers), and an increased focus on prevention and reduced total cost of care. Each of these factors requires a transformation in how patients, providers, and payers interact to deliver healthcare. Key Topics Covered: 1. Strategic Imperatives Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow? The Strategic Imperative The Impact of the Top Three Strategic Imperatives on Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine 2 Growth Opportunity Analysis: Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Overview and Scope Growth Environment DTC-GT Market Segmentation Key Trends Defining DTC-GT in 2021 Market Participants Growth Drivers for DTC-GT Market Growth Restraints for DTC-GT Market 3. Business Model Innovation Cross-sector Collaborations will Accelerate Personalized Healthcare Expanding Avenues to Access Global Genomic and Biological Data for Evidence-Based Medicine, Research, and New Drug Discovery Genomic Players will have to Transition from Traditional Tests to Disease-specific Tests, Advanced Kits, Technology Services 4. Growth Opportunity Universe: Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Growth Opportunity 1: Telegenetic Counseling Provides Patients Access to Care, Improves Health Outcomes, and Reduces Costs Unmet Need: Understanding, Interpreting, Informing, and Integrating Findings in Patient Care Continuum Remains the Biggest Need in Genome Medicine Growth Opportunity 2: Disease-specific Genetic Tests will Assist in Early Diagnosis of Diabetes, CVD, or Cancer (Breast/Colorectal/Pancreatic) Growth Opportunity 3: Shift toward Personalized Medicine Enabled by Pharmacogenomics will Improve Patient Outcome 5. Appendix Companies Mentioned 23andME American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/84ttn View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005184/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 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, RUSSIA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A BREACH OF THE RELEVANT SECURITIES LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. This announcement does not constitute a prospectus or offering memorandum or an offer in relation to any securities of First Sentinel Plc or of any other entity and should not be considered as a recommendation that any person should subscribe for or purchase any such securities. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU No. 596/2014) ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain and shall therefore cease to be inside information. 9 July 2021 First Sentinel plc ("First Sentinel" or the "Company") Notice of Annual General Meeting 2021 First Sentinel Plc ("First Sentinel" or the "Company") (AQSE:FSEN, FSPS and FSBN) announces that on 8 July 2021 it posted its Notice of Annual General Meeting to shareholders (the "Notice"). The Company's Annual General Meeting is to be held at 3.00 p.m. on Friday30 July 2021 at 72 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 4QQ, United Kingdom. The Notice includes a resolution seeking approval of the Company's accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 and a special resolution to effect a change of name to Omni Aegis Plc to make a clear distinction with the First Sentinel advisory business, as both the Plc and the advisory companies are called First Sentinel, which often leads to confusion. The Company will update the market in due course as regards the publication of the annual report. For further corporate information, please contact: Mr. Brian Stockbridge CEO First Sentinel Plc Tel: + 44 (0) 203 989 2222 AQSE Corporate Advisor Beaumont Cornish Limited James Biddle / Roland Cornish Tel: +44(0)20 7628 3396 The self-selective patient survey is one of the largest and most comprehensive surveys of its kind to explore the impact of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease on quality of life, with 820 respondents from 33 countries123456 Findings of the survey are being presented at the virtual Congress of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) taking place on 2nd 3rd and 8th 10th July, 20211 The European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations ("EFCCA") in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") today announced results from one of the largest of its kind self-reported patient surveys, exploring the health-related and overall real-world impact of perianal fistulas on the quality of life of people with Crohn's disease (CD), compared to the impact of CD without perianal fistulas.1,2,3,4,5,6 This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005192/en/ The survey found that CD patients living with perianal fistulas reported a more significant impact on their overall quality of life and an increase in certain symptoms, such as anal pain and perianal leaking, when compared to CD patients without perianal fistulas.1 CD patients living with perianal fistulas also reported feeling more unhygienic, uncomfortable, and guilty about their condition toward family and friends than CD patients without perianal fistulas.1 Perianal fistulas are a severe and disabling complication of Crohn's disease,7 a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract and is associated with a substantial burden on the health-related quality of life of patients.8,9 In adult patients with CD, the cumulative incidence of perianal fistulas is estimated to be 15%, 21-23% and 26-28% over five, 10 and 20 years, respectively.10,11,12 Despite this, there have been few studies assessing the patient perspective of living with the condition.1 To understand the burden across many aspects of life, the survey explored topics across many areas. The findings show that as well as impacting work and social life, perianal fistulas had a greater negative impact on CD patients' ability to do sports, work and employment, dating and sexual life.1 37.4% of CD patients with perianal fistulas stated that they were often unable to play sports, compared to 25.7% of CD patients without perianal fistulas.1 When asked about sexual activity, 26.4% of CD patients with perianal fistulas avoided having sex, 6.9% have ended relationships and 5.5% have avoided dating because of their painful condition.1 Almost double the number of CD patients with perianal fistulas compared to CD patients without perianal fistulas (14.3% vs. 8.0%) admitted they have had to change profession because of their condition.1 On top of this, the survey revealed that CD patients with perianal fistulas found it more difficult to talk about their condition with others, impacting their relationships.1 "We are proud to have embarked on this research to find out the impact of perianal fistulas on quality of life from patients' perspective," commented Luisa Avedano, Chief Executive Officer of EFCCA. "The results support what we have long suspected: that the added burden of perianal fistulas significantly impacts the lives of people with Crohn's disease. The results will help us work to empower Crohn's disease patients living with perianal fistulas and ultimately help to improve their lives." "We conducted this survey in order to obtain this greater understanding of the burden of living with perianal fistulas in addition to Crohn's disease," said Dana Agam, Patient Advocacy and Services Lead, GI Franchise Takeda Europe and Canada. "The findings of this survey may be useful in helping to tailor comprehensive care strategies to better support patients with this painful and disabling complication." About the International Patient Survey There were 820 respondents to the anonymous, self-selective survey,1 making it one of the most comprehensive surveys on the patient perspective on life with perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease to date.1,2,3,4,5,6 To ensure the results would provide valuable insights, the questionnaire was developed in cooperation with both medical and patient representatives.1 It consisted of 46 questions and assessed multiple aspects of living with CD, including topics such as impact on close relationships and social life, and impact on professional life.2 The survey itself which invited CD patients, with or without perianal fistulas to participate and self-select their diagnosis, was available through the EFCCA website from 15th July to 31st December 2019.1 Responses were received from 33 countries around the world, including countries in Europe, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, United States, Greenland, Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe.2 It was made available in English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and Slovenian.2 The survey was commissioned and developed by EFCCA. Takeda provided editorial support in the development and distribution of the survey and analysis of data, and funded medical writing of the publication of results. The full survey findings are being presented at the virtual Congress of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) taking place on 2nd 3rd and 8th 10th July, 2021.1 About Perianal Fistulas in CD CD is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive system.13 People living with CD may experience perianal fistulas, which can cause intense pain, swelling, infection, and anal discharge.7,14 In adult patients with CD, the cumulative incidence of perianal fistulas is estimated to be 15%, 21-23% and 26-28% over five, 10 and 20 years, respectively.10,11,12 Perianal fistulas in CD are abnormal tracts with an internal opening in the anal canal or rectum and an external opening in the skin near the anus.15,16 They may develop from inflamed or infected anal glands and/or penetration of fissures or ulcers in the rectum or anal canal.15,16 European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA) The European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA) is an umbrella organization representing 45 national Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD) patient associations. We are an organization of people united in our commitment to improve the lives of the over 10 million people living with IBD worldwide (3.4 million in Europe alone) and to give them a louder voice and more visibility. Our areas of intervention are networking, awareness raising, advocacy, empowerment, and solidarity. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Our vision and ultimate goal are to find a cure for IBD. Takeda in Gastroenterology We believe that gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases are not just life-disrupting conditions, but diseases that can impact a patient's quality of life.17,18 Beyond a fundamental need for effective treatment options, we understand that improving patients' lives also depends on their needs being recognized. With nearly 30 years of experience in gastroenterology, Takeda has made significant strides in addressing GI patient needs with treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acid-related diseases, short bowel syndrome (SBS), and motility disorders. We are making significant strides toward closing the gap on new areas of unmet needs for patients who have celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, alpha-1 antitrypsin-associated liver disease, and acute pancreatitis, among others. Together with researchers, patient groups and more, we are working to advance scientific research and clinical medicine in GI. About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502/NYSE: TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetic and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in healthcare in approximately 80 countries. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com/. References 1 Spinelli A, Yanai H, Lonnfors S, et al. The impact of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease on quality of life: results of a patient survey conducted in Europe. Presented virtually at ECCO, July 2021. 2 Spinelli A, Lonnfors S, Avedano L, et al. Patient perspective on the impact of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease on quality of life: Introducing the concept of the patient survey conducted in Europe. Poster P042 presented at ECCO 2020. 3 Panes J, Reinisch W, Rupniewska E, et al. Burden and outcomes for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: Systematic review. World J Gastroenterol. 2018; 24 (42) 4821 4834. 4 Kasparek M, Glatzle J, Temeltcheva T, et al. Long-term quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease and perianal fistulas: Influencer of Fecal Diversion. Diseases of Colon and Rectum. 2007; 50: 2067 2074. 5 Mahadev S, Young J, Selby W, et al. Quality of Life in Perianal Crohn's disease: What do patients consider important? Diseases of Colon and Rectum. 2011; 54 (5): 579 585. 6 Adegbola S, Dibley L, Sahnan K, et al. Burden of disease and adaptation to life in patients with Crohn's perianal fistula: a qualitative exploration. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2020; 18: 370. 7 Marzo M, Felice C, Pugliese D, et al. Management of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: An up-to-date review. World J Gastroenterol. 2015; 21(5): 1394-1395. 8 Fakhoury M, Negrulj R, Mooranian A, Al-Salami H. Inflammatory bowel disease: clinical aspects and treatments. J Inflamm Res. 2014 Jun 23;7:113-120. 9 Floyd, D.N., Langham, S., Severac, H.C. et al. The Economic and Quality-of-Life Burden of Crohn's Disease in Europe and the United States, 2000 to 2013: A Systematic Review. Dig Dis Sci. 2015; 60: 299-312. 10 Hellers G, Bergstrand O, Ewerth S and Holmstr?m B. Occurrence and outcome after primary treatment of anal fistulae in Crohn's disease. Gut 1980; 21: 525-527. 11 Schwartz D, Loftus E, Tremaine W, et al. The Natural History of Fistulizing Crohn's Disease in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Gastroenterology 2002;122:875-880. 12 Eglinton TW, Barclay ML, Gearry RB, et al. The spectrum of perianal Crohn's disease in a population based cohort. Dis Colon Rectum. 2012; 55(7): 773-7. 13 Xavier RJ and Podolsky DK. Unravelling the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Nature. 2007; 448: 427-434. 14 Aguilera-Castro L, Ferre-Aracil C, Garcia-Garcia-de-Paredes A, et al. Management of complex perianal Crohn's disease. Ann Gastroenterol. 2017; 30: 33-44. 15 Sandborn W, Fazio V, Feagan B, Hanauer S. AGA Technical review on perianal Crohn's disease. Gastroenterology. 2003; 125 (5): 1508-1530. 16 Torkzad MR and Karlbom U. MRI for assessment of anal fistula. Insights Imaging. 2010; 1 (2) :62-71. 17 Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) the FDA. The Voice of the patient/functional gastrointestinal disorder. 2016. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/95140/download. Last accessed July 2021. 18 Jones R, Hunt C, Stevens R, et al. Management of common gastrointestinal disorders: quality criteria based on patients' views and practice guidelines. Br J Gen Pract. 2009; 59: e199-208. Copyright 2021 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. All rights reserved. Takeda and the Takeda Logo are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005192/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: EFCCA Isabella Haaf Bella.haaf@efcca.org +32 2 540 84 34 Takeda Luke Willats luke.willats@takeda.com +41-44-555-1145 JAKARTA, INDONESIA / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / Leading Indonesian business administration higher education institution GCG Asia Business College (GCG Asia) announced today that it will establish a campus in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. GCG Asia Business College (GCG Asia) is owned by GCG Asia Education Group. GCG Asia Education group CEO Rudy Gunawan said in an official announcement that the college is slated to partner with Cambodian private education college Phnom Penh Polytechnic to offer business, finance and accounting courses starting 2023. The new college will be called GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic. "GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic will mark an important milestone for our group. After a decade specializing in transformative education in the fields of business administration and finance in Indonesia, we are pleased to announce this expansion to provide Cambodian youth the opportunity to attain quality academic credentials. We are proud to have as a partner the prestigious Phnom Penh Polytechnic," said GCG Asia Education Group CEO Rudy Gunawan. "GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic's campus will be in a strategic location in the heart of the capital. Our facilities will be top-notch, providing for both online and offline access to courses in state-of-the art buildings using the latest technology to facilitate excellent online learning and access to scholarships," added GCG Asia Education Group CEO Rudy Gunawan. The campus's ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for August 2021 and construction on the three hectare campus is expected to immediately commence. GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic is scheduled to be completed in 2022 with enrollment to begin in 2023. GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic will be offering generous scholarships to support its first cohort of business students. Developed with support from United Guardian Capital Pan-Asian Education fund, the largest scholarship provider to underprivileged students in South East Asia, the college is the latest step in the GCG Asia Education Group's commitment to increase access to quality tertiary education in the fields of business, finance and accounting. Programmes will be academically rigorous, with an equal emphasis on training, entrepreneurship, character building and mentoring to support upward mobility. "GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic's goal is to provide our students with the competitive edge they need to excel in any field,' said GCG Asia Education Group CEO Rudy Gunawan. 'GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic's creative programmes will benefit our students for years to come by providing access to entrepreneurial insight, training, and mentoring through high-caliber partnerships. We appreciate our partner's commitment to our students, which fits with our vision and will result in a more diverse pipeline of future leaders in Asian business and finance," said GCG Asia Education Group CEO Rudy Gunawan. A cornerstone programme offered by GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic is its Capital Asia Launchpad which connects students to its global network of mentors and advisors in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. The programme will give students the chance to access regional start-up accelerators, fast track post-graduate training, and will offer unique virtual and physical convening opportunities. GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic students will also have the opportunity to participate in pitch competitions, fellowships and a live speaker series. "Through the Capital Asia Launchpad programme, we are thrilled to support what will be an outstanding college and their students,' said United Guardian Capital Pan-Asian Education fund Executive Director Peggy Lee. 'We're excited to expand our cooperation to establish GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic and introduce Capital Asia LaunchPad to more students," she added. 'This partnership represents an exciting step forward in our overall commitment to exposing students from underrepresented communities in South East Asia to entrepreneurial skill sets applicable to all future career paths. This is an interesting project that will provide chances to our GCG Asia Cambodia Polytechnic students," concluded GCG Asia Education Group CEO Rudy Gunawan. Company Information GCG Asia Business College (GCG Asia) has been leading business and finance higher education in South- East Asia for a decade. For more information please visit Nariox Marketing Visit nariox Jakarta, Indonesia Email: narioxmarketinginc@emailme.cloud SOURCE: GCG Asia Education Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654868/GCG-Asia-Business-College-to-Establish-GCG-Asia-Cambodia-Polytechnic-in-Phnom-Penh BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 7.30 am ET Friday, 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 fell against the pound, it rose against the rest of major counterparts. The euro was worth 130.41 against the yen, 1.0849 against the franc, 0.8580 against the pound and 1.1859 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2021) - Central African Gold Inc. (TSXV: CAGR) (FSE: BC2) (OTCQB: NDENF) (the "Corporation" or "Central African Gold") is pleased to announce the Corporation has retained South African based MSA Group to complete technical due diligence and NI 43-101 technical report on the Musefu Gold project in the DRC. Central African Gold recently announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire an interest in the Musefu Gold Project which has historical gold exploration and production. About MSA Established in 1983, the MSA Group has grown to become a holistic consulting and contracting company providing specialist technical input into international projects in the resource, financial, infrastructure and development sectors. They have worked across multiple sectors, on all commodities and in diverse environments on five continents for some of the largest multinational companies, listed juniors and private companies and investors. MSA has worked in over 30 countries in Africa, and has an intimate, first-hand knowledge of the African continent and extensive knowledge of remote project environments. MSA has recent and relevant experience in the DRC on gold projects. Mr. Stephen Barley, Chairman and CEO of Central African Gold stated, "We required an experienced and independent consulting group to complete a NI 43-101 report on the Musefu Gold Project. The consultants had to have a strong knowledge base of the geology and mining practices in the DRC; have an impeccable reputation in the industry; and be responsive to our timing requirements and proceed with a sense of urgency. MSA exceeds all our requirements. Musefu is a large land package with great potential, and we believe MSA is the right group to assist us in unlocking that potential." Musefu Gold Project The project comprises five concessions covering 924 sq kms located 315 kms south of the city of Kananga in Kasai Central Province, southern DRC. Kasai Central Province has been underexplored due to its location and the need for infrastructure expansion. Central African Gold believes the required investment in infrastructure is imminent and it is opportunistic to be an early entrant into the region with such a large tract of high potential underexplored land. Prior work programs returned impressive high assays and high potential targets for additional exploration. (See news release dated June 29, 2021). About Central African Gold Inc. Central African Gold is a natural resource company with a primary focus on the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC"). Central African Gold currently holds rights to multiple mineral projects with base and precious metal potential strategically located in the southern DRC. Central African Gold has the intention to acquire interests in additional concessions or relinquish concessions in the normal course of business. Central African Gold has an experienced management team located in the DRC. For further information, please contact: Stephen Barley, Chairman & CEO Phone: (604-834-2968) Email: info@centralafricangold.com Website: www.centralafricangold.com Reader Advisory 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 may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, but not limited to the satisfactory completion of due diligence on the Musefu Gold Project; the closing of the acquisition of the Musefu Gold Project; the completion of a NI 43-101 Report; and the completion of the announced necessary financings to fund the Corporation. Although the Corporation believes considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as the Corporation can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Corporation its securities, or its financial or operating results. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89838 J&J Centers for Global Health Discovery (J&J Centers) are a new cornerstone of the Company's efforts to solve the world's most pressing health challenges The first J&J Satellite Center is hosted at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and focused on addressing the threat of antimicrobial resistance and tuberculosis J&J Centers will include collaborations with renowned academic institutions that accelerate potentially lifesaving innovations from the lab to the last mile NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (the Company) (NYSE: JNJ) today announced the launch of the J&J Centers for Global Health Discovery (J&J Centers), a new, global network of unique research partnerships that will leverage the institutional strengths of Johnson & Johnson and leading academic institutions to accelerate discovery research to address the world's most pressing global health challenges. The first J&J Satellite Center for Global Health Discovery (Satellite Center) was launched at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) at an event co-hosted by Johnson & Johnson and LSHTM, and additional J&J Centers will launch worldwide through 2022. The J&J Centers will advance the critical, early-stage discovery and exploratory science needed to develop potentially lifesaving innovations to address diseases that disproportionately impact the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. Each Satellite Center will focus on entrenched and emerging threats that are pressing and have a high unmet need, including tuberculosis (TB), dengue fever, flavivirus, coronavirus and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). "COVID-19 has shown us that investments in early-stage research, such as novel vaccine technologies, are critical to accelerate our fight against pandemic threats. The J&J Centers for Global Health Discovery are the latest chapter in our efforts to turn science into solutions for diseases that continue to threaten communities worldwide," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer of Johnson & Johnson. "This collaborative approach to science is essential to accelerate innovations from the lab to the last mile, address the global health inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and improve our health security." The Centers help stimulate funding for early stage science, innovation and talent development, areas that are traditionally under-funded. A 2018 analysis found that many innovations and technologies needed to fight some of the world's most prevalent health threats are not likely to be developed, due in part to significant funding and innovation gaps. The J&J Centers aim to stimulate the Company's research and development (R&D) pipeline at the discovery stage by focusing on funding early-stage science, innovation and talent development. The J&J Centers help address the dual innovation and health equity gap by creating a larger and decentralized scientific network that empowers scientists worldwide to drive R&D in the communities where the need is greatest. By joining forces with other institutions and leveraging their regional networks, the J&J Centers will help mentor talent and advance the science needed as efficiently as possible. "The launch of the J&J Centers for Global Health Discovery is the latest step forward in our pursuit of collaborative science to deliver for the most underserved worldwide, and there is no better inaugural partner than LSHTM," said Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Global Public Health R&D at Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "The thriving innovation community in the United Kingdom matched with LSHTM's legacy of global health research makes for an ideal environment to accelerate our research agenda against entrenched and emerging threats." The Johnson & Johnson Satellite Center for Global Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine The J&J Satellite Center for Global Health Discovery (Satellite Center) at the LSHTM will focus specifically on developing cutting edge science, from biology to data sciences, to help build the next-generation drug regimens needed to treat all forms of TB, an infectious disease that kills 1.4 million people each year and accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths from AMR. Accelerating this research is critical to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal of ending TB by 2030. This collaboration builds on Johnson & Johnson's decades-long research on multidrug-resistant TB and an enduring relationship between the Company and LSHTM, which includes the development of the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen. "The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has powerfully demonstrated the importance of investing in basic science and discovery," said Professor Peter Piot, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. "We have long worked with Johnson & Johnson to tackle significant global health challenges, like tuberculosis and Ebola, and are eager to build on this work in pursuit of a healthier, safer and more equitable world." The development of the discovery research framework at the Satellite Center is already underway, led by Dr. Anil Koul, Vice President and Head for Global Public Health Discovery and Partnerships at Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, who was recently appointed to an additional role as adjunct Professor of Translational Research at the LSHTM. About the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health, with 3,900 students and more than 1,000 staff working in over 100 countries. The School is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK, and among the world's leading schools in public and global health. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice. Learn more at www.lshtm.ac.uk. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding tuberculosis (TB), dengue fever, flavivirus, coronavirus, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Ebola. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2021, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/403394/Johnson_and_Johnson_Logo.jpg TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / IC Capitalight Corp. (CSE:IC) ("Capitalight" or the "Company") announces that a related party has acquired 156 debenture units of Stone Investment Group Limited [CUSIP 861649AA9] ("Stone Debentures") at a price of $700 per debenture unit from clients of Rothenberg Capital Management Inc. ("Rothenberg") in exchange for free-trading common shares of Capitalight at a market price of $0.07 per share. Capitalight intends to acquire these units from the related party on similar terms. Capitalight is already the largest known holder of Stone Debentures. The Company has continually acquired Stone Debentures since its initial investment position in 2019. Each Stone Debenture has a principal of $1,000 and is paying 7.5% interest per annum. The Stone Debentures were issued in 2006 and following various extensions, are currently expected to mature on December 28, 2021. 'After reviewing the business plans of IC Capitalight Corp., we recommended that our clients accept the offer since it will provide immediate liquidity while preserving the opportunity for growth " said Robert Rothenberg, CEO, of Rothenberg Capital Management Inc. Rothenberg is a holistic wealth management firm in Canada with offices located throughout the Montreal region, Calgary, Kelowna and Ottawa. They are licensed through IIROC, the AMF and are members of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. The firm has been supporting Canadians in reaching their financial goals for over 35 years and has assets under administration of approximately $1 billion. For each $1,000 of Stone Debentures that were exchanged Rothenberg clients received $700 of free- trading Capitalight shares. The Rothenberg clients also crystalized a $300 capital loss from each disposition. Since IC Capitalight Corp. shares are eligible for registered accounts, whereas Stone Debentures are not eligible, Rothenberg clients that contribute the Capitalight shares into a registered account may realize an additional tax credit. As a result, the combination of Capitalight shares and tax credits could exceed the $1,000 face value of each Stone Debenture. Holders of Stone Debentures interested in exchanging or selling should call Capitalight at ( 866) 653-9223. About IC Capitalight Corp. The Company operates as a merchant bank that pursues value-based investment opportunities in accordance with its internal investment policies. The current investment portfolio includes shares of Ethos Gold Corp. [ECC.tsxv] and Stone Debentures generating positive cash flows on a quarterly basis. The Capitalight Research Inc. subsidiary operates a proprietary subscription research business focused on preferred shares, gold, decarbonization, silver and economies. The portfolio of Quebec mineral exploration claims for Cu-Ni-Pt-Pd at Blue Lake are at an early stage of exploration. To learn more about the Company please visit http://www.capitalight.co or contact us at: info@capitalight.co Brian Bosse Director P: 866.653.9223 Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (i) the debentures; (ii) the mineral exploration properties; and (iii) the operations of Capitalight Research Inc. Forward- looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and other risks outside of the Company's control. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward- looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by applicable laws, 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. SOURCE: IC Capitalight Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654741/Capitalight-Agrees-to-Acquire-Stone-Debentures-for-Shares Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2021) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce launching the Company's concierge medical services ("Concierge") offering home visit care starting in Vancouver to capitalize on the lucrative custom care management market. The Company has established its infrastructure with its Covid testing business, and leveraging it to expand its business for the future business and growth. The Concierge service is commencing on July 12. In conjunction with the Company's clinic in Vancouver, ScreenPro offers concierge medical services with accredited physicians and nurses and can provide corporate wellness and executive health including urgent concierge medical care, medical advisory, and preventive screenings to determine the presence or absence of disease. The company is currently reviewing various disease detection technologies and will report on this in due course. The company is offering a customized care experience by segmenting its target audience and using a care management strategy. The targeted distribution would include but not be limited to Executives and corporations with a large staff population. The intent is to keep fees economic to allow for scalability. One of the most popular reasons to consider a concierge services is immediate access to a health care professionals. Same day appointments and direct email and phone contact with your concierge doctor mean speedier access to care. By providing this kind of trusted, one-on-one concierge medical services, it is much like delivering concierge services to guests at a five star hotel, ScreenPro Concierge can create exceptional experiences. "When you think about the healthcare space in Canada in 2019 being worth $265.5 billion, and with the overall health spending representing 11.5% of Canada's gross domestic product, that is a really interesting market. (source: www.cihi.ca/en/health-spending) We are building a health care business that has sustainability and longevity and that will add recurring high margin revenue metrics to our existing business model," 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/89806 Lodgment of Replacement Prospectus Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2021) - Besra Gold Inc. ("Besra" or the "Company"), announces that it has lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC") its Replacement Prospectus to raise between A$10 million and A$12.5 million by the issue of between 50,000,000 and 62,500,000 Chess Depository Interests ("CDIs") (each CDI will represent one common share in Besra) by Besra at A$0.20 per CDI ("Offer"). This follows the request by ASIC during the statutory disclosure period to make minor amendments of the original Prospectus which was originally lodged with ASIC on 23 April 2021. Lodgment of this Replacement Prospectus will not require further exposure period. Application had already been separately made to the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") to list the CDIs, and it is expected that this process will now continue in the normal course following lodgement of the Replacement Prospectus. Funds raised pursuant to the Offer will be used primarily to significantly advance drilling and development plans at the Company's Bau gold project in East. Malaysia. The Offer is being arranged by Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited. Potential applications to the Offer should carefully consider the Replacement Prospectus before deciding whether to apply for CDIs. Applicants will need to complete the application form contained, or accompanying, the Replacement Prospectus. Both the original Prospectus and the Replacement Prospectus are not to be construed as an offering in Canada. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Adjournment of Note Holder Meeting Besra also announces that the special meeting ("Meeting") of holders of 3% unsecured convertible redeemable notes ("Notes") of the Company to be held at 4pm ET on 5 July 2021 was, due to Covid-related mail delays, adjourned by the Chair in accordance with the terms of the Notes until 4 pm ET on Tuesday 3 August 2021. The purpose of the Meeting is to present a Noteholder Second Extension Resolution regarding approval of extending the deadlines for completing a reorganization of the Company and recognized stock exchange listing and maturity date of the Notes and amendment to the terms of the Notes, as more particularly described in the Management Information Circular dated May 13, 2021, filed on SEDAR. The Company will hold the adjourned Meeting in a virtual only format via live webcast online. Details regarding participation at the Meeting are set out in the Management Information Circular. Online and telephone voting has now been reopened for registered noteholders. How to Vote: ahead of time , to be lodged prior to 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on 3 August 2021 direct online at www.investorvote.com (enter the 15-digit control number provided on your form of proxy to vote) or by phone via the online proxy (call 1-866-732-8683 toll-free in North America and enter the 15-digit control number printed on their form of proxy. Follow the interactive voice recording instructions to vote), or a pdf scan of a new proxy dated after their old proxy sent to the Company. , to be lodged prior to 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on 3 August 2021 vote at the virtual meeting on 3 August 2021, at 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time). Registered Noteholders have been sent a form of proxy containing a 15-digit control number, which will be required to vote online at the virtual Meeting, by internet, or by telephone. Any Registered Noteholder who wishes to vote and has not received their form of proxy should contact the Company. For further information: John Seton, Executive Director, E: john@besra.com or James Hamilton, Investor Relations, jim@besra.com. Besra: www.besra.com James W. Hamilton Investor Relations Services Phone: +1-416-471-4494 Email: jim@besra.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89849 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United Airlines announced Friday that it will add nearly 150 flights to warm-weather destinations across the U.S and is increasing service to Latin beach and leisure markets of the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America by 30% compared to 2019. The airline is expecting the resurgence in demand for travel to continue for winter holiday travel and is planning ahead by increasing service to cities in the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The airline will fly 137 more flights than it did in 2019 to places like Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia and Nevada starting this November through next March. Most of these additional flights will be operated with mainline aircraft featuring United First, Economy Plus and standard Economy seat options and complimentary snacks and onboard Wi-Fi. The airline also adding services on 12 new routes from Denver, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. to destinations including Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Liberia, Costa Rica and Nassau, Bahamas. United has prepared for the return of air travel for more than a year, matching its flying schedule and aircraft availability to demand by maintaining close coordination between its network planning teams and the airline's operating groups. 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. 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. On Friday 23 July 2021, at 08:00 CEST, Bilia's report for the second quarter 2021 will be published. On the same day Bilia arranges press and analyst meetings, where CEO Per Avander and CFO Kristina Franzen will present the report and answer questions. There will be one meeting in Swedish at 09:00 (CEST) and one meeting in English at 13:30 (CEST). They are telephone meetings and you call telephone number +46 (0)8 22 90 90 and enter code 674445. If you need a toll free phone number outside Sweden, please contact us for a country specific telephone number. Gothenburg July 9, 2021 Bilia AB (publ) For information please contact: Per Avander, Managing Director and CEO, +46 Kristina Franzen, CFO, +46 Facts about the Bilia Group Bilia is one of Europe's largest car dealers with a leading position within service and sales of cars and transport vehicles. Bilia has just over 150 facilities in Sweden, Norway, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. Bilia sells cars of the brand Volvo, BMW, Toyota, Renault, Lexus, MINI, Dacia, Alpine, Porsche, Mercedes and transport vehicles of the brand Renault, Toyota and Dacia. Bilia offers new and used cars, e-commerce, spare parts and store sales, service and repair workshops, tyres and car glass and financing, insurance, car washes, fuel stations and car dismantling under the same roof, which gives a unique customer offer. Bilia reported a turnover of about SEK 30 Bn in 2020 and had about 4,700 employees. Attachment Nominations for the telecom industry's most prestigious awards program will close tomorrow on Saturday, July 10 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / Light Reading (www.lightreading.com), the market-leading online community for the global communications sector, today announced that the entry deadline for Light Reading's Leading Lights awards program is Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET. The Leading Lights is Light Reading's awards program recognizing the industry's top companies and their executives for outstanding achievements in next-generation communications technology, applications, services, strategies and innovation. This year's program will feature 26 categories, including the Light Reading Hall of Fame. New for 2021, Light Reading has updated some of its awards categories; expanded the list; and included several awards for outstanding use cases, giving service providers and vendors a chance to tout their technologies, strategies and services in action. To view the full list of Leading Lights categories, click here. The entry fee for submissions is $499 for the first entry and $100 off each additional entry. For Leading Lights entry fees, click here. To enter the Leading Lights Awards, visit us here http://awards.lightreading.com. The Leading Lights Finalists will be announced at The Big 5G Event in Denver during the week of August 30, 2021. The Leading Lights Winners will be announced via an online video on October 1, 2021. A Leading Lights after-party, to celebrate the contest's finalists and winners, will be held during the week of October 26, 2021, to coincide with our editorial staff's tradition of attending and covering Mobile World Congress Los Angeles. To view the list of FAQs, click here. Contact: Amy Averbook Marketing Consultant, Light Reading marketing@lightreading.com About Light Reading Light Reading is an independent B2B digital media platform providing daily news analysis and insight for the global communications networking and services industry. Our broad readership and solid reputation make us the leading resource for telecom, mobile and cable network operators; cloud services players; and all the companies that develop and supply them with technology, applications and professional services. Light Reading has over 500,000 qualified registered users, our websites attract over 1.3 million monthly page views and our newsletters are sent out to 220,000 opt-in subscribers. Our brand is also active across all social media channels, with over 100,000 members and followers. The Light Reading Group incorporates a dedicated research division, Heavy Reading; more than 15 successful annual industry events, including the Big 5G Event; several targeted online communities, including The 5G Exchange, Connecting Africa and Broadband World News, that dig even deeper into key areas of the global communications industry; and its sister industry news site Telecoms.com. SOURCE: Light Reading Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654827/Last-Call-Light-Readings-Leading-Lights-Awards-Deadline-for-Submissions-Is-Tomorrow John is a resident of Guernsey with over 30 years of experience in investment management. He is a Director and the Chief Investment Officer of Rocq Capital founded in July 2016 following the management buyout of Edmond de Rothschild (C.I.) Ltd. He joined Edmond de Rothschild in 2008 as Chief Investment Officer following 17 years at Credit Suisse Asset Management in London, where his last role was Head of European and Sterling Fixed Income. He began his career in the City of London in 1987 at Provident Mutual before joining MAP Fund Managers where he gained experience managing passive equity portfolios. He is a non-executive director of VinaCapital Investment Management Limited in Guernsey. John is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and holds the Certificate in Private Client Investment Advice and Management. 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. ECO (ATLANTIC) OIL & GAS LTD. ('Eco,' 'Eco Atlantic,' 'Company,' or together with its subsidiaries, the 'Group') Completion of Subscription TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (AIM:ECO) (TSX-V:EOG), an oil and gas exploration company with licences in the proven oil province of Guyana and the highly prospective basins of Namibia, is pleased to announce, further to its announcement on 28 June 2021, that it has received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for its private placement with Africa Oil Corp. ('Africa Oil') and Charlestown Energy Partners LLC ('Charlestown Energy') to raise approximately CAD6.1m (the 'Subscription'). The terms of the Subscription remain unchanged, save that the exercise price of the warrants to subscribe for new common shares has been increased to 0.47 CAD. Application is being made to the London Stock Exchange for the 14,945,913 new common shares to be issued pursuant to the Subscription (the 'Subscription Shares') to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission'). Admission is expected to take place on 15 July 2021. On Admission, the Company's total issued share capital will consist of 199,643,636 common shares with voting rights. The Company does not hold any common shares in treasury and accordingly there are no voting rights in respect of any treasury shares. The Subscription Shares will be fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the Company's existing Common Shares. For more information, please visit www.ecooilandgas.com or contact the following: Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas c/o Celicourt +44 (0) 20 8434 2754 Gil Holzman, CEO Colin Kinley, COO Alice Carroll, Head of Marketing and IR +44(0)781 729 5070 | +1 (416) 318 8272 Strand Hanson Limited ( Financial & Nominated Adviser ) +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 James Harris James Bellman Berenberg (Broker) +44 (0) 20 3207 7800 Matthew Armitt Emily Morris Detlir Elezi Celicourt (PR) +44 (0) 20 8434 2754 Mark Antelme Jimmy Lea Ollie Mills Hannam & Partners(Research Advisor) Neil Passmore +44 (0) 20 7905 8500 The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Notes to editors: About Eco Atlantic: Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM quoted Oil & Gas exploration and production Company with interests in Guyana and Namibia, where significant oil discoveries have been made. The Group aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through oil exploration, appraisal and development activities in stable emerging markets, in partnership with major oil companies. In Guyana, Eco Guyana holds a 15% Working Interest alongside TOQAP Guyana B.V. ('TOQAP') a company jointly owned by TotalEnergies E&P Guyana B.V. (60%) and Qatar Petroleum (40%) and Operator Tullow Oil (60%) in the 1,800 km 2 Orinduik Block in the shallow water of the prospective Suriname-Guyana basin. The Orinduik Block is adjacent and updip to ExxonMobil Operated Stabroek Block, on which twenty discoveries have been announced and over 9 billion BOE recoverable resources are estimated. On 28 June 2021, Eco acquired a 6.4% interest, with the option to increase its stake to 10%, in JHI Associates Inc. a private company which holds a 17.5% WI in the 4,800km 2 Canje Block. The Canje Block is operated by ExxonMobil and is held by Working Interests partners Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (35%), with TotalEnergies E&P Guyana B.V. (35%), JHI Associates (BVI) Inc. (17.5%) and Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc. (12.5%). Jethro-1 was the first major oil discovery on Orinduik Block. The Jethro-1 encountered 180.5 feet (55 meters) of net heavy oil pay in excellent Lower Tertiary sandstone reservoirs. Joe-1 was the second discovery on the Orinduik Block and comprised of high quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir, with a high porosity of Upper Tertiary age. The Joe-1 well encountered 52 feet (16 meters) of continuous thick sandstone. In Namibia, the Company holds interests in four offshore petroleum licenses totalling approximately 28,593km 2 with over 2.362bboe of prospective P50 resources in the Walvis Basin. These four licenses, Cooper, Guy, Sharon, and Tamar are being explored with industry partners with Eco Operating and maintaining an average 60% Working Interest. Eco has been granted a drilling permit on its Cooper Block (Operator). Eco Atlantic is a 70% shareholder in Solear Ltd., Solear is an independent private clean energy investment company focused on low cost, high yield solar development projects in southern Europe. Solear offers investors exposure to a portfolio of pre-construction opportunities across the renewable energy value chain, from Ready-to-Build to early-stage development. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com . SOURCE: Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654878/Eco-Atlantic-Oil-and-Gas-Ltd-Announces-Completion-of-Subscription Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2021) - Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) ("Minaurum" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced bought deal public offering for gross proceeds of C$9,200,000, which includes the full exercise of the over-allotment option (the "Offering"). Due to significant demand, the Offering was upsized from the original gross proceeds of C$7.0 million. Under the Offering, the Company sold 23,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.40 per Unit (the "Unit Price"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the "Underwriter") acted as sole underwriter and bookrunner for the Offering. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Share at a price of C$0.60 at any time on or before July 9, 2023. The Units were offered by way of a short form prospectus filed in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for the exploration of the Company's mineral projects in Mexico and general working capital purposes, as further disclosed in the Company's short form prospectus. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Underwriter a cash commission of C$534,000 and issued to the Underwriter 1,335,000 warrants of the Company (the "Compensation Warrants"). Each Compensation Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.40 at any time on or before July 9, 2023. The Offering included an investment from Crescat Capital. "Minaurum's value is strongly underpinned by its high-grade Alamos silver project," commented Quinton Hennigh, technical advisor to Crescat Capital. "We see further unlocked value in some of the Company's less advanced exploration projects, in particular Santa Marta, a potentially very large volcanogenic massive sulfide project. The Crescat Capital team sees the footprint of the system at Santa Marta as being comparable to that of the Hod Maden deposit in Turkey. We eagerly await Minaurum's continued exploration success." This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended or any securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. The statements made by Crescat Capital in this release have not been verified by Minaurum. There can be no assurance that exploration activities undertaken by Minaurum at any of its properties, including Santa Marta, will yield results similar to any other mineral property. Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) (FSE: 78M) is a Mexico-focused explorer concentrating on the high-grade Alamos silver project in southern Sonora. With a property portfolio encompassing multiple additional district-scale projects, Minaurum is managed by strong technical and finance teams in Mexico. Minaurum's goal is to continue its founders' legacy of creating shareholder value by making district-scale mineral discoveries and executing accretive mining transactions. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Darrell A. Rader" Darrell A. Rader President and CEO For more information, please contact: Sunny Pannu - Investor Relations and Corporate Development Manager (778) 330 0994 or via email at pannu@minaurum.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 2710 - 200 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4 Telephone 778 330-0994 www.minaurum.com info@minaurum.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: the use of proceeds from the Offering, and the ability to obtain the necessary regulatory authority and approvals in connection with the Offering. In making the forward-looking information in this release, Minaurum has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on Minaurum's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Minaurum. Although Minaurum considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: the inability to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals from the applicable securities regulators or obtain the approval of the TSXV in connection with the Offering; the inability of the Company to apply the use of proceeds from the Offering as anticipated; the ability of the Company to achieve its corporate objectives or otherwise advance the progress of Minaurum; risks related to the international operations; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities; an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains; general market and industry conditions; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Minaurum does not intend, and expressly 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 law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89835 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2021) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLI) (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has commenced processing of gold and silver mill feed at its mill, located near Merritt, British Columbia ("BC"). The Company will produce a gold and silver concentrate that will be purchased by Ocean Partners UK Limited[2] ("Ocean Partners"), a company that provides global trading services to miners, smelters, and refiners. Crushing of mill feed, which was transported to the site by Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (CNSX: BLLG), commenced on July 2, 2021, after having accumulated a stockpile of approximately 1500 tonnes. The Company and BLLG recently signed an amending agreement (the "Amending Agreement") to the Milling and Smelting Profit Share Agreement dated March 31, 2017 (the "Original Agreement"). The crushed material was stored in the fine ore bin prior to commencing flotation operations on July 8, 2021 (See Diagram 1). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/89473_6565de6f749d5919_001full.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/89473_6565de6f749d5919_002full.jpg Diagram 1: Nicola Mining Commences Production of Gold and Silver Concentrate The Company has completed approximately $2.0M in upgrades at its approximate $30.0M facility, which is permitted to process approximately 200 tonnes per day (up to 70,000 tonnes per year). The Company's wholly owned Craigmont mill was constructed with ample room for expansion and is the only site in BC permitted to accept high-grade gold and silver mill feed from throughout the province. In addition to BLLG, the Company announced on June 8, 2021 that it had proceeded with the Mineral Purchase Agreement to acquire a 75% economic interest in the Dominion Creek Gold Project, a high-grade gold project located about 110 kilometers east-southeast of Prince George. The Company looks forward to providing an update on the 10,000-tonne bulk sample permit application in a subsequent news release. In addition to commencing production, the Company would like to confirm its commitment to work with communities and government to minimize our impact on the environment. To reflect this commitment, we have changed our logo to capture the balance between mining and processing and respecting the environment and the traditional territories we operate within. The orange / copper colour symbolizes our focus of discovering essential metals for the "green economy", and the green symbolizes our commitment to the environment and respecting the land. Frank Hogel, Chairman of Nicola, commented, "Behind the scenes, it has been an incredible amount of work to commence production. I would like to congratulate the team on the momentous achievement." Qualified Person Kevin Wells, P.Geo, a consulting geologist to the Company, is the independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Nicola Mining Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture and Frankfurt Exchanges that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. The fully-permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The Company also owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, and an active gravel pit that is located adjacent to its milling operations. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter Espig" Peter Espig CEO & Director For additional information Contact: Peter Espig Phone: (778) 385-1213 Email: info@nicolamining.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. [1] Under the Milling and Smelting Profit Share Agreement BLLG is to ship mill feed to Nicola's mill site for processing. Nicola does not extract the mill feed but produces gold and silver concentrate. [2] Ocean Partners operates in a number of countries, including Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Peru, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States, and retains agency representation in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, India, Japan, South Africa, South Korea. The Company maintains a strong global network of relationships and contacts in the base metal mining and smelting sector. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89473 DGAP-News: Ferratum Oyj / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Ferratum Oyj: Multitude SE to relocate its registered office from Finland to Germany (news with additional features) 09.07.2021 / 16:15 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Multitude SE to relocate its registered office from Finland to Germany Helsinki, 9 July 2021 - Multitude SE (ISIN: FI4000106299, WKN: A1W9NS) ("Multitude" or the "Group") announces that the Board of Directors of Multitude have today resolved to approve a Transfer Proposal ("Proposal") in accordance with Article 8 (2) of the Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001 of 8 October 2001 on the Statute for a European company (SE) ("SE Regulation") for the transfer of the registered office of Multitude from Finland to Germany ("Relocation"). In addition to the Transfer Proposal, the Board of Directors have approved a Report of the Board of Directors ("Report") in accordance with Article 8 (3) of the SE Regulation explaining and justifying the legal and economic aspects of the transfer and explaining the implications of the transfer for shareholders, creditors and employees. The Relocation will be carried out in accordance with the Finnish Act on European Company (742/2004) and the SE Regulation. The Proposal and the Report are appended to this announcement as attachments. According to the Proposal, Multitude's new registered office would be seated in Hamburg, Germany. According to the Proposal, the Relocation would take effect on or about 31 December 2021. The final decision on the Relocation is subject to approval by the shareholders' general meeting to be convened at a later stage. About Multitude SE: Multitude is an international provider of mobile banking and digital consumer and small business loans, distributed and managed by mobile devices. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Multitude has expanded to operate in 19 countries across Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia. As a pioneer in digital and mobile financial services technology, Multitude is at the forefront of the digital banking revolution. The Group has approximately 480,000 active customers that have an open Mobile Bank or Wallet account or an active loan balance in the last 12 months (as at 31 March 2021). Multitude SE is listed on the Prime Standard of Frankfurt Stock Exchange under symbol 'FRU.' For more information, visit www.multitude.com. Contacts: IR@ferratum.com https://www.multitude.com/investors/ir-contact Attachments: - Transfer Proposal in accordance with Article 8 (2) of the SE Regulation for the transfer of the registered office of Multitude SE from Finland to Germany, 9 July 2021 - Report of the Board of Directors of Multitude SE in accordance with Article 8 (3) of the SE Regulation, 9 July 2021 Exploring how Kevin Aycock and Southern Luxury Homes are meeting client needs and redefining the industry as a major player in home design. LAKE OCONEE, GA / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / Every day, the world is sculpted by power players in various industries looking to change the world for the better. For over 20 years, Kevin Aycock, owner of Southern Luxury Homes, has been growing and refining the home design process. With a unique ability to help clients envision their dream homes, and a knack for bringing them to life, Aycock and his team make the impossible possible. For their efforts, they have been listed as a 2021 Power Player in Modern Luxury's newest list, and it is easy to see why. What Makes Southern Luxury Homes a 2021 Power Player The Power Player list is designed to highlight those who bring together innovation and experience to improve the future of their industries. Southern Luxury Homes is a company that is fueled by teamwork and family. At the head of this company is Kevin Aycock, joined by his talented wife, Jordan, who is a powerhouse of her own when it comes to home sales. Pair this with their team of talented individuals who offer their expertise in a long list of home design and building specialties, it is easy to see what makes Southern Luxury Homes such a trendsetter. Aycock and his team aim to provide their clients with completely original dream homes, and they leverage their expertise to bring these concepts to life. With over 400 homes behind them, this is one group that is always rising to the challenge. Bringing together art, talent, and years of experience, Southern Luxury Homes puts the client first and always comes through. This company's consistent growth and impact on the industry easily highlight it as an obvious power player within its space. Focusing on making the discovery process fun, they encourage clients to share their wildest dreams, then Aycock and his team find a way to make it all come to life. Already, their approach is inspiring others in the industry to think differently about what exceptional home design means. By continuously going above and beyond, they are raising the bar for themselves, and the competition, but they won't be slowing down anytime soon. About Modern Luxury Modern Luxury is a major publication that aims to share today's leading brands in luxury spaces. Known for their keen eye for detail and understanding of how to reach affluent audiences all around the United States, this big name in luxury aims to provide only the best. Each year, they offer a Power Player list, which is made to highlight hand-chosen brands in various niches. With Modern Luxury, you always get the best. To view the 2021 Power Player feature in Modern Luxury Digital Magazine, please click here . About Southern Luxury Homes The philosophy of Southern Luxury Homes is simple: create beautiful houses that become homes, and homes that become part of the community for a lifetime. And Southern Luxury Homes does just that - through the incorporation of the newest trends and innovations combined with the utilization of the best quality materials and craftsmanship. Southern Luxury Homes is a dedicated home design company that helps its clients to identify the untapped dreams that can be used to create custom homes. With decades of experience, Kevin Aycock leads his team to greatness and provides custom home solutions that exceed the expectations of their clients every single time. Powered by a love for art and design, this group builds homes that highlight the luxury difference in a way that their clients can see and feel. A result of many years of experience in the building and real estate industry, the Southern Luxury Homes team possesses a keen eye for detail and an impressive level of expertise at every phase of the process - from breaking ground to welcoming you home. Kevin Aycock of Southern Luxury Homes is an esteemed custom Lake Oconee Builder that believes homes should be tailored exactly to your wants and needs. Southern Luxury Homes builds custom homes that reflect the personality and tastes of its owners. CONTACT: Business name: Southern Luxury Homes Contact- Kevin Aycock Phone- (404) 391-4854 URL- https://southernluxury.com Email: KAycock@arhomes.com Address- 1070 Salem Walk Dr Suite 4, Greensboro, GA 30642 Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/arhsouthernluxuryhomes/ For more information, please visit: https://southernluxury.com/ SOURCE: Southern Luxury Homes View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654887/Reynolds-Builder-Lake-Oconee-Kevin-Aycock-of-Southern-Luxury-Homes-Named-to-Modern-Luxurys-2021-Power-Player-List NOIDA, India, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the Oncology Therapeutics Market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The Oncology Therapeutics 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 Oncology Therapeutics Market. The Oncology Therapeutics 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 Oncology Therapeutics Market at the global and regional levels. Global Oncology Therapeutics Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2021-2027 to exceed US$ 247.5 billion by 2027. Request To Download Sample of this Strategic Report- https://bit.ly/3qX8kTe Market Overview The Global Oncology Therapeutics Market is booming owing to the increasing geriatric population paired with the ever-increasing prevalence of cancer disease and growing private sector investment in R&D initiatives to come up with innovative treatment and control procedure of growing cancer prevalence among individuals. Moreover, the sector has witnessed an increasing number of collaborations between pharma company over the past few years, this further boosts the market growth. For instance, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. (a Biotechnology company) collaborated with Pfizer in 2019, for the development of novel first in class inhibitors of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) for the treatment of Multiple Cancer Types. COVID-19 Impact During the COVID-19 pandemic, every industry has been affected globally and a significant effect can be seen on the oncology therapeutics market. According to an article published in the Cancer Connect 2020, doctors from Dana Farber Cancer Institute determined that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 46% decline in the diagnoses of the six most common types of cancer such as breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancers. Also, Cancer screening and health prevention services have been postponed due to the pandemic. Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://bit.ly/3qX8kTe Global Oncology Therapeutics Market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. By Therapy Type, the market is primarily bifurcated into: Chemotherapy Targeted Therapy Immunotherapy Hormonal Therapy The Targeted Therapy sub-segment dominated the global Oncology Therapeutics Market and is expected to grow at a noteworthy CAGR by the year 2027. By Cancer Type, the market is primarily segmented into: Blood Cancer Lung Cancer Colorectal Cancer Prostate Cancer Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Others Amongst Cancer Type, Lung Cancer accounted for the largest share in 2020 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2027. By Route of Administration, the market is primarily segmented into: Oral Parenteral Others Amongst Route of Administration, Parenteral accounted for the largest share in 2020 and are expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2027. By End-user, the market is primarily segmented into: Hospitals Specialty Clinics Cancer and Radiation Therapy Centers Other end-users Amongst end-user, Cancer and Radiation Therapy Centres accounted for the largest share in 2020 and are expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2027. Oncology Therapeutics Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America ( United States , Canada , Rest of North America ) ( , , Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Italy , France , Spain , and Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , , and Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , and Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , and Rest of ) Rest of the World North America is dominating the Oncology Therapeutics Market in 2020 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Ask for Report Customization @ https://bit.ly/3qX8kTe The major players targeting the market includes: Amgen Inc. Bayer AG Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc Merck & Co., Inc. Novartis AG Pfizer Inc. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd AstraZeneca Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Eli Lilly and Company Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. 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What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. Request for full report- https://bit.ly/3qX8kTe About UnivDatos Market Insights UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Pawnendra Pawan Client Development Lead Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: pawnendra@univdatos.com Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg This financing will further support the progress and expansion of OSE Immunotherapeutics' lead clinical development programs in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. This 10 million payment reinforces the Company's financial visibility until Q3 2022. Regulatory News: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005270/en/ OSE Immunotherapeutics (Paris:OSE) (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) announced today a 10 million payment corresponding to the first tranche of the financing granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The finance contract was signed on February 12, 2021. The finance contract allows the Company to borrow up to 25 million. The second and third tranches, respectively of 10 million and 5 million, may be drawn at the hand of the Company, subject to the achievement of specific clinical steps. This type of financing, granted by the EIB and benefiting from a guarantee from the European Commission within the framework of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (known as the "Juncker Plan"), aims to support development research and innovation projects developed by companies with high growth potential. This first tranche will carry a fixed interest of 5% per year paid annually, with a maturity of five years. The first tranche is associated to the issuance of warrants to the EIB giving right, in the event of exercise, to the subscription of 850,000 shares of the Company (i.e. 4.44% of the share capital on an undiluted basis). Warrants are not the subject of an application for admission to trading on any market. The subscription price is 0.01 per warrant, i.e, 8,500. In order to limit the dilutive impact over time, and except in the event of the occurrence of an early exercise event (notably a change of control, including the loss of a significant holding by the current management shareholders, or other events of default, including a significant change in the current governance not approved by the EIB), the warrants will only be exercisable from 9 July 2026, i.e. five years from the drawdown of the relevant tranche and at the latest at the end of a period of twelve years following their issue (i.e. 9 July 2033). The subscription price for the new shares upon exercise of the warrants was set at 10.59 euros per share, i.e. a discount of 2.5% compared to the volume-weighted average of the three trading days preceding the pricing. In accordance with the warrant agreement, the EIB has an anti-dilution clause allowing it to benefit from additional warrants, in the event of a capital increase of the Company at a price less than 20 per share, after application of a deductible on the first 1,500,000 shares to be issued. In such a case, the Company would have to allocate additional warrants to the EIB allowing it to remain at a potential capital level of 4.44% (corresponding to its theoretical holding percentage post-allocation and exercise of the warrants subscribed in the context of the first tranche of funding). The shares to be issued upon exercise of the warrants will be subject to an application for admission to trading on Euronext Paris. On the basis of 850,000 new Company's shares issued upon exercise of all the warrants at a price of 10.59 euros per new share, the gross proceeds of the issue, issue premium included, will amount to 9,001,500 euros. On 9 July 2026, the EIB has the option to ask the Company to buy back its warrants at market value (less the exercise price of the warrants) up to a maximum of EUR 15 million, provided that the Company retains a cash level of at least EUR 10 million. Otherwise, the EIB's put option will be exercised on a number of warrants allowing the Company to maintain a cash level of 10 million euros. This put option also applies in the event of a change of control, understood as the holding of more than 33% of the capital or the taking of control by a third party (other than the current key managers). The Company may substitute an existing shareholder or a third party to buy back these warrants at market value. The Company has a call option allowing it to buy back the EIB warrants at market value (less the exercise price of the warrants) in the event of a public offer by a third party resulting in the exit of the management shareholders, for a period of one month following such exit. The Company also has a right of first refusal allowing it to buy back the EIB's warrants if the latter wishes to sell them to a third party. ABOUT THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK The EIB is the European Union (EU) long-term financing institution, and its shareholders are the 27 EU Member States. Its mission is to contribute to the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of EU Member States. It borrows large volumes of funds from the capital markets and lends them with very favorable terms to support projects which contribute to the achievement of EU objectives. The EIB is working to put the EU at the forefront of the next wave of innovation, especially in the health sector. In response to the Covid-19 health crisis, the EIB has released 6 billion for investments in the health sector to support medical infrastructure, additional research activities or other financing related to vaccines and treatments. As a European bank supporting the climate, the EIB is one of the main fund providers in the green transition towards a more low-carbon and sustainable growth model. ABOUT OSE Immunotherapeutics OSE Immunotherapeutics is an integrated biotechnology company focused on developing and partnering therapies to control the immune system for immuno-oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company's immunology research and development platform is focused on three areas: T-cell-based vaccination, Immuno-Oncology (focus on myeloid targets), Auto-immunity Inflammation. Its balanced first-in-class clinical and preclinical portfolio has a diversified risk profile: Vaccine platform Tedopi (innovative combination of neoepitopes): the company's most advanced product; positive results for Step-1 of the Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer post checkpoint inhibitor failure. In Phase 2 in pancreatic cancer (TEDOPaM), sponsor GERCOR. In Phase 2 in ovary cancer (TEDOVA), sponsor ARCAGY-GINECO. In Phase 2 in non-small cell lung cancer in combination with nivolumab, sponsor Italian foundation FoRT. CoVepiT: a prophylactic second-generation vaccine against COVID-19, developed using SARS-CoV-2 optimized epitopes against multi variants. Positive preclinical and human ex vivo results in August 2020. In clinical Phase 1. Immuno-oncology platform BI 765063 (OSE-172, anti-SIRPa mAb on SIRPa/CD47 pathway): developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors; positive Phase 1 results in monotherapy and BI 765063 dose escalation study ongoing in combination with Ezabenlimab (PD-1 antagonist). CLEC-1 (novel myeloid checkpoint target): identification of mAb antagonists of CLEC-1 blocking the "Don't Eat Me" signal that increase both tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages and antigen capture by dendritic cells. BiCKI: bispecific fusion protein platform built on the key backbone component anti-PD-1 (OSE-279) combined with new immunotherapy targets; 2nd generation of PD-(L)1 inhibitors to increase antitumor efficacity. Auto-immunity and inflammation platform FR104 (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): Licensing partnership agreement with Veloxis in the organ transplant market; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsored by the Nantes University Hospital); Phase 2-ready asset in a niche indication in autoimmune diseases. OSE-127/S95011 (humanized monoclonal antibody targeting IL-7 receptor): developed in partnership with Servier; positive Phase 1 results; in Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis (OSE sponsor) and an independent Phase 2a planned in Sjogren's syndrome (Servier sponsor). OSE-230 (ChemR23 agonist mAb): first-in-class therapeutic agent with the potential to resolve chronic inflammation by driving affected tissues to tissue integrity. For more information: https://ose-immuno.com/en/ Click and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Forward-looking statements This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics' management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "target", "plan", or "estimate", their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics' shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 15 April 2021, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2020 and the Amendement to the Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 2 June 2021 under number D.21-0310-A01, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics' website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005270/en/ Contacts: OSE Immunotherapeutics Sylvie Detry sylvie.detry@ose-immuno.com +33 153 198 757 Media U.S. Media: LifeSci Communications Darren Opland, Ph.D. darren@lifescicomms.com +1 646 627 8387 French Media: FP2COM Florence Portejoie fportejoie@fp2com.fr +33 607 768 283 Investor Relations Thomas Guillot thomas.guillot@ose-immuno.com +33 607 380 431 Guillaume van Renterghem LifeSci Advisors gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com +41 76 735 01 31 Latest round of funding for mobile AI vision technology company brings total venture capital investment to $37 million Anyline, a market leader in mobile data capture, today announced that it has raised $20 million in a growth funding round to meet the rapidly growing global demand for mobile scanning technology. This round of funding is led by the European growth equity fund Digital+ Partners and supported by Anyline's existing investors, which include Project A, Senovo, Johann 'Hansi' Hansmann and PUSH Ventures. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005337/en/ Anyline's AI-enabled mobile scanning technology is leveraged across a variety of industries around the world, including retail, logistics, manufacturing, law enforcement and automotive. Anyline solutions have also played a key supporting role throughout the pandemic by processing more than 3.4 million lab-certified PCR tests for at-home COVID-19 testing in its headquarter city of Vienna. "We celebrated our Series A round in January 2020 with enthusiasm for the potential of our data-capture technology and how it would be embraced by the market," said Lukas Kinigadner, CEO and co-founder, Anyline. "We never could have anticipated how 2020 would accelerate our growth, as we fulfilled the critical need that businesses had to deliver safe, contactless digital experiences. Companies have been challenged to do more, at a faster rate, often with far fewer resources. Anyline's technology has helped them to gain efficiencies and reduce the errors that can occur with manual data entry. Energized by our increased momentum over the past year, this latest round of investment will enable us to substantially grow our team as we strive to make mobile data capture even more intuitive and attainable for businesses today." Founded in 2013, Anyline now supports more than 250 companies and governmental organizations using its scanning solutions to digitize their data and improve operational efficiency. The company has strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Zebra Technologies, and key customers include Discount Tire, PepsiCo, E.ON, Tata, Comerso, Canon, and the World Food Programme. Since Anyline's Series A funding round last year, the company has released its proprietary AI platform, Anyline Trainer, a web-based, end-to-end computer vision and machine learning suite that can train a custom Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanner in hours. The solution automates the process of developing a tailor-made mobile data capture solution, reducing a process that normally takes weeks to only a few hours for a working prototype. Using this technology, Anyline has created new solutions for the likes of Discount Tire and Tata. The company has also recently developed ID scanners for Arabic text and will soon launch Cyrillic text recognition. The company has also expanded outside of Austria with the opening of its U.S. headquarters in Boston. With a current staff of 100 between the company's Vienna and Boston offices, Anyline plans to expand the team further in the next 12 months. The company also announced two new appointments to its executive team, with Christian Stadlmann, former SVP Global Sales of Aurea Software, starting as the company's new chief revenue officer alongside Dan Sirk, former CMO and managing director of employer-rating platform kununu, who joined Anyline as chief marketing officer in November 2020. "Investing in companies building best-in-class technology is our strategic focus, and we felt that the opportunity to financially support Anyline was a natural fit for our portfolio," said Tim Kindt, partner, Digital+ Partners. "Anyline understands the complexities of doing business today, made even more challenging by the new digital imperatives introduced by the pandemic. The mobile scanning capabilities that companies obtain by working with Anyline is second to none, and the team supporting the technology behind the scenes is one of a kind. We look forward to great things from the Anyline team and are proud to be involved in their future success." "At Anyline, we're truly defining the future of mobile data capture, and it has been a thrill to have jumped in at such an exciting time," said Christian Stadlmann, CRO, Anyline. "The past year has proven the need for companies to not only employ contactless and easy-to-use technology, but also to keep a pulse on consumer demand to provide an ideal user experience. For example, research that we conducted in May 2021 found that 70% of U.S. consumers would be happy to use biometric identification like face scanning or liveness detection to register or instantly complete transactions on a mobile banking app. Reinforced by our latest funding, we look forward to driving even more innovation around optical character recognition and data capture, watching consumer trends closely to inform our roadmap as we go." About Anyline Founded in Vienna in 2013, Anyline has established itself as a market leader in mobile data capture. Using the newest and most innovative artificial intelligence approaches, Anyline enables any mobile device to process written characters and barcodes in real time, even when offline. Anyline mobile data capture technology is CCPA/GDPR compliant, processing all data collected securely on the users' device, and removing any chance of data interference. It's not only more accurate than manual data entry, but also works 20 times faster. These scanning solutions are trusted by household brands such as PepsiCo, Discount Tire and IBM, as well as national governments and the United Nations. For more information, visit www.anyline.com. About Digital Partners Based in Munich and Frankfurt, Germany, Digital Partners is a leading technology growth equity investor focused on European and US technology companies with over 500 million assets under management. Digital Partners aims to support ambitious entrepreneurs build global technology leaders, providing them with strategic advice and long-term financial support to help them define and execute their growth plans. Digital Partners focuses exclusively on B2B technology companies and leverages a deep corporate network to help portfolio companies access new markets and build new partnerships. For more information please visit: www.dplus.partners View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005337/en/ Contacts: Stacy Lan Ketner Group Communications (for Anyline) stacy@ketnergroup.com Capitalised terms used in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the announcements made by the Company on 7 July 2021. EASTLEIGH, HAMPSHIRE / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / i3 Energy plc (AIM:I3E) (TSX:ITE), an independent oil and gas company with assets and operations in the UK and Canada, confirms that it has posted a circular to shareholders (the 'Circular'), including the notice of general meeting in connection with the Placing and Primary Bid Offer announced on 7 July 2021. The general meeting (the 'General Meeting') will be held at the offices of W.H. Ireland Limited at 24 Martin Lane, London, EC4R 0DR, United Kingdom on 26 July 2021 at 11:00 a.m. (BST). The Company wishes to conduct the General Meeting in a way that limits the risk associated with the Coronavirus pandemic and complies with the law. In light of this, although shareholders (including their duly appointed proxies and/or corporate representatives) will be, subject to any changes to the rules which may arise after the publication of this Announcement, permitted to attend the General Meeting in person, shareholders will be discouraged from doing so. The Company does not expect there to be any significant physical turnout by shareholders but it would help the Company's planning if shareholders who wished to attend physically could email i3energy@camarco.co.uk by no later than 11:00 a.m. (BST) on 22 July 2021 to confirm their wish to attend in order that the Company can be confident that the facilities proposed for the General Meeting will be able to accommodate attendance in accordance with appropriate COVID procedures. The Company remains committed to encouraging shareholder engagement on the business of the General Meeting. As such, in addition to voting by proxy, Shareholders can submit questions to the Board in advance of the General Meeting by emailing such questions to i3energy@camarco.co.uk by no later than 11:00 a.m. (BST) on 22 July 2021. The Board will consider all questions received and provide a response to those that directly relate to the matters of the General Meeting. Answers to shareholders' questions will be posted on the Company's website at https://www.i3.energy/investor-relations/shareholder-faqs/ by 27 July 2021. The situation surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19 is constantly evolving. Any changes to the arrangements for the General Meeting will be communicated to shareholders before the General Meeting, including through i3's website at https://www.i3.energy/ and by announcement via a regulatory information service. Shareholders are strongly encouraged to appoint the Chair of the General Meeting as their proxy for the General Meeting. This will ensure that shareholders' votes will be counted even if attendance at the General Meeting is restricted or they are unable to attend. Details of how shareholders can appoint the Chair of the General Meeting as their proxy are set out within Paragraph 7 (Action to be taken) of Part II (Letter from the Chair) of the Circular. A copy of the Circular for use in connection with the General Meeting is available on the Company's website, https://i3.energy/ Substantial Shareholder and related party transaction The following existing substantial Shareholders will be participating in the Placing: Shareholder Number of existing Ordinary Shares Percentage of Existing Issued Share Capital Number of Placing Shares allocated Number of Ordinary Shares held following Admission Percentage of Enlarged Share Capital following Admission Bybrook Capital 206,438,717 28.4% 54,545,000 260,983,717 23.9% Premier Miton Investors 105,000,000 14.4% 54,388,000 159,388,000 14.6% Where a company enters into a related party transaction, under the AIM Rules the independent directors of the company are required, after consulting with the company's Nominated Adviser, to state whether, in their opinion, the transaction is fair and reasonable in so far as its Shareholders are concerned. Bybrook Capital and Premier Miton Investors by virtue of being a substantial shareholder is considered to be 'related party' as de?ned under the AIM Rules. Bybrook Capital and Premier Miton Investors participation in the Placing constitutes a related party transaction for the purposes of rule 13 of the AIM Rules. The Directors consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, WHI, that the terms of Bybrook Capital and Premier Miton Investors participation in the Placing are fair and reasonable insofar as the Shareholders are concerned. Employee and Director Options Conditional only on the ordinary shares relating to the Placing and PrimaryBid Offer being admitted to trading on AIM, the Company intends to grant option awards over 53,705,491 new ordinary shares to employees and directors of the Company and its group (the 'Group') (the 'New Options'). The New Options will have an exercise price equal to the Issue Price. The New Options will vest after three years, subject to accelerated vesting on the following performance targets being met: a) For employees of i3 Energy North Sea Limited (other than the executive Directors and those employees in corporate roles) One-third on Admission; One-third at spud of the earlier of a second appraisal well or first development well at either Serenity or Liberator; and 100 per cent. upon the addition of 2,500 bopd of European production. b) For employees of i3 Energy Canada Ltd. One-third on Admission; One-third if production of 20,000 boepd is achieved prior to July 2022 (substantially funded from internally generated cash flow); and 100 per cent. upon the addition of 9,250 boepd or 50 MMboe 2P reserves. c) For the Directors and those employees of the Group in corporate roles One-third on Admission; One-third: (i) at spud of the earlier of a second appraisal well or first development well at either Serenity or Liberator; or (ii) if production of 20,000 boepd is achieved prior to July 2022 (substantially funded from internally generated cash flow), whichever is first to occur; and 100 per cent. upon: (i) the addition of 2,500 bopd of European production; or (ii) the addition of 9,250 boepd or 50 MMboe 2P reserves, whichever is first to occur. To incentivise the UK and Canadian offices of the Group to work as one team and assist each other as required going forward, if one of the offices satisfies one of the early vesting criteria for the New Options (other than on Admission), then the equivalent vesting criteria for the other office shall be deemed 20 per cent satisfied (and a further 6.67 per cent. of the New Options held by employees in the other office would vest immediately). Approximately 75% of the Company's current option pool is allocated to employees and it is envisaged a similar allocation will be made for the New Options. A further announcement will be made in due course disclosing the number of New Options being awarded to the Directors once the allocation of the New Options has been determined. END Enquiries: i3 Energy plc Majid Shafiq (CEO) / Graham Heath (CFO) c/o Camarco Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8331 WH Ireland Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker) James Joyce, James Sinclair-Ford Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) Henry Fitzgerald- O'Connor, James Asensio Tel: +44 (0) 207 523 8000 Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker and Sole Bookrunner) Peter Krens Tel: +44 (0) 207 186 9030 Camarco Owen Roberts, James Crothers, Violet Wilson Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8331 Notes to Editors: i3 Energy is an oil and gas Company with a low cost, diversified, growing production base in Canada's most prolific hydrocarbon region, the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and appraisal assets in the North Sea with significant upside. The Company is well positioned to deliver future growth through the optimisation of its existing 100% owned asset base and the acquisition of long life, low decline conventional production assets. i3 is dedicated to responsible corporate practices and the environment, and places high value on adhering to strong Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') practices. i3 is proud of its performance to date as a responsible steward of the environment, people, and capital management. The Company is committed to maintaining an ESG strategy, which has broader implications to long-term value creation, as these benefits extend beyond regulatory requirements. i3 Energy is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol I3E and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ITE. For further information on i3 Energy please visit https://i3.energy/ The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: i3 Energy PLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654929/i3-Energy-PLC-Announces-Posting-of-Shareholder-Circular-Options-Issuance - Meine Radiologie and Blikk operate more than 65 radiology and radiotherapy locations in Germany - together they will form a leading radiology provider - EQT Infrastructure intends to combine both companies to create a leading platform in an essential and fast-growing sub-sector in social infrastructure and healthcare - Following the closing, EQT Infrastructure will support the combined group's strive for medical excellence, expand its capabilities in adjacent specialties and drive its digital agenda to become a patient-centric and tech-enabled diagnostic imaging provider, with a high-quality service offering for its patients and partner physicians STOCKHOLM, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that EQT Infrastructure has agreed to acquire Meine Radiologie Holding GmbH ("Meine Radiologie") from Triton Partners and Blikk Holding GmbH ("Blikk") from DBAG Fund VII, a private equity fund advised by Deutsche Beteiligungs AG ("DBAG"). DBAG will remain a minority shareholder in the combined group given its experience supporting Blikk and high conviction in the long-term attractiveness of the sector. Terms and conditions of the transaction are not disclosed. Meine Radiologie and Blikk were both founded in 2017 and have since then grown to become two highly reputable radiology players in Germany, together employing more than 1,300 people across 65 locations. Both companies are underpinned by long-lasting medical experience from their respective management teams and radiology practices. Following the closing of the transactions, the combination of the two companies will create a leading radiology and radiotherapy platform in Germany. EQT Infrastructure is committed to supporting the long-term development and growth of the combined group and providing the necessary resources to accelerate investments in technology, innovation and talent in order to continue enhancing medical excellence, expanding capabilities in adjacent specialties and driving an ambitious digitalization agenda. As a long-term investor with an industrial and responsible ownership approach, EQT Infrastructure will bring unique capabilities to the combined group in its next phase of development, drawing on EQT's experience in supporting some of Europe's leading healthcare companies. In doing so, EQT Infrastructure will aim to fulfil its purpose of making a positive impact and future-proofing companies through digital innovation and sustainable growth. Dr. Dr. Dirk Knuppel, Chief Executive of Meine Radiologie, said, "We are excited to welcome EQT Infrastructure as our new owner and our Blikk colleagues as new partners. We share a joint vision in becoming a reference patient centric radiology and radiotherapy provider that contributes to a better German healthcare system. The medical experience of our employees and management teams coupled with the industrial and financial support from EQT Infrastructure make me very confident in the value of this long-term partnership." Dr. Thilo-Andreas Wittkamper, Chief Executive of Blikk, said, "The Blikk management team is looking forward to building a leading radiology provider in Germany with the support of EQT Infrastructure and alongside our fellow colleagues at Meine Radiologie. Our shared values and vision of the importance of medical excellence, patient focus and innovation pave the way for an exciting new phase of development for our company." Christoph Balzer, Partner within EQT Infrastructure's Advisory Team, said, "We have followed Meine Radiologie and Blikk for a long time and we are impressed by the quality of both companies and their management teams. Radiology and radiotherapy are highly essential and fast-growing sub-sectors in social infrastructure and healthcare, driven by positive demographic and technological trends and underpinned by a stable system that nurtures innovation and high-quality medical services. We are confident that the combined group will benefit from EQT's vast experience from the developing strong assets in the healthcare sector, our in-house digitalization and sustainability capabilities, and our long-term ownership mindset." The closing of the transaction is expected in Q3 2021, subject to customary regulatory approval. With this transaction, EQT Infrastructure V is expected to be 40-45 percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication). Contact German media inquiries, eqt@kekstcnc.com, +49 152 248 733 72 EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334 About EQT EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with more than EUR 67 billion in assets under management across 26 active funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas with total sales of approximately EUR 29 billion and more than 175,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership. More info: www.eqtgroup.com Follow EQT on Twitter and LinkedIn About Meine Radiologie Holding Meine Radiologie Holding is one of the leading providers of (outpatient) imaging/ radiology services in Germany. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Frankfurt a.M., the company currently has over 35 practices across several German cities with approx. 600 employees. More info: www.meine-radiologie-holding.de About Blikk Blikk is one of the leading providers of (outpatient) imaging/ radiology services in Germany. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dortmund, the company currently has over 30 practices across several German cities with approx. 700 employees. More info: www.blikk.de This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-infrastructure-acquires-meine-radiologie-and-blikk-to-form-a-leading-radiology-and-radiotherapy-,c3383109 The following files are available for download: Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 9, 2021) - BioMind Research Corp ("Biomind" or the "Company") and Crosswinds Holdings Inc. ("Crosswinds") are pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced private placement (the "Financing") of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of Biomind. Pursuant to the Financing, Biomind issued 4,420,647 Subscription Receipts at a price of CDN$1.40 per Subscription Receipt (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of CDN$6,188,906. Canaccord Genuity Corp. (the "Agent") acted as agent and sole bookrunner for the Financing. Summary of the Financing The Financing was completed in connection with a merger pursuant to a plan of merger under the laws of BVI Business Companies Act 2004 (British Virgin Islands) (the "Plan of Merger") that will result in the reverse takeover of Crosswinds by the shareholders of Biomind (the "Transaction"). Further details of the Transaction were previously announced by Crosswinds on February 22, 2021. References herein to the "Resulting Issuer" refer to Crosswinds following the completion of the Transaction. Each Subscription Receipt entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of certain escrow release conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions") prior to the Escrow Release Deadline (as defined below), including all conditions precedent to the Transaction being satisfied, and without payment of additional consideration therefor, one ordinary share of Biomind (each, a "Biomind Share"). On completion of the Transaction, each Biomind Share underlying the Subscription Receipts will be converted into one common share in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (each, a "Common Share"), all in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Merger. In connection with services provided in connection with the Financing, the Agent is entitled to receive commission and fees in the aggregate amount of CDN$353,473.93 (the "Agent's Commission") and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 180,343 Biomind Shares (the "Compensation Warrants"). Each Compensation Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Biomind Share at the Issue Price for a period of 24 months from closing of the Financing. Upon completion of the Transaction, each holder of Compensation Warrants will receive Common Shares in lieu of Biomind Shares upon exercise of the Compensation Warrants, including the payment therefor. On closing of the Financing, the Agent received payment of 50% of the Agent's Commission and was issued all of the Compensation Warrants. The remaining 50% of the Agent's Commission will be paid to the Agent upon satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of the Escrow Release Conditions. The gross proceeds of the Financing (less an amount equal to 50% of the Agent's Commission, and all of the reasonable costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the Financing) (the "Escrowed Funds") have been deposited in escrow with the subscription receipt agent until the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of the Escrow Release Conditions, including all conditions precedent to the Transaction. In the event that the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied or waived (to the extent such waiver is permitted) by November 6, 2021, or such other date as Biomind and the Agent may determine pursuant to the subscription receipt agreement (the "Escrow Release Deadline"), or Biomind advises the Agent or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, or that the Transaction has been terminated in accordance with the terms of the definitive agreement between the Company and Crosswinds, the aggregate issue price of the Subscription Receipts together with any earned interest shall be returned to the applicable holders of the Subscription Receipts (net of any applicable withholding taxes), and such Subscription Receipts shall be automatically cancelled and be of no further force and effect. All Subscription Receipts issued in connection with the Financing are subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws. Following completion of the Transaction, the Common Shares received upon the exchange of Biomind Shares underlying the Subscription Receipts will not be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada. Upon completion of the Transaction, the proceeds of the Financing are anticipated to be used principally to fund the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer's pre-clinical and clinical trials, research and development, and corporate and general working capital purposes of the Resulting Issuer. About Biomind Biomind is a biotech research and development company aimed at transforming biomedical sciences knowledge from natural psychotropic plants into novel pharmaceutical drugs and innovative nanotech delivery systems for a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. Through its acceleration platform, Biomind is initially developing novel pharmaceutical formulations of the main four natural psychedelic molecules, N, N-dimenthyltryptamine (DMT), 5-MeO-DMT, mescaline and psilocybin with the aim of identifying novel pharmaceutical compounds for treating a wide range of therapeutic indications. Biomind's focus is to guarantee patients access to affordable and modern-day treatments and use cases. Biomind understands that long-lasting psychedelic effects make it difficult to create adequate clinical protocols to serve a larger number of patients, and this is the reason why Biomind specializes in fast-acting psychedelics. About Crosswinds Crosswinds is an Alberta based company and is a reporting issuer in all provinces and territories of Canada. The common shares in the capital of Crosswinds (the "Crosswinds Shares") were de-listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange on March 28, 2019. Crosswinds does not currently conduct any active business operations and all former operating entities have been dissolved. Crosswinds' sole asset is cash. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this document include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the completion of the Transaction (including all required approvals), the expected use of proceeds of the Financing or any other financing, the business plans of the Resulting Issuer and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: (a) there is no assurance that the parties hereto will obtain the requisite director, shareholder and regulatory approvals for the Transaction; (b) there is no assurance that the Transaction will be completed; (c) following completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; (d) compliance with extensive government regulation; (e) domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuer's business and results of operations; (f) the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Resulting Issuer's securities, regardless of its operating peers; (g) adverse changes in the public perception of tryptamine-based treatments and psychedelic-based therapies; (h) the impact of COVID-19; and (i) general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Crosswinds and Biomind as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Crosswinds and Biomind undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. The Crosswinds Shares are not currently listed on any stock exchange. Crosswinds is a reporting issuer in all provinces and territories of Canada. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, acceptance of the Neo Exchange (the "Exchange") and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. 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 filing 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. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All information contained in this news release with respect to Crosswinds and Biomind was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. For more information, please contact: Crosswinds Holdings Inc. Trumbull Fisher Chief Executive Officer and Director Email: trumbullgfisher@gmail.com BioMind Research Corp Alejandro Antalich Chief Executive Officer Email: alejandro.antalich@biomindlabs.com Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89883 LONDON and NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Klarna, a leading global retail bank, payments and shopping service, today announces the acquisition of HERO, a social shopping platform designed to provide consumers with inspiration, advice and immediately shoppable content produced directly from retailers' physical stores. Klarna will introduce HERO to its 250,000 retail partners, allowing their in-store teams to become content creators instantly, offering reviews, real-time advice and richer, more engaging and informative content around products to bring the best of in-store shopping to the online experience for consumers. HERO, based in London and New York, was founded in 2015 to create a more personal and convenient way to shop that reflects how consumers interact today, bringing the concept of in-person customer service to e-commerce. HERO's client roster now includes global brands such as Levi, rag & bone, Chloe, Harvey Nichols and shares a number of retail partners with Klarna's existing network such as Nike and JD Sports. All 100+ HERO employees will join Klarna. Consumers are embracing social commerce, with US retail sales expected to reach $84 billion by 20241, 15% of total estimated US e-commerce volumes2. Social shopping is most popular with Millennials, but is gaining popularity across demographics, with an estimated 28% of the US population expected to be social shoppers by 20223. Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna commented: "Immersive shopping experiences are now expected by consumers when shopping online and forward-thinking brands want to provide consumers with a rich, interactive way to shop for their products. With HERO we share an ambition to elevate the shopping experience through the convergence of online and in-store shopping experiences, supporting retailers to inform and engage consumers in new ways. We see a huge opportunity to leverage HERO's existing platform and expertise to allow in-store retail professionals to become global brand ambassadors. This will unlock growth for retailers by creating a new hybrid shopping experience that enables consumers to make informed purchasing decisions as part of an engaging and personalised shopping journey." David Sandstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at Klarna said: "With HERO, Klarna can support retailers in empowering their in-store colleagues to serve a global audience, enhancing e-commerce with the benefits of physical retail. Longer term, we see opportunities for Klarna's 90 million global consumers to share their shopping expertise as part of a social shopping ecosystem that defies physical and online boundaries, aligned to Klarna's mission to ensure people can shop, bank and pay in ways that suit them and their lives today. We look forward to welcoming the HERO team to Klarna." Adam Levene, Founder at HERO said: "Klarna is a company we've long admired. They have built an iconic brand and proposition, and a unique culture that makes it the perfect home for our team. By joining forces we are able to bring our technology to even more merchants and consumers across the world, making online shopping more social, interactive and ultimately more human." Available from the merchant's website, HERO connects online shoppers with in-store product experts to provide inspiration and advice via messaging, video chat and social-style content at the click of the button. HERO makes online shopping an interactive experience with all the benefits of in-store service, while allowing consumers to shop from wherever, and however, they wish. Hero's existing products will be immediately available to Klarna's retail partners. Klarna is a global growth partner for its retailers, constantly expanding the suite of tools available to allow retailers to engage with consumers in new ways. Most recently Klarna acquired Shoptail, a comparison shopping service that ensures retailers can effectively compete in the online ad space by giving consumers access to the best search-based deals, and Toplooks, an AI-powered styling engine that allows retailers to create shoppable content by suggesting complementary items to consumers across their web and social channels. 1 Business Insider; TechNavio; 2019 2 Statista Digital Market Outlook 3 eMarketer; 2018 to 2019 ENDS For additional information, please contact: Aoife Houlihan, VP of Communications Phone: +46 (0) 72855 8047 Email: press@klarna.com About Klarna With over 90 million global active users and 2 million transactions a day, Klarna is meeting the changing demands of consumers who want to shop, pay and bank on one intuitive platform and with one trusted brand. Over 250,000 global retail partners, including H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macys, IKEA, Expedia Group, Samsung, ASOS, Peloton, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike and Shein have enabled Klarna's innovative shopping experience online and in-store. Klarna is one of the most highly valued private fintechs globally with a valuation of $45.6 billion. Klarna was founded in 2005, has over 4,000 employees and is active in 17 markets. Klarna has been backed by Sequoia Capital since 2010 and more recently, SilverLake, Dragoneer, Bestseller Group, Permira, Ant Group, HMI Capital, TCV, NorthZone, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Merian Chrysalis Investment Company Limited, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock amongst others. About Hero Video: How HERO works Video: HERO Social shopping feature HERO is on a mission to make eCommerce human. Our #1 virtual shopping platform connects millions of shoppers with product experts via text, chat and video, all directly from a brands ecommerce store. This is how Levis, rag & bone, Herman Miller and over 200+ of the worlds best brands bring the IRL experience online, driving sales and increasing average order value. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/r/klarna-acquires-hero-to-bring-best-of-in-store-experience-to-social-shopping-for-its-90m-consumers,c3383065 The following files are available for download: DGAP-News: Cryptology Asset Group PLC / Key word(s): Statement/Cryptocurrency / Blockchain Cryptology's estimated NAV as of 07/07/2021 is 166.15 09.07.2021 / 20:03 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Corporate News Cryptology Asset Group p.l.c. ("Cryptology") Malta, 09.07.2021 Cryptology's estimated NAV as of 07/07/2021 is 166.15 Cryptology recently invests in tokenization platform, Chintai, as well as participated in the FPAC deal as Bullish intends to go public on the NYSE. Malta, 09.07.2021. Cryptology Asset Group (ISIN: MT0001770107; Ticker: CAP:GR), a leading European investment firm for crypto assets and blockchain-related business models, announced its most recent estimated Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share of 166.15. This most recent NAV estimate comes on the heals of a recent investment in tokenization platrform, Chintai, as well as participation in the Far Peak Acquisition Corporation's SPAC merger with Block.one's Bullish, a part of Bullish's strategy as it intends to go public on the New York Stock Exchange. Further, GBC AG recently completed an independent, initial research report on Cryptology Asset Group with a 'Buy' rating and a price target of 358.43. Cryptology CEO, Patrick Lowry, said "Cryptology's momentum cannot be stopped. We continue to source exclusive deals with highly disruptive crypto companies that are designing the future of finance. I look forward to working with these amazing entrepreneurs as they scale their visions." Cryptology shares currently trade on several German exchanges including Borse Dusseldorf, Gettex and Tradegate. In order to increase trading liquidity and open up to new shareholder groups, Cryptology is currently exploring an international listing. The ticker symbol for Cryptology was recently changed from 4UD to CAP. About Cryptology Asset Group p.l.c. Cryptology Asset Group (ISIN: MT0001770107; Ticker: CAP:GR) is a leading European investment company for crypto assets and blockchain-related business models. Founded by Christian Angermayer's family office, Apeiron Investment Group, and crypto-legend Mike Novogratz, Cryptology is the largest publicly traded holding company for blockchain- and crypto-based business models in Europe. Noteworthy portfolio companies include crypto-giant and EOSIO software publisher Block.one, leading HPC provider Northern Data, commission-free online neobroker nextmarkets, and crypto asset management group Iconic Funds. Media Contact: Cryptology Asset Group p.l.c. Jefim Gewiet (COO) 66/67, Beatrice, Amery Street, Sliema SLM 1707 Malta E-mail: info@cryptology-ag.com 09.07.2021 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de Tesla V3 Solar Roof Tiles, Powerwall Battery Storage, and Other Sustainable Features to be Installed in Phases in Newly Built Homes Project Aims to be the Nation's Most Sustainable Residential Community and Create a New Model for the Design and Construction of Sustainable Large-scale Housing Projects Around the World BROOKFIELD, NEWS, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tesla Energy, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. ("Brookfield" or "BAM") (NYSE: BAM; TSX: BAM.A) and Dacra today announced a new initiative, provisionally named SunHouse at Easton Park, the first Tesla Solar neighborhood and the nation's most sustainable residential community. Combining the real estate expertise of Brookfield and Dacra with Tesla Energy's innovative products and knowledge, the state-of-the-art sustainable features will be installed in phases to allow for ongoing learning and innovation. "Neighborhood solar installations across all housing types will reshape how people live," said Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. "Brookfield and Dacra's commitment to stay at the vanguard of that evolution is what makes them the right collaborator for Tesla Energy. The feedback we get from the solar and battery products used in this community will impact how we develop and launch new products." "This initiative brings together multiple parts of our organization with innovative and forward-thinking partners that share a commitment to advance the development of sustainable communities," said Brian Kingston, CEO of Brookfield's Real Estate business. "As consumers increasingly seek out energy security alongside sustainable places to live, combining Tesla's solar technology together with Brookfield's real estate and renewables development capabilities will help us meet demand for environmentally responsible communities of the future." "Our goal is to establish that fully-sustainable neighborhoods are not only viable, but the best practical and economical choice," said Craig Robins, CEO of Dacra. "Together with Brookfield and Tesla, we are trying to change the world by creating technology-driven, energy independent communities that make the world a better place." Tesla V3 solar roof tiles and Powerwall 2 battery storage will be installed in phases at homes in the SunHouse community, which will be developed on land in Brookfield Residential's Easton Park master-planned residential community but will be designed and marketed separately. The first phase of installation began in June, with a sampling of homes under construction. The initial installations will provide insight and information on product integration, which will guide the installation at the next phase of significantly more homes. The master planned community of homes will be the final phase of the process, with the goal of establishing an energy-neutral, sustainable community and a model for the design and construction of sustainable large-scale housing projects around the world. Tesla Solar will provide ongoing oversight of the homes' energy systems, and Brookfield's renewable power business will integrate a community-wide solar program to serve broader public use needs and surrounding neighborhoods. Brookfield Residential will also incorporate a suite of technology features, including electric vehicle charging stations in each home and throughout the community. The security and efficiency afforded by this technology yields benefits for both residents and the larger metropolitan area. It is anticipated that residents of these homes will produce sufficient energy to supply daily needs and reduce the daily demand on the electric grid. Residents will be provided with back-up storage in the event of a power outage, and potentially could be compensated for returning power to the energy grid. The City of Austin and Travis County have both announced commitments to sustainable development. In addition, Brookfield, Dacra and Tesla will work together over the next 12 months to incorporate additional transportation, technology and energy solutions to create this new paradigm for residential community development. "The City of Austin is excited for the arrival of these affordable options to housing powered by renewable energy," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. "I am excited for the Tesla, Brookfield, and Dacra partnership's approach to sustainable energy and housing as an example of the out-of-box thinking that continues to make our community a beacon of innovation for the rest of the country and world." Homebuyers are invited to register their interest with our Easton Park team. (http://www.eastonparkatx.com/innovation/) Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is a leading global alternative asset manager with over US$600 billion of assets under management across real estate, infrastructure, renewable power, private equity and credit. Brookfield owns and operates long-life assets and businesses, many of which form the backbone of the global economy. Utilizing its global reach, access to large-scale capital and operational expertise, Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world-including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. Brookfield Asset Management is listed on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbols BAM and BAM.A, respectively. Dacra Founded in 1987 by Craig Robins, Dacra is a real estate development company with a unique vision for developing commercial, residential, and mixed-use communities of substance through a distinctive combination of innovation, culture, commerce, and design. Currently, Dacra and its partners continue the development of the Miami Design District, the 18-square block creative neighborhood and international destination. The company has developed more than 2 million square feet in real estate projects during its history. Past projects in their portfolio have included major developments on South Beach's Art Deco District and Lincoln Road, as well as the creation of the new urbanist residential community known as AQUA on Allison Island. For more information visit: www.dacra.com For more information, please visit our website at www.brookfield.com (http://www.brookfield.com) or contact: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / Fort St. James Nickel Corp. (TSXV:FTJ) ("FTJ" or the "Company") ") is pleased to announce that it has closed the non-brokered private placement previously announced on May 21, 2021. A total of $270,400 of non-flow-through financing comprising of 1,502,221 units at $0.18 was issued as well as a total of $100,000 of flow-through financing comprising of 400,000 units at $0.25 was issued. Each non-flow-through unit will comprise of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each non-flow-through warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share at the price of $0.30 for a period of 12 months after closing. The term of the warrants may be accelerated in the event that the issuer's shares trade at or above a price of $0.40 cents per share for a period of 10 consecutive days. In such case of accelerated warrants, the issuer may give notice, in writing or by way of news release, to the subscribers that the warrants will expire 20 days from the date of providing such notice. Each flow-through unit will comprise of one common share (which is a flow-through share for Canadian income tax purposes) and one-half share purchase warrant. Each whole flow-through warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share which is not a flow-through share at the price of $0.30 for 12 months after closing. The term of the warrants may be accelerated in the event that the issuer's shares trade at or above a price of $0.40 cents per share for a period of 10 consecutive days. In such case of accelerated warrants, the issuer may give notice, in writing or by way of news release, to the subscribers that the warrants will expire 20 days from the date of providing such notice. The proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes and exploration work on the Company's property located in New Brunswick. The Company paid a cash commission of $7,200.00 to Haywood Securities Inc. and issued 40,000 broker warrants. The broker warrants have the same terms as the private placement warrants. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring on November 8, 2021. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Barry Brown" President Fort St James Nickel Corp. 604-488-3900 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law. 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. SOURCE: Fort St James Nickel Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654957/Fort-St-James-Closes-Financing VANCOUVER, BC and TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / JULY 9, 2021 / Silver Elephant Mining Corp. ("ELEF") today has filed an early warning report under National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System And Related Take-Over Bid And Insider Reporting Issues in connection with its disposition (the "Disposition") of 7,829,000 common shares ("Shares") of Victory Nickel Inc. ("VN"). Between July 7, 2021 and July 9, 2021, ELEF disposed of 7,829,000 through the facilities of the Canadian Securities Exchange at an average price of $0.0294 for a total consideration of approximately $230,417.50. Prior to the Dispositions, ELEF held 40,000,000 Shares which represented approximately 29% of the issued and outstanding Shares of VN on a non-diluted basis. Immediately after the Dispositions, ELEF holds 32,171,000 Shares which represents 23.28% of VN's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis. All Shares are held directly by ELEF and no joint actor of ELEF holds any securities of VN. ELEF acquired Shares for investment purposes. ELEF intends to evaluate its investment in VN and to increase or decrease its shareholdings from time to time as it may deem appropriate. ELEF and VN have entered into a voting trust agreement in respect of the Shares acquired by ELEF whereby ELEF has agreed it shall either vote the Shares held by ELEF in accordance with the direction of VN or shall abstain from voting such Shares. An early warningreport has been filed by ELEF in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be available on SEDAR under the VN's profile at www.sedar.com or may be obtained directly from the ELEF upon request at the telephone number below. The head office of VN is located at 80 Richmond Street West, Suite 1802, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2A4 and the Shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The head office of ELEF is located at Suite 1610 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1T2. There are no joint actors in connection with the Acquisition. Contact Information: John Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Silver Elephant Mining Corp. 604 569-3661 ir@silverelef.com SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654978/Silver-Elephant-Mining-Corp-Files-Early-Warning-Report-in-Respect-of-Victory-Nickel-Inc Muna Therapeutics, a Copenhagen, Denmark-based biopharmaceutical company, raised US$73M in Series A funding. The round was led by Novo Holdings, Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund with participation from Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB. The company intends to use the funds to advance small molecule programs focused on repairing neuronal dysfunction, resolving neuroinflammation and restoring neuroprotection and resilience to disease to Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. Founded in 2020 by progranulin pathway thought leader Professor Simon Glerup and his team from Aarhus University, Denmark, in collaboration with Novo Seeds, the early-stage investment team of Novo Holdings, Muna Therapeutics is a private biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops therapies that slow or stop devastating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimers, Frontotemporal Dementia and Parkinsons. Muna Therapeutics emerged as a result of Novo Seeds company creation efforts, where the Novo team and its Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs) help build new biotech companies based on groundbreaking new science. The company joined forces with K5 Therapeutics, co-founded in 2020 by Professor Bart De Strooper from VIB-KU Leuven Belgium, a pioneer in neurodegenerative diseases research, with investors Droia Ventures and VIB. The combined company Muna Therapeutics will be based in Copenhagen and Leuven and is led by seasoned pharma executives CEO Rita Balice-Gordon and COO Anders Hinsby, both EiRs of Novo Seeds. FinSMEs 09/07/201 Sonero, a Toronto, Canada-based AI-driven meeting insights technology company, raised $300K in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Jeff Wald with participation from: 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. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate growth and product innovation. Led by Founder and CEO Kanish Raajkumar, Sonero leverages AI technology and Zoom integration to capture and transcribe company meetings into intelligent summaries covering key takeaways and action items. It delivers actionable insights, a centralized knowledge base, and the ability to share and collaborate with team members post-meeting. FinSMEs 09/08/2021 Luis Ernesto catches a small wave on July 7 in St. Pete Beach while surfing in Pass-a-Grille, the morning after Tropical Storm Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay area and up the west coast of Florida. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. HAZARD This month, Appalachian Quilt and Craft in Hazard, along with several other local quilt shops across the region will participate in the area's first Quiltin' in the Mountains Shop Hop to promote small businesses in each participating city. The theme of this year's Quiltin' in the Mountains Shop Hop is a patriotic theme using the colors red, white and blue. The event will be held from July 9-17. Participating shops include Appalachian Quilt and Craft in Hazard; Bridgett's Quilting and Fabric Shop in Pikeville; The Pink Bobbin Quilting Shop in Pikeville; The Fabric House in Pound, Virginia; Sew-N-Love Shoppe in Prestonsburg; Gran Gran's Quilting in Paintsville; and Quilter's Play House in Ulysses. Each of these shops will have two special block patterns, except for The Pink Bobbin Quilting Shop and Sew-N-Love Shoppe which will have three blocks for sale. There is a sampler quilt project. You can pick up a kit to make a block from each shop, said Jordan Boggess, an avid quilter and a sewing teacher at Appalachian Quilt and Craft. Each shop has a couple dedicated blocks named after things in the area. She said this will also help show the history of each area. Appalachian Quilt and Craft has two blocks. One is named after the Buckhorn Log Cabin and the other block is named the Mother Goose Square. You pick up the kit for that and when you get it all together you put together a sampler quilt so it's just different blocks from every shop, said Boggess. Blocks will cost $5 per block. Samples will be on display throughout the shop hop. The last shop will give a pattern to set the quilt up. Once all blocks are collected, customers can create their quilt from the blocks they collected during the shop hop. The shop hop, said event organizers, is a way to connect quilters from several places, as well as promote local businesses and support the economy. Carolyn Davis, owner of Appalachian Quilt and Craft, said the shop hop is a great way for the different shops to support one another and their communities. It's a regional effort that stretches way beyond just quilt shops, said Davis. I think the more we can do as a region to support each other, the better off we're going to be, she said. I think what's unique about quilt stores (is) that collaboration. I can't imagine furniture stores would do this or other kinds of businesses, said Davis. Quilters are a unique bunch. Other shop owners and event participants agreed. What the shop hop is, it's a chance for all of the shops in our local area to come together to not just promote their shop but to promote other shops as well, to try to encourage quilters to return to your shop, go to other shops, to bring people back into quilting that haven't been doing it for a while or attract new people. We want to bring people out of our area into our area to shop, said Kim Johnson, owner of The Pink Bobbin Quilting Shop in Pikeville. Having the people travel to each of the shops, she said, supports each of the quilt shops but also helps with purchases of gas, food and shopping within the different areas. Quilting reaches far out from the fabric and thread, said Johnson. Bringing people to our area to see not just sewing stuff but to shop at the Read Spotted Newt and pick up a book while you're here, said Boggess. They'll go eat lunch somewhere. They might go to Jac-Lin's and find a cute antique. If you're here you're not just going to drive two hours and just be like 'We're out', she said. We're encouraging people not to just shop for fabric and notions, but to visit this area and see all these wonderful little nooks and corners of Appalachia and what that area offers. Perry County isn't just Appalachian Quilt and Craft, there's so many other things in our area that are great. Appalachian Quilt and Craft, said Boggess, is working on putting together a map of local businesses to show customers where they can shop for meals, coffee and more. The idea of the shop hop, said Johnson, is not a new one, but is new for the area. It's not a new concept for quilt shops. Quilt shops away from here have done this, said Johnson. There's never been one in our area. This is something the group hopes to make an annual event, she said. During the shop hop, customers will pick up a passport at the first shop they visit and will get the passport signed at each shop they visit. The passports are free this year, but won't be next year, said Johnson. Customers will turn the passport in at the last shop they visit for a chance to win prizes. Each shop will have prizes that anyone has a chance to win, including gifts baskets at each shop. Grand prizes include a Brother sewing machine or a gift certificate from each shop. Customers must visit all shops for a chance to win a grand prize. Shop information includes: Appalachian Quilt and Craft 1133 North Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701 800-910-3670 Hours of operation: Wednesday-Saturday 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Bridgett's Quilting and Fabric Shop 237 Second Street, Suite 5, Pikeville, KY 41501 606-424-5972 Hours of operation: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Pink Bobbin Quilting Shop 11129 US 23 South, Pikeville, KY 41501 606-637-2717 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Fabric House 8424 Main Street, Pound, VA, 24279 276-796-4500 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sew-N-Love Shoppe 249 West Court Street, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 606-506-5086 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 am.-2 p.m. Gran Gran's Quilting 304 Main Street, Paintsville, KY 41230 606-793-1659 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 am.-3 p.m. Quilter's Play House 51 Beasley Branch Road, Ulysses, KY 41264 606-624-5267 Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For directions or more information, visit, www.quiltin-inthemountains.com. Motorolas Edge series smartphones are quite popular and earlier this year, the company announced its Edge S smartphone with Snapdragon 870 SoC. Now, the company is expected to launch three new smartphones in the Edge series and the specifications have surfaced. According to Evan Blass, Motorola is expected to launch the Edge 20, Edge 20 Lite, and Edge 20 Pro soon. The Edge 20 and Edge 20 Pro have recently been certified by TENAA which reveals some of the key specifications. This revals 6.67-inch FHD+ display for the phones, and these are expected to feature 120Hz refresh rate. The Motorola Edge 20 is said to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC paired with 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB internal storage. The Motorola Edge 20 Pro, on the other hand, is said to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC paired with 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB internal storage. Further, the Edge 20 is said to come with triple rear cameras while the Edge 20 Pro is said to feature a periscope lens as well. All three models Edge 20, Edge 20 Lite, and Edge 20 Pro are said to launch at the end of this month. We should know more details in the coming days. Source 1, 2, 3 Yes, he deserved it No, that was way too much money The city needs to provide more details about this situation Vote View Results Paxton, IL (60957) Today Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing 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 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- Governor Kay Ivey is shutting down a recent report suggesting Alabama could go back into lockdown mode amid low vaccination rates. Governor Ivey releasing a statement on social media, to quote "clear things up." The Governor tweeting Thursday morning: No one asked for my input for this story, and the headline is misleading. So, I'll respond here: Alabama is open for business. Vaccines are readily available, and I encourage folks to get one. The state of emergency and health orders have expired. We are moving forward. Part of the report in question was based on an interview with UAB Medicine's Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo. Discussed in the interview was a summer surge in cases and the recent rise of the delta variant and Alabama's low vaccination rate. Dr. Marrazzo was asked if she believed another shutdown scenario was likely. "I think that it is unlikely here - just given the reluctance to embrace restrictions and the desire that everybody has had to get back to a quote unquote the new normal. That said there is a point you really just can't ignore what is going on and where that balance is -- is something we are going to have to grabble with over the coming days," said Dr. Marrazzo. "What I would like to say we don't even have to deal with it -- if we get people vaccinated -- avoidance, avoiding the real hard thing about making decisions about shutdown is my answer." Meanwhile, the Alabama Department of Public Health says 27 of Alabama's 67 counties are now considered "COVID Very High Risk" again, including Mobile and Baldwin counties. It's adding urgency to get more people vaccinated. Currently less than a third of Alabamians are fully vaccinated. We welcome your letters and columns! Use the button below to send us your thoughts. Remember: Letters must include your real name, town of residence and daytime phone number, which we use for verification. We do not accept anonymous letters or letters written under a pseudonym. Letters should be no more than about 400 words. Those of no more than 200 to 300 words are more likely to be published. Submit 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 Fort Wayne, IN (46808) Today Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Fort Wayne, IN (46808) Today Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Terrell Holiday, left, wraps herself in the Juneteenth flag as she and Sam Collins III walk past the Absolute Equality mural in Galveston on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Holiday and her sisters drove from Houston to see the mural as President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 82F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Following an appeal, Epic Games has been given a green light to continue its lawsuit against iPhone-maker Apple in Australia. It's the latest in an increasingly long-running (and international) battle between Epic Games and Apple that kicked of with a flashy statement from Epic decrying Apple's tight hold on its iOS platform, particularly in regards to how it handles the App Store and payment processing tools on iOS. The US version of the big Epic Games v. Apple dispute was filed last year after Apple pulled Epic's game Fortnite from the App Store over its addition of an unsanctioned payment method, something that goes against the App Store Guidelines all developers on the platform must follow. In that complaint, Epic argues that Apple's policies are unfair, anti-competitive, and ultimately harm the wider development community. A variation of that complaint was filed in Australia around the same time. The Australian case mirrors the lawsuit filed in the United States, however the case was paused late last year after Apple requested the Australian lawsuit be thrownout due to the ongoing case in the US. According to Apple Insider, that stay has now been overturned following an appeal from Epic Games. In that appeal, Epic argued that the issues at the core of the lawsuit shouldn't be swept to the side due to the pending verdict in the United States. In a statement following the appeal, Epic Games said that it is now thankful that its antitrust concerns against Apple will be "examined in the context of Australian laws". "This is a positive step forward for Australian consumers and developers, who are entitled to fair access and competitive pricing across mobile app stores," reads a statement from Epic Games. "We look forward to continuing our fight for increased competition in app distribution and payment processing in Australia and around the world." Apple, meanwhile, maintains that the ongoing dispute in the United States should prevent Epic from pushing the issue in Australia. While the US case was heard in court earlier this summer, the judge has yet to return with a decision. Due to that, Apple plans to appeal the Australian lawsuit's revival. "The initial decision in April from Australia's Federal Court correctly ruled that Epic should be held to the agreement it made to resolve disputes in California," reads Apple's statement. "We respectfully disagree with the ruling made today and plan to appeal." LONDON July 9, 2021 Todays release of the highly anticipated Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin on Nintendo Switch and Steam adds an all-new adventure to the award winning and top-selling Monster Hunter series. Following the success of Monster Hunter Rise earlier this year, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin has players jump in the saddle as a young Monster Rider from the tropical village of Mahana. This reclusive caste of warriors is capable of befriending the many fantastic and ferocious monsters of the Monster Hunter series with a mysterious item called a Kinship Stone. Together with their bonded Monstie companions, they will embark on an epic journey filled with charming characters, challenging battles, and crucial decisions that hold the fate of the world in the balance. In addition to the expansive narrative, Monster Riders can band together while exploring cooperative dungeons, and put their kinship with their Monsties to the test in player versus player battles. The launch trailer and other related assets for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin are available now to download from the Capcom Press Center. After a mysterious girl named Ena entrusts the player with an unhatched Rathalos egg, the duo set out to uncover the reason for the sudden disappearance of Rathalos across the world, and the truth behind the ominous Wings of Ruin prophecy. As they progress through Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, players must engage in strategic turn-based combat, gain experience, and improve their skills to enhance their kinship with the wonderful creatures from the Monster Hunter series. In addition to being able to select from a variety of weapon types familiar to series fans, Monster Riders can target specific body parts of opposing monsters to deal increased damage, break off materials for forging new gear, and even stop opponents in their tracks. Some of the charming characters throughout the story can even partner with players as Battle Buddies to tackle increasingly imposing foes. Once players or their Battle Buddies fill their Kinship Gauge during combat, they can perform devastating Kinship Attacks that allow Monster Rider and Monstie to attack as one. By strategically synchronizing their attacks with Battle Buddies and Monsties, Monster Riders can dictate the flow of any battle. In order to form bonds with new Monsties, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin players will have to plumb the depths of any Monster Dens they encounter in the field, and collect new Monstie eggs. Monster Dens come in all shapes and sizes, with rarer dens containing elusive monster eggs with the potential for hard-to-find genes essential for customizing Monsties. Thankfully, the self-proclaimed Felyne hero Navirou returns from Monster Hunter Stories to offer his support, and help players find eggs with most potential. When players return from exploring numerous exotic locales, they can hatch new Monstie companions to build their dream Monstie Squad, or use the Rite of Channeling feature to pass along rare and powerful attributes to a new Monstie. By combining genes of the same element or attack type, players can create a team of incredibly specialized Monsties, or mix genes from different monsters to create a more versatile Monstie, capable of using skills of every attack type and element. Monster Riders interested in banding together with other players can also enter cooperative dungeons, which offer greater challenges in exchange for the chance at incredibly rare and powerful monster eggs. Once players have built their dream team, they can put their kinship to the test in player versus player battles. Even after building a strong team, determined Monster Riders should keep an eye out for new Monsties, as post-launch title updates will bring new challenges and Monsties to collect. The first title update arrives on July 15, and introduces the Palamute from Monster Hunter Rise as a new Monstie companion. In addition to the Standard Edition (physical and digital on Nintendo Switch), Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin also has a digital-only Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes a number of cosmetic options. Players can customize their appearance with Razewing layered armor sets and a Nergigante-inspired hairstyle, the Kuan Coat outfit for your Wyverian companion Ena, two new outfits for Navirou, and two sticker sets depicting the various companions that players encounter during their journey. Additionally, those with Monster Hunter Rise save data on Nintendo Switch can unlock the Kamura Garb layered armor for their character. For tentative Monster Riders looking to test the waters around Mahana Village, a Free Trial Version with full save data transfer is now available on both Nintendo Switch and Steam. ### Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} 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. By excluding the vaccinated populations immunity in herd immunity models, the IDM found that the current transmission rate of 0.8 new people to every one case would nearly double. Vaccine immunity is helping prevent further spread of COVID-19, the report states. If we remove all of those who have vaccine immunity from the model calculations and look at the rate of infection, we see each infection spreading on average to 1.46 other people over the week. Simply put, data shows the vaccines are working. In Benton County, where more than 65% of the population has received at least one shot, there were 24 confirmed cases over the last two week period. In Linn County, which has struggled to catch up in vaccination rates, the number of confirmed new cases over that same time frame is 188. Linn, with 81 deaths since the start of the pandemic last spring, has fared worse than Benton County, which has 22 deaths connected to the virus. The seven-day running average of vaccines administered per day is now 5,406. That number has decreased thanks to the Independence Day weekend, during which daily dose administration dried up. However, in its latest daily report OHA reported that more than 10,000 doses were added to the states vaccine registry, compared to just over 1,700 doses that were reported during the days over the long holiday weekend. She's looking for some "glitz and glamour" as her Zoom life soon ends and physical get-togethers have begun. Consumers are purging more than their worn-out pandemic wear. At the luxury resale site TheRealReal, with more than 22 million members, the total value of pre-owned goods sold this year through May was about $239 million, up by 53 percent from the same period in 2019, according to a company report. Some are taking the opportunity to reinvent their personal style, said Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and fashion director for the Accessories Council, a nonprofit trade group. "We saw a lot of consumers abandon their mindless shopping habits and instead focus on investment dressing. Less of being 'sick' of their pandemic wardrobes but more wondering why they might own as much or what is the breadth of their closet," she said. "It's now about streamlining and zeroing in on what their desired personal style image should be." Not everybody is looking to abandon their COVID style, however. In Lynchburg, Virginia, 33-year-old Cameron Howe is ready to burn just about everything she has worn during the pandemic except her impressive legging collection as she transitions from a school career. Local top story Meet the Janesville woman who became the Martha Stewart' of quilting Anthony Wahl Janie Donaldson Mullen sits for a portrait inside Quilt Central Academy, a quilting store she opened with her husband after returning to Janesville following a successful and varied career in the quilting world. Anthony Wahl Janie Donaldson Mullen shows an example of a new, more modern quilt that features laser cut strips of fabric and a background fabric thats hand-painted. Anthony Wahl Janie Donaldson Mullen demonstrates how a long-arm quilter can be used to create freeform stitching or work autonomously from a digital pattern while inside Quilt Central Academy in Janesville on Thursday, July 8. Anthony Wahl A couple awards Janie Donaldson Mullen received during her 10 years as the TV host for PBS programming titled Quilt Central TV are on display. Anthony Wahl Janie Donaldson Mullen flips through one of her older books that is no longer in print. She has plans to digitize the books. JANESVILLE Growing up in Janesville, Janie Donaldson Mullen was in awe of her fashion designer mother. As a child, she quickly learned to sew and was taught pattern making by her mom. When she grew up, Mullen became a secretary after college. But she quickly realized it was not for her. Her mom encouraged her to do something she knew well. You know how to quilt. Why dont you get yourself a quilting machine and finish other peoples quilts for a living? Mullen recalled her mother saying. Mullen started quilting professionally in 1980 and since has become wellknown in the quilting world. In 1989, she won best in show at her first quilting show in Milwaukee. That success led to her demonstrating her skills at several quilting expos and co-hosting Quilt Central TV, which aired on public television stations. The show was taped in Paducah, Kentucky, from 1999 to 2008. They called me the Martha Stewart of the quilting world because of my background with my mother and creating patterns, Mullen said. I could create whatever content they needed. In a few minutes, I could come up with a purse pattern to show on television. Though fame was not her goal, she said she couldnt go to a quilting event without being mobbed for autographs. I was not prepared for that, she said. That wasnt what I was seeking. In 2006, Mullen decided to slow down and took a year off. She moved from Paducah back to Janesville to be near family. After the break, she took jobs at Quilt EZ Company in Salt Lake City and Burnina Sewing Machines in Switzerland. Both companies required Mullen to travel, but she always came home to Janesville. Places To Go Quilting Stores in Rock County: Quilt Barn Studio, Janesville Loose Threads, Milton At the Heart of Quilting, Beloit The Sassy Farm Chicks Quilt Co., Orfordville Twin Turtle Quilts, Clinton Sew Many Threads, Evansville Karis Sew Unique, Whitewater At her store, Quilt Central Academy at 1800 Humes Road, Mullen demonstrated how to operate a long-arm quilting machine, which can punch in a pattern size and run automatically. The shop is her third and the second in her hometown of Janesville. Her first shop was in Paducah. She currently owns just the one on Humes Road. Paducah hosts major quilting expos, is home to the National Quilt Museum and has been dubbed the quilting capital of the world. But it was back in Janesville that Mullen wanted to pursue her passion, opening the store seven years ago. At the shop, Mullen gets help from her husband David, store assistant Terri Williams and quilter Vicki Freed. Terri runs the store, Mullen said. We take the (long-arm) machine out to trade shows and convention centers in the U.S. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, all quilting shows have been canceled or moved online. Some of those events attracted 20,000 to 40,000 people, Mullen said. Now, with vaccinations on the rise, some quilt shows are returning. We just came back from Schaumburg, Illinois, which was a wonderful show, Mullen said last week. Were headed in a week to Akron, Ohio. Theres a large show there, the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo, and weve got our fingers crossed that the attendance will be good. Mullens main goal for 2022 is to see Janesville host a quilting show. I want to speak and bring other quilters that are on my level of knowledge, she said. Anthony Wahl Store assistant Terri Williams uses a long-arm quilter while inside working inside Quilt Central Academy in Janesville on Thursday, July 8. The quilting scene Since permanently relocating back to Janesville, Mullen has become intimately involved in the local quilting community. At the center of that community is the Rock Valley Quilters Guild, established in 1980. The first year there were a total of 35 members, said Linda Scott Hoag, a guild member for 30 years and the current president. At our highest, weve had about 200 people. Over the last couple years, people have come from Illinois and Dane County. Its open to everybody with an interest in quilting. Membership now stands at 153, Hoag said. The guild is comprised of smaller study groups of five to 15 people who meet at Quilt Central to sew and chat. Guild members have not met in person, however, since COVID-19 hit in March 2020. Its first hybrid meetingincluding both an in-person meeting with others joining onlineis Aug. 17 at the UAW Local 95 Hall in Janesville. The guild is involved in a great deal of charity work, which involves darning Christmas stockings, giving away quilts to nursing homes and making newborn baby incubator covers for local hospitals. We ask guild members to do a community service project, like donate quilts to Rock County Human Services or a youth family program, Hoag said. Lots of people will make quilts for local hospitals and emergency rooms because kids come in suffering trauma. ... Thats a big part of our mission. Anthony Wahl Janie Donaldson Mullen demonstrates how a long-arm quilter can be used to create freeform stitching while inside Quilt Central Academy in Janesville on Thursday, July 8. Traditional vs. modern quilting At meetings of the guild and at Mullens Quilt Central Academy, you might see a variety of quilts displaying traditional or modern styles. Hoag said she has seen guild members work in both styles over the years. Its all very different, Hoag said. The majority of our members embrace both. Some traditional patterns are used in modern ways. The variety of styles in quilting reflects a demographic shift in who has taken up quilting over the past 10 years. The old-time traditional guilds do not allow babies or children in strollers at their meetings because they give education presentations and dont want to be disrupted, Mullen said. Yet many of the more modern-style guilds are filled with young moms and dads who need to bring their children to meetings. We are seeing that the traditional quilters, who are grandma and grandpa age, are migrating over to the modern guilds because theres so much happening there, Mullen said. Anthony Wahl Janie Donaldson Mullen demonstrates how a long-arm quilter can be used to create freeform stitching or work autonomously from a digital pattern while inside Quilt Central Academy in Janesville on Thursday, July 8. Counting herself among the veteran quilters, she said, Were the heroes. we bring the special scissors and the machines. We loan stuff, and well rock the baby while you sew. No one expects the younger quilters to follow age-old rules, Mullen said, because their quilts are artistic creations of their own making. The Mad Mod Quilt Guild in Madison is the nearest, strictly modern quilting guild in Wisconsin. Yet its president, Tara Curtis, said, Theres definitely overlap between the membership of traditional guilds and the modern guilds because people have a pretty wide range of aesthetics. According to Curtis, traditional quilting is often discernible by its repeating patterns. A quilt that mixes the modern and traditional will play more loosely with fabrics and colors. A fully modern quilt tends to resemble a canvas on which an artist has stitched a picture. Quilters in either camp might play with negative space so the observer is unable to discern distinct quilt blocks within the final piece. Whichever style they use, quilters make what they make out of a love for the craft and the community that supports it. Mullen said quilting is more than a pastime or a hobby. When youre a quilter, you look like a quilter. You carry tote bags and have a stash of fabric and a sewing area. (Quilters) are a social group, and they gift things, she said. Thats considered a lifestyle. Company revises 2021 production guidance and maintains 2022 2023 production guidance Mining activities and project work have resumed at Tasiast (All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.) TORONTO, June 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K; NYSE:KGC) (Kinross and the Company) today provided an update regarding the temporary suspension of milling operations at its Tasiast mine due to a fire that occurred on June 15, 2021. Mining activities and project work have resumed Kinross confirms there were no injuries as a result of the fire. Mining activities have resumed at Tasiast, including stripping to access higher grade ore. Construction work on the Tasiast 24k expansion project has also resumed and the Company is evaluating opportunities to optimize the project while milling operations are suspended. Kinross is drawing on resources from across the Company to expedite actions to reduce the SAG mills downtime and to review all potential strategies to mitigate the expected production deferral. With mining activities continuing at Tasiast, Kinross expects to process stockpiles of higher grade ore when the mill restarts. Tasiast has property damage and business interruption insurance in place and has commenced the claims process with its insurance carriers. Government authorities have visited the site and Mauritanias Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Energy has expressed solidarity and support for the Company. The Company does not anticipate the fire to affect Tasiasts life of mine production and mineral reserve estimates, or have a material impact on the mines overall value. Initial findings and estimates While Kinross is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, and is assessing the damage and expected impacts to production and costs, initial findings include the following: The fire began at approximately 11:00 p.m. local time on June 15, 2021 at the trommel screen of the SAG mill. At the time the fire began the SAG mill was shut down and undergoing scheduled maintenance, including welding. Due to the quick actions of the Tasiast team, the fire was mainly limited to the discharge area of the SAG mill. The ball mills, leaching areas, primary crusher, stockpile and the rest of the processing circuit and other infrastructure were not affected. The Company is investigating the condition of the mill shell, discharge bearing and the mills gearless motor drive, all of which are important considerations in determining the time and cost required to restart the mill. Preliminary estimates indicate a restart of the SAG mill by year-end, with expected restart costs of up to $50 million. Appendix A Photos of the Tasiast SAG mill area: https://www.kinross.com/KGC-Tasiast-June-21-Appendix-A The Company has revised its 2021 production guidance to 2.1 million Au eq. oz. (+/- 5%), compared with 2.4 million Au eq. oz. (+/- 5%) disclosed on February 10, 2021. In 2022 and 2023, Kinross continues to expect annual production to increase to approximately 2.7 million Au eq. oz. and 2.9 million Au eq. oz., respectively. Based on the initial estimate of the mills downtime and with ongoing work on the 24k project, Tasiasts throughput capacity is now expected to reach 21,000 tonnes per day during Q1 2022, compared with the previous estimate of year-end 2021. Throughput capacity is expected to increase to 24,000 tonnes per day by mid-2023, which is unchanged from the original 24k project estimate. Despite the mill incident at Tasiast, the Company remains in a strong financial position and is committed to evaluating options to further enhance shareholder returns, which is supported by Kinross Board of Directors. CEO commentary: J. Paul Rollinson, President and CEO, made the following comments in relation to the fire at Tasiast: All of our people are safe and accounted for at Tasiast, which is our most important priority. Our site team responded quickly to the fire, which limited the main impacts to the mill discharge area. While we are continuing to assess the impact and are investigating the cause of the incident, we are pleased to report that mining and project work have now resumed at site. We are now focused on restarting milling operations at Tasiast and are mobilizing technical resources from across the Company to expedite actions and achieve this goal. Although this unfortunate incident is expected to impact our annual production guidance, our financial position and longer-term outlook remain very strong. We continue to expect production to increase to 2.7 and 2.9 million ounces in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and drive our robust free cash flow profile. The strength of our investment grade balance sheet, free cash flow position and growing production from our global portfolio underpin our commitment to further enhancing shareholder returns, including a potential share buyback program. Conference call details In connection with this news release, Kinross will hold a conference call and audio webcast on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the update, followed by a question-and-answer session. The call-in numbers are as follows: Canada & US toll-free (833) 968-2237; Passcode: 5787347 Outside of Canada & US (825) 312-2059; Passcode: 5787347 Replay (available up to 14 days after the call): Canada & US toll-free (800) 585-8367; Passcode: 5787347 Outside of Canada & US (416) 621-4642; Passcode: 5787347 You may also access the conference call on a listen-only basis via webcast at our website www.kinross.com. The audio webcast will be archived on www.kinross.com. About Kinross Gold Corporation Kinross is a Canadian-based senior gold mining company with mines and projects in the United States, Brazil, Russia, Mauritania, Chile and Ghana. Our focus is on delivering value based on the core principles of operational excellence, balance sheet strength, disciplined growth and responsible mining. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC). Media Contact Louie Diaz Vice-President, Corporate Communications phone: 416-369-6469 louie.diaz@kinross.com Investor Relations Contact Chris Lichtenheldt Vice-President, Investor Relations phone: 647-821-1736 chris.lichtenheldt@kinross.com Cautionary statement on forward-looking information All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release including, but not limited to, any information as to the future financial or operating performance of Kinross, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the provisions for safe harbor under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include future events and opportunities including, without limitation, statements with respect to: the potential impact of the mill fire on operations at Tasiast; our estimates, expectations, forecasts and updated guidance for production at Tasiast, our revised production guidance across all of our assets, our expectations regarding potential enhancements to shareholder returns, all-in sustaining cost and capital expenditures, cost savings, project economics (including net present value and internal rates of return); the impact of the fire on the mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates at Tasiast, the timing and amount of estimated future production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of the 21k and 24k projects, and the proposed timing of re-commencing mining and processing activities. The words anticipate, estimate, expect, opportunity, and option or variations of or similar such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, will or would occur, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kinross as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates, models and assumptions of Kinross referenced, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in our Annual Information Form dated March 30, 2021 and our full-year 2020 and first-quarter 2021 Managements Discussion and Analysis as well as: (1) the estimated cost and projected timing of repairing and re-starting the SAG mill being consistent with the Companys current expectations; (2) the Companys estimates regarding the timing of completion of the 21k project; (3) the Companys ability to successfully recover under its insurance policies being consistent with managements expectations; (4) the impact of the incident on the Companys current production guidance, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, and estimated overall value of Tasiast; (5) the estimated duration of the suspension of the SAG mill being consistent with Kinross current expectations; (6) the construction of the 24k project being unaffected by the suspension or re-start of the SAG mill; (7) the estimated impact on the timing of completion of the 21k project being consistent with the Companys expectations; and (8) the viability of options to enhance shareholders returns and the Companys ability to obtain the necessary consents and approvals related to such options. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, Kinross actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Kinross. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about managements expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators of Canada and the United States including, but not limited to, the cautionary statements made in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Information Form dated March 30, 2021 and the "Risk Analysis" section of our full-year 2020 and first-quarter 2021 Managements Discussion & Analysis. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Kinross. Kinross disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. Other information Where we say we, us, our, the Company, or Kinross in this news release, we mean Kinross Gold Corporation and/or one or more or all of its subsidiaries, as may be applicable. The technical information about the Companys mineral properties contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. John Sims who is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Sims was an officer of Kinross until December 31, 2020. Mr. Sims remains the Companys qualified person as an external consultant. Source: Kinross Gold Corporation All amounts expressed in US dollars unless stated otherwise DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX) president and chief executive Mark Bristow met today to review progress at Twiga Minerals Corporation, the joint venture established in October 2019 to manage the companys gold mines in the country, and to discuss the partnerships future plans and prospects. Since Barrick took over the management of the mines in September 2019, the then moribund North Mara and Bulyanhulu have been revived, returned to profitability and are now truly world-class assets, with the potential to become Barricks seventh Tier One1 gold complex. It has also made significant progress in dealing with legacy social and environmental issues and is returning substantial value to its Tanzanian stakeholders. In 2020 the government received more than $370 million (TShs 856 billion) in cash inflows from the Twiga partnership through taxes, dividends and the first $100 million (TShs 231 billion) tranche of the settlement agreement. Barrick has also invested $800 million (TShs 1,851 billion) in the countrys economy, spent $2 million (TShs 4.6 billion) on community development and recruited 600 new local employees, with Tanzanian nationals now making up 96% of the mines workforce. Tanzanians appointed to key management and technical positions include general manager Apolinary Lyambiko, country manager Georgia Mutagahywa and country financial manager Melkiory Ngido. Barrick is continuing to work closely with the Mining Commission on its local content program, and local content spending already accounts for 73% of the mines purchases. Bristow said afterwards that the meeting had been a highly constructive one in which both parties had agreed that the success of the Twiga joint venture a first for Africa had demonstrated the value that could be created by a genuine economic benefit sharing partnership between a mining company and its host country. I confirmed that Barrick was in Tanzania for the long term and that well be using our North Mara-Bulyanhulu complex as the base for further investment in the country, which is highly prospective but still largely unexplored. We see the potential for more world-class gold discoveries here but in order to achieve exploration success we need to keep turning over our licences and assessing new ground. The process of acquiring new licences is ongoing, he said. Enquiries President and CEO Mark Bristow +1 647 205 7694 +44 788 071 1386 COO, Africa and Middle East Willem Jacobs +44 779 557 5271 Investor and Media Relations Kathy du Plessis +44 20 7557 7738 Email: barrick@dpapr.com Endnote 1 A Tier One Gold Asset is an asset with a reserve potential to deliver a minimum 10-year life, annual production of at least 500,000 ounces of gold and total cash costs per ounce over the mine life that are in the lower half of the industry cost curve. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words progress, future, plans, prospects, potential, continuing, long term, further, prospective, assessing, process and will and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: the potential for North Mara and Bulyanhulu to become a Tier One gold complex; progress being made towards resolution of legacy social and environmental issues; planned exploration activities and potential discoveries; and contributions to the local economy, including local content programs and spending. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of managements experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities (such as silver, diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation, and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; uncertainty whether some or all of the targeted investments and projects will meet the Companys capital allocation objectives and internal hurdle rate; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/ or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Tanzania and other jurisdictions in which the Company or its affiliates do or may carry on business in the future; damage to the Companys reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Companys handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups, whether true or not; risks associated with new diseases, epidemics and pandemics, including the effects and potential effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortages, related to climate change; and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. Barrick also cautions that its guidance may be impacted by the unprecedented business and social disruption caused by the spread of Covid-19. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barricks ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. BRISBANE, Australia, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE, TSX: ORL) (Orocobre or the Company) advises that production for the June 2021 quarter was 3,300 tonnes of lithium carbonate. Approximately 66% of production was battery grade lithium carbonate which is a significant increase on the June 2020 quarter that was 21% battery grade lithium carbonate. Sales of Olaroz lithium carbonate during the June 2021 quarter were 2,549 tonnes at US$8,476/tonne FOB1, with pricing up 45% on the March 2021 quarter. Lithium prices received by Olaroz are now up more than 170% in the last nine months. Inventory has increased during the June quarter due to COVID-19 related transport delays and the requirement to hold additional safety stock in Japan to guarantee delivery into the Prime Planet Energy and Solutions (PPES) contract. Full details of June quarter performance will be released in the production report on 22 July 2021 with a management briefing at 10.30am AEST (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) via a webcast available at www.orocobre.com. Written questions may be submitted via the webcast. An archive copy of the briefing and Q&A session will subsequently be made available on the Company website. Authorised by: Richard S. Anthon Joint Company Secretary For more information please contact: Andrew Barber Chief Investor Relations Officer Orocobre Limited T: +61 7 3871 3985 M: +61 418 783 701 E: abarber@orocobre.com W: www.orocobre.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrocobreLimited LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orocobre-limited Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrocobreLimited/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orocobre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/OrocobreLimited Click here to subscribe to the Orocobre e-Newsletter About Orocobre Limited Orocobre Limited (Orocobre) is a dynamic global lithium carbonate producer and an established producer of boron. Orocobre is dual listed on the Australia and Toronto Stock Exchanges (ASX: ORE), (TSX: ORL). Orocobres interests include its Olaroz Lithium Facility in Northern Argentina, a material JORC Resource in the adjacent Cauchari Basin and Borax Argentina, an established boron minerals and refined chemicals producer. The Company has commenced an expansion at Olaroz and construction of the Naraha Lithium Hydroxide Plant in Japan. For further information, please visit www.orocobre.com. _________________ 1 Orocobre report price as FOB (Free On Board) which excludes insurance and freight charges included in CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) pricing. Therefore, the Companys reported prices are net of freight (shipping), insurance and sales commission. FOB prices are reported by the Company to provide clarity on the sales revenue that is recognized by SDJ, the joint venture company in Argentina. English Danish Tryg's Supervisory Board has today approved the interim report for Q2 and H1 2021. Premium growth of 4.7% in Q2, primarily driven by positive developments in the Private and Commercial segments. Technical result of DKK 1,144m (DKK 1,063m), supported by the continued positive developments in the core business and delivery of the Alka synergies. The underlying claims ratio improved by 0.8% for the Group, while it was flat for the Private segment, both figures exclude the impact of COVID-19. Tryg's stand-alone investment result for Q2 was DKK 253m (DKK 541m), driven primarily by positive financial markets providing support to especially Trygs equity, property and credit portfolios. As disclosed on 5 July, Tryg has increased its stand-alone technical result guidance from DKK 3.3-3.7bn to 3.5-3.8bn following a positive H1 financial performance. RSA transaction impacting the result for the current quarter significantly Trygs key focus remains on its stand-alone financial performance but the current quarter includes items related to the RSA Scandinavia acquisition which are noteworthy. Tables summarising the main components of Trygs Q2 P&L, including the RSA acquisition currency hedge and RSA contribution, is shown below. Tryg stand-alone financial result (1) DKKm Q2 2021 H1 2021 Technical result 1,144 1,895 Investment result (excluding currency hedge and RSA contribution) 253 440 Pre-tax (excluding currency hedge and RSA contribution) 1,284 2,150 RSA related currency hedge and one month RSA contribution1 (2) DKKm Q2 2021 H1 2021 RSA Currency hedge (non-tax deductible) -1,191 -1,035 RSA contribution for June (net profit after tax) 181 181 Tryg as reported (1 + 2) DKKm Q2 2021 H1 2021 Technical result 1,144 1,895 Investment result -757 -414 Pre-tax 274 1,296 The investment result as reported for Q2, including the RSA related currency hedge and the relevant RSA contribution for June, was DKK -757m (DKK 541m). Profit before tax of DKK 274m (DKK 1,539m). Solvency ratio was 175, taking into consideration the Q2 result, a dividend per share of DKK 1.07 (DKK 700m) and the higher capital requirement following the inclusion of Codan Norway, Trygg-Hansa and 50% of Codan Denmark. Financial highlights Q2 2021 Premium growth of 4.7% (7.0% in Q2 2020) in local currencies Technical result of DKK 1,144m (DKK 1,063m), impacted by positive developments of the core business and Alka synergies Combined ratio of 81.0 (80.9) Underlying claims ratio (Group and Private) improved by 0.8 and 0.0 percentage points, with the Group being helped by profitability initiatives in the Commercial and Corporate segment Large claims at 1.7% (1.3%) and weather claims at 0.9% (0.9%) Expense ratio of 14.1 (14.3) Return on Free investment portfolio DKK 312m (DKK 519m) Total investment return of DKK -757m (DKK 541m) Profit before tax of DKK 274m (DKK 1,539m) Dividend per share of DKK 1.07 and a solvency ratio of 175 Financial highlights H1 2021 Premium growth of 5.5% (7.9% in H1 2020) in local currencies Technical result of DKK 1,895m (DKK 1,735m) impacted by positive developments of the core business and Alka synergies Combined ratio of 84.0 (84.4) Large claims at 1.9% (1.8%) and weather claims at 1.6% (1.4%) Expense ratio of 14.1 (14.2) Return on free investment portfolio of DKK 505m (DKK -194m) Total Investment return DKK -414m (DKK -439m) Profit before tax of DKK 1,296m (DKK 1,167m) Dividend per share of DKK 2.14 (DKK 1.07 paid in April and DKK 1.07 to be paid on 14 July) Customer highlights Q2 2021 Customer satisfaction score of 84 (83 in Q2 2020) For the sixth year in a row, TryghedsGruppen decided to pay a member bonus. For 2020, this amounts to 5% of premiums paid Statement by Group CEO Morten Hubbe: Tryg reported a solid Q2 premium growth of 7.1% for the Group and 8.6% for the Private segment, both excluding bonus and premiums rebates (4.7% for the Group and 5.0% for Private including bonus and premium rebates), and a technical result of DKK 1,144m, which was positively impacted by solid development in Tryg's core business and the continuous delivery of the Alka synergies. Group underlying claims ratio improved by 0.8 percentage points, helped primarily by profitability initiatives in the Commercial and Corporate segments. On 1 June, the acquisition of RSA's Scandinavia assets was completed. The acquisition will go down in Tryg history and fulfil a long time wish to strengthen Tryg's position in Sweden and Norway. We firmly believe that Trygg-Hansa in Sweden and Codan in Norway will be a unique fit for Tryg. On 11 June, Tryg announced the sale of Codan Denmark to Alm. Brand after a very efficient process. The agreed cash purchase price is approximately DKK 12.6bn, and Tryg will receive 50% of the sale proceeds. Closing is expected to take place in Q1 2022 following regulatory approvals and the de-merger of Codan Forsikring A/S. After closing, Tryg intends to carry out a share buyback programme of approximately DKK 5bn. 2021 is shaping up as a very eventful year, enhancing the foundation for Tryg to become the largest Scandinavian non-life insurance company. Conference call Tryg hosts a conference call today at 10:00 CET. CEO Morten Hubbe and CFO Barbara Plucnar Jensen will present the results in brief followed by Q&As. The conference call will be held in English. An on-demand version will be available shortly after the conference call has ended. Conference call details: Danish participants: +45 78 15 01 09 UK participants: +44 (0) 333 300 9267 US participants: +1 646 722 4902 All Q2 and H1 material can be downloaded on https://tryg.com/en/downloads-202 1 shortly after the time of release. Contact information: Gianandrea Roberti, Investor Relations Officer +45 20 18 82 67, gianandrea.roberti@tryg.dk Peter Brondt, Investor Relations Manager +45 22 75 89 04, peter.brondt@tryg.dk Tanja Frederiksen, Head of Communications +45 51 95 77 78, tanja.frederiksen@tryg.dk Visit tryg.com and follow us on twitter.com/TrygIR 1 To be equity accounted for under income from associates in the investment income until demerger Attachment New York, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Ireland Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05893060/?utm_source=GNW Ireland is one of the fastest-growing data center hubs in Europe. Over the past 5-7 years, the market has grown significantly, increasing the development of hyperscale data centers. The country is witnessing investments in about 20 facilities expected to be operational in the next 2-4 years. It is a favorable location for data center development due to the abundant availability of renewable energy to power data centers and the easy availability of free cooling solutions. In Ireland, over 40% of the energy mix is contributed by renewable energy and is expected to reach 70% by 2030. The majority of data center facilities under development are adding an IT power of over 15 MW. The report considers the present scenario of the Ireland data center market and its market dynamics for the forecast period 2021?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several growth enablers, restraints, and trends in the market. The study includes the demand and supply aspects of the market. KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT TikTok is planning to build a USD 500 million data center in Dublin to store the data of its local users that are expected to be operational by 2022. Self-built facilities by hyperscale operators will impede the growth in revenue of wholesale providers in the country. According to Vodafone, in Ireland, there was an 18% YoY increase in the adoption of IoT technologies by businesses in 2020. Hyperscale investment to increase white-box and software-defined storage (SDS) adoption in the country. The market in Ireland is witnessing significant growth in the adoption of free cooling systems, for a maximum of 8,000 hours per year. IRELAND DATA CENTER MARKET INSIGHTS In 2020, the Ireland data center market witnessed investments from enterprise operators like Facebook and colocation service providers such as CyrusOne, Digital Realty, Echelon Data Centres, T5 Data Centers, and JCD Group. More than 60% of the business organizations have adopted public or private cloud for at least one service in the country, which is expected to reach 80% during the forecast period. The rising investments in submarine cables are likely to attract more datacenter investments across Ireland, especially with the growing demand for hyperscale capacity. The government in the country is offering various support schemes for sustainable power systems and efficient designing schemes for data center construction. Increasing the adoption of IoT devices in smart cities & homes, healthcare, automation industry, and new businesses in the country will increase the data volume, increasing edge datacenter investments after 2022. Echelon Data Centres is developing an on-site substation that connects with Irish wind turbines to power its DUB20 data center. Amazon Web Services is investing in three cloud facilities across the country, expected to be operational in the next two to three years. IRELAND DATA CENTER VENDOR LANDSCAPE ABB, Caterpillar, Cummins, Eaton, HITEC Power Protection, KOHLER-SDMO, Legrand, and Rolls-Royce Power Systems are some of the support infrastructure providers in the Ireland data center market. Facebook is a significant investor in the region and expanding its Clonee data center facility in the upcoming years. In April 2021, the investment company Quanta Capital acquired over 80 acres of land in Wicklow to develop a new facility. IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Huawei Technologies IBM Lenovo NetApp Construction Contractors & Sub Contractors Arup Group Bouygues Construction Callaghan Engineering Designer Group Future-tech ISG Kirby Group Mercury Engineering Mace Group M+W Group PM Group Winthrop Engineering and Contracting Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Eaton HITEC Power Protection KOHLER-SDMO Legrand Rolls-Royce Power Systems Rittal Schneider Electric Socomec STULZ Trane Technologies, and Vertiv Investors Amazon Web Service (AWS) CyrusOne Digital Realty Equinix EdgeConneX Echelon Data Centres K2 Data Centres Facebook T5 Data Centers REPORT COVERAGE This report offers analysis on the Ireland Data Center market share and in-depth analysis of the existing and upcoming facilities, datacenter investments in terms of IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and geography. It discusses sizing and estimation for different segments to the investment in data centers. The segmentation includes: EXISTING VS. UPCOMING FACILITIES Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) o Dublin o Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) IRELAND DATA CENTER INVESTMENT COVERAGE Infrastructure Type o IT Infrastructure o Electrical Infrastructure o Mechanical Infrastructure o General Construction IT Infrastructure o Servers o Storage Systems o Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure o UPS Systems o Generators o Transfer Switches & Switchgears o PDUs o Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure o Cooling Systems o Rack Cabinets o Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems o CRAC & CRAH Units o Chillers o Cooling Towers, & Condensers, and Dry Coolers o Economizers & Evaporative Coolers o Other Cooling Units General Construction Services o Building Development o Installation & Commissioning Services o Building & Engineering Design o Physical Security o Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard o Tier I & Tier II o Tier III o Tier IV Geography o Dublin o Other Cities WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size is available in terms of area, power capacity, investment, and colocation revenue. An assessment of the Ireland data center investment in the market by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. Datacenter investments in terms of area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities. A detailed study of the existing Ireland data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Ireland data center market size during the forecast period. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in Ireland o Facilities Covered (Existing): 25 o Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 20 o Coverage: 3 Cities o Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area) o Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Datacenter colocation market in Ireland o Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026) o Retail Colocation Pricing o Wholesale Colocation Pricing Classification of the Ireland data center market investments into multiple segments and sub-segments (IT, power, cooling, and general construction services) with market sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the market. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the market. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspect of the market KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: 1. How big is the Ireland data center market? 2. How many existing data centers are there in Ireland? 3. What are the expected upcoming facilities in Ireland during the period 20212026? 4. Which regions are covered in this Ireland Data Center research report? 5. Who are the key investors in the Ireland Data Center Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05893060/?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. __________________________ With over 150 franchise locations in development, iCRYO created the Franchisee Advisory Committee to help create successful and thriving local businesses. United States, Texas, Houston, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iCRYO, the wellness brand that is setting the standard in the cryotherapy industry, announced the formation of their Franchisee Advisory Committee (FAC). This group of world-class business leaders brings comprehensive healthcare expertise from developers, providers, and executive experience. It will guide to help support and shape the continuing growth at iCRYO. "The creation of the Franchisee Advisory Committee is there to ensure we never lose the culture of iCRYO from the corporate office to the field and vice versa. Creating a voice for the field is very important for the company's positive growth," said Kyle Jones, COO, and Co-founder. "We wanted to make sure the franchisees are always heard. It allows the operators/franchisees to put in the work on the ground to give real-time feedback on the positives and negatives from our Guests. The Guests that come into our locations are our number one priority. Ensuring that we provide a life-changing experience at all iCRYO Centers will always be a core focus. We've chosen a handful of the most impactful franchisees to sit on the Committee and help us to gather information from the field and keep positively pushing iCRYO." The new board will be chaired by Matthew Pepe, healthcare entrepreneur and multi-unit iCRYO owner in North Carolina. "I was honored to be elected by the Franchisor as the first Chairperson/President of the Franchisee Advisory Council. It means a great deal to receive the respect from our leadership team to be hand-selected to represent the entire group of Franchisees around the country, along with the rest of the Council," stated Pepe. He continued with, "Being both a franchisee and an investor in a new franchise is extremely exciting. I have the opportunity to watch the business mature and grow. As the President of the Franchisee Advisory Council, I find myself in a unique position to help steer that growth by bridging the gap between the Franchisor's vision and the day-to-day reality of the Franchisee's interacting directly with our guests." Introducing the member of the iCRYO Franchise Advisory Committee (role follows name): Matthew Pepe President North Carolina Multi-Unit Owner Matthew spent most of his early career working in the healthcare technology sector, providing product strategy and management services to clients, ranging from innovative health information start-ups to established Fortune 100 companies building products and programs to educate the public on the importance of proper condition management and medical compliance. Travis Ala Vice President DFW Area Developer Travis Ala is a Veteran turned Entrepreneur currently operating as a Franchisee and Area Developer for iCRYO. Travis is responsible for expanding the Dallas/Fort Worth market, with his Flagship location being in Frisco, TX. Tracey Miller Secretary Connecticut Multi-Unit Owner Tracey Miller is a Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience. She has worked in various health care settings. Initially, she worked in a hospital setting, first as a surgical nurse then as an ER/ICU nurse. She eventually moved to home care, where she began as an infusion nurse. She is wound care certified and has been a Director of Nursing for two different agencies. In addition, she owned and operated her home care agency in the late '90s. Aric Lemon New York & Florida Multi-Unit Owner Aric Lemon is a native of Clifton Park, NY, and current co-owner of multiple franchise locations of iCRYO. He recently has signed a deal to expand in Florida, with his first expected location in Boca Raton, FL. Greg Christensen Arizona Area Developer Greg Christensen is an Army veteran with a mind for business and entrepreneurship. He is iCRYO's first Area Developer and plans on expanding throughout Arizona. His most recent experience as an Orangetheory Fitness Multi-Unit owner will bring great value to iCRYO. Rick Crews Connecticut Franchise Owner Rick Crews is a corporate executive turned entrepreneur. He is a highly experienced leader in both the financial and healthcare industries and continues to lead organizations with a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Rick received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Union College in Schenectady, New York. Learn more about the iCRYO Franchisee Advisory Committee here. About iCRYO Headquartered in Houston, TX, iCRYO is setting the standard for health and wellness nationwide. As the leading franchise in the industry, iCRYO is an affordable, convenient and professional franchise that offers Cryotherapy, iV Infusions, Body Sculting, and additional wellness services to the communities in which they are located. iCRYO offers a turnkey franchise system for business owners. Whether it be a retail location or an addition to a gym or existing business, we have the systems and comprehensive training in place to provide safe wellness services in your area. Their mission is to elevate the lifestyle of our team members and guests while raising the bar in the health and wellness market. To learn more, visit www.icryo.com. Connect / Follow iCRYO: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram Attachments SAN DIEGO, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The DiDi Global Inc. class action lawsuit charges DiDi (NYSE: DIDI), certain of its executives and directors, as well as the underwriters of DiDis June 2021 initial public offering (the IPO) with violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The DiDi class action lawsuit seeks to represent purchasers of: (i) DiDi American Depositary Shares (ADSs) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the Registration Statement) issued in connection with DiDis IPO; and/or (ii) DiDi securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the Class Period). The DiDi class action lawsuit was commenced on July 6, 2021 in the Southern District of New York and is captioned Espinal v. DiDi Global Inc. f/k/a Xiaoju Kuaizhi Inc., No. 21-cv-05807. A similar lawsuit, captioned Franklin v. DiDi Global Inc., No. 21-cv-05486, is pending in the Central District of California. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the DiDi class action lawsuit, please provide your information by clicking here. You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the DiDi class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than September 7, 2021. CASE ALLEGATIONS: DiDi claims to be the go-to brand in China for shared mobility, offering a range of services including ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, and hitch. Through its IPO, DiDi sold approximately 316 million shares at a price of $14.00 per share, with four ADSs representing one Class A ordinary DiDi share. The DiDi class action lawsuit alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (i) DiDis apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (ii) as a result, DiDi was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the Cyberspace Administration of China; (iii) the Cyberspace Administration of China had already warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (iv) as a result of the foregoing, DiDis apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in China, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (v) as a result, defendants positive statements about DiDis business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China revealed that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. The Cyberspace Administration of China also reported that it had asked DiDi to stop new user registrations during the course of the investigation. On this news, DiDis share price fell more than 5%. Then, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, DiDi reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the DiDi Chuxing app because it collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant [Peoples Republic of China] laws and regulations. Though users who previously downloaded the app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China. Finally, on July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China had asked DiDi as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security. On this news, DiDis stock price fell almost 20%, further damaging investors. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased DiDi ADSs pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with DiDis IPO and/or DiDi securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the DiDi class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the DiDi class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the DiDi class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery of the DiDi action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP: With 200 lawyers in 9 offices nationwide, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is the largest U.S. law firm representing investors in securities class actions. Robbins Geller attorneys have obtained many of the largest shareholder recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. The 2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report ranked Robbins Geller first for recovering $1.6 billion for investors last year, more than double the amount recovered by any other securities plaintiffs firm. Please visit https://www.rgrdlaw.com/firm.html for more information. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP 655 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 J.C. Sanchez, 800-449-4900 jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com Gloucester, MA (01930) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 76F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Goshen, IN (46526) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers and thundershowers early, then overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low around 65F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Local featured Animals The dog man of Centertown Tribune photo / Becky Vargo Garry vanDenberg poses with Tux, left, and Laban, right, near his home on Tuesday. VanDenberg specializes in large dog behavior. Courtesy photo Tux weighed 85 pounds and was near death when rescued five years ago by Garry vanDenberg. Tribune photo / Becky Vargo Hugo is a 2-year-old St. Bernard that was given up by his family because of biting issues. Garry vanDenberg has scars on his arms and legs from on-the-job training. The Grand Haven man has been bitten numerous times over the years as he learns how to read the behavior of the hundreds of dogs with which hes been involved. But he says the lessons hes learned over the past 18 years have made him sought-after as an expert on dog behavior. His specialty is the larger breeds. Proof of that are the four dogs currently residing at his home near Centertown. You might see the lanky man in a white cowboy hat walking around town with the two great Danes that are permanent residents in his home. VanDenberg noted those two dogs Tux, 5, and Laban, 8 both have hip issues, so he has no plans to rehome them. Tux weighed only 85 pounds and was near death when rescued in Big Rapids five years ago. He now weighs almost 200 pounds. Laban is from Detroit and was 89 pounds when rescued. She now weighs about 180 pounds. The other two dogs are Hugo, a 2.5-year-old St. Bernard from Whitehall and Me-O, a 3-year-old German rottweiler from Robinson Township. VanDenberg said that all four dogs had or have biting issues, primarily from abuse due from the use of shock collars. He said the great Danes are good around anyone now. When vanDenberg took in Tux, the dog would attack men. It took me four months to be able to touch him, he said. Hes been as good as he is now for two years. VanDenberg grew up in Grand Haven and graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1969. His first dog was a German shepherd named Tonka that he had while in high school. The retired American Airlines pilot (five years ago after completing his 800th crossing of the Pacific) took in his first rescue in the mid 1970s. A motorcycle club had him, said vanDenberg said, who discovered the dog while buying motorcycle parts. The dog was near death and vanDenberg asked if he could take him. The Doberman was named Junkie, because they gave the dog drugs, vanDenberg said. He was all skin and bones, he said. We developed a strong bond. He knew I saved him. His next dog was a great Dane named St. George that he got from his daughter when she could no longer keep the animal. He had that dog for five years until it died of bone cancer. A couple of months later, a neighbor approached him about a friend who had a great Dane that bit everyone. VanDenberg said he came home with Rocket three hours later. A few days later, the dog attacked him when he went to wipe its jowls with a warm cloth. I didnt realized this dog had been abused with shock collars, vanDenberg said. Because of his experience with St. George, vanDenberg said he was learning to read the dogs body language. After the incident with Rocket, vanDenberg who at the time was living in the Detroit area said he became determined to learn as much as he could about animal behavior. With dogs like the biters, vanDenberg realized it was more about psychology than training. If a dog is physically abused, it internalizes, he said. These dogs will be anxious and protective. Its all about defer, defer defer, he said. VanDenberg noted that as an airline pilot, he was always forward looking. He had to know what he was getting into. But with the dogs, he has to look back at what has happened to them. VanDenberg says that anyone interested in getting a dog should spend time volunteering at an animal shelter for an hour a week. Then youll love all dogs, he said. And one day, you will look at a dog and he will look at you, and youll say, Lets get out of here. VanDenberg said that when he walks his dogs, hes always checking their body language, as well as that of the people around him. If he observes any negative sign at all on the dogs or on the humans he waves hello and takes the dogs on a different path. He says he never wants to put a dog in a situation where it might be uncomfortable. You dont ever take a chance, he explained. If people ask him if they can pet one of the dogs in training, hell usually say no, even if the person says they are good with dogs. I will say, He doesnt care, vanDenberg said, pointing to the dog. He also recommends people turn sideways and not look a dog straight on. Any dog that attacks is going to attack straight on, he said. If youre going to feed a dog a treat, also turn sideways, hold the treat at your side and take a step away after the dog takes the treat. If you turn sideways, youre no longer in a threatening position, he said. VanDenberg said that he is open to working with problem animals. He can be contacted at 616-414-2189. VanDenberg has also developed a protective shield that he says is being used by local police agencies and veterinarians, and he hopes to have it on the market soon. The pistons unit of the technology group Rheinmetall expects to win a significant order for piston systems from a major international automaker. A letter of intent on the development and production of customized aluminum pistons has been signed with a well-known carmaker; together with the piston ring and piston pin, it forms a system solution. LiteKS piston The system is destined for the four-cylinder gasoline engine of a new line of passenger cars made by the automaker for the North American market. The agreement, which is scheduled to run for seven years, represents lifetime sales volume of around 22 million. Development of the customer-optimized components for the new product generation is slated to begin in Neckarsulm in 2021. In line with the local for local principle, the next development phase will take place in Mexico, where the piston system will be adapted to regional fuel characteristics and undergo final optimization with regard to thermodynamics. Production and installation of the components, both of which will take place at the customers facilities in Mexico, begins in 2024. The pistons selected by the customer are from the LiteKS product line made by Rheinmetall subsidiary KS Kolbenschmidt GmbH, the company in charge of the Groups pistons business. (Earlier post.) Fully optimized in terms of friction performance and weight, the high-performance LiteKS pistons feature excellent thermal and mechanical resilience, enabling reduced fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions. In 2015, Rheinmetall entered a cooperation agreement with Riken Corporation of Japan in order to offer optimized solutions to customers around the globe. In pursuit of this order, the alliance partners worked together to optimize an integrated total system consisting of the piston, piston ring and piston pin. Toyocolor Co., Ltd., the colorants and functional materials division of Japans Toyo Ink Group, will supply the North American and European operations of SK Innovation, a South Korean lithium-ion (li-ion) battery manufacturer, with Toyocolors Lioaccum series of conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions. Lioaccum dispersions are used as the conductive additive in li-ion cathodes to help expand li-ion battery capacity of electric vehicles (EVs), for increased driving distances and faster charging performance. They will help power SK Innovations li-ion batteries installed in EVs manufactured by the Volkswagen Group and the Ford Motor Company. The incorporation of CNTs as the conductive additive can increase capacity but there have been a number of issues associated with CNT dispersion that have hindered its practical use. To resolve this issue, leveraging its unique dispersion technology, Toyocolor researchers in Japan successfully achieved high conductivity levels by replacing carbon black in the battery cathode with a small amount of Lioaccum CNT dispersions as the conductive additive. Reduced material usage not only gives battery manufacturers the additional cell space to insert active materials needed to boost battery capacity and performance, but it also considerably reduces manufacturing cost. At present, Toyocolor is providing SK Innovation with Lioaccum dispersions produced at the Group company LioChem in Conyers, Georgia with supply to commence from Toyo Ink Hungary in Pest, Hungary to SK Innovations European plants, in the first quarter of 2022. In line with the rising demand for EVs, Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd., the parent company of the Toyo Ink Group, plans to invest approximately 10 billion (US$91 million) up to 2026 to strengthen its global battery dispersions production network and to ensure a reliable global supply. The Group aims to develop this business into a core business with sales of 20 billion (US$182 million) annually. Hyundai Motor Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Global Service, a South Korean manufacturer specializing in ship electric propulsion systems and a subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, and Korean Register (KR), South Koreas only internationally recognized classification society, to develop and commercialize hydrogen fuel cell systems to propel marine vessels. The MOU marks a significant milestone for Hyundai Motor as it is the companys first strategic partnership involving the application of its fuel cell system technology in the shipbuilding industry, spearheading a new generation of seafaring vessels. This MOU signals Hyundai Motors entry into the fuel-cell-powered marine vessel market, made possible through our cooperation with Hyundai Global Service and Korean Register. We hope our decades-long experience and capabilities in hydrogen fuel cell technologies, combined with the expertise of Hyundai Global Service and Korean Register in the maritime industry, will usher in a new era of greener and cleaner shipping. Saehoon Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Fuel Cell Center at Hyundai Motor Group The collaboration is also expected to serve as a platform to identify and evaluate business opportunities for fuel-cell-powered ships, positioning Hyundai Motor as a leader in the global eco-friendly vessel industry and development of hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems. Hyundai Motor will supply the fuel cell systems and provide technical support, while Hyundai Global Service will manufacture and commercialize the fuel-cell-based propulsion systems. Korean Register will be responsible for establishing standards for type approval, which all fuel cell-propelled vessels of varying sizes must meet to receive an approval for commercial use. The cooperative project aims to begin with a small model in the second half of 2022. In the mid- to long-term, the three partners will focus on developing and introducing propulsion systems for mid- to large-sized vessels. Hyundai Motor commercialized the Tucson ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2013. The company has since introduced other FCEVs, such as the flagship NEXO and XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck. With its proven track record of fuel cell system technologies in the automobile sector, the company is actively expanding the application of its fuel cell technology to other areas and industries, including sea vessels, railways, power generation and more. A group of Sweetwater County local nonprofits have teamed up for a WyoGives Day fundraising event, Charity Chow Down. Taking place at Bunning Park in Rock Springs on July 14 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., food trucks will be in the park and donating 10% of proceeds to the event. These will be split evenly among the nonprofits. The second annual WyoGives Day takes place July 14. WyoGives, a 24-hour online day of giving, is an initiative of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network. It is designed to bring the state together as one community to raise funds and awareness for Wyoming nonprofits. By visiting WyoGives.org, individuals can search for a specific organization or by county or city to invest in causes they care about. Charity Chow Down was created in celebration of WyoGives. We encourage businesses to allow their employees a little extra time on their lunch hour that day or to even buy them lunch to support the event, event coordinator Chelsey Lipka said in a media release about the event. The participating nonprofits will be in attendance with information and activities until 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Rock Springs municipal government will host Concert in the Park with a performance by Stones Throe. Weve already had some good buzz about Charity Chow Down. We are hoping to make it an annual event. Local nonprofits keep getting asked to do more with less and at some point, that just isnt possible. The goal is to raise awareness about local programs who provide so much to our community while raising funds to help them continue their work. Many of these charities have a very limited staff, so working together to have a larger event is amazing. I dont know of another event that benefits these many nonprofits at once, Kelly Frink, executive director of United Way of Southwest Wyoming said in a press release. The future of a special election to create a 1% sales tax in Sweetwater County to pay for ambulance services and economic development is in jeopardy after the Rock Springs City Council decided not to support the initiative Tuesday. An intergovernmental working group consisting of representatives from the Sweetwater County Commissioners and the city and town Councils throughout the county proposes a special November 2 election to allow voters to determine if the tax should be levied. The proposed tax would be split between economic development and ambulance services with 75% being used for ambulance services and 25% going towards economic development causes. Sales tax in Sweetwater County is at 5%, with 4% being the state sales tax. The additional 1% in Sweetwater County is distributed to the cities and towns based on population and was made permanent by voters. This tax is also not associated with the specific purpose tax commonly referred to the Sixth-Penny Tax, which was most recently approved in 2012 and funded infrastructure improvements such as road and water line construction, as well as Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater Countys medical office building construction and new ambulances for Castle Rock Hospital District. Both the Sweetwater County Commissioners and the Green River City Council passed the ballot initiative Tuesday with unanimous votes, however the initiative failed in Rock Springs after a 4-4 vote, with Councilman David Halter abstaining. Halter is employed as the information technology director of the Sweetwater County Combined Communications Joint Powers Board, which would likely receive funding for 911 services from the tax if it is approved. Council representatives voting in favor of the special election were Tim Savage, Larry Hickerson, Keaton West and Mayor Tim Kaumo while Jeannie Demas, Tim Robinson, Rob Zotti and Brent Bettolo voted against it. While the special election can take place without support from the Rock Springs City Council as at least 50% of the governing municipal bodies and the Commissioners are needed to file for the special election, local leaders question if Rock Springs voters would support the sales tax initiative without their Councils support. Rock Springs being the most populous city in the county means a county-wide ballot question lives or dies there. If the special election does take place and votes approve it, Rock Springs would still receive sales tax from the additional 1%, despite the Council not backing the special election. As the tax would be distributed based on population, the city would receive a majority of the funds. Ryan Rust, Green Rivers grants administrator, said the exact distribution percentages would be determined once the 2020 U.S. Census data is released. Concerns about the timing of the request were raised by Commissioner Roy Lloyd prior to the Commissioners approval. I feel like were doing this in a rush, Lloyd said Tuesday morning. Lloyd also expressed concerns about Green River residents thinking they were being taxed twice for ambulance service as residents pay a mill levy to Castle Rock Hospital District, which operates Castle Rock Ambulance Service. Commissioner Lauren Schoenfeld also questioned if Green River residents would get doubled taxed for ambulance services, noting a similar situation in Wamsutter. Deputy County Attorney John DeLeon said adjustment could be made which would address the double taxing issue. Lloyd said he is willing to support the initiative as it gives residents a chance to voice their own opinions about if the county should levy an additional 1% sales tax. He said ambulance service and the joint powers communication center account for 12.4% of the revenue the cities and county receives. Rust said the public safety spending amounts to $37 million between the county and the two cities. Rust, despite being employed by Green River, represented the intergovernmental group and made the presentation before the Commissioners Tuesday. This will be a county-led resolution, Commission Chairman Randy Wendling said. The sales tax is seen as a solution to the funding problems facing ambulance service providers in the county after the Commissioners announced they would not continue subsidizing ambulances last year. The economic development portion of the tax is likewise being seen as a means to improve the countys ability to recruit businesses and industry to the area. Ninety thousand a year is not going to get us where we want to be, Eric Bingham, the countys land use director said. Bingham oversees the Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition for the county and said the organizations funding does not allow it to give industries incentives for relocating or expanding to Sweetwater County. However, one of the questions lingering is if the economic development potion of the funds would be distributed to SEDC or the county and cities based on population. Green River City Council representative Sherry Bushman said she would like some of the funding to get sent to the cities, as it would allow Green River to fund initiatives like its Main Street program to help the citys economic development goals. Should a special election move forward, Sweetwater County Clerk Cindy Lane estimates it would cost the county about $100,000 to host. She sought approval from the Commissioners to replace an election clerk position Tuesday to help run the election. The position was vacated after an employee retired and Lane said she intended to not fill the position until January 2022 for the two elections that year, but would need the help to run the proposed special election. The commissioners approved her request. The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from IHC SCOTT Inc., will be closing the westbound on and off ramps at the Baxter Interchange July 7 through July 14 for paving operations. During this time, those traveling from the airport back to Rock Springs will have to detour to Baxter Road and then to the Rock Springs belt loop. Traffic traveling westbound to the airport or Middle Baxter Road will have to detour on exit 122 or travel to Rock Springs and circle back. Commuters using this interchange are reminded to plan accordingly. The project encompasses work on roughly 13 miles of Interstate 80 beginning at milepost 107 on the east side of Rock Springs. Work will include grading, milling existing asphalt, concrete paving and bridge replacement and rehabilitation. The completion date for this project is set for Nov.30. WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down in work zones, be alert and cautious of roadside workers and obey all traffic control devices. Breaking with the longstanding norm of intraparty candidate neutrality, a Wyoming Republican Party official asked members of Congress for help vetting potential challengers to U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney in next years Republican primary. According to emails obtained by WyoFile, Wyoming Republican Party Revenue Committee Chairman Jeff Wallack contacted staffers for Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) on June 15 seeking veterans in Congress to vet our retired military candidates Denton Knapp and Bryan Miller. Crenshaw, a Cheney ally and former Navy Seal, declined the request. Wallack made a similar request to Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Florida), a former Green Beret, as well as several other veterans in conservative politics, Wallack said. It is unclear if any of those individuals took him up on the request. Neither Waltz or Crenshaws offices responded to a request for comment. The email exchanges underscore the delicate balancing act party officials are performing. The Wyoming Republican Party censured Cheney following her vote to impeach former President Donald Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in Washington. Party officials have since openly expressed dissatisfaction with Cheney even mocking her at party functions. Yet the Wyoming GOP has traditionally maintained a neutral stance on all candidates until a primary winner is announced. The party has continued that tradition in its official capacity. Wallacks emails, however, appear to contradict that approach. Though Wallack wrote in the emails he was working on behalf of himself and various other leaders in Wyoming seeking to replace Cheney, he identified himself by using his official title within the Wyoming GOP, blurring the line of neutrality. Wallack now says his outreach was a mistake. Party chairman Frank Eathorne has been made aware of the emails, Wallack said, and declined to levy discipline. It was just a personal inquiry, it was all personal, not on behalf of anybody, Wallack said. I just thought Id like to get some help vetting the candidates. One of the congressmen I contacted was obviously a Cheney supporter, and that was my mistake. I should have looked first before I asked. Optics aside, Wallacks inquiries were perfectly legal. Several current and former members of the Wyoming GOPs state central committee said there is no language in the Wyoming Republican Partys 2020 bylaws preventing members other than the party chairman from participating in advocacy work for or against candidates, and no law bars members of state parties from actively recruiting opponents against their own candidates. The Federal Elections Commission has no rules or regulations addressing potential conflicts of interest by party volunteers in vetting candidates, an official with the commission wrote in an email. Wyoming state law does not prevent direct advocacy for primary candidates by members of the state party. Our statutes dont specifically address this issue, simply because as long as someone meets the constitutional and, now, the residency requirements to run for U.S. House and pays the filing fee, anyone can run for the office, Monique Meese, communications director for the Wyoming Secretary of States office, wrote in an email. Theres no vetting process for candidates prescribed in statute other than that. Some states do place the responsibility of validating candidate requirements with their parties, we obviously do not. Wallack believes he and other activists in the party have the right to attempt to identify the best candidate for the job, he said. Its a right he says he will continue to exercise. Just with more discretion. I should not have mentioned I was a volunteer with [the Wyoming Republican Party], so I learned my lesson, Wallack said. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy. CASPER Some communities would balk at the idea of a company building an experimental power source on the edge of town. Glenrock is not one of them. Before the end of the year, developers of a new type of nuclear power plant will decide which of four Wyoming towns will house their project, and Glenrock wants to be selected. During a Wednesday meeting with the heads of TerraPower and Rocky Mountain Power, community leaders listened attentively to the companies pitch. Most were already on board with the project. A few safety questions did come up, but Glenrocks leaders wanted to focus the conversation on logistics not risk. The towns coal-fired power plant, Dave Johnston, is set to retire in 2027, taking 191 jobs with it. The Natrium reactor is scheduled to come online the following year, generating an estimated 250 permanent jobs. Its developers intend to establish training programs to help workers in the selected community transition from their current jobs at the coal plant to new roles at the nuclear facility. Glenrock is a town of just 2,600 people; Converse Countys entire population numbers fewer than 14,000. The communitys history is intertwined with that of the energy sector. Many see the nuclear plant not only as a natural transition, but a necessary one for their economic survival. We have a history of energy developments in our community, going way, way back, Glenrock councilwoman Margaret Nunn said during the meeting. One, we opened coal mines. Two, we built a power plant. Three, we mined out the coal and reclaimed the land. Four, we built a new wind farm where the coal mine once was. Five, our power plant has outlived its time. So what is number six in our energy history? In a sense, the two parties are equal partners in the arrangement. Each one is attempting to persuade the other that theyre worth the investment. But with many local leaders already convinced of the projects potential benefits, its the developers choice to make. What do we need to do, collectively, to ensure that the plant lands here? Converse County Commissioner Robert Short asked the executives. Their answer: Be enthusiastic. And get lucky. All four possible sites have already undergone preliminary evaluations and been deemed viable. The companies want to build the plant in a supportive community with demonstrated economic need criteria Glenrock meets. But just as important are business concerns like infrastructure and access to services, along with factors such as seismic activity, which can affect permitting eligibility. A decision is expected before the end of the year. Until then, the community can do little more than wait and hope. The other three towns in contention, Gillette, Kemmerer and Rock Springs, will do the same. In 1957, when the experimental Shippingport nuclear reactor was completed in Pennsylvania, the U.S. proved that water cooling technology was market-ready, leading to the construction of 100 water-cooled nuclear reactors nationwide and 400 around the world, said Chris Levesque, president and CEO of TerraPower. Levesque believes the Natrium reactor will similarly inspire a new generation of nuclear development. The TerraPower plant is distinguished from standard U.S. nuclear facilities in part by its cooling system: Instead of pressurized water, the core temperature will be maintained using liquid sodium the metal, not the salt. Because sodium has a much higher boiling point than water, it does not need to be pressurized to prevent it from vaporizing, reducing the plants need for the controlled systems used to keep cooling water in place and allowing it to rely more on natural forces like convection and gravity. We used a lot of supercomputing and advanced metallurgy to design it, Levesque said, but the plant itself is actually simpler than a lot of plants today. The reactor is also designed to operate more efficiently, producing one-third as much waste as existing nuclear plants. It will require less human intervention, including in the case of any malfunctions, a feature its developers say makes it much safer than water-cooled facilities. Its modular nature allows it to be built in sections, with additional generating capacity added later. But the projects energy storage system, which reserves generated energy in tanks of molten salt during times of low demand and releases that energy to the grid when demand rises, is what makes the TerraPower plant particularly distinctive. Dave Johnston has a capacity of 922 megawatts. The Natrium reactors capacity is lower, at 345 megawatts. But its energy storage system enables the facility to increase its output to 500 megawatts of power for more than five hours at a time. Because of its added storage capacity, the plant will be dispatchable, and therefore much more valuable to Rocky Mountain Power. Dispatchable resources are things like hydro plants, coal plants, natural gas plants, our geothermal plant places that that, if you see customer demand coming up throughout the day, you can call on a specific resource, and know that youll have the extra 100 megawatts that you need, when you need it, David Eskelsen, a spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power, said during an interview with the Star-Tribune. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are variable, not dispatchable, meaning theyre hard for utilities to rely on. Most nuclear plants are technically dispatchable, but take too long to activate to meet immediate demand. As the electric grid is powered increasingly by variable sources, dispatchable sources like battery storage will be required to supplement them. And as coal plants continue to go offline, the reactors developers who say theyd like to one day build reactors at all four sites hope it will help to fill the energy niche that is left behind. By building the nuclear facility on the site of a retiring coal plant, developers will have access to an available workforce and cost-saving resources like current water permits and electric grid connections. We are able to leverage the existing technical infrastructure thats there, but also the expertise, said Tiffany Erickson, media relations manager for Rocky Mountain Power, in an interview with the Star-Tribune. Representatives of Rocky Mountain Power and TerraPower have repeatedly emphasized the companies plan to hire as many local workers as possible and provide training to those workers when necessary. The intent is to work with community colleges and [the University of Wyoming] on developing training and reskilling programs, Erickson said. While the reactor itself will be built according to strict nuclear regulations, the part of the plant that generates electricity will be constructed some distance away from the reactor, which its developers are calling the nuclear island. The portion producing electricity will face looser permitting requirements and, unlike the reactor, will operate similarly to generators in other types of power plants. Theres a lot of jobs in this nuclear island, and theyre very different, Gary Hoogeveen, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, told the Glenrock community. Now, some of the people will be able to, if theyre interested, retrain and have those jobs. But the people that are mechanics, its the same low-pressure system that they were working on, and theyll have the ability to translate their expertise directly over. Natrona County Commissioner Dave North told the Star-Tribune that he expects the plant to provide good jobs and a constant power supply to Natrona County in addition to Converse County. I think its a positive all the way around, he said. Aside from concerns raised by conservation groups like the Powder River Basin Resource Council, little opposition to the reactor has been expressed publicly. And though nuclear is always divisive, the projects appeal stretches across party lines potentially improving its chances as it navigates the short, seven-year development timeline set by the Department of Energy, which provided half its funding. The other half comes from private sources, including TerraPower founder Bill Gates. Levesque said Democrats favor the projects low carbon footprint, while Republicans see it as a source of energy security. The great thing about the program is theres something in it for everybody, he said. Converse County Chairman Jim Willox told the Star-Tribune that nearly all of his concerns were addressed during the meeting. For him, siting criteria are the sticking point. He hopes that by learning more about what the companies are looking for, he can help Converse County present itself as the most attractive location for construction. Willox said the broader Glenrock community seemed ready to welcome the nuclear plant. The people Ive visited with and its not a huge sampling, but the people Ive visited with are positive about it, he said. They have questions, but theyre positive. And they recognize the value of energy. The nuclear plant could save Glenrock from a fate like that of Jeffrey City, a uranium boomtown that collapsed along with the industry in the 1980s. Loss of the coal plant without construction of the reactor would not be a death sentence Lander, a former iron town, managed to diversify its economy after its mine shuttered but would spell a much harder recovery for the town. If we lose the power plant and its shut completely down, that would affect us a great deal. It trickles down all the way through the business community, in the schools, all of our special districts we would lose a lot when this power plant shuts down, Converse County Commissioner Tony Lehner said after the meeting. If we dont get this first one, then I hope to heck we get the next one, he said. Larry Paine, 77, passed away July 1, 2021 in Green River, Wyoming. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Larry was a long-time resident of Sweetwater County and former resident of Shia Town, MI. Mr. Paine was Born in Vernon, MI, on July 17, 1943 to Clark Paine and Eleanor Simenuk. He attended schools in Michigan where he obtained his GED and later graduated from the police academy. He married is adored wife Judy Strong Paine in 1999 in the backyard of their cherished home where they spent 22 amazing years together. He was an amazing husband, soulmate, and best friend. Larry was a simple man and one of few words but had a presence that warmed everyone's heart. Larry was a true cowboy and avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and used to say that the Mountains were his church. He loved dogs and even trained them for the bind, as he was president of the Bancroft Lions Club. He also belonged to the NRA and was a member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles. He belonged to the Army National Guard and served in the Cold War. He was honorably discharged on April 30, 1969. He was often found talking about politics and discussing the constitution. Larry Paine was a big-hearted man who took pride in his family, country, and career. He was frequently telling jokes or sharing funny memes and videos. Larry loved helping his community and stuck to a strong code of ethics. His career in Law enforcement started in Michigan in 1968 where he soon took the Chief of Police position, which he held until 1977. At which time Paine moved out west to work for the police department of Sweetwater County. He stared as the county's jailer, moved to dog catcher, to patrolman, and then to patrol sergeant. Eventually, he transferred to the Sheriff's Department, as a detective, where he worked on countless cases in Sweetwater county. Later, he was appointed as Undersheriff. After retiring from his police career, he worked for the city of Green River in waste management. He served the community for more than 15 years and the heavyweight of his absence will be felt by his friends and family. He was extremely loved and will be greatly missed. Survivors include One brother; Bill Paine of Corunna, MI; Five sons, David Paine and wife Terry of Lancing, MI; Adam Paine and wife Jessica of Williston, ND; Chris Shutran and wife Angie of Rock Springs; Mike Shutran and wife Angela of Green River; Danny Shutran and wife Jackie of Pocatello, ID; One Daughter Bonnie Paine and wife Terrie Dugan of Flagstaff, AZ; Nine grandchildren: Kaleigh, Keira, Mikaylah, Drake, Felicia, Christopher, JoJo, Maci, Thomas; Seven great-grandchildren Kale, Denim, Grant, Natilee, Nicolle, Ezekial, and Ariella. Mr. Paine was preceded in death Clark Paine and Eleanor Simenuk; parents, one sister, Kathy Paine; one grandson, Garrett Paine; and one daughter, Patricia Ellen Paine. Following cremation, a celebration of life with military honors will be conducted from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2021 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2350, 88 N 2nd E Street, Green River, Wyoming. Since Larry was such a die hard fan of the Denver Broncos, the family strongly encourages everyone to wear their oranges and blues to celebrate his life this upcoming Sunday. Condolences may be left at http://www.foxfh.com. Cole Murray works on his project for the national Skills USA competition in the woods workshop at Green River High School. Murray placed third in the nation for his work. A Green River High School student took third in a national Skills USA cabinet competition, earning the highest place anyone from Green River has achieved in the Skills USA program. Cole Murray competed June 9 in the national competition for Skills USA, building a hexagonal cabinet that woods teacher Tim Cassity described as a simple-looking, but complex project. The event was hosted virtually, allowing Murray to build his project at GRHS, but required him to be filmed during the six-hour work period. Despite the time given, Cassity said Murray finished his project early, but made a quality cabinet. "I was very impressed with the project," he said. "He's a very exceptional student." Murray was informed of his accomplishment during a ceremony June 24. Skills USA competitions start at the state level, which Murray and fellow woodworker Austin Fox competed in. While Fox took third at state in cabinetmaking, Murray took the top honors, allowing him to compete at the national competition. The two were joined by AJ Peterson, who placed first in CPR/First Aid. Cassity had high praise for Murray, saying he has an engineer's mind when it comes to working on projects and said both Murray and Fox have created beautiful pieces for class. Support local journalism We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story. BANGKOK (AP) Chinas most popular social media service has deleted accounts on LGBT topics run by university students and nongovernment groups, prompting concern the ruling Communist Party is tightening control over gay and lesbian content. WeChat sent account holders a notice they violated rules but gave no details, according to the founder of an LGBT group, who asked not to be identified further out of fear of possible official retaliation. She said dozens of accounts were shut down, all at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday. It wasn't clear whether the step was ordered by Chinese authorities, but it comes as the ruling party tightens political controls and tries to silence groups that might criticize its rule. WeChat's operator, Tencent Holding Ltd., confirmed it received an email seeking comment but didnt immediately respond. The Communist Party decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, but gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and other sexual minorities still face discrimination. While there is more public discussion of such issues, some LGBT activities have been blocked by authorities. The official attitude is increasingly strict, the founder of the LGBT group said. Contents of the WeChat accounts, which included personal stories and photos of group events, were erased, according to the group's founder. The former operator of a different group for university students, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, called the step a devastating blow. University officials asked students two months ago to shut down LGBT social media groups or to avoid mentioning their school names, according to the LGBT group founder. She said universities in the eastern province of Jiangsu were told by officials to investigate groups for women's rights and sexual minorities to maintain stability. The U.S. said it was concerned the WeChat accounts had been deleted while merely expressing views and exercising freedom of speech. We oppose the use of network restrictions to suppress freedom of expression online, whether in China or anywhere else, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters in Washington. Surveys suggest there are about 70 million LGBT people in China, or about 5% of the population, according to state media. Some groups have organized film festivals and other public events, but those have dwindled. One of the most prominent, Shanghai Pride, canceled events last year and scrapped future plans without explanation after 11 years of operation. Chinas legislature received suggestions from the public about legalizing same-sex marriage two years ago, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. However, it gave no indication whether legislators might take action. UPDATED AT 6:15 p.m. Friday: GREENWICH Tropical Storm Elsa caused a dreary start to Friday in Greenwich, with heavy rainfall leading to floods in low-lying areas of the town. But the quick-moving storm was gone by mid-day and sunny skies greeted the rest of the day. The rainfall total for Fairfield County came to 5.10 inches, according to Greenwich police. That was enough to close the town beaches for the day and flood some homes and roadways, officials said. We were fortunate that the heavy winds that were forecast did not materialize, First Selectman Fred Camillo said in email blast to residents Friday evening. Our first-responders have been doing yeomans work in answering calls for downed trees and flooding, Camillo said. But it was a different story earlier in the day. Police warned drivers to avoid driving into flooded streets as heavy rain pounded the region. Flooding conditions occurring in low-lying areas, police said on Twitter. We have received reports of roads in Old Greenwich closed due to flooding. Please do not drive onto a roadway if you see it has sustained flooding, as the depth may be deeper than what it appears, police said. And as of 4 p.m., the Greenwich Fire Department had responded to 52 calls from residents whose homes were flooded with up to 4 feet of water, damaging furnaces, electrical systems and hot water heaters, Camillo said. The most impacted areas are Old Greenwich and Riverside, with a few homes in Cos Cob and central Greenwich. Harding Road in Old Greenwich was closed much of the day because of the high water, as was Clapboard Ridge Road in the backcountry, where a downed tree and wires were reported, according to police. Floodwaters were reported along Sound Beach Avenue and parts of Old Greenwich as well as across Binney Park. No major problems had been reported to police by mid-morning, Lt. John Sluzarz said. And few power outages were reported in Greenwich, in contrast to last year when Tropical Storm Isaias left thousands of residents in the dark for days. As of 12:15 p.m. Friday, there were 96 customers in town without power, up from 60 earlier in the day, according to Eversource Energy. By 6 p.m., the number of customers without electricity was fewer than four, Eversource said. Camillo said service was expected to be restored soon. As the tropical storm moved out of the area by late Friday morning, organizers of the Sidewalk Sale Days said the outdoor shopping event would continue Friday afternoon as planned. Marcia OKane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, said vendors reopened their tents and the annual event on Greenwich Avenue continued on Friday afternoon and will run through Saturday and Sunday. Greenwich officials had urged residents to stay home and off the roads until the tropical storm moved out of the area. Dan Warzoha, the towns Emergency Management Director, said the flooding was particularly an issue in Old Greenwich, Cos Cob and the backcountry during this storm. Staying home unless you have to travel is the smart way to look at it, Warzoha said Friday morning. The fire department responded to emergency water calls in the morning, he said. And there were numerous reports of drivers entering flood waters and getting stuck, Warzoha said. No injuries have been reported. There are issues with water all over the place, Warzoha said. People just need to use some common sense. Storm impacts The storm also impacted beach operations in town, Camillo said. Byram Park Beach and Greenwich Point Park Beach were closed to swimming Friday due to the heavy rainfall. Island Beach is open for swimming and the ferry service will run to Island Beach every 30 minutes this weekend, weather permitting, Camillo said. The towns parks will be open Saturday, when the Department of Health will make a determination about swimming will be allowed. The Beach Hotline can be reached at 203-622-7855. The splash pad, wading pool and pool at Byram Park remain open for swimming, Camillo said. Great Captain Island is open for swimming, but is accessible only by personal boat and no lifeguards are on duty there, he said. The ferry that runs to Great Captain Island waiting at the shipyard in Bridgeport for repairs, Camillo said. The dry dock is busy with another vessel, but as soon as the dry dock clears, work will be underway on the ferry, he said. Flooding in Binney Flooding in Old Greenwich is always a concern during storms, particularly along Sound Beach Avenue and in the area of Binney Park and Pond. Reports came in Friday morning that portions of Binney were submerged, said Larry Imbrogno, who is the caretaker of nearby Greenwich Point. As everyone knows Old Greenwich already has a major drainage problem and you can see that theres a lot of water in Binney Park, Imbrogno said. That could be more of a problem when high tide comes in around noon because theres nowhere for the water to go. Imbrogno said his instruments showed that 6 inches of rain had fallen in the area. But while other major storms caused damage at Greenwich Point, Imbrogno said the wind had died down significantly. He said he did not anticipate major coastal flooding at the beach, but he was concerned about the flooding around Binney Pond and Park. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com. GREENWICH After hearing a complaint from a local advocate for residents with disabilities, the Board of Selectmen has enacted a new town policy aimed at preventing disputes about accessibility as a result of town projects. In a town project that involves any type of ADA compliance issue, we would ... make sure all the stakeholders are there and their concerns are addressed beforehand, First Selectman Fred Camillo said as the board voted 3-0 on Thursday to approve the new policy. The policy will ensure coordination between the Department of Public Works, the town tree warden, the town ADA coordinator and, when appropriate, the First Selectmans Committee for People with Disabilities on all projects that involve trees and issues of access under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The policy was written by Assistant Town Attorney Aamina Ahmad after town resident Alan Gunzburg challenged a decision to move a new accessible parking spot to save a tree. His complaint came after the town project had already been completed to make improvements at Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street. This process should start at the beginning before there is any issue and not in the middle of a project so were all clear, Camillo said. So maybe something like this wont get to this point. But the town turned back Gunzburgs request to remove the tree warden from the process, saying that would violate state statute, Ahmad said, and Camillo agreed. But by setting up the collaborative process, Ahmad said the town can develop a procedure or policy. When there is the potential for any kind of conflict, it is looked at right up front with the various stakeholders involved so it doesnt become an issue at the very end like it did here, Ahmad said. Under the original proposal for the intersection project, the new accessible parking space was planned for 235 Greenwich Ave. It would have included a ramp cut into the curb to allow for easier access to the sidewalk but called for removing a pin oak tree to make room for the ramp. Then a group of residents challenged the decision to cut down the tree. After holding a hearing, Tree Warden Gregory Kramer decided the tree could be cut down if new trees were planted nearby. But that ruling was challenged in court by residents and business owners, who sought to save the tree. Ultimately, the town agreed to keep the tree and relocate the parking space. But Gunzburg said relocating the spot violated his civil rights and those of all people with disabilities. He challenged the decision under the Americans With Disabilities Act, saying that the town and state tree policies could not supersede a federal law. Town ADA Coordinator Demetria Nelson denied his appeal, which he then took to the Board of Selectmen. Gunzburg told the board that the tree warden should be removed from the process and said the DPW should work with the ADA coordinator on accessibility issues. He said that putting the tree code over the ADA violates the federal laws Title II, which says state and local governments must provide equal access to public walkways. To not do so would be discriminatory and a violation of the federal law, Gunzburg said. At Thursdays meeting, Gunzburg expressed his disappointment with the decision, but he thanked the selectmen for listening to his grievance. I will work to collaborate with all parties to support the policy, Gunzburg said. I will also be the first person to file a federal complaint if a public hearing is held regarding any trees in federally mandated Title II right of ways. Gunzburg said he was extremely concerned that Ahmads interpretation was incorrect. The board is not taking its responsibility here lightly, Ahmad said, saying she appreciated Gunzburgs statements. Selectwoman Lauren Rabin stressed the importance of focusing on the issue. As we do get to the place where we do define policies and procedures, the tree warden doesnt necessarily have to post (about a trees removal) if it is an issue of safety, Rabin said. And were all in agreement that accessibility is a safety issue. Camillo said the tree policy is not just about parking spaces but also about sidewalks and any other public spaces where there is an ADA issue. We want to make sure were all at the table ahead of time, Camillo said. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com It was as if a bomb had landed, the explosion sending shock waves through the electorate. The announcement undermined the taken-for-granted certainty that a Democrat would be in Connecticuts 36th state senate seat through the 2022 legislative session. This safe assumption now lay shattered in unpredictable fragments. And there was little time to pick up the pieces. On Tuesday, June 22, in the middle of her term, without warning, Alex Kasser resigned her senate seat, effective immediately. Democrats, experiencing profound disappointment at having lost a progressive Greenwich voice in Hartford, reacted in different ways to this abrupt abandonment. Feeling let down and angry, some deemed it inexcusable. Others were more deferential, sympathizing with Kassers personal situation, an ongoing 3-year-long divorce that included her grievances as a victim of domestic abuse. Yet, there were those who speculated that this divorce, ugly as it may be, was not the real reason for the resignation. Why would someone so ambitious, who only three years earlier spent an exorbitant amount of money on a self-funded campaign to obtain the seat, and who was doing a good job, suddenly walk away? There must be more to this than meets the eye, it was widely rumored. Meanwhile, this unanticipated bombshell landed as a precious gift on the Republican doorstep, giving cause for elation. After all, Republicans always felt entitled to this seat. The last Greenwich Democrat to serve in the state senate (before Kassers surprise 2018 victory over longtime incumbent Scott Frantz) was town attorney H. Allen Barton, elected in 1930. Kassers resignation offered Republicans a golden opportunity to reclaim the seat they held for more than 80 years and felt was rightfully theirs. Within moments, potential candidates began to put their names forward, prepared to enter the fray. Going into Saturdays Republican nominating convention were state Rep. Harry Arora, Republican National Committee member Leora Levy, and Ryan Fazio, who was last years candidate for this senatorial seat. Fazio, who garnered nearly 49 percent of the vote in his loss to incumbent Kasser, initially appeared as the strongest contender for what was now an open seat. But with indications that Levy was pulling into front-runner status, Hartford Courant political columnist Kevin Rennie, in his Daily Ructions, evoked her close association with Donald Trump, pointing this out as a liability in a district that resoundingly rejected Trump in 2020. Rennie included a video of Levy casting, with enthusiasm, Connecticuts 28 votes for Donald J. Trump and American Greatness at the Republican National Convention in 2016. On the Democratic side, Democrat John Blankley, a former Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation member, was the first to declare his candidacy, doing so within two days of Kassers resignation. Respected, and with high name recognition, he presented himself as a strong candidate. Other potential candidates with high name recognition who were considering entering the race were state Rep. Steven Meskers and former vice chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party Dita Barghava. Then a strange thing happened. As if by magic, a near instantaneous consensus developed among Democratic convention delegates. Support coalesced around Alexis Gevanter, a business attorney and activist with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. This consensus essentially closed the door on other candidates, most notably Blankley. On Tuesday, the convention endorsed Gevanter by acclamation. Following Gevanters nomination, Democratic Town Committee chair Joe Angland asked Democrats not to assist Blankley in his effort to get on the ballot. Blankley had already begun gathering the 546 voter signatures he must file by 4 p.m. Monday, July 12, to secure an independent spot on the ballot. Those who know Gevanter hold her in high regard. But most voters never heard of her and dont know what she stands for. Its uphill for any Democrat. That hill becomes steeper for an unknown, and even steeper with two Democrats in a three-way race. And with an Aug. 17 election just five weeks away, theres too little time. Had the resignation come two weeks later, state election law would have required the vacancy be filled during the regular Nov. 2 election. Had Kasser just waited to drop her bombshell, wed have more time to pick up these shattered pieces shes left behind. Alma Rutgers served in Greenwich town government for 30 years. OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) Washington state's death toll from last month's record-breaking Pacific Northwest heat wave has risen to 78. A year earlier, Washington had just seven heat-related deaths from mid-June to the end of August, the state Department of Health said Thursday. From 2015 to 2020, there were a total of 39 deaths. A majority of the deaths from this year's late June heat wave were in King and Pierce counties, and 19 of the state's 39 counties have reported heat-related deaths, officials said. Oregon on Wednesday reported 116 deaths following temperatures that shattered previous all-time records during the three-day heat wave that engulfed Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The heat wave was caused by what meteorologists described as a dome of high pressure over the Northwest and worsened by human-caused climate change, which is making such extreme weather events more likely and more intense. This huge jump in mortality due to heat is tragic and something many people thought theyd never see in the Pacific Northwest with its mostly moderate climate, Acting State Health Officer Scott Lindquist said in a statement. But climates are changing, and we see the evidence of that with dramatic weather events, major flooding, historic forest fires, and more. Seattle, Portland and many other cities broke all-time heat records, with temperatures in some places reaching above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius). Health officials said the death tolls are preliminary because they are waiting for medical examiners and coroners to determine the cause of a number of other deaths. Heat-related deaths by county will be updated weekly online. ___ Story has been corrected to reflect state has 39 counties, not 30. State Rep. Harry Arora admitted Friday night that he didnt have the support of Republican party delegates, and dropped out of the race to become the candidate for a vacant Senate seat in an August 17 special election . Shortly after 8:30, Arora told supporters that he would withdraw his candidacy when 31 delegates meet Saturday morning to consider candidates to run for the 36th State Senate District, which includes Greenwich, and parts of Stamfiord and New Canaan. Until then it was three-way race that became a caldron, testing GOP friendships and commitments in the district, which has about 96,890 residents. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich, a young green-energy investor and member of the local Representative Town Meeting who nearly defeated Democratic Sen. Alex Kasser last November, may have the inside track toward gaining the nomination to run in the special election against Democrat Alexis Gevanter. Leora Levy, a major GOP contributor and one of the states three members of the Republican National Committee, is making a late run in attempt to regain the traditionally Republican seat that Alex Kasser won for Democrats in 2018 for the first time in about 90 years, but from which she recently resigned, citing stress from her pending divorce, which was first filed in December, 2018. A Cuban who escaped to the United States with her parents in 1960, Levy, has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Republicans nationally, according to the Federal Elections Commission, and said she raised $1.8 million for Connecticut Republicans in 2014. She was also the finance chairwoman of the last two, failed Republican candidates for governor, Tom Foley in 2014 and Bob Stefanowski in 2018. A former critic of Donald Trump, Levy changed her tune after he won the presidency in 2016, and was even nominated to become ambassador to Chile, but it never passed the U.S. Senate. Arora, an India-born investment executive, had bombarded Republicans with electronic campaign pitches throughout the 36th Senate District, which includes Greenwich and portions of Stamford and New Canaan. My objective was to convince the delegates that my legislative experience, demonstrated leadership record and electability made me the best candidate in this race, Arora said in his statement. However, it was frustrating to hear that these qualifications did not matter. Most of the delegates were making their choice based on loyalties and personal relationships. This was extremely upsetting to me because I strongly believe in meritocracy - always selecting the best candidate possible for every position. But he accepted the political reality. It is very important that we win this seat, Arora wrote in a statement after declining to return request for comment during the day. All hard data at this point indicates that the delegates are taking a big gamble here by not supporting the most electable candidate. Both Levy, a former sugar trader and philanthropist, and Arora who first won a special House election in January of 2020, then retained the seat last November in the general election are multi-millionaires and promised party leaders to spend their personal fortunes to first win back the seat on August 17, then hold it again in November, 2022. Gevanter, who recently won her nomination unanimously during the Democratic district convention, has an application for a public-financing grant pending before the State Elections Enforcement Commission, while Democrat John Blankley has until July 12 at 4 oclock to present 568 confirmed petition signatures to get on the August ballot and likely complicate the special election. The 36th Senate District The now-former three-way race among the GOP candidates was a local example of the soul-searching that Republicans around the nation are grappling with after Donald J. Trumps reelection loss last year. Fazio, who unanimously won the GOP endorsement to challenge Kasser last year, received more votes than Trump in the district in November. Kasser, however, won with 29,137 votes to Fazios 27,575. That near-miss last year likely won Fazio, 31, lasting support and loyalty that may carry over to Saturday when 31 delegates hold a virtual nominating session live on the Republican State Central Committees Facebook site. Supporters on Fazios campaign website include Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo and Scott Frantz, the former state senator who was upset by Kasser in 2018, 22,261 votes to 21,645. According to the Secretary of the State, the Senate district comprises of all 61,171 Greenwich residents; 25,463 Stamford residents, mostly North Stamford but including the citys heavily Democratic Connecticut Avenue area; and a slice of 10,256 people in New Canaan. The Stamford portion of the district was responsible for tipping both the 2018 election, when Kasser defeated Frantz, and her 2020 reelection. Last November, while Fazio carved a 239-vote margin in Greenwich and a 765-vote edge in New Canaan, Kasser won the Stamford portion and the seat with 8,883 votes to Fazios 6,317 votes. In 2018, it was Stamfords 6,968 votes that took Kasser over the top, to Frantzs 4,650 votes. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill reports that currently Greenwich has 14,548 registered Democrats to 14,289 Republicans and 19,025 unaffiliated voters, with 951 belonging to minor parties. The Stamford portion of the Senate district has 8,025 registered Democrats to 4,993 Republicans, with 7,851 unaffiliated voters and 471 minor party registrants. In New Canaans slice of the 36th Senate District there are 2,347 Democrats, 3,819 Republicans, 3,236 unaffiliated voters and 109 in minor parties. Saturdays convention showdown Fazio, Arora and Levy all have pledged to fight for the solid Republican positions of lower taxes, better economic growth and fiscal responsibility in the State Capitol. But Nancy DiNardo, chairwoman of the Democratic State Central Committee, said Friday that the district has shifted to Democrats in recent years for a reason. It seems to me that the Republicans are out of touch with the voters in the 36th district, DiNardo said in a Friday phone interview. During the last two cycles they lost and they seem to be supporting candidates now who are out of touch as well. Democrats currently have a 24-12 majority in the Senate and a 97-54 edge in the state House of Representatives. Ben Proto, the recently appointed Republican State Chairman, said the three candidates are eminently qualified. Alex Kasser did the people of Connecticut a huge favor when she stepped down and in all likelihood will allow a Republican to go to Hartford, Proto said in a phone interview this week. At the end of the day, the people of the 36th District will be better-served by a Republican. Camillo, whose first selectman victory in 2019 led to the special state House of Representatives election that Arora won last year, said he supports Fazio for a variety of reasons, including the jobs he has done on the RTM and on a town energy committee that is planning on how to make Greenwich more resilient. All three candidates are very qualified, Camillo said in a Thursday phone interview. I think they would all go up to the Senate and do a great job. Theyve given us a hard choice. Competition is a good thing. Its a tough race. Its a short race, and it comes down to who do you think is the best candidate to go forth in a special election. Fazio ran a strong campaign, and was outspent by Kasser, but still got nearly 49 percent of the district vote, Camillo said. He has the team in place, Camillo said. He knows the issues and I think he has his hand on the pulse of the district. Levy said she is looking eagerly to Saturdays convention. Obviously, I think Im the best candidate, but I think all three nominees would do a good job, said Levy, 64, in a phone interview. The job needs to be done and that is why I am running. Levy said that she had already been planning a 2022 challenge against Kasser when the Democrat announced her resignation on June 22. Levy also cited her opposition to Democratic legislation that among other things proclaimed racism a public health crisis, as another reason for her interest in seeking the Senate seat. It was then that I realized we need more Republicans and especially Republican women, in Hartford, Levy said. Fazio, in a phone interview, said that whoever wins the nomination, Republicans should regain the seat next month. I feel optimistic about my campaigns chances in the convention, Fazio said. I appreciate the serious and careful consideration that all of the delegates have put into this challenging process, when the Republican Party is blessed to have three good candidates for the seat. I am optimistic that we will unite to win back the seat and bring positive change to the state of Connecticut. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT An intriguing story by Motherboard tells the tale of an ordinary-looking midrange phone with significant intentions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) used a Google Pixel 4a with customized firmware to intercept messages sent to direct criminal activity. Motherboard obtained the actual device and detailed how this was done. Motherboard has obtained and analyzed an Anom phone from a source who unknowingly bought one on a classified ads site. Court documents explain that an ex-seller of other bands of secure devices developed their own product called Anom and presented it to the FBI to use for investigations. The PIN entry screen scrambled numbers every time it appeared. Source:Motherboard With the obtained device, Motherboard learned about some of the innards of the Anom phones firmware and software features. The lockscreen on the phone showed a self-scrambling PIN screen, which rearranged the numbers on the PIN screen every time it was used to make it harder for eavesdropping eyes or apps to figure out the real PIN. Anom login screen. Source: Motherboard The phone itself did not really work as a regular smartphone does. It had regular app icons for commonly used social media and dating sites, but they didnt open anything when pressed. The phone was running whats called ArcaneOS (as shown in the Pixel 4as boot screen) and a quick Google search of the name leads to posts from confused buyers who unknowingly purchased a device flashed with the operating system. The one from this story was an XDA member in Australia. The phones software was modified, and bootloaders locked, so they was difficult to flash back to retail software. Anom phone's settings screen. Source: Motherboard Last month, the FBI, and law enforcement partners in Europe and Australia announced hundreds of arrests from millions of Anom users messages for years. 27 million messages were obtained from over 11,800 devices running the Anom software across more than 100 countries. Criminals are alleged to have smuggled cocaine on large-scale trafficking orchestrations using these Anom phones. When these reports surfaced, users rushed to sell their Anom devices to unsuspecting people buying a cheap used phone. Check out the full story on Motherboard at the first Source link below. Sources 1 * 2 ZTE is currently the only company that is commercially selling a smartphone with selfie camera hidden under the display and it's about to release its second generation any moment now. We expect the Samsung Galaxy Fold3 to also adopt the tech, Oppo has also been working on a solution, and now Huawei is on its way to join them after patenting a smartphone with a UPC. The official documents came with illustrations that were used by the folks over at LetsGoDigital to create renders of the phone. The image suggests this phone is likely to be a midranger. It looks a lot like the Honor X20 SE with its camera island and overall design, but of course patent drawings don't have to reflect the actual upcoming products, so it may be something else entirely. The actual patent was filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), which is little surprise as China is Huawei's only major market when it comes to smartphones these days. Via (in Dutch) LGs plans to sell iPhones at its Best Shop locations have been put on hold after a public outcry from small and medium-sized businesses. The South Korean government has a policy that is meant to shield smaller retailers by keeping giants like Samsung and LG from selling competing products at the stores they own. The worry is that if they do, these larger retail locations will draw customers away from the smaller ones and those are already quite vulnerable due to the pandemic. Of course, Samsung wasnt a fan of this plan either as it feared that the expanded availability of iPhones will threaten its domestic market share of 5G phones. LG has over 400 Best Shops around the country. LG has some internal concerns too. The sale of Apple products will pull manpower and distribution channel resources away from LG products. There is also the thought that smartphone sales influence home appliance sales (especially the ones with smart features tied to a particular platform), so a loss of phone sales can hurt other businesses too something that should worry both LG and Samsung. There are also stories of disagreements between Apple and LG, which are further reasons to delay things. While LG wanted to have Apple gadgets in all of its Best Shops, Cupertino was pushing to have the deal cover only 200 or so stores since other locations didnt meet its requirements. LG has reportedly stopped training its employees who were preparing to sell Apple products (including iPads and Apple Watches). Whether or not this plan is resumed after the pandemic is not clear for now LG is calling this a temporary suspension. Source (in Korean) | Via These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Nokia has filed numerous patent infringement complaints against Oppo regarding SEP and non-SEP patents. These patents are about connectivity, interface and security features. The complaints are filed in European and Asian markets. Oppo and Nokia signed a multi-year licensing agreement back in 2018 and it seems that the contract is over. Nokia put out an official statement that Oppo has rejected the offer of renewing the contract so it had to take legal actions since Oppo continues to use those patents. The spokesperson for Nokia believes that there is still a more constructive way to deal with the situation. Nokia, after all, has quite a lot of patents up its sleeve and has signed royalty-bearing agreements with Samsung, Apple, LG, Lenovo and even Blackberry. Source The Sony Xperia 1 III may be the ultimate power user phone it checks boxes that other phones dont even know exist (e.g. dual focal length telephoto) or have forgotten about (3.5 mm jack, whats that?). But its also a phone that is not easy to love due to some frustrating limitations. The main attractions are out in the open the 4K OLED 120 Hz display, the stereo speakers, a microSD slot, two-stage shutter key, mostly stock Android 11 along with the aforementioned headphone jack. But when we dug into the details, we found that not all is as it seems. For one, only some apps actually run in 4K resolution and its not always easy to tell which ones. Thats perhaps for the best as 4K mode disables the 120 Hz refresh rate and drops you back to 60 Hz. Heres Will walking you through all the awesome and not-so-awesome features of Sonys Mark 3 flagship: Some of the issues can be traced back to that high resolution, high refresh rate display. Its not all that bright, yet draws more energy, negating the advantage of the larger battery compared to the Mark 2. When you do play HDR content, however, it does look amazing and some apps get a brightness boost with Creator Mode. If the first-ever 4K 120 Hz display isnt why you would upgrade to an Xperia 1 III, is the one of a kind camera a better reason? The main and ultra wide cameras turn in really good photos, though Sony should think about adding a dedicated Night mode. That unique telephoto camera does well at 2.9x magnification even in (not too) dark scenes. We wish the image was sharper at 4.4x magnification, though. If you want to have a closer look at camera samples from the Xperia 1 III, check out our written review. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 520-625-5511 Haiti - Health : Update on Martine Moise's state of health The First Lady Martine Moise arrived Wednesday, July 8, 2021 afternoon at the Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale international airport from Haiti, via the Dominican Republic in an ambulance plane thanks to the rapid intervention of the US Department of State https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html is currently at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Recall that according to several corroborating sources, the First Lady of the Republic Martine Moise, during the assassination of her husband, President Jovenel Moise in his residence https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html by a Colombian commandos https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html would have been hit with 3 bullets during the attack (one in the hip, another in the arm and a last in the abdomen), information neither confirmed nor denied by the authorities... So far [Thursday, July 8] none of the doctors who take care of the First Lady of Haiti has made an official statement on the state of health of Martine Moise, but we know "unofficially" from an internal source that his condition "although stable would still be critical" and that all means would be used to save his life. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-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-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : Reopening of the international airport Thursday, Prime Minister ai Claude Joseph, announced the reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport and the standardization of flights, less than 48 hours after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html "we have already passed instructions to reopen it" declared the Head of Government This announcement of the reopening of the airport coincides with that of the National Police that the members of the commando who assassinated the President were captured or killed https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html . Recall that the international airport was closed on Wednesday https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34163-haiti-flash-closure-of-the-airport.html a few hours after the assassination of President Moise and since then, only diplomatic and humanitarian flights were allowed to take off and land. The Dominican Republic has also suspended all its flights to or from Haiti and also closed land borders https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34179-haiti-dr-decisions-of-the-security-council-for-the-strengthening-of-the-border-with-haiti.html Sunrise Airways announces the resumption of its activities this Friday, July 9, 2021, for the following flights: S6 022 Port au prince to Jeremie at 9:00 a.m. S6 023 Jeremie to Port au Prince 10:05 a.m. S6 030 Port au Prince to Les Cayes 11:05 a.m. S6 031 Les Cayes to Port au Prince 12h00 15h00 S6 014 Port Au Prince to Cap Haitien 13h00 S6 015 Cap Haitien to Port au Prince 2:00 p.m. S6 016 Port Au Prince to Cap Haitien 3:15 p.m. S6 017 Cap Haitien to Port au Prince 4:15 p.m. All passengers with tickets issued for July 9 will be confirmed and priority will be given to passengers with tickets issued for July 7 and 8, you must arrive 2 hours prior to your departure time. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34179-haiti-dr-decisions-of-the-security-council-for-the-strengthening-of-the-border-with-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34163-haiti-flash-closure-of-the-airport.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Justice : Hunt for Latin Americans in Haiti, the OPC calls on the population to calm The Office for the Protection of the Citizen (OPC), an independent national institution for the promotion and protection of human rights, witnesses a hunt for Latin Americans present on Haitian territory under the pretext of looking for mercenaries (of Colombian origin) perpetrators of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html. The OPC calls for calm to the population. The Office demands the identification, arrest and trial of all the perpetrators and accomplices of this heinous act, regardless of their origin and nationality https://www.haitilibre.com/article-34183-haiti-flash -the-commando-who-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-Haitian-Americans-official-video.html The OPC recalls that a good number of Latin Americans present in Haiti are professionals offering their services to the country particularly in the field of health and considers it unacceptable that they are the object of persecution, attacks and harms and accusations without proof. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Colombians banned from leaving Dominican territory The Dominican Republic is investigating the possible presence on its territory of 8 fleeing Colombians actively sought by the Haitian police, members of the commando who killed the President of Haiti Jovenel Moise https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html "Security agencies in airports, ports and border posts have been put on high alert to prevent any citizen of Colombian origin from leaving the national territory." Haiti calls for international support from the UN Thursday, after a closed meeting of the United Nations Security Council called urgently to deal with the crisis in Haiti, Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) told reporters "Haiti has requested international support to investigate the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and also in matters of security" adding "Haiti must specify exactly what it is looking for." All of the President's security agents under investigation Me Bed-Ford Claude, the new Commissioner of the Government of Port-au-Prince authorized by letter rogatory the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) to hear all the security agents close to President Jovenel Moise explaining that I passed a day in the President's residence with the Justice of the Peace and not having noticed any victim among the security agents wondering "If you are responsible for the President's security, where were you? " What did you do to avoid this fate for the president ?" Awaiting answers to his questions. In addition, the Divisional Commissioner Jean Laguel Civil, Security Coordinator of the President and Dimitri Herard, head of the General Security Unit of the National Palace are also under investigation. 6 members of the commando, former Colombian soldiers Colombias defense minister Diego Molano said at least six attackers suspected of being involved in the assassination were "former members of the Colombian army". The PNH urges the population not to take justice into their own hands Leon Charles Director General ai of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) urges the population not to take justice themselves but they must help the police to locate other thugs in order to be able to control them and bring them to justice to that they can answer for their actions. Mirebalais : Escape failed 1 death Thursday July 8 in Mirebalais prison, during a failed escape attempt, a prison officer was killed HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up Email Password Password Username Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password. Stay logged in Help Published on 2021/07/08 | Source New still added for the upcoming Korean movie "Hostage: Missing Celebrity" (2019) Advertisement Directed by Pil Kam-sung With Hwang Jung-min, Han Kyu-won-I, Lee Ho-jung, Kim Joo-hee-I, Ji Nam-hyuk,... Synopsis After a VIP movie premiere, Korean top movie star Hwang Jung-min gets kidnapped by strangers. Jeong-min first thinks that someone is playing pranks, but the kidnappers' cruelty helps Jeong-min realize that the abduction is no joke. Jeong-min tries to find his way out, while the kidnappers demand him a huge amount of ransom within 24 hours. Jeong-min encounters a real brutality that is way different and more extreme than the ones he has seen in the movies. Release date in Korea : 2021/08 Hannibal, MO (63401) Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Hannibal, MO (63401) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Check out our Affordable Print and Online Subscription Rates! Affordable rates for: Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties, as well as the towns of Doniphan and Giltner, Fillmore, Franklin, Kearney, Thayer Counties, Smith, Jewell Counties (Kansas) Subscribe Our View: Veterans home is a good addition for Mohave County Havasu would be proud to be home to a veterans assisted living home The Blaine County Commission held a meeting Thursday to discuss possible additional taxation of recreational marijuana in the county, discussion that will likely be taking place in Hill County in the near future as well. Blaine County Commissioner Frank DePriest said this meeting would not end with any action taken but was instead intended to be a conversation between the commission and other county entities about the issue. This is something we need to take a hard look at, DePriest said. The implementation of legalized recreational marijuana includes a 20 percent state tax which will be used to fund addiction-treatment programs, environmental conservation, state parks and veteran care. Under the bill legalizing the substance, which will take effect in January, counties are allowed to impose an additional 3 percent tax on marijuana, half of which will go directly to the county, with another 45 percent going to municipalities, and the remaining 5 percent going to the Montana Department of Revenue. The imposition of such a tax would require a vote by the citizens of the county, one that can be included on any county election ballot or by special election. The consensus at the meeting appeared to be in favor of putting such a tax into a special election that would take place at the same time as the city elections scheduled for this coming November, but many details require hashing out. I dont see why we wouldnt want to tax it, said Blaine County Undersheriff Chris Adair. I mean, there arent very many things that create tax revenue for Blaine County to begin with, so why would you want to miss the opportunity? There was some confusion expressed by some about whether what the county would use the money for would need to be specified on the ballot, but Blaine County Attorney Kelsie Harwood said, based on her understanding, the county can use the money from the tax however it wants, and is not required to specify that in the election. Some expressed skepticism that even proponents of, or users of, recreational marijuana legalization would be keen on imposing a tax on themselves, but it does represent revenue the county has never had before. Are they going to tax themselves an additional three percent when theyre getting taxed 20 percent already? asked Blaine County Commissioner Miles Hutton. That should be interesting. Those present also discussed the possibility of cities like Chinook and Harlem voting for ordinances that prohibit dispensaries from being established in city limits. Blaine County Clerk and Recorder Tammy Williams said, based on what shes been told, any ordinance like that would be backed up by federal law and any ordinance they make regarding the placement of dispensaries would not be superseded by recreational marijuanas recent legalization. Harlem City Council Member Jennifer Owens said her constituents do have some legitimate concerns and questions regarding what the city can and should do regarding such ordinances. Owens primary question was whether the city can choose to allow medicinal but not recreational dispensaries, or if its an all-or-nothing decision. Judge Perry Miller suggested she get in contact with the legal counsel of the Montana League of Cities and Towns, that they would almost certainly have an answer. Owens said she and Harlem Mayor Ralph Schneider agree that the people of the city should have control over whether to allow such establishments in the city. She said based on her interactions with people, the majority support the regulated sale of marijuana and it makes little sense to her to turn down possible revenue that can be generated through taxation. Hill County Commissioner Jake Strissel, who attended the meeting, said the Hill County Commission has had a few conversations about marijuana taxation but no official meetings yet. Strissel said city ordinances in Havre ban medical dispensaries in city limits and heshopiung to talk to Havre Mayor Tim Solomon about the matter sometime in the near future. He said dispensaries hes spoken to dont want to go through the tax headache of becoming recreational and will stay specifically medicinal. DePriest said the commission will certainly hold more meetings about the issue and will look into filling the gaps in their understanding before moving forward with a possible resolution to put the tax up for a vote. Blaine County Commissioner Dolores Plumage said she wants the community members to attend any public meetings on the matter and said their voices in this matter are valuable. The tax could also be put on a ballot by petition, which Williams said usually requires signatures from 15 percent of voters in the area. North Central Senior Citizens Center July 12-16 Senior Center is open Menu Monday Salisbury steak, hashbrowns and gravy, beets, fruit Tuesday Applesauce, roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, gingerbread Wednesday Philly steak sandwich, potato salad, brownies Thursday Tuna noodle casserole, garlic cheddar biscuits, salad, cookies Friday Soup, salad bar, chefs choice, dessert. The Senior Centers doors did open to the public on Wednesday July 7, 2021, and we had a nice crowd for our first day open. We are all very excited to be open and seeing our senior friends again after quite some time. Marci wants everyone to remember to make an appointment if you need help from her. Also everyone must be wearing a mask to go back and meet with her. We are still providing limited services by phone with individuals bringing their paperwork down to the center only if they have an appointment. Help is also being given over the phone whenever possible. For those still a little worried about eating out, our grab and go bags are still available. Remember to call for the to go bags before 10am that morning. Reopening: With the increase of COVID-19 cases in Hill County, we did delay our reopening of the center until now. The reopening plan was taken to the commissioners and they agree it is now time to open our doors. When we opened, many things had to change. The center will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. Upon entering the building, you will have to wear a mask and your temperature will be taken at the door. The number of occupants in the building will have to be limited. We seated only four guests to a table. When they came in they kept mask on until we began eating. Meals were served at your table. Our new hours for the Senior Center will now be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation: The Senior Center will provide senior transportation Monday throughThursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, transportation is medical only and you must give 24 hour notice. Shopping trips call ahead for Walmart shopping the first Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:30 p.m. There will be no more grocery delivery. Important phone numbers Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Tumbleweed Runaway and Family Crisis Program: 259-2558 (local) 1-888-816-4702 (toll free) Friendship Line by Institute on Aging The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warm-line for non-emergency emotional support calls. It is a 24-hour toll-free line and the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Toll-Free Line: (800) 971-0016 For those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montanas Warm Line. Medicare open enrollment has come to an end. However, if you are having problems with prescriptions you can call Marci and see if she can help you. For those on Medicaid and Big Sky she can still make changes. For an appointment Call Marci at 265-5464. Improving care through telehealth: Technology can be especially valuable for people in remote areas or places with few medical professionals. Using portable devices, health care providers can test and treat patients without them coming into the office. This practice is called telehealth. A doctor in a rural area can consult on a patients scan with a specialist in another state if need be. Someone with diabetes can monitor their blood sugar in real-time and have the data sent to their health care provider. Wearable sensors can alert a caregiver if a person with dementia leaves the house. These are all examples of how telehealth is changing medical care. Researchers are developing new ways to analyze blood samples for patients at home. Through advances like this, telehealth is helping medical professionals deliver effective, long-distance care. The Montana Renewable Energy Association hosted a community meeting at District Four Human Resources Development Council Thursday night as part of their Montana Rural Solar Access Project, which aims to promote small-scale solar energy installation and break down barriers that may prevent people who want to use them from getting them. Program Coordinator Evora Glenn said this was the second in a series of meetings across the state meant to gather information about community members questions and concerns regarding solar energy. Most of the solar development in the state has happened in Montanas bigger communities, Glenn said in a press release. ... We want to learn about their experience. The meeting began with a presentation in which she laid out the benefits of solar power for people in Montana which she said has more potential than other states like Minnesota, despite having a comparatively small industry with only 300 total jobs. She said the average Montanan can cover all of their energy needs with a seven-kilowatt system, which includes between 15 and 20 panels, and while the up-front cost of installation can be an issue, switching to solar power saves thousands of dollars for home-owners in energy bills over the course of a solar panels lifespan. She said people can go to https://pvwatts.nrel.gov and plug in their address and energy rates to see how much they can potentially save with solar energy and over what period of time. This up-front cost, which for the a seven-kilowatt system, can be around $13,000 after factoring in federal tax-credits, was a topic of much discussion at the meeting, with one attendee saying the cost can be daunting for home-owners even when the long-term savings are taken into account, and lower-income people may not be able to do it at all. Glenn lamented that the up-front cost can be a barrier for a lot of people, but resources are out there for people, including loan programs and grants for small businesses looking to change. She said MREA is trying to expand the number of programs available to people, companies, and cooperativess that need financial assistance making the switch, but much of that will require new legislation or regulatory changes on the state level. Despite the cost, she said, the energy independence solar energy offers, as well as the savings, makes it a viable option for many and can increase the value of peoples homes as well. After the meeting, Glenn said the concerns shared by those at the meeting mirrored what shes heard in other states, particularly concerns about installation costs. Maintenance issues regarding solar panels were also discussed at the meeting, and MREA Executive Director Andrew Valainis said they are deceptively low-maintenance devices which have no issue dealing with rain or even hail, and even serve to protect the roofs theyre put on. Valainis said they sometimes need to be brushed off if theres a great deal of snow, but much of the time the heat of panel melts the snow and its not necessary. He said high wind can sometimes be a concern but installers take such things into account and will have more information than he will regarding the more technical aspects of maintenance. He said the installer market is still small in Montana so travel is often necessary for them, which can also be a barrier. Glenn said MREAs website, https://montanarenewables.org, has a list of reputable installers and their locations, though it is not comprehensive. Seven people showed up to the meeting Thursday, including Blaine County Commissioner Frank DePriest, which is about half of what Glenn saw at the last meeting in Fort Benton, but she said she is always happy to see anyone come to them. Meeting like this will continue through late September in White Sulphur Springs, Red Lodge, Hamilton, Dillon, Forsyth, Glasgow, Columbia Falls and Shelby. Information about future meetings can be found at http://www.MontanaRenewables.org/MRSAP . Are we in a drought or arent we? Is it dry here or isnt it? The National Weather Service and USDA both say we are and say it is. And its those kinds of institutions that I trust. So, if were in a drought, and Hill County has already been declared a disaster area, then I just have one question for the people who make these types of decisions. And that question is, why were fireworks allowed over this past Fourth of July holiday? I just dont understand the thinking there, and the 11 fire calls the Havre Fire Department received last Sunday night only served to back up my question as being more than valid. Now, while fire calls on the Fourth of July may be perfectly normal, if indeed we are in the drought that people say we are, then it stands to reason that fireworks this year were a bigger risk than normal. If we are in that type of drought situation right now, then, it stands to reason that grass and other natural fuels would have been more dry and ready to burn than a normal year. Im not an expert, but I can figure that one out on my own. So again, and Im sorry if Im pooping on the party here, but I just dont understand why fireworks were worth the risk this year given where Havre and Hill County are in terms of dry conditions. And the lack of a decision to ban fireworks this year, while other counties on both ends of the state, Custer to the east, and Missoula in the west, had total fireworks bans, is confusing based on the drought conditions and what the rest of the summer holds. In terms of that, my guess is, we could end up facing water restrictions in Havre and Hill County if things dont improve, and if we get to a point where water restrictions become necessary, as they already have become in other parts of Montana, then I will fully understand and support that decision. And yet, we couldnt burden ourselves to go a year without fireworks in Havre? I just dont get that. I just dont understand why we needed to put ourselves, our neighbors, our first responders and our entire community at risk of fire and possibly worse when in the days leading up to Fourth of July weekend, all anyone could talk about was how hot and dry it was, and how there was no end in sight. If the conditions Havre and Hill County had been experiencing in the days and weeks leading up to the Fourth werent the type of conditions to prohibit the use of fireworks then what kind of conditions would it take for a fireworks ban? I get it, the Fourth is a big deal to a lot of people, and after what weve all went through with the pandemic, maybe even more so this year than most years. People were ready and needed to celebrate. I also understand that fireworks are a nice way to make money. Thats not lost on me, considering my family once owned the local Golden Dragon stands. So, I know all about fireworks and the Fourth of July. That however, doesnt mean fireworks were the right thing to do in Havre and Hill County this year. There were plenty of other ways to honors and celebrate our nations birthday, and while fireworks is the fun way to do it, in my opinion, given the drought were in and the conditions being what they were, fireworks were not worth the risk this year, and they should have been prohibited. And honestly, I think we really dodged a bullet with them not being banned. We were dang lucky things didnt turn out worse in our community, and having said that, thanks to the Havre Fire Department for making sure they didnt turn out worse. Flat Rock council hears from residents at first town hall Flat Rock resident John Gerni questions members of the Village of Flat Rock Council about how a COVID relief grant might be used in the village. Gerni spoke during a town hall Thursday night. FLAT ROCK The North Highland Lake Road widening project and how the village might spend $1 million in Covid relief money were among the topics Flat Rock residents discussed Thursday evening during a town hall with elected leaders. Lets have a conversation. Lets see whats on your mind, Flat Rock Mayor Nick Weedman said as he opened the meeting at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church. About 25 residents attended the meeting, the first in a series of town halls the Village Council plans to hold in coming months. The widening project on North Highland Lake Road was on the minds of several residents who questioned Weedman and council members. They wanted to know when construction will likely begin, how long it will take, how many lanes will be added to the two-lane road and if the road will impact the Park at Flat Rock. A few residents said they were concerned about plans to close a portion of the road to replace a culvert near a dam just off the roadway. Addison Brown, who lives near where the closure will likely take place, said he was concerned about gaining access to his home, emergency medical service access and a wedding that is planned on his property in September. Anne Coletta, the villages vice mayor, said she would try to get more information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation about how residents will access their property during the closure and a timetable for when the road will be closed for the culvert replacement. Most of the work to move utilities for the project is complete and construction is expected to begin in the fall. The work to widen the road is expected to take two years, Coletta said. Once complete, it will include three left turn lanes and a less severe curve near the park. The speed limit will remain at 35 mph. They are taking most of the property they need from the park, Coletta said. We tried to mitigate some of the negative impact on the park. They will be taking the edge of the park right around. Coletta said she was also concerned about speeding once the road is widened because it will be easier for drivers to feel comfortable going faster than 35 mph once the road is wider and the curve is less sharp. Other residents asked about the whether the village expects to receive money from a government Covid relief grant, how much it will receive and how the money will be spent. The village is expected to receive $1,078,153.45 from the American Rescue Plan grant, Weedman said. But the money must be spent on Covid-related projects and is subject to audit, he said. The more we learn about it, the more narrow it gets, he said. John Gerni, who moved to Flat Rock from Brevard a few weeks ago, asked Weedman if the definition of Covid-related was made clear. Flat Rock does not have its own police department, fire department or public works department, which means much of what could be covered by the grant does not apply to the village, Weedman said. Were getting more information, he said. One resident asked if some of the grant could go to the Flat Rock Playhouse. The theater closed in response to the pandemic. It did not hold a season in 2020 and remains closed this summer. The Playhouse has been severely impacted. We are looking into that, Weedman said. That seems to me it might qualify, but time will tell. Weedman and others on the council also fielded questions about improvements to the park, nuisance animals, taxes and the possibility that homeless people might be occupying some open land in the town. Council members said most of the responsibility for homeless people staying on land is up to the property owner but that the Henderson County Sheriffs Department is also available to respond to problems. Henderson County representatives are also available to respond to animal concerns, members said. The council is also considering building raised boardwalks at the park, they said. The town is not planning a tax increase this year, Weedman said. But property values in the village are likely to increase, he said. Flat Rock decided to hold a series of town hall meetings as a way to give residents a chance to get involved and speak directly with their elected leaders. Residents who attended Thursdays meeting gave council members a round of applause at the conclusion. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12 with the location to be announced. THE Mayor of Henley has issued a message to a graffiti artist Grow up, you idiot. Sarah Miller spoke out after a series of tags were sprayed on street furniture around the town. She called the unknown offender immature and appealed to anyone who knows his identity to contact the town council. The name Kazo has appeared in several places in recent months, notably on the railway overbridge in Mill Lane. Both sides of the metal bridge are covered with graffiti, as the Henley Standard reported last month. At the time, this included a swear word which was daubed on one side in white paint. Network Rail, which is responsible for the bridge, refused to clean it but agreed to remove the offensive material. This was done but within days the graffiti returned with the words Kazo is king sprayed over a patch of yellow paint. The same tag has also been sprayed on a bus shelter in Reading Road, near the junction with St Marks Road, and on a parking sign in the same street opposite Upton Close. The Mayor said: I find it really upsetting. I dont understand why people feel the need to do this and I know it is frustrating for residents. The mentality of someone who thinks this is a cool thing to do to splash their name all over the town I just dont know what is going through their head. We simply dont want this sort of thing in the town and we will have to think of ways that we can remove the graffiti. Of course, there is going to be a cost to clean it up. Councillor Miller said she didnt want to see graffiti but was at a loss as to how to prevent it. We can keep removing the graffiti and then the idiot will keep doing it, she said. I dont see how we can stop it totally. All we can do is keep removing it and hopefully they will get bored and go somewhere else. I would ask anybody who knows who this person is, to call or email me or anyone else on the council. They can do it discretely. Somebody must know who this person is. Lets talk to them and ask them politely. It is such a silly and immature thing to do. I hope we can get to the bottom of this. Hopefully, if we find out who it is, I can buy them some crayons and a pad and they can draw some pictures in that and not on the streets of Henley. The graffiti on the railway bridge was first raised by Geoff Luckett, chairman of the Henley Society, a conservation group. He called the bridge an eyesore and complained to Network Rail. Mr Luckett said: One of our members offered to go down and scrub it with a wire brush and then repaint the bridge. It would be quite a big job but Network Rail says they cant have anyone who is not a professional working so close to a live railway line. A company spokesman said: While we recognise graffiti can be unpleasant, the cost of removal can often be expensive. The safety of the public, passengers and our staff is our number one priority and our track engineers regularly check the condition of our rail infrastructure. The overbridge is not in need of repair and therefore is not something we would prioritise to do. PLANS for a Premier Inn in Henley have divided residents. They were responding to a planning application for the five-storey building, which would be built on the car park at the station. The application was submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, by Blocwork, a partnership between the landowner Network Rail and developer Bloc Group, of London. Geoff Luckett, chairman of the Henley Society, a conservation group, says the developer has failed to respect the historic character of the adjacent conservation area. He also says the 115-bedroom hotel would be unneighbourly, particularly to residents living in Wyndale Close, which backs on to the car park. Mr Luckett says: If allowed at all, the hotel should be no more than three storeys tall and provide underground parking. The proposed building would suit an airport or motorway situation but not a charming market town such as Henley and the building should be redesigned to acknowledge this. They [residents] will suffer the proximity of rubbish containers, additional noise and smells and possibly lack of light. Residents of Meadow Road and Upton Close would be similarly affected. Valerie Friend, of Wyndale Close, says: The proposed building is much higher than other buildings in the area [and] is of generic Premier Inn design, with no effort made to tailor it to a style more in keeping with more elegant local buildings. The noise from air conditioning units and from hotel and restaurant guests coming and going would disturb residents who live in neighbouring properties and prevent them from quiet enjoyment of their homes. Properties in Imperial Court and Wyndale Close would be affected by loss of light. Sarah Smith, who lives in Imperial Court, says: I can find no positives in this building. As a direct neighbour, it would have a negative impact on my life and privacy. The height of the building would result in the skyline being blocked out too. As this is a low budget hotel, there could be an increase in antisocial behaviour, something the area around the station already struggles with. Joy Robinson, of St Andrews Road, says: The building is an eyesore and not in keeping with properties in the Henley area and spoils the aspect from the station. It would take light from some of the nearby properties and would increase traffic and traffic flow in Station Road. It would reduce the number of parking places available, with parking being one of the major problems in Henley. The application was supported by Errol Facy, owner of Henley department store Facy and a former chairman of the Henley Society. He says: My family have traded in Henley for 125 years. A budget hotel is much needed to bring people into the town. The station car park is not an area of outstanding natural beauty. The building of the out-of-town supermarket sucked much trade from the town and was opposed by South Oxfordshire District Council. The proposed hotel is a welcome step to help regenerate the town. Wendy Morley, of Station Road, says: Henley is in real need of a quality hotel, offering good service and rates and Premier Inn never fails on that score. It would also bring jobs to the area. However, I think there needs to be a lot of thought and planning on the access to the hotel via Station Road to avoid a build-up of traffic at times. Jonathan Ramsey, of Northfield End, says: We welcome the proposed hotel development. It would provide access to affordable and good hotel accommodation, which is sorely lacking in Henley. Capacity is an issue throughout the year. We have often had colleagues who have had to stay in Reading or Marlow due to no availability in Henley. The hotel would also bring a standard and consistency to the offering in Henley. It would certainly encourage greater hosting of business and personal events closer to home to know we have this option available. Bloc Group says the project would increase the number of parking spaces by 12, bringing the overall total to 308, but residents worry this would not be enough to accommodate commuters, visitors and hotel guests. According to Network Rail, there is spare capacity at Henley. The scheme would also allow for 55 new spaces to be created at Twyford, the other terminus on the Henley branch line, where there is a shortage. There may also be more space generated in Goring and Wargrave. Bloc Group says the hotel would add 1.9 million per year to the local economy. Henley Town Councils planning committee is due to discuss the application on Tuesday. The deadline for public comments is July 23 and the district council is due to make a decision by September 6. McDONOUGH In just a few days, children will again run and dip their toes into the cold water spring flowing through this hallowed piece of land in McDonough. Many children will be playing in that same natural spring where their ancestors once drew water for drinking and cooking during what became, for some, the highlight of the year. And like those generations before them, children and their families this year will hear preachers talk about Gods love, forgiveness and salvation during camp meeting at the historic Shingleroof. As Henry County celebrates its 200th anniversary, 2021s Shingleroof is being called by organizers the Henry County Bicentennial Campmeeting. Shingleroof started at least as early as 1830, maybe earlier, so we have been there for most of the 200 years, according to county historian and author Gene Morris. We were not able to gather in 2020, due to pandemic restrictions, so people are chomping at the bit to get back on the old campgrounds. Greg Moss has attended camp meeting each of his 56 years on Earth, and he can count on one hand how many days his 24-year-old daughter, Hannah has missed. This will be the first time his 22-year-old son Haydon will not be able to attend. But Moss and his wife Mary Jane will be there among the worshipers and family, many of whom are the same people. My aunt has a tent, and we all stay as a family, he said. My brother and I, we have a house full. Id have to stop and count to see how manys in there. Some families have cabins on the property, which they call tents in homage to their ancestors who actually stayed in tents on the same property during camp meeting time. It was such a special place for me growing up, I wanted my kids to have that same experience, Moss said. Both of them love it so much... It doesnt matter what part of the year you go out there, there is that presence and its got to be the presence of God... Its one of the most peaceful places Ive ever been in my life. Moss, who does remodeling work, attends Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church in Milner. He tells about recently stopping to talk to a man who was surveying the Shingleroof property for stormwater drainage for the state of Georgia and the man told him he could sense something there. I told him its the same hope, the same feeling I get when I come out there, Moss said. Its just a peaceful place. I hope when we get to heaven, its like it is there. Moss loves the history and talking about the days when folks worked to get their crops in, then loaded up their horse and wagon, pulled their cows behind them and brought their chickens along as they pitched tents to spend time worshiping at Shingleroof. Families still pack up and head off to camp meeting, and Moss looks forward to again being with relatives and friends. Usually, my mama and aunt are on the front porch, he says about the cabin. My dad died when I was 10, but he loved that place tremendously. He was James Moss and my mama is Dianne Moss. My mamas sister is my Aunt Sylvia Crumbley... My uncle, Richard Crumbley was a big influence on us staying out there. He died awhile back. Ginger Irby, who has been on the Shingleroof Board of Trustees for nine years, is also looking forward to camp meeting next week. She doesnt know how many generations of her family have worshiped at the campground, but said her grandparents, Paul and Laura Cates built the family tent in 1960. Her parents are Paul and Jinny Cates. We always have a big Sunday lunch with lots of family, Irby said. We sit on the porch and talk with friends you dont get to see a lot. Its kind of like a family reunion on top of a friends reunion on top of church with a lot of things combined. Irby, who works for the McDonough CPA firm Hargrave, Freeman & Leto, attends McDonough First Presbyterian Church and said she looks forward to the music and preaching. Theres a lot of good music good old revival hymns and even the youth love to sing, she added. Its different from the contemporary services. Its back to the old gospel hymns. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. ...Ive been going to it all my life and my parents and grandparents have gone there and my kids love it. Its tradition. Its just an exciting time. Irby said her husband Robert and their children Rollins and Candler will join other relatives, including her Uncle Charlie Cates and Chase and Darian Cates, for a time of family worship and togetherness. Its hard to explain to people, but you kind of get back to simple living, Irby said. There are sawdust floors, no air conditioning... but its a great place to worship and get closer to God, your family and friends. Its important because for me, Im passing it along to my children. My grandparents passed it along to me. Sophe Pope has also been attending camp meeting all her life. (I am) following in the footsteps of generations past, she said. I cherish the singing of old hymns, front porch time with family and friends from near and far and an opportunity to totally unplug. Watching my four little girls run around and experience the joy of camp meeting is so special and heartwarming and is always a sweet reminder of Gods grace. Pope said her husband, Dusty also grew up going to camp meeting, which holds a special place for him. The Popes are the parents of four daughters ages 8, 6, 4 and 2. Many families will carry on those old traditions while other families new to Shingleroof Campmeeting will start making traditions of their own. Shingleroof, Henry Countys Bicentennial Campmeeting, will begin Friday, July 16 and end Thursday, July 22, with services at 7:45 each evening and at 11 a.m. on Saturday through Thursday. Shingleroof Campmeeting is interdenominational. The evening community revival services will include preaching and special music, with the Rev. Nate Keeler bringing the message Friday evening through Sunday evening. Rev. Jason Minter will preach Monday morning and the Rev. Dr. John Ed Mathison will preach Monday evening. Doug Stroup will serve as worship leader with Amy Stroup as pianist for the week. Mark Miller will serve as worship leader Sunday morning, and Chris Harris will lead worship on Friday evening. Other special music includes Revelation United from Fairview Baptist, The Jonesmen, Elizabeth Johnson, McDonough Presbyterian, Wanda Joy and Danny Howell, and other soloists and groups. Keeler is the lead pastor at Wilmingtons Brandywine Valley Baptist Church in Delaware. He and his wife, Shannan, met while at Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University). They have two children, Nathan and Aidan. Before being called as the senior pastor of BVBC, Keeler was an investment adviser in Washington, D.C., for two years and on staff at McLean Bible Church in Northern Virginia for eight years. He received his masters in Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary. Minter has been serving at Faith Presbyterian Church since May 2016. He received his bachelor of arts degree in Theology from the Baptist College of Florida and his master in divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. He is currently working on his doctorate degree from Reformed Theological seminary in the area of reformed expository preaching. He has 15 years of ministry experience both in student and pastoral ministry. He and his wife of 16 years have five daughters. Mathison has become a regular at Shingleroof, and retired in 2008, after 36 years of serving as the senior minister of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church. He is currently leading a non-profit ministry designated as the John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries and speaks at churches, conferences, and leadership training programs on a local, national and global scale. Stroup, the song leader for the week, is the assistant pastor at Crossroad Bible Church in Fort Valley, where he also serves as worship leader, teaches young adults and works with senior adults. He is a filmmaker and serves as the senior director of Make It Clear Studio where he produces faith-based films. He and his wife and seven children perform as The Stroup Family. The worship leader has also been part of the Peach State Quartet. The dining hall will not be open this year, but food trucks will be on site some evenings from 5-7 p.m., including Gezzos, Waffle House, Sweet Auburn BBQ and The Varsity. Located on the corner of Ga. Highway 155 and Campground Road in McDonough, Shingleroof Campground is situated on 100 acres of land, which historical records show were purchased in 1831. However, it is believed campmeeting was organized several years before that. Surrounded by woods, Shingleroof also offers The Ten Commandments Trail, a 1.5-mile nature trail that circles the campground. Along the way, walkers and hikers can follow a study of the Ten Commandments, as well as sit and meditate. The trails are open to the public during daylight hours, For more information and a detailed list of campmeeting events, visit www.shingleroof.org. The US is sending 3 million Moderna Covid-19 vaccines to Indonesia on Friday in what will amount to one of the Biden administration's largest single shipments yet, according to the White House. The Biden administration is also sending 1.5 million Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal, 500,000 Johnson & Johnson doses to Moldova and 500,000 Moderna doses to Bhutan, the White House says. The doses to Moldova will be the first sent from the US to Europe. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday that, in addition to the vaccines, the US was also working to increase assistance for Indonesia's broader Covid-19 response efforts. "We recognize the difficult situation Indonesia currently finds itself in with a surge of Covid cases and our thoughts are with those in Indonesia who are affected family," Psaki said. Indonesia recently extended its Covid-19 restrictions as the country reported a record number of daily deaths from coronavirus. On Wednesday, Indonesia saw 1,040 coronavirus deaths and reported nearly 35,000 new cases, according to the country's Covid-19 task force, as the highly contagious Delta variant circulates throughout the country. The Biden administration has set aside four million doses of vaccines for Indonesia and expects to send the additional one million "soon," though an official did not specify when. Moderna is a two-dose vaccine and this is the largest quantity of vaccines delivered in a single flight from the US so far. Distributing vaccines globally has been a complex undertaking for the Biden administration. White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients and national security adviser Jake Sullivan have worked with multiple federal agencies, including the Defense Department and State Department, to coordinate the process and maintain that the doses are delivered without strings attached. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Earlier this week, the Biden administration said it was sending millions of Covid-19 vaccines to countries in Latin America as part of President Joe Biden's commitment to play a leading role in ending the pandemic across the globe. The President has allocated 80 million vaccines to countries across the globe and has also pledged to donate an additional 500 million Pfizer doses. One million doses of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine shipped to Bolivia on Thursday, 1 million doses of Pfizer will head to Paraguay on Friday and 1.5 million doses of Moderna shipped to Guatemala on Wednesday, according to the White House. The White House has said that at least 75% of the 80 million vaccines would be shared with the global vaccination program called Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access, or COVAX, and 25% would be shared directly with countries in need. The move is part of the President's effort to reassert US leadership on the world stage and have America be an "arsenal of vaccines" in the fight against Covid-19. It will also serve to counter efforts by Russia and China to use their own state-funded vaccines to expand their influence across the globe. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Instacart has tapped one of the top female executives from Facebook to be its next CEO ahead of a possible Wall Street debut. Fidji Simo, who served most recently as a vice president and head of the Facebook App, will replace Instacart's cofounder Apoorva Mehta as chief executive of the fast-growing grocery delivery service. The hire makes Simo the rare female CEO of a large on-demand delivery company, and one that is reportedly making moves to go public. In a letter to the Instacart community Thursday announcing the news, Mehta said Simo was "at Facebook during its transition from a private company to the public market and understands what it takes to lead and scale a transformational company." "I believe that with Fidji at the helm we'll be in an even stronger position to realize our full potential and I look forward to working with her in our journey ahead," said Mehta, who will transition into the role of executive chairman of the board. Simo, who joined Instacart's board earlier this year and will officially begin as CEO on August 2, will be inheriting a company that has experienced a tremendous surge in customer and investor demand from the pandemic. The company, which was valued at $39 billion in March, saw its valuation double twice since the pandemic began. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Simo first joined Facebook in 2011 and has spent a decade at the social media giant. At Facebook, she oversaw development and strategy for its app, including its News Feed, Stories, Groups, Video and Marketplace services. Prior to that, she worked at eBay, where she was part of the company's strategy team. In a lengthy Facebook post on Thursday, Simo made clear she would draw on her experience working at Facebook, where she helped design its advertising business, to grow Instacart's more nascent ad sales operation. She said she "can't wait to work with [consumer packaged goods] companies big and small to help them get their products discovered." Nilam Ganenthiran, president of Instacart, told CNN Business in March the company aims to develop "a leading advertising platform that supports the entire grocery ecosystem." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. ATLANTA A federal jury has found Hampton resident Hakim Amal Archible guilty on three counts of filing or attempting to file false liens against federal officials and one count of obstructing or impeding the administration of the Internal Revenue Service. In this case, the defendant filed false liens against current and former public officials to bully and harass them, said Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. Archible learned that our office will vigorously pursue individuals who improperly weaponize the lien system in Georgia. TIGTAs statutory mission includes investigating individuals who are alleged to pose a threat to IRS employees engaged in the lawful collection of taxes, said J. Russell George, the Treasury inspector general for Tax Administration. Attempts to intimidate or retaliate against IRS employees engaged in the performance of their official duties will be aggressively pursued. We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorneys Office in working with TIGTA to protect the integrity of Federal tax administration. According to Erskine, evidence at trial showed that in October of 2014, Archible, 29, received an IRS tax penalty letter for $5,000 for filing frivolous tax returns. In retaliation, Archible filed false liens against the former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury and the former IRS Commissioner with the Fayette County Clerk of Court in 2014 and 2015. The liens were in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100 billion and named the federal officials as debtors and responsible parties for Archibles financial liabilities. Archible also filed false liens against Georgia state officials. Archible targeted Henry County officials, including the clerk of court, district attorney, and Superior Court judge, because he was being prosecuted there on unrelated charges. Archibles conduct demonstrated a pattern of harassment and retaliation. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Sentencing for Archible is scheduled for Oct. 1, at 10 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Adams and Erin N. Spritzer are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorneys Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. We accept obituaries only from the funeral home in charge. For information on submitting an obituary, please contact The Herald-Dispatch by phone at 304-526-2793 or email at obits@herald-dispatch.com. Obituaries for The Herald-Dispatch must be received by 2 p.m. to appear in the next days publication. Obituaries for the Wayne County News, which publishes on Wednesday, must be received by noon Tuesday. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one. Anderson, IN (46016) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Provo, UT (84601) Today Becoming partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 94F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Provo, UT (84601) Today Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 94F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 66F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Hermann, MO (65041) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 87F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, please log in to leave your message. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log In button at the top of the page and then register to create your account. Breaking News Updates Would you like to receive our Breaking News updates? Signup today! Calendar Updates Would you like to receive our weekly Calendar updates? Signup today! Deals Updates Would you like to receive Deals updates? Signup today! Please be aware that Cache Valley Publishing does not endorse, and is not responsible for alleged employment offers in the comments. Recommended for you A thrill ride is fun but one woman died from tearing her arteries from all the excitement. Most rides are for excitement seekers but this one enjoyed her last. What should have been a fun day at the park turned dark day for the loved ones. Thrill seeker loves the edge, but this edge was one gone over. The autopsy of an Ohio woman who died after riding a roller coaster at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park in Indiana, reveals what really happened. The victim was checked by the county coroner in three possible ways to help bring the reasons for the victim's untimely demise. Her death could be considered a freakish coincidence. Final destination-esque It was the last ride for Dawn Jankovic, age 47, on the The Voyage roller coaster at the Santa Clause Indiana amusement park, which she enjoyed at first before she was unresponsive, cited Kansas City. Despite her nearly gone condition after the ride, Park emergency medical technicians did first aid and rushed the victim to a hospital close by. How did Dawn Jankovic pass away? The death of Miss Jankanvic was left unexplained for a month- a total mystery. Last Wednesday, the medical examiner from Dubois County Katic Schuck gave the answer to everyone's questions. Schuck told the press, that the cause of death was three-fold when tearing her arteries. Another is a force from the roller coaster helped make the injury worse, last was blood loss due to the ride. Read also: Turkey Plane Accident Killed Three After Skidding Off Runway Ms. Jankovic tore her right internal thoracic artery that causes bleeding internally. Furthermore, the medical examiner said the roller coaster was working fine. But the ME said that the death was a random occurrence, noted the Indianapolis Star. Schuck said if the artery break happened without the forces on The Voyage thrill ride, it might have not killed her. Her body reacted negatively and it killed Jankovic.. However, the ride had nothing to do with it. The death was an accident, nothing more. One thrill ride might cost a boy his legs Another accident on a roller coaster ride turned bad for an 11-year-old boy, but at least he lives at the probable amputation of his legs, said his grandmother, cited AP News Aalondo Perry, a visually impaired child was injured while getting off the Branson Coaster when he was a tourist to Branson Town in southwest Missouri. This was told by his grandmother Shelandra Ford. Ford told a Memphis TV station in Tennessee, that her grandson was supposed to be with his older brother in one roller coaster car but had to ride another car alone as advised by one of the attendants of the ride. The child fell getting off the ride when it stopped, but the roller coaster started with part of his body trapped in the rails. He was freed after the Branson fire department took an hour and a half to free him. According to the report, Aalondo's legs and right arm were crushed by the ride's car. They added that his injured limb might not be saved. Related Article: 2 Indiana High School Students Killed in Freak Car Crash Going to Prom @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joe Biden has promised to offer diplomatic and humanitarian support, as well as military backup, to the embattled Kabul administration from afar, bringing the US engagement in the Afghanistan War to a close 12 days sooner than anticipated. Biden reiterated that the US did not go to Afghanistan to "nation-build," but that he promised Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that he would continue to advocate for women's and young girls' rights. Aside from diplomatic and humanitarian aid, Biden stated that the US will continue to provide technical and financial support to the country's security forces and air force. US military mission in Afghanistan to conclude on August 31 Biden's speech would not be a mission completed moment or a time of celebration, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who told reporters Thursday. Biden said Thursday at the White House, "When I announced our drawdown in April, I said we would be out by September, and we are on track to meet that target. Our military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31." Per CNBC, the White House acknowledged in April that US soldiers began the herculean task of withdrawing from Afghanistan. The Pentagon said on Tuesday that it has finished more than 90% of the work. The update from the United States Central Command, which controls America's military reach from Northeast Africa to South Asia, came in nearly two months ahead of Biden's earlier deadline. In recent days, the administration has attempted to portray ending the fight as a choice taken by Biden after determining that it is an "unwinnable war" with no military option. Even as the Taliban made fast inroads over large areas of the nation, Biden underscored the argument for his decision. After former President Donald Trump's administration reached an agreement with the Taliban to stop the US military deployment by May 1, the new pullout date was set. Biden said shortly after entering office that US troops would be out before the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden planned from Afghanistan, where he was given sanctuary by the Taliban, The Associated Press reported. With US and NATO allied forces quickly dwindling in recent weeks, suspicion grew that US combat operations has already come to an end. However, by selecting August 31 as the deadline for the drawdown, the administration acknowledged that the prolonged conflict is nearing its end while also giving itself some breathing room to deal with unresolved issues. The administration is still working on the terms of a security deal with Turkey for the Kabul airport, as well as the probable departure of thousands of Afghans who supported the US military operation. Given that Trump had already decided to remove US forces, Biden said that the prolonged US military engagement would have increased assaults on American troops and NATO members. Read Also: Donald Trump Sues Facebook, Twitter, Google For "Breach of Freedom of Speech" to Recover Accounts Bidens vows not to send another generation of troops The President promised that the US would support Afghan leaders as it handed over total control of Afghanistan's territory to the government, which the US oversaw, while also stating that he did not believe that keeping troops in the region would result in a better outcome. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome," Biden said, as per The Independent via MSN. The president's formal address comes as Taliban forces have made rapid gains in Afghanistan in recent weeks as US forces have withdrawn from long-held positions in the country, including Bagram Air Base, where the US is said to have left thousands of prisoners, including Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, and to have pulled out in the middle of the night without informing Afghan counterparts. Thousands of Afghans who fear Taliban retaliation as a result of the US withdrawal are anticipated to benefit from the initiative. The Taliban, on the other hand, cannot overthrow the Afghan government and do not pose a significant danger of gaining power, according to Biden. In the face of a North Vietnamese invasion, he dismissed comparisons to the Vietnam War, which concluded with a defeated US initiating a hurried evacuation of US soldiers and South Vietnamese allies. Related Article: Taliban Wins the War in Afghanistan as the UK, US Troops Pull Out, General Lord Dannatt Claims @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a week, the new Child Tax Credit will go into effect. On July 15, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will pay up to $300 per month per child to millions of parents. The payments will continue until the end of 2021, and the overall amount might be higher than any prior stimulus payment. If the proposed American Families Plan passes in its current form, the Child Tax Credit might be extended beyond this year. Some see the recently enlarged Child Tax Credit, which now pays between $3,000 and $3,600 per year to qualified families, as an extension of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) concept. Child Tax Credit compares to Universal Basic Income idea Progressive proponents of the payments have drawn parallels to a universal basic income. Republicans who oppose the Child Tax Credit, on the other hand, have made them. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Texas) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) described the Biden administration's expansion of the Child Tax Credit as a UBI program in a press release. Per The National Interest, the senators said, "This kind of universal basic income makes more Americans dependent on the government and severs the vital elements-work, marriage, community, and beyond-required to raise healthy families." Rubio and Lee took issue with a clause in the March 2021 American Rescue Plan Act that made the Child Tax Credit refundable, meaning it would be paid out even if a household owes no taxes. The two senators claimed that this disincentivizes work, which is a common issue of UBI; but one that has been called into question in the past years. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, July 7, President Joe Biden visited McHenry County College in Illinois to share his vision for America, Forbes reported. While the President is pushing the concept of "generational human infrastructure" through a variety of programs targeted at assisting Americans, there are several moving parts to his goal. Read Also: Fourth Stimulus Check Status: How to Get Money While Waiting for Congress to Pass New Legislation Biden urges to add new feature in Child Tax Credit The implementation of the new Child Tax Credit, which is set to begin on July 15, 2021, is one of the main investments he intends to make. Biden wants to make it clear that this credit is designed to help Americans. The President noted, "It's not a credit against your taxes, you'll get cash. Cash. You get the first half of $3,600 paid out between July and December, and you get the rest between January and Tax Day." Biden also wants to go a step further by extending the incentives for Americans who qualify until 2025. He plans to do this through the American Families Plan, which Democrats are attempting to pass through Congress. An extended credit would have a big impact. The $3,000 or $3,600 benefit for American families that receive it for five years may drastically alter their financial situation. Lower-income Americans will be able to give their children a more conducive environment. This may allow middle-income Americans to save for education or assist pay for childcare. Earlier this year, a group of Democratic legislators urged for the increased credit to be extended permanently, but Biden has only agreed to a four-year extension. Biden also demanded that the school system be stretched from 12 to 14 years, as well as that childcare be made free, as per The Sun. The initiatives are part of his "human" infrastructure plan, which he is attempting to get through Congress. Two years of free pre-K for three and four-year-olds, as well as two years of free community college, would be included in the 14 years. The address, which gathered roughly 100 Trump supporters, came just days before millions of Americans receive their first "family stimulus" checks on July 15. Eligible Americans will get one check each month until the end of the year, valued up to $300. The IRS has developed an interactive eligibility assistance tool on its website if you're unsure if you qualify for the credit. Non-filers can also check their eligibility on the federal agency's website. The tool is intended to be used by low-income Americans who do not earn enough to be required to submit a tax return. If you make less than $12,200 as a single taxpayer or $24,400 as a married couple filing jointly, you don't have to submit a tax return. Related Article: Fourth Stimulus Check Direct Payments Until 2025 Proposed: Joe Biden Pushes For Cash Assistance Instead of Tax Credit @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A small portion of the Taliban group traveled to Moscow on Thursday to meet with a special envoy and reassure the Russian government and its Central Asian allies that they are no threat despite their advance in Afghanistan. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Zamir Kabulov, the Kremlin envoy for Afghanistan, met with the Taliban to discuss the growing concerns regarding the situation in the northern parts of the war-torn country. The envoy allegedly tried to have the Taliban stop spreading their territory beyond Afghanistan's borders. Taliban Group's Expansion The ministry said it received assurances from the Taliban group that they were going to respect the borders of Central Asian countries. They added that the insurrection group guaranteed the safety of foreign diplomatic and consular missions in Afghanistan. The Taliban forced hundreds of Aghan soldiers to flee the border and return to Tajikistan earlier this week. The area the soldiers went into a Russian military base. As a response, Tajikistan called in 20,000 troops to bolster its defenses and strengthen its southern border with Afghanistan. However, the Taliban group's expansion in Afghanistan increased concerns among Russian officials of the potential destabilization of ex-Soviet Central Asian nations found north of the country. Russian state Tass news agency reported that Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen said they would not allow anyone to use Afghan territory to attack Russia or its neighboring countries, Yahoo News reported. Read Also: Joe Biden Announces US Military Troops to Pull Out Sooner Than Planned, Vows Not to Send Another Generation of Americans in Afghanistan Shaheen reportedly said that the Taliban group has a very healthy relationship with the Russian government. He added that his group wished to continue having a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin committed to providing support to Tajikistan authorities to help them bolster their defenses in the border area. The leader also discussed with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev regarding the worsening situation in the region during a phone call, Bloomberg reported. The incident came after Russian military helicopters in Tajikistan shot air-to-surface missiles in a training exercise on Tuesday. The Russian government said its troops in the Central Asian country were ready to defend the Afghanistan border. Afghanistan Border On Monday, Tajikistan President Emomali Rakhmon was the one who ordered the mobilization of the 20,000 military reservists to strengthen the Afghanistan border. On the same day, Putin committed to providing support to the region if they needed it. Tajikistan hosts one of Russia's largest military bases, which is equipped with tanks, helicopters, drones, and ground attack aircraft. The base could prove pivotal with the stabilization of the Afghan border if a fight breaks out. The Kremlin said in a statement that it could proceed with either direct or regional security bloc. Andrei Rudenko, Russia's deputy foreign minister, supported his country's commitment on Monday, saying he believed the Taliban now holds control over the majority of the border on the Afghan side. Rudenko said the situation in Afghanistan was intense and noted that about 70% of the Afghan border was under the direct control of the Taliban group. On Monday, he said that two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters conducted a training exercise in Tajikistan to prepare for potential conflict, Reuters reported. Related Article: Biden Administration Defends Door-to-Door Vaccination Efforts, Argues It's Not Mandatory Under Law @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Authorities in Dubai were looking into an explosion aboard a container ship carrying flammable chemicals on Thursday, which caused a blaze at one of the world's busiest ports and sent shockwaves across the city. The fire broke out soon before midnight on the huge vessel, which authorities said was ready to dock, at Jebel Ali Port. Firefighters raced to the site. The ship was engulfed in flames and smoke, but authorities claimed the fire was put out in 40 minutes and that no one was injured since all 14 crew members were evacuated in time. Dubai's massive container ship explosion The summer heat in the Gulf city, which is already over 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius, may have had a role in the incident, according to police. The Dubai Media Office said in a statement that Jebel Ali Port officials are continuing a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident and its circumstances. After a container ship exploded Wednesday night, authorities in Dubai reported "leakage" into the water at one of the city's key ports. Because of the ongoing investigation, authorities have restricted media access to the area, as per Newsweek via MSN. The damaged vessel is visible for only a few seconds in overhead footage provided by the government on Thursday before the camera moves to the rest of the huge port. The tiny Ocean Trader is burned, with heavy plumes of gray smoke rising from its containers and scorched wreckage scattered about the terminal. Per Fox News, the fire has been brought under control, according to Dubai's media office, and port authorities will "take all necessary measures to guarantee the regular operation of ships in the port." Civil Defense worked efficiently and suppressed the last stage of a fire that broke out in a container aboard a ship about to dock, according to authorities. Read Also: Watch Horrifying Video of Japan Landslide; Rescue Mission Continues With 3 Dead, 113 Missing Nearby residents shook by the blast Firefighters at Dubai's Jebel Ali port spent more than 12 hours putting out flames sparked by a container ship explosion. The Associated Press examined satellite pictures from Planet Labs Inc. that showed fireboats spraying water on the Ocean Trader. JUST IN - Massive explosion in #Dubai at Jebel Ali Port.pic.twitter.com/ZzRLj8vyBj Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) July 7, 2021 There were no injuries as a result of the explosion, but an anonymous source told a state media outlet that there were "minimal casualties." After smoke was observed pouring out of the containers, the crew "fled from the ship and the area was evacuated," according to the unnamed official. The photos obtained by the Associated Press revealed an oil-water mix in the seas surrounding the ship. After the incident, Dubai authorities stated there was a "leakage"; but they did not elaborate what caused the explosion. Authorities are praising firefighters for controlling the incident in "record time" and without disrupting port operations. Witnesses more than 15 miles away reported hearing the explosion on Wednesday night. The firm in charge of the container ship, Inzu Ship Charter, said that the authorities are working with a business executive in the inquiry. The explosives that shook residences in the United Arab Emirates city were captured on video, which circulated on social media. Related Article: Iran's Missile Attack May Have Mistakenly Targeted Cargo Ship, Thinking It Is Israel-Owned @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Four prisoners escaped from a county jail in Western Illinois on Thursday, prompting police to urge neighbors to stay inside their homes as they looked for the men. Four Inmates Escaped from Prison In a recently published article in Madison, authorities claimed one prisoner went missing from a cell block at the Fulton County jail in Lewistown, roughly 210 miles southwest of Chicago, on Wednesday night, prompting officers to investigate. Three more people were subsequently discovered to be missing. The following prisoners are Jesse Davis, 35, Cody Villalobos, 26, Zachary Hart, 36, and Eugene Roets, 23, who were not captured. Police authorities did not yet release any statements as to how these inmates escaped from their prison cells. In a social media post, "Under no circumstances should they be approached. Notify police authorities if any of them are seen," the sheriff's office posted along with the photos and pictures of the prisoners. Read Also: Myanmar Military Announces Planned Release of 2,000 Prisoners Amid Chaos and Unrest Criminal Charges of the Inmates Davis was being detained on accusations of methamphetamine possession and felon in possession of a firearm, while Villalobos was being held on charges of methamphetamine possession and resisting/obstructing police, according to a published article in NBC Chicago. Meanwhile, ABC News reports that Hart was being detained on accusations of home invasion, felon in possession of a weapon, and evading police while Roets was facing charges of methamphetamine possession and felon in possession of a firearm. The Sheriff's Office also posted on their social media account that they have been working in conjunction with the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force, Illinois State Police, Knox, Fulton, Peoria, and Mason County Sheriff's Offices, Canton, Farmington, Lewistown, and Havana Police Departments. Illinois Department of Corrections has been notified. More Information About the Prisoners As the search for the four-armed and dangerous inmates continues, FOX2 Now reports more detailed criminal records of the prisoners who escaped from the jail. Davis faces accusations of felons in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of methamphetamine, and aggravated criminal use of a weapon. He previously eluded police in Canton in March, according to documents, and was charged with aggravated reckless driving. The amount of his bail is set at $125,000. Zachary J. Hart is charged with aggravated domestic violence, home invasion, possession of a stolen debit card, firearm possession by a felon, weapon possession with no FOID, fleeing and evading a police officer, obstructing justice, and failure to appear pay order DUI. The amount of his bail is $285,000. Eugene Roets is charged with drug paraphernalia possession, theft, meth possession, ammunition possession, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a weapon without a FOID, criminal damage to State Supported Property, and aggravated violence. On May 15, Roets was sentenced to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and is now awaiting transfer. Cody Villabolos is charged with meth possession, drug paraphernalia possession, driving while license is revoked, possession of a controlled substance, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, possession of a weapon by a felon, failure to appear on a Pay Order - DUI, and possession of contraband in a penal institution. His bail has been set at $36,500. Residents in Lewistown and the neighboring towns are being asked to lock up their homes and cars, according to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. Officials warn not to approach these people because they are armed and dangerous. Related Article: New Ruling Junta Releases Thousands of Convicted Prisoners Following Protests Against Myanmar's Military Coup @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Science has proof that Neanderthals had common colds which is older than humans. The malady that includes symptoms of sneezes and runny noses have been causing inconvenience to humans in the last 500,000 years with no definite cure. This is what researchers are saying that it has been present for 500,000 years which inflicted ancient hominids to modern humans as well. It might be assumed that mankind and its forbears have been sniffling ever since. How the colds developed more than 700,000 years ago is not known yet. Humans and the cold virus are together ever since. Sneezies have bothered even cavemen The proof of this claim was drawn from DNA which had remnants of the adenovirus C, on a couple of 31,000-year-old teeth. it gives the impression that viruses linked to the common cold had been bothering humans for a long time reported Daily Mail. In 2019, the teeth were found in a Siberian archeological dig. Later, the samples were examined by Danish microbiologists at the Copenhagen University. Microscopic strains were present in human infections that included human adenovirus C and herpes simplex-1 that causes cold sores. This was the first sample of viral infection suffered by humans and prior proof of a virus linked to human sapiens way back to 7000 years. This study was done by scientists, who posted their work which is not peer-reviewed in pre-print site BioRXiv. It contrasts with an archaic adenovirus strain to its modern descendants that gave a clue how their forbears developed 487,000 and 963,000 years ago. But it might be older at 702,000 years old! Holtsmark Nielsen, lead of the study remarked they might have found the oldest virus know to humanity. Neanderthals had common colds which are older than humans based on the evidence. Read also: COVID-19: Is the Virus Evolving to be More Fatal to Humans? For example, the hepatitis B virus was prevalent in the Bronze Age said a 2019 study in the Journal Nature. The virus was detected in 4,500-year-old remains found in Mongolia. Other cases of bacterial infections like the earliest case of tuberculosis were dated 17,000 years back to a Wyoming Bison. Humans had tuberculosis about 5,000 years ago which was found in an Egyptian mummy's spine. Nielsen and co-scientists used DNA from a 31,000-year-old baby teeth sample near the Siberian Yana River. Ancient North Siberians According to Eske Willerslev, an evolutionary geneticist at Cambridge University, finding the remains of the ancient ethnic group is important to human evolutionary history. This group of people branched out to modern-day Asians and Europeans. When the Neanderthal and Denisovan were still existing, they had this adenovirus C and might have bothered a sniffling Erectus said Lead author Martin Sikora, a researcher with the University of Copenhagen. He added that the Ancient North Siberians knew how to live in their difficult climate. They still survived and were nomadic people. The scientists from Denmark examined the Yana teeth and saw degraded genetic traces of four species of herpes virus. Also, present were higher-quality samples of human adenovirus C. Furthermore, the common cold virus was supposed to start infecting humans as far as 200,000 years back in pre-history. It included the most ancient to modern strains which were nuisances until present. One scientist, Caitlin Pepperell, a microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that sometimes DNA can be scrambled over time. But she lauded the study as a breakthrough discovery. Related article: Ten Ways to Boost the Immune System to Keep Healthy and Pathogen Free @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. During the arrangements for the funeral, Prince Charles' tense relationship with the Spencer family became even more strained. Christine-Marie Liwag Dixon, the narrator of The List, detailed what occurred between the future king and Earl Charles Spencer. After making "a particularly offensive comment" about Princess Diana, Prince Charles' relationship with his in-laws went downhill rapidly. According to royal commentators, Prince Charles got into a massive argument with Princess Diana's brother following her death. Prince Charles' tense relationship with the Spencer family When it came to Prince Charles' relationship with Princess Diana's family members following their divorce and Princess Diana's tragic death, things went bad for Prince Charles. The Princess of Wales died in a car accident in 1997. Her funeral was held in London in September of that year. Prince William and Prince Harry did end up accompanying her coffin in the ceremony. They were reportedly persuaded to do so by Prince Philip, who promised to accompany them, as per Daily Express. Prince Charles is believed to have told his friends "how horrible incompatibility is" and to have renewed his romance with Camilla by mid-1986, The Sun reported. The relationship between Prince Charles and Princess Diana is well-known to have been tumultuous. The Prince of Wales allegedly revealed his then-wife would hit him over the head when he said his prayers at night after they fought, according to a royal writer. Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life, by Sally Bedell Smith, claims that the pair was at odds long before they divorced. The biographer said their relationship was neither warm nor mutually helpful. Read Also: Royal Expert: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Enraged by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles' Control Over Money, Public Image Princess Diana, Prince Charles allegedly tried to cancel their wedding On July 29, 1981, Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles were married at St. Paul's Cathedral in a traditional Church of England ceremony. Princess Diana was known as Lady Diana Spencer before she became a member of the royal family. In November 1977, the Prince of Wales met his future bride for the first time when she was just 16 years old. He had been courting Lady Sarah, Diana's older sister, but it wasn't until the summer of 1980 when Diana saw him play polo on a country weekend, that he became serious about her as a bride. On February 6, 1981, Charles proposed to Lady Diana, although the news was kept hidden for a few weeks. On February 24, 1981, the pair confirmed their engagement. Per Birmingham Mail, a royal source claims that Prince Charles and Princess Diana both wanted to put off their royal wedding days before it took place, with Charles saying that his father, Prince Philip, pushed him to do so. The news was revealed in Diana's Decades, a new three-part documentary mini-series that will look at the late Princess Diana's life and how she affected the 20th century. The focus of tonight's program was on Diana as she met Charles, and it was revealed that they had only met a few times before being engaged. Princess Diana moved into Kensington Palace with the Prince of Wales shortly after. It was also said that she intended to "escape" before the wedding because she became suspicious of his friendship with Camilla Parker Bowles, later Duchess of Cornwall. According to expert Elena Mora, it was her sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Jane, Baroness Fellowes, who persuaded her to stay. The Princess attempted to put off the wedding two days before it was supposed to be held, according to Mora, who spoke to Italian broadcaster Tv2000. Related Article: Expert Says Prince Charles Makes 'Clumsy' Mistake With Archie as Friends Reveal Why He Refuses to Attend Diana's Statue Unveiling @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A senior Haitian official stated Thursday that two individuals thought to be Haitian Americans, one of whom was allegedly a former security at the Canadian Embassy in Port au Prince, were detained following the assassination of Haiti's President. Two Haitian Americans Suspected for Killing Haiti's President President Jovenel Mose was assassinated by gunmen at his house in the early hours of Wednesday. Based on reprts, James Solages and Joseph Vincent were identified as suspects among 17 others who were arrested, as per a recently published article in Associated Press. According to a document provided by Mathias Pierre, Haiti's minister of elections, Solages, 35 years old, is the oldest suspect. Solages formerly served as a bodyguard for the Canadian Embassy in Haiti, according to him. Meanwhile, the Canadian Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pierre also refused to provide more information regarding Solages' history or the identity of the second Haitian American. The US State Department said that it was aware of allegations that Haitian Americans were being held in prison; but it also said it could not confirm or comment on them, according to a published article in U.S. News. Moreover, Witnesses claimed two suspects were found hidden in bushes near Port-au-Prince by a mob on Thursday, with some of the men being seized by their shirts and trousers, pushed, and slapped. Read Also: Authorities Continue To Search 4 Armed and Dangerous Jail Inmates Haitians Condemned the Assassination of their President The two men were sweating profusely and wearing clothing that seemed to be covered with dirt when they were apprehended by police. Officers loaded them into the back of a pickup truck and drove away, as the mob chased them down to the police station nearby. Per 6 ABC News, the Haitians were infuriated. The crowd shouted, "They killed the president! Give them to us. We're going to burn them!" One guy was observed stating that foreigners coming to Haiti to assassinate the country's leader was unacceptable, alluding to claims from Haitian authorities that the culprits spoke Spanish or English. Police Chief Urged People To Stay Calm At a press conference on Thursday, Charles, the Police Chief, asked residents to remain calm and let officers perform their jobs, while also warning that authorities needed the evidence that the suspects destroyed, including the burnt vehicles, according to a published article in Reuters. Following the arrest of the two Haitian-Americans, the mob set fire to numerous abandoned vehicles with gunshot holes, believing they belonged to the white culprits. There were no registration plates on the vehicles, and one of them had an empty box of ammunition and some water inside. Meanwhile, officials did not provide a reason for the killings, simply stating that the assault, which was denounced by Haiti's major opposition parties and the international world, was carried out by a well-trained and heavily armed gang. However, the government's account of the assault was not universally accepted. When Haitian journalist Robenson Geffrard, who writes for a local newspaper and has a radio program, tweeted a story on the police chief's remarks, he received a barrage of suspicion in response. Many Haitians were perplexed as to how the sophisticated assailants reported by police were able to get into Mose's house, security detail, and panic room and then escape unhurt, only to be apprehended without having a planned, successful escape. Related Article: Haitian President Jovenel Moise Killed in Assassination Attack That Left First Lady Injured, Hospitalized @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Just from the first batch of stimulus checks, there are approximately $1.77 billion in unclaimed federal funds. According to IRS data, more than 1.3 million stimulus payments from the first round of coronavirus relief have been refused, paid back, or not cashed. The states with the most number of people reported a significant number of unclaimed stimulus funds. With 130,243 unclaimed checks, California led the way, followed by Texas with 96,918, Florida had 96,342, New York with 78,256, and Pennsylvania with 76,523. These five states have jointly rejected almost $650 million in stimulus payments. Unclaimed stimulus checks from various states KDVR, a Fox-affiliated television station based in Colorado, was the first to report the findings. Naturally, the states with the smallest populations had the fewest unclaimed stimulus checks. Wyoming was second with 2,668 unused payments, followed by Washington, DC, Alaska, Vermont, and North Dakota. However, unclaimed stimulus checks to populations differed across the country. Although both California and Texas had low refusal rates, Pennsylvania had the highest. The rate of uncashed stimulus payments in Pennsylvania was nearly double that of other states, at 1.07 percent. The federal government received all unclaimed or returned direct payments. President Donald Trump's $1,200 stimulus payments were the first in a series of direct federal government measures aimed at providing further financial assistance to families affected by the pandemic. In December, Trump approved $600 in stimulus payments, backed by $1,400 stimulus checks signed by President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, a slew of Democratic lawmakers in Congress has increased pressure on the White House to enact a fourth-round or recurring stimulus package. The legislators claim that the three rounds of direct payments were insufficient to assist American families, and that extra payment would prevent twelve million Americans from falling into poverty this year. In a letter to Biden, a group of twenty-one Senate Democrats urged him to incorporate recurring direct payments and automatic unemployment insurance extensions related to economic situations in his Build Back Better long-term economic strategy. Biden, on the other hand, has not indicated that he will support the bill; and it is not included in the new bipartisan infrastructure plan. Covid-19 relief checks totaled $4.2 billion as of last month, the most current third-round distribution. Yahoo! News verified that more than 1.2 million direct payments and around 1.1 million paper checks of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) were received by mail. The IRS Get My Payment system helps qualified individuals and families in receiving daily information on the status of their stimulus checks. If an issue with overpayment occurs, the site gives notifications and details to assist users in resolving the problem. Read Also: Child Tax Credit: This New Feature That Joe Biden Plans to Add Will Be a Game Changer You may still get a $1,400 stimulus check The IRS urges taxpayers to create an account, which will allow them to go through essential data from past and current tax returns to determine the status of the stimulus check. The IRS mostly uses tax returns to establish eligibility. So if you've gotten behind on your taxes, relocated, or had a major life change, the agency created a tax software program to help you catch up and potentially make it easier to send a check. If you get a paper check or an EIP debit card in the mail, the US Postal Service has a helpful feature called Informed Delivery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics talked about how couples with greater earnings and eligible dependent children may have qualified for checks in a report on the first stimulus checks. This was, however, an exception to the rule. However, it also illustrates how wealthier Americans may have benefited from the circumstance, as per BGR via MSN. Meanwhile, payments from the third stimulus check are still being distributed by the IRS. In a recent news release, the IRS stated, "The IRS continues to distribute Economic Impact Payments and the related 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit weekly." Related Article: Fourth Stimulus Check Status: How to Get Money While Waiting for Congress to Pass New Legislation @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Prosecutors said Thursday that a man who was previously accused of stabbing a rabbi outside a Jewish school in Boston faces new hate crime charges. Khaled Awad, an Egyptian immigrant, came to the United States with prejudices towards Jews, Christians, and American culture, according to Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Margaret Hegarty at a court hearing. Awad, 24, a Boston resident, was charged on Thursday with civil rights violations resulting in physical injury and intimidation with bodily injury, according to authorities. Egyptian faces multiple charges after stabbing Boston rabbi In connection with the July 1 stabbing of Rabbi Shlomo Noginski outside the Shaloh House in the city's Brighton district, he has previously pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and six additional offenses. Noginski, an Israeli citizen with 12 children, was stabbed in the arm many times and was released the next day from the hospital. Noginski, who just relocated to Boston from Israel, was found in the park with multiple stab wounds, according to the Boston Police Department. With non-life-threatening injuries, he was taken to a nearby hospital. Noginksi appears to be grimacing in pain as a police officer tries to stop the bleeding in his left arm, as per images posted on social media. Splotches of blood splattered Noginksi's white shirt. Another image from the hospital was posted hours later, showing Noginski laying on a bed with wounds on his fingers and arms, Daily Mail reported. According to Hegarty, Awad was spotted acting suspiciously near the Shaloh House the day before the attack, when he requested Noginski's car keys. Furthermore, Noginski wore a yarmulke, and Awad had to pass by a Menorah, implying that he targeted Jews, according to the prosecutor. The Jewish community in Boston has blasted the incident. Stephen Weymouth, Awad's court-appointed attorney, requested a competency evaluation as Awad has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has not been taking his medications while in Massachusetts, according to a court clinician. Awad was ordered to go to a state institution for additional mental assessment. After the examination, a dangerousness hearing set for Thursday has been postponed until July 29. After being freed from the hospital, the rabbi said that he had been stabbed in his arm and limbs, but that it might have been a lot worse. He said in Hebrew, "I feel relatively great, and I thank God for the miracle," New York Times reported. Read Also: Arkansas Police Officer Dies After Being Run Over, Dragged by Vehicle; Suspects Arrested Egyptian man deemed to have a mental condition According to his lawyer, Stephen J. Weymouth, the Egyptian, who was in the United States on a student visa, has pleaded not guilty to all counts, claiming that the additional hate crime accusations are "based on some very weak evidence." Atty. Weymouth stated that he had requested that a doctor evaluate Awad and that the doctor advised that Awad be admitted to Bridgewater State Hospital. According to Weymouth, Awad will be held in custody for the next 20 to 30 days to assess whether he is fit to face trial and whether he has mental health concerns that may have hampered his ability to distinguish right from wrong on the day of the incident. After being arrested on assault and theft charges in Florida last year, Awad was deemed unable to face trial and was instead sent to a mental health facility. Eric Valiente, a former friend of Awad's from the University of South Florida, told CBS Boston that Awad was aggressive and anti-Semitic. Aidan Anderson, a Jewish former roommate of Awad's, said that when Awad assaulted him in their shared kitchen last fall, he had to move out and get a restraining order. The stabbing occurred after a wave of anti-Semitic threats and violence swept the United States earlier this year, instilling dread among Jews in small communities and large cities alike. The Anti-Defamation League received 222 reports of anti-Semitic harassment, vandalism, and violence in the US during two weeks of conflicts between Israel and Gaza in May, compared to 127 in the previous two weeks. Related Article: Asian Hate Crime in New York: Man in Critical Condition at Hospital Following Attack @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. More and more Americans are showing their support for a fourth stimulus check relief program asking the federal government to approve the granting of the said assistance. The petition on Change.org has reached 2.5 million signatures, with an increase of about 200,000 in the last month. The petition calls for the U.S. government to distribute recurring $2,000 payments to adults and $1,000 payments for children amid the economic devastation of the coronavirus pandemic. However, many experts believe that the hopes and wishes of these supporters may be futile. Previously, United States President Joe Biden's administration has brushed off talks for a potential fourth stimulus check. The Democrat pointed out that the child tax credit would be the financial support that Americans get in the next few weeks. The legislation would start handing out its payments on July 15 along with the American Rescue plan that was designed to push the economy into recovery. Fourth Stimulus Check The Child Tax Credit would give up to $1,800 to eligible families up until December, with each eligible taxpayer getting $300 per month for each child under the age of five years or $250 for each child between six and 17 years. However, the supporters of the petition have argued that the Child Tax Credit would still not be enough to support Americans suffering amid the pandemic, Fortune reported. On Wednesday, many supporters of the petition posted comments saying that American families continue to struggle and that people should be able to survive through the pandemic with the government's help. Read Also: Joe Biden Announces US Military Troops to Pull Out Sooner Than Planned, Vows Not to Send Another Generation of Americans in Afghanistan There have been several similar programs and bills that aimed to support residents through the health crisis. But currently, Capitol Hill has shown no signs of support for a fourth stimulus check or new direct payments to American families. In May 2020, then-Senator Kamala Harris introduced the bill that would provide $2,000 per month for individuals and up to $10,000 per month for families. And the most recent coronavirus relief program is considered to be a universal basic income experiment by many experts, CNBC reported. Coronavirus Relief Programs Next week, the U.S. Senate is expected to once again discuss and negotiate a $1.2 infrastructure bill. They will continue to talk about how the proposal would be funded throughout its course. The petition was started by Stephanie Bonin, a former restaurant owner from Colorado, who was forced after losing her source of income when the coronavirus pandemic caused most businesses to shut down. She argued that Americans deserved to get monthly compensation until the end of the pandemic to ensure their livelihoods. Bonin said that if the federal government did not provide the financial support, laid-off workers, furloughed workers, self-employed residents, and workers who have reduced income will struggle to get enough money to pay for daily necessities. The petition aims to have a total signature count of three million, which would make it one of the top petitions on the website, AS English reported. Related Article: Biden Administration Defends Door-to-Door Vaccination Efforts, Argues It's Not Mandatory Under Law @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. United States President Joe Biden's administration will add 10 more Chinese companies as early as Friday to the list of businesses that are banned from trading within the U.S. economy for their alleged involvement in the abuses in the province of Xinjiang. Last month, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it would add five more companies and other Chinese entities to the blacklist for their alleged role in force labor abuse in the Asian country. The latest inclusions are part of Biden's crackdown on the Chinese government to hold it accountable for human rights violations. Economic Blacklist Despite widespread criticism and accusations, China's government has continued to deny the allegations of genocide and forced labor in its southern province of Xinjiang. Government officials said that certain policies are necessary to control separatists and religious extremists who have previously plotted attacks against the Communist Party and created tension between mostly Muslim ethnic Uyghurs and Han. One of the sources that revealed the American officials' plans said the department would be including 14 Chinese companies in the Entity List over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. However, the identities of the affected companies were not immediately revealed. The department is also scheduled to add companies from other countries to the list as early as Friday, CNBC reported. The companies on the list would be prohibited from doing business with American businesses without first getting a U.S. government license. Aside from the sanctions on Chinese officials, the restrictions also serve as a way of cracking down on the second-largest economy in the world. Read Also: Joe Biden Announces US Military Troops to Pull Out Sooner Than Planned, Vows Not to Send Another Generation of Americans in Afghanistan Since taking over Donald Trump, Democrat Joe Biden has been largely unsuccessful in improving the relations between the United States and China. The first high-level talks between the two countries happened in March, which resulted in bickering and recrimination. For a long time, the U.S. government has criticized Beijing for its actions regarding Xinjiang and other issues. The list of controversies includes forced labor and human rights abuse in Xinjiang and China's crackdown on Hong Kong's political freedom. The Asian giant has also threatened Taiwan in recent years. Human Rights Abuse and Forced Labor Additionally, the American government banned cotton, tomatoes, and some solar products coming from Xinjiang. Sanctions against Chinese officials who are allegedly involved in abuses of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang have been announced by the U.S., the European Union, the UK, and Canada, Bloomberg reported. The addition of Chinese companies to the Entity List is not the first time the U.S. government has attempted to reign in the Asian country. In 2019, former President Trump included several Chinese firms on the blacklist over its surveillance actions in Xinjiang. Under the Trump administration, the Commerce Department doubled down on 20 Chinese public security bureaus and eight companies, including video surveillance firm Hikvision and several leaders from facial recognition technology SenseTime Group Ltd and Megvil Technology Ltd. In the same year, the department said the entities were involved in "high-technology surveillance," targeting Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in China, Reuters reported. Related Article: Illinois Vaccine Lottery $1M Prize Granted to Chicago Resident; Those Who Had At Least One Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Are Eligible @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The City of Milton and towns of Milton, Harmony, Johnstown and Lima are shopping for fire and emergency medical services. Thats not something a municipality does often. The options are few but the repercussions (including the ability to save lives and property, and costs to taxpayers) are many. Unknowns What are the intentions of the towns? Would Janesville participate in shared services under different conditions? How, if, when will the Milton and Milton Township Fire Department dissolve? How will existing Milton and Milton township capital be allocated? What will 2022 look like? (Transitional model for fire/EMS services?) Florida National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer listens Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, during a Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee meeting at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Thursday in Chicago, Gov. J.B. Pritzker attends a rally. Separately, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, talks about Illinois' policies that attract migrants in the country illegally. You have permission to edit this image. Edit Close Community editor/news reporter Writing articles and stories that matter is what I am here to do for the surrounding communities. I enjoy covering local government affairs and human-interest stories with great enthusiasm. Follow me on social media and reach out. Yes, but not by choice - people were shooting them off all over - even in town. No, but I didnt go looking for them With the dry weather, I was hoping fireworks would be put on hold. Vote View Results Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta was among a group of investors who participated in a $60 million seed funding round for a company targeting employment gaps in the hospitality and other industries. San Francisco-based Instawork, which provides a digital platform connecting gig workers and employers in a pinch, said in a release that the latest round brings its total fundraise to $100 million, largely from venture capital firms including Greylock and Corner Ventures. Fertitta, whose hospitality brands have struggled to hire enough people to meet surging consumer demand, said in a Twitter post he is excited to support the growing company and its chief executive, Sumir Meghani, as they help American get back to work. On HoustonChronicle.com: Unemployment benefits only one piece to labor shortage puzzle, Dallas Fed president says In an interview, Fertitta said he started looking at investing in Instawork earlier this year, before staffing issues started plaguing the hospitality industry. He said he was impressed to find the emerging company then had 300,000 workers on its platform. Now it has 1 million. I just felt like that this was a real deal; its something that was really needed, he said. People today they want to do everything on the phone. The valuation at which the funding was raised was not disclosed. Fertitta said he contributed a large six-digit number that doesnt amount to a significant stake in the company. I dont think its a major stake, Fertitta said. Its a small amount. Founded in 2016, Instaworks platform has thrived during the pandemic-driven recovery as companies contend with surging demand and short labor supply, the company said in the release. It said hospitality, retail and logistics companies are tapping Instaworks network of 1 million U.S. workers to staff restaurants, stores and warehouses. Balancing the demands of pandemic job recovery, security, and flexibility with the massive labor needs posed by a reopened economy has never been more important," CEO Meghani said in the release. Workers on the app create profiles and find shifts matching their skills and interests, Instawork said. Instawork said it facilitates fast pay for workers at an average rate of $18 per hour and provides a peer network where workers support each other and connect around issues like company dynamics. For employers, it said it offers reliable shift coverage workers using the app show up for shifts at a rate of 98 percent, it said. Instawork plans to use the funding to expand in new markets and double its employee base at its office in Bangalore, India. amanda.drane@chron.com Twitter.com/amandadrane Gov. Greg Abbott has made clear that hes more interested in boosting fossil fuel burners profits than improving the electric grid or fighting climate change, and hes rejecting new ways of generating clean, reliable and affordable energy. The two-term Republican had two chances to help Texas lead the global energy transition. First, he issued orders to his new appointees on the Public Utility Commission, and he set the agenda for a special session of the Texas Legislature. Abbott is not letting lawmakers have a say in overhauling the wobbly Texas grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, known as ERCOT. Instead, he wants to dictate solutions that benefit coal and natural gas companies over clean energy. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Portland-like heatwave would bring 130 degree temperatures to Texas Abbott ordered the PUC, which oversees ERCOT, to redesign the states wholesale electricity market to reward generators that can provide backup power. This is a break from the current, 20-year-old system that pays generators only for the energy they put on the grid, not their capacity to generate. Critics of the system have correctly called on ERCOT to set up some version of a capacity market that pays generators to have readily available power in an emergency. But Abbott twists this good idea by calling for more natural gas, coal and nuclear power, not a more strategic approach. Coal plants should have no part of Texas energy mix. They produce vast amounts of greenhouse gases, and they are more expensive to operate than other sources, including wind and solar. Nuclear power does not release any emissions, but new plants are astronomically expensive and better nuclear technologies are not ready yet. The two existing nuclear plants in Texas already operate at almost full capacity; therefore, they do not require any additional incentives. Natural gas plants, meanwhile, are great in emergencies, and ERCOT should encourage companies to have enough of them for the few hours every year when demand spikes. But Abbott should be ordering the PUC to incentivize renewable energy storage technologies, such as batteries and compressed air, instead. Abbotts more disturbing order is to pile additional fees and costs onto wind and solar generators. In a complete disregard for how the wholesale electricity market operates, he perversely wants to punish them because they cannot turn on the sun and wind at will. The key to reducing wind and solar intermittency is to expand the geography where wind and solar energy are generated. If the PUC provided the right incentives, for example, wind companies could install turbines in the Gulf of Mexico, where the wind almost always blows. Instead, Abbott intends on knee-capping renewables to give old, failing fossil fuel plants a few more years of profitability at the expense of Texas customers. Lastly, Abbott ordered the PUC to accelerate the development of transmission lines to new natural gas and coal power plants, explicitly excluding wind and solar generation. He is using his power to appoint the PUC to pick and choose winners and losers. Such huge policy decisions would typically fall within the purview of the Texas Legislature, which created ERCOT and the wholesale electricity market. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked Abbott to put ERCOT market reforms on the special sessions agenda, but Abbott decided to rule by decree rather than allow the GOP-controlled Legislature to provide input. Abbotts policies are profoundly regressive compared with the innovation taking place on other major U.S. grids. Not to mention, Abbott could solve almost all of Texas electric reliability problems by simply connecting to the national grid rather than maintaining ERCOT as a separate island. TOMLINSONS TAKE: CEO of San Antonio electric utility fighting price-gouging for all Texans Another state that struggles with extreme heat, Nevada, is a national leader in high-voltage transmission lines that are adding more renewable energy, including geothermal, to the grid. Nevadas leaders plan to rely on carbon-free energy for 50 percent of the states power by 2030. I know one thing thats on a lot of peoples minds is what happened in Texas, and could what happened in Texas be repeated here in Nevada? Doug Cannon, CEO of the utility NV Energy, told Nevada regulators in March. We are in a very different position here in Nevada than what they were experiencing in Texas. Dozens of other states are also innovating. New York is adding offshore wind; the mid-Atlantic PJM grid is building solar facilities with batteries built in. Virginia is boosting clean energy standards. Abbott is intent on abdicating Texas crown as the world leader in renewable energy. But dont believe for a minute this is about reliability, hes ignoring the best solutions. No, hes running for re-election, and his letter is about raising campaign funds and rallying right-wingers to win. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com Stopping to drop some friends off at their home in Cuero, Billy Gibbons utters a line that is perhaps the most Billy Gibbons line ever uttered. Hold on, he says. Let me hop out of this hot rod right here He bids farewell to some friend and proceeds to talk about his new album. Gibbons has many interests music, African art, cars, guitars, etc. So he doesnt complain about the past year and a half. But he seems to have done the best he can to get through it, making music when he can and riding hot rods in South Texas when he can. Were talking about Hardware, the third solo album hes made in a period of six years. And all three have represented different sides of what Gibbons does: Perfectamundo in 2015 had what he calls a Spanish or Cuban thing; The Big Bad Blues (2018) was bluesy as billed. Hardware is a heavy rock album served straight, with Gibbons joined by guitarist Austin Hanks and drummer Matt Sorum. We recorded it in the desert surrounded by nothing but sand, cacti, a few rattlesnakes and a lot of rock, he says. So I thought it was time to get back to rock. Gibbons gets back to touring with ZZ Top later this year. In the meantime, fans fan delve into Hardware, knowing ZZ dates and new music are on the way. Q: Hardware suggests you werent idle during the pandemic. A: I was in Spain, following an appearance at a Fleetwood Mac tribute concert in London. And I had a hankering to hang out with my buddy in Valencia, Mr. Nacho Banos. (Laughs.) Thats his real name, by the way. He was showing us these five-star restaurants in Valencia. However, we were looking at some approaching tour dates that were to begin in March 2020, and unbeknownst to us, in Valencia, this virus was exploding. We had no clue until I landed in Las Vegas, whereupon the taxi driver said, Billy, am I taking you to your house? And I said, Well, I need to drop something at the venue first. He told me the show was canceled, and I asked why. He said, Where have you been? Q: Thats one way to find out about a cancellation. A: Yes, indeed. So we were trapped like everybody else after the curtain dropped. Until I got a phone call from Austin Hanks and Matt Sorum in June. They said, Are you tired of doing nothing? And I said yeah. Theyd discovered this recording studio in Joshua Tree. They knew I love the desert in California. They said, Were gonna make it loud in Death Valley. So off we go. I got to the studio and thought Id have 30 minutes to look around. It turned into 30 days and then into a few months. But, brother, talk about having a good time. It was a most unexpected turn of events, so we did not call for the equipment truck. We handpicked a few items found in the dusty corners of the studio. There was a Fender Jazzmaster guitar for Austin and a Fender Jaguar for me. We started to work on what would be West Coast Junkie. It sounded like surf music. Miles from the nearest drop of water, making surf music. Q: That song also had the very Houston-centric tip to Skipper Lee Frazier. A: Yes indeed! We couldnt leave Houston off the map. I remember his afternoon DJ position, that big window at KCOH. If youd drive by slow enough, hed say, Hey, hey, hey, Cadillac, howre you doing? Q: I cant quite put my finger on it, but My Lucky Card both the opening riff and the solo reminded me of Just Got Paid. Did it feel like a dial back to you? A: Youre not far off. I would tend to lean in that direction. Its funny, these sessions, we were in the desert, literally 20 miles from civilization. So there were times we were waiting for the engineer to show up. Thered be a dice game in one corner, a card game in another corner. There was definitely money on the table. And I guess in the same way Just Got Paid was a big question mark when we made that one. In this case, though, to the rescue came Matt Sorums sweetheart Miss Ace. We started to feel like she was our lucky card she always seemed to show up when we were stuck. Thats pretty much the gist of it. Q: Clearly this process differed from how youve conducted business with ZZ Top over 50 years. A: Well, I enjoyed the balance between the two: This and what youd expect from a ZZ Top session, which has five decades of familiarity. This was the opposite side of the seesaw. When we arrived, we had nothing more than a blank piece of paper and a pencil. So every day was a new surprise. The only way around it is to start doing something. Thats pretty much the backbone of Hardware. One example is that I happened to have this demo version of Augie Meyers famous composition, Hey Baby, Que Paso. Austin and Matt were familiar with the track but had not heard this version. Augie presented it to me long ago, a first pressing little 45 rpm thing with the same song on both sides. They asked me what the second verse was. And I said, I dont know. Maybe we should call Augie? Which we did. I asked what the verse was and he said, Well we just called it Fake Spanish. We asked if we could interpret it, and he said, The only thing to know if youre doing fake Spanish is to make sure everything rhymes with San Antone. Which we did. Q: There are murmurs that we may get the first ZZ Top album in nearly a decade. Anything to that? A: Well, were heading to Houston to start, whats the phrase? To peel the next layer of the onion. Yes, theres a new project in the works, hopefully well have something at the end of the year. Ive been thinking about next year. 2022. The number 22 the numbers look a little like the letters ZZ. andrew.dansby@chron.com Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals in schools who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in guidance released Friday while calling the return to in-person instruction a priority. The agencys updated guidance for K-12 schools also recommends schools maintain at least three feet of distance between students in classrooms to reduce the risk of transmission. If a school cannot maintain such a distance between youngsters, the agency said it will be important to utilize other strategies, such as indoor masking, but schools should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement. The guidance recommended schools that serve children younger than 12, who remain ineligible to receive a vaccine, also implement multiple COVID-19 prevention strategies. CDC officials called reaching high levels of COVID-19 vaccination among students, teachers and staff one of the most critical strategies for schools fully reopening. Individuals who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask indoors, it said. A growing body of evidence suggests that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to have an asymptomatic infection or transmit COVID-19 to others than people who are not fully vaccinated, CDC officials said in the guidance. In most settings, people who are fully vaccinated can safely resume activities they did before the pandemic, except where prevention measures are required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. It was not immediately clear how the CDC guidelines may affect Houston-area schools, which are not allowed to require masks for the upcoming year or summer school in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott. The federal health agency emphasized that community transmission, vaccinations, testing and outbreaks should be monitored at the local level and guide decision making. The guidance is really written to allow flexibility at the local level, Erin Sauber-Schatz, who leads a CDC group that prepares recommendations to keep people safe from COVID-19, told the Associated Press. Abbotts executive order prohibits Texas public schools from requiring face coverings after June 4. At Houston ISD, Superintendent Millard House II this week said students will resume in-person instruction. The district previously said it intends to comply with the governors mask order. My own children were virtual learners and will be HISD students, House said. Their safety and your childrens safety are my top priority. As vaccinations continue to increase throughout Harris County and the country, we are confident that a full return to in-person learning in the coming school year will be completely safe for students and teachers. Aldine ISD issued a statement saying it looked forward to welcoming back 67,000 students and 10,000 staffers in August. From the very beginning, we have relied on science and data to go as fast as we can but as slow as we must. And it worked. Aldine saw very little community spread in our schools, the statement read. Additionally, we continue to make vaccines available to every Aldine ISD teacher and staff member and work with community partners to help ensure our community is educated and has access to testing and vaccines. Elaina Polsen, chief communications officer for Clear Creek ISD, said the district will adhere the governors executive order and that individuals are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona echoed the CDC in designating childrens return to classrooms a priority. We know that in-person learning offers vital opportunities for all students to develop healthy, nurturing relationships with educators and peers, Cardona said in a statement Friday, and that students receive essential supports in school for their social and emotional well-being, mental health and academic success. alejandro.serrano@chron.com A couple hosting an outdoor wedding outside Houston in April required full COVID-19 vaccination from all of their guests. It was an open-air event, with 92 people in attendance. Their happy day turned into a nightmare, though, after one attendee died, two others were hospitalized with severe illness and three others tested positive for the coronavirus. In a pre-print study of COVID-19 Delta variant breakthrough infections among guests who had received the vaccine, Baylor College of Medicine researchers say the newly dominant strain of the virus may pose the highest risk of infection of all the variants spreading worldwide. The person who died was vaccinated with Covaxin, a shot not authorized for emergency use in the U.S. One of the hospital patients received Covaxin, while another received Pfizer. Both Covaxin recipients had traveled from India for the wedding. All three people who caught the virus but showed mild symptoms were vaccinated with Pfizer or Modernas products. All the current data shows robust ability to block serious illness from the Delta variant, said Tim Farinholt, one of the studys authors. Its not to scare, its to remain cautious that the pandemic is not over and to remain vigilant. Its for people to know just because you're vaccinated doesn't mean you can go back to 2019 living. A pre-print study has not been peer-reviewed by independent scientists and should not be used to guide clinical practices, researchers said. However, it is a preliminary finding to relay interesting developments and help other scientists determine what to study. Peer review can take two to four weeks. UPTICK: Houston Methodist sees COVID Delta variant infections double in the last week Unvaccinated individuals make up the majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths reported in the U.S. in recent weeks, according to infectious diseases specialists. Of the tiny share less than 3 percent in the Baylor study who are vaccinated and catch severe infections, most have other comorbidities or are immunosuppressed. One of the patients who contracted severe illness had diabetes and received a monoclonal antibody infusion treatment. The patient who died did not have a chronic illness, but was over 65, an age group at increased risk of serious infections. All six infected tested positive for the Delta variant. The other three wedding guests who caught COVID-19 and were vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna had mild symptoms such as fevers, coughs and fatigue. The findings line up with the efficacy rates the pharmaceutical giants promised in their clinical safety trials, said Dr. Pei-yong Shi, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston who independently reviewed the pre-print at the request of the Houston Chronicle. The vaccine didnt absolutely prevent you from getting infected, Shi said. But one of the major benefits is that it keeps you from getting really sick. Covaxin, a vaccine developed from inactive coronaviruses, has an efficacy rate of 81 percent, according to BBC News. However, the drug manufacturer came under fire in January after it was cleared for emergency use during its clinical trial phase. In comparison, Pfizers vaccine is 95 percent effective and Modernas vaccine is 94 percent effective against the original virus strain. Varying studies have been released on the efficacy of the vaccines and the Delta variant, ranging from 64 percent effectiveness to 88 percent effectiveness. The pre-print journal article linked Delta, which has mutations in part of the spike protein that could help it strengthen its bond to a cells receptors, as the cause of the breakthrough infections. Delta, which some epidemiologists say is 60 percent more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, already makes up more than half of new infections in the U.S. Houston Methodist researchers earlier this week released findings that the Delta variant could make up 92 percent of all new infections in the coming weeks if it continues at its current rate of spread. Its hard to say if the breakthrough they're seeing is something thats a feature of Delta or if this is a thing that happens occasionally. We dont have data to tell a coincidence from a rare event at this point, said Ben Neuman, a virologist at Texas A&M. While the wedding represents just one case study, its also notable the event took place in April long before Delta became the dominant variant in the U.S., U.K., Israel and India, said Joseph Petrosino, one of the studys co-authors and the director of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. The first cases of the Delta variant had been reported in the U.S. and U.K. in mid-to-late April. Contact tracing showed that none of the infected patients had recently interacted with someone who had tested positive for a different COVID-19 variant. The epidemiology combined with the sequencing data suggests the variant was shared amongst the group, Petrosino said. NEW MILESTONE: Half of eligible Texans now fully vaccinated for COVID-19 Another finding of the study? The two travelers from India likely brought the Delta variant to the wedding. Its unclear whether people can transmit with both doses of the vaccine, Petrosino said. It looks like there's plenty of evidence suggesting that if your vaccine did not elicit significant immune response, which is possible with a single dose and the Delta variant that you can still transmit it. Feeling terrible after a second vaccine dose isnt the only indicator of the strength of a persons immune system. But studies show mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna prompt robust protection in 90 percent of recipients. Scientists caution against using the study to justify skipping vaccinations. If someone is not fully vaccinated and carries the infection into an undervaccinated community, that could spread the virus even further and cause new variants to mutate. Vaccines arent perfectly efficacious, but they do offer more protection than what the human body starts out with against coronaviruses, said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. We need to be careful how we frame the case study and what we take away from it, Jetelina said. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu Each week, Houston Chronicle reporters field questions about COVID-19, vaccines and other pandemic-related queries. In this weeks COVID Help Desk, a clinician answers your questions about vaccine approval and timing the first and second dose in kids. Classes for the Houston Independent School District start Aug. 23. Private schools and other school districts may begin on earlier or later dates, but the rule of thumb is to take the first shot six weeks before the first day of school, said Dr. Melanie Mouzoon, managing physician for immunization practices at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. Even theres a rush on COVID-19 vaccine appointments or a vacation plan that makes it hard to receive the first dose by July 19 (six weeks before Aug. 23) , parents should still bring their teenagers in for a COVID-19 vaccine dose and schedule the second one during the first few weeks of school. Q&A: Kids, COVID, and what Houston schools will look like next fall Even getting one dose in is better than none, Mouzoon said. Getting your second dose and then being short of your 14 days is better than one dose. Its not a fall-off-the-cliff deadline where it's not worth doing after that. Parents of 12- to 17-year-olds can ask about COVID-19 vaccines when they come in for other shots. In Texas, some students may be due for their meningococcal and hepatitis B vaccines before entering school, unless there is a medical or religious exemption. No Houston-area public schools require a COVID-19 vaccine, and kids 11 and under dont qualify for the shot yet. Those who arent vaccinated should still practice public health recommendations to wear face masks, wash their hands frequently and social distance when possible, Mouzoon said. When will the COVID-19 vaccines finally be fully approved by the FDA? The emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were issued last fall after months of clinical safety trials, but it may take a little longer for regulatory officials to complete the full review. It could take at least two years of clinical safety trial follow-up before the agency approves the vaccines for use outside of an emergency setting. That doesn't mean that this is an experimental vaccine, Mouzoon said. The coming trial data will help regulators answer questions about medium- and long-term effects, plus determine whether the vaccines are safe for children 11 and under. Even medical treatments already approved for full use by the FDA can still have side effects. So while there have been some adverse events 11 cases out of 1 million vaccinations, for instance the benefit outweighs the risk, she said. Antibiotics and the medications we use to treat COVID all have their side effects and risks too, and they are all much, much riskier than the vaccines, Mouzoon said. Both Pfizer and Moderna have submitted applications for FDA approval. If fully approved, it could provide additional legal basis for workplaces such as hospitals to require the COVID-19 vaccine. According to federal guidelines, the FDA aims to review drug approval applications within nine months for ordinary treatments, and six month for priority treatments. Does social distancing actually work if Im in an enclosed office and not wearing a mask? So about staying 6 feet away As an increasing amount of the workforce returns to the office, scientists are trying to figure out whether the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 particles poses a danger even with good air flow. In short, most contaminants are of greater concern in indoor settings due to their higher concentration, as indoor air is generally not mobile, unless some sort of ventilation technique is applied to the interior environment, said Elizabeth Galvez, a visiting critic at Rice Universitys School of Architecture. The 6 feet rule may still be helpful even if people are vaccinated, because the chances of transmission increase over prolonged periods of time, according to a study published in April in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES: 1 in 3 Houstonians saw anxiety and stress increase during COVID-19 To minimize risk of infection, one should avoid spending extended periods in highly populated areas, wrote the studys authors, M.I.T. professors Martin Z. Bazant and John W.M. Bush. One is safer in rooms with large volume and high ventilation rates. Opening windows and using fans can help keep air moving. Wearing masks is still helpful even when vaccinated, and especially as the Delta variant circulates, according to the World Health Organization. The public health organization recently released guidelines recommending all people, regardless of vaccination status, resume wearing masks indoors because the new strain is more contagious among undervaccinated areas. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu At least 100 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in connection with the recent outbreak at a Houston-area church camp, including 10 breakthrough cases among people who were fully vaccinated, the Galveston County Health District said Thursday. An additional 15 people have self-reported positive tests, which will be confirmed by the health district. Three samples have tested positive for the Delta variant, the same number reported Tuesday. Health district spokesperson Ashley Tompkins said she was not aware of any hospitalizations. Health officials continue to urge Texans to get vaccinated. Experts say unvaccinated people are at higher risk for serious infection. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a May report that breakthrough infections occur in only a small faction of people who are fully vaccinated and account for a small percentage of all COVID cases. The church camp was attended late last month by about 450 people most of them teenagers from Clear Creek Community Church, an interdenominational congregation in League City. The church canceled services this week but initially anticipated a July 11 return. The church on Wednesday said all gatherings, including its July 11 and July 14 services, will be canceled or postponed. The COVID outbreak at Student Ministry Camp came in two waves, the church said in a Facebook post Wednesday. The first wave happened at camp, the second wave happened when people brought the virus home to their families on June 27. The Galveston County Health District advised us to close for a second Sunday. We believe thats the wisest choice to quell further transmission of the virus. Dr. Philip Keiser, Galveston Countys local health authority, previously told the Chronicle that he would not be surprised if the number infected surpasses 250 as the virus spreads and testing continues. Although the Delta variant accounts for about one in four cases nationally, Keiser said he expects the highly-contagious variant to account for most, if not all, of the cases tied to the camp because they likely originated from the same source. Robert Downen contributed to this report. julian.gill@chron.com A transformer fire broke out Friday morning at a CenterPoint Energy substation in northwest Houston, sending heavy smoke skyward and triggering a shelter-in-place warning, officials said. That shelter-in-place was lifted around 2:30 p.m., according to Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena. The substance on fire is mineral oil, according to CenterPoint, which is used to insulate and cool the transformer. The burning oil is not a threat, authorities said, and the substance is free of PCB, or polychlorinated biphenyl. The Houston Fire Department was dispatched at 9:44 a.m. to 2105 Brittmoore Road near Kempwood Drive where they launched a defensive attack, according to a statement from the agency. A spokesperson for CenterPoint confirmed there was a fire at the company's Addicks Substation in Spring Branch. "The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Crews are working closely with local first responders to make the area safe. No injuries or outages are associated with the incident," the company said. Officials issued a shelter-in-place advisory for the area west of the substation to N. Eldridge Parkway, according to the fire department. Electrical Substation fire near Brittmoore & Kempwood. Please avoid the area. @HoustonFire personnel on scene. https://t.co/6YWfHlWsVj Chief Samuel Pena (@FireChiefofHFD) July 9, 2021 The fire department's rehab and hazmat units were on the scene. Crews from Pearland, Community and Stafford were assisting in the fire fight too. No injuries were immediately reported. Videos on social media show a dark plume of smoke rising from the building. In one video, people clustered near the window of a separate building, watching and filming the dense orange flames. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. A 22-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to murder in the death of his 2-year-old son, beaten after a potty training incident in their apartment last summer. Antonio Hicks Sr. was sentenced to 45years in prison on Thursday, the same day he entered his plea, according the court records at the Harris County District Clerks Office. As a case manager in Houstons federal courts system for nearly three decades, Ellen Alexander has often worked to prioritize the needs of crime victims as they prepare to testify. Thats been particularly true in the cases of sex trafficking crimes, where shes taken special care to ensure that the needs of those victims are met, said Senior U.S. District Judge David Hittner, with whom shes worked since 1994. Victims deserve to be treated with kindness, Alexander said, because theyve been through such a huge ordeal. So I just wanna look out for them and make sure the legal system doesnt run over them. Alexanders efforts inside and outside the federal courthouse were recognized recently when she was awarded the Liberty Bell award by the Texas Young Lawyers Association. The award recognizes one outstanding non-lawyer in Texas who has made the most selfless contribution to his or her community to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of Justice by instilling better understanding and appreciation of the law. Among the notable figures to receive it is the late H. Ross Perot, who was honored in 1970. Throughout her career, Hittner said, Ellen has been a calm, respectful, and professional representative and supporter of the judicial process in our community. Alexander, a Michigan native, graduated from Spring Arbor University with a bachelors degree in 1980. She later embarked on a 35-year career in the federal judiciary. She joined the clerks office for the federal courts in 1990, and three years later, she served as case manager to U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson. She began working as a case manager for Hittner, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, in 1994. Hittner, who has worked as a lawyer, state judge and federal judge over 57 years, described Alexander as the most dedicated public-servant he has ever worked with. He praised her work ethic and dedication, noting that shes been present and accounted for even during severe weather such as hurricanes. During the pandemic, for example, Hittner said Alexander learned to operate multiple video and audio conferencing platforms in order to provide remote access for court proceedings. Alexanders charitable activities have won praise from many who frequent the courtroom, as well. Mary Flood, a lawyer and journalist who has known Alexander for more than 30 years, recalled her taking buses to doctors appointments and showing up to the courtroom on the same day. In my 30 plus years as a newspaper reporter, I never saw a more committed and devoted court employee, Flood said. Alexander is also active in the community. For example, she works with Small Steps Nurturing Center as a buddy, devoting half an hour every week to a certain child, learning or playing with them or both. We may play dress up, or play games that theyll beat me at all the time, Alexander said. Whatever they want to do, we do it for that 30 minutes. And then I take them back to class and do it again the next week. Small Steps focuses primarily on underserved children. Some whove been in it as children will return as adults to visit, in some cases enrolling their own children in the program, according to Alexander. The time she spends with the children is often during her lunch breaks, she said. Alexander also teaches Sunday school at Uvalde Baptist Church, and regularly volunteers as a baby holder alongside her husband, Rob. She noted that her work as a Sunday school teacher is the best part of the week. This is not the first time that Alexanders varied contributions have been recognized. In 2000, she received an award for distinguished service to the legal profession from the American Inns of Court. Im feeling embarrassed, Alexander acknowledged after receiving the Liberty Bell award. But very humbled. I dont deserve it. I just play a role here, with everyone supporting each other. Alexander stated that shes a strong believer in the phrase do unto others as you would have them do to you. treyvon.waddy@chron.com 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, who they would report to, where they would go or what they would do when they got 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 then declined to confirm that the out-of-state troops would be under its control, or comment on any aspect of their mission. 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. Paul Ratje /AFP via Getty Images 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, Gov. 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? Related: On the border, a 'training day' unlike any other for GIs PAUL RATJE, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images 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. 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 Department of Homeland Security agencies on the entire southern border, 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 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. Related: Border security, hurriccanes, Mideast deployments: coronavirus is only the latest Texas guard mission Paul Ratje / AFP via Getty Images 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 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, Texas Parks and Wildlife 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, while 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 This story is part of "Bonding Out," an investigative series on crime in Harris County. You can read the first in the series here. What happens in probable cause court sets the pace of a criminal case, with Harris County magistrates setting bonds for dozens of defendants in one sitting. The magistrate an appointed lawyer rather than an elected official hears from representatives from the Harris County District Attorneys Office and Public Defenders Office to determine how likely a defendant is to return to court and whether they present a danger to the community. Magistrates also review a defendants financial likelihood to make bail. Elected judges sometimes play a role in bond later in the case, usually when defendants request lower bail because they cannot pay the higher amounts. The words bail and bond are often used almost interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Bail is the money a defendant must pay in order to get out of jail. A bond is posted on a defendants behalf, usually by a bail bond company, to secure his or her release. Bail is not intended as a punishment in itself. It is rather a way of securing a defendants agreement to abide by certain conditions and return to court. Bails main function is to ensure defendants show up to court as they await trial. If a defendant does not appear, the amount paid can be taken by the court and a warrant issued for arrest. But in Harris County, a defendants release has historically depended on whether they have the money to post bail. The right to non-excessive bail is guaranteed under the Eighth Amendment, and civil rights advocates brought the countys felony and misdemeanor practices to federal court. The legal action culminated in the landmark misdemeanor bail reform settlement in 2019. OUR INVESTIGATION: As killings tied to defendants out on bond rise in Houston, crime data reveals a crisis in courts Court records show real-life examples of how bonds work. Orellana Wilmer, who was later charged in a homicide, was granted a personal recognizance bond in January 2020 following a felony drug possession charge less than a gram of cocaine in this instance. He was released at no cost. Personal recognizance bonds, also known as PR or unsecured bonds, do not require a deposit on the face value of bail, and defendants appear in court on their own word. Judges individually approve them for defendants they feel no security is necessary. The defendants do pay a smaller fee to be released, but they are only liable for the face value of bail if they do not follow their bond conditions. General order bonds are similar to PR bonds, but they dont require a fee for release. These were implemented through the misdemeanor bail reform settlement. The last example of a bond type is a surety bond a secured form of bail. Police in 2015 arrested Jonathan Rawlins on an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge. A magistrate ordered him jailed on a $15,000 bond. He was freed that same week after a nonrefundable 10 percent of that amount was paid to a bondsman who gave the entire amount to the court. The condition is that if Rawlins had failed to appear in court, he would forfeit the money already paid and a warrant issued for his arrest. Both Wilmer and Rawlins were on bond for these cases at the time of the murder offense they were ultimately charged with. Rawlins was convicted of murder in 2016, while Wilmers case is pending. Though judges have discretion on how much a defendant must pay to get out of jail, they can only deny a small number of defendants those charged with capital murder the right to be free while awaiting trial. Prosecutors, on occasion, request no bond for defendants who do not qualify under those criminal codes. The requests are generally denied or ignored. Its far too easy these days to allow cynicism to take hold when it comes to the assumption that governmental action can help address societys ills, particularly around gun violence. But lost in the hyper-polarized rhetoric around gun rights are legislative victories that can seem trivial or inconsequential in the moment, but which history shines upon favorably. The 2017 massacre at Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church, in which former airman Devin Patrick Kelley opened fire during Sunday morning services, killing 26 people, including himself, and wounding 20 others, seemed destined to become another example of a hopelessly divided Congresss inability to respond to these tragedies. Until it wasnt. To be sure, Second Amendment absolutists in Congress succeeded in derailing comprehensive reforms passed by the U.S. House that would have wisely required background checks on all gun sales, including unlicensed sales between strangers who meet online or at gun shows. But a second, more modest effort led by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas that was widely panned as too weak has been revealed as a tangible, effective step by a ruling by a federal judge in San Antonio this week. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez for the Western District of Texas ruled in a lawsuit brought by Sutherland Springs victims relatives and survivors that the U.S. Air Force was 60 percent liable for the massacre, noting, had the Government done its job and properly reported Kelleys information into the background check systemit is more likely than not that Kelley would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting. In doing so, he affirmed the instinct by Cornyn and the Democrat he partnered with, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, that fixing the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent felons and domestic abusers from purchasing guns was one important way to reduce the likelihood of similar shootings in the future. NICS was in the crosshairs due to the Air Forces failure to enter Kelleys domestic violence conviction in the database, as already required by law. As a result, Kelley was able to purchase a rifle at a gun store that he used in the shooting. Cornyn and Murph introduced the Fix NICS Act, a bill that among other things stiffened penalties for federal agencies, including the military, if they fail to input new records into the background check database and rewards states that comply with grants. The bill quickly gained 77 other cosponsors in the Senate and was included in a spending bill signed into law by President Trump in March 2018. Of course Cornyns bill hasnt stopped shootings. But it has made the database more effective an important step. The Department of Justice released a report in August 2020 on the bills implementation, finding an increase of 8.1 million records in the three national databases searched with every NICS check - an 8.1 percent increase. More recently, January represented the high-water mark for checks conducted in a one-month period, with more than 4.3 million total background checks initiated. The trend continued in February, with more than 3.4 million conducted, the most ever for the month of February. Factors leading to gun violence are broad and deep, and have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that has seen the highest rate of gun deaths in the last two decades. Whats needed is the same kind of bipartisan, solution-oriented approach to gun violence that pushed the Fix NICS Act across the finish line. The rote futility in getting commonsense gun reform legislation passed is why we need to look for ways to celebrate progress on gun violence prevention, including the tiniest of baby steps. Background checks are a rare area of common ground among gun owners and gun control advocates. Twice in the past 20 years, Congress has come close to passing bills that would have greatly strengthened background requirements, only to narrowly fail. Congress shouldnt wait for another tragedy on the scale of Sutherland Springs to try again. When it does, it can use Cornyn and Murphy as examples of what can happen when lawmakers work together. Both senators have continued their own efforts with recent negotiations to close certain background check loopholes, though those talks have stalled. We encourage them to keep searching for a path forward in solving the gun violence crisis, and for their colleagues to join those efforts. Nearly 370 people have died in mass shootings this year alone. The bill passed after the Sutherland Springs shooting is a reminder of the many lives that can still be saved. Texas is no stranger to the dangers of cross-border smuggling. Cartels, organized crime and violent street gangs traffic guns, drugs, counterfeit goods and other dangerous products to fuel their criminal enterprises. The Houston Chronicles recent expose on the massive smuggling of illegal cigarettes from China illustrates how tobacco is one of the most profitable cash crops funding a multibillion-dollar illicit market. Smuggling cheap, counterfeit, untaxed cigarettes into higher-tax jurisdictions fuels and funds more crime throughout the state. In April, Democrats introduced the Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2021, which is designed to significantly raise federal excise taxes on all tobacco products. While proponents of this legislation argue that it will help to curtail cigarette smoking and promote public health, it will create harmful unintended consequences that could be otherwise avoided. Higher taxes wont lead all smokers to quit. Although higher prices can drive down tobacco use, even higher taxes will drive purchases out of the stores and into the streets, with cash filling the cartel coffers. Just as state excise taxes on cigarettes products have shown time and again, a federal excise tax increase would lead to more smuggling across the border and bring the associated crime that comes with it. Varying tax rates allow smugglers to carry illicit cigarettes across borders to capitalize on price differences. As yearly research conducted by the Mackinac Center, which advances free markets and limited government principles, shows states that raise excise taxes on cigarettes usher in higher levels of smuggling. As a result of the high tax rate on tobacco in New York City, for example, smuggling is pervasive. According to the Tax Foundation , New York has the highest inbound smuggling activity, with an estimated 53.2 percent of cigarettes consumed in the state deriving from smuggled sources in 2018. The illicit market for tobacco is especially worrisome for border states like Texas that endlessly struggle with transnational smuggling. During my time as sheriff of New York City, I created the Tobacco Task Force for the city as an attempt to combat the growing menace. The Houston Chronicle investigation shows clearly that Texas is no exception. In just one case last year, authorities confiscated more than 400 million cigarettes from China that were destined to be smuggled from the United States to Mexico. Even more alarming is the fact that the Justice Department acknowledges that these busts on illicit cigarettes are rare. That means many more shipments are likely slipping by without notice. The State Department recognized this problem in its 2015 report, The Global Illicit Trade in Tobacco: A Threat to National Security, which highlighted the dangerous problem this poses. It explains that cigarette smuggling is a low-risk, high-reward criminal activity that is a lucrative crime for some terrorist groups and a potential revenue source to finance acts of terror. Trust me when I say that this will have perilous implications for crime in Texas. During my many years in the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, I saw firsthand the impact that illicit smuggling across the border has on American communities. Along with illicit cigarettes, these criminals bring drugs, guns and other contraband into our neighborhoods. We should never have to weigh a tradeoff between public health and public safety. This is especially the case because there are far more viable and promising policy options at our disposal. Policymakers should keep in mind that restricting vapor devices also creates profit opportunities for international smugglers. In April, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 10,000 unapproved Juul pods coming from Canada and destined for various locations in New York and New Jersey. Over the past few decades, I have seen numerous policy proposals that would only further harm public safety, and the Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2021 is undoubtedly one of them. We cannot afford to support an international criminal industry that we are already struggling to suppress in our state. Texans should be well aware of the deeply personal impact that this law would have on our lives. Domenech is a 29-year law enforcement veteran who served as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him New York City sheriff in 2010 and created the tobacco tax enforcement regime in that city. The Houston firefighters union says it has collected enough signatures to put a charter amendment on the ballot to make it easier to move stalled contract talks with the city to binding arbitration. The city secretary now must verify at least 20,000 signatures, the minimum threshold for getting a petition-driven initiative on the ballot. The petition drive is one of two the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341 is pushing for this November. The other would give council members more power to place items on the City Council agenda. The city secretary verified signatures for the first petition, filed in April, last week. A broader coalition is advocating for that proposal, as well. The union has said it hopes to place both items on the November ballot, although Mayor Sylvester Turner has signaled the city may not comply with those wishes. The mayor last week said a required council vote to place the items on the ballot may not happen this year. There is no obligation, I think, on our part to put anything on the ballot for this year, Turner said then. State law does not lay out a specific timeline for when council must take that vote, though it does require it to do so. When the council does vote, it has two options for selecting the date: the next uniform election date, which would be November 2021; or the next municipal or presidential election, whichever is earlier. That would be the November 2023 in this case. In a statement Friday, Turner said the city has not made a decision on election timing. The city has the discretion of placing a petition(s) on the ballot this year or the very next municipal election date, which is November (2023), Turner said. The process will determine whether a petition qualifies to be placed on a ballot and when. Union President Marty Lancton said it does not matter whether the city is allowed to push off the election; it should respect the will of the petitioners and place the initiative on the upcoming November ballot. He said the union is prepared to go to court to get the charter amendments on the ballot this year. When the citizens speak up and they utilize a process in order to address an issue, weve always said it should never be delayed, it should not be put on the back burner, Lancton said. It should be about the citizens, it should be about the voters, and we shouldnt be engaging in any type of voter suppression by pushing off what it is the citizens today want the government to address. Lancton also expressed concern that the city would slow-walk the signature counting process. For the earlier petition, the city verified it by checking individual signatures, but the union says it could expedite the process by using statistical sampling to verify a subset of them. The city used that strategy when the firefighters sought collective bargaining rights in 2003. The last day to order an election for November is Aug. 16, according to the Texas Secretary of States Office. Turners office did not respond to a question about the counting procedure. At-large council member Michael Kubosh said he signed the petition and supports the proposal. At the very least, he said, the city should act quickly to get it on the ballot and let the voters decide. Im tired of paying lawyers. Weve paid lawyers millions of dollars to fight the firefighters, Kubosh said. If we go to binding arbitration, then there it is. We dont have to fight it in court. The latest petition would make arbitration the automatic resolution to an impasse in contract negotiations. That would mean the city and union present contract proposals to a three-judge panel, which then forms a contract the two sides both must accept. The city and union negotiate via collective bargaining. When talks stall under the current system, as they have since 2017, the two sides can agree to arbitration, but cities historically have rejected that option because they do not want to cede their budgets to an independent panel. The other remedy is through the courts, and the union and city have been locked in legal battles over contract talks for years. The union says arbitration would make a more cost-effective and timely solution, a sentiment backed by Kubosh. I doubt if well ever see any resolution on this while Im still in office, and maybe that was the plan anyways, said Kubosh, whose term ends in 2023. Remember this: Justice delayed is justice denied. Unions in other cities have sought similar options. The San Antonio firefighters union won a ballot initiative that gave it unilateral power to send talks to arbitration, and it triggered that option when talks stalled in 2019. The panel of judges in that case produced a contract that was hailed by both sides and ended a six-year conflict. Credit rating agencies, one of which downgraded San Antonios credit rating after the ballot initiative passed, also praised the contract, although they said they remain hesitant to see cities cede budgetary authority to outside groups. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com Houston, MO (65483) Today Partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Houston, MO (65483) Today Sunny skies this morning. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW 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 Isolated thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 76F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. 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The Philippines media fraternity and journalist unions globally are mourning the loss of a giant of media freedom following the death of Filipino unionist and journalist Nonoy Espina on July 7. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the South East Asia Journalist Unions (SEAJU) today paid tribute to a spirited union leader who inspired journalists to fight for press freedom and shone a light on the critical issues affecting journalists in the Philippines. Jose Jaime Espina, popularly known as Nonoy, died from liver cancer after recovering from Covid-19, his family said. He was 59. Nonoy turned over chairmanship of the NUJP early in 2021, leaving the respected union in the hands of a crew of young journalist leaders that, for so many, he had mentored and encouraged to take the wheel of the collective of which he was a founding member. A veteran journalist and fierce advocate of freedoms and human rights, Nonoy was a humble yet inspirational leader whose favourite line was: We exercise freedom not because we are allowed to. We exercise freedom because we insist on being free." A talented photographer and writer, Espina was among the first responders at the Ampatuan Massacre in Maguindanao in 2009 and became a dominant voice in the campaign for justice for the victims, which included 32 media workers. He was always present at commemorations and in activities leading up to the verdict in 2019. As NUJP chairman from 2018 to 2021, he led critical NUJP campaigns to fight the endemic impunity for murdered journalists in the Philippines and to support journalists impacted by the trauma of the profession. As a member of the directorate for multiple terms, he led the NUJP through waves of attacks and harassment by the government. More recently, he was among the loudest voices at rallies in support of the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, leading a march in Quezon City in March 2020 and later joining similar activities in Bacolod City, where he was based. The NUJP said: He was a press freedom hero worthy of admiration and emulation. From the Marcos dictatorship until the Duterte administration, he consistently served the Filipino people by upholding the truth. The IFJ pays its respects to Nonoy Espina and gives condolences to his family: his wife, Leny Rojo Espina, his children Mayumi Liwayway Rojo Espina and Daki Ojor Espina and his siblings. The IFJ said: Nonoys commitment to fighting impunity, supporting journalists in the Philippines and around the world cannot be understated. Nonoys organising has touched the lives of many. He leaves a gaping hole, but his legacy will remain. We thank him for his dedication, commitment and many years of service in pursuit of the truth and justice. Vale Nonoy. The Sudanese authorities blocked more than 30 news websites in the run up to protests demanding the resignation of the government. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns these attacks on media freedom and urges the authorities to stop their harassment of journalists. Reports suggest Sudan's public prosecutor ordered the cyber crimes prosecutor's office to block numerous websites, mainly online news sites. The media concerned were not given prior notice. The justification given was to ensure "public safety and tranquillity". However, the public prosecutor denies ordering the blocking. The sites include Al-Sudani (which has been suspended in the past by the authorities), Baj News, Azza Press, Khabat News and Tara News. The media noticed the blocks on 29 June, one day before protests took place in several Sudanese cities, calling for the resignation of the government and better economic conditions. Security forces quickly intervened to stop the protests on 30 June. The same day, they also arrested Ali Abu Shaleh, a journalist covering the protests in Khartoum for Al Jazeera. In a video posted by Al Jazeera, the journalist is seen being violently thrown into the back of a car. According to the news outlet, he was then detained and beaten during his detention, before being finally released. The IFJ has condemned several times the arrests of journalists in connection with protests against the Sudanese government. In a new, broad executive order he signed Friday, President Joe Biden is taking aim at corporations and big-tech companies, such as Amazon and Facebook, that have come under fire for anticompetitive practices. One potential upshot for startups and small businesses? You could get a leg up on hiring and finding new business opportunities. The order calls for, among other things, the Federal Trade Commission to adopt new rules that would cut back the use of noncompete clauses, eliminate some occupational licensing requirements, and promote more competitiveness. The measure is the latest in a series of executive orders Biden has issued or plans to issue on labor practices and market regulation. Here are more details on how the order may affect small businesses: 1. You may have an easier time luring talent from the Goliaths in your industry. Big tech is infamous for requiring workers to sign noncompete agreements that ban them from working at a competitor for any number of years, effectively blocking a valuable source of talent for startups. But other industries engage in the practice too. "[R]oughly half of private-sector businesses require at least some employees to enter noncompete agreements, affecting over 30 million people. This affects construction workers, hotel workers, many blue-collar jobs, not just high-level executives," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a press conference Wednesday. Biden's executive order is expected to direct the FTC to greatly limit the legal use of noncompete clauses on a federal level. Some narrow exceptions will let employers use them, but the exact details won't be clear until the full text of the order is released in the coming days. A handful of states, including California, North Carolina, Montana, and Oklahoma, completely ban the use of noncompetes by employers. A few state legislatures are debating banning noncompetes altogether, or in specific industries, such as medicine. Congress has tried, but failed, to pass legislation that would ban noncompetes on a federal level. While there's bipartisan support for such a move, it hasn't been strong enough to warrant passage in both houses of Congress. The executive order would overstep the legislative branch and directly ask the FTC to create a new rule that would limit the use of noncompetes nationwide. 2. You'll no longer have to follow some occupational licensing requirements. Many states require employees across various industries, including cosmetology, construction, food service, and more, to obtain occupational licenses before they can work. Almost 30 percent of U.S. jobs require licenses, and while some serve important health and safety concerns, licensing has become overly burdensome in some cases, said Psaki. Requirements vary by state, and in most cases licenses do not transfer if an employee relocates to another state. Eliminating some of these requirements could remove unnecessary obstacles for job seekers and give employers greater flexibility in hiring and transferring talent. 3. Small businesses will have more opportunities in the marketplace. Going after federal contracts is often a lengthy, time-consuming, and expensive task for small businesses. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, the number of small businesses participating in federal contracts has declined 38 percent over the past decade. Biden's executive order specifically directs federal agencies to promote greater competition in procurement and spending decisions. While details on this measure are still scarce, earlier this summer the Biden administration announced it planned to increase by 50 percent the share of contracts that go to small, disadvantaged businesses by 2026. Operating amid the pandemic has entered a new phase of difficulty--particularly for employers of both vaccinated and unvaccinated workers. Shortly after the CDC updated its guidelines on May 13, noting that vaccinated individuals no longer needed to wear facemasks indoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency that oversees workplace health and safety, updated its Covid-19 guidance. On June 26, OSHA updated guidance in compliance with the CDC to help employers protect workers who are still not vaccinated, with a special emphasis on industries with prolonged close-contacts such as meat processing, manufacturing, seafood, and grocery and high-volume retail. The guidance includes protocols for social distancing, mask wearing, and other health procedures meant to keep both parties safe. Considering that just 52 percent of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, chances are some of your employees have yet to get a jab. That means if you're planning a return to the office, you'll also need to create two separate workplace health policies. These policies will be different from business to business, depending on the level of community spread in a given location and the level of contact employees have with the public. But acting is a must, says David Barron, labor and employment attorney at Cozen O'Connor. Failing to address a stratified workplace--or even just relying on the honor system--could lead to legal trouble, a loss of morale, turnover, and employees falling sick. Founders like Dominique Kemps aren't taking any chances. Her business, GlassExpertsFL, a commercial glass repair company, is located in Miami. Florida overall has been particularly hard hit by the Delta variant, a more contagious strain of the coronavirus. Daily, about 10 in 100,000 people are contracting the coronavirus by way of the Delta variant. As of July 2, only 46 percent of the population of Florida was fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. Kemps has devised two separate physical workspaces: one for vaccinated employees and another for those who remain unvaccinated. Also for unvaccinated employees, meetings are held virtually, while vaccinated employees can wear a mask and attend if desired. Vaccinated employees can also eat lunch together, while Kemps has asked unvaccinated employees to eat in a designated area. "Frankly," she says, "it hasn't been easy." Here's how to ease the transition: 1. Request vaccination information. Before you make any decisions regarding which policies to enact, first ask and keep track of who is vaccinated and who isn't, says Dr. Shantanu Nundy, chief medical officer at Accolade, a benefit provider for health care workers. An employer can request a copy of an employee's vaccination card or other proof, which should help you determine how much of your workforce falls under one policy or another. If you opt to review vaccination information, note that anything you collect must be considered confidential information that has to be kept private in files that are separate from personnel files. A failure to do so may result in anti-discrimination violations under the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, two laws that protect workers from health status discrimination. 2. Overcommunicate any policy changes. It's also crucial to communicate any change in policy openly. Robert Johnson, founder of Sawinery, a Windsor, Connecticut-based creator of woodworking projects, divided workers into two shifts, the first for vaccinated individuals, and another for unvaccinated workers. He's made it clear to his staff that he's waiting until everyone is vaccinated before returning to the original schedule. "The structure won't compromise anyone's safety and everyone can work without any worries in mind," says Johnson. 3. Stay flexible. Applying for Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness is about to get easier for bigger borrowers. After months of requiring financial documentation proving need from borrowers with PPP loans of $2 million or more, the Small Business Administration took steps this week to roll back some of those requirements. The effort marks an about-face for the agency that landed in hot water after allowing publicly traded companies to access the program intended for small businesses. It also signifies a swifter forgiveness process for some borrowers. On Tuesday, the SBA began informing lenders that it plans to eliminate the loan necessity review for PPP loans of $2 million or more, adding that it intends to publish a FAQ on the subject "shortly." And effective immediately, the SBA says it will no longer request the loan necessity questionnaire (SBA Form 3509) for any PPP loan reviews. (It will also pull the nonprofit loan necessity questionnaire, SBA Form 3510.) The agency did not respond to a request to confirm its plans to roll back its financial reviews of larger borrowers; Inc. reviewed a copy of the letter it sent lenders. In October, the agency began asking lenders to provide loan necessity questionnaires to both for-profit and nonprofit borrowers with PPP loans of $2 million or more. Smaller borrowers, rather, simply had to self-certify the potential for need. "It's a time and money savings," says Carmen Calzacorta, a corporate transactional attorney with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, a law firm with offices across the Pacific Northwest. She notes that the additional financial checks and supplemental reviews had pushed some forgiveness requests out eight months, beyond the typical five-month decision timeframe. The lender, filing the forgiveness application on behalf of the borrower, has 60 days before it needs to submit anything to the SBA; the SBA then has 90 days to remit funds to the lender. "If the SBA asks for supplemental information, it suspends all the dates," she says. Filling out the questionnaire itself also takes more time and energy. The form asks for a litany of supplemental financial information like gross revenue, capital on hand, and a list of highly paid executives, as well as questions regarding business operations and business activity. And some businesses may worry about this information falling into the public sphere, should a future freedom of information act request requisition this data. To be sure, these changes don't unravel all of the SBA and U.S. Treasury checks on larger loans. In April of 2020, the U.S. Treasury encouraged businesses with alternative ways to raise funding--say, from investors via the public markets--to return the money. It also encouraged companies to look deeply at whether they really need federal funds to guard against economic uncertainty going forward. It added that "a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets" would likely not meet the standards required for attaining a government-backed loan. The SBA, also in April, issued a final interim rule noting that hedge funds are not eligible for federal assistance through the PPP. It indicated that private equity-backed companies would face a level of scrutiny similar to that for public companies when applying for a PPP loan. The closer inspection of bigger loans was thought to be useful for preventing companies that may not need emergency funding from tapping the forgivable loan program. It was also a mechanism for weeding out publicly traded companies or other firms that may have alternate funding sources. In the early days of the PPP, Small Business Administration was pilloried for allowing publicly traded companies like Legal Sea Foods and P.F. Chang's to access the PPP. Yet, after more than a year of PPP, during which time the agency helped dole out more than $780 billion in emergency funding to more than eight million small businesses, interest in keeping the forgiveness process streamlined and drama free may be heightened, says Bill Briggs, the former director of the SBA's office of capital access. "SBA is seeking to further expedite the forgiveness process for borrowers and ease some of the pressing administrative tasks facing the agency this year." The SBA may also be looking to subdue legal challenges. In December 2020, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, an Arlington, Virginia-based trade association, filed a lawsuit against the SBA seeking to amend the loan necessity questionnaire to allow borrowers to provide added context explaining the totality of their circumstances. For instance, the AGC notes in its complaint that the questionnaire does not ask borrowers to describe the status of their operations and the attendant business anxieties back in the spring, when economic uncertainty was at its peak. Instead, the questionnaire focuses on what came after, over the ensuing months of 2020--effectively pushing the SBA's request for information outside its purview. "What we hoped to achieve was a more rational review of what borrowers in general actually knew and did not know at the time they applied for their loans. We were trying to persuade the SBA that economic uncertainty was a major factor," says Mike Kennedy, AGC's general counsel. "There seemed in our minds a fundamental disconnect between the certification that borrowers made and the questions that the SBA was asking." Regardless of SBA's reasons for the change, the next step for businesses now is to figure out an action plan. While you won't need to file this supplemental form anymore, you may still need to provide financial documentation of need, says Calzacorta. "After forgiveness, they're not off the hook. [Businesses] could get subsequently audited. Many of these programs get audited years later," she says. For this reason, she suggests holding onto financial documents relating to a PPP loan for six years. In 2007, renowned Stanford professor Robert Sutton authored the seminal The No A--hole Rule, a book spawned from a provocative essay he penned for the Harvard Business Review three years earlier. In that one-paragraph essay, which appeared in HBR's "Breakthrough Ideas for 2004," Sutton's report on the emergence of no a--hole rules triggered thousands of emails and testimonies about toxic workplace behaviors that destroy morale, productivity, and collaboration. Sutton wrote: When it comes to hiring and promoting people, a simple but revolutionary idea is taking hold in the ranks of management: the "no a--hole" rule. Organizations just shouldn't tolerate the fear and loathing these jerks leave in their wake. Elon Musk's No A--hole Rule Soon after, it became in vogue for start-up founders to adopt the rule to ensure culture fit. Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, was one of them. In a 2008 interview on Henry Ford's Innovation nation, interviewer Barry Hurd asked Musk, "What do you look for in someone?" Musk replied: Generally, I look for a positive attitude and are they easy to work with, are people gonna like working with them? It's very important to like the people you work with, otherwise life [and] your job is gonna be quite miserable. And, in fact, we have a strict no a--holes policy at SpaceX. And we fire people if they are. I mean, we give them a little bit of warning. But if they continue to be an a--hole, then they're fired. Musk is a brilliant tech visionary with the supreme gift of evaluating talent and selecting the right people to work for him. And his no a--holes policy remains a crucial aspect of whom he hires, promotes, and fires. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell, who joined the startup when it was founded by Musk in 2002, stressed the no a--hole work policy in a recent Business Insider article. "These kinds of people -- a--holes -- interrupt others, they shut down or co-opt conversation, and they create a hostile environment where no one wants to contribute," Shotwell said. Warning signs to watch for There are some pretty obvious telltale signs that your business may already have been infiltrated by no a--hole rule breakers worthy of termination. While the list is lengthy, here are four toxic a--hole behaviors to protect your workplace against before it's too late. 1. Deflecting responsibility and casting blame A common saying coming out of a toxic a--hole worker's mouth may be: "I'm not responsible." They deflect responsibility and cast blame elsewhere to protect themselves at all costs. Admitting to being human and making mistakes, which would actually work to their advantage in building bridges and increasing trust with peers, is a foreign concept. 2. Procrastinating We've all suffered from procrastination in one form or another. But according to research, procrastinators lie to themselves often to passive-aggressively avoid responsibilities, which affects everyone around them. Watch for co-workers who know they should be doing something but are intentionally putting it off. They may be caught in a lie because it's easier to procrastinate, thus bringing down a whole team. 3. Gossiping Friendly social gossip in the workplace is human, but relentless gossip meant to damage a reputation and put a negative spin on things has damaging effects for both the individuals involved and the organization as a whole. This should be a strict no a--hole rule for any company. Watch for groups of disgruntled employees actively acting out their toxic unhappiness and crucifying fellow peers, management, and company direction. 4. Shaming behavior In the book Toxic Workplace!, the authors conducted research to find several toxic behaviors prevalent in the workplace, including shaming. Under the heading of shaming, several other behaviors were identified including humiliation, sarcasm, potshots, and mistake pointing. These classic a--hole behaviors have been found to prevent companies from creating a respectful environment that leads to positive business outcomes. Every business owner I know has worked hard to build a brand and recognizes the critical value of instant brand recognition and leadership. You have done everything to register your brand legally, for example, including domains, copyrights, patents, and trademarks. Yet, as an outside advisor, I often see slippage overtime on protecting your brand, which can be costly. The specifics of these shortcomings are hard to nail down, but I was impressed with the good summary provided in a new book, Make It, Don't Fake It, by Sabrina Horn, a C-suite advisor, speaker, and founder of Horn Strategy. I add my insights here to her top six key strategies for keeping your brand authentic and above reproach: 1. Avoid changes that may compromise quality or image. We all strive to reduce costs and improve efficiency, but the ultimate test is the potential to erode values, culture, and brand image. Every change has possible downsides, and it's your responsibility to quantify and balance these against benefits. Don't let your bean counters devalue your brand. For example, a few years ago Wells Fargo seriously damaged its brand trying to grow the business by creating accounts without proper customer consent. This resulted in lawsuits and fines, angered many new customers, and the Wells Fargo brand is still recovering. 2. Evaluate the brand impact of proposed market moves. The push is always on to grow your market with new geographies, new products, and new market segments. Yet every change can cause brand dilution or competition you don't need. Always check language nuances and translation issues. Moving in or out of the wrong market can kill your brand. Most of us can still remember when Ford expanded into Brazil with the Pinto model, not realizing the translation had a negative sexual connotation, which severely hurt Ford's brand in many countries for all models. There are many comparable examples of big hits. 3. Recognize that employee morale impacts your brand. If employee morale is down, your brand will be negatively impacted. Thus you need to see and be seen with your people and walk the talk. Don't wait for quarterly morale surveys or feedback from HR. Ask employees for feedback, and commit to fixing problems before you feel the brand impact. 4. Never argue with customers, public or private. Pay close attention to social media and online feedback, and never respond defensively. Create and truly listen to your customer advisory council, and focus on removing opportunities for them to be disappointed. Customers, more than advertising, make your brand image in the market. Of course, we can all agree that the customer isn't always right, but it does your brand no good to debate the issue. The best approach is to listen and learn from them-- and clarify your brand marketing, customer service, business model, or just find the right customers. 5. Accommodate and integrate multiple cultures. As you expand the business into new geographies and market segments, focus on culture inclusivity rather than trying to manage multiple subcultures. Use global online influencers and common values to seek communication across groups, and keep the focus on your brand rather than differences. In this age of the Internet and global communication, it is virtually impossible to isolate individual subcultures, and market your brand uniquely to each. Attempts to do this have resulted in more confusion than value, as well as high management and marketing costs. 6. Differentiate your brand based on a higher cause. Be different based on a unique value proposition, not just better quality or cost. Know yourself as well as your customer, and make your brand a statement that they can relate to, and want to be a part of. Keep you image authentic, fresh, and harmonious, and firmly based in reality. For example, TOMS shoes differentiated their brand of common shoes by highlighting a higher purpose from founder Blake Mycoskie of donating a pair of shoes to the needy for every pair sold. He found that the return was far greater than the cost of donated shoes. Building and protecting your brand is the ultimate responsibility of every business owner and leadership team. It supersedes all other responsibilities, and should be top-of-mind in everything you do. Matt Damon has reflected on the impact of fame on his life and vice versa. The actor was asked how he handles fame during a masterclass he gave at the Cannes Film Festival, according to Deadline. The media gave up on me because I was so boring. What sells magazines is sex and scandal, he said. Everybody knows Im married and a dad, and relatively free of scandal, its not worth their money to sit outside my house. They also know Ill wait them out. The actor has been married since 2005 to Luciana Barroso. The couple have three children together, and Damon also has a stepdaughter from Barrosos previous marriage. In the same masterclass, Damon discussed his decision to turn down an offer to star in James Camerons Avatar, which went on to become the highest-grossing movie of all time (earning $2,8bn around the world). I was offered a little movie called Avatar, James Cameron offered me 10 per cent of it, Damon said. I will go down in history you will never meet an actor who turned down more money. Damon is featured in Stillwater, an upcoming crime drama also starring Abigail Breslin and Call My Agents Camille Cottin. He portrays an American father who travels from Oklahoma to France, where his daughter has been arrested for a murder she says she didnt commit. Katie Price has defending travelling to a red-listed country to undergo a number of cosmetic surgery procedures. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the TV personality and former glamour model said she took steps to ensure her trip was safe. I went to a red country, but at the same time Im working, Im doing my YouTube, she said. You have to follow the protocol, you cant be silly, so I knew by going to a red country Id literally be in a hospital, I wasnt mixing with anyone else. It was literally hospital, then we flew to [an] amber [list] country, stayed in a villa in the middle of the hills away from everyone. People arriving into the UK who have been in a red-listed country in the last 10 days must quarantine in a hotel. Anyone entering the UK from an amber-listed country must quarantine for 10 days at home or the place they are staying. Price, who had full body liposuction in Turkey, said she would not have made the trip if she hadnt had both her coronavirus vaccines. To find out what others are saying and join the conversation scroll down for the comments section or click here for our most commented on articles She said she wanted to lose weight she had gained after breaking both her feet, and compared her decision to undergo the surgery as fixing a dent on a car. Its like a car, you have an MoT, if you get a scratch or a dent on your car, you fix it, and thats how I feel about my body, she said. The European parliament on Thursday passed a resolution urging the government representatives and diplomats to boycott the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics unless the Chinese government shows a verifiable improvement in the human rights situation in Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uighur Region, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and elsewhere in China. The 28-point resolution, which is non-binding, condemned the forced closure of Hong Kongs Apple Daily and the arrests of its journalists. The daily was owned by pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is already in prison facing several terms. The resolution was passed with 578 votes in favour compared to 29 against it and 73 abstentions. It was supported by most of Europes mainstream political groups. It welcomed the steps taken by the UK, Australia and Canada to open schemes to offer Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to live and work in their respective countries. It asked the member states to coordinate the implementation of a lifeboat scheme for pro-democracy activists and political leaders in Hong Kong, and to issue emergency travel documents for journalists in Hong Kong who are at risk of arrest. It also urged the EU and the European diplomatic personnel to do everything they can to provide protection and support to peaceful activists and political leaders in Hong Kong, including also attending trials, requesting prison visits and consistently and resolutely reaching out to local authorities. The resolution reiterates the call for the EU and all its member states to work towards the holding of a special session or urgent debate on China at the UN Human Rights Council and the launching of an independent UN investigation on China. Beijing is increasingly under international pressure on alleged human rights abuse in Hong Kong including arrests of the pro-democracy activists. It is also being repeatedly questioned about the alleged targeting of Uighurs in the Xinjiang region as well as outside even though Beijing has consistently denied the allegations. In addition to the EU, other western countries including the US and the UK have also raised concerns against the violation of human rights of Uighurs. Some have even imposed sanctions against some Chinese officials over the alleged abuse. China yesterday hit back at the UK, accusing it of politicisation of sports after the Foreign Affairs Committee urged the UK Government to boycott the 2022 Olympic Games to put pressure on China over its treatment of the Uyghurs. The FAC had said that the ministers should not attend the Beijing Winter Olympics and should urge others not to do so. The UK government was also urged to abstain from sending officials to ceremonies and functions, discourage the UK businesses from sponsoring or advertising at the event. Some people attempt to disrupt, obstruct and sabotage the preparation and convening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games out of political motivation, said Chinas Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Thursday. Meanwhile the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has said this week, although he would consider a diplomatic boycott, he is instinctively against taking such action. Additional reporting by agencies A woman in Zhejiang Province in eastern China was arrested by police after she ran 49 red lights in her ex-boyfriends car, local media reported. Police said the woman broke traffic rules 50 times in two days. This included running a red light 49 times and once for speeding. Authorities have detained the woman, the state-run Global Times newspaper reported. The woman, identified as Lou, asked her friend, a man called Chen, to rent the Audi from its owner, Qian. Reports didnt reveal the full names of the people involved in the case. Mr Chen, after renting the car, handed it to another man, named Zhu. Mr Zhu and Ms Lou together then ran the 49 red lights before they were stopped by local police, after which they were both detained. Local reports suggested Ms Lou and Mr Qian, the original owner of the car, had earlier dated. Mr Qian had reportedly broken up with her for another woman. The police who interrogated all the parties involved in the case said Mr Zhu admitted that he had asked his friend Mr Chen to rent the car from Mr Qian, the owner. The revenge plot was allegedly hatched by Ms Lou, who was furious with Mr Qian after their breakup. Mr Zhu also admitted in yet another twist that Ms Lou promised to date him if he went along with her plan of getting the car from Mr Qian and then racking up fines for her ex-boyfriend. 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. 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 The southern Indian state of Kerala has confirmed its first case of Zika virus a mosquito-borne disease in a 24-year-old pregnant woman who is in a stable condition. The woman, a resident of Parassala town, was admitted to a hospital in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on 28 June with symptoms like mild fever, rashes on her body and a headache. State health minister Veena George said that after the woman tested positive for the virus after initial tests at the hospital, her samples were sent for confirmation to the National Institute of Virology in Maharashtra state. The woman delivered her baby on 7 July. She did not travel outside Kerala, but the government said her house is on the states border with neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The government said the womans mother had also shown similar symptoms a week earlier. Kerala has sent 19 samples to the National Institute of Virology and Ms George told news agency PTI that 13 of them are suspected to be positive for Zika. The Zika virus is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya. Symptoms are generally mild and last for two to seven days. These include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache, according to the World Health Organisation. There is no treatment available for the Zika virus infection or its associated diseases, it said. The UN health agency said that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly a defect where the babys head is smaller than expected when compared to those of the same sex and age and other congenital abnormalities in the developing foetus and newborn. Kerala said immediate steps were taken after the first case was confirmed. The state has sounded an alert across all districts and asked people to take precautions against mosquito bites. Public health expert B Ekbal told The Hindu newspaper that it was only a matter of time before Zika was reported in Kerala because the mosquito is found in high density in the state. The Zika virus case comes at a time when Kerala is struggling to contain the spread of Covid-19 and reporting high daily cases. The state reported over 13,000 new coronavirus cases on Thursday. Street stalls in Indonesia have been found still slaughtering and selling an array of animals including bats more than a year after markets in China selling the creatures were first identified as a likely source of Covid-19. Chinese authorities shut down the market in Wuhan and outlawed sales of live animals on the street in an effort to clean up the countrys reputation after the coronavirus outbreak. Scientists suspect the virus originated in bats on sale at Wuhan and jumped to humans via other species, possibly pangolins. But investigators on the island of Sulawesi one of the countrys largest discovered sellers touting bats and rats, alongside pigs, dogs, snakes, frogs, chickens and ducks. Many were seen crammed tightly into cages or being tied up or blowtorched. Traders were also selling chicks that had been dyed bright colours to be kept as pets but that were unlikely to survive. Sources told the investigators from animal welfare organisation Four Paws that the markets have continued to function unaffected by the pandemic, even though the World Health Organisation has called for live animal street sales to be ended. Experts say the insanitary conditions of live-animal markets are breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases, those that can jump from animals to humans. Cramming species into cages in unnatural conditions drastically raises animals stress levels, which makes them more susceptible to disease. And putting in close contact animal types that would never normally meet in the wild increases the chances of viruses moving between species. The witnesses, who visited three markets, said the conditions were insanitary and cruel. Bats, dogs and birds were found in high numbers at Langowan market and Karombasan market, and many bats were found at Beriman market, as well as rats, a pile of snakes and the dyed chicks a brutal and toxic sales gimmick to entice parents to buy them for their children. Injured dogs were crammed together in tiny cages, waiting to be slaughtered. Workers were not wearing gloves when they handled dead or live animals, and stalls were partly covered with animal body parts and the floors with puddles of blood and maggots, Four Paws reported. A trader sells live ducks and carcasses of newly killed animals (Four Paws) One investigator said: Covid-19 should make us pay more attention to how we treat animals. Keeping various stressed species in close proximity in cruel and unsanitary conditions, the brutal handling and slaughtering and the resulting waste and fluids are the perfect breeding ground for zoonotic diseases. After Chinas live-animal markets were linked to the emergence of the coronavirus, governments worldwide faced a clamour of calls to ban live animal slaughter markets. Scientists have warned the way animals are reared for consumption both in cramped markets and on industrial farms - creates the risk of pandemics that would make Covid look like a dress rehearsal. Boris Johnsons then-fiancee Carrie Symonds backed a global movement to pressure world governments into banning the worlds trade in wildlife. The WHO says that globally about a billion cases of illness and millions of deaths occur every year from zoonoses and that 75 per cent of emerging zoonotic infectious diseases originate in wild animals. Ebola was traced to people eating bats, and HIV was believed to have emerged from people eating chimpanzee meat. On the one-year anniversary of Covid-19 being declared a pandemic earlier this year, Four Paws accused the UN and governments of tackling the symptoms but not the root cause of the pandemic. A woman in Singapore was convicted on Thursday on six charges of abusing her domestic help, including forcing the maid to strip and shower in front of her and kicking her on her genitals. Ms Rosdiana Abdul Rahim, 33, claimed that her domestic helper, Ms Mayang Sari was "smelly", and so she forced her to shower with the toilet door open and get dressed in front of open windows. Ms Sari's abuse is said to have occurred in 2017 while she was working for Ms Rahim between Sept 29 and Dec 12, 2017. Ms Rahim was acquitted of her seventh charge of pulling the domestic helper's shirt and bra. District Judge Salina Ishak was unconvinced that the prosecution had proven this beyond a reasonable doubt. The maid's duties included caring for her employer's twin children at Ms Rahims mother's house during the day. But her household chores, at times, continued at irregular hours into the wee hours of the morning. During the day, Ms Sari was prevented from taking naps and was under close surveillance of Ms Rahim's family members. The maid didn't get any time off, nor was she paid throughout her time with Ms Rahim and the family. In November 2017, the domestic helper was once forced to shower in front of Ms. Rahim. On one occassion, the abuser's husband walked near the open toilet door, leaving the maid feeling quite vulnerable. On two separate occasions, Ms Rahim forcefully poured powder and shampoo on the domestic helper. The domestic helper was only able to file a complaint with the police after Ms Rahim and her husband dropped her off at the maid agency without any notice. The prosecutor asked for an adjournment to prepare sentencing arguments. Ms. Rahim will return to court for mitigation and sentencing next month. It takes a lot to shock New Yorkers, but scenes of subway riders wading through murky, waist-deep water in stations took many aback. Tropical Storm Elsa, which swept across the region causing widespread flooding on Thursday, deluged New York City and the surrounding area. Videos posted to social media showed the impact of the downpours on apartment buildings, roadways, and the New York subway system. At the 157th Street station in Washington Heights in upper Manhattan, one woman could be seen plunging into the dark water to make her way to the train. In another video, a subway rider donned a garbage bag to wade to the platform. Despite the videos, we actually weathered the storm quite well, interim New York City Transit president Sarah Feinberg later told the Associated Press, adding that subway flooding lasted only a few minutes and caused minor disruption. Others did not see it so optimistically. Eric Adams, who won the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor earlier this week, tweeted: This is what happens when the MTA makes bad spending decisions for decades. We need congestion pricing $ ASAP to protect stations from street flooding, elevate entrances and add green infrastructure to absorb flash storm runoff. This cannot be New York. The MTA did not respond to a request for comment from The Independent. The NYC subway is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and falls under state control, not the local city government. Its frequent delays and slow service have long been lamented by locals, with New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio at one point calling it woefully underfunded. Others point to the fact that the century-old transit network was not designed for the impacts of an ever-worsening climate crisis. Even on dry days, the MTA is pumping out millions of gallons of water from the subway system. Kendra Pierre-Louis, from Gimlet Media, tweeted: Theres a video circulating of a flooded NYC subway system and people are using it to dunk on the subway. I get it but people are really missing the point: the subway was never designed to handle this b/c this wasnt supposed to happen. While a single flash flooding event cannot be instantly linked to climate change, scientists are increasingly conducting attribution studies which look at how global heating influences an extreme weather event. An international team of scientists this week published a rapid analysis which concluded North Americas deadly heatwave would have been virtually impossible without the human-driven climate crisis. Around the world, the fingerprint of climate change can be seen in rapidly intensifying storms, scientists say. The ocean absorbs most excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, causing hotter, moist air which amps up storms and generates heavier rainfall. These types of extreme events now also happen more frequently. Elsa is the earliest fifth-named storm on record. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season broke records with 29 named storms. In 2012, rains from Superstorm Sandy swamped New York City, shutting down public transport and plunging large areas of the city into blackout in the days leading up to the presidential election. And the climate crisis is expected to bring heavier rainfall, higher sea levels, and more frequent and intense storms to New York City. Since Sandy, the MTA has been making improvements for the next big one, including installing Kevlar-strengthened flex gates that can be pulled across subway entrances in minutes to prevent floodwaters cascading in. But many fear that the city is still not far along enough in preparations to handle larger and more intense storms. Having pumped water out of our tunnels during Superstorm Sandy, I know extreme weather events like these wont just go away. We must invest in resiliency strategies now to protect our city and keep New Yorkers safe. Climate change is an urgent crisis, tweeted Kathryn Garcia, another mayoral candidate and the former NYC sanitation commissioner. New York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed her GOP colleagues on Twitter for blocking the Green New Deal, which would provide funding to upgrade Americas infrastructure for future climate impacts. The Green New Deal, which is a blueprint to create millions of good jobs rebuilding infrastructure to stem climate change & protect vulnerable communities, is unrealistic, Rep Ocasio-Cortez posted. Instead we will do the adult thing, which is take orders from fossil fuel execs & make you swim to work. The post appeared to reference a recent undercover investigation by Greenpeace in which an ExxonMobil lobbyist revealed the oil giant is targeting both Democrats and Republicans to kneecap President Bidens milestone infrastructure legislation to address climate impacts. Elsa continued to batter the New York region on Friday, toppling trees and hindering travel as it barreled its way up the East Coast towards New England. Artists have their obsessions. Paul Cezanne painted the same mountain again and again. Edgar Degas had his fetish for young female ballet dancers. And Oliver Stone cant help making films about the assassination of President John F Kennedy on 22 November 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Its 30 years now since Stones epic JFK, in which crusading New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) rejects the Warren Commissions conclusion that a lone gunman was responsible for Kennedys assassination. Instead, Garrison goes after a shady businessman, Clay Shaw (Tommy Lee Jones), who he believes was involved in a complex murder conspiracy. Stone was both praised and ridiculed when JFK came out. The film was called a basket case for conspiracy. Revered newscaster Walter Cronkite described it as a mishmash of fabrications and paranoid fantasies. The prevailing view was that this was a tour de force in cinematic terms it won Oscars for cinematography and editing but deeply unreliable as history. Only a week after a truce in the sausage war between the UK and EU, hostilities have resumed over the Northern Ireland protocol, which created a trade border in the Irish Sea. Brussels had hoped the two sides would use the three-month grace period, which will allow chilled meats from Great Britain to be sold in Northern Ireland until 30 September, to thrash out a lasting settlement to the crisis. But David Frost, the Brexit minister, has now launched another round of megaphone diplomacy by warning the EU the government will set out a new approach before parliament begins its summer break on 22 July. Although he denied setting a deadline, he was in effect issuing an ultimatum: if the EU does not come up with concessions to the UKs liking within two weeks, Boris Johnson might deploy the nuclear option of invoking Article 16 of the protocol to suspend parts of it. TikTok blocked users of its Creator Marketplace from using the word black and phrases like Black Lives Matter in their bios, as the algorithm flagged them as inappropriate content. Creator Ziggi Tyler discovered the issue attempting to update his bio; the words Black, Black Lives Matter, Black people," Black success, Pro-Black, and I am a Black man were not accepted. Pro-white and supporting white supremacy were accepted by TikToks algorithms without issue. TikToks Creator Marketplace is currently in invite-only beta testing, but aims to connect creators with brands for sponsorship deals. TikTok said that the app mistakenly flagged phrases because its hate speech detector associated the words black and audience which contains the word die. Our TikTok Creator Marketplace protections, which flag phrases typically associated with hate speech, were erroneously set to flag phrases without respect to word order, a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement. We recognize and apologize for how frustrating this was to experience, and our team has fixed this significant error. To be clear, Black Lives Matter does not violate our policies and currently has over 27B views on our platform." The issue is the latest in a series of examples of automated systems working against minorities. Instagrams CEO Adam Mosseri said in June 2020 that the company needed to better support the black community, and is looking into how its policies, tools, and processes impact black people, including its own algorithmic bias. Algorithmic censorship also saw posts from Palestinians about violence in Gaza taken down on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and led to criticism over the black-box nature of these systems. Outside of social media other algorithms, including facial recognition algorithms, routinely fail to properly identify the faces of people of colour who are already targeted disproportionately by police. In February 2019, Nijeer Parks spent 10 days in jail and paid $5000 (3627) to defend himself after being misidentified by facial recognition software and subsequently arrested by police. Regardless of what the algorithm is and how it picked up, somebody had to program that algorithm, Tyler told Recode. And if [the problem] is the algorithm, and the marketplace has been available since [2020], why wasnt this a conversation you had with your team, knowing there have been racial controversies? Richard Branson is setting off to space in the hope of becoming the first billionaire to leave the Earth. He will be launched in a spacecraft carried by Virgin Galactics rocket plane, known as the VSS Unity. It will be the first time that the company has conducted a fully crewed flight to the edge of space, though not the first time people have travelled in the spacecraft. Branson is trying to get there shortly before fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos, the recently retired Amazon chief executive. He hopes to travel to space on board a rocket made by his own private space company, Blue Origin and unlike Branson, he will be part of the first ever test flight for the rocket. Branson denies it is a race, despite announcing his plan soon after Bezos and scheduling a date shortly before. Bezos has declined to comment on Bransons effort to beat him to space. The Virgin founder who is part of a team of six will finally get his chance on Sunday, or some time after it, when the launch window for the test flight opens. Virgin Galactic has not revealed precise timings for the flight. But its livestream begins on Sunday morning at 2pm uUK time, or 9am eastern time, and so if conditions allow it will likely happen soon after that. It can be viewed here on Virgin Galactics YouTube page, and will be covered live on The Independent. Previous flights have lasted around 90 minutes, and the latest journey for Unity will probably take roughly as long. When the flight begins, the spaceplane will be carried by a twin-fuselage carrier jet dubbed VMS Eve (named for Bransons mother) to an altitude of 50,000 feet, where Unity will be released and soar by rocket power in an almost vertical climb through the outer fringe of Earths atmosphere. At the apex of its flight some 55 miles (89 km) above the New Mexico desert, the crew will experience a few minutes of weightlessness before making a gliding descent back to Earth. They will then come back and the journey will end where it began - on a runway at Spaceport America near the aptly named town of Truth or Consequences. Virgins Unity 22 mission marks the 22nd test flight of the spacecraft, and the companys fourth crewed mission beyond Earths atmosphere. But it will be the first to carry a full complement of space travelers two pilots and four mission specialists, Branson among them. Although the mission is seen as a potential milestone in helping transform citizen rocket travel into a mainstream commercial venture, spaceflight remains an inherently hazardous endeavor. An earlier prototype of the Virgin Galactic rocket plane crashed during a test flight over Californias Mojave Desert in 2014, killing one pilot and seriously injuring another. If successful, Sundays flight will also give Branson bragging rights to besting rival Jeff Bezos and his space company, Blue Origin, in what has been popularized as a billionaire space race. Bezos, founder of online retail giant Amazon.com, is slated to fly aboard Blue Origins suborbital rocketship, the New Shepard, later this month. Bransons official job on his flight is to evaluate the private astronaut experience, and his observations will be used to enhance the journey for all future astronaut customers, according to Virgins press materials. But Marco Caceres, a senior space analyst for the Virginia-based consulting firm Teal Group, said the Branson and Bezos ride-alongs were each a bit of a publicity stunt. If they succeed, their ventures will be taken more seriously, Caceres said. Theres plenty of multimillionaires in the world that would like to go up on an adventure, so long as they see it as relatively safe. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, along with fellow billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musks SpaceX, are competing head-to-head in the emerging business of space tourism, though Musk has a big head start. SpaceX, which plans to send its first all-civilian crew (without Musk) into orbit in September, has already launched numerous cargo payloads and astronauts to the International Space Station. Branson, 70, insists there is plenty of demand from wealthy would-be citizen astronauts to go around, and that he had no intention of trying to upstage Bezos. Its honestly not a race, Branson told Reuters in an interview earlier this week. If its a race, its a race to produce wonderful spaceships that can make many more people be able to access space. And I think thats both of our aims. The spaceplanes two pilots, Dave Mackay and Michael Masucci, will control the ignition and shutoff of the ships rocket engine, and activate the vehicles feathered tail maneuver for re-entry. The three other mission specialists are Beth Moses, the companys chief astronaut instructor; Virgin Galactics lead operations engineer Colin Bennett; and Sirisha Bandla, a research operations and government affairs vice president. The Virgin brand, including Bransons airline and former record label, has long been associated with exploits of derring-do by its flamboyant founder. Branson set a new record for the fastest boat crossing of the Atlantic in 1986, a year after his initial attempt ended with a Royal Air Force helicopter rescue when his vessel capsized. In 1987 he made a record-breaking Atlantic crossing by hot-air balloon, though again he had to be rescued from the sea. He went on to break at least two other air-balloon speed records but failed to complete any of three bids to circumnavigate the globe by balloon. As for Sundays flight, Branson said this week that he is excited, and I really dont think thereas anything there to be scared about. Assuming the mission goes well, Virgin has said it plans two further test flights of the spaceplane before beginning commercial service next year. The company has said it has received more than 600 flight reservations, priced at around $250,000 per ticket, but hopes eventually to slash the cost of each seat to $40,000. Additional reporting by Reuters Kylie Jenners beauty collection Kylie Cosmetics is set to launch in the UK, with Boots, Selfridges and Harrods stocking the range. The youngest Kardashian sister announced the news regarding her newly relaunched clean and vegan cosmetic line on her Instagram profile last week. Global beauty company Coty, which owns Max Factor and Rimmel, acquired 51 per cent of the brand in 2020 for almost 1bn. Cotys CEO Sue Y Nabi said: We are excited about the relaunch of Kylie Cosmetics with a reformulated range that is really at the forefront of everything Gen Z wants. At present, a date for the UK drop has not been confirmed - customers have only been told later this year. Alice Rafferty, Premium Beauty Senior Buying Manager, Boots UK said: Launching Kylie Cosmetics is a big moment for us and we are so excited to announce that her highly-anticipated range will be coming to Boots later this year, making it more accessible to UK customers than ever before. Boots will stock the collection online and in selected Boots stores, with customers available to sign up for updates about the range via their website. The 23-year-old launched the range in 2015 with a trio of Kylie Lip Kits, which sold out in less than one minute, crashing the website. Boasting the fifth most popular profile on Instagram, with nearly 250 million followers, Jenner has capitalised on her influence to promote the brand, which has seen a meteoric rise in popularity. The success of Kylie Cosmetics led to Jenner being named the youngest self-made billionaire in 2019, prompting widespread consternation at the suggestion that her success was unrelated to her familys wealth or profile. In a 2019 interview with Harpers Bazaar Arabia, the mother-of-one credited her own mum, so-called momager Kris Jenner with the companys success. She said: I credit my mum a lot for where Kylie Cosmetics is now. With my creativity and her business mind, together were just the dream team. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called on people to be more compassionate towards one another in a statement shared on their website. In a section asking, what is compassion? on the couples Archewell website, it outlines the companys mission to drive systemic, cultural change one act of compassion at a time. Posted on Wednesday, the statement begins: We believe that compassion is at the core of all culture and connection in this world. It shows up in all of our interactions with people and enriches our lives and the lives of those around us. To us, compassion means more than the dictionary definition. It means listening with open ears to the suffering and celebrations of communities and people beyond ourselves. It continues: It means taking the time to understand their perspectives, experiences and needs based on what they say, rather than assuming what they need. Then It goes on to explain the definition of compassion, adding that it means uplifting diverse voices and giving a platform to people to share their stories. Each time someone conducts an act of compassion whether its mentoring a young woman or holding space for someone having a difficult day our world becomes a better place, the statement continues. Compassion is at the core of everything we do. We hope youll join us in building a better world, one act of compassion at a time. The statement concludes by asking readers to share their own stories of compassion for a chance to be featured on the Archewell website. Archewell is the couples joint non-profit company that comprises audio, film and other philanthropic projects, and was set up to replace their royal brand, Sussex Royal, after they stepped down as senior members of the royal family. Thus far, Archewell has been the company through with Harry and Meghan have created several projects, including The Me You Cant See, Harrys Apple TV documentary about mental health with Oprah Winfrey. The documentary featured stories from celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Glenn Close, aimed to help lift the veil on the current state of our mental health and emotional well-being. NHS emergency services are bracing for a flood of call-outs this weekend as England prepares to take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final in the middle of a summer crisis for hospitals. The Independent has learned that patients have been forced to queue for up to an hour outside one A&E department, with some waiting up to 20 hours for a bed earlier this week. In Scotland, call volumes to the NHS 24 telephone helpline are up to 60 per cent higher than a year ago, with waiting times of up to 90 minutes to get through. Meanwhile, rising pressure on Englands NHS 111 system has been blamed on a decision by NHS England to scrap a dedicated Covid telephone assessment service as cases began rising across England. The South East Coast Ambulance Service has declared a black alert this week along with four other ambulance services in England, and is preparing for an increase in calls this weekend to coincide with the Euros final at Wembley. After Englands semi-final win, the service saw a 50 per cent spike in ambulance call-outs in the hour after the match, compared to the hour before. The trust said it was urging the public to help ahead of Sunday nights final against Italy. As in other parts of the country, the service has been facing high demand for a number of weeks and is typically handling 3,000 calls a day, compared to a usual average of around 2,500. One member of staff told The Independent on Friday that the service was in borderline meltdown. Staff morale was suffering, they added, as crews were forced to take breaks miles from their home base and expected to work beyond the end of their shift due to delays at hospitals. A spokesperson for the South East Coast Ambulance Service said: We appreciate the pressure our staff are under and we take their welfare seriously. We are working hard to respond to patients as quickly as possible while prioritising our response to those who are most seriously ill or injured the best way to seek urgent care is by first calling 111, or using 111 online, for an assessment that will refer patients to the most appropriate service available. In the past few days, The Independent has reported on concerns over unsustainable demand for A&E and ambulance services, as the government presses ahead with ending all coronavirus restrictions on 19 July. At Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on Thursday, patients were queueing outside the door of the A&E department for over an hour just to be booked in to be seen. Staff in the department revealed that some patients had waited 20 hours for a hospital bed. Also on Thursday, The Independent reported waits of 15 hours at Plymouths Derriford Hospital. And as infections across the country continue to rise, The Independent has learned that NHS England has decommissioned its Covid Clinical Assessment Service (CCAS), which was set up at the start of the pandemic to take pressure off NHS 111. CCAS employed retired GPs and other clinicians to field 500,000 calls from patients during the pandemic. But the scheme was quietly stood down, with contracts coming to an end on 30 June, although calls made to the service were diverted back to NHS 111 from 23 May. One former worker employed by CCAS said: The service offered home management, onward referral to local services, and could call ambulances for patients without going through 999. I cant help but wonder whether [the closure of CCAS] has anything to do with the rise in demand for unscheduled care in June. They added: It seems crazy to stop now people will still get Covid even if vaccinated, and will need to access services. Meanwhile in Scotland, calls to its telephone helpline have soared as hospitals across the country have declared black alerts. Staff working in NHS 24 call centres said some patients were facing 90-minute waits to get through, with ambulances taking 11 to 12 hours to reach some patients due to the sheer volume of demand. A spokesperson for NHS 24 confirmed that current demand was between 50 and 60 per cent higher than in 2020, and average wait times were 16 minutes. They said: As with the whole of the NHS across Scotland, demand for NHS 24 services has increased as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. There may be times when callers have to wait longer than we would like for their call to be answered. Patients calling with Covid-19 symptoms currently account for approximately 24-30 per cent of calls to 111, and we have seen an increase in recent weeks. Since January, the service has recruited an extra 192 staff to help cope with demand. An NHS England spokesperson said: The NHS in England remains at a level three incident, the second highest state of alert, with staff working hard to manage demand as patients come forward for treatment. NHS capacity is flexed according to patient need, and while 111 calls relating to Covid have reduced significantly from when CCAS was first introduced, additional 111 capacity can be stood up quickly if required. All NHS 111 call handlers are able to advise patients on the best way to proceed if they have symptoms of Covid, so if you need urgent care, go to NHS 111 Online or call 111 so that the best option for you can be determined. The software company whose software was exploited in the biggest global ransomware attack on record said Tuesday that it so far it appears that fewer than 1,500 businesses were compromised. But cybersecurity experts suspected the estimate was low and noted that victims are still being identified. Miami-based Kaseya said in a prepared statement that it believed only about 800 to 1,500 of the estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 mostly small business customers of companies that use it software to manage IT infrastructure - were affected by the attack. The statement was widely reported after the White House forwarded it to media. However, cybersecurity experts said it was too early for Kaseya to know the true impact of Friday's attack, especially since it was launched by the Russia-linked REvil gang on the eve of the U.S. Fourth of July holiday and many targets may only be discovering it on returning to work Tuesday. Most of the more than 60 Kaseya customers that company spokeswoman Dana Lindholm said were affected in an email Sunday are managed service providers (MSPs) who manage 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. The hacked Kaseya tool, VSA, remotely maintains customer networks, automating security and other software updates. Essentially, a tool designed to protect networks from malware was cleverly used to distribute it. Its too soon to tell, since this entire incident is still under investigation, said the cybersecurity firm Sophos, which has been tracking the incident closely. It and other cybersecurity outfits questioned whether Kaseya had visibility into crippled managed service providers. In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola estimated the number of victims in the low thousands. The German news agency dpa reported earlier Sunday an unnamed German IT services company told authorities 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 by the latest attack, apparently on all continents, including in financial services, travel and leisure and the public sector though few large companies, Sophos said. 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. President Joe Biden said Saturday that he ordered a deep dive by U.S. intelligence into the attack and that the U.S. would respond if it determines the Kremlin is involved. The Taliban claimed on Friday that they now control 85% of Afghanistan s territory amid a surge in wins on the ground and as American troops complete their pullout from the war-battered country. The announcement came at a press conference at the end of a visit by a senior Taliban delegation to Moscow this week a trip meant to offer assurances that the insurgents' quick gains in Afghanistan do not threaten Russia or its allies in Central Asia. The claim, which is impossible to verify, was considerably higher than previous Taliban statements that more than a third of the countrys 421 districts and district centers were in their control. There was no immediate response from the government in Kabul on the latest claim. 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. Since mid-April, when President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistans forever war, the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. They recently have swept through dozens of districts, taking control, often without a fight. Over the past week, they seized border crossings with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and on Thursday, with Iran. However, at the Moscow presser, the Taliban promised not to attack provincial capitals or seize them by force, and expressed hopes for a political resolution with Kabul. We will not seize provincial capitals in order not to inflict death on Afghan citizen, said Taliban negotiator Mawlawi Shahabuddin Delawar. Guarantees for that have been presented to the Afghan authorities, along with demands for the release of more Taliban prisoners from Afghan jails, Dilawar said. He added that the Taliban now control 85% of Afghan territory. The Taliban also vowed they would "not allow anyone, any individual, any entity to use the soil of Afghanistan against the neighboring country, regional country and world country, including the United States and its allies. We don't want to fight. We want to find a political resolution through political negotiations, said Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen. The Taliban representatives spoke through a translator. Iranian media reported Friday that the Taliban were in control of two border crossings between Afghanistan and Iran, including the key transit route of Islam Qala seized on Thursday. Iranian state radio said 300 Afghan soldiers and civilians had escaped the Taliban advance and slipped across the border to Iran. In southern Kandahar there was fighting on Friday near the provincial capital and the government had sent more troops to protect the prison there from attempts by the Taliban to attack it and free the inmates. 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. Asked about this week's visit and the terrorist label, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Moscow's contacts with the Taliban were necessary, given how intensely the situation in Afghanistan is developing, how the situation on the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is developing. ___ Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran; Kathy Gannon in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report. A police chief has apologised unreservedly for failings by Greater Manchester Police in the emergency services response to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling gave evidence at the public inquiry into the attack, which killed 22 people. He began by offering condolences to those affected by the events which took place in May 2017. He went on to address the failings of GMP, particularly in coordinating with other emergency services such as the fire and rescue service and paramedics. He said: The response of so many of our staff, particularly first responders on the night, was exemplary, extraordinarily brave and quite humbling. However, I would like to acknowledge and apologise for failings by Greater Manchester Police, principally failing to carry out the basic functions of Jesip (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles) in the early stages of the incident which impacted considerably on joint working. He said a failure to notify other emergency services of the declaration of Operation Plato - a pre-planned response to a terror incident - and a failure to establish effective inter-service communications was unacceptable and we apologise for this unreservedly. This is an apology not just to the victims and the families but also to all those affected by the attack including our emergency services colleagues, he said. He added: I would like to give absolute assurance our efforts to address these failings and any others which are identified will continue in the future. In March, Sergeant Matthew Martin, of British Transport Police, told the inquiry he was frustrated at the lack of paramedics at the scene. It was 40 minutes until paramedics arrived on the scene and only three paramedics entered the scene of the attack. Before paramedics arrived, Sgt Martin assisted in transporting casualties on makeshift stretchers, such as hoardings and crash barriers, from the City Room down to the concourse at nearby Victoria rail station. The fire and rescue service attended more than two hours later. Today, the inquiry has heard the other blue light emergency services were unable to get through to the phone line of GMPs force duty officer, the initial commander of the incident. Mr Pilling agreed with Nick de la Poer QC, counsel to the inquiry, it would be a wholly unacceptable state of affairs if the inquiry found issues that arose at a terror attack training exercise in the summer of 2016 manifested again in May 2017 to the detriment of those who were affected. Communication failings between GMP and the fire and rescue service arose in the 2016 training exercise and in another in March 2017, when the police officer nominated to declare a marauding terrorist attack said they did not have time to give a running commentary to fire and ambulance services because of the number of tasks they had. The inquiry was told that GMP saw a reduction in police officers of just more than 2,000 between 2010 and 2017, but Mr Pilling stated: I wish to make it clear that I do not seek to use austerity and the cuts as a reason or excuse for many of the areas where we should have done better. Mr Pilling said there would have been enough time, so far as GMP was concerned, to put in place the majority of actions by then. Mr de la Poer asked: From what you have seen of the evidence, was there sufficient resilience around the FDO (force duty officer) on the night of May 22nd? Mr Pilling replied: I believe if certain things had been in place or if actions had been allocated in a certain way by the FDO then in terms of the number of people, the resilience around him, I believe yes there was. He agreed there was insufficient effort put in up to the first 90 minutes after the explosion to ensure all emergency service partners co-located at a rendezvous point. He accepted GMP must share a responsibility for that failure as it was the primary partner in the terrorist response and was expected to take the lead. Mr Pilling will continue to give evidence when the inquiry resumes next Monday. Additional reporting by Press Association Two Metropolitan Police staff members may have failed to pass on information in relation to the disappearance of Richard Okorogheye and have been served with misconduct notices as a result, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced. Mr Okorogheye, 19, an Oxford Brookes University student, went missing from his west London home on 22 March. His mother, Evidence Joel, alerted police on 23 March and made further calls the following day. The body of Mr Okorogheye, who had sickle cell disease and was shielding because of the pandemic, was found more than a week later in Epping Forest, Essex. His cause of death is yet to be determined. Ms Joel made a complaint about how officers handled reports that her son was missing and the IOPC launched an investigation in April. In a statement on Friday, an IOPC spokesperson said: We can confirm that we have served misconduct notices on two members of Metropolitan Police Service staff as there is an indication that they may have failed to pass on new and relevant information relating to Richard Okorogheye to the team responsible for conducting missing person assessments. The serving of misconduct notices does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow, they added. Earlier this year, Ms Joel said police treated her as a nuisance. She told The Independent in April that police appeared to count the minutes when she would call about her missing son. They believed she was just being frantic or had nothing better to do. She met IOPC investigators the following week on 16 April to complain about officers behaviour. The IOPC later launched its investigation. IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said: Our investigation will establish whether the police responded appropriately to the concerns raised that Richard was missing. We will examine whether the force appropriately risk assessed those report and if the amount of resources the Metropolitan Police dedicated to its enquiries were suitable based on the information known by the police and the risks posed. We will also consider whether Richards or his mothers ethnicity played a part in the way the initial reports of his disappearance were handled. In her interview with The Independent, Ms Joel said police told her that her son was an adult who had a right to privacy. In fact, most of the time I was on the phone, they were counting the minutes, she says. They said, Evidence, you called earlier, about an hour ago. Youre still calling. There are no updates. Evidence, you have been on the phone for the last 10 minutes. We cant give you any more information. Ms Joel, 39, a nurse, added: I will not treat anyone like that that comes into my care. I will give you the full support. The Samaritans is a charity available 24 hours a day offering a confidential listening service to anyone in distress. To contact the Samaritans helpline, call 116 123. The phone line is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Dominic Raab will warn of the growing threat from Islamic State in Africa as the UK commits 12.6m to tackle terrorist groups in the region. He is to set out his desire to bring about the lasting defeat of IS, also known as Daesh, at a meeting of over 45 foreign ministers from around the world in Rome. The gathering of the Global Coalition Against Daesh on Monday is the first to take place in person since November 2019 and will be co-hosted by Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio and US secretary of state Anthony Blinken. Speaking at the event, Mr Raab will say: The UK recognises the continuing threat and remains absolutely committed to the lasting defeat of Daesh. The coalition must work together to tackle this pressing threat and target the longer-term challenges that are exploited by those who extol violence and terrorism. We must ensure there are no safe havens for Daesh. We must keep up the pressure on Daesh, wherever its poisonous influence spreads. It will exploit any opportunity to re-establish itself. Attacks by Isis in Africa have gone up by a third over the past year while the group has also shown signs of a resurgence in the Middle East. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said a new conflict, stability and security fund programme will support regional military efforts to counter IS and other groups, as well as efforts to safely demobilise suspected low-level members of terrorist groups. Its 12.6m contribution will focus on efforts in the Lake Chad Basin in West Africa, which covers northeast Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), an affiliate of Daesh, is active in the area. Mr Raab said: Two years since Daeshs territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria, the threat of Daesh and its hateful ideology has not gone away. Worryingly it continues to grow in Africa which is why we must work with our coalition partners to fight its poisonous propaganda on all fronts. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our African partners to tackle the growing threat from Daesh-linked groups across Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin. Additional reporting by Press Association South Africas high court on Friday dismissed former president Jacob Zumas application to block his arrest for contempt of court, days after he handed himself over to police to begin a 15-month jail term. The application is dismissed with costs, the judge presiding over the case said. The constitutional court last week ordered Mr Zuma jailed for refusing to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in office from 2009. Though he turned himself in on Wednesday night, Mr Zuma has challenged his sentence. The constitutional court will hear his challenge in a separate case on Monday. Fridays high court judgment came hours after the same court dismissed an application by the secretary general of the governing African National Congress (ANC) party, Ace Magashule, to have his suspension over corruption charges in a separate case set aside. Both politicians proceedings are regarded as a test for South Africas ability to enforce the law - even against powerful politicians - 27 years after the ANC ousted South Africas white minority rulers to usher in democracy. Mr Zumas jail order has been seen as the most dramatic chapter yet in his journey from a revered anti-apartheid activist to a politician tainted by multiple charges of sleaze and corruption, all of which he denies. As a member of the ANC when it was a liberation movement, Mr Zuma was jailed by South Africas white minority rulers for his efforts to establish a state that would treat citizens equally. Mr Zuma, 79, denies widespread corruption and has maintained he is the victim of a political witch-hunt. Reuters Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced its going to be quite a while before Canada will let in unvaccinated travellers, despite pressure from the travel industry. I can tell you right now thats not going to happen for quite a while, Mr Trudeau said at a press conference in British Columbia, asserting the need to protect the citizens of Canada. Mr Trudeau continued, We need to continue to ensure that the safety of Canadians, of all the sacrifices that so many people have made over the past many, many months, are not for nothing. Opening the border too soon had the potential to make all of the work the population had done to decrease the threat of Covid-19, he said. However, despite this comment from Mr Trudeau, there have been some easing in Canadian travel restrictions. For example, on 5 July, Canada said that fully vaccinated residents do not need to quarantine for two weeks after arrival. However, they do need to supply a negative PCR test before their trip and take a second one days after arrival. Travellers must foot the bill for this, which can cost hundreds of dollars. At the press conference, Mr Trudeau said that one of his governments next travel-related priorities was to figure out how to allow non-Canadian vaccinated travellers into the country. He told reporters, Before we get to reflecting on what international travellers who are not fully vaccinated might be able to do The next step will be looking at what measures we can allow for international travellers who are fully vaccinated. That will be our first focus, and we will have more to say in the coming weeks. This response on July 8 came the same day that a group of tourist industry professionals came together to rally the government to act and put a plan together to create some stability, despite the Prime Minsters promise of aid for the sector. The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable organised a press conference to push for a map of what the tourism season might resemble. Business owners arent picky, what they ask for is a plan that they can rely on, a plan that allows for preparation, for rehiring and for retooling, a predictable path forward that creates confidence for the future. And they need lead time to prepare, said Perrin Beaty, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He continued, Canadians need clarity and certainty, which today we dont have, and the goalposts keep moving. Its time to pick a goal, and to stick with it. He expressed concern that any substantial decisions might not get made until the next election is called and pointed out the high rates of vaccination among Canadian citizens. Currently, 40 per cent of the population has received two doses of coronavirus vaccine, according to data. Other industry representatives expressed concern about the uncertainty, such as Joe Kawalski from Wilderness Tours, saying politicians did not understand their needs. He said, Whats been frustrating and infuriating is being on the government regulated yo-yo, not knowing if youre going to be open, when youre going to be open. The people that are making these decisions do not have a clue how the real world works. Officials from the Public Health Agency of Canada said they would use the data gathered from doubled vaccinated Canadians returning home before they eased up on non-residents coming to Canada. Dr Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer said, What is the test positive rate? And what are we finding in the actual travellers coming in right now in this in now very initial precautionary phase? She continued, That might then help us adjust the next phases moving forwards in terms of whats the testing regime thats appropriate for vaccinated travellers, for example. An Alabama police officer convicted of murdering a man who was suicidal is still getting paid by his former police department, a report has claimed. Huntsville officer William Ben Darby, 28, was convicted of the 2018 murder of Jeffrey Parker in May this year and was stripped of his law enforcement certification. AL.com has reported that documents obtained through an open records request show that Darby remains employed by the police department. The records reportedly showed that he has been paid about $2,162 before taxes every two weeks since his conviction while he is free on bond awaiting sentencing. He is not on active duty. Darby is said to have been on paid sick leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act which requires employers to give workers extended time off for medical or family reasons under federal law. The city confirmed in May that Darby was absent on accrued leave, AL.com said. The killing of Mr Parker unfolded in 2018 when officers were dispatched to his home after he called 911 expressing that he was suicidal and had a gun. Evidence at Darbys trial said that two officers found Mr Parker, who was white, sitting on a couch and holding a gun to his own head, which later turned out to be a flare gun. The jury heard that Darby entered the house and ordered the man to drop his weapon while one officer was talking to him. Within seconds, the 49-year-old fired a shotgun at Mr Parker. The officer claimed he shot the man in self defence, saying he feared for his own and the other officers safety. The city and police department have been vocal in their support of Darby even since his conviction, voting to use money from Huntsville taxpayers help fund his defence against the Madison County charges. While we thank the jury for their service in this difficult case, I do not believe officer Darby is a murderer, said Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray in a statement following the conviction. According to AL.com, an email was sent to Huntsville police officers from Mr McMurrays email address appealing for officers to donate unused leave time to an unnamed employee less than two weeks after the trial ended. We have an employee who would like to receive donated leave but has elected to leave their name and medical condition off the request, says the email seen by the outlet. It purportedly continues: If you would like to donate leave, please complete the attached Request to Donate Leave Form for an anonymous recipient and submit to my office for processing. City officials declined to tell the outlet whether the request was made for Darby and Mr McMurray denied personally sending the email. I would never send out any email asking for donations from my office, he told AL.com. The officer had been previously cleared of wrongdoing by a Huntsville review board, which concluded the use of deadly force was justified. District Attorney Rob Broussard said that Darby was not justified in any way with what he did to Mr Parker, adding that he had no business being a police officer. Darby could face from 20 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting, prosecutors said. He is reportedly set to be sentenced on 20 August in Madison County Circuit Court. The Independent has contacted the Huntsville Police Department for comment. If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additional reporting by the Associated Press Videos show boulders raining towards highways along the California-Nevada border as an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0 shook the Sierra county area. People reported feeling the rattling hundreds of miles away, according to the US Geological Survey. No serious damage or injuries have been reported so far. The earthquake hit the area around 3.49pm local time on Thursday, about 250 miles east of San Francisco and south of Lake Tahoe in northern California. The epicentre was four miles outside the town of Walker, where around 900 people live, the Associated Press reported. Dozens of aftershocks followed the earthquake with at least six of them registering a magnitude of 4.0 or more, the US Geological Survey reported. The ground was shaking pretty bad, and then everything started falling, Carolina Estrada, manager at the Walker Coffee Company, told the AP. Bottles of syrup broke, dishes fell to the floor and the shops roof partially caved in. Ms Estrada said the shaking lasted 30 seconds or more. We ran out of the building, she said. As the shaking continued, boulders the size of cars fell onto a nearby highway, she added. The California Highway Patrol said cars were struck by the boulders, but no one was injured. The rockslides resulted in the closure of about 40 miles of the interstate at one point, authorities said. Reno mayor Hillary Schieve told the Reno Gazette-Journal that City Hall was evacuated. It shook pretty good, the mayor said. With a depth of 6 miles, residents around Lake Tahoe and all the way to Fresno, California felt the earthquake. It was also felt in Las Vegas, Nevada. The epicentre was close to the Antelope Valley fault, which experienced the largest earthquake since 1994, when a quake with a magnitude of 6.1 was recorded. Seismologist Lucy Jones tweeted that it was a classic normal faulting earthquake for eastern California, adding that aftershocks were common in the region. People in the area should expect aftershocks for days following an earthquake of this size, Jason Ballman at the Southern California Earthquake Centre said. Damage or injury reports might not come in for days, Mr Ballman said, as the quake was felt in many remote areas. Research geophysicist Sarah Minson at the US Geological Surveys Earthquake Science Centre told the San Francisco Chronicle that the Sierra Nevada is an active earthquake zone but that the quakes usually fly under the radar as the area is sparsely populated. She added that the area is quite seismically active. Dr Minson said: There is no particular reason to think one big earthquake is related to any other big earthquake. Earthquakes of this magnitude are rare and usually dont occur one after the other, she added. But she said that double quakes can happen, such as in July 2019 when two quakes hit southeast California less than two days apart. The first one registered a magnitude of 6.4 and the second registered as a 7.1 only 34 hours later. But Dr Minson said scientists dont have clear evidence that they were related. USGS geologist Austin Elliott told the AP that earthquakes are common along this fault, citing a magnitude 5.8 earthquake shaking the town of Lone Pine in the Eastern Sierra last month, which sent boulders falling down Mt Whitney. The two Americans who were arrested in connection with the assassination of Haitis President Jovenel Moise have denied they were directly involved in the killing instead claiming to act as translators for the hit squad, The New York Times reports. Haitis minister of elections and inter-party relations, Mathias Pierre, previously identified US citizens James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55, as the two Americans detained. Clement Noel, a judge who is involved in the investigation and spoke to both men, told the publication that the Americans claimed the plot was planned intensively over the last month. The two men met with members of the hit squad at a hotel in Petionville, a suburb of the Haitian capital, to plan the attack, according to the judge. Additionally, the plan was allegedly just to kidnap the president and bring him to the national palace, not assassinate Mr Moise. He was shot dead and his wife was injured during an attack on their home in the early hours of Wednesday. 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 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 soldiers, but no identities were released. Mr Vincent told the judge that he had been in Haiti for the last six months and was staying with his cousin. Mr Solages was in the country for one month, and the judge was told that the Colombians allegedly involved in the attack were in the country for three months. 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 around 1am local time. Video footage emerged after the assassination of an attacker yelling this is a DEA operation with an American-sounding accent. The footage was taken in the dark of night looking down on the property of Mr Moise, with one of the men using a megaphone to claim they were agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). While the US embassy confirmed to the Associated Press that the DEA has an office in the Haitian capital, Department of State spokesman Ned Price denied the US had any involvement in the murder. Haiti ambassador Bocchit Edmond said previously they were fake DEA, based on his impression from security camera footage. Mr Solages told the judge that he was the man who yelled this is a DEA operation during the attack and claimed the two Americans operated as translators for the hit squad. The judge was also told that Mr Solages found the translator job through an online job posting, but he would not say how much either he or the other American was paid. Mr Vincent told the judge that the broader plot was orchestrated by a foreigner named Mike who spoke both English and Spanish. No further details were provided on the foreigner. 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 programmes while working as a corporate executive in South Florida. Few details were available about Mr Vincent at the present. Authorities said the investigation was still ongoing into the attack, with officials looking for any other suspects who were potentially involved. 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. Foreigners came to our country to kill the president, declared Haitis chief of police, as 17 suspects were paraded in front of a display of assault rifles, walkie-talkies, machetes, sledgehammers and boltcutters two days after the assassination of the countrys leader. There were 26 Colombians, identified by their passports, and two Haitian Americans as well, said Charles Leon. We have the physical authors; now we are looking for the intellectual authors, and we shall find them. The hunt for the intellectual authors behind the hit-team who shot down Jovenel Moise, injuring his wife Martine, draws upon a cast including foreign mercenaries, exiled oligarchs, and the US, Colombian and Canadian governments. Haitian officials say they are convinced of an international conspiracy behind the death, which was part of an attempted coup, and that an investigation will expose the role of powerful vested interests. Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to Washington, said that all the evidence pointed to the assault having been carried out by a well-trained group of foreign mercenaries and killers. He has asked the US administration for help with the investigation. The Haitian government has declared a state of siege, imposing martial law. The poorest country in the Americas, with endemic problems, shattered by a devastating earthquake just over a decade ago and facing a Covid epidemic now, was already experiencing street protests and a political crisis. Opposition parties have claimed that Mr Moise should have stepped down in February, five years after the last election. But he and his supporters hold that his term in office did not end until 2022, as there had been an interim president for a year between him and his predecessor. People protest in Port-au-Prince after the assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise (AP) Now Haiti has become the setting for an extraordinary and violent drama, with mobs in the streets and firefights in the aftermath of the killing. Three of the alleged plotters have been killed, while eight more are on the run. Other states are being drawn into rapidly spreading theories about what, and who, lay behind the attack. According to one account, a prominent former US special forces officer, long established in the private security field, played a key part in the assassination. His associates, however, categorically deny that either he or they were involved and indeed, there is no evidence of any links between them and the assassination or the coup plot. The fleeing hit-team had taken refuge in the Taiwanese embassy when they were tracked down by security forces and arrested. There is no suggestion that the Taiwanese government was involved in any way in the events that took place, but this has added another strand to the international dimension. Among those arrested over the murder are two American nationals of Haitian background, named as James Solages, 35, and 55-year-old Joseph Vincent. In an online profile, Mr Solages, a Florida resident, said he was a certified diplomatic agent who had worked as a bodyguard at the Canadian embassy in Haiti. 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 11 years ago. American and Canadian authorities say they will investigate any connection between their countries and the assassination. The men who carried out the attack were heard in a video shouting, This is a DEA operation! Everybody, dont shoot! in English and then in Creole. Some of those accused of carrying out the assault are former members of the Colombian armed forces. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been extensively involved on the ground in Colombia in missions against drug kingpins including Pablo Escobar and Jorge Ochoa. US intelligence agencies, including the CIA, have been active in the conflict against left-wing FARC guerrillas, during which they were accused of running death squads. Colombia also took part in destabilisation operations against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The DEA has an office in Port-au-Prince, to develop and strengthen its counter-narcotics law enforcement programme, according to the US embassy. But Mr Edmond was among Haitian officials who strongly denied that the agency was involved in the raid. No way they were DEA agents, he said. In Bogota, the Colombian defence minister, Diego Molano, confirmed that suspects from his country were retired members of the military. The Colombian government, he said, would cooperate with the investigation, having been contacted by Interpol. Last year, the Venezuelan government accused the US and Colombia of attempting a raid to seize Caracas airport and capture president Nicolas Maduro. The discovery of three abandoned Colombian navy boats armed with machine guns was cited as evidence, along with an interrogation video of a former US soldier, Luke Denman, in which he said he had been hired to train dissident Venezuelan troops in Colombia. Police officers guard a group of suspects accused of having participated in the assassination of the Haitian president (EPA) The Colombian and US governments denied the Venezuelan allegations. While Maduro and his radical government had been targeted by the Trump administration, and have been locked in confrontation with Colombia, there are no such issues with Mr Moise. Nevertheless, the focus on a foreign hand continues in Haiti. The interim prime minister Claude Joseph said a group from abroad had entered the country to kill the president in a cowardly fashion. Mr Joseph, who is facing domestic political challenges, added: You may kill the president, but you cannot kill his dreams, you cannot kill his ideology, and you cannot kill what he was fighting for. Thats why Im determined for President Jovenel Moises family, friends and allies, and the Haitian population, to get justice. The bodies of several close members of the Paraguayan presidents family have been found in the rubble of the Champlain Towers South building that collapsed at Miamis Surfside area in southern Florida two weeks ago. The confirmed death toll since the disaster occurred on 24 June has risen to 64, with another 76 people still unaccounted for who may have been inside the building at the time it collapsed. The final death toll could be as high as 140, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told news channel CNN. On Thursday, a Paraguayan official said rescuers had found the bodies of Sophia Lopez Moreira, the sister of Paraguays first lady Silvana Abdo, her husband Luis Pettengill and the youngest of their three children in the rubble. The South American nations foreign minister, Euclides Acevedo, told Paraguays ABC Cardinal radio station that their two other children and the childrens nanny are also still missing. We ask people for their solidarity and prayer. In the face of a tragedy, Paraguayan people must show their traditional solidarity, he said. The rescuers and officials involved said there is no chance of anyone being trapped alive in the rubble and are therefore now focused on finding remains instead of survivors. Rescue officials have vowed to keep up their search for the victims until all the debris is cleared from the site. No one has been found alive since several were pulled from the rubble in the first few hours after the disaster occurred. Authorities are launching a grand jury investigation into the collapse, with at least six lawsuits being filed by families of the victims. Detectives from the Miami police are also trying to verify if everyone who is listed as missing was actually in the building when it collapsed. Surfside mayor Charles Burkett, at an evening news conference, quoted a rescue official as telling 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. The mayor did not identify the official, but said the families were grateful. This is exactly the message the families wanted to hear, he said. There was no let-up in the pace or number of rescuers at the site, even as teams paused briefly atop the rubble to mark the two-week anniversary of the disaster, according to Levine Cava. The work continues with all speed and urgency. We are working around the clock to recover victims and to bring closure to the families as fast as we possibly can, she said. On Tuesday, several hundred mourners gathered at a Miami Beach church for the first funeral held for victims of the collapse. Meanwhile, Florida governor Ron DeSantis has pledged financial assistance to families of the victims as well as to residents of the building who survived, but lost all their possessions. The governor has said that in addition to property tax relief for residents of the building, the state government will work toward channeling an outpouring of charitable donations to families affected by the collapse. The rescuers have estimated that the recovery effort will take several more weeks even as crews are now using heavier equipment to expedite the removal of debris. Additional reporting by agencies Two sisters who died in the Surfside condo building collapse shared a casket when they were laid to rest alongside with their parents in Miami. The two girls, Lucia, 11, and Emma, 4, are believed to be some of the youngest victims after the Champlain Towers South building disaster on 24 June. The decision for the sisters to be buried side by side in one casket was made by their family. Footage captured at the funeral showed it was decorated with pink and purple bows and, according to WSVN, the girls loved everything to do with princesses and art. They died alongside their parents Marcus Guara, 52, and Anaely Rodriguez, 42. The funeral for the family of four took place at St Josephs Catholic in Miami Beach. The service was led by Father Juan Sosa, their regular priest Family members were clinging on each other, and thats good because they were able to hold one another and support one another, he said to CNN. Recently, social distancing restrictions have been lifted at funerals in Florida that were put in place to stop the spread of Covid-19. Father Sosa said that several members of his congregation have become victims in the tragedy and that he has not had the time to properly process his loss. Let us appreciate the quality of life more than the quantity. More than what we have, is who we are as family, he said. According their family obituary, the service took place on 6 July and people gave tributes, praising their solid family ties. One person was filmed saying, Their togetherness was so powerful that one could never imagine them being apart, and as I look down now we know that theyre never going to be. Ms Rodriguezs sister Digna also spoke at the funeral to say goodbye to the family. It is not possible to express the essence of such beautiful souls, the light and the beauty, they brought into this world, unto our lives, Ms Rodriguez said. The death toll from the collapse stands currently at 64. Seventy-six residents are still unaccounted for. The emergency response effort has shifted from a search-and-rescue mission to a recovery operation. Miami-Dade Assistant Fire Chief Raide Jadallah said there was no chance of life, but was committed to giving families closure on Wednesday. Another person laid to rest on Tuesday at St Josephs was 92-year-old Hilda Noriega, the mother of Carlos Noriega, the North Bay Village police chief. Her grandson Michael Noriega spoke to WSVN about how he felt after seeing his grandmothers building destroyed. When I saw the, what looked like a war zone movie scene that I never thought I would experience in reality, my grandmothers building of all places, when I saw that, it felt like a piece of me died in that moment, he told the news outlet. The spread of Covid-19 is running rampant in Missouri as the threat from the Delta variant is growing in places where vaccine hesitancy is high. Parts of southern Missouri are registering around 60 cases per 100,000 residents a day. By comparison, New York City, a major outbreak zone at the start of the pandemic, is averaging about 2.6 cases each day per 100,000 residents, according to data compiled by The New York Times. The Delta variant is considered to be a more deadly and about 50 per cent more contagious strain of Covid-19. Previous infection appears to provide little protection against this version of the virus. And just 39 per cent of Missouri residents have been fully vaccinated. In Camden and Miller counties home to the popular tourist destination Lake of the Ozarks even fewer have gotten the shots necessary to be protected against the virus. In Camden County, just 32.3 per cent have been fully vaccinated, and in Miller County, that figure is down to 21.1 per cent. The Missouri Department of Health has stated that three counties near Lake of the Ozarks are Covid-19 hot spots. The tourist destination played host to a gathering at the start of last summer which became infamous for its blatant violations of Covid-19 safety guidelines. Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut and chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, holds a photograph from the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri on Memorial Day Weekend, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, June 4, 2020. (Getty Images) The fire chief in Springfield, David Pennington, tweeted on Thursday: This is a mass casualty event, happening in slow-motion. EMS resources are depleted, and the hospital systems are overwhelmed. Our community is in crisis. About 58 per cent of American adults overall have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. 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 Covid-19 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, such as Missouri, that trend more conservative and where people are more hesitant to get vaccinated. The director of the CDC, Dr Rachel Walensky, said at a recent press briefing that preliminary data from several states over the last few months suggest that 99.5 per cent of deaths from Covid-19 in the United States were in unvaccinated people. 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. A spokesperson for Lake Regional Health told The Daily Beast: We are already stretched to our limit. To be completely blunt We need you to get vaccinated now. If you havent already, please roll up your sleeve. Do it to protect yourself, your family, and this community, the spokesperson added. Right now at Lake Regional, we over the last several weeks have seen a very steady and increasing number of admissions to the hospital that our patients suffering, you know, from the Covid virus, Dane Henry, CEO of Lake Regional Health Systems, told KY3. About two months ago, we had between one to two, maybe three or four patients per day, and over the last six or seven weeks that have steadily climbed to the point now where on Sundays weve hovered in the high 20s and low 30s, he added. Dr Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, told The Daily Beast that this is all completely preventable. I dont think it could ever get as bad as it was last year, but things are bound to get worse with the Delta variant before it gets better. We will see a higher uptick in places that have lower vaccination rates, like Missouri. The higher the vaccination rate, the lower the numbers. But many area residents and visitors dont care, and some health officials believe its possible that some Trump supporters refuse to get the shots to stop the Biden administration from reaching its vaccination goals. Theres a part of me, in thinking through this are there folks who are still going back to the election results and saying, You know what, the current administration set a goal so were going to do our part to make sure they dont hit their goal? Craig McCoy, president of Mercy Springfield Communities, told Bloomberg. A British journalist living in the US emotionally appealed to Secretary Pete Buttigieg over US-UK travel restrictions after not being able to attend his fathers funeral in person. Jonathan Farro, an anchor at Bloomberg, asked the transport secretary about why he was unable to return home. We are trying to work out when we will get an update from your administration, he said, before describing how difficult he had found it. Secretary Buttigieg replied: So, unfortunately, it cant be based on an arbitrary date. It has to be based on conditions. 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, he continued. 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 youre reading about a variant happening across world; the next you know, its becoming the dominant variant in the US. After being unsatisfied with Secretary Buttigiegs response, Mr Farro revealed his recent family tragedy. Forgive me for saying this, but you didnt have to watch your fathers funeral down the screen of an iPhone on Tuesday, I did, the anchor told the Cabinet member. I expected you to bring up the science. I have spoken to scientists about this, and there is no scientific rationale to that policy. Secretary Buttigieg told Mr Farro that the situation was complicated and that the US was trying to be conservative due to the destruction the virus had cause the country. He said: I am among those 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. This answer did not satisfy Farro, who then repeated the line about the lack of scientific rationale for this. You cannot back it up with science, sir. The interview concluded with Sec. Buttigieg ruling out the federal government launching a vaccine passport plan over worries about privacy. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the US border has been shut to a number of countries. Other countries of concern, such as India and Brazil, were later added. Currently, people with certain visas, citizenship or a Green Card, along with a negative Covid-19 test result can enter the US. However, those with a H1B visa, like Mr Farro, must enter the country following a two week quarantine in another country not on the US exemption list. Pfizer plans next month to seek emergency approval for a third dose of its coronavirus vaccine. It has been developing a booster treatment as a way to strengthen antibodies which fade over time and guard against new, highly contagious versions of Covid like the so-called Delta variant. Pending government approval, clinical studies could begin as soon as August, the company, along with its partner BioNtech, announced on Thursday. Covid vaccines remain highly effective in stopping severe illness and death in areas where people have access to the treatment, but recent findings in countries like Israel suggest that efficacy at stopping the spread of Covid overall and preventing lower-level symptoms wanes over time. 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 dominant variant in the country, the companies said in a statement. 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 6 to 12 months after full vaccination, they added. According to the World Health Organization, the Delta variant is about 55 per cent more transmissible than the first round of Covid which swept through the United States. It is now the dominant form of coronavirus in the country, and poses a special risk in the 1,000 or so counties where vaccination rates are still below 30 per cent. Less than half of US adults are fully vaccinated, and that lack of coverage is even greater in regions like the South and the Midwest. As a result of that lagging vaccination rate, public health officials may not immediately launch into rolling out a third shot when many havent gotten their first, Dr William Schaffner of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center told the Associated Press. The vaccines were designed to keep us out of the hospital, he said, arguing that adding a third shot could amount to a huge effort while we are at the moment striving to get people the first dose. A striking photo captures a Border Patrol agent rescuing a migrant in the harsh terrain of Texass Rio Grande Valley and carrying her to safety on his shoulders, the latest emergency call as summer heat at US-Mexico border makes the already perilous crossing even more deadly. Special Operations Detachment carry a migrant out of the brush and to safety," Rio Grande Valley sector chief Brian Hastings tweeted on Thursday. "The migrant suffered an injury while being smuggled into the US." As of May, the Border Patrol has rescued more than 7,000 people this fiscal year, more than the same period in previous years. Officials from both border nations at an event in Yuma, Arizona, on Thursday warned that excessive heat is making the crossing extremely dangerous, against a backdrop of 110 degree weather. When you cross illegally, you put yourself in incredible peril, Chris Clem, chief Border Patrol agent of the Yuma section, said, adding that hes already seen 15 unnecessary deaths from heat so far in 2021. Dont do it, added James Schuetzler, who directs the detachments aerial division. Its dangerous. Thats all there is to it. Despite the warnings from officials, US border policy is explicitly designed to push migrants to cross in dangerous, remote areas as a way to deter further crossings. In 1994, the Clinton administration Border Patrol introduced prevention through deterrence", which tightened security at common border crossings like Tijuana and El Paso to push migrants into the backcountry and ideally put them in mortal danger. Since then, policies like the US-Mexico border wall have shunted migrants even further into the dangerous wilderness. And these changes have had their desired effect. A recent report from the University of Arizona found that for decades the rate of recovered remains at the border has stayed steady, while apprehensions have declined, suggesting the crossing is growing more dangerous. The most devastating effect will undoubtedly be the increasing of migrant deaths as they get pushed further and further into dangerous deserts and isolated mountain areas, Chris Zepeda-Millan, a University of California, Los Angeles professor who co-authored Walls, Cages, and Family Separation: Race and Immigration Policy in the Trump Era, told The Independent last year, in regards to the border wall. Thats literally our stated policy. The US government has even prosecuted humanitarian groups that leave food and water in the desert for migrants. In 2020, a federal judge in Arizona reversed charges against a group of such volunteers, writing that the gruesome logic of going after people offering desperate migrants lifesaving aide was profoundly disturbing . For those who do make it across the border, the Biden administration is immediately expelling most adult migrants under Title 42, a Trump-era policy shutting down the border on ostensible Covid grounds, even though public health officials have said such a measure wasnt necessary. The woman carried on the Border Patrol agents shoulders is likely to be immediately deported without a chance to seek asylum. The Independent has reached out to the Border Patrol to confirm. Joe Biden has called Russian President Vladimir Putin and told him to "take action" against ransomware groups operating in Russia that are attacking US government agencies and private businesses. Mr Biden made the call on Friday, and told Mr Putin that the US will take "any necessary action" to defend the US and its infrastructure from the threat of cyberattacks. The White House released a statement summarizing the discussion, saying Mr Biden "spoke with President Putin about the ongoing ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia that have impacted the United States and other countries around the world. The statement said Mr Biden "reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge. High-profile cyberattacks have been on the rise over the last year. In late 2020, the SolarWinds attack compromised numerous US governmental agencies and private companies. Earlier this year, another attack against the Columbia Pipeline resulted in a run on gas supplies that caused a shortage in some portions of the Eastern US. The most recent attack targeted hundreds of companies across the world and the Republican National Committee over the 4 July weekend, which prompted the call from Mr Biden. Defense officials claim that Russia has acted as a safe harbor for cyber criminals, essentially operating on the idea that so long as they do not target Russia, the government will let them carry on without interference. Mr Biden and the US intelligence community have claimed that Russia is harboring hacking groups like DarkSide and REvil, which have been accused of carrying out some of the most recent high profile attacks. In a 2016 interview, Mr Putin was asked why he has not cracked down on cyber criminals within his borders. If they did not break Russian law, there is nothing to prosecute them for in Russia, he said. US intelligence agencies believe that Russia openly courts skilled hackers, even hiring some to work for the GRU, the country's intelligence agency and successor to the Soviet KGB, for which Mr Putin himself served. Allan Liska, a ransomware expert with Recorded Future, told The Washington Post that the Russian-based hackers develop their attacks in ways that specifically avoid affecting Russian users. If you look at the ransomware code for most of these actors, it will not install on systems that have a Russian-language keyboard, are coming from Russian IP addresses or have the Russian-language packs installed, Mr Liska said. He claimed that hackers have explicitly said in forums that they would not target Russians. And that allows them to operate with impunity," he said. "They are not operating at the behest of Russia, but theyre operating with the tacit acknowledgment of Russia." President Joe Bidens administration plans to ease restrictions on undocumented immigrants who are pregnant, post-partum or nursing, The New York Times reported Friday, as part of its larger efforts to soften former president Donald Trumps immigration policies. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement will not detain or arrest people who are pregnant, nursing or who had a baby in the last year under the new policy, according to a draft shared with the Times. Similarly, the language for the ordinance is gender-neutral, an acknowledgement that transgender men can give birth. The policy is a rollback of Mr Trumps policy, which reversed the Obama administrations policy that called for detaining pregnant immigrants only in extraordinary circumstances. Since 2016, the number of pregnant immigrants ICE has arrested increased more than 4,000-fold. The number has reduced recently because of efforts to reduce congregate settings for people at risk of COVID-19. Any change in presidential administration can materially change peoples lives, especially immigrants and folks who are kind of trying to navigate their way through the immigration system, said Breanne J. Palmer, who is a lawyer for the UndocuBlack Network that advocates for undocumented Black immigrants. People who endure detention when theyre pregnant or nursing, you know, they really have very little recourse, Ms Palmer told The Times. But the policy could easily be reversed in a future administration since Mr Bidens administration did it through executive action. Immigrant advocacy groups recently sued Customs and Border Protection for records since 2020 on pregnant migrants after reports the Trump administration deported migrant women and babies born days earlier in the United States. The Trump administration had previously tried to nullify birthright citizenship guaranteed through the U.S. Constitution. During his press conference regarding the US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden said a Taliban takeover of the nation was not inevitable. Similarly, when a reporter asked if there were any parallels between the US withdrawal from Vietnam and this one, Mr Biden said there was none whatsoever. The Taliban is not the North Vietnamese Army, Mr Biden said. Theres going to be no circumstance where youll see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy of the United States from Afghanistan. But how Mr Biden ends Americas longest war could wind up defining the terms of his presidency and therefore the end of his political career much in the way the war in Vietnam defined much of his early political action in his first Senate campaign in 1972. Mr Biden was a young man when the Vietnam War raged. In a commencement address at Syracuse University, his law school alma mater, in 2009, Mr Biden recalled the raging dissatisfaction felt in 1968 after the Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive, when most Americans had thought the war was almost won, and the image of a Vietnamese police chief shooting a handcuffed soldier. That one bullet not only pierced that soldiers skull, but pierced Americas consciousness as well, he said. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, the war would drag on for years afterward and doom Lyndon Johnsons presidency, leading to the election of Richard Nixon, who himself would prolong the war in Vietnam and cost more lives before ultimately ending the war. Those words echoed when Mr Biden mentioned in his address on Thursday that the US would exit by 31 August of this year. Nearly 20 years of experience has shown us, and the current security situation only confirms, that just one more year of fighting in Afghanistan is not a solution, he said. Mr Biden outlined how in the past two decades, there had been plan after plan to exit Afghanistan, which was not unlike how president after president promised an end to hostilities in Southeast Asia in the 1960s and 1970s only to continue escalating. Mr Biden was a Senator when President George W Bush began the US engagement in Afghanistan; was Barack Obamas vice president when Mr Obama escalated the war; and defeated Donald Trump, who had gone from criticising the war to also escalating it. Still, Mr Biden did not join the hordes of people protesting Vietnam, saying I was married, I was in law school. I wore sport coats. But when he chose to run for Senate at the height of the conflict, he campaigned on a quick end to the Vietnam War and narrowly beat Delawares incumbent Republican senator, despite the fact Richard Nixon won in the same state in his 1972 landslide. At the same time, Mr Biden also has the opportunity to rectify his own sins in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. As a freshman Senator, he criticised Gerald Fords administration for not informing Congress about the number of refugees arriving from Vietnam. Similarly, Mr Biden rejected the Ford administrations call to spend $300m to evacuate both Americans and their dependents along with 175,000 South Vietnamese, as The Atlantic reported earlier this year. I feel put upon in being presented an all-or-nothing number, Mr Biden said at the time. I will vote for any amount for getting the Americans out. I dont want it mixed with getting the Vietnamese out. This time around, Mr Biden has been adamant that translators who assisted Americans during the war effort will be helped, and he said his administration will begin relocation flights for special immigrant visas for Afghans applicants who chose to leave. Our message to those men and women is clear, Mr Biden said. There is a home for you in the United States if you so choose. We will stand with you just as you stand with us. If Mr Biden is sincere about these words, then it means he will have also learned to correct his mistakes and also set a precedent to ensure that those who are affected by Americas drawn-out wars dont get left behind. Mr Bidens age was often a point of criticism when he ran in the Democratic primary in 2020, and then-President Donald Trump (who was only four years younger than Mr Biden) used it to give him the moniker of Sleepy Joe. But as a result of his long time in politics, he also has a long memory of one of Americas long wars that was dragged out over multiple presidencies. There are pros and cons to both: Mr Biden risks being a captive to the past. It also means he is able to see both how The United States involvement in Afghanistan and Vietnam did not improve national security and only demoralised the homeland and respond accordingly. When the coronavirus ravaged Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis defiantly bucked mask mandates. He later cracked down on protesters advocating racial justice, blasted President Joe Biden on immigration, jumped into the fight over transgender athletes and signed sweeping legislation to toughen voting rules. But after a deadly building collapse, the Republican governor is largely hitting pause on the culture wars. In the two weeks since a 12-story condo tower in this coastal community suddenly crumbled, killing at least 64, DeSantis has stood somberly with local officials, including Democrats as they assessed the damage. He nodded in agreement when Biden visited and hailed their joint appearance as a sign that those with opposing political views can work together in a crisis. And he even skipped a rally in Sarasota headlined by former President Donald Trump whose early endorsement was crucial in helping DeSantis win the governor's race in 2018. Since that victory, DeSantis has often taken his cues from Trump. But as he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign, the tragedy in Surfside is exposing voters to a different side of the governor. He's still the conservative populist who rarely parts with Trump. But unlike the former president, DeSantis is showing that he can tone down some of his most extreme partisan rhetoric during a disaster. The governor has been decisive. Hes been constant. Hes been collaborative, Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, a Democrat who has sparred with DeSantis in the past, said in an interview. "Hats off to the governor for how he has supported us in this crisis. Charles Burkett, the nonpartisan mayor of Surfside, called the level of cooperation astounding, even surprising. Of course, DeSantis isn't ushering in a new era of bipartisanship or a Republican return to reality-based rhetoric. The governor has dodged direct questions on whether Biden's victory in last year's election was fair. A day after the collapse, DeSantis promoted an unusual plan to deploy officers from Florida to the southern border, a move Democrats dismiss as political theater. Still, DeSantis' actions present a sharp contrast with Trump. The former president often threatened to withhold aid to Democratic officials who criticized him, including Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York. At other times, he appeared insensitive or clumsy in his response to people's suffering. During a visit to hurricane damaged Puerto Rico, for instance, Trump tossed rolls of paper towels into a crowd of residents. Mac Stipanovich, a former Republican campaign strategist, said DeSantis is less frightening than Trump" to some voters even as he steadily courts the former president's base. DeSantis has a finely tuned sense of what is the best red meat, on any given day, to throw to the MAGA base and he does it with some skill and no shame, Stipanovich said. Soon as were beyond the window of this tragedy, everybody will be at each others throats once again. Indeed, the debate could swiftly move to how the state and local governments manage aging infrastructure. Officials in Miami-Dade County are moving forward with a 30-day audit of buildings that are more than 40 years old. DeSantis has questioned the necessity of a statewide review of older buildings. While effective responses to catastrophes can help burnish a governor's political reputation, the boost can sometimes prove fleeting. Former Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Chris Christie of New Jersey were widely praised for their response to devastating storms. But Trump, who never held political office before running for president, defeated both men for the 2016 Republican nomination. DeSantis' handling of the tragedy appears to have caught some Democrats off guard, leaving them with no unified response. Rep. Charlie Crist, a Democrat hoping to challenge DeSantis next year, didn't respond to requests for comment on the governor's response to the collapse. Nikki Fried, Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner who has also announced a bid for governor, praised local officials, Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But she knocked DeSantis for wading into the politically charged immigration debate by sending Florida law enforcement to the border with Mexico. Although the Florida Division of Emergency Management has been working around the clock to support search and rescue efforts, it was unfortunate that Governor DeSantis diverted first responders to the southern border during this incredibly difficult time for the Miami community and our entire state, she said. Rep. Val Demings, a Democrat challenging GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, said she was glad to see productive partnership between local, state, and federal officials as we work to save lives. In times of crisis, she said, we need to set partisanship aside and do whats right for our communities. DeSantis is gaining national attention at a critical juncture for Republicans. While Trump decides whether to run again in 2024, those with presidential ambitions are making aggressive moves to position themselves as his heir should he opt against a campaign. For now, Trump remains happy to be aligned with DeSantis. But several people in touch with the former president and his team said he has paid close attention as DeSantis has wooed donors at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in South Florida and gained traction in some conservative circles. If DeSantis popularity rises and he threatens Trumps status as the undisputed leader of the party, many Republicans privately expect Trump to turn on the governor. Friction between the two spilled into the public for the first time last week when Trump rebuffed DeSantis entreaties to postpone the rally in Sarasota. Trump, who opened his remarks with a moment of silence for the victims in Surfside and their families, told the conservative network Newsmax that he and DeSantis had mutually agreed that the governor should skip the rally. Trump has sought to keep the upper hand in the relationship, bringing up his early endorsement in several recent interviews. He has also said he would consider DeSantis as a potential running mate if he chose to run again for president. For his part, DeSantis has said he is focused more on winning reelection next year than the 2024 contest. He is one of the few leading Republicans who has not yet visited Iowa, home to the leadoff presidential caucuses and a state dominated by conservative evangelicals who can sway the GOP's direction. DeSantis has instead spent part of his summer traveling to political fundraisers in states including Pennsylvania and California. Tony Krvaric, who helped arrange an event on DeSantis' behalf in San Diego, said the excitement surrounding the governor was sky high and his response to the collapse has further helped his reputation. He's handled it professionally and with empathy, Krvaric said. ___ Sloan reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report. Irans expeditionary Quds Force commander brought one main directive for Iraqi militia faction leaders long beholden to Tehran when he gathered with them in Baghdad last month: Maintain calm, until after nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. But he was met with defiance. One of the six faction leaders spoke up in their meeting: They could not stay quiet while the death of his predecessor Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. drone strike went unavenged. Militia attacks have only been increasing against the U.S. in military bases in both Iraq and Syria. Three missile attacks in the last week alone resulted in minor injuries, stoking fears of escalation. The details from Esmail Ghaanis visit, confirmed to The Associated Press by three Shiite political officials and two senior militia officials, demonstrate how Iranian-aligned Iraqi militia groups are asserting a degree of independence, sometimes even flouting orders from Tehran. Iran now relies on Lebanons Hezbollah for support in reining them in, and there is potential that Irans new president could play a role in doing the same. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings. Irans influence, sustained by ideological ties and military support, has frayed because of the U.S. killing of Soleimani and al-Muhandis last year, because of differing interests and because of financial strains in Tehran. With nuclear talks restarting following U.S. President Joe Bidens inauguration this year, these differences have come to the fore. Iran isnt the way it used to be, with 100% control over the militia commanders, said one Shiite political leader. Increasing rocket and drone attacks targeting American troops in Iraq and Syria have alarmed Western and coalition officials. There have been at least eight drone attacks targeting the U.S. presence since Biden took office in January, as well as 17 rocket attacks, according to coalition officials. The attacks are blamed on the Iranian-backed militias that make up the bulk of Iraqs state-supported Popular Mobilization Forces. The Biden administration has responded by twice targeting Iraqi militia groups operating inside Syria, including close to the Iraqi border. What is taking place now is when Ghaani asks for calm, the brigade leaders agree with him. But as soon as he leaves the meeting, they disregard his recommendations, said another Shiite political leader. The loudest of the defiant militia voices has been Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq faction, which also maintains a political party. On June 17, only days after Ghaanis meetings with the militias, he said in a televised address that they would continue to target the U.S. occupier and that they will not take into consideration nuclear talks. And that decision is an Iraqi one, he said. The coalition has formally ended combat operations and reduced troop levels significantly in the last year. Only 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq and discussions are ongoing with NATO to transfer to an advisory mission. Iraq still needs coalition support in surveillance and intelligence gathering and airstrikes against Islamic State group targets. Some argue the ongoing attacks benefit Iran by maintaining pressure on the U.S. During talks with Shiite political officials during his visit, Ghani said Iran doesnt interfere in their political work, but that military matters were different. These must be approved by the Revolutionary Guard, one political leader recounted him saying. Still, Ghaani did not reprimand the militia groups during the meeting. Instead, he told them he understood their concerns. Iran has struggled to fill in the gap left in the absence of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, who were commanding figures able to push factions into line and resolve disputes among them. "Ghaani has a different style and capabilities, said Michael Knights, a fellow at The Washington Institute. He has a looser framework, establishing broad red lines on some matters, while other things are dont ask, dont tell, he said. Along with asking for less, cash-strapped Iran has been giving less as well. Assistance to the groups has been significantly downgraded since U.S. sanctions began crippling Irans economy last year. Divisions among factions have deepened, with growing competition among militias and Shiite politicians. Ghaani came to meet the militia leaders to mend tensions that were sparked weeks earlier when Iraqi authorities arrested a paramilitary commander, Qassim Musleh, prompting a standoff between PMF fighters and security forces. Ghaani brought a letter from Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, criticizing the PMF for its reaction, saying it weakened their position. To apply pressure on the factions, Iran has come to rely on Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah in Lebanon, a figure the militias highly respect. Almost weekly, various factional leaders hold face-to-face meetings with him in Lebanon, said Shiite political leaders. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi elected in June, also may be a unifying figure for the militias, which hold him in high esteem, political and militia officials said. When Raisi visited Baghdad in February, he met with PMF commanders and told them, in fluent Arabic, Our flesh is your flesh, and our blood is your blood. Ghaani communicates with brigade leaders through an interpreter. The resistance will grow in power and will see its best of times due to the election victory of Raisi, said Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, in a recent interview. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut. Michigan's attorney general has opened an investigation after a Republican-led state legislative panel said people are making baseless allegations about 2020 presidential election results in a northern Michigan county to raise money or publicity for their own ends. Lynsey Mukomel, spokeswoman for Democrat Dana Nessel said Thursday that the department accepted the request from GOP state Sen. Ed McBroom, of Vulcan, and the Senate Oversight Committee he chairs. State police are assisting. Election night results in rural Antrim County, which has roughly 23,000 residents, initially erroneously showed a local victory for Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump But it was attributed to human errors, not any problems with machines, and corrected. A hand recount validated the results as accurate. In a report that also determined there was no widespread or systemic fraud despite Trump's claims, the committee said those promoting Antrim County as the prime evidence of a nationwide conspiracy to steal the election place all other statements and actions they make in a position of zero credibility. The report did not specify whom should be investigated. But people mentioned in it include lawyer Matthew DePerno, who unsuccessfully sued the county on behalf of a resident, and ex-state Sen. Patrick Colbeck. Colbeck has called the report shoddy and has called for the panel's GOP senators to be censured. DePerno has accused the committee of an election cover-up. On his website, Colbeck asks for donations to cover costs to defend himself after Dominion Voting Systems threatened legal action over his false claims that the election was stolen by manipulating the companys machines. Dominion has accused Colbeck of "knowingly sowing discord in our democracy" and soliciting exorbitant amounts of money over $1 million to his business. DePernos website seeks donations, too, and says $384,000 has been collected. The state Senate committee also urged the attorney general or Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to investigate a Wayne County Republican canvassers statement that election officials used poorly constructed drop boxes for absentee ballots despite the canvassing board having disallowed them. The report called it a serious breach. The attorney generals office did not elaborate on the probe's specifics, saying it is an open investigation. ___ Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00 Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch reportedly personally approved the network announcing that Donald Trump had lost Arizona on election night. The incident is detailed in Michael Wolff's new book, Landslide, about the last days of the Trump administration. The Daily Beast obtained an advanced copy of the book and reported on the election night decision approved by Mr Murdoch that signalled the end of Mr Trump's administration. Wolff writes that Fox News' CEO Lachlan Murdoch operating with his father, Rupert's, support made the decision to call Arizona for Joe Biden on election night. It was the first of the major cable television networks to do so. The Daily Beast notes in its reporting that Wolff does not generally cite his sources in his books. The author claims that the Murdochs were in direct control of the network's election coverage that night, choosing to run the election desk separately from the news desk in order to avoid conflicts with the news-side's editorial independence. "Certainly, there was every reason, if you wanted a reason to delay the Arizona call, to yet forestall it and still have no fear of being preempted by anyone else," Wolff wrote. "Lachlan got his father on the phone to ask if he wanted to make the early call. His father, with signature grunt, assented, adding: 'F*** him.'" Fox News issued a statement Friday denying Mr Wolffs account. This account is completely false. Arnon Mishkin, who leads the Fox News Decision Desk made the Arizona call on election night and FOX News Media President Jay Wallace was then called in the control room, the statement said. Any other version of the story is wildly inaccurate. The decision to call Arizona for Mr Biden also marked the beginning of the MAGA revolt against Fox News. Trump supporters were furious the day before the election when the network projected that Arizona would be won by Mr Biden, and were even more furious on election night when they called the state against Mr Trump. That began the exodus of MAGA supporters to places like Newsmax and One America News Network, which are widely seen as being propaganda outlets for Mr Trump and his allies. Despite the exodus, Fox News has rebounded and is again the top rated major broadcast news network. The Washington Post reported that on election night, Fox News host Bret Baier called on the election desk director, Arnon Mishkin, to explain on-air why Arizona had been called for Mr Biden. Mishkin, knowing that Fox's audience was not going to be happy with the decision, apologised but said there was no way Mr Trump could make up the vote disparity to win back the state. "I'm sorry we're not wrong in this particular case," Mishkin said. Baier assured him he did not need to apologise. Mishkin, a registered Democrat who contracts for Fox News, became a minor villain in Trump-world, particularly in the contentious days immediately following the election, as some blamed him for throwing the state to Trump and others blamed the network for hiring a Democrat in the first place. As election data would later show, Mishkin was correct to call the state for Mr Biden. Some Republicans in Arizona have still not given up on the dream that Mr Trump actually won the state. Though the election was more than half a year ago, a group of Republican lawmakers pushed for a third-party recount in Maricopa County Arizona's largest and most Democratic county to determine if any votes were fraudulent. The recount was highly partisan the CEO of the company conducting the recount is an outspoken Trump supporter and election conspiracy theorist and its results completely non-binding. A report from Politico claims that Donald Trump is tired of people in his orbit tiptoeing off to pursue their own political agendas especially when those agendas do not align with his. Among those who Mr Trump is upset with is his own son's girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, according to the report. Aides to the former president apparently told Politico that Mr Trump has been complaining about Ms Guilfoyle joining the campaign of Eric Greitens, who is running for Senate in Missouri. She is serving as his "national campaign chair." The aides claim that Mr Trump is no fan of Mr Greitens, calling him "problematic," and that he also finds Donald Trump Jr's girlfriend "annoying." "Why the f*** is she working for him?" Mr Trump reportedly said. The advisers said Mr Trump would not back Mr Greitens if the primary were held today due to allegations that he beat, sexually assaulted and blackmailed a St Louis hairdresser in 2015. Those allegations forced him to retire as governor of Missouri three years ago. Mr Trump is said to be seeking other candidates to back for the seat. According to the aides, Mr Trump has some concerns that Ms Guilfoyle's association with Mr Greitens will appear to be an implicit endorsement from the former president. Ms Guilfoyle responded to the story by denying there was any bad blood between her and the former president. Mr Trump is fully aware of how much weight his endorsements carry, and has been protective of who gets his stamp of approval as a result. The former president's spokesman, Jason Miller, has been targeting Republican candidates who are falsely claiming intentionally or not that they have Mr Trump's endorsement and telling their supporters that no such support exists. Mr Miller sent The Hill an email discussing his efforts to thwart Republicans trying to dupe voters into thinking they have Mr Trump's backing, saying "don't fake the endorsement if you don't have it!" In one instance, Pennsylvania state Senator Doug Mastriano was chastised by the Trump campaign after saying the former president "asked" him to run for governor. Mr Miller took to Twitter to clarify that "President Trump has not made any endorsement or commitments yet in this race." In another instance, former professional wrestler-turned-politician Dan Rodimer branded himself as "the Trump candidate" in campaign ads, and claimed that he was the "only" one "that has ever been endorsed by President Trump." Mr Rodimer was running for the 6th Congressional district seat in Texas when his campaign made the claims. Mr Miller again shot them down on Twitter. Former President Donald Trump has slammed the new books written about him after one of them revealed that he allegedly complimented Adolf Hitler and joked about Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi Arabian journalist and US resident killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey in 2018. Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender writes in a new book that then-President Trump said well, Hitler did a lot of good things to White House chief of staff John Kelly in 2018 while they were on a trip to Paris to commemorate the end of World War I. Mr Trump also pushed back on Mr Benders reporting that the former president fought with then-Vice President Mike Pence over his political committee hiring Corey Lewandowski, a former 2016 campaign manager for Mr Trump. An essay adapted from Mr Benders Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost describes an incident in which Mr Trump crumpled up an article about the hiring of Mr Lewandowski and threw it at Mr Pence. Mr Trump was holding a newspaper article about the hiring and said it made him look weak, like his team was abandoning him as he was probed for his campaigns role in Russian election meddling. He crumpled the article and threw it at his vice president. So disloyal, Mr Trump said, according to the essay. Mr Pence lost it. Mr Kushner had asked him to hire Mr Lewandowski, and he had discussed the plan with Mr Trump over lunch. Mr Pence picked up the article and threw it back at Mr Trump. He leaned toward the president and pointed a finger a few inches from his chest, the essay adds. We walked you through every detail of this, Mr Pence snarled. We did this for youas a favour. And this is how you respond? You need to get your facts straight. Mr Trump issued a statement on Friday, saying: The story written by third-rate reporter Michael Bender, that Mike Pence and I had a big fight over Corey Lewandowski, is totally false. No such fight ever happened, it is fiction as are so many others stories written in the vast number of books coming out about me. Mr Bender tweeted in response: I stand by my reporting. The fight happened in front of others and multiple sources confirmed. It is correctand just one of many revealing details in the excerpt and still unreported in the book. In a follow-up statement, Mr Trump added: It seems to me that meeting with authors of the ridiculous number of books being written about my very successful Administration, or me, is a total waste of time. They write whatever they want to write anyway without sources, fact-checking, or asking whether or not an event is true or false. Frankly, so many stories are made-up, or pure fiction. These writers are often bad people who write whatever comes to their mind or fits their agenda. It has nothing to do with facts or reality. So when reading the garbage that the Fake News Media puts out, please remember this and take everything with a grain of salt. Mr Trump was reportedly fixated on the intelligence that a bone saw had been used by Saudi Arabian agents to dismember journalist and activist Jamal Khashoggi when he was killed in 2018. Kirsten Fontenrose, who at the time was the director of Gulf affairs at the National Security Council, told Yahoo News that Mr Trump kept returning to that detail of the murder. He allegedly said at the time: Ive been in difficult negotiations. Ive never had to take a bone saw. In several calls with top Saudi leaders, Mr Trump repeatedly asked if they had ordered the murder or had any knowledge of it, Ms Fontenrose said. She told Yahoo News: I mean, he would go back to it and back to it and back to it, trying to press them and telling them, you know, This will change everything, you guys. Weve got to know. Were with you. Were standing behind Saudi Arabia... but weve got to get to the bottom of this. Was there a bone saw? Was there a bone saw? During his discussion about Hitler with Mr Kelly in 2018, Mr Trump reportedly kept defending the Nazi leader as Mr Kelly tried to explain who the allies and adversaries were in both World Wars. Mr Trump was allegedly undeterred and noted that Germany had made economic gains under the leadership of Hitler. When asked about it by Mr Bender, Mr Trump denied he had made the comments and that the conversation had occurred. Trump spokeswoman Liz Harrington told CNN on Wednesday: This is totally false. President Trump never said this. It is made up fake news, probably by a general who was incompetent and was fired. According to Mr Bender, Mr Kelly reportedly told Mr Trump: Even if it was true that he was solely responsible for rebuilding the economy, on balance you cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler. You just cant. Mr Bender added that others said the remark stunned Kelly. Texas resident Hervis Rogers went viral last year after he stood in line for seven hours to vote on Super Tuesday at the Texas Southern University polling place. He placed his vote at 1am, and was lauded for his dedication to participating in democracy. Now he's being prosecuted by the Texas Attorney General's office for allegedly voting illegally. Houston Public Media reports that before Mr Rogers went viral, he had been arrested and imprisoned for 25 years for burglary and an intent to commit theft in 1995. He was released on parole in 2004, and his parole was set to expire on 13 June, 2020. Some states in the US, like Texas, deny people on probation the right to vote. Because he voted several months before his parole expired, Mr Rogers technically voted illegally, and was subsequently arrested. He was taken into custody on Wednesday and was charged with two counts of illegal voting. His bail has been set at a staggering $100,000. The ACLU of Texas and attorney Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube have taken up his case. His second charge likely stems from his vote on Election Day, which would have been rendered illegal under state law due to his violation of parole by voting on Super Tuesday. Mr Rogers is not the only person Texas has targeted for voting while on parole. The Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has prioritised prosecuting alleged cases of voter fraud during his tenure. Between 2005 and 2018, more than 130 people were prosecuted on charges alleging voter fraud. In 2016, Crystal Mason voted while on federal supervised release, which made her ineligible to vote. She said she was not aware of the rules, but was offered a provisional ballot by the election officials at her polling place when she discovered her name was not on the voter roll. She was arrested six months later. Critics of the law said it targets people like Mr Rogers and Ms Mason, who have already served their prison terms but who may not be aware of the state's rules prohibiting them from voting. Because imprisonment in the US disproportionately affects people of colour, so too does the prosecution of voters who are accused of committing voter fraud by casting a ballot while on parole. In Texas, Black people are four times more likely to be imprisoned than white people, according to criminal justice reform organisation The Sentencing Project. Lawmakers in Texas attempted to rectify the issue back in 2007, when both the House and Senate approved a bill requiring the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to notify people released from custody that they are ineligible to vote, but former Governor Rick Perry vetoed the bill. State Rep John Bucy presented a similar bill earlier this week. Lithuania has started work on a new border fence to halt illegal migration from next-door Belarus with officials accusing the countrys erratic leader Alexander Lukashenko of deliberately trying to stoke a migrant crisis on the EUs border. The initial stage of construction will add less than half a mile to the 48 miles already in place, but officials say they plan to extend the physical barrier to cover other sections of the 421 mile border between the neighbouring former Soviet states. Much of the frontier runs through difficult to patrol woodlands, with CCTV covering no more than 40 per cent of the line. Lithuania announced a state of emergency in early July following unprecedented inflows of migrants from Belarus. At that point, daily arrests had topped 150, more than twice the total figure for 2020. The Baltic state has vowed to send as many back as it can. In the meantime, more than a thousand migrants are being housed in hangars and tent cities that will become defunct as soon as colder weather arrives. Border guards say that a total of 1,548 illegal migrants were detained in the year to July. That is 18 times the equivalent number for the previous year. Most of the arrivals are Iraqi Kurds, with a smaller number coming from Iran, Syria, Africa, Belarus and Russia. A large number arrive without documents. The prime minister, Ingrida Simonyte, said the appearance of migrants at Lithuanias door was no accident, and has accused Belaruss president of lashing out in response to western sanctions by flying in migrants to get them into the EU. We consider the process to be hybrid aggression directed not so much against Lithuania, but against the EU, she said. Her interior minister, Agne Bilotaite, meanwhile suggested it looked like an idiosyncratic attempt by Minsk to start a dialogue with the West. Alexander Lukashenko has made little secret of a policy to remove border controls. In May, facing a backlash from the state hijacking of Ryanair flight 4978, he said Belarus would no longer hinder the flow of illegal migrants into Europe. In June, he made his position even clearer: You wage a hybrid war against us and ask us to protect you as before? Well, before we stopped drugs and migrants now you will take and catch them yourself. Western officials believe Mr Lukashenkos policy goes beyond passivity. Unconfirmed reports suggest the vast majority of migrants fly into Belarus on official invitations from state tourism firms connected to the presidential administration. They are then housed in hotels near the Lithuanian border, and delivered, with the help of organised crime, to poorly guarded parts of the frontier. There is no evidence that the migrants themselves know the full nature of these schemes. A Telegram account connected with the Belarusian opposition claims to have spoken to an eyewitness in the Voranava district of western Belarus suggesting migrants were being bussed in and out of border territories near to the villages of Nacha and Belyuntsy. These territories were previously high-security regions, with a system of permits in operation for local residents. The weaponisation of migrants appears to be the latest front in long-running tensions between Belarus and its western neighbour. In the crackdown since last Augusts disputed elections, Lithuania has become the de facto home of the Belarusian opposition. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the woman who almost certainly won those elections with a landslide, is the most prominent of these new exiles. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (AP) On Friday, the parliamentary chairs of a dozen foreign affairs committees around the world signed an open letter condemning what they called politically-motivated trafficking of people. Using the most vulnerable as leverage in a political dispute is shameful and draws comparison with the act of piracy we saw in May, the declaration reads. Pavlo Latushko, Mr Lukashenkos former culture minister who now heads the Belarusian government in exile from Lithuania, said people trafficking was not the only thing the West should be concerned about. Lukashenkos own statements suggest his next move will be organising the flow of drugs into Europe, he told The Independent. But the absurd logic of the dictator doesnt end there, and nothing should be ruled out not even attempts to move nuclear materials into the EU. The Foreign Office (FCDO) has removed its warning for more than 20 countries, including Spain, France and Greece. It previously advised against all non-essential travel to these destinations but has downgraded its advice. The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Spain, based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks, the guidance now reads for Spain. Morocco, Switzerland and the US have also had their advisories downgraded. The news is an extra boost for the tourism industry, as it means that travel insurance policies to these destinations are no longer invalidated, and package holidays can go ahead as planned. The FCDO advice is separate to the Department for Transports (DfT) traffic-light system for international travel, first introduced in May. For example, a destination could move to the governments safe green list while the FCDOs advisory against non-essential travel remains in place, and vice versa: a country could be classed as amber while the FCDO guidance could be that non-essential travel there is A-OK. For example, the Canary Islands had their travel warning lifted by the FCDO weeks ago, despite remaining stuck on amber. It follows more positive news for holidaymakers, after Grant Shapps announced that double jabbed Brits and travellers under 18 could swerve quarantine when returning from amber list countries from 19 July. The relaxation applies to British nationals who have had their second vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to entering the UK. The new rules will be identical to those faced by green list arrivals a negative Covid test before departing for the UK and a PCR test within two days of arrival. In response, airlines and tour operators are upping their capacity, with Jet2.com announcing that flights and holidays to amber list destinations would recommence from 19 July. From this date, the DfT is also lifting its advice against holidaying in amber countries. Tourism chiefs in Spain's Balearic Islands have called for responsibility from holidaymakers and residents amid fears the islands may be removed from the UK government's green travel list after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. The 14-day Covid-19 contagion rate was 185 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on 5 July, according to Spanish health ministry data more than double the figure of 91.1 that the islands had when the UK government moved Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca to the green list on 30 June. Spain's national two-week coronavirus rate is now 204, an increase which has prompted concern that the country is entering a fifth wave of Covid-19, as infections among younger people have risen sharply with most still unvaccinated. The islands hard-hit tourism industry was desperate for a reprieve when the UK moved the Balearics from the amber to the green travel list, but this could now be in doubt. We need to exercise responsibility because we cannot put the tourist season, the viability of all the companies and jobs in danger, said Rafael Roig, president of Federation of Balearic Transport Companies, which is heavily involved in the tourism industry. Don't forget that the islands live off tourism and we have to adopt all the health measures possible so that what happened last year when another wave of coronavirus ruined the tourism sector does not happen again. Spanish newspaper Ultima Hora quoted hoteliers on the islands as saying they had seen a drop in reservations from Britain and Germany. We recognise the effort made by (tourism) companies and their commitment to reopening, but this is not the same as reactivating the economy in this second season which has been affected by Covid-19, Maria Frontera, president of the Mallorca Federation of Hoteliers, said. We are conscious that we are operating in the face of many real threats which could bring a sudden change to the season. The surge in Covid-19 cases in the Balearic Islands has been linked by health authorities to an outbreak among Spanish students, who arrived in the islands last month to celebrate the end of academic examinations. More than 2,000 people were diagnosed with coronavirus and 5,000 were forced to isolate, while health authorities are investigating if venues failed to observe Covid-19 restrictions. Some 315 people tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, according to the Balearics health authorities 112 more than the day before. It was announced on 24 June that the islands would move from amber to green in the UK's traffic light system for international travel starting from 30 June. However, the islands are currently on the Department for Transport's green watchlist, composed of destinations that are at risk of returning to the amber list. Of the 27 green list countries and territories, 16 are on the watchlist. The requirements for travellers returning to the UK from green watchlist destinations remain that they must present a negative Covid test before departure and take a PCR test within two days of arrival. If countries slip down to the amber list, returning passengers are suddenly subject to 10 days quarantine and two PCR tests. The next government review is on 15 July. At least 52 people were killed and 20 injured after a massive fire raged through a juice factory in Narayanganj, southeast of Dhaka, officials said on Friday. The fire, which started late on Thursday on the ground floor of a six-storey factory building, was raging until Friday evening as firefighters scrambled to control it. The cause of the fire is unknown. Police official Abdullah al Mamun told reporters that three police teams had been dispatched to probe the incident, and legal action against those responsible for the fire would follow. Smoke billowed from the top floors of the building while some workers jumped out. A key exit from the working areas had been locked, said fire official Abdullah al Arefin. Three people died from jumping off the building to escape the fire, and 49 charred bodies have been recovered, said Mustain Billah, the administrator for the Narayanganj district. Some family members, like Nazma Begum, were still looking for their loved ones. There is no justice! Where is my son? Ms Begum cried out. Dozens of family members protested outside the plant, demanding justice. Mr Al Arefin said each building floor was only accessible by two stairways, which many workers couldnt get to as the fire had spread there. Some escaped to the roof from the stairs, but many became trapped as a door leading to the roof was locked. Mr Billah said firefighters struggled to control the fire due to chemicals and flammable materials being stored inside the building. The factory is owned by the private firm Hashem Food and Beverage, a unit of Bangladeshs multinational Sajeeb Group. Officials at both companies failed to respond to calls and emails seeking comment on Friday. This latest industrial accident follows a string of incidents in the country, notorious for its poor fire and building safety standards. In August 2016, more than 100 people fell ill in the southern city of Chittagong after inhaling gas leaked from a fertiliser factory. Industry officials promised better safety standards after the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory building in Dhaka that killed more than 1,000 workers and injured hundreds. But standards at many factories still fall short. Livermore, CA (94550) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 53F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. remaining of Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Indiana, PA (15701) Today Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Television | TV Channels Rahul Joshi's tenure as MD, Network18 extended till July, 2024. Rahul Joshi has been re-appointed as the managing director of Network18 for a period of three years. He will hold the position up to 8 July 2024, said the company on Friday. Read More... iWorld | OTT Amazon Prime signs multiyear licensing deal with Comcast's Universal Starting 2022, Universal Pictures' new live action films will first debut on Comcast's OTT platform Peacock after their theatrical releases, and then land exclusively on Amazon Prime Video four months later. Read More... Television | TV Channels ZEEL gets MIB's nod on transfer digital publishing business to Rapidcube Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has received the approval from the ministry of information and broadcasting for the transfer of the digital publishing business division to Rapidcube Technologies. Read More... iWorld | Telecom Jio leads in 4G download speed, Vodafone Idea fastest in upload: TRAI Reliance Jio continues to reign over the 4G internet segment with 21.9 megabit per second (Mbps) average download speed in June. The download speed has increased marginally from 20.7 Mbps in May, showed the latest monthly data published by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Read More... MAM | Marketing Metro Brands brings on board Nissan Joseph as CEO Homegrown fashion footwear retailer Metro Brands has announced the appoinment of Nissan Joseph as its chief executive officer, effective 1 July. The company will continue to be helmed by its founding members, managing director Farah Malik Bhanji, and chairman Rafique A. Malik, it said in a statement on Friday. Read More... MAM | Media and Advertising GroupM India elevates Atique Kazi to president - data, performance and digital products GroupM India, WPP's media investment group, Friday elevated Atique Kazi to president - Data, Performance and Digital Products, with effect from 2 August. Kazi will be based out of the agency's Mumbai office and report to GroupM South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar and Xaxis APAC CEO Arshan Saha. Read More... Line producer of The Kashmir Files, a film directed by Vivek Agnihotri, has allegedly died by suicide. Breaking the news and sharing her photos on Instagram, Anupam Kher, who is also a part of the film wrote that he spoke to her shattered mother. He added that the news "really shook me and saddened me deeply". Agencies Taking to Instagram, he wrote, "This is #Sarahna. She was the line producer of #KashmirFiles when I was shooting for the film at Dehradun & Mussoorie. The unit celebrated her birthday on Dec 22nd last year at the location. After the shoot she went to her hometown in Aligarh because of the lockdown. Instagram "She was bright, brilliant, helpful and excellent at her job. She messaged me on my mothers birthday to wish mom from her side. I called her and spoke to her and passed moms blessings to her. Instagram "She sounded absolutely fine. And today I got a message (4th pic) from her phone which really shook me and saddened me deeply. Spoke to her shattered mother. This depression really is effecting the younger generation drastically. I pray for her soul and hope her mother and brother #Antriksh can deal with this loss. It is so sad!! " The Kashmir Files, which is based on genocide of Kashmiri Hindus will present the unreported history of Kashmiri Hindus, says Vivek Agnihotri. Kashmiri Hindus were literally butchered, raped and made homeless. It is one of the most tragic genocides in Indian history but is absent from our history and our consciousness. All I want to achieve is to present the unreported history of Kashmiri Hindus. I believe artists owe it to society which consumes their work. It''s unbelievable that there are so many films on Kashmir but not even one on the misery, pain and loss of the (state''s) Hindu minority," Agnihotri told IANS. (If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918) Cases of Zika virus in Kerala went up to 14 on Friday with the National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirming 13 more cases. Following this, the State has been put on alert. Among the infected was a 24-year-old pregnant woman who was diagnosed with the mosquito-transmitted disease on Thursday. Here's was the first case of the virus in the State. Read more. Agencies Tourists Now Throng Gangtok Even As Sikkim Is Reporting High COVID Positivity Rate On Thursday, the Central government raised concern over certain districts reporting high COVID positivity rate. Calling for swift action to control the spread of infection, health secretary wrote to eight states, and Sikkim was one of them. And now, a day later, Gangtok in Sikkim has reported a huge tourist influx. Read more. Sikkim | Gangtok sees surge in tourist inflow Tourists have started visiting the state in good numbers. If everything goes fine, in coming weeks, govt will give more relaxation for revival of tourism & economy: Kapil Meena, Additional Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation (08.07) pic.twitter.com/QFnXpSB4nv ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2021 Third Wave Staring At Us? India's COVID-19 Case Trajectory Shows Worrying Trend India faced a severe second wave of Covid-19 infections starting February. The seven-day average of daily new infections rose 36 times between February 11 and May 9, which is when the second wave peaked. Daily new cases have since fallen sharply, however, the recent trajectory has shown some worrying signs. As per the data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there has been been a slowdown in the downward trend of daily COVID infections and a slight increase in the positivity rate. Read more. Agencies Amid 3rd COVID Wave Scare, Uttarakhand To Review Decision To Stop Kanwar Yatra: What We Know Agencies Uttarakhand decided to review its decision to stop all Kanwar yatra devotees from entering the state this year, prompting experts to caution about a steep surge in Covid infections if safety protocols are violated. The review decision on the yatra, which sees millions of people travel through several states by foot to the holy town of Haridwar, came a day after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath cleared the event and asked Uttarakhand to allow the procession. Read more. "It Can Go Everywhere": Meet Jellyfishbot, The Robot That Likes To Eat Trash At The Sea Reuters The boat, called Jellyfishbot, is about the size of a suitcase and so can get into the corners and narrow spaces where rubbish tends to accumulate but which are difficult for cleaners with nets to reach. Read more. After Hundreds Were Seen Flocking Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Govt Restricts Entry To 50 People Uttarakhand | Now only 50 tourists are allowed at Kempty Falls (waterfall) in Mussorie; can't stay at the spot beyond half an hour. A check-post to be set up to monitor the tourists: Iva Ashish Srivastava, Tehri Garhwal District Magistrate pic.twitter.com/7VvWbZedQQ ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2021 A day after a video of tourists flouting Covid-19 norms at Mussoories Kempty falls went viral, officials announced only 50 visitors will be allowed to bathe with a maximum permissible time of 30 minutes. The district administration has taken the decision in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, District Magistrate Iva Ashish Shrivastava said. Read more. India faced a severe second wave of Covid-19 infections starting February. The seven-day average of daily new infections rose 36 times between February 11 and May 9, which is when the second wave peaked. Daily new cases have since fallen sharply, however, the recent trajectory has shown some worrying signs. As per the data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there has been been a slowdown in the downward trend of daily COVID infections and a slight increase in the positivity rate. PTI Why is it worrisome? This is worrisome and all the more important given the anecdotal accounts of Covid-inappropriate behaviour from many places, especially tourist destinations. The Central government has expressed grave concerns over crowds thronging markets and hill stations over the past few days. It has now warned of reimposing lockdown-like restrictions in places where people are found to be blatantly breaking the rules put in place to contain coronavirus outbreaks. Firstly, new infections are not rising, but they also are not falling fast enough. Secondly, the positivity rate has already reversed its falling trajectory. The seven-day average of daily positivity rates hit a high of 22.76% on May 9. ANI Third, the all-India numbers hide the divergence across states. The 7-day average of new cases has been rising in six small north-eastern states and Kerala. Positivity rates have risen in 11 states and UTs over the last week. Lastly, districts in other states are affected too. Out of 707 districts for which data is compiled by How India Lives (Delhis districts are merged as one), the 7-day average of cases has increased in 63 districts between June 20 and July 6; 36 of them are from the eight north-eastern states, and 18 from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Odisha. But cases have increased in a few districts even in other states in the past two weeks. What do the recent numbers say? On June 24, the 7-day-average of daily and active cases in India was 53,123 and 683,544 respectively. Two weeks later, on July 7, these numbers were 42,547 and 486,415, the lowest since the peak of the second wave. PTI This shows that we are still on the downward path of the second wave. To be sure, the latest numbers are much higher than the lowest number of daily new cases (10,988) and total active cases (138,837) seen after the peak of the first wave. What is worrying about the current situation is that the nature of the infection's curve changed a month ago. The 7-day average of new cases was declining at the rate of 6.7% per day on June 2. New cases are declining at a much slower rate now. Third wave prediction A research report has predicted that India may witness the third wave of COVID-19 in mid-August 2021, raising the alarm bells for policymakers and citizens. The report, COVID-19: The race to finishing line, prepared by SBI Research, claims that the COVID third wave peak will arrive in the month of September 2021. PTI According to the SBI report, the global data shows that on average, peak COVID-19 cases reached during the third wave are nearly twice or 1.7 times those from the second wave of the pandemic. Meanwhile, India has witnessed 43,393 new COVID-19 cases, 44,459 recoveries, and 911 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the latest update by the Health Ministry on Friday morning. It took five years for scientists to identify a moss species discovered in Antarctica to establish that it is indeed a new species. Interestingly, this is the first time that India has discovered a plant species since the launch of its first research station in the continent four decades ago. The new species was discovered during India's 36th expedition to Antarctica in 2017 when some polar biologists chanced upon this species. The moss species is now called Bryum Bharatiensis after Bharati, the Hindu goddess who also lends her name to one of Indias Antarctic research stations. Biologists based in the Central University of Punjab gave the name. BBC The discovery appeared in a peer-reviewed paper which has been accepted in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity'. The scientists found that the moss mainly grew in areas where penguins breed in large numbers since penguin faeces contain nitrogen. Professor Felix Bast, one of the biologists who were a part of the six-month-long expedition told BBC, Basically, the plants here survive on penguin poop. It helps that the manure doesnt decompose in this climate." However, it is still uncertain as to how the moss survives through Antarcticas six-month-long winters when there is no sunlight and temperatures drop as low as -76C. They believe there is reason to believe that the moss dries almost to seed, in a dormant stage, during the winters and begins to germinate again during summer in September when it starts getting sunlight. Antarctica is getting greenified. Many temperate species of plants that previously could not survive in this frozen continent are now seen everywhere because of the warming up of the continent," said Prof Bast. Scientific American Scientists also said that they saw melting glaciers, crevasse-infested ice sheets and glacial melt-water lakes on top of ice sheets, during the expedition. All of this points to the escalating climate change. It appears the dry state Gujarat isn't so dry after all. Three farmers have been arrested in the state for selling illegal alcohol after their own buffaloes got drunk on the hooch. One of the men had called a vet when the buffaloes stopped eating and started frothing at the mouth, The Times of India reported. The vet then inspected the water trough that the animals had been drinking from and "observed a strange smell and found the water to be coloured". Representational Image/Reuters This, it turned out, was because the men had hidden bottles of moonshine in the trough and some of them had broken, contaminating the water. The farmers told the vet that the colour was from branches falling into the water, but the vet reported them to the authorities after leaving the stable, the report said. When the cops raided the place, they found more than 100 bottles of alcohol worth Rs 32,000, tucked inside the trough and under some fodder. The three farmers were arrested. Representational Image/Reuters "The animals probably drank the water laced with liquor from the damaged liquor bottles," a police official told TOI, adding that the buffaloes have since recovered from their drunken ordeal. In Gujarat -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state -- making, buying, selling or transporting alcohol is outlawed, punishable by hefty fines and even prison sentences. Representational Image/Shutterstock Meanwhile, far away from Gujarat, a squirrel in US' Minnesota grabbed headlines last year when it became intoxicated accidentally after eating some fermented pears. The incident was captured on camera and it went viral after being shared on YouTube. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has been tapped by President Joe Biden as the next ambassador to India. It is good for India to get an ambassador who is a Rhodes scholar and familiar with geopolitics, Indiaspora's Indian American founder MR Rangaswami told India-West. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Dr. Meena Seshamani as Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare. Honored to lead Medicare during this pivotal time, tweeted the Indian American physician July 7. (Twitter photo) A Hindu priest puts a protective face mask on the idol of Goddess Ashapura to create awareness about COVID-19 during Navratri festival celebrations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Masks) are our new normal, Indian American physician Dr. Nirav Shah told India-West, urging readers to get vaccinated, if they have not already done so. (Sumit Saraswat/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) Forney, TX (75126) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below. According to her great, great nephew, Monica Flinn likely spent the first summer at her new El Charro Cafe making pots of stew and tortillas to feed local construction workers. That was 99 years ago, and summer survival continues to be the hallmark of the season at each of El Charros Tucson A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to prison for a fraud scheme to evade payroll taxes and workers compensation requirements in the construction industry. U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Dennis Alexander Barahona of Chelsea, Massachusetts, to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud. The court also ordered Barahona to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,110,257 and to an insurance company in the amount of $41,352.91. In addition, the court ordered Barahona to forfeit his interest in $230,764 that was seized from two bank accounts. The court also entered a money judgment against Barahona in the amount of $263,302, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud. Barahona had pleaded guilty on March 29, 2021. Barahonas co-defendant, Gregorio Jose Fuentes-Zelaya, was sentenced on May 10, 2021, to 33 months in federal prison. According to court documents, Barahona established a shell company that purported to be involved in the construction industry. He obtained a workers compensation insurance policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees. Barahona then rented the workers compensation insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with construction contractors on projects in various Florida counties. Barahona sent the contractors a certificate as proof that the work crews had workers compensation insurance, as required by Florida law. By sending the certificate, Barahona falsely represented that the work crews worked for his company. Over the course of the scheme, Barahona rented the certificates to dozens of work crews. As part of the scheme, the contractors issued payroll checks for the workers wages to the shell company and Barahona or a co-conspirator cashed these checks, then distributed the cash to the work crews after deducting their fee, which was typically about 6% of the payroll. During the scheme, the conspirators cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $4,388,371, with their fees totaling approximately $263,302. Neither the shell company nor the contractors reported to government authorities the wages that were paid to the workers, nor did they pay either the employees or the employers portion of payroll taxes, including Social Security, Medicare and federal income tax. According to the IRS, the amount of payroll taxes due on wages totaling $4,388,371 was approximately $1,110,257. The scheme also facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers compensation insurance for the numerous workers on the work crews to whom Barahona rented the workers compensation insurance. The policy that Barahona purchased and then rented out was for an estimated payroll of $91,000, and the insurance company issued the policy for a premium of $15,206. Had a workers compensation insurance policy been purchased for a payroll totaling $4,388,371, the policy premium would have totaled about $728,030. Employers are legally obligated to their employees and the American taxpayer to withhold and pay their fair share of taxes, said Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS Criminal Investigation in a U.S. Department of Justice press release. By shirking this obligation, their employees are cheated out of benefits theyve earned and the taxpayer is also undercut. Todays significant sentencing should make it abundantly clear that these actions will not be tolerated. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. Source: U.S. Department of Justice Topics Workers' Compensation Fraud Talent Massachusetts Allianz Global Investors plans to curtail investments in certain coal businesses by the end of the year. The 598 billion-euro ($707 billion) investment manager said in a statement Thursday that starting in December it will no longer invest in companies that derive more than 30% of their annual revenue from thermal coal extraction, as well as those where more than 30% of their electricity production is based on coal. The new policy will apply to all existing funds for which AllianzGI acts as the management company and will be its default stance for all new funds and mandates after December. Coal, the black rock that powered the industrial revolution and is still relied on for energy production, has become a target for a growing number of investors wishing to retool their portfolios for a lower-carbon future. AllianzGI, an investment arm of the German insurance giant Allianz SE, said the new exclusion policy shows its commitment to tackling climate change by divesting from the single largest source of carbon emissions. Our aspiration is to position our portfolios on a trajectory towards climate transition, said Deborah Zurkow, AllianzGIs global head of investments. Our coal withdrawal strategy marks the next stage in our contribution to tackling climate challenge. While its positive that the asset manager has introduced a coal policy, the thresholds for exclusion are disappointingly low, said Lucie Pinson, director and founder of environmental nonprofit Reclaim Finance. The asset manager will still be able to invest in such companies as Glencore Plc and BHP Group that have large coal business yet which constitute less than 30% of their revenues, she said. Data from the Global Coal Exit List, a database of companies involved in the coal industry developed by German nonprofit Urgewald, shows companies generating less than 30% of their revenues from coal are planning up to 246 gigawatts of new coal power capacity, which equates to five times the coal power installed capacity of Germany, said Pinson. Photograph: A bucket-wheel reclaimer stands next to a piles of coal at the Newcastle Coal Port, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Photo credit: David Gray/Bloomberg. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Allianz The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Willis Towers Watson by Aon, lifting a major roadblock to the proposed $30 billion merger. But there are more roadblocks to overcome. The approval is conditional on full compliance with a set of commitments offered by Aon, including the divestment of central parts of WTWs business to the insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG). Aon and WTW agreed in May to sell Willis Re and a set of Willis Towers Watson corporate risk and broking and health and benefits services to Gallagher for $3.57 billion divestitures that aimed to settle a major part of the Commissions antitrust concerns. The commitments will strengthen Gallagher in its capabilities in reinsurance and commercial risk brokerage and improve its footprint in the European Economic Area (EEA), said the European Commission in a statement. It will thus become a credible alternative to the combined entity post-transaction. The EC first announced it was undertaking an antitrust review of the merger in December of last year. This is a major step that demonstrates continued progress toward obtaining regulatory clearances for the proposed combination, responded the brokers in a joint statement. Both firms operate across broad, competitive areas of the economy and believe this approval affirms that our proposed combination will accelerate innovation on behalf of clients, creating more choice in an already dynamic and competitive marketplace. Read more: Aon-WTW Merger Would Help Boost Industrys Innovation. Aon CEO Makes the Case. In an equity research note, Wells Fargo Securities said it had been expected the European Commission would approve the deal during this time frame, given the divestitures that have already been announced. Aon and Willis Towers Watson said they remain committed to the benefits of the combination and continue to work toward obtaining regulatory approval in all relevant jurisdictions. The combination remains subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and clearances, including United States antitrust laws. Indeed, the United States still poses a major roadblock to the merger. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against the merger, with the trial scheduled for November. This would delay the companies original expectation of closing the merger in the first half of 2021. Wells Fargo Securities said the brokers have two options: to go to trial or to try to reach a settlement with the U.S. DOJ. Other countries, such as Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore, are also examining the antitrust implications of the merger. We continue to believe all three (AJG, AON and Willis) present attractive investment opportunities right now (whether or not the deal gets done) as Aon and Willis have traded down since the U.S. DOJ filed its antitrust lawsuit, said the Wells Fargo research note, which was authored by analysts Elyse Greenspan and James Kurek. For Gallagher, if the Aon/Willis deal is completed, they should see the accretion from the properties they have already bought and also will most likely need to buy additional properties in the U.S., which would bring on additional accretion, the note explained. If the deal does not get done, Gallagher can buy back its shares with the proceeds from its recent equity offering (which is slated to be used to help fund its purchase of Willis assets), the note continued. European companies rely on brokers to obtain best possible solutions to manage their commercial risk. Aon and Willis Towers Watson are leading players in the insurance and reinsurance brokerage markets, commented Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, who is in charge of competition policy at the European Commission. The remedy package accepted by the commission ensures that European companies, including insurance companies and large multinational customers, will continue to have a good choice and good services when selecting a broker suitable for their needs, Vestager added. To meet the antitrust demands of EU and U.S. competition authorities, Aon and WTW have initiated a group of disposals, including: The sale of Aons U.S. retirement business to private investment firm Aquiline and its Retiree Health Exchange individual health insurance business to Illinois-based digital services firm Alight for $1.4 billion. The sale of sale of Aons pensions consulting, pension insurance broking, pensions administration and investment consulting business in Germany to Lane Clark & Peacock LLP (LCP). The sale of Willis Re and a set of Willis Towers Watson corporate risk and broking and health and benefits services to Arthur J. Gallagher for $3.57 billion. Related: Topics Mergers Europe Aon Willis Towers Watson In todays International People Moves, appointments are detailed from AXIS Re, Lockton Re and catastrophe modeling company RMS. A summary of these new hires follows here. AXIS Re, the reinsurance business segment of AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. announced the appointment of Matt LoPiccolo as strategic account executive, Global Brokers, for its client engagement initiative, AXIS Re Strategic Partners. LoPiccolo joins the Reinsurance team after having served as head of U.S. Digital Distribution within the companys insurance segment. He will continue to be based in New York and will report to Jason Busti, AXIS Re president of North America and head of AXIS Re Strategic Partners. In this newly created role, LoPiccolo will be responsible for enhancing relationships with AXIS Res Global Brokers across all lines of business, and building out others. He will also be responsible for working collectively with AXIS Res Global Brokers to develop new business opportunities and collaborate on solutions. AXIS Re Strategic Partners, launched in 2018, is a dedicated team to serve select clients and brokers. LoPiccolo has more than 24 years of industry experience across the broking and insurance sectors. He joined AXIS Insurance in 2016, holding roles such as head of U.S. Distribution for the Professional Lines Division and head of US Digital Distribution. Prior to AXIS, LoPiccolo held various roles at AIG within its sales and marketing and distribution divisions. He began his career at MarshMcLennan. LoPiccolos appointment was effective July 6. *** Lockton Re, the global reinsurance business of the privately held independent insurance broker, announced that Kazimierz (Kaz) Layton will join its Specialty Division later this year. Layton has been in the political risk and credit insurance broking space for over 15 years, most recently as an executive director at Willis. He started his career in Aons Crisis Management Team followed by time at JLT. *** RMS, the Newark, Calif.-based catastrophe risk modeling and solutions company, has appointed Jason Futers as its new managing director responsible for leading RMS UK insurance business. Futers brings vast experience in creating and managing successful multi-disciplinary teams within start-ups and mature businesses. He has previously held roles in client success, technology, sales and product management for companies in the UK, Europe, U.S., and Asia. From 2017, Futers was the CEO and co-founder of Insurdata, a global exposure data platform. Prior to this, he was the founder of Huupe.com, a personal and professional development platform, and also non-executive director of AgRisk, formerly the Asia Risk Center. Between 2002 and 2015, Futers built his career at RMS, where he was CEO and board member of RMS Japan, regional head of Sales for Europe and Asia, and head of Emerging Risk Innovation. Mike Steel, global head of Business Development, RMS, said: Jason has been continually at the forefront of advanced analytics and in his new role at RMS he will be in a position to champion delivering analytics, data, and technology to the insurance and reinsurance markets in the UK. We are all delighted to welcome him back to RMS at such an exciting time. Topics Willis Towers Watson Lockton A woman has alleged in a civil rights lawsuit that a former northwest Missouri sheriff gave her drugs and sexually assaulted her. The St. Joseph News-Press reported that the claims involve former Harrison County Sheriff Joshua Eckerson. He killed himself last year after a special prosecutor charged him with misdemeanor counts of misuse of official information by a public servant, trespassing and domestic assault. Its unclear if those charges are related to the lawsuit because the criminal court documents are sealed. A woman identified only as Jane Does alleges in the suit that Eckerson drove her home after a 2015 criminal interview, made a suggestive comment, returned later in uniform and coerced her into sexual intercourse in his sheriffs department vehicle. Over the ensuing months, Eckerson coerced plaintiff into having sexual intercourse or performing other sexual acts in exchange for the sheriffs departments assistance in criminal charges against herself or her family members, the lawsuit states. Eckerson also allegedly directed Doe to trade illegal narcotics for steroids, which he used on himself, the lawsuit states. Then, when Doe broke off the sexual encounters, Eckerson arrested Doe and pressed charges. The suit said he also initiated a relationship with a probation officer who oversaw Does case. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Missouri Drugs FM Global Appoints Roberts as President, Succeeding Lawson Global commercial property insurer FM Global announced that Executive Vice President Malcolm C. Roberts has been appointed president and elected to the companys board of directors, effective Aug. 1, 2021. He will succeed Thomas A. Lawson as chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Roberts joined the mutual insurance company in 1995 as a loss prevention consultant in London after working as a chemical engineer. He has held a variety of management roles within the company across the globe and was appointed to his current position in 2018. As president, he will be responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the company, which insures nearly US$10.2 trillion in business property in more than 130 countries. Lawson will retire on Dec. 31, 2021, after 42 years with the company and will remain chairman of FM Globals board of directors. He became CEO in 2015. Since that time, Lawson has helped the company grow from US$5.6 billion to US$7.4 billion in annual revenue and from US$11 billion to US$18.4 billion in policyholders surplus. Higley Named President of Berkley Fire & Marine W. R. Berkley Corp. announced the appointment of David A. Higley as president of Berkley Fire & Marine. Higley joins Berkley Fire & Marine with more than 30 years of commercial property/casualty insurance experience, including more than 10 years in executive leadership roles in the marine market. He most recently served as senior vice president and head of the marine practice at Argo Insurance. He has also worked at The Hartford, Allianz and Firemans Fund in his career. Argo Promotes Henderson and Fachet Specialty underwriter Argo Group International Holdings announced that Mary Henderson has been promoted to president of Argo Pro and Rich Fachet has been promoted to senior vice president, head of financial institutions , which was Hendersons prior role. With more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Henderson joined Argo from Travelers Companies, where she spent 14 years serving in several roles, including regional vice president. Prior to working at Travelers, she was assistant vice president, financial and insurance broker, at Marsh & McLennan. Fachet joined Argo in 2018 as vice president of financial institutions. Prior to Argo, he was at Travelers for 17 years, beginning as an underwriter and moving up through several roles ultimately serving as vice president, asset management professional liability. Fachet started in the industry working in claims at AIG. NEXT Insurance Appoints Liron to Chief Strategy Officer, Lead on M&A Digital small business insurer NEXT Insurance has appointed Eran Liron as the companys first chief strategy officer. In this role, Liron will lead the companys mergers and acquisitions, strategic business development, and corporate strategy. Liron brings experience in acquisitions. Prior to NEXT, Liron served as executive vice president of Marketing and Corporate Development at NICE, a software company, where he led more than 40 acquisitions and strategic investments. Before NICE, Liron worked in corporate development at Mercury Interactive Corp. as well as held various roles at Tower Semiconductor. Topics Mergers Morgan Stanley has disclosed that personal data of some of its corporate clients was stolen in January in a data breach that involved a third-party vendor and hackers accessed information, including social security numbers. Files stolen also included client names, addresses, date of birth and corporate company names. The banks vendor, Guidehouse, which provides account maintenance services to its StockPlan Connect business, informed it about the breach in May, Morgan Stanley said in a letter dated July 2. The bank said attackers accessed information by exploiting a vulnerability in the vendors server, Accellion FTA. While the exposure was patched within five days, the attackers obtained decryption key even though the files were encrypted. Guidehouse informed the bank it had found no evidence that the stolen data had been distributed online. A person familiar with the matter said the files have been recovered and the bank is monitoring the dark web for any evidence of posting of client information. The vendor, meanwhile, has engaged credit firm Experian to offer free credit monitoring services for 24 months for clients that may have been impacted by the breach, the person said. The protection of client data is of the utmost importance and is something we take very seriously. We are in close contact with Guidehouse and are taking steps to mitigate potential risks to clients, a bank spokesperson said. The hack, which was reported earlier by technology news portal Bleeping Computer, was discovered in March by Guidehouse and its impact on Morgan Stanley was found in May, the bank said. (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) Top Photo: Morgan Stanley headquarters in New York, as seen on Jun 22, 2016. Topics Cyber Last year, companies around the U.S. scrambled to figure out how to shut down their offices and set up their employees for remote work as the COVID-19 virus suddenly bore down on the world. Now, in a mirror image, they are scrambling to figure out how to bring many of those employees back. Most companies are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return. Tensions have spilled into the public at a few companies where some staff have organized petitions or even walkouts to protest being recalled to the office. Many workers in high demand fields, such as tech or customer service, have options amid a rise job postings promising remote work an alluring prospect for people who moved during the pandemic to be closer to family or in search of more affordable cities. A lot of people have relocated and dont want to come back, said Chris Riccobono, the CEO of Untuckit LLC, a casual mens clothing company. Theres a lot of crazy stuff that is a big day-to-day pain point. Riccobono said he cant wait to get his 100 corporate staffers back to the office in Manhattans Soho neighborhood because he believes that productivity and morale are higher that way. Starting in September, the company will require those employees to report to the office Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on the hope that the flexibility of a hybrid schedule will keep everyone happy. Many others are similarly implementing a gradual return. Companies like Amazon and automakers Ford and General Motors have promised to adopt a hybrid approach permanently for their office staff, responding to internal and public surveys showing an overwhelming preference for work-from-home options. But implementing a hybrid workplace can be a headache, from identifying which roles are most conducive to remote work to deciding which days of the week employees need to be in the office. There are client meetings to consider. And some business leaders argue new younger need more face-time as they begin their careers or start new at at company. Thursday is the new Monday, according to Salesforce, a San Francisco-based technology firm, which found that Thursday was the most popular day for employees to report to the office when the company reopened its Sydney offices back in August. Riccobono, on the other hand, insists employees show up on Mondays to get organized and set the tone for the week. Like many employers, however, he acknowledges he is still figuring things out as he navigates uncharted territory. We will revisit in January, he said. We will see how it works. Across the country, office buildings in the top 10 U.S. cities had an average occupancy rate of about 32% in late June, according to estimates from Kastle Systems a security company that monitors access-card wipes at some 2,600 buildings. In Manhattan, just 12% of office employees had returned as of late May, according to the latest survey by the Partnership for New York City, a non-profit organization of major business leaders and employers. Romina Rugova, an executive at fashion brand Mansur Gavriel, enjoyed the tranquility as she sat on a riverside bench in lower Manhattan after a rare day back at the office for a meet-and-greet with the companys newly hired head of e-commerce. A mother of two, Rugova had mixed feelings about returning to the office. Seeing colleagues in person after so long was invigorating, and she did not always enjoy blurring her family and professional life. The challenge is you have to be three people at the same time. You have to be a professional, you have to be a cook, you have to be a cleaner, you have to be a mom, Rugova said. Being in the office after a while was so nice and refreshing. Its completely different experience, you dont realize it. But she doesnt want to completely give up the three hours of extra time she saves without the commute. Many of her colleagues feel the same way, so Mansur Gavriel will likely implement a flexible policy when most of its 40 employees return to the office after Labor Day. We are still figuring it out, Rugova said. While most employers will accelerate their return-to-office plans over the summer, nearly 40% of office employees will still be working remotely in September, according to the Partnership for New York Citys survey. The trend has raised concerns about an unequal economic recovery, given that working remotely is an option available to a privileged few. Only about 15% of workers teleworked because of the pandemic in June, according the U.S. Department of Labors monthly jobs report. Most work jobs at restaurants, schools, hospitals, factories and other places that require them to show up in person. Some of large investment banks, which are top employers and office space tenants in New York City, are leading the push to bring employees back, taking a hardline approach in comparison with tech giants that have rolled out generous remote work policies. Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman said at a conference earlier this month that he would be very disappointed if people havent found their way into the office by Labor Day. If you can go a restaurant in New York City, you can come into the office, Gorman said, though he acknowledged that there should be flexibility for parents still struggling with childcare logistics that fell apart during the pandemic. Gorman also made clear that he was not open to the work from anywhere mentality that some companies have adopted, saying employees who want to earn New York City salaries should work in the city. The CEOs of JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have made similar comments, sparking furious debate about whether they would push employees out the door. It remains to be seen how deeply remote work policies will influence recruitment and retention. But professionals looking for flexibility are finding they have options. Brecia Young, a data analytics scientist and mother of a 1-year-old child, had choices when she was looking to switch jobs from a small Chicago firm. She accepted an offer from Seattle-based real estate company Zillow in part because the company allowed her to work from home and stay in Chicago, where she and her husband have relatives whose help they relied for child care during the pandemic. Moving to the West Coast was on the table but it would have been a real hardship, said Young, adding that her husband also would have had to look for a new job. I love the time savings just in terms of the commute. Its like 90 minutes of saved time that I can repurpose. Associated Press writer Anne DInnocenzio contributed to this story from New York. Top Photo: In this June 15, 2021 file photo, a sign warning of COVID-19 dangers remains in place outside the entryway of a state office building in Jefferson City, Mo. Companies around the U.S. are scrambling to figure out how to bring employees back to the office after more than a year of them working remotely. Most are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has begun its annual rate filing process, which will kick off with a July 21 meeting. TWIAs Actuarial & Underwriting Committee is set to review the rate adequacy analysis prepared by the associations actuarial staff. The committee will consider whether to recommend a change in rates to TWIAs Board of Directors. The board will also consider the analysis, the committees recommendation and stakeholder feedback when voting to decide the amount of the associations annual required rate filing. That decision will take place at the next meeting of the TWIA Board on Aug. 3. TWIA staff will also review with the committee several proposed policy form updates and a proposed update to the associations rate manual. It is expected that TWIA staff will recommend to the TWIA Board of Directors at its August meeting that the filings be submitted for approval to the Texas Department of Insurance. Members of the public are invited to submit written comments via email at PublicComment@TWIA.org. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments by noon on July 19 to enable the committee to receive and review them prior to the July 21 meeting. All written comments will be provided to the committee regardless of when they are received. Written comments submitted to TWIA are subject to the Texas Public Information Act. TWIA may post public comments received, with personally identifiable information redacted, to its website. Members of the public are also invited to provide verbal comments to the TWIA Actuarial & Underwriting Committee during the designated public comment portion of the meeting. Those wishing to make public comment during the meeting must register and log into the meeting via Zoom on a computer, tablet, smartphone or telephone. TWIA has a created a link to register to attend the meeting via Zoom. After registering for the meeting, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting from your preferred device. The meeting will also be livestreamed via YouTube. An archived recording of the meeting will be available on TWIAs website after the meeting at www.twia.org/about-us/board-of-directors/archived-meetings. Following is a timeline of TWIAs 2021 Annual Rate Filing Consideration Process: July 6: TWIA posts Rate Adequacy Analysis to its website for public review. July 21: Actuarial & Underwriting Committee meets to review Rate Adequacy Analysis and vote on a recommendation to the TWIA Board of Directors regarding TWIAs August 2021 annual rate filing. Aug. 3: TWIA Board of Directors meets to hear recommendation from the Actuarial & Underwriting Committee and public comment on the 2021 rate adequacy analysis and vote to direct staff regarding TWIAs August 2021 annual rate filing. Aug. 15: Statutory deadline for TWIA staff to make annual rate filing with the Texas Department of Insurance. Oct. 15: Deadline for approval or disapproval of a TWIA rate filing by the Commissioner of Insurance, in some circumstances. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Windstorm 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, 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. By the end of 2020, a total of 9,917 wildfires had charred a record 6,653 square miles and damaged or destroyed 10,488 structures. Thirty-three people were killed. This years 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. Two of the three large wildfires burning for more than a week in the states far north were more than 70% contained Wednesday while the stubborn Salt Fire north of Redding was 25% surrounded. A big fire in northern Los Angeles County was 88% contained. On Wednesday afternoon, a helicopter fighting the Lava Fire near Mount Shasta went down in a nearby lake. But the pilot managed to swim and walk away, the U.S. Forest Service reported. No passengers were aboard. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Wildfire A federal jury has ordered King County to pay about $900,000 to a Black senior Metro transit worker who said he was retaliated against after alleging racial discrimination. The verdict by a jury in U.S. District Court in Seattle in June came after a seven-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly, The Seattle Times reported. The panel rejected Claude Browns allegations of discrimination, but concluded his bosses retaliated against him after he went to the King County Office of Civil Rights alleging he was passed up for promotion and removed from a training position because he is Black. Brown, 71 and still working as a transit operator, was hired by King County Department of Transportation in 1997, became a transit operator in 2000 and transferred to light rail as an operator in 2009, according to his lawsuit filed in 2016. He alleged he was passed over for promotion and removed from a technical training position, which was given to a younger white man _ just eight days after the job had been assigned to him. Brown also claimed his Metro supervisors repeatedly rejected his application to be a Rail Supervisor in Training, despite high test scores. Jeff Switzer, public information officer for King County Metro, said the agency is committed to equity and offers strong protections against discrimination and retaliation. He said Metro is reviewing the case and considering whether to appeal. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Washington Global health care services and products company Cardinal Health will pay $1.45 million to resolve a racial harassment and retaliation discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Cardinal Health, along with California-based staffing agency AppleOne, have also agreed to implement sweeping injunctive relief as part of the settlement. According to the EEOC, African American employees either directly employed by Cardinal Health or assigned to work for Cardinal Health by AppleOne were subjected to ongoing and unwelcome harassment based on their race. When employees complained, neither Cardinal Health nor AppleOne took immediate and corrective action regarding the harassment, allowing the hostile work environment to fester, according to the EEOC. The EEOC further charged that employees who did complain were retaliated against, disciplined and terminated, while other employees felt that they had no choice but to quit. The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (EEOC v. Cardinal Health and Howroyd-Wright Employment Agency dba AppleOne Employment Services) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement. Cardinal Health has agreed to pay $1.45 million to resolve the suit. In addition to the monetary relief, Cardinal Health and AppleOne Staffing have agreed to separate two-year consent decrees that include injunctive relief aimed at preventing workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation. The decrees include retaining an equal employment opportunity monitor; conducting audits; the review and revision of policies prohibiting discrimination and the distribution of those policies to direct and temporary employees; and establishing an internal complaint procedure. Additionally, Cardinal Health and AppleOne Staffing agreed to maintain a toll-free complaint hotline and provide discrimination training for all employees. Lastly, Cardinal Health agreed to extend the decree an additional year if recommended by the EEO monitor. The decrees will remain under the courts jurisdiction for at least a two-year term. AppleOne provides employment services both domestically and internationally. Cardinal Health is a global, integrated healthcare services and products company which provides customized solutions for hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, and physician offices worldwide. Topics Lawsuits California The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries filed an emergency rule to provide increased protection for employees exposed to extreme heat, including those working in agriculture, construction and other outdoor industries. The emergency Outdoor Heat Exposure rule filed on Friday clarifies proactive steps that employers must take to prevent outdoor workers from suffering heat-related illness. The rules take effect on July 13, and are in addition to existing rules. When the temperature is at or above 100 degrees, employers must respond to the extreme heat by: Providing shade or another sufficient means for employees to cool down. Ensuring workers have a paid cool-down rest period of at least 10 minutes every two hours. When temperatures are at or above 89 degrees, the new rules combined with existing rules require employers to: Provide water that is cool enough to drink safely; Allow and encourage workers to take additional paid preventative cool-down rest to protect from overheating. Be prepared by having a written outdoor heat exposure safety program and providing training to employees. Respond appropriately to any employee with symptoms of heat-related illness. L&I will file an official notification for permanent rulemaking. Known as a CR-101, the notification is the first step in the process of updating the existing state Outdoor Heat Exposure rule established in 2008. The recent heat wave is a reminder that extreme temperatures can be a real danger in the workplace. With more hot weather on the way, were taking action now, L&I Director Joel Sacks said in a statement. The emergency rule clarifies existing requirements and outlines commonsense steps employers must take to keep the workers who are responsible for growing our food, paving our roads, and putting up our buildings safe on the job. Washington has on average 55 workers compensation claims per year for heat-related illnesses, according to L&I. The department recommends that those working outside start the workday fully hydrated, drink at least a quart of water every hour, be familiar with the early warning signs of heat stress, and take regular breaks to cool down. If who feel sick should stop working, move to a shaded place if possible, and tell someone so they can help monitor symptoms or get help. Topics Washington She was a woman with a thriving business, pregnant with her second child and on the third visit to her midwife she started sobbing and crying. Shed been experiencing urinary and faecal leaking since the birth of her first child two years earlier. It was affecting all aspects of her life. She cried and cried she was miserable, recalls Deirdre Daly, assistant professor in midwifery at TCD School of Nursing and Midwifery. Daly was a practising midwife in an outlying clinic of the Rotunda when she met the woman in 2010, and the encounter sparked the MAMMI (Maternal Health and Maternal Morbidity in Ireland) study, a longitudinal, cohort study examining prevalence and risk factors for a range of health issues in more than 3,000 first-time mothers in Ireland. It may not be popular to say, but all births carry a level of physical trauma, says Dr Krysia Lynch, chair of Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS Ireland). Yasmin Ismail, consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at the Beacon Hospital says trauma of the perineal and vaginal tissues is experienced by more than 80% of women giving birth most of these are first-time spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Yet its important to point out that birth-related injuries exist on a continuum from mild to more complex. Birth is a normal physiological process and womens bodies are very resilient. Given the right amount of support during labour and in the post-natal period when rest is vital the vast majority of women recover from minor injuries within six weeks, says Lynch. And of course pretty much every woman feels exhausted, bruised and may have some minor grazes or tears, but what would you expect, asks Lynch, when physically most women feel like theyve gone through a marine commando course. Birth-related injuries can involve the urethra, labia majora and labia minora, the vagina (internally and externally), the anal tissues and the sphincter. Injuries can include tears, scarring and fistulisation where an abnormal connection/hole occurs between two organs. The vagina and sphincter tend to be involved in more serious injuries, says Ismail. The MAMMI study found 51% of women were experiencing urinary incontinence three months after the birth of their first child, while just over 41% continued to suffer a year postpartum. Faecal incontinence affected four per cent of study participants three months postpartum, while over two per cent were suffering a year after their first childs birth. Deirdre Daly, assistant professor in midwifery at TCD School of Nursing and Midwifery Rising induction rates Lynch points to the term obstetric violence, referring to the performance of unnecessary medical interventions that can result in physical trauma and injury. Medical staff try to get it right but they dont always, she says. Explaining that during labour a womans perineum needs to gently expand, release and stretch, Lynch says a mother whos had a very fast birth can sometimes have a perineal injury as a result of things progressing too quickly. Its more common in women who are induced, she says, adding that Irelands induction rates have increased during the pandemic. Average rates are around 38% and in some units, first-time mother rates are 45%. Lynch says our maternity services are fond of short second stage of labour often limited to an hour where nature might prefer longer. Women are obliged to push beyond what their bodys telling them to do, which for many first-time mothers is quite traumatic. However, if the birth is taking a long time and theres a lot of forceful pushing down over an extended period, it can be hard for the pelvic floor to maintain elasticity. Post-birth, women can suffer from issues associated with a lax pelvic floor. There can be some level of incontinence urinarys more common but there can be double incontinence, usually occurring when the woman sneezes or coughs. While episiotomy is sometimes absolutely essential if the babys getting into distress and needs to be born quickly or if the midwife sees the procedure will better manage a potentially bad tear Lynch says its quite a serious intervention. It involves cutting through layers of tissue that will need stitching, so the woman has to cope with quite significant scarring while dealing with a newborn. For a variety of reasons, women dont talk about the physical trauma effects that continue to plague them post-birth. Its very personal. Theyre talking about their perineum, vagina intimate parts of themselves. Very often they dont want to admit these difficulties, says Lynch, adding that when women do confide, its often in older female relatives, for example, their mother. They often get told, with best possible intentions, ah well, youve just had a baby you have to expect this. Theres not enough education that its not normal to have leaking of urine or faecal matter, pain with intercourse or feel excessively tired just under 10% of women get pregnancy-induced hypothyroidism where they become excessively tired. Multiple health problems Daly says in Ireland a lot of information is collected and reported during pregnancy, labour and birth but we stop collecting and reporting national information on womens health after the birth. In the post-natal period, the focus moves to the baby. This happens throughout the world womens health, post-partum, is a neglected area. The MAMMI study recruited 3,047 women from three maternity hospitals in Ireland. One of the largest prospective maternal health studies globally, information is gathered at two time points during pregnancy, and at three, six, nine and 12 months post-partum. The study examines health issues including urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, mental and sexual health problems and readmission to emergency rooms/hospital. One thing that struck us most that started emerging early on was the number of women who were experiencing one or several health problems at different time points, says Daly. And women werent being asked about these problems by health professionals. Well over 70% werent asked about urinary or faecal incontinence by their GP, while approximately 60% reported their midwife/public health nurse didnt enquire. And while more than 18% of women had sexual health problems a year post-partum, well over eight in 10 said they werent asked about this by either GP or midwife/PHN. Women were suffering in silence. And while these problems mightnt kill you, they do leave you feeling miserable and affect every aspect of your life, says Daly. Yasmin Ismail, consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at the Beacon Hospital, Dublin. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Recovery post-birth Lynch points out that in France the maternity package includes post-natal access to a womans physiotherapist. Its to ensure the pelvic floor health is as it should be. It doesnt happen here unless you pay for it. She recommends women whether experiencing continence issues or not see a womans physiotherapist for assessment of their pelvic floor and general abdominal health. The physio will be able to feel exactly whats going on and will give the woman exercises to build up strength and tone again. More complex injuries are best managed by referral to colorectal and uro-gynaecology specialists. Colorectal specialty care can be obtained under the public health service, but there are huge waiting lists, which Lynch says Covid-19 closures have further impacted. Another issue is some of the newer approaches to treatment may not be available publicly. People chose to go private to minimise the wait and to increase quality of life in early parenting. Asymmetry, simple tears and uncomfortable scarring are the kinds of problems that Yasmin Ismail commonly sees. Some patients may have tried non-surgical options pelvic floor exercises, scar management or even vaginal dilators if theyve been stitched too tightly. Not all women are appropriate to undergo surgery. Physical impacts of these problems vary from discomfort and being unable to wear underclothes/swimming costume to unease about how it looks to recurrent infections, for example, thrush and cystitis. There can be an inability to be intimate or have intercourse with their partner for physical or psychological reasons, says Ismail. Recovery times post-surgery vary, says Ismail, from two to four weeks for symmetrisation or resolving a simple tear to several months if scar revision is done using a plastic surgery technique to move tissue around for a better functional result that restores the anatomy aesthetically. The woman who 10 years ago sparked the awareness that led to the MAMMI study got the appropriate help, confirms Daly. By the end of her pregnancy, the issues were resolving and she was so chuffed. What Daly wants women to know is that injuries acquired during birth can impact post-natally but they should never be seen as natural or as something the woman puts up with. They can be fixed. Dont let these health issues control you. Take back control. You should be thriving. The MAMMI study has developed a suite of resources pertaining to womens health after motherhood. AIMS Ireland has a peer support group for women whove suffered obstetric anal sphincter injury. Parent-to-parent voluntary support charity Cuidiu is currently training volunteers in Birth Reflections, which will deal with post-birth trauma. A physical traumas often linked with emotional trauma. Birth Reflections is a safe space where people can share their feelings about the birth experience, says antenatal teacher and tutor with Cuidiu Mim Moran. To find out more, email mimantutor@gmail.com Nobody wants to acknowledge you can get PTSD after birth Nuala Hoey, pictured on her holidays at the Pier in Doolin, Clare. Pic: Brian Arthur In labour with her second child, mum-of-three Nuala Hoey felt an instinctive urge to slow things down. I asked the midwife if the babys head was crowning. She said I want you to push. Push with all your might keep it coming, keep it coming. Immediately, Nuala heard her body rip. I can still hear it, as loud as it happened that day. I tore from my vagina into my back passage, says the 39-year-old Navan woman, whose three children two daughters and a son are aged 12, 10 and five. The birth had lasted just two hours and 38 minutes, and in the hospital she was diagnosed with third-degree tear and brought to theatre for surgery. I wouldnt say the surgery helped, says Nuala, who is doubly incontinent. Referred to the hospital physio, Nuala was told she had great pelvic tone before being discharged. But she couldnt understand why her body was failing her post-partum. The darkest moment was when I was breastfeeding my baby and without warning I faecally soiled myself. I felt bleak, totally helpless. Nuala returned to her GP to seek physiotherapy and to see a pelvic health specialist. She then saw a colorectal consultant, who 14 months after the birth confirmed shed had a fourth-degree tear. Thats when I really suffered badly with depression. I felt lied to by the hospital. I wasnt coping. I had insomnia, flashbacks, nightmares certain sounds would trigger me, the microwave beeping, the phone ringing, Id be catapulted right back to the delivery room. Just last year, Nuala was diagnosed with PTSD after years of seeking therapy and mental health support. Nobody wants to acknowledge you can get PTSD after birth. Youre made to believe its depression, part of life after motherhood, but its not to have nightmares, panic attacks, adrenalin levels too high for you to simmer down. When it comes to this kind of injury, Nuala feels people dont want to know. They dont want to talk about tearing your vagina, having problems holding poo in, that you cant go grocery shopping because youre afraid of soiling yourself. Ive had people say isnt it time you got over this or just be glad the babys OK which said to me I didnt matter. The PTSD diagnosis brought a sense of validation. It was a stepping stone in my mental health recovery. Im in a good place now. It took a lot of talking with my husband, with my children, to get to this point. Ive had counselling. While the tear healed well in time, options that mightve been possible for Nuala included stoma care and sphincteroplasty once shed completed her family. She had her third child, a son, at home. It was important to me to have a home birth so my children would know that physiologically birth can be normal, its not something to be feared. I had a great birth but with a third-degree tear. It didnt even register because the birth and midwifery support I received at home was just fantastic. Nuala has discussed surgery for a magnetic sphincter with a colorectal surgeon. Im told my muscular tones quite good, so no surgical options are advised at the moment. However, Im prone to recurrent infections UTI, bacterial vaginosis, cystitis as a result of the incontinence. A fisherman has told how receiving a wedding present of heroin "destroyed" him. Peter Mackey, of 5 Rinn na Mara, Castletownbere, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cannabis on February 27 last year, with Judge James McNulty hearing the 61-year-old is still on a methadone programme. Mr Mackey, who said he was originally from Kerry, told the judge he had first used heroin after he was given it as a present on his wedding day in Dublin in 1983. He said he had been fishing out of Dublin at the time and was married to a woman from the capital, who has since passed away. "At the time in Dublin, it was prevalent," he told Bantry District Court. "I was actually handed it the day I got married. I was handed it as a present. It was my first [time using it]." 'Wicked wedding present' The judge remarked it was a "wicked wedding present" and Mr Mackey said: "It was." He said he was innocent at the time of the dangers of the drug. "I didn't realise it was going to cause the trouble it did." He said it did not grip on him properly for the first five years and said: "They describe people like me as functioning addicts." He said he was never homeless and always had work, "but at the same time it destroyed me". He said his drug use had damaged relationships, which he had since repaired. The fisherman came before the court to plead guilty to two charges of possession of cannabis. Sgt Trish O'Sullivan told the court that on February 27 last year during a search of a separate property in Castletownbere, Mr Mackey had arrived at the scene. He was searched and cannabis resin was found on his person. A warrant was then secured for a search that same day at Mr Mackey's home, and again cannabis resin was detected. The court heard the total value of the seizures in both locations was 830. Mr Mackey told gardai it was for his own personal use, a point reiterated in court by his solicitor, Ray Hennessy. Six previous convictions The court also heard Mr Mackey had six previous convictions, including three relating to possession of drugs, dating from 2002 to last year. A positive reference from his current employer was also produced in court. Judge McNulty shared with the court the reasons that had been provided by gardai for the search of Mr Mackey's home, which they had said was based on a "previously reliable source" and a level of surveillance. Mr Hennessy said this information was "totally and utterly wrong" and that "there was no truth in it whatsoever". Judge McNulty said he would convict Mr Mackey on both possession charges but would defer penalty for the production of a probation report in court on September 23 next. Mr Mackey also pleaded not guilty to another charge, that of possession of diamorphine on January 10 last year. The hearing of that matter will also take place on September 23. Highlights Labour's Ivana Bacik "absolutely over the moon" to top the poll in Dublin Bay South Party leader Alan Kelly said that he is "immensely proud" after a "fantastic, positive campaign" Sinn Fein calls for a general election having received solid and strong support Tanaiste Leo Varadkar denies question of his leadership of Fine Gael Result "disappointing" for Fianna Fail says Jim O'Callaghan TD The quota to be deemed elected is 13,442 9.20pm: Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has been elected to the Dail, beating Fine Gael's James Geoghegan by over 4,000 votes on the 9th count. Ms Bacik led the way in the Dublin Bay South by-election from the early tallies until the final count, having taken over 30% of the votes, outperforming her party's national polling by ten times. Ms Bacik said that she was "over the moon" to have been elected in her home constituency. She said that she had run a "positive and courteous election" and thanked the constituency for its votes. Ms Bacik has been a Senator for the Dublin University panel for 14 years and has built a profile as an activist on, among other things, environmental and women's rights. Her win is a major victory for the Labour Party which has struggled to regain the ground it lost in its electorate drubbing in 2016. In Alan Kelly's first by-election as leader, the party has taken the seat vacated by the resignation of former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and upset local Fine Gael councillor James Geoghegan. Ivana Bacik Elected - Count 9 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 8.20pm: The candidates from Sinn Fein and the Green Party have been eliminated from the Dublin Bay South by-election. Green Councillor Claire Byrne had received 8% of the vote, while Sinn Fein senator Lynn Boylan took 15.8%. The eliminations mean that just Fine Gael's James Geoghegan and Labour's Ivana Bacik remain in the race. Elsewhere, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has rejected any suggestion about his leadership of Fianna Fail being in doubt, despite his partys disastrous performance. He said it is still his intention to become Tanaiste and will lead the party into the next General Election. The partys candidate Deirdre Conroy achieved its worst-ever by-election result, winning just 5% of the first-preference votes. Speaking in Cork, Mr Martin said he does not anticipate any questions in the coming days about his leadership. This was despite his own TD Jim OCallaghan saying the party would have to think about Mr Martin leading Fianna Fail into the next General Election. Asked if he now anticipated questions about his leadership: "No, I don't, he said. When challenged by reporters about whether he was confident in his position as leader, he responded: "Absolutely. There is no issue." Commenting on the winner, he said: "Ivana Bacik is an accomplished parliamentarian in her own right, as a senator and has a long and distinguished record in academia also. "I do believe people responded well to the fact that she had made such a contribution over the years. Results - Count 8 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 7.35pm: Fianna Fail candidate Deirdre Conroy has been eliminated on the seventh count, capping a miserable day for her party. The local councillor took 4.6% of the overall first-preferences, with her Director of Elections Jim O'Callaghan admitting that it was a poor performance. Taoiseach Micheal Martin downplayed his party's loss in Cork. "I would make the point that the opposition wins by-elections. This would be the 30th by-election since 1990, this will be the 27th time the opposition has won. Governments rarely win by-elections, they are not in any way markers for a general election, we know that through the most recent experience. This constituency wouldnt have been our strongest, it never has been. "I can recall in 2014 we ran John Lahart in Dublin South West, we got just 8%. Two years later, he topped the poll, albeit with a geographical difference. "More or less, it illustrates that by-elections are in no shape or form a marker in terms of what happens in subsequent general elections." Independent councillor Mannix Flynn was also eliminated. Results - Count 7 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 6.50pm: In the sixth count at the RDS, Social Democrat TD Sarah Durcan was eliminated, having taken 849 first choice votes. Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Claire Byrne says that her performance in the by-election shows that the Green Party is "doing a good job in government". Ms Byrne received 8% of the vote in the constituency she serves as a councillor and said that she was "really happy" with her showing. Party leader Eamon Ryan said that it was "a really good campaign" for the party and talked about Ms Byrne's transfer friendliness. He said that he was focused on the fact that Ms Byrne outpolled the party's national opinion poll standings and not that her vote was 14 percentage points down on his performance in the same constituency last February. In an email to party members, Mr Ryan said that the party should be "extremely proud" of Ms Byrne who he said was a figure who had made the national media "sit up and take notice". He praised Ms Byrne for "galvanising" the party. Results - Count 6 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 6.35pm: Mairead Toibin of Aontu has been excluded on the fifth count. Results - Count 5 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 6pm: Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has denied there are now question marks over his leadership following the Dublin Bay South by-election. Fine Gael is set to lose a Dail seat after candidate James Geoghegan failed to retain the seat vacated by former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Asked if the result now casts doubts over his position as party leader, Mr Varadkar said there had been "good and bad" elections under his leadership adding that by-elections are notoriously difficult for any Government party to win. "I will be around for a little while yet, " he told reporters outside the RDS. Mr Varadkar denied that the result would have been different if Fine Gael had supported and encouraged former TD Kate O'Connell to run. "Our candidate James Geoghegan held the Fine Gael vote in this constituency, got as many votes, or as big a share of the vote as Eoghan Murphy and Kate O'Connell combined, and that was his first time running for the Dail," he said. Mr Varadkar added that Ms Bacik was a "really strong" candidate. Fine Gael candidate James Geoghegan, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and TD Simon Harris arriving at the count centre for the Dublin Bay South by-election at Simmonscourt, RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire He said it would be up to Ms O'Connell to put her name forward for selection ahead of the next general election but the party intends on running gender balanced tickets across the country. "Kate took a decision not to put her name for it, didn't seek my support, didn't seek the support of the local members. I found out that she wasn't contesting the Convention on the Claire Byrne radio show. As I said earlier, next time we will run a gender balanced ticket, as we have for the past 20 years - one man or woman," he said. The Tanaiste added that he doesn't accept that Fine Gael is a cold house for women. He admitted that the party "need to listen to the electorate" and will have to focus on national and local issues including housing. Arriving at the RDS @LeoVaradkar congratulates Labours Ivana Bacik, but also says James Geoghegan ran a really energetic campaign and he has no doubt that Mr Geoghegan will be a TD after the next General Election. #dublinbaysouthbyeelection pic.twitter.com/oj0gZFNCoA Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) July 9, 2021 4.45pm: Brigid Purcell of Solidarity-People Before Profit has been eliminated on the fourth count. Results - Count 4 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 4.40pm: Anti-lockdown candidate Dolores Cahill, leader of the far-right National Party Justin Barrett and co-founder of the Dublin Renters' Union Peter Dooley have all been eliminated from the Dublin Bay South by-election. They received 169, 183 and 261 votes, respectively and were eliminated after the third count. Results - Count 3 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 4.20pm: Renua's Jacqui Gilbourne was eliminated in the second count having received 164 first preferences. Results - Count 2 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Candidates in Red Eliminated 4pm: Labour's Ivana Bacik tops the poll on the first count with 8,131 votes, with Fine Gael's James Geoghegan in second on 7,052. Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan was third on 4,245, with the Green Party's Claire Byrne fourth on 2,157. John Keigher and Colm O'Keeffe were eliminated in the first count, with 23 votes each. Their votes have been redistributed, but no candidate reached the quota. Results - Count 1 Dublin Bay South Bye Election 2021 Electorate 77,921 Total Poll 27,044 Turnout 34.71% Quota 13,442 Candidates in Red Eliminated Ivana Bacik tops the poll in Dublin Bay South by-election Labour's Ivana Bacik has put in a stunning performance, topping the poll in the Dublin Bay South by-election. It had been expected that Fine Gael's James Geoghegan would top the poll with the party hoping that he would retain the seat vacated by Eoghan Murphy. However, by mid-morning, as the tallies began to come in, it was clear that the Labour party candidate had secured more first preference votes than had been anticipated. Mr Geoghegan received 7,052 first preference votes behind Ms Bacik who received 8,131 votes. This now puts Ms Bacik 4% ahead after the first count. The election has also proved disastrous for Fianna Fail, whose candidate Deirdre Conroy received just 1,247 first preference votes. Ms Bacik says that she is "absolutely over the moon" to have taken the seat in her home constituency. Labour's Ivana Bacik with Labour Leader Alan Kelly outside the RDS count centre for the Dublin Bay South byelection this afternoon. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie The long-time Labour senator said that she had run a "positive, energetic" campaign that had focused on "a change in government policy - particularly in housing". She said that there was a "mood for change" among her constituents. Ms Bacik said that she was "overwhelmed at topping the poll". She said that today was "a good day for the Labour Party and those who share Labour values. Labour leader Alan Kelly said he was "immensely proud" of both Ms Bacik and his party in general after a "fantastic, positive campaign". He added that the vote had been a "signal to the Government". The Sinn Fein candidate, Lynn Boylan also put in a stronger than anticipated performance mopping up significant support in inner-city and working-class areas. She was leading the early tallies after receiving significant support in areas such as Irishtown and Ringsend, however, she was leap-frogged as more boxes were opened. In the end, Ms Boylan received 4,245 votes in the first count. Arriving at the count centre, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald the Government parties have been found out. She said: "It is now clear that we have a government living on borrowed time, is very clear that the government's support in the constituency has collapsed and they have been found out, and nowhere more so than in the whole area of housing policy. Whats happening, not just in Dublin and insignificant parts of that constituency, but right across our city and right across the state is an absolute scandal, people, families, communities being comprehensively failed, said Ms McDonald. 'Disappointing result for Fianna Fail' Fianna Fail candidate Deirdre Conroy with Director of Elections, Jim O'Callaghan outside the count for the Dublin Bay South by-election at Simmonscourt, RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Fianna Fail's Director of Elections for the Dublin Bay South by-election Jim O'Callaghan has admitted the party's performance today was "disappointing" but said that now is not necessarily the time to change the party's leader. However, Mr O'Callaghan, who is the sitting Fianna Fail TD for the constituency, said that the party would "have to think about" whether Micheal Martin should lead Fianna Fail into the next general election. Asked if Mr Martin's position was secure, Mr O'Callaghan said that he "would think that it is". Mr O'Callaghan said that Fianna Fail does not "understand the scale of the problem in housing". A "fantastic, positive campaign", says Kelly Labour leader Alan Kelly speaking outside the count for the Dublin Bay South by-election at Simmonscourt, RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin. PictureBrian Lawless/PA Wire Labour leader Alan Kelly said that he is "immensely proud" of Ivana Bacik. Ms Bacik is set to win the Dublin Bay South by-election as a complete tally has given her a comfortable lead over her nearest rival. He said that Labour had run a "fantastic, positive campaign" that focused on Ms Bacik's work and achievements. He said that he hoped Ms Bacik would "finally become a TD for her home area". "The Labour Party family came around Ivana because we all know her work. She was fighting campaigns long before they were popular." He said Ms Bacik "was the key" to the win, adding she is "an amazing candidate and an amazing person". He said that he hoped today would be a "good day for Labour" and said the vote was a "signal for the Government". He said that the narrative that the political landscape is Sinn Fein versus Fine Gael has been shown to be untrue. Mr Kelly said that his party had had "ten very difficult years" and would now hope to tap in to the "energy and engagement" of this campaign. Government 'living on borrowed time' Sinn Fein's Chris Andrews TD, leader Mary Lou McDonald, and candidate Lynn Boylan outside the RDS count centre for the Dublin Bay South byelection this morning. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Sinn Fein is looking forward to a general election, having received solid and strong support in the Dublin Bay South by-election, Mary Lou McDonald has said. Arriving at the RDS count Centre, Ms McDonald said the Government parties have been found out and the success of the Labour candidate shows this. While the result of the first count has yet to be announced, Sinn Fein candidate Lynn Boylan has secured 16% of first preferences based on tallies. Ms Boylan did exceptionally well in the inner-city working-class areas and held her own in more affluent areas as well. Congratulating Labour's Ivana Bacik, who is on 30.4% based on tallies, Ms McDonald said its very clear from the result that its Ivanas day. Calling for a general election, Ms McDonald said: "It is now clear that we have a Government living on borrowed time, it's very clear that the Government's support in the constituency has collapsed and they have been found out, and nowhere more so than in the whole area of housing policy. Whats happening, not just in Dublin Bay South and significant parts of that constituency, but right across our city and right across the State is an absolute scandal, people, families, communities being comprehensively failed, said Ms McDonald. 'It's Ivana's Day' Ivana Bacik is set to win the Dublin Bay South by-election as a complete tally has given her a comfortable lead over her nearest rival. With a full tally now in, the Labour candidate has secured 30.4% of first preference votes. The result will come as a blow to Tanaiste Leo Varadkar as it had been expected that Fine Gael candidate James Geoghegan would top the poll and retain the seat vacated by former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Labours Ivana Bacik is on track to take the seat in the #dublinbaysouthbyeelection as a full tally puts her 4% clear of nearest rival James Geoghegan. pic.twitter.com/OzXXnypxrg Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) July 9, 2021 Sources in Fine Gael now accept that it will be an uphill battle for Mr Geoghegan. Ahead of the vote, Labour sources had said they would be in a position to win the seat on transfers if Ms Bacik was within 5% of Mr Geoghegan who had been expected to top the poll on the first count. However, she is now on track to easily secure the seat with a 4% gap between herself and her nearest rival according to tallies. The tally puts Mr Geoghegan on 26.3% followed by Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan who has secured 16.5% of first preferences according to the tally. Ms Boylan did exceptionally well in inner-city and working-class areas and held her own in more affluent areas as well. A ballot paper showing preferences during the count for the Dublin Bay South by-election at Simmonscourt, RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Fianna Fail will be disappointed with their performance as the tallies suggest that their candidate, Deirdre Conroy secured just 4.5% of first preference votes. This is behind the Green Party candidate Claire Byrne who is on track to take 7.7% of votes in the first count. However, it is expected that the result of the first count wont be officially announced until mid-afternoon. Tallies 11.40am: Ivana Bacik is now leading the Dublin Bay South by-election with almost half of all votes tallied. However, there are just 36 votes between her and Fine Gael's James Geoghegan with 48.6% of the electorate tallied. The Labour party senator has performed well across the constituency and appears to be taking more votes than expected from Mr Geoghegan in more affluent areas. With 52 of 106 boxes open, Ms Bacik has 25% of the first preference votes, this is followed by Mr Geoghegan who is tallying at 24.7%. Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan, who had initially been in the lead after her 'get out to vote' strategy saw her secure strong support in the inner city areas, has dropped down to third position on 23.9%. However, it is shaping up to be a massively disappointing election for Fianna Fail, as their candidate Deirdre Conroy has secured just 4% of the votes so far according to tallies. 11.15am: With nearly 50% of the boxes tallied, Labour's Ivana Bacik holds a slim lead of 25% over Fine Gael's James Geoghegan (24.7%) and Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan 23.9%. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail's Deirdre Conroy is on just 4%. With close to half of the votes tallied, Ivana Bacik is now in the lead. Not a good day for FF with Deirdre Conroy on just 4% #DublinBaySouthByElection pic.twitter.com/NfTQU7bHPs Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) July 9, 2021 10.45am: With 22 boxes currently counted, Ms Boylan has seen her lead slip and is now on 27.7%. Mr Geoghehan is also gaining ground and is now up to 20.2% of first preference votes. Ms Bacik remains in second place with 25.4% of votes. 10.30am: A 'get out the vote' strategy in inner-city areas has put Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan in the lead in the Dublin Bay South by-election, initial tallies show. However, it is expected that Fine Gael's James Geoghegan will gain significantly more votes to take the lead and Labour candidate Ivana Bacik will also leap-frog Ms Boylan as the counting continues. Counting began shortly after 9am and Ms Boylan is now on 31.5% with 15 of 106 boxes tallied. This amounts to 13.6% of the electorate. She gained significant support in working-class areas in the south inner city and into Ringsend. Partial tallies put Ms Bacik in second place with 25.7% of the votes followed by Mr Geoghegan on 16.6%. However, the Fine Gael candidate is expected to perform well in areas including Ballsbridge and Sandymount which will come into focus as more boxes are opened. Some boxes, especially in more affluent areas, are showing significant transfers between Ms Bacik and Mr Geoghegan. The projected quota is 11,705 votes. Meanwhile, outside the RDS gardai engaged in a standoff with candidate Dolores Cahill after she refused to wear a mask into the count centre. Candidate Dolores Cahill has been denied access to the RDS as she is refusing to wear a mask. She is now in a standoff with gardai. #DublinBaySouth pic.twitter.com/ZYRwxRLCpQ Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) July 9, 2021 Counting begins 9am: Counting in the Dublin Bay South by-election has kicked off. The first boxes were opened shortly after 9am in Dublin's RDS where the number of people admitted has been reduced due to the pandemic. Ballot boxes have been opened at the #DublinBaySouth by-election count this morning. pic.twitter.com/gOUVsddec3 Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) July 9, 2021 Turnout for the vote to decide who will fill the Dail seat vacated by former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy was higher than expected, topping 40% in some areas. A total of 15 candidates contested the by-election and it could be a number of hours before the results of the first count are announced. It is expected that the final battle for the seat will be between Fine Gael's James Geoghegan and Labour's Ivana Bacik. However, Sinn Fein are confident that their candidate senator Lynn Boylan will also put in a strong performance especially given the higher than anticipated turnout. The first boxes were opened shortly after 9am in Dublin's RDS where the number of people admitted has been reduced due to the pandemic. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Of most significance was the confirmation that the lower-income area of Ringsend had the highest of four centres with 44% which would be seen to help Ms Boylan. Other areas like Harold's Cross had 40%, Sandymount was on 41%, while Ranelagh, with a higher proportion of rental properties, was lower on 27%. The higher turnout compared to a final turnout of 26% recorded for both the Dublin Fingal and Dublin Mid West by-elections in 2019. Dublin Bay South traditionally has a relatively low turnout due to its transient population and only recorded 52% in the last General Election. Burma Myanmar Junta to File Corruption Charges Against NLD Vice Chairman Dr. Zaw Myint Maung (left) and U Zarni Aung / The Irrawaddy The military regime is planning to file corruption charges against National League for Democracy (NLD) Vice Chairman Dr. Zaw Myint Maung and the former Mandalay Region Minister of Electricity, Energy and Construction U Zarni Aung. The junta-controlled state broadcaster Myanma Radio and Television announced on Tuesday that corruption charges under the Anti-Corruption Law would be filed against Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, who was also the Chief Minister of Mandalay Region until he was ousted in the juntas Feb. 1 coup. Dr. Zaw Myint Maung has been detained by the regime since the coup and already faces an incitement charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, as well as a charge under Section 25/ 30(a) of the Natural Disaster Management Law for an alleged breach of COVID-19 regulations. Now the military regime has accused him of accepting a bribe from a private company in September 2019, in return for granting land permits in Mandalay. It also accused him of receiving 65 million kyats from the developer of the Amarapura town urbanization project, and US$100,000 from a businessman while receiving treatment for leukemia in Thailand in 2019. He has spent his whole life in prison [as a political prisoner under the previous military regime] and given his whole life for the country. My elder brother in the US bears all the costs for his medical treatment and he has received no other help, apart from mother Suu [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] and the NLDs health network, wrote Dr. Zaw Myint Maungs son on Facebook. You can check the bank accounts before he was appointed minister and now. He had nothing before and he has nothing at present. [The regime] is accusing a dying man out of spite, he added. Family members have not been allowed to see Dr. Zaw Myint Maung since he was detained on Feb. 1. The regime has also accused Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, who was one of the most popular NLD ministers, of violating rules and regulations which allegedly led to financial losses for the country. It has also accused U Zarni Aung of corruption for allegedly charging a below market rate rent for land leased for the NLD offices in Chanayethazan and Aungmyaythazan townships in Mandalay. He already faces a charge under the Natural Disaster Management Law for allegedly violating COVID-19 regulations. Since its coup, the military regime has detained the majority of the NLD leadership and the partys senior members and opened cases against them under charges that carry potentially long prison sentences. Ousted State Counselor and NLD Chairwoman Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also been charged with an alleged corruption case. as well as six other charges. Dr. Aung Moe Nyo, who served as the Chief Minister of Magwe Region in the former NLD government, Magwe regional parliament Speaker U Tar and Magwe regional government ministers U Myint Zaw, Dr. Khin Maung Aye and U Tin Nwe Oo were also recently charged under the Anti-Corruption law. You may also like these stories: China Closes Myanmar Border Amid COVID-19 Spike Myanmar Border Town Locked Down by KIA as New COVID-19 Infections Emerge The Coup China Saw Coming in Myanmarand Failed to Stop Guest Column Public Facing an Unprecedented Threefold Tragedy: Myanmars Shadow Govt Must Work With Ethnic Civil Groups Protesters demonstrate against Myanmars military coup. / The Irrawaddy Myanmar is facing an unprecedented threefold tragedy: deadly violence, an out-of-control COVID-19 pandemic and economic collapse. The cost of saving lives will be enormous. The cost of containing COVID will be huge. The cost of fixing the economy will be massive. The Myanmar military is the cause of these crises, and appears to have no intention of stabilizing them or preventing them from getting worse; this provides an opportunity for the National League for Democracy (NLD), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the National Unity Government (NUG) to work to realize collective leadership with ethnic leaders and civil society. Many ethnic groups have governance structures or authorities that have systems in place to address the immediate humanitarian crises. By collaborating with these ethnic leaders, they can deepen the coalition so that it can put forth a new and sustainable political settlement once the military is gone. International actorsboth humanitarian organizations and development organizationsmust work through these actors to fulfill their mandate and act responsibly amid the present situation. Ethnic governance bodies such as the Karen National Unions health department, known as the KDHW, and education department, or KED, will want to continue to care for their communitiesthis is an expression of self-governance within a federal system. They do not want to be seen as a temporary solution; they are part of a long-term solution for Myanmar. Unrelenting violence More than 1,100 violent acts of organized resistance against the regime have reportedly killed about 1,200 troops. The first gun battle erupted between regime troops and a local guerrilla group in mid-June in Mandalay, a major city in the heartland. At this point, it is unclear if this clash was just the first battle in all-out urban warfare in the country, but the NUG said it planned to announce a D-Day on which all local resistance forces will launch a war on the junta. The military junta has become quicker and more aggressive in its responses to such incidents, and this is likely to continue. Social media discussion has been dominated by the aftermath of the clash in Mandalay. It has become apparent that the various Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) that have sprung up lack a central command (such as the NUG) but are trying to adjust to local conditions. While some PDFs may look forward to a day of collective armed uprising, others seem to incline toward guerrilla warfare. A few are treading a fine line between guerrilla and terrorist tactics, as assassinations of unarmed pro-junta civilian administrators and members of the military proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party have multiplied. Last week, residents of Demoso Township recovered at least 20 bodies after returning to the area after a ceasefire was agreed between the Tatmadaw (Myanmars military) and local armed groups. Some of the bodies reportedly showed signs of extrajudicial execution. At least 30 junta troops were reportedly killed during two shootouts with civilian resistance forces in Sagaing Region. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs last week released a report stating that the number of people displaced by violence and fighting in Myanmar since the Feb. 1 coup had increased to around 230,000, and stressed that they need assistance. Meanwhile, attacks targeting the junta and its supporters persist in some parts of the country, as arms and ammunition supplies seem to have found their way into the hands of urban-based PDF members. The Myanmar public is therefore very likely to experience more violence in the months to come. Worsening pandemic The Myanmar regime reported 1,580 new cases (with a 19.9 percent positivity rate) and 14 deaths from COVID-19 at the end of June, but there are worrying indicators that the regime is not providing accurate data. Meanwhile, the US governments Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has rated Myanmars COVID-19 situation at the highest level of seriousness. Because of the current rate of spread, the CDC states that even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 variants. As doctors and nurses are leading the Civil Disobedience Movement, public access to healthcare has declined sharply since the coup. Though private and charity hospitals are able to meet some needs, suspension of immunization programs by the regime will paralyze the already poor healthcare system. Reuters reported that the country has administered about 3 million doses of COVID vaccines. Assuming every person needs two doses, thats enough to have vaccinated about 2.8% of the countrys population. As the former head of Myanmars COVID-19 immunization program, along with some key physicians, was detained to face charges of high treason for allegedly colluding with the NUG, it is doubtful the regime will be able to contain the pandemic to the extent that the NLD government did last year. Given the general publics distrust and fear of the military, it is clear the military cannot lead a national vaccine program. The military has already tried to use vaccine as a bribe in exchange for obedience, but the public has refused to cooperate. Economic downturn Anecdotes coming out of major cities indicate that even sales in the consumer non-cyclical sector are down more than 50 percent since the coup. The kyat has lost 20 percent of its value against the US dollar. Independent Economists for Myanmar (IEM) recently reported that a sharp decline in household purchasing power will leave 25 percent of the population under the poverty line, seriously impacting both businesses and households. According to the UN Development Program, COVID-19 and the political violence following the Feb. 1 military coup could plunge half of Myanmars population into poverty. The IEM also reported that the effects of reduced food supply and diminished household incomes will result in large numbers of households being pushed well below the poverty line, leaving them unable to meet basic consumption and nutritional needs. Although under the current situation it is not feasible for international actors to provide direct humanitarian aid through military-controlled agencies, ethnic civil society groups, which have been carrying out cross-border programs for the past 30 years, can play an important role in providing aid to people who are in urgent need. For example, ethnic health organizations have the much-needed systems, skills and community trust to implement large-scale COVID prevention programs. With the support of the international community, EHOs could provide COVID vaccines to large areas of the country To summarize, there is no sign of either the junta or the parallel NUG standing down from their respective entrenched positions. The present impasse could continue at least until the 76th UN General Assembly begins in September, because international responses and reactions are also fueling domestic expectations in Myanmar, regardless of their feasibility. The situation also provides an opportunity for the NLD, CRPH and NUG to work with ethnic leaders and civil society in helping the people on the ground by building trust, which will be necessary in political negotiations at the federal level. Zaw Tuseng, a former pro-democracy activist, is founder and president of the Myanmar Policy Initiative (MPI). The MPI was recently formed to mobilize Myanmar researchers to formulate policies and institutionalize the policymaking process for Myanmar. He holds an executive master of public administration from Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs. You may also like these stories: Death Toll Underreported on Myanmars COVID-19 Frontline: Charities Myanmar Hospitals Run Out of Beds Amid COVID-19 Surge Two Civilian Fighters Killed in Shootout With Myanmar Junta Troops in Dawei Richard Branson and his Virgin Galactic are getting ready for their space flight on July 11. The company is set to win the "first flight" bragging rights in the so-called "Space Race" against Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Along with it, the Virgin Galactic stock price is also seeing a massive climb. For his part, Branson is excited to share the milestone. He tweeted a throwback video from 1988, where he answered a question from a curious child asking: "Have you ever thought of going to space, Richard?" The TikTok version of the post cut to 70-year-old Richard, dressed up in the Virgin Galactic flight suit, as he replied: "I'd love to go into space, I can think of nothing nicer. In fact, I think I'll go Sunday'. On Sunday, July 11 at 14:00 BST (or 9:00 ET), Branson will travel to space onboard the VSS Unity from Spaceport America in New Mexico. Richard Branson Space Flight With Virgin Galactic Daily Mail reported that it took Branson and his company 17 years to finalize the space flight. Branson will be labeled as Astronaut 001 on the first full-cabin flight of VSS Unity. He will be traveling alonsgide Beth Moses (Virgin Galactic Chief Astronaut), Colin Bennett (Lead Operations Engineer) and Sirisha Bandla (Vice President of Government Affairs), as well as the two pilots David Mackay and Michael Masucci. VSS Unity will be dubbed "Unity 22" as it is the 22nd total fight test for Virgin Galactic. The flight on July 11 will be the fourth crewed flight for VSS Unity, with only its second time to include passengers in the cabin. The spacecraft is scheduled to make three more flights to test all aspects of the cabin and passenger space experience. If all flights are successful, VSS Unity will open up its commercial operations to the general public starting 2022. Read Also: SpaceX Starlink Satellites Could Make Space Travel Easier! [Test Flight and Mission Details] Virgin Galactic Stock Price Blasts Off The Virgin Galactic Holdings SPCE stock exchange also gets its fair share of action. It traded more than 5 percent on Thursday, reversing the downward trend on its market in these last few days. The Motley Fool reported that "Virgin Galactic shares blasted off on June 25 after the company won approval for passenger space flights." This is an obvious response from investors who see the potential for the company's tourism and marketing. With Branson's upcoming flight, the price might continue to rise. However, despite reaching 220 percent more sales than their mid-May low, the stock market does not break through its sales in February. YouTuber OptionGeek warned to be careful when investing in SPCE stock. He predicted that the price would continue to rise in the coming days. However, this steep rise works in both ways. The market could quickly lose sales after the flight date, especially since Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin also have their own flight scheduled in the same month. By then, investors might have a "race to the exit to get out" of the market. Related Article: NASA SpaceX Dragon Cargo: Florida Coast Splashdown Schedule on July 8-Where to Watch Do you think Google is listening to your conversations? Well, unfortunately, you're right. Smart Home devices always have their recording turned on so Goggle Assistant can hear your command. Sometimes, your audio clips are being recorded for smart tech development and researches. Here are a few steps you can follow to delete your voice history and even stop the devices from recording you all together. Google Home or Google Nest are handy new additions to most smart homes. With a few voice commands, you can command various appliances in your house without moving from your spot. However, using its system has a few drawbacks. Is Google Home Recording Your Conversations? The Sun reported that in 2019, both Google and Amazon gave human contractors audio clips recorded from Google Home and Amazon Echo customers. Google product manager David Monsees explained that these clips are necessary to improve speech technology and smart assistants. Specifically, it lets their language experts study customer nuances, accents and most common queries. The whole agenda led to a massive backlash against both companies. Google renewed its policies to let users opt-in or out of having their voice searches recorded. Despite these changes, the Google recording system might have been turned on by default. You can do the following steps to ensure your privacy from Google Home or Google Nest. Read Also: Google 'Fuchsia' OS Release Date Becomes Official: Nest Hub Launch, Specs, Functionality How to Delete Google Home Recordings of Your Conversations First, you can delete the audio clips that Google Assistant might have recorded. You can do this by opening your desktop or laptop and visiting myactivity.google.com Log into your Gmail account linked with the Google Home device Open "Web & App Activity" Open "Manage Activity" Select "Filter by date and product." Check the list of Google Products and open "Video and Audio." Hit "Enter" Manually delete the voice recordings shown on the screen, or set a date range to bulk delete them You can also delete the recording using your phone. Visit the same website, then: Check the list of Google Products and open "Video and Audio" Hit "Enter" Manually delete the voice recordings shown on the screen, or set a date range to bulk delete them How to Turn Off Google Assistant Voice and Audio If you really want to protect your privacy, it would be best to turn off the voice and audio commands. However, this will also stop Google Assistant from responding unless it is re-enabled. To turn it off, open your computer and head to myactivity.google.com. After that, follow the instructions beow: Open the settings bar on the top left corner of the screen. Open "Activity Controls" Toggle "Audio Recordings" Off Google would ask for a confirmation on the command. Click "I Agree" Optional: If you're using mobile, Tap on your Profile Icon. Open "My Activity" Click on "Saving Activity" If you want to restore the Google Assistance function, follow the same steps but remember to toggle it "On." Related Article: How Do You Stop Robocalls? 3 Ways to Block Those Annoying Spam Calls Ithaca, NY (14850) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 86F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. NBN collaborates with non-for-profit Jawun to carry out its commitment of strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for indigenous people. It also laid out its ongoing commitments and remaining projects for the year. NBN is working on a new three-year collaboration with Jawun, a non-for-profit improving the capacity of indigenous leaders, organisations, and communities to achieve their own development goals. The collaboration will see up to 12 NBN employees endorsed into indigenous organisations in Australia, using their knowledge to help communities enhance their digital capability. The collaboration extends a week of NAIDOC celebrations for NBN, centred around stories of First Peoples history, culture, and excellence. It highlights NBNs commitment to strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for indigenous people and their communities. NBN chief people and culture officer Sally Kincaid is proud that the company can contribute to the Heal Country, Heal Our Nation, NAIDOCs theme. We do this through our reconciliation visionset out in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP IV)as well as through the work we do each day alongside indigenous communities, she says. She endorses the role of organisationswhether corporate, government, enterprises or academic institutionsreaching out to move the reconciliation dial in Australia. This is what Jawun is: bringing these organisations together. For NBN, our association with Jawun will be a tangible way for our people to live the NBN purpose of lifting the digital capability of Australia. By going around the country and working with indigenous organisations, and then coming back to continue their own reconciliation journey, this relationship also offers our secondees both a personal and professional development opportunity, she says. Kincaid recounts her experiences with Jawun. The first was in a remote setting, in Cape York in Far North Queensland, and the second was in an urban setting, in Sydneys Redfern. These diverse experiences through Jawun mirror our breadth in NBN, and thats so important for an organisation like ours with a truly national footprint. NBN acknowledges and celebrates First Peoples and recognises their role as the traditional owners of the lands and waters. We are privileged to work across all corners of this vast country and pay our respects to our elders past, present, and emerging, especially those within our company. For Jawun general manager, regions, Shane Webster, he was excited to work with NBN in support of indigenous reforms with a strong focus on lifting digital capability. What we are seeing now, particularly with COVID-19, is a range of projects and requests from communities with a strong theme around digitisation. It will be great to see what skill sets NBN can match with the needs of our First Peoples, and even more exciting to see the results, he explains. This collaboration builds on NBN's ongoing commitment to working with First Peoples. According to NBN, in 2021, these achievements included: Launching and implementing NBNs fourth Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and launching the Lakun Committee of action owners and champions responsible for its delivery. Continuing NBNs engagement with First Peoples communities through executive manager indigenous affairs Che Cockatoo-Collins, and NBN local teams to build connection to country. Increasing digital ability through culturally-led cyber awareness and education sessions. Connecting over 50 remote First Peoples communities respectfully and safely, and providing access to vital services such as education, telehealth, and government services during COVID-19 restrictions. Focusing on hiring First Peoples employees through appropriate First Peoples channels such as Korri Mail and AES (Aboriginal Employment Strategy) to communicate employment opportunities with NBN. Collaborating with educational institutions to increase First Peoples women and girls STEM participation to improve employment pipeline. Participating in the ABCN (Australian Business & Community Network) led initiative - First Nations Goals Program to mentor First Peoples secondary school students to make informed career choices. Continue partnership with Supply Nation to increase supplier diversity and ensure that our purchasing framework and guidelines principles support our commitment to First Peoples businesses. Showcasing the indigenous dance performance Spirit: A retrospective 2021 by Bangarra Dance Theatre by partnering with Sydney Festival to take this performance to First Peoples for screenings in Stradbroke, Santa Teresa, Batemans Bay and Bangalow. Collaborating with key government and peak industry bodies to improve telehealth capabilities and digital health participation. Launching Liakukana Connect, a network to bring NBNs First Peoples employees together in a forum that meets every six to eight weeks to review and inform current needs and programs. Growing our internal reconciliation employee-led First Peoples events and increasing grassroots participation. NBNs First People projects in the remainder of 2021 will include: Collaborating with Artlands 2021, Australias largest regional arts gathering, to help expand the NBNs understanding of regional, rural, and remote Australia and to enable First People creators and audiences to realise the benefits of digital participation. Implementing an awareness campaign to educate the benefits of NBN services to the country. Supporting remote communities in times of need, NBN will launch a range of connectivity support measures including disaster satellite services, additional road muster trucks, and additional portable satellite kits. Expanding the NBN internship program in partnership with Career Trackers and link the internship to NBN graduate programs to facilitate First Peoples' pathways. Continue to explore relevant product development opportunities, in partnership with First Peoples communities. Continue to implement and build on First Peoples procurement strategy and develop First Peoples supply chains. NBN executive manager indigenous affairs Che Cockatoo-Collins notes that their research has found that digital inclusion of First Peoples is lagging, and as such, they are committed to working to bridge the gap and improve access to essential health and government services. Cockatoo-Collins concludes: This relationship between NBN and Jawun (which means friend or family) becomes more valuable: recently, we visited many communities in Cape York and the people there communicated their key priorities are additional information on the role of NBN in providing access to reliable telecommunications which is a need that is echoed on country around our nation. GUEST OPINION by Andy Mellor, regional vice president ANZ at Kofax : If youve ever gritted your teeth while listening to bad hold music, or cursed as you completed forms by hand, you dont need to be told that sometimes, government process can be inefficient, complex and slow. With the $200m MyGov overhaul announced in this years budget and the shift to online services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, its a timely reminder that federal, state and local governments, along with the various agencies, need to make sure their digital services are easy to use. After all, government agencies need to remember: the Australian people are your customers. As such, they expect a modern customer experience one thats frictionless and efficient. They want to submit forms online, get answers in real-time via chat and have information auto-populated based on past submissions. Yet, there are also instances when they still want to pick up the phone and talk to a human. Meeting this demand for flexibility and convenience, quality and speed, while keeping an eye on the bottom line, can be achieved through digital and automated business processes. Many have started this transformation with robotic process automation (RPA), which uses software bots to automate repetitive, manual tasks. While this is an excellent starting point, its just the beginning. A recent study found 98 percent of decision-makers reported challenges due to an unintegrated point solution approach to integration. Simply put, even a few legacy paper-based and manual processes can create bottlenecks, backlogs, and errors in existing systems. People get frustrated (and start rage tweeting), while staff feel tired and disappointed from mundane work and customer ire. As we saw during the pandemic, the situation gets even worse during times of peak demand as agency websites crash in the rush to receive services, overtaxing the system. To truly modernise complex delivery service operations, government agencies need a unified platform that provides end-to-end automation through various workflow automation capabilities. Implementation should be simple, and the system must be scalable and easily maintained by existing operations and IT resources. Hyperautomation with a unified platform Ninety-nine percent of decision-makers see considerable value in working with a single automation vendor. A unified platform that natively combines complementary capabilities such as paper document capture, mobile-enabled digital processing, unstructured data extraction and classification, and automated workflows enabling government agencies to reach a state of hyperautomation across functional and process silos. However, government services can be complex, involving data validation and requiring action from multiple offices, departments and even other agencies. Oftentimes, users or a third party have to supply additional information. The ensuing back-and-forth is slow, costly, and frustrating when done with traditional mail, email and can you believe it? fax. An innovative intelligent automation platform includes the right mix of tools and technology to transform service delivery. Address updates, loan processing and other actions that used to take four to six weeks to complete can be shaved down to a simple, five-minute mobile transaction. An end-to-end approach to automation benefits agencies and constituents in many ways, including: Faster application approval times Reduced processing costs and program churn I mproved data quality Fewer errors Flexibility in how people interact Faster access to services Optimised back-end paperwork processes Real-time support for constituents The components for success Every agencys needs are unique, so there isnt one perfect approach for all. But native integration on a single platform of all the technologies government agencies might need to modernise services offers numerous advantages. It meets a wide array of use cases and works for all levels of government and agencies. Most automation companies offer specific products for certain processes. However, the real world requires holistic solutions not one product. Failure to partner with a company that provides a unified platform leads to several vendors, licensing and contract negotiations as well as arduous manual integrations and maintenance. Key automation technologies to look for in a unified platform include: Robotic process automation (RPA): Automate labour-intensive, repetitive tasks across systems and data sources at scale. Process orchestration: Coordinate workflows involving multiple people, actions, software robots, policies and systems to drive successful outcomes. AI-enabled cognitive capture: Ingest and understand structured and unstructured content, regardless of format or channel, through the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP). Advanced Analytics: Leverage the data captured to gain visibility and actionable insight into agencies, robots and constituents. Mobility and engagement: Provide efficient, effective and secure means for interactions and transactions through such capabilities as e-signature, facial recognition and on-demand communications. When these complementary technologies work together as part of a unified platform, government agencies can create automated workflows, perform dynamic case management, and automate tasks across any system or application including commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), government off-the-shelf (GOTS), and military off-the-shelf (MOTS) products. No longer siloed, the information becomes actionable. Employees have more time to meaningfully assist the public rather than processing papers leading to higher employee satisfaction. And lets not forget about the benefits for us. With the freedom to select their preferred channel of communication, ease-of-use and speed-of-services, the average persons experience is as seamless as it is on Amazon. Nows the time for government agencies to implement an end-to-end unified automation solution. Theyll save time and money while matching the levels of speed and service the public have come to expect on consumer services. A unified platform equipped with a comprehensive set of intelligent automation technologies catapults agencies into the modern world and delivers the benefits that come along with it. It also finally means an end to those listening to instrumental Billy Joel covers on hold moments. The Federal Court has ruled that Epic Games v Apple should be heard in Australia. Epic Games, the company behind the very successful Fortnight game, sued Apple in a US District Court over its App Store practices, notably the 30% fee for in-app purchases and a refusal to allow developers to use their own in-app purchasing mechanisms. That court case has been concluded but a verdict has yet to be delivered. Epic brought a separate action against Apple in Australia, alleging Apple's practices were in breach of consumer and competition laws. Apple successfully argued that the US case was sufficient, but the Federal Court has now upheld Epic's appeal that the Australian case should proceed. A statement from the company said This is a positive step forward for Australian consumers and developers, who are entitled to fair access and competitive pricing across mobile app stores. We look forward to continuing our fight for increased competition in app distribution and payment processing in Australia and around the world. Apple responded to the decision saying "The initial decision in April from Australia's Federal Court correctly ruled that Epic should be held to the agreement it made to resolve disputes in California. We respectfully disagree with the ruling made today and plan to appeal." ACCC chair Rod Sims said "The ACCC welcomes the Full Courts decision on this appeal, which means that Epic Games case against Apple alleging contraventions of Australia competition law will now be heard in Australia, not in the US. "The Full Court found that, contrary to the primary judges findings, Epic had demonstrated that there were strong public policy reasons to refuse the stay. This included the fact that the outcome of the proceeding would impact Australian consumers. Sims said the ACCC told the appeal court that there are public policy reasons why Australian competition law cases that deal with conduct that impacts on Australian markets and Australian consumers should be heard in Australia by Australian courts. "The ACCCs role as an intervener in the appeal has now ceased," he added, but "We will continue to take a strong interest in this case, which raises important issues for competition in the digital marketplace." Epic is running a similar case against Google, alleging that Google Play rules around payment processing and app distribution breach Australian Consumer Law and the Competition and Consumer Act. My last corporate role was managing a team of senior product development engineers, in NBN, developing business solutions for new initiatives, like FTTC. The activity was always better informed if the purpose and desired business outcome was well stated and measurable. But does the NBN understand its purpose, or has the Government ill informed the NBN of its purpose? I believe that like any Government funded infrastructure project the NBN purpose should be to drive economic growth; the NBN should be an economic multiplier. For every dollar invested in the NBN the Government should be looking for the return to be in economic growth, not necessarily in the NBN business. I draw the analogy, you don't build a road to extract a toll on its use, you build it so that people can build houses, operate businesses, go to school and shop. The road itself isn't the purpose, rather to grow the wellbeing of the people of Australia through building communities, creating business opportunities that results in economic growth. The NBN should be that giant economic multiplier; facilitating economic growth in the information age. I've asked many people within the NBN - what is its purpose. I hear everything from; 8 million happy homes; a great customer experience; upgrading Australia's broadband infrastructure. To which I usually followup with - to what end? Then I get the blank vacant looks. I have never heard a response stating, create economic growth, even from very senior executives. I wondered if NBN has lost sight of its real purpose, or if right from the very outset, it had been abstracted. NBN seems to spend large amounts of effort to ensure that it continues to forecast a positive 3% ROI. For NBN, the original business case was to provide a 7% ROI, however, with the Coalition decision to implement Multi-Technology Mix (MTM), and subsequent cost increases, this was adjusted back to 3%. There has been debate over the last few years about whether NBN should write-down the asset value. Write-downs of an asset are triggered by whether an asset can be forecast to provide a positive return, or not. If it can't generate that positive return then the asset is impaired and the value written-down so that it can produce a positive return. Generally, in the telco world, asset write-downs occur towards the end of an assets life. A mobile carrier once they announce the intention to turn-off a technology, say 3G, will look at the revenue forecast associated with this asset and make adjustments to the assets carrying value. For NBN the forecast revenue, i.e., the number of connections and the revenue per user over time is the item that most impacts ROI. For the current Government it is an 'absolute imperative' that the NBN continue to forecast a positive ROI, so as to avoid an asset impairment. An asset impairment would create a political nightmare giving the opposition considerable political ammunition. For NBN continuing to forecast enough revenue against this growing asset value is their stakeholder's 'absolute imperative'. I'd speculate, that NBN established their business division, a few years ago, by the need to continue to forecast enough revenue to avoid asset impairment. The wedge of business revenue filled a gap allowing the NBN to continue to forecast a 3% ROI. The MTM value gap For NBN, one of their biggest issues is that MTM challenges the value perspective for consumers, their willingness to pay. Paying a premium for a fibre connection capable of gigabits of throughput is perhaps understandable. However, with MTM, many are now being asked to pay more for what they perceive, as the same, or less. Think of the people connected to Telstra HFC. Several years ago these services were all upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 with download speeds of 100Mbps, customers are now being asked to pay more for an NBN 50Mbps FTTC service, or worse 50Mbps NBN HFC service over the same physical infrastructure. I recently covered the NBN releasing their discussion paper on variations to the special access undertaking (SAU) lodged with the ACCC. I consider this to be an effort under their 'absolute imperative' of de-risking future revenue forecasts. The retail service providers (RSPs) are being squeezed, with single digit margins. The market not willing to pay much more for MTM NBN services. NBN is focused on the 'absolute imperative' driving up its annual revenue per user (ARPU). We have seen a reduction in the number of retail service providers since the arrival of the NBN. With a significant amount of M&A activity by TPG and Vocus scoping up many of the old tier two operators. With 121 points of interconnect (POIs) the NBN rewards scale and creates significant barriers to entry in the RSP market. The retail market players have contracted and to my mind this is not healthy for the industry, or consumer choice. What needs to happen A refocusing of NBN towards a better purpose - serving the Australian economy. Look at past decisions and regulations based on that nobler purpose, remake them, if they don't align. Review the pricing structure, make it simplifier, drive usage and facilitate differentiation in the retail market. Lower barriers to entry for retailers, rethink the 121 POI decision. Implement a program to replace some of the poorer technologies based on factors like performance and their depreciated value. Make the main measure of NBN's success based on economic multiplier measures not just its business metrics. If gaming the revenue forecast, stop it. If the forecast doesn't support a positive ROI, state it, and put the business onto a path to drive a nobler purpose. Fintech Boku found in its study that mobile wallets use will rise by nearly 74% and estimated that there will be 4.8 billion wallets by the end of 2025. The study cited that e-commerce and mobile apps drove the growth of mobile wallet adoption. One in two people will use a mobile wallet by 2025, according to a study by Boku. The study, 2021 Mobile Wallets Report, in partnership with Juniper Research, found that at the end of 2020, there were over 2.8 billion mobile wallet in use. The number is projected to rise by nearly 74% to reach 4.8 billion mobile wallets by the end of 2025nearly 60% of the worlds population. It added that the fastest growing markets are Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa and Middle East where mobile wallets are displacing cash and cards for more convenient digital payments. The study 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. The studys key findings include: Southeast Asia is the fastest growing mobile wallet region: Mobile wallet use will grow by 311% between 2020-2025, reaching up 439.7 million digital wallets in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam from 141.1 million in 2020. The rise of 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 but Japan, Korea and Taiwan set for hyper-growth: The far East and China continue to be the largest mobile wallet region in the world with 1.34 billion users in 2020. Market saturation is resulting in slowing growth in China with a compound annual growth rate (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 and 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 e-commerce. Latin American is growing fast due to e-commerce 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 e-commerce 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 payment methods spurred by the pandemic. "While mobile wallets are being used on a global basis, we see two distinct types being used today, Boku chief product officer Adam Lee says. The two types of mobile wallets, according to Lee, are card-based mobile wallets, which is like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which provide an easier way to pay with cards people already have, and stored value mobile wallets, like AliPay and GrabPay, which enable consumers to transact with digital cash. Lee says this is popular in emerging markets with fast-growing e-commerce sectors. "The markets that are set to grow the fastest are those with the lowest levels of card penetration. 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," stresses Lee. "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," concludes Lee. "Southeast Asia is one of the most rapidly digitalising regions in the world. In 2020, the region added 400 million new internet users, with 70% of the region now online. Together with consumption trends brought about due to lockdowns during the pandemic, that has led to a familiarity with e-commerce and an exponential rise in mobile wallet use," says Boku vice president and general manager Loke Hwee Wong. The reason for the rise in the region was attributed to dependence on cash and bank transfer before mobile wallet use, according to Wong. He also adds that convenience and accessibility, especially stored value mobile wallets, will drive Southeast Asias mobile payment adoption. The growth and bifurcation of mobile wallet use presents both an opportunity and challenge for merchants, according to the study. 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, the study highlights. "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 e-commerce, declares Boku CEO Jon Prideaux. He concludes: "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 monetise transactions." In this Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 file, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory speaks during a University of North Carolina Institute of Politics forum in Chapel Hill, N.C. Republican North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Pat McCrory on Thursday, July 8, 2021 announced he raised more than $1.2 million in his first fundraising period since he entered the primary in April. 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. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Sometimes the line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and people believe what they see on screen, or are so emotionally invested they cannot let a story go. Click for more. Extend the moratorium past the current one, scheduled to end Oct. 2021. Lower the student loan rates. Cancel a portion of borrowers' student loan debt. Cancel all borrowers' student loan debt. Do nothing. Borrowers need to get back to paying their student loan debt. I don't know. I have another idea that's not listed here. Vote View Results TWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST ZACH WILLIAMS DROPS RESCUE STORY DELUXE EDITION TODAY New Lyric Video For "Good To Know" Also Debuts July 9, 2021 9 July 2021 - Nashville, TN - Rescue Story Deluxe Edition from Zach Williams officially releases today. The anticipated album offers the original tracklisting, including the GRAMMY-winning single "There Was Jesus," and accompanied by newly recorded songs such as "Empty Grave," "The Struggle," and "Stand My Ground," which he performed live at the K-LOVE Fan Awards held in May. Official music and lyric videos are also included in this special deluxe release, such as Williams' new video for "Good To Know," which can be viewed here and below. The Rescue Story Deluxe Edition is available at all digital service providers. TOURING: Williams' "The Rescue Story Tour" is officially back hitting 40+ major markets this fall. Joined by CAIN and We The Kingdom, the tour will kick off on September 23 in Columbus, Ohio, and conclude November 28 when Williams, along with CAIN, will wrap the tour with a special hometown show at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Concertgoers will get to hear many of Williams' popular songs such as his top-charting "There Was Jesus" along with longtime favorites "Chain Breaker," "Old Church Choir," and "Fear Is A Liar," as well as newer hits "Rescue Story," the No. 1 single "Less Like Me," "Stand My Ground," "The Struggle," and many more. Tickets are on sale now for "The Rescue Story Tour" and Williams' unique VIP Meat & Greet. While many dates are already selling out, be sure to click here for the latest information. Rescue Story Deluxe Edition tracklisting: Album tracklisting: Empty Grave* Walk With You Less Like Me Rescue Story Stand Up* Slave To Nothing Under My Feet There Was Jesus Heaven Help Me Baptized Face To Face Stand My Ground* The Struggle* Good To Know* Turn It Over* Rattle!* There Was Jesus (piano version)* *songs not originally featured on 2019's Rescue Story Audio/Visual Bundle: Empty Grave Walk With You Less Like Me Rescue Story Stand Up Slave To Nothing Under My Feet There Was Jesus Heaven Help Me Baptized Face To Face Stand my Ground The Struggle Good To Know Turn It Over Rattle! There Was Jesus (piano version) Less Like Me (official music video) There Was Jesus (official music video) Rescue Story (Red Rocks performance video) There Was Jesus (performance video) Empty Grave (official lyric video) Walk With You (official lyric video) Less Like Me (official lyric video) Rescue Story (official lyric video) Slave To Nothing (official lyric video) Heaven Help Me (official lyric video) Stand My Ground (official lyric video) The Struggle (official lyric video) Good To Know (official lyric video) Turn It Over (official lyric video) ABOUT ZACH WILLIAMS : Williams is a husband, father, recording artist, and songwriter, and a two-time GRAMMY winner (Chain Breaker, 2018; "There Was Jesus," 2021). Along with an additional five GRAMMY nominations, Williams is also a multi-GMA Dove Awards and K-LOVE Fan Awards winner and nominee. He made history with two consecutive radio No. 1 hits for 35 weeks as a debut artist ("Chain Breaker," "Old Church Choir"), and "There Was Jesus," his duet with Dolly Parton, topped the charts for multiple weeks. Most of all, Williams' music comes from a place of humility and honesty as his songs are a direct reflection of God's redemption in his life. "Chain Breaker," his record-breaking and RIAA-certified Platinum single from the album Chain Breaker (RIAA-certified Gold), has impacted millions of people around the world, earning Williams his first GRAMMY nomination in 2017 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, two Billboard Music Award nominations (Top Christian Song, Top Christian Album) and a 2018 American Music Award nomination for Favorite Artist - Contemporary Inspirational. He also received another GRAMMY nod in 2019 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, Survivor: Live from Harding Prison, and in 2020 for "Rescue Story" (Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song). "Old Church Choir" and "Fear Is a Liar" are both RIAA-certified Gold. Williams performed his RIAA-certified Gold single "There Was Jesus" live with Parton on the 53rd Annual CMA Awards. The song also made the Pandora Top Spins chart for twelve consecutive weeks and named one of Pandoras top 100 songs across all genres. Additionally, "There Was Jesus" was WAY-FM's top song of 2020. He has won six GMA Dove Awards (Artist of the Year; New Artist of the Year; Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, "Chain Breaker;" Pop/Contemporary Song, Old Church Choir; Songwriter of the Year/Artist; Recorded Music Packaging, Rescue Story). He was also named Billboard's 2017 Top Christian Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year and CCM Fan Awards' Favorite New Artist Of The Year. Apple Music chose him as Artist of the Week (2016), while "Chain Breaker" was the top track of 2016 on iTunes' Christian Songs chart. Williams has also been awarded by BMI with four Citation of Achievement awards for his singles "Chain Breaker," "Old Church Choir," and "Fear Is a Liar," recognizing the songs for their national popularity and reach. For more information, visit ZachWilliamsMusic.com ### For more info on Zach Williams, visit the JFH Artists Database. Donate Now As a public service during this pandemic, the Jewish News is providing free, unlimited access to all articles. Jewish News is a nonprofit publication that is owned by the community and relies on community support. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune. Mark Huffman edits copy and occasionally writes some, too. He's been a journalist since newspapers had typewriters and darkrooms. Teton County Reporter Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy. Staff Writer Jonathan Roberts is a reporter and photographer for the Johnson City Press covering Jonesborough, healthcare and higher education. He is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and has been with the Press since 2019. The highly contagious delta coronavirus variant has been reported in Northeast Tennessee, officials from both the Northeast Regional Health Office and Sullivan County Regional Health Department confirmed on Thursday. Oh yeah, delta variant is being found all across the state, Dr. Stephen May, medical director for the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, said when asked if they had found the variant in Sullivan County. We have confirmed positive lab results in Sullivan County. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the delta variant is now the predominant strain in the U.S., accounting for 51.7% of new infections (compared to 10.1% four weeks ago) overtaking the alpha variant that spread throughout the nation earlier this year. The alpha variant, which was first identified in the United Kingdom, now accounts for just 28.7% of new infections. Statewide there have been at least 27 reported cases of the delta variant, a likely undercount as there isnt widespread genetic testing of virus samples. The Northeast Regional Health Office, which oversees seven of the regions eight counties, confirmed at least one case, while May did not say how many Sullivan County has seen thus far. The delta variant, first identified in India, is estimated to be 50% more transmissible than alpha, which was already 50% more transmissible than the original strain of COVID-19. Its not clear if the delta variant causes more severe illness, though early research suggests it might, particularly in those who havent been fully vaccinated. For those who are fully vaccinated, the vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness and death, but may offer decreased protection against mild illness. Im extremely concerned for our unvaccinated populations, said Jamie Swift, Ballad Health chief infection prevention officer. To this point, I think some have felt that false sense of security that theyve made it through without infection, but Im really trying to get the message out any way I can that if youve not been vaccinated youre more at risk now than ever before. Tennessee has only fully vaccinated 37.7% of its population, with about 42.2% at least partially vaccinated. Northeast Tennessee has fully vaccinated 37.4% of its population, though demand continues to fall with 34.8% fewer people getting a shot over the past two weeks compared to the previous two. And while the region is unlikely to see the explosion in infections, hospitalizations and deaths that it saw over the winter, its likely the region will see an increase in infections in the coming weeks and months, particularly as students return to classrooms and large-scale events continue. May said once the virus gains a foothold in the region, it will become the dominant strain. With our low rates of vaccination, it certainly could set up for a cluster or outbreak within our region, May said. I dont think were going to see anything like we saw back in December, but certainly theres still a lot of people that are susceptible who have not been vaccinated, and it poses increased risk for them. May went on to say now is the time to seek the vaccine, and that once the variant starts circulating widely in the region it may be too late. Its almost a little late once you have delta variant circulating widely getting a vaccine in the middle of it, you may not be able to mount enough immunity to protect you, May said, asking those who wont get the vaccine to at least continue following public health guidance. Swift said her concern for the region is pretty high as the variant arrives while large events will be taking place even those held outdoors, as the delta variant may be able to spread outdoors better than other strains. I think people just need to understand it really is, at this point, a race between delta and vaccines, Swift said. I do not think we will reach numbers that we reached in December and January in this region I dont expect 400 patients to be in the hospital in the next month or so. I do expect numbers to go up, and what that means is those arent just numbers, those are lives of people in this region. There will be deaths, and those deaths are preventable. Joplin, MO (64801) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Joplin, MO (64801) 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 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Monticello, IL (61856) Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Living Reporter and Theatre Critic Tim covers leisure and arts, and he is also a theater critic. He interned for the JI in 2015, and was hired in 2016. Tim graduated from UConn, Central College of McPherson, Kansas, and American Musical & Dramatic Academy. His favorite movie is "Jaws." Theres no doubt its important for young people to learn about personal finance. Just 21 states required a financial literacy course for high school students in 2020, according to the Council for Economic Education. But theres another reason to incorporate financial literacy into your teaching: It can also help keep students engaged. Using relevant examples in class can bring things to life for your students, said KC Rakow, CPA, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago. For instance, many students use loans to finance their education. Engaging them on the subject of student loans can be an effective way to teach them about the importance of paying off debts and the time value of money, he said. It can be tempting to assume that accounting and business students have a more advanced understanding of personal finance than their counterparts in other majors, but thats not always the case, said accounting lecturer Dan Royer, CPA, Ed.D. He teaches financial literacy, a required course for all students at Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind. When it comes to existing financial literacy knowledge, students enter his classroom at very different places, he said. But they all leave better prepared for their future. Royer once had a student reach out after his class to say he was considering a minor or even major in finance after learning about financial literacy. Rakow, Royer, and other educators shared these tips for introducing financial literacy concepts into your classes: Focus on real scenarios. Its helpful to find topics that your students could see translating to their own lives. For instance, Royer talks about his sister-in-law, whos usually financially savvy. After trying Starbucks for the first time, however, she developed an expensive habit. She eventually kicked it by purchasing her own coffee machine. With multiple coffee shops on campus at Ball State, Royers students can relate to the story. This is just one example that goes with a topic we discuss very early on: the importance of knowing where your money goes, he said. Meanwhile, Ann Boyd Davis, CPA, CGMA, Ph.D., covers another topic in her accounting classes that can be critically important for future CPAs, though easily overlooked by students. The associate professor of accounting at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tenn., discusses the possible cost of becoming a partner in a CPA firm. Buying into a firm may require a hefty loan, so its important for students to understand related financial literacy concepts. Those concepts become more real when students can see how they might affect their future. Follow the news. Along the same lines, Royer and Rakow both use newsworthy topics to introduce discussions on financial literacy. For example, a lot of students were interested in the market manipulation that occurred earlier this year when day traders caused GameStop and AMC stock prices to surge, Rakow said. Some students believed they could get rich overnight too. Rakow used the incident as an avenue to discuss investing with his classes, encouraging students to approach it with caution. I tell them, if we were all good at predicting the market, we wouldnt be in this classroom, he said. Pair it with the curriculum. Davis and her colleague Alma D. Hales, Ph.D., an associate professor of finance, incorporated financial literacy into the curriculum by creating a university-wide one-hour course. In this course, students from 23 majors learned the basics of financial statements, ratio analysis, time value of money, and credit scores. Rakow incorporates financial literacy into his accounting classes when concepts overlap with the coursework. For mortgages, this might be when the class covers long-term debt. When he discusses budgeting in his managerial course, its a good time to talk about personal budgets, he explained. Another topic Royer and Rakow like to introduce is retirement. Though it can feel far away to students, the professors feel its important to discuss early. Rakow often broaches the subject during discussions of pensions. Davis agrees theres value in teaching students to prepare for retirement. I think its never too young to start letting students think about retirement and how to get there, she said. Make it fun. Royer uses an interactive learning platform to quiz his students on financial literacy topics. Throwing in lighter questions like the multiple choice: Which historical figure got caught up in a Ponzi scheme? during their discussion on fraud keeps students tuned in, he said. Before the pandemic, he also encouraged small group discussions, followed by polls, to break up his lectures and make his class as engaging as possible. Ball State also partners with a local credit union that provides resources, including podcasts, on practical financial literacy topics. Students might be tasked with listening and then responding to the subject matter. Ideally, young people would begin learning about financial literacy well before college. Thats part of the inspiration behind Money Maker$pace, a program created by Davis and Hales. During the initial session, children from preschool to third grade were given jobs, where they earned play money to spend, save, or donate to charities after paying taxes, of course. Children could choose from several careers, each one incorporating its own fun activity. Architects built with blocks, while chemists made slime. I think its powerful to instill that idea in young kids: that Im going to work, and what I earn, I need to think about saving, spending, and sharing. We need all three legs for the stool to stand up, she said. Daviss and Hales own Tennessee Tech students helped run the program, working with their counterparts from the College of Education to break down complicated financial literacy concepts for the children. Some got extra credit and some earned service hours for Beta Alpha Psi, an honors organization for finance and accounting students. Davis and Hales are hoping to grow the program moving forward. Megan Hart is a freelance writer based in Wisconsin. To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Courtney Vien, a JofA senior editor, at Courtney.Vien@aicpa-cima.com. A leader of Sudans notorious Janjaweed will be the first suspect to be tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity over the bloody Darfur conflict, international judges announced on Friday. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb, will face 31 counts before the International Criminal Court including murder, rape and torture, the Hague based court said in a statement. The Pre-Trial Chamber unanimously, issued a decision confirming all the charges brought by the prosecutor and committed him to trial, the ICC said. Prosecutors in May told judges that Abd-Al-Rahman, an ally of deposed Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, was an energetic perpetrator of murders in the Darfur conflict in 2003-04. The 70-year-old, who handed himself in last year after more than a decade on the run, denies the charges. The victims of the suspects crimes are countless and their suffering immense. The pain inflicted on the victims of these crimes persists, outgoing ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the court. The evidence shows Mr Abd-Al-Rahman was a knowing, willing and energetic perpetrator of these crimes. He played a crucial role, leading attacks, committing murders and ordering other murders, Bensouda added at a May 24 hearing to determine if there was enough evidence for a full-blown trial. A three-judge bench at the ICC on Friday found there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr Abd-Al-Rahman is responsible for 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A trial date has yet to be set. The United Nations says 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the Darfur conflict. Fighting broke out in 2003 when black African rebels, complaining of systematic discrimination, took up arms against Bashirs Arab-dominated regime. Khartoum responded by unleashing a notorious militia known as the Janjaweed, recruited from among the regions nomadic tribes. Bashir, who ruled Sudan with an iron fist for three decades, was deposed in April 2019 following months of protests in Sudan, and is wanted by the ICC for genocide. Abd-Al-Rahman fled to the Central African Republic in February 2020 when the new Sudanese government announced it would cooperate with the ICC investigation. Sudans transitional administration is still in talks with the court about options for trying Bashir and his aides. A top UN rights expert called Friday for Israeli settlements to be classified as war crimes, urging the international community to finally demand accountability for a practice it has long deemed illegal. Presenting his latest report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michael Lynk, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, said the settlements constitute a violation of the absolute prohibition against settler implantation. This practice, which involves an occupying power transferring parts of its civilian population into an occupied territory, was designated as a war crime in the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Lynk insisted that this finding compels the international community to assess the plentiful accountability measures on its diplomatic and legal menu. It was time, he said, to make it clear to Israel that its illegal occupation, and its defiance of international law and international opinion, can and will no longer be cost-free. Israel, which does not recognise Lynks mandate and has never granted him access to the Palestinian territories, boycotted the session. The expert pointed to the wide range of UN resolutions labelling Israels settlement activity as illegal. The illegality of the Israeli settlements is one of the most settled and uncontentious issues in modern international law, he said. But, Lynk added, it is a tragic paradox that, while the Israeli settlements are clearly prohibited by international law, the international community has been remarkably reluctant to enforce its own laws. The UN expert said the number of Jewish settlements had reached almost 300 in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, with more than 680,000 Israeli settlers. The settlements have become the engine of Israels 54-year-old occupation, the longest in the modern world, Lynk added. International action, not just words, was needed to resolve the situation, he said. As long as the international community criticises Israel without seeking consequences and accountability, it is magical thinking to believe that the 54-year-old occupation will end and the Palestinians will finally realise their right to self-determination. NHS testing and tracking has been successful, said former boss Baroness Harding The former head of the organization said that the criticized NHS testing and tracking program has proven to be successful in the fight against the new coronavirus pandemic. Baroness Harding refuted allegations that the country failed to achieve its goals after being forced to implement a second nationwide blockade last winter. She provided evidence to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons, saying that it is responsible for helping to break the chain of virus transmission and reduce infections by as much as a third. Given some of the reporting methods, I do appreciate that many people will feel that this is quite unreliable when they hear about it, but I actually think that NHS testing and tracking is successful, and it has achieved its goal of helping to break the chain of transmission ,she says. Her comments came amid widespread criticism of her performance. The governments Emergency Science Advisory Group (Sage) stated that although the budget was as high as 37 billion pounds in two years, it had little impact on communication. According to reports, a gunman shot and killed a man and a woman before the apparent suicide murder occurred at the Houston Aquarium. Houston police said the suspect and the male victim had been killed, and the woman was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital. 1 The suspect and another man were pronounced dead at the scene The police said that the suspect shot the couple at the downtown aquarium restaurant at around 8:16 p.m. According to Click2Houston. According to reports, the two men were pronounced dead at the scene. There are no other reports of injuries. Currently, the police are investigating the motive of the shooting. Houston police confirmed that they were responding to the shooting scene before 9pm Central Standard Time. The police in the city center are shooting 400 Bagby. The commander and PIO are on the way. 202, the tweet said. The video taken in front of the aquarium showed a large number of police officers present. More attention For the latest news on this story, please continue to check Sun Online. sun It is your destination for the best celebrity news, football news, true stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see videos. Download our excellent, new and improved free app to get the best Sun Online experience ever.For iPhone click Here, For Android click Here. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheSunUS And follow us from our main Twitter account @TheSunUS. When Philadelphia students return to the classroom at the end of August, they will receive the new fare card that SEPTA has been developing to phase out the use of their student transportation card. Approximately 65,000 students who rely on SEPTA to get to and from school will receive new Student fare card On the first day of class, August 31st, tThe Philadelphia School District and SEPTA announced on Thursday. Contactless, reusable chip cards will be used in the 2021-22 school year. With the new card, students will be able to click to board SEPTA Bus, trolleybus and subway The card is valid only on school days up to eight times between 5:30 am and 8 pm each day. Those who use the regional railway line to learn can upgrade their student fare card at designated SEPTA stations for approximately US$10 per 5-day school week. After the successful pilot program earlier this year, we are very pleased to be able to introduce student fare cards across the region, Say Reggie McNeil, Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia School District. This shift will help reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating weekly laminate passes through the use of reusable plastic cards. It will also provide security measures to prevent the loss or theft of fare cards. Before the upcoming school year, SEPTA officials stated that they have taken steps to strengthen safety along the Market-Frankford Line. We look forward to welcoming students back to SEPTA and providing them with a more convenient way to access the system, said Leslie S. Richards, General Manager and CEO of SEPTA. Our top priority is always the safety of our employees and riders, including students who take SEPTA to school. As SEPTA began planning the next phase of its SEPTA Key platform, including the ability to allow passengers to enter the station using a smartphone, the student fare card debuted. This feature is expected to be launched later this year and early 2022. The city and SEPTA also collaborated on a Free Safe Route Philadelphia Plan Provide traffic safety courses for students who ride bicycles to school. The plan is part of the citys Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic casualties by 2030. Mike Carroll, deputy general manager of the Philadelphia Department of Transportation, said: We are proud to support the school district and SEPTA in transitioning to the new student fare card by teaching students safe street skills and actively discussing traffic safety issues with families. After two days of five rounds of voting, RoseAnne Archibald, the former Regional Chairperson of Ontario, was appointed as the new country chairperson of the First Nations Conference. Archibald-the first woman elected to the role-in Muskovek, Saskatchewan, First Nations chief Reginald Bellerose surrendered after the fifth vote After winning. Before taking AFNs oath of office, Archibald said: I am very grateful to be able to spend this historic moment with all of you. Archibald is a member of Taykwa Tagamou Nation (formerly New Post First Nation) in northern Ontario. She served as the regional head of Ontario for a three-year term. Archibald said on a virtual candidate forum on Tuesday: Before announcing my intention to run for the president of the country, I entered the ceremony and examined my heart and spirit. A spiritual call. I realize that it is important for me to continue to play a leading role in the country. Archibald has a long history of assuming leadership positions. In 1990, at the age of 23, she became the first woman and the youngest chief of Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN). She is also the first female and youngest deputy chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), and the first female and youngest chief of Mushkegowuk committee. After a nine-year hiatus from politics, she became the first woman elected as the head of Ontario in 2018. This is an emotional time, but if I have learned anything in my life, it is to get healing, strength and opportunity from difficulties, she said. Now more than ever, we need a stable and strong leader who is committed to evolutionary change. I am that person. She said her vision for AFN is to build an organization that strengthens indigenous communities and further strengthens indigenous democracy, jurisdiction and inherent treaty rights. 5 rounds of voting Emily Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario is one of many chiefs supporting Archibalds candidacy. During these difficult times, RoseAnne will be the national leader we need. She is like an aunt who will keep us on the right path and make sure we hear our voices, Whetungs virtual candidate on Tuesday Said on the forum. She is a powerful voice and will help us achieve change and build relationships to discover the truth and open the way for true reconciliation. The elections began on Wednesday during the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the AFN, and this year is actually hosted in Toronto by the territories of the Six Rio Grandes and the Credit First Nations Mississauga. Candidates for national president include RoseAnne Archibald, Jodi Calahoo-Stonehous, Kevin Hart, Alvin Fiddler, Lee Crowchild, Reginald Bellerose and Cathy Martin. (Submitted by RoseAnne Archibald, Jodi Calahoo-Stonehous, Kevin Hart, Alvin Fiddler, Lee Crowchild, Reginald Bellerose, Cathy Martin) After the outgoing president Perry Bellegarde announced in December that he would not seek re-election, seven candidates are vying for the position. Bellegarde is a member of the Aboriginal Cubs of Saskatchewan and served two terms. AFN stated that it represents more than 900,000 people living in 634 aboriginal communities and towns across the country. To win, the candidate must obtain 60% of the votes of the 406 band council chairpersons or agents who have registered for the convention. The vote was extended to Thursday night. After many reflections and consultations with my family and elders, I decided to support RoseAnne Archibald as the next chief of the country to recognize the importance of female leadership in the current situation. I encourage those who voted for me to support her. @gcfiddler Candidates Cathy Martin, Lee Crowchild, Kevin Hart and Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse were eliminated after several rounds of voting due to the lowest number of votes. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chief Alvin Fiddler withdrew from the Archibald game after the third vote. On Thursday, a San Diego police officer ran away from a traffic stop near the Mira Mesa intersection and fell a car on him, causing him to be injured. (OnScene.TV photo) Santiago (CNS)-Police said a San Diego police officer was injured on Thursday when a driver backed up and hit him while escaping from a traffic stop near the Mira Mesa intersection. Shortly before 10:10 in the morning, the motorcycle police officer parked a black car near the intersection of Westview Parkway and Black Mountain Road for some reason. San Diego Police Lieutenant Andra Brown said in a department press release that the driver tried to avoid the police before stopping in the driveway. According to Brown, at that time, the driver backed up and hit the motorcycle, and continued to push the bicycle backwards, the officer was pressed under it before taking off. The car was described by the police as a black Chrysler with an Arizona license and fled the area northward from Black Mountain Road. Police said the driver was a Hispanic man with shaved or short hair, and there was a woman in the passenger seat at the time of the incident. The official was not appointed by the department. Brown said that he has been assigned to the motorcycle department of the transportation department for more than five years and has been in the department for 13 years. She said that he was discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries in a local hospital. Anyone who has information about this incident can call the homicide section of the department at 619-531-2293 or the fight crime hotline at 888-580-8477. Medan, Indonesia Just a few days before he was fatally shot in the thigh, Indonesian journalist Mara Salem Harahap took his wife and two children on a family outing in Medan, North Sumatra, about two hours away. Their home. During the trip, they took a family portrait together, which Marsal shared on social media. This is very unusual, his friend and fellow journalist Rencana Siregar told Al Jazeera. In the 12 years we were friends, he almost never posted a personal photo. He wanted to protect his family. Marsal is the editor-in-chief of Lasser News Today, an online news site in Pematangsiantar, a city with a population of approximately 250,000 in the center of Sumatra. He has every reason to be cautious. In the past few months, the 46-year-old man wrote an article about a local nightclub in the city, which he claimed was related to organized crime, gambling and drug dealing. In addition to writing articles about nightclubs, Marsal also posted relevant information on his Facebook account. He is like my adopted brother, Luncana said. Two weeks before his death, he came to see me and we talked about his work in investigating nightclubs. We talked for a long time, about five hours. When he told me that it needed to be investigated, he was very persuasive, and he was a A tough reporter. He doesnt seem scared. That was the last time Rencana saw Marsal. On the night of June 18, Marsar was shot and killed in a car about 300 meters (984 feet) from his home. Six days later, North Sumatra Police Chief and Inspector General Panca Putra announced the arrest of two suspects-the nightclub owner that Marsar had been investigating and an unidentified military officer. According to the police chief, Marsar had previously met with the owner of the overnight club and complained that the media reports were unflattering. Panka said at a press conference last week that the motive for the murder was to teach the victim a lesson, but it is unclear whether the officer and nightclub owner intended to kill Marsar or just scare him. Liston Damanik, the head of the Indonesian Union of Independent Journalists (AJI) in Medan, told Al Jazeera: The murder of Mala Salem Harahap took place in North Sumatra in the past month. The fourth case of violence against journalists. Cases like this and atrocities against journalists are increasing, presumably because the police have no legal certainty in these cases. Liston added that on May 29, an unidentified attacker tried to burn the home of another journalist who was also located in the Bamatang River. On May 31, a Metro TV journalists car was set alight. On June 13, Molotov cocktail was thrown into the home of the third reporters parents in Binjie, a suburb of Medan. Although AJI does not have precise data on violence against journalists in North Sumatra due to insufficient reporting and lack of prosecution, Liston said that the recent series of attacks shows the danger faced by journalists in the area. These may include physical violence as well as legal issues such as prosecution under Indonesias broad electronic information and transaction law (UUITE). Malaysiakini was fined earlier this year for comments left by readers on its website [File: Lim Huey Teng/Reuters] In recent years, the law has been increasingly used against journalists to replace Indonesias traditional journalism law. The law provides journalists with a certain degree of professional protection against defamation and defamation cases, and is usually the first to deal with Indonesian journalism. The Press Committee negotiated and dealt with it instead of directly contacting the local police. Journalists in North Sumatra not only face the threat of being trapped by the ITE law, but now their houses are thrown by incendiary bombs, allegedly those who are dissatisfied with their journalistic work, Liston said. Freedom under fire In neighbouring Malaysia, journalists have also found themselves under pressure, including Tashny Sukumaran, currently a senior analyst at the think tank ISIS Malaysia. As a journalist for 10 years, she has worked in the Malaysian English newspaper The Star and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. She told Al Jazeera: Last year I participated in several cases related to my reporting and writing, including a book about the general election that I contributed to the ban. On May 1st Labor Day, I reported on one in the center of Kuala Lumpur. Immigration raid in the COVID-19 red zone and wrote a story about the raid on Twitter. A few days later, Tashni was told that the police would interrogate her under Article 504 of the Communications and Multimedia Act and Malaysian Criminal Code. Her mobile phone was confiscated and has not been returned to her. She is faced with about five pages of questions about her reporting literature.Al Jazeera has also survey For a piece about Immigration treatment During the countrys first blockade. Since March 2020, under the leadership of the Kuomintang government, fundamental freedoms have been declining, Nalini Elumalai, a senior Malaysian project officer under Article 19, who advocated reforms to restrict freedom of speech and document violations of freedom of speech in Malaysia, told Al Jazeera. The government has severely cracked down on criticism of the state and state entities, weakening the important role of public accountability, and sending a clear message that it will not tolerate dissent. The media is one of the main targets of these attacks. Nalini added that Malaysian authorities have harassed, investigated, prosecuted, and deprived the right to obtain media information. The government has a particularly strong position on independent media, and journalists often face legal harassment and threats. In 2021, Malaysiakini, an online newspaper in Malaysia, was fined 500,000 Malaysian ringgits (US$120,328) for the following reasons Reader comments Watthshlah G Naidu, executive director of the Independent Press Center (CIJ) of Malaysia, told Al Jazeera that on its website, five reporters were subpoenaed for questioning. Reporters from other media, including China Daily and Free Malaysia Today, have also been questioned by the police for reporting this year and 2020. Last year, various repressive and antiquated laws were used against the media and journalists, Watthshlah said. These laws include section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia (CMA) Act 1998, the Sedition Act of 1948, section 504 of the Criminal Code, section 505 of the Penal Code, and the Printing Press and Publishing (PPPA) Act of 1984. Other laws include Articles of the Penal Code Section 203A and Section 114A of the Evidence Act of 1950. When the government is portrayed as negative, the trend is often to use these laws to target and intimidate the media. In March 2020, when the government elected two years ago collapsed, the National League government led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin took control of the country. In January of this year, Muhyiddin declared a state of emergency, including the suspension of parliament, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In March, the government used its emergency powers to implement a comprehensive False newsLaws enacted by the previous government abolition. We are very concerned about the state of media freedom in Malaysia and the related trends of authorities restricting access, harassing and intimidating the media, Watthshlah said, noting Malaysias ranking in the annual Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranking. Press Freedom Index It dropped by 18 places to 119 (ranked out of 180 countries). Last year, it set the best ranking ever at 101. Self-censorship In the same index, Indonesia is slightly higher than Malaysia, ranking 113th, although the report also pointed out that many reporters stated that due to anti-blasphemy laws andInformasi dan Transaksi Elektronik (Electronic and Information Transaction Law). In 2020, the government used the Covid-19 crisis to strengthen its repressive weapons against journalists. These journalists are now not only prohibited from publishingfalse information related to the coronavirus, but also prohibited from publishing any informationhostile to the president or the government. , The report continues. Rencana said the authorities need to provide more support to journalists so that they can work fearlessly. He said: We need the police to help us, especially during the pandemic. Our job is more difficult than usual. When we have to deal with all these problems at the same time, how can we be professional and work hard? Worried about being shot or arrested while doing a good job? This is a kind of democracy, but in this case, how can democracy work? Three prominent former task force commanders from the Afghan War in Canada have issued an urgent appeal to the Minister of Immigration to restart the resettlement plan for local interpreters working with soldiers and diplomats. Retired major generals Dennis Thompson, Dean Milner, and Dave Frazier wrote an open letter in which they warned as many as 115 former translators and their families that they were still in the war-torn country and obtained the Taliban After major progress, they are in danger. If they are found, they may be imprisoned or worse, because they serve to support our mission, said the letter released late on Thursday, and CBC News obtained a copy. Many Canadian veterans have connections with the Afghans who served with them, and their stories are heartbreaking. These people are seen ascomrades in arms, and their plight is affecting these veterans-all Canadians should be the same. The letter was sent to Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration. A few days ago, a key area in Afghanistans Kandahar province fell into the hands of the Taliban, where Canadians fought most of the fighting. These three generals served as commanders of the Canadian ground campaign at various times from 2006 to 2011-the then Conservative government withdrew from combat forces and focused its military efforts on training the Afghan army and police. The generals pointed out that according to the previous resettlement plan from 2009 to 2011, 780 Afghan interpreters and their families were brought to Canada. Major General Dean Milner, the last Canadian commander in Afghanistan, took a group photo in Kabul on March 10, 2014. Now retired, he said that the Afghan government seems unable to defeat the Taliban. (Murray Brewster/Canada Press) limitation factor However, according to figures compiled by the Canadian News Agency, the plan has restrictive criteria, which means that two-thirds of Afghans who applied for asylum were turned away. Applicants must prove that they are at great risk due to working with Canadians. Being a local terp-as they say-is undoubtedly a dangerous job. They faced threatening calls and letters, promising to kill and disfigure their families. There are stories of kidnapping and even hanging. To qualify for the old program, these consultants must prove that they worked for the Canadian military, diplomats, or contractors for 12 consecutive months between October 2007 and July 2011. This excludes a wide range of interpreters. Canada deployed special forces to Afghanistan for the first time in the fall of 2001; another battle group was formed in 2002; then it performed missions in Kabul, and then returned to Kandahar in 2006. Taliban momentum Since the United States and NATO withdrew most of their forces last month, the Taliban have made significant progress, including the clearing of major US bases in Bagram outside of Kabul. In an interview with CBC News, Milner said that for those serving in the Western military, including Canada, the situation is terrible. The Afghans are fighting, but the government seems to have no way to defeat the Taliban, said Milner, who was the last task force commander in 2011 and continued to lead the Canadian military training mission. Kabul. The Taliban have money. It has a fear factor, and they are persuading the Afghans to join them. Now, they have the motivation. Dennis Thompson, a retired major general seen in Kandahar in 2008, also signed the letter. (Murray Brewster/Canada Press) Milner said he believes that the Afghan army will be able to stop the insurgents in certain areas of the country (but not all areas), which is why restarting the resettlement plan must be a priority for the Liberal government. All other NATO countries are doing this, Milner said. The Americans are doing this. The Australians are doing this. They are successfully bringing interpreters out. I know this is a fact. I think Canada needs to stand up and do the same. He added that the Liberal government has shown compassion and speed in resettling Syrian refugees and later White Helmets. I dont think we can wait too long. Milner said. The appeal of the former generals came after other Canadian veterans publicly expressed their concerns over the weekend. The victims of the crash in south-central Sweden were members of a local skydiving club. Police said a small plane carrying skydivers crashed outside the Swedish city of Orebro on Thursday night, killing all nine people on board. Police said the dead included the pilot and eight passengers. According to Orebro County Mayor Maria Larsson, the victim was a member of a local skydiving club. The spokesperson for the Swedish Maritime Administration, which is responsible for overseeing air traffic, told the broadcaster SVT that the crash must be related to the takeoff of the plane. The plane caught fire when it hit a seemingly open field. There is no life to save, said Per-Ove Staberyd, the local fire chief who coordinates the work of firefighters and other first responders. The police received news of the crash shortly before 7:30 pm local time (17:30 GMT), and soon learned that it was a very serious incident. Nicholas Harger, Deputy Chief of the District Police Lun said on Friday. He said that investigating the accident would be a arduous task. It takes time, Holgren added. The official declined to provide detailed information about the victim or speculate on the circumstances that led to the crash. The Swedish Accident Investigation Agency immediately dispatched a team to the crash site on the outskirts of Orebro, 164 kilometers (102 miles) west of Stockholm. The Dagens Nyheter newspaper identified the aircraft as a single-engine, propeller-driven De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven wrote on Twitter that he heard about the crash as very sad and depressed and expressed deepest sympathy. At half-mast in Orebro, the prime minister said in an interim press conference that Friday was Swedens day of mourning. Its been two years Avengers: Endgame Shocked fans all over the world-but with Black widow Landing in theaters and airing on Friday, the franchise has entered a new, darker stage. The independent film of Scarlett Johanssons role of Black Widow (also known as Natasha Romanoff) brings the superhero back to her troubled past. Dreykov, the head of the Soviet Red Room training program, who turned her into a black widow assassin at a young age, developed terrible techniques to control his men. Director Cate Shortland told CBC News when she first discussed the film with Johnson that she knew that the film would be a role-driven exploration of traumatic experiences. We talked about trauma, we talked abouthow do you heal a broken heart?' Shotland said. So as soon as we talked about this, I went in. Because its not about,How do we make a great movie? Its,How do we stay true to the role?' This movie is about the conquest of women, Johnson said In an interview with charm In July. And the trauma that we have to help each other out. This is a movie about women supporting each other so that they can thrive. The director is carefully selected from the independent world According to the Associated Press , Johansson was the first actor to be a Marvel film producer-she chose Shortland to lead the film. This decision made the Australian-born filmmaker the first woman to independently direct a Marvel movie. (Captain MarvelAnna Boden and Ryan Fleck share the responsibilities of the director. ) But Shortland was not completely obscured.She comes from the independent world: her movies tumbling Selected in the A Kind of Concern unit at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival Berlin syndrome He is the nominee for the 2017 Sundance Music Festival Jury Awards. Through her lens, even in the most explosive action clips, Black widow The foundation of its narrative must be maintained. Every action sequence must have a very powerful story. When we choreograph the actions and work with the stunt crew, I hope it feels very heartfelt, Shotland said. [This way], You are in the narrative of the story, the drama-when you enter the action, it still feels like the same movie. In the true spirit of Marvel movies, Shortland also wanted Black widow Interestingly, it is inspired by Baz Luhrmann Moulin Rouge! I like spectacles, she said. So I always wanted it to be interesting and beautiful, but with heart. The team behind Black Widow was exhibited at the San Diego International Comic Con in July 2019. From left to right: Marvel Pictures President Kevin Fitch, Scarlett Johansson, David Haber, Florence Pugh, OT Fagbenle, director Kate Shortland and Rachel Weisz. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) Women Black widow Have a common traumatic experience One of the themes of this movie is sisterhood, because Black widow The protagonist collaborates with Yelena Bellova (Florence Pew), another product sister of the Red House training program. As johnson Tell Yahoo!news , This relationship is a symbol of mutual support between women that emerged at a critical cultural moment: #MeToo movement was established in 2017 as Black widow Start development. Natasha is a victim of childhood trauma and exploitation-this is the past she doesnt want to face, she is running away, Johnson said. Then her sister, in some ways she is the kind of very conceited firecracker responsibility [is] Basically forcing her to accept this, forcing her to face it. The important thing is Black widow Reflect the emotional evolution between characters Captain America: Civil War with Avengers: Endgame, Screenwriter Eric Pearson told The Associated Press in an interview with the Associated Press. We are studying what happened there, Pearson said. What happened when she went back to face her past, which opened her heart to the world, and ultimately led to her unprecedented sacrifice at the end of the world. End Game. Johnson, his character is Avengers: Endgame After the incident Black widow occur, Tell Reuters This may be the last time she played a superhero. I feel bittersweet about this. I would love to continue working with Marvel in another capacity, but I think thats it. The prosecutor said the 33-year-old victim was completely stranger to the police officer who admitted to kidnapping, rape and murder. British police officer Wayne Couzens confessed to the murder of Sarah Everard, the 33-year-old woman who was kidnapped while returning home from a friends house in south London. Couzens previously admitted to kidnapping and raping Everard, the marketing executive who went missing on March 3. Couzens pleaded guilty to murder at a hearing at the Central Criminal Court in London on Friday. He appeared in court via a video link from Belmarsh High Security Prison. When asked how he defended the murder charge, he had a beard and a blue sweatshirt, sat with his head down, and said Guilty, maam. After Everard disappeared, the police launched a major investigation. A week later, her body was found in the woods more than 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of London, near a piece of land owned by Couzens. The search for Everard and the news of her death caused a national outcry, with women sharing experiences of being threatened, assaulted, or facing daily fears of violence while just walking alone. Police in the British capital were criticized after some women who participated in the Everard vigil were arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions. Couzens, 48, joined the London Metropolitan Police in 2018 and recently served in the Parliament and Diplomatic Protection Command, an armed force responsible for guarding the capital and parliament embassies. Prosecutor Tom Little said that before the kidnapping of Evra in a rented car from the South Ring Road in London, Cuzens had never seen her and they were complete strangers. Judge Adrian Fulford said that Kuzens had only given a completely wrong description of the incident before, and this was an elaborate story involving Eastern European gangs. Despite his plea, the prosecutor said Couzens did not disclose where he raped and killed Everard. We still dont know what drove him to commit this appalling crime against a stranger, said Caroline Oakley of the Crown Prosecution Service. Today is not the day to hear the facts about what happened to Sarah. Today is a day to commemorate Sarah. Our thoughts are still with her family and friends. Couzens will be sentenced at a two-day hearing that begins on September 29. The police force expressed shock and horror at his crimes, but faced an investigation by the police supervision agency to investigate how it handled the allegations of indecent exposure to Couzens a few days before Efrad was kidnapped. Britains most senior police officer and chief of the London Metropolitan Police Department, Cressida Dick, told reporters outside the court that she had personally apologized to Everards family. All of us in the metropolis feel sick, angry, and sad about this mans crimes. They are terrible, she said. Couzens lawyer James Sturman said that his clients request represented real guilt and regret for what he did. As he told us this morning, he will bear this burden for the rest of his life, and he deserves it-his wordsI deserve it. He accepts that the victim in this situation is Evlad His family and friends, not him, Stuman told the court. Canada Toronto All of us should feel the pain of the indigenous communities herebecause we have seen what imperialism has done to our country, Imam Aarij Anwer of the Muslim Mosque in London, Ontario, on Friday Said in their prayers, broadcast live on social media. On Friday, after an unmarked grave was discovered by a forced assimilation agency known as a boarding school, Anville was one of 75 imams in Canada who expressed their condolences to the indigenous people. There are currently more than 1,000 graves. Imams of Canada and the Justice Council led coordinated efforts to raise awareness. In a statement, the Imam wrote: Hundreds of graves of innocent children were discovered stolen, abused, tortured and starved from their families in the name of European imperialism leaving us suffering and Shame and numbness. In prayer, Anville called on his fellow Muslims to support the indigenous people and share the story of his grandfathers escape from Delhi after the partition of India and Pakistan approved by the United Kingdom in 1947. You all have similar stories, I can assure you, he said. So if any community should feel the pain of imperialism, colonialism, and brutal murder, it should be us. Thats why we should sympathize with the indigenous people more, and we should support them more because we know it is What it feels like. From the late 1800s to 1996, Canada forcibly removed 150,000 Indigenous children from their homes and imprisoned them in institutions managed by church staff. They cut their long hair and prohibited them from saying they were Language or practice their culture. Many people are physically and sexually abused. They were tortured in electric chairs, starved, and subjected to nutrition experiments. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has documented the stories of thousands of survivors in a multi-year investigation, describing these institutions as disease incubators, and many children died of tuberculosis. Some people died from exposure after escaping from prison-like conditions; some people died in fires because these agencies ignored instructions to conduct fire drills or install fire escapes to prevent children from escaping. TRC identified 4,100 children who died in school, but experts believe the true number is much higher. The purpose of these institutions is to eliminate indigenous culture and provide land and resources for settlers. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded that this practice is cultural genocide. Anville said that he felt the need to act on the human level because his faith instructed him to stand with the oppressed and oppose the oppressor. Everyone who reads this should feel sick, Anville told Al Jazeera. They treat these people as second-class people, our indigenous families. More than 1,000 unmarked graves were found across Canada, including 751 at Marieval Indian Boarding School near Grayson, Saskatchewan [Shannon VanRaes/Reuters] Anwer said that many Canadians are still unaware of the level of atrocities committed by these institutions. I dont even remember reading this in school, he said on the phone on Friday. I remember reading articles about the Normandy Landing, the Commonwealth, John A. Macdonald and all these characters, but I think this is just a footnote in the history book, even if it is mentioned. As Canadians, we have to face it. The liquidation of the dark history on which this country was built. This is not something we brushed under the carpet, he added. On Friday afternoon, Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada, delivered a sermon at a mosque in Mississauga, Ontario. When he explained what happened in the school, some of the people present nodded, some looked upset, and some stared in surprise. Ghayyur said that when people found him, they said they had heard of the recently discovered mass graves, but did not know why this happened. It needs to start with consciousness, which is why recognition is the first step, Ghayyur said. Symbolically, this is a very powerful statement from a religious leader. Ghayyur said that Muslim communities can be related to thisfrom Palestinians to Rohingya to Uyghur communities. He said that Uyghurs in Canada told him that they were revisiting the experience of large-scale detention camps in Xinjiang when they learned about the boarding schools in Canada. Speaking to the indigenous communities, Ghayyur said: We share your pain-we dont know your pain-but we are willing to be with you. We stand with them because they have been wronged, Anville said at the mosque on Friday. And, as a community, we will have to summon the courage to come forward and let this happen. Israel said it discovered an electronic wallet network used by Hamas to raise funds using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Israel has stated that it will begin to seize cryptocurrency accounts used by the Palestinian Hamas organization to raise funds for its armed forces. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered the security forces to confiscate these accounts after a joint operation on Thursday. The ministry stated that a network of e-wallets was discovered and Hamas used Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to raise funds. funds. It added that Hamas has been launching an online campaign to raise donations for its military sector, and that this effort has been accelerated after 11 days of war in Gaza in May this year. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are favored by illegal transactions because they are considered difficult to trace. Quoting Gantz as saying: The intelligence, technology and legal tools that enable us to grasp the funds of terrorists around the world constitute a breakthrough in business. Hamas was elected democratically in 2006 and took control of the Gaza Strip from the rival Palestinian party Fatah a year later after the latter attempted a preemptive coup. Since then, Israel has launched four major offensives against the besieged enclave, killing thousands of civilians. The most recent incident occurred in May and killed 260 Palestinians, including at least 66 children. On the Israeli side, 13 people were killed, including two children. The ceasefire promoted by Egypt has been violated several times in the past month, with Israeli fighter jets attacking several areas that it claims belong to Hamas military bases. U.S. seizes hundreds of encrypted accounts Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice stated that it had seized millions of dollars from the cryptocurrency accounts used by armed groups including Al-Qaida and Islamic State (ISIS) to fund their organizations and violent conspiracy. The department said that in addition to more than 300 cryptocurrency accounts, four websites, and four Facebook pages related to these programs, it also confiscated about $2 million. One aspect of the US investigation is directed at Hamas military branch. Law enforcement officers seized more than 150 cryptocurrency accounts, which they said were laundered from accounts operated by the group. Kyrgyzstan Bishkek and Lake Issyk-Kul region In the early 1990s, it was hoped that a large gold mine in eastern Kyrgyzstan near the Chinese border would free the newly independent countrys economy from the destruction of the Soviet Unions central plan. But for 30 years in operation, Kumtor has become a symbol of the greatest ills in many developing countries: corruption, environmental degradation, and neocolonial greed. In May, it was clear that dark clouds had gathered over Centerra Gold Inc. Centerra Gold Inc is a company registered in Canada that operates high-altitude mines, 26% of which belong to Kyrgyzstan. 1. The court ruled that the mine dumping environment is illegal The mining of waste materials on the glacier resulted in the gradual erosion of the glacier and cost the state US$3 billion. Soon after, the parliament supported a proposal of the Kumtor Special Committee to introduce state management to the mining area for three months. Most of the Kumtor workers come from the Issyk-Kul region, which is a picturesque lake area where the mines are located [Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska/Al Jazeera] On May 14, President Sadr Japarov approved the plan, effectively returning the mine to the state. Subsequently, a number of well-known politicians accused of financial crimes related to Kumtor were arrested. In response, Centerra Gold initiated a binding arbitration procedure against the government because they believed it violated the agreement between the parties. Its Kyrgyzstan subsidiaries-Kumtor Gold Co and Kumtor Operating Co-filed for bankruptcy in a US court, and the company said it would seek compensation from the government. In 1994, after the people of Kyrgyzstan became independent, with your help, we started to build the Kumtor Gold Mine. The initial life span was 18 years. Until today, the things we have created together are special things, from all over the world. Engineers will come to study, Centerra President and CEO Scott Perry wrote in a statement. The confiscation of mines is based on false information and baseless allegations, which undermine everything we have built together. We are worried that government improper behavior will put thousands of high-paying jobs and hundreds of Kyrgyz supplier companies at risk . Seen as the source of the elites wealth After the presidential election in January, Centerra faced increasing pressure. Japarov After a campaign that promised national rejuvenation, it won a big victory. He was appointed interim president and prime minister after the outbreak of opposition to political corruption and controversial parliamentary elections in October last year. This is the third unrest since the countrys independence. It was gold that put him in power. A few months before his landslide victory, he was released from prison. He was serving 11 and a half years in prison for kidnapping a local official during a protest against Kumto. Since 2013, he has been the main figure in the movement against foreign companies, and he accused him of using Kyrgyzstans scarce resources. A panoramic view of the Kumtor open-pit gold mine at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in the Tianshan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan [File: Vladimir Pirogov/Reuters] He believes that the countrys elites are benefiting at the expense of the people and the environment. Many locals agree with him. Asel Doolotkeldieva, a researcher on the politics of resource extraction in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, told Al Jazeera: For more than 30 years, based on the economic model of mining, the extraction of natural resources has been regarded as another source of wealth for the elite. They believe that investors and elites seek to get rich together, invest resources, and leave once the resources are exhausted. The extractive industry only provides 3% of the countrys employment opportunities. Mines are being exploited, resources are being emptied, and the government is getting richer and richer. However, although the local communities have carried out some development and charity projects, they have not contributed to their lives. direct impact. Lake Issyk-Kul is home to one of the highest gold mines in the world, Kumtor, and is also the birthplace of President Sadr Japarov [Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska/Al Jazeera] At the same time, some people are worried about the damage caused by mines to the environment. Waste is stored on the glacier. It is estimated that after the mining of Kumtor is over, its weight will reach 1.8 billion tons. It will stay there and affect the environment. The glacier is one of the water sources of the Kumtor River. It flows into the Tarague River, and then into the Naryn River, the largest cross-border river in Central Asia, Sirdaria, environmental protection expert Kalia Mordogieva told Al Jazeera. We opposed the Kumtor project from the beginning because it is located in a glacier area. In any case, glaciers will melt due to global warming, and in Kumtor, they are also affected by human factors. Japarovs miner support In February 1995, Murat was not ready for this job. When his feet first touched the Pride Mountain of Kyrgyzstan, the temperature was -45 degrees Celsius (-49 degrees Fahrenheit). The dry freezing wind at an altitude of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) makes it difficult to breathe. I have never seen anything like this before. We feel like we are on another planet, said Murat, 59, who has worked in Kumtor for eight years. they [company bosses] Invite us to have dinner in a hall that looks like a restaurant. Then they gave us cans of Coke. This is the first time I have seen it. He resigned in 2003, when he had managed to build a house in Japarovs hometown of Lake Issyk-Kul and had supported his relatives for many years. Murat said that working in Kumtor is very hard, but the company is a fair employer. Overtime pay is doubled, safety is always the top priority, and he is very happy to be able to use the latest technology. We receive medals, clothes, and gifts every five years. They are very good to us. At the time we Only consider ourselves, our family and money. Everyone wants to get rich. President Sadr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan speaks after voting on the constitutional referendum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, April 11, 2021 [File: Sultan Dosaliev/Kyrgyz Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters] But over time, Murat changed his opinion. Today, he is satisfied with President Japarovs nationalist reform agenda. Kyrgyzstan is not ready for this. We agreed to mine gold a bit too early. Our technology is not good enough to operate in the cold mountains. Now we deserve the Japarov. We have ended our lies. Murat showed pictures of him in the Kumtor era, and a nostalgic mood enveloped him. Soon after, he took out a small book: a poem written to Japarov by his supporters while he was still in prison. May Sadr be released! He will get the job done! He will be punished for no reason, and if someone like him comes to power, he will sweep our country out. The overall view of the Kumtor mine in Kyrgyzstan [File: Vladimir Piragov/Reuters] Additional report by Aigerim Turgunbaeva: @AigiTurgunbaeva The new agreement with OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma will pay millions of dollars to Pennsylvania and New Jersey over the next nine years. The money will be used to fight the opioid epidemic in these two states. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among the 15 states that agreed to abandon their opposition to Purdues bankruptcy restructuring plan this week in exchange for pharmaceutical companies to increase their settlement spending from $3 billion to at least $4.5 billion. Among other terms. The new settlement amount includes $225 million in Pennsylvania. The Associated Press ReportAnd paid more than 110 million U.S. dollars to New Jersey. The transaction must still be certified in federal court. I know that there is not much money to make up for the losses of parents, siblings, children and neighbors, but we intend to invest these billions of dollars immediately to help resolve this crisis and save lives, Shapiro Say Thursday. OxyContin is a prescription pain reliever based on opioids. Opioids account for 65% of drug overdose PennsylvaniaIn 2018 is the most recent years data, 2,866 people died from opioid overdose.In philadelphia,Data Display In 2020, overdose related to opioids accounted for more than 85% of total overdose. Of the 1,214 drug overdose cases in the city, 1,041 cases involved opioids. The data is New Jersey Shows that 90% of the 2,900 drug overdose deaths in the state in 2018 involved opioids. Sacklers and Purdue Pharmaceuticals recklessly used highly addictive opioid painkillers to saturate society to increase profits, thereby harming millions of individuals and families in New Jersey and across the country, Grewal Say Thursday. As I said before, these defendants were morally bankrupt before declaring actual bankruptcy, and we are determined not to let them take shortcuts. We are determined to make them pay the price. New settlement agreement will require Purdue disclosure Tens of millions of internal documents, The attorney general who supports the agreement said it will help hold the company accountable for its role in the American opioid epidemic.The transaction also allowed the Sackler family-owners of Perdue Pharma-to pay 50 million USD, Which gives them personal immunity from litigation. Shapiro said: Although this deal is not perfect, the Sackler family has used bankruptcy as a shield of real accountability, providing them with the help of this epidemic that takes 13 lives in our Commonwealth every day. The role played by fuel bears real responsibility. Purdue has faced thousands of lawsuits from state and city governments and other plaintiffs for selling its painkillers, and sought bankruptcy protection in 2019. On the surface, the QAnon conspiracy seems to have basically disappeared from large social media sites. but it is not the truth. Nowadays, popular QAnon slogans such as Great Awakening, Storm or Believe in the Plan are not so popular on Facebook. Facebook and Twitter have deleted tens of thousands of accounts dedicated to unfounded conspiracy theories, which described former President Donald Trump as a hero, with the devil-worshiping pedophile who dominates Hollywood, big companies, the media, and the government The sects fought secretly. Gone are the huge stop theft groups that spread lies about the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Trump also left, permanently banning the use of Twitter and being suspended from posting on Facebook until 2023. But QAnon is far from over. Federal intelligence officials recently warned that its followers may commit more violent acts, such as the deadly Capitol Rebellion on January 6. At least one public supporter of QAnon has been elected to Congress, Marjorie Taylor GreenQAnon has grown in the four years since someone claimed to be Q and started posting mysterious news on fringe Internet discussion boards. On August 2, 2018, at the Make America Great Again rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S. President Donald Trump wears a shirt with the QAnon logo before taking the stage to chat with [File: Leah Millis/Reuters] QAnon now contains a variety of conspiracy theories, from evangelical or religious perspectives to Hollywood suspected pedophilia and Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Jared Holt, a resident researcher at the Atlantic Council DFRLab, said he focuses on domestic extremism. Q-specific things are decreasing, he said. But the worldview and conspiracy theories absorbed by QAnon still exist. Loosely linking these movements together is a general distrust of the powerful, usually left-wing elites.These include the spreader of the anti-vaccine lie, the supporter of Trumps big lie, the 2020 president Election stolen Almost all believers in other worldviews believe that a dark cabal is secretly controlling things. For social platforms, dealing with this faceless, constantly changing and increasingly popular way of thinking is a more complex challenge than in the past. Max Rizzuto, another DFRLab researcher, said that these ideologies have consolidated their position and are now part of American folklore. I think we will never see it disappear. Online, such groups are now integrated into the background. The Facebook group once publicly quoted QAnon, and now the groups title is Because you missed this in the so-called MSM, a page that quotes mainstream media and has more than 4,000 fans. It contains links to Fox Newss edited Tucker Carlson and articles from right-wing publications such as Newsmax and Daily Wire. On September 5, 2020, a sticker quoted the QAnon slogan was seen on a truck participating in the caravan fleet in Adairsville, Georgia, USA [File: Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters] Topics range from suspected rampant crime to baseless claims about widespread election fraud and a total war against conservatives. The goal of these groups is to attract them more deeply by guiding them to more information on less-regulated websites such as Gab or Gab. speak. Earlier this year, DFRLab analyzed the presence of QAnon slogans and related terms on social media more than 40 million times, and found that their presence on mainstream platforms has declined significantly in recent months. DFRLab found that QAnon buzzwords have largely disappeared from mainstream websites after the short-term peak in mid-to-late 2020 and January 6. Therefore, while users may not post about Hillary Clintons crazy conspiracy to drink childrens blood, they may repeat the claim that vaccines can change your DNA. There are several reasons for the decline in Qs conversations-for example, Trumps loss of the presidential election and the lack of new information from Q. But the biggest factor seems to be QAnons crackdown on Facebook and Twitter. Although well-documented errors indicate weak law enforcement, the exile seems to have largely worked. Nowadays, finding open QAnon accounts on mainstream social media sites has become more difficult, at least from the perspective of excluding public data such as hidden Facebook groups and private messages. Although QAnon groups, pages, and core accounts may disappear, many of their supporters remain on the big platform-but now they are disguising their own language, downplaying QAnons most extreme tenets and making them more popular. There is a very, very clear effort within the QAnon community to disguise their language, said Angelo Carusson, President and CEO of Media Affairs, a free research organization following the rise of QAnon. So they stopped using a lot of codes, triggers and keywords, which led to various enforcement actions against them. Other dodges may also help. For example, there was a period earlier this year when supporters would not repeat the Q slogan, but instead type three asterisks next to their name to show that they adhered to the conspiracy theory. This is a tribute to the three-star general and former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn. Facebook stated that it has deleted approximately 3,300 pages, 10,500 groups, 510 events, 18,300 Facebook profiles, and 27,300 Instagram accounts because they violated QAnon policies. The company said in a statement: We will continue to consult with experts and improve our law enforcement in response to how injuries evolve, including recidivist groups. But the social giant will still reduce the release of personal information about QAnon, citing experts to warn that banning individual Q followers may lead to further social isolation and danger, the company said. Facebooks policies and response to QAnon continue to evolve. Since August last year, the company stated that as the movement and its language evolved, it added dozens of new terms. At the same time, Twitter stated that it has been taking action on activities that may cause offline harm. After the January 6th uprising, the company began to permanently suspend thousands of accounts, saying that these accounts were mainly used for sharing dangerous QAnon materials. Twitter said that to date, it has suspended 150,000 such accounts. Like Facebook, the company said its response is evolving. But the crackdown may come too late. For example, Carusone noted that Facebook banned QAnon groups related to violence six weeks before banning QAnon more broadly. This effectively makes followers notice the reorganization, disguise and transfer to different platforms. Rizzuto of DFRLabs said: If social media companies have time to take a stand on QAnon content, its like a few months or a few years ago. The rejection came the day after the former leader surrendered to the police but still questioned his sentence. The South African court rejected the request of former South African President Jacob Zuma to postpone his current sentence by one day. Hand it to myself Handed over to the police to start a 15-month sentence. Zuma currently Imprisoned During his tenure as President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, he failed to comply with court orders to testify before the Judicial Committee, which is investigating allegations of corruption during his tenure as President of South Africa. Despite surrendering on Wednesday night, Zuma still questioned his sentence. On Monday, the Constitutional Court of the countrys highest court will hear another lawsuit against him. The judge of the Pietermaritzburg High Court presiding over the case said on Friday: The application has been rejected but a fee is required. The High Courts decision came hours after the same court rejected the application of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party secretary Ace Magashule (Ace Magashule), which suspended him on corruption charges. The application was put aside. The lawsuits of the two politicians were seen as a test of South Africas law enforcement capabilities, even against powerful politicians, 27 years after the African National Congress removed the minority white rulers in South Africa to usher in democracy. Zumas imprisonment order is seen as the most dramatic chapter in his journey from a respected anti-apartheid activist to a politician tainted by multiple sordid and corrupt allegations, and he denies all these allegations. As a member of the ANC of the liberation movement, Zuma was imprisoned by a small number of white rulers in South Africa for his efforts to build a country that treats citizens equally. Zuma, 79, denies widespread corruption and insists that he is a victim of political persecution. With the withdrawal of foreign troops, the organization continues to advance, and sources say that some Afghan security officials have fled to Iran. Afghan security officials said that Taliban militants have controlled a key area in western Afghanistan, which includes an important border crossing with Iran, as the armed group continues to rapidly advance military operations across the country. Last week, the Taliban occupied areas bordering Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Pakistan. After 20 years of intervention by foreign forces ended, the domestic security situation deteriorated. In northern Balkh province, which borders Uzbekistan, fierce fighting between Taliban militants and Afghan government forces is also underway. Two senior security officials, who asked not to be named, told Reuters that the Islamic Qala border crossing between Herat and Iran has fallen into the hands of the Taliban, and Afghan security and customs officials have fled the border. Irans official Arabic service Al Alamam TV also reported that Afghan soldiers entered Iranian territory through border crossings in order to escape the Taliban. Tariq Arian, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Interior, denied these reports and stated that the border crossing is still under the control of government forces. Reuters calls to the governors office and the police were unanswered. Another security official said that Taliban fighters occupied five areas of Herat without fighting. Earlier this week, more than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled to Tajikistan as the Taliban occupied most of the northern province of Badakhshan, which borders China and Pakistan. The Ministry of Defense said that the Afghan government forces regained control of Qala-e-Naw, the capital of the western Badghis province, earlier on Thursday. onslaught Attacked by the Taliban on Wednesday. The ministry stated that hundreds of soldiers had been deployed to the area, adding that fighting continued on the edge of Qala-e-Naw and the Taliban had earlier occupied the citys main government buildings, including the police headquarters. This city has been completely [back] Under our control, we are carrying out operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city, said Fawad Aman, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense. The ministry stated that 69 Taliban fighters were killed in operations on the edge of Qala-e-Naw, which was the first major provincial capital that these fighters entered during the recent offensive. The rest of Badghis Province is in the hands of the Taliban. Western security officials say that the Taliban have occupied more than 100 areas in Afghanistan. The Taliban stated that it owns more than 200 districts in 34 provinces, accounting for more than half of the country. Major cities are still under government control. The organization has been occupying territory for several weeks, but as the United States withdrew from its main base in Afghanistan, the organization accelerated its progress, effectively ending the intervention that began in 2001 when the Taliban government fell. The Talibans progress in the northern provinces is particularly notable, where they have been obstructed for a long time. The stalled peace talks between the government and the organization have yet to come to fruition. The Taliban delegation visited Iran on Wednesday and in Moscow on Thursday. President Joe Biden defends the decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan Say On Thursday, he did not expect the Taliban to take over the entire country, and he trusted the Afghan army. We are ending Americas longest war, he said. Unlike her predecessor, Julie Payette, the Governor-designate Mary Simon plans to move into Julie Payette-she is the first since the Confederation to live outside the official residence The governor. On Tuesday, Simon became the first Aboriginal in history to be appointed to the office. Payette announced her appointment nearly six months after an external investigation found that the workplace she presided over was poisonous and shamelessly resigned. Ms. Simon has been to this residence several times this week, Natalie Babin Dufresne, director of communications at Rideau Hall, told CBC News. She is honored to move in. Plans are coming soon, but they are being worked out. During Payettes tenure, she was criticized for refusing to live in the 5,000-square-foot dormitory reserved for her. The federal government spent more than $250,000 to take measures to satisfy Payettes desire for more privacy in the residence, but she never moved in. The living area has been vacant for about four years. Rideau Hall is the official residence and workplace of the Governor. Throughout her tenure, Payette did conduct business outside of her office. Nathan Tidridge, deputy director of the Crown Institute at Massey College in Canada, said that Simons move in was good news. It is vital that the governor lives in the official residence of Rideau Hall, Tiedrich said. This is an important point for the treatment required by Rideau Hall itself and the staff there. According to the NCCs recent report on the state of the mansion, Rideau Hall is considered to be in normal condition, with more than $31 million in deferred maintenance work. (Andrew Lee/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News) Simon is inheriting a broken workplace in transition. Some staff took sick leave or left the office altogether to avoid the stressful working environment under Payettes leadership. Some people later returned to the Rideau Hall. The staff is like a big family, so let the Governor as a resident refocus it into that type of space, Tiedridge said. So its not just an office. Its a home. It really is the anchor point for this. Tidrdige said that he also hopes to see Simon transform the Rideau Hall into a safe space for the aborigines. NCC is ready for Rideau Hall The National Capital Council spent more than $40,000 on daily maintenance work to prepare Rideau Hall for new tenants: updating the countertops of private dormitories, repairing heating and cooling systems, and replacing chandelier lifts. Payette chose to live in an 8,500-square-foot hotel outside the Rideau Hall-which means that the Department of Global Affairs can no longer use the house to receive visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries. During the pandemic, Payette lived in her own private cabin in Quebec. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News, this meant that the RCMP had to travel to the area and stay in a hotel, and pay extra. The government spent Nearly $140,000 was spent on researching and designing a private staircase for Payette that had never been built, and over $117,500 was spent on a door and a series of doors to prevent people from leaving her office. CBC News learned that $250,000 has been spent to meet Governor Julie Payettes privacy needs in Rideau Hall, where she still lives less than three years. 2:04 The RCMP conducts a training exercise today Rideau Hall said last summer that it was still addressing the buildings accessibility, privacy, and security issues some of which emerged after a security breach on July 2, 2020. Back in March, a judge sentenced Corey Hurren-who rushed into the gate of Rideau Hall with loaded guns and multiple rounds of ammunition last summer-six years in prison, minus one year in prison. The RCMP stated that training exercises are being conducted in the Lido Hall today, to verify the national standard operating procedures, to identify and correct any potential problems that may arise in actual incidents, and to ensure preparation for any possible incidents. Simons installation ceremony is expected to take place in the next few weeks. Just days after reports of allegations of bullying and harassment against Chief RoseAnne Archibald were leaked and hours after she was elected as the new president of the National Assembly of Indigenous Peoples Archibald Boulder said today that she will support the implementation of the whistleblowing policy at AFN. I have always been a victim of harassment in the workplace, and I know how it feels, she said at a news conference in the morning. For a long time, organizations like AFN have allowed this behavior to continue, and we need to change it, and I am committed to bringing this change. On Wednesday morning, an internal AFN report investigated Archibalds allegations of harassment and bullying, and the report has been shared with CBC. The report did not provide details of the allegations. The report, dated May 3, 2021, was drafted by an independent investigator hired by AFN to investigate informal complaints from employees. According to the report, investigator Bryna Hatt (Bryna Hatt) spoke with seven complainants who refused to file a formal complaint because they were afraid of retaliation in the workplace. Archibald, the former head of the Ontario region, won the competition to replace Perry Bellegarde as the national head of AFN last night. The report referred to her as the respondent, but Hart did not interview Archibald. Archibald said today that she could not comment on the classified report. She also did not promise to conduct a financial audit of AFN-this was promoted by her as the head of Ontario. Fear of revenge According to the report, potential complainants worry that if they make their complaints public, they will be identified and attacked on social media. The most consistent concern raised by potential complainants is that they believe that AFN cannot protect them from or prevent (or any) regional leaders from retaliatory actions, comments or actions, the report reads. The report stated that when Archibald learned of the investigation, she issued an open letter dated February 22, 2021. Archibald wrote in the letter: I know very well that I am still AFNs goal due to the advancement of the Chief Operating Officer (Ontario Governor)s resolution to seek an independent financial review of AFN. AFNs hostile environment Has a negative impact on my ability to feel safe while working on the AFN Executive Committee Instead, what happened was an attempt to slander, humiliate, humiliate and dehumanize me. I decided that I would not participate in this attempt to put aside the concerns of the Chief of Ontario. The concerns raised by the chief operating officer revolved around AFNs financial violations are serious and legitimate issues that should be resolved in a fast and transparent manner. The Governor of Ontario, Doug Ford, met with the National Chief of the First Nations Congress Perry Bellegard and the Chief of Ontario Roseanne Archibald at Queens Park in Toronto on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. (Christopher Kasaroff/Canada Press) Hart said she could not confirm whether the person who filed the complaint against Archibald has been or will be affected by it. She said the complainants really believed that there would be consequences if they filed a formal complaint. Part of the report mentioned concerns about intervention in the investigation. According to the report, Hart adopted the [Archibalds] Legal Counsel to Janice Ciavaglia-CEO of AFN - [Ciavaglia] Someone asked if she was a witness or complainant. These issues were raised publicly and directly at a meeting, the report continued. Furthermore, the AFN CEO was subsequently asked to confirm in writing [Archibalds] Legal counsel, she is not a witness or complainant. in order to [Archibald] Or an authoritative person (such as any regional leader) requires or requires employees to confirm whether they are witnesses or whether the complainant violated the employees privacy, workplace policies, and affected the integrity of the investigation. Harts report quoted a complainant as saying that if this could happen to the CEO, I cannot be protected. The 15-member council unanimously passed a compromise resolution at the last minute to allow the extension of cross-border operations. The UN Security Council has agreed to expand a cross-border assistance operation from Turkey to Syria to Syria to ensure that the UN provides assistance to millions of Syrians within 12 months. After Russia agreed to a compromise with the United States in last-minute negotiations, the Security Council reached an agreement to expand activities at the only border crossing point through which humanitarian aid will reach northwestern Syria controlled by the rebels. Parents can fall asleep tonight, because they know that in the next 12 months, their children will be full. The humanitarian agreement we have here will truly save lives, said Linda U.S. Thomas Greenfield said on Friday. The Councils mandate for long-term assistance operations is Due to expiry on Saturday. After weeks of discussions on the resolution drafted by Ireland and Norway, Syrian ally Russia proposed a six-month extension on Thursday. On Friday morning, after Thomas Greenfield and Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia (Vassily Nebenzia) negotiated, the 15-member council unanimously passed a compromise resolution calling for submission within six months A UN report on Syrias aid access, but diplomats said there was no need to vote again. In January, cross-border operations were extended again. The White House statement stated that US President Joe Biden had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that leaders praised the joint work of their respective teams. In addition, Nebenzia described the vote on the resolution proposed by the United States and Russia as a historical moment. This is the first time that Russia and the United States have not only managed to reach an agreement, but also submitted a joint text supported by all Council members, he said. We hope this situation represents a turning point, not only for Syria, but also for the entire Middle East region and the world. Syrians carry their belongings when returning to Syria at the Syria-Turkey border crossing in Bab al-Hawa, Idlib province [File: Khalil Ashawi/Reuters] Al Jazeeras Resul Serdar reported from the Bab al-Hawa crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border that although this is a positive achievement, the resolution does not represent a long-term solution. One-third of the population of this small place [northwest Syria] Depends on the distribution of aid from the United Nations. Yesterday we were in the refugee camp and [we] It can be seen that the situation is so terrible that children and women have very limited access to water, food, electricity and medical care, Serdar said. In addition, Russians and regime forces continue to attack these densely populated areas In this sense, the 12-month extension of the United Nations cross-border assistance mechanism will definitely provide relief to local health care workers, patients, but it is far It cannot be a permanent solution to the healthcare crisis and humanitarian crisis in this war-torn region, he added. Biden mentioned the importance of cross-border assistance to Putin in June. The Biden administration warned at the time that if cross-border aid delivery is closed, any future cooperation with Russia on the Syrian issue will be at risk. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Security Council to extend the cross-border assistance operation for another year and warned that failure to do so would cause a devastating blow to millions of people. The committee authorized cross-border assistance operations to Syria for the first time in 2014 at four points. Last year, as Russia and China opposed the renewal of all four, it reduced this from Turkey to the rebel-controlled zone in Syria. Russia stated that the aid operation is outdated and violates Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity. In their attacks on the United States and other countries, Russia and China have also attributed some of the difficulties in Syria to unilateral sanctions. The flames threatening campgrounds and cabins prompted the evacuation and closure of large tracts of forests in Northern California as the state will enter another weekend of dry, hot weather and persistent threats to wildfires. Hundreds of firefighters fought the Bakerworth Building with the help of planes. Two fires caused by lightning are spreading on the eastern edge of the million-acre Plumas National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada near northern Nevada. Fire Information Officer Pandora Valle said that on Friday, campgrounds and houses around Frenchman Lake received an evacuation order, and nearly 518 square kilometers of forest was closed due to danger. After an explosive growth day and night, the fire on Friday morning covered more than 98 square kilometers, causing the control rate to drop to 11%. Valle said the flames burned in pine trees, firs and bushes and became extremely dry at low humidity and high temperatures, while ridge top winds and afternoon gusts of up to 56 km/h sometimes really pushed the flames. Officials said the flames were burning vegetation that had become completely dry due to low humidity and high temperature. (Noah Berger/Associated Press) This fire is one of many fires in the north, and several other fires have destroyed dozens of houses in recent days. In the area between the Oregon border and the northern end of the Central Valley, lava and Tennant fires have been significantly controlled, and progress has been reported in salt fires, increasing the control rate to 45%. The salt fire destroyed 27 houses and 14 outbuildings north of Reading, reaching 37.7 degrees Celsius by 11 am. The lava fire destroyed 20 buildings, including 13 houses, and damaged two buildings. The Tennant fire destroyed five buildings, including two houses. In north-central Arizona, increased humidity slowed a fire that threatened the rural community of Crown King. 29% of fires caused by lightning in 63.5 square kilometers in Yavapai County have been contained. The recent rains caused five national forest and state land managers to lift the closure of public passages. According to The Statesmans Magazine, wildfires burning near Klamath Falls in southern Oregon more than doubled overnight. Officials said that as of Friday morning, the fire had covered 155 square kilometers. Hundreds of firefighters fought the Bakerworth Building with the help of planes. Two fires caused by lightning are spreading on the eastern edge of the million-acre Plumas National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada near northern Nevada. (Noah Berger/Associated Press) In Idaho, Governor Brad Little declared a state of wildfire emergency in the state on Friday and mobilized the Idaho National Guard to help fight thunderstorms that swept through dry areas. Fires in the state. Firefighters in north-central Idaho faced extreme fire conditions and gusts as they fought two wildfires that threatened their homes in Dixie, a small remote community about 64 kilometers southeast of Grangeville, and forced them to evacuate. Fire management personnel said that the complexity of the work was partly due to the shortage of fire-fighting resources and partly because the terrain in the area was very challenging, and the trees and plants dried up due to the continuous drought. #Didyouknow @USFWSRefuges Firemen use boats to extinguish fires? The boat is equipped with a pump pack & a cannon capable of pumping out 200 gallons. H2O/min.Ship allowed @USFWS Firefighters transport the crew to inaccessible areas and provide water sources, & hoses for the engines. pic.twitter.com/L0nvj3WBd4 @NIFC_Fire The fires near Dixie cover a total area of ??50.5 square kilometers and are one of several fires that started after a lightning storm swept the area earlier this week. At the same time, forecasters warned that most areas of California will experience dangerously hot weekend weather, and that the central valley, mountains, deserts, and other inland areas may experience high temperatures as the states high pressure is strengthening. The high temperature warning does not include the main coastal population. The National Weather Service said that the temperature in Death Valley could reach an astonishing 54 degrees Celsius. Californias grid operator issued a statewide flexible alert from 4 pm to 9 pm on Friday to avoid interruptions and rotating power outages. The Flex alert calls on consumers to voluntarily save electricity by reducing their use of electrical appliances and keeping the thermostat at a high level during the evening hours when solar energy is reduced or no longer available. AmaWaterways/Metropolitan Touring Many cruise companies are opening up their vessels and itineraries, most of which are opening in Europe, and other important areas. But one, the luxury river cruise innovator AmaWaterways today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Metropolitan Touring, South Americas leading tour operator, to introduce a new river cruise experience in Colombia. Starting December 2023, travelers may discover the history and mystery of the Magdalena River. AmaWaterways will become the first luxury river cruise line to sail the Magdalena River, that courses through Colombia as its principal river. It flows northward about 949 miles through the western half of the country. AmaWaterways The Magdalena River and its valleys cross a wide variety of ecosystems, like paramo (a high altitude ecosystem) in its headwaters, dry forest in the upper part of its valley, rainforest in its middle course, and swamps and wetlands in its lower course. The spectacled caiman, green iguana and brown pelican are abundant in these ecosystems but other animal species like the West Indian manatee, Magdalena tinamou, Todd's parakeet, American crocodile, Colombian slider, Magdalena River turtle, Dahl's toad-headed turtle and red-footed tortoise are in danger of extinction. A few hippopotamuses may also be seen. AmaWaterways/Metropolitan Touring Starting in December 2023, guests will be immersed in unique experiences onshore and offshore, an onboard new custom-built, all-suite, eco-friendly river cruise ship. The new ship and cruise program will incorporate years of design experience from AmaWaterways President and Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner affectionately known as the Godfather of River Cruising plus Metropolitan Tourings decades of expertise in expedition cruising in the Galapagos Islands. AmaWaterways/Metropolitan Touring Fishermen along the magdalena River AmaWaterways/Metropolitan Touring Metropolitan Touring was Founded in 1953 by a group of young, visionary entrepreneurs, Metropolitan Touring has become Ecuador and South America's leading tour operator, with the company creating sustainable, authentic experiences for explorers across Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. In the Galapagos Islands, it owns and operates three expedition vessels: Yacht La Pinta, Yacht Isabela II, and the Santa Cruz II, plus the award-winning Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. On Ecuadors mainland, the boutique Casa Gangotena in the heart of the capital Quitos historic center, and Mashpi Lodge, a luxury cocoon in the forests to the northwest of Quito, form part of the companys portfolio. Both properties have been recognized over the last decade as among the finest in South America, winning multiple awards including Trip Advisors Travelers Choice, Travel and Leisures World Best Awards, Conde Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards, and multiple World Travel Awards accolades. Metropolitan Touring Certainly. Metropolitan Touring seems a natural fit with AmaWaterways. A family-owned company celebrating 19 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers awards-winning river cruises with 25 ships sailing Europes Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Saone (2021), Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro Rivers, Southeast Asias Mekong, Africas Chobe River and Egypts Nile River (2021). Led by experienced river cruise co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, the company is renowned for its innovative stateroom design featuring unique twin balconies; its wellness activities including a wide choice of included shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active traveler; and its award-winning diningincluding The Chefs Table specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation highlighted with the launch of AmaMagna, which at twice the width of traditional river ships, offers a new dimension in luxury river cruising. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families as well as group and charter options. Metropolitan Touring -El Eterno Garabato -- Colombian festival Guests will be able to choose between two seven-night itineraries with pre-and post-cruise land programs exploring the magnificent Magdalena River and delving into Colombias vibrant cultural and natural heritage. Accompanied by a skilled team, which will include a wellness manager on-board, river cruise travelers on the Magdalena River will enjoy in-depth connections with local nature, wildlife, culture, flavors, and people, as well as activities such as kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Drawing on each companys expertise, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring have together created a unique river cruise and land program that will immerse travelers as they experience the beauty of the River of a Thousand Rhythms, said Camilo Calderon, General Manager of Metropolitan Touring Colombia. Also, it is incredibly exciting to be able to launch a new river cruise destination like Colombia, concluded Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. We are celebrating 19 years of creating authentic river cruise experiences in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and now, with our world-recognized destination partner, Metropolitan Touring, we will be able to offer our guests an opportunity to explore a fourth continent while discovering the nature/culture gems of Colombia while traveling along the Magdalena River. www.metropolitan-touring.com www.amawaterways.com Rayne officers responded to a 911 call from a local business regarding a robbery in progress on July 9, 2021, at 7:47 AM. Officers learned a customer was pumping fuel when approached by a male, later identified as William Craig Albert , 43, of Houston, TX, asking for $5. The customer told Albert he did not carry cash. Albert allegedly lifted his shirt to show a pistol to the customer while saying, "you sure you don't have $5." In response, the customer gave Albert cash. When officers arrived, Albert fled in his vehicle. Officers pursued Albert to Scott where he surrendered without additional incident. Officers located an airsoft replica Smith and Wesson pistol Albert is alleged to have thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit. Albert was booked into the APSO jail for first-degree robbery and aggravated flight from an officer with a bond of $65,000 set by Commissioner Andre Doguet. Faith House was founded in 1980 by Sister Mary Thomas as a shelter for homeless women. After the oil field collapsed in 1987, the influx of homeless women was astounding and Sister Mary Thomas assessed the need for emergency housing in Acadiana. That first shelter had only 28 beds and was reluctant to turn anyone in need away. Luckily, an eager board member, as well as a fundraising volunteer, took on the project. The board member located the perfect spot for a shelter and the land was purchased, an architect hired and blueprints were drawn. The volunteer called 10 friends, who called 10 more friends and so on and Women Helping Women was formed. The shelter now includes 45 beds, with services extended to six other parishes in Central and South Louisiana through outreach offices and mobile advocacy. Since its inception, Faith House has transformed from a womens homeless shelter to a crisis center and shelter for all survivors of domestic violence, no matter their age, race, gender, sexuality, social or economic level. In 2016, Faith House opened two Family Justice Centers; one in Acadiana and one in Central Louisiana. Faith House currently oversees the daily operation of the Family Justice Center of Acadiana, while remaining partners with the Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana. The Family Justice Center model is a national model that creates collaboration among local organizations to enhance and improve the local response to domestic violence cases and decrease mortality. We are excited to be able to provide such a comprehensive service to our community by providing easy access to law enforcement, legal services, counseling, and support services all under one roof. The following are supplies that are always in need and are depleted quickly: -Large Towels -Baby wipes -Twin sized comforters -Twin sized sheets -Twin sized washable mattress covers - Floor cleaner We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, July 30th between 9am 3pm as donations are dropped off at: News15 1500 Eraste Landry Lafayette, LA 70506 Any questions, please contact Laura Hanes, Marketing Director at lhanes@kadn.com 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 Lee Jong Suk stuns fans as he teases fans with his new character head-to-toe look in the forthcoming action film "Decibel" in his latest Instagram snaps, alongside co-star Kim Rae Won. Decibel Movie Behind the Scenes: Lee Jong Suk and Kim Rae Won Reveal Playful Snippets Korean superstar Lee Jong Suk is currently working on his new movie "Decibel," and on July 8, he surprised fans with a few of his personally-taken pictures during the filming of the upcoming film, with his co-star and Korean luminary Kim Rae Won posing with him. Over his Instagram, Lee Jong Suk shared selfies, featuring Kim Rae Won - both seemed to be having fun while on a break. Lee Jong Suk Back to Short Hair Fans also noticed that Lee Jong Suk cut his hair, which is only natural for his role in "Decibel." Both he and the "L.U.C.A : The Beginning" star Kim Rae Won were clad in all-white uniform. With these series of photos, fans are now looking forward to the upcoming team-up of the two heartthrobs. In less than 24 hours, the Instagram post garnered a million hearts and still counting. Meanwhile, Lee Jong Suk also shared a solo photo of him on his Instagram Story. The "While You Were Sleeping" actor teased his followers by unveiling a whole body picture of himself and looking handsome in his uniform. "Decibel" production officially started last April 20 after the cast lineup was finalized. ASTRO member and "True Beauty" actor Cha Eun Woo will also be sharing the same frame with Lee Jong Suk and Kim Rae Won. Lee Jong Suk will be playing the role of a navy captain, which is very different from his previous characters. In this movie, the Korean heartthrob is expected to show his impressive action stunts, far from his romantic and sweet persona in most of his dramas. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Min Ho, Lee Jong Suk, and Hwang In Yeop Set Instagram into Frenzy with Their New Photos Lee Jong Suk Drama Comeback: "Big Mouth" Lee Jong Suk's company A-Man Project also excited fans with a new set of his shots from magazine photo sessions. Meanwhile, Lee Jong Suk is expected to make his drama return with "Big Mouth," where he will be playing the role of a lawyer. Girls' Generation member and "Hush" star Yoona is still in discussions to join the cast of the upcoming series. What can you say about Lee Jong Suk and Kim Rae Won's behind the scenes update for "Decibel"? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Written by Shai Collins There's no denying that Park Seo Joon is one of the most popular and sought-after K-drama stars, thanks to his remarkable series like "Itaewon Class," "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim," and more. Apart from his impeccable talent, fans swoon over his stunning visuals, who often dons the perfect boy next door vibe. Fortunately, the 32-year-old heartthrob is relatively active on social media and usually updates his fans by sharing a glimpse of his life and sharing his current projects. With that said, let's take a look at the best Park Seo Joon's Instagram moment that displays his dapper side. PSJ Teams Up with Chanel and W Korea Let's start with the latest post seen on Park Seo Joon's Instagram. The "Itaewon Class" star graced the W Korea's June issue showing off his strong facial features while sporting a fierce look. At the time, the South Korean heartthrob was endorsing Chanel Beauty's latest skincare line, Hydra Beauty. To recall, the French luxury brand welcomed Park Seo Joon as one of their muses for Chanel's beauty line in 2020, and since then, he has maintained a good working relationship with the top-tier brand. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Park Seo Joon Expected to Join Hollywood Actress Brie Larson in Upcoming Movie 'Captain Marvel 2' Nailing the Steve Jobs Outfit PSJ would definitely get a 10 out of 10 wearing Steve Jobs' signature black turtle neck top. However, instead of pairing it with medium-washed denim jeans, the 32-year-old actor opted for a stylish approach and chose a gray trousers. Park Seo Joon then capped off the look with sleek back hair showing off his gorgeous face. Park Seo Joon in Suit This Park Seo Joon Instagram post definitely screams a total dapper as he looks straight out of a runway show. The "Hwarang" actor impressed fans with his dress-to-kill outfit wearing a navy blue suit and sleek trousers, complete with a bow tie. Interestingly, this is only one of the many times that this cutie made his fans' jaw drop because of his stunning visuals. Simba Made a Cameo on Park Seo Joon's Instagram Just in case you are not fond of PSJ looking all sleek and dressed to the nines, here's another photo that would definitely make your heart melt. Posted in September 2020, the actor's beloved Bichon Frise dog named Simba made a cameo on his IG account. The "Fight for My Way" star wore a slightly loose black suit and trousers as he paired it with oversized button-down long sleeves that exude a carefree vibe. However, the most interesting part of the photo is how he carried his fur baby. Baby PSJ We can all agree that this might be one of the best Park Seo Joon's Instagram photos ever existed! The South Korean star surprised fans with his never-before-seen snap during his childhood. "Time spent with my family. I know you're having a hard time. Happy holidays, everyone," he wrote alongside a throwback photo where the "Midnight Runners" star was seen sporting a striped long sleeve top and dark blue pants paired with purple socks as he dons a big bright smile, almost squinting his eyes. KDramastars owns this article. Written by Geca Wills UPDATE, 07/08/2021 at 9:21 p.m.--- There are additional evacuations tonight on the Bootleg Fire. Level 3 (leave immediately) orders have now been expanded to include Tableland area north of Oregon Pines Road. The order also includes Sycan Estates north of the town of Beatty. An evacuation center has now been set up at the Beatty Community Center. CHILOQUIN, Ore. Fire and law enforcement officials have issued further evacuations including a Level 3 evacuation order for the Bootleg Fire as it spreads to the south and east, toward inhabited areas to the north of Beatty. The upper Tableland area has been placed on a Level 3 "GO" evacuation order, and officials say that they are working to get people out. "We need to get those folks out of there because fire is definitely in that area," said Brandon Fowler, emergency manager for Klamath County. "They are in danger being there right now." Level 2 "Bet Set" warnings are in place for the Klamath Forest Estates area. Areas to the east of upper Tableland have also been placed on a Level 2 warning, but officials said that they anticipate that the northern areas of Godowa Springs being upgraded to a Level 3 order tonight as a weather event pushes the fire further southeast. "Those folks need to be ready to go at a moment's notice," Fowler said. "They're not asked to leave this minute, but they need to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice." According to Red Cross Cascades, a temporary evacuation shelter has been set up at the Beatty Community Center on 24199 Godowa Springs Road. The Bootleg Fire covers at least 16,800 acres with containment at just 1 percent, according to a morning 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. 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. SALEM, Ore. Employers will have to provide their workers with cool-down breaks, drinking water, and access to shade during periods of extreme heat like those impacting Oregon right now, OSHA stipulates in a new emergency rule. Governor Kate Brown directed the agency to act earlier this week after triple-digit temperatures resulted in the deaths of more than 100 Oregonians during the recent highs. OSHA was already in the process of drafting permanent rules, but they are not expected to take effect until this fall. The temporary rule is effective immediately and will stay in place for 180 days while the permanent rules remain under development. It applies to any workplace "where heat dangers are caused by the weather." In the face of an unprecedented heat wave in the Pacific Northwest and tragic consequences it is absolutely critical that we continue to build up our defenses against the effects of climate change, including extreme heat events, said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. The OSHA rule has two levels of requirements first when the heat index is equal to or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and another set when it rises above 90 degrees. By 80 degrees, employers are required to provide access to sufficient shade and an adequate supply of drinking water, and there are several stipulations for what qualifies as sufficient shade and adequate water. At 90 degrees, OSHA also requires that employees be granted a cool-down rest period in the shade for 10 minutes of every two work hours. Employers must also monitor their workers for alertness, and any signs or symptoms of heat illness to determine if they need medical attention. Employers at the higher stage must also make sure that communication channels are open so that workers can report concerns, and they must develop an emergency medical plan and "practices to gradually adapt employees to working in the heat." OSHA also requires that employers ensure all employees are trained on a number of heat-related topics by August 1 before they begin working in a heat index of 80 degrees or higher. In an effort to inspire people to get vaccinated against coronavirus, Josephine County Public Health will pay people $25 per vaccination. Josephine County Public Health has given 500 Visa Reward Cards worth $25 each to local vaccine providers in Josephine County who are using Oregon Health Authority funds. The reward cards will be given to residents age 12 and older at the time of their vaccination. While COVID-19 restrictions have lifted across Oregon, the virus is still active and spreading in Josephine County, said Dr. Leona OKeefe, JCPH deputy health officer. Those who have not yet been vaccinated remain vulnerable to infection and can spread the virus including the fast-spreading Delta variant to friends and family members. It is our hope that these reward cards can help ease the vaccination process for those who have so far been unable to schedule and receive their vaccine. Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment to receive a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and receive a $25 Visa Reward Card is invited to fill out the Josephine County COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Request Form at http://www.co.josephine.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=2299 or call the COVID-19 vaccination call center at (541) 916-7030. For a complete list of local providers offering the reward card, please call the vaccination call center or visit http://www.co.josephine.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=2313. In Josephine County, 47% percent of residents age 16 or older have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. As of July 5, there have been 3,737 cases of COVID-19 among Josephine County residents and 77 deaths. More than 300 patients have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic. More information can be found here. STEAMBOAT, Ore. -- A 14-mile stretch of North Umpqua Highway is closed between Steamboat Creek Road and Slide Creek (mileposts 41-55) due to the Jack Fire burning in Douglas County. The fire began Monday afternoon, July 5. The cause is still under investigation. The fire is burning along the steep highway corridor, destroying guardrail and signs, and causing rocks and flaming debris to fall onto the roadway. Oregon 138 East between Steamboat and Lemolo Lake junction is expected to remain closed at least through the weekend. Were working with our partners in public and firefighter safety on when to reopen the highway to traffic. But now is not the time, said Interim ODOT District Manager Jeremiah Griffin. ODOT has set up a checkpoint at Lemolo Lake junction for westbound traffic. The checkpoint allows local and recreation traffic access to the nearby area, including Lemolo Lake. The latest fire information can be found here. CHILOQUIN, Ore. On Thursday the Oregon State Fire Marshal sent in an additional task force and two strike teams who will arrive tonight in Klamath County to help fight the Bootleg Fire, which is now threatening lives, structures, and property as it moves to the South and East. The two strike teams are from California. Those resources will join the existing local, state, and federal resources currently at the fire. The Pacific Northwest Interagency Team 10 and the Office of the State Fire Marshal Green Team are in unified command. A Red Flag warning is in effect in the area because of strong, gusty winds, and low relative humidity. Governor Kate Brown declared a conflagration on Wednesday morning for the Bootleg Fire to clear the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire. Three task forces from Yamhill, Marion, and Polk Counties arrived on scene Wednesday evening. Given our hot, dry conditions and forecast for lighting, mobilizing regional resources to the Bootleg Fire, positions resources within the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) well should we see new starts in other areas of the state, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. As fire seasons continue to be more complex and fires grow, our interstate partnerships and relationship are an integral component of our response system. Our Office is thankful to our counterparts in California for sending extra capacity to protect life and structures. Hot, dry weather conditions along with lightning are forecasted in other portions of Oregon in the coming days. With high temperatures and weather conditions helping fires grow quickly, the Office of the State Fire Marshal asks all Oregonians to be cautious, safe, and help prevent fires. The affordable housing piece to the overall project, which is expected to meet the needs of incomes that range from 30% to 80% of the area median income, is significant on several levels, Antaramian said. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} With a federal ban on evictions put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic expected to end next month after a number of extensions by President Biden, many are anticipating what could be a serious housing issue across the nation. And while Antaramian didnt want to get into what ifs, he did say the Uptown Lofts project will hit a number of housing targets that should meet the needs of many. I never try to guess with whats going to happen with this housing market, because its an extremely hot housing market right now, he said. From the perspective of the community, if any neighborhood is going to prosper, you need different levels of income in those neighborhoods. You want to make sure everybody has the ability to be there. It will be all different incomes, not any one income entity. I think thats very important for the community. Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca, the former congressman and legislator and lifelong Kenosha County resident, agreed with Antaramians assessment on the need for affordable housing. With a new highly contagious variant of COVID-19 now the dominant strain in the United States, Kenosha County health officials are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated, even as county vaccination rates continue to fall. About 46% of Kenoshas total population has received at least one dose of vaccine so far, which increases to 58% when only considering residents 16-years-old and up. Kenosha Countys primary vaccination goal is to reach herd immunity, which requires 75% of residents, or about 127,500 people, to be vaccinated. Currently, just over 77,000 residents have received at least one dose, and vaccination rates have dropped drastically after peaking in April. We hope it increases, said Kenosha County Health Officer Jen Freiheit, the way its been going the last 4 weeks, it likely wont. Diane Gerlach, a physician at Aurora Kenosha Medical Center and the Kenosha County Division of Health Immunization Program medical director, said vaccination rates are below what the she would like. I wish we were a little further ahead with getting the vaccine out, Gerlach said, but we have too much community hesitancy. The Communist Party of China turned 100 years old on July 1. A century is a major benchmark, clearly even for communists. Chinas rulers in Beijing marked the centennial with grand celebrations and displays. Ceremonies and speeches have exalted the party, the regime and above all President Xi Jinping. Xi became general secretary of Chinas Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission in 2012, and President of the Peoples Republic of China in 2013. Over the years since, now approaching a decade, he has been centralizing and expanding the power and control of Chinas harsh and brutal government. Above all, he works relentlessly to promote himself. Undeniably, an increasingly extreme cult of personality is now established. True disciples of Karl Marx focus on grand theories of economic determinism, not the difficult realities of actual life. Living day to day underscores the importance of the passage of time, and other ultimately uncontrollable aspects of our human existence. Unavoidably, communists are also human, just like the rest of us. The most dedicated disciples of Marx indulge themselves in the belief that they are in effect historys elite, personifying the inevitable evolution of economy and society, superior to others. Ketchikan, AK (99901) Today Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain for the afternoon. High 59F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Occasional rain. Low near 55F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. An independent budget review warned the Champlain Towers South condo association that its financial reserves were critically underfunded in the face of urgently needed structural repairs a little over a year before the building collapsed, a document obtained by CNN shows. The condo association only had 6.9% of the recommended level of money to complete repair and replacement projects and stay financially secure, according to a March 2020 report from Association Reserves, a company that analyzes housing association finances. The report said that various components of the Surfside, Florida, building had zero years of "remaining useful life." Those included the entrance and garage -- where some experts believe concrete cracking may have contributed to last month's deadly collapse. The study, which has not been previously reported, underscores how squabbling over assessments and underfunded reserves brought the repair situation at Champlain Towers South to a head. The association was projected to have a little over $706,000 in its reserves as of January 2021, according to the report, while Association Reserves recommended it stockpile nearly $10.3 million to account for necessary repairs. Based on that gap, the report found that the Champlain South board was at "high risk" of "special assessments & deferred maintenance." About a year after receiving the report, the board moved in April 2021 to levy a $15 million special assessment on condo owners to raise money needed for repairs. Robert Nordlund, the founder and CEO of Association Reserves, told CNN in an interview that about three out of 10 condo associations nationwide that his company reviews are at high risk, with less than 30% of the recommended reserves. He said the report showed the importance of condo associations stockpiling enough money to conduct regular repairs. "I just wish they had hired us five years or 10 years or 20 years prior," he said of the Champlain South condo board. The board had never previously received a reserve budget study, according to a separate PowerPoint presentation to residents from November 2020. The presentation alluded to the contentious debates among owners about the big-ticket items. "Complaining Or Shouting At Each Other Doesn't Work!" one slide of the presentation said, underlining the statement. The lack of reserves complicated the condo association's efforts to secure money for repairs. Another presentation to residents in December 2020 said that "two major HOA [Homeowner Associations] lenders declined us" for loans. The loans were declined because the condo association was in a "higher risk category" due to its relatively low monthly maintenance fees and the lack of funds saved in the reserves, according to the presentation. "We should have a lot more money in the bank for lenders to be comfortable," the presentation stated. "We have not done reserve studies or set enough reserve money aside to prepare for this day." The condo association did eventually secure a $12 million loan from Valley National Bank in March 2021 to pay for repairs, according to financial documents obtained by CNN. The $15 million special assessment was designed to pay that back. Nordlund said that he believed his company's report was "a wake-up call" for the condo board, spurring the assessment. The report, which included a visual inspection of the building, also includes photos of damaged concrete on the balconies and facade. Nordlund said that as part of the report, his employees reviewed the 2018 engineer's study warning of "major structural damage" in the building's concrete. He said the designation of zero years of useful remaining life for areas such as the garage was likely inspired by that report, and meant that repair projects "need to be done immediately." A spokesperson for the Champlain Towers South condo association did not provide comment about the budget report. Donna DiMaggio Berger, an attorney for the association, told CNN's Chris Cuomo last month that under Florida law, association boards create operating budgets with reserves but a majority of association members can vote to waive reserves. "In far too many communities we do have members voting to waive reserves each year," she said. Peter S. Sachs, a Florida attorney who specializes in condominium law, said the report shows the board tried to "do the right thing" by obtaining a thorough analysis of its reserves. But he said it also reveals how "prior boards may have been asleep at the wheel or unable to overcome political resistance from the unit owners" to raise money for maintenance. The collapse should inspire new regulations requiring condo associations to save reserve money and avoid deferring necessary maintenance, said Eric Glazer, a South Florida-based attorney who is part of a committee that will be advising the task force reviewing Florida condominium law in the wake of the collapse. "Florida needs to step up and force people to put money away for a rainy day," Glazer said. Florida law already mandates condo associations keep reserves for repairs that cost more than $10,000, but a majority of owners can vote to waive that requirement, legal experts in the state said. In 2008, the state passed a law requiring condo associations to conduct reserve studies at least every five years. But that rule was repealed in 2010 amid criticism from some real estate lawyers and property managers, NBC News reported Thursday, and regular studies are no longer required. Nine other states around the country require associations to conduct some form of reserve studies, according to the Community Associations Institute, a trade association. Nordlund agreed that the building collapse could lead to changes in the practice of condo finances. After the disaster, he said, "we scoured that file, looking, did we miss anything?" "We are in the budget business, not the safety business," he said. But if the board had conducted an earlier budget study and moved more quickly to raise money and conduct repairs, he said, it could have possibly meant "preventing a tragedy." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. SURFSIDE, Fla.--A mission shared by a Eugene woman and her friend on the opposite coast is being put to the test at the site of the condo building collapse in Surfside, Fla. Every responder on that scene is dealing with it like it is that family because it is our own backyard. It is our family," said Capt. Shawn Campana with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. She leads the department's Crisis Response Therapy Dog program, a team of 10 canines owned by firefighters who are trained and certified to provide comfort in times of great trauma. According to Campana, the dogs are in high demand and are stationed across the collapse site to be available whenever needed. I am seeing so many transformed people saying, Shawn, thank God the dogs are here," she said. Assisting the canine teams is Cindy Ehlers, retired founder of the Eugene nonprofit NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines, the organization that certified the dogs on Campana's team. She founded the nonprofit after the shooting at Thurston High School in 1998. After bringing in her therapy dogs to provide comfort to the community, she realized the potential of training dogs to gently bring comfort in challenging times. As the nonprofit grew, also assisted the Red Cross's Family Assistance Center shortly after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The thing that I remember the most is the firefighters. They would come up to the dogs and they would want to care for us," said Ehlers. I made a commitment to myself that I would continue to try and get these canines in the first responder world somehow. Years later, Campana began pursuing the same cause after six of her coworkers and friends committed suicide in the same year. I thought, 'Were losing so many, and I may be losing myself,'" she said. Theres a big stigma in the fire service. If you feel anything, youre just not cut out to be. That was the wrong mentality. After her therapy dog helped improve her own mental health, Campana came to her supervisors with an idea to create a program in their department. During the development of that program, she came into contact with Ehlers and the two quickly formed a friendship and partnership. We were both were affected by trauma in life. We both saw the benefits of how dogs could help it and became determined to make that our lifes mission," said Campana. With the canine teams in high demand at the site of the collapse, Campana believes that her and Ehler's shared mission has the power to battle trauma in the first responder community. If we can people on work and we can get people healed from this, they can realize this is not a death sentence. And maybe someday we can prevent PTSD in the responder communities. And thats our goal," she said. DRY CREEK, Ore. -- The Jack Fire east of Glide is up to 10,937 acres with containment at 10 percent, as of Sunday morning. Officials say 781 personnel are on scene, including four aircrafts and 55 engines. There are 243 structures that have been threatened. The fire broke out Monday, and is currently threatening 193 buildings, mostly in the Dry Creek area. Lane and Linn county task forces left Wednesday morning to assist with the firefighting efforts, hours after Benton and Lincoln County task forces were sent out. An emergency conflagration declaration from Gov. Kate Brown freed up resources from around the state to help, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners also issued a state of emergency declaration due to the fire. Douglas County residents are asked to sign up for the emergency notification system, which notifies people of police activity, fire, evacuations, missing people and more. Landline phones are already in the system. To register with your cell phone or email address, CLICK HERE. CLOSURES Highway 138 East is closed from Steamboat Creek to milepost 55. The Steamboat Inn is also closed. Also, the Oregon State Marine Board has issued a temporary closure of the North Umpqua River from the Boulder Flat boat launch downstream to the Alder Creek confluence. This will remain in effect through July 18 or until the rule is lifted. You can find more information HERE. Some areas of the Umpqua National Forest are closed to the public through Feb. 28, 2022, unless lifted sooner. To protect firefighters, the public will not be allowed to be on a closed road, go into a closed area or be on a closed trail. For a map of the closures, CLICK HERE. ASSISTANCE If you have evacuated, contact the American Red Cross at 1-888-680-1455 for resources. Saving Grace will accept small pets for temporary boarding, but they ask that you call before arriving. EVACUATION NOTICES SALEM, Ore.--A fine arts student at Oregon State University won $1 million in Oregon's "Take Your Shot" lottery, Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday morning. Chloe Zinda of McMinnville was at a press conference where Brown and OHA director Patrick Allen presented her with an oversized check. Zinda said she was "shocked" when she was first notified by the state that she won. This is a developing story. COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. Organizers of the Bohemia Mining Days celebration said an alleged member of right-wing group the Proud Boys withdrew his informal request to fly a large American flag through the festivals parade. The verbal request to fly the flag by the unidentified Proud Boys member drew a large and highly-negative response on social media, according to festival board member and volunteer Cindy Weeldreyer. The festivals email and social media inbox were also flooded with more than 80 messages from people urging organizers not to allow members of the controversial group to participate in the parade. Weeldreyer said after recognizing that a controversy was brewing, the Proud Boys member decided against participating. He said I love [Bohemia Mining Days] and I dont want to do anything to mess it up, Weeldreyer said. Weeldreyer emphasized that the man never submitted a formal application for the group to be in the parade and merely expressed interest to organizers. It was all over a misunderstanding and a rumor. Thats the downside of social media, Weeldreyer said. Prior to the mans decision to withdraw interest, the Bohemia Mining Days board said on Facebook the board was consulting an attorney regarding the mans request and would be issuing a formal decision. The BMD 2021 production team has worked tirelessly since last year to give our community a much needed and much anticipated hometown celebration. We do not want this political controversy to overshadow our family-friendly small town atmosphere, the group wrote. RELATED: CRESWELL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE ORGANIZED BY PROUD BOYS PROCEEDS WITHOUT INCIDENT The request comes around the same time an unpermitted Fourth of July parade in Creswell drew national attention because it was organized by the Proud Boys. The Proud Boys is considered a far-right, extremist group known for engaging in violent clashes at political rallies. Canada became the first country to designate them as a terrorist entity earlier this year. The Lane County Sheriffs Office said it is looking into issuing citations following that event. Meantime, Bohemia Mining Days is planning a scaled-down event in downtown Cottage Grove on July 17 and July 18. You can find more details here. RELATED: COMMUNITY DIVIDED IN THE AFTERMATH OF CONTROVERSIAL CRESWELL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE By Damali Mukhaye Government yesterday launched the disbursement of Covid-19 cash relief to vulnerable Ugandans affected by the lockdown. A total of 53,000 people received the money in the first batch while 75,075 were pending approval. A total of 501,107 people are supposed to receive Shs102, 425 each. The Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, said names of 128,075 beneficiaries had been entered in the system as of yesterday. I believe that 50 per cent of Ugandans are going to receive money today [yesterday] and others will continue to receive as we go along. We shall tell you the deadline when the exercise will stop, Ms Nabbanja said. Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/53-000-receive-covid-cash-3466852 By Damali Mukhaye The government has explained the delays in uploading data of covid-19 beneficiaries by officials from the Kampala District. The Prime Minister yesterday launched the disbursement of covid-19 cash relief to vulnerable Ugandans affected by the lockdown. However, out of the approved list of over 120,000 people, Kampalas Nakawa division has only 6 people cleared for payment while Kawempe has none. The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Aggrey Kibenge says that Kampala has the highest number of beneficiaries and are affected by insufficient numbers of data entry clerks. According to him, Kampala is supposed to compile a list of over 150,000 people, hence the data entry clerks were unable to upload all the data on entry. He also says that Kampala Capital City Authority was initially supposed to compile the list of beneficiaries from all the five divisions, but failed, hence the exercise had to be sent back to the divisions. By Ivan Ssenabulya The Ministry of Health has continued to record a steady decline in the number of new Covid-19 infections over the past few days. This is after it recorded 559 new cases and 29 deaths from tests done on 7 July 2021. This is a notable reduction of 43 cases compared to the 602 new cases recorded on July 6th. The latest figure puts Ugandas cumulative confirmed cases at 86,140 and 2,062 cumulative deaths. On a good note, the ministrys figures show that 59,495 people have recovered, with only 996 actives cases now being handled. The new cases were recorded in Kitgum, Bukedea, Amuru, Kasese, Mbale, Mukono, Buikwe among other districts. By Ritah Kemigisa Teachers in Uganda have been asked to actively seek and get covid-19 vaccination as new supplies of the vaccine become available. The joint appeal is made by the United Nations International Emergency Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU). According to Filbert Baguma, unions General Secretary, this is in recognition of the critical role that teachers play to secure the future of Ugandas children. He says although the government included teachers among the top priority groups for Covid-19 vaccination, over 80% of them are yet to receive the first dose of the vaccines. Baguma notes that of the 550,000 teachers, only 110,000 have taken the vaccine. It is against this background that UNICEF country representative, Dr Munir Safieldin urges all teachers to use their capacity as educated members of society to save themselves and the country from the Covid-19 pandemic. We urge the government of Uganda to continue prioritising the vaccination of teachers and to provide the necessary support in terms of human and financial resources for the urgent vaccination of the teaching and non-teaching staff and learners, says Dr Safieldin in a statement. Last month Uganda received its second batch of 175,200 COVID-19 vaccine doses from the COVAX facility, a donation from the Embassy of France in Uganda. According to the health minister Dr Jane Ruth Acheng, more doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected in August to ensure continuity of the vaccination exercise that resumed late last month following a halt due to shortage of the vaccine. Weather Alert ...HOT, DRY AND WINDY THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN WASHINGTON... ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING 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 (Zone 673) and Fire Weather Zone 674 East Washington Palouse and Spokane Area (Zone 674). * Winds: Southwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. * Relative Humidities: 12 to 21 percent. * Impacts: Increased wind and low relative humidity will potentially increase fire spread of new or existing fires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here. Netflix has released the details of all the new shows, documentaries and movies arriving to the streaming platform just in time for the weekend. Grab some popcorn and snacks and let the weekend begin! Fear Street Trilogy In 1994, a group of teenagers discover the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations may all be connected and they may be the next targets. Based on R.L. Stines best-selling horror series, Fear Street follows Shadysides sinister history through a nightmare 300 years in the making. Fear Street Part 1: 1994 After a series of brutal slayings, a teen and her friends take on an evil force that's plagued their notorious town for centuries. Welcome to Shadyside. Fear Street Part 2: 1978 In the cursed town of Shadyside, a killer's murder spree terrorizes Camp Nightwing and turns a summer of fun into a gruesome fight for survival. Virgin River: Season 3 In Virgin River season three, we've got even more drama in store for our beloved characters. Mel and her loved ones in Virgin River support each other while facing all sorts of troubles: death, a fire, custody arguments, breakups and a new romance. Season 3 is a twist-packed season that'll keep fans on the edge of their seats. Atypical: Season 4 Atypical is a coming of age story that follows Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), a 19-year-old on the autism spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny and emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the ongoing central theme of the series: what does it really mean to be normal? In season three, Sam starts his first year of college and is faced with the challenge of figuring out what success means for him, while adjusting to the changes that come with growing up. Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as his mother, Elsa, who continues her own journey of self-discovery as her children grow older and more independent, Michael Rapaport plays his father, Doug, and Brigette Lundy-Paine plays Sams sister, Casey. In Season 4 Casey and Sam are both on the cusp of leaving the nest, each member of the Gardner family faces big decisions about where life will go next. Cat People Dogs may get credit for being humanitys best friend, but to many people cats are just as much our loyal partners even though if you asked cats they might not admit it! Cat People explores our fascinating relationship with cats through the lens of some of the most remarkable and surprising "cat people" in the world, defying the negative stereotypes of what it means to be a cat person while revealing the fundamental truths of what it means to have deep bonds with these fiercely independent, mysterious creature. Dogs: Season 2 Our beloved best friends are back! Dogs returns to explore the powerful bond between humanity and dogs in four new intimate, heartwarming episodes. Whether it's the story of an astronaut, a priest, a military contractor, or the handler of a legendary university mascot, Dogs shows us how these beautiful animals occupy the same place in all of our hearts one reserved not just for pets, but for family. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson: Season 2 The critically acclaimed and hilariously absurdist sketch comedy series, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson returns for a second season. Creators and writers Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin bring their distinct comedy style and observational humour to the forefront, continuing to poke fun at life's most bizarre and mundane situations. Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone (The Lonely Island) and Ali Bell for Party Over Here serve as executive producers alongside Alex Bach and Dan Powell for Irony Point. Alice Mathias serves as executive producer and directed most sketches alongside Zach Kanin. Chicken Run Award-winning DreamWorks animation from the Aardman team, telling the story of a band of chickens doomed to a life of egg-laying on a Yorkshire chicken farm. When a flamboyant American rooster arrives on the scene, the hens hope he can teach them to fly to freedom. However, when a chicken-pie making machine is installed, their need becomes urgent and they must devise other means of escape. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon A Time in Hollywood visits 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, as TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The ninth film from the writer-director features a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywoods golden age. Biohackers: Season 2 After being abducted, Mia finds herself with no recollection of what happened since. But when she discovers a message she has written to her future-self, she comes to understand that her life is in imminent danger if she doesnt solve the mystery of her disappearance. In order to do so, she has to team up with the woman she trusts the least, Prof Lorenz. RESIDENT EVIL: Infinite Darkness Years after the horrors of Raccoon City, Leon and Claire find themselves consumed by a dark conspiracy when a viral attack ravages the White House. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - An Austin murder suspect who has been on the run for weeks has been arrested. Miguel Nunez Jr. was located Thursday night in the 3400 block of N. 6th Ave. in Sioux Falls and was reportedly found hiding in the home's attic. Nunez Jr. was taken into custody without incident, CBS affiliate KELO reported. He was wanted for second-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old David Harris on June 5 in Austin. Court documents detail a chaotic scene that began when Nunez Jr., also known as "Spazzo," went to an Austin location to buy marijuana. Once inside, Nunez "stated they needed to give him all of the drugs or he would shoot everyone." At that point, Harris heard the commotion in the other bedroom, grabbed his gun and opened the door. That's when Nunez allegedly shot the man in the chest multiple times. A second victim then struggled with the defendant and was also shot. The suspect in the case was also shot and dropped his weapon on the way out, authorities said. Police said Nunez recently moved to the Austin area from Sioux Falls, and he and three juveniles planned to rob the man selling marijuana. LIVONIA, Michigan The parent company of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center says all its employees will be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 with three-fourths already having the vaccine. Trinity Health, a Catholic health care provider with locations in 22 states, says this requirement also applies to contractors and those conducting business at its health care facilities. "Safety is one of our Core Values. We feel it is important that we take every step available to us to stop the spread and protect those around us-especially the most vulnerable in our communities who cannot be vaccinated including young children and the more than 10 million people who are immunocompromised," says Trinity Health President and CEO Mike Slubowski. "Over the last year, Trinity Health has counted our own colleagues and patients in the too-high coronavirus death toll. Now that we have a proven way to prevent COVID-19 deaths, we are not hesitating to do our part." Trinity Health says nearly 75% of its 117,000 employees is already vaccinated against COVID and it looks for this requirement to take that to 100%. "The science has shown us that the COVID-19 vaccine is the single most effective tool in slowing, and even stopping, the spread of the virus," says Dan Roth, M.D., Trinity Health executive vice president and chief clinical officer. "As a Catholic Health Ministry - even if we work remotely or do not regularly encounter patients - we view ourselves as caregivers, and it's important that we do everything we can to end the pandemic and save lives." Employees at MercyOne North Iowa must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with all required to submit proof of vaccination by September 21, 2021. MASON CITY, Iowa - An Oklahoma family with Iowa ties is seeking answers as to what lead to the death of a 2 year-old. Saroya Kinyon, originally from Iowa City and now living in Greenfield, Oklahoma, describes her grandson Zavien as a happy, healthy, well-adjusted boy, and was an avid Hawkeyes fan. "He was an amazing, magical little person." On June 18 of this year, Kinyon received a call from the babysitters who were overseeing Zavien. "Medvac's on the way. Your kid fell off the bunk bed, he's not breathing." Upon arrival to the sitters' house in nearby Watonga, an ambulance was already there, and life flight was also called out. Doctors say he had two fingerprint bruises on his arm, as well as a circle and bump and a straight line on his forehead, and suffered a brain bleed. Despite being on a ventilator and breathing tube, and a stream of prayers, Zavien would succumb a few days later from what the coroner identified as blunt force trauma. Just this past week, Zavien was buried at a North Liberty cemetery. Now, Kinyon and her husband Aaron England are seeking answers as to exactly what happened. They both noticed that the babysitter's story about Zavien's injuries would keep changing, and contacted the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate. Kinyon and England note that they have received messages from friends and family of the babysitters that they had witnessed a history of what they considered to be mental, verbal and physical abuse that had been reported to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and Child Protective Services. "I promised that boy in that hospital room before we shut off that machine that I would do him justice. if it takes me the rest of my life, he will get justice." Kinyon is also hoping to launch a national database of known child abusers so that something like this does not happen to other families. "People who neglect, abuse and kill children are no better than a sex offender. They deserve the same punishments, if not worse, and they deserve for their communities to know they exist. That would bring change." Friends of the family have started a GoFundMe page to cover medical and funeral costs. To donate to the GoFundMe, click here. Zavien was born in Mason City, and has family in the area. ALBERT LEA, Minn. A guilty plea is entered over a crash that killed a Freeborn County teen. Dominik Nikko Boots-Ringeon, 19 of Albert Lea, was charged with criminal vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation, underage drinking and driving, and driving without a license after the crash on August 27. The Freeborn County Sheriffs Office says Boots-Ringeon was driving south on 795th Avenue by the Glenville pool when he went off the road and hit a tree. Authorities say the crash killed James Joseph Amarosa III, 17 of Albert Lea, and seriously injured Cameron Michael Cunningham, 15 of Twin Lakes. Two other teenage passengers, Shelby Watkins of Austin and Chase Garza of Albert Lea, suffered minor injuries. Boots-Ringeon pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of criminal vehicular homicide operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. Court records do not list a sentencing date. Criminal vehicular homicide is punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Minnesota. KIMT NEWS 3.- President Joe Biden announced today that he will be pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan, come the end of the summer. Troops have been fighting there for almost 20 years and started nearly a month after the September 11th Attacks. The decision comes a week after they exited Bagram Airfield, the United States' largest base in Afghanistan. Biden made the decision because he feels there is nothing more the U.S. can do for them after almost two decades of war. KIMT News 3 spoke with veterans like Jeffrey Van Calder, who is all for the president's decision but has some concerns. "I'm always excited to see the end of active conflict but I'm afraid there may be some business left there to be taken care of. I think a rapid and complete drawdown of the troops all at once is a little bit much." Other veterans like Dan Kroll agree with Van Calder but aren't as concerned. "I'm glad they're coming home and sad we lost some lives there." The troops will be withdrawn on August 31. ROCHESTER, Minn. A man is pleading not guilty to punching a Walmart employee. Denard Demarco Ellis, 30 of Rochester, was arrested for allegedly attacking the 53-year-old female worker on June 6. Rochester police say Ellis got upset when he tried to cash a check and was told the Walmart customer service desk was closed. Ellis is accused of punching the woman in the face, causing her to fall and hit her head on the floor. He pleaded not guilty Thursday to third-degree assault. No trial date has been scheduled. MASON CITY, Iowa - A Mason City man with a valid warrant was arrested Thursday on felony drug charges for the third time in three months. Robert Murphy, 41, is being held on $10,000 bond in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on multiple drug charges after he was arrested in the 200 block of Willowbrook Dr. Police said Murphy had a warrant when he was located sitting in a vehicle. He was found in possession of methamphetamine. In May, he was arrested for allegedly selling heroin to a confidential informant. He was arrested in June on multiple controlled substance violations involving meth. ROCHESTER, Minn. - The city has opened phase 1 of the downtown construction project in time for the kickoff of Thursdays Downtown. City leaders say they have done everything they can to open this area in Peace Plaza during construction as it becomes available. The Rochester Downtown Alliance alongside the City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center launched the reconstruction of Peace Plaza at the beginning of the pandemic. New trees, benches, and sidewalks have been installed on First Ave. SW. Mayor Kim Norton says she wants Rochester to be a place for everyone. Ive said this before over the years - calling this a cosmopolitan canopy, a place for people to gather from every culture, every walk of life, and to feel that it's theirs. And that's what we want for our downtown. Mayor Norton says she hopes to keep Peace Plaza new and exciting while maintaining the history that's important to those who reside in the Med-City. We hope people take advantage of both those opportunities by gathering downtown in this new wonderfully wide sidewalk, wide, walkable downtown that we just haven't had before, she says. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of summer or early fall. The Peace Fountain will be re-installed and open at the end of summer. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 75F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Balloons popular for birthday parties and graduation celebrations are being blamed for at least three power outages in the Metro East since April. Each outage affected more than 1,000 customers. I was just sitting here and all the electric went out. My computer went out and everything," sai Two Easy Ways To Subscribe! The Kodiak Daily Mirror offers full-service, five-day a week subscriptions with home delivery in addition to unlimited access to our online services (including our e-Edition). Online-access-only subscriptions include unlimited access to the Mirror's online services without delivery of the printed newspaper. (Note: New users: You must register and login before purchasing a subscription. Kokomo, IN (46901) Today Sunshine this morning. Increasing clouds with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Kokomo, IN (46901) Today Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 85F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 67F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Kokomo, IN (46901) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Here's what you need to know: Friday, July 9 COLUMBIA - Philips Respironics issued a recall on sleep and respiratory devices that date all the way back to 2009. Kelly Kilgore is the owner of Kilgore's Respiratory Center. Kilgore works with patients needed these devices daily. She is working diligently to find all the information she can about the recall. Philips issued to recall specific Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-Level PAP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilator devices on June 14. These devices are used to treat sleep apnea and other respiratory issues. According to Philips company announcement, the main reason for the recall is the sound reducing foam used in the devices. Philips said that the foam can degrade into pieces small enough to enter the device's air pathway. This means there is the chance that it could be ingested or inhaled by the user. They said the foam degradation could accelerate with poor, unapproved cleaning methods, high heat, and high humidity environments. However, Philips issued the recall despite the 0.03% complaint rate in 2020. Philips said the company plans on replacing the current foam with a material that will not be affected by this issue. Kilgore said she is focused on finding solutions for her patients. She has already helped a number of her patients register their devices. "We are encouraging everyone with one of the devices to register so they are in line to get their device replaced," Kilgore said. Kilgore said if they see that their device is listed as one of the devices from the Philips update, then they need to go to the website and click on the link to get their device registered or they can talk to their provider. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Kilgore said there are other solutions for her patients. One of them is purchasing a bacteria filter. Kilgore said the bacteria filter attaches to the device. She said the filter should help keep the foam from getting ingested. "I would look online for a bacteria filter," Kilgore said. "You can find them anywhere and they all look the same." Kilgore said she is currently working with physicians to come up with clinical guidelines for the recall and what patients should do. However, she said she is worried about a few things. "For some people it only takes one night without their machine for severe problems to happen," Kilgore said. She said people need to decide for themselves whether they need to stop using their machine or not. She said if they decide to stop using it, they should talk to their provider about other options. Even Philips said that patients using life-sustaining devices should not stop using them without consulting their physicians. Overall, what you need to know is this: 8-year-old RJ, a service dog, has been reunited with his family after fireworks scared him and he ran off on July 4. In this June 30 file photo, staff of the Pyongyang Primary School No. 4 clean stairwells in Pyongyang, North Korea. AP-Yonhap North Korea has rejected AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine that was to be delivered through the COVAX facility due to concerns about potential side effects, and appears instead to be reaching out to Moscow for Russian-made vaccines, a state-run think tank said Friday. The North also appears to be reluctant to receive Chinese-made vaccines as it does not trust their efficacy and safety, according to the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) associated with the National Intelligence Agency. "As North Korea has rejected the vaccines planned to be supplied through COVAX due to worries over side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, it has explored possibilities of securing alternatives drugs," the INSS said in a report. "North Korea stays reluctant with regard to Chinese-made vaccines due to distrust over the drugs," it added. "It appears to have positive assessments of Russian-made products but be asking for their supplies free of charge." Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Butler, IN (46721) Today Partly cloudy early then heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Marilyn Manson has turned himself into police for an alleged spitting incident which took place in 2019. The 52-year-old rocker was wanted for arrest by New Hampshire police in May after he allegedly spat at a female videographer before blowing his nose at her during an incident at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion back in August 2019. And according to TMZ, Manson handed himself over to law enforcement officials last week, who booked him and released him shortly afterwards. Manson was released on personal recognisance bail under the conditions that he won't commit any crimes while on release, won't have any contact with the alleged victim, and will appear at all of his court hearings. The Beautiful People hitmaker had a warrant for his arrest issued almost two months ago by Guildford Police Department, who revealed he was wanted on two counts of misdemeanour simple assault. In a statement at the time, the department said: "Mr. Warner, his Agent and legal counsel have been aware of the warrant for some time and no effort has been made by him to return to New Hampshire to answer the pending charges. The videographer had been subcontracted by a NH-based company to video the concert, and had been located in the stage pit area when the alleged assaults occurred." Several eyewitnesses then came forward to claim that Manson had allegedly been spitting everywhere at the time of the incident, and had begun targeting the woman after she looked semi-irritated. One attendee told the publication: "He was spitting everywhere and one time it got on her camera so she wiped it off and looked semi-irritated. He noticed this and kept purposely spitting on her camera. I think her final straw is he got on the floor, got within 2-3 feet of her and hacked a giant snot rocket at her not the camera. She was pissed off and disgusted so she stormed off and he just laughed. "I stopped listening to his music after that and told my husband I would never go to another one of his concerts again. While another concert goer said Manson allegedly laughed about his actions. They added: [He] bent down to shoot his snot all over this woman. I can remember him just laughing about what he did." Auburn, IN (46706) Today Mostly cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall may reach one inch.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low near 65F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 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.) Friday, health leaders for the Show Me State addressed the new rise in COVID-19 cases. Health officials from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services held a webinar to debrief media outlets on the state's rise in coronavirus cases, specifically the surge in the highly contagious Delta variant taking hold in some parts of the state such as southwest and north-central Missouri. This Delta variant is indeed a serious threat to unvaccinated Missourians, said Robert Knodell, Acting Director, Department of Health and Senior Services. The Show Me State continues to lead the U.S. with the second most new COVID-19 cases per capita in the last two weeks. The New York Times' data reports Missouri with 18 cases per 100,000 residents. Missouri's COVID-19 Dashboard shows 5,468 new cases over the past seven days. Additionally, Wallethub ranked Missouri the least safe state during the COVID-19 pandemic this week. The site ranked Missouri 50th for positivity rate and death rate. Dr. George Turabelidze, State Epidemiologist for MDHSS said, Unfortunately, Missouri turned out to be among those several states that do have those vulnerable spots and those are spots where people are undervaccinated, people have low natural immunity level and some communities that assumed the pandemic was already behind us and mitigation was dropped too quickly. While the state's health leaders did not address Missouri's poor vaccination ranking, some media questions were selected through the virtual press conference. Health officials took the hour to focus on plans to vaccinate more Missourians. Missourians are a skeptical people," said Adam Crumbliss, Director of the Division of Community and Public Health, "Fear is not the means to move forward in Missouri. The way to move forward is an aggressive action plan at the individual level. Missouri's acting MDHSS Director said the state is in coordination with the CDC to help increase vaccinations throughout the state. Knodell said both the state and the CDC have an understanding on best practices to reach hesitant residents. We dont believe that there are individuals we can parachute here in Missouri who will persuade Missourians who are hesitant to get vaccinated to ultimately make that choice, said Knodell. As the state reports a 11.9% positivity rate with only 45.1% of residents partially vaccinated, health officials urge Missourians to roll up their sleeve and stop the spread. Lets show to the rest of the country that this is only a temporary setback and Missourians can overcome whatever variant comes over. Were stronger than that. Lets get vaccinated! said Turabelidze. Turabelidze predicted the state's Delta outbreak will last a few more weeks. Not ready to cruise. Not ready to fly. Not ready to travel internationally. Not ready to visit a theme park. I just need to get away. I'm up for anything! Vote View Results A new data analysis identifies clusters of unvaccinated people, most of them in the southern United States, that are vulnerable to surges in Covid-19 cases and could become breeding grounds for even more deadly Covid-19 variants. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Ryan Zinke for Montana's new congressional seat. The former president sent out a press release, saying that he was an instrumental part of this administration and has his complete and total endorsement for congress. Zinke tweeted, saying he was honored to have the "complete and total endorsement" of Trump. Now that the economy has opened back up, what business or service would you like to see added to the Lakes Regions economy? ROME, JUL 9 - COVID-19 contagion is on the up in Italy due to an increase in the spread of the Delta variant, according to a draft of the weekly coronavirus monitoring report of the health ministry and the Higher Health Institute (ISS). It said the nation's Rt transmission number has risen to 0.66, up from 0.63 last week. The incidence of cases for every 100,000 inhabitants increased to 11, compared to nine a week ago. The report said 13 regions are low risk for COVID-19 contagion while Abruzzo, Campania, Marche, Veneto, Sardinia, Sicily and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano are now moderate risk. It said none of the regions' the health services were under stress due to the epidemic at the moment. The report will be presented later on Friday after being examined by the government's control room COVID taskforce. (ANSA). ROME, JUL 9 - A 600-strong mob lynched an Italian man living in a village in the south of Honduras, setting fire to his his house and his vehicle, AFP reported on Friday, quoting local police. The mob broke in the victim's house and killed him because he was suspected of killing a neighbour, according to the report. The horrific attack took place in a village some 80 kilometres from the Honduras capital Tegucigalpa, the report said. (ANSA). More than a dozen years ago, the City of Lake Ozark got itself in deep trouble. A major sewage spill landed the city's public works administrator with federal probation, and the city was slapped with a consent judgment requiring it to clean up its act. It's taken 13 years for the city to comply with the requirements set forward in that consent judgment, and during all that time, the city has been ineligible to receive federal and state grant money -- costing the city as much as a million dollars a year, according to Mayor Dennis Newberry. With the completion of the Twin Oaks lift station, the city has now satisfied the consent judgment requirements, however. City officials were notified June 24 that a Satisfaction of Judgment had been filed with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announcing that DNR would be closing its enforcement case. The past 13 years have required a lot of difficult work on the part of our staff, citizens and board of aldermen, City Administrator Dave Van Dee said. This resolution finally puts to bed the dark cloud that was hanging over Lake Ozark for so long, and we can now begin looking to the future. What Happened It all started in early September 2007 when the DNR was alerted by an individual that raw sewage was flowing into the lake. The DNR discovered that a lift station on Horseshoe Bend Parkway had failed and was allowing between 10,000 and 15,000 gallons of raw sewage to flow into the Lake. The DNR notified the city of the bypass, and the city responded and stopped the flow but failed to conduct clean up or provide written notification of the bypass. Fallout A year after the spill was reported, the public works director who had been fired as a direct result of the mishap pled guilty to failing to report the discharge of pollutants into the lake and was sentenced in U.S. District Court to three years of probation. The court also ordered the fired employee to pay a $5,000 fine. In a separate but related case, the City of Lake Ozark plead guilty to repeatedly discharging raw, untreated sewage from several sewage collection stations directly into the Lake of the Ozarks. The discharges were from sewage overflows resulting from faulty equipment. The city was fined $50,000 by the DNR and $30,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency. As part of the judgment, the city agreed to upgrade and maintain its wastewater treatment system and to report any and all bypasses from its treatment system and lift stations as required by the state. Cleaning Up Its Act The city has between 300 and 400 grinder pumps and lift stations that serve the community. All of those had to be upgraded or replaced to meet a subsequent court order. Then-Mayor Johnny Franzeskos and the board of aldermen hired McClure Engineering to design and upgrade the system at a cost of about $3 million. Of that total, the city borrowed $200,000, which was repaid in full and ultimately impacted the citys sewer budget. It was an awesome and sometimes arduous task, Van Dee said. The DNR and McClure Engineering worked together to guide us through the process. Two mayors, multiple aldermen and our staff were involved over the years and their quick action on various ordinances and work orders helped expedite the projects. Over the following decade, the city worked to make the mandated improvements, doing some of the work internally. Improvements include: Rehabilitation of nine lift stations Replaced hundreds of grinder pumps and control panels Cleaned and CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) inspected the gravity flow sewer system Re-lined and sealed several lift station wet wells and manholes Installed remote monitors which alert Public Works staff via text message of any failure within the system Final Piece The final piece of the puzzle was the upgrade of Twin Oaks Lift Station on Twin Oaks Drive, which was completed to the satisfaction of city officials and the DNR only recently. The city blames the delay of its completionabout two yearson their inability to obtain the needed easements from lift station neighbors. Eventually, the DNR, McClure Engineering and the public works staff designed an alternate way to access the lift station. Its taken quite a while, but now we have a wastewater system in place that has the capacity to handle our anticipated growth, Van Dee noted. LakeExpo covered another major sewage infraction in 2020, when our expose revealed the Sunrise Beach Public Works Director had been deliberately discharging sewage down a hillside, through a lakefront neighborhood, into the Lake. Read more below... The SKA Board of Directors, which includes the participation of the Ministry for Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma), through the director of the National Astronomical Observatory, reporting to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), at its meeting on 24 and 25 June gave the go-ahead for the construction of what is set to be the world's largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). This marks the culmination of 30 years of technical design work and scientific preparation carried out by a large international consortium in which Mitma, through the National Astronomical Observatory and the Yebes Observatory, both reporting to the IGN, has been present since the outset. Two venues and a 1.5 billion euro budget The new observatory, specialising in longwave, from centimetre to metric, will have two sites for astronomical observation: one in South Africa, and one in Western Australia, which will specialise in different wavelength ranges. These are remote sites with high atmospheric quality and low radio pollution. The budget to construct this colossal observatory totals 1.5 billion euros. The project is managed by the SKA Observatory (SKAO), an intergovernmental organisation governed by an international treaty that has already been ratified by Australia, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa and the UK, where the headquarters are located. Both Spain and France are in the process of joining the treaty. In addition, there are more participants in the project, such as Canada, Germany, India, New Zealand, Sweden and Switzerland. Specifically, Spanish participation in the SKA project is being coordinated and managed by the Ministry for Science and Innovation. For its part, in addition to the IGN, the Spanish National Research Council and several universities are involved in the design and scientific preparation work. In addition, several Spanish companies will be awarded key high technological value contracts to participate in the construction works. The technological challenges associated with the construction of SKA include the mass production of radio frequency systems, the implementation of long distance and high capacity optical networks and their associated synchronism, supercomputing and mass data storage, energy efficiency, new processing technologies and many more. When the observatory is built by 2030, it is expected to bring about a revolution in many fields of astronomical research, from the formation of stars and galaxies to the study of the mysterious dark energy that dominates the composition of the universe. Non official translation As the 10th generation to milk cows on his family farm, Eric Weaver often wonders what it was like for his ancestors to work the land decades ago. It would be neat, he said, to have video footage of his great-great-grandfather on the farm but that was long before the time of cameras and smartphones. Weaver, who farms near New Holland, Pennsylvania, is making sure theres plenty of video footage of his generation to share with future family members along with the hundreds of thousands of people who subscribe to his YouTube channel. Weaver, 25, started the channel aptly called 10th Generation Dairyman in 2018. He enjoyed watching other farm channels on YouTube, but noticed there werent many representing midsized dairy farms like his. So, on Dec. 2 that year, Weaver strapped a GoPro to his head, went about his day and made his first video in the process. I thought people might find it interesting, Weaver said. I wanted to show the reality of what we do so people can see at least whos running dairy farms and what goes on. Considering his more than 220 videos have received 75 million views, a lot of people find his work interesting. Weaver typically posts a video every two to three days, capturing everything from milking cows in the parlor, working in the field, fixing machinery, going inside a silo, cleaning barns and, currently, building a new heifer barn. Those details like inside the silo are what makes it interesting. You cant see that from the road. You might see some silos but have no idea how it works, he said. If I can show that from the inside, its a different perspective. Just throughout my day theres a lot of little details that people dont realize happen on a dairy farm. While theres a lot of work to do on the farm which consists of 250 acres of owned and rented land and a milking herd of 175 filming and editing videos for the YouTube channel is also time-consuming. At the beginning, Weaver said, it was challenging to record footage throughout the day while getting his chores done. It wasnt paying anything, and it was slowing us down a bit. I dont think my dad had quite as much patience for it, he said. Now its worth my time, and I dont really feel it slows me down during the day. In fact, Weaver builds recording and editing time into his schedule. Financial and Agvocacy Opportunities As of the beginning of July, the channel had more than 340,000 subscribers, and his recent videos were getting more than 100,000 views in the first week they were posted. All those eyes make Weavers videos appealing to advertisers. Video creators get a portion of YouTube ad revenue, which has added financial justification for the channel. Weaver spends about 10 hours a week editing video, so the farm hired help to cover some of the tasks he was doing prior to launching the channel. But the benefits arent just monetary. Now that he has a large audience, Weaver said companies contact him to use their products around the farm and, they hope, get some exposure on the channel. Its amazing the opportunities its given us, he said. The channel has given a lot of positive exposure to the dairy industry itself. Weaver said agvocacy was never his main reason for starting the channel. But he said promoting the dairy industry is an indirect result of the channels popularity, and he has embraced the responsibility. Weaver has used his platform to address misconceptions and criticisms about dairy and farming in general. Considering most of his viewers dont have a farm background, Weaver is also careful with how certain situations are presented in the videos. Flipping cows on their side to trim hooves, that can look a little bad. I share that and try to explain its a positive benefit for the cow, he said. We pulled a calf in one video and that was one that looked a little bit rough, but it was definitely good for the cow and the calf. Its good to show people the whole situation and explain it that were not just careless about the cows. Were mindful. While the channel serves as a teaching tool for a large part of the audience, Weavers success has inspired other farmers to share their worlds on YouTube as well. Weaver said he has been contacted by other farmers for advice on starting their own channels, and others have told him they learned things from his videos that theyve implemented on their own farms. Even Weaver has learned a thing or two by watching channels from other dairy farmers, such as SaskDutchKid in Canada and RMD Dairy in Ohio. I enjoy seeing how different ones operate and the solutions they find to different problems on the farm, he said. Today, as other farmers post videos and rack up the views, a YouTube fraternity has evolved among those sharing agriculture content. Its common for farmers to mention other farmers YouTube channels to help them grow their subscriber base, Weaver said, and its something hes happy to do. Andrew Ochs of The Veggie Boys talked to me before he started his channel, and I gave him a shoutout to give him a little boost. We do connect like that, he said. Weavers own boost happened last September when he posted the video Corn Silage Harvest Efficiency. The video featured a scene of a forage harvester blowing silage directly into a bunk as it chopped it from an adjacent field. The video generated more than 4 million views and is the most popular one on the channel. Weaver said the enthusiasm for the video helped his channel, but its still hard to believe that over 4 million people watched. It almost doesnt register. You go to a sporting event at a stadium and that doesnt even have as many people. I cant imagine standing in front of all those people, he said. Weaver said hed like to reach 1 million subscribers one day, but in the meantime hell continue to carry a camera in his back pocket so hes ready to record the daily happenings on the dairy farm. And it continues to amaze Weaver that as he milks cows at 4 a.m. or cleans the heifer barn, there are so many people watching and enjoying what he does. Its pretty incredible. Sometimes you just see a number on the channel and dont realize its all real people, Weaver said. It is surreal when you realize all these people are following you. Less than a week after he officially retired from Penn State as a professor of dairy science at the end of June, Jud Heinrichs was still being contacted by dairy farmers seeking advice. And he was happy to hear from them. Although he may do a bit more traveling than he was able to do during a career that spanned almost four decades, Heinrichs, who resides in Spring Mills, Centre County, intends on staying active in the dairy industry. I dont plan on walking away into the sunset. I want to stay involved, he said. Since he joined Penn State in 1982, Heinrichs has been heavily involved in Pennsylvanias dairy industry. Much of his work for the last 38-plus years has centered on replacement heifers and forage, and he left his mark on the dairy landscape in several ways. Twenty-five years ago, Heinrichs was a co-inventor of the Penn State Forage and TMR Particle Size Separator, something that he said had a big effect on dairy nutrition at the time, and still does today. At the start, we were trying to help farmers with TMR management, and it was obvious particle size of the feed wasnt right, Heinrichs said. The separator uses a stack of four sieves. The one with the largest holes is on top, and the holes get smaller as the feed particles fall through the stack. The test analyzes the size of the particles a cow actually consumes. Simple enough to be done on the farm, the test replaced a cumbersome laboratory process. Its really being used all over the world, Heinrichs said. Ive been to 41 countries, and Ive seen it used everywhere. Another milestone of Heinrichs career was creating the Penn State Dairy Nutrition Conference more than 20 years ago. The annual event, held in Hershey, was attended by 150 people in the early years, Heinrichs said, but had grown to 650 in 2019, the most recent time it was held in person. The conference is the largest of its type in the United States and has a broad geographic appeal, attracting people from 35 states and every continent except Antarctica, he said. Thats phenomenal to me that people traveled so far from Africa, Asia and Europe, Heinrichs said. The big thing that helped it is we give them timely information that could be applied on any farm. Always Room for Improvement Heinrichs involvement in the dairy industry began well before his career at Penn State. He grew up on a small dairy farm in Sullivan County, New York, and briefly worked as a nutrition consultant prior to joining the university. Hes seen many changes on the dairy landscape, most notably the age at first calving for dairy heifers, which has decreased significantly since the 1980s to 22 months today. Heinrichs believes more changes are on the horizon, especially if the climate keeps getting warmer. Were going to have to do more with heat abatement for cows. Its becoming more of a focus in this region with fans and misting in facilities, he said. Heinrichs also thinks Pennsylvania has room to improve on herd efficiency. Pennsylvania dairy farmers have proved they can put up high-quality forages, so the average milk production per cow should be higher than it is, he said. A 2020 survey conducted by the Center for Dairy Excellence and Penn States Smeal College of Business found that average milk production was 53.3 pounds per cow on small farms and 59.7 on medium-sized farms. Michigan, which has substantially less cows than us, has moved ahead of us in total pounds produced because their cows produce more, Heinrichs said. There is potential to be realized in Pennsylvania, and we have all the right pieces to do it. The ability to improve is one reason why Heinrichs will stay involved in the dairy industry after retiring. He plans on speaking at events and doing plenty of writing, along with continuing to visit farms in the state to help them improve. Out of everything hes accomplished in a long career, visiting with and helping Pennsylvania dairy farmers tops his list. Any time I was at a farm, my goal was to teach them something they can do better. Even slightly. That was my challenge and sometimes it was hard, but theres always something we can improve, Heinrichs said. I never stopped learning about dairy, and I want to continue to spread the ideas Ive gained to help dairy farmers. New Delhi: Chip-maker Qualcomm and Taiwanese tech brand Asus on Thursday introduced a $1,499 phone that is powered by Snapdragon 888 chipset and will be available from August for the 'Insiders' community. Weighing 210 grams in Midnight Blue colour, the smartphone (16GB +512GB) is designed and manufactured by ASUS for the Insiders community, and houses custom premium earbuds from Master & Dynamic, a Quick Charge 5 adaptor, charging cables and a protective case. Qualcomm Launches New Snapdragon 778G 5G Mobile Platform: Report. The 6.78-inch smartphone with Samsung AMOLED screen and a 144Hz screen refresh rate offers an elite gaming and breakthrough audio and sound experience. Mike Roberts, Qualcomm's VP of product marketing, said during a presentation that "never before has such a complete Snapdragon experience been brought together in one single amazing device". The Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is NOT messing around. @ASUS-designed and #Snapdragon 888 #5G-powered, it packs the worlds fastest 5G and #WiFi 6/6E, Snapdragon Elite Gaming, Snapdragon Sound, and more. @Snapdragon Insiders can find it here: https://t.co/FGUkRgkC1q pic.twitter.com/9T0CqYU6xy Qualcomm (@Qualcomm) July 8, 2021 With QuickCharge 5 and a charger in the box, the smartphone charges at 65W and claims to give full charge in 30 minutes. It houses a 4000mAh high-capacity battery. The dual-SIM device comes with Master & Dynamic Snapdragon Sound earbuds that support 24-bit, 96kHz audio and high-quality voice codecs. On the back, there's a second-generation Qualcomm ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The rear camera setup has main Sony flagship IMX686 64 MP image sensor, a 12 MP Sony Ultrawide Camera with dual pixel image sensor and an 8MP Telephoto Camera with 3x optical zoom and up to 12x total zoom. The front camera has a 24MP sensor. The smartphone runs Android 11 and offers 8K UHD video recording at 30 fps for main rear camera and 4K UHD video at 30 /60 fps for main rear camera. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2021 10:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). At least two earthquakes with the strength of 6.0 and 4.8 magnitudes jolted Central California on Thursday afternoon. Merced Sun-Star reported that the tremors were felt at least 25 seconds apart. CBS Sacramento noted that the shaking of the earth happened around 3:50 in the afternoon. READ NEXT: Los Angeles Officials Mark 'Historic' Seizure of More Than $1B of Marijuana Tied to Mexican Drug Cartels 2 Earthquakes Shakes California: Tremors Felt in Sacramento 352 pm - Earthquake felt at Sacramento NWS office. Maybe 1 minute length. Blinds moving. Light building motion/shaking movement. NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) July 8, 2021 The 6.0 magnitude earthquake that was felt in Central California was initially reported at 5.9, but was eventually upgraded by the United States Geological Survey. According to ABC 30, the USGS registered the tremor at around 3:49 in the afternoon on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Merced Sun-Star noted that the tremor centered on the Little Antelope Valley about four miles of Coleville and 150 miles east of Sacramento. Earthquakes Shake Central CaliforniaThe National Weather Service in Sacramento described the tremors felt in the state to last for at least a minute. They also depicted the movement as light building motion or shaking. In a briefing held on Thursday, the USGS said that the 6.0 magnitude earthquake was particularly common in the area, as reported by CBS Sacramento. The agency added that there was a six percent chance that quake shaking was a foreshock of a larger earthquake. Since the first earthquake, a swarm of aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.9 and 4.2 was felt. ABC 30 underscored that the earthquake and its aftershock were shallow, adding that it originated from five miles underground. "It's a region with known active faults," USGS researcher Austin Elliot said, according to a Merced Sun-Star report. Elliot added that the region where the earthquake took place, was a "classic place geologists go to study." Despite the strength of the shaking, USGS noted that there was no great deal of damages reported. So far, the damages accounted for the earthquake were from the Coleville rockslide. The shakings were felt from the San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Carson City Nevada. "We are working closely with the local officials to ensure they have the resources and support to rapidly respond to these earthquakes," the Governor's Office of Emergency Services said in a statement. 4.8 Earthquake in Farmington Reportedly 'Phantom' Earlier reports revealed that another earthquake was reported to have a magnitude of 4.8 that happened 25 seconds apart from the bigger tremor. reported that the USGS removed the report of the weaker tremor that happened in San Joaquin County. USGS explained that the second weaker earthquake reported earlier was a phantom, that stemmed out from their automated reporting, The Sacramento Bee reported. "The faster we release earthquake locations and magnitudes, the more likely it is that the information may be erroneous," USGS said in a statement. Elliott and other seismologists that the glitch was not uncommon because seismic waves cause reflection as they spread emphasizing that one of those reflections just happened to center in Farmington. Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, a seismologist from Western Washington University also hopped in explaining the phantom quake that was reported to be felt alongside the magnitude 6.0 earthquake in California. Caplan-Auerbach noted that location algorithms can sometimes yield an incorrect location, adding that sometimes the algorithm reports that shaking occurred nearby although it was from a location farther away. READ NEXT: California: Los Angeles County Recommends Face Masks Indoors Due to Delta Variant Despite Vaccine Status This article is owned by Latin Post Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Here's Where You Should Really Go to Stay Safe During an Earthquake - From Tech Insider A Border Patrol Agent was seen carrying an injured illegal immigrant to safety after being smuggled into the U.S. border, according to the Customs and Border Protection. Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Chief Patrol Agent Brian Hastings announced the rescue through a tweet, saying the agency's Special Operations Detachment carry a migrant out of the bush and to safety. Hastings added that the migrant suffered an injury while being smuggled into the United States, according to a Fox News report. The tweet was posted with an image, showing the agency carrying the agent adult migrant on his shoulders. Border Patrol rescues thousands of migrants each week despite criticisms for enforcing immigration law. READ NEXT: Supreme Court Rules Against Temporary Protected Status Getting Receiving a Green Card, Says No Right After Entering Illegally Border Patrol Rescues CBP reported in its June operational update that the agency had executed 7,084 rescues nationwide from the beginning of October 2020 until the end of May, according to a New York Post report. Out of the total number of rescues, 6,898 took place along the U.S.-Mexico border. In all of Fiscal Year 2020, the agency had done 5,255 nationwide rescues, while for the Fiscal Year 2019 they had 5,297 rescues. In February, Border Patrol agents had rescued an injured man from Otay Mountain, while Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue agents encountered and apprehended a group of four migrants while in the remote wilderness area on Otay Mountain, according to a CBP media release. San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke said that the situation could have ended worse if not for the agents' grit and selflessness. The agents assessed that the man had his left foot severely damaged from the fall. A Border Patrol agent had come to the rescue of a child migrant, who was drowning near the Texas border in June. The boy entered the United States illegally. He was trying to hold on to some branches but he kept on going under the water. The boy was identified to be from Guatemala. He was treated at the hospital and was released, according to another NY Post report. Hastings said in his posting that an agent risked his life to save a migrant kid from drowning. Border Crisis Meanwhile, states have been conducting efforts to address the border crisis on their own, such as the case for the state of Texas. State Gov. Greg Abbott has allotted a $250 million down payment on the border wall in the state. Kinney County Attorney Brent Smith said that Kinney County law enforcement is overwhelmed with human smuggling along their highways and throughout their residential streets, according to a Fox News report. Smith said that homes are broken into the middle of the night, adding that residents can longer walk outside after dark as it is no longer safe. Meanwhile, the Biden administration officials have highlighted the increased rate of repeat offenders as well as changing demographics of those crossing the border, according to an ABC News Go report. CBP data showed that the number of single adults from April to May had increased by about 10,000 while the number of families and children had dwindled. READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Plans to Demote the Second Top U.S. Customs and Border Protection Official: Report This article is owned by Latin Post Written by Mary Webber WATCH: Border Patrol agent rescues Guatemalan child from Texas pond | Raw video - from KHOU 11 Former Republican Representative Julio Robaina argued that a law revoked about 10 years ago would have prevented the tragic Florida building collapse that claimed many lives on the condo. Robaina mentioned his arguments during an interview with NBC News, saying a "reserve study" might have prevented the tragedy. To date, the death toll of the collapsed condo rose to 64, with 76 individuals still unaccounted for, The Guardian reported. At least 35 were identified by the authorities after the search and rescue operation in the rubble shifted to recovery. READ NEXT: [UPDATE] Florida Building Collapse Search and Rescue Shifts to Recovery Florida Building Collapse: Former Lawmaker Argues Repealed Law Would Have Prevented the Tragedy The Hill reported that Robaina backed a bill in 2008 that would require building associations to hire experts who would submit reports every five years about the estimated costs of repairs, called a reserve study. However, the law lasted for only two years and was repealed in 2010, after Robaina left office. The former Republican representative blamed the revoking of the law on real estate lawyers and property managers who argued that the legislation placed too high of a burden on the condo owners. Former State Representative Gary Aubuchon, a Republican real estate broker, and homebuilder, was the legislator who sponsored the revocation of the law, NBC News reported. "If the owners would have had a reserve study if the board was proactive and had funded its reserves, this never would have happened," Robaina noted. The current law in Florida required the condo boards to maintain reserves for repairs over $10,000. But it does not say exactly how much they need to set aside, granting them the flexibility in avoiding saving for repairs that do not need to be made right away. NBC News also cited a survey by the Community Associations Institute that revealed most homeowners' associations were hesitant to increase the residents' fees, anticipating opposition, and plan for long-term infrastructure fixes. Robaina, who co-owns a property management company, noted that maintaining healthy reserves is the most essential action a condominium board needs to take. Miami Beach Officials Order Building Inspections After Florida Condo Collapse Miami Beach officials directed a two-pronged drive to reinspect their high-rise buildings, focusing on 500 buildings under the 40-year recertification process. Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak confirmed that they began their operation a day after the Florida building collapse. Hudak noted that their top priority is to make sure that the buildings in Miami Beach are safe. Teams of city inspectors were sent to the targeted buildings along with structural engineers to join them in the inspection. If the dispatched team discovered any concerns, the building management team will have 48 hours to respond with a letter from their structural engineer that would certify that the deficiency is being repaired. Among the 500 buildings on the focus, 15 were tagged by the Miami Beach officials, and 10 are being occupied. Hudak said that Miami Beach in Florida is being as "proactive as possible." READ NEXT: Florida Building Collapse: First Funerals Held for Victims; Death Toll Rises to 36 as Tropical Storm Elsa Hampers Search Efforts This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Joshua Summers WATCH:Repealed Florida Law Could Have Repaired Collapsed Condo Sooner - From MSNBC Haitian officials have arrested two American citizens, who are among alleged "foreign mercenaries" that assassinated Haiti President Jovenel Moise earlier this week. They were identified as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, both American citizens of Haitian descent, Daily Mail reported. According to Haitian police, 15 Colombians were also arrested during the raid on Jovenel Moise's home at Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, July 7. Officials have ramped up their search for the mastermind of the Haiti president's assassination. Solanges reportedly lives in Fort Lauderdale and is the president of a charity in south Florida. He also claims to be a former bodyguard at Canada's embassy in Haiti. Vincent, on the other hand, lives in the Miami area. Officials said the two men were born in Haiti. Leon Charles, chief of Haiti's National Police, now claims that police killed only three suspects after earlier reports claiming seven suspects were killed. Charles said that eight other suspects are on the run. He also identified all of the dead and at-large suspects as Colombian. The police chief noted that the foreigners came to the country to kill the Haiti president. The 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, who were among the foreign mercenaries, were identified through their passports. READ NEXT: 4 of Haiti President Jovenel Moise's 'Presumed Assassins' Killed, 2 Arrested by Police Foreign Mercenaries Killed the Haiti President The assassination plot against Jovenel Moise is still being investigated, even beyond the borders of Haiti. Colombian authorities confirmed that at least some of the arrested were former members of the Colombian army, Washington Post reported. Colombian officials announced that they had also started an investigation into the alleged involvement of their nationals in the assassination of the Haiti president. Colombia Defense Minister Diego Molano noted that Interpol had officially requested information on the six people responsible for the act. Colombia is aiding with the investigation, with Colombia's national police head, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, saying that information about the suspects' finances, hours, and dates of flights will be forwarded to the authorities in Port-au-Prince. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports of the American citizens' involvement in the assassination of Jovenel Moise. However, they could not confirm or comment. Charles called for calm and asked the people to let the police do their work. He added that the cars belonging to the suspect torched by a mob are needed for evidence. A crowd was reported to set fire to several abandoned cars with bullet holes. Officials believe that they belonged to the suspects, according to an NPR report. The cars did not have license plates, with one of them having an empty box of bullets and some water. Meanwhile, officials have yet to address the motive for the assassination of the Haiti president. Assassination of Haiti President Jovenel Moise The attack against the Haiti president came just one day after Jovenel Moise named Ariel Henry as the new prime minister. Henry was set to take over from Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph once he builds his government members. Joseph said that Henry was the designated prime minister. However, he added that Henry never took office. The interim prime minister said he was the one in office, citing the law and the constitution, Business Insider reported. Henry contradicted Joseph's claims, saying that he was the prime minister in office. But Joseph had assumed power over the country. He also declared a "state of siege," which has given him absolute power. Lilas Desquiron, a Haitian writer who was a culture minister from 2001 to 2004, said that no one understands what is happening right now. Constitutional experts and diplomats are worried about a possible collapse that could lead to violence or urge the resident to flee the country, New York Times reported. READ MORE: Haiti Gang Led by an Ex-Cop Declares 'Revolution' as Violence Surge Fueled by Poverty This article is owned by Latin Post Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Suspected Assassins Killed and Arrested in Hunt for Haitian President's Killers - From CNBC Television The family members of Paraguay's first lady were the latest identified victims of the Florida condo collapse that killed more than 60 individuals, with 76 people still missing. Daily Mail reported that the bodies of first lady Silvana Lopez Moreira's sister, Sophia Lopez Moreira; brother-in-law, Luis Pettengill; and the couple's youngest child were identified on Thursday, July 8. READ NEXT: Florida Building Collapse: Ex-Lawmaker Says Revoked Law Could Have Prevented Condo's Fall Down; Miami Beach Officials Orders Building Inspections Paraguay First Lady's Family Found at the Site of Florida Condo Collapse The discovery was confirmed by Paraguay foreign Minister Euclides Acevedo. Despite the discovery of Moreira's three kin, two other children of the couple remain among the missing individuals, according to a New York Post report. Details regarding the age of the children were not provided by the authorities. "I am very sorry to have given this type of information," Acevedo said, based on a rough translation. According to New York Post, the report came from the Paraguayan consulate and those close to the family. Apart from the two other children who were still missing, the family's nanny identified as Leidy Luna Villalba was also missing. The 23-year-old nanny reportedly have never left her small town in Paraguay until she moved to the area of the Florida condo collapse to take the job with Moreira's family. The kin of the Paraguay first lady was reported to own an apartment inside the condo. Hours before the building collapsed, the family was about to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. The tragedy that claimed their lives also happened during Pettengill's birthday. The Paraguay first lady's family was reported missing after the building collapse in late June. Other South American Victims of the Florida Condo Collapse Apart from the Paraguay first lady's family, there were other South Americans who were also victims of the Florida condo collapse. About 22 South Americans were initially reported to be missing, composed of nine from Argentina, six from Paraguay, three from Uruguay, and four from Venezuela. It was also reported that the nephew of the former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet was also among the missing victims in the tragedy. It can be remembered that early this month, Puerto Rican graphic artist Luis Andres Bermudez and his mother were identified. Costa Rican accountant Michael Altman was also reported to be identified on the same day. Florida Senator Marcio Rubio noted that almost a third of those reported missing in the Florida condo collapse were foreign nationals. The senator also noted that they were working with Consulates to help secure travel visas for the family members who need to travel to the United States. Almost 1/3 of those now reported missing after the Surfside tragedy are foreign nationals. We are working with the Consulates of various countries in the Western Hemisphere to help secure travel visas for family members who need to travel to the U.S. Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 24, 2021 Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava noted that about 40 people were already identified by the authorities. However, Levine Cava noted that the death toll in the Florida condo collapse can be as high as 140. READ NEXT: Florida Building Collapse: First Funerals Held for Victims; Death Toll Rises to 36 as Tropical Storm Elsa Hampers Search Efforts This article is owned by Latin Post Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Death toll in Surfside Condo Building Collapse Rises to 64 - From CBS News The United States government conducted an investigation that shed light on the suspected participation of Guatemalan soldiers in the cocaine smuggling network connected to Mexico's notorious Sinaloa Cartel. The possible role of the Guatemalan armed forces could be pivotal in the international drug trade. The alleged escorts of the Sinaloa Cartel play a huge part in the drug trade in the region. According to InSightCrime, the allegations stemmed from a diplomatic note allegedly sent by U.S. authorities to the Attorney General's Office of Guatemala requesting the extradition of alleged drug trafficker Kevin Giordano Ortiz Lopez. Ortiz Lopez was the nephew of former Guatemalan kingpin Juan Ortiz also known as 'Juan Chamale.' ALSO READ: Two Leaders of Extremist Haredi Lev Tahor Cult Arrested in Guatemala by Local and U.S. Forces The Whistleblower Details of that request were dictated during the extradition hearing of Ortiz Lopez on July 2. An audio recording of the request was obtained by Guatemalan Newspaper Prensa Libre. It was also reviewed by InSight Crime. The diplomatic note contained testimonies from witnesses who were provided by Guatemalan police agents and drug traffickers who were actively working under the supervision of the Chamale family drug clan. One of the witnesses who was part of the recording claimed that the drug group used soldiers to protect the drug shipments after arriving at the sea. In addition, the witness, who was referred to as TC1 in the audio recording by the U.S. authorities, testified regarding his participation in numerous drug shipments under the drug clan. The witness reportedly stated that once they have received cocaine, soldiers would arrive and load the cocaine into a pickup truck with soldiers who provided security for the convoy. Moreover, the witness also claimed that Kevin Giordano Ortiz Lopez and other members of their family would travel with the soldiers in cargo trucks. The witness also added that they even used security cars while transporting the cocaine through Guatemala. Based on the same testimony, the brother of Juan Chamale, Rony Alexander Ortiz Lopez, was allegedly paid between $400,000 and $1 million in cash for the military escorts. To clear out the allegations, the Guatemala Attorney General's Office has announced its plans to investigate the alleged participation of officers in the drug network. Also, a spokesperson for the Guatemalan military expressed that the Defense Ministry was willing to cooperate in any investigation related to the alleged participation of the officers in the drug trade, local media reported. The explosive accusations date back to the days when the well-known Chamale drug ring controlled smuggling routes that connected the Pacific Coast department of San Marcos of Guatemala to the neighboring Mexican state of Chiapas. For many years, the clan was considered as one of the main cocaine suppliers of the Sinaloa Cartel, even up until 2011 when Juan Chamale was arrested and his subsequent extradition to the United States three years later. The arrest of a mayor in the northern department of San Marcos in Guatemala has revealed the criminal structure known in the area known as the "Los Pochos." Investigators considered the group as the heirs of "Los Chamale," which was formerly one of Guatemala's main drug gangs and transporters for the Sinaloa Cartel. RELATED ARTICLE: Guatemalan Pleads Guilty in Colombia-to-America Cocaine Conspiracy; Accused Extradited to Ohio in 2020 This article is owned by Latin Post Written by Jess Smith There is evidence Covid-19's rebound in Laois where all three local areas have experience a rise in cases but Portlaoise now has a rate well above the rising national average. Ireland's health authorities have published a second set of local area statistics for the virus since the cyber attack forced a suspension of the weekly practice in the middle of May. The latest Local Electoral Area (LEA) figures as published on the Covid-19 Ireland data hub breakdown covers the period from June 22 to July 5. It shows that there were 57 new cases in the Portlaoise area in the two weeks covered. The LEA rate per 100,000 population was 179.3 which is well above the Republic of Ireland rate per 100k of 121.8. It also marks a rise on the two weeks to June 28 when there were 43 new cases giving an incidence rate of 135.2 per 100 k. The incidence rate for Ireland was 98.9 per 100k by June 28. The population of the Portlaoise LEA is 31,794 people with more than 20,000 living in the county town environs. It includes Abbeyleix, Ballyroan and Ballinakill. It borders Kilkenny. The situation is also changing for the worse in the other two Laois LEAs. The latest figures from the Portarlington Graiguecullen LEA show that there were 19 new cases in two weeks giving a rate of 67.6 per 100k. This contrasts to 16 new cases in the two weeks to June 28 when the population incidence of 56.9 per 100k. The population in this LEA is 28,096. Apart from the two big towns, it includes Stradbally, Timahoe, Ballylinan, Ballyadams, Killeshin, Crettyard, Killenard, Ballybrittas. It borders Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Offaly. The best Covid-19 situation in Laois is in the Mountmellick to Borris-in-Ossory LEA though the situation has worsened there also. A total of eight people tested positive in the two weeks to July 5 giving an incidence of 32.2 per 100 k. In the 14 days to June 28 there were less than 5 cases in the LEA while the rate per 100k pop was also less than 5 cases per 100k. The district is less populated than the others. With 24,807 people it includes Rathdowney, Mountrath, Durrow, Castletown, Camross, Errill, Clonaslee and Rosenallis. It borders Tipperary, Offaly and Kilkenny. MORE BELOW LINK. Health Protection Surveillance Centre figures for all of Laois show 86 new confirmed infections to July 5 giving an incidence of 101.5 per 100k. The five day moving average was seven new cases a day. This contrasts with 63 new cases in the two weeks to June 28 giving an incidence of 74.4 per 100 k. There were 5,605 cases nationally in the 14 days to July 5 giving an incidence of 117.7 per 100k. This contrasts with 4,708 new cases nationally in the two weeks to June 28 giving a incidence of 98.9 per 100k. HSPC figures in Laois for the two weeks to July 8 show that there were 88 new cases in the county since June 24 over the period giving an incidence of 103.9 per 100k. There were 6,034 officially confirmed cases of the disease in all 26 counties over the same period giving a national incidence of 126.7 per 100k. The national incidence to midnight of May 12 just before the cyber attack was 129.3 per 100 k due to 6,159 new cases in the previous 14 days. The daily average is 482 a day over five days. The current figures show that close contact with a confirmed case make up nearly 60% of cases while travel has risen as a cause by 2% for just 7% of infections. As of 8am July 8 there were 58 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 17 are in ICU. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has warned about the impact of the Delta strain of the virus. Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, appealed to the public. COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and as we come into weekend, it is extremely important that we continue to adhere to the public health advice to stop the spread of the disease. If you are not yet fully vaccinated and you plan to socialise, please do so safely and meet outdoors. Please avoid crowds, wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts and maintain your social distance. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 over the weekend, make sure to arrange a test as soon as possible and dont put it off until Monday to contact your GP or attend a testing centre, he said. MORE BELOW LINK. The HSPC advises that the cyber attack is still having an impact on data. It says the May 14 incident has prevented the routine notification of cases, associated deaths and outbreaks of COVID-19 to Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) system. As an interim measure, provisional epidemiological reports will be prepared based on the information captured by the HSE COVID Care Tracker. The HSPC says that as soon as all COVID-19 surveillance systems are restored, surveillance staff in laboratories, the Departments of Public Health and HPSC will work together to retrospectively collate and validate COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and deaths diagnosed and/or notified during this period. Requiring visitors to remove their bras or any underwear is not "policy" according to the the Irish Prison Service which is to review security screening at jails in Portlaoise and elsewhere across country after an incident in one of the big Dublin jails. The commitment was made in the wake of revelations that women are asked to remove their bra or had to undergo other searches relating to their underwear when visiting jails. While the IPS has pledged a review the Department of Justice has also ordered an investigation into how a female solicitor has had to remove her bra when visiting a client at Cloverhill Prison to have an urgent bail consultation with a client as reported by The Irish Times. It was reported that the solicitor has filed a formal complaint over the requirement made on June 11, 2020. I felt humiliated that my dignity had been so casually torn from me, she said. This led to further complaints from women visitors of similar experiences. However it was also reported by the Irish Examiner that searches involving underwear are common practice at Irish jails. The Irish Prison Service, whose Director General is Caron McCaffrey, issued a lengthy statement in response. it said the Irish Prison Services mission is to provide "safe and secure custody, dignity of care and rehabilitation to prisoners for safer communities." It insisted that its work is "underpinned by high standards in accountability and support to all those we serve". The statement outlined security screening practice. "All persons entering a prison go through a security screening process. Security screening protocols are in operation throughout all of the prisons for the purpose of maintaining the safety and security of our prisons. All persons reserve the right to refuse any screening procedures, however this may result in the refusal of the visit and the need to reschedule," it said. The statement said revised security screening protocols were introduced for visitors to prisons at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020. It said that between March 13, 2020 and June 30, 2020 pat-down searches could not be conducted due to the risk of infection of Covid-19. It said persons activating the walkthrough metal detector during this time period were given the opportunity to reschedule their visit. At all times during this unprecedented health crisis the IPS said the health and safety of our prisoners, staff and visitors have been of the utmost importance. The statement added that from June 30, 2020 enhanced infection control measures were put in place across the prison estate that allowed the Service to revert to previous security screening arrangements for all those entering our prisons. It said the objective of security screening at point of entry is to deter and prevent the entry of contraband into prisons. The service says it utilise a number of procedures in order to achieve this which include: Walk through metal detector Hand held metal detector Narcotic swabbing X-ray of outer clothing, bags, shoes, jacket and property etc. Canine Drug detection The service elaborated. "Given the footfall into each prison, particularly during visiting times we will offer the person up to three opportunities to pass through the walk through metal detector without indicating before using the hand held metal detector, which is then used to further assist in identifying where the indication is coming from, at no point does the hand held metal detector touch the persons body," it said. It also outlined that so-called Pat Down search is only requested where: We cannot identify the reason for indication A positive indication during narcotics screening (swab and canine) Medical reasons, where a person cannot be exposed to metal detection equipment Security/intel led searches. The statement also outlined the general ethos and policy around the standard prison staff must adopt during searches. "All visitors to the prison, both male and female, are expected to be treated with the highest degree of respect, integrity and courtesy at all times. The Irish Prison Service conducts its business and delivery of its service in adherence to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and aims to maintain high standards of service in all of their dealings with the public. "The Irish Prison Service does not condone behaviour contrary to our standards of courtesy which may put at risk the rights of people to be treated with dignity and respect," it said. MORE BELOW LINK. The statement addressed the recommended practice in relation to underwear and searches. "It is not the policy of the Irish Prison Service to request any person to remove under garments in order to gain admittance to a prison," it said. The IPS also added that anybody visiting jails can complain about who they are treated. "Allegations or claims of inappropriate behaviour by our staff are taken very seriously and are fully investigated. Any visitor who has encountered such behaviour may make a complaint in writing to the Irish Prison Service or by completing a complaint form. Complaint forms are on the website of the Irish Prison Service and are also available in the Prison Visitors Area," it said. The IPS concluded its statement by outlining how it would respond to the recent allegations. "In order to learn from these allegations and as part of our ongoing development programme relating to quality standards and service, a review of current Security Screening operating procedures and customer service training is in progress. This includes a review of policies, procedures and training for staff to ensure that there are effective communications and standards that safeguards that everyone is treated in a proper, fair and impartial manner, while at all times remaining courteous and sensitive," it said. Further details around the rehoming of a husky dog which was involved in the killing of a family pet cat in Portlaoise last summer, were sought by Judge Catherine Staines at Thursdays sitting of Portlaoise District Court. Husky dogs come to the district courts attention, more than other dog breeds, Judge Staines also noted. The judge made her comments in the course of considering a victim impact report in a case where two husky dogs had mauled a family pet cat to death. Before the court on the matter was James Greene of 71 OMoore Place, Portlaoise. He was charged with having an uncontrolled dog, a dog unaccompanied and not having effectual control of a dog at Rossvale Court, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise on July 31, 2020. Sgt JJ Kirby noted that the family's pet cat had been mauled to death by the dogs and the family had been very upset by it. Judge Staines noted that two Husky dogs had been involved in the killing of the cat. The incident had turned the familys lives upside down. The pet cat was the apple of the eye of the wife of the injured party. The family had suffered as a result. They did not accept the apology offered by Mr Greene. They said it was not a once off incident. The dogs had been wandering around for weeks. The Judge noted that the injured party wanted the dogs rehomed, not destroyed. However, she said she had concerns. A dog like this was capable of harming a child. She said she wanted to be 100 percent sure the new owners were responsible and keeping the dog properly secured. She noted a recent incident in an another part of the country where a young child had been killed by a dog. Husky dogs come to the court's attention more than any other dogs, she stated. Defence Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that they were well founded concerns. Judge Staines said she wanted clarification. She noted that the injured party had drawn attention to Husky Rescue Ireland and Andy Cullen. She said she wanted to hear from Mr Cullen about the situation these dogs were being kept in. She said she wanted to hear this before the matter would be finalised. She addressed the issue of some financial compensation to the injured party's wife for the dreadful trauma she had undergone. Mr Fitzgerald noted that there were two dogs involved, but that Mr Greene was not the owner of the other dog. Any compensation should be split between both owners. Judge Staines said she would take into account that he was only responsible for one dog. She asked Mr Greene how he had got the dog rehomed. He replied that he had organised it himself. She said she needed to know who the new owners were and how the dog was secured. She directed that 400 be paid to the injured party and she asked for details of the situation of the new owners. The matter was adjourned to September 23. Nearly 50,000 is going to four Laois groups under the latest round of grants from the COVID-19 Stability funding for community and voluntary groups. Portarlington's Community Centre is the biggest recipient receiving 20,646. They money will go to the provision of space for organisations that provide essential services in the Laois Offaly community. Another organisation that is based in Laois but provides services to surrounding counties is the Cuisle Centre which is headquartered in Portlaoise. It is getting 20,000 out of the fund for health and illness support. The Cuisle Centre provides a range of support services to people with cancer and their families. Stradbally Social Services is getting 7,000 so that essential services can be provided to older people that need help. The nearby Community Hall in Vicarstown is receiving 2,000 for youth services. Funding classified for Kilkenny is going to the The Thomas Hayes Trust Kilkenny also known as Teac Tom. The service, which as an outreach in Stradbally, is getting 37,985 for mental health services. It received 54,790 in the previous 2020 round. Laois Offaly Ministers of State Sean Fleming and Pippa Hackett welcomed the funding. Minsister Fleming said: "These support groups provide critical services within our community and this funding will assist in some part with the financial challenges they have faced as a result of Covid. "I am very happy to see the Government support these groups and I would like to thank each and everyone involved with these organisations for their work and the services they provide in our communities," said the Laois based TD. Minister Hackett said: Volunteers in Laois are performing a superb role in supporting community and social services. Funding for these is essential and Im delighted to see four Laois organisations included in today announcement of allocations, said the Offaly based Senator. Almost 4.5 million in funding is to be provided to 180 community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises in Laois and other counties which have suffered financially as a result of the pandemic. They will benefit from cash injections of between 2,000 and 200,000 out of a new round of Covid-19 supports which the Government says is aimed at groups that provide critical services within the community. The bigger grants have gone to national organisations such as Down Syndrome Ireland which is getting 200,000. So far, more than 46 million now provided in COVID-19 Stability funding since onset of Pandemic. The Laois services to benefit in the 2020 round were: Youth Work Ireland Laois 51,336; P.A.T.H. Portlaoise Action To Homelessness Company Limited By Guarantee 16,718; Abbeyleix Heritage Company Limited By Guarantee 10,589 The COVID-19 Stability Fund was developed to provide support to organisations who find themselves in particular difficulty and have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly during the crisis. The 2021 stage Stability Fund saw 42m of Dormant Accounts Funding provided to organisations. The Fund focused on organisations providing supports and services to not-for-profit organisations in a broad range of sectors, including: Health and Social Care (including addiction, disability and mental health) Child and Family Services (including counselling/therapies) Domestic/Sexual/Gender based violence Housing/Homelessness Community Services (e.g. meals on wheels/befriending services/old age supports/vulnerable peoples support groups etc.) Community Education Sector Organisations were required to demonstrate the impact that the crisis has had on their services, significant financial losses and delivery of vital supports to vulnerable communities. Applications are being assessed and announced in tranches to facilitate timely drawdowns by successful groups and to allow for engagement with any organisations where further information may be required. Pobal, which works on behalf of Government to support communities and local agencies towards achieving social inclusion and development, administer the Stability Fund on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development. This funding is being provided through 10m in Exchequer funding, and 3m Dormant Accounts Funding from a small underspend of the 45m available under the 2020 scheme. The funding was jointly announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Charities and Community Development, Joe OBrien TD. A Laois lollipop lady has retired after 18 years of caring for all her little chicks crossing the road into Portlaoise schools. Holy Family Senior School has sent warm wishes to Annette who manned their gates at the old schools and then the new. "We wish Annette, our Lollipop Lady, a very happy retirement. Annette has been getting the children of the Holy Family schools-and of Scoil Mhuire, Sacred Heart and St Pauls before that-safely across the road for the past 18 years. "She greeted everyone with a warm good morning every day as she stood out in all weathers making sure all the children were safe getting into school. Many thanks, Annette. Enjoy your retirement," they said. Parents send countless best wishes to Annette as well, such as this lovely message from Ollie Dollard. "Awe Annette, Im going to miss ur happy face from the oldest in our family to the youngest u never fail to say a happy hello or happy Friday to all the kids and parents .. u have been a godsend to many an anxious mammy sending their kids to school x". And this from Emer Calt. "Thanks so much Annette for your service. I hope you know the positive influence you've had on all of the children down through the years with your sunny smile". All Laois school wardens got a warm thank you from county Councillors at their June meeting. Labour Cllr Noel Tuohy from Portlaoise tabled a motion specifically to offer thanks to the staff, at the June Laois County Council meeting. As we thankfully come to the end of the school year we should thank these people, they are trusted adults who are a great help to parents and a friendly face, he said. They do tremendous work, they nearly have the role of a Garda at that time, agrees Cllr John King. Cllr Willie Aird agreed, noting that the council employs all the Laois school wardens. More than 5,000 people are languishing on Laois learner driver waiting lists according to figures revealed by Laois-Offaly Sinn Fein who has slammed the Green Party Government Minister invovled for the 'chaos' it is causing. Dep Brian Stanley criticised Minister Eamon Ryan for he termed was a lack of action and difficulties he has caused for those trying to learn to drive. The Laois-based TD made the comments come after his party obtained figures which show that 1,100 people are now waiting for a Driving Test in Laois while a "staggering" 3,993 people are on the Theory Test list in the county. Sinn Fein also revealed that the number awaiting Driving Tests in Offaly is 1,889 with Birr having 762 while 1,127 are waiting in Tullamore. The Theory Test number in Tullamore is 1,521. This means 2,989 people are waiting for a driving test, while a further 5,514 are waiting for a theory test. A record of 225,000 people nationally are currently waiting on a driving test or theory test. Deputy Stanley pointed the finger of blame for the waiting list at the Green Party leader. MORE BELOW LINK. Last year we warned Minister Ryan his lack of preparation and planning for driving tests was going to cause chaos during 2021. This time last year, Sinn Fein called for additional testers to be hired to help address the growing backlog, but it took months for the Minister to grant approval for the 80 extra testers the RSA themselves requested. I raised this again in the Dail recently. They are still not in place. In November we asked the Minister to put the theory test online, but it took until June of this year to bring in a restricted pilot scheme. Universities were able to immediately switch to online exams during the pandemic, but no action was taken by Minister Ryan on this front. "Its simply not good enough. These issues were foreseeable, but a lack of action and initiative from the Minister has allowed waiting lists escalate to a point never seen before. The Minister seems to have been asleep at the wheel for most of the past year. He showed no interest in what was clearly becoming an enormous problem. It is predominantly young people affected by these delays, which is having a massive impact on their lives. The delays are impacting their employment opportunities and will become a major problem for many as they return to college in September. "Young people deserve better, he said. Dep Stanley said testing and theory testing capacity must increase immediately. He said this should include the fast-track recruitment of staff, longer opening hours, and the establishment of pop-up centres where necessary. 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. A statement on behalf of the Sligo County Council CEO and President of IT Sligo thanks everyone for their upport on the fundraising campaign to help secure the future of the Yeats Society in Sligo. "WB Yeats is Irelands national poet, who has helped for over a century to reinforce Irelands global image as a place of culture, reflection and deep insights, and whose lines are regularly quoted by people with only a passing interest in poetry. The Yeats Society in Sligo has a proud history of sustaining and developing the Yeats legacy for just over 60 years, and has built a global network of scholars and writers directly involved in Sligo, from literature students beginning their programmes to poets of the eminence of Seamus Heaney. It has provided a focal point for international and Irish visitors to Sligo. "We are very conscious that very many cultural, community and sporting groups have been very badly hit by the pandemic, and many will tragically fail to re-emerge from it. We are committed to doing what we can to help such groups within the resources and obligations we are working under. "We do believe that the Yeats Society is a particular priority for our County for the following reasons; The Yeats legacy is a primary defining feature of Sligos place in Ireland and the world. The Yeats Society has built a 62-year legacy of engagement with pre-eminent scholars from around the world and a rich record of documents and discourse around that legacy. Prudent management has ensured the Society has no debt but Covid has wiped out its revenues. It has shown that in normal times it can survive without exceptional support. "Therefore we believe it would be a great failure on our collective parts if this most valuable cultural asset for our County were to be allowed to fall on account of a temporary and exceptional crisis. We will be encouraging people therefore to give their support to this fund raising campaign where they can." THE latest phases of two new housing developments in city suburbs sold out in just one day. When contacted by the Leader, Sinead McMullen, of Sherry FitzGerald Limerick, confirmed that the most recent releases of Mungret Gate and The Edge, Castlebrook Manor, Castletroy were both snapped up in under 24 hours. Ms McMullen said it underpins the demand for housing in Limerick, Cork and Galway as opposed to Dublin. People are working from home so property has more value than it ever had. In May, we had the launch of 28 units in Mungret Gate and they were all sold in one day. Just last month we released 25 units in The Edge, Castlebrook Manor and again they were sold in one day, said Ms McMullen. The latest phase of Mungret Gate - which has around 150 homes in total - is a mix of two bedroom townhouses (235,000); three bedroom semi-detached (300,000) and four bedroom semi-detached (350,000). Twenty four of the 25 abodes released in The Edge, Castlebrook Manor are three bedroom semi-detached (325,000) with one four bedroom detached (450,000). All prices listed are starting from. They have all been bought off plans with a completion date of late this year or first quarter 2022. Ms McMullen reports between 300 and 400 registered their interest in both developments. There are currently up to 60 on a cancellation list if buyers pull out. I have never seen the level of demand we have experienced in the last six months. It is really unprecedented. The housing supply is at the lowest level seen in 14 years. We certainly never forecast that this would happen. At the start of the pandemic we were all worrying about how we would get through it, said Ms McMullen. What kind of clients is she seeing interested in purchasing these brand new homes? Seventy to 80% would be first time buyers. They are trying to get on the property ladder. They have savings behind them because they havent had the opportunity to spend during Covid. We are seeing people with Limerick links coming back from Dublin, from abroad, as far away as Australia. It is very positive that people are coming back to Limerick, Cork, Galway etc and it isnt all happening in the capital. The help to buy scheme, which is due to expire at the end of the year, is a real driving force in the new homes market, said Ms McMullen. New phases of Mungret Gate and The Edge, Castlebrook Manor will be released later this year. Ailbhe OMalley, director of Sherry FitzGerald Limerick, said the increase in savings by people employed throughout Covid has sped up the process of those going to come to the market in the next couple of years. They need houses and they need new houses built. They need it to happen quickly and it is just not happening. A lot of people who would have been in the market in Dublin have realised now they can buy in Limerick and work from home. If they are in the 250,000 to 400,000 bracket, Limerick is an option for them whereas Dublin wouldnt have been, said Ms OMalley. Michael Avenatti was sentenced Thursday to 2 1/2 years in prison for trying to extort Nike Inc. for more than $20 million, capping the public downfall of a celebrity lawyer whose star turn as Stormy Danielss pugnacious lawyer ended in criminal charges. Mr. Avenatti, 50 years old, was convicted after a jury trial in February 2020 on all three counts he faced: extortion, transmission of interstate communications with intent to extort, and wire fraud. The case grew out of Mr. Avenattis threats to expose purported corruption in Nikes elite basketball program unless the apparel giant paid him to conduct an internal investigation. Before handing down the sentence, U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe called Mr. Avenattis conduct outrageous and said he operated as if laws that apply to everyone else didnt apply to him. Mr. Avenatti had become drunk on the power of his platform," Judge Gardephe said in a Manhattan federal courtroom. The Manhattan U.S. attorneys office had asked Judge Gardephe to impose a very substantial sentence" in line with probation officials recommendation of eight years imprisonment. Prosecutors said Mr. Avenatti betrayed his clients trust and sought to enrich himself by weaponizing his public profile in an attempt to extort a publicly traded company out of tens of millions of dollars." Lawyers for Mr. Avenatti proposed a six-month prison term, noting his convicted offenses werent violent and didnt cause financial loss. Mr. Avenatti sought, unsuccessfully, to have the verdict overturned and says he wasnt allowed to present important evidence at trial. His lawyers have previously said they would pursue an appeal. Mr. Avenatti, fighting back tears, told the judge that he was grateful for the love of his family, even when he least deserved it. He said he had always wanted to fight for the little guy against the Goliaths. For years, I did just that," he said. But I lost my way." Judge Gardephe cited several reasons in handing down a sentence below that recommended by federal guidelines, including Mr. Avenattis remorse in court and what he called horrific conditions at the New York federal jail where Mr. Avenatti had been held. Thursdays sentencing caps just one of Mr. Avenattis legal battles. He also faces a litany of tax and bank charges in California with a trial set to begin next week in federal court in Santa Ana, Calif. A trial in New York is scheduled to start next year on federal charges that he embezzled money from Ms. Daniels. Mr. Avenatti has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied wrongdoing. Judge Gardephe ordered Mr. Avenatti to report to prison on Sept. 15, after what is expected to be the conclusion of his trial in California. When Mr. Avenatti leaves prison, he will face three years of supervised release, Judge Gardephe ordered. Based in Southern California, Mr. Avenatti had a reputation as a rainmaker and a showman even before his representation of Ms. Daniels made him a household name. In 2018, after The Wall Street Journal revealed a hush-money payment made to the adult film star to conceal her alleged sexual encounter with former President Donald Trump, Mr. Avenatti became a combative and telegenic staple on nightly news shows, and he and Ms. Daniels were splashed across glossy magazine spreads. But Mr. Avenattis business affairs had been unraveling for years, court filings show. By early 2019, prosecutors showed at trial, Mr. Avenatti was about $11 million in debt, and a probe by the Internal Revenue Service in California had become a criminal investigation into his business and financial affairs. Prosecutors in New York and California have described a pattern of stealing from clients to enrich himself and cover mounting losses, allegations Mr. Avenatti has denied. Around February 2019, Mr. Avenatti began representing a youth basketball coach whose elite team had recently lost a sponsorship deal with Nike. On March 19, 2019, Mr. Avenattiaccompanied by Los Angeles lawyer Mark Geragosmet in New York with two of Nikes outside lawyers from law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. Mr. Avenatti said his client had evidence that Nike employees had funneled illegal secret payments to the families of top high-school basketball players, according to evidence presented at trial. Mr. Avenatti threatened to expose the payments at a news conference the next day unless Nike paid his client a $1.5 million settlement and hired Messrs. Avenatti and Geragos to conduct an internal investigation, according to evidence at trial. Mr. Geragos wasnt charged, and didnt testify at the trial. His lawyers disputed Mr. Avenattis efforts, before the trial, to characterize him as an accomplice. The coach testified at trial that he didnt know about Mr. Avenattis proposed quid-pro-quo arrangement. In a statement provided by a spokeswoman, Nike said: The verdict and sentence speak for themselves." After the March 19 meeting, Nikes lawyers contacted the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office. Nike had been cooperating with the office in its investigation into alleged corruption in college basketball. In the following days, at the direction of law enforcement, Boies Schiller lawyers recorded conversations with Mr. Avenatti, in which he repeated his alleged threats and proposed a minimum $12 million retainer or a confidential $22.5 million settlement to make the matter disappear. In one call, Mr. Avenatti threatened to go take 10 billion dollars off your clients market cap." On March 25, Mr. Avenatti tweeted that he planned to hold a news conference the following day to disclose criminal conduct" at the highest levels of Nike." Within hours, FBI agents arrested Mr. Avenatti outside Boies Schillers Manhattan offices and charges were unsealed against him in New York and California. Corrections & Amplifications Michael Avenatti is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said in one sentence that he was to be sentenced Wednesday. (Corrected on July 8, 2021) Write to Rebecca Davis OBrien at Rebecca.OBrien@wsj.com and Corinne Ramey at Corinne.Ramey@wsj.com Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. As Covid-19 cases decline in Karnataka, the state government has relaxed several stringent lockdown restrictions. However, a decision on reopening higher educational institutions has not been taken yet. State deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Thursday said the government has not decided yet on the date of reopening of degree colleges. In a statement, Narayan, who holds the higher education portfolio, said that the focus is to vaccinate the students aged above 18 against coronavirus. "The dates of opening the degree classes will be decided after consulting with all the stakeholders," he said. Earlier, the state had asked all vice-chancellors to ensure that all degree college students, who are above 18 years of age, are vaccinated by 7 July. The beneficiaries were to include students of polytechnic, ITI, degree, engineering, medical, paramedical, diploma, medical diploma, students registered under chief minister's skill development scheme and studying in university campuses "The vaccination drive for the higher education students was initiated on 28 June," Narayan had said after the state started the Marali Collegige (back to college) programme. As per the last update, the Deputy CM said that 65% of students in government institutions and aided institutions have been vaccinated. Covid situation in state Karnataka logged 2,530 new cases of Covid-19 and 62 deaths, pushing the total number of infections to 28,64,868 and toll to 35,663, the health department said on Thursday. The day also saw 3,344 discharges, taking the total number of recoveries to 27,90,453. Bengaluru Urban recorded 514 new cases and 753 discharges. While the positivity rate for the day stood at 1.60%, the fatality rate (CFR) was at 2.45%. With inputs from agencies. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Canada's chief public health officer says there are cases of the latest Covid-19 variant of interest in the country, but it's 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. We're just trying to gather up some information on who it is that's having the Lambda variant right now, but there's 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." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Shortly after midnight on Monday in the northwestern state of Kaduna, gunmen forced their way into a hospital specializing in the treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy and shot three people before kidnapping 10 others, including two infants under the age of two. Less than an hour later, another group of militants broke into the Bethel Baptist school 45 miles away and abducted 121 boys and girls aged between 9 and 16. At around the same time, another group of militants approached the newly renovated campus of Faith Academy and attempted to seize the schools 500 students, fighting a two-hour running battle with police before withdrawing. They took the babies," said Adamu Jubril, an orderly at the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre in Zaria, who cowered next to a window and watched the assailants drag away the screaming hostages. It makes the families pay the ransom quicker." The attacks, conducted within hours of each other, spotlight the terrifying frequency of what has become a routine and brutal business in Africas most populous country. Since December, heavily armed criminal gangs have abducted and ransomed more than 1,000 children in attacks on 11 school dormitories, rocking Nigeria and drawing calls for urgent action from the U.S. government, the European Union and Pope Francis. Hundreds of school campuses have been closed across four states for fear of more attacks, leaving close to 15 million Nigerian children out of schoolmore than any other country in the world. Now, the abductions are mushrooming to include other targets that would normally be seen as havens, including hospitals. Politicians and celebrities have also been snared. Last month Nigerias longest-serving soccer coach Stanley Eguma was abducted, while Ahmad Ahmad, a member of the state house of assembly in northwestern Zamfara state, was killed during a botched kidnap attempt. Doctors in northwestern states say they can only do their rounds safely if guarded by armed police. Families rush into wards to remove bedridden family members after hearing rumors the hospital could be a target. Once-busy expressways connecting trading towns have become virtual no-go zones because bandits erect mobile checkpoints and abduct the travelers, local officials say. Our region is under siegeWhat is happening here is so disturbing," said Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zuzzau, a traditional ruler in the northwest. When my district heads come to report on the security situation, they are often crying." The statistics paint a grim picture of an exploding kidnap-for-ransom economy. Since January, a record 3,000 people have been abducted across Nigeria, according to Statisense, a Nigerian data company, including 1,344 people in June alone. That is a total of 45 people kidnapped each day. More than 300 are still missing and the true toll is far higher since so many attacks go unreported. More than $18 million has been paid out by Nigerians in ransom over the past decade, according to a report from Lagos-based risk-analysis firm SB Morgan Intelligence. The kidnap crisiswhich comes as Nigeria is facing its worst recession for four decadesis spreading from its epicenter in the northwest of the country, where criminal gangs carry out kidnappings, exploiting the ineffective government and weak security presence. They are dominated by nomadic herders from the Fulani ethnic group, who have been feuding with farmers over access to grazing land for their cattle. The clashes have become increasingly violent, and about 4,000 people have been killed in fighting since 2015, according to another SBM Intelligence report. On Tuesday, a day after the three mass-kidnap attempts, 21 people were killed in multiple raids on villages in the neighboring state of Katsina. The state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, last week became the latest Nigerian political leader to call on citizens to take up arms to defend themselves, as law and order appears to be breaking down. Security issue is our responsibility; we do not have to surrender ourselves and expect others to fight for us," Mr. Masari said. Nigerias population appears to be both stunned and numbed by the near-daily headlines of attacks against children and other soft targets. To raise ransoms to retrieve their children, thousands of Nigerians are losing everything: liquidating their assets, selling off their homes and farmlands or incurring huge debt Just when you think it wont get any worse it proves you wrong," said Bulama Bukarti, a Nigerian human-rights lawyer and analyst at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Huge parts of rural Nigeria have become completely ungovernable. There has never been a more trying time to be a Nigerian." Kaduna state governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been one of the most vocal political leaders calling for other officials to stop paying ransom money, echoing a call by President Muhammadu Buhari. Yet Mr. El-Rufai was forced to withdraw his own children from public schools in Kaduna last month, citing three credible plots to abduct his son, Abubakar. The kidnappers, known as bandits in Nigeria, are criminal groups who have become sophisticated and well-armed, using the dense Rugu Forest, which spreads across four Nigerian states and several hundred square miles, as a hiding place and base from which to launch attacks and then hold captives. The epidemic of insecurity in those areas comes after a decade of state breakdown in the northeast, where jihadist group Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates as Western education is sinful," began the attacks on schools after it declared war on the Nigerian state in 2009. Boko Haram kidnapped thousands of children as conscripts, but the mass abduction that drew international attention was its infamous kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014, igniting the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign. More than 100 of those captives were freed in two exchanges in 2016 and 2017 for a prisoner swap and a ransom of 3 million euros, or about $3.6 million, according to government officials and people involved in the negotiations. Seven years after the kidnapping, more than 100 are still missing. Oby Ezekwesili, the former education minister who led the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, said on Wednesday that her worries about what the Chibok abduction could herald had been realized: It was fear of what could happen to our children and their education if our government and entire society failed to send a strong signal that we value our young citizensThat fear was valid." Mondays attacks represented a grim new threshold. Mr. Jubril remembers looking at his watch when he was waked by the sound of gunfire around the hospitals staff dormitory. It was 12:57 and I could see armed men everywhere," he said. They were shouting into the buildings for people to come out." Hospital officials said the gunmen were looking for the senior doctors but when they failed to find them, they ordered staff and patients away at gunpoint. One of those kidnapped was Christiana Afalu, along with her two daughters, 12-year-old Maranatha and Bethel, just a few months old. I saw the women carrying the babies. Everyone was terrified," Mr. Jubril said. As gunmen were raiding the hospital compound, another gang of kidnappers were barging into the boardinghouses at the Kaduna Baptist Bethel School 50 miles away, demanding students gather in the darkness. Dozens of armed men on motorbikes had arrived at the school after midnight, while the students were sleeping, as another group attacked a nearby police station. More than 120 children were marched into the forest and are still missing. Rahela Johns youngest daughter Banat, 10, is among them. I cant sleep. I cant do anything," she said, her voice quivering. I love her so much." On Tuesday night, 24 hours after the hospital abduction, Christianas husband, Hassan Afalu, got a call to say his family had been abducted. The kidnappers called me last night and demanded 10 million Naira (equivalent to around $25,000) but I told them I dont have that kind of money and asked if theyll take 500,000," he said. They refused, said Im not serious and that I should call back when I am." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Some of the ancient Roman coins found by the Aa river in the Netherlands, following their discovery and an initial cleaning. When amateur treasure hunters discovered 107 ancient Roman coins on the banks of a river in the Netherlands at the end of 2017, they had no idea why the coins were there. Now archaeologists have cracked the case. In Roman times, there was likely a shallow crossing known as a ford at this narrow part of the river, and superstitious travelers probably offered up coins to guarantee safe passage across the waterway, like a wisher throwing a penny into a fountain, archaeologists wrote in a report released June 6 by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands. Many of the coins had military imagery, which may echo the earlier local practice of placing war-related objects, such as axes, swords and helmets, along rivers and other stretches of water, said the report's co-researcher Liesbeth Claes, an assistant professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands. "This could be a pre-Roman custom that continued in the Roman period but in a different way," Claes said in a statement . Deducing that this practice persisted "was an important eureka moment in my academic career." Related: Photos: Roman-era silver jewelry and coins discovered in Scotland Amateur archaeologists, brothers Nico and Wim van Schaijk, found the coins with metal detectors along the Aa river in the village of Berlicum. The stash included four silver denarii and 103 bronze sesterces (worth one-quarter of a denarius), as well as axes. After the van Schaijks reported the find to the Portable Antiquities of the Netherlands, an agency that catalogues artifacts found in the country, archaeologists found a bronze pendant from a horse harness and two more Roman coins at the site, bringing the total to 109 coins. All of the coins were minted between 27 B.C. and A.D. 180, while the pendant dated to between A.D. 120 and 300. The fact that these coins weren't overly valuable (there weren't any gold coins, for instance); were scattered over a large area and not buried together in a "chest or amphora;" and were minted over a period spanning over 200 years suggested that the coins weren't hidden by one person or group as a single treasure trove, but were likely "deposited by different people over a long period," Claes said. Image 1 of 3 A heavily corroded coin found by the Aa river with an image of the Roman Emperor Titus. (Image credit: Wim van Schaijk) Image 2 of 3 Archaeologists dug a trench alongside the Aa river in the Netherlands. (Image credit: Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands) Image 3 of 3 Historian Liesbeth Claes and amateur treasure hunter Wim van Schaijk look at the corroded Roman coins. (Image credit: Tessa de Groot (T.de Groot&J.W.de Kort (ed.), A safe crossing: Research on a find of coins from the Roman period in the valley of the Aa near to Berlicum (in the municipality of Michielsgestel), Amersfoort 2021) During the team's analysis of the site, they found a document dating from 1832 that noted a path cutting across the river. "Apparently, there was a ford on this spot, where people could wade through the river," Claes said. "Later, the ford fell into disuse. This information, together with the find of the coins, convinced us that travelers in Roman times brought offerings here for a safe crossing." Even though the river isn't a rapidly flowing one, "For traders, in particular, it was important to be able to transport their goods safely to the other side," she said. "And there's also the fact that in ancient times, rivers always had some sacred connections," which would support the hypothesis that the coins were offerings. Archaeologists have yet to find concrete evidence of a ford from Roman times at the site. But they're hopeful that future excavations may unearth clues of its existence, they wrote in the report. What's more, although the team commended the amateurs for discovering the coins, going forward "It is advised not to allow metal detection in the advisory zone, so that existing coins and other metal finds are not taken out of context without an archaeological investigation," they wrote in the translated report. Originally published on Live Science. This all-sky view of the Milky Way galaxy shows the globular cluster Palomar 5 and its tidal tails in the top center. A cluster composed of thousands of stars may dissolve to become a mob of dozens of black holes in a billion years, a new study finds. This dark fate may arise from the actions of a few black holes that may currently lie within that cluster of stars, and the finding may shed light on the future of dozens of similar clusters in the Milky Way, researchers say. Scientists analyzed globular clusters, which are densely packed collections of ancient stars. Roughly spherical in shape, they may each contain up to millions of stars. The Milky Way possesses more than 150 globular clusters arranged in a nearly spherical halo around the galaxy. Related: Scientists find clump of black holes inside the heart of globular cluster (video) The researchers focused on Palomar 5, a globular cluster about 11.5 billion years old located in the Milky Way's halo, about 65,000 light-years from Earth in the Serpens constellation. Palomar 5 is one of the sparsest known globular clusters. Whereas the average globular cluster is about 200,000 times the mass of the sun and about 20 light-years in diameter, Palomar 5 is about 10,000 times the mass of the sun yet about 130 light-years across, overall making it about 3,000 times less dense than average, study lead author Mark Gieles, an astrophysicist at the University of Barcelona in Spain, told Space.com. At the same time, Palomar 5 is known for two long tails streaming from it, composed of stars the globular cluster has shed. These spectacular tails span more than 22,800 light-years in length more than 20 degrees across the sky, or about 40 times the apparent diameter of the full moon. Palomar 5 is one of the few known star clusters with such long tails, making it key to understanding how such tails might form. Previous research suggested Palomar 5's tails resulted from the way in which the Milky Way was shredding apart the globular cluster. The galaxy's gravitational pull is stronger on one side of Palomar 5 than the other, tearing it apart an extreme version of how the moon's gravitational pull causes tides on Earth. This so-called "tidal stripping" may help explain not only Palomar 5's tails but also a few dozen narrow streams of stars recently detected in the Milky Way's halo. "I see Palomar 5 as a Rosetta Stone that allows us to understand stream formation and learn about the progenitors of streams," Gieles said. Scientists had suggested that Palomar 5 formed with a low density, making it easy for tidal stripping to rip it apart and form its tails. However, a number of its stars' properties suggest it was once similar to denser globular clusters. Now Gieles and his colleagues suggest Palomar 5 may indeed have once been much denser than it is now and that its current sparse nature and its long tails may be due to more than 100 black holes lurking within it. The researchers simulated the orbits and the evolution of each star within Palomar 5 until the globular cluster finally disintegrated. They varied the initial properties of the simulated cluster until they found good matches with actual observations of the cluster and its tails. The scientists discovered Palomar 5's structure and tails may have resulted from black holes making up about 20% of the mass of the globular cluster. Specifically, they suggest Palomar 5 may currently possess 124 black holes, each on average about 17.2 times the mass of the sun. Altogether, this is three times more black holes than one would currently expect of a globular cluster of that mass, Gieles said. In this scenario, Palomar 5, like typical globular clusters, formed with black holes consisting of just a small percent of its mass. However, the gravity of the black holes slung around stars that got near them, puffing up the cluster and making it easier for the Milky Way's gravity to rip stars away. A billion years from now, they calculated Palomar 5 might have ejected all of its stars, leaving behind only black holes. Gieles and his colleagues suggest that gravitational interactions within dense globular clusters may drive them to eject most of their black holes. As such, dense globular clusters may keep most of their stars. In contrast, the researchers found that globular clusters that start out less dense, such as Palomar 5, may eject fewer black holes and instead shed most of their stars. As such, black holes may come to completely dominate such globular clusters, making up 100% of their mass. "I am most excited about finally understanding why some clusters are large, and others small," Gieles said. "Many people simply assumed that this was a result of different formation channels that is, nature. We showed that the difference in appearance is due to evolution that is, nurture." "Because Palomar 5 has several peculiar features that are also found in all other dense clusters, we can reconcile these findings and assume that Palomar 5 probably formed in a similar way as all the other clusters," Gieles added. The researchers found that when it comes to globular clusters in the outer halo of the Milky Way that is, those further from the galactic center than the sun "about half of the clusters seems to be comparable to Palomar 5 and the other half is denser," Gieles said. The half that is similar to Palomar 5 may experience a similar black-hole-dominated fate, the researchers said. Gieles cautioned that they were able to devise a model of Palomar 5 that had no black holes and was not dense at its formation but also matched all the details astronomers have seen of it. Still, he said there was only a 0.5% chance Palomar 5 could have formed this way. "The 'no black hole' model is very unlikely to occur in nature, and does not resolve the issue that Palomar 5 has properties similar to other dense clusters," Gieles said. These findings may help shed light on the 10% of the Milky Way's globular clusters that are fluffy like Palomar 5, which are less than 100,000 times the mass of the sun but more than 65 light-years in diameter. The researchers suggest these fluffy globular clusters are rich in black holes and may eventually completely dissolve, resulting in many thin stellar streams. Future research can analyze Palomar 5 to learn more about its black holes, Gieles said. The scientists detailed their findings online July 5 in the journal Nature Astronomy. Originally published on Space.com. Denham Springs, LA (70726) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Click here to read the full article. Lest anyone think Paul Verhoevens latest shocker was intended to be a serious look at sexuality in religious service, the promotional poster for the film plastered around the Cannes Film Festival where Benedetta bowed in competition depicts actor Virginie Efira dressed as a 17th-century Italian nun, her white habit pulled open to reveal an airbrushed nipple. This is an erotic film, full stop, and though Benedetta is smarter in various respects than such sisters-in-exploitation as Put Your Devil Into My Hell and The Killer Nun, in others, its much, much dumber. Lets begin with the wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that is young Benedettas most prized possession when she enters the Theatine convent as an 8-year-old novice, and that, by the films end, will have been whittled into a shape through which ecstasy is far more easily achieved. Everything is either obvious, vulgar or some smarmy combination of the two in this racy follow-up to Verhoevens rape-themed 2016 thriller Elle. In that film, it was as if Isabelle Hupperts character were pushing back on a depraved male fantasy as it unfolded, reclaiming her agency by taking control of the situation and flipping it for her own pleasure. Here, Verhoeven reteams with Elle screenwriter David Burke to adapt Judith C. Browns rigorously researched Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, and while the project will also be read as a feminist statement by some the book details a true, high-profile case of homosexuality at a time when such records were scarce the film is far less ambiguous about its intentions. With its haters-be-damned approach to all things carnal, Benedetta is intended to arouse, thereby satisfying the most basic definition of pornography, even if Verhoeven (who claims a certain scholarly interest in the subject as well) does surround the titillating bits with illuminating insights into Renaissance religious life. Since the days of Turkish Delight, this has been the subversive essence of Verhoevens oeuvre. Indeed, the director has spent his entire career challenging the societal notion that the representation of something as fundamental to the human experience as sex (without which none of us would be here) should be verboten. But its not sex that seems to interest Verhoeven so much as kink, and though cultural values are changing fast when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance, its doubtful that the 82-year-old director would have much interest in Benedetta Carlinis story if her bedroom exploits were not so controversial. Simply put, Benedetta intends to offend, and Verhoeven sets about that mission from the outset, showing a commedia dellarte street theater troupe lighting their farts for the amusement of unsophisticated crowds. Verhoevens career descends from this tradition, even if hes intelligent enough to offset the profanity with blunt social critique the Showgirls strategy. In the opening scene, young Benedetta stands up to a group of outlaws, claiming a direct line of communication with heaven (The Virgin does all I ask of her). The bandits mock her, and then, as if on command, a bird evacuates in one of their faces. Is this some kind of sign? Once you start looking for miracles, they become surprisingly easy to find, the Reverend Mother (Charlotte Rampling) of the Theatines warns, and though Benedetta loosely derives from documented history, on-screen every seemingly supernatural event occurs at the screenwriters will. In cinema, the filmmaker is God, after all, and Verhoevens strategy is to inspire a level of doubt over whether his protagonist is really getting support from upstairs, as each new marvel seems more extreme, from visions and trances to speaking in tongues and receiving the stigmata. At one point, she prophesies that she can spare the town of Pescia from the plague, raging all around. The abbess and her followers are skeptical at first, but thats the paradox of all religions: So much of it must be taken on faith. Verhoeven invites a certain ambiguity so as to have it both ways, where believers wont feel that hes attacking their religion outright, while skeptics have enough clues to reach their own conclusions (like the shards of pottery Benedetta may have used to inflict her own wounds). The director further armors himself against detractors by embracing camp, pushing the plainly outrageous elements to such extremes as to elicit ironic laughter: the sexy Jesus and knowingly bad CGI of Benedettas visions, the relish with which the Papal Nonce (Lambert Wilson) presents the pear a gruesome vaginal torture device. It all amounts to a very transgressive form of divine comedy for those willing to join Verhoeven on his sacrilegious wavelength. And why watch Benedetta in any other way? The helmer operates in the same broad, manipulative strokes that Mel Gibson brought to The Passion of the Christ, reducing all but Benedetta to one-dimensional agendas. The men of the church may seem pious, but their actions are all motivated by political advantage. The women submit to the patriarchy, but find cunning ways to grasp power as it comes, as represented by the brave but futile stand taken by the abbess most faithful servant (Louise Chevillot). But what of the notorious lesbian love story? One could presumably tune out all the religious scandal and choose to see Benedetta as nothing more than the story of two women passionately attracted to one another in an environment where, as one nun puts it, your worst enemy is your body. Efira plays Benedetta as a sincerely devout member of the Theatine order who experiences a strong and inexplicable connection to a peasant girl, Bartolomea (Daphne Patakia), who seeks shelter from her abusive father within the convent. Verhoevens never been one for subtlety, but theres a tenderness to these early scenes as the women establish a tentative intimacy. Bartolomea isnt shy about her body, whereas Benedetta wrestles with her guilt as she steals glimpses of the tomboyish new arrival. (She also holds a mirror to the hidden corners of her own anatomy.) To think that Cannes turned down Pedro Almodovars Dark Habits back in the day but awarded a shared best actress prize to the cloistered co-leads of Christian Mungius 2012 Beyond the Hills. And now this! Say what you will about religion, but Benedetta argues that there has been no more repressive force on human sexuality than those rules attributed to God yet agreed upon and enforced by men. Verhoeven comes down on the side of personal gratification, and thats the problem: Its all well and good to stick up for a pair of 17th-century lesbians, but as their plight is presented here, were keenly aware that theyre being ogled by a pervy old man. Its the Blue Is the Warmest Color problem all over again not so much the male gaze (DP Jeanne Lapoirie is a woman; she has shot several queer classics, including Wild Reeds and BPM) as the conceit that two inexperienced female lovers, deprived of role models, would have porn-caliber sex their first time out, changing positions multiple times for the benefit of a steamy montage. Its in these scenes that Verhoevens agenda seems most apparent, revealing Benedetta to be not a groundbreaking film, but just another entry in the tawdry nunsploitation genre. Reviewed at Pathe screening room, July 2, 2021. (In Cannes Film Festival Competition.) Running time: 131 MIN. Running Time: Running time: 131 MIN. Production (France) An IFC Films (in U.S.), Pathe Films (in France) release of a SBS Prods., Pathe production, in co-production with France 2 Cinema, France 3 Cinema, Topkapi Films, Belga Prods. (World sales: Pathe Intl, Paris.) Producers: Said Ben Said, Michel Merkt, Jerome Seydoux. Crew Director: Paul Verhoeven. Screenplay: David Birke, Paul Verhoeven, based on the book Immodest Acts by Judith C. Brown. Camera: Jeanne Lapoirie. Editor: Job Ter Burg. Music: Anne Dudley. With Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, Daphne Patakia, Lambert Wilson, Olivier Rabourdin. (French dialogue) Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth By Jonathan Rauch Brookings. 305 pp. $27.99 - - - The truth could use more friends in 21st-century America, where a great many citizens have embraced large quantities of hooey - palpable nonsense, especially of the kind promoted by our recently departed president. The spectacle of Donald Trump's chronic fabricating - more than 30,500 whoppers in a single term in office, according to The Washington Post's fact-checkers - is unique in American history. All those lies and inventions debased our public life. They made everyday lying normal for a great many public figures. Into this depressing reality comes Jonathan Rauch, who has turned himself into a kind of philosopher-journalist as a writer for the Atlantic and a fellow at the Brookings Institution. He sees clearly what a mess we have on our hands, but he also sees something much more hopeful: a centuries-old tradition of embracing the scientific method that has enabled what Rauch calls the "reality-based community" to win broad support for true and accurate judgments about all sorts of subjects that once were hopelessly controversial or unimaginable. So, over time - a lot of time - human beings came to accept, for example, that their Earth actually made an annual journey around the sun, and was just one planet of one sun in a universe that was full of countless suns and planets. Although some believers in the supernatural dissented, evangelical Christians for example, the biblical view of the age of Earth (roughly 6,000 years, according to Christian calculations based on biblical references) has been displaced by modern science's conclusion that our planet is more than 4 billion years old. Over centuries, scientists found too much evidence of Earth's old age for the biblical interpretation to survive. So, in Rauch's judgment, the good guys won this argument, even if evangelicals have refused to cry uncle. You don't need unanimity to settle such disputes. Over time, by a complex process of debate, investigation and experimentation, society settles on conclusions that end up being widely, if never universally, shared. This is how humankind shows respect for what Rauch calls "The Constitution of Knowledge" - also the title of his new book. This process is supported by the fact that, as Rauch puts it, "losing touch with reality never works out well." He's right. The two most successful political movements of the 20th century that were built on deliberately distorted understandings of reality - Adolf Hitler's National Socialism in Germany and Joseph Stalin's Marxism-Leninism in the Soviet Union - did quite well in their early years, then crumbled under pressure within a generation (Nazism) or two (Soviet communism). Stalin and Hitler were both brilliant propagandists who did their best to defy the constitution of knowledge; both ultimately failed, though at enormous cost to their countries and to mankind. Trump is the villain in Rauch's book, and Rauch takes him with dead seriousness. "With skills he had honed for decades by manipulating journalists, deploying what he called 'truthful hyperbole,' and starring on reality TV, he was easily the most artful practitioner of disinformation since the 1930s," Rauch writes. "Anyone who did doubt his mastery ought to have been convinced when, after four years of softening up the public with one lie after another, Trump executed his coup de grace, an astonishingly comprehensive, brazen, and effective campaign to convince the public that he had won the 2020 presidential election, or at least that the outcome was in doubt." According to polls, most Republicans today say they still question the legitimacy of Joe Biden's election victory. Rauch's respect for Trump's skills may surprise liberal readers, but it certainly seems deserved. He credits Trump's original ideologist, Steve Bannon, with a clear understanding of how the communications techniques of the digital age can be used to confuse and disorient. He quotes Bannon: "The Democrats don't matter. The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with s---." Rauch continues: "Although the formulation is crude, there could be no more concise and accurate summation of what modern information warfare is all about." Trump's reliance on lies in his public discourse indicates that he has taken Bannon's insight to heart. To make matters worse, Bannon and Trump operate in a culture of historical, economic and political ignorance. Too many Americans know so little about those subjects that a forceful assertion from an admired source can persuade many of them, or at least utterly confuse them. Rauch is determined to be an optimist about his one large idea: that an established scientific method reliant on discernible facts and describable methodology can still produce consensus among opinion-shapers and elites on fundamental issues. This is how the reality-based community survives and good ideas prevail over bad ones. It's why scientists and most educated lay people generally accept that our Earth really is billions of years old, no matter what the Bible says. Rauch insists that we can cope with the modern technologies that make it easier than ever to flood the zone with crap, to "cancel" nonconformists and troublemakers, to spread utterly false but appealing assertions disguised as information. "I am not an alarmist," he writes after introducing such perils of the computer age. He insists that he wrote this book "in a spirit of hope and guarded optimism." He marvels that "the idea that obnoxious, misguided, seditious, blasphemous, and bigoted expressions deserve not only to be tolerated but, of all things, protected is the single most counterintuitive social principle in all of human history. Every human instinct cries out against it, and every generation discovers fresh reasons to oppose it. It is saved from the scrapheap of self-evident absurdity only by the fact that it is also the single most successful social principle in all of human history." Those who embrace it have, up to now, prevailed over those who refused to. Rauch is a very smart fellow who has done a huge amount of reading, and he is an elegant writer, a combination that makes him persuasive. Reading this book is a rewarding challenge. I thought I deserved at least three college credits for getting to the end, though the trip itself was more fun than most college courses. But I also found myself worrying that Rauch is too indulgent of the ugliest phenomena he writes about and too optimistic about the damage they do to the reality-based community. Not that he avoids the issues raised by radical activists who have transformed some university campuses into battlefields by turning against free speech for those with whom they disagree. He disapproves sharply of those who justify silencing opinions that make some people uncomfortable for the sake of some ill-defined "emotional safety." Members of the reality-based world should realize, Rauch writes, that "the Constitution of Knowledge does not allow . . . treating criticism, offense or emotional impact as equivalent to physical violence or protection from emotionally hurtful expression as a right. If subjectively hurtful expressions are violence, then criticism is violence, and then science is a human rights violation." But then Rauch acknowledges that in recent years, "the vocabulary of emotional safetyism [what a phrase!] had become ubiquitous. People who objected to ideas they deemed hurtful found themselves armed with a powerful rhetorical weapon and limitless potential targets." And such things did not happen only on campuses. Rauch rightly criticizes employees of the New York Times who pressured their bosses to fire the editor responsible for publication of an op-ed piece by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., that called for deploying federal troops in cities convulsed by street demonstrations and rioting after the killing of George Floyd. (The editor eventually resigned.) Numerous Times reporters and editors sent out tweets that said, "Running this [Cotton op-ed] puts Black @NYTimes staff in danger." Rauch notes that journalists, especially, had no grounds for seeking "safety from unwelcome viewpoints" that made them uncomfortable: "Entering hostile emotional and intellectual territory is in the [journalist's] job description." He also offers pointed criticism of the "cancel culture" that has destroyed lives and careers, recounting gruesome specific anecdotes, including how some students and professors have been hounded and abandoned by colleagues and friends. But then Rauch made me uncomfortable. After powerful pages that seemed ominous and alarming, after acknowledging widespread discrimination on American campuses against conservative students and professors, he finds comfort in polling numbers and interviews that show broad support for tolerance and diversity among professors, students and ordinary citizens, too. "Most Americans, including left-leaning Americans, do not want to see debate chilled and speech policed," he writes, as though that should somehow be reassuring. A few pages later, the tune changes. "Well-publicized incidents of campus intolerance and one-sidedness have convinced a lot of people that universities are in the indoctrination business," writes Rauch, clearly torn. "For academia, time is running out to take viewpoint diversity seriously - meaning just as seriously as other kinds of diversity." Rauch told us earlier how important academic institutions are to preserving and promoting the constitution of knowledge that he believes can still carry the day against the disinformers polluting our political discourse. His confidence would be easier to share if those institutions were as concerned with evenhandedness as Rauch is. - - - Robert G. Kaiser, a former managing editor of The Washington Post, is the author of "So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government." Click here to read the full article. Fabrice Aragno is sitting at a desk in his studio in Lausanne, Switzerland, pouring over images of a lake in which the water and the sky meet in dramatic fashion. The filmmaker and frequent Jean-Luc Godard collaborator is simultaneously preparing to pitch his feature directorial debut, aptly titled Le Lac, at Cinefondations Atelier this week, while also carrying out secret tests for Godards final two films. I need to glue these images to scripts, he says while rifling through photos, adding that packing his bags and tuxedo for Cannes will likely be a last minute affair. Aragno knows that Le Lac, a film he describes as a spectacle cinematographique with very little dialogue or plot, could potentially be a hard sell elsewhere. However, when he arrives at the Cannes Film Festival, his plan is to simply share my feelings about the film, to share his flame. Variety caught up with Aragno ahead of LAtelier, which features 15 promising, prospective projects from 15 countries and runs from July 8-13, to discuss his plans for Le Lac and to tease Godards final gesture. You have worked in film for over twenty years, why did you choose this project as your feature directorial debut? This is not my first step in cinema, its already been a long walk through the forest. I dont work on the main road, I took a small path, away from the highway. Everyone does this working with Jean-Luc Godard. Ive worked on my own with short films, but this project is unusual because its a feature film, its not a documentary. Its between the two. The story is quite simple. Its about a couple who want to feel again. Everyone is quite distanced, the world is like this. You dont know the truth any more, everything is behind glass, the glass of the screen. These two people need to throw themselves into the real, into the truth. The film expresses this, going from fiction to real, to human, to animals, to bodies, to impressions. The story is not the main point, its mainly about expression using all of what cinema can do in image and sound. Im using everything Ive discovered with Godard, playing with the freedom of image and sound. It will be a real spectacle cinematographique. What made you want to focus less on character and more on nature? In the beginning it was a film painting, an edit made for a museum exhibition near Lausanne. It was about painters who paint lakes, from Turner, Courbet, some Swiss artists and some Godard films about lakes. But they always make it from the shore, from the border. I wanted to go inside the painting, not to see it from a distance. My characters will discover what it is like to go inside the variation of light, the variation of temperature, of colors from mono-chromatic during the night to the full colors and lights of the day. They will be inside the painting, inside the feelings, its like a reset to the origin of animal beings. Its not a documentary on the lake, the lake is a symbol. Its the idea of a lake as a closed space from which you cannot escape, as you cannot escape from your own life. Your time schedule is set, you have a beginning and an end. A lake also has this, but the only way you can stop time is in the middle. On top of the water or deep underneath it. There there can be infinity in your feelings. The lake is a symbol of human life and time. Do you feel the need for a similar reset yourself? Yes, I dont believe in objectivity in cinema. Each subjectivity is different, but I need to feel to be alive. I dont feel I am alive talking with people or in my daily social life. I felt alive the other day for example, when I was awake at four in the morning and I went out onto my balcony and there was a bird, and then two and then three, and I was alone with the birds. I felt I was alive, just for a moment. Maybe we need this today, to be in the truth, to be in the here and now, forgetting about the past and the future. I did my first short film 20 years ago, my film school thesis. It was also a story of a woman taking the road back to home with her husband and they stop at the border and she doesnt want to go to the toilet because it is too small and dark. They just want to run and pee outside, to have a connection with nature. They wanted to be like a crow or like a bird. For me thats a strong feeling. How do you think your pitch will go down at LAtelier? Its not the first time Ill be in Cannes, but its not an easy, classic film that you can say the story is this. Its not a classic script with suspense at the end, where finally the woman says she loves the man. Its not that kind of film. But Cannes is a festival of cinematographic language. So Im not there to get a big commission, like say with TV. Ill just go and share my interests in making this film, in making this experience. Based on your previous work, Im sure theyre not expecting a cut-and-dried, plot-based pitch. Theyll say what? Fabrice, you have a plot? Like on TV? There are already a lot of films that do very well with stories, in French and American cinema. I will not be proposing something different, because at the origin cinema was more expression than telling. You can look at Soviet cinema, at non-speaking cinema. It was about the rarity of the images. We have so many words at the moment, with news, with these mobile phones, its only words, words, words, words, the big story, the medium story, the small story. But the characters just want to be in the pure. But Im talking too much, too many words. Have you started working on Jean-Lucs final films? Yes, I saw Jean-Luc yesterday. We have two films to do, one of them will be in 35 millimeter, 16 millimeter and Super Eight. The idea is to film in 35mm black and white, and the Super-8 and 16 in color. Whats behind the decision to use three different formats? Jean-Luc told to me he wanted to come back to his origin. He said you know this Chris Marker film La Jetee? Maybe we can do something like that. If you do it in 35mm it will be accelerated, a fast forward, but if you work on computer and still play one image per second, you can enter the material of the film, of the grain, of the dust, of the truth, of the real. You wont always have this glass of the digital where there is no origin, its only a copy. In 35 there is one negative, thats it. When you work with film you have to trust people, you have to trust the laboratory, you have to be in a relationship with the others. You do some tests, you have an idea of how it will be, but you have to project yourself to what you will do with the film. In digital, you just have a button and you see the result. Its not to say before was better, but I feel I miss this projection, this movement. I think for Jean-Luc its the same. How is Jean-Luc heading into his last works? Slowly. Yesterday I told him I was going to Cannes, and he told me to ask Thierry Fremaux to show me this film, that film. Cannes for him is something very important. I dont think the film will be ready for next year, but we will see. Even with the coronavirus thats stopping everything, Jean-Lucs using his cerebral engine on books, on the ideas of the film, and less in the making. After the summer we will do tests with an actress. The problem is with 35mm is that it costs a lot. We need two weeks of tests at least, but we are quite ready to film. The people are ready, the idea is ready. We just need to find the good energy, a non-COVID moment. I cant imagine Jean-Luc is thrilled about having to wait. Hes like everyone: You have the idea for a film, and the moment you go to film you have some tension before. Before filming hes like a dog when you want to give it a bath. I have to say, Come on Jean-Luc, the actress is here, we have to go, its tomorrow, and he says, No I have to take more time. But when he starts to work, the adrenaline comes up, hes like a boy. Hes said to me before, We have to wait for the end of COVID, and I said that could be a long time. Does he know what form his final film will take? The two projects are being developed in the same moment. The other project is for Arte, its more in a classic video style with some Super-8 images, not with 35mm. There is not one before the other, I dont think one will be the last. Neither is designed to be his last film. I say this often that Eloge de lamour was the beginning of his last gesture. These five, or six or seven films are connected to each other in a way, theyre not just full stops. Its not just one painting. But you have to ask him. If its his last film, hell say its his last film, and then he will make some twist at the end, I think. Everyone will wait for it and then maybe he will say the contrary. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. iHeartRadio Music Festival have added J. Cole and Finneas to the 2021 lineup. The announcement adds to J. Coles growing string of festival dates this year. He is also set for Rolling Loud in New York and California. Earlier this spring, Cole released his first album in three years, The Off-Season. At the end of the month, Billie Eilish will release her sophomore album, Happier Than Ever, which was produced by Finneas. Over the last year, he wrote and produced the next James Bond theme song and is set to compose his first film score for high school drama The Fallout. The iHeart Radio Musical Festival will return to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., running Sept. 17 to 18. Ryan Seacrest will host a decades- and genre-spanning bill that also includes Eilish, Cheap Trick, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Florida Georgia Line, Journey, Khalid, Lil Baby Maroon 5, Nelly, Sam Hunt and Weezer, with more still to be announced. Leading up to the festivals feature performances will be a number of sets at Area15s Daytime Stage. Alongside fan zones and interactive experiences from iHeartRadios brand partners, DaBaby, Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI, Saweetie, All Time Low, 24kGoldn, Russell Dickerson, Yungblud, Gabby Barrett, Tate McRae, Conan Gray and Addison Rae will perform. Both nights of the two-day event will be streamed each night on iHeartMedia stations in over 150 markets and on The CW app and its website. Those that miss the chance to attend or watch the live stream will be able to later watch a two-night television special of the event on Oct. 2 and 3. The iHeartRadio Musical Festival is co-produced by John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Michael Dempsey. Tickets are currently on sale. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Italys iconic Cinecitta Studios are set for a major overhaul involving many new state-of-the art soundstages, a bigger backlot and ambitions to become continental Europes top filming facilities thanks to a multi-million euro cash injection provided by the European Unions post-pandemic recovery fund. In June, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Italian premier Mario Draghi (pictured above) jointly visited the Cinecitta lot and held a press conference in its vast Studio 5, known as the late, great filmmaker Federico Fellinis second home, to announce a 300 million ($353 million) investment to adequately meet the growing international demand for studio space, as Italian culture minister Dario Franceschini put it. We will build five new soundstages, two of which bigger than Teatro 5, says Nicola Maccanico the former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia executive who in April was appointed chief of state entity Istituto Luce-Cinecitta, outlining his two-step plan under which in 2026 we expect to have the new Cinecitta basically completed. Maccanico is traveling to Cannes to drum up business. Cinecittas two new bigger stages will be more than 3,000 square meters (32,000 square feet). Two additional stages will be between 1,000 and 2,000 square meters, and another will be under 1,000 square meters. Maccanico expects the first of these new spaces to be ready by 2023. Meanwhile, a large new a green-screen studio for motion capture and 3D shoots will be ready at the start of next year, and a very modern underwater stage is also in the works. The overhaul also entails refurbishing and revamping five other existing Cinecitta soundstages. The number of stages on the lot will rise from 19 to 24. The second step of Maccanicos plan involves the prospective entry as partner of Italys Cassa Depositi e Prestiti bank, which owns a plot of land next to Cinecitta. This would allow the studios to add 40 acres to its 99-acre backlot and, in turn, prompt construction of eight more soundstages, said Maccanico, who is in advanced talks to make this happen. Our ambition is to become the biggest studio in [continental] Europe, said Maccanico. He noted that Italy has a very competitive 40% tax rebate for international productions, and great crews and artisans. If we build studios with the right capacity, this can create great value for our country, he said. Maccanico added that since he is keen to attract productions now is not the time to be obsessive about profit margins. Recent U.S. productions shot at Cinecitta include a portion of MGMs House of Gucci, and Showtimes Ripley TV series is currently shooting there, according to sources. The ongoing Cinecitta revamp also involves the studios being a training ground to nurture the tradition of Italys top-notch craftsmen, costume makers and other artisans. In terms of investments, of the total 300 million ($353 million), 40 million ($47 million) is earmarked for the Centro Sperimentale Film School, which is on the lot, and 283 ($335 million) is for Cinecitta Studios, of which 100 million ($117 million) is for the prospective deal with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A tribute to the Nordic film industrys resilience, four Nordic titles have made it through to Cannes Official Selection. And unlike previous years, when Denmark (Lars Von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg) or Sweden (Ruben Ostlund) drew most of the worldwide attention, audiences should watch out for new and established voices from Norway, Finland and Iceland. Compartment No. 6 Juho Kuosmanens sophomore feature marks Finlands return to competition after a decade away (the previous Finnish film in competition was Aki Kaurismakis Le Havre). The Finnish director won Un Certain Regard back in 2016 with his black-and- white debut, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki. The story of a young Finnish student and a misanthropic Russian miner who share a journey along the Soviet Unions trans-Siberian railway in the late 1980s, Compartment No. 6 stars Seidi Haarla, one of the Berlinales 10 Shooting Stars. The Gravediggers Wife Finland makes history this year with its first selection ever at Cannes prestigious Critics Week sidebar. Developed as part of the 2015 Cinefondation Residence, The Gravediggers Wife is written and directed by Somali-born Finnish director Khadar Ayderus Ahmed. He already made a name for himself on the festival circuit with his short The Night Thief (2017). Ahmed also co-wrote fellow Finnish director Juho Kuosmanens short Citizens (2008), starring Finnish-Somali actor Omar Abdi, who returns in this film. It tells the story of a gravedigger who lives in the slums of Djibouti and struggles to make ends meet to pay for urgent surgery for his wife, played by Canadian supermodel Yasmin Warsame. The Innocents Eskil Vogts supernatural thriller marks the first time in 10 years that a Norwegian film has been invited to Un Certain Regard. Vogts directorial debut, Blind (2014), won more than 20 international awards, including at Sundance and Berlin. The Innocents tells the story of four children whose games take a sinister turn when they discover hidden powers, and reunites the director with actress Ellen Dorrit Petersen and her daughter Rakel Lenora Flottum, who plays the lead role as 9-year-old Ida. Lamb Another supernatural thriller selected in Un Certain Regard is Valdimar Johannssons debut feature stars Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snr Gunason in the story of an Icelandic couple on a remote farm who adopt a mysterious newborn child to raise as their own. Johannsson co-wrote the script with acclaimed Icelandic author and poet Sjon, who also worked with Robert Eggers on his upcoming thriller The Northman. Bela Tarr is among the films executive producers. The previous Icelandic film to win Un Certain Regard was Grimur Hakonarsons Hrutar (Rams) in 2015. The Pact Acclaimed Danish director Bille August is bringing his drama to Cannes Marche du Film. The film is based on Danish poet and writer Thorkild Bjrnvigs eponymous memoir about his complex relationship with Out of Africa author Karen Blixen, which became a literary sensation. August is one of just a handful of directors who have won two Palmes dOr (Pelle the Conqueror, 1988, and The Best Intentions, 1992). The Worst Person in the World Norwegian writer and director Joachim Trier returns to Cannes after his 2015 Competition title Louder Than Bombs with The Worst Person in the World. The third in Triers Oslo Trilogy, the film is a comic drama about love in our time and how you can have all the opportunities in life but still feel like the worst person in the world. Trier co-writes with long-time collaborator Eskil Vogt, whose sophomore feature The Innocents has been selected for Un Certain Regard sidebar. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. At a weekend getaway otherwise populated entirely by fortysomethings, 29-year-old Julie (Renate Reinsve) is subjected to some amateur analysis from a well-meaning elder. Being young today is different, the other woman observes, noting the increased pressure millennials face in daily life. They have no time to think, theres always something on the screen. Its the kind of generalization, notionally sympathetic but condescending, that members of the so-called anxious generation are used to hearing irksome because theres a kernel of truth to it, perhaps, but mostly because its way off the mark for many. Time to think isnt the problem, time to decide is. At first, Joachim Triers elegant, fine-grained character study The Worst Person in the World threatens to be a similarly lofty essay on the millennial condition, beginning as it does with an omniscient voiceover that talks us through various ill-fated or ill-considered impulses from Julies twenties with a hint of arch, amused contempt. She begins studying medicine, before deciding that psychology is her passion, sticking with that a short time before reinventing herself as a photographer; her romantic relationships, it seems, are similarly determined by whims and phases. You can practically hear the tutting conservative boomer op-eds in the background, venting against the children they raised with too few boundaries, the generation that just wont stick at anything. But Trier, the Norwegian behind such richly nuanced psychodramas as Oslo, August 31st and Reprise, is too compassionate a filmmaker for such cheap shots. As this melancholic romantic comedy faithfully follows its capricious protagonist through thick, thin and (mostly) somewhere in between, it turns into something lovely and wise: a gentle, unhurried paean to unrest and indecision, to making life wait, for better and worse. Perceptively written, pristinely assembled and beautifully performed by Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie as the man who could be Julies soulmate if she ever decided to have one this widely accessible arthouse pleasure deserves to become a touchstone film for many an 80s and 90s baby in Julies precarious boat. Though it is another character altogether who refers to themselves as The Worst Person in the World, the title encapsulates how Julie beats herself up over failings and errors that are nothing more or less than human. The script, co-written by Trier with regular collaborator Eskil Vogt, is driven almost entirely by her changes and pauses of heart. A literary 12-chapter structure, bookended by a prologue and epilogue, may seem a cute affectation, but it aptly reflects both the episodic ebb and flow of her life, as well as the way Julie who, sure enough, later adds writer to her list of career possibilities tends to portray herself as a character in it. Yet the hovering, uncertain rhythm of her existence is precisely what draws 44-year-old comic book artist Aksel (Danielsen Lie) to her: Her flakiness, he says, pulls him out of his intense, self-oriented bouts of creative concentration. From the beginning, they acknowledge the 15-year age gap between them, but the longer they live together, the less their references to bad timing feel like a joke. Aksel would like a family, that biggest and least reversible of life decisions, while Julie isnt just not ready, but unconvinced shell ever want to be ready. What has to happen first? he asks her in frustration. I dont know, she admits. I need to do more first. Scores of adults of all ages, still waiting in vain for that precise official certification of their adulthood, will wince in recognition. What is the mark of a grownup? Is it having a baby? Buying a house? Do you have to truly know yourself? Can you ever? Dodging all these questions and elusive answers, Julie bounces from a solid (too solid, perhaps) relationship with Aksel into an extended flirtation with Eivind (a delightful Herbert Nordrum), a fellow drifting millennial whose insistence that he never wants children seems to be the one sure thing in his life. She and Eivind are ostensibly better matched, but their romance is an experiment in building a relationship without a foundation, each partner loath to hold the other down. As her 30th birthday passes, Julie begins to wonder like a less insistent, less irritating Carrie Bradshaw if her stalling thus far has been a life choice in itself. In essaying Julie, a character at once watery and opaque, shaped by everything around her but vocally resistant to influence, Reinsve has a tricky assignment that she nails with remarkable fluidity and grace. Shes the same inconstant person from one chapter to the next, maturing and receding in alternate stages, sympathetic despite (or because of) her maddening, willowy will. She and Nordrum play out a performative meet-cute that is the wittiest, most perverse take on that that romcom standby in years, but its her tense, close chemistry with Danielsen Lie that gives The Worst Person in the World its fragile heart, particularly as laconic Generation X-er Aksel admits to his own existential insecurities, and fears for a future that wont include him. Perhaps its through Aksel that Trier speaks most directly: I grew up in a time when culture was passed along through objects, and we could live among them, he shrugs. The Worst Person in the World doesnt dwell on hackneyed debates over the perils of living online, but it does ache for simple, tangible pleasures: the heat of touch and spontaneous human connection, and the luxury of stillness. In the films most rapturous set piece, for several minutes, the world freezes around Julie as she saunters across Oslo to meet a lover, one of only two moving people in the world. The breeze teases the hair of petrified pedestrians as she skips past them, unbothered and elated. Just for once, for a brief, enchanted moment, time waits for Julie, and she has never been happier. Reviewed at Cannes Film Festival (Competition), July 8, 2021. Running time: 128 MIN. (Original title: Verdens Verste Menneske) Running Time: 2 hours 8 minutes Production (Norway-France-Sweden-Denmark) An Oslo Pictures, MK Prods., Film I Vast, Snowglobe, B-Reel production in co-production with Arte France Cinema in association with Memento Distribution, mk2 films, Arte France. (World sales: MK2 Films, Paris.) Producers: Thomas Robsahm, Andrea Berentsen Ottmar. Executive producers: Dyveke Bjrkly Graver, Tom Erik Kjeseth, Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier. Co-producers: Nathanael Karmitz, Juliette Schrameck, Elisha Karmitz, Peter Possne, Mikkel Jersin, Katrin Pors, Eva Jacobsen, Mattias Nohrborg. Crew Director: Joachim Trier. Screenplay: Trier, Eskil Vogt. Camera: Kasper Tuxen. Editor: Olivier Bugge Coutte. Music: Ola Flttum. With Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Herbert Nordrum, Hans Olav Brenner, Helene Bjrneby, Vidar Sandem, Maria Grazia de Meo. (Norwegian dialogue) Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. An undocumented woman has been arrested for stabbing a U.S. Border Patrol agent with a pen, according to an arrest affidavit. Zulema Mendoza-Mendoza was charged with assault on a federal agent by using a deadly and dangerous weapon and inflicting bodily injury. At about 5 p.m. July 1, agents were moving Mendoza-Mendoza from the intake processing area to a cell in the Laredo North Border Patrol Station. Agents told Mendoza-Mendoza they were going to place her in handcuffs to move her. Agents told her she would only be moved to a different cell location. But Mendoza-Mendoza refused to obey agents commands to place her hands behind her back. Mendoza-Mendoza then lunged at an agent and grabbed a pen from his left pocket. Zulema Mendoza-Mendoza then made a stabbing motion with the pen at an (agent) in an attempt to stab him, states the affidavit. Mendoza-Mendoza struck the agent with the pen on the palm of his left hand between the agents left thumb and palm, states the affidavit. The agent gained control of Mendoza-Mendoza as she repeatedly continued to click the pen. Other agents assisted with placing Mendoza-Mendoza on the ground and placing her in handcuffs, according to court documents. Border Patrol said the agent did not seek medical attention after the alleged assault. Federal Bureau of Investigation special agents attempted to interview Mendoza-Mendoza following her arrest, but she invoked her right to an attorney. However, Mendoza-Mendoza did issue a statement: I apologize to the Border Patrol agent after it happened, but I reacted like that because they took my daughter away and she was traumatized from the things she had experienced in Mexico, states the affidavit. State and federal authorities are releasing information on the human smuggling attempt that injured six people. The case unfolded at about 5:11 p.m. July 7, when a vehicle pursuit ensued after a gray Chrysler passenger car refused to stop, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Troopers said the vehicle was traveling west on Prada Machin Drive at an unsafe speed when it lost control and rear-ended a parked pickup near the intersection of Prada Machin and Burgos drives. DPS said the parked pickup was pushed into two other parked cars. The driver plus five occupants were injured as a result of the crash. All occupants were taken to local hospitals. Once medically cleared, Border Patrol took custody of the five passengers. All were Mexican citizens who were in the country illegally. DPS said the driver remains at the hospital and is pending charges. Border Patrol also released a statement regarding the incident. In recent weeks, the most dangerous tactic seen by Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents is the refusal to yield to law enforcement by human smugglers driving vehicles with undocumented migrants. When human smugglers refuse to yield, they are making the choice to not only continue their illicit criminal activity but amplify the situation by placing the public and their human cargo in danger. Agents place the publics safety first, but even after they disengage from a pursuit, the smugglers erratic driving continues, Border Patrol said. President Joe Biden has nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve as ambassador to India, the White House said Friday, selecting a high-profile ally to serve in one of the most difficult diplomatic posts. Garcetti, if confirmed, would be dispatched to India as it has been overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths. The White House also announced Friday that Biden is nominating Democratic fundraiser Denise Bauer to serve as ambassador to France and Monaco, career foreign service officer Peter Haas to serve as ambassador to Bangladesh and former Obama-era national security aide Bernadette Meehan to serve as ambassador to Chile. Garcetti, who considered a 2020 White House bid and later became part of Bidens inner circle, emerged as a widely discussed possibility to join Bidens Cabinet last year. But he took himself out of the running, saying the raging coronavirus crisis made it impossible for him to step away. The two-term mayor would leave LA with an uneven record. He has been credited with continuing a transit buildup in a city choked with traffic, establishing tougher earthquake safety standards for thousands of buildings and steering the city though the deadly pandemic as it became a hot spot for infections. Cases have fallen steeply in the city and some restrictions have been rolled back, consistent with the trajectory in the state. But Garcetti was overmatched by a crisis of homelessness that became a national embarrassment despite the massive jump in government spending to fight it. Many streets and sidewalks remain cratered and crumbling, despite his early pledge to make fixing them a cornerstone of his administration. A lawsuit alleges that a former top staffer sexually harassed one of the mayors police bodyguards while Garcetti ignored it or laughed it off. The mayor denies the claims. One of his former deputy mayors was also indicted on corruption charges in an ongoing federal investigation at City Hall. And as is the case in many large cities, the crime rate in LA is spiking. In picking Garcetti, Biden is rewarding a loyalist who was one of his national campaign co-chairs, who served on the committee that vetted his pool of vice presidential contenders and who served as one of several co-chairs for Bidens inaugural committee. Garcetti said in a statement that the nomination presents him with another opportunity at public service in a career that also includes 12 years in the Los Angeles City Council, several years as a Naval Reserve officer and time as an assistant professor of diplomacy and world affairs. Part of that commitment means that when your nation calls, you answer that call, Garcetti said. "And should I be confirmed, Ill bring this same energy, commitment, and love for this city to my new role and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles. Bauer, who served as ambassador to Belgium, is a prominent Democratic fundraiser. She served as executive director of Women for Biden during his last run for the White House. She served in a similar role in President Barack Obama's 2012 campaign. Haas, whose career at the State Department includes stints across five geographical bureaus and as consul general in Mumbai, currently serves as acting assistant secretary of state and as principal deputy assistant secretary for economic and business affairs. Meehan, who is the executive vice president of global programs for the Obama Foundation, spent over a decade as a foreign service officer and was a National Security Council spokesperson during the Obama administration. Biden has stepped up ambassadorial nominations in recent weeks. Among his other picks are former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as ambassador to Mexico, former Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides as ambassador to Israel, and retired airline pilot Chesley Sully Sullenberger, most famous for negotiating the emergency landing of a US Airways plane on the Hudson River in 2009 with no fatalities, to serve as U.S. representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Biden is also expected to nominate former longtime State Department official Nicholas Burns to serve as his ambassador to China and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to serve as ambassador to Japan, according to a person familiar with the decisions who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. ___ Associated Press writers Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report. A man has been sentenced to prison for attempting to smuggle more than $139,000 out of the country, according to court documents. Ever Carranza, 20, pleaded guilty to international money laundering on Feb. 2. On June 24, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana sentenced Carranza to 12 months and a day to serve in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Carranza is to self surrender on Jan. 3, according to court documents. On Oct. 16, Carranza was driving a Ford Expedition when attempted to leave the United States into Mexico via the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge. He allegedly gave a negative declaration for more than $10,000 to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. During the inspection, a K-9 unit alerted to the odor of currency or firearms within the vehicle. A search of his vehicle yielded bundles of cash concealed within the rear quarter panel and center console of the vehicle. The cash seized added up to $139,980. Homeland Security Investigations responded to take over the investigation. Carranza allegedly agreed to talk to special agents regarding the smuggling attempt. Ever Carranza stated he was transporting the currency into Mexico and he personally concealed the currency within the vehicle, states the affidavit. Carranza stated he recalled from previous crossings that CBP officers required him to declare more than $10,000 and that he was aware of the requirement to declare the cash prior to exiting the United States. Ever Carranza stated he was recruited by a friend to transport this currency from the United States to Mexico in exchange for payment. Ever Carranza stated after he picked up the currency, he viewed it before concealing it in the vehicle. Ever Carranza stated he knew that the currency was proceeds from some form of unlawful activity, states the affidavit. Courtesy photo /Texas DPS A traffic stop in Maverick County yielded more than $70,000, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. As part of Operation Lone Star, the case unfolded at about 6:25 p.m. July 5, when a trooper stopped a gray Nissan passenger car for a traffic violation traveling south on U.S. 57 near mile marker 396. A 32-year-old Houstonian has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to transport migrants, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Brodrick Keith Rhodes pleaded guilty on April 7. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered him to serve a 50-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Tipton noted that Rhodes had transported an exceptionally high number of migrants in his trailer. On Jan. 12, Rhodes arrived at the Freer Border Patrol checkpoint driving a semi-truck and refrigerated trailer. He claimed he was hauling lettuce, but authorities noticed discrepancies with his bill of lading. They also noted he appeared nervous and that the trailer was set to 30 degrees but with an internal temperature of 68. At secondary inspection, law enforcement ultimately found 119 migrants in the trailers cargo area. Rhodes claimed he worked for a business in La Porte, but the bill of lading indicated he was transporting lettuce from a Laredo produce company to a location in Sugar Land. The business indicated Rhodes had never been employed with them nor do they even transport outside the Houston area. The other two companies confirmed they had no record of the shipment. The migrants told authorities they had been taken to a truck and told to get in the trailer. It soon departed and did not stop until it reached the checkpoint. Rhodes was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison prosecuted the case. 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. ___ 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. Two people have been arrested in connection with a kidnapping related to Wednesdays standoff, authorities said. Laredo police officers responded to an assault report at about 9:20 a.m. Wednesday in the 2200 block of Cortez Street. The caller stated that a 17-year-old girl with visible injuries had asked her for help. The teen told first officers on the scene that she had been kidnapped and assaulted at a home in the 2100 block of Guatemozin Street. Laredo Fire Department crews took the teen to a local hospital. Officers responded to the residence on Guatemozin and encountered a woman identified as Alexa de la Rosa, 18. De la Rosa stated she was in the home with Alejandro Vela, 23. Based on exigent circumstances, officers entered the home and located several rounds of ammo and loaded gun magazines in plain view, according to police. Officers then heard noises coming from the attic of the home. Due to the ammo found inside the home, officers secured the perimeter of the home and waited for additional resources, including the SWAT team and negotiators. At about 3:40 p.m., the SWAT team entered the home and located Vela hiding in the attic. An investigation revealed that Vela kidnapped the 17-year-old girl at gunpoint and forced her into a white BMW driven by de La Rosa. The teen was taken to the residence on Guatemozin, where she was tied down and tortured for several hours by Vela and de La Rosa, according to police. Police said the teen was untied at some point and left alone by her captors. She then managed to escape and seek help from a bystander. At the home, police found a black pellet gun, marijuana, cocaine, a THC cartridge and cash. Vela and de La Rosa were arrested and charged with one count of aggravated kidnapping by terrorize, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. In addition, Vela was served with warrants charging him with smuggling of persons and operating a stash house. Those charges stemmed from an investigation on July 1, where police busted a stash house with 28 migrants. The migrants were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol. LONDON (AP) The British economy took another step toward its pre-pandemic level following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions, though the 0.8% growth recorded in May was around half that expected by economists as a microchip shortage hurt car production. Figures from the Office for National Statistics released on Friday showed the services sector to be largely behind the increase after a raft of hospitality, leisure and arts firms were able to reopen due to the relaxation of restrictions in England on May 17. Though the British economy has now grown for four months in a row, May's increase was lower than April's 2.3% and below market expectations for a 1.5% rise. Underlying growth is moderate outside the sectors being unlocked, with supply constraints contributing to the continuing recent stagnation in manufacturing, said Rory Macqueen, an economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. Car production had a difficult month, suffering its biggest fall since the U.K. was first hit by lockdown measures last year. A shortage of microchips affected the sector, with output in the manufacture of transport equipment declining by 16.5% for the month. Despite the run of monthly increases, the British economy remains 3.1% smaller than it was in February 2020, the month before the government first put lockdown measures in place to try to contain the coronavirus. The U.K. experienced one of the worlds deepest recessions last year, shrinking by around 10%. Restrictions across the U.K. have been lifted over recent months following a monthlong winter lockdown and the rapid rollout of vaccines. The other nations of the U.K. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are lifting restrictions slower than England. The next easing of restrictions in England is due to take place on July 19. This will involve the lifting of all remaining lockdown restrictions that should further boost consumer-facing sectors. Its great to see people back out and about thanks to the success of the vaccine rollout, and to see that reflected in todays figures for economic growth," Treasury chief Rishi Sunak said. However, the recent sharp uptick in new infections has raised concerns that the recovery may stutter during the summer, especially if it means many hundreds of thousands of people have to self-isolate and countless others opt to socialize less while cases are high. ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak 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. IN TEXAS: Game Wardens report 7 drownings, 2 boating fatalities over Fourth of July weekend 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. TEXAS POLITICS: Abbott has colossal $55 million war chest for 2022 reelection bid "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. Neil Bennett with the hydrostatic panel. Mahurangi businesses requiring pressure testing of gas cylinders and tanks now have the chance to have the service performed in Warkworth for the first time. The opportunity has come about after New Zealand Diving, based in Morrison Drive, decided to expand its testing of scuba equipment to include tanks designed for industrial use. NZ Diving owner Neil Bennett says the scuba side of the business had slowed down due to Covid and was seasonal. The company was looking for extra work that could make use of its expertise in tank testing. The company began the service last month, following the successful installation of a $40,000 hydrostatic panel that can test tanks with a capacity of up to 150 kilos. Previously businesses were faced with having to send tanks down to Manukau or up to Whangarei, and they would normally have to hire a trucking service to do that. You cant have these things rolling around in the back of a van, Neil says. Neil anticipates the service will be popular with vineyards, who use CO2 in the bottling process, and businesses undertaking welding work, which requires oxygen. Medical centres, which also use oxygen, will likely find the service useful, too. However, NZ Diving cannot deal with tanks designed to hold more dangerous gases such as acetylene and chlorine. The hydrostatic panel tests tanks by pumping them with oxygen and air. They are then inspected for any sign of leaking or deformation before the pressure is released. Tanks are also inspected for internal and external damage. Neil says tanks and cylinders come under the Explosive Goods Act and must be tested regularly using hydro static methods essentially providing them with a warrant of fitness. Tanks not tested within the required time period cannot legally be filled. Neil says a tank that fails under pressure is extremely dangerous leading to an explosion that could kill or maim a bystander or take down part of a building. Worksafe condemned a whole lot of scuba cylinders about two years ago because the aluminum in them was starting to fail. They were exploding, and there were several deaths around the world. The final accident took place in Australia when it took a guys legs off, he says. The world premiere of In MiddleTown, created by and performed by Mikel Murfi, will visit Longford, in partnership with the Backstage Theatre, as it tours across Ireland in the brand new Gate Truck this summer. Acclaimed theatre-maker Mikel Murfi was commissioned by the Gate Theatre in 2020 to create an original piece that would work with ongoing restrictions, and the result is a magical new show for the times we live in. With the emphasis on an outdoor summer, the Gate was determined to find a way to mount an accessible and dynamic production for summer 2021. When asked about bringing the show to Longford, Mikel Murfi said, Oh God, I love Longford Slashers! One of the greatest on-tour venues out there. Great staff and cheesus tonight the legendary sandwiches not hinting or anything but its just the attention and fun that goes with playing The Backstage that makes it one of those places I love to perform in. Well be off-site this time but Im really looking forward to bringing a new show to old friends . Over the past year, the Gate has explored new ways to present engaging theatre to audiences across the country. The Gate Truck is a large vehicle, kindly supported by DAF Ireland, with a full-scale production staged and stored on its flatbed. This will allow the Gate and its partners to bring communities together in towns across Ireland. The production will partner with a number of local cultural venues, theatres and arts centres. Touring is an important part of the Gates mission. The theatres founders brought their productions across Ireland and around the world to great acclaim, and in more recent years, Gate productions made their mark through significant national and international tours. The production centres on a quiet man, in the middle of his life, living in the middle of a small town. He is a furniture removals man, with a very nice truck. One day, he does something unusual. He packs his 'life' (and his bees) onto the back of his truck, pulls the door behind him, and never looks back. The truck becomes his world, bringing him to places he thought he would never see. The play is a timely and gentle reflection of 'living in the middle', and the ongoing search for solitude, simplicity, and the things that make us truly happy. Created and performed by Mikel Murfi, the writer and performer of The Man In The Woman's Shoes and I Hear You and Rejoice, this comedic and transformative live performance piece features the work of a multi-award winning design team. In Middletown comes to Backstage Theatre on Tuesday, August 10. Shows will be held in an outdoor space in close proximity to the venue. Tickets are available from 20. Audience is limited to 100 tickets per show, under current guidelines. The tour will operate with a reduced, Covid-compliant team, including a driver, the performer, and a small technical crew. Requiring visitors to remove their bras or any underwear is not "policy" according to the the Irish Prison Service which is to review security screening at jails across country after an incident in one of the big Dublin jails. The commitment was made in the wake of revelations that women are asked to remove their bra or had to undergo other searches relating to their underwear when visiting jails. While the IPS has pledged a review the Department of Justice has also ordered an investigation into how a female solicitor has had to remove her bra when visiting a client at Cloverhill Prison to have an urgent bail consultation with a client as reported by The Irish Times. It was reported that the solicitor has filed a formal complaint over the requirement made on June 11, 2020. I felt humiliated that my dignity had been so casually torn from me, she said. This led to further complaints from women visitors of similar experiences. However it was also reported by the Irish Examiner that searches involving underwear are common practice at Irish jails. The Irish Prison Service, whose Director General is Caron McCaffrey, issued a lengthy statement in response. it said the Irish Prison Services mission is to provide "safe and secure custody, dignity of care and rehabilitation to prisoners for safer communities." It insisted that its work is "underpinned by high standards in accountability and support to all those we serve". The statement outlined security screening practice. "All persons entering a prison go through a security screening process. Security screening protocols are in operation throughout all of the prisons for the purpose of maintaining the safety and security of our prisons. All persons reserve the right to refuse any screening procedures, however this may result in the refusal of the visit and the need to reschedule," it said. The statement said revised security screening protocols were introduced for visitors to prisons at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020. It said that between March 13, 2020 and June 30, 2020 pat-down searches could not be conducted due to the risk of infection of Covid-19. It said persons activating the walkthrough metal detector during this time period were given the opportunity to reschedule their visit. At all times during this unprecedented health crisis the IPS said the health and safety of our prisoners, staff and visitors have been of the utmost importance. The statement added that from June 30, 2020 enhanced infection control measures were put in place across the prison estate that allowed the Service to revert to previous security screening arrangements for all those entering our prisons. It said the objective of security screening at point of entry is to deter and prevent the entry of contraband into prisons. The service says it utilise a number of procedures in order to achieve this which include: Walk through metal detector Hand held metal detector Narcotic swabbing X-ray of outer clothing, bags, shoes, jacket and property etc. Canine Drug detection The service elaborated. "Given the footfall into each prison, particularly during visiting times we will offer the person up to three opportunities to pass through the walk through metal detector without indicating before using the hand held metal detector, which is then used to further assist in identifying where the indication is coming from, at no point does the hand held metal detector touch the persons body," it said. It also outlined that so-called Pat Down search is only requested where: We cannot identify the reason for indication A positive indication during narcotics screening (swab and canine) Medical reasons, where a person cannot be exposed to metal detection equipment Security/intel led searches. The statement also outlined the general ethos and policy around the standard prison staff must adopt during searches. "All visitors to the prison, both male and female, are expected to be treated with the highest degree of respect, integrity and courtesy at all times. The Irish Prison Service conducts its business and delivery of its service in adherence to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and aims to maintain high standards of service in all of their dealings with the public. "The Irish Prison Service does not condone behaviour contrary to our standards of courtesy which may put at risk the rights of people to be treated with dignity and respect," it said. MORE BELOW LINK. The statement addressed the recommended practice in relation to underwear and searches. "It is not the policy of the Irish Prison Service to request any person to remove under garments in order to gain admittance to a prison," it said. The IPS also added that anybody visiting jails can complain about who they are treated. "Allegations or claims of inappropriate behaviour by our staff are taken very seriously and are fully investigated. Any visitor who has encountered such behaviour may make a complaint in writing to the Irish Prison Service or by completing a complaint form. Complaint forms are on the website of the Irish Prison Service and are also available in the Prison Visitors Area," it said. The IPS concluded its statement by outlining how it would respond to the recent allegations. "In order to learn from these allegations and as part of our ongoing development programme relating to quality standards and service, a review of current Security Screening operating procedures and customer service training is in progress. This includes a review of policies, procedures and training for staff to ensure that there are effective communications and standards that safeguards that everyone is treated in a proper, fair and impartial manner, while at all times remaining courteous and sensitive," it said. Catherine Mulhern (nee Martin), Whiterock, Longford/Westmeath Catherine, peacefully. Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Mary, brother Billy and by her beloved husband John. Catherine will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, daughter Marie Shannon (Sligo), sons Sean (Corboy), Joe (Elphin), Thomas (Moydow) and Martin (Clonrollagh), son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sisters Marian, Pat, Marge and Jacinta, brothers Joe and Thos, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. Catherines funeral cortege will leave Glennons Funeral Home on Saturday morning at 9.50am proceeding via Whiterock to arrive at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Ballymore, Co.Westmeath for Mass of the Resurrection at 11.00am, interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Given the exceptional circumstances and to protect everyone dear to Catherine and her family, the Mass will be restricted to 50 people. The Mass will be streamed live please go to www.ballymoreanddrumraneyparishes.ie and click on Ballymore webcam. Those of you who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave their personal messages in the condolences section below. The family very much appreciate your support and consideration at this time. Evelyn Molloy (nee Ryan), Malahide, Dublin / Lanesboro, Longford Molloy (nee Ryan) Evelyn, Malahide and formerly of Lanesboro, Co. Longford, 7th July 2021. Peacefully, in her 101st year, in the wonderful care of Beaumont Hospital. Beloved wife of the late John. Very sadly missed by her loving children Dearbhla, Dara, Ronan, Oisin, Duileach, Aisling and Enan, daughters-in-law Noreen, Alison, Maria, Tess and Maria, her adored grandchildren Rory, Laoise, Conor, Fiona, Ciaran, Tuan, Macha, Surnai, Anu, Fionn, Rian, Conall and Brogan, great grandchildren Zayn, Omar, Aoibhe, her sister Letitia Ryan and her late brother Eamon and late sisters Geraldine, Jeanette and Lily, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. May She Rest in Peace In line with Government advice and HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings a private family funeral will take place. Those who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions cannot, please feel free to leave a message in the Condolence Book at the bottom of the page or send on condolences in the traditional manner. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice, Raheny. A live stream of Evelyn's Funeral Mass can be viewed on Saturday, 17th July, at 11am on the following link: https://www.churchservices.tv/yellowwalls The above link is provided and managed by an independent streaming company. The Funeral Home accepts no responsibility for its functionality or any interruption to a live transmission. Antoinette Foley (nee White), Abhainn Glas , Tinnynarr, Edgeworthstown, Longford / Ballyfermot, Dublin Antoinette, late of Ballyfermot, Dublin, peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Anna. Antoinette will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, her beloved husband Con, brother Robert, sisters Julie and Pamela, mother-in-law Mary, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece, nephews, extended family, relatives and many friends. May she rest in peace. Antoinettes funeral cortege will leave Glennons Funeral Home on Tuesday morning at 11.30am to arrive at St.Marys Church, Edgeworthstown for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon, interment afterwards in Granardkill new cemetery. Given the exceptional circumstances and to protect everyone dear to Antoinette and her family, the Mass will be restricted to 50 people. The Mass will be streamed live please go to https://www.churchtv.ie/edgeworthstown. For those of you who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions are unable to, may leave their personal messages in the condolences section below. The family very much appreciate your support and consideration at this time. If you wish to have a death notice published on www.longfordleader.ie you can email it to newsroom@longfordleader.ie And if you wish to submit an obituary for publication in the Longford Leader, you can submit it along with a photograph of the deceased to newsroom@longfordleader.ie To sign up for the FREE Longford Leader daily newsletter CLICK HERE or on the image below; Crime By Chris Boyle Published: July 09 2021 "It is time to act here in Nassau County and across the nation," Legislator Drucker said. In response to a shocking increase in incidents of anti-Semitic violence, hatred and harassment in New York and across the United States and the world, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) is urging his colleagues to support the creation of a new Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. Working under the guidance of the Working Definition of Anti-Semitism as adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), the task force would be directed to host one or more public hearings to engage governmental and community leaders, law enforcement personnel, clergy, academics, members of the public and key stakeholders to gather facts about the origins and extent of anti-Semitism in Nassau County. Upon the completion of these hearings and a public comment period of at least 60 days, the task force would submit a report containing recommendations for legislative action no later than International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, 2022. Citing statistics from the Anti-Defamation League which illustrate the alarming and frighteningly persistent increase in anti-Semitic incidents during the last four years, Legislator Drucker, who co-introduced the resolution with Legislators Ellen W. Birnbaum (D - Great Neck) and Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury), implored his colleagues to act swiftly and decisively on the local level. We have learned through the millennia that when we overlook the existence of anti-Semitism or are indifferent to its presence, we enable it to spread - and history has shown time and again the gruesome, catastrophic outcomes of inaction, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker said. I am tired of wringing my hands - it is time to act here in Nassau County and across the nation. This committee will help us identify root causes of hatred so that we can confront anti-Semitism and eradicate it wherever it lurks. Legislator Druckers proposal swiftly earned the support of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, who signed a Nassau County executive order on June 28 to commit to the observance of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. Last week I signed an executive order to recognize the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism because in order to combat anti-Semitism effectively, it is important to be clear about what it is and how it may manifest itself, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. With anti-Semitism on the rise, Nassau County is standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters. I commend Legislators Drucker, Birnbaum, and Lafazan for this important initiative and look forward to continuing our work as one Nassau to ensure hate never finds a home in our communities. Membership of the Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism would consist of six Legislators - three appointed by the Nassau County Legislatures Presiding Officer and three chosen by the Minority Leader - who would then select five additional community leaders based upon their expertise and background in opposing anti-Semitism and intolerance. The County Executive or a designee will also serve an ex officio advisory member of the task force. When paired with County Executive Currans commendable executive action to adopt the IHRAs working definition of anti-Semitism and ongoing law enforcement efforts to crack down on anti-Semitic violence, discrimination and harassment, I am confident that this task force will position Nassau County to confront bigotry and hatred more strongly than ever before, Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum said. As we know all too well, anti-Semitism is not new, but what is new is the brazen nature of these acts of violence, harassment, menacing, and intimidation directed towards Jewish citizens, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) said. By forming this Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, Nassau County will equip policy makers and community leaders with the necessary tools and insights to destroy this pernicious wave of hatred. I am proud to join Legislator Birnbaum as a co-sponsor of this proposal and thank Legislator Drucker for his leadership in developing this bipartisan, community-driven response. In addition to its fact-finding mission, the Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism will be tasked with educating youth by hosting a Virtual Youth Roundtable Against Anti-Semitism. Focused upon how the law and public policy can help to diminish bias and insensitivity, the event will be known as Cardozo Day in honor of esteemed New York jurist and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo. Recently, weve seen an alarming rise in anti-Semitism right here in Nassau County, and its going to take all of us working together to beat back this hate and forcefully reject it from our community, New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D - North Hills) said. I applaud the efforts of Legislator Drucker as a partner in the fight against anti-Semitism, and Im proud to support the creation of a Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism in Nassau County. Beyond the halls of government, the proposal has gained the support of an array of community organizations dedicated to the mission of confronting and eradicating anti-Semitism and hatred. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island (JCRC-LI) is deeply concerned and horrified with the statistics that state American Jews do not feel as safe in this country as they did just a few years ago. No one should fear living in their community because they are Jewish, Mindy Perlmutter, Executive Director of JCRC-LI, said. Residents of Nassau County must stand up to hate in all its forms. We applaud Legislator Arnie Drucker for his efforts in combating antisemitism and support his proposal to create the Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. JCRC-LI looks forward to continue working with Legislator Drucker and thanks him for his leadership. The American Jewish Committees Long Island Region thanks Legislators Drucker, Birnbaum and Lafazan for submitting a bill to establish a Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, Arnie Herz, President, and Eric Post, Director, for the American Jewish Committee Long Island Region said. We believe the task force will go a long way in raising awareness of what anti-Semitism is, how to combat it, and offer prevention strategies to mitigate the problem moving forward. The emphasis on youth education is also extremely important. We are grateful that this Task Force will be guided by the International Holocaust Remembrance IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, which has been recently adopted by Nassau County. Jews represent less than two percent of the population. Yet, over 50 percent of religiously motivated hate crimes in this country are against Jews. However, we also know that when it comes to hate crimes, some of the incidents are not reported. We welcome the hearings this resolution calls for, which will give us a better picture of what has been happening, where the issues are and how we can prevent antisemitism from spreading here in Nassau County, Avi Posnick, Regional Director of StandWithUs Northeast and New England, said. We are also seeing anti-Semitism on the rise in our schools. Because today's students are the leaders of tomorrow, we must educate them today before their hearts and minds are poisoned tomorrow. We welcome the youth task force that is being created by this legislation and at StandWithUs, we will continue to work with the elected officials and leaders who are here to educate and empower more students on college campuses and in high schools to fight antisemitism and hate. We thank Legislators Drucker, Birnbaum and Lafazan for sponsoring this important resolution. We are all concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism here in New York and around the world. Ensure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business! Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge. (Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!) (Alliance News) - The owner of some of the UK's busiest airports has accused the government of a "fundamental lack of transparency" over the traffic light system of travel restrictions, in a High Court challenge. Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, has brought legal action against the Department for Transport and Department of Health & Social Care. The company launched the case over a lack of published evidence on how the departments determine which countries are on the green, amber and red lists, under their travel restrictions. Other parties in the legal action include Ryanair Holdings PLC, Virgin Atlantic, tour operator Tui UK, easyJet PLC and British Airways' parent company International Consolidated Airlines Group SA. On Friday Tom Hickman, for MAG, said there was no "internal consistency or logic" for the decisions, based on the data that was available to the airports. He told the High Court: "We know there were deep-dive assessments for the countries that have moved bands, we don't know how many other deep-dive assessments were done and what their outcomes were." He added: "We are told it is a risk-based approach, so what we say is that the criteria and the reasons must be sufficiently accessible." Hickman said in written arguments: "The claimant's core complaint is about the fundamental lack of transparency in the traffic light scheme, which means that the basis for categorising territories between the green or amber lists is unknown and appears arbitrary." He said the government had a "duty of transparency" over the data and advice guiding the traffic light system. He argued the government has published no information or reasons to explain why countries remain on the amber list, with the only information supplied relating to red list countries, Portugal and territories moved to the green list in June. Hickman continued: "Without further information about the underlying rationale for the decisions, there appears to be no discernible internal consistency or logic to the decision based on the available data alone: for example, the Balearics were placed on the green list on June 24, 2021, despite having a higher prevalence of Covid-19 than June 3 2021, when they were kept on the amber list." The court heard that the three airports have operating costs of about GBP26 million per month, with only a small fraction of revenue in return. Hickman said: "The defendants' decisions to categorise countries as amber or green under the traffic light scheme, despite being of critical importance to the claimant and others in the travel industry, lack transparency and as such lack basic protections against arbitrary decision-making." He added that MAG could not infer the reasons for why certain countries are on the lists, adding that the decisions "appear aberrant". He argued that without the data, the industry could not make business planning decisions, make representations to the government or ascertain whether the decisions were rational and lawful. In a joint statement before the hearing, aviation chiefs including MAG chief executive Charlie Cornish and Michael O'Leary, Ryanair chief executive, called on the government to follow "a data-driven and risk management approach". The statement continued: "British consumers need to understand how decisions are made so they can confidently plan their travel, which is why we are asking the government to provide the data and advice that is underpinning its decision-making." David Blundell, for the two government departments, disputed MAG's claim and denied there was a duty to publish extensive material, including expert scientific advice, to allow the airports to make representations. In written arguments, he said: "Decisions need to be made urgently, in response to emerging data. "It is inappropriate to impose a duty to give reasons in that context, not least because it would lead to a serious risk of delay in a decision-making process which is, of necessity, fast-moving and urgent. "The defendants maintain that the duty to give reasons is simply not engaged in the current context. "But even if it were, the duty would not require the government to give any more by way of reasons than it already has done." He also said that publishing the data and advice underpinning the traffic light system could affect diplomacy between the UK and other countries. Blundell continued: "Publication would be unduly burdensome and could have a serious impact on the UK's international relations, prejudicing relationships with other countries and potentially leading to diminished co-operation in circumstances where such co-operation is crucial in the fight against the pandemic." At the end of the hearing, Lord Justice Lewis and Justice Swift said they will give their decision at a later date. By Jess Glass, PA source: PA Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Arc Minerals Ltd said Friday that it has been approached by a number of groups, concerning its exploration licenses in Zambia, following the expiration of an exclusivity agreement with mining major Anglo American PLC. "We will continue our discussions with Anglo American which have been going well but will also commence discussions with other major mining companies that have approached us," Executive Chair Nick von Schirnding said. Arc Minerals shares sunk 12% to 4.40 pence each in London on Friday morning, but are still up 14% since the start of the year. Last July, two of Arc's subsidiaries, Zamsort and Zaco, inked a confidentiality and six-month exclusivity agreement with a subsidiary of Anglo American, called Anglo Exploration Zambia Ltd, for its copper exploration licenses in Zambia. Under the now expired agreement, Anglo American was permitted to conduct a technical review which led to an extension of the exclusivity agreement in January. Following its extension, Arc said that it was negotiating with Anglo American about a possible commercial transaction. Arc said Friday that discussions with Anglo American have been positive and continue to be. However, the company has also been approached by "a number of interested groups". Von Schirnding said: "We will continue our discussions with Anglo American which have been going well but will also commence discussions with other major mining companies that have approached us. "In the meantime, we continue with our very exciting drill programme and development of the Cheyeza East plant, against the backdrop of a very strong copper market." Anglo American shares were up 2.4% in London to 2,938.00p each on Friday morning, and were up 2.7% to ZAR575.58 each in Johannesburg. By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Thursday and Friday and not separately reported by Alliance News: IG Group Holdings PLC - London-based contracts-for-difference trading platform - Hires Susan Skerrit as non-executive director. Skerrit is a commercial banker who has worked for Royal Bank of Canada and Deutsche Bank AG in the US and also for Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Close Brothers Group PLC - London-based merchant bank - Hires Tesula Mohindra as independent non-executive director, starting on Thursday next week. Mohindra was a managing director at banks JPMorgan Chase & Co and UBS AG, specialising in corporate finance for financial institutions and pension fund risk management. McBride PLC - Hires Alastair Murray as non-executive director, starting August 2. Murray was chief financial officer of Premier Foods until August 2019 and also worked in finance at Dairy Crest PLC and Body Shop International PLC. On the McBride board, he replaces Neil Harrington, who steps down at the AGM in October. Synthomer PLC - Essex-based chemical company - Hires Roberto Gualdoni as non-executive director, effective immediately. Gualdoni replaces Just Jansz, who is stepping down at the end of August after nine years on the board. Gauldoni worked for 25 years at German chemical firm BASF SE, ending as president of its Styrenics business. Seplat Petroleum Development Co PLC - Nigerian oil producer - Hires Fabian Ajogwu and Bello Rabiu as independent non-executive directors, starting Friday. They replace Damian Dodo and Mark Malloch-Brown, who retire after serving on the board since 2014. Ajogwu is a professor of corporate governance at the Lagos Business School and assisted in the drafting of Nigeria's Code of Corporate Governance back in 2003. Rabiu retired from Nigerian National Petroleum Corp in 2019 after 28 years service. Henderson European Focus Trust PLC - Janus Henderson-managed income and capital growth trust focused on portfolio of listed stocks, mainly in Continental Europe - Hires Stephen Macklow-Smith as non-executive director, starting Friday. Provides no biographic information about Macklow-Smith. JPMorgan European Investment Trust PLC back in October said that Macklow-Smith was retiring from JP Morgan Asset Management and as the trust's portfolio manager at the end of 2020. Worldwide Healthcare Trust PLC - healthcare sector investor - David Holbrook retires from board at end of annual general meeting on Thursday. Sarah Bates replaces him as senior independent director. JPMorgan European Investment Trust PLC - Alexander Lennard joins board as independent non-executive director following AGM on Thursday. Lennard is head of the Institutional Investment team at investment management firm Ruffer LLP. By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Gemfields Group Ltd on Friday noted the increase in its share price in London but said it has no price-sensitive information about the company that hasn't been disclosed. Shares in the London-based coloured gemstones supplier were 7.5% higher at 13.33 pence on Friday in London, while its Johannesburg shares were up 6.6% at ZAR2.60. Gemfields said its operations in both Mozambique and Zambia remain uninterrupted, and it expects to hold three further gemstone auctions in 2021. In addition, the company expects to post strong results for the first half of 2021, due to the strength of gemstone auctions in March and April. Revenue for the interim period is set to be USD95 million, up sharply from USD15 million same period a year prior, and up 8.0% from USD88 million for the first half of 2019. Gemfields expects to publish its results by the end of September. By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - MJ Gleeson PLC on Friday said its annual results will top market expectations and match pre-virus levels. The housebuilder said pretax profit for the financial year ended June 30 will be in line with two years earlier. MJ Gleeson posted pretax profit of GBP41.2 million in financial 2019, on revenue of GBP249.9 million. In financial 2020, revenue dropped 41% to GBP147.2 million, with pretax profit tumbling 86% to GBP5.6 million. Chief Executive Officer James Thomson said: "I am pleased to announce that pretax profit is expected to be in line with that achieved in 2019, our last financial year before the impact of the pandemic." In the financial year just ended, the company sold 1,812 homes, a record number for its Gleeson Homes division, up 69% annually and 19% higher than financial 2019's levels. The average selling price climbed 11% to GBP145,800 amid a UK housing market boom since the end of the first lockdown last year. "Demand remains robust. The division has entered the new financial year in a strong position with a forward order book standing at GBP134.1 million on 841 plots," MJ Gleeson added. "The board re-affirms its target of delivering 2,000 units in the year to June 2022." In its Gleeson Strategic Land, aimed at securing residential planning consents, sold eight sites in the year just gone. "The business has commenced the current financial year in a strong position. 6 sites with planning permission, or resolution to grant, have the potential to deliver 2,210 plots for housing development. Three of these sites are in a process for sale," MJ Gleeson added. Shares in the company were 3.2% higher at 898.00 pence each in London on Friday morning. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Land Securities Group PLC confirmed its first quarterly dividend for the current financial year on Friday after reporting "good progress" on rent collection. The London-based commercial property developer said it would give shareholders a 7.0 pence payout on October 8 in its first quarterly dividend for financial 2022. As of Wednesday, the FTSE 100-listed firm said that it has collected 81% of the GBP103 million net rent due by June 24. The company's single largest segment, office renters, were the quickest to pay. Within 5 days of June 24, the company had received 90% of the GBP59 million net owed in offices rents, rising to 95% paid after 10 days. In comparison, during the previous March quarter, office tenants had paid 87% of rent owed within five days of March 21. Meanwhile, in the same period the firm received only 43% of the GBP14 million net owed by "subscale sectors". In October 2020, the company said it planned to sell its "subscale sectors" investment to position its business for future growth. In particular, the property firm said it would "realise and recycle capital" from the sale of properties in the hotels, leisure and retail parks space, three assets battered by Covid-19. The ongoing impact of the pandemic also has led the firm to agree certain rent concessions with tenants. Land Securities noted that one third of the GBP18 million in outstanding rent is being withheld by customers pending the documented agreement of rent concessions. "We continue to take a proactive approach to addressing the challenges the pandemic presents to our people, our customers and our business. In early April 2020, we established a customer support fund of GBP80 million for occupiers who most need our help. To date, GBP50 million of rent concessions has been allocated to customers," the company said. Shares in Land Securities were trading up 2.0% at 680.8p each in London on Friday morning. By Scarlett Butler; scarlettbutler@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to rise a little at the open on Friday following heavy losses in the previous session, as investors mull the latest UK GDP figures. The FTSE 100 was called to open 15 points higher at 7,046. Figures released earlier by the Office for National Statistics showed that economic growth slowed to 0.8% in May from a revised 2% in April, coming in well below expectations for 1.5% growth. ONS deputy national statistician for Economic Statistics Jonathan Athow said: "The economy grew for the fourth consecutive month, albeit at a slower pace than seen recently, but remains around 3% below its pre-pandemic peak. "Pubs and restaurants, who were again able to welcome indoor guests, were responsible for the vast majority of the growth seen in May. Hotels also saw a marked recovery as restrictions lifted." Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said: "May's weaker-than-expected increase in GDP underlines that the recovery to its pre-Covid levels will be drawn out." In corporate news, tobacco giant Philip Morris swooped for UK pharmaceuticals company Vectura Group with a 1.045bn recommended offer. The 150p-a-share offer trumps a 136p offer from private equity group Carlyle in May that valued Vectura, which focuses on inhaled medicines, at 958m. Philip Morris said it was expanding into products beyond tobacco and nicotine "as part of a natural evolution into a broader healthcare and wellness company" with the ultimate aim of disrupting its own industry and ending smoking. A unique food stand will set up shop Saturday at Save A Lot grocery store on Clarksville Pike in Nashville. Owned by Velente Hood, Turkey to the Bone started in October of last year, offering whole turkeys as well as an abundance of home-styled sides. While Hood will be the first one to tell you that hes a master of cooking turkeys, he will also be the first to say that he didnt imagine any of this playing out the way it has. For the last two years, Hood cooked turkeys for individuals who attended the Church of Christ at Jackson Street, like himself. Every year, I would deep fry turkeys for those who came to our church, and people really started to love them, he said. Finally, someone asked me if I ever thought about selling them and creating a business for them. Hood brushed off the initial question due to his full-time job at the time as a payroll administrator, although the thought of owning a business stuck in the back of his mind. Hood has always had an entrepreneur and food-based family, which he credits for helping make a tough decision. Our 9-year-old would set up lemonade stands and our daughter makes all types of desserts for people. So its something that has always run in our family. Finally, with the help and support of others surrounding him, Hood created Turkey to the Bone. God is Good. It really just began to take off out of nowhere, he said. While the company started on the right foot, Hood encountered some difficulties while owning a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he explained that not even a worldwide pandemic would stop him from maximizing Turkey to the Bones potential, so he started reaching out to companies for a potential partnership. Discussions with multiple companies fell through until a Save A Lot grocery store approached Hood about working together. They offered me space to set up in their parking lot every day of the week so I could increase my engagement with customers. Due to the love that he has for his full-time job and the demand it requires, Hood explained that he will only be able to start selling his meals on the weekend. Although he does want to emphasize that he still has big plans for the future. While he isnt interested in transforming Turkey to the Bone into a full-on restaurant, Hood does mention the possibility of owning a food truck in the near future. He hopes that he can spread his love for cooking with others, giving them a unique culinary experience like no other. I think people will be amazed that I can offer all these restaurant-quality meals and flavors in an easy and accessible way, Hood said. He also mentions that by selling from a stand rather than owning a restaurant, people who are still concerned with the COVID-19 pandemic will have a safe way to receive delish food. Velente Hood and his Turkey to the Bone stand will set up in the Save A Lot grocery store located at 2400 Clarksville Pike Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. He will be there every Saturday during this time moving forward. For additional information or to look at their menu, you can visit Turkey to the Bones Facebook page. The Tennessee National Guard helped administer more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations throughout Tennessee since Operation Warp Speed began through July 1. Tennessees soldiers and airmen have worked alongside the Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and various other agencies playing a vital role in planning and immunizing the citizens of Tennessee when the vaccine became available in November. Our soldiers and airmen who volunteered to serve in the fight against COVID-19 have done an exemplary job, said Lt. Col. Justin Olander, commander of Joint Task Force-Medical, which is responsible for the Tennessee National Guards COVID-19 response. They have sacrificed so much to put their communities first, and we will continue to do so for as long as were needed. The Tennessee National Guard originally activated 250 soldiers and airmen March 23, 2020 at the request of Gov. Bill Lee to assist with operating COVID-19 testing sites. Lee also established the unified command group to streamline the states pandemic response and established testing sites across the state supported by the Tennessee National Guard. Not only have we surpassed 1 million vaccinations, the Tennessee Guard has helped test nearly 900,000 citizens for COVID-19, said Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessees adjutant general. And we are still supporting the states efforts in both missions. Guardsmen have assisted in every county in the state and continue to operate in more than 50 counties, providing testing and vaccinations to our citizens. More than 700 soldiers and airmen are currently on orders to support the COVID-19 fight. In addition to operating testing and vaccination sites, members of Joint Task Force-Medical have performed testing at long-term care facilities and corrections facilities for both residents and staff. The Tennessee National Guard has also operated pop-up testing centers in public housing complexes and government housing facilities in Tennessees urban communities. In April, Col. Jason Glass, Tennessees assistant adjutant general, was named the dual-status commander for the militarys effort to help vaccinate citizens throughout Memphis. In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local agencies, Glass led a team of about 130 Navy and Marine Corps personnel with the 2nd Marine Division. The sailors and Marines, organized as vaccine support teams, helped support a city-run, federally supported community vaccination center at the Pipkin building at the Memphis Fairgrounds. Additionally, the National Guard also formed an infection disease team, a group of specialists responsible for inspecting hospitals and alternate-care facilities throughout the state to develop effective safety protocols and procedures for at-risk communities. Guard members were instrumental in the collection and distribution of personal protective equipment, collecting supplies and delivering them to hospitals, law enforcement agencies and those who need them most. The men and women of the Tennessee National Guard have dealt with so much adversity since last year, said Holmes. They have sacrificed so much to stay vigilant and flexible in the fight against this virus, conquering every obstacle to provide vital services for members of our communities, and I couldnt be more proud. (The Center Square)Tennessee has the healthiest state public pension system in the country based on the amount of unfunded liability per capita, according to a new report from the American Legislative Executive Council. Tennessee taxpayers owe $6,345.77 per capita as opposed to the state with the highest per capita pension liability, Alaska, at nearly $43,000 per capita. Tennessee's total unfunded pension liability was $43.3 billion, the 15th-lowest in the country. The report found that $5.82 trillion, or $17,748 per person, is owed by every man, woman and child in the United States. The report found the 10 states with the largest liabilities are growing quickly and make up 58% of the total liability in the country. In Tennessee, we have worked hard to maintain one of the nations best-funded pension systems, said state Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet. Our efforts on behalf of taxpayers will continue, and we are proud to be recognized in the latest edition of ALECs report for our commitment to sound pension policies. Tennessee lawmakers voted to allocate $250 million to the states pension system in the next fiscal year budget, which started July 1, and made several cuts to Gov. Bill Lees proposed budget to make that happen. Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, said during budget discussions the state had a lot to be proud of in its handling of its pension system. We are going to make good on our promises, he said about the $250 million investment. Pensions throughout the U.S. were hurt in the past two years. Investments of those funds fell short of expectation with a 6.5% return during fiscal year 2019 instead of the assumed 7.2% return, the report said. Tennessee ranked fifth in the report's funding ratio rankings, which examined the health of a pension plan by looking at the ratio between assets and liabilities, expressed as a percentage. Wisconsin led the way with a 64.27% funding ratio, while Tennessee was at 47.86%. Connecticut ranked last at 23.87%. Unfunded public pension liabilities represent a massive risk for state taxpayers, as well as state workers and retirees, said ALEC chief economist and executive vice president of policy Jonathan Williams. Fortunately, states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee and Oklahoma have all enacted pension reforms in recent years that will ensure promises to workers and retirees are honored, provide flexibility for young workers and protect hardworking taxpayers. Tennessee also ranked at the top in the unfunded liabilities as a percentage of gross state product at 11.4%, ahead of Indiana at 14.03% and Nebraska at 15.03%, which also finished second and third, respectively, behind Tennessee in lowest per capita pension liability. South Dakota at $10.2 billion, Vermont at $10.2 billion and North Dakota at $12 billion had the lowest unfunded pension liabilities in the U.S. California at $894.7 billion, Illinois at $405.2 billion and Texas at $401.5 billion had the highest unfunded pension liabilities in the country. The double-jab announcement by the British government has sparked a fresh surge in holiday bookings and Mallorca is proving to be the most popular. The Germans way have been told to stay away, but the British cannot wait to get to Mallorca. Emma Coulthurst, from holiday price comparison site TravelSupermarket, said the rush for holidays has begun. Emma said 55 per cent of all bookings on the site during the past week (by Britons comparing prices and then booking with providers were for July/August after the changes to travel rules. That's a big rise on the 10 per cent of bookings for July/August breaks two weeks ago. The most booked overseas destinations in the last week are (in the following order) are Mallorca, Madeira, Lanzarote, Ibiza and Malta. UK residents won't need to quarantine when they return home from 'Amber' countries. The Balearic Government, Hoteliers, Tour Operators, Airlines, Carriers and other Tourism Sectors in the Balearic Islands welcomed the UKs decision, particularly since increased contagion in recent weeks sparked fears of Mallorca reverting to the Amber list. This is positive news and allows British tourists to come to the islands from July 19, regardless of whether the Balearic Islands are Green or Amber, said Government spokesperson and Tourism Minister, Iago Negueruela. "There are 35 million Britons whove had both doses of the vaccination, so we have a potential market of 35 million." "This is fantastic news that we must manage with the utmost responsibility, tweeted Melia's CEO and Alliance for Exceltur Tourism Strategy President, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume. British Transport Minister Grant Shapps announcement means that we have a tourist season despite the pandemic thanks to double coronavirus vaccination, said Hoteliers and Tourism Sectors representatives. UK residents entering England from Amber countries, including mainland Spain, dont need to quarantine for ten days if they've been fully vaccinated in Britain, but they'll still need a PCR test before travelling and a second one two days after entering the country. "I can confirm that from 19 July, UK residents who are fully vaccinated will not have to quarantine when they return to England from 'Amber' countries," said Shapps. Those under the age of 18 will not have to isolate or undergo a test on the 8th day, children aged 5-10 will only have to take a PCR test on the 2nd day and those under 5 are exempt. The aim of the changes is to give vaccinated people priority. "We want to welcome back international visitors to this country and we are working to expand our approach to vaccinated people from important markets and holiday destinations such as the US and the EU. Jet2, EasyJet, British and TUI Fly welcomed the British Governments changes and announced that flights schedules for Mallorca and other islands is continuing, "because there is a great demand. Other Tourism Sectors have also welcomed the news but urged caution. "It's positive, but for us to have a good season we must appeal to the responsibility of tourists and residents, said FEBT President, Rafael Roig. Theres no room for mistakes with the evolution of the pandemic in the Balearic Islands. The German Government has announced new control measures for the Balearic Islands and the rest of Spain because of an increase in Covid infections. The Robert Koch Institute has stressed that contagion in the Spanish regions is skyrocketing and the focus is on the Balearic Islands as the main holiday destination for Germans. Foreign Minister, Heiko Mass will confirm on Friday that all German tourists will be catalogued when they arrive in the Balearics and must supply personal details, including where theyre staying in Mallorca and which German city they come from. The new regulations come into force at midnight on Sunday and will be tightened if Covid cases continue to rise. The German Government may adopt London's strategy of making travel possible for those whove had both jabs. Spain's agriculture minister and his consumer affairs counterpart clashed publicly on Thursday over the latter's campaign to reduce meat consumption in a country famed for its ham, chorizo sausage and plethora of other animal produce. Agriculture Minister Luis Planas, speaking on Cadena Ser radio, rebuked the "Less meat, more life" campaign recently launched by Alberto Garzon's Consumer Affairs Ministry. "It seems to me the campaign is unfortunate," Planas said, adding that it denigrated the work of Spain's farmers. Soon afterwards, Garzon hit back on state broadcaster TVE, saying that eating less meat is healthier and better for the environment. He had suffered health problems from eating too much meat, he added. The clash illustrated the tensions between the two parties of the ruling coalition and highlights an ongoing debate in society about animal farming's role in stoking planet-warming carbon emissions. Planas belongs to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist Party, which is strong in some rural areas and is supported by traditional working-class voters. Garzon's more radical Unidas Podemos depends on younger and urban progressive voters. The UPA agricultural union also criticised the campaign, calling it "misleading, fraudulent and irresponsible" in a statement. It also stressed the economic role of cattle-rearing in Spain's depopulated rural areas. Opposition politicians piled in, with Pablo Casado, leader of the conservative People's Party saying: "Don't tell us what we have to do in our home and instead go home." Animal rights and environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, have cheered Garzon's campaign but urged the government to take more concrete action, particularly against carbon-intensive industrial farming. Prime Minister Sanchez, asked about the row while on a trip to Lithuania, weighed in on the side of the carnivores. "For me, there's nothing that beats a well done T-bone steak," he said. The tourist industry has welcomed the UK's double jab decision, but it also means that Mallorca has compeition this summer. The Balearics was the only Spanish destination on the green with the likes of Greece and the rest of the mainland on amber, however, it is now a free market and yesterday, while airlines reported a surge in sales of up to 400 percent., Greece was proving to be the most searched for destination. In the hours following the announcement, easyJet said flight bookings to amber list countries were up 400% on last week and the airline had put on more than 145,000 extra seats. Advertisement Thomas Cook said searches for amber list holidays doubled in light of the announcement. A spokesperson added: "Searches for Greece have tripled in volume and will be the biggest winner from families booking last-minute summer holidays. "(Before Thursday) we have been selling very few holidays to amber countries and so with Greece, mainland Spain and Canaries all now available to people who've been double jabbed we'd expect a flood of bookings over the weekend." Skyscanner said traffic had increased by 53% just half an hour after Mr Shapps's announcement - compared to the same time on Wednesday. Editor Darren Marcy, a journalist since 1992, is the editor of the Manchester Journal. A New Mexico native, he previously worked for newspapers in the Land of Enchantment before moving to Vermont in 2004. He joined the Journal in October 2018. EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer is addressing whether coronavirus vaccines should be mandated for schoolkids. (TNS) Our fear for our childrens safety is visceral, and it is universal. Nothing unites people across all cultural, economic, social and geographic lines like the love for their children and their desire to protect them against every danger real or imagined. So recent polls showing that one in four American parents dont plan to get their children vaccinated against the coronavirus, whether with the newly approved shots for those at least 12 years of age or with the ones expected in September for little ones as young as 5, is not surprising. When my son stopped moving for two hours in my wifes womb after she fell on the stairs; when he got behind the wheel for the first time; when he drove off to college with a final wave goodbye I felt something worse than fear. I felt helpless helpless to save him from harm. The mandatory vaccines that Julian got at various ages before entering kindergarten from hepatitis B (the only one given at birth), polio and pneumonia to diphtheria, tetanus, and influenza came with reassurances from pediatricians that theyd been administered safely for decades, to millions of youngsters. The COVID-19 vaccine is different. While its been provided to 157 million Americans, the vast majority are adults. The FDA only recently gave emergency authorization for children as young as 12 to receive it. Even for adults, the vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have not received final approval as federal and state health agencies collect more data on their effects. And no vaccine in the history of medicine was developed with the lightning speed of the coronavirus inoculation in the miraculous blink of nine months during last years pandemic shutdown. The other 16 or so shots that children receive on staggered schedules until adulthood took years to develop. The coronavirus vaccines rapid development is cause for celebration but also for pause from parents concerned about the 200 universities that have made vaccines mandatory for attendance this fall, and about the appeals by some principals, teachers and administrators to require them for school attendance at much younger ages. Only 53 percent of parents of children under 12, polled in May by Gallup, said they planned to have their kids vaccinated once the FDA greenlights it for younger people. The scheduled September approval could put parents on a collision course with teachers and school administrators, who might insist, on threat of union-led walkout, that the vaccine be mandatory for their students. But however natural their deep-rooted vigilance may be, the COVID vaccines short but spectacular history should put parents hearts and minds at ease. When Pfizer and Moderna announced last year that their hastily assembled vaccine trials had shown a 95 percent success rate, it seemed too good to be true. A year later, the news is still better: Among the 156 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated, scarcely 11,000 have contracted the virus. For the mathematically precise, thats a success rate of 99.9999285714 percent. Even more astounding, only 3,365 have required hospitalization, and of the 750 who have died, most were elderly or had underlying medical conditions. You are just as likely to be killed by a meteorite as die from COVID after a vaccine, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California in San Francisco, told CNBC. That should be especially true for children, whose immune systems are more robust than those of adults, and whose rate of coronavirus infection has been a fraction of the rate for their elders. If history is a guide, whether to make vaccines mandatory for schoolchildren will vary from state to state and even from district to district. And a glut of misinformation coupled with the burden of making a weighty choice can leave wary parents wanting to wait and see what happens to the herd. Thats when children get sick. And when those who choose not to vaccinate live in the same communities, as a study out of Kaiser Permanente showed was the case in California, it can create the perfect environment for a vaccine-preventable germ to spread, said Dr. Claire McCarthy, a primary care pediatrician at Boston Childrens Hospital and senior editor of Harvard Health Publications. Older vaccines have all but eradicated 10 diseases that once killed children by the tens of thousands, with measles, diphtheria and pertussis leading the list of killers. Despite that success, Connecticut is the only state that requires all of them for kindergarten entry. Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island and South Dakota mandate only four. Its always better to reinforce positive behavior rather than mandate, Bob Bollinger, a professor of infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told CNBC. But we have a precedent of requiring vaccinations to go to school. Now the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant, newly dominant in the United States, appears to be targeting younger patients more frequently, making it more urgent for them to be vaccinated. Parents meeting this challenge must do what they do every day overcome their fears in order to do what is best for their children. James Rosen, former Washington Bureau reporter for McClatchy Newspapers, last month received a first-place award for opinion-column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He has also received multiple National Press Club, Military Reporters and Editors and other honors for his reporting on Congress, the White House and the Pentagon. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. 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 Neymar has launched a withering attack on the Brazilians who will be supporting Argentina during the Copa America final. A number of locals will be hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy as opposed to their own countrymen, prompting a furious reaction from Neymar. "I am Brazilian with a lot of pride and love," Neymar wrote on an Instagram story. "My dream was always to be in the Brazil national team and hear the fans singing. "I never attacked, nor will attack [Brazil] if they are competing for something, whether that is in sport, a modelling competition, the Oscars. "If it's Brazil I am Brazil, and who is Brazilian and does it differently? "It's fine, I will respect it, but go to [hell]... those who are in opposition." Time will tell whether this post has the desired effect. For Neymar, the immediate priority is lifting the Copa America trophy at the Maracana on Saturday night. CarePredict: Harnessing the Power of Data to Enhance Quality of Life for Seniors CarePredict: Harnessing the Power of Data to Enhance Quality of Life for Seniors Caring for his elderly parents, Satish Movva began noticing new health-related concerns during his weekly visits. He recognized that he could no longer rely on the accuracy of his parents own observations and assessments to convey the subtle changes that can indicate a more serious health issue. Were they eating less? Becoming more sedentary? Not sleeping as well? For peace of mind and to provide early insights into their wellbeing, Movva tapped into his extensive background in healthcare technology to found CarePredict in 2013. Headquartered near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, CarePredict develops monitoring systems designed to improve the quality of life of seniors. The CarePredict digital health platform utilizes the Tempo wearable and precise location sensors to track the behavior, patterns, and deviations of each user. The system, which is used in senior living facilities and private homes, relies on biosensors, deep learning algorithms, and predictive analytics to provide actionable insights to caregivers. It can help predict conditions like urinary tract infections, depression, or fall risks. Earlier this year, the Tempo Series 3 for the home was named a CES 2020 Innovation Awards honoree in the wearables category. Movva, who is the companys CEO, noted that older technologies like motion sensors arent able to provide detailed insights other than motion tracking. The CarePredict platform can track where the wearer isin a bedroom, the kitchen, or a bathroom, for example. Whats more, it learns the daily tempo of each user, and can detect and report shifts in behavior to trigger early intervention. The Tempo wearable, worn on the dominant arm, uses gesture recognition to identify various activities, such as when the wearer is lifting a fork to their mouth. Wearers can push a button on the device to contact a caregiver or, with the home version, speak to a family member. Through an associated app, families can get a detailed understanding of how their loved one is doing day to day. Did they skip a meal or two today? Are they being less active than they used to be? explained Movva. With multigenerational households being less common, said Movva, Weve become that continuous observation platform for elders aging away from their family. McAlester, OK (74501) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. McAlester, OK (74501) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Note: We have changed our commenting system. If you do not have an mdjonline.com account, you will need to create one in order to comment. Alia Bhatt is one of the stellar performers of Bollywood and seems like she has now signed a contract with a Hollywood agency. Alia has recently signed a contract with William Morris Agency (WME). The agency also represents stars such as Emma Stone, Oprah, Gal Gadot, Charlize Theron, and others. Alia Bhatt took to Instagram to respond to WMEs welcome message for her. She responded to the message with a yay and many heart emojis. According to ANI, Alia Bhatt has now taken this step to spread her wings internationally. WME is one of the longest-running agencies which manages sports, events, fashion, and media. This is the same agency that signed actor Freida Pinto. Apart from Alia Bhatt, actors Hrithik Roshan, Vidyut Jammwal have also signed contracts with different agencies in Hollywood. Hrithik signed with agency Gersh this year and Deepika Padukone had also joined agency ICM which represented Regina King, Olivia Colman, and others. However, in Bollywood, Alia Bhatt also has multiple projects lined up at the moment including Brahmastra with boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. The film also stars Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and is directed by Ayan Mukerji. She will be seen in another film Gangubai Kathiawadi, the filming for which was wrapped up last month. The film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and stars Alia as the madam of a brothel. Alia Bhatt will also be seen in RRR which is directed by SS Rajamouli of Baahubali fame. The film also stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR with Ajay Devgn, and Alia Bhatt will be seen playing the role of Sita in the movie. Arent you excited to see her in Hollywood films? Let us know in the comments section below! In another episode of this happens only in India, three farmers in Gujarat have been arrested for selling illegal alcohol after their own buffaloes got drunk on it. Yes, you read that right! Unsplash Police official Dilipsingh Baldev said, one of the accused had to call a local veterinarian when their buffaloes started acting strangely and their mouths started frothing. The vet then inspected the water trough that the buffaloes were drinking from and figured out that the water smelled different and also had a slightly different colour. Unsplash It was later found that the three farmers had hidden bottles of illicit alcohol in a trough and some of them had broken which led to contamination of water. The vet then informed the police and then the police recovered around 100 bottles of alcohol worth Rs 32,000. However, the three farmers were later arrested. Unsplash Gujarat had banned the consumption of alcohol in 1960 as a homage to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Since then Gujarat has witnessed several cases of alcohol poisoning which has claimed the lives of more than 400 people after the ban was enforced. In Gujarat, making, buying, selling, or transporting alcohol is a punishable offense, and people who are found guilty have to bear hefty fines and even prison sentences. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below! Americans and Hollywood movies would like to make people believe that whenever aliens from outer space visit the earth, they only visit or attack the USA. This has become a meme of sorts over the years. After all, they truly are the leaders when we speak of conspiracy theorists. Universal Pictures India too, however, has its fair share of conspiracy theorists and they believe that India was visited by aliens from outer space, many many years before the US even existed. Some Indian conspiracy theorists believe that aliens came to India about 10,000 years ago. BCCL The reason why they believe this to be true is a series of paintings that have been found in the caves of Charama, in Chhatisgarh. Now, before you dismiss them off, they will present you with volumes of evidence. Reuters Here are 5 reasons why Indian conspiracy theorists believe that aliens visited India 10,000 years ago, and maybe, just maybe, why they might be right. The Humanoid Shapes BCCL The cave paintings at Charama are not like your usual cave paintings. They certainly are a whole lot different from what people have seen at Lascaux in France. The one thing that sets Charama apart is the fact that their cave paintings show distinct forms of human-like figures. One of them can be assumed to be representing the local people who lived in the area about 10,000 years ago. The other humanoid figures are actually much closer to what we have come to recognise as aliens. The aliens also seem to wear some sort of headgear or a helmet. The Flying Saucers BCCL The Charama rock paintings also have figures of flying saucers. Whats interesting is that the shapes have a very eerie resemblance to some of the most common flying saucers that we have seen in pop-culture and documents that conspiracy theorists all around the world cite when speaking of flying saucers. They even had the antennae and the landing gear that movies based on aliens have shown. Proximity To Another Such Site BCCL Charama by itself is probably the only site of its kind that has aliens as cave paintings. But what makes things even more interesting, is its proximity to Madhya Pradeshs Hoshangabad, another set of caves where similar paintings have been seen. Charama and Hoshangabad are actually roughly 250 kilometres apart. One interesting thing about the Hoshangabad paintings is that the aliens there have large, humongous eyes as compared to their heads, and they have actually painted them. The Timing & Carbon Dating Of The Paintings Reuters The Charama paintings were discovered in 2014. Upon discovery, several researchers and conspiracy theorists gathered and studied those paintings. A few scientific communities even managed to get the paintings dated by a process called carbon dating. While some of the paintings are about 2000 years old, most of them are actually 10,000 years old. Remember the one with the flying saucer? That one is said to be one of the oldest paintings in the cave. NASAs Silence In 2018, NASA was actually roped in to study these paintings. They even sent out a team to collect some materials. However, nothing was ever heard from them, at least by the public. This has only fueled Indias conspiracy theorists, that NASA, at the behest of global leaders doesnt want the public to know about aliens. The bottom line Whether you believe in aliens or not, Charama and Hoshangabad are actually quite cool places to visit. Not only do they have some ethereal caves, but they also have quite a good number of tribal paintings. That by itself warrants a visit. And if you do believe in aliens, well, then a journey to this place should be nothing short of a pilgrimage. Funeral services for Margaret Warren Allen, 94, will be Friday at 11 a.m., at New Hope UMC in DeKalb, Miss. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. The online register is available at www.stephensfunerals.com. As public health experts have warned for weeks, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is now the dominant strain circulating in Mississippi, causing a spike in cases and hospitalizations. Delta is now also the dominant variant across the United States. Nationally, the average number of new cases has started to trend upwards due to localized Delta outbreaks in places, like Mississippi, that have low vaccination rates. With 678 confirmed cases, the Alpha variant, which originated in the United Kingdom, still represents over 75% of all variant infections in Mississippi, but the Delta variant is now circulating much faster. Over the past two weeks the number of Delta cases has increased more than fivefold, up from 29 to 137. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs has repeatedly stressed that Mississippians have the choice of getting vaccinated or contracting COVID-19, and that in every scenario a vaccinated person is going to have a better outcome than if they had declined the shot. The Delta variant has considerably increased the already high risks posed by the virus to unvaccinated people. The variant, first identified in India, is believed to be about 60 percent more contagious than the Alpha variant and up to twice as contagious as the original strain of COVID-19. The vaccines are nearly as effective against the Delta variant as the original strain, greatly minimizing the chance of infection and nearly eliminating the risks of developing a serious illness. Studies suggest, however, that being fully vaccinated is the only adequate protection against the Delta variant, as a single shot of either of the two-dose mRNA vaccines provides only weak protection against infection. Scientists have put forth an explanation for the overall decrease in efficacy of the vaccines against the variant. According to a new study published on Thursday in Nature, evolutions in the Delta variants spike proteins make it more difficult for antibodies to attach themselves and fight the virus. Still, the data collected on COVID-19 infections and deaths over the last few months has made the benefits offered by vaccination irrefutable. The Associated Press has reported that nearly all new COVID deaths in the U.S. are among the unvaccinated. Of the more than 18,000 COVID-19 deaths that occurred in May, only around 150, or 0.8% were from fully vaccinated people. Due to the surge of Delta infections across the globe, the World Health Organization recently repeated its longstanding recommendation that everyone, vaccinated or not, wear masks to limit the spread of infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not changed its advice that fully vaccinated Americans can forgo masks in most situations. Current CDC guidance states that in general you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings if youre fully vaccinated. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, it is recommended you wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings, or other environments where you will come into close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations leading expert on infectious diseases, said in a Meet The Press appearance on July 4 that he would still wear a mask in Mississippi even though hes fully vaccinated. You might want to go the extra step and say that when Im in that area, where theres a considerable degree of viral circulation, I might want to go the extra mile to ensure that I get the extra added layer of protection, even though the vaccines themselves are highly effective, Fauci said. Despite the wide availability of vaccines and the risks posed by variants, Mississippi continues to rank last in the nation in the share of its population that has been vaccinated. With over 2 million shots administered, only 31% of Mississippians have been fully vaccinated. People are simply declining to get their shots, and this is keeping Mississippi in last place. Click here to log in and see all of our other subscription options for the Mesabi Tribune, including online only & auto-renewal subscriptions. In summer 2020, The New York Times coordinated a nationwide project to document the lives of Americans out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved collaborating with 11 other local newsrooms around the U.S. The Messenger-Inquirer was the only newspaper from Kentucky in the collaboration. The resulting collection of stories was published Oct. 23, 2020, in the New York Times print edition and at nytimes.com/outofwork. The following list is the Messenger-Inquirer's local unemployment coverage from that time period; read more by clicking the "New York Times Project" header. Click on "Out Of Work In America" to go to the full The winner of the July Kanto Tetsugen auction will sell the 14,000 tonnes of bulk Japanese H2 scrap to Vietnam, sources said. The auction closed at 47,888 per tonne ($435) on a free along side ship basis, down by 1,307 per tonne month on month."This final Kanto price could be following last week's H2 deal of $484 per tonne cfr Vietnam as a guide price," a Vietnamese trader told Fastmarkets on Friday July 9. Offers for bulk Japanese H2 were at $484 per tonne... KABUL Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar spoke today with his German counterpart Heiko Maas to discuss security situation, continuation of international assistance, and the prospect of peace in Afghanistan. Mr. Atmar commended Germany's assistance and sacrifices in Afghanistan over the past 20 years and called continuation of partners support vital to preserving the state and the achievements of the last 20 years. The two foreign ministers spoke in detail about the unprecedented increase in violence, reinforcing the Afghan Air Force, role of the regional countries particularly Pakistan in the success of the peace process, and containing the spread of terrorism threat. The two sides agreed to collaborate with Afghanistans other international partners to expand and strengthen regional consensus for peace as well as enhance the capacity of the Afghan Air Force. The German Foreign Minister said that Afghanistan was of great importance to the German government and parliament. He stated that Afghanistan was not alone in the current difficult times and that Germany would stand by the government and people of Afghanistan. Mr. Maas reaffirmed that they would do their utmost to help preserve all the hard-won gains of the last 20 years in coordination with the European Union and other global partners. Attorney General Nessel Joins Multistate Efforts Attorney General Nessel Joins Multistate Efforts Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746 Attorney General July 9, 2021 LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues to join attorneys general from across the nation in a variety of multistate actions, including the following: Brief Supporting Regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers On July 1, Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 30 attorneys general from across the country, led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, in an amicus brief to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of North Dakota laws that regulate abusive behavior of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which have been challenged by the PBM industry's national lobbying association. The case, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) v. Wehbi, is on remand from the U.S. Supreme Court, which vacated the Eighth Circuit's previous decision that ERISA preempts North Dakota's laws regulating PBMs. The Supreme Court directed the Eighth Circuit to reconsider the case in light of the Supreme Court's December 2020 decision in Pharmaceutical Care Management Association v. Rutledge. In Rutledge, the Supreme Court rejected the Eighth Circuit's ERISA analysis and held that Arkansas had authority to impose various cost regulations on PBMs: for example, Arkansas could require PBMs to reimburse pharmacies for at least the amount pharmacies pay to acquire a drug, as other states do. As the coalition wrote in the brief, they "have an interest in preserving states' authority to regulate companies doing business in their states and in protecting their residents' access to healthcare and shielding them from abusive business practices. To advance these interests, nearly all states regulate pharmacy benefit managers." PCMA's broad approach to federal preemption would "severely impede states' abilities to protect their residents and potentially upend licensing and regulatory structures in nearly every state." Abusive business practices of PBMs PBMs are intermediaries in the prescription pharmaceutical industry between prescription drug plans, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers. The PBM industry reaps hundreds of billions of dollars annually. PBMs profit from fees charged to market participants and by reimbursing pharmacies less than the PBM is paid by plans for dispensing medications. PBMs have imposed self-serving protections that reduce reimbursement rates to pharmacies, maximize rebates to PBMs, and impose various confidentiality requirements. For example, PBMs have tried to prevent pharmacies from even telling consumers the actual cost of drugs. These business practices have harmed consumers, pharmacies, and states. Rural and independent pharmacies have especially struggled to survive when PBMs impose financially unsustainable conditions. PBMs have been largely unregulated for decades and are still largely unregulated at the federal level. States like North Dakota and others have stepped up and paved the way for PBM regulation to protect consumers and pharmacies. Comments Encouraging EPA to Restore California Waiver for Clean Car Standards On July 6, Nessel joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, as well as the cities of Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose, to encourage the EPA to restore California's waiver under the Clean Air Act for its greenhouse gas and zero emission vehicle (ZEV) programs. The coalition also encourages the EPA to rescind its previous determination that Section 177 of the Clean Air Act does not authorize other states to adopt California's greenhouse gas standards for passenger cars and light trucks. California's standards, which already result in emissions reductions of hundreds of thousands of tons annually, are essential components of Michigan and other states' plans to fight climate change and protect public health. Sixty years ago, California was a pioneer in adopting vehicle emission standards - long before any federal vehicle emission standards even existed. Since then, California has been granted more than 100 waivers, including in 2013 when the EPA granted California a waiver for its Advanced Clean Car program. Six years later, under the Trump Administration, the EPA withdrew California's waiver to set its own greenhouse gas and ZEV standards, which a California-led coalition swiftly challenged in court. Litigation in that case is currently held in abeyance to permit the current EPA to reconsider. California's clean car standards have been adopted by thirteen states representing more than one-third of the U.S. automobile market and are currently under consideration in a number of others. These standards, which have been implemented in some states for more than a decade, are essential components of state plans to reduce emissions and attain federally mandated National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter and ozone - two pollutants which cause significant adverse health impacts. According to CARB analysis, California's Advanced Clean Car Program, of which its greenhouse gas and ZEV standards are critical components, is expected to result in a 75% reduction in smog-forming pollution and a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for an average car sold in 2025 as compared to 2012 when the program was adopted. These standards are not only crucial for reducing emissions now to mitigate the threats residents face from climate change - they also drive technological innovation that will enable deeper emissions reductions of all of these harmful pollutants in the future. Meet EGLE's Dam Safety Unit staff, which oversees more than 1,100 dams in Michigan Meet EGLE's Dam Safety Unit staff, which oversees more than 1,100 dams in Michigan With the hiring of a fourth dam safety engineer, the newly created Dam Safety Unit of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has doubled its staff. Before May 2020, when two dams in Mid-Michigan failed, the Dam's staff had 2 1/2 staff and a budget of approximately $350,000. In the year since the failures, EGLE has created a standalone Dam Safety Unit with five full-time staff and a budget of $750,000, thanks in part to the Legislature, which approved more funding for the program. With more staff, the Dam Safety Unit will be able to double its efforts, perform more inspections and allow for a continued focus on enforcement and compliance issues while identifying deficiencies at structures across the state. The staff will also work to fulfill the appropriate recommendations from the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force. For example, it will prioritize performing a portfolio risk assessment of all the dams that will inform future decision-making. Let's meet the Dam Safety Unit's staff. Luke Trumble, supervisor Trumble is a professional engineer who was named the unit supervisor in February 2021. Trumble has been with the Dam Safety Unit for 11 years and his geographic territory before being named supervisor was the southern Lower Peninsula. During his tenure with the Dam Safety Program, Trumble has served as a state expert in dam design, permitting, construction and removal. Trumble has also participated in several dam failure investigations since joining the Dam Safety Unit. Prior to joining EGLE, he worked for four years in engineering consulting as a design engineer and project manager. Trumble has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University. Dan DeVaun, senior dam safety engineer DeVaun has worked for EGLE for two years and was instrumental in the department's response to the Edenville Dam collapse and future planning, including leading the planning for emergency work to lower the Tobacco River spillway on the dam to protect downstream residents and resources. Under the reconstituted Dam Safety Unit, DeVaun will serve as a senior engineer who will provide statewide support to staff engineers for in-field work and inspections while focusing on larger projects such as the portfolio risk assessment. Prior to joining EGLE, DeVaun worked for 18 years in engineering consulting as a design engineer, project manager and business line leader. His consultant career focused on water resources and storm water management, with much of his work being dam modifications, reconstruction, and removals. DeVaun has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Amira Oun, dam safety engineer Oun joined the EGLE Dam Safety Unit in December 2020. Before joining the Dam Safety Unit, Oun worked for four years in EGLE's Water Resources Division, Surface Water Assessment Section, coordinating Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, Water Quality Certifications for federally regulated hydropower dams. She also spent eight years in engineering consulting in Libya. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Al-Fateh University in Tripoli, Libya; a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering; and a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, both from Michigan State University. Thomas Horak, dam safety engineer Horak was hired by EGLE in March 2021 after previously working for the water resources division of a consulting engineering firm. His work was primarily completed for County Drain Commissioners throughout the Lower Peninsula. Horak also worked for several years as an intern before becoming a design engineer at the consulting engineering firm. He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. Michael Size, dam safety engineer Size joined the Dam Safety Unit in June 2021 after working as a project/field engineer consultant for four years. In that role he has provided civil and environmental engineering support on projects in water resources, construction inspection and site planning. As a consulting engineer, he has performed hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, calculations pertaining to dam and spillway design, dam construction oversight, drone surveying, streambank stabilization design and site grading. While performing construction oversight, Size worked with regulatory agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). He graduated from Michigan Technological University with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering in the fall of 2017. This map shows the territories and contact information for Dam Safety Unit staff. To report dam safety emergencies, call 800-292-4706. For more information, go to the Dam Safety Unit or Edenville Dam Recovery webpages. Like this content? Follow us on Twitter at @MichiganEGLE or on Youtube.com/MichiganEGLE Take a short survey and let us know what you think about MI Environment. Back when I was attending a two-room country school, we had to learn to recite poems. That was many years ago. Ive forgotten most of the poems we had to learn or only remember parts of them with a few lines here and there. One we had to memorize was a poem about a tree. Maybe that is where I get my appreciation for trees. I love trees, the different shapes, color, everything about them, and the fact that animals make a home in them. The only lines from that poem that I remember are: I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed against the earth's sweet flowing breast. ... and wears a nest of robins in her hair. Where I live, there are two giant oak trees in the front yard. They are well over 100 years old. Those trees are in pictures back from when my grandparents owned the farm in the 1800s. One of the trees was dying and I had to have it cut down. It was not an easy decision to make. Like I said I love trees, and so many of my childhood memories were tied to that old tree. All that is left of that magnificent hardwood is a stump. Although it is just a stump, it still brings back so many memories of my childhood when I look at it. I spent hours creating a breeze on hot summer days pumping a rope swing back and forth as high as I could get the swing to go. And, my brother built a fort at the top of the tree that was for boys only. It had a wooden box attached to a pulley that acted as an elevator to get to the top, and there were boards nailed to the tree to form steps. All of the ways to get to the tree house were way above my head. I was about 5 years old then. Even though I don't like heights, that tree house was a place that haunted me because my brother and his friends wouldn't allow me to go there because I was just a little ol girl and it was a place for just the guys. A storm eventually took down the man palace so that childhood piece of male chauvinism wasn't hanging over my head anymore, and I was happy to see its demise. That was also the tree my brother and I played cowboys and Indians around. For some reason, I always had to be the cowboy who either got one of his toy arrows in the back, which hurt, or he would pretend to burn me at the stake. My brother would tie my hands behind my back around the tree and pretend to set the grass on fire. One time he really did set the grass on fire. Fortunately, mom was vigilant and curtailed that little adventure. That old tree was one of two trees that held a hammock that was another source of whiling away hot summer days. It is just a stump now, but I still think I will never see a poem as lovely as a tree, and all the memories a tree can provide. Mary Drier is a freelance reporter and columnist for the Huron Daily Tribune. Ashley Kennedy used to spend up to 10 hours a day in a milking parlor, milking cows. But a few years ago, her farm in Bad Axe decided to make an upgrade by introducing automated milking systems. Basically, it's like a box and (cows) can walk in, get fed in there and this mechanical arm goes under and actually milks the cow, she said. Kennedy said part of the reason for installing the machines was driven by a lack of reliable, good workers. "We depend on our employees and we have a fantastic crew, but now we're able to have a smaller workforce," Kennedy said, adding, "And it seems to be really advantageous when you can tell somebody that they won't have to milk cows in a parlor." Although shes happy with the machines for the flexibility they offer, Kennedy said other farmers havent been so lucky, as theyve struggled to find workers. A shortage in farm workers isnt a new problem to agriculture. According to John Kran, who serves on the National Legislation Council for Michigan Farm Bureau, there has been a steady decline in workers for decades, and the problem has compounded further in recent years. He said the decline driven by a lack of interest in farming, among other factors has left farmers turning to more options like guest workers. In addition to domestic migrant workers, H-2A workers or temporary agricultural workers who come to the US with a work visa, are becoming the growing source of labor on farms. Kran said the Farm Bureau works with farmers to bring in guest workers through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration's H-2A, but the system is flawed H-2A isnt always user-friendly or accessible to farmers and it only really addresses seasonal agricultural needs. (The Michigan Farm Bureau has) continued to advocate on farmers behalf to Congress and to the federal administration for a long-term solution, which immigration reform that would help address agriculture's long-term needs," Kran said. Kran said current solutions to the worker shortage like the H-2A program and technology are only temporary fixes, and its going to take more forward-thinking initiatives to address the needs of farmers. Although farm workers are becoming harder to find, farmers, who own and manage land, are also dwindling in numbers. Roger Bentz is a farm business management educator for the MSU Extension. He said decreasing farmers has been the trend, but a shortage of farmers isnt as concerning across the state. Likewise, Bentz said the average age of Michigan farmers, which puts them at 56 years, is also a misleading statistic since many farms are passed down through families. People look at the stats and say, "Oh my gosh, this is terrible," but from an economic standpoint, we're just more efficient in what we do, Bentz said. Theres a constant economic pressure thats reducing farmers, asking, "how many farmers do you need?"" Bentz said with increasing operation efficiency, farms are less in need of farmers to oversee the land, but employees that do the more labor-intensive work are still in high demand. Migrant and H-2A workers are becoming the norm on Michigan farms, but technology is also a growing part of the conversation when considering the farm of the future. Kennedy said she understands technology is an investment that changes a farms entire operation and the transition can be a daunting task for farmers. Putting a robotic milking unit into a farm is not just changing how you milk cows it also changes how you manage your farm, your outlook, how you are feeding your cows and essentially every aspect of your farm, Kennedy said. If you're not willing to (make those changes), I have absolutely seen (farms) fail. Current technology isnt a fail-safe solution for the worker labor shortage. Kran said its not always cost-effective, and there are still limited options across different sectors. Necessity has driven some technological advancements in agriculture, Kran said. We have a long way to go for that to become a reality for all crops and all types of agriculture. That's something that's going to continue to develop as we face worker shortages. Despite the current challenges, Kran and Kennedy said theyre still hopeful for the future of agriculture. I think (the worker shortage) is a very serious problem, but I think problems help us to get creative with solutions and find new solutions, Kennedy said. "They might not come tomorrow, but they're coming." MANISTEE COUNTY The following includes reports made to the Manistee County Sheriffs Office from June 12-14. All calls may not be reported. This is part of a lengthy report and is compiled by assistant editor Arielle Breen. June 12 A breaking and entering incident was reported at 7 a.m. in Wellston. A report of goats on the loose was made at 7:25 a.m. in Bear Lake Township. A suspicious situation was reported at 10 a.m. in Manistee Township. A person was reported as driving away without paying for gasoline at 10:56 a.m. in Norman Township. A civil dispute was reported at 2:13 p.m. in Norman Township. An overdose was reported at 10:14 a.m. in Cleon Township. A suspicious situation was reported at 12:05 p.m. in Kaleva. A suspicious situation was reported at 2:36 p.m. in Manistee Township. A suspicious situation was reported at 2:37 p.m. in Filer Township. A suspicious situation was reported at 2:49 p.m. in Filer Township. A property damage crash was reported at 8 p.m. in Manistee Township. Deputies assisted EMS at 7:10 p.m. in Cleon Township. A hit and run incident was reported at 11:57 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. A suspicious situation was reported at 8:48 p.m. in Manistee. June 13 A property damage crash was reported at 11:51 a.m. in Bear Lake Township. A hit and run incident was reported in Marilla Township. A noise disturbance was reported at 6:06 p.m. in Manistee Township. Deputies assisted kayakers who had overturned their vessels at 10:05 p.m. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 10:21 p.m. in Manistee Township. A verbal domestic incident was investigated and a warrant arrest issued at 11:20 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. June 14 A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 5:42 a.m. in Stronach Township. Assault was reported at 6:53 a.m. in Norman Township. Deputies responded to a civil dispute and assisted a citizen at 8:45 a.m. in Norman Township. Deputies conducted a well-being check at 8:58 a.m. in Bear Lake Township. Deputies assisted EMS at 6:44 a.m. in Manistee Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 12:38 p.m. in Manistee Township. A mental health incident was reported at 10:30 a.m. in Bear Lake Township. A traffic hazard was reported at 7:41 p.m. in Manistee Township. Deputies conducted a well-being check at 8:27 p.m. in Eastlake. A vehicle was reported as abandoned at 10:08 p.m. in Maple Grove Township. A home invasion was reported in Stronach Township. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday targeting what he labeled anticompetitive practices in tech, health care and other parts of the economy, declaring it would fortify an American ideal that true capitalism depends on fair and open competition." The sweeping order includes 72 actions and recommendations that Biden said would lower prices for families, increase wages for workers and promote innovation and faster economic growth. However, new regulations that agencies may write to translate his policy into rules could trigger major legal battles. The order includes calls for banning or limiting noncompete agreements to help boost wages, allowing rule changes that would pave the way for hearing aids to be sold over the counter at drugstores and banning excessive early termination fees by internet companies. It also calls on the Transportation Department to consider issuing rules requiring airlines to refund fees when baggage is delayed or in-flight services are not provided as advertised. At a White House signing ceremony, Biden said of some in big business: Rather than competing for consumers they are consuming their competitors; rather than competing for workers they are finding ways to gain the upper hand on labor." Let me be clear: Capitalism without competition isnt capitalism. Its exploitation," he said. The White House said Bidens order follows in the tradition of past presidents who took action to slow corporate power. Theodore Roosevelts administration broke up powerful trusts that had a grip on huge swaths of the economy, including Standard Oil and J.P. Morgans railroads. Franklin D. Roosevelts administration stepped up antitrust enforcement in the 1930s. But experts noted that Biden's sprawling presidential initiative is hardly a mandate on competition. This is really more of a blueprint or agenda than a traditional executive order, said Daniel Crane, a law professor at the University of Michigan who focuses on antitrust. This is a very broad and ambitious policy agenda for the Biden administration that offers lots of insights on the administrations direction and priorities, but there could be many a slip between the cup and the lip. Biden's order includes a flurry of consumer-pointed initiatives that could potentially lead to new federal regulations, but it also includes plenty of aspirational language that simply encourages agencies to take action meant to bolster worker and consumer protections. Business and trade groups quickly expressed opposition, arguing that the order would stifle economic growth just as the U.S. economy is recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the actions announced today are solutions in search of a problem, said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. They threaten to undo our progress by undermining free markets and are premised on the false notion that our workers are not positioned for success. The order seeks to address noncompete clauses an issue affecting some 36 million to 60 million Americans, according to the White House by encouraging the Federal Trade Commission to ban or limit such agreements, ban unnecessary occupational licensing restrictions and strengthen antitrust guidance to prevent employers from collaborating to suppress wages or reduce benefits by sharing wage and benefit information with one another. Noncompete agreements often stop workers in a variety of industries from going to other employers for higher pay. Biden noted that in some states even fast food franchises include such clauses for low-wage workers. Come on, are there trade secrets about whats inside the patty? Biden said. The order also takes aim at tech giants Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon by calling for greater scrutiny of mergers, especially by dominant internet platforms, with particular attention to the acquisition of nascent competitors, serial mergers, the accumulation of data, competition by free products, and the effect on user privacy. In his executive order, Biden also calls on the Federal Maritime Commission to take action against shippers that it says are charging American exporters exorbitant charges and the Surface Transportation Board to require railroad track owners to strengthen their obligations to treat other freight companies fairly. The White House argues that rapid consolidation and sharp hikes in pricing in the shipping industry have made it increasingly expensive for U.S. companies to get goods to market. In 2000, the largest 10 shipping companies controlled 12% of the market. They now control about 82%, according to the Journal of Commerce. The World Shipping Council, an industry trade group, pushed back in a statement that normalized demand, not regulation," is the way to answer rising costs. There is no market concentration problem to fix, and punitive measures levied against carriers based on incorrect economic assumptions will not fix the congestion problems," said John Butler, president and CEO of the council. The order also notes that over the past two decades the U.S. has lost 70% of the banks it once had, with around 10,000 bank closures. Communities of color and rural areas have been disproportionately affected. To begin addressing the trend, the order encourages the Justice Department as well as the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to update guidelines to provide greater scrutiny of mergers. It also encourages the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue rules allowing customers to download their banking data and take it with them when they switch. The order includes several provisions that could affect the agricultural industry. It calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can use Product of USA labels. It also encourages the FTC to limit farm equipment manufacturers' ability to restrict the use of independent repair shops or do-it-yourself repairs such as when tractor companies block farmers from repairing their own tractors. Democratic lawmakers and union leaders cheered the order. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, said that Biden's executive order needs to be buttressed by congressional action. Competition policy needs new energy and approaches so that we can address Americas monopoly problem," Klobuchar said. That means legislation to update our antitrust laws, but it also means reimagining what the federal government can do to promote competition under our current laws. Federal regulators said Thursday they now can better track rocket launches and space vehicles returning to Earth, which could cut the amount of time that airplanes must be routed around space operations. The Federal Aviation Administration said a new tool automates the near-instantaneous delivery of data about a space vehicle's flight path to the nation's air traffic control system. The tool, called the Space Data Integrator, will replace a system in which much of the work of giving telemetry data about space vehicles to air traffic control managers is done manually. Elon Musk's SpaceX was the first company to share flight telemetry data with the FAA, and others including Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin have since joined the program, according to the FAA. The FAA said the new technology was first used on June 30 for the launch of SpaceX's Transporter 2, which lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying dozens of satellites into orbit. It will be used again with the pending return of a SpaceX cargo ship from the International Space Station, the agency said. With this capability, we will be able to safely reopen the airspace more quickly and reduce the number of aircraft and other airspace users affected by a launch or reentry, FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson said. During space operations, the FAA shuts down a huge section of airspace for hours in case the rocket or the space vehicle breaks apart. Airlines must reroute flights, which causes them to burn more fuel and fall behind schedule. A single launch can affect hundreds of flights. The growth of the commercial space industry, and with it the number of launches and reentries, has raised concern among airlines that disruptions will become more frequent. According to the FAA, there were 45 space launches and reentries last year, a record, and that could rise to more than 70 this year. The FAA said other changes it has already made have reduced airspace closures from an average of more than four hours to a little more than two hours for a launch. The agency said the Space Data Integrator will reduce that further, but didn't give a precise time. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. St. Mary School / Contributed photo * St. Mary School in Milford held its Annual May Crowning outdoors with the entire school gathered together in their cohorts for the first time this school year. Students from preschool through grade eight presented flowers to the statue of the Mary, prayers were recited, there was a trumpet solo and a drone captured the beautiful ceremony. The school community was happy to be able to once again take part in this time honored tradition. * Sarah Pierpont, of Cheshire is the recipient of The Senior Prize in Neuroscience at Hamilton College's annual Class & Charter Day. The outdoor, socially-distanced ceremony was held on May 11. Established in 1950, the event combines the traditional Class Day celebrating the end of classes with a commemoration of the granting of College's charter on May 26, 1812. The Senior Prize in Neuroscience is awarded to the outstanding senior concentrator in neuroscience. Pierpont, a senior majoring in neuroscience, is a graduate of Cheshire High School. MIDDLETOWN Wesleyan University Long Lane Farm(ers) have begun harvesting crops from the two-acre student-run farm. Every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m., they sell their crops at a farm stand near the corner of Long Lane and Wadsworth Street, and again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the North End Farmers Market in Middletown. Cash and Venmo are accepted. Garlic scapes, baby daikon radish, snap peas, collard greens, and kale are in season for mid-summer picking and indulgence. The students started planting summer crops in a greenhouse in March and moved the plants outdoors in April. Garlic, however, was planted last November. Long Lane is supported by grants and funding sources that provide salaries for up to 12 summer farmers. All students are trained during the spring semester and learn the necessary day-to-day skills needed to plan and run a farm. The students work approximately 40 hours a week from May 24 to Sept. 3, and live on campus throughout the summer. Snap peas prefer damp, cool growing conditions and are one of the first vegetables available for harvest, and tart-tasting red currant fruits are ready to harvest in mid-to-late June. The students also donate about a third of their harvest to local organizations working to fight food insecurity. The daikon radish has a sweet flavor in comparison to the spicier, common red radish. The name daikon translates from Japanese to mean great root. Long Lane Farm is located from the solar farm. In July, the farmers expect to harvest tomatoes, squash, beets, carrots, chard, cabbage, broccoli and turnips. Later in the summer, they will be selling okra, garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, peppers, pumpkins, potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic, eggplants and more. Editors note: This article is reprinted with permission from the News @ Wesleyan blog. GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) A judge sentenced three men to life in prison for the 2019 slaying of a northeast Georgia sheriffs deputy. Hall County Superior Court Judge Jason Deal imposed the sentences Thursday, a week after a jury convicted Hector Garcia-Solis, Eric Velazquez and London Clements of murder. All three were 17 years old when Hall County Sheriffs Deputy Blane Dixon was fatally shot. Garcia-Solis, who had admitted to pulling the trigger and was convicted of malice murder, was sentenced to life with no chance of parole, The Times of Gainesville reported. Im truly sorry for what Ive done to yall, Garcia-Solis told Dixon's family during the sentencing hearing. Velazquez and Clements, convicted of felony murder, were both sentenced to life with a chance of parole. Members of the slain deputy's family described their grief in statements to the judge. "I do not forgive yall at all, Dixons father, Fred Dixon, said to the defendants. In addition to murder charges, the three were also found guilty in a series of burglaries and car thefts in the days leading up to the car chase and shootout with police in which Dixon was killed in a Gainesville neighborhood on July 7, 2019. 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. MIDDLETOWN The Middlesex United Way believes no child should go hungry. Many children and families receive regular food assistance throughout the school year, but now that we have entered summer, these food resources may be harder to find. Food insecure households are not necessarily food insecure all of the time, and this may reflect a households need to make trade-offs between important basic needs, such as housing or medical bills, and purchasing nutritionally adequate foods. There are more than 400,000 food insecure people in Connecticut over 117,000 of them are children. The CT Summer Meals Program is federally funded by the USDA and state-administered by the Department of Education. The program provides free, nutritious meals to kids during summer break. Summer meals meet federal nutrition guidelines, and are composed of milk, fruits, vegetables, grains and meat or another protein. They are offered at over 400 sites around the state from June to late August, serving combinations of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Meals are free to any child age 18 and under no questions asked. Clinton, East Hampton, Middletown and Portland are towns in Middlesex County where summer meals are available at no cost to all children. Your family can pick up meals in these towns even if your child does not live in or attend school in these districts. For specific information about summer meal site locations, dates, and times, please contact the school district or food service director for the towns listed. There are more than 100 farmers markets offering fresh, local products throughout Connecticut. In addition to access to quality and healthy foods, these markets are also a community gathering place for everyone to enjoy. You can visit the Connecticut Department of Agriculture website for more information on farmers markets across the state, including a complete town-by-town list. Many markets are also affiliated with the Women, Infant, and Children and/or Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program. These programs provide eligible WIC clients and seniors access to fresh fruits and vegetables. For information, check out 211s WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program and our Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program at 211ct.org. In addition to school district-provided meals and farmers markets, food banks are open year round for most communities. In March, St. Vincent de Paul Middletown started packing weekend food kits for 200 students in elementary schools with the highest number of low-income students. This Backpack Program allows students to take home approximately 15 nourishing food items every Friday. Kits contain items that require zero or little cooking, including shelf-stable milk, cereal, oatmeal, fresh fruit, nuts, macaroni and cheese, tuna, canned chicken, bagels and bread. Students take home flyers encouraging families to also visit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry to help save on grocery bills, and learn about other community resources through outreach workers. The Backpack Program will resume in the 2021-22 academic year at three elementary schools: Spencer, Snow and Macdonough. Middlesex United Way is proud to provide funding for this incredible resource. There are ways you can get involved in reducing food insecurity in Middlesex County. If you contribute to Middlesex United Way, you are already supporting our local food banks, as part of your gift supports programs at Amazing Grace Food Pantry and Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. When schools are out for the summer, the pantries are hit hardest, so any additional donations you wish to make would be welcomed with open arms. Check with your local pantry to find what is most needed. In Middletown, the Amazing Grace Food Pantry is at 16 Stack St. If you or someone you know is food insecure and wants more information, please call 2-1-1. To learn more about our other programs or how you can give back, please contact Christina Heckart at christina.heckart@middlesexunitedway.org. Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middletown-based Middlesex United Way. WATERFORD Waterford Superintendent of Schools Thomas Giard led a list of more than 200 town and school employees who earned six-figure salaries last year, according to data provided to Hearst Media Connecticut. Giard, who has led the district since 2015, took home a total of $215,651 last year. He was one of two public employees who earned more than $200,000. The other, Assistant Superintendent Craig Powers, was paid $206,891. University of Wisconsin System leaders voted Thursday against raising tuition just hours after Gov. Tony Evers signed a budget that gave them the ability to do so for the first time in years Did you know that military spouses can get valuable benefits from the Small Business Administration? From free training programs and counseling to exclusive access to cash for start-up and emergency loans, the SBA can help military spouse entrepreneurs develop, launch and grow their personal businesses. Military spouses who move every few years often find it difficult to get access to capital and take advantage of many state and local government assistance programs when starting businesses, but the SBA provides access to free training programs in more than 180 communities nationwide. SBA provides training during all Transition Assistance Program events. Military spouses are eligible for almost all of the same SBA benefits as most active-duty members and veterans are. See what special state benefits military spouses are eligible for. Small Business Training Available for Military Spouses The SBA offers many types of training for military spouses, active-duty members and veterans -- ranging from introductory business start-up assistance to weeklong seminars on how to develop and market a brand or specialized training on how to win federal contracts reserved especially for veterans and their families. Most of these courses are free. Besides learning the details of creating and running a business, the real value of these training sessions lies in networking with other entrepreneurs or experts in the field to learn the real details involved in running a successful business. See what courses are available for spouses, active duty members and veterans. Business Counseling Available for Military Spouses Got your new business idea and plan ready, but you run into problems dealing with local regulations or need to know the best way to ship those essential oils across the country? The SBA provides free nationwide business owner consulting and counseling nationwide through their district offices, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and other resources. The SBA also can help you connect with other military spouse business owners, as well as Defense Department-certified career counselors who can assist in many phases of business ownership. Access to Capital Any business owner knows it, cash is always important. The SBA can provide military spouses with access to cash from local and national lenders that mere civilians often wish they had. The SBA offers guaranteed loans with competitive rates from legitimate lenders. Beware, there are always those who try to take advantage of the military community, and predatory lenders exist in the business community, too -- not just right outside the main gate of your local military installation. The SBA offers loans with lower down payments; low or no-collateral loans; long-term, real-estate loans; short-term operating loans and more. Some loans even come with continuing financial counseling and support from the SBA or lender to help ensure your capital flow plan succeeds. Anyone in the military community knows the apprehension and hassle of finding a new bank at a new duty station. The SBA even can help you locate a business lender in your area within two business days, and these lenders are specially trained to understand the needs of business owners in the military family. Yes, the SBA even provides access to cash should disaster strike your business; you may remember a few months ago that this little thing called COVID-19 hit business owners hard. Well, the SBA was there with plenty of cash and other assistance. Yes, there were some hiccups in the program, but for the most part, people who needed and applied for help got it. Going forward, expect better coordination of the disaster aid program, but for small business owners, the SBA can offer tons of help with access to emergency funding and other non-cash assistance. Visit the SBA website for more information. Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life For the latest military news and tips on military family benefits and more, subscribe to Military.com and have the information you need delivered directly to your inbox. Over a dozen Marines with a diplomatic security unit created in the wake of the 2012 Benghazi attacks were deployed to Eswatini, a southern African kingdom previously known as Swaziland, after pro-democracy demonstrations erupted last month. The short-notice deployment June 30 of the Quantico, Va.-based Marine Security Guard Security Augmentation Unit, or MSAU, was its 106th mission since the outfit was created under the Obama administration in 2013, the Marine Corps said in a statement this week. The team's primary mission is to protect U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities facing increased threat, or in situations such as natural disasters and VIP visits. "Since it was established, the MSAU has deployed on average every eight days," the statement said. The tiny mountain kingdom of Eswatini is ruled by Africa's last absolute monarch, King Mswati III, who protesters accused of human rights abuses and running a repressive government, The Associated Press reported. Mswati's family, including 15 wives, live a lavish lifestyle while most of the country's 1.1 million people are impoverished, human rights groups say. "Unrest first began ... in May, when students 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 United Nations said this week. "In late June, these protests grew into daily pro-democracy marches." Among their political and economic grievances, the demonstrators sought the lifting of a ban on all opposition political parties that has been in effect since 1973, the AP reported. Videos on social media showed people burning tires and barricading streets in Manzini, the country's largest city, and the central town of Matsapha. The government ordered businesses to close and imposed a strict curfew to quell the violence, the AP reported June 29. The Marine unit was created after President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced criticism over the response to the terrorist attack on U.S. facilities in the Libyan city of Benghazi on Sept. 11, 2012. The siege on the U.S. mission left four Americans dead and spurred a series of Republican-led inquiries. U.N. officials expressed concern this week over the situation in Eswatini after reports of internet blackouts and allegations of what a spokesperson for the organization's human rights office called "disproportionate and unnecessary use of force," including harassment, intimidation and the use of live ammunition by government security forces. Dozens have reportedly been killed or injured in the clashes, the U.N. said Tuesday. The Pentagon confirmed late Friday that the Haitian government requested security assistance in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday. The New York Times reported earlier in the day that Haitian minister of elections Mathias Pierre had asked that the Biden administration send in troops. "The Haitian government has requested security and investigative assistance, and we remain in regular contact with Haitian officials to discuss how the United States can assist," Pentagon spokesman Air Force Lt. Col. Ken Hoffman told Military.com in an email. The Pentagon referred further questions to the U.S. State Department. It was not immediately clear how U.S. officials responded to the request. Hours earlier, Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced that senior FBI and Homeland Security officials will travel to Port Au Prince "as soon as possible" to begin investigations into the motive behind the July 7 attack, which killed President Moise at his residence and gravely wounded first lady Martine Moise. On Thursday Haitian officials identified a militia group responsible for the attack and named 28 men -- 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans -- as having played a role in the attempted coup. Seventeen were detained, while three were killed by Haiti police during a shootout. The remaining suspects fled and remain at large, the Associated Press reported. The Colombian government is cooperating with authorities, and said some of the Colombians implicated in the attack are former military, the AP said. Haiti has seen U.S. personnel for previous humanitarian relief operations following the 2010 earthquake that devastated the country. Roughly 22,000 service members deployed for medical assistance, food distribution and reconstruction efforts during a 6-month rotation. "We condemn this heinous act," Biden said in a tweet following assassination of Moise. "The U.S. stands ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Official: Haiti President Jovenel Moise Assassinated at Home The Taliban claimed Friday that it has made sweeping advances and now controls 85% of Afghanistan as the U.S. military enters its final phase of withdrawal. During a news conference in Russia, Taliban leaders boasted that the group controls about 250 of the 398 districts in Afghanistan, according to Agence France-Presse. Shahabuddin Delawar, a negotiator for the Taliban, said the group is not planning to take provincial capitals by force. But when the Taliban reached an agreement in February 2020 to pave the way for the U.S. withdrawal, it did not promise it wouldn't attack administrative centers, he clarified. Read Next: Marine Corps Lets Fully Vaccinated Marines Stop Wearing Masks The Taliban's claims of vast territorial gains could not be independently verified. But reports continue to emerge from Afghanistan of the group's advances, which threaten the stability of the Afghan government in Kabul. Earlier this week, Tajik officials said that more than 1,000 Afghan soldiers fled into Tajikistan, which sits on Afghanistan's northeast border, to escape heavy fighting with the Taliban. The BBC reported that it was the fifth time Afghan soldiers -- nearly 1,600 in all -- had crossed the border in two weeks. According to an AFP report, the Taliban claimed it had seized control of Islam Qala, a major border crossing to Iran through which Afghanistan conducts a great deal of trade. And while the Pentagon on Thursday touted the firepower the Afghan air force provides as Kabul fights back, the Taliban appear to be trying to neutralize that advantage. Reuters reported Friday that at least seven Afghan pilots have been assassinated off base in recent months, possibly by Taliban agents. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said during a briefing Thursday that the U.S. and allied efforts to build up the Afghan military "over the last 20 years, through great blood and treasure" have placed it in a strong position to resist Taliban advances. "[The Afghan government has] an air force -- a competent air force. The Taliban has none," Kirby told reporters, shortly after President Joe Biden announced that the last U.S. troops will withdraw by the end of August. "They do have more forces in the field than what we estimate the Taliban to have. And they have modern weaponry, and they have had the training to use that weaponry." Kirby said the U.S. will continue to provide financial support and equipment to the Afghans, including UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. But the Afghans are heavily reliant on foreign contractors to help them maintain their aircraft, and the U.S. military is still trying to iron out how it will help support maintenance efforts from outside Afghanistan. One option could be assisting Afghan maintainers remotely via videoconferencing, something that might be difficult given the inconsistent infrastructure in the country. While answering reporters' questions at the White House on Thursday, Biden refuted reports that the intelligence community has assessed the Afghan government as likely to collapse to the Taliban. Biden said the U.S. will continue supporting Kabul, adding that the Afghan government has the forces and equipment to defend itself. "The question is, will they generate the kind of cohesion to do it?" he said. "It's not a question of whether they have the capacity. They have the capacity. The question is, will they do it?" Biden said he believes the only way Afghanistan will find peace and security is for the Afghan government to work out a peace agreement with the Taliban. He acknowledged the conflict will likely result in the Taliban holding power in at least some parts of Afghanistan. "The likelihood there's going to be one unified government in Afghanistan controlling the whole country is highly unlikely," Biden said. -- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey. Related: No 'Mission Accomplished' Moment: Biden Plans to End Afghan War with No Fanfare Canada is known for some of the worlds greatest exports: crude oil, maple syrup and one-man armies. Thankfully, for all three of those examples, Canada is one of Americas best friends. Energy and waffles are important, but when it comes to making the world safe for democracy, Canada can hang with the best of us. Three of the top five longest-range sniper kills belong to Canadians. Canadian Leo Major took an occupied town by himself in World War II and later wrecked an entire Chinese battalion in Korea. Then theres Peter Lemon. Lemon was a Canadian-American who immigrated to the U.S. at age 2 and joined the U.S. Army as soon as he could, as the war in Vietnam was reaching the height of its unpopularity. He probably could have avoided serving altogether if he wanted to, but he didnt. He believed the war was necessary to stem the spread of Communism, and when so many people were fleeing to Canada to evade the draft, Lemon -- the erstwhile Canadian -- enlisted, ready to go to Vietnam in 1969. He learned to shoot at a young age and took the challenge of Army life so well, they made him a squad leader. When he arrived in Vietnam in July 1969, his world turned upside down. The beliefs that drove him to enlist and fight the good fight quickly fell away as he saw fraggings, the disdain locals had for Americans and allied soldiers killing enemy soldiers who surrendered. It was all very sobering -- so he and his fellow soldiers stopped staying sober all the time. On April 1, 1970, Lemon was a specialist at Fire Base Illingworth, a 20-year-old sergeant in a support unit at the base in Tay Ninh Province, near South Vietnams border with Cambodia. Its mission was to provide artillery support to units operating in that area. It was also bait, a lone firebase in the middle of the jungle, just begging the North Vietnamese to attack it. Peter Lemon during his time deployed to South Vietnam. (Peter C. Lemon) When an attack came, the Americans were not as vulnerable as they appeared. They used air superiority to fend off any attack on the base. It was an ongoing trap meant to draw troops away from other areas inside South Vietnam while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. But the Communists in Vietnam didnt kick out the French and fight the Americans to a draw by falling for traps wholesale. On March 31, 1970, Lemon and his squad went out on a patrol in the local area before coming back to Illingworth that night to get some sleep. Lemon didnt sleep for long. The bases ground surveillance radar picked up a large enemy force headed its way around midnight that night. American troops opened up on the force in the dark, just to tell the North Vietnamese Army it was being watched. Lemon and his men manned their positions, but they didnt have to do much. That soon changed. Everyone knew the enemy was out there waiting to strike, but no one knew whether Communists actually would strike. Still, they needed to sleep, so Lemon smoked a joint before bed. Lets take a quick aside to note that theres nothing legal about smoking pot as an American troop. Not in a war zone, not anywhere, especially in 1970. But this was Vietnam and so many soldiers were getting high in the bush, on the firebases and in the cities of South Vietnam, it became as common as drinking Coca-Cola at the USO. Anyone who wants to judge how some soldiers in the 70s smoked pot in the war zone should remember that troops today have been known to sneak booze in mouthwash bottles, which seems much worse for some reason. In any case, Lemon didnt fall asleep. It was just after 2 a.m. when he started to feel the effects of the drug. Thats also when 400 veteran North Vietnamese soldiers struck the base. The Americans were outnumbered nearly two to one, and their airpower advantage was negated by the dark night. They would have to fight and win or be overrun, no matter how high they were. Unfortunately for the Communists, Lemon worked better while totally stoned. It was the only time I ever went into combat stoned, he later said. You get really alert when you are stoned because you have to be. As NVA troops poured into the firebase, Lemon hopped onto a .50-cal and poured rounds into the oncoming wave. With mortars and rockets going off around him, he stood tall on his gun. When that stopped working, he used his rifle until it stopped working, too. He picked up hand grenades and started killing Communists until he ran out of grenades. Lemon ran out of grenades before he ran out of enemy soldiers. There was just one left, so he got to work on the last North Vietnamese troop with his bare hands. Thats when the base exploded. It seems the base had received tons of artillery shells that couldnt work with the guns they had. Since they had no use for the ammo, the Americans just stacked it in the center of the firebase. As Lemon was killing an NVA soldier, a communist shell hit the pile and blew a huge hole in Fire Base Illingworth. When he finally was able to stand, Lemon was wounded, dazed and still stoned but managed to get his battle buddy to an aid station. He didnt stop fighting, though. He grabbed a bag of grenades and put them to good use. As he moved, he realized the section of the base was about to be overrun. So he started tossing more grenades. When he ran out of grenades once more, he began to knock out enemy soldiers, one after another, with his fists. Despite being unarmed and wounded three times, he single-handedly kept the base from being overrun by the swarms of NVA. By the time Lemon finally found another machine gun, the NVA was still on the attack so Lemon took down as many as he could until he passed out from blood loss and awesomeness. Theres only so much of either that any person could handle. When he woke up in an aid station, he started to refuse treatment or evacuation, believing other men needed assistance more than he did. He might have been right, because it doesnt appear that Peter Lemon can be killed by mortal men. Today, hes the only Canadian-born American to receive the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by President Richard Nixon. Still not a proponent of the Vietnam War, he opted not to wear his medal for many years. Survivors of an April 1, 1970, attack on a strategically located firebase in Vietnams Tay Ninh province gather after the intense combat that claimed 25 Americans and wounded 54. (John Ahearn) One day, it occurred to him that he earned the Medal of Honor fighting for his comrades in arms, and today, he wears it to honor the memory of the men at Fire Base Illingworth who didnt come home. You can read more about Lemon and his experiences in his book, Beyond the Medal: A Journey From Their Hearts to Yours. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Felix evaluates Fairbanks claims; Resolution drills Pogo East North of 60 Mining News July 9, 2021 This summer's exploration on Millrock properties in Alaska includes a program being funded by two Australia-based mineral explorers Felix Gold Ltd. in the Fairbanks district and Resolution Minerals Ltd. in the Goodpaster district. Millrock Resources Inc. July 7 provided an update on the Alaska gold exploration programs being carried out in partnership with two Australia-based mineral explorers Felix Gold Ltd. in the Fairbanks Mining District and Resolution Minerals Ltd. in the Goodpaster Mining District. "The exploration season is in full swing in Alaska," said Millrock Resources President and CEO Greg Beischer. "Our funding partners are mounting very significant campaigns that could result in new gold discoveries in the emerging Fairbanks and Goodpaster gold districts." In the Fairbanks district, Felix is funding an exploration program that is evaluating the large package of gold exploration properties it has accumulated in partnership with Millrock, which could result in drilling of at least one this year. A newly formed private exploration company that is working on becoming listed on the Australia Stock Exchange, Felix entered into a strategic alliance with Millrock on several Alaska gold properties Treasure Creek and Ester Dome in the Fairbanks district, plus the Liberty Bell project about 70 miles to the southwest. Recently, the partners have expanded this large land package with agreements concerning two additional properties in the Fairbanks area the GST claim block held by Fairbanks Exploration Inc. and the Bank Project Vault and Treasury claim blocks owned by DG Resources. Situated about 25 miles northeast of the city of Fairbanks, GST is a large block of claims bordering Freegold Venture Ltd.'s Golden Summit property. Millrock says GST appears to cover the eastern strike extent of geological structures the partners believe to control gold mineralization on Golden Summit. Collectively known as the Bank project, the Treasury and Vault claims border both Golden Summit and Kinross Gold Corp.'s Fort Knox property. Millrock says Bank hosts a number of interesting gold occurrences. The 2021 program at Bank is expected to include soil sampling and prospecting with the goal of developing drill targets for the 2022 season. In the meantime, a major soil sampling program in preparation for potential drilling later this year is being carried out at Treasure Creek. Situated about 13 miles west of Kinross's Fort Knox Mine, Treasure Creek hosts numerous prospects with interesting drill intersections reported by prior workers. Roughly 2,000 soil samples are being collected to further delineate drill targets at four of these prospects NW Array, Big Birch, Old Dog, and Pipeline prospects. Located about five miles south of Treasure Creek, the Ester Dome property is home to the past-producing Grant gold mine. Millrock says all historical geological data from Ester Dome has been imported into a database and is being evaluated using 3D visualization software. According to a calculation completed in 2008, the Grant Mine property hosts 126,000 ounces of gold in 613,600 tons of indicated resource averaging 0.21 oz per ton, or about 6.5 grams per ton gold, and 214,100 oz of gold in 2.55 million metric tons of inferred resource averaging 0.08 oz/t, or about 2.5 g/t gold. Felix is evaluating this resource to determine what, if anything, needs to be done to bring the estimate up to date and in compliance with the Australian Joint Ore Resources Commission (JORC) standards for resource calculations. While Felix and Millrock evaluate the very large land package they have accumulated in the Fairbanks district, Resolution is drilling targets at 64North, an equally impressive claim block surrounding Northern Star Resources Ltd.'s Pogo gold mine in the Goodpaster district. Millrock Resources Inc. A reverse circulation rig testing East Pogo during Resolution Mineral's recently completed drilling on this 64North claim block in the Goodpaster district. Resolution, which recently earned a 30% interest in 64North, recently completed a 12-hole drill program at East Pogo, one of nine claim blocks that make up the larger 64North project. This 1,663-meter reverse circulation program tested shallow, gently-dipping conductive zones detected by geophysical surveys carried out last year. A total of 1,663 meters was drilled in 12 holes. Resolution reports that seven quartz veins up to 4.6 meters thick were cut in five of the holes drilled. "We are encouraged to see seven zones of flat lying quartz veining with minor sulphides up to 4.6 meters thick, amongst intensely altered host rock in RC drill chips at the East Pogo prospect," said Resolution Minerals Managing Director Duncan Chessell. Assay results from this drilling are expected in August. Millrock owns the remaining 70% interest in 64North. The Indians have released veteran catcher Rene Rivera, per the transactions log at MLB.com. Cleveland designated him for assignment this past weekend after activating Roberto Perez from the injured list. Rivera, wholl turn 38 at the end of the month, was signed to a minor league deal earlier this year and made his way to the big leagues when Perez first landed on the injured list. He logged 21 games behind the plate with Cleveland, batting .236/.300/.400 in 63 plate appearances. Rivera connected on a pair of homers and three doubles, but he also fanned in 24 of those 63 trips to the plate (38 percent). The Indians currently have fellow veterans Ryan Lavarnway and Wilson Ramos (who recently signed with Cleveland) on their Triple-A roster, which left Rivera without much of an opportunity even in the upper minors. Hell head back to the free-agent market and look for another opportunity. In parts of 13 seasons split between nine different clubs, Rivera is a .221/.273/.355 hitter who boasts an elite 36 percent caught-stealing rate and a generally strong defensive reputation (though his defensive marks were down during his brief Cleveland run). This (final) narrative about T is not one I have witnessed at first hand, unlike all the preceding ones. Nevertheless, I have every reason to believe that it is true. T got an offer that he just could not refuse, that of the chief executive (CEO) of a major bank in a neighbouring oil-rich country at twice the salary, which he was getting from our bank. T resigned, much to the relief of all and sundry, and went to take up his new job. He did try to persuade me to leave my job and join this bank at a senior position, working under him. He even paid for me to make a trip to meet the banks directors and senior management. The pay was enticing. Yes, I was tempted, but good sense prevailed. More years of T were fraught with danger, as Ts affection (as I had already found out) was fragile. Besides, who knew how long T would last in his new job, and when he left, I would become an immediate target for the numerous people he would have offended. So, I turned down Ts offer. It turned out to be a great decision. T settled down in his new job. Quite soon he found that the bank did not have a disaster recovery system, i.e., a back-up computer system that would keep the bank going in case its main computer system collapsed for any reason. T drew up a comprehensive plan for installing a suitable disaster recovery system. Unfortunately, the banks board of directors turned down his proposal because it was too expensive. With his newfound wealth, T could justify buying a boat to go sailing every weekend. It was a 26-footer with sleeping accommodation and cooking facilities, and he named the boat as Braveheart after the then famous movie about William Wallace and the Scottish revolt against King Edward I of England. On one such weekend, he had packed up office early on Thursday afternoon and sailed off in Braveheart. In case you are wondering why Thursday?, in the Middle East Friday is the official holiday and many offices remained closed on Saturdays, though banks did operate with a skeleton staff. Unbeknown to T, disaster struck. On Thursday evening, a fire broke out in the banks computer center. It took several hours to douse the fire, but by then the entire system had been gutted and the bank was no longer operational. T was blissfully unaware of this disaster because in those days there were no mobile phones and Braveheart did not have a radio. He returned home late Saturday night and went to work the next morning. The chairman of the bank was waiting for him to tell him about what had happened. Most of the directors were present, too. T heard the sad story with equanimity, and nodded. I told you this might happen, he said, but you did not want to spend the money on a disaster recovery system. The chairman fumed and retorted Where were you? Being the CEO, you should have been here!! What would I have done?, replied T, I am not a fireman. One just did not get cheeky with the chairman, a scion of the Royal family. The Terminator was fired on the spot, or terminated, should I say. But T had been clever. He had built into his three-year contract a clause that said that he would be paid the entire salary for the rest of his contract period if the bank terminated him before his contract had been completed. T collected his salary for two and a half years, sold his boat, returned to Scotland, bought a farmhouse, which he named (you guessed it) Braveheart, and lived happily ever after. Yes, terminators do (eventually) get what they have doled out to others, but our man T did it in style. For a majority of investors, once they invest their hard-earned money, there is no guarantee that they would receive good returns. In fact, many struggle to even get their principal (investment) amount itself from the entity. Here is an inspiring story of a small group of investors, who fought a very long and hard battle for 10 years to not just receive their hard-earned money but also the interest. These are six investors of Yatra Art Fund, including Rajesh Choudhary, a chartered accountant (CA), and five others. On 12 February 2020, the Supreme Court upheld an order passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in favour of the investors and, pursuant to the order, Yatra Art Fund has now refunded the principal amount to the investors, while the interest is pending as yet. "The SEBI order was the culmination of a fight put up by us, a group of a few investors and thereafter, the legal process followed with the Fund challenging the order before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) and thereafter before the Supreme Court," Mr Choudhary says. The success of the investors of the Yatra Art Fund brings back memories of sufferings of investors of another art fund, Osians-Connoisseurs of Art Pvt Ltd (or Osian's, which managed Osian's Art Fund). In April 2013, in a change of mind, SEBI had finally asked Osian's to wind up its existing collective investment scheme (CIS) and refund the money collected from investors. But more about Osian's Art Fund later. In its order, the bench of justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, justice S Ravindra Bhat and justice V Ramasubramanian stated, "...we find that this litigation has been going on for an extremely long period of time and instead of remanding the matter to SEBI to decide the refund issue afresh, we order as follows...The principal amount repayable to each investor of both the schemes shall be paid back within a period of six months from today..." Talking about interest to be paid to investors, the bench says, "So far as the interest at the rate of 10% is concerned, this amount will be paid on the principal outstanding amount from the date on which it becomes due to each such member, till the date on which each Fund came to an end, i.e., insofar as Fund No1 is concerned till 15 September 2011 and so far as Fund No 2 is concerned till 31 January 2012. The aforesaid interest shall be paid within nine months from the date of this judgment." According to Mr Choudhary, the battle, however, was not so easy, especially, when not all investors were interested in joining. He says, "Initially, a few of us filed complaints individually before SEBI but to no avail. Thereafter, with the email data base with me (inadvertently one of the mails was copied all), I decided to send the mail to all the investors. Quite a few mails bounced, leaving us in contact with about 75 investors. We called a meeting but only six attended. However, that strength was enough for us to take the matter forward with SEBI." "We made a compelling argument for revival of the matter that was lying in cold storage and got excellent support from SEBI in the matter. We took some pro-bono advice from a couple of lawyers associated with the core team members and my professional background as a CA helped in the matter," he says. Although six of the investors had decided to chip in some funds, considering the nature of the matter, Mr Choudhary says, they were not sure of the costs that it would eventually entail. "At the end, however, we did not have to spend anything at all. Had SEBI decided against us, we might have been in a quandary and might have given up right there." Meanwhile, the group of investors also explored the option to approach the economic offences wing (EOW) of police. However, considering the time and cost involved in this route, they decided against it. Mr Choudhary says, "After the SEBI order against the Fund, the domain of the matter shifted to that between the Yatra Art Fund and SEBI where we did not have any role to play. Even before the SC, the investors were never made a party. In the end, justice prevailed, albeit a bit delayed. Refund after ten years means the value of money has easily halved and the promoters would not be complaining much having got to use the money all these years!" In many of the cases, where investors are fighting hard to get back their invested money, we found that all these efforts are carried out on a sole mode instead of any class action. Moneylife Foundation, on several occasions, had tried to bring together such investors so that they can take up the matter as a group and initiate a class-action suit. But, for inexplicable reasons, investors have not come together and are individually fighting lone battles. One of the major issues that makes the investors go on the back foot is the cost involved in fighting the battle with regulators or through litigation. "Yes, I understand the challenge surrounding the costs when it involves a group of investors and moreover the issue is that of undefined legal costs, Mr Choudhary says, adding, "As an accountant, I would suggest putting a cap on legal expenses, say 10% of the total amount involved, which the investors might be fine with spending but still the challenge of getting everyone on board would remain." "With this Yatra experience, I can tell you that the first stage of the fight is very critical. If the first order is favourable, most investors would fall in line and that could also limit the legal costs going forward. It is easier said than done, though!" he added. Mumbai-based Sakshi Art Gallerys Geetha Mehra, with the help of venture capitalist Pravin Gandhi and Sanjay Kumar launched Yatra Art Fund in 2005. These three, along with Nilesh Shah of Edelweiss Capital, were the four trustees and advisors of the fund. While Ms Mehra and Mr Kumar were promoter trustees, the other two were supposedly independent trustees. For its first tranche, Yatra Art Fund was advised by Edelweiss and collected Rs10.75 crore in September 2005. The Fund had a lock-in period of five years. Buoyed by the success of the first tranche, Yatra then launched the second tranche of its Fund. The Yatra Art Fund -II, launched in 2006, mobilised around Rs23 crore from investors, mostly high networth individuals (HNIs). The minimum investment amount into the scheme was Rs10 lakh, out of which Rs5 lakh were paid at the time of application and the balance was called for later. The scheme became operational in January-February 2007 with a total committed corpus of over Rs21 crore. As per the terms specified, it should have ideally closed in 2011; however, investors were advised in January 2011 that it is being extended by another year as the market had turned bad. According to the investor, each investor into the scheme was handed over only 50% of his principal in parts during 2011 and 2012 and the balance was indicated as a loss. Many investors have written to, and some have even personally met, the trustees to seek clarifications. However, no proper response was provided. Read: After Osians will investors of Yatra Art Fund-II get justice? ) While it is possible for an investment to lose value, in this case, the available data seems to indicate that the actual loss was primarily due to mismanagement of the fund and its assets by the trustees. Out of the actual loss, almost 50% has been wiped out over the term of the scheme in fees and expenses. The trustees had complete right on what expenses to approve and it seems that they have used it fully for personal gains at the expense of investors, an investor had told Moneylife in April 2013. ( The Supreme Court's judgement mentions that, on 18 June 2007, SEBI informed the trustees of the Yatra Art Fund that both their funds are CIS and that they should apply for a certificate of registration for these two funds. Yatra Art Fund-1, however, denied that its activities fell under CIS, which led to SEBI issuing a show-cause notice on 12 October 2007 to the Fund. The next month, Yatra Art Fund-1 responded to SEBI contending that there was no violation of Section 12 (1B) of the SEBI Act read with Regulation 3 of SEBI (CIS) Regulations and, as the appellants were not registered in the form of a company, the Regulations themselves would not apply. The Fund also made detailed representation before SEBI twice. The contention of the Yatra Art Fund that it was not a company and, hence, cannot come under SEBI's CIS regulation, however, went against it in the Supreme Court. "It appears that, at this point of time, SEBI itself was unsure as to whether such funds would amount to collective investment schemes. However, in 2013, the matter was resuscitated and after giving the appellants a hearing, as many as nine investors complained with regard to Trust Fund No2, including an Investors Association, an order was delivered by a whole-time member of SEBI on 6 November 2015," the apex court observed. Not happy with the SEBI order, the Yatra Art Fund then approached the SAT. Referring to its own judgement in the Osians Connoisseurs of Art matter, the SAT on 21 August 2017 disposed Yatra Art Fund's appeal. Senior counsel KV Vishwanathan, appearing for the Yatra Art Fund, argued that it would not be possible for the Fund to fall foul of the law considering that Section 11AA (of SEBI Act) uses the word 'company' and not 'person', and as his client carried on this business in the form of a Trust, the provisions of the SEBI Act would not be attracted at all. The bench, however, observed, "This argument would fly in the face of both Section 12(1B) and the CIS Regulations, in particular, Regulation 2(h), which defined a 'collective investment management company'. Regulation 3 of the CIS regulation states 'No person other than a collective investment management company, which has obtained a certificate under these regulations shall carry on or sponsor or launch a collective investment scheme.' The statutory scheme, therefore, is that, if a CIS, as defined, is to be floated by a person, it could only be done in the form of a collective investment management company and in no other form." "Once the statutory scheme becomes clear, it is clear that the CIS that was being carried on by the appellants in the form of a private trust would be in the teeth of the Statute, read with the CIS regulations, and would thus be illegal. This being the case, it is difficult to upset any part of SEBIs order...," the bench says. Coming back to Osian's Art Fund, which was launched in 2006 and had raised Rs102.40 crore from 656 unit-holders across 39 cities, most of them HNIs. The scheme used to declare net asset value (NAVs) showing 30% returns, but when it was time for redemption, the money was not forthcoming. The scheme was wound up on 10 July 2009. Osians-Connoisseurs of Art Pvt Ltd refused to take any responsibility for the Osian's Art Fund by claiming that it was only the sponsor to the art fund, which was a private trust formed under the Indian Trust Act, 1882. Oseta Investments Trustee Company Pvt Ltd (Oseta) was the trustee and Osians-Connoisseurs of Art acted just as an asset management company (AMC) for the art fund. Both Oseta and Osians-Connoisseurs of Art maintained that the SEBI's CIS regulations did not cover art funds and were meant only for plantation and agro companies. Read: Osians: SEBI asks the Art Fund to shut shop and refund investors money with 10% interest pa ) SEBI in its order had said that provisions of Section 12(1B) and Regulation 3 are mandatory and both contain substantive provisions of law. On careful examination of these provisions it is clear that they intend to cover the whole gamut of entities or persons, natural, juristic or otherwise, who sponsor or cause to sponsor a collective investment scheme so as to bring them into the regulatory framework of the SEBI Act and CIS Regulations through registration. Therefore, no person other than a collective investment management company that has obtained a certificate of registration from the board can sponsor or cause to sponsor a collective investment scheme, it said. ( Moneylife has extensively covered Osian Art fund. Click on the following links to access some of the many stories. We had mentioned in previous weeks closing report that Nifty, Sensex were directionless. The major indices faced a decline and ended with minor losses over previous weeks closing price. The trend of the major indices in the week is given in the table: On Monday, the indices opened higher and ended with decent gains. On the NSE, there were 1,334 advances, 694 declines and 70 unchanged. Avenue Supermarts announced that its standalone revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2021 jumped 31% to Rs 5,031.75 crore from Rs 3,833.23 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. HDFC Bank advances as of 30 June 2021 aggregated to Rs 11,475 billion from Rs 10,033 billion in the corresponding quarter of previous year. Deposits aggregated to approximately Rs 13,460 billion from over Rs 11,894 billion year-on-year. Bajaj Healthcares board approved listing of 1.37 crore equity shares of Rs.10 each on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). On Tuesday, the indices opened lower and rallied but lost all gains and ended flat. On the NSE, there were 859 advances, 1,121 declines and 55 unchanged. AU Small Finance Bank reported 31% YoY growth in gross advances for the April-June 2021 quarter at Rs 34,688 crore from Rs 26,534 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Government of India sold up to 11.72 crore equity shares of NMDC representing 4 percent of the total paid-up equity with an option to additionally sell 10.22 crore equity shares in case of oversubscription via offer for sale on 6 and 7 July. Tata Motors flagged a chip supply shortage may halve wholesale volumes of Jaguar Land Rover by the end of the September 2021 quarter. The Securities Appellate Tribunal adjourned its hearing on the matter of PNB Housing's proposed preferential issue worth Rs 4,000 crore for 12 July. On Wednesday, the indices opened higher and made decent gains. On the NSE, there were 1,066 advances, 861 declines and 336 unchanged. DHFL fiasco: 63 moons technologies objected to the Piramal Group at the NCLAT for ascribing Re 1 only to Rs 45,000 crore recoverable assets from DHFL and its promoters Reliance Infra shareholders approved the raising of funds up to Rs 550.56 crore by preferential allotment and/or warrants to promoters and VFSI Holdings PTE. Limited, an affiliate of Varde Investment Partners, LP. Redington India board recommended a bonus issue of one equity share of Rs 2 each fully paid up for every one equity share of Rs 2 each held. Equitas Small Finance Bank reported 14.55% YoY jump in its gross advances for the April-June 2021 quarter at Rs 17,839 crore against Rs 15,573 crore in the previous year. On Thursday, the indices suffer a major correction. On the NSE, there were 766 advances, 1,165 declines and 334 unchanged. Zomato will open its initial public offering on July 14, and will close it on July 16. The price band is fixed at Rs 72 to Rs 76. Bajaj Healthcare received a licence from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manufacture and sell its anti-COVID-19 drug. HDFC sold 32.53 lakh shares out of its 1.48 crore shares of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company representing 2.46% of the latters paid-up share capital. L&T Infotech has completed the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Cuelogic Technologies. Sangam renewables has sold its majority stake in WAACOX Energy to Aditya Birla Renewables for Rs. 41.60 crore. This latter now owns 100% stake in the firm. On Friday, the indices declined again and ended with minor losses. On the NSE, there were 1,088 advances, 865 declines and 69 unchanged. TCS reported a consolidated profit of Rs 9,008 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2021 compared to Rs 7,008 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Revenue grew 18.5% YoY at 45,411 crore compared to Rs 38,322 crore in the previous year. Bharat Dynamics signed a contract worth about Rs 499 crore with the Ministry of Defence for the manufacture and supply of Akash Missiles to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Ashoka Buildcon received a letter of award worth Rs 482.34 crore from IRCON International BHEL won an order for the supply of 12 steam generators from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India valued at Rs 1,405 crore. With rampant manipulation in shares of companies under the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP), both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE have come out with a clarification for the manner of dealing with such companies. This includes sharing promptly all the information related to such companies. One such glaring example is Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL), which was allowed trading despite being under CIRP and approval of a resolution plan. But more about it later. In the recent past, the bourses say it had come across instances where the approved resolution plan provides for delisting of the company or write-off, cancellation, or extinguishment of existing shares without any payout or consideration to the existing shareholders. "However, it is observed that there is a considerable time lag between the pronouncement of oral Order by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the final written order by NCLT. Companies generally hold on to the information and do not make any timely disclosure to the stock exchanges until receipt of a written copy of the order. By this time, the information may be available to a select group of people and may create information asymmetry and confusion in the market," NSE says in a statement. NSE says it will issue a detailed guideline note to CIRP companies and the resolution professional (RP) on compliance and disclosure requirements as per SEBI listing obligations and disclosure requirements (LODR) regulations. It says, "The guidance note provides that the resolution professional has to comply with SEBI LODR regulations and in compliance, must disclose the fact of approval of resolution plan on oral pronouncement or otherwise of the Order on immediate basis and not later than 30 minutes." "Additionally, the resolution professional should inform through the exchange platform any impact on the existing holders or investors of listed securities, on areas such as status of the listing, the value of holding of existing holders, write off, cancellation, extinguishment of existing equity shares, preference shares and debentures without any payment to such holders, where applicable," it added. NSE says the guidance note provides that "the companies and the resolution professional shall be guided by the provisions of the SEBI LODR regulations and should maintain the confidentiality of the resolution plan until details are not submitted on the exchange platform." As soon as the company is admitted into CIRP, NSE says, the exchange will identify and tag the security in a manner, which will be easy for the members and market participants to know that the security is currently into Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings. It says, "The list of securities will also be available on the exchange website. The exchange will continue to provide an alert at the time of order entry informing the market participants that the scrip is undergoing CIRP. Members shall also be advised to incorporate this alert promptly in their front-end systems." "Since this alert will be available from the day of admission into CIRP till the day of suspension of the company or exit from CIRP proceedings pursuant to NCLT order, the market participants must be clearly aware of the status of the company and should exercise necessary due diligence will trading in the security," NSE warns. In instances like DHFL where the resolution plan provides that the value of the listed securities is considered zero and company to be delisted or where the entire equity capital is reduced, cancelled, or extinguished without any payment to the existing equity shareholders, exchanges in coordination with each other, based on the intimation of the oral order from the company and RP confirming the aforesaid provision in the resolution plan, should suspend the trading in the company on immediate basis. NSE says, "The exchange will be monitoring on a regular basis the compliance of all companies under CIRP from a disclosure perspective, and any non-compliances observed will be reported to SEBI for further action." In 2018, SEBI LODR Regulation, 2015 was amended vide SEBI (LODR) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2018. Through the amendment, point 16 was inserted in Para A of Part A of Schedule III of LODR Regulations from 31 May 2018, which mandated disclosures at various stages by companies undergoing CIRP. This was further amended by SEBI (LODR) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021, which enhanced the disclosure requirement from 8 January 2021. Coming back to DHFL, as reported by Moneylife, Anup Pathak, a retail investor of the company, had filed an appeal at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against delisting of the lenders shares from the exchanges. In his plea, the investor has alleged that the administrator of DHFL and lenders failed to adequately inform investors about the impending delisting, which was part of the Piramal groups approved resolution plan under the IBC. The respondents either solely or collectively have failed to inform and obtain the consent of the appellant about the acquisition of the equity shares held by shareholders in the company at Rs0 under the resolution plan, by way of reduction in paid up capital, the petition by Mr Pathak mentions. In January 2021, in a bitterly fought bidding war, Piramal Capital and Housing Finance (PCHFL) resolution plan for DHFL was endorsed by 94% votes from the committee of creditors (CoC) and had emerged as the winner. However, many misled retail investors continued to buy DHFL shares (shrugging off warnings), while anticipating a higher value of the company in the future. The share price of DHFL rose more than 70% on BSE to Rs23.06 on 8th June from 19th April. The stock saw significant trading, even hitting upper circuits after the resolution plan was approved by NCLT, encouraging investors. In DHFLs case, many retail investors were misled to believe that it would remain listed like Ruchi Soya, Alok Industries, and Essar even after IBC. Many such retail investors, who continued to invest in DHFL shares who have lost large sums of money now feel victimised because of DHFLs delisting. They claim that DHFL has assets worth over Rs1.05 trillion and a strong loan recovery process can fetch more money than what has been projected by the Piramal Group. 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. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. The Supreme Court once again directed the Union government as well as the states to file affidavits on the status of appointments of information commissioners under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, as governments have frequently been in defiance of the apex courts earlier orders, leading to a spiralling of second appeal pendency. The Maharashtras state information commission (SIC) is a glaring example, with a whopping 75,000 pendency while those of the Central Information Commission (CIC) have climbed to 36,711 as on 7 July 2021, as per information on the CIC website, as compared to 33,701 on 16 December 2019. Also, the CIC website shows that currently the commission is hearing and disposing of appeals/complaints filed before it in mid-2019, which is approximately 24 months after they were filed. Legal luminary Prashant Bhushan, who represented RTI activists Anjali Bharadwaj, Amrita Johri and Commodore Lokesh Batra (retd) argued that in 2019, despite 355 applicants having applied for the post of six information commissioners as a sequel to an advertisement by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), persons, who did not apply have been paradropped and appointed. Uday Mahurkar is one such as example who is now information commissioner, although he had never applied for it, thus rendering the entire exercise of inviting applications through advertisement useless. Also, instead of six information commissioners, only three were appointed at that time. This was in gross defiance of SC orders as well as the RTI Act which clearly state that appointments must be transparent and vacancies must be filled up in time. In its previous order in December 2019, the SC had directed that all the vacancies be filled within a period of three months. At that time, the Union government had invited applications for four posts of information commissioners (ICs). Finally, in March 2020, an existing commissioner was appointed to the post of chief information commissioner CIC and only one new IC was appointed, resulting in four vacancies persisting. No reason was given as to why only one vacant post was filled, instead of filling all four of them. In July 2020, again the central government issued a fresh advertisement for appointment of up to six information commissioners and for the post of chief of CIC, which was scheduled to fall vacant shortly. However, says Anjali Bharadwaj, By the end of September 2020, six posts including that of the chief information commissioner had fallen vacant in the CIC. So, we filed an application seeking early listing of the matter. The application states that, it appears the government is resorting to issuing fresh advertisements instead of filling all the advertised vacant posts in a bid to cause undue delay in the appointments, thereby frustrating peoples' right to information. However, in November 2020, an existing information commissioner was made the chief and three new ICs were appointed instead of six. The main concerns, besides the selection process and appointments of information commissioners not being transparent, is that the search committee had failed to comply with the direction of the SC that candidates should be merely former bureaucrats but must be shortlisted from all backgrounds. Time and again, the favourites of the ruling political leaders are brought in from the backdoor to be appointed in the CIC or the SCICs. In a dissent note, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the opposition member in the high-powered selection committee, had earlier stated Even as the search committee headed by none less than the cabinet secretary of India, arbitrarily and blatantly ignored every facet of transparency and the laid down process, one is forced to conclude that it did not apply its mind at all. The whole exercise smacks of apparent bias and favouritism and therefore renders the entire process untenable. The scenario in the states too is grim. The petitioners argued that the state information commission of Maharashtra is functioning with only five commissioners and there is a backlog of nearly 75,000 appeals or complaints as of 31 May 2021. Similarly, vacancies persist in the SICs of Karnataka, Odisha, and West Bengal despite directions to appoint appropriate numbers of commissioners commensurate with the pending matters. The bench of Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Krishna Murari heard the matter in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Justice Nazeer also pointed out that the compliance report was filed more than a year ago. "Let us know the latest position, and file the latest status report, and we will take a call on this," the bench added. A bench gave four weeks to the Union and state governments to file the latest status report in the matter. Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND POTENTIAL DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 117... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for increasing thunderstorm activity, which is in effect from 2 PM this afternoon to 9 PM MDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * WINDS...West 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent. * LIGHTNING...Some storms could produce frequent lightning strikes. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered wet and dry. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Thunderstorm outflow wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph are possible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning. && Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * Affected area: Fire Zone 108 (East Lolo). Fire Zone 110 (Deerlodge/West Beaverhead). Fire Zone 111 (East Beaverhead). * Impacts: Increased winds with low humidities combining with scattered thunderstorms will create critical fire weather conditions. Gusty and erratic outflows are a concern from high based thunderstorms. * Winds: Sustained west 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph * Minimum humidities: 10 to 20 percent * Thunderstorms: Both wet and dry * Outflow Winds: 35 to 50 mph. && SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM The article youre about to read is from our reporters doing their important work investigating, researching, and writing their stories. We want to provide informative and inspirational stories that connect you to the people, issues and opportunities within our community. Journalism takes a lot of resources. Today, our business model has been interrupted by the pandemic; the vast majority of our advertisers businesses have been impacted. Thats why the Weekly is now turning to you for financial support. Learn more about our new Insiders program here. Thank you. JOIN NOW A 50-year-old Elyria man was arrested July 9 after being identified as the suspect in a 1999 rape that occurred in Cleveland, according to a n Lorain County residents AJ Clonts and Sharon Pearson have a mission to encourage people to travel around the world. Moultrie, GA (31768) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning will give way to mostly cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Egypt and Sudan have urged the U.N. Security Council to undertake preventive diplomacy and call for a legally binding agreement to resolve a dispute with Ethiopia over the availability of water from its dam on the Nile River, but Ethiopia insisted the matter can be solved by the African Union and many council members agreed. Egypt and Sudan on Thursday called for the council meeting and sent their foreign ministers to New York to appeal for council action, saying 10 years of negotiations with Ethiopia have failed and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or GERD is starting a second filling of its reservoir which not only violates a 2015 agreement but poses an existential threat to 150 million people in their downstream nations. The dam on the Blue Nile 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 to promote economic development and make sure the vast majority of its people dont lack electricity. Ethiopias water minister Seleshi Bekele Awulachew told the council that filling the reservoir was part of the dams construction and the Security Council should not be involved in the issue of Nile waters, saying no issue is further from its mandate of ensuring international peace and security. The African Union is seized of the matter, and is ably facilitating our negotiation, he said. Ethiopia believes an agreement is within reach, given the necessary political will and the commitment to negotiate in good faith. Awulachew said the Security Council should encourage Egypt and Sudan to seriously negotiate a settlement on the filling and operation of the GERD. Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry and Sudans Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi blamed Ethiopia for lacking political will. They urged the Security Council to approve a Tunisian-drafted resolution that would require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a legally binding agreement within six months under AU auspices that ensures Ethiopias ability to generate hydropower ... while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states. The draft encourages other parties to actively engage in the negotiations with a view to addressing outstanding technical and legal issues. And it urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir and calls on Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to refrain from making any statements or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process. Al-Mahdi said Sudan and Egypt believe reaching an agreement within six months is very possible if the political will is available. She told reporters after the council meeting: What we have heard there is really encouraging -- that this is a very important matter that is taking the interest of the world because it is a matter of imminent threat to the stability and security of an important region in the eastern part of Africa. We are very much optimistic that the Security Council will address this matter in a responsible way, and it will not just be dropped from its agenda, al-Mahdi said. She noted that some council members are concerned about a precedent of addressing a water issue, but she stressed that addressing the GERD would be a precedent" in preventive diplomacy and looking at early warning signs," not having to deal with a peacekeeping mission later. Egypts Shukry said all council members indicated there should be no unilateral action taken by the three countries, but failed to mention that Ethiopia has already taken unilateral action twice in filling the GERDs reservoir which has a negative impact on the negotiating side. Nonetheless, he said, council members demonstrated support for all the elements in the draft resolution so Egypt looks forward to its approval which will reinforce and empower efforts by Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi as AU chair to initiate negotiations with the three parties and negotiate a legally binding agreement. This is not a water issue. This is an issue of preventive diplomacy, an issue of conflict resolution that relates to the dam and the existential threat that it poses, Shukry said, Every council member will have to provide justification if it doesnt address the issue, especially since the draft resolution reflects every single thing that was said by the council members and supports the AU-led negotiations. The Egyptian minister said Ethiopia's actions threaten the security of Egypt and Sudan and its lack of political will has been a main obstacle to reaching an agreement despite the moderation and flexibility that both Egypt and Sudan has shown. Asked about using military means, Shukry said, Egypt will continue to demonstrate flexibility and desire to support the AU-led process but at the same time it will defend the interests of citizens and their livelihoods with all means available at its disposal. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States believe the issue of sharing Nile waters can be reconciled ... with political commitment from all parties, beginning with the urgent resumption of negotiations under the AU's leadership. She made no mention of the Tunisian resolution but said, We believe that the African Union is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute, and the United States is committed to providing political and technical support to facilitate a successful outcome." Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed concern at the escalating confrontational rhetoric" and said claims about possible use of force are unacceptable." He said the dispute must be settled by political and diplomatic means and Russia supports the AUs engagement, adding that its capabilities to resolve the dispute have not been exhausted yet. Nebenzia proposed that the three parties meet while they were in New York, which would be the best contribution the Security Council can make to resolving the issue in the spirit of the principle `African solutions to the African problems, to which all o us are committed. But that didn't happen. Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram A 32-year-old was arrested Thursday evening after allegedly setting fire to objects inside a Midland CVS store and then breaking a bone of a Midland police officer. The suspect, identified as Anthony Robertson, has been charged with arson, aggravated assault on a public servant, criminal mischief and evading and resisting arrest, according to an MPD report. We'll keep you connected to all the updated local news and information about what's happening in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County! Click Here to Subscribe! Muskogee, OK (74401) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Muskogee, OK (74401) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation. Click here to get access Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Illinois is now the first state in the nation to require Asian American history be taught in public schools. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into law the Teaching Equitable Asian American History Act, which will require the addition of Asian American and Pacific Islander history lessons. About 6% of the states population is Asian, according to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. The highest concentrations are in DuPage County (12.6%) and Champaign County (11.1%). In west-central Illinois, the Asian population is under a half percent in Scott, Pike, Greene, Brown and Schuyler counties, but higher in Cass County (0.7%), Morgan County (0.8%) and Sangamon County (2.1%). The percentages have been growing steadily during the past few years in most parts of the state, according to Census Bureau estimates. Pritzker said the legislation builds on efforts to ensure the content taught in Illinois classrooms reflects the diversity of the state. Supporters hope it also will counter a recent rise in acts of violence and bigotry against the Asian American community by teaching students about the culture and its contributions. We are reaffirming our commitment to creating more inclusive school environments. Were making Illinois the first state in the nation to require that Asian American history will be taught in public schools, including a unit about the Asian American experience, Pritzker said. We are setting a new standard for what it means to truly reckon with our history. Its a new standard that helps us understand one another, and, ultimately, to move ourselves closer to the nation of our ideals. Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, all public elementary schools and high schools will be required to include a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest. In Pritzkers first year in office, he signed a bill requiring Illinois schools to include the positive contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in history lessons. This year, the administration also expanded Black history education requirements. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill that seeks to support local journalism. Local newspapers and media outlets are a vital source of information for the public, and theyve been hit hard by changing economic conditions, which the pandemic has only made worse, said Davis, a Taylorville Republican. Thats why Im co-sponsoring the Local Journalism Sustainability Act to promote subscriptions, advertising, and hiring of journalists for local newspapers and media outlets. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to get our bill passed so we can support local journalism. House Resolution 3940, known as the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, offers a series of three tax credits aimed at supporting local journalism. The first credit works to encourage annual subscriptions to local papers that primarily produce local news content and for non-profit publications. The second is a five-year credit for local newspapers to employ and adequately compensate journalists. The third is a five-year tax credit that encourages small businesses to advertise with local newspapers, radio and television stations. Rochelle Eiselt SEOUL, South Korea South Korea has set a new high in daily coronavirus cases for the third straight day as officials prepare to enforce the strongest social distancing restrictions in the greater capital area where transmission have surged following months of complacency. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Saturday that more than 1,000 of the 1,378 new cases were from capital Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, a region where officials from Monday will clamp down on private social gatherings of three or more people from 6 p.m. Nightclubs and churches will close, visitors will be banned at nursing homes and hospitals and weddings and funerals will be limited to family-only gatherings. Dozens of new cases were each reported in major cities and regions across the country, including Busan, Daejeon, Ulsan, South Chungcheong Provine and South Gyeongsang Province. After adding 9,700 cases in July alone, the countrys caseload is now at 166,722, including 2,038 deaths. The surge is a worrisome development in a country where just over 30% in a population of 51 million have been administered their first doses of coronavirus vaccines. ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: CDC: Vaccinated teachers and students in U.S. dont need masks Lockdowns in Asia as some nations see 1st major virus surges Afghanistan getting vaccine doses donated by United States Spain, Portugal frustrated by shifting virus travel policies ___ 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: SAN FRANCISCO California will require that masks be worn at schools when classrooms open this fall, despite new guidance issued Friday from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says vaccinated teachers and students dont need to wear face coverings inside school buildings. Ahead of new school guidelines expected next week, health officials in California said Friday that requiring face coverings will allow all schools to reopen this fall for full in-person instruction. California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly says that not all schools can accommodate physical distancing of at least 3 feet or more, so the best preventative measure is indoor masking. ___ TOPEKA, Kan. Kansas has reported its biggest surge in COVID-19 cases in more than three months with the faster-spreading delta variant becoming a growing public health issue. Some of the biggest numbers of new cases per capita over the previous two weeks were in counties bordering Missouri. That state has had new cases spike recently because of the delta variant. Both Kansas and Missouri also have seen vaccinations slow amid some residents resistance to getting vaccinated. Kansas health department data showed that the state had an average of 275 new COVID-19 cases a day for the seven days ending Friday. That was the highest seven-day average since March 26. ___ PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregons $1 million COVID-19 vaccine jackpot winner is a fine arts student at Oregon State University. Gov. Kate Brown handed Chloe Zinda a check on Friday. Zinda, who is from McMinnville, says she plans to use the money to pay off student loans, pursue her dream as an artist and open her own studio. As the state crawled towards its vaccination target of 70% of adults partially or fully vaccinated in the state, the governor announced a list of incentives in May and June for people who got their shot. Among the prizes were vacation packages and $100 gift cards. But the largest prize was $1 million. Adults who received at least their first shot were automatically entered to win the jackpot. There are also $10,000 prizes in each of Oregons 36 counties and people between the ages of 12 and 17 have a chance to win one of five $100,000 scholarships. Officials say the winners will be announced in the coming weeks. ___ PHOENIX: Arizona on Friday reported 921 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, the biggest daily increase in two months, as the coronavirus continued to spread among unvaccinated people. The additional cases along with six additional COVID-19 deaths reported Friday increased the states pandemic totals to 899,829 cases and 18,009 deaths. The daily case report was the largest since Arizona reported 939 on May 8, and cases have ticked upward over the past month. Unusually large daily case reports often occur after holiday weekends slow data collection or after public health officials clear data backlogs that occur for various reasons. However, Fridays case bulge didnt reflect any delayed reporting of any significance and came during an uptick of cases of late, Department of Health Services spokesman Steve Elliott said in an email. Cases being reported now are almost entirely among those who arent vaccinated. According to Johns Hopkins University data, Arizonas seven-day rolling daily case average rose over the past two weeks from 473.1 on June 23 to 508.7 on Wednesday. The rolling average of daily deaths rose from 9.4 to 10.8 during the same period. COVID-19-related hospitalizations continued to range between 500 and 600, with 535 virus patients occupying hospital beds as of Thursday. ___ JACKSON, MISS. -- Officials with the Mississippi Department of Health are advising that people who are 65 and older and those with chronic underlying medical conditions refrain from attending indoor mass social gatherings for the next few weeks because of a rising number of cases of coronavirus in the state particularly the highly-transmittable delta variant. Our collective under-vaccination in the state has put us all at risk, especially the most vulnerable, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said Friday during a virtual press briefing. Mississippi ranks among the last U.S. states for the total number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 at 31% fully vaccinated, according to the state Department of Health. Just over 996,500 people in Mississippi are fully vaccinated. Department of Health officials advised Friday that vulnerable people avoid indoor mass gatherings whether or not they are vaccinated, through at least July 26. They also advised that people who are not vaccinated wear a mask when in public settings. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said there has been a modest increase in cases and hospitalizations from coronavirus during the last few weeks, most of which are delta variant cases. He said he expects that to increase further as the weeks go on if people refuse to be cautious. Its a disturbing and concerning trend that were seeing, he said. Were certainly moving in the wrong direction. ___ THE HAGUE The Dutch government has reinforced measures to contain the coronavirus after a spike in new cases driven by the delta variant. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte says bars must close at midnight again starting this weekend and for much of the summer, while discotheques and clubs must fully close. No fun, but necessary, says Rutte. The decisions came following a large increase in new infections, particularly among young people, rising to a level not seen since early May. Daily positive tests in the Netherlands increased to almost 7,000 cases, up from barely 1,000 a few weeks ago. Along with early and full closures, social distancing will be reinforced. The measures are expected to last until Aug. 13. ___ ISLAMABAD Pakistanis national body tasked to control coronavirus on Friday says it will be mandatory for all employees working for the private sector to get vaccinated before July 31. Pakistan asked all adult students to get vaccinated before Aug. 31. In a statement, National Command and Operation Center also announced a ban on air travel for unvaccinated people starting Aug. 1. Pakistan has already asked government employees to ensure their vaccination against the coronavirus this month. Authorities say these measures were aimed at containing the steady surge in cases. The latest development comes hours after Pakistan said there were clear signs that the fourth wave of coronavirus infections is starting in the Islamic nation. Pakistan has reported 969,476 confirmed cases and 22,520 virus-related deaths. ___ Albuquerque, N.M. The University of New Mexico is encouraging students, faculty and staff get vaccinated against the coronavirus before returning to campus in August, but no longer plans to require it. University President Garnett Stokes says in a campuswide email that vaccinations are key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus and the university is working toward a 100% vaccination rate. However, the vaccine remains under emergency use authorization by the federal government, the university noted in a statement Thursday. The university previously proposed a vaccine requirement, and a draft of the policy was posted to UNMs website. UNM officials continue to urge those who arent vaccinated to continue to wear a mask. ___ NEW YORK U.S. health officials say vaccinated teachers and students dont need to wear masks inside school buildings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the new guidelines Friday. The changes come after a growing national vaccination campaign in which children as young as 12 are eligible to get shots, as well as a general decline in recent months in COVID hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. The nations top public health agency is not advising schools to require shots for teachers and vaccine-eligible kids. The guidance generally leaves it to local officials to figure out how to ensure the unvaccinated are using precautions while letting those who are fully protected go mask-free. The biggest questions will be at middle schools where some students are eligible for shots and others arent. At some of the nations largest school districts, widespread mask-wearing is expected to continue this fall. In Detroits public schools, everyone will be required to wear a mask unless everyone in the classroom has been vaccinated. Philadelphia will require all public school students and staff to wear masks inside buildings, even if they have been vaccinated. Masks wont be mandated in Houston schools. ___ LONDON The U.K. has seen daily coronavirus infections hit a near six-month high as coronavirus spreads among younger age groups. Government figures Friday showed another 35,707 confirmed lab cases, the highest daily tally since Jan. 22 with more than 40,000 reported cases. The recent spike has been due to the more contagious delta variant and mostly occurred among younger people, many of whom have yet to receive a first dose of vaccine. With all remaining restrictions on social contact to be lifted in England on July 19, cases are expected to continue marching higher. The British government has said the daily case rate may hit 100,000 this summer, which would be a new high. There is growing evidence the number of people requiring hospitalization and dying from COVID-19 are picking up pace, though not at the same rate as infections. ___ BANGKOK Officials in Thailand have announced a seven-hour curfew and other restrictions for the capital and nine other provinces to try to slow a growing number of cases and deaths in a coronavirus surge. People living in Bangkok and five surrounding provinces, along with four in the countrys far south, must stay at home from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., not hold gatherings of more than five people and avoid unnecessary travel. The restrictions take effect on Monday. The greater Bangkok area will have more restrictions, including school closings. Health authorities on Friday announced 9,276 new cases, bringing the confirmed total to 317,506. Seventy-two new deaths were confirmed for a total of 2,534. More than 90% of the cases and deaths have occurred since early April. The spread has been fueled by the more contagious delta variant and a slow vaccination drive. ___ JAKARTA, Indonesia The Indonesia government announced it will use doses of the Moderna vaccine donated by the United States through the COVAX Facility. Many health care workers were previously vaccinated with the Chinese produced Sinovac vaccine. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin says health workers will become the priority group, especially because of the new variants. We have not reached the vaccination target. So, it is important for us to give the third vaccination dose to the health care workers as they face the virus every day. We should protect them so they can focus on working, he says. The 4 million doses of Modernas vaccine are scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Sunday. The government is planning to start the third dose of vaccination next week. Indonesia Food and Drug Monitoring Agency also announced the emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna. In their zeal to mollify the leftist progressive wing of their party, President Biden and the Democratic leadership in Congress have seriously jeopardized what was intended to be the Administrations signature accomplishment a $4 trillion infrastructure program, the largest national public works project since the New Deal. Deep divisions between progressives, to whom bipartisanship is the equivalent of surrender, and moderates, who understand compromise is the only realistic path in a closely divided Congress, threatens to leave the president empty-handed. It would be an embarrassing loss with long-term implications. Inadvertently or not, Biden contributed to the danger of defeat when he announced hed reached an agreement with a bipartisan group of 10 Senators five Democrats and five Republicans on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure program, only to go off script and imply hed veto the legislation if it was not accompanied by a far larger bill supported by the Democratic majority. To no ones surprise, the Republicans went into orbit, crying about standing with him in the White House driveway to announce the agreement only to be blindsided by the president conditioning his approval on linking the two bills. Their threats to scuttle the entire deal reached a crescendo and, within 48 hours, Biden issued a retraction/explanation, saying he didnt intend to raise the possibility of a veto and went on urge support for the larger Democratic approved bill. That didnt sit well with the progressives who, lined up behind Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, vow: No reconciliation bill, no deal. Sanders has called for a program of up to $6 trillion a figure dismissed by most as unrealistic to provide, among other things, tax increases, a massive expansion of Medicare coverage, universal childcare, a permanent child tax credit, elements of the Green New Deal, and addressing climate change. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi both expressed their support for tying together the two proposals, despite all indications that the Democratic larger proposal would fail in the Senate. Pelosi went so far as to pledge that should the bipartisan plan win Senate approval, she would refuse to schedule a House vote unless the Democratic plan was approved, a stance which places her in direct conflict with the president. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has called on Schumer and Pelosi to follow the presidents lead and keep the two proposals separate. Normally a shrewd judge of the political environment, Pelosi, by taking such an unyielding stand, may have painted herself into a corner and risks being held responsible for the death of any infrastructure bill at all. Sanders and his like-minded colleagues in the House have been dismissive of the bipartisan approach, attacking Republicans as less than serious and urging Biden to ditch trying to work across party lines and go it alone. Senate Democrats intend to rely on a reconciliation process to bring their proposal to a vote, a maneuver which avoids reaching the 60-vote threshold to prevent a filibuster. Even the prospect of securing the support of all 50 Democratic senators for reconciliation is dicey. West Virginias Joe Manchin, whos emerged as the legislator with the greatest leverage in an evenly divided Senate, and Arizonas Krysten Sinema have been adamant in their opposition to overturning the filibuster rule, potentially blocking any hope of approving the Democratic program. The progressive bloc appears to have overlooked or purposely disregarded Bidens 46-year history in public life in the Senate and as vice president, a career highlighted by compromise, consensus and bipartisan coalition building. His quick retreat from a veto threat sent a message to Sanders and others that while he is willing to accommodate them on certain issues, theres a limit to caving to the demands of a minority when it endangers the centerpiece of his domestic agenda. Biden, sensing a major legislative triumph at hand, will use his power of persuasion to bring the vocal left to his point of view. Hes dealing, though, with hardcore political ideologues, many of whom believe those with the largest number of Twitter followers hold the power. Their influence is largely a negative one; more about what they oppose than what they support and they are not the least bit reluctant to express their views in often coarse and personally offensive language. For Biden, the finish line is in sight and he cant afford to allow his own party to trip him on the way there. Carl Golden is a senior contributing analyst for the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University in New Jersey. He can be reached at cgolden1937@gmail. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But sometimes, one word is a kaleidoscope. Just consider the word childcare. It evokes the mayhem managed by millions of families during the COVID-19 pandemic and, at the same time, evolving, deep-rooted cultural norms. Look at it from a different angle and it captures the distortions of dependency-addicted statism that marks our political moment. Twist it again and youll see the modern medias groupthink at work. In a recent story on ABCs Good Morning America, we see the kaleidoscope in action. The story framed the lack of affordable childcare as a big reason why millions of women are staying out of the workforce. Fair enough. ABCs journalists could have then pushed the story in the same direction so many others have and highlighted ongoing political efforts to subsidize childcare. After all, journalists share the natural bias toward action. And their stories usually paint a picture of heroic, roll-up-the-sleeves problem-solvers pushing for more spending. But ABC deserves credit for taking the story in a different direction. They asked a simple question: Why has childcare become less affordable? That is the question of working families who dont schedule their mornings around catching politicians between committee meetings. Its funny what can happen when journalists ask questions rather than adhere to the dominant narrative structure of the day. In this case, ABC raised the possibility that government itself owns some of the responsibility for unaffordable childcare. The segment noted how government mandates for restrictive staff-to-child ratios may drive up costs. They do. Existing childcare centers sell these mandates as necessary to protect kids. But they do more to protect those existing childcare centers from lower-cost competition. The networks journalists even pointed out that the number of childcare workers has fallen 15% since the pandemic began. But the groupthink must have taken hold as ABC didnt connect the dots any further. Allow me to do so. By now, we all understand how federal policies like the unemployment bonus have fueled a labor shortage across the economy. Like elections, paying Americans not to work has consequences. Add to that the educational requirements imposed by states on childcare workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has pointed out that most states even require childcare directors to have a bachelors degree. This pushes many would-be childcare workers out of the market. The results follow the basic law of supply and demand. When a good or service like childcare is in high demand but in short supply, prices rise. Helping more childcare workers access the market would increase supply, help match demand, and drive the price of childcare down. If Chipotle has to raise the price of a burrito to make up for rising labor costs, why shouldnt that same principle apply to childcare a market with even more supply-side restrictions? Even Jason Furman, chairman of former President Barack Obamas Council of Economic Advisors, co-wrote a study affirming that overly generous unemployment benefits are driving the current labor shortage more than a new crisis of unaffordable childcare. To caffeine-addicted journalists eyeing a deadline, this story doesnt easily fit the paradigm of a red-team-versus-blue-team squabble over an underfunded program. But thats what makes it tragic. Its a story of the government squeezing working women from both sides. Bad policies like education requirements and staff-to-child ratios have driven more childcare workers, over 90% of whom are women, out of the market. At the same time, other policies have increased costs for moms who rely on childcare to work. If you pair sensible regulations which encourage competition, choice, and more childcare workers with welfare programs that do much more to get child support to low-income families, you just might see progress. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has proposed the opposite more subsidies to cover those higher costs. But American families know all too well that more public money doesnt reduce costs. It obscures costs. And, without transparency, prices go up. We see it in healthcare and higher education. The government has intervened and subsidized more and more over decades. And the price we pay goes higher and higher. To prevent the same dynamic in childcare, lets twist the kaleidoscope again. The solution more reform, not more spending is in there somewhere. Scott Centorino is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Arnold Police are seeking a man and this van in connection with a theft at I-55 Store It. Marilyn Manson surrenders on New Hampshire assault warrant View Photo LOS ANGELES (AP) Rocker Marilyn Manson surrendered to police in Los Angeles last week in connection with a 2019 arrest warrant out of New Hampshire where he allegedly assaulted a videographer at a concert, authorities said. Manson, whose legal name is Brian Hugh Warner, is charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault stemming from an alleged incident on Aug. 19, 2019 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford. Gilford police Chief Anthony J. Bean Burpee said Thursday that Manson had turned himself into law enforcement in Los Angeles the week before. Manson was booked and released without bail pending a court appearance in New Hampshire. Mansons attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. The victim, a videographer, was in the venues stage pit area at the time of the alleged assault, Gilford police previously said. The misdemeanor charges can each result in a jail sentence of less than a year and a $2,000 fine if convicted. Los Angeles Police Capt. Brent McGuyre confirmed Mansons surrender to The Associated Press. Manson turned himself in at the departments Hollywood station on July 2 and was processed on the warrant before being released. This is consistent with anybody who has a misdemeanor warrant that is not local, McGuyre said. Manson also has faced abuse accusations unrelated to the New Hampshire incident in recent years. He has denied wrongdoing. In February, actor Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Manson, her ex-fiance, of sexual and other physical abuse, alleging she was manipulated into submission during their relationship. Months later, Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco sued Manson in federal court in Los Angeles, alleging sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The AP generally does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, but Bianco and Wood have spoken publicly. In 2018, Los Angeles County prosecutors declined to file charges against Manson over allegations of assault, battery and sexual assault dating to 2011, saying they were limited by statutes of limitations and a lack of corroboration. The accuser in that case was identified only as a social acquaintance of Manson. By STEFANIE DAZIO Associated Press South African court rejects ex-leaders bid to delay prison View Photo PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AP) A South African court has rejected former South African President Jacob Zumas request to postpone his current jail term. Zuma, who started his 15-month jail sentence Thursday, will remain behind bars after his application for his prison term be delayed was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday. Zuma has one more legal bid to be released which will be heard by the Constitutional Court, the countrys apex court, on Monday. He is currently imprisoned in the Estcourt Correctional Center for failing to obey a court order to testify at a judicial commission that is investigating allegations of corruption during his term as South Africas president from 2009 to 2018. Some of Zumas supporters in KwaZulu-Natal, his home province, protested his imprisonment on Friday by blocking roads with burning tires and other obstacles. Police cleared the roads in some areas. Zuma, 79, surrendered to authorities shortly before a midnight Wednesday deadline and was taken to Estcourt prison, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from his rural home in Nkandla. Zuma will be eligible for parole after serving a quarter of his sentence, unless his appeal before the Constitutional Court succeeds, according to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola. Zuma will be in quarantine for 14 days as part of the facilitys COVID-19 precautions. He was put in the Estcourts hospital section for assessment and will be treated like any other inmate, Lamola said Thursday. Zuma was convicted of contempt of court for defying a court order for him to appear before a commission of inquiry. The commission has 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. In a separate matter, Zuma is standing trial on charges of corruption related to a 1999 arms deal, where he allegedly received bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales. His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case. While human rights groups in South Africa welcomed Zumas imprisonment, many people in KwaZulu-Natal, the center of support for the former president, said they were not happy about it. It does not sit well with me because, first of all, he is an elderly person, so for him to be incarcerated is not good for him, said Philiswa Zondi in Pietermaritzburg. Perhaps it would have been better for him to be incarcerated at home than to be in a cell. Another Pietermaritzburg resident, Ntuthuko Mdletshe, said she felt Zuma had been treated unfairly because South Africa has many other corrupt politicians who have not been arrested. I feel so bad for Jacob Zuma, said Mdletshe. I feel bad because every political party has its own corruption, even the previous government had its own corruption. By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME Associated Press Belarus scales up crackdown on independent media View Photo VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Belarusian authorities have raided the offices of several media outlets and the homes of scores of journalists under a multi-pronged crackdown on dissent and free speech in the ex-Soviet nation, a media watchdog said Friday. The Belarusian Association of Journalists, or BAJ, said the countrys law enforcement agencies have conducted nearly 30 searches at media outlets and journalists apartments and detained at least seven journalists in the past two days. A new wave of repression that is unprecedented in scope and cruelty has targeted the independent media, said BAJ leader Andrei Bastunets. The authorities arbitrarily designate any journalist as an extremist. On Thursday, Belarusian authorities blocked the website of Nasha Niva, a leading independent online newspaper, raided its offices and detained its chief editor Yahor Martsinovich and several other staffers for questioning. Agents of the Belarusian state security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name, KGB, also conducted searches at several regional media outlets and detained several journalists. The crackdown continued Friday, with KGB officers raiding the apartments of Nasta Zanko, a journalist of the independent Onliner.by news outlet in Minsk and journalists Andrey Kukharchyk and Maksim Khlyabets in Brest, on the border with Poland. They also searched the apartment of journalist Tanya Smotkina in the town of Glubokoye in Belarus north, and the offices of Informprogulka and Media-Polesye media outlets in Luninets and a local newspaper in Hantsevichi in the countrys west. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said. Konstantin Bychek, a deputy head of the KGBs investigative department, said the raids and arrests were part of a broad sweep against radical-minded individuals. Bychek alleged that those targeted are suspected of involvement in helping to stage mass disturbances and even acts of terrorism. The independent media and journalists targeted in the crackdown have 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. The European Union and the United States have responded to the crackdown by slapping Belarus with sanctions. They also imposed new, tougher restrictions after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election who fled to neighboring Lithuania after the vote, urged the EU to respond to the crackdown on independent media by ramping up pressure on Lukashenkos government. The attack on the Belarusian media indicates that the regime is scaling up repressions and the democratic nations response to that must be maximally harsh, Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press. We expect the EU to expand its sanctions list to include the collaborators of the regime who take part in todays repressions. By YURAS KARMANAU Associated Press West and Russia head to showdown over aid to northwest Syria View Photo 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 Russias 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 Syrias Idlib region. They say a years 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. By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press Families of Beirut blast victims want officials prosecuted View Photo BEIRUT (AP) Families of the victims of last years massive blast at Beiruts port protested in the Lebanese capital on Friday to pressure parliament to lift immunity of three legislators. The judge investigating the explosion had requested such a step. One of the protests took place near the residency of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, where the legislatures justice committee was meeting over the immunity request. Lebanese troops pushed the protesters back from the tightly secured building. Many Lebanese blame the countrys ruling elites for negligence that led to the port explosion. You blew up Beirut and put people in coffins, read a banner carried by one of the protesters. According to the deputy parliament speaker, Elie Ferzli, the committee decided to first ask the judge to review the evidence against the three before deciding on the immunity. Last week, Judge Tarek Bitar announced he intends to pursue senior politicians and former and current security chiefs in the case, and requested permission for their prosecution. Hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material used in fertilizers that had been improperly stored in the port for years, exploded on Aug. 4, killing 211 people, injuring more than 6,000 and devastating nearby neighborhoods. Shame on them. They are bringing riot police to face the families of martyrs, shouted Ibrahim Hoteit, whose brother of Tharwat Hoteit was killed in the blast. Last Friday, Bitar asked the government and the interior ministry for permission to question two of Lebanons most prominent security chiefs, including the head of General Security Directorate, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim. Interior Minister Mohamed Fehmi reportedly rejected the request on Friday. Ibrahim issued a statement saying he abides by the law but that someone is trying to tarnish his image. Family members of the victims later Friday also held a rally outside the Interior Ministry, to protest Fehmis decision. By BASSEM MROUE Associated Press Victims of California synagogue shooting can sue gunmaker View Photo SAN DIEGO (AP) A California judge decided victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting near San Diego that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to the teenage gunman, according to a newspaper report. Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel said Wednesday that victims and families in the Poway, California, synagogue shooting have adequately alleged that Smith & Wesson, the nations largest gunmaker, knew its AR-15-style rifle could be easily modified into a machine-gun-like or an assault weapon in violation of state law. A 2005 federal law shields gunmakers from damages in most cases for crimes committed with their weapons. But it allows lawsuits if the manufacturer was negligent or knowingly violated a state or federal law, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday. 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, the newspaper said. The judge also said the shop, San Diego Guns, could be sued for selling the weapon 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. Prosecutors say Earnest, a nursing student, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle during the last day of Passover services in April 2019. The attack killed 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye and wounded three others, including an 8-year-old girl and the rabbi, who lost a finger. Earnest then allegedly called 911 to say he had shot up a synagogue because Jews were trying to destroy all white people, authorities said. Earnest faces state murder charges carrying a potential death sentence and federal hate-crime charges. Wednesdays 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 didnt immediately respond to the Chronicles request for comment. NEW YORK (AP) Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones used major philanthropic donors to build her future as a tenured professor at Howard University, just as other major donors sought to stymie the Pulitzer Prize-winning Black investigative reporter at the University of North Carolina. Backed by $20 million in donations, Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday the establishment of the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard to increase diversity in journalism. She also said that political interference from Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman, who pledged $25 million to UNC's journalism school and whose name adorns its building, resulted in questions about her receiving tenure, which she was belatedly offered last week following an outcry from students and faculty members. How could I believe Id be able to exert academic freedom with the schools largest donor so willing to disparage me publicly and attempt to pull the strings behind the scenes? Hannah-Jones wrote in a statement. Why would I want to teach at a university whose top leadership chose to remain silent, to refuse transparency, to fail to publicly advocate that I be treated like every other Knight Chair before me? Hussman said Tuesday that he still has concerns about The 1619 Project but that he respects Hannah-Jones. The donations announced Tuesday $5 million each from the MacArthur, Knight and Ford foundations and an anonymous donor will also bring award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates to Howard, a historically Black school in the nation's capital and his alma mater, as the Sterling Brown Chair in the Department of English. Its a large gift for journalism, and one that points to a growing philanthropic effort to diversify news organizations and strengthen journalistic standards. It is important in a democracy like America, that journalism reflects America, said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. The community of people who are producing news and information needs to look like America, if journalism is to be credible. ... And its not just Black journalists. Its the diverse array of journalists. Its journalists who have a disability, and journalists who live in small towns and rural America. In the past five years, the Ford Foundation has given more than $77 million to various media diversification initiatives in the U.S., including to minority journalism groups and research projects centered on newsroom diversity, Walker said. What happened at UNC is deeply regrettable, he said. At Howard, Hannah-Jones has accepted something that is more meaningful and more valuable to her. That allows her to have both her dignity and values affirmed, Walker said. The new center will attempt to tackle the lack of racial diversity in many newsrooms and senior management. A 2018 report from the Pew Research Center found that 77% of newsroom employees were white, compared to 65% for U.S. workers overall. And according to a 2019 survey of 428 news organizations from the News Leaders Association, only 18.8% of newsroom managers were from racial minorities. It is clear that within journalism, as in other fields, there are too few people of color in positions of leadership, said John Palfrey, the president of the MacArthur Foundation. And one of the things philanthropy can do is, support institutions, like Howard University, that are correcting that imbalance. So when Hannah-Jones approached the foundations with a vision of what the funding could do at Howard, they were happy to pitch in. Before pledging its $5 million donation to support Howards center, the MacArthur Foundation already intended to support the next phase of Hannah-Jones 1619 Project a New York Times Magazine endeavor focusing on America's history of slavery. In addition to winning a Pulitzer Prize for her work on the project, Hannah-Jones was a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the genius grant. The best way to fund Hannah-Jones ongoing work was to join with the Ford Foundation and Knight Foundation, and to make a larger grant than we anticipated to the new Howard center, Palfrey said. This was certainly an unplanned grant. But it struck us as an unusually wonderful opportunity to support Black journalism. The $5 million grant from the Knight Foundation, the third funder, will include a $500,000 investment to launch a symposium that aims to strengthen the teaching of journalism across various historically Black colleges and universities, according to a statement from the foundation, which has an endowed chair of journalism at Florida A&M University, which is also a historically Black college. The newly announced gifts add to the estimated $1 billion in philanthropic funding that has been given to journalism-related initiatives in the U.S. during the past five years, according to preliminary data from the philanthropy research organization Candid. One large gift of $20 million is rare for the industry, but its not unheard of. The Knight First Amendment Institute, which defends the freedoms of speech and the press, was established in 2016 at Columbia University with a $30 million gift from the Knight Foundation. With Hannah-Jones departure, there are two vacant Knight Chairs at UNC-Chapel Hill. The Knight Foundation does not plan to cut ties with the school, despite the controversy surrounding her extended tenure fight, which was marked by allegations of racism and a conservative backlash to her work. The Knight Chair at UNC-Chapel Hill is endowed in perpetuity, the director of the foundations journalism program, Karen Rundlet, said in an emailed statement. Our goal is to fund endowed chairs to enable universities to hire people, who in their judgment, are distinguished in the field of journalism and bring newsroom experience to the classroom. UNC Chapel Hill has been a leader in journalism education. We will continue to support UNCs efforts to independently hire Knight Chairs. Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which donated $20 million to the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism in 2018, called on major donors of all sorts to support the program at Howard and similar programs across the country to strengthen journalism. He said it is a national security issue that so much disinformation is being spread in the country and that clear journalism from diverse sources is a way to defend the country. Whats being done at Howard is a big deal, Newmark said. We need to work together more. This is protecting the country, protecting the democracy. It should be all hands on deck. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said Thursday the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan will end on Aug. 31, delivering an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more American lives even as he bluntly acknowledged there will be no mission accomplished moment to celebrate. Biden pushed back against the notion the U.S. mission has failed but also noted that it remains unlikely the government would control all of Afghanistan after the U.S. leaves. He urged the Afghan government and Taliban, which he said remains as formidable as it did before the start of the war, to come to a peace agreement. We did not go to Afghanistan to nation build, Biden said in a speech from the White Houses East Room. Afghan leaders have to come together and drive toward a future. The administration in recent days has sought to frame ending the conflict as a decision that Biden made after concluding its an unwinnable war and one that does not have a military solution. On Thursday he amplified the justification of his decision even as the Taliban make rapid advances in significant swaths of the country. 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." The new withdrawal date comes after former President Donald Trumps administration negotiated a deal with the Taliban to end the U.S. military mission by May 1. Biden after taking office announced U.S. troops would be out by by the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack, which al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden plotted from Afghanistan, where he had been given refuge by the Taliban. With U.S. and NATO ally forces rapidly drawing down in the past week, there was growing speculation that U.S. combat operations have already effectively ended. But by setting Aug. 31 as the drawdown date, the administration nodded to the reality that the long war is in its final phase, while providing itself some cushion to deal with outstanding matters. The administration has yet to complete talks with Turkey on an arrangement for maintaining security at the Kabul airport and is still ironing out details for the potential evacuation of thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. military operation. Biden said that prolonging U.S. military involvement, considering Trump had already agreed to withdraw U.S. troops, would have led to an escalation of attacks on American troops and NATO allies. The Taliban would have again begun to target our forces, Biden said. The status quo was not an option. Staying meant U.S. troops taking casualties. American men and women. Back in the middle of a civil war. And we would run the risk of having to send more troops back in Afghanistan to defend our remaining troops. The president added that there is no mission accomplished moment as the U.S. war comes to an end. The mission was accomplished in that we got Osama bin Laden and terrorism is not emanating from that part of the world," he said. U.S. forces killed bin Laden in 2011. U.S. forces this week vacated Bagram Airfield the U.S. epicenter of the conflict to oust the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 2001 terrorist attacks that triggered the war. Remaining U.S. troops are now concentrated in Kabul, the capital. The Pentagon said the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, is expected to end his tour of duty this month as final arrangements are made for a reduced U.S. military mission. Biden, answering questions from reporters after his remarks on Thursday, said that Kabul falling to the Taliban would not be an acceptable outcome. The president also pushed back against the notion that such a scenario was certain. Do I trust the Taliban? No," Biden said. But I trust the capacity of the Afghan military, who is better trained, better equipped and more competent in terms of conducting war. To be certain, the West hopes Taliban gains will be confined mostly to rural areas, with the Afghan government and its allies retaining control of the cities where much of Afghanistans population resides. And while the Taliban remain a major power in Afghanistan, the governments supporters hope that Afghans will work out the Taliban role in the post-U.S. Afghanistan power structure more through political than military means, partly through the inducements of international legitimacy, aid and other support. Asked by a reporter whether rampant corruption within the Afghan government contributed to the failure of achieving the sort of stability that his predecessors and American military commanders envisioned, Biden didnt exactly dismiss the notion. The mission hasnt failed yet." Biden continues to face pressure from congressional lawmakers to offer further detail on how he intends to go about assisting thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. military as translators, drivers and in other jobs. Many are fearful they will be targets of the Taliban once the U.S. withdrawal is complete. The White House says the administration has identified U.S. facilities outside of the continental United States, as well as third countries, where evacuated Afghans would potentially stay while their visa applications are processed. Biden added that 2,500 Afghans have been granted special immigrant visas since he took office in January. Still, the president faced Republican criticism following his speech. The Taliban is gaining more ground by the day, and there are targets on the backs of our people and our partners, said Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. But rather than taking the opportunity to reassure the American people there are sufficient plans in place to keep American diplomats and our Afghan partners safe, President Biden only offered more empty promises and no detailed plan of action. John Kirby, chief Pentagon spokesman, said Thursday that the U.S. military is considering several overseas bases around the world as possible temporary locations for those Afghans awaiting a visa. So far, he said, the numbers of those who have decided to leave Afghanistan are not so high that they cant be handled with a range of installations. Our message to those women and men is clear, Biden said. There is a home for you in the United States if you so choose. We will stand with you, just as you stood with us. Biden noted that as a senator he was skeptical about how much the U.S. could accomplish in Afghanistan and had advocated for a more narrowly tailored mission. He was somewhat opaque in answering whether the cost of the war was worth it, but argued that the U.S. objectives were completed long ago. We went for two reasons: one, to bring Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell, as I said at the time," Biden said. "The second reason was to eliminate al-Qaidas capacity to deal with more attacks on the United States from that territory. We accomplished both of those objectives. Period. Thats why I believe this is the right decision and quite frankly overdue. Associated Press writers Ellen Knickmeyer in Oklahoma City and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed reporting. BANGKOK (AP) Several countries around Asia and the Pacific that are experiencing their first major surges of the coronavirus rushed to impose tough restrictions, a year and a half into a pandemic that many initially weathered well. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of infections in recent months, authorities in such countries as Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam announced or imposed measures Friday that they hope can slow the spread before health care systems are overwhelmed. It's a rhythm familiar in much of the world, where repeated surges deluged hospitals and led to high numbers of deaths. But many Asian countries avoided that cycle by imposing stiff travel restrictions combined with tough measures at home. Now some are seeing record numbers of new cases and even deaths, blamed in part on the highly contagious delta variant combined with low rates of vaccination and decisions to ease restrictions that have hit economies hard. Though overall numbers are nowhere yet near those seen during outbreaks in hotspots in Europe and the United States, the rapid rise set off alarm bells just as many Western countries with high vaccine rates began to breathe a sigh of relief. Thailand reported a record number of new deaths on Thursday with 75 and they came in at 72 on Friday. South Korea set a record for number of new cases on Thursday, only to break it on Friday with 1,316 infections, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. For the first time, Indonesia is seeing a surge that has hospitals turning patients away and oxygen supplies running out. Of Thailand's 317,506 confirmed cases and 2,534 deaths since the pandemic started, more than 90% have come since the start of April. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's handling of the surge has been widely criticized, including the decision to allow people to travel for April's Songkran festival celebrating Thailand's New Year. Thailand already has strict regulations on wearing masks and other rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the government announced even more stringent measures Friday for Bangkok and the surrounding area, including closing spas, limiting the hours of public transit, and restricting the opening times of markets and convenience stores. There is something wrong with the government policies, our vaccinations are too slow, and we should get better vaccines," said resident Cherkarn Rachasevet, a 60-year-old IT analyst, who hustled to the grocery store to stock up on supplies after hearing new restrictions were coming, wearing four masks and a face shield. She lamented that she isn't due for her first shot until the end of the month. Across the Asia-Pacific region, immunization rates have lagged for a variety of reasons, including production and distribution issues as well as an initial wait-and-see attitude from many early on when numbers were low and there was less of a sense of urgency. In South Korea widely praised for its initial response to the pandemic that included extensive testing and contact-tracing critics are now blaming a current spike in cases on the governments push to ease social-distancing because of economic concerns. Meanwhile, a shortage in vaccine supplies has left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot. The recent death toll has been low, however, and authorities attribute that to the fact that many who have been vaccinated were at-risk older Koreans. Amid a spike in infections in the Seoul area, authorities announced Friday that starting next week they would impose the strongest restrictions yet. Those include prohibiting private social gatherings of three 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. No country has been worse hit in the region recently than Indonesia. The seven-day rolling averages of daily cases and deaths both more than doubled over the past two weeks. Health experts say a partial lockdown imposed July 3 was too little too late and warned the current wave, which is mostly on the islands of Java, Bali, and a few cities on the island of Sumatra, will soon start to spread across the vast archipelago and the health system is already buckling under the pressure. Despite a strict national lockdown in nearby Malaysia under which residents are confined to their homes, with only one person per household allowed out to purchase groceries, new cases since it began June 1 continued to shoot up, and a record 9,180 daily cases were reported Friday. The total death toll more than doubled to 5,903 since June 1. Its the second national lockdown over the past year and the government said it will stay in place until daily infections fall below 4,000 and at least 10% of the population is vaccinated but it comes at a tremendous cost, deepening economic hardships, with scores of businesses forced to shutter and thousands losing their jobs. Vietnam also imposed tighter restrictions on Friday, locking down Ho Chi Minh City, the countrys largest metropolis and its economic and financial hub, for two weeks. The southern citys 9 million residents are only permitted to leave home to buy food, medicine and for other urgent matters during that time. Vietnam was able to limit its total coronavirus cases to 2,800 during the first year of the pandemic, and reported almost no new cases in the three months up to the end of April when they began to climb rapidly. In the last two months, the country has recorded some 22,000 new cases, and the less stringent restrictions imposed so far have been unable to stem the rise. It is a difficult decision to lock down the city, but it is necessary to curb the pandemic and get back to normalcy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said during a government meeting Thursday evening. Currently, about 4% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, though the Health Ministry said it hopes to inoculate 70% of the country's 96 million people by the end of the year. One exception to the regional rule appears to be India, where the delta variant was first detected perhaps because its surge came first. The country has slowly emerged from a traumatic April and May, when a devastating spike in infections tore through the nation, hospitals ran out of beds and oxygen supplies, and overwhelmed crematoria were forced to burn bodies in pyres outdoors. New cases and deaths are now decreasing, but with less than 5% of the countrys eligible population fully vaccinated, authorities are scrambling to distribute more shots and are investing heavily in field hospitals and ICU beds, and stockpiling oxygen supplies. Japan and Australia also announced new restrictions this week. Japan is particularly being watched since its state of emergency means spectators will be banned at most venues a the upcoming Olympics. With the detection of the delta variant last month in Australia's New South Wales, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Friday that this is now the scariest period of the pandemic yet as she announced new restrictions in Sydney after the city reported 44 new cases, in line with the country's approach to move quickly with targeted measures to stamp out new outbreaks. New South Wales is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started, she said. And I dont say that lightly. ___ Associated Press writers from around the region contributed to this report. A local physician assistant admitted to defrauding Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE out of nearly $900,000 in kickbacks. Christopher Felix Montoya, owner TPC Family Care and Medical Clinics in San Antonio and Laredo, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks on July 7, according to news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Western District of Texas. Montoya was performing nasal swabs on patients and then accepting kickbacks for submitting those swabs to a particular laboratory for testing. He would pay out about $80,000 and received approximately $50,000 in kickbacks from Medicare and Medicaid from September 2018 to June 2019. Daryl Fields, spokesperson for the Western District of Texas, said the majority of that total was from Medicare. READ MORE: San Antonio cocktail bar settles into pop-up spot on Broadway Montoya's had one urgent care clinic in San Antonio at 1222 McCullough Ave. In a separate case, Montoya also pled guilty on June 15 to one count of conspiracy to receive healthcare kickbacks from TRICARE, the healthcare plan offered to active an retired military members through the Department of Defense. Montoya billed TRICARE $1,884,577.86 for prescriptions he wrote, to which TRICARE paid out $797,262.21. All together, Montoya defrauded over $840,000 from all three programs. Sentencing is scheduled for August 23. Montoya faces up to 20 years in federal prison. READ MORE: Shea Serrano launches first FOH scholarship fund, immediately surpasses goal Nancy Almaguer, who lives in San Antonio, Montoyas chief operating officer, was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., and to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks. Almaguer was also charged with three counts of soliciting and receiving illegal healthcare kickbacks. Jury selection and trial for Almaguer is pending. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day Common Cuckoos, from the Jarvis Cocker lyric. And the lovely sounds of a summer afternoon. Summer afternoonsummer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. Henry James Whats That Bird Song? Merlin Bird ID Can Tell You [The Cornell Lab (GF)]. Its an almost universal feeling: the thrill of hearing a mysterious new bird song. And its usually followed up by the question: What was that bird? Today, the question got much easier: the Cornell Labs Merlin Bird ID app can now identify bird sounds. At the time of the initial launch, Merlin can recognize the sounds of 400+ species from the U.S. and Canada, with that number set to expand rapidly in future updates. Automatic song ID has been a dream for decades, but analyzing sound has always been extremely difficult. The breakthrough came when researchers, including Merlin lead researcher Grant Van Horn, began treating the sounds as images and applying new and powerful image classification algorithms like the ones that power Merlins Photo ID feature. Each sound recording a user makes gets converted from a waveform to a spectrograma way to visualize the amplitude [volume], frequency [pitch], and duration of the sound, Van Horn says. So just like Merlin can identify a picture of a bird, it can now use this picture of a birds sound to make an ID, Van Horn says. * * * #COVID19 At reader request, Ive added this daily chart from 91-DIVOC. The data is the Johns Hopkins CSSE data. Here is the site. I feel Im engaging in a macabre form of tape-watching. Ive been thinking of new charts to monitor to alert us to the next outbreak, assuming there is one, but for now, the data from the South means Ill stick to the status quo. Vaccination by region: Oof. And the curves arent down because theres nobody left to vaccinate, either. Live free and die: Inside the bizarre political philosophy of Americas unvaccinated [Will Bunch, Philadelphia Inquirer]. Instead of political propaganda and promoting a way of life that rejects modern science, just imagine an America in which Fox News aired the testimonial of a Springfield, Mo., COVID-19 patient, 42-year-old Russell Taylor. I was one of those Americans who was like, skeptical, not knowing who to trust, he said in a video for Cox Health. So I just kind of pulled back, that if God allows this, then it must be. In June, he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and placed on a ventilator, with double pneumonia. He was still hospitalized after three weeks. Somewhere in July, he now said, I think it would be wise to get the whole family vaccinated, because my stance on that is God made medicine, too .' Good messaging. But why should FOX News be the only source for it? They didnt want to get Covid-19 shots. This is what convinced them. [NBC]. In interviews with NBC News, individuals who were initially reluctant to get their vaccinations said nudging from family members, fears about emerging variants and having the ability to shrug off rumors about the shot were among the reasons they finally decided to roll up their sleeves, months after the shot became available. Erin, 47, a cook and part-time translator in Sheffield, Alabama, who asked to be identified by her first name only for fear of job reprisal, decided this past week to get vaccinated. She had been too nervous that side effects would cause her to miss work at her restaurant, which she was certain would result in her boss giving her fewer shifts in the future. That would put a financial strain on the mother of three, who is on food stamps and gets no paid sick leave. Once she read about the highly transmissible new delta variant which Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious diseases doctor, has declared the greatest threat to eliminating the coronavirus she decided to get vaccinated. She urged others in her financial [class] position to do the same. Suck it up. Suck it up , she said. Youre going to lose your money for the short term, but youll have your life and your family will have you. More good messaging. Funny thing, bribing Erin with lottery tickets didnt work. Cheerful and jaunty: Juvenile turning Back That Azz Up into a pro vax anthem is.I truly dont even know Im speechless pic.twitter.com/uQQLvpRsIk Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) July 7, 2021 Case count by United States regions: Oof. Now a definite upward trend. The slope is nothing like it was 476 days ago, but upward it is. We should know the impact of travel and all the family gatherings round the BBQ shortly. And of course summer camp, Bible School, etc. Note that one of the narratives seems to be that there will only be pockets of cases in unvaccinated juridictions (i.e., blame the deplorables for a public health messaging, delivery, and performance debacle). Be that as it may, we can see the effects in this aggregate, in the aggregated data for Texas and Florida, and in the Top Ten states (all below). Nothing like the runaway train in the first days and weeks, but the train is rolling. It would certainly be nice if this trend isnt signaling the changeover from Alpha to Delta. CO: Delta Variant Surges in Colorado as the Bands Play On [Kaiser Health News]. A few yards away from LaCount and her son on the playground, a man fished in a still pond with his 10-month-old daughter in a backpack. Garrett Whiting, who works in construction, said he believes covid is still being blown out of proportion especially by the news media. They got everybody scared really, really fast, said Whiting, slowly reeling in a sparkly blue lure from the water. Theres no reason to stop living your life just because youre scared of something. Whiting tested positive for covid about three months earlier. He said he doesnt plan to get vaccinated, nor does his wife. As for the baby on his back, he said hes not sure whether theyll have her vaccinated when regulators approve the shot for young children. This living your life phrase I cant imagine myself using it, and I dont even know what it means. Yet apparently it is deeply meaningful to some; one hears it over and over. Here are the case counts for the South (as defined by the US Census: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia): Florida, capital of Latin America, pulling away from Texas, good job. (Clearly, there are more factors involved than air conditioning; the entire South is air conditioned, but only Texas and Florida are pulling away.) Covid cases top ten for the last four weeks (hat tip, alert reader Lou Anton): California catches up with Texas, hoo boy. Test positivity: South bounces back. Hospitalization (CDC): No bad news yet. Deaths (Our World in Data): No bad news yet. Covid cases worldwide: Every region is trending up. * * * Politics But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51 They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord Biden Administration FACT SHEET: Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy [The White House]. Barriers to competition are also driving down wages for workers. When there are only a few employers in town, workers have less opportunity to bargain for a higher wage and to demand dignity and respect in the workplace. In fact, research shows that industry consolidation is decreasing advertised wages by as much as 17%. Tens of millions of Americansincluding those working in construction and retailare required to sign non-compete agreements as a condition of getting a job, which makes it harder for them to switch to better-paying options. In total, higher prices and lower wages caused by lack of competition are now estimated to cost the median American household $5,000 per year. Im surprised its that little, given what health care has become. With this order, Biden proves if proof were needed that hes a better President than Obama ever was. Nevertheless. given that this is an Executive Order, with nothing embodied in legislation, its likely that Obama was and is closer to the center of gravity of his Party than Biden is; its likely that Biden couldnt get his caucus behind him on this, leaving open the question of how rapidly all this will become unravelled with a new administration (or gamed in the agencies). Its also nice to be talking political economy again, instead of all that successor ideology bushwa (see below). Also, Stoller must be in his glory (a good thing). UPDATE Biden to sign sweeping order aimed at curbing power of big companies [Financial Times]. The White House on Friday unveiled 72 measures in Bidens order, which include a ban on non-compete clauses for workers and span industries from technology and transportation to healthcare and banking. The US president also called for stronger enforcement of existing US antitrust laws, which could trigger greater scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions activity. The order also encourages [??] the Federal Communications Commission to restore so-called net neutrality rules to stop broadband companies from favouring certain types of internet traffic over others, which the agency repealed during the Trump administration. It is unclear, however, how much of Bidens plan will actually be implemented in the manner the White House hopes. Many of the provisions are encouraged but not mandated, and would be more powerful if enacted into law. It will be interesting to see if the Administration puts Kamala Harris on this. If they dont, that will mean they are serious. UPDATE Biden launches assault on monopolies [Politico]. The executive order builds off one that former President Barack Obama issued in 2016, which encouraged agencies to consider competition in their decisions and rulemakings. That order largely the work of Jason Furman, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers came near the end of Obamas presidency. Few agencies followed through on the White Houses prodding, and those that did saw their actions largely overturned by former President Donald Trumps appointees. Bidens order goes a step beyond Obamas by offering pointed suggestions for steps to take, rather than leaving implementation entirely to the agencies. Well, I suppose a pointed suggestion is better than a sternly worded letter. UPDATE Bidens latest executive order empowers workers in 3 key ways [Yahoo Finance]. The presidents order asks the Federal Trade Commission to limit or ban noncompete agreements, address unnecessary occupational license requirements, and revise guidance for sharing wage information between HR professionals. Limiting noncompete agreements or making them unenforceable as Bidens order sets out to do may not be enough, according to [Heidi Shierholz, senior economist and director of policy at the Economic Policy Institute]. Banning them instead would give workers more leverage, she said. For instance, noncompete agreements are unenforceable in California, but some research has found that they still suppress wages because workers often dont know they cant be sued by their employers, according to a 2020 paper by the Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization. As a package, [its] clearly a coordinated effort to try and shift the labor market functions to give more power to workers, [Alexander Colvin, a labor relations law professor at Cornell University.] said. Its clearly a pro-wage growth agenda that the administration is trying to push here.' UPDATE Joe Biden To Sign Executive Order Calling For Greater Scrutiny Of Mergers, Restoration Of Net Neutrality And Restrictions On Non-Compete Agreements [Deadline]. More immediate may be action at the agency level, as Biden signals a desire to step up antitrust enforcement. Biden has in place a champion for rigorous antitrust enforcement on the FTC Lina Khan, confirmed last month as a commissioner and quickly appointed as chair but he has yet to nominate someone to lead the Justice Departments Antitrust Division. Bidens EO will not only call on the agencies to enforce antitrust laws more vigorously, but remind them that the law allows them to challenge past mergers. The White House will establish a Competition Council to monitor the progress on the administrations proposal. Republican Funhouse This is such a good thread Im going to quote several tweets from it. Read the whole thing. (There are details wrong, but in the main, especially on RussiaGate, the details are right, to be best of my recollection.) I think I've had discussions w/enough Boomer-tier Trump supporters who believe the 2020 election was fraudulent to extract a general theory about their perspective. It is also the perspective of most of the people at the Capitol on 1/6, and probably even Trump himself. 1/x MartyrMade (@martyrmade) July 8, 2021 And: These are Tea Party people. The types who give their kids a pocket Constitution for their birthday and have Founding Fathers memes in their bios. The intel community spying on a presidential campaign using fake evidence (incl forged documents) is a big deal to them. 4/x MartyrMade (@martyrmade) July 8, 2021 Correct so far. And: Here are the facts actual, confirmed facts that shape their perspective: 1) The FBI/etc spied on the 2016 Trump campaign using evidence manufactured by the Clinton campaign. We now know that all involved knew it was fake from Day 1 (see: Brennan's July 2016 memo, etc). 3/x MartyrMade (@martyrmade) July 8, 2021 Skipping ahead: These are Tea Party people. The types who give their kids a pocket Constitution for their birthday and have Founding Fathers memes in their bios. The intel community spying on a presidential campaign using fake evidence (incl forged documents) is a big deal to them. 4/x MartyrMade (@martyrmade) July 8, 2021 Nut graf: This is profoundly disorienting. Many of them don't know for certain whether ballots were faked in November 2020, but they know for absolute certain that the press, the FBI, etc would lie to them if there was. They have every reason to believe that, and it's probably true. 16/x MartyrMade (@martyrmade) July 8, 2021 As with public health, an absolutely catastrophic loss of trust. (Here is the Time magazine article mentioned several times. If youre not reading it through the glasses of a triumphalist liberal Democrat, its pretty sinister: The Secret History of the Shadow Campaign That Saved the 2020 Election.) Of course, I dont want to idealize Boomer-tier Trump supporters voters; after all, I dont idealize liberal Democrats much. But the sense of disorientation rings true. (Perhaps its similar to the disorientation liberal Democrats felt when Trump won, when they too went absolutely cray cray; and RussiaGate, involving as it did the national security state, ratcheting up tension with a nuclear power, and a new McCarthyism, was and is far more dangerous than Q-Anon.) Realignment and Legitimacy Is Critical Race Theory the Wrong Term? (interview) [Wesley Yang, TK News]. Taibbi introduces: Two years ago, writer Wesley Yang penned a series of tweets about the new language of power throughout the non-profit sphere, giving it a name: the Successor Ideology. The author of The Souls of Yellow Folk created an umbrella term to explain everything from whatever the hideous moniker cancel culture means to purges of classics and STEM disciplines in universities, to the new move toward segregated affinity spaces, to intent doesnt matter, to the spread of workforce training sessions that ask white employees in both the public and private sectors to focus on things like undoing your own whiteness, to a dozen other things. The movement Yang describes is strategically brilliant and substantively moronic, a perfect intellectual killing machine. The Successor Ideology has blown through institutional America with great speed, coming to dominate everything from academia to the news media to Silicon Valley almost overnight. Now Yang: [W]e have an authoritarian utopianism thats emerging on the left, and we need a name for it. Theres a range of different words people use to describe different parts of the elephant. Identitarianism; social justice politics; cancel culture; wokeness; postmodern neo-Marxism, which is the Jordan Peterson version of it; cultural Marxism. Today, we have a professional activist class that sees itself similarly [to the Abolitionists]. So when I say the successor ideology, I see it as a vocational group that has an entrepreneurial project to advance a certain vision of the world as a matrix of oppression. They define themselves and what they fight against as this construct, this hyperobject. A hyperobject is like climate change: so large and pervasive that it structures everything else. So the hyperobject that we speak of here is this thing called white cisheteronormative patriarchy, the idea that theres a unitary structure of domination that pervades our world, and thats woven into every aspect of it Well, what happened? Schools produced graduates, and those graduates went into social work, and eventually they went into journalism, they went into law, they went into all sorts of professions. They have a class, the class that has an interest as a class in an entrepreneurial project in making themselves necessary and producing a demand for their services. We institutionalized a class of people whose job is to identify great moral emergencies that other people dont recognize, and then expand their moral horizons to begin to see these things as things that have to be eradicated. So you have a people whose raisons detre depend upon there being a demand for their resources. Its a bureaucratic professional endeavor. All of these things, theyre in the process of being introduced at scale, and we dont know what the ultimate outcome of that is going to be. We know what theyre trying to do. Theyre trying to produce a world where theyre on top. Its amazing how far theyve gone, because if youve been paying attention to them for the last 20 years, you mostly just saw them as this buzzing irritants, and you still have all these people insisting that thats all they are, when, clearly, they have burst the bonds of anything that any serious person would have thought was possible already in their ability to change core policies, like giving vaccines by race. Were not talking about it, and were not criticizing it, and the only people who criticize it are people who then end up vindicating the argument. Its a paradox. The sweet smell of succession: https://t.co/UVueDvMWxV pic.twitter.com/TuSLl9TlOU Wesley Yang (@wesyang) July 7, 2021 Lambert here: See Adolph Reed here for some of the contradictions implicit in the above view. Im not sure I like the Successor Ideology much as a name; it doesnt seem to capture either the virulence or the class basis that Yang describes. (Although it does remind me of secondary succession, which, at least in its early phases, is the scrub you get after an old-growth forest burns down.) Do note in the catalog of opportunities for, well, succession (I was about to say grievance), theres nothing about wage work whatever; thats taken as immutable, a given; white cisheteronormative patriarchy doesnt recognize it as a category. Perhaps if you cant make bank or be used to make bank in servicing human resources departments, you dont count. Hence, trying to produce a world where theyre on top, is delusional: Capitalists control the world, not these bureaucratic professionals. And you can see why capitalists would be totally fine with these successors: What capitalists care about, exploitation and amassing wealth, is left untouched. Another way of looking at this is that liberal Democrats, as the party of the PMC, are trying to control the country from far too narrow a political base, as usual. (Although I like Yangs analysis, I will continue to insist the successor ideologues are liberals, not the left as he would have it: Only the left puts the working class first. In ten years, all these identity goons will have freezers full of ice cream just like Nancy Pelosis (though possibly with more diverse flavors and colors). No quid pro quo, but corrupt to the bone: I will never forget that the first actions of many elected federal officials upon being officially briefed about the impending dangers of COVID-19 was not to mobilize to protect their constituents, but to arrange their portfolios to maximize personal gain from the disaster. (1/2) https://t.co/AlsRaHjbCk Nunye Bidnuss (@morbid_elation) July 8, 2021 Stats Watch UPDATE Wholesale Sales: May 2021 Headline Wholesale Sales Improved and Inventories Grow [Econintersect]. The headlines say wholesale sales were up month-over-month with inventory levels growing. Our analysis shows improvement in the rate of growth for the rolling averages Our view is that this data set is better than last month. The high rate of growth this month is due to comparisons to the lockdown period one year ago. Still, the numbers are considered strong. * * * Trade: TC Energy commences NAFTA claim following revocation of Keystone XL Presidential Permit [TC Energy (Ranger Rick)]. TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) announced today it has filed a Notice of Intent to initiate a legacy North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) claim under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to recover economic damages resulting from the revocation of the Keystone XL Projects Presidential Permit. TC Energy will be seeking to recover more than US$15 billion in damages that it has suffered as a result of the U.S. Governments breach of its NAFTA obligations. The Notice of Intent was filed with the U.S. Department of State, Office of the Legal Adviser. ISDS strikes again. Real Estate: Real estate investors try to exploit South LA firework explosion and buy damaged homes, says official [KCRW (DCBlogger)]. When a stockpile of illegal fireworks was destroyed in a South LA neighborhood, it was meant to be a contained detonation. But after the blast, triggered by the LAPD bomb squad, windows were shattered for blocks, cars were overturned, 17 people were injured, and numerous residents were displaced. Now allowed back in the neighborhood to assess the damage to their homes, questions are being raised about why authorities allowed the detonation in the middle of a residential street in the first place If the explosion and the subsequent threat of the wrecking ball werent challenging enough, [Martha] Sanchez says the blast has put the neighborhood squarely in the sights of real estate speculators. There [are] tons of speculators coming already, trying to buy our properties, she says. We receive at least three or four calls every day asking us to sell our properties. If they condemn those properties, theyre going to displace more poor people that have no idea how to pay their rent. Thats unbelievable.' Sounds like Ankh-Morpork. Shipping: Container Shippings Record Year is One for the History Books [Hellenic Shipping News]. The container ship segment has had an astonishing year thus far. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Allied commented that the remarkable exuberance that seems to have emerged within consumer behavior globally since late 2020 has stretched supply lines to their absolute limits. At the same time, during the later half of 2020 and first half of 2021 we were still amidst major production disruptions, especially in most of the major developed economies, causing most supply chains to outstretch far beyond their consumer base. Pushing things further has also been the fact that we saw a fair amount of pent-up demand for consumer products fairly quickly as looser monetary policy started to become the order of the day for most major economies. During the end of 1Q21 we were already seeing a more than 40% gain in average asset prices across all size segments and age groups, while by the end of 2Q21 this had skyrocketed to 140% and these are only the average figures, with the gains in some cases being as high as three times as much. There is a sense that there is almost a gold rush under way now, as this sector has now outperformed all other shipping sectors included some very good performers such as dry bulkers. The Bezzle: All the Ways You Can Get Defrauded [Barry Ritholtz, The Big Picture]. If you think you know all of the scams out there just waiting to defraud you, think again. There were 4.8 million reports in 2020, a 43% increase from 2019. And forged government benefits applications, including unemployment insurance, were up 30-fold year over year. With handy chart. The Bezzle: EU fines Volkswagen, BMW $1 bln for emissions cartel [Reuters]. The European Commission fined German carmakers Volkswagen and BMW a total of 875 million euros ($1 billion) on Thursday for colluding to curb the use of emissions cleaning technology they had developed. The Bezzle: More states agree to settlement plan with opioid maker Purdue Pharma [Los Angeles Times] Yes, but have the Sacklers been stripped of all their assets and then jailed?\ * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 35 Fear (previous close: 32 Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 45 (Neutral). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jul 9 at 12:51pm. The Biosphere The Smoke Comes Every Year. Sugar Companies Say the Air Is Safe [ProPublica]. Nearly every day during the winter and spring, sugar companies set fire to dozens of cane fields across western Palm Beach County. These burns are a harvesting method that rids the plant of its outer leaves but releases harmful smoke. Locals call the resulting ash that blankets their community black snow. Each burn lasted less than an hour, but an average of 25 fields were burned every day in the four months analyzed by The Palm Beach Post and ProPublica. The practice disproportionately affects residents in Pahokee, Belle Glade and South Bay, where about a third of the population lives in poverty. The smoke rarely reaches wealthier, whiter cities like West Palm Beach. The 420 More than $1 billion in pot seized in Los Angeles-area bust [NBC]. Los Angeles-area authorities seized more than 370,000 marijuana plants and harvested product with an estimated street value of $1 billion, officials said Wednesday. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said 131 people were arrested and 33 guns were taken in the 10-day operation in Antelope Valley, north of Los Angeles. In addition to the marijuana plants, more than 33,480 pounds of harvested marijuana, or more than 16 tons, were also seized, it said. As big as the effort involving hundreds of law enforcement officers was, authorities reached only about 40 percent of the illegal grows officials identified, which highlights the scope of the problem that officials said was linked to organized drug trafficking groups. Behind the cactus curtain Cannabis reform? Its the right time for full federal legalization to help economy and people [USA Today]. Im a big fighter for racial justice, and the marijuana laws have been one of the biggest examples of racial injustice, and so to change them makes sense, said Schumer. And that fits in with all of the movement now to bring equality in the policing, in economics and in everything else. Our bill is, in a certain sense, at the nexus of racial justice, individual freedom, and states rights.' Gunz A gunmaker was ordered to hand over documents to Sandy Hook families. The materials included thousands of random cartoons' [Connecticut Post]. 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.' Class Warfare Opinion: The Vanishing Union Label [Strikewave]. We should push the union labelbut do it in entirely different terms. We cant wholly reverse the reality of a changing economy, global supply chains, and increasingly offshored manufacturing, and we cant continue the soft nativism of buy American, whether implied or explicit. But the union label can contain much more than that. It could serve as a mark of and political demand for worker dignity and power, disconnected from nativism and the notion of labor-management partnership. It could be internationalist, explicitly acknowledging the importance of independent trade unions and worker organizations overseas. It could be synonymous with hard scrutiny of service and manufacturing businesses and their labor practices. It could be a source of corporate fear, with rich executives fearingas they fear Scabbyof being tarred as anti-labor. And it could be a call to organize: if it isnt union, well make it union. Looking for the union label should carry an implicit threat: Lord help the boss if we dont find it. Failing to pass muster should entail threat of boycott, pressure, organizing, and unrelenting scrutiny for employers who abuse and exploit their workers. Consumer oriented campaigns still have limited strategic potential, and we need far more than carefully crafted advertising gimmicks put together by consultants. A catchy jingle didnt stop ILGWU jobs from being moved overseas by the bosses. But consumptionlike everythingis political, and we shouldnt miss an opportunity to push worker politics into the political consciousness. Tucker Carlsons Populism Is for the Small-Time Rich [Eric Levitz, New York Magazine]. The Trump presidency yielded real change in the class composition of the Republican electorate; red America has grown more blue collar. But as of yet, there is little evidence that Trump has effected any major change in the GOPs class allegiances. And this is not merely because the Tucker Carlson wing of the party has yet to oust the old Establishment. Its also because that populist wing is itself hostile to the working class. Carlson and Vance arent doctrinaire free marketeers. And this makes them ideologically distinct from their Reaganite forebears (not to mention their own previous personae). Nevertheless, their brand of populism doesnt serve the little guy so much as the small-time rich a contingent that extends all the way from the highest ranks of the labor aristocracy (six-figure-earning skilled tradesmen with paid-off mortgages) to the lower tier of the plutocracy (provincial multimillionaires whose cultural mores alienate them from the cosmopolitan Uber-elite). It is a politics of cultural animus of, by, and for reactionaries in the top 20 percent of wealth distribution (but primarily for those in the top one percent). Thus, in its class loyalties, the Tucker Carlson right is largely indistinct from the pre-Trump GOP. American gentry. News of the Wired Self-publishing [Cory Doctorow]. Put simply, you need to figure out why anyone, anywhere should give a shit that you wrote a book. This is a very hard problem. Indeed, its the hard problem of religion, advertising and politics: getting someone else to care about something you want them to care about. Heres where publishers have an advantage: they have a longitudinal view of how books and audiences find one another. They publish lots of books. They try variations on their marketing, sales and publicity with each book, see which tactics show the most promise, and refine them. They can iterate. Thats the single largest disadvantage faced by self-publishers. You go into your marketing and publicity plan without any precedents to have learned hard lessons from. You are a data-set of one. Readers, have any of you self-published? Successfully? Profitably? My Old Friend Natty Light [The Bitter Southerner]. Lovely and atmospheric. Grabbing a paragraph that will stand alone; I drank that first beer quickly, and had another, then another. It is possible to get drunk on Natural Light, but thanks to the low ABV, its harder to do than with most beers; your evening can be long and relatively put together if you stick with Natty. Its perfect for talking long and late into the night, which is what I did that first night after work that summer and most after at that pubs lacquered bar, sitting under neon signs with a mix of waitresses, bartenders, chefs, and Hispanic line cooks, shooting the service-life shit. People tend to leave their manners at home when they go on vacation, and beach-town service folk spend our nights gabbing about the hellish demands that come from middle-American families enjoying their one week off a summer. Every night, we looked forward to that first beer. We were bone-tired, hadnt sat down in hours, and when that first brush of bubbles hit our lips we could suddenly, finally, relax. Summer evening, summer evening * * * Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (KD): KD writes: I would love to contribute, please advise! Attached is a Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera blossom to get things started. * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and thank you! successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated. If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you!2:00PM Water Cooler 6/8/2021 Our Covid brain trust member GM has been on a tear recently with his readings of fresh studies and news reports about vaccine efficacy, particularly against the Delta variant. The bulk of this post will be quotes from his missives, but first some cheery updates. Delta is indeed looking not nice. From NPRs The Delta Variant Isnt Just Hyper-Contagious. It Also Grows More Rapidly Inside You (hat tip David L): After months of data collection, scientists agree: The delta variant is the most contagious version of the coronavirus worldwide. It spreads about 225% faster than the original version of the virus, and its currently dominating the outbreak in the United States. A new study, published online Wednesday, sheds light on why. It finds that the variant grows more rapidly inside peoples respiratory tracts and to much higher levels, researchers at the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported. On average, people infected with the delta variant had about 1,000 times more copies of the virus in their respiratory tracts than those infected with the original strain of the coronavirus, the study reported. In addition, after someone catches the delta variant, the person likely becomes infectious sooner. On average, it took about four days for the delta variant to reach detectable levels inside a person, compared with six days for the original coronavirus variant. Bizarrely, and (as usual) irresponsibly, the CDC and the FDA are recommending against booster shots soon, when Pfizer data from heavily vaccinated Israel (and recall those shots were administered in a much tighter time frame than in the US), shows the waning of immunity there translates into the need for more jabs soon. Ive been saying for some time that the officialdom should be preparing those who have been vaccinated of the need for another round of shots in the fall/early winter, yet they are trash taking the idea.1 From CNN: Drugmaker Pfizer said Thursday it is seeing waning immunity from its coronavirus vaccine and says it is picking up its efforts to develop a booster dose that will protect people from variants. It said it would seek emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration for a booster dose in August after releasing more data about how well a third dose of vaccine works. But in an unusual move, two top federal agencies said Americans dont need boosters yet and said it was not up to companies alone to decide when they might be needed. Hours after Pfizer issued its statement, the FDA and Centers for Disease and Control issued a joint statement saying Americans do not need booster shots yet. Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time, they said. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said evidence was building that peoples immunity starts to wane after they have been vaccinated. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses to provide full immunity. As seen in real world data released from the Israel Ministry of Health, vaccine efficacy in preventing both infection and symptomatic disease has declined six months post-vaccination, although efficacy in preventing serious illnesses remains high, Pfizer said in a statement emailed to CNN. And even though there is reason to be skeptical of Pfizer, news stories confirm that their is a rising number of breakthrough cases in Israel, including ones that contra the CDC look to have been contagious. GMs remarks: Efficiency is down to 64% in Israel right now And thats efficiency against both infection and symptomatic disease, though it is still holding higher against hospitalization. The notable thing here is that Israel vaccinated first, i.e. a lot of people there are already at the 6-month mark. Moderna have been claiming that neutralization activity against the more immune-evasive variants has fallen below the protection level at the 6-8 month point in the clinical trial subjects, so seeing a lot of breakthroughs in Israel and at this time makes sense if they were indeed correct. This is being spun right now as Vaccines work against hospitalization and death, nothing to worry about and as nobody promised absolute protection from infection, which is an obvious goalpost shift because a lot of the people who have symptoms but are not hospitalized are far from OK, and, of course, the CDC current guidelines are very much and quite explicitly based on a presumption of sterilizing immunity. But even that narrative will fall apart eventually, because the next step in the decay progression will be for the vaccinated to also start filling up the ICUs, and its not far off in the future. Which is why in Israel they are seriously pondering right now whether to start giving out third doses. But thats Pfizer, the best of the best, not the supposedly crappy Chinese vaccines. Even I, and I am not known for being an optimist, did not expect boosters for the mRNA vaccines so soon And, of course, there are more variants on the way, while we still dont have an updated vaccine and will be injecting people with the vaccine for the 2019 virus well into 2022. So the fourth doses may well be needed even sooner than the third. Also, right now there are all sorts of schemes around the world involving vaccination passports for the fully vaccinated. But what the hell does fully vaccinated mean with 60% efficiency that is gone in less than a year? That house of cards is going to collapse too. Meanwhile the UK (and several other countries in Europe too) has fully reopened everything with a very openly stated shift to a herd immunity policy (which isnt really a shift, that was the policy all along). But what herd immunity can we talk about if even the vaccine has faded in less than a year? They may get away with it now without collapsing their hospitals and only a few tens of thousands of deaths because they are mostly recently vaccinated and right now its infecting primarily the young, but that will not be the case during the next surge in Winter, when its going to be a different, yet more immune evasive variant driving it. GM was also not optimistic about treatments as an alternative for tackling Covid: There is most likely never going to be a treatment. I would not be blaming the medical establishment for not working hard on that (and they are), this is a predictable dead end, and pursuing it will only lead to more false promises. The mechanisms of pathogenesis are such that it is unlikely there will ever be a treatment something like hepatitis progresses slowly and can be treated because there is plenty of time after its identification for a treatment to be effective. But here you get infected, you dont know you are infected for a few days, and even then the symptoms are not very specific, aside from the loss of smell, but even that is something far from all people experience. Meanwhile the virus multiplies exponentially and spreads from the URT to the lower lung and the rest of the body. If the body manages to control it at that point, you are more often than not fine (at least for the short term, you can still have various autoimmune and neurological issues). If it gets to the lower lung and does damage there, you get the sudden runaway immune hyperactivation, and from that moment on it is your own immune system doing most of the damage, not the virus. But thats on day 9-10, not months into it. So its a rather fast two-stage progression. Antivirals, with which we have never had much success, could be effective only in the first stage, when the virus is multiplying initially. After that they can do very little. Which is why it is so sad to watch all the pleas for plasma donations by relatives of sick people who are on ventilators the only thing that plasma is going to do is select for immune escape variants, but curing the patient it will not do. Remdesivir and monoclonals are useless for that very same reason too. If you catch the virus sufficiently early, then a drug could be effective in principle, but making sure you catch each and every case early enough is not compatible with going back to normal, that requires constant testing and surveillance because of how sneaky the virus is in the early days of an infection. In the second stage it is the immune system doing the damage and you need immunosuppressants. But how much better can immunosuppressants get than what we already have and can they become more efficient without doing more damage than good? And are they even going to be effective to the point of being cures? We got the mortality down by 50% with the current steroids, but thats not at all a cure, and there was hesitation to use them initially because the experience with SARS-1 was that overaggressive use of steroids did a lot of damage aside from the effects of the virus. And if you got to the point of needing them, you are most likely going to have lasting damage. Suppression of infections is the only way out. One report we got over the transom and was chewed over by our Covid mavens was of a pre-school being closed for two weeks due to symptomatic cases among the toddlers. Our correspondents offspring was one case, infected by another child who got visibly sick earlier and is the apparent index case for this bunch. This school has PMC parents, many of them academics in the bio sciences and/or medically adjacent. Again from GM: Take a look at this Twitter thread from Bidens former Senior Pandemic Advisor. Much more asymptomatic spread than we thought. 9/ As we do regular testing & contact tracing we will find many more asymptomatic harmless cases. Doesnt mean there are more necessarily. This is in the if a tree falls school. Getting sick is what we should measure. 10/ Andy Slavitt (@ASlavitt) July 6, 2021 Who in 2020 was putting out articles like these: We Can Eliminate Covid-19 if We Want To And giving New Zealand as an example to follow: Take New Zealand. With its fancy curve and life back to normal. Why cant we? 3/ pic.twitter.com/RasrygZl44 Andy Slavitt (@ASlavitt) July 26, 2020 Now? He is doing a book tour (which raises the obvious question of where exactly his priorities lie). And we get the following: As we do regular testing & contact tracing we will find many more asymptomatic harmless cases. Doesnt mean there are more necessarily. This is in the if a tree falls school. Getting sick is what we should measure. Sports teams & other occupations or events with regular testing will show more asymptomatic and mild cases that we wouldnt have seen. This is straight out of the Trump/Bolsonaro/Magufuli/Lukashenko/Berdimuhamedov/etc. If we do not test and report, there will be no pandemic playbook. Exactly the same thing. Then: The UK is seeing a spike begin in cases that could reach 10s of thousands. That is likely to happen here as well at some point. The big question is whether hospitalizations & deaths follow. One curious thing about the UK so far is how few unvaccinated old people there are in the cases, even proportionally. There arent a lot of them, but it does seems like it has not yet made its way into those age groups. But there is the major difference between the US and the UK the UK has a very high vaccine uptake, 95% if the older age groups, it just has not gotten around to vaccinating the young yet. The US on the other hand is at a similar percentage of full vaccinated, but it is more evenly spread and there are a lot of old people who are not vaccinated. So the same let-it-rip approach that is taken by both countries will result in a huge number of deaths in the US even if it does not do so in the UK. In the short term, of course, in the long term things will be back to March 2020 without constant revaccinations And if that wasnt cheery enough, another reader pointed to a hospitalization of someone in his circle who had been vaccinated. GM was not as bothered by that since it turned out that individual had had a very bad case of Covid before being vaccinated and was also immunocompromised. But GMs additional observations were sobering: This is a reinfection in this case, and, despite what a lot of prominent experts have been telling us, there are very good reasons to expect symptomatic reinfections to be worse, re-reinfections to be even worse, and so on. The reason old people are so hard hit is immunosenescence, but not even immunosenescence itself, but the chronic inflammation that comes with the age-related degeneration of the immune system, and which is the key risk factor for a bad response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is also why young people with obesity, diabetes, etc. are also at risk those are accompanied by chronic inflammation too. But the virus itself attacks the immune system in such a way that it leaves it in this weird inflamed state that can last a long time (there have been multiple papers showing strange T cell subpopulations developing and persisting after COVID). Which means that when the next infection comes, they will have an elevated risk of severe progression. And this is aside from the direct organ damage that has been caused by the previous infections, which is also a risk factor. If you have lost 30% lung capacity, and you lose another 50% on the second infection, then what does that leave you with That spiraling towards complete ruin will happen more quickly in old people because they start from a worse position and the damage incurred is greater at each step, but eventually, with sufficiently many reinfections, young people will be wrecked too. This is also why the vaccines or nothing approach is so criminal even with a reasonably effective vaccine that you need to take annually, you will still get COVID multiple times 3 times by the age of 60 for a 95% effective one, 6 times for a 90% effective one, and so on. Go long masks and social distancing. Theyll be back soon. ______ 1 If we are lucky, we may have more traditional vaccines approved by then, for the benefit of those who are leery of the newer tech offerings. mRNA vaccines were out of the box first because they can be developed very quickly. Recall that GM also flagged a nasal vaccine that looks to be extremely promising, but it is unlikely to be approved and distributed before late 2022. Yves here. This post from Health Care Renewal continues with its discussion of aducanumab, a drug so unlikely to make a material difference to Alzheimers victims that absent the mind-blowing price tag (estimated at $56,000 a year), it looks like Big Pharmas answer to faith healing. It discusses what outcomes are probable, including the grotesque enrichment of its creator, Biogen, at the expense of patients and insurance programs, including Medicare. In other words, if you think aducanumab isnt your problem, think twice. Medical-industrial complex grifting is the big reason the US has vastly higher healthcare costs, in percentage of GDP terms, than any other economy, yet has middle of the road to lagging results compared to other advanced economies. Compared to other plays, like private equity employed outsourced hospital staff acting as a vehicle for rent extraction via surprise billing, the aducanumab fleece is very easy to understand. Public Citizen has been on the case and is having an impact. From an e-mail yesterday. Notice a key point, that that $56,000 annual drug price tag doesnt capture the total costs: We demanded that the FDA revoke its approval because there is nowhere near enough evidence that aducanumab is effective. This morning following intense pressure from Public Citizen and allies the FDA narrowed its prescribing recommendations for this unproven medication. But we still think the FDA should revoke its approval of aducanumab altogether. Because: Geriatric experts and the FDAs own independent advisory committee strongly urged the agency NOT to approve the medication. Public Citizen even called for an investigation of the inappropriately close collaboration between the FDA and Biogen the pharmaceutical company that developed aducanumab in analyzing clinical trial data. Beyond insufficient evidence of effectiveness, aducanumab has potentially serious side effects. For example, 40% of people who took it in clinical trials had swelling and bleeding in their brains. Whats more, Biogen is planning to charge an average of $56,000 per patient per year for the treatment. (And that doesnt even include potentially tens of thousands more per patient in screening and monitoring costs.) That price tag is so exorbitant that it might single-handedly jack up insurance premiums across the board and drain tens of billions a year from Medicare. Please consider donating to Public Citizen. They take no prisoners. Even though the FDA concessions signal the agency recognizes it is exposed, the only proper remedy is revoking the aducanumab approval. An MD can prescribe a drug for any off label use, so the FDA tightening its prescription recommendations means little in practice. By APeticola. Originally published at Health Care Renewal To recap: the FDA recently (and foolishly) approved Biogens monoclonal antibody aducanumab as a treatment for Alzheimers. It did this on the basis of a surrogate endpoint, amyloid plaque reduction, even though, in NUMEROUS trials, that has not been associated with clinical improvement. The company is claiming that there IS clinical improvement based on high-dose patients in one of two clinical trials that were stopped for futility, based on a post hocanalysis. According to an NEJM Viewpoint article authored by three of the FDA advisory committee members, those patients had an absolute improvement of 0.39 on a clinical scale (the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes) but the minimum clinically important difference [on this scale from 0 to 18] is generally considered to be 1 to 2. The FDA advisory committee was overwhelmingly unconvinced this showed the drug to be effective, but the FDA went the accelerated approval route and approved it anyhow, on the basis that it shrinks amyloid plaque. Rescission of Approval Best Case Future, but Unlikely Best case for what happens now is that approval is rescinded, and I think that we SHOULD absolutely push for that sliver of a chance that that could happen. The volume of informed voices protesting the accelerated approval is somewhat heartening, and might indicate wide support for such a move. All the same, thats a very remote possibility, with FDA leadership firmly opposed, even though a couple of congressional committees are supposed to be looking into the approval. So if rescission doesnt happen (and Id have to say it wont), what now? The Future According to Proponents If one listens to the proponents of the drug, what happens next is likely to be a golden era of progress in treatment for Alzheimers. Yes, maybe Aduhelm isnt very effective overall, but its a start and may help some people much more than the average outcome indicates. As a start, it will be followed by better drugs and is the beginning of a new era. The high price is warranted because Alzheimers is a huge problem, so even marginal help is of immense value, especially if it accelerates greater progress as more drugmakers jump on the bandwagon. A More Realistic Rosy Scenario I think some people, including acting FDA head Janet Woodcock, have convinced themselves of the above golden future, but I believe this is a ridiculous fairy tale and about as likely as snow in July. So heres my version of a rosy scenario: insurers and legislators force down the price of Aduhelm somewhat, and its prescribed to a large number of people but not as large as originally predicted. The brain swelling side effects prove to be not too troubling, and although clinical effects overall are marginal to none, it does help some people more than averages would indicate, and some individuals do realize a substantial benefit for themselves. Even in this most rosy of realistic scenarios, the financial impact of the drug will be major, causing huge financial stress on both individuals with Alzheimers and on the medical/insurance systems. As well, research on more promising avenues to treat Alzheimers will likely be impeded, both because it will be more difficult and complicated to enroll people in clinical trials, and because if companies are incented to develop lousy drugs and can make a fortune that way, the incentive to produce really great drugs is thereby diminished. And, as Elizabeth Rosenthal pointed out in an excellent and interesting column, after the accelerated approval, we may in fact never learn whether Aduhelm actually works or not. The most Likely Future A less rosy but perhaps more probable scenario the one I personally would wager on though I could be wrong is that the drug will be approved, be widely prescribed, and provide no discernible or provable benefit to anyone, while worsening the lives of patients financially and by additional medical procedures and tests and side effects. Desperate people will be provided with false hopes and real costs. I think this is most likely, because there is not something like an even chance that aducanumab is effective. Given the dicey nature of post hoc analyses and the many failures of amyloid-targeting drugs, the smart bet is that this drug doesnt work, although thats not a certainty. Aducanumab and Money The future of aducanumab as a medical product is murky and uncertain, but the future of aducanumab as a financial product is something else. It looks to extract vast amounts of money from people in the form of premiums, taxes, and co-pays, and to greatly enrich Biogen and its stockholders. Vinay Prasad had comments on drugs that are primarily financial products on a recent podcast (at 18.05 minutes in, but to get the full context, start listening at 15.51). He was not specifically addressing aducanumab, which had not been approved at that time, but thinking more of some cancer drugs. Prasad noted: [When the FDA approves drugs without good evidence,] they keep so many people happy in the ecosystem, the companies are happy, the providers are happy, the people running the trials are happy, the patient advocacy groups, who are funded by the companies, theyre happy, but the people who arent happy are, the average person in society, whose premiums are going up, whose real wages are stagnating or declining. because were paying more in health care, and this person is seeing more and more of their paycheck going off to health care, and what is that really saying? its saying that were going to take this money from you, and were going to collect it from everybody, and offer a service to everybody that we believe is a human right, the right to have good health care, and I actually support that, I believe that is a human right, but its a human right to have things that actually benefit you is it a human right to have snake oils or things that dont work? That I think is actually a financial product. I mean, if I make a molecule, that is patentable, and I give it to cancer patients in a trial and I find some changing biomarker, and I give it to people in the real world, not a single one of them or nobody in aggregate lives a day longer and their quality of life is the same, what have I created? Its something that you call a medicine, you call it a medicine, but people arent living longer, theyre not living better, with my medicine, hypothetically its not a medicine, its a financial product. Its a product that actually collects wealth from lots of people, from middle-class people, from poor people, and it shovels that wealth into the hands of a few shareholders of this company, it is a reverse financial product, its like a regressive financial product. there have long been feudal systems, where average workers kick up some of their wealth to the elites, and to some degree, when you have cancer drugs that dont work, you have created a feudal system, were all kicking up our wealth, so that some people get really rich, and whether or not we get better health for it, is an uncertainty. and I think thats the crux of the issue. We do not know if aducanumab is a medicine in any true sense of the word at all. We are pretty certain that its a good business proposition and a money-maker, even if it might be snake oil. And we know that, like so many things nowadays, it will suction money upwards from the less well-off to the richer, and contribute to inequality. And how MUCH money will it suction away from other uses? That too is an interesting question, although one with no certain answer other than a lot, and perhaps the one that has caused the most speculation and discussion to date. Ill post more on the finances and perhaps some other aspects later. (Natural News) A recent op-ed in the Boston Globe calls for doxxing people who own guns for public safety purposes, though in fact, alerting area residents to where the guns are in communities would no doubt significantly increase gun thefts and in a quick minute. The papers editorial board recounted recent efforts by journalists and news organizations to obtain the names, addresses and, presumably, the kind of guns owned by concealed carry holders. The board noted that one of the earliest efforts to obtain that information by the San Francisco Chronicle prompted one California sheriff to take to Facebook to alert CCW holders he was about to turn over their info to the paper because he had no choice: It was state law. The post led to great backlash against the Chronicle, including threats of violence so many that editors there had to obtain extra security to protect journalists and staffers. Similarly, a neighboring suburban newspaper in New York tried to give readers that information, publishing an interactive map revealing the names and addresses of handgun permit holders in two counties, the board wrote. But the paper received intense backlash, and gun advocates successfully pushed for legislation to broadly limit the disclosure of gun ownership records under New Yorks law. Similar news features ran in North Carolina and Virginia, only to end up either redacted or retracted after fiery backlash, said the board. The question, the op-ed posited, was this: How do you balance the publics right to know if their neighbors own guns vs. gun owners privacy rights? The quick answer is that neighbors have no inherent right to know if someone living nearby has a firearm anymore than neighbors should have to reveal how much cash they keep on hand, how much valuable jewelry they keep in their homes, or what kinds of foods they store and in what quantity. The fact that leftists think the Constitutions privacy protections extend to everything except firearms is absurd on its face. In any event, the op-ed continued: [T]heres a case for making at least some gun licensing information public and not so members of the public can keep tabs on guns that might be in their neighborhood. Last weeks apparent hate crime in Winthrop, where a man armed with two guns shot and killed two people, raises questions about transparency around gun permitting records. That lack of public information about gun permit-holders makes it harder to judge how well the police chiefs who issue those permits are using their authority, and to hold them accountable when they make the wrong call. The shooter, who was gunned down by police, had a license to carry. Yet little is known about who the licensing authority was in this case and how that decision was made. Got that? Police chiefs who have a little bit of discretion (in Massachusetts) cant be trusted to make the right decision because every once in a while, someone who was otherwise properly licensed after legally purchasing a firearm might might harm someone. So, how will alerting the public to concealed weapons holders and others who have licensed their guns provide better public safety? If these same individuals made it through police scrutiny, how is making public their gun-ownership and gun-carry information conducive to a safer environment? The answer is, it wont. In fact, all it will do is put concealed carry permit holders and gun owners in general in more danger of having their weapons stolen by thieves who know exactly whos got a gun and who doesnt. But the op-ed also makes a presumption that requiring firearms licensing in the first place is proper; it isnt. The Second Amendment says nothing about our right to keep and bear arms being subjected to government permission. Imagine the same editorial board being forced to get a license from police or some other government agency to publish their op-ed. Fact is, its no ones business who legally purchases a gun and who legally obtains permission to carry said gun. Telling everyone whos got what and where they live is inviting theft. Sources include: BostonGlobe.com SecondAmendment.news (Natural News) Three Canadian medical professionals slammed the censorship of scientific inquiry and information about the risks of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines. The doctors voiced out their concerns during a June 17 press conference at Ontarios Parliament Hill, alongside Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Derek Sloan. They accused the Canadian government of suppressing information about the harm caused by lockdown and the dangers of COVID-19 vaccines in children. Back in April 2021, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) issued a statement aimed at physicians using social media to spread blatant misinformation and undermine public health measures. The April 30 statement said: Physicians must not make comments or provide advice that encourages the public to act contrary to public health orders and recommendations. Any doctor doing so may face both an investigation by the CPSO and disciplinary action, it added. According to Sloan, the CPSO statement threatened doctors speaking out about the things they witnessed in their local hospitals and communities while working on the front lines. The purpose of CPSO is to protect the public, not stifle legitimate scientific inquiry or dissent by professional doctors, the Conservative MP said. Sloan added that the attempt to intimidate doctors had the opposite effect with doctors, nurses and other scientific medical experts flooding his office with calls. The medical workers who called his office said one thing in common: They were threatened and blocked from sharing their stories. Dr. Byram Bridle faced the wrath of the mob for expressing a different opinion Dr. Byram Bridle of the University of Guelph was among the medical professionals who faced suppression for asking legitimate scientific questions about COVID-19. He described his experience during the June 17 press conference. During a radio program, Bridle was asked if he believed COVID-19 vaccines were connected to heart inflammation in young males. He gave his honest opinion that there was a link and pointed to evidence supporting the claim. Bridle continued that he faced attacks on all fronts within 24 hours. He was harassed daily via phone, email and social media. He added that a libelous website and a fake Twitter account were created to slander him. Even worse, one of Bridles colleagues went as far as to release confidential medical information about his patients a move he called egregious. Bridle added: A practicing physician should know [that] they shouldnt be releasing confidential medical information. Bridle later joined the Canadian COVID Care Alliance (CCCA) while searching for a place where he could speak freely. CCCA is composed of independent doctors, scientists and healthcare practitioners committed to informing the Canadian public through balanced, evidence-based information about COVID-19. Bridle warned that suppressing open discussions of science and medicine in Canada goes against the hallmark of a democratic society. (Related: Liberal Canada marching towards tyranny as move to criminalize dissenting speech moves closer to reality.) Doctors stand up to medical tyranny Aside from Bridle, two doctors expressed their concerns about censorship of opposing viewpoints. Dr. Don Welsh of Western University remarked: Science has not been functioning for the last 15 months. According to Welsh, the governments lockdowns, masks, contact tracing and social distancing mandates have created a remarkable list of hardships for Canadians that will take this country many years to recover from. Family and emergency medicine physician Dr. Patrick Phillips agreed with Welsh during the press conference, slamming massive lockdowns for causing huge amounts of harm. He added that he has never seen so many children with suicidal tendencies in his practice. Phillips has been an outspoken critic of lockdown mandates and has expressed support for the use of vitamin D against COVID-19. Interestingly, a LifeSiteNews report from May of this year said Phillips was among the doctors who openly defied the April 30 CPSO statement. In a May 3 tweet, he openly declared his refusal to comply with the order. Phillips added: Ontarios medical regulator, tasked with protecting the rights and safety of patients, has actually banned informed consent for patients. They have taken away [peoples rights] to be informed about the harms of lockdowns, vaccine adverse events [and COVID-19] treatments. Furthermore, Phillips also signed a declaration put up by a group of physicians from across Canada and concerned citizens. He was among the more than 200 doctors who affixed their signatures to the declaration that time. It called the CPSOs April 30 statement unethical, anti-science and deeply disturbing. The declaration said: As physicians, our primary duty of care is not to the CPSO or any other authority, but to our patients. We will never comply [with the CPSOs statement] and will always put our patients first. (Related: Medical fascism spreads in Canada where doctors who oppose masks and lockdowns are being targeted.) Visit MedicalTyranny.com to read more articles about the suppression of doctors espousing different opinions about COVID-19. Sources include: WakingTimes.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org CPSO.On.ca LifeSiteNews.com Twitter.com CanadianPhysicians.org (Natural News) More than 2,400 liters of firefighting water containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were released from a U.S. military facility in the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. Heavy rain brought the chemicals into bodies of water at Uruma city and other nearby locations. The June 10 incident also added to the chemicals that have accumulated in the citys Tengan River, which already had high PFAS concentrations. According to the Okinawan newspaper Ryukyu Shimpo, the accidental release happened at the U.S. Armys Kin Wan Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant Storage Facility. The concentration of PFAS in the water released is unknown, with the water believed to have emptied into the Tengan River and the sea. The Army has kept mum about the incident; however, U.S. military forces releasing toxic chemicals in Okinawa are a common occurrence. The Ryukyu Shimpo report added that the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB) reported the incident to affected stakeholders on the evening of June 11. These included the governments of Okinawa prefecture, Uruma city, Kanatake town and fishermens cooperatives. The ODB also asked the U.S. side to ensure safety and management, prevent recurrence and report the incident at the soonest. Ryukyu Shimpo inquired about the details of the June 10 incident to the U.S. military, but did not receive a response. Meanwhile, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its regrets about the incident to the U.S. side on June 11. This was not the first time toxic chemicals used to fight fire spilled out on Okinawa. Back in April of last year, a fire suppression system in a hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma discharged a massive volume of firefighting foam. The foamy yet toxic suds poured into a local river and settled in residential areas. According to a report by Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, a barbecue held to boost morale among U.S. military personnel quarantining themselves led to the incident. The smoke from the barbecue set off a heat detector in the hangar, which led to firefighting foam being discharged. Upon learning that the barbecue was behind the discharge of toxic foam, Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki said: I truly have no words. Under normal circumstances, the firefighting foam would have been collected in an underground tank. However, improper maintenance caused the foam to leak and spread outside the base. Former Futenma air base commander Col. David Steele said that time: If it rains, [the foam] will subside. PFAS from U.S. military bases pose a threat to Okinawans According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fire-fighting products contain PFAS that linger in the environment for a long time. It added that fire-fighting foams are a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs. Early this year, the Okinawan government announced that it had tested groundwater near the Futenma base. It added that the groundwater sample contained a high concentration of PFAS at 2,000 parts per trillion (ppt). In a separate instance, Ryukyu Shimpo sampled water from the Uchidomari River located near the base. Upon testing, the sample reflected a PFAS concentration of 247.2 ppt. True enough, U.S. military fuel depots worldwide such as Kin Wan have used vast quantities of PFAS since the early 1970s. Meanwhile, commercial fuel depots have largely stopped using synthetic PFAS in favor of fluorine-free counterparts that are equally capable yet environmentally friendly. The EPA said that PFAS build up in the bodies of organisms such as fishes and humans over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans, it added. This posed a serious problem, given that Okinawans eat a lot of fish that are contaminated by exorbitant PFAS levels from American bases. Eating seafood is one of many ways humans inadvertently consume these chemicals. Environmental activist Toshio Takahashi concurred with the EPAs take on PFAS. He explained that PFAS contamination causes cancer, affects fetal development and triggers diseases in small children. Takahashi also lamented the U.S. militarys stonewalling of investigations on the April 2020 incident at Futenma. He claimed that Japanese authorities were unable to scrutinize the discharge and subsequent leak of fire-fighting foam at the military installation. Takahashi said: The U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement prevents the [Japanese] government from investigating the site of the PFAS contamination and the circumstances of the accident. In a similar vein, the Okinawa prefectural government was unable to investigate the June 2021 leak in Uruma. Investigating the cause and cleaning up the contamination is essential in order to protect the lives of [Okinawa] residents and fulfill our responsibility to future generations, the activist concluded. Visit Chemicals.news to read more articles about PFAS contamination from U.S. military installations in Okinawa. Sources include: GlobalResearch.ca Asahi.com EPA.gov (Natural News) As many expected it would, the COVID-19 virus has begun to mutate into several variants because thats what viruses tend to do in order to survive. And as the new variants emerge, they are becoming more resistant to the existing coronavirus vaccines. The Epoch Times noted this week: Scientists are concerned that a newly labeled COVID-19 variant, first detected in Peru, may be resistant to COVID-19 vaccines due to unusual mutations. Researchers from the University of Chile in Santiago said in a study published in a preprint last week that the variant has a considerable potential to become a variant of concern. Our data show for the first time that mutations present in the spike protein of the Lambda variant confer escape to neutralizing antibodies and increased infectivity, the researchers wrote in a paper that is yet to be peer-reviewed but which makes perfect sense given the behavior of previous viruses. This particular variant actually emerged in Peru last year but only recently has it been considered a threat to the planet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no cases detected of the Lambda variant in the U.S. thus far. Considering that this variant has rapidly spread in Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina, we believe that Lambda has a considerable potential to become a variant of concern, the agency wrote. Further, the World Health Organization, which helped China cover up the COVID pandemic to begin with, says that more studies are needed to validate the continued effectiveness of vaccines. And yet, were moving dangerously closer to mandatory vaccines. For one, the U.S. military is likely to begin mandating vaccines by this fall after the Food and Drug Administration clears them for general use and removes them from emergency use status. The same is true of the Veterans Administration. The vaccine continues to be voluntary, said Maj. Jackie Wren, an Army spokesperson. If we are directed by DoD to change our posture, we are prepared to do so. The Military Times added that VA staff may also face mandatory vaccines. My goal has been by August to make clear we are providing more care and more benefits than before the pandemic began, VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Barack Obamas chief of staff, said. Our ability to do that is enhanced by our ability to get more staff vaccinated. We are making sure we understand the full range of options we have, not only the current legal environment and our existing legal authorities. It would be negligent to not be considering the full range of opportunities we have to ensure were taking every step possible to protect veterans, he added. In addition to the Lambda variant, there is increasing concern about the Delta variant as well. But again, there is zero certainty existing vaccines will do anything to stop their spread. According to Israeli researchers, the Pfizer vaccine is far less effective at preventing Delta variant infections, which began in India. A full course of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 64% effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19, according to an early study by Israels health ministry reported Monday, much lower than previous estimates of nearly 90%, Forbes reported. Meanwhile, Biotech firm Moderna, which is based on the same type of technology as Pfizers jab, said its vaccine remains effective against the Delta variant and that blood samples from fully vaccinated individuals show only a modest reduction in antibodies, the outlet added. Like everything else having to do with COVID, its really just too early to tell what the virus is capable of, how it can mutate, and what, if anything, modern science can do to stop the process. Sources include: Forbes.com Fox8.com NaturalNews.com TheEpochTimes.com (Natural News) The District of Columbia (DC) Attorney General (AG) Karl Racine, a Democrat, has subpoenaed Facebook for a wide range of records related to COVID-19 misinformation on the platform. (Article by Tom Parker republished from ReclaimTheNet.org) The subpoena was filed on June 21 and demands that Facebook identify all groups, pages, and accounts that have violated the platforms far-reaching COVID-19 misinformation rules. It also calls for Facebook to release an internal study that looked at vaccine hesitancy among its users. Media reports on this study in March claimed that it showed that non-rule breaking Facebook content may be causing substantial harm. If Facebook were to comply with this subpoena, it would likely impact millions of users. Facebook has removed more than 18 million pieces of content from Facebook and Instagram for violating its COVID-19 misinformation rules and applied warning labels to more than 167 million pieces of COVID-19 content. The subpoena is part of a previously undisclosed investigation into whether Facebook is violating consumer protection laws. Racines director of communications, Abbie McDonough, told Politico that the investigation is part of an effort to ensure that Facebook cracks down on vaccine misinformation. Facebook has said its taking action to address the proliferation of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on its site, McDonough said. But then when pressed to show its work, Facebook refused. AG Racines investigation aims to make sure Facebook is truly taking all steps possible to minimize vaccine misinformation on its site and support public health. The move follows previous reports of Democrats working with Big Tech to censor content that they deem to be misinformation. Most notably, a recent lawsuit showed evidence of Democrats flagging alleged misinformation to Twitter via a partner portal and Twitter responding by removing the flagged tweets. Another example of this is Democrats demanding that Facebook and Twitter address 12 prominent vaccine skeptics in April. Since they made their demands, four of these vaccine skeptics have had their social media accounts shut down. Lawmakers have also suggested that the federal government may have induced Facebook to censor certain speech in violation of the First Amendment and demanded that the tech giant explain why it censored lab leak theories. This attempt from the DC AG to identify Facebook users for posting COVID-19 misinformation comes as the tech giant is using increasingly aggressive measures to target people based on the content they share and interact with. Yesterday, it started asking users whether theyre concerned about their friends becoming an extremist and warned users that they may have been exposed to harmful extremist content. And in May, a whistleblower revealed that Facebook is using a secret internal filter to flag liberty-based and religious-based vaccine skepticism and using a secret algorithm to suppress negative vaccine experiences. Read more at: ReclaimTheNet.org and JusticeDemocrats.news. (Natural News) Prominent medical and legal scholars are calling on colleges and universities nationwide to scrap their COVID-19 vaccination mandates, calling them unnecessary and potentially harmful to students. In a recent article on Just The News, investigative journalist Greg Piper detailed arguments from several high-profile experts who were against the vaccination mandates, given that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasnt fully approved any of the vaccines approved for emergency use only in the United States. In a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Aaron Kheriaty, a specialist in psychiatry from the University of California, Irvine, and Gerard Bradley, a professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, said even soldiers, whose rights are constrained when they join the service, are not compelled to take vaccines. They cited a case involving a vaccine against the potentially fatal disease anthrax. A federal district judge ruled in 2004 that the U.S. cant demand that soldiers serve as guinea pigs for experimental drugs. The following year, the judge held that an emergency use authorization from the FDA was insufficient to meet the legal test. College vaccination mandates are unethical In their op-ed piece, succinctly titled University vaccine mandates violate medical ethics, Kheriaty and Butler also countered the idea that immunization is for students own good. With COVID-19, the risks of serious morbidity and mortality are close to zero in young children, adolescents and adults below 30 years. They also noted that those groups face an increased risk of heart inflammation or myocarditis, an adverse side effect that has already been reported in scores of adolescents and young adults following COVID-19 vaccination. A June 10 review from the FDA itself indicated an excess risk for heart inflammation, particularly among men aged 30 years and under, following COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, college vaccination mandates ignore the vast number of students who have already recovered from COVID-19 and, as such, already possess natural immunity. A study published in May in the journal Nature suggested that natural immunity is more robust and durable than immunity acquired from a vaccine. Plus, there is no epidemiological evidence that vaccinating recovered individuals improves relevant clinical outcomes, such as transmissibility and the risk of reinfection. Whats more, students records of previous infection can be verified via their colleges or universities records of testing throughout the past school year. Those records can prove that a student has either natural immunity from being infected previously or vaccine immunity. Overall, coercive vaccination mandates violate basic principles of medical ethics, wrote Kheriaty and Butler. Even if the COVID-19 vaccines receive full approval from the FDA, no sensible understanding of herd immunity can justify forcing vaccinations on young healthy adults who are at minimal risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, especially those who were previously infected and recovered successfully. Children arent inoculated against diseases that largely harm older adults in the hopes of curbing transmission among the latter group. If so, the children would be used as a means to another end, which would be unethical. The same can be said for forcing vaccinations on college and university students. We must maintain our integrity under pressure, added Kheriaty and Butler. It is precisely in dire situations, such as wars or pandemics, that we are most sorely tempted to abandon ethical principles. College vaccination mandates harm public health In another recent op-ed piece Piper cited, Martin Kulldorff, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of medicine at Stanford University, the idea that everyone must be vaccinated against COVID-19 is dangerous for public health for a number of reasons. First, medical interventions should pass the test of providing more benefits than risks. For COVID-19 vaccines, this is true for older populations but less so for younger ones. In fact, scientists will not know enough about rare and serious adverse reactions among younger populations until a few years after vaccine approval. Therefore, even a slight risk of a serious vaccine adverse reaction, such as myocarditis, could tip the benefit-risk calculation, making COVID-19 vaccines more harmful than beneficial for children and young adults. Under such certainty, vaccine mandates are unethical, wrote Kulldorff and Bhattacharya. As such, university presidents shouldnt mandate a medical intervention that could have dire consequences for the health of people in their charge. Kulldorff and Bhattacharya also noted that recovered COVID-19 patients have natural, long-lasting protection, especially against severe symptoms. Therefore, it makes no sense to require vaccines even for recovered patients. Those people could end up unnecessarily facing an increased risk of adverse side effects. Another reason college vaccination mandates harm public health is the fact that older, high-risk individuals in several other countries have yet to be vaccinated. Every dose given to a low-risk individual in the U.S. means one fewer dose available for a high-risk older individual in countries still dealing with growing numbers of infections. (Related: China to change definition of coronavirus infection again in pursuit of fewer cases.) Visit Vaccines.news for more articles with updates on the progress of COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. Sources include: JustTheNews.com WSJ.com ScienceMag.org Nature.com TheHill.com Vaxx-Them-All Goon Squad Now Blaming Racism, Russians for Vaccine Hesitancy (Natural News) (Article by Ben Bartee republished from TheDailyBell.com) Much to the chagrin of the ruling class, despite their best efforts for over half of a year, an uncooperative 25% percent of the American proletariat still refuses to submit to the vaccine agenda. Just like any analyst familiar with their keep-it-stupid-simple modus operandi would expect them to, the neoliberal media goon squad has turned, as it inevitably does, to old-fashioned Russophobia and race-baiting once their agenda hit a brick wall. Nature Journal in an information warfare manual masquerading as public health doctrine titled COVID vaccines: time to confront anti-vax aggression plays the tried-and-true neoliberal Russiagate hand made infamous by MSNBC actress Rachael Maddow: Investigations by the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office have described how Russian intelligence organizations seek to discredit Western COVID-19 vaccines President Joe Biden has warned Russian media groups to halt their anti-vaccine aggression. Well, golly gee, if the US State Department says so. its not as if bureaucrats on its payroll lie all the time, as a matter of routine for political expediency: State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said though the search for WMD yielded no results, the United States, based on extensive intelligence, believed before it invaded Iraq that Saddam was intent on acquiring them. US Secretary of State Colin Powell displays the totally-not-fabricated, rock-solid evidence of Saddams WMD program, Feb 5, 2003 National security state gibberish translated: Extensive intelligence = disembodied NSA spooks or whoever whispered in our ears and we credulously nodded our heads in agreement Shifting gears from red-baiting to racism, the Nature Journal war on anti-vaxxers manual offers the next explanation for why normal Americans dont believe the state propaganda on experimental mRNA gene therapies marketed as vaccines: Many far-right extremist groups that spread false information about last years US presidential election are doing the same about vaccines. Anti-vaccine groups also target Black communities ; an anti-vaccine documentary released in March vilifies COVID-19 vaccine testing among African Americans, calling it medical racism. Anita Sarkeesian, intersectional feminist philosopher, fully vaccinated But, you might ask: where is the actual evidence that far-right extremists (whatever that means) are influencing racial minorities to disrespect the science? The Nature Journal piece is long on paranoid accusations against Russians and white nationalists but notably short on facts. The actual, primary reason normal Americans dont respect the science, as the corporate media puts it, is that the public health authorities (in collusion with the corporate media) lied for a year straight in many instances citing the exact same Nature Journal that now peddles race-baiting Russiagate agitprop to harangue Americans into submission to the vaccine agenda about the true origins of the COVID pandemic: Theres still much we dont know about the coronavirus pandemic, but virus experts agree on one piece of its origin story In early February, Chinese researchers published an article in Nature a top science journal that concluded the 2019-nCoV is 96% identical at the whole-genome level to a bat coronavirus. Supplemental: Take Your Gene Therapy For the Starving African Children, Bigot In How Privilege Plays A Role In Americas Vaccine Hesitancy, NPR guest Junaid Nabi tries a variation on Nature Journals shut-up-racist-and-roll-up-your-sleeve strategy in this instance, an homage to the classic eat-your-vegetables-because-starving-African-children-dont-have-any nag of mothers worldwide: To refuse getting vaccinations, that to me is a big privilege because this is not something thats available to people in other parts of the world. They are struggling to get vaccinations.** *Addendum #1: Impoverished residents of the Third World are not, in fact, struggling to get vaccinations because Nebraska corn farmers wont take their shots (or whatever the lazy insinuation from NPR is here); rather, they cant access said vaccines because self-professed philanthropist Bill Gates refuses to share vaccine formulas with third-party manufacturers in a cynical ploy to protect Big Pharma profits. Perhaps, though, the NPR hit piece on Big Pharmas epic greed in the middle of what the medical-industrial complex itself describes as a worldwide public health catastrophe is forthcoming; just dont hold your breath. *Addendum #2: Are the 40-50% of NIH employees who themselves refuse the COVID vaccines (as admitted by Anthony Fauci in May 11th, 2021 Congressional testimony) also exercising undue privilege? COVID Nazis Debut Plague Rat Talking Points to Dehumanize the Vaccine-Hesitant In the FB comments section of a June 28th Forbes article titled No Shot, No Service: Abu Dhabi To Ban Unvaccinated People From Most Public Places celebrating vaccine apartheid in the UAE, the pro-vaxxers ran wild, beta-testing plague rat as a visceral new replacement label for the tamer vaccine-hesitant label. The subtext: youre filthy, youre naughty, youre subhuman. Joseph Goebbels would be proud: Nazi propaganda, circa 1940 Next stop on the COVID crazy-train: internment camps for the deplorables? Volunteers Honey-Pot Social Media Users to Combat COVID Misinformation, Ironically Get Caught in Censorship Dragnet Themselves Normal people volunteer by mentoring a daddy-less child or planting petunias along their neighborhood sidewalks or helping old ladies traverse the crosswalk, etc. The trendiest #BlueMAGA volunteer work, though, is to manipulate unsuspecting social media users (i.e., honey-potting them) into getting vaxxed: Dave and Richard now run multiple honeypot Facebook groups Inside the groups, people who believe in vaccine and Covid-19 conspiracy theories are allowed by the moderators to post false and misleading articles. And then Richard says, wed start questioning their narrative. In sweet, honey-coated irony, however, Facebook (as part of its extensive censorship regime uncovered by Project Veritas) suspended the group for COVID misinformation: Richard and Daves honeypot group has been suspended because while they say their intentions are good, the group does contain posts pushing falsehoods Its a situation that highlights the moderation challenges faced by Facebook where a group like this, which they say is dedicated to helping individuals, technically breaches the companys rules. Read more at:TheDailyBell.com and Propaganda.news. (Natural News) An internet survey conducted by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) has found that upwards of 60 percent of all doctors are choosing not to get vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). More than 700 physicians responded to the survey, indicating that they are taking Nancy Reagans advice by just saying no to dangerous experimental drugs. Just because the drug pushers of today wear suits and appear on television does not mean that their offerings are any safer than some random figure peddling crack or heroin in a back alley and the medical industry appears to be fully aware of this. The findings directly contradict a recent claim made by the American Medical Association (AMA) that around 96 percent of all practicing physicians are now fully injected in accordance with government guidelines. It is wrong to call a person who declines a shot an anti-vaxxer,' said AAPS executive director Dr. Jane Orient, M.D. Virtually no physicians are anti-antibiotics or anti-surgery, whereas all are opposed to treatments that they think are unnecessary, more likely to harm than to benefit an individual patient, or inadequately tested. Most doctors agree: Chinese Virus injections are completely unnecessary Among those polled in the AAPS survey, a whopping 54 percent indicated that they are fully aware of the fact that many people are suffering significant adverse reactions to Chinese Virus injections. Eighty percent of the responding physicians who say they are unvaccinated also acknowledged a statement that reads: I believe risk of shots exceeds risk of disease, while 30 percent said yes to: I already had COVID. Among the other reasons presented for declining the shot were concerns about long-term side effects, which are completely unknown, as well as the use of aborted human fetal tissue in some of the vials. The experimental nature of the jabs was also presented as a reason for rejection, along with there being other effective early treatment options available including hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and ivermectin. Concerns about blood clots, cardiovascular disease and early death were also given as reasons why doctors are just saying no to Chinese Virus needles, no matter how aggressively the government and media push them. Most physicians say they offer early treatment for covid that avoids the need for injections Interestingly, most of the practicing physicians who responded to the AAPS survey also indicated that they personally offer early treatment regimens for the Fauci Flu that avoid the need for injections. Rather than permanently alter their patients DNA with a Fauci Ouchie shot, these doctors are using other tried-and-true remedies that help to minimize the risk of serious infection with minimal side effects. The doctors also largely recognized that getting injected for the Chinese Virus increases the risk of catching a variant, making the shots both useless and dangerous. Among the serious side effects acknowledged by the doctors as a risk factor associated with injection are amputation, paralysis, stillbirth, menstrual irregularities, blindness, seizures and heart problems, as well as death. Dr. Orient says that many of these episodes already reported in conjunction with the jabs could have resulted in major product liability or malpractice awards, had they occurred after a normal new drug approval process. Since they were rushed into production and use at warp speed, however, vaccine manufacturers hold no liability in the event of injury or death. Purveyors of these covid products are protected against lawsuits, Dr. Orient warns. The AAPS has been representing physicians in all specialties since 1943. Its motto, omnia pro aegroto, means everything for the patient. More related news about the mass resistance to Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The unhinged, dangerous nature of cancel culture, the targeting of any comment that a small group of people deem unacceptable, is now prompting even liberals to speak out. Conan OBrien and left-wing actor Sean Penn railed at the Soviet-style, ludicrous nature of cancel culture. (Article by Scott Whitlock republished from NewsBusters.org) Appearing on the July 5 Conan OBrien Needs a Friend podcast, the two entertainers took turns slamming cancel culture: CONAN OBRIEN: Empathy is a very important word and also forgiveness. This whole concept of cancel culture is We found that someone did something in 1979 that is now not appropriate. Theyre dead to us. And I think SEAN PENN: Its ludicrous. OBrien wondered, What happened to Lets talk about that now, but people can also be forgiven, if they even need forgiving? But what happened to that? Using the kind of language not seen from Hollywood celebrities, the late night host slammed, It feels very Soviet. Weve come to the point where even people like Keith Olbermann and the liberal hosts of CBS This Morning are decrying cancel culture. OBrien didnt name names, but he could have been talking about Stephen Colbert or Samantha Bee when he hammered comedians who dont want to be funny anymore. I know people in comedy, people who do the job that I do that feel like theres so much thats happening that doesnt feel funny that they feel like its their job to speak out about those things. And I think, yes thats great but its easy for that to just turn into anger and outrage and then youre not, you feel like youre losing your way as a comedian. And I think thats what gets so tricky right now. The job is how can I reflect some of whats happening around me, but also for me, I just know that I serve at the altar of silliness and comedy and that is what I need to try and get back to. Thats what I need to thats where my strength comes and that means, I have to be honest with you, there are times when the news is such that I feel like my comedy cant have anything to do with it. And some people might say, Well, thats a cop out. You should make your comedy about what is happening right now. And I just think, frankly, I dont have that ability. There are times when its embarrassing to be in show business. A transcript is below. Click expand to read more. Conan OBrien Needs a Friend 7/5/2021 21 minutes in CONAN OBRIEN: I know people in comedy, people who do the job that I do that feel like theres so much thats happening that doesnt feel funny that they feel like its their job to speak out about those things. And I think, yes thats great but its easy for that to just turn into anger and outrage and then youre not, you feel like youre losing your way as a comedian. And I think thats what gets so tricky right now. The job is how can I reflect some of whats happening around me, but also for me, I just know that I serve at the altar of silliness and comedy and that is what I need to try and get back to. Thats what I need to thats where my strength comes and that means, I have to be honest with you, there are times when the news is such that I feel like my comedy cant have anything to do with it. And some people might say, Well, thats a cop out. You should make your comedy about what is happening right now. And I just think, frankly, I dont have that ability. There are times when its embarrassing to be in show business. 44 minutes in OBRIEN: Empathy is a very important word and also forgiveness. This whole concept of cancel culture is We found that someone did something in 1979 that is now not appropriate. Theyre dead to us. And I think PENN: Its ludicrous. OBRIEN: What happened to Lets talk about that now, but people can also be forgiven, if they even need forgiving? But what happened to that? It feels very Soviet kind of sometimes. PENN: This young woman who was meant to be the editor of Vogue or Teen Vogue magazine. She sent some texts when she was 17 years old. It really is I remember the fella who does some of the better interviews for Axios saying, When we are destroying careers like that, what are we really achieving? What are we doing? Read more at: NewsBusters.org and CancelCultureNews.com. (Natural News) Medical experts are urging caution and telling Americans not to overuse hand sanitizer, especially if it was not manufactured in the United States. This is because the hand sanitizer might contain one toxic chemical: methanol. Hand sanitizers in the U.S. are banned from using methanol. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that it is not an acceptable ingredient in any drug, and can be toxic to the point of causing death. Instead, manufacturers of hand sanitizers use safer alternatives like isopropanol and ethanol. But many disinfectant products produced overseas can still contain this potentially deadly chemical. Furthermore, the FDA has warned that not every hand sanitizer product in the American market that has methanol in it might not have it listed as an ingredient. Doctors are warning that methanol can be absorbed through the skin. This can result in methanol toxicity. Some of its symptoms include vomiting, nausea, lightheadedness, heart palpitations and headaches, according to Dr. Jennifer Love, an adjunct instructor at Oregon Health and Science University. Long-term absorption of methanol could result in vision damage, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system and even death. Medical experts said using methanol in very limited amounts on intact skin should not cause significant problems because the human body can metabolize the toxin. But Dr. Asim Tarabar, a medical toxicologist and chief of emergency medicine at the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, warned if people continue using hand sanitizer with methanol multiple times a day for long periods of time, it could lead to dangerous health effects. It all depends on when their system is overcome or overwhelmed, said Tarabar. Everything depends on concentration and how much it is ingested in the body. People with underlying skin disorders like eczema can be particularly susceptible because their skin does not have the barrier that can prevent the absorption of large amounts of methanol. The skin is like a brick wall, said Dr. Abigail Waldman, a dermatologist for Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. You have these bricks that protect it and the hand sanitizer does such a good job that often it will create holes in that brick wall. She warned that regular use of hand sanitizer can actually help bacteria develop a resistance to it. The flora or the typical bacteria or viruses that you run into will develop resistance against whatever youre using, said Waldman. While the threat of methanol poisoning is still a possibility, Poland warns people to avoid using hand sanitizers at home or in public bathrooms. Instead, they should use soap and water, as this combination can more effectively protect people. Poland only recommends hand sanitizer on the go, in situations when using water and soap is either inconvenient or impossible. Children more susceptible to methanols negative effects, especially if ingested Other medical experts are warning parents to keep hand sanitizer away from their children, especially if they are under 12 years old. Children can actually absorb enough methanol through their skin to be toxic, said Dr. Gregory Poland, a specialist of infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic. Continued absorption of methanol through childrens skin could lead to many long-term health concerns. Absorbing methanol through the skin is dangerous enough. Ingesting methanol can result in methanol poisoning and is considered even deadlier. This is especially true for children, who are more susceptible to the negative effects of methanol. Very young children regularly put things in their mouths that are not supposed to be there. Doctors are warning parents to keep the colorful and glittery containers of hand sanitizer out of reach of their children as the packaging could attract their attention in a way that could lead to sickness or even death. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, as of June 30, the countrys 55 poison control centers have responded to 11,363 cases of children under 12 being exposed to hand sanitizer. This has been described as due to children frequently putting things in their mouths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized 15 cases of methanol poisoning associated with the use of hand sanitizer last year. These 15 cases were all in New Mexico or Arizona. Four of the cases ended in deaths, and another three resulted in permanent vision impairment. The FDA has put out a warning for people to avoid more than 90 different brands of hand sanitizer because their tests revealed they contain methanol. (Related: Coronavirus prevention: These 9 sanitizers from Mexican company contain TOXIC methanol, cautions FDA.) The agency said it is working to recall products with methanol from the American market. Tarabar warned that the big problem might be the proliferation of methanol-laced hand sanitizers and other disinfectants in online markets. Ultimately, Tarabar said if people start experiencing symptoms of methanol poisoning, they should stop using whatever hand sanitizer they were using before and immediately see their trusted health practitioner. Learn more about the many popular products that can be dangerous to people by reading the latest articles at Poison.news. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk Newsweek.com (Natural News) The scenario Ive been warning about for years is finally here. Its now confirmed by the White House that FEMA goon squads will be going door-to-door across America to coerce unvaccinated people into taking deadly bioweapons spike protein kill shots. It is now openly admitted that the government is keeping lists of those who are not yet vaccinated, and just today, Bidens Health Secretary Xavier Becerra doubled down on the plans, claiming, knocking on a door has never been against the law and adding, Because if you havent been vaccinated, we can help dispel some of those rumors youve heard and hopefully get you vaccinated. What rumors? Rumors that the government would be knocking on your door to coerce you into getting injected with a deadly bioweapon? Thats not a rumor, Xavier, thats an admitted fact. It turns out that its a violation of the law for the federal government to trespass on private property and harass private citizens over their vaccination status. As Robert F. Kennedy aptly states about this nefarious plan: Its a foreboding fork in the road to totalitarianism. We are now moving beyond the propaganda stage into this very coercive program where federal agents appear at American homes with the menacing message: We know who you are and where you live. We have you on our list, we have your medical records, we want your neighbors to know that you are dangerous. We dont recognize your property or privacy rights. You must take our untested, experimental pharmaceutical product. If you want to end this harassment, you must submit to a risky medical intervention made by an unscrupulous company with no liability and if you die or suffer permanent neurological injury, tough luck! The Biden regimes totalitarian plan to threaten Americans on a door-to-door basis smacks of a medical dictatorship where no human rights or civil rights are respected whatsoever. This is exactly what weve been warning about over the last several years, usually being mocked by the controlled left-wing media that repeatedly insisted there would never be door-to-door vaccination coercion campaigns in America. They even claimed there would never be vaccine passports or vaccine mandates. Now we have all three. The dystopian future I warned you about is here right now. From The Epoch Times: Door to door to vaccinate Americans this year door to door to confiscate guns next year? asked Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) 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.). White House spokesperson Jen Psaki confirmed all this over the last two days in official statements. Bidens Health Secretary doubles down on it. They cant wait to round up the anti-vaxxers because they know people who resist deadly vaccines are the same people who tend to own guns and vote Republican. The US government just declared unrestricted warfare on the American people This announced by the White House is a declaration of war against the American people. Theyre essentially saying you get to choose the method of your execution: 1) You can be executed by the spike protein injection which will likely kill you over the next year or two, or 2) You can be executed in a FEMA covid death camp for refusing the vaccine. In this case, you will die via guillotine or a forced spike protein injection at the camp. If they dont manage to find you, they will still try to starve you to death with engineered food shortages (famine) that are now being ramped up across America and the world. And dont forget the coming grid down blackouts, cyber war attacks, false flag attacks and door-to-door gun confiscation thats coming next. This is an all-out war against humanity, and its being waged on a global scale. The criminals in charge are knowingly exterminating their own people by the billions, all while claiming its for public health. The only people who survive this will be those who are: Far away from blue cities. Well stocked and prepared to survive at least one year without a power grid. Capable of self-defense against imminent threats of violence against your life (an attack with a spike protein injection is an attack with a deadly weapon, and all people have the fundamental human right of self-defense). In essence, you can now either choose to DIE (and comply) or LIVE (and resist the medical tyranny). About half of the U.S. population has already chosen to die via spike protein injections. The Biden regime is now trying to mop up the other half to achieve a high kill rate, specifically targeting counties and regions with high vaccine hesitancy scores. Todays Situation Update podcast offers more details on this dire situation now facing America: Brighteon.com/e0ea6608-a501-4006-a347-6d4053344d62 Another astonishing podcast will be published tomorrow at: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport See VaccineJihad.com for more stories about vaccine zealotry and fanaticism. (Natural News) A 13-year-old boy from Michigan died in his sleep just three days after receiving his second dose of the experimental Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Jacob Clynick received his second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a Walgreens in Zilwaukee, Saginaw County, Central Michigan on June 13. According to Tammy Burages, Clynicks aunt, the only side effects he initially experiences were fatigue and fever. These are supposedly normal. But on June 15, Clynick started complaining about a stomachache. Burages said the family considered the stomachache to not be severe enough to warrant medical attention. Clynick died sometime after he went to bed. (Related: Texas woman with severe coronavirus dies in hospital after CATCHING FIRE.) He passed away in the middle of the night at home, said Burages. Clynick, who lived in Zilwaukee, had just completed eighth grade. According to his family, he was very healthy and had no known underlying medical conditions. He was looking forward to starting classes in the fall as a high school freshman at Carrollton High School. His family remembers him as a kind boy who loved to go camping with his father and was brave enough to stand up to bullies in school. Burages said he was even voted Most likely to become president of the United States. He loved to tell corny dad jokes and always had plenty of them to hand out, said Burages. He found the funny side of every situation and the world will be a little less fun without him in it. Investigation into Clynicks cause of death could take months to complete In a joint statement, the medical director and the health officer of the Saginaw County Health Department said they are conducting an investigation to figure out if there is a connection between Clynicks sudden death and the vaccination. This investigation will be headed by the Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine (MIFSM), in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Meanwhile, the health department continues to encourage families to speak with their physicians to weigh their own risks and benefits of vaccination, read the joint statement. We can verify that we are managing the investigation, and thats the extent of what I can share, said MIFSM Director of Operations Randy Pfau. The institutes other doctors said they are regularly communicating with the CDC regarding the case. Its still an ongoing investigation, said Pfau. I know the doctors are working on this case as a priority. He added that the full investigation could take up to three to five months to complete. According to Becky Naessens, funeral director for Deisler Funeral Homes, no cause of death was listed on Clynicks death certificate because there isnt one yet. Depending on the county and what labs medical examiners use, it could be weeks or it could be months, quite honestly, she said, before any information about his death was released to the public. Clynicks funeral was only held on June 26. This is nearly two weeks after his death and just three days after a CDC advisory committee acknowledged a likely association between the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and a risk of heart problems in young adults and adolescents like Clynick. Unfortunately for Clynicks family, his cause of death is still unclear. An autopsy was performed, but its conclusions have not yet been revealed. Burages said she hopes the investigators will at least find some clues, but she is losing hope. This is one of those things that I suspect theyre never going to really be able to say, Oh it was the shot, or It wasnt the shot,' she said. There must be something that makes kids more susceptible to having a serious heart reaction, and I think Jacob was one of those kinds. So whatever that serious thing was, whatever the underlying health issue was, is something maybe that the autopsy will tell us, added Burages. She lamented the fact that the investigation will take months and a lot more kids like Clynick will get vaccinated before its results are revealed to the public. All Burages hopes now is that, one day, she and the rest of Clynicks family will have answers that might be of some use for other families who are trying to decide whether or not to vaccinate their children. If there are factors that can make it riskier for some kids [to get a vaccine], I hope health officials can figure out what those are, she said. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk FreeP.com NYPost.com (Natural News) As you probably know, Resident Joe Biden of the White House nursing home is embracing the tactics of the 1930s fascists by pushing for door-to-door vaccination campaigns for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). And many Americans are having none of it. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., chairman of Childrens Health Defense (CHD), came out with a statement warning that the plan is already having the opposite effect, as it drives Americans who are opposed to getting injected even further away from trusting anything their government tells them. Its a foreboding fork in the road to totalitarianism, Kennedy says. We are now moving beyond the propaganda stage into this very coercive program where federal agents appear at American homes with the menacing message: We know who you are and where you live. We have you on our list, we have your medical records, we want your neighbors to know that you are dangerous.' Kennedy says Biden and his cronies are basically now telling America that personal property and privacy rights are no longer being respected, and that everyone is simply expected to take an experimental injection that is dangerous and ineffective simply because the government says they should. If you want to end this harassment, you must submit to a risky medical intervention made by an unscrupulous company with no liability and if you die or suffer permanent neurological injury, tough luck!' Kennedy explained from the perspective of how the government is approaching this whole thing. More Americans than ever are just saying no to Chinese Virus injections Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky also took to Twitter to express his sentiments about the program, stating plainly that the government doesnt decide who gets vaccinated. You do, Sen. Paul wrote about who makes the decisions concerning their own bodies. Do not submit to the fearmongers. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also chimed in, stating that Bidens door-to-door brownshirts campaign of vaccine coercion will not be allowed to happen under his watch. If the new normal is federal employees knocking on your door about medical procedures, you [sic] better be ready to fight like hell for the old normal, added Dr. Scott Jensen, a physician. Roughly 30 percent of Americans, according to official poll numbers, have indicated that they are unlikely to get injected, while another 20 percent have said that they definitely will not be getting a Fauci Flu shot. The 30 percent who say they probably will not get the vaccine is up from around 24 percent back in April, suggesting that increasingly more Americans are waking up to the sham and will not be allowing their DNA to be permanently reprogrammed at warp speed for some alleged virus. It is nothing short of disingenuous for Hunters dad and his cabinet, along with public health agencies, to continue calling people who are just saying no to the vaccines hesitant. This implies that the unvaccinated are simply unsure and need some prodding, when the fact of the matter is that they have already made up their minds. Its not hesitancy by ANY means it is flat-out refusal, wrote one commenter at LifeSiteNews, illustrating this point. Another questioned where the federal government is finding the manpower to rove the neighborhoods of hundreds of millions of Americans across this vast land. Will it involve the military? And will they be carrying weapons? This is what Build Back Better really means: control the population and deny them their civil liberties with fake and dangerous vaccines,' wrote another commenter. More related news about the Biden regimes ramped up vaccine tyranny can be found at Tyranny.news. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) An Alaskan couple is still being targeted by the FBI after they attended the rally for then-President Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 6, and the pair told Fox News on Tuesday that they feel like theyre on a terror watch list despite the fact that they never came close to entering the Capitol that day. (Article by Kipps Jones republished from WesternJournal.com) Paul and Marilyn Hueper previously disclosed how they had their house tossed by FBI agents earlier this year. They had phones and computers seized and even had a pocket copy of the Constitution taken from them. This occurred after the feds had apparently mistaken Marilyn for someone who stole House Speaker Nancy Pelosis laptop computer during the Capitol incursion. The Huepers have been adamant they did nothing wrong, and by all appearances, they havent. No charges have been filed after the two exercised their First Amendment right to assemble so they could listen to Trump speak that day. Still, they said, they were harassed while traveling over the weekend. The couple spoke about an Orwellian experience with the politicized FBI during an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. Ingraham introduced the couple by playing a clip of Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio recently pressing FBI Director Chris Wray for answers about the treatment of the Huepers. You kicked in their door. You held them at gunpoint, handcuffed them, interrogated them for four hours, took their phone, you took their laptop and you took a copy of their pocket-sized Constitution. Whyd you take the Constitution? Jordan asked Wray. After Wray told Jordan he couldnt discuss the case, the GOP congressman said: Is it a habit of the FBI to take Constitutions from people that youre interrogating? We just seize the evidence that is relevant to whats in the affidavit, the search warrant affidavit, Wray answered. Ingraham noted that the affidavit was to look for information regarding state of mind with regard to the bureaus investigation into the couple, whose only crime was being present in D.C. on Jan. 6 and supporting Trump. So is this where we are in our country, Marilyn, that reading the Constitution and maybe even knowing the Constitution produces a criminal mindset? Ingraham asked Marilyn Hueper. I think its indicative and frightening for us as Americans, the woman said. She noted that she finds it concerning that something such as a pocket Constitution would be used by the FBI as evidence. Paul Hueper then shared that beyond the obvious problems with their treatment by the FBI in their home, the couple traveled over the weekend and were harassed at multiple airports. The man said the FBI wont let them go despite knowing they did nothing wrong. We just traveled recently, had every piece of our luggage torn apart. We missed three flights trying to get to San Francisco for a wedding and a funeral. And they went through everything, held us up, went through item piece by piece by piece, he told Ingraham. The law-abiding American citizen said he and his wife were harassed at airports in Anchorage, Seattle and San Francisco. Paul Hueper agreed with Ingraham after she asked him if he feels as if he is on a terror watch list. Right, because you actually attended a rally and walked to the Capitol and didnt even go into the Capitol? You are being treated like a domestic terror threat, is that the way it makes you feel like? Ingraham asked. Absolutely. We feel like they are just completely harassing us, he responded. And they know that they have got the wrong couple, and they wont let it go. They are just constantly digging, digging, digging and putting us on these terrorist lists and all of that, and checking over to make sure we dont have any bombs on us twice over. They sent us through security, sent us back through security a second time, and then, like I mentioned, met us at the airplane and went through our stuff for a third time. Crazy, he concluded. Its apparent that if the Huepers had done anything wrong, they would now be in jail and stuck in solitary confinement. They are free somewhat. While criminals roam around urban America committing crimes and potential national security threats enter the country through the open southern border every hour, the FBI is focusing on harmless Trump supporters who have done nothing wrong. Of course, in todays climate, people neednt do anything criminal to be harassed by the countrys national law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Those agencies are apparently run by deep-state leftists who have pivoted to political discrimination and abuse of their resources now that theyve been given free rein to use the power of the federal government to go after people for thinking the wrong way. We are now living in Joe Bidens America, where no institution is safe from being weaponized against conservatives. Read more at: WesternJournal.com and FalseFlag.news (Natural News) When government officials and public health experts alike discuss herd immunity with regards to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), they usually talk about vaccinating as many people as possible. But as they push for vaccinations as the only way to achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus, there is one aspect they are willfully neglecting: natural immunity. When a person gets infected with COVID-19 and recovers, that person has already defeated the infection and therefore already has natural immunity. This coronavirus survivor already has an immune system that is prepared to fight against future potential COVID-19 infections for the rest of his life. This means people with natural immunity do not need a vaccine. Multiple studies show natural immunity good at preventing COVID-19 The idea that people with natural immunity do not need to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is supported by multiple studies. (Related: Rand Paul exposes total fraud, deception of Fauci and the CDC, who deliberately ignore NATURAL immunity.) In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a scientific update stating that people who have recovered from prior COVID-19 infections have developed a strong protective immune response. The WHO summarized its update by stating that within four weeks of infection, 90 to 99 percent of people who have recovered from the coronavirus can develop detectable neutralizing antibodies that can prevent any future infections. The WHOs report said the immune system had durable memories of the virus up to eight months after the initial infection. Another study published in the journal Nature in late May found that most people who were infected with the coronavirus had immunological memory of the disease in their bone marrow. This strongly suggests that people who have recovered from COVID-19 are still able to produce antibodies against it a year out. A second study published in BioRxic found that cells known as memory B can fend off COVID-19 for at least 12 months after infection. This finding meshes well with the prior findings of the WHO and the study published in Nature. Memory B cells have been found to rapidly reproduce and generate coronavirus antibodies once it interacts with it again. A third study from the Cleveland Clinic found that natural immunity to the coronavirus may be as good as being vaccinated. The researchers in this study followed more than 52,000 employees of the clinic for five months. Over 1,300 of the employees had prior COVID-19 infections and remained unvaccinated. The researchers found that not a single one of the more than 1,300 employees with prior infections were reinfected during the five months that they were monitored. They concluded that people with laboratory-confirmed and symptomatic coronavirus infections are unlikely to benefit from vaccinations. People with natural immunity could be discriminated against if they arent treated the same as vaccinated individuals Dr. Jeffrey Klausner and Dr. Noah Kojima, writing for Medpage Today, noted that public health policymakers are ignoring the complexities of the human immune system in favor of maintaining discussions of supposed immunity from vaccinations. If SARS-CoV-2 immunity is similar to other severe coronavirus infections like SARS-CoV-1 immunity, that protection could last at least 17 years. they wrote. However, tests to measure cellular immunity are complex and expensive, making them hard to get and preventing their use in routine medical practice or in public health surveys of the population. If people with natural immunity against COVID-19 continue to be excluded from discussions regarding herd immunity, it could lead to disastrous consequences. Jon Sanders, writing for the American Institute for Economic Research, surmised that unvaccinated individuals with natural immunity could be discriminated against. People with natural immunity could be kept from employment, education, travel, normal commerce and who knows what other things if they dont submit to a vaccine they dont need in order to fulfill a headcount that confuses a means with the end, wrote Sanders. Klausner and Kojima recommend that moving forward, public health policymakers should include natural immunity as evidence of immunity equal to that of vaccination. That immunity should be given the same societal status as vaccine-induced immunity. Such a policy will greatly reduce anxiety and increase access to travel, events, family visits and more. This kind of policy focus will allow people who have recovered from COVID-19 access to the same privileges currently being enjoyed by vaccinated individuals. Learn more about natural immunity to coronavirus at Pandemic.news. Sources include: WakingTimes.com MedpageToday.com NYPost.com WKYC.com (Natural News) A conservative author named Michael Knowles recently published a very important book about censorship. The book is titled, Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds. It sold over 18,000 copies in the first week. Due to its early success, the book has topped the Amazon bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly bestseller list. However, the New York Times refuses to put the book on its top 15 bestseller list and are playing dirty politics by suppressing the books early success. Other left-leaning book titles made the list, despite receiving less than a third of the sales of this book. Regnery Publishing claims the Times is suppressing a conservative book about censorship The publisher, Regnery Publishing, claims the Times is intentionally suppressing the book from its bestseller list because it is authored by an up-and-coming conservative voice who isnt afraid to talk about the politically-motivated censorship that is taking place in the US and around the world. It is our observation that the books that tend not to make it onto the Times list when you would expect that they would, tend to be books that are not congenial to the New York Times worldview, Regnery publisher Tom Spence told the Daily Caller. The New York Times responded to the allegations, enlisting their vice president of communications, Danielle Rhoades Ha. She shot down Knowles bestselling book because it did not meet the standards for inclusion this week. She balked about the censorship, saying that conservative authors have made the bestseller list in the past. Regnery Publishings Tom Spence responded back, The fact that they did not censor or discriminate against a conservative book in one case doesnt mean that they havent done it in this case. NYT uses its bestseller list to promote left-wing politics Upon closer observation, it appears that the Times does in fact use their bestseller list to promote certain left-wing topics, instead of honoring the book titles that actually sell the most copies. The Times bestseller list included book titles such as On Juneteenth which only sold around 4,800 copies in the same period that Knowles book sold 18,000 copies. On Juneteenth received bestseller list fame because the NYT favors the books political agenda. The Times uses their bestseller list to promote political agendas instead of honoring bestselling books that rose to fame on the merit of their content. They once promoted a book by Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett, even though it ranked 1030 on Amazon. This is how the dishonest publication promotes their political ideologies by actively suppressing ideas and facts. Their censorship of Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds. thereby proves this book is more important than ever. In a statement, the Times clarified that their bestseller list is based on polls or unit sales reported on a confidential basis by vendors offering a wide range of general interest titles. The Times says their list is based on sales data that is statistically weighted to represent and accurately reflect all outlets proportionally nationwide. In other words, the Times picks and chooses the winners, instead of letting the sales data speak for itself. The Times ignores the opinions of everyday Americans and suppresses what conservative Americans want to read. Tom Spence says the standards promoted by the Times have little to do with actual sales. According to Bookscan (a book sale tracker) numerous books became bestsellers but never appeared on the Times bestseller list. Gallup doesnt go out and ask every single person in America how they are going to work, they select samples they think are representative, Tom Spence said. And thats what the NYT list is. They get sales reports from certain selective bookstores. They keep it a secret though, [because this is] who they are. Sources include: RT.com Amazon.com (Natural News) The National Education Association (NEA) quietly took down a series of adopted and proposed resolutions for its members from its website. These included one that calls for the union to defend the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in public schools. The largest teachers union in the United States, the NEA represents more than three million employees working in public education. It recently held its 100th Representative Assembly in early July. The proposals that were approved, denied or referred to a committee during the convention could be viewed by visitors on the NEAs website. But by the afternoon of Tuesday, July 6, some of the NEAs agenda items during its convention had disappeared from its website. The pages for these retracted agenda items redirect visitors to the 2021 assembly home page instead. One of the most important resolutions that disappeared was New Business Item 39, which talked about the NEAs desire to fight against the push to remove CRT teaching from schools. This resolution passed. According to the plan, which would cost the union at least $127,600 to promote and implement, the NEA would share and publicize information about what is and is not CRT. The NEA would also assign a dedicated team to assist union members who want to learn more and fight back against anti-CRT rhetoric. The business item also calls on the NEA to commission a study that critiques power and oppression in American society, including capitalism, White supremacy and cisheteropatriarchy. Lastly, the business item calls on educators to adopt an accurate and honest curriculum that teaches the unpleasant aspects of American history. The NEA describes critical race theory as an appropriate framework to discuss these topics. The Association will further convey that in teaching these topics, it is reasonable and appropriate for curriculum to be informed by academic frameworks for understanding and interpreting the impact of the past on current society, including critical race theory, read the business item. CRT teaches that racism is intrinsic to American history and society, and that White Americans have to make amends and pay reparations for the crimes committed by White people over a century ago, particularly slavery and the discriminatory laws implemented during the Jim Crow era. (Related: Critical race theory is just anti-White racism, repackaged to brainwash an entire generation into growing up as racist BIGOTS filled with hatred.) New Business Item 39 was not the only resolution taken down from the NEAs website. New Business Item 33, proposed by an educator from Oakland, California, pushed for the NEA to call for mandatory social distancing, mask-wearing and Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations in schools. It was defeated. NEA pushing to investigate groups opposing CRT in schools The NEAs backtracking from its anti-CRT stance comes after the organization recently voted to conduct opposition research on groups that opposed adding the CRT framework into education. This proposal allocated $56,500 for investigating groups that are against CRT in schools. NEA will research the organizations attacking educators doing anti-racist work and/or use the research already done and put together a list of resources and recommendations for state affiliates, locals and individual educators to utilize when they are attacked, read the proposal. The NEA acknowledged that parents and powerful conservative groups are doing everything they can to fight against CRT in schools. The attacks on anti-racist teachers are increasing, coordinated by well-funded organizations such as the Heritage Foundation, said the NEA. We need to be better prepared to respond to these attacks so that our members can continue this important work. The disappearance of the NEAs resolutions was first discovered by Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action, the lobbying arm of the Heritage Foundation. Anderson posted her findings on social media. 3 days after their annual meeting concludes, @NEAToday, the nations largest teachers union, scrubs the agenda items announcing their nationwide campaign to push CRT from their website, she wrote on her Twitter account. Why are they covering up their support for CRT? The NEA has not responded to requests for comments by news outlets on why the resolution pages were removed from the unions website or whether they will be made public again. Learn more about the push by educators to include CRT in the curriculum of public schools, and what parents and organizations are doing to fight back at EducationSystem.news. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxNews.com NationalReview.com (Natural News) American theoretical physicist Michio Kaku said that contacting alien life is a terrible idea. Soon well have the Webb telescope up in orbit and well have thousands of planets to look at, and thats why I think the chances are quite high that we may make contact with an alien civilization, said Kaku, referring to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) that is set to launch later this year and will peek into worlds at the far reaches of the universe. There are some colleagues of mine that believe we should reach out to them. I think thats a terrible idea. We all know what happened to Montezuma when he met Cortes in Mexico so many hundreds of years ago. Humanitys future may be at risk if we were to find and contact aliens As legend has it, Montezuma accidentally ceded the entire Aztec Empire to Cortes, a Spanish conquistador, over a language misunderstanding. Kaku apparently fears that were we to find and contact aliens, earthlings could be the Aztecs and aliens the Spaniards. If we send a message such as we come in peace when we discover them, the aliens may interpret it to mean come rule us. (Related: Alien surveillance? Physicist says alien life forms may have bugged space objects to observe Earth.) The Aztec Empire was eventually destroyed by the Spanish so Kaku may have concerns for the future of humanity. Now, personally, I think that aliens out there would be friendly but we cant gamble on it. So I think we will make contact but we should do it very carefully, Kaku said. The Hubble Space Telescope is Earths most famous piece of technology to see space, but the JWST is 100 times more powerful and uses infrared scanning technology to see things further away and with greater detail. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is sending the new telescope to the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2) a special place where the JWST can stay in line with Earth while it orbits around the sun 1.5 million kilometers (0.93 million miles) away from home. The Hubble, on the other hand, just hung out right above our planet a mere 325 kilometers (202 miles) away. It can also scan thousands of potentially habitable worlds for signs of life, something Hubble is not designed to do. Once in place, researchers will be able to look at the origins of the universe and search for planets that can support life. If everything goes according to plan, the JWST will reach its destination, calibrate its sensors and be fully operational by May 2022. Aliens may be found deep in the ocean rather than deep in space Some think that aliens are already here on Earth. Unidentified flying object (UFO) expert Gary Heseltine believes that contact preparations with aliens should involve wetsuits and submarines. UFOs are often seen coming in and out of water so suspect that in our deepest oceans and trenches we may well have alien bases. That sounds crazy but if you think about it we only know 5 percent of ocean, we know more about the surface of the moon or Mars than our own oceans so that would seem to me why UFOs are seen regularly coming in and out of water, said Heseltine, vice president of the International Coalition for Extraterrestrial Research (ICER). ICER is a new not-for-profit organization comprised of scientists, academics and leading UFO researchers from 27 countries whose mission is to prepare people for a massive psychological change once contact is made with aliens. Heseltine predicted that contact will happen soon, but more likely deep in the ocean than deep in space. To Heseltines point, video footage showing UFO entering the ocean without damage had been released by veteran documentary filmmaker Jeremy Corbell. According to Corbell, the footage was captured by the Navy off the coast of San Diego in July 2019. It shows a dark spherical object, seen through an infrared camera, flying over the ocean and then vanishing into water. A voice can be heard in the background saying it splashed as the object disappears. The leaked footage was released by Corbell on May 15. (Related: UFOs come from alien bases deep within our oceans, British ex-cop claims.) The military called the UFO seen by Navy personnel as a transmedium vehicle. The Pentagon uses that term to refer to an unidentified craft that moves through multiple mediums, such as air, water or vacuum space. Follow Space.news for more news and information related to space exploration, aliens and UFOs. Sources include: DailyStar.co.uk TheNextWeb.com HumansAreFree.com (Natural News) Its official: The White House has publicly and un-apologetically announced the deployment of strike forces a military term to go door-to-door across America, targeting unvaccinated people in their own homes. This was proudly announced yesterday by Jen Psaki. The goal of the program which has already been denounced by numerous state governors and U.S. senators is to coerce people into taking kill shots of spike protein bioweapons, which are deliberately mislabeled vaccines. Very quickly, this program will be ramped up to full mandatory status, which means gunpoint enforcement of deadly shots, essentially meaning the U.S. government is unleashing death squads across America. And they arent even hiding it anymore. My best advice on how to handle this is: If they come to your door, dont answer it. If they keep knocking, call the police. If they break in your door, defend yourself. At all times, video record whatever is happening. And upload your video to Brighteon.com or other free speech platforms. Every human being has the right to self-defense. An assault with an experimental vaccine that has already killed at least 9,000 Americans (according to VAERS.HHS.gov) is, of course, an assault with a deadly weapon. Anyone attempting to assault you with a deadly weapon is committing a criminal act and should be arrested. Heres what Jen Psaki said this week: Our work doesnt stop there and we are going to continue to press to get 12-18-year olds vaccinated thats one of the reasons why we initiated these strike forces to go into communities Watch her say it here: The Biden regime just declared war on American civilians Strike forces is a military term that refers to armed squads who intend to destroy their target. In this case, the target is every American who refuses to be injected with spike protein bioweapons. The government has declared war on the American people. Deployed domestically, these militarized strike forces will consist of FEMA enforcers and almost certainly armed federal agents. These might be more accurately called death squads, and their goal is to either inject people with deadly bioweapons or medically kidnap them and take them away to FEMAs covid death camps where they can be exterminated quietly, without making a scene on the street. Anyone who resists this with a firearm will likely be executed on sight and labeled a domestic terrorist. This has gone beyond merely authoritarian. The goal of the government is extermination. Mass depopulation by any means necessary. This is a declared way against humanity. Psaki didnt use the phrase, strike forces by accident. Thats not a phrase to be used lightly, either. It has a very specific meaning thats all about using militarized squads to destroy intended targets. Listen to my full Situation Update podcast for the horrifying details on what the criminal Biden regime plans to unleash across America a wave of executions, medical kidnappings and mass death: Brighteon.com/c548609c-2146-4f78-bd66-e0da4e8f3d6d This second video offers a short, 10-minute summary of all this that also discusses the likely timeline of how this overlays with gun confiscation and false flag operations. First, they need to run a false flag, then issue an order outlawing all firearms, and then they dispatch the vaccine death squads to the homes of those who either refused vaccines or who own guns. If you comply, you are killed by the vaccine. If you resist, you are taken to a FEMA death camp. If you fight back, you are executed on sight by armed federal strike forces teams. They want you dead, and they are openly declaring their intentions to mass murder Americans in the name of community good. Brighteon.com/13761211-baf0-4fef-b241-a2a1d4c793f5 Watch for a new Situation Update on Monday: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport NEWTOWN Leaders here were concerned enough about the unintended consequences of Connecticuts legal marijuana trade that they saw no downside to being first in the Danbury area to prohibit cannabis establishments. At the suggestion of First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, who said, the prudent approach is to prohibit cannabis establishments until we better understand the dynamics of the new law, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on July 1, the same night that Connecticut decriminalized marijuana. After hearing testimony from a state senator, a union leader, the towns health director, the head of a substance abuse prevention nonprofit and Rosenthal, the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission suggested a moratorium on retail cannabis establishments and medical marijuana facilities starting Dec. 1. George Benson, the towns planning director, recommended swifter action. We should act to prohibit it tonight, and it can be revisited later, Benson said. The volunteer five-member Planning and Zoning Commission agreed, voting 4-1 to prohibit cannabis enterprises looking to do business in town, such as cultivators, producers, retailers, and medicinal dispensaries. Newtowns prohibition will not affect adults who may now have marijuana for their own use. Under the new state law, people who are 21 and older may have 1.5 ounces of marijuana with them and up to five more ounces of marijuana in a secure location, such as their home or car. The law allows patients in Connecticuts medical marijuana program to have three mature marijuana plants and three smaller plants in their home a provision that will extend to the general adult public in 2023. Although the retail sales of adult-use marijuana are not expected to begin in Connecticut until the end of 2022, Benson said during the public hearing that Newtown was concerned about people filling out applications or purchasing buildings, giving them vested rights before regulations could be put in place. The state has created a cannabis website to help people understand the new law. Rosenthal said towns across the state have been having the same debate since the state Senate passed the extensive and groundbreaking new law on June 22. While I have no issue with the legalization of the possession of cannabis, there is more at stake here as we consider the retail sale, Rosenthal wrote in a letter that was read at the public hearing. We have one chance to get this right and trying to do so in the span of two weeks does not make for good public policy. Danbury, which has already approved a Bethel-based medical marijuana dispensarys move to a former bank on the citys west side, will consider a moratorium on cannabis establishments on July 27. Waterbury has scheduled a public hearing about a moratorium on new cannabis establishments at the end of the month. Prospect has passed a six-month moratorium on all new cannabis establishments. In Ridgefield, which already bans medical marijuana dispensaries, First Selectman Rudy Marconi has proposed banning retail cannabis. At Newtowns public hearing, concern for youth was a dominant theme. I cannot believe the state of Connecticut has approved the legal use of cannabis with the increase that we have seen in drug use, said Dorrie Carolan, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Newtown Parent Connection, in written testimony. At some point we need to protect our youth and put aside the monetary benefits of legalizing marijuana. State Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Newtown, agreed, saying in written testimony that marijuana is a drug that is medically proven to adversely impact the cognitive development of young people and can serve as a gateway drug to addiction. Newtowns prohibition, which becomes effective on July 24, rescinds zoning that allows medical marijuana dispensaries in town. In 2018, the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission approved a medical marijuana dispensary that never went through because the vendor was denied a license by the state Department of Consumer Protection. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 Press Release July 9, 2021 De Lima pushes anew for passage of bill declaring July 12 as 'West Philippine Sea Victory Day' Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima urged her colleagues to help push for the passage of her bill, Senate Bill (SB) No. 376, filed way back in July 11, 2019, declaring July 12 of every year as the "West Philippine Sea (WPS) Victory Day" to mark the historic decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands and to commemorate the country's arbitration victory against China. As Justice Secretary, De Lima was part of the Philippine delegation who presented the country's case before the PCA. "I hope that my esteemed colleagues in the Senate will act with dispatch on my proposed bill and help pass it into law soon not only to observe the country's arbitration victory against China over the WPS, but also to remind the government to uphold our sovereign rights amid China's continued bullying of our country," she said. "Declaring July 12 of every year as a Special Working Holiday dedicated to honoring this landmark decision favoring the Philippines could also help instill national pride among Filipinos while urging the Duterte administration to pursue and promote policies and programs consistent with the PCA ruling," she added. Amid China's aggression and incursion in the WPS, the Philippine government under then President Benigno S. Aquino III filed an arbitration case in 2013 based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to settle the maritime dispute. On July 12, 2016, the PCA released a decision upholding the Philippines' exclusive economic zone rights in the WPS and declaring China's controversial claim, outlined by a nine-dash line covering almost 90 percent of the contested waters, with no legal basis in international law. The PCA also ruled that China's large-scale land reclamation has "caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems," thereby violating the Philippines' sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Under SB No. 2201, the Department of Foreign Affairs is tasked to "plan, design and implement activities" for the "West Philippine Sea Victory Day" to ensure the meaningful observance of the holiday. "We should never set aside the 2016 Hague ruling but instead continue to stand against unrelenting Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea. Kagaya ng iba pa nating mga pambansang pagdiriwang, ang araw na ito ng pagkapanalo natin sa kaso ng WPS, ay paggunita sa pagpapahalaga sa ating pambansang dangal at pagtindig sa mundo bilang Pilipino para ipagtanggol ang para sa Pilipino," said De Lima. Last April, De Lima filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 694 urging the government's Executive branch to exert all legal and diplomatic actions on the Chinese government to assert Philippine sovereign rights in the WPS. She is also among the 11 Senators who filed SR No. 708 calling on the Upper Chamber to "condemn in the strongest possible terms" the illegal activities of China in the WPS. I-24 Work Zone Extended Near Cadiz By West Kentucky Star Staff CADIZ - A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to temporarily extend the length of a work zone on Interstate 24 near Cadiz.The contractor plans to extend the eastbound work zone to about the 69 mile marker using construction barrels on Friday morning. A temporary extension of the westbound work zone will be scheduled to start next week.The temporary extension of the work zone from the 65 to 69 mile marker on I-24 is to allow grinding for placement of specialized 6 inch traffic striping along this section between the U.S. 68 Cadiz Exit 65 Interchange and the Trigg-Christian County Line. The specialized striping has greater reflectivity in the rain and lasts about 10 years longer than traditional painted traffic stripes.These temporary work zone extensions using construction barrels are expected to be up for about 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting.The westbound exit ramp at the KY 139 Cadiz-Princeton Exit 56 Interchange is closed for the duration of the project.Due to this ramp closure, there is no gas/fuel available along I-24 westbound between the Exit 65 Interchange and the KY 293 Eddyville-Princeton Exit 45 Interchange.The KY 139 Exit 56 westbound entry ramp and both eastbound ramps are open.This work zone has a strictly enforced 55 mph speed limit with an enhanced police presence.Truckers should be aware of maximum load widths in the work zone 15 feet for eastbound vehicles and 12 feet for westbound vehicles. MSU Announces Partnership on Agritech Initiative By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - On Friday, Governor Andy Beshear congratulated Murray State University Hutson School of Agriculture on a partnership to build a solar HVAC system.The University will partner with Murray-based Sunway Energy Solutions and China-based GREE Electric Appliances to build the solar HVAC system on the University West Farm.The donated system will provide sustainable energy for the West Farm Shop, a multiuse facility that was previously devoid of temperature controls, helping students and area farmers learn about agrivoltaics, an agritech method to increase both food and energy security."This agrivoltaics system will offer the students here with hands-on training and learning with some of the most advanced technology available," said Gov. Beshear. "If you are a current or prospective Murray State student this is your ticket to being part of the emerging industries of the future. This will further our push to make Kentucky the agritech capital of the world and to ensure our people have the well-paying jobs of tomorrow."In addition to agriculture students, MSU hopes to bring in data analysis, data management, engineering, software development, and computer science students as the project grows.GREE supplied a 4-ton solar-assist heat pump, and Sunway Energy Solutions engineered and installed the 12-module solar array that will operate the heat pump.This will be the first phase of the project, and MSU will continue the development of phase two in collaboration with EEC's Office of Energy Policy. New Laws Now in Effect in Kentucky By West Kentucky Star Staff FRANKFORT - Most new laws approved during the Kentucky General Assembly's 2021 have now gone into effect, including laws dealing with elections and police wrongdoing.Here are the ones now in effect:House Bill 210 will ensure that employers offer parents adopting a child under the age of ten the same amount of time off as birth parents.. Senate Bill 127 encourages schools to keep bronchodilator rescue inhalers in at least two locations and will require schools with inhalers to have policies regarding their use.. House Bill 212 will require data in an annual state report on fatalities among children and new mothers to include information on demographics, race, income and geography associated with the fatalities.. House Bill 254 will raise the penalty for possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12 years to a Class C felony. It will also raise the penalty for the distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance of a minor under the age of 12 years to a Class C felony for the first offense and a Class B felony for each subsequent offense.House Bill 402 will revise child support laws to increase the amount considered flagrant nonsupport from $1,000 to $2,500.Education. House Bill 563 will give families more options when deciding where to send kids to school and will assist families with the cost of educational expenses. The bill will allow the use of education opportunity accounts, a type of scholarship, for students to attend out-of-district public schools or obtain educational materials and supplies. For students in some of the states largest counties, the scholarship funds could be used for private school tuition. Individuals or businesses who donate to organizations that issue education opportunity accounts will be eligible for a tax credit. The legislation will also require a board of education to adopt a nonresident pupil policy by July 1, 2022 to govern terms under which the district allows enrollment of nonresident pupils and includes those pupils in calculating the districts state funding.. House Bill 574 will make permanent some of the election procedures implemented last year to accommodate voting during the pandemic. The measure will offer Kentuckians three days including a Saturday leading up to an election day for early, in-person voting. It will allow county clerks to continue to offer ballot drop boxes for those who do not wish to send their ballots back by mail. It will also counties to offer voting centers where any registered voter in the county could vote.Senate Bill 6 will create standards for ethical conduct for transition team members of all newly elected statewide officeholders. The standards include identifying any team member who is or has been a lobbyist. It will require disclosure of current employment, board member appointments and any non-state sources of money received for their services. It will also prohibit the receipt of nonpublic information that could benefit a transition team member financially.. Senate Bill 86 will designate 100 percent of a new open dumping fine to be paid to the county where the violation occurred.Inmate care. Senate Bill 84 will ban jails, penitentiaries, local and state correctional facilities, residential centers and reentry centers from placing inmates who are pregnant or within the immediate postpartum period in restrictive housing, administrative segregation, or solitary confinement. It will grant an inmate who gives birth 72 hours with a newborn before returning to the correctional facility and will offer six weeks of postpartum care. It also mandates that incarcerated pregnant women have access to social workers and any community-based programs to facilitate the placement and possible reunification of their child.. Senate Bill 102 will include Asian Carp, paddlefish, or sturgeon in the definition of "Kentucky-grown agricultural product".. House Bill 272 will allow water districts to impose a 10 percent late fee and cut off service for nonpayment of bills. Customers who receive financial assistance for their bills are exempt.House Bill 229 will make someone guilty of criminal mischief for intentionally or wantonly causing damage to livestock.Living organ donors. House Bill 75 will prohibit certain insurance coverage determinations based upon the status of an individual as a living organ donor. It will also encourage the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to develop educational materials relating to living organ donation.Medicaid. Senate Bill 55 will prohibit copays for Medicaid beneficiaries.House Bill 155 will allow the use of a "newborn safety device" when a newborn is being anonymously surrendered by a parent at a participating staffed police station, fire station, or hospital. The device allows a parent surrendering an infant to do so safely using a receptacle that triggers an alarm once a newborn is placed inside so that medical care providers can immediately respond and provide care to the child.Senate Bill 80 will strengthen the police decertification process by expanding the number of acts considered professional wrongdoing. Such acts include unjustified use of excessive or deadly force and engaging in a sexual relationship with a victim. The bill also will require an officer to intervene when another officer is engaging in the use of unlawful and unjustified excessive or deadly force. It will also set up a system for an officers automatic decertification under certain circumstances and will prevent an officer from avoiding decertification by resigning before an internal investigation is complete.. House Bill 312 will revise the states open records laws. It will limit the ability of people who do not live, work or conduct business in Kentucky to obtain records through open records laws. These restrictions do not apply to out-of-state journalists. The legislation specifies that open records requests can be made via email. It also calls for a standardized form to be developed for open records request but does not require its use. It will allow the legislative branch to make final and unappealable decisions regarding decisions on open records requests it receives. The bill will allow government agencies up to five days to respond to open records requests.Senate Bill 52 will amend third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy and second-degree sexual abuse statutes so law enforcement officers could be charged with those crimes if they engage in sexual acts with a person under investigation, in custody or under arrest.. House Bill 126 will increase the threshold of felony theft from $500 to $1,000. It will also allow law enforcement to charge members of organized shoplifting rings with a felony if a member steals a total of $1,000 worth of merchandise over 90 days.. Senate Bill 228 will change the way vacancies are filled for a U.S. senator from Kentucky. The bill will require the governor to select a replacement from a list of three nominees selected by the same political party of the departing senator.. House Bill 475 will prohibit, starting on July 1, the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board from adopting or enforcing occupational safety and health administrative regulations that are more stringent than the corresponding federal provisions. Noah's Ark Park Plans 'Tower of Babel' Project By The Associated Press BOONE COUNTY - Kentucky's Ark Encounter Bible-themed attraction is planning to begin fundraising for an expansion.The Ark Encounter is the home of a 510-foot-long wooden Noah's Ark. They said Wednesday that over the next three years they plan to research and build a Tower of Babel attraction on the parks grounds in Boone County, just south of Cincinnati.Answers in Genesis, the ministry behind the ark, raised private funds to construct and open the massive wooden attraction in 2016. They also opened the Creation Museum in nearby Petersburg in 2007.The Ark Encounters expansion plans also include an indoor model of what Jerusalem may have looked like in the time of Christ.The Ark Encounter said attendance is picking up after the pandemic lull in 2020, with up to 7,000 visitors on Saturdays. Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)'s National Executive Committee (NEC)'s determinations to reconcile its President Duma Boko and vice president Dumelang Saleshando has hit a brick wall after the latter rejected an effort by the leadership. The Patriot on Sunday is reliably informed that UDC president Boko is a disappointed man after Saleshando, who is the President of Botswana Congress Party (BCP), declined to honor the UDC NEC meeting convened last week Thursday in Mahalapye. According to sources, Leader of Opposition (LOO) in Parliament -Saleshando, opted to attend the meeting virtually as he does not see eye to eye with Boko who is under pressure to save the UDC. "The acrimonious relationship between the two coalition leaders has caused lot of anxiety on the UDC NEC and its reconciliation efforts have failed. Boko and Saleshando have not been on good relations terms for a long time now. As a result of the forthcoming crunch opposition cooperation talks, UDC NEC called on Boko and Saleshando to smoke peace pipe but to no avail," confided a source. It is said that the leadership of other two contracting partners BNF and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) in the past didn't attend the UDC central committee meetings without issuing an apology to BCP. Also, those in the know how say that BCP central committee led by Saleshando is said to be fed up of insults hurled to UDC vice president particularly coming from some of BNF youth activists. The norm by certain BNF activists identifying themselves as Fear Fokol have been cracking whip on Saleshando and BCP on social media, a move which BCP leadership is linking to BNF leadership. Efforts to contact both UDC leaders Boko and Saleshando for comment proved futile at press time. BCP Secretary General Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang said the meeting was virtual as far as they are concerned. "The only problem is that although the meeting was scheduled to start at 1000hours we received the link around 1100hours. We then requested to shift the time to 1230hours so that we could reach internet connectivity. When I joined the meeting members were discussing agenda item 6 on media interviews and leaks by some members of UDC NEC. We had difficulties being part of a meeting that locked us out most of the time," said Dr Gobotswang in an interview on Friday. He said that it is not true that only Dumelang Saleshando did not attend the meeting physically. "I didn't on account of constituency commitments as well. Motsei Rapelana did not attend physically either. She is on isolation as a COVID contact person. Dennis Alexander was not successful in joining the meeting virtually. At a personal level there is no toxic relationship between the UDC President and his Deputy. However, we cannot deny that there are the differences over critical issues of UDC governance," said BCP SG who is also the BCP vice president. According to Gobotswang, there is no existing toxic relationship between BCP and BNF either. A Political and Administrative Studies lecturer at University of Botswana (UB) Dr Adam Mfundisi said Political coalitions are problematic as they have their own trials and tribulations on the way. He said forming, joining, and building political coalitions is a tall order demanding strategic leadership. "The major objective is to build a coalition that possesses power and influence that as individual entities are not able to gain. Political coalitions can share resources, increase membership, provide diversity to the formation, and parties can learn from each other thereby broadening their knowledge and skills. On the flip side, political coalitions create conflicts between and amongst partners," he said. Dr Mfundisi said that political parties compromise on principles band priorities and this leads to the squabbles and disagreements within political parties and may spill into the formation itself. "The conflicts are a natural phenomenon in organizations and how they are resolved is what matters. The leadership must rise above all these challenges and show direction. Acrimonies in the top echelon of political coalitions send dangerous message to the rank and file. Emotional intelligence is critical in dealing with squabbles and disagreements within coalition partners," he added. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Botswana Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. UDC instability Also, Dr Mfundisi said the impact of continued instability within UDC affects opposition politics. "Many people are dissatisfied with the BDP government and leadership and look for alternative formations to vote. Public trust and confidence may dwindle for opposition politics if the status quo remains. Both Boko and Saleshando must show political skills to resolve the conflict within the UDC particularly involving their respective political parties," said the veteran political lecturer. According to him, both experienced UDC leaders Boko and Saleshando must communicate effectively with their followers, by words, symbols, actions, and personal example as well. He buttressed that political skill and emotional intelligence of both leaders can save the UDC from fragmentation and eventual collapse of the political coalition warning that the bad blood the BCP and BNF will negatively affect the performance of the UDC as they are powerful in UDC. analysis On July 9, 2021, South Sudan will celebrate its 10th anniversary of independence - but it does so amid concern over violence in the young nation. Recent attacks on two Catholic priests have also put a focus on the role of the church in South Sudan. The country's freedom was achieved after two lengthy civil wars against its now northern neighbor, Sudan, in which religious identity played a key role. During the second of these wars, from 1983 to 2005, the Sudanese government attempted to fashion the country as a Muslim state, stoking a response from the predominantly Christian south. The resulting fighting saw around 2 million people killed. As I explore in my recently published book, Christian clergy and laypeople played prominent roles in the liberation wars. As a scholar of Christianity in South Sudan, I believe understanding the church's historical role in southern Sudanese politics can provide important context for the current situation. A warning to the church? South Sudan, a nation of roughly 11 million people, is seen as one of the most diverse nations in the region, consisting of more than 60 different ethnic groups. Around 60% of its population identifies as Christian. But despite this majority status, there have been recent attacks on prominent members of the church. In April 2021, the Rev. Christian Carlassare - an Italian Roman Catholic priest recently sent to lead the Diocese of Rumbek - was seriously injured by gunmen who stormed his residence. It followed an attack the previous June in which Anglican priest Daniel Garang Ayuen was killed in an attack during which the cathedral of the Athooch Diocese was set on fire. And in 2018, Kenyan-born Catholic priest Victor Odhiambo was killed. The year before that, Pentecostal Bishop Joel Mwendwa was killed in the capital Juba for apparently being too loud during morning prayers. Reporting on the latest attack, Religion News Service noted: "Some have suggested that the attack against Carlassare may have been a warning for the Catholic Church to keep out of the political disputes in South Sudan and deter a papal visit." In recent years, political disputes have largely fallen along ethnic lines. South Sudan is only recently emerging from a devastating, multiyear civil war. It was sparked by a dispute between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar in 2013 but devolved into a full-scale conflict between their respective ethnic groups, the Dinka and the Nuer. If Sudan's Independence Day celebrations are meant to encourage national unity, acts of intimidation against the church may, I believe, end up undermining the traditional role it has played as a unifying force in the country. It has been reported that since liberation in 2011, the church has been sidelined as a political force. This would represent a break from the role clergy played in South Sudan's freedom struggle against Sudan. Clergy and national liberation Sudan was under Egyptian rule for much of the 19th century. In 1899 it came under British control and was administered by an Anglo-Egyptian colonial administration. While the British allowed extensive Christian mission work in southern Sudan, it placed serious restrictions on such work in northern Sudan, where Islam had served as a strong cultural element for centuries. Sudanese speak Arabic, and those who are Muslim are generally Sunni. After Sudan gained independence from its colonial masters in 1956, the nation's government tried to fashion the country along Islamic lines. This took the form of nationalizing missionary schools - replacing missionaries as elementary school heads in the process - eliminating Sunday as a weekly holiday and replacing it with Friday, the weekly Muslim holy day, and expelling hundreds of foreign Christian missionaries in 1964. While much of northern Sudan - the seat of national power - was already Islamic, many in southern Sudan did not identify as Muslim. In addition to the already existing non-Arabic ethnic groups is the south, Christian missionary organizations had been working in southern Sudan during the colonial period. While the number of conversions to Christianity during the colonial era was small, former Southern mission school students were among those to become political organizers when civil war erupted in 1955. In the First Sudanese Civil War from 1955 to 1972, church figures played a prominent role. Catholic priest Paolino Doggale famously protested against the government's elimination of Sunday as a weekly holiday, using the issue as a rallying point against the Sudanese government. Meanwhile, Catholic priest Saturnino Lohure joined the armed Anyanya guerrilla army, which fought against the north. Killed in the bush, Lohure has been positioned by incumbent South Sudanese President Salva Kiir as ranking among other heroic figures in the country's freedom struggle. The civil war ended in 1972. But a shaky peace devolved into another conflict in 1983. During the Second Civil War, the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement newspaper, the SPLM/SPLA Update, published articles from Catholic priest Thomas Attiyah. Attiyah drew on biblical passages to encourage resistance and blast Sudan's political system as "evil." During the war, church leaders formed the New Sudan Council of Churches. Joined by all Southern Churches in 1989, by 1991 the NSCC provided support for the SPLA across an area larger than Kenya. They were supported by international Christian organizations, such as Christian Solidarity International and Samaritan's Purse, which worked to draw international awareness to southern Sudanese suffering during the war. Such organizations lobbied for U.S. sanctions against Sudan and supported the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which allowed the U.S. to put countries on a "watch list" for "violations of religious freedoms." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Sudan Governance Religion By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. [3 media outlets, 1 religion newsletter. Get stories from The Conversation, AP and RNS.] The long civil war ended with 2005's Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which mandated an independence referendum be held in 2011. Voters who participated in the referendum overwhelmingly opted for secession. The future of church-state relations Given the past influence Christian leaders have had in South Sudan, I would argue that it is hard to imagine the church easily backing away from its wider role in society - even with the recent incidents of anti-clerical violence. The church has operated in circumstances of conflict from the mid-1950s onward. Priests, pastors and nuns protected civilians from extremists on both sides and occasionally stood up to armed men while mostly being unarmed themselves. But the recent attacks of members of the clergy serves as a reminder of the violence that has scarred South Sudan over its 10 years of existence. Christopher Tounsel, Assistant Professor of History and African Studies, Pennsylvania State University, Penn State The sealed filling stations are located in Eket, Uyo and Onna local government areas of the state. 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 don't 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Petroleum By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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. Governor Ganduje appointed an interim boss for the anti-corruption agency following the suspension of the incumbent by the state House of Assembly The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has appointed Mahmoud Balarabe as acting chairperson of the state's Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Agency following the suspension of Muhyi Magaji. The governor's spokesperson, Abba Anwar, in a statement, on Thursday said Mr Balarabe was the Director for Public Prosecution in the state's 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 state's 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Corruption Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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 state's 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. Nigeria's tax agency accuses the firm of tax evasion. 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, Bamidele Johnson, a representative of 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 has directed Airline operators in the country to refund the full cost of travel tickets to passengers after a two-hour delay. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, gave the directive on Thursday at the weekly State House briefing in Aso Villa, Abuja. Sirika, who read some of the rights of aviation passengers at the briefing, charged passengers them to demand their rights whenever they are being trampled upon by airlines. Sirika said, "On domestic flights, delay beyond one hour, carrier should provide refreshment, and one telephone call, or one SMS, or one e-mail. They should send you an SMS or email or call you to say, 'I am sorry, I am delaying for one hour'. "Delay for two hours and beyond, the carrier shall reimburse passengers the full volume of their tickets. "Delay between 10pm and 4am, carrier shall provide hotel accommodation, refreshment, meal, two free calls, SMS, email and transport to-and-fro airport." The minister added that the same rules apply for international flights. Sirika said his ministry has started sanctioning some airlines who default on consumer rights, urging passengers not to be unruly at airports. 90% of Africas cultural heritage currently lies outside the continent, including the Benin Bronzes in the British Museum. The Federal Government has asked Germany to ensure a full and unconditional return of the 1,130 Benin artefacts that were looted from the country in the 19th century and domiciled in German museums. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the demand on Wednesday during meetings in Berlin with German Minister of State for Culture, Prof. Monika Grutters, and Foreign Minister, Mr. Heiko Maas. He insisted the return should be whole rather than substantial on the heel of remarks by Grutters that the European nation was ready to make 'substantial return' of the 1,130 looted artefacts. 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. "That they are known as Benin Bronzes is already a confirmation of their source of origin (which is Benin)", Mohammed said. At a separate meeting with Maas, Mohammed also reiterated that no conditions should be attached to the return of the artefacts. He stressed the need for the parties to commit to definite timelines for the return of the Benin Bronzes in addition to concluding all necessary negotiations in a very short term. He said the discussions between Nigeria and Germany on the return of the art works was not the end of an era but rather the beginning of a new vista of stronger relations, pivoted by cultural diplomacy, between both countries. He thanked Germany for taking the lead in the global efforts to repatriate all artefacts that were looted from Nigeria and 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 Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Entertainment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who was also on the Nigerian delegation, said a "transformational" museum was being built in Benin city to house the artefacts upon their return, as part of a new cultural district in the city. He 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. On his part, the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Mr. 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. He also commended the government of Germany for taking the lead in the repatriation process. Earlier, the German Minister of State for Culture, Prof. Grutters, said "the way we deal with the issue of Benin Bronzes is important to addressing our colonial past," describing the issues as "an important personal concern." She assured the 1,130 artefacts would be returned to Nigeria from the beginning of 2022. She noted that the fact that Germany had twice sent delegations to Nigeria for talks over the planned repatriation indicated that both sides had moved beyond mere talks, saying all the Museums in Germany stockpiling Benin Bronzes have agreed to cooperate. Other people on the Nigerian delegation were Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monument (NCMM), Prof. Abba Tijani and Prince Ezelekhae Ewuare. They were 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. Earlier in June, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said a total of 289 Nigerians have died from the disease between January and June, 2021. 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 state's 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 NCDC's 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. 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 Wednesday's 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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 state's 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) Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Thursday, expressed optimism that Nigeria would get out of its present predicament, occasioned by corruption. Bawa stated this during an anti-corruption sensitisation at Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa. The EFCC boss, represented by 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 country's problems. He said that once Nigerians, both in private and public sectors, embraced 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 centered 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. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Corruption By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "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 dwindling economy, infrastructure problem, ineffective health system, problematic academic system, unemployment and insecurity," he said. Bawa commended the successes of Ilorin zonal office within two years of its creation, insisting that citizens' support was germane to ridding Nigeria of corruption by the commission. Earlier, Provost of the college, Dr Aliu Abdulrafiu, thanked EFCC management for the advocacy visit and promised more collaboration. Vanguard News Nigeria RELATED NEWS "The bandits broke walls to gain access to houses. They kidnapped tenants and house owners," Eunice Kasu, a resident, told Premium Times 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. . "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 state's 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. "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." 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 Afod's 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. It's very simple: It just didn't work out." "There is no anger involved. Difficult? Absolutely. But it is the best decision in the circumstances." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Entertainment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 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'. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Enterprise was chosen as the location of the home largely because of the considerable veteran population in Coffee County; studies indicate the county, and Enterprise in particular, will see a significant growth in veteran population in the coming years. Its wonderful to finally be able to share this vision with you all in a tangible form that we can all look forward to and prepare for together, Cooper said. We realize how important it is to meet the needs of the veterans, and we are thankful for the ADVAs work to do just that with professionalism, integrity, compassion and commitment. Adkins earned his bachelors degree from Troy State University in 1979 and his masters degree in education in 1982. He earned a second masters degree in management in 1988, also from Troy. Simultaneous to pursuing his degree programs, he established the Adkins Accounting Service, Inc., in Auburn and served as its CEO for 22 years. He also taught night classes at Alabamas Southern Union Junior College for 10 years and at Auburn University for six years. Adkins, who died on April 17, 2020, was married to his wife, Mary, for 59 years, and together they have raised five children. 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. Medical staff takes samples of employees at a factory to test for the novel coronavirus in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. The fourth Covid-19 wave has made it more difficult for businesses to hire the employees they need to fulfill the increased orders that they have been getting. The Bac Giang Garment Corporation (LGG) in northern Vietnam is experiencing a major labor shortage with only 10 percent of its employees working. CEO Luu Tien Chung said at a recent meeting that most of LGGs employees are isolated at home, with the province being the second largest Covid-19 hotspot in the country behind Ho Chi Minh City. The fact that every employee has to test negative twice for Covid-19 makes recruiting more challenging, he said, adding that the company was struggling to fulfill orders. Many companies nationwide are in a similar predicament. The nations has recorded nearly 21,300 new cases in the new Covid-19 wave starting late April. Footwear and bag producer Pousung Vietnam in the southern province of Dong Nai has had nearly 3,000 employees, or 12 percent of their total workforce, isolated at home due to Covid-19. Le Nhat Truong, head of the companys labor union, said that more workers might have to be quarantined as the province continues testing residents. "With employees isolated, the factorys productivity has fallen. This will hurt the companys revenue and subsequently employees income," he told the Thanh Nien newspaper. Nguyen Quoc Anh, the CEO of rubber producer Duc Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, said that around 10 percent of his employees have been staying at home as the city cordons off large areas to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The company has been asking its employees to work overtime and has set up space for its employees to sleep onsite to reduce contagion risks. Le Duy Toan, the CEO of HCMC-based food producer Duy Anh Foods, said that although recruitment demand rose by 10 percent in the first six months, the company had to scrap plans to hire more over fears that the new candidates might spread the virus in the factory and force a shut down. "We decided to stop taking new orders rather than taking risks." HCMC-based garment producer Dony, however, has been recruiting aggressively because of the large shortage of human resources. Pham Quang Anh, CEO, said that the recruitment method has changed. To reduce contact with other employees, candidates will have a face-to-face interview first, and after passing that round, he or she will be allowed to test skills in the factory. Before the pandemic, it was the other way around. A person holds a Covid-19 test result in Ho Chi Minh City on July 6, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. The travel pass regulations is increasing the burden on southern manufacturers due to a lack of consistency in its implementation. Duy Anh Foods in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City has been struggling to attain Covid-19 tests, referred to as a travel pass, for its workers so they could freely transport goods to customers. "The number of people that needs to be tested outnumber testing facilities," said CEO Le Duy Toan. A similar situation is seen in several southern provinces like Binh Duong and Dong Nai as contagion risks remain high with HCMC being the disease epicenter. Di An Town in Binh Duong started requiring travel passes on July 5, while on the same day, Dong Nai started requiring people coming from HCMC and Binh Duong to provide Covid-19-free documents. Other localities like Vinh Long and Tien Giang also require the same pass, with entrants to be tested within three days upon arrival. Starting Thursday, people transporting goods in and out of HCMC are all required to have tested negative for Covid-19. Businesses say they are burdened by this regulation. A spokesperson for delivery company AhaMove in HCMC said the sudden regulation did not give them enough time to test employees and some drivers were therefore not able to pass checkpoints. Pham Thanh Binh, CEO of food producer Bich Chi in Dong Thap Province, said there is a low number of testing facilities in small provinces and drivers have to wait for a long time to be screened. "There is not enough time to transport goods anymore. If drivers cannot acquire the pass, goods wont be delivered in time." Some other businesses say each provinces travel pass regulation differs from one another in terms of expiration and administrative procedures. Testing is also a cost burden, with each quick test priced at VND200,000-400,000 ($8.69-17.37), while a PCR test is over VND700,000. The Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA) recently proposed no PCR test is required for drivers entering and leaving areas with high risks in HCMC to reduce costs. Instead, drivers must wear protective gear and should remain inside the cabin while the goods are loaded or unloaded, it said. Binh of Bich Chi said drivers should be prioritized for vaccination so transport is not disrupted. A foreign cargo ship at Cai Mep-Thi Vai port in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Duy. Foreign shipping lines have irrationally imposed several fees and created headaches for domestic exporters, an inspection team has concluded. The Vietnam Marine Administration has reported the findings to the Transport Ministry. The inspection team studied the practices of 10 foreign shipping lines MSC, OOCL, CMA - CGM, Hapag - Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, HMM, Maersk Lines and Yangming between March and May after they rampantly increased freights and surcharges. According to the administration, sea freight started to surge in October 2020, especially on routes to Europe and North America. In April 2021, the freight for a 40-foot container from Vietnam to Europe was $6,500-8,000, and for a 20-foot container to America, $6,000-7,000; an increase of 5-7 times over late last year. The key reason for the hike was Chinas economic recovery after being hard hit by Covid-19. A large number of empty containers were booked by China, resulting reduced supply and increased demand, and in turn, higher freights. The shipping team found that the shipping lines listed freights on their websites but did not display the time of listing, so it was impossible to know when those came into force. The shipping firms even applied floating freights for small customers without long-term contracts. In addition to increasing freights, the shipping lines applied 3-5 surcharges for goods loading and unloading, container cleaning, documentation and lead sealing. Up to 9 shipping firms imposed loading and uploading surcharges of $100-170 per container. Some firms applied feels like petrol surcharges infrequently. The team said the shipping lines imposed surcharges without agreements with customers, and without explaining the reason or announcing a time frame it. The firms also applied a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) fee of $30-50, but they did not have to pay it the inspection time found. It is difficult to monitor surcharges because shipping lines do not have to declare these to agencies. "Shipping lines decide freights and surcharges themselves. Small and seasonal Vietnamese customers have no plans to sign long-term shipment contracts, so they face many risks amid volatile markets," the inspection report said. Shipping lines do not have to register transport routes, so they are free to add or remove ships from them, which poses a risk to local exporters. The administration has proposed the Finance Ministry to consider amending regulations on freights and surcharges of shipping lines imposed at Vietnamese ports. It has also proposed the Transport Ministry to issue new regulations on registering transport routes, schedules and cargo volumes in Vietnam to prevent shipping lines from unilaterally delaying or quitting voyages, or cancelling space bookings, and to increase punishments for freight listing violations. Some 40 shipping lines frequently operate in Vietnam, securing a lions share of 95 percent of the countrys import-export transport. Vietnamese shipping firms have not been able to run routes to Europe and North America. Nine shipping lines inspected by the teams currently run routes from Lach Huyen Seaport in the northern city of Hai Phong and from Cai Mep-Thi Vai Seaport in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau to Europe with 2 voyages a week, and 18 voyages to North America. Foreign shipping lines typically have representatives in Vietnam in the form of wholly foreign-owned enterprises. Owner of a flower shop at a street market covers her wares with cloth and paper as HCMC decides to close all street markets to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, June 20, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. HCMC residents have had their lives thrown into disarray after the city turned into the nations Covid-19 epicenter and the number of cases approached 10,000. With another semi-lockdown starting this Friday, many residents of the southern metropolis are struggling to get the simplest daily activities done, including shopping and earning a living. On Thursday afternoon, several hours before the 15-day semi-lockdown began, Nguyen Dang Nhat, resident of District 1, rushed to many supermarkets in town to buy some food for the weekend. But all he saw were empty shelves. "I have learnt that that the city will order food delivery services to stop. I know I will have to cook but now there is nothing left to buy. I have no idea what to do now," he said through two layers of masks and a face shield. Millions of other HCMC residents share Nhats uncertainty, their lives upended by the latest Covid-19 wave. The latest social distancing order, imposed as the city crossed 9,416 cases in the current outbreak, comprises the most stringent social distancing regulations, requiring residents to stay at home and only go out for necessities like buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses that are allowed to open. The order had many people stockpiling consumer goods in the last few days. When she learned about the social distancing order, Nguyen Tran Anh Thu quickly rushed to the supermarket closest to her house in District 10 to stock up food and supplies. However, a long queue had already formed when she arrived. The 53-year-old woman then filled out the health declaration form and quickly got in line, and few others joined the queue soon after. After 30 minutes, she wheeled out with a fully loaded shopping basket. "There weren't good quality vegetables to choose from since others had picked the freshest ones already. But I still managed to get some cucumber and squash, which is convenient since they won't rot quickly," she said. With the latest social distancing campaign suspending food and drink takeaways for 15 days, people also queued up in front of food retailers. Le Viet Nga, deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's domestic market department, said HCMC's neighboring provinces have been told to prepare for increasing supply to the city. People wanting to leave Saigon wait for hours to have Covid-19 tests at HCMC's 175 Hospital, July 6, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. Testing times Meanwhile, many residents in HCMC and neighboring provinces are stressed out over getting tested for Covid-19, which has become mandatory for traveling. Thanh Lan, a 36-year-old resident of Long An Province, had to take a break from work at Taiwanese-invested footwear maker Pouyuen Vietnam in HCMC's Binh Tan District to get tested as required by the local government. She is one of 10,000 workers living in Long An who commute every day to work on the company's shuttle bus. They have to tested negative for Covid-19 if they want to go to HCMC and back to Long An the same day. "I paid VND238,000 ($10.34) of my own money for the Covid-19 test. All I can do now is wait for the test results to know whether I can go to work or not," she said. Starting this week, people from Saigon going to neighboring provinces like Dong Nai, Long An, and Binh Duong must present a negative test result for Covid-19. Notably, everyone going from the city to other localities must self-isolate for seven days and monitor their own health for the succeeding week, the Health Ministry said Wednesday. "Oh, if I have to stay at home, how can I go to Saigon every day to work and make money?" Lan asked. Hours before the semi-lockdown came into force, many people tried to escape from HCMC and gateways to the southern provinces became congested. But many were forced to turn around because they did not have a negative Covid-19 test result. Carrying a load of furniture tied on the back seat, 39-year-old Nguyen Ngoc Minh Thai was disappointed that she could not return to the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang on Thursday. "I thought the certificate of vaccination yesterday was enough for me to return to my hometown, so I didn't get tested," she said. At the gateway linking HCMC and neighboring Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces, an officer said that since Wednesday afternoon, the number of people from HCMC passing through the checkpoint had increased significantly, with many heading to Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Nha Trang, Lam Dong and other localities. On the opposite side, there were just a few cars heading into HCMC, the officer added. Scared of hospitals Many people, especially the elderly, do not dare to go to hospitals for regular health checks these days, fearful of getting infected with the novel coronavirus. In Binh Tan District, a Covid-19 hotspot, Nguyen Thi Luong has not visited the hospital for diabetes check up since May. "Since I dont go to the hospital, I must buy medicines from other stores. It is more expensive but I must accept it. Hospitals are the last place I want to go to now, too dangerous," she said, adding that she had also avoided hospitals last year during the nationwide social distancing campaign in April. Meanwhile, her husband, an Alzheimer's patient, who was due to have a surgery in May canceled it due to worries over coronavirus. In the last few weeks, many medical facilities across the city have been hit by Covid-19, with their staff or visiting patients testing positive, forcing them to halt operations. Notably, the HCMC Hospital for Tropical Diseases in District 5, the city's frontline facility in the Covid-19 fight, was under lockdown after emerging as a coronavirus hotspot. "I hope my blood sugar level and my husband's health will be alright till we can visit hospitals again. This is so inconvenient and scary," Luong said with a sigh. For many people, staying at home for too long has created its own difficulties. "I know it is selfish to say this, but I am tired of staying at home all day. I want to go to coffee shops or gyms," said IT programmer Le Hoang Ha, who also said that he and his wife quarreled more when they were cooped up. Luong also said she and her husband, both in their 60s, were having "quarantine quarrels." "I want to go out to jog or even to shop at a nearby wet market. But such activities are impossible due to this virus, it makes me feel useless and bored," she lamented. Many workers like motorbike taxi drivers, lottery ticket vendors, earning significantly less amid the pandemic, are hit harder by the new semi-lockdown. Starting Friday, HCMC halts all lottery services, either via retailers or street vendors, as well as food and drink takeaways and motorcycle taxi services, traditional or ride-hailing, for 15 days. "I do not know what to say, this virus is cruel," said Le Thanh Sang, a motorbike taxi driver in District 11. After losing his job at a local glue manufacturer last year, Sang has worked as a motorbike taxi driver for eight months, earning around VND5 million ($217.35) per month. "Now the Covid nightmare begins," he said, tears in his eyes. People leave Saigon hours before the semi-lockdown comes into force. Photo by VnExpress/Tat Dinh. 'No pain, no cure' Most Saigonese are hoping that the 15-day semi-lockdown will "cure" the "Covid fever" in their city. "I am tired and scared, but I will strictly follow prevention rules and avoid going out to help Saigon be free of Covid," Luong said. Many other people also said they would follow the rules and support those in need to overcome the current Covid nightmare "for a healthy Saigon." In the next 15 days, 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. The city also asked the Department of Transport to propose to the Ministry of Transport that air and rail transport services to and from HCMC are restricted or suspended. "No pain no cure, my life has been turned upside down for a year because of the pandemic. But I can withstand a little more, for my Saigon," said Nhat, the District 1 resident. A medical worker holds up a vial containing the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa. Over 980,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses arrived in HCMC on Friday morning through both purchase agreement and foreign aid. A batch of 580,000 doses are part of 30 million purchased via contract by Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) from AstraZeneca, while the other 400,000 doses are among a million Japan gifted Vietnam. Ngo Chi Dung, chairman of the management board and general director of VNVC, said its 580,000 doses would be transferred to the Ministry of Health on a non-profit basis so it could be distributed to the people, especially those in coronavirus-hit areas. A representative with the Japanese embassy in Vietnam meanwhile said its 400,000 doses would be distributed by the Vietnamese government and its medical workforce. Japan has provided Vietnam with around 2 million vaccine doses, with shipments sent earlier on June 16 and July 2. Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, said the firm is expanding its vaccine production capabilities, adding it would cooperate with the health ministry, VNVC, WHO and UNICEF to provide Vietnam millions more vaccine doses in the coming months. So far, around 5.5 million AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine doses have been sent to Vietnam either through contracts, global vaccine access mechanism Covax or government aid, according to the firm. Vietnam's Covid-19 vaccination campaign since March has inoculated over 3.9 million people, with over 249,000 having received two shots. The country has recently updated its vaccination target, now aiming to inoculate at least half its population over 18 years of age within this year, and 70 percent of its entire population by April 2022. A set of an American soldier's remains is prepared to be flown home at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, July 9, 2021. Photo by the U.S. Consulate General in HCMC. Vietnam has returned a set of remains believed to belong to an American soldier who died in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) organized a handover ceremony at the Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi Friday. This was the first repatriation ceremony held at Gia Lam Airport since 1973, when over 500 American POWs were flown home during Operation Homecoming following the end of hostilities between the United States and Vietnam. Among those participating in the ceremony were the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi Christopher Klein, and representatives from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense whose mission is to recover U.S. military personnel listed as prisoners of war, or missing in action from designated past conflicts from countries around the world, and the U.S. MIA (missing-in-action) Office in Hanoi. The set of remains was found by a Vietnam-U.S. joint search team between April and July. The remains were examined by forensic experts in Hanoi, who concluded that they might be associated with U.S. soldiers missing during the war in Vietnam and recommended that they should be taken to the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's laboratory in Hawaii for further verification. VNOSMP director Le Chi Dung said at the ceremony that he highly appreciated the support of the U.S. in overcoming the consequences of war and reaffirmed the commitment of the Vietnamese government to continue humanitarian cooperation. Charge d'Affaires Klein thanked Vietnam for its long-term commitment to MIA-related activities and appreciated the cooperation between the two sides in ensuring that the search for missing people in Vietnam is not interrupted by the pandemic. The search for missing U.S. soldiers' remains from the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975, has been an ongoing humanitarian activity that Vietnam has engaged in since 1988. A woman has her sample taken for the new coronavirus test in HCMC's Go Vap District, July 6, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran. The local Covid-19 tally of Vietnam's ongoing wave was raised by 423 Friday morning to 21,289, with Ho Chi Minh City recording the most. The southern metropolis registered 350 new patients. Of them, 307 were detected in isolated areas and quarantined zones, and 43 are being contact traced. The remaining cases confirmed Friday morning are in nine other localities. HCMC's neighbor of Long An Province got 37 cases, with 16 in quarantined and isolated areas and 21 returning from the city. Dong Nai Province which also borders HCMC reported 15 cases, including 13 that have had contact with Covid-19 patients and two with unclear transmission sources. The central Phu Yen Province recorded six cases that are all associated with existing cases. Mekong Delta's An Giang Province registered five cases, with four having direct contact with previously confirmed patients and one in an area under lockdown. The central Khanh Hoa Province reported four cases, including three linked to a Covid-19 case and one with unknown infection source. The northern Bac Ninh Province got three cases that had returned from HCMC and Hanoi prior to their positive test results. The case in the northern Vinh Phuc is a 35-year-old woman returning from HCMC. The case in Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands is a 19-year-old man who had also visited HCMC. The case in Mekong Delta's Bac Lieu Province is a 28-year-old man related to a cluster at Binh Dien wholesale market in HCMC's District 8. Vietnam has recorded community infections in 57 of its 63 cities and provinces so far in its ongoing wave of Covid-19, which started on April 27 and has been the nation's most challenging one by far. HCMC accounts for most patients, with 9,416 cases. The country has vaccinated more than 3.98 million people against the new coronavirus, and 249,532 have got two doses. LONDON -- A book introducing the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been published in Britain, marking the centenary of the party. The Communist Party of China: A Concise History was published in English by ACA Publishing Limited on July 1. The content of the book is consistent with the Chinese version, which succinctly describes the extraordinary achievements and experiences of the CPC over the past century as it led the Chinese people and steered China towards national rejuvenation. "It offers readers the CPC's official account of its own dramatic history -- a narrative key to understanding the politics and policies of China in the 21st century," its online edition introduction reads. Martin Savery, editor-in-chief from ACA Publishing Ltd., told an online meeting "Film and Book: A Look into the Centenary of the Communist Party of China" held on Thursday, that the book is the latest in a series of party histories published in Chinese by the People's Publishing House and its translation was done by a team of six translators. James Trapp, one of the six translators, said it was a privilege to be involved in the translation of the book and hopes the work can help Western readers properly understand China and the CPC. "The great significance of this work is the opportunity it gives politicians, historians, sinologists and the general public to see directly into the workings of the government of this extraordinary country China, and to understand the way it sees internal and external events and how it reacts to them," said Trapp. Also at Thursday's meeting, British film publisher Trinity Cine Asia announced that the historical movie 1921-- which concentrates on the history of the first CPC Congress -- is scheduled to be released in cinemas across Britain and Ireland starting Friday. Xue Ling, director of China National Tourist Office in London, applauded the coincidental launch of both the book and the film, as "the book could provide further reading for those feeling not enough only with the film or for those who want to go deep into the history after watching the film." KYODO NEWS - Jul 9, 2021 - 12:23 | All, Japan As search efforts continue for 21 missing people following a large mudslide that hit a spa resort town in central Japan last weekend, experts and local authorities suspect improper accumulation of soil led to the fatal calamity. Local authorities say an estimated 54,000 cubic meters of soil which had been brought to a mountainside by a real estate management firm exacerbated the massive mudslide on July 3 in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, resulting in the death of nine people. Some 56,000 cubic meters of soil in total, mostly the soil left by the company, collapsed into a nearby river, traveling a distance of about 2 kilometers. Around 130 houses and buildings were destroyed or damaged. The real estate management firm based in nearby Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture, which acquired the mountainside lot in 2006, brought in soil exceeding the amount it reported to the local authority and also mixed industrial waste with it, according to the Shizuoka prefectural government. The now-liquidated company is also suspected of not installing drainage facilities at the site as required by a Shizuoka Prefecture ordinance, the prefectural government said. The real estate firm had said in a 2009 report to the prefectural government that it planned to install an underground pipe as drainage but such a device was not confirmed in photos or other materials taken after the mudslide, according to Deputy Shizuoka Gov. Takashi Namba. The firm was subject to multiple administrative directions by the prefectural and Atami city governments due to repeated inappropriate actions, the Shizuoka government said. For instance, the company had reported in 2009 its plan to pile up soil at the lot to a height of 15 meters, but the actual height of the soil reached some 50 meters shortly before the mudslide occurred, according to the prefectural government. The company also underreported the area of forests it cut down in the vicinity and was told by the prefectural government to restore it in 2007. The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan said soil at the site is estimated to have increased by some 56,000 cubic meters between 2009 and 2019 and that 85 percent, or about 48,000 cubic meters of the soil, may have flowed out in the latest mudslide. The authority, which made the prediction using data from airborne laser surveys, said a site that used to be a valley in 2009 had been raised to a height of up to some 13 meters in 2019 due to the accumulation of soil. Following the mudslide, the central government has moved to take steps to secure the safety of accumulated soil located nationwide, including discussing the creation of universal regulations. At present, Japan lacks comprehensive legal regulations covering soil accumulated for such purposes as residential land development or disposal of surplus soil. Local governments which have dealt with piled-up soil by ordinances have been calling on the central government to establish uniformed rules. "We need to establish firm rules and make sure they are followed by operators," land minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said, noting that accumulated soil not regulated by law poses a "high risk." Akaba said his ministry will discuss the matter with related government bodies including the forestry and environment ministries. The entities will also explore ways to inspect and reinforce land with accumulated soil in danger of collapse across the country. Masato Koyama, professor at Shizuoka University Center for Integrated Research and Education of Natural Hazards, meanwhile, warned of a recurrence of mudslides as there still remains around 20,000 cubic meters of fragile soil accumulated at the site. Koyama, who conducted an on-site investigation on Monday, said in his report that the soil which triggered the mudslide did not include volcanic rocks naturally seen in the area but consisted mainly of small stones mixed with sand, indicating it had been brought in from outside. He also concluded that as there were no large volcanic rocks found in the disaster-hit areas, the mudslide derived solely from the accumulated soil. Koyama estimated that some 55,000 cubic meters of the accumulated soil collapsed and caused the mudslide. "I suspect that the accumulated soil collapsed due to an increase in underground water caused by heavy rain," the professor said. Related coverage: Death toll from large mudslide in central Japan rises to 9 Rain, risk of another calamity hamper mudslide victim search in Japan 2 dead, some 20 missing in large mudslide southwest of Tokyo Associated Press Tony Stewart was like everyone else in U.S. motorsports this week, frequently checking social media to see Paul Tracy's latest theatrics in a one-sided war against NASCAR golden girl Hailie Deegan. Tracy has been furious or could he just be playing the heel in a made-for-TV racing league? because 19-year-old Deegan had the audacity to spin him at Slinger Speedway in Wisconsin last week in the fifth round of the Superstar Racing Experience. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31, after the Biden administration extended the date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes in many states. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent. Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access more than $45 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses. Advocates for tenants say the distribution of the money has been slow and that more time is needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants who are behind on their rents. As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households. Heres the situation in New Hampshire: BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents in a bid to ratchet up pressure on the government over concerns that certain vaccines don't provide adequate protection against the coronavirus. The offer of 20,000 free tests, available for Budapest residents over 60, came after many fully vaccinated people reported that tests they had undergone at private laboratories indicated that they hadn't developed antibodies to defend against COVID-19. Budapest Deputy Mayor Ambrus Kiss said those reports came primarily from people who received China's Sinopharm vaccine, convincing city leaders that there was a genuine problem." He said the government should consider offering third doses to those with inadequate immune response. If there is such a loss of confidence in certain vaccines, then the government needs to order a third dose and free up the capacities for giving them, Kiss told The Associated Press, adding that the tests are available to anyone over 60 regardless of which vaccine they received. We think the the more tests we perform, the more societal pressure there is for a third dose, Kiss said. The testing drive will continue next week, and initial results will likely be released next week with the full results expected by the end of the month. VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Lithuania began Friday to erect a fence along its border with Belarus to deter third country migrants from entering, a week after Vilnius declared a state of emergency to address a sharp rise in migratory flows which it says Belarusian authorities are encouraging. Relations between the two neighbors are tense following the August 2020 elections in Belarus, which were won by long-time President Alexander Lukashenko but have been widely condemned by the West as rigged. The vote results triggered months of protests and a harsh crackdown on the opposition by Lukashenko's authoritarian regime. Lithuania, which has backed and granted refuge to Belarus opposition figures, accuses its neighbor of organizing the border crossings by people mainly from Iraq, the Middle East and Africa. The double, barbed wire fence will run for 550 kilometers (342 miles), covering most of the nearly 680-kilometer (423-mile) frontier. It will cost 41 million euros ($48 million), according to Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite. In the past two months, more than 1,500 people have crossed into Lithuania 20 times more than in the whole of 2020. Our country must promote educational opportunity across the full breadth of our population. Denying children an education because of their skin color is profoundly unjust. Everyone in 2021 can agree on that. Thats why its appropriate to know about Martha Reno and school conditions in her time. Such historical understanding informs us about important national values and strengthens present-day resolve to safeguard them. Here is another example from Schwalms studies. Following the Civil War, one of the most influential social organizations in the Midwest was the Grand Army of the Republic, the fraternal organization for Union veterans. The GAR repeatedly figures prominently in descriptions of Iowa and Nebraska history in the late 1800s. Yet, in the 1890s, Schwalm writes, black veterans living in Newton, Iowa, were denied membership when they tried to join the local GAR post. That was a disgrace. Those soldiers had faced enormous danger in the defense of freedom. Our military should extend respect and opportunity to Americans of all backgrounds. That applies to veterans organizations, too. Everyone in 2021 can agree on that. And so we can agree on the importance of understanding this part of our history. Much to learn Teaching history like I did is always problematic. Some Christians got upset because I taught Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism first and had to explain the course was still in BC times. The Pilgrims and Jamestown settlers were aided by the native Americans, only to have later generations force them off their land, which set a pattern of European immigrant expansion across the United States. The first black slaves were treated as indentured servants, but that practice quickly changed for economic reasons. And what about immigrants who didnt want to obey national laws, learn the language and support the Christian church? That was the founding of Texas by patriots who rebelled against Mexicos outlawing slavery. You need to stress context and what was considered normal during those times. History is messy and oft-times embarrassing to a country. Acknowledge the mistakes, but also show how the United States is a work in progress and is still changing to meet the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The fact that we still try to improve and allow different ideas/opinions is a testament to the greatness of our nation. Jeff Johnston, Elmwood, Neb. Why the lenience? Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni says there should be a "crackdown" on people who "are misemploying" social media. In a speech during the swearing-in of government ministers, Mr Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, said: Another problem we need to solve I dont think it is a security problem but it is an idiotic problem [is] the social media. Social media apparently has been saying that Museveni is dead. So the security service needs also to solve that problem. I need to check with them to locate quickly the one who tells such a story because you waste peoples time. Social media apparently has been saying that Museveni is dead. So the security service needs also to solve that problem. I need to check with them to locate quickly the one who tells such a story because you waste peoples time. They should go for you."They should go for you." He posted a clip of the speech on his Twitter account: We need to crack down on the people that are misemploying social media, including the Ugandans abroad. Many are now using it to spread baseless and tasteless news with total abandon. I call upon security to look into this. It must be stopped, get these people. pic.twitter.com/OmIjqEYhTs Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) July 8, 2021 In 2018, Mr Museveni argued that social media encouraged gossip and pushed for a social media tax to be introduced.In the run-up to January's elections, all social media sites were blocked. The government argued that it was necessary for security reasons.The block was then lifted in February with the exception of Facebook.Mr Museveni had ordered the blocking of Facebook because it had been reported that the social media company had taken down pages linked to the ministry of information.People in Uganda are still unable to access Facebook.The Computer Misuse Act has also been used to regulate social media use.Bloggers and those with big social media followings are required to register with the Uganda Communications Commission. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ugandan government has begun distributing Covid relief money to people affected by the second lockdown. About half a million people living in urban areas will benefit from the 53.7bn Ugandan shillings ($15m; 10m) set aside for the exercise. The money will be distributed through mobile money services with each beneficiary expected to receive $29. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched the exercise in the capital, Kampala. The beneficiaries will include slum dwellers, food vendors, waiters, club bouncers, restaurant workers, musicians, comedians, taxi drivers, single mothers, teachers and support staff in private schools as well as those in government schools who are not on the payroll. Many of them are unable to work because of the current lockdown restrictions. Beneficiaries without mobile phones, or whose phone details are not up to date, will receive receive the money from a local bank. By the start of the exercise on Thursday, just over 100,000 people had been verified to receive the money. About 1.4 million people received food items from the government during last year's lockdown. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Security Coordinator is expected to appear before the Ministerial Committee probing the Ejura shooting incident, at its sitting on Friday, July 09, 2021. Three other residents of Ejura in the Ashanti Region would also be making an appearance on the same day, Mr. Kwabia Owusu Mensah, Media Liaison Officer for the Committee, confirmed to the media in Kumasi. The Justice George Kingsley Koomson- Committee Chair, began its sitting on Tuesday, July 06, at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi. Witnesses so far invited included Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and Brigadier-General Joseph Aphour, General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The others are Lieutenant-Colonel Kwasi Ware Peprah, the Commanding Officer of the Fourth Infantry Battalion (4BN), GAF, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) David Agyemang Adjem, the Regional Deputy Police Commander and two Kumasi-based journalists. The rest are Mr. Salisu Bamba, Ejura Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), and other national security operatives. Two people, Nasiru Yussif and Murtala Mohammed, both in their 20s, lost their lives in the shooting incident and had since been buried in line with Islamic tradition. Four other people sustained gun-shot wounds in the violent demonstration, which led to the tragedy. The incident was sparked by the death of one Ibrahim Mohammed, alias Kaaka, 45, who was brutally murdered three days before the mayhem. In the heat of the riot, the protesters reportedly clashed with the security personnel leading to the death of the two young men. The other members of the Ministerial Committee include Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, a security expert, and Ms. Juliet Amoah, Executive Director of Penplusbyte, a Civil Society Organization (CSO), with Ms. Maria Louise Simmons, a Principal State Attorney, serving as Secretary to the Committee. The Committee has a ten-day mandate to complete its work and submit recommendations to the government. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo, says Switzerland can strengthen its existing economic ties with Ghana by supporting the effort of the Ghanaian government to expand the local cocoa processing and value addition sector. Such support, he explained, can be in the form of partnerships to establish more processing factories in Ghana to feed the international market with finished or semifinished processed cocoa. He added that other avenues which can be explored together include the promotion of organic and sustainable practices on cocoa farms; the modernisation of cocoa farming, particularly, through the provision of irrigation systems; and advocating for farmers to earn a decent income from their produce. The COCOBOD Boss made this call when he and the Swiss Minister for Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Simonetta Sommaruga, led a delegation to tour an organic cocoa farm, the Yayra Glover warehouse and the FairAfric factory at Suhum, in the Eastern Region. The tour was organised as part of a four-day working visit to Ghana by the Swiss Minister. Also on the tour was a delegation from the Swiss Embassy in Ghana, including the Ambassador, Philipp Stalder. Hon Aidoo said the visit by the Swiss Minister is timely because it has coincided with the period when Ghana is engaged in discussions with the European Union (EU) on sustainable cocoa production. He noted the policies of COCOBOD are aligned with the global common agenda to maintain and improve forests. As such, COCOBOD is championing the practice of agroforestry in Ghana. Cocoa trees, he stated, are forest trees which grow best in the company of other forest vegetation and that is why farmers grow other crops on their farms and as well, grow tall permanent shade trees. Satellite images reveal that the parts of Ghana which have lost most of their vegetation over the years are parts where cocoa is not grown but through cocoa agroforestry, these parts can be made green again and their vegetations restored, he said. COCOBOD, Hon Aidoo added, also teaches farmers the advantages of organic cocoa farming. The use of herbicides and weedicides on cocoa farms have also been banned because of their negative effect on biodiversity. The Swiss Minister, Simonetta Sommaruga, acknowledged the importance of Ghanas cocoa sector to Switzerland. She stated with the growth in global demand for more organic products, it is important that Ghana continues to encourage more organic cocoa cultivation. She said, she was in the country because Ghana and Switzerland have signed an agreement on climate change which means that her country will invest in climate protection projects in Ghana. This agreement is good for both Ghana and Switzerland, she noted, and for sustainable investments. Im very glad because cooperation between our two countries works very well. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Rev Ntim Fordjour has urged industry players in the cocoa value chain to undertake social investment into positioning wards of cocoa farmers in underserved communities to contribute meaningfully to the industry in the future. He urged Cargill and other industry players to support Gifted and Talented wards of cocoa farmers through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics pathways so as to attain essentials skills in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Process Control, Food Processing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Science, and such other skills required in the cocoa industry. This was contained in a message he delivered on behalf of Hon Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education today Friday, July 9, at Adjei Kojo where Cargill launched the construction of 6 basic schools in cocoa-growing communities. Rev Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister of Education recounted how as a son of cocoa farmers, he struggled to access Education. "Growing up in an underserved cocoa farming community called Assin Kruwa, I and my friends who are also children of cocoa farmers were resolved in our dream to someday contribute meaningfully to nation-building and transform the cocoa sector. But today, I stand here alone as an Engineer, Policy Analyst, and Deputy Minister of Education, not because I was the most intelligent among my friends in the village, but because I had access to Education. Many of my friends and cousins couldn't afford Education. Today, the narrative has changed by the visionary intervention of Free SHS by President Akufo-Addo." The Deputy Minister of Education indicated that a total of 2007 school infrastructure projects in pre-tertiary schools were commenced since 2017, out of which 60% have been completed with the rest expected to be completed soon. The government has committed further investment into addressing school infrastructure deficits. However, interventions by the private sector will also be in the right direction to compliment the efforts of government. He indicated that the most productive form of corporate social responsibility is Investment into Education and urged other industry players to emulate. The 6 basic schools being constructed by Cargill in conjunction with CARE International are located in Adjei Kojo, Fordjourkrom, Fofiekrom, Fahiakobo, Juabo, and Lineso. Present at the ceremony were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Hon Okyere Baafi, MP for Tema West, Hon Carlos Ahenkorah among, and Heads of Diplomatic Missions. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Interior Minister Ambrose Dery has admitted that Fire Service Officers in Akyem Begoro recently had to convey fire extinguishers, and travel in a taxi cab to put out fire. He said the tender to be used was out of commission. The Fire Service Officers went to the fire scene in a taxi cab with fire extinguishers to put out the fire because at the time of the incident, the station water tender number FS706 was temporarily out of commission, the Interior Minister told Parliament in Accra on Thursday. The Minister gave the explanation in answer to a question by Mr Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi who wanted to know the circumstances under which Fire Service officers in Akyem Begoro travelled in a taxi with fire extinguishers to put out fire. The Minister said: On Thursday 27th May 2021 at 1025 hours, a distress call was received at the Begoro Fire Station reporting an outbreak of fire at Bethlehem, a suburb of Akyem Begoro invoking a single room apartment. Mr Dery said fire officers responded to the call, and a seven-member crew was dispatched to the fire scene in a taxi cab, since the stations water tender was temporarily out of commission. According to the Minister, the crew got to the scene ad used four 6kg Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguishers and buckets of water from members in the community to douse the fire and to prevent it from further spreading to adjoining buildings. The Bunso Fire Station, he said, was called in as a stop-gap measure, but when the crew got to the scene, people in the community had already brought the fire under control. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Executive Secretary of ASEPA, Mr. Mensah Thompson says the recommendation by the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee to pay salaries to the first and second ladies of Ghana is unlawful. According to him, it would not have been a bad idea to pay salaries to the First and the Second Ladies of the land except that the term of the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee was to review the salaries and emoluments of only Article 71 officeholders. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Mensah Thompson maintained that the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee does not have the capacity to review the salaries and emoluments of anybody who does not fall under the Article 71 officeholders. He added that there are certain public office holders that the constitution recognizes as Article 71 officeholders, making the term of reference very clear to the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee to work with. He, therefore, asserted that the Committee does not have the mandate to recommend salaries of the Parliamentary workers, Presidential Staffers and Public workers; hence, the recommendation for salaries to be paid to the first and second ladies and also put them on the same salaries as Cabinet Ministers illegal. Once the recommendation of the Committee is illegal or unlawful, that means any approval from the Parliament or the President is null and void. We are going to the Supreme Court and it is not even a matter of interpretation because the constitution is so clear on who is an Article 71 office holder, he posited. He mentioned that the constitution has listed the people who fall within the Article 71 officeholder, hence, their intention to go to the Supreme Court will not be a matter of interpretation anymore but rather a matter of enforcing the law. It is a matter of constitutional declaration, that the Supreme Court should make a declaration that the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee went outside its purview to recommend salaries for the First and the Second Ladies . . . the recommendation was unlawful. Once, the recommendation was unlawful, any approval by the President or Parliament is also unlawful and illegal and also null and void," he claimed. He, however, made it clear that his office, will also file a motion of interlocutory injunction on the implementation of the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committees recommendation in respect of the salaries of the First and Second Ladies until such a time that the Court will make a full determination of the matter. Watch video below Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A group of 28 foreign mercenaries, including retired Colombian soldiers, assassinated Haitis President Jovenel Moise earlier this week, police has said. Most were detained after a gun battle at a house in the capital Port-au-Prince where they were holed up. Bloodied and bruised, suspects were paraded in front of media on Thursday, along with a slew of seized weapons. Eight more suspects are still on the run and three others were shot dead by police officers. Police say they are still searching for the masterminds behind the attack. In the early hours of Wednesday, a group of gunmen broke into the presidents home in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and shot him and his wife. Mr Moise was found lying on his back with 12 bullet wounds and a gouged eye, and died at the scene, according to authorities. His wife Martine was seriously injured and has been flown to Florida for treatment, where she is said to be in a stable condition. Police said the hit squad included 15 Colombians and two Haitian-Americans. Angry civilians had joined in the search for the gunmen, and helped police track down some of them who were hiding in bushes. We Haitians are appalled, we do not accept it, one man told AFP news agency. We are ready to help because we need to know who is behind this, their names, their background so that justice can do its job. The crowd later set fire to three of the suspects cars and destroyed evidence. The police chief called for calm, saying the public should not take the law into their own hands. Taiwan confirmed that 11 of the suspects were arrested at its embassy, where they had broken into one of its courtyards. The motive for the attack is still unclear. However, Haitis interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph told the BBC that the 53-year-old president may have been targeted because he was fighting corruption. At the news conference on Thursday, police also showed reporters Colombian passports. Foreigners came to our country to kill the president, Mr Charles said, as the suspects sat on the floor behind him in handcuffs. Colombias government has confirmed that at least six of the suspects appeared to be retired members of its military. It has pledged to assist Haiti with its investigation efforts. The US state department, meanwhile, said it could not confirm if any of its citizens had been detained. However US and Canadian media are reporting that one of the dual citizens arrested, James Solages, 35, is from Florida and was a former bodyguard at the Canadian embassy in Haiti. An investigating judge told local media that Mr Solages and the other US citizen, named as Joseph Vincent, had said they were there as translators for the mercenaries, after finding the job on the internet. The mission was to arrest President Jovenel Moise and not to kill him, Judge Clement Noel told Haitis Le Nouvelliste newspaper. The killing has triggered some civil unrest in what is the poorest nation in the Americas. A state of emergency remains in force across the country, while the Dominican Republic which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti has closed its border. Source: yahoo Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has expressed disgust over the dissenting views on the payment of salaries to First and Second Ladies in the country. Parliament has officially approved that wives of the President and Vice President should be paid for their services to the country. However, before the approval of this arrangement, the President and Vice President's spouses have already been receiving allowances. This arrangement was instituted by the erstwhile Kufour government to ensure that the First and Second Ladies are well catered for when their husbands are in government and out of power. Opposition But the Parliamentary approval has been widely met with opposition from some members of the Minority in Parliament and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as well as the general public. NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram constituency, Sam Nartey George has indicated he will be heading to court to challenge this government's decision. "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, your 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. Also, NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Abronye DC has dragged the Attorney General to the Supreme Court over the decision. He's prayed the Supreme Court for a declaration that, the approval by Parliament to pay salaries to the First and Second Ladies is inconsistent with ARTICLE 71 CLAUSES 1 AND 2 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and consequently be declared null, void and unenforceable and also wants the court to order that, per Articles 108 and 178 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; parliament cannot, on its own accord, initiate or approve payment of any such emoluments; which would necessarily be paid from public funds; without a bill to that effect emanating from and introduced by the Government and duly passed into law. Dr. Okoe Boye Replies Opposition Addressing the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Dr. Okoe Boye wondered why this matter should be a topic for discussion, stating there's nothing new about the government's decision to pay the First and Second Ladies. He indicated that First Ladies of the Republic from previous governments till date have already been receiving allowances or what some call 'salary' but, his problem, is that it has always been done in secrecy. He noted that what Parliament has now done is to formalize the payment ensuring the First and Second Ladies' receipt of their allowances is no more than passed, "under the table" where no one knows how much they receive from the State. To him, making it open is the best way. He, therefore, lambasted the opponents claiming they only seek to score political points with this move to officially pay the First and Second Ladies. "Is this how you want to build your country? . . . How can you, for 28 years, be giving money to spouses or First Ladies . . . by passing it under the table?", he queried. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In celebration of the 500 years of Cebuano heroism and the 148th birthday of Cebu hero Leon Kilat, the Department of Education Region 7 (DepEd 7), Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel and other heritage institutions will hold a Cebu island-wide Virtual On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest on July 14, 2021. Grades 7 to 12 student-contestants from public and private schools in the Cebu island will tackle Cebuano heroism with the specific topic to be announced virtually during the contest proper. The following are the members of the Board of Judges: Connie Fernandez, Visayas Bureau Chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Lucky Malicay, Editor-in-Chief of The Freeman; Max Limpag of MyCebu.ph; Michelle So, Executive Editor of SunStar Daily; and Dr. Rene Escalante, Chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The judges will also share their insights on the essay writing contest during their evaluation of the writing pieces. The activity is in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Quincentennial Committee, Museo Sugbo, Central Visayas Association of Museums, and Diyandi Heritage Center. The entries will be displayed in Palm Grass, The Cebu Heritage Hotel's physical exhibit from July 16 to July 31, 2021. There will also be a virtual exhibit where the Netizens Choice Award will be given to the essay with the most number of reactions. This contest that will also highlight the Katipunans 129th founding anniversary, will have the awarding of winners during the July 27 event, Leon@148: Celebrating the magic of 500 years of Cebuano heroism. The opening program of the contest will be live streamed through the official Facebook page of Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel and its event partners. For more information on the mechanics of the contest, call (032) 412-2438, email tres_de_abril@palmgrasshotel.com.ph, or visit the event page on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/1xIdueL0F (PR) This illustration shows SS 433, a black hole or neutron star, as it pulls material away from its companion star. The stellar material forms a disk around SS 433, and some of the material is ejected into space in the form of two thin jets (pink) traveling in opposite directions away from SS 433. Credit: DESY/Science Communication Lab It's hard to miss a flashlight beam pointed straight at you. But that beam viewed from the side appears significantly dimmer. The same holds true for some cosmic objects: Like a flashlight, they radiate primarily in one direction, and they look dramatically different depending on whether the beam points away from Earth (and nearby space telescopes) or straight at it. New data from NASA's NuSTAR space observatory indicates that this phenomenon holds true for some of the most prominent X-ray emitters in the local universe: ultraluminous X-ray sources, or ULXs. Most cosmic objects, including stars, radiate little X-ray light, particularly in the high-energy range seen by NuSTAR. ULXs, by contrast, are like X-ray lighthouses cutting through the darkness. To be considered a ULX, a source must have an X-ray luminosity that is about a million times brighter than the total light output of the Sun (at all wavelengths). ULXs are so bright, they can be seen millions of light-years away, in other galaxies. The new study shows that the object known as SS 433, located in the Milky Way galaxy and only about 20,000 light-years from Earth, is a ULX, even though it appears to be about 1,000 times dimmer than the minimum threshold to be considered one. This faintness is a trick of perspective, according to the study: The high-energy X-rays from SS 433 are initially confined within two cones of gas extending outward from opposite sides of the central object. These cones are similar to a mirrored bowl that surrounds a flashlight bulb: They corral the X-ray light from SS 433 into a narrow beam, until it escapes and is detected by NuSTAR. But because the cones are not pointing directly at Earth, NuSTAR can't see the object's full brightness. If a ULX relatively close to Earth can hide its true brightness because of how it is oriented, then there are likely more ULXs particularly in other galaxies disguised in a similar way. That means the total ULX population should be far larger than scientists currently observe. This animation illustrates how SS 433 -- which contains a bright light source surrounded by two bowl-shaped structures -- tilts back and forth in its orbit. As with a flashlight, the light of SS 433 appears much dimmer when viewed from the side. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Cone of Darkness About 500 ULXs have been found in other galaxies, and their distance from Earth means it's often nearly impossible to tell what type of object generates the X-ray emission. The X-rays likely come from a large amount of gas being heated to extreme temperatures as it is pulled in by the gravity of a very dense object. That object could be either a neutron star (the remains of a collapsed star) or a small black hole, one that is no more than about 30 times the mass of our Sun. The gas forms a disk around the object, like water circling a drain. Friction in the disk drives up the temperature, causing it to radiate, sometimes growing so hot that the system erupts with X-rays. The faster the material falls onto the central object, the brighter the X-rays. Astronomers suspect that the object at the heart of SS 433 is a black hole about 10 times the mass of our Sun. What's known for sure is that it is cannibalizing a large nearby star, its gravity siphoning away material at a rapid rate: In a single year SS 433 steals the equivalent of about 30 times the mass of Earth from its neighbor, which makes it the greediest black hole or neutron star known in our galaxy. "It's been known for a long time that this thing is eating at a phenomenal rate," said Middleton. "This is what sets ULXs apart from other objects, and it's likely the root cause of the copious amounts of X-rays we see from them." The object in SS 433 has eyes bigger than its stomach: It's stealing more material than it can consume. Some of the excess material gets blown off the disk and forms two hemispheres on opposite sides of the disk. Within each one is a cone-shaped void that opens up into space. These are the cones that corral the high-energy X-ray light into a beam. Anyone looking straight down one of the cones would see an obvious ULX. Though composed only of gas, the cones are so thick and massive that they act like lead paneling in an X-ray screening room and block X-rays from passing through them out to the side. The cosmic object SS 433 contains a bright source of X-ray light surrounded by two hemispheres of hot gas. The gas corrals the light into beams pointing in opposite directions away from the source. SS 433 tilts periodically, causing one X-ray beam to point toward Earth. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Scientists have suspected that some ULXs might be hidden from view for this reason. SS 433 provided a unique chance to test this idea because, like a top, it wobbles on its axis a process astronomers call precession. Most of the time, both of SS 433's cones point well away from Earth. But because of the way SS 433 precesses, one cone periodically tilts slightly toward Earth, so scientists can see a little bit of the X-ray light coming out of the top of the cone. In the new study, the scientists looked at how the X-rays seen by NuSTAR change as SS 433 moves. They show that if the cone continued to tilt toward Earth so that scientists could peer straight down it, they would see enough X-ray light to officially call SS 433 a ULX. Black holes that feed at extreme rates have shaped the history of our universe. Supermassive black holes, which are millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun, can profoundly affect their host galaxy when they feed. Early in the universe's history, some of these massive black holes may have fed as fast as SS 433, releasing huge amounts of radiation that reshaped local environments. Outflows (like the cones in SS 433) redistributed matter that could eventually form stars and other objects. Illustration of the NuSTAR spacecraft, which has a 30-foot (10 meter) mast that separate the optics modules (right) from the detectors in the focal plane (left). This separation is necessary for the method used to detect X-rays. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech But because these quickly consuming behemoths reside in incredibly distant galaxies (the one at the heart of the Milky Way isn't currently eating much), they remain difficult to study. With SS 433, scientists have found a miniature example of this process, much closer to home and much easier to study, and NuSTAR has provided new insights into the activity occurring there. "When we launched NuSTAR, I don't think anyone expected that ULXs would be such a rich area of research for us," said Fiona Harrison, principal investigator for NuSTAR and a professor of physics at Caltech in Pasadena, California. "But NuSTAR is unique in that it can see almost the whole range of X-ray wavelengths emitted by these objects, and that gives us insight into the extreme processes that must be driving them." NuSTAR is a Small Explorer mission led by Caltech and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech, for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. NuSTAR was developed in partnership with the Danish Technical University and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The spacecraft was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Virginia (now part of Northrop Grumman). NuSTAR's mission operations center is at the University of California, Berkeley, and the official data archive is at NASA's High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center. ASI provides the mission's ground station and a mirror archive. Explore further NASA satellite spots a mystery that's gone in a flash Credit: Tarcisio Schnaider / shutterstock Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon made global headlines in 2019, thanks to massive wildfires and the election of anti-environmentalist president Jair Bolsonaro. Brazilians took to the streets against it, and retailers and consumers threatened to boycott Brazilian products. But while the pandemic has dominated the headlines in 2020 and 2021, deforestation continues to rise. With polls showing Bolsonaro could lose the 2022 election, would a change in government help? To understand why deforestation is increasing in Brazil we must look at changes in environmental protection since Bolsonaro came to office, but we must also delve into some structural issues that won't be resolved easilyeven by a different president. Ups and downs In the late 1960s, the federal government made a strategic decision to occupy the Amazon region. It wanted to guarantee sovereignty over the territory, while reducing pressure for land reform in southern Brazil and integrating the country's remaining frontier region into modern capitalism. People were encouraged with fiscal incentives and new land property rules to replace the forest with pasture for livestock. Deforestation increased faster around newly built roads and dams, as well in areas better connected to consumer markets. Between 1988 and 2004, an average of 20,000km of forest was cut each year. In the mid-2000s, a new federal administration, led in the ministry of the environment by ex-rubber tapper Marina Silva, took office, with a different agenda for the forest. It created new conservation areas and strengthened law enforcement. Transnational initiatives such as the soy moratorium, the UN's Redd (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) program and the Amazon Fund added incentives to keep the forest standing. By the end of the 2000s, the amount of deforestation had substantially declined, reaching its lowest point of 4,571km in 2012. 10,000km Amazon deforestation in 2020 is about the size of Lebanon or Jamaica. Credit: TerraBrasilis / INPE, CC BY-SA Numbers start to increase again by 2015, partly because a rising economic crisis and the Car Wash corruption scandal meant there were different domestic priorities. Bolsonaro was elected and he appointed people aligned to his anti-environment rhetoric to key positions in the ministries and governmental agencies. They defunded deforestation monitoring, halted deforestation law enforcement and left offenders unpunished, arguing that it had created an "industry of fines". Bolsonaro and his appointees acted continuously to revoke environmental protection policies, including those for indigenous land. In 2019, the amount of deforestation reached 10,000km and remains high. The number of fires has also increased, and in 2021 is expected to be the highest since 2007. Two views on development and the Amazon Two different views on development underline the different positions on deforestation. The first says that the forest is an obstacle to development. Development in this view requires modern activitiesincluding agriculture and miningto replace the wild, allowing income for local populations and furthering the country's position in the global economy. The second view says that the forest has value in itself, both locally and globally. It is home to biodiversity and traditional living styles that cannot be replaced. In addition, it plays a role in regional climatic patterns and Earth systems regulation so should be preserved. The Amazon cant take it anymore: sign at a protest in Rio de Janeiro, 2019. Credit: Andre Luiz Moreira / shutterstock Most groups in Brazilian society defend a combination of both views. This is true even of a substantial part of the agribusiness sector, which is aware of consumer pressure and the long-term consequences of deforestation. Yet minority groups aligned with an extreme interpretation of the first view have always played a role in Brazilian politics. In 2018, these groups, represented by the likes of extreme-right party PSL, won more seats in the federal parliament. Combined with Bolsonaro's election, this meant their voice and agenda gained priority in policy-making. Is replacing Bolsonaro the solution? Replacing Bolsonaro would likely reduce the rate of deforestation in the short term. None of the other candidates expected to run in the 2022 election share his extreme views on science, the environment and the law, while Brazil's president does have considerable power to set political priorities and appoint key environmental roles. However to reduce deforestation in the long run, at least three structural issues need to be tackled. The first concerns enforcement of land tenure rules. In rural private properties in the Amazon, native vegetation should be kept in 80% of the land. The law requires all private rural properties in Brazil to be registered with georeferencing and to restore native vegetation if needed, but more than a third of farmland is yet to be registered in the system, part of it in the Amazon. Florestas Nao Destinadas: areas in light green are still non-designated. Credit: Servico Florestal Brasileiro, CC BY-SA Land grabbing also needs to be punished, not rewarded. A substantial amount of land in the Amazon is still non-designated, meaning its legal status as public or private land is not yet determined, and no law applies to it. Land grabbers invade these areas, deforest them and later claim it as their propertythese claims are usually granted due to lax monitoring and laws. Finally, traditional and indigenous populations need better protection, while Brazil must take a new development path that inserts the region in the contemporary economy without cutting the forest, like Amazonia 4.0. The latter will weaken support for old-fashioned ideas of forest versus development, reducing the appeal of Bolsonaro's anti-environmental rhetoric for many people. Explore further Worst June for Brazil Amazon forest fires since 2007: data This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: University of Michigan In an article published in the journal RNA, Karan Bedi, a bioinformatician in Mats Ljungman's lab, Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan Medical School, investigated the efficiency of splicing across different human cell types. The results were surprising in that the splicing process appears to be quite inefficient, leaving most intronic sequences untouched as the transcripts are being synthesized. The study also reports variable patterns between the different introns within a gene and across cell lines, and it further highlights the complexity of how newly transcripts are processed into mature mRNAs. Several processes take place to produce mature mRNAs that then can be exported to the cytoplasm and used as a template for protein synthesis. After initiation of transcription and the go-ahead of elongation to produce the pre-mRNA, introns need to be spliced out and the protein-coding exons connected. At first, pre-mRNA is made as a complementary sequence of the DNA but with slightly different chemistry and includes all the introns. Then the spliceosome machinery, made up of about 300 proteins, assembles "co-transcriptionally" at each intron junction as the RNA emerges from its synthesis. "Splicing is an incredibly complex process because of the great number of proteins involved that repeatedly need to assemble and disassemble at each junction. Also, the speed at which transcription generates RNA is quite fast so the splicing process has to be well organized. Many steps can go wrong and lead to various pathologies, which is why it is so important to have a better understanding of how splicing happens and how it is regulated," said Bedi. The team started their study by analyzing the large set of Bru-seq data that the Ljungman lab has accumulated over the last 10 years and settled on six cell lines that had deep enough data for a comprehensive analysis of splicing efficiencies genome-wide. The Bru-seq technology was developed in the Ljungman lab and is based on the selective capturing of newly synthesized RNA tagged with bromouridine. Once collected, the nascent Bru-labeled RNAs were sequenced at the University of Michigan Advanced Genomics Core, and Bedi used a custom-designed computational analysis pipeline to analyze the splicing efficiencies across these data sets. "You have to be able to use samples with a sufficient read-depth to analyze the splicing efficiencies at the junctions between introns and exons," explained Bedi. To do so, he combined sequencing data from many experiments. In addition to the 300 proteins that remove the introns, other regulating factors participate in the splicing process. The authors identified a number of RNA-binding proteins that have been shown to have variable degrees of binding to introns, or the exon, or to the junction between them. Bedi concluded his interview with a puzzling question opened for investigation: to have a protein, the cell needs mRNAs that are properly spliced. Why, then, would the cell waste so much energy into making RNAs that are imprecisely spliced? Ljungman points out that the inclusion of introns in our genes has served an important purpose during the evolution of higher eukaryotes in that it allowed for an increased protein diversity by the "re-shuffling" of the coding exon sequences. "If splicing was fully accurate and efficient every time, the diversity of protein-coding sequences would be much lower and thus, we believe, evolution must have shaped a certain degree of 'sloppiness' into the splicing process. Our study is the most comprehensive study of co-transcriptional splicing genome-wide to date and it clearly documents the variability of the splicing process across genes and cell types," added Ljungman. Splicing is an area of research where much is still to be explored and discovered. Fundamental biology questions and technology development go hand in hand to find answers that contribute to the understanding of the splicing process and for the development of cures for various diseases caused by aberrant splicing. Mats Ljugman is Professor of Radiation Oncology and of Environmental Health Sciences, and director of the Bru-Seq lab. He is also co-director of the University of Michigan Center for RNA Biomedicine of which the Bru-Seq lab is one of its two core facilities. Areas of expertise of this lab are RNA isolation, cDNA library preparation, and sequencing data analysis. The Bru-Seq lab serves researchers from the University of Michigan, and other institutions in the United States and around the world. Explore further Researchers make key finding related to pre-mRNA splicing More information: Karan Bedi et al, Cotranscriptional splicing efficiencies differ within genes and between cell types, RNA (2021). Karan Bedi et al, Cotranscriptional splicing efficiencies differ within genes and between cell types,(2021). DOI: 10.1261/rna.078662.120 A stacked image of Photinus carolinus at the Smokey Mountains. Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder A trio of researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder, has found the secret to fireflies flashing in unison: interacting locally through an active network of visual connections. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, Raphael Sarfati, Julie Hayes and Orit Peleg, describe their study of the glowing insects in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, and what they learned about them. For many years, anecdotal evidence has suggested that fireflies sometimes flash their lights in unisonbut it was only recently that scientific study of the phenomenon showed it to be true. Fireflies, like some schools of fish, are able to synchronize their behavior. In the case of fireflies, it was noted that the synchronized flashing only seemed to occur when a swarm reached a certain density. In this new effort, the researchers sought to learn more about fireflies hoping to figure out how they were able to manage synchronizing their flashing. The work by the team involved venturing to the Great Smokey Mountains, a region known for its spectacular lightning bugs displays. To properly capture the flashing by the bugs, the researchers set up two cameras on a well-chosen site, where swarms of fireflies were known to conduct light flashing in unison on a regular basis. The two cameras were positioned in a way to allow for overlap, a means of capturing the action as a three-dimensional video. They also added another two cameras that allowed for capturing the light show from the perspective of the fireflies. Abstract illustration of tracking individual fireflies. Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder Back at their lab, the researchers merged their camera feeds into a 3D cone that allowed them to see that the flashes originated within one part of the swarm and cascading as a wave through the other members of the swarmsimilar, they noted, to how synchronous swimming occurs with some species of fish. They also found that sometimes the synchronous flashing would occur in bursts, with a single individual setting off a chain reaction. The researchers suggest flashing in such ways indicates that the bugs are using line-of-sight as a means of synchronizationone of them sees its neighbor light up, so it does too. They also suggest that more work needs to be done to figure out how the fireflies decide to flash in unison. Illustration of the spatial propagation of the onset of a collective flash . Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder Illustration of tracking individual fireflies. Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder Natural flashes of Photinus carolinus at the Smokey Mountains from a perspective of a 360 camera. Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder Setting up our cameras at the Smokey Mountains. Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder Illustration of reconstructing the locations of flashes in 3-dimensions. Credit: Peleg Lab at CU Boulder Explore further Inside the secret lives of synchronous fireflies More information: Raphael Sarfati et al, Self-organization in natural swarms of Photinus carolinus synchronous fireflies, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Raphael Sarfati et al, Self-organization in natural swarms of Photinus carolinus synchronous fireflies,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9259 2021 Science X Network Jeff Bezos (L) and Richard Branson (R) launched Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic in the early 2000s, and now both men stand on the verge of lift-off themselves, mere days apart. Two vessels, two companies, with one goal: blasting their billionaire founders into space. Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos launched Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin in the early 2000s, and now both men stand on the verge of lift-off themselves, mere days apart. The result of both an overlap in the companies' development timelines and the pair's fierce rivalry, the launches mark a milestone in the nascent space tourism industry. While the tycoons are among the first passengers, their ultimate goal is to allow hundreds of (wealthy) clients to admire with their own eyes, for a few minutes, the curvature of the Earth. They won't be the first billionaires in space. Hungarian-American Charles Simonyi and Guy Laliberte, the Canadian co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, spent several days aboard the International Space Station in 2007 and 2009 respectively, but made the trip on Russian Soyuz rockets. Bezos and Branson will be the first to hitch a ride with private space companieswhich they themselves created. "It's just an incredible, wonderful coincidence that we're going up in the same month," Britain's Branson told The Washington Post in an interview, adding that his decision to move up his spaceflight to July 11 was "honestly not" intended to best the Amazon founder, whose voyage is slated for July 20. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, wearing his company's astronaut space suit. 'Become an astronaut' Branson's flight takes off Sunday from a base in New Mexico called SpacePort America. The time has not yet been announced, but the company said a livestream will begin at 7:00 am local time (1300 GMT). A carrier plane takes off from a runway, then lets go of the spaceship, baptized VSS Unity, at 50,000 feet (15,000 meters). VSS Unity's two pilots ignite its rocket engines, propelling the craft to Mach 3 above the 50 miles (80 km) altitude considered the boundary of space by the United States. The passengers, Branson and three other Virgin Galactic employees, will be able to unbuckle and experience weightlessness for a few minutes. The ship finally glides back to the original runway. Branson's role: evaluate the experience for future clients, expected from 2022. About 600 people have already bought tickets, ranging in price from $200,000 to $250,000. "When we return, I will announce something very exciting to give more people the chance to become an astronaut," he has promised. In this handout photo provided by Virgin Galactic on June 22, 2021, the VSS Unity is seen in space over New Mexico. Minimal training Blue Origin's voyage launches on July 20, the anniversary of the first Moon landing in 1969. The reusable rocket system is named New Shepard in honor of Alan Shepard, the first American in space. After lift-off, the capsule, which carries up to six crew members, separates from its booster, then spends four minutes at an altitude exceeding 60 miles (100 kilometers)also known as the Karman line, the internationally accepted border of space. By comparison, commercial planes generally fly at an altitude of six miles (10 kilometers). The booster lands autonomously on a pad two miles from the launch site, and the capsule floats back to the surface with three large parachutes that slow it down to about a mile an hour when it lands. On board will be the Amazon founder, his brother Mark, 82-year-old female aviator Wally Funk, and the mystery winner of an auctioned ticket that sold for $28 million. After lift-off, the capsule, which carries up to six crew members, separates from its booster, then spends four minutes at an altitude exceeding 60 miles (100 kilometers)also known as the Karman line, the recognized border of space. It will be New Shepard's first crewed launch. Virgin Galactic has had three crewed flights including pilots, and even a passenger. Unlike rival SpaceX, which foresees more ambitious trips for tourists that will last several days, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin's so-called suborbital flights require minimal training. But after being heralded as imminent for years, the advent of space tourism remains dependent on the complete success of these tests. In 2014, a Virgin Galactic spacecraft crash caused the death of a pilot, significantly delaying the program. Another tragic event of this kind could well put an end to it. Explore further Richard Branson announces trip to space, ahead of Jeff Bezos 2021 AFP Credit: RAL / OU / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center A new instrument that will fly to the moon has been delivered to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The Peregrine Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS), led by Principal Investigator Dr. Barbara Cohen at NASA Goddard, was built and tested in collaboration with the European Space Agency, The Open University and RAL Space in the United Kingdom, and delivered to NASA Goddard in late June. The instrument will explore how water molecules, possibly created on the surface by the solar wind, are released and move around the moon as the lunar surface heats up during the sunny part of the lunar day. PITMS will be delivered to the moon by Astrobotic, one of the companies under contract for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. Commercial companies will deliver dozens of new instruments and technology experiments to the moon throughout NASA's Artemis program. Artemis missions include both robotic and human exploration on and around the moon that will prepare humanity for our next giant leapsending astronauts to Mars. Explore further Image: The heart of a lunar sensor An image of one of the fragments of the Winchcombe meteorite. Credit: Trustee of the Natural History Museum Scientists are set to uncover the secrets of a rare meteorite and possibly the origins of oceans and life on Earth, thanks to Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funding. Research carried out on the meteorite, which fell in the UK earlier this year, suggests that the space rock dates back to the beginning of the Solar System, 4.5 billion years ago. The meteorite has now been officially classified, thanks in part to the STFC-funded studies on the sample. The Winchcombe meteorite, aptly named after the Gloucestershire town where it landed, is an extremely rare type called a carbonaceous chondrite. It is a stony meteorite, rich in water and organic matter, which has retained its chemistry from the formation of the solar system. Initial analyses showing Winchcombe to be a member of the CM ("Mighei-like") group of carbonaceous chondrites have now been formally approved by the Meteoritical Society. STFC provided an urgency grant in order to help fund the work of planetary scientists across the UK. The funding has enabled the Natural History Museum to invest in state-of-the-art curation facilities to preserve the meteorite, and also supported time-sensitive mineralogical and organic analyses in specialist laboratories at several leading UK institutions. Dr. Ashley King, a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Natural History Museum, said: "We are grateful for the funding STFC has provided. Winchcombe is the first meteorite fall to be recovered in the UK for 30 years and the first ever carbonaceous chondrite to be recovered in our country. STFC's funding is aiding us with this unique opportunity to discover the origins of water and life on Earth. Through the funding, we have been able to invest in state-of-the-art equipment that has contributed to our analysis and research into the Winchcombe meteorite." The meteorite was tracked using images and video footage from the UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll), a collaboration between the UK's meteor camera networks that includes the UK Fireball Network, which is funded by STFC. Fragments were then quickly located and recovered. Since the discovery, UK scientists have been studying Winchcombe to understand its mineralogy and chemistry to learn about how the Solar System formed. Dr. Luke Daly from the University of Glasgow and co-lead of the UK Fireball Network, said: "Being able to investigate Winchcombe is a dream come true. Many of us have spent our entire careers studying this type of rare meteorite. We are also involved in JAXA's Hayabusa2 and NASA's OSIRIS-REx missions, which aim to return pristine samples of carbonaceous asteroids to the Earth. For a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite to fall in the UK, and for it to be recovered so quickly and have a known orbit, is a really special event and a fantastic opportunity for the UK planetary science community." Funding from STFC enabled scientists to quickly begin the search for signs of water and organics in Winchcombe before it could be contaminated by the terrestrial environment. Dr. Queenie Chan from Royal Holloway, University of London added: "The teams preliminary analyses confirm that Winchcombe contains a wide range of organic material! Studying the meteorite only weeks after the fall, before any significant terrestrial contamination, means that we really are peering back in time at the ingredients present at the birth of the solar system, and learning about how they came together to make planets like the Earth." A piece of the Winchcombe meteorite that was recovered during an organized search by the UK planetary science community is now on public display at London's Natural History Museum. Explore further Rare meteorite recovered in UK after spectacular fireball More information: For more information on the classification of the Winchcombe meteorite: For more information on the classification of the Winchcombe meteorite: www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbul n=&snew=0&pnt=Normal %20table&code=74388%C2%A0 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Plants have microscopically small pores on the surface of their leaves called stomata. These help plants regulate the influx of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. They also prevent the loss of too much water and withering away during drought. The stomatal pores are surrounded by two guard cells. If the internal pressure of these cells drops, they slacken and close the pore. If the pressure rises, the cells move apart and the pore widens. The stomatal movements are thus regulated by the guard cells. Signaling pathways in these cells are so complex that it is difficult for humans to intervene with them directly. However, researchers of the Julius-Maximilians-Universitat (JMU) Wurzburg in Bavaria, Germany, nevertheless found a way to control the movements of stomata remotelyusing light pulses. Light-sensitive protein from algae used The researchers succeeded in doing this by introducing a light-sensitive switch into the guard cells of tobacco plants. This technology was adopted from optogenetics. It has been successfully exploited in animal cells, but the application in plant cells it is still in its infancy. The team led by JMU biophysicist and guard cell expert Professor Rainer Hedrich describes their approach in the journal Science Advances. JMU researchers Shouguang Huang (first author), Kai Konrad and Rob Roelfsema were significantly involved. The group used a light-sensitive protein from the alga Guillardia theta as a light switch, namely the anion channel ACR1 from the group of channelrhodopsins. In response to light pulses, the switch ensures that chloride flows out of the guard cells and potassium follows. The guard cells lose internal pressure, slacken and the pore closes within 15 minutes. "The light pulse is like a remote control for the movement of the stomata," says Hedrich. Anion channel hypothesis confirmed "By exposing ACR1 to light, we have bridged the cell's own signaling chain, thus proving the hypothesis that the opening of anion channels is essential and sufficient for stomatal closure," Hedrich says. The exposure to light had almost completely prevented the transpiration of the plants. With this knowledge, it is now possible to cultivate plants with an increased number of anion channels in the guard cells. Plants equipped in this way should close their stomata more quickly in response to approaching heat waves and thus be better able to cope with periods of drought. "Plant anion channels are activated during stress; this process is dependent on calcium. In a follow up optogenetics project, we want to use calcium-conducting channelrhodopsins to specifically allow calcium to flow into the guard cells cell through exposure to light and to understand the mechanism of anion channel activation in detail," Hedrich says. Basic scientific research can also benefit from the results from Wurzburg: "Our new optogenetic tool has enormous potential for research," says the JMU professor. "With it, we can gain new insights into how plants regulate their water consumption and how carbon dioxide fixation and stomatal movements are coupled." Explore further How plants react to fungi More information: Optogenetic control of the guard cell membrane potential and stomatal movement by the light-gated anion channel GtACR1, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Optogenetic control of the guard cell membrane potential and stomatal movement by the light-gated anion channel GtACR1,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg4619 Overlaid images of Jupiter's pole from NASA's satellite Juno and NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope. Left shows a projection of Jupiter's Northern X-ray aurora (purple) overlaid on a visible Junocam image of the North Pole. Right shows the Southern counterpart. Credit: NASA Chandra/Juno Wolk/Dunn A research team co-led by UCL has solved a decades-old mystery as to how Jupiter produces a spectacular burst of X-rays every few minutes. The X-rays are part of Jupiter's aurorabursts of visible and invisible light that occur when charged particles interact with the planet's atmosphere. A similar phenomenon occurs on Earth, creating the northern lights, but Jupiter's is much more powerful, releasing hundreds of gigawatts of power, enough to briefly power all of human civilization. In a new study, published in Science Advances, researchers combined close-up observations of Jupiter's environment by NASA's satellite Juno, which is currently orbiting the planet, with simultaneous X-ray measurements from the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton observatory (which is in Earth's own orbit). The research team, led by UCL and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered that X-ray flares were triggered by periodic vibrations of Jupiter's magnetic field lines. These vibrations create waves of plasma (ionized gas) that send heavy ion particles "surfing" along magnetic field lines until they smash into the planet's atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of X-rays. Co-lead author Dr. William Dunn (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) said: "We have seen Jupiter producing X-ray aurora for four decades, but we didn't know how this happened. We only knew they were produced when ions crashed into the planet's atmosphere. "Now we know these ions are transported by plasma wavesan explanation that has not been proposed before, even though a similar process produces Earth's own aurora. It could, therefore, be a universal phenomenon, present across many different environments in space." For the first time, astronomers have seen the way Jupiter's magnetic field is compressed, which heats the particles and directs them along the magnetic field lines down into the atmosphere of Jupiter, sparking the X-ray aurora. The connection was made by combining in-situ data from NASA's Juno mission with X-ray observations from ESA's XMM-Newton. Credit: ESA/NASA/Yao/Dunn X-ray auroras occur at Jupiter's north and south poles, often with clockwork regularityduring this observation Jupiter was producing bursts of X-rays every 27 minutes. The charged ion particles that hit the atmosphere originate from volcanic gas pouring into space from giant volcanoes on Jupiter's moon, Io. This gas becomes ionized (its atoms are stripped free of electrons) due to collisions in Jupiter's immediate environment, forming a donut of plasma that encircles the planet. Co-lead author Dr. Zhonghua Yao (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing) said: "Now we have identified this fundamental process, there is a wealth of possibilities for where it could be studied next. Similar processes likely occur around Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and probably exoplanets as well, with different kinds of charged particles 'surfing' the waves." Co-author Professor Graziella Branduardi-Raymont (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) said: "X-rays are typically produced by extremely powerful and violent phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars, so it seems strange that mere planets produce them too. "We can never visit black holes, as they are beyond space travel, but Jupiter is on our doorstep. With the arrival of the satellite Juno into Jupiter's orbit, astronomers now have a fantastic opportunity to study an environment that produces X-rays up close." Jupiter's mysterious X-ray auroras have been explained, ending a 40-year quest for an answer. For the first time, astronomers have seen the way Jupiter's magnetic field is compressed, which heats the particles and directs them along the magnetic field lines down into the atmosphere of Jupiter, sparking the X-ray aurora. The connection was made by combining in-situ data from NASA's Juno mission with X-ray observations from ESA's XMM-Newton. Credit: ESA/NASA/Yao/Dunn For the new study, researchers analyzed observations of Jupiter and its surrounding environment carried out continuously over a 26-hour period by the Juno and XMM-Newton satellites. They found a clear correlation between waves in the plasma detected by Juno and X-ray auroral flares at Jupiter's north pole recorded by X-MM Newton. They then used computer modeling to confirm that the waves would drive the heavy particles towards Jupiter's atmosphere. Why the magnetic field lines vibrate periodically is unclear, but the vibration may result from interactions with the solar wind or from high-speed plasma flows within Jupiter's magnetosphere. Jupiter's magnetic field is extremely strongabout 20,000 times as strong as Earth'sand therefore its magnetosphere, the area controlled by this magnetic field, is extremely large. If it was visible in the night sky, it would cover a region several times the size of our moon. Explore further Scientists discover a new auroral feature on Jupiter More information: Z. Yao el al., "Revealing the source of Jupiter's x-ray auroral flares," Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Z. Yao el al., "Revealing the source of Jupiter's x-ray auroral flares,"(2021). advances.sciencemag.org/lookup .1126/sciadv.abf0851 Credit: Professor Helen Sampson Seafarers of different faiths and no faith rely on support from port chaplains in coping with what is often dangerous work in challenging institutionalized workplace settings, research from Cardiff University has found. On board ship, religious beliefs and attitudes are kept private but seafarers revealed to the team the ways in which many who do have a faith construct their own set of religious beliefs in order to cope better with living and working conditions. The study, led by the Seafarers International Research Center (SIRC) and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), investigated the faiths and welfare of seafarers on board two cargo vessels carrying multinational crews. The researchers also spent six months in two U.K. ports studying the work of port chaplains, paid staff and volunteers all of which provide welfare services to seafarers of all faiths in dedicated seafarers' centers. They heard about the extraordinary lengths people delivering these services go to in order to support seafarers despite shortfalls in funding. Many chaplains described how they spent half of their time fundraising in order to deliver services effectively. Professor Helen Sampson, Director of the Seafarers International Research Center (SIRC) at Cardiff University, explained how: "Seafaring is an extremely dangerous occupation and we found seafarers had experience of feeling very afraid on board a ship at some point in their career. When they'd felt particularly helpless, many had turned to their gods for assistance. "At the same time, many felt released in some way of observing some of the practices that would indicate piety ashore. They allowed themselves some freedoms which they felt their god would understand and forgive because, after all, on board they are sacrificing an awful lot to make a financial living for their families." She added: "Our research also shows the important role port chaplains and others at seafarers' centers play in offering welfare support. This is vital and particularly so as seafarers continue to deal with the added anxieties and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic." The research findings are vividly described in a new film which shines a light on how seafarers express and draw upon faith and the support of port chaplains in dealing with the stress of being away from home for months at a time isolated from their communities and networks. Globally, the shipping industry employs an estimated 1.6m seafarers. Many are hired on precarious contracts which require them to be away for up to 12 months at a time. The film brings together the reflections of the research team with those of key stakeholders. Andrew Linington, a Senior Policy Advisor at Nautilus International UK, who was interviewed for the film, said: "This research is critically important because it comes at something like a watershed moment for seafarer welfare. "Over the last few years, we've seen a much greater awareness of psychological needs as the industry has changed dramatically and the complexity of needs along with it. "By tapping into those changes, highlighting the need for a restructuring of services and for a reappraisal of what seafarers need by asking the questions of the seafarers themselves, then we have the basis for what could deliver a quantum shift in seafarer welfare." Explore further Theft and extortion common experiences, say seafarers More information: Helen Sampson et al, Harmony of the Seas?: Work, faith, and religious difference among multinational migrant workers on board cargo ships, Ethnic and Racial Studies (2020). Journal information: Ethnic and Racial Studies Helen Sampson et al, Harmony of the Seas?: Work, faith, and religious difference among multinational migrant workers on board cargo ships,(2020). DOI: 10.1080/01419870.2020.1776362 An example of the seabed morphology data acquired with the multibeam echosounder showing eroded seafloor at a submarine canyon head off Grays Harbor, Washington. Down in the main lab of the R/V Marcus Langseth, you'll find an array of monitors46, to be exact!all displaying information about the data we're collecting. While many of the screens are dedicated to monitoring the seismic data and the instrumentation related to collecting the seismic data, there are two screens that display data related to the multibeam echo sounder. A multibeam echo sounder is an instrument mounted to the hull of the vessel that emits sound waves in a fan shape beneath the ship. The sound waves travel through the water to the seafloor and back to the instrument. The time it takes for the sound waves to return is used to determine the depth of the seafloor, which gives us information on the shape of the seafloorknown as bathymetry. This information complements the deep subsurface imaging provided by the seismic data. The two monitors dedicated to the multibeam allow us to control and see the data that is being collected. One of the screens shows the multibeam data in map view, allowing us to see the coverage and set the parameters for the instrument (Figure 1, left screen). The other screen is split into two windows that display the data in real time (Figure 1, right screen). The top window displays the seafloor reflectivity, a measure of the hardness or roughness of the seabed. The bottom window displays the data as a side swath, which essentially is a side view of the data as if we were looking at it from the behind the vessel. What exactly are we looking for in the multibeam data? In Figure 2, below, we can see a dynamic environment at the seafloor in southern Oregon with gullies, channels, and landslides all imaged along this small section of the margin. In addition to seafloor imaging, modern multibeam systems are capable of imaging gas bubbles within the water column. A methane seep can be seen in the new dataset which corresponds to a previously identified seep that may contain helium leaking from the Earth's mantle. New imaging techniques (Figure 3) are allowing researchers to better locate where these methane seeps are emanating from the seafloor. Figure 1: Picture of the two screens in the main lab dedicated to the multibeam echo sounder. The left screen displays the map of coverage and windows to adjust parameters. The right screen displays the data in real time in two different formats. Figure 2: A 3D perspective view of southern Oregon with physiographic annotations and fan view image of a methane seep. More information on methane seep exploration and seafloor mapping is available from NOAAs Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Figure 3: Annotated water-column swath of multibeam data with methane seeps identified. Figure 4: The coverage of new multibeam bathymetry data collected during our survey. As of June 30, the vessel has collected about 26,500 square kilometers of new data, with the rainbow-colored sections outlining the surveyed area. Careful review and interpretation of multibeam and sonar data in previous studies reveal thousands of methane seeps all scattered along the Cascadia margin. During our expedition, with the multibeam we have confirmed the location of some of these previously mapped seeps but have also identified some new ones. With careful and attentive eyes, you can spot these methane seeps in real time through the side-sweep window. However, the seeps are small in comparison to the spatial coverage of the multibeam, so they are really easy to miss and can disappear from the screen with a blink of an eye. Because of that, we mainly confirm and identify the methane seeps during the processing steps of the multibeam data. While processing the data, we are able to stack and filter to more accurately image and locate the methane seeps (Figure 3). The multibeam data can reveal many important and interesting insights about the seafloor. Incorporating the new multibeam data collected on this cruise is one step further to having a complete high-resolution seafloor map and catalog of methane seeps along Cascadia. Explore further Ocean absorption of carbon dioxide compensates for emissions from seafloor methane seeps This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. Example image of two meteorites deployed during a field test near Walker Lake, Nevada. The meteorites are marked with orange flags. Note the dark shadow of the quadrictoper drone. Credit: Robert Citron et al. Planetary scientists estimate that each year, about 500 meteorites survive the fiery trip through Earth's atmosphere and fall to our planet's surface. Most are quite small, and less than 2% of them are ever recovered. While the majority of rocks from space may not be recoverable due to ending up in oceans or remote, inaccessible areas, other meteorite falls are just not witnessed or known about. But new technology has upped the number known falls in recent years. Doppler radar has detected meteorite falls, as well as all-sky camera networks specifically on the lookout for meteors. Additionally, increased use of dashcams and security cameras have allowed for more serendipitous sightings and data on fireballs and potential meteorite falls. A team of researchers is now taking advantage of additional technology advances by testing out drones and machine learning for automated searches for small meteorites. The drones are programmed to fly a grid search pattern in a projected "strewn field" for a recent meteorite fall, taking systematic pictures of the ground over a large survey area. Artificial intelligence is then used to search through the pictures to identify potential meteorites. "Those images can be analyzed using a machine-learning classifier to identify meteorites in the field among many other features," said Robert Citron of the University of California, Davis, in a recent paper published in published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science. Citron and his colleagues have tested their conceptual drone setup several times, mostly recently in the area of a known 2019 meteorite fall near Walker Lake, Nevada. Their proof-of-concept meteorite classifier deploys a combination of "different convolution neural networks to recognize meteorites from images taken by drones in the field," the team writes. Video from Meteorite Men which describes a strewn field. While this specific test revealed a number of false positives for rocks previously unidentified, the software was able to correctly identify test meteorites placed by the researchers on the dry lake bed in Nevada. Citron and his team are very optimistic about the potential of their system, particularly in searching for small meteorites and finding them in remote regions. Citron told Universe Today the main challenge for setting up the system was assembling a training dataset for the machine learning classifier. "Since a future meteorite fall could occur on any terrain," he said via email, "the system needed an object detection algorithm trained with examples of many types of meteorites on various terrain types. To create a properly trained object detection network, thousands of example images are required." Citron and colleagues assembled images of meteorites from the internet and added in "posed" photos of meteorites from their collection on various terrains. This allowed them to properly train the machine learning model to minimize the number of ordinary rocks flagged as false detections. They then conducted ten test flights with a quadricopter drone in two locations of the projected Nevada strewn field, which is the area of expected meteorite falls based on trajectory data from four stations of the NASA Meteorite Tracking and Recovery Network, part of the Global Fireball Observatory. A bright meteor caught by one of the Global Fireball Networks cameras from the Rancho Mirage Observatory (Eric McLaughlin) on April 7, 2019. Credit: NASA Meteorite Tracking and Recovery Network "Fortunately, every field test we gain more data that we can incorporate into the dataset and use to retrain the object detection network and improve the accuracy," Citron said. "So, we will continue to try and improve the detection accuracy. Currently we need a better drone with a higher resolution camera." Studying meteorites and knowing their origins helps scientists determine the composition of some 40 asteroid families in the asteroid belt, and also aids in understanding the early evolution of the solar system. The researchers said that the remote camera network information combined with being able to find and study freshly fallen meteorites is crucial in determining what asteroid family might have produced the meteoritic debris, and if it was from a particular collision event. "If the meteorite can be recovered, a fireball's light curve and deceleration profile also provides information about how its kinetic energy is deposited in the Earth's atmosphere," the team wrote in their paper. "That information can be used to improve predictions at what altitude asteroids of this material type fragment that are big enough to cause damaging airbursts." However, finding meteorites from an observed fall can be very difficult, since meteorites can be scattered over a wide area. "Smaller falls are more frequent but deliver less meteorite fragments which are therefore harder to locate," Citron said. "It takes approximately 100 man-hours to find one meteorite fragment, so if we can improve on that we can sample more of these small falls and get better insight into the orbits and therefore source regions of incoming meteors." An example of a small, freshly-fallen meteorite in situ, found and photographed by Geoffrey Notkin. This specimen is Ash Creek, an L6 stone meteorite, which fell on February 15, 2009 in McLennan County, Texas, following a bright daytime fireball. This was the first time Doppler radar was used to locate specimens. Credit: Geoffrey Notkin Citron said that his team's drone system is intended for smaller falls that would not attract meteorite hunters. But the team's work has attracted the admiration of one noted meteorite hunter, Geoffrey Notkin of the Discovery Channel's "Meteorite Men." "Dr. Citron's current work in this area is fascinating, especially his bold experiments with drones in real-world situations," Notkin said via email. "The most exciting concept here is the coupling of modern drones with machine learning that can recognize the visual characteristics of meteorites in situ. Given time, this methodology could eliminate some of the tedium of searching for freshly-fallen meteorites on foot and also facilitate recoveries in areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to search in person." Notkin added that he has long thought that drones and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) could play a useful role in meteorite recovery, and in fact, he carried out some early experiments in 2010 and 2011, but the drones and UAVs of the time were either not advanced enough or not available to non-military personnel. But as technology continues to improve, Citron said, and "with a larger training dataset, updated classification scheme, and improved imaging hardware, machine learning coupled to an autonomous drone survey could prove a valuable tool for increasing the number of meteorite fragments found from fresh falls." Explore further Desert Fireball Network scientists find two meteorites in two weeks More information: Robert I. Citron et al, Recovery of meteorites using an autonomous drone and machine learning, Meteoritics & Planetary Science (2021). Robert I. Citron et al, Recovery of meteorites using an autonomous drone and machine learning,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/maps.13663 The community is mourning the passing of Joan Grishkot, who worked behind the scenes of the Adirondack Balloon Festival and served as Warren Countys first director of health services. Grishkot died at her home on Thursday at the age of 79 after a brief illness. She was the treasurer of the festival, and her husband Walter, who died in 2011, was the public face. Her full-time job was as Warren Countys health services director from July 1966 to October 1997. Grishkot, a registered nurse, continued to work for the county on a part-time basis after her retirement. County officials put out a statement, saying she hired many of the staff members still there today, including Director Ginelle Jones and assistant directors Patricia Belden and Val Whisenant. Joan was a leader in public health and a pioneer here in Warren County, Jones said in a statement. She truly built the public health infrastructure in Warren County. Joan retired from her director job but never retired from helping others. She did so much and was still involved with many organizations. LAKE GEORGE A committee formed by the Lake George Park Commission earlier this year to study how septic systems within the basin are affecting the lake will spend the next three to six months collecting and analyzing data. The review is the first step in determining how septic systems within the basin should be regulated amid growing concerns that nutrients entering the lake through faulty systems are exacerbating the decline of its pristine water quality. Committee members met for the first time last week to discuss areas of concerns and scientific studies that should be analyzed during the review. Its unclear what, if any, regulations will be adopted once the review is complete, but the goal is to gather as much data as possible to make an informed decision, said Dave Wick, executive director of the Park Commission. We need to understand the population of septic systems behind Lake George. Get the best of the science. Once we have that information, then were going to be looking for a clear discussion, he said. Wick said the Park Commission will make all studies and data available for public viewing on its website, beginning later this month. The vaccination rate among the departments staff is unknown. The department isnt mandating the vaccine for employees. As of June 24, 7,550 employees received their first dose of the vaccine at a department clinic. Second doses of the Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine were given to 7,994 employees. The totals dont include employees who were vaccinated at community clinics outside of prisons. Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, questioned why the department wouldnt offer incentives for employees to get vaccinated. We all want a safe working environment, he said. Prisoners have another incentive to get vaccinated: participation in the correction departments family reunion program. The department announced in June it is planning to resume the program in September. It was suspended in March 2020 because of the pandemic. The program, commonly referred to as conjugal visits, allows incarcerated individuals to have extended visitation with family members. There will be cleaning and safety protocols, including a requirement that all participants the incarcerated individuals and visitors must be vaccinated. 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. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is calling for the United States to drop all travel restrictions on vaccinated Canadians if an agreement to reopen the border isnt reached in the coming weeks. Schumer spent the first workday after the July 4th weekend visiting border communities across the North Country. Speaking in Sackets Harbor, the Senate majority leader said Canada has had ample opportunity to develop a plan for easing border restrictions, and called for the Biden administration to take unilateral action if travel doesnt resume soon. Its time for the United States to take action even without the Canadian government because they have delayed too long, he said. Laying out his proposal, Schumer said the U.S. should take two steps. First, expand what activities qualify as essential travel. To extend to vaccinated Canadian citizens with family, property, education, tourism or business interests, New Yorks senior senator explained. And two, unilaterally open the northern border to those vaccinated Canadians. That wouldnt help Americans seeking to enter Canada, but would be a major boost to North Country border communities. All around are districts that have received hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, that theyll spend on new staff, new programs and adding summer school. Its a chance to address the trauma of a pandemic and make future investments. Short said shes thrilled districts are getting that money. She just wishes they were as well. I feel that the students of Long Lake should not be left behind. Were going to be fine, were going to continue to do a great job, but I have to advocate for the opportunity for (the students) to have more, just like everybody else. Whats next? Long Lake and Indian Lake are waiting on another option now. They asked to be considered for bullet aid funding, from a small Division of Budget discretionary fund. But Short said shes stopped hoping, and is trying to look forward now. There isnt really any other choice. She does hope that what happened here will influence how disaster relief money is distributed in the future, and perhaps even get that 10-student rule changed in Title 1. Little, from the Rural Schools Association, wants that too. He sits on the steering committee of the National Rural Advocacy Coalition. This is for real: Rupert Murdoch will soon launch a new platform, Fox Weather. Wrap your head around that one. Brian Wieser, a prominent media analyst, said it best the other day: How do you address the fact that weather changes are caused to some degree by humans when you have a media property with a history of challenging that fact? Hmmm. And for the latest Big Beautiful 10-day American Greatness Forecast, lets go to Sabrina at the big board. Sabrina? (Blonde, short tight skirt) Thank you, Tucker! Stay tuned, well have that soon. In the meantime, Im happy to report that red states are in for a treat this weekend as a high pressure system brings balmy temps and blue skies, fine weather for cleaning your guns outdoors or joining up with other tourists at your favorite Capitol building. But Tucker, theres very different news elsewhere. Would you like me to share? That would be mighty white of you. 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? Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The rainfall totals will likely total 1.5 to 3.0 inches for most of the area. I mentioned 2 to 4 inches of rain from this given a landfalling storm and less if it was offshore, so that came true. Call it a wash for the tornado threat. The rotating storms did fizzle out quickly after moving inland of the Garden State Parkway. However, I did believe the threat would be lower given an offshore track. 4:45 a.m. - As the first hints of light come and Elsa pulls away, you may have damage, especially where the tornado warnings were. The Press of Atlantic City would use your photos and videos from what happened overnight. To do so, go to www.pressofac.com/photosubmissions. 4:20 a.m. - 3:30 a.m. - I'm tracking the potential for tornadoes in the area. A tornado warning was in effect for Atlantic and Cape May counties, but has been dropped. 3:17 a.m. - The street flooding has been an issue, especially along and east of the Parkway. A number of you reached out to me about flooding in your neighborhood. Dan Forshaw, of Somers Point, took this video of street flooding in town. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A Wisconsin bishop has taken the unusual step of removing a priest from the ministry after he made a series of divisive remarks about politics and the pandemic. The Diocese of La Crosse said in a statement Friday that Bishop William Patrick Callahan has issued a decree immediately removing the Rev. James Altman as pastor of St. James the Less, a parish in the city of La Crosse on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, about 140 miles (225 kilometers) southeast of Minneapolis. The decree will remain in effect for an undetermined length of time, the statement said. (The bishop) and his diocesan representatives have spent over a year, prayerfully and fraternally, working toward a resolution related to ongoing public and ecclesial concerns of the ministry of Fr. James Altman, the statement said. The obligation of a Bishop is to ensure that all who serve the faithful are able to do so while unifying and building the Body of Christ. Diocese officials didnt release the decree and didnt immediately respond to a request for a copy. Altman told conservative news outlet LifeSiteNews.com that he's not surprised the Catholic hierarchy is trying to silence him. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A similar bill signed by the governor encourages development of zero-emission vehicle fueling and charging infrastructure in redevelopment projects. Murphy also signed two measures dealing with solar power projects. One allows so-called dual use solar projects located on unpreserved farm land that is still also used for agricultural purposes. Another bill would create a successor to a solar power program in the process of being discontinued by the state. Latest offshore wind award to triple megawatts off South Jersey The state awarded the right to build another 2,600 megawatts of offshore wind electric gener Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the state Board of Public Utilities, said New Jersey has more than 142,000 solar power installations statewide. After the news conference, Murphy said nothing should be read into the fact that he did not sign the offshore wind energy bill Friday. I wouldnt say that (not signing the bill) today gives any indication at all, Murphy said, adding his policy is not to comment on pending legislation until he acts on it. Aside from granting local communities a public hearing on an offshore project that comes ashore in their town, the bill would strip those communities and their elected officials of most if not all control over where and how the projects power lines and associated infrastructure are installed onshore. TRENTON Former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley endorsed New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli on Friday. Haley will attend a fundraiser for Ciattarelli on Sunday, according to the candidates campaign. Ciattarelli is a former Assembly member and small business founder, aiming to defeat incumbent Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in Novembers election. Haleys endorsement lends some national name recognition to Ciattarelli, who won a primary last month, defeating two candidates who centered their campaigns on supporting former President Donald Trump. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Im proud to endorse Jack Ciattarelli to fix what Phil Murphy has broken. A Main Street business owner, Jack understands the importance of lowering taxes, getting New Jersey working again and standing with law enforcement officers to keep communities safe, Haley said in a statement. +8 Gov. Murphy pledges millions for Wildwood Boardwalk repairs WILDWOOD Like thousands of other visitors to the Wildwoods Boardwalk on July 4, Gov. Phil Haley was an exceptional governor and helped the Trump administration move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Ciattarelli said in a text message. Murphys campaign said in a statement that the endorsement was nothing to celebrate and called Haley a Trump lackey. Which brings me to my second reason for agreeing, reluctantly, with the majority. NAACP v. Alabama arose under special circumstances, but the problem is more general. This is not a world in which civil rights protesters are routinely fired from jobs, have their houses torched, and dragged into the woods and murdered. It is in a world in which people try to punish each other for espousing controversial views. Not just criticize punish. That the punishments are far smaller than those that led to NAACP v. Alabama doesnt mean theyre not punishments. In this sense, the close link between the right of public association and the right to associate privately may be viewed as a prophylactic approach to protecting constitutional rights. If the names of donors must be disclosed, there are people who wont give. If this werent true, there would be no reason for the plaintiffs to litigate the case. But what could be more un-American than an imposed obligation to behave in ways that conflict our consciences? In fact, the United States is close to unique in its willingness to favor freedom over forced respect for our national symbols, at least in theory. For example, nearly all other countries impose penalties for desecrating their flags. Someone who burns a flag in China may be imprisoned for three years. The same in Israel. And in Germany one could spend five years in prison for desecrating a flag. In the United States, however, the Supreme Court has ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that acts as outrageous as burning an American flag are protected by the First Amendment. In short, while most of the world sanctions free expression, we permit citizens to speak their minds. Our national symbols are less important than what they symbolize. Now thats exceptional. Unfortunately, plenty of Americans would like to change this, to make their fellow citizens suffer if they dont show proper obeisance to the national symbols. This 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. Leading up to the summer months when Chicago historically sees its highest levels of violence, Mayor Lori Lightfoot vowed to take an all hands on deck approach to stopping the citys shootings. But even as the city canceled days off for Chicago cops and forced them to work 12 hour days, two of the mayors top aides took time off leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, where at least 108 people were shot, 17 fatally. Some aldermen criticized the absences. Lightfoot Chief of Staff Sybil Madison was out of the office on Thursday and Friday, Madison told city workers in an email. Madison, who became chief of staff just last month after serving as the mayors deputy for education and human services, said Lightfoots new chief operating officer, Paul Goodrich, would be in charge while shes out. Goodrich joined the mayors office last month after a career largely spent in the private sector. Lightfoots deputy mayor for public safety, John OMalley, was also out for most of last week, sources told the Tribune. This is in response to the letter by John Crist in the July 11 issue of this paper who takes the view that the participants in the Jan. 6 uprising might be excused for their actions because of their disagreements with how the government handled the political turmoil in the preceding months. By that same reasoning Adolf Hitler, who had issues with how the Bavarian government was being conducted, should be forgiven for his participation in the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 to take over Bavaria. Luckily both attempted coups failed. And both coups had sympathizers as evidenced by Hitler being convicted of treason but being sentenced to only five years in prison and for Republican lawmakers portraying the participants in the Jan. 6 insurrection as being simply tourists. Scott County prosecutors have added two more severe charges against the man who allegedly struck and killed 40-year-old Alex Marietta as he rode his bicycle June 3 at Kimberly Road and Davenport Avenue. Bobby Fitzgerald Hunt Jr., 33, is now also charged with homicide by vehicle-driving under the influence. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years. Hunt is also now charged with operating while intoxicated-third offense, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years. He remains charged with homicide by vehicle-reckless driving, a Class C felony that carries a prison sentence of 10 years, and leaving the scene of an accident causing death, a Class D felony. According to the arrest affidavits filed in Scott County District Court filed June 28 by Davenport Police Officer Luke Figie, Hunts blood alcohol content at the time he was taken into custody was .131. The legal limit of blood alcohol in Iowa is .08. When officers arrested Hunt at his residence, an apartment at 4323 N. Division St., there was a strong odor of alcohol that grew stronger as he talked with officers. Hunt was unable to complete the standard field sobriety tests because of him running from officers and resisting arrest. No one would deny those issues were there they exist in many metropolitan areas, Kobylski said. Trying to convince people did not seem like a good public relations move. I thought that we could handle our safety and security concerns in a more introspective and thoughtful way, he said. The state told him to hold off on working on literacy citations and implementing Positive Behavior Intervention System, a national, evidence-based program to implement culture change in schools, he said. He disagreed, arguing they were necessary for culture changes He also disagreed with a new reporting requirement to name staffers involved with specific citations. Kobylski saw that as an attempt to remove staff associated with Tates administration and those who might be seen as dragging their feet on the districts progress. He did not want to put a bull's-eye on veteran administrators, or put new administrators into that mix too soon. Wed had quite a bit of turnover, and I was pleased with the direction that we were taking, he said. Pandemic effects His response to the pandemic may have also pushed the state to take over, he said. "We know some of the people that were involved in the Redstone incident," she said. "Maybe not enough to bring charges, but we know that they were there. We know they are contributing to that issue. If we had a credible messenger program here, the police department could communicate with them ... and the credible messengers can go and develop those relationships with those people. They may not have been the shooters. They may have just been people that were there. But we know that people that are tangential to crime are often those who are next going to fall into it. And that is what we want to prevent." "Accordingly, that is what Moline used the CURES funds for: COVID-related costs of first responders. Even then, it was only a fraction of the actual COVID-related costs for Molines first responders." Price did not explain how police and firefighters were "substantially dedicated to mitigation" of the virus. Outside of wearing personal-protective equipment and using hand sanitizer and caution the same as much of the population emergency responders had little or no role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic created additional dangers and concerns for police and fire because they had to respond to homes and businesses without knowing who may have the virus. But they had no role in enforcing COVID-related restrictions. In fact, the former mayor of Moline specifically stated that local police had no such authority. And overtime pay for Moline police shows nearly twice as much was paid in overtime during 2019 than in 2020. According to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, reimbursement orders came from the U.S. Treasury. KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) On a sweaty recent Thursday afternoon, Alex Berrios was instructing his team on how to get people to register to vote. Extend your hand, he said; 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. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Three of Missouri's top health officials said Friday that trusted local leaders and community representatives must be the primary influencers in the state's efforts to reduce a surge in COVID-19 cases. During a virtual news conference, Robert Knodell, acting director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state continues to have a strong relationship with federal health experts but they all believe local health department workers and community representatives are the best avenue for persuading residents to be vaccinated. Knodell said federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials agree that people from out of state cannot parachute into the state to persuade residents to get vaccinated. We're on the same page as it relates to that, Knodell said. So we've had various conversations about who effective local messengers are in rural communities as well as in our inner cities ... The federal government is more than willing to engage with us in those conversations with trusted local messengers and provide us with messaging materials and efforts that have been successful elsewhere." The Chemtool fire rattled the community, displaced residents, and took the combined resources and efforts of several fire departments to get under control. Although the flames have been extinguished, the hazard posed to the public and the environment continues, and Chemtool owes the community more information, Raoul said. My office, in collaboration with the Winnebago County States Attorneys office will ensure that Chemtool is held responsible for evaluating the extent of the contamination and thoroughly remediating the damage. Lubrizol, which owns the Chemtool plant, said in a statement this week that it has started to outline the scope of the site cleanup and working with local and state authorities on a plan. We remain devastated by the fire at our Rockton Chemtool site and the impact on the local community, spokesman Cody Adams said Friday in a response to the lawsuit. Throughout this event, we have been working with state and federal regulators to address their concerns and the needs of residents and will continue to do so. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said Friday that samples taken from the area show air and water, including in all wells used as a water source for Rockton residents, are safe. The agency worked with the Illinois National Guard to conduct the sampling, as well as with other state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 While QAnon groups, pages and core accounts may be gone, many of their supporters remain on the big platforms only now they're camouflaging their language and watering down the most extreme tenets of QAnon to make them more palatable. There was a very, very explicit effort within the QAnon community to to camouflage their language," said Angelo Carusone, the president and CEO of Media Matters, a liberal research group that has followed QAnons rise. "So they stopped using a lot of the codes, the triggers, the keywords that were eliciting the kinds of enforcement actions against them. Other dodges may have also helped. Rather than parroting Q slogans, for instance, for a while earlier this year supporters would type three asterisks next to their name to signal adherence to the conspiracy theory. (That's a nod to former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, a three-star general). Facebook says it has removed about 3,300 pages, 10,500 groups, 510 events, 18,300 Facebook profiles and 27,300 Instagram accounts for violating its policy against QAnon. We continue to consult with experts and improve our enforcement in response to how harm evolves, including by recidivist groups," the company said in a statement. JOHNSTON, Iowa If Donald Trump runs for president again in 2024, it will not be with former Vice President Mike Pence as his running mate, Bob Vander Plaats believes. And Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds would make a great running mate, Vander Plaats says. Vander Plaats, president and CEO of the Christian conservative organization The Family Leader, discussed the 2024 Republican presidential primary and those Christian conservative voters Friday during taping of this weekends episode of Iowa Press on Iowa PBS. Reynolds is expected to run for re-election in 2022, but Vander Plaats suggested she would make a strong running mate for Trump or whichever Republican presidential candidate secures the partys nomination in 2024. Without question. As a matter of fact, I think she would be a great presidential candidate right now, Vander Plaats said. She has a lot of stock across the country of how she has led during COVID, how she has led through the racial unrest and a lot of other things. Iowa in many ways has been a model. I watched her on Laura Ingrahams (Fox News) show with five different governors and she just stood out. So I think Gov. Reynolds obviously its up to her, shes not going to run for president but she would make a very compelling VP choice. S&P also said it now views the COVID-19 pandemic as a social factor affecting public health and safety, but said the risk is abating and is not viewed as a material credit factor. Like Moodys, however, S&P said Illinois still faces a number of financial pressures, including its poorly-funded public pension systems and constraints under the state constitution that prevent the state from changing pension benefits. But S&P also did not rule out the possibility of another credit upgrade in the future if the economy continues to recover and the state continues to manage its budget responsibly. The state's economic base can already support a higher rating, S&P said. Any upside to the state's creditworthiness, however, remains somewhat constrained by the poorly funded pension systems and other outsize liabilities. If Illinois were to make sustainable progress toward structural balance, including meeting its pension obligations, further reducing its bill backlog, and increasing reserves, we could raise the rating. Pritzker and other Democratic leaders responded quickly to the news, claiming credit for the states improved financial outlook. The 13th Amendment states: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." However, mandatory volunteering programs, such as the one held by Pleasant Valley, believe they have the authority to force your children to work based on Iowa rules that give them the ability to withhold graduation if they don't follow the mandatory volunteering program. Despite the obvious contradiction inherent in the name, the programs have been shown by studies to reduce volunteerism by participants. Reviewing this with the superintendent and other school representatives hasn't yielded the ability for this parent to remove the requirement. Instead this parent was given the option of comply or seek private schooling. As a veteran who has spent 15 years overseas, I ask when we ceded the right to teach our children values to the school board? When did we begin to allow school administrators to use our children's labor to create metrics used to pad their resumes? Why does the state allow schools to flout the 13th Amendment, and where does that newfound power lead? Stephen Lucas Bettendorf Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 4 Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} 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. The South Dakota policy does not require a school district to implement a policy allowing student medical cannabis patients to store and administer cannabis, but gives them the opportunity to. Schools can also establish criteria allowing for the emergency administration of cannabis in the event of a life-threatening emergency. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Nothing in state statute requires school districts or personnel to store or administer cannabis. A school is not required to comply so long as the district can reasonably demonstrate it will lose federal funding due to its compliance with school medical cannabis policy or if the district posts a conspicuous statement on its website stating its decision not to comply with the policy. Roy said she was unaware of any schools in the country that lost federal funding due to compliance with state medical cannabis laws. One of the boards major concerns was how private schools would be included in the statute. The education standards board reached out to Colorados Department of Education to ask about their implementation and confirmed Colorado DOE does not have any supervision over private schools in the state. The South Dakota DOEs statute therefore will only apply to public schools and charter schools under the jurisdiction of the DOE. 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. President Joe Biden on Friday fired the commissioner of Social Security after the official refused to resign, and accepted the deputy commissioner's resignation, the White House said. Biden asked commissioner Andrew Saul to resign, and his employment was terminated after he refused the Democratic president's request, a White House official said. Deputy Commissioner David Black agreed to resign, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. Both officials had been put in place under President Donald Trump, a Republican. Biden named Kilolo Kijakazi as acting commissioner while the administration conducts a search for a permanent commissioner and deputy commissioner. Kijakazi currently is the deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy at the Social Security Administration. Saul's removal followed a Justice Department legal opinion that found he could be removed, despite a statute that says he could only be fired for neglecting his duties or malfeasance. But several industries that dont offer higher wages or flexible schedules are struggling, like the child care industry. The YMCA of Emporia has been looking for childcare director for months, but has only had four applicants apply. The problem: the salary. The starting salary is posted at $36,000, which executive director Kristin Vaughan knows is a huge stumbling block for applicants. She said that most applicants would choose a teaching position over one in child care because their salary would be higher and they would get summer off. We simply cant pay enough to be competitive in the job market. If we did, we would have to increase our fees so much that no one would attend, Vaughan said. While employees value working remotely, according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, only 14.4% of people worked remotely in June due to the pandemic, versus 26.4% in August of last year. The remote work trend has also raised concerns about an unequal economic recovery, given that working remotely is an option available to a privileged few, according to The Associated Press. Most jobs are at restaurants, schools, hospitals, factories and other places that require workers to show up in person. Much of the attention in the construction business has been focused on sizable increases in lumber prices because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary closing of lumber mills. Lumber prices have been on a roller coaster ride. Prices have varied depending on the type of lumber, but certain kinds of plywood used in construction jumped as much as 400% in cost. Since May, prices have declined on lumber futures markets. The National Association of Home Builders reported in May that prices for one industry benchmark for lumber the Random Lengths Framing Lumber Composite Index had more than quadrupled since April 2020 to more than $1,500 per thousand board feet, adding nearly $36,000 to the price of a new home. The recent decline in lumber prices is good news for builders and home remodelers such as Steven Roberts, owner of Virginia Tradition Builders LLC, though it could take some time for lumber futures prices to impact the end market. His company does large-scale home additions along with remodeling of bathrooms and kitchens. Lumber prices went way, way up last year and then dropped back down to within 30 percent of where they were at a baseline cost last year, then they spiked back up in May, and now have come back down over the last 45 days or so, Roberts said. People are hungry and facing different levels of food insecurity in the Richmond region and across the country, and a Virginia congressman hopes to help change that. My legislation would create incentives for companies and nonprofits to help build, improve, operate grocery stores, farmers markets and food banks in underserved areas that have limited access to fresh foods, U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th, said Thursday during a news conference to promote his legislation. The proposed Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act would allow nonprofits and other businesses such as grocery stores and food banks to qualify for tax credit or grant money for servicing communities facing food insecurity. The legislation was introduced in February by McEachin and Rep. Tim Ryan from Ohio. More access to food is a necessity, said Joel Berg, the CEO of Hunger Free America, a nonprofit dedicated to helping solve the food insecurity crisis. Here in Virginia, according to research by Hunger Free America, before the pandemic, one in 10 Virginians, one in eight Virginia kids, one in 12 Virginia working people and one in 20 of Virginias seniors couldnt afford enough food, Berg said during the news conference, held at The Market @ 25th in Church Hill. None of the wineries being sold have operations in Virginia, and a spokesperson for Altria said the sale would not affect the companys Richmond-area employment. We have provided support over the years [for Ste. Michelle], but they really have run their own operations in their headquarters in Washington state, Altria spokesperson Steve Callahan said. The wine business employs about 1,000 people. Altria said it expects to use the proceeds from the sale to buy back stock from its shareholders, subject to approval by the companys board of directors. We believe the transaction is an important step in Altrias value creation for shareholders and allows our management team greater focus on the pursuit of our vision to responsibly transition adult smokers to a non-combustible future, Altrias CEO Billy Gifford said. Altria has been pursuing business opportunities or acquisitions that include development of non-smoking nicotine products as sales of conventional cigarettes decline. That strategy includes deals such as Altrias acquisition of a Switzerland-based maker of a smokeless oral nicotine product called On! The company also has introduced to U.S. markets the IQOS device, an alternative to conventional cigarettes that heats tobacco but does not burn it. Education 'It feels sneaky': Virginia lawmakers allocated $6.5 million to adult special education students - but disability advocates say there's a loophole SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH T.Q. Jackson plays video games as his grandmother Catherine Smith looks at her phone. Smith says attending a local high school wouldnt be conducive for him. SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH Catherine Smith says her grandson T.Q. Jackson, who has autism, basically lost an entire year of learning during the pandemic. Jackson, who lives in Prince Edward County, attended the Faison Center in Richmond. SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH TQ plays video games on Monday, July 5, 2021 at their home in Meherrin, Virginia. SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH Catherine Smith's family photos hand on her wall on Monday, July 5, 2021 at her home in Meherrin, Virginia. Virtual school was tough for T.Q. Jackson, an autistic 21-year-old from Prince Edward County, about an hour southwest of Richmond. He normally attends school at the Faison Center in Richmond, which specializes in working with students with autism to get an education better suited for their needs than public school can provide. His grandmother, Catherine Smith, says he basically lost an entire year of learning during the pandemic. It was hard because he wont get on the computer, he dont like that. He dont do all that, she said of virtual school. But school officials at Faison, she said, were most helpful in keeping Jackson engaged. They called him and talked to him every day on the phone. For many students with disabilities, specialized programs such as the Faison Center provide life skills and socialization desperately needed especially as they transition into adulthood. At the Faison Center, in addition to his academics, Jackson was able to learn to cook, and he was also part of an employment academy, where students can typically get internships and learn life skills that they often cant learn in public school. So Smith was ecstatic when she learned the Virginia legislature passed a budget amendment in its 2021 special session that allocated $6.5 million for an additional year of education for students like her grandson who had aged out at 21. Smith thought the additional dollars meant Jackson would be able to complete another year at the Faison Center, where hed been for four years, and her meetings with her grandsons Individual Education Plan team in Prince Edward suggested the same, she said. But that changed around May, Smith said, after state Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane sent a memo to the states 132 school district superintendents pointing them to a discrepancy between state funding and federal law. This initiative is temporary, and is not associated with any provision of the IDEA or the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia because the student has reached the maximum age of eligibility, Lane wrote in the memo. Therefore, the requirements of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) are not applicable. Some disability advocates say that memo points school districts to a kind of loophole between state money allocated for these students and federal law that says theyre not covered after age 21. Parents are confused as to why the regulations wouldnt apply in school districts, said Todd Ratner, a lawyer who focuses on special education law and often challenges the VDOE when it comes to students with disabilities. [The VDOE] seems to be going out of their way to say that the regulations dont apply. 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. During an IEP meeting part of the required education plan and process for students with disabilities for Jackson between February and March, his IEP team seemed optimistic that Jackson would be able to go back to school at the Faison Center. Then, once Lane sent out guidance that said they wouldnt be requiring such, the thought of Jackson going back to Faison was no longer realistic, Smith said. Instead, Smith said the school system offered Jackson a chance to learn at his local high school, but Smith fears a larger population wouldnt be conducive for his learning. Ruth Williamson, the coordinator for exceptional programs in Prince Edward Public Schools, declined to comment for this story. She also didnt respond to a list of questions sent by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Theres always this real concern when kids age out of school, as to what comes next, Ratner said. School has been the primary source of engagement during the day for kids with disabilities until they reach age 22. And then services are very different for adults. Smith said she worries that without an extra year of learning for Jackson following COVID, hell be lost in the system without a transition plan. That will affect him big time because we really were looking for that extra year that would have helped him a lot, Smith said. Why would you take that extra year from an autistic child? [Hes] losing his routine, what hes used to. Cheryl Poe, the executive director for Advocacy 4 Kids, says she doesnt feel the VDOE has been transparent with parents on this process for students with disabilities who have aged out of eligibility. It feels sneaky, and it doesnt feel like its done in a way of transparency, she said. Further, instead of offering an IEP for students who have aged out, the VDOE is hoping to offer a Post-Secondary Advancement Plan that will outline the students vision for the future, strengths, and needs. The guidance sent to superintendents from the VDOE says that the Post-Secondary Advancement Plan is not meant to act as an extension of an IEP, nor is it a new IEP. That puzzles Ratner the most. Weve got a whole framework in place that says, This is what children who are eligible for special education services are entitled to. Theres a whole regulatory framework, right? he said. They should be treated just the same as every other kid whos going to be receiving services. But for some reason VDOE has just said, No. Were going to treat them completely differently. But, if localities wanted to offer contractual services, they could, according to a statement from VDOE spokesperson Charles Pyle. There is nothing in the HB77 appropriation that prohibits contractual services, Pyle said in a statement. The option can include a variety of services and supports, including working or contracting with a private provider. Still, its up to the locality to make that call. Theyre trying to say they have job training, they have this and they have that. But my problem is that if they dont have the right people in place for him, its not going to work, Smith said. Its going to set him back. Jacksons last day at the Faison Center was on June 30. While this is 3% of the 3,052 total cases caused by COVID-19 strains, the state lab is identifying more COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant each week, said Dena Potter, communications director at the Department of General Services. Between June 20 and June 29, almost 70% of the 23 samples tested were classified as delta. On June 28 and 29 alone, it was more than 80%. Dr. Danny Avula, the states vaccine coordinator, said in a Richmond media briefing last month that snapshots of the delta variants spread show how the pandemic is not yet over. And with coverage gaps continuing across the state and unvaccinated people being the most likely to contract the strain, We fully expect there to be another surge in disease later in the summer or early fall. The delta variant has been predicted to become the dominant strain for months, and VDH spokesperson Logan Anderson said delta is known to spread much more easily from person to person than other variants of the virus that we have seen. Because we have relatively high vaccination rates in most parts of the state, the surge we are expecting in the fall and winter is unlikely to be anywhere near as devastating as this past year, as all indicators point to very high effectiveness of our vaccines, Anderson said. Even against the variants. The Chesterfield Bar Association this week endorsed two Black candidates for Chesterfield judgeships that are vacant or expected to be vacant soon, while rejecting a third Black candidate in a process that emphasized a nominees character, temperament and experience as primary assets over their race alone. The endorsements partly conflict with the wishes of a majority of Chesterfields 10-member state legislative delegation, which seems united in a desire to select candidates that would diversify the bench. But disagreements among some of the legislators on how that should be accomplished and who should get the nod have stalled the process. The delegation hopes to reach an agreement on candidates before the General Assembly meets in special session next month, and the Chesterfield Bar Association is hoping to help shape the delegations decision. In considering judges for appointment, the Senate and House traditionally follow the wishes of the legislative delegation that represents the locality where the judge will sit. The delegation has been pushing hard for more diversity on the bench. Chesterfield currently has only one Black judge out of 15 (with two vacancies) in the countys three courts. And only three are women. People had better pay attention because if they dont, its going to happen again, Sabato said. Sabato, who founded the UVA Center for Politics in 1998 and predicts the outcomes of elections across the country, said there isnt a place in the discussion of Jan. 6 for defending the point of view of both sides. Too many cowards out there wont stand up and shout the truth, he tweeted. Brian Coy, a spokesman for UVA, said there is nothing in the universitys code of conduct that limits faculty from engaging in expression that is protected under the First Amendment. Free expression and exchange of ideas is a core value of our university from its very founding, Coy said. Last month, UVAs board of visitors endorsed a statement on free expression, saying: All views, beliefs and perspectives deserve to be articulated and heard free from interference. Ken Stroupe, chief of staff for the Center for Politics, said its a dangerous place for political parties to call out the opinions of academics that are protected by the First Amendment. This is not what political parties in America should stand for, Stroupe said. A City Council committee forwarded a resolution Thursday to declare racism a public health crisis in Richmond. Theres a lot of work that needs to be done in this area, City Council Vice President Ellen Robertson, the lead patron of the resolution, said in Thursdays meeting, to go deeper in looking at what kinds of things we want to achieve to make sure that this paper has value. More than 200 cities and counties across the country have declared racism a public health crisis, according to the American Public Health Association. Katherine Jordan of Richmonds 2nd District said she is ready for Richmond to follow these other cities. I was just honored to put my name on this, Jordan said. Im ready to see Richmond move in this direction. Advocates in the state pushed for legislation at the beginning of the year to declare racism a public health crisis in the commonwealth, and Virginias General Assembly passed a resolution supporting this declaration in February. The resolution was introduced in a June 28 City Council meeting. The Education and Human Services Standing Committee forwarded the resolution to a July 26 council meeting with a recommendation for approval. *** He said New York City previously conducted inspections on some buildings every few years, but several years ago adopted a risk-analysis model to prioritize the reviews. He said other localities could adopt similar models based on a number of factors, including the age and condition of the building as well as history of building code violations. For a long time municipalities have been reactive, but there are others out there that are being more proactive, trying to understand the drivers of risk and go look at those things, he said. Carangelo, the citys building commissioner, last week said the city does not have an ordinance or other regulations that require annual or regular safety inspections. He said state law mandates that building owners must maintain their structures to protect public health, safety and welfare, but that the city investigates issues only when they are brought to their attention. In addition to reports from property owners or concerned residents, the citys property maintenance inspectors and fire safety officials report observations about potential building problems, he said. 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. Virginia is halting admissions at five mental hospitals because they dont have enough staff to safely care for patients. Alison Land, commissioner of behavioral health and developmental services, said Friday that she is closing admissions immediately at Central State Hospital near Petersburg, Eastern State Hospital near Williamsburg, Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in the Nottoway County town of Burkeville, Western State Hospital in Staunton and Catawba Hospital near Roanoke. The temporary halt in admissions will allow the five hospitals to reduce the number of patients they are treating by attrition, rather than discharging them, until they have enough employees to care for them safely. Despite our aggressive recruiting and retention strategies, state hospitals continue to lose staff while admissions continue to rise, Land said in a message on Friday. It is no longer feasible to operate all state beds in a safe and therapeutic environment. The order represents a breaking point for Virginias behavioral health institutions, which have struggled to keep up with a surge in admissions of people in psychiatric crisis since the enactment of the so-called bed of last resort law in 2014 to prevent the release of people from emergency custody if they pose a threat to themselves or others. 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. Johnson and Gangadharan discussed the company returning the property to the county, and Gangadharan agreed, she wrote, but said he would not pay a $150,000 penalty established in the agreement. He requested that I keep it quiet; however, the Supervisors action had to be public, Johnson wrote. The county as of Friday was waiting for C4GTs lawyer to sign off on the land transfer back to the county. We are, of course, dismayed at the problems that arose at the end to make the project impractical, wasting the enormous time and effort you and your company put into it, county attorney B. Randolph Boyd wrote to the C4GT president in June. Johnson said the county agreed to waive the $150,000 penalty in order to quickly get the land back. She said shes now talking to developers about bringing something to the location on Roxbury Road that is not related to energy. We felt it was best to take back ownership, she said. As far as forgiving the penalty, she said, If we tried to go after C4GT for $150,000, we would probably spend $150,000 in litigation fees. She also said she and the Board of Supervisors are hearing citizen concerns and trying to be transparent. Thus, the dissent repeatedly evokes the grief and trauma of gun deaths only in the name of a familiar cause: police and prisons. Of course, it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail, Gregory wrote. But, Gregory added, I am skeptical that this logic genuinely respects and represents the humanity, dignity, and lived experience of those the dissent ventures to speak for. The dissent entirely disregards the systems, relationships, and foundational problems that have perpetuated Baltimores epidemic of violence, he wrote. Baltimore was the first city to implement formal racial segregation in 1910; subsequently, the federal government further redlined the city assigning racial categories to city blocks and restricting home buying accordingly, he wrote. I accept that we disagree on these issues, even vehemently so. I do not accept, however, that some neighborhoods in Baltimore are hopeless absent this aerial surveillance, Gregory wrote. Aaron-Andrew P. Bruhl, a professor at the College of William & Mary Law School, said, Here we see some of our best and most respected judges responding to each other using unusually sharp language. Not something you see every day. The University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center which VDOE uses to gauge school-age population, defined as between 5 and 19 years old estimates there are nearly 1.6 million people statewide who fall in this category. This means almost 3 in 4 kids in this age group are not vaccinated, and only about 1 in 5 are fully protected against the virus. In the 2020-21 school year, there were 1.2 million K-12 students enrolled full time. Even if assuming all 305,355 of the fully vaccinated kids under the age of 20 were part of that number, it would account for only a quarter of the enrollment count. Infections among younger children are rare, but its not a 100% guarantee that they cant transmit the virus or be hospitalized especially as the delta variant leaves unvaccinated people susceptible to getting sick. As of Friday, Virginians under the age of 20 accounted for about 1 in 5 infections caused by a variant of concern. On Thursday night, a second child under the age of 10 died from COVID-19. One perk of work is paid vacation. But for some people, even if youre off, the demands of the office still are on. Its rare for a company to uniformly shut down so that all employees take the same break. But that could be changing for some firms as they rethink the structure of paid time off, one of many effects of the pandemic on the workplace. As numerous studies have pointed out, COVID-19 and its shutdown orders, restrictions and remote working have exacerbated employee burnout. A growing number of firms are giving employees the same day or week off separate from allotted personal vacation time and finding that its a lot easier for workers to unplug if their managers and peers are doing it at the same time, according to Axios Whats Next. For instance, LinkedIn gave its entire staff a week off in June. Pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb gave employees two days of rest this year, during which everyone in all of its locations worldwide was off. Hootsuite, the social media management platform, has a companywide week off this month. Over the last 18 months, weve been living in this digital world with pings and emails, and it all puts a strain on us, Tara Ataya, the firms chief people officer, told Axios. There is something special about all unplugging at the same time. But not every company can do that, such as 24-hour stores, hospitals or warehouses. One solution is for companies to give entire teams synchronized time off, so even if the whole firm is not on vacation, at least workers and their managers are off at the same time. The bottom line: Nothing beats time away to recharge and relax. 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. Buchanan District board member Michelle Austin, finishing her final term on the Botetourt board, told the audience that she had written a letter to Northam and Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni, bemoaning the scarcity of Western Virginia representation on the 36-member commission, and passing along the concerns of her constituents. Many among about 30 speakers at Thursdays meeting among shouts of agreement and applause said that they believed critical race theory is a Marxist construct set up to divide students in a sort of reverse racism, and they would pull their children from the division if it were to be taught. Several also threatened to remove their children if specific transgender rules were enacted. For our system, there are no real changes to the actual transgender policies though, Weddle said in an email exchange before the meeting. Those have been in place. . We are not approving or implementing a new stand-alone transgender policy. Division Superintendent Jonathan Russ, reading from a statement during the meeting, said that administrators opted against such a policy. Some school board members voiced their concerns regarding the changes to curriculum. Martin Leamy, District 7 school board member, said he is very concerned about the African American history course. In my humble opinion, in its current form, this course map is simply state-sponsored, progressive political activism and indoctrination, and its camouflaged as a history elective, Leamy said. Woodford stressed the course is being offered as an elective and is not required for students to graduate, and its curriculum and resources are heavily influenced by Bedford County Public Schools teachers and administrators. Woodford added any resources that promote critical race theory would not be something that we would purchase and put into classrooms. More than 50 parents, students and community members attended Thursdays school board meeting, and some expressed concerns regarding the possibility of critical race theory being taught in the division. U.S. Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell, attended and spoke at Thursdays meeting. You are right to be concerned, he told parents and community members attending. A conservative free-speech group is seeking a preliminary injunction that would prohibit Virginia Tech from enforcing policies that it says encroach on the rights of right-leaning students. Speech First Inc. wants federal Judge Michael Urbanski to prevent the school from enforcing five anti-bias policies until he rules later on a lawsuit filed in April on behalf of three students. Starting around 2016, colleges and universities began to implement rules and procedures that are portrayed as efforts to limit harassment and discrimination but in fact were designed to chill free speech about political issues, the group maintains. Virginia Tech is not unique, attorney Michael Connolly said during virtual arguments Friday in Roanokes federal court. There are others all over the country. The students contend in their lawsuit that they hold views that are unpopular on campus, such as opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement, same-sex marriage, abortion and the recognition of transgendered people. Knowing that they cannot ban such speech outright, Tech officials have drawn up an elaborate scheme of policies that will make conservative students afraid to say what they think to classmates and others, Connolly argued. 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. FORT LEEHaircuts at Fort Lee are on hold after the bases barbers decided to go on strike earlier this week. Their allegations include claims that they are being underpaid by the contractor in charge of the bases three barbershops, plus one at Fort Pickett. Around 20 barbers at the base are organized under a union. Those barbers initiated an Unfair Labor Practices strike earlier this week. Mike Kates, 38, has been a barber at Fort Lee for the past 15 years. He said the pay structure put in place by Sheffield Barbers is costing him somewhere close to $1000 a month. The pandemic was an especially difficult time for barbers. Stylists worked every other day to keep building occupancy at an acceptable level for social distancing. Kates said the pay structure is becoming untenable, and has him questioning his future at the base. I love my job and I love cutting hair at Fort Lee. I wanted to stay until I retire, Kates said. When I got there 15 years ago, there were other people who had been there for 20 or 30 years. Its not like people come and go. Once youre there, youre there. I dont want to have to leave. However, a commission with subpoena power is exactly what we need. And it ought to be a non-political commission, too. The gold standard for such commissions, in our view, is the one that then-Gov. Tim Kaine put together to investigate the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. He didnt put politicians on it with one exception. He put experts in their various fields law enforcement, university governance, mental health, and so forth. That one exception was a telling one: Kaine, a Democrat, appointed a Republican Tom Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania and the former Secretary of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush. Kaine wasnt afraid of what the commission would say. Granted, it wasnt investigating something where his administration was involved, but, still, he didnt stack the commission to produce a particular outcome. As a result, when that commission issued its report, it was able to speak with authority. The same should be the case here, and that brings us to this point: As much as we need a national commission to investigate the federal governments response, we could still use a state commission to investigate the state governments response. This is something the General Assembly could set in motion when it meets in August for a special session. There are lots of things this commission could investigate that we would be better off knowing: Did we shut down too many businesses for too long or not enough for not long enough? How prepared were our health departments and how should they be structured or funded in case of future pandemics? What have we learned from the states somewhat clunky initial roll-out of vaccines and its later quick catch-up that we can put in an official playbook for next time? Why have Southwest and Southside Virginia lagged so far behind the rest of the state in vaccinations? Its not because theyre rural and not because theyre conservative we have other rural, conservative-voting parts of the state that have posted far higher vaccination rates. Geography and ideology may be part of the answer, but its certainly not the whole answer; it would be good to know what that answer is. Activists assail jail terms for Egyptian influencers Lobna Darwish, gender and women rights officer at Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Cairo CAIRO (Reuters) - The sentencing on human trafficking charges of two Egyptian women with large followings on social media sites TikTok and Likee has alarmed campaigners who say the accusations are unfounded and signal a deepening crackdown on internet freedoms. The two women were among at least nine first prosecuted last year on charges of violating family values after posting videos online in which they danced and sang and invited millions of followers to make money on the social media platforms by becoming influencers. After those charges were dropped on appeal, new charges of human trafficking were brought against Haneen Hossam, a 20-year-old student, and Mawada al-Adham, a 22-year-old model. Hossam was sentenced last month to 10 years in jail and Adham to six years, both women accused of exploiting children for material profit because some minors appeared in the videos. Two employees of social media platforms and a blogger on one of the sites were also sentenced to six years. All were fined 200,000 Egyptian pounds ($12,800). Passing sentence, Judge Mohamed al-Guindy said social media sites were using "debauchery" to attract people and constituted a moral threat to family life. "There is no family censorship, and negligence in some families has been driving them to a moral collapse," he said. Egypt's public prosecution department declined to comment, and the State Information Service did not respond to requests. Likee said in an email it could not comment on active legal cases but that it respected local culture and customs and cooperated with local authorities as required. TikTok did not respond to a request for comment. Judicial sources said the prosecution had launched an investigation into the case in its role as a defender of moral values. ACTIVISTS The campaign frustrates some activists who argue that prosecutors should focus more on efforts to expose sexual assault in Egypt, which were driven by a wave of testimonies last year that echoed the international MeToo movement. Story continues Use of a 2010 human trafficking law aimed primarily at combating child marriage is unprecedented in such cases and was designed to stir up moral panic, said Lobna Darwish of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR). "It is part of a moral campaign led by the prosecution toward society in general," she said. Amnesty International has accused authorities are deploying "repressive new tactics to control cyber space" in the TikTok cases. In a statements on the cases last year, the public prosecution talked of protecting "social national security" and called itself a "guardian of social morals". It also said it was guarding Egypt's cyber border from "forces of evil" and that freedoms would not be restricted. Officials from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi down say they are striving to protect women from violence and empower them economically. The criminal court is yet to issue the reasoning for the trafficking convictions. Some Egyptians on social media have called for the platforms used by the women to be banned. Others expressed dismay at the verdict against Hossam and Adham, saying they were acting no differently to celebrities appearing in adverts and films. Fatma Serag, a lawyer at Egypt's Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, which has tracked the case, said minors who appeared in the videos did so with the consent of their families and there was no intention of abuse. Lawyers for both the women say they will appeal. Hossam did not attend her trial and was arrested shortly after appearing in a video in which she protested her innocence and urged Sisi to pardon her. She can claim a retrial in the case because she was tried in absentia. Adham's lawyer Mahmoud al-Suwaify said his client was a minor at the time of the videos in which she was accused of violating family values. Even if she had been at fault, the trafficking charge and the punishment were overblown, he said. (Reporting by Cairo bureau) Over the last week, I have been watching the Taliban sweep across the map of northern Afghanistan, capturing places that I first visited in 2001 at the beginning of the US-backed war. Taliban fighters have seized the main bridge to Tajikistan on the Amu Darya, a river that I crossed on an unwieldy raft a few months into the conflict. The last US commander of the giant Bagram airbase north of Kabul, once headquarters for 100,000 American troops in the country, left in the middle of the night last weekend without informing his Afghan successor who has said he did not learn of the final US evacuation until two hours after it had happened. The most immediate cause of the implosion of Afghan government forces was the announcement by President Biden on 14 April that the last US troops would leave the country by 11 September. But the complaints of US and British generals that this is all happening too quickly for them to prepare the Afghan security forces to stand alone are absurd, since they have spent two decades failing to do just that. As western military intervention ends, it is worth asking what are the causes of this humiliating debacle. Why are so many Taliban willing to die for their cause, while government soldiers take flight or surrender? Why is the Afghan government in Kabul so corrupt and dysfunctional? What happened to the $2.3 trillion spent by the US, trying, and failing, to win a war in a country that remains miserably poor? More generally, why did what was presented as a decisive victory by US-backed anti-Taliban forces twenty years ago turn into the present rout? One answer is that Afghanistan like Lebanon, Syria and Iraq is not a country where the word decisive should ever be used about any military victory or defeat. Winners and losers do not emerge, because there are too many players, inside and outside the country, who cannot afford to lose, or to see an enemy win. Simple-minded analogies with Vietnam in 1975 are misleading. The Taliban does not have anything like the military might of the North Vietnamese army. Moreover, Afghanistan is a mosaic of ethnic communities, tribes and regions, which the Taliban will struggle to rule whatever happens to the Kabul government. Story continues The disintegration of the Afghan army and security forces has accelerated the Talibans attack, which has often faced little resistance, and has enabled it to make spectacular territorial gains. Such rapid changes of fortune on the battlefield in Afghanistan are traditionally fuelled by individuals and communities swiftly changing to the winning side. Families send their young men to fight for both the government and the Taliban as a form of insurance. Swift surrenders by cities and districts avoid retribution, while over-long resistance leads to massacre. There was a similar pattern in 2001. While Washington and its local allies in the Northern Alliance were trumpeting their easy victory over the Taliban, the latters fighters were returning unscathed to their villages, or slipping across the border into Pakistan to wait for better days. These came four or five years later, when the Afghan government had done enough to discredit itself. The great strength of the Taliban is that the movement has always had the support of Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state with a powerful army, a population of 216 million, and a 1,616-mile-long border with Afghanistan. The US and UK never sufficiently took on board that unless they were prepared to confront Pakistan, they could not win the war. Other strengths of the Taliban are a core of fanatical, experienced commanders and fighters who are rooted in the Pashtun community, which makes up 40 per cent of the Afghan population. A Pakistani colonel commanding irregular Pashtun troops just across the border from Afghanistan once queried me about American and British efforts to win hearts and minds in heavily Pashtun southern Afghanistan. He thought their chances of success were low, since, he said, experience had taught him that a central feature of Pashtun culture was that they really hate foreigners. Propaganda about nation-building by foreign occupiers in Afghanistan and Iraq was always patronising and unrealistic. National self-determination is not something that can be fostered by foreign forces, whatever their supposed good intentions. They invariably consult their own interests first and last, and the Afghan governments reliance on them delegitimised it in the eyes of Afghans, depriving it of roots within Afghan society. The vast sums of money available because of US expenditure produced a kleptocratic elite. The US has spent $144bn on development and reconstruction, but some 54 per cent of Afghans live below the poverty line, with earnings of less than $1.90 a day. An Afghan friend who had once worked for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) explained to me some of the mechanics of how corruption was able to flourish. He said that American aid officials in Kabul thought it too dangerous for them personally to visit projects they were financing. Instead, they stayed in their heavily defended offices and relied on photographs and videos to show them the progress of the projects they were paying for. On occasion, they would send an Afghan employee like my friend to see for himself what was happening on the ground. On a visit to Kandahar to monitor the building of a vegetable-packing plant, he discovered that a local company akin to a film studio would, for a fee, take convincing pictures of work in progress. Using extras and a suitable backdrop, they were able to show employees in a shed busily sorting carrots and potatoes, though no such facility existed. On another occasion, the Afghan aid official had discovered evidence of a fraud, though this time there had been little attempt to conceal it. After looking in vain for a well-funded but non-existent chicken farm near Jalalabad, he met with its proprietors, who pointed out to him that it was a long road back to Kabul. Interpreting this as a threat to murder him if he exposed them, he kept quiet and resigned from his job soon afterwards. Foreign aid has built real schools and clinics, but corruption has corroded every government institution. On the military frontline, it means ghost soldiers, and the garrisons of threatened outposts left without enough food and ammunition. None of this is new. Visiting Kabul and other cities over the years, I came to feel that the Taliban had limited support, but that everybody viewed government officials as parasites to be circumvented or bribed. In Kabul, a prosperous real-estate dealer not a business normally sympathetic to radical change told me that it was impossible for a system so saturated by corruption to continue without a revolution. Instead, government failure has enabled the Taliban to believe that they can return to power within a year. Such a prospect frightens many people. What, for instance, will be the response of the 4 million Hazara minority, who are Shia by religion and are close to Iran? Earlier this year, bombs in Kabul killed 85 Hazara girls and teachers as they left their school. As in 2001, the forever war in Afghanistan is far from over. Read More The world looks on in disbelief as America abandons Afghanistan The retreat from Afghanistan dishonours civilians who have suffered and sacrificed so much In India, all eyes are on the rapidly destabilising situation in Afghanistan By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania began building a 550-km (320-mile) razor wire barrier on its border with Belarus on Friday after accusing Belarusian authorities of flying in migrants from abroad to send illegally into the European Union. The government said the military-style wire coil would cost 4.9 million euros ($5.81 million) to put up and run along most of the frontier, which passes over sparsely populated areas and large stretches of forest and marsh. At a later date the barrier will be reinforced with a two metre (6.5 ft) high border fence topped by razor wire, costing an additional 41 million euros, the interior ministry said. Hundreds of migrants have crossed from Belarus in recent days, most of them Iraqi citizens, Lithuania has said. Belarus in May decided to allow migrants to enter Lithuania in retaliation for sanctions imposed by the bloc after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested a dissident blogger who was on board. "If someone thinks we will close our border with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine and will become a holding site for those running from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Tunis and further down Africa if someone thinks so, he is misguided, to say the least", Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday. Belarus is guarding the border now only as much as it is "profitable" to it, and as much as it can financially, the president said. Lithuania responded on Wednesday by announcing it would put up the frontier barrier and deploy troops to prevent migrants crossing illegally into its territory. In a related move, Lithuania's parliament will meet on Tuesday to urgently pass legislation streamlining asylum application reviews, including shortening their initial review to no more than 10 days, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said. All people who crossed the border illegally would be kept locked up, the draft law says, meaning an end to occasional short trips outside detention that are currently permitted. Story continues Just over 1,500 people crossed the frontier illegally from Belarus this year, with 900 of them coming over in the first nine days of July. The first stretch of the new barrier, to be completed on Friday, will run 500 metres (1,640 feet) in length and measure 1.8 metres (six feet) in height, the army defence chief's spokeswoman Ruta Montvile told Reuters. Simonyte told the national broadcaster she did not expect the migrant flow from Belarus to subside on its own. "As the Belarus regime is making money from these people for visa charges and, I think, gets other income from them as well - it would be difficult to expect any positive trend without additional means of impact", she said. Simonyte said on Wednesday Belarus had been offering migrants flights to Minsk, citing documents found on at least one migrant who had reached Lithuania. She said the main airport from where people flew into Belarus was Baghdad, and her foreign minister said people also came Turkey. The Lithuanian-Belarus border is 679-km (420-mile) long. About 78 km (48 miles) was fenced in preceeding years, and about 258 km (160 miles) are monitored electronically, according to the interior ministry. ($1 = 0.8433 euros) (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Mark Heinrich, William Maclean) FILE PHOTO: Telenor flag flutters next to the company's headquarters in Fornebu By Victoria Klesty OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian telecoms firm Telenor has sold its Myanmar business, blaming the difficulties of operating under the military junta and dealing a blow to activists who say they relied on the only Western operator for communications. Telenor, one of the biggest foreign investors in Myanmar, sold its Myanmar operations to Lebanese investment firm M1 Group for $105 million, announcing its retreat from a country that slid into chaos after a military coup in February. It was one of the few Western companies to bet on the South East Asian country after it emerged from military dictatorship a decade ago. Myanmar accounted for 7% of Telenor's earnings last year. Graphic: Telenor's earnings in Myanmar - https://graphics.reuters.com/TELENOR-MYANMAR/dgkvlrkgwvb/chart.png "There are three reasons why we think a sale is necessary: it is the safety of our employees, but also the regulatory conditions and also that there is good compliance," Telenor CEO Sigve Brekke told Reuters. "When we wrote off the business in May, we felt we could still operate in the country, although it was challenging. But after that, it has worsened." In May, Telenor booked a loss of 6.5 billion crowns ($738 million) after seeing its mobile business in Myanmar severely restricted following the Feb. 1 military coup. On March 15, the junta ordered a nationwide shutdown of mobile data, making it harder for pro-democracy activists to organise protests and circulate messages supporting the overthrown civilian government. Violence since the Feb. 1 coup has driven more than 230,000 people from their homes. More than 880 people have been killed by security forces and 5,200 are in detention, the United Nations says. Myanmar's junta has banned senior foreign executives of major telecommunications firms from leaving the country without permission and it is pressuring them to fully implement intercept technology that would let authorities monitor users, a source told Reuters earlier this week. Story continues HUMAN RIGHTS Activists expressed concern over the exit of Telenor, one of two foreign operators present alongside Qatar's Ooredoo. The other operators in Myanmar are state-backed MPT and Mytel, which is part-owned by a military-linked company. "We are mostly relying on Telenor," campaigner Thet Swe Win told Reuters. "Most of the activists rely on it as a company which has respect for human rights. I hope that the new company will respect human rights as Telenor did in the past." M1 Group was a major investor in Myanmar's largest independent tower company, Irrawaddy Green Towers (IGT), which has a master lease agreement with military-backed telecom Mytel. Private equity company CVC said in February it would buy IGT from M1 Group and other shareholders. M1 Group was not immediately available for comment. Some Telenor investors welcomed the decision. "It is positive to see that Telenor did not compromise on their basic principles regarding human rights," said Janicke Scheele, head of responsible investments at DNB Asset Management, Telenor's 6th largest investor with a 1.51% stake. "We have had multiple dialogues with Telenor on this and this undoubtedly presented a considerable dilemma for the company," she told Reuters. The Norwegian state-controlled operator has operations in the Nordics as well as in Asia, where 95% of its 187 million customers reside - in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand, as well as Myanmar. It has around 18 million customers in Myanmar, serving a third of its 54 million population. Mads Rosendal, senior analyst at Danske Bank Credit Research, said the price tag was low, given how much Myanmar has contributed to Telenor's earnings. "On the margin we ... see this as slightly credit negative as we had hoped to see a higher value," he said. Telenor's shares traded at 148.05 crowns at 0921 GMT, unchanged from Wednesday's close. ($1 = 8.8024 Norwegian crowns) (Additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Beirut, Fanny Potkin in Singapore, Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm and Gwladys Fouche in Oslo; Editing by Kim Coghill, Tom Hogue, Simon Cameron-Moore and Barbara Lewis) By now you've heard the bad news: The Delta variant of COVID-19 is prolonging the pandemic, and areas filled with too many unvaccinated people are causing cases to rise, endangering us all. Now a new study shows exactly where to expert the outbreaks to get worse. "These clusters of unvaccinated people are what is standing in the way of us putting this virus down permanently," Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a CNN medical analyst and professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, told the network. Read on to see which states are on the listand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "Long" COVID and May Not Even Know It. 1 Portions of Georgia forsyth park fountain savannah georgia "Fourth of July weekend saw thousands of travelers flock to the Coastal Empire. From the Savannah Waterfront out to Tybee Island, social distancing was an afterthought. Though great for businesses, it raises concerns for both local health experts and city officials alike," reports WSAV. "There were folks everywhere, I mean everywhere," said city of Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. "I'm concerned about the impact and how that will look for infection rates moving forward, so I will be monitoring that as well." 2 Portions of Texas A pedestrian bridge crossing the Buffalo Bayou into downtown Houston Texas. "The new and highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus may have sparked the recent outbreak of 125-plus cases of COVID-19 linked to a Houston-area youth church camp, and a Texas virologist says the breakout should be a wake-up call for communities," reports the Texas Tribune. Amarillo, Texas, also has a low vaccination rate. "Clearly, COVID is not over," Dr. Benjamin Neuman, a virologist and professor at Texas A&M University, told the paper. 3 Portions of Missouri St. Louis downtown city skyline at twilight. "A new study by WalletHub ranks Missouri as the least safe state during COVID-19," reports KMOV. "The findings published Thursday ranked Missouri the 50th state in positive testing rate and death rate. On Wednesday, Missouri's positivity rating was 11%. The study also ranked the state 48th in hospitalization rate, 44th in transmission rate and 40th in vaccination rate." Story continues RELATED: The Easiest Way to Look Younger, Says Science 4 Portions of Alabama Statue of Hank Williams, the famous country singer, in its new location on Commerce Street "An infectious disease expert warned that Alabama's low vaccination rate makes the state vulnerable to an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations," reports WVTM. "Alabama has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country with about one-third of people fully vaccinated. There were 256 people in state hospitals with COVID-19 on Wednesday, although that is a fraction of the 3,000 that were hospitalized at the pandemic's peak." Montgomery, Alabama, has a particularly low vaccination rate. 5 Portions of Arkansas Arkansas flag flying high beside the State Capitol Building "The Arkansas Department of Health announced 1,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. With a rise in cases, a result of that is a rise in deaths," reports KATV. "Fewer masks and fewer restrictions have made some people's summer 2021 feel like COVID-19 is completely gone. But for the family of Kim Maginn, it's all too real." "Mom was living life to the fullest right now," Rachel Maginn Rosser, Kim's daughter, said. "She was in the best shape of her life going into this." RELATED: Sure Signs You May Have Dementia, According to the CDC 6 Portions of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana, USA skyline over the Red River at dusk. "The delta variant of COVID-19 has spawned a new, troubling variant known as delta-plus that has been identified for the first time in Louisiana, according to officials at Ochsner Health," reports NOLA.com. Shreveport, Louisiana, has a low vaccination rate. "Delta-plus is thought to have the same higher rate of transmission as the delta variant, which was originally identified in India and is about two times as infectious as the original coronavirus strain. But it also has a characteristic of variants from South Africa and Brazil that makes it harder for antibodies to block it from entering cells." 7 Portions of Oklahoma oklahoma city "Oklahoma is seeing a high rate of hospital admissions for COVID-19 patients amid rising case numbers in the state, according to an expert," reports the Oklahoman. "Across the state, nearly 28% of people who have had a positive COVID-19 test in the last two weeks were admitted to hospitals, said Dr. David Kendrick, founder and CEO of MyHealth Access Network, a statewide health information exchange." "That's a really high admission rate," Kendrick said. RELATED: The #1 Cause of Heart Attack, According to Science 8 Portions of Tennessee "The Delta COVID-19 variant is rapidly spreading in several states across the nation including Missouri and Arkansas," reports WKRN. "Tennessee doctors are once again warning people eligible for a vaccine to get vaccinated. The goal is to prevent death or severe illness." "So unfortunately, Tennessee is still ranking very low in terms of vaccination," said Dr. Jason Martin, a critical care physician. So get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID. 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, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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. In The Forever Purge, the latest and supposedly last in the series, killing isnt confined to one night. One day after the nightly bloodbath, masked men and women continue to slaughter, this time for cleansing purposes. Its a little too much, considering the unrest weve seen in the last year, and it doesnt provide any real answers. Set in Texas, the latest installment starts with a divide between wealthy landowners and the immigrants who work for them. Theres tension, but the immigrants aren't worried about the racists they know. They're worried about the ones they don't and head to a safe house on Purge Night. When the 12-hour "event" ends, they head back to work and discover folks there are still being picked off by a band of masked supremacists. Fast-thinking helps ranch hand Juan (Tenoch Huerta) get his employers out of the purgers clutches before figuring out where to go for safety. In the process, we see Juans wife, Adela (Ana de la Reguera), caught in a trap trying to help an animal. Shes a victim, too, and soon its impossible to figure out why everyone without a mask is prey. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} They truly are precious in his sight. Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14). We need to have the trusting faith of a child. And we need to pass on our faith to them. Theres a manger or animal trough used as Jesus bed, which is interesting when you stop and think about it. The nourishment animals need to survive and thrive is in that manger. Jesus, the very Bread of Life, is our nourishment, too. Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35). We can physically live without him, but not spiritually. For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a). The Hebrew word Bethlehem means House of Bread. And the shepherds watching the flocks of sheep around Bethlehem were watching lambs that could eventually be the sacrificial lambs for the temple. A lamb had to be perfect and without blemish. It also had to be a year old. If it met all the qualifications, it was taken into Jerusalem to be sacrificed. Dear Doctor: I had a hard time after my son was born. I'd had postpartum depression with my first child, so I knew what was happening. But when my husband started having issues, our doctor said postpartum depression happens to men, too. How? I thought it had to do with hormones. Dear Reader: Postpartum depression is the severe emotional and mental struggle some women undergo in the weeks and months after giving birth. This includes feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, exhaustion, worthlessness and guilt. It's different from what is sometimes referred to as the "baby blues" in that postpartum depression is more severe and long-lasting. You're correct that postpartum depression is linked to the complex hormonal shifts that occur after giving birth. However, the changes to sleep, social life, daily routine, responsibility and finances that accompany the arrival of a new baby also play a role. And it turns out that these seismic shifts affect the partner who did not give birth as well. In this case, the condition is more accurately referred to as postnatal depression. (The word "partum" refers to having given birth, while the word "natal" describes something associated with birth.) SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- Horse racing returns Saturday morning to South Sioux City's Atokad Park, 1524 Atokad Dr. The first post time is 11 a.m., the second is slated around 11:20 and the third and last is at 11:40, depending on track conditions. The races should be finished by noon. The annual race day was moved up considerably this year -- they were held in September until last year, when the race date became two days and was moved to October. Due to the pandemic, there was only one race held each of the two racing dates in an effort to discourage crowds. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} All other tracks in Nebraska scheduled their races early this year, likely to accommodate upcoming projects to build casinos at the tracks. Atokad's races will be the last horse races of the year in Nebraska. Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which owns the Atokad track, opted to move the race this year so that the race day would fall closer to the second-to-last race day, which was in Columbus, Nebraska, last Saturday. MercyOne requirement a first for local hospitals Other area hospitals have not taken steps to implement a vaccination requirement for clinical staff and other employees. Officials with the states largest hospital, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, have stated previously they do not plan to mandate vaccines for staff and employees. More than 15,300 UIHC employees have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Friday, according to data available on the health systems website. UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids will not mandate the vaccine while it is under emergency use authorization by federal officials, spokeswoman Sarah Corizzo said. If and when it does obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, our leadership will re-evaluate at that time, she said. Seventy-two percent of UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids employees have received the COVID-19 vaccine thus far, officials said. At UnityPoint Health, the health and safety of our patients, communities and team members is at the center of everything we do, Corizzo said. Like many other health care organizations, as a health care system, its our policy to strongly encourage but not require team members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 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." Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} 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. CHICAGO (AP) Law enforcement officers in Chicago fatally shot a 33-year-old man who pointed a gun at them as they tried to arrest him Friday, authorities said. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday asked people and businesses in the nation's most populous state to voluntarily cut how much water they use by 15% as the Western United States weathers a drought that is rapidly emptying reservoirs relied on for agriculture, drinking water and fish habitat. LAS VEGAS (AP) Officials said Thursday that Nevada will have dozens of pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites over the coming weeks and federal workers to help reach out to the unvaccinated as the state confronts a jump in virus cases and hospitalizations. Nevada has seen a 136% increase increase in hospitalizations of people with the coronavirus since May 31 the day before the state fully reopened and lifted most of its restrictions on businesses. The rate of hospitalizations had increased 62% over the last 14 days alone, health officials said Thursday during a virtual news conference. Most of the cases involved people who were not vaccinated, and the bulk of the increase is in southern Nevada's Clark County, which includes Las Vegas and most of the state's population. The heightened hospitalizations in Clark are the key cause for the concern, although they have not yet been accompanied by rising deaths, said Candice McDaniel, the deputy director of programs at the Department of Health and Human Services. The rate of positive COVID-19 tests has more than doubled over the past two weeks, with the 14 day positivity rate reaching 8.2% Thursday. McMaster asked his states health department to bar state and local health groups from the use of the Biden Administrations targeted door to door tactics. A South Carolinians decision to get vaccinated is a personal one for them to make and not the governments, McMaster wrote in a letter to the department. Enticing, coercing, intimidating, mandating, or pressuring anyone to take the vaccine is a bad policy which will deteriorate the publics trust and confidence in the States vaccination efforts. In Missouri, meanwhile, GOP Gov. Mike 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! Earlier in the week, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich sent a letter to Biden condemning the new strategy. For the usually reserved Biden White House, which has long harbored private frustrations about some states laggard vaccination programs but refused to condemn them publicly for fear of playing up political divides in public health, it was a bridge too far. Five years ago: President Barack Obama wrapped up his visit to the NATO summit in Warsaw before heading to Madrid for a visit cut short because of violence back home, where five Dallas police officers had been killed by a sniper and two Black men were dead after being shot by police. Serena Williams won her record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title by beating Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 in the Wimbledon final and pulling even with Steffi Graf for the most major championships in the Open era, which began in 1968. One year ago: The World Health Organization acknowledged the possibility that COVID-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions; more than 200 scientists, in an open letter, had urged the agency to do so. The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, said federal health officials would not revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools, despite criticism from President Donald Trump. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio used a roller to help paint Black Lives Matter in front of Trumps namesake Manhattan tower. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a New York prosecutors demands for Trumps tax records. Todays Birthdays: Actor-singer Ed Ames is 94. Actor Richard Roundtree is 79. Singer Dee Dee Kenniebrew (The Crystals) is 76. Author Dean Koontz is 76. Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson is 74. Actor Chris Cooper is 70. TV personality John Tesh is 69. Country singer David Ball is 68. Business executive/TV personality Kevin OLeary (TV: Shark Tank) is 67. R&B singer Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge) is 67. Actor Jimmy Smits is 66. Actor Tom Hanks is 65. Singer Marc Almond is 64. Actor Kelly McGillis is 64. Rock singer Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) is 62. Actor-rock singer Courtney Love is 57. Rock musician Frank Bello (Anthrax) is 56. Actor David OHara is 56. Actor Pamela Adlon is 55. Actor Scott Grimes is 50. Actor Enrique Murciano is 48. Rock singer-musician Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) is 46. Musician/producer Jack White is 46. Rock musician Dan Estrin (Hoobastank) is 45. Actor-director Fred Savage is 45. Actor Linda Park is 43. Actor Megan Parlen is 41. R&B singer Kiely Williams (3lw) is 35. Actor Mitchel Musso is 30. Actor Georgie Henley is 26. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) A Davenport woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday in a fatal shooting at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant that was sparked by an argument over a card game. Treshonda M. Pollion, 25, pleaded guilty in April to voluntary manslaughter in the Oct. 25 death of 29-year-old Eloise Chairs. Pollion was originally charged with first-degree murder. Her plea deal included a mandatory 10-year sentence, The Quad City Times reported. Witnesses told police that Chairs and others argued over a card game. After that argument ended, Chairs, Pollion and a witness got into another argument, and Pollion and Chairs exchanged punches. Pollion had a gun and fired one shot, hitting Chairs, prosecutors said. I dont know if Ive ever seen a more senseless crime than this one, Scott County Judge John Telleen said during the sentencing hearing. This bill is narrowly tailored to offer medical marijuana to those with legitimate medical needs, Nickel said. As a primary reason for legalization, the bill says modern medical research has found that cannabis and cannabinoid compounds are effective at alleviating pain, nausea and other symptoms associated with several debilitating medical conditions. Rabon, a cancer survivor, has said SB711 would not serve as a gateway to recreation marijuana use. Recreational marijuana use is not something we want in our state," Lee said, but added that the prohibition should not keep North Carolina from doing the right thing for people with chronic and debilitating conditions. Lowe said bill sponsors reviewed legislation in piecing together SB711. We realized that, for some states, it has worked out well, while for others it was just a recreational product, Lowe said. Thats not the goal with this particular bill on our state. Some advocates for permitting medical marijuana still criticize SB711 for being too restrictive on who can use it, and for not putting enough emphasis on the mental health aspect of debilitating health conditions. 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. VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Belarusian authorities have raided the offices of several media outlets and the homes of scores of journalists under a multi-pronged crackdown on dissent and free speech in the ex-Soviet nation, a media watchdog said Friday. 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. How is it possible that someone who went through all that to help this country is being sent away over a piece of bread? The government declines to discuss this case. According to CNN, its decision simply cited "terrorist activity," though Niazy said he told the story about the bread in his asylum interview. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Herting said in federal immigration courts in recent years what constitutes support of terrorism has expanded and become "more skewed." He pointed to a 2018 case, in which a woman was denied asylum because after being captured and seeing her husband murdered by guerrillas in El Salvador, she was forced to cook and clean for the guerrillas. Providing those services, even under threat of death, was considered by the immigration court to be support of terrorists. "I dont like putting odds on outcomes for my clients, but the case law is not positive for Zalmay," Herting wrote in an email to me. "Certainly we still have hope that we can get people interested enough in his story that there may be positive change, but without some reform in the law, hes facing a very steep uphill climb. I am sure the court will be sympathetic to his story, but sympathy doesnt change the law and the law in this area is fundamentally rotten." This article contains spoilers for Black Widow. Lets start with something basic. When does this movie take place? Didnt Black Widow die in Avengers: Endgame? She did! Black Widow takes place before the events of Endgameto be specific, it takes place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. To be even more specific, it takes place in 2016, 21 years after the 1995 opening scene.* As for why it takes place then, well, Marvel made 20 movies before they made their first standalone centered on a female superhero, and its probably not a coincidence that they didnt get around to making a Black Widow movie until after the character was already dead. Advertisement [Read: Black Widow Is a Thrilling Remedy for the Sexism of Marvel Movies Past] Advertisement Advertisement Skipping ahead, whats up with the lightning bugs? Is that a Marvel thing? I feel like I was missing something! Theyre just there to provide a little sentimental callback to the childhood of Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) and Yelena (Florence Pugh). Earlier they were just there to establish that their mom (Rachel Weisz) is a scientist via the fact that she knows science-y words like bioluminescence. While there are obscure Marvel comics characters named Lightning Bug and Firefly, that seems to just be because there are Marvel characters named after most well-known insects. Speaking of their childhood, how exactly do their fake American identities work, and how much did Natasha and Yelena know about the plan? Advertisement Natasha, Yelena, and their parents were sent to Ohio to be Russian sleeper cell agents and send info back to their home country. Their identities were completely constructed and their backstories staged, presumably by Dreykov and the Black Widows organization he ran, in order to create the plausible illusion that they were a family who had recently moved to their town. Natasha was aware that it was all a ruse, as she reveals at a tense reunion dinner halfway through the film. Yelena, who is several years younger than Natasha, was seemingly unaware that the family shed lived with for three years was anything other than just that: her family. Advertisement What was up with that floppy disk that their dad delivered to Dreykov when they fled Ohio? Why was it so importantand what was on it? Advertisement Oh, nothing much, just the key to unlocking free will. Alexei (David Harbour) infiltrated the SHIELD front North Industries, which had come up with a way to control the basal ganglia, the part of the brain which regulates motor control. He then made a copy of that information, set the original on fire, and handed the disk to Dreykov, who, with Melinas help, used it to enslave widows for several decades. (Side note: As Melina points out, at the time Alexei stole the information, SHIELD was secretly under the control of Hydra, so matters might actually have been worse if he hadnt completed his mission.) Apparently Alexei was the Red Guardian before he got assigned to deep cover. Who or what is that? Advertisement In the comic books, the Red Guardian was the national hero of the Soviet Union, a kind of commie Captain America. And just like Cap, the Marvel Cinematic Universes Red Guardian appears to have a degree of super-strength and endurance. When we meet David Harbours version of the character here, were a few years post-Cold War, so it makes sense hes not out in the field showing off his hammer and sickle. Advertisement While were naming names, Dreykovs daughter is also called the Taskmaster. Is that from the comics too? In the Marvel comics, the Taskmaster is both quite similar and quite different to Black Widows version. The Taskmaster is a mercenary trained by criminal organizations like Hydra in order to take down folks like the Avengers. Just as the character does in the movie, he (in the comics, the Taskmaster is a dude named Tony Masters) can learn and copy anyones fighting moves, making him a formidable bad guy. One of those people whose moves he copies is Black Widows, which means they have mirrored fights similar to those we see in the movie. What were Hawkeye and Natasha up to in Budapest all those years ago? And more importantly, how do you pronounce Budapest? Advertisement So, as this movie reveals, the Budapest mission was the final step in Natashas defection, as Hawkeye helped her attempt to kill Dreykov by blowing up his office. As for how to pronounce Budapest, the native Hungarian pronunciation is indeed boo-dah-pesht, the same way that the native French pronunciation of Paris is pah-ree, but typical American pronunciation of it is, yes, just boo-dah-pest. Advertisement Did the stuff Natasha describes happening in her apartmentthe arrow holes in the wall from an encounter with Hawkeye, etchappen in some movie, or are we just supposed to fill in the gaps ourselves? This is the first time we see Natasha in Budapest within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she has mentioned her trip several times before. In the first Avengers movie, Natasha and Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), a.k.a. Hawkeye, reference their time spent in Budapest together, when they were on a mission for SHIELD. But thats all that we got: references. Natasha and Hawkeye became incredibly close while on this mission together, helping forge the bond that we see them share throughout their movies together. Advertisement We never knew what happened during that mission before now, although the details Natasha shares in Black Widow are still kind of vague. We know that they spent time together in that apartment, and that they also hid in a train station ceiling vent for several days. But Natasha isnt one for nostalgia, and although information about the Budapest Operation eventually became public knowledge, the more intimate stuff seems like it will stay between Natasha and Hawkeye forever. Advertisement Advertisement What Bond movie was Natasha watching? That was Moonraker! Just like that Roger Moore film, Black Widow climaxes with a battle aboard a floating fortress designed by a megalomaniac genius. What was Julia Louis-Dreyfus doing in that post-credits scene? And what are they setting up next? Advertisement Technically, we were supposed to see her in this movie before we saw her in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but, the pandemic being what it is, the order of things got a little mixed up. But, TL;DR, Louis-Dreyfus is playing Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a Nick Fury romantic interest who is sometimes a villain in the Marvel universe. (For some further context, shes occasionally served as Madame Hydra.) It seems that shes recruited Yelena to work for her, in addition to ol John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and, if her comics history is anything to go by, shes a bit of a double agent. Well presumably know more when Marvel releases its new TV series Hawkeye, which is expected out later this year. Advertisement Was Hawkeye actually responsible for Natashas death, or is that just something Valentina made up? If youre one of the two people on Earth who hasnt seen Endgame, heres a reminder of how Natasha died: The Avengers split up to collect the Infinity Stones that they need in order to defeat Thanos. Natasha and Hawkeye, go together to face the (former, now dead) head of Hydra, the Red Skull, who has the final Stone. He will only hand it over in exchange for a life sacrifice. Natasha and Hawkeye then squabble over who is the one who will sacrifice themselves to save the world. Natasha ultimately wins that fight, letting herself fall off a cliff to Hawkeyes despair. Advertisement Advertisement Since only the two of them were there, it does seem easy for someone like Valas in, a person with a motiveto frame the death as Hawkeyes fault. But those of us who saw what really went down know that Natasha made the choice completely on her own. One last thing thats been bothering me. Were the Widows controlling the world all along or was Hydra? (Can they really both be puppeteering global events at the same time???) Dont forget the Skrulls, who might also be hiding among us! It appears that the MCU has had almost as many puppet-masters as it has had world-threatening events, and youre not wrong to feel confused about this. Maybe well get more clarity in Marvels Secret Invasion TV series, which is due in 2022 and is expected to reveal more power players who have quietly been shapeshifting extraterrestrialsor maybe it will only muddle things further. For more of Slates coverage of Black Widow, listen to Karen Han and Dana Stevens discuss the movie in spoiler-filled detail. This post is part of Outward, Slates home for coverage of LGBTQ life, thought, and culture. Read more here. On July 3, an anti-transgender protest outside a Los Angeles spa resulted in two stabbingsall over a social media post that police are now treating as a hoax. Back on June 24, a user called cubanangel posted a video on Instagram showing her and at least two other women confronting a staff member at Wi Spa on Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown about having seen a man with a penis in the womens changing area. Im recording this because Im gonna make a big deal. Im gonna take this very worldwide, she explains, kicking off four minutes berating the staff member over the queer-friendly spas nondiscrimination policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after the video began to go viral in transphobic corners of the internet, members of the trans community began to raise questions about itchief among them why the video cuts out as the woman marches downstairs to confront this person shes allegedly seen, conveniently ending before the trans woman shes so angry about is shown. The woman also repeatedly mentions children being exposed to a penis, while no children appear on the video and the group dont appear to have any children with them. These early doubts have been bolstered by reporting from the Los Angeles Blade that police suspect a hoax after failing to find witnesses who saw a trans woman at the spa, and that Wi Spa claims none of their trans clients had scheduled appointments that day. Advertisement To understand why this incident is so disturbing, its worth being clear about what the hoax is even claiming: that a trans woman used a changing room that she was fully allowed to use on a day when no trans women actually happened to be using it. There was no specific claim of wrongdoing or inappropriate conduct on the part of this alleged person, although the colorful language used in the video certainly sparks the imagination, likely leading those with a transphobic cast of mind to fill the vacuum of facts with horrific acts of lewdness or indecency. Perhaps this is why outrage over the possibility that a trans woman may have changed her clothes in the appropriate facilities grew and grew, culminating in the protest outside Wi Spa, which included a contingent of violent extremists from the far right. The two stabbing victims were attacked by an anti-trans protester: One was a counterprotester; the other apparently a friendly stab incident where a fellow protester was hit by mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Anti-trans activism is often thought of as a sideshow or a distraction, but these events show the real dangers of an increasingly extremist anti-trans backlash. In this case, an uncorroborated suggestion that a trans woman was using a womens space ignited a protest that resulted in violence and led to a woman being hospitalized. That there was likely no trans woman there to begin with only underscores how thin a pretext is needed to prompt these sorts of outbursts from the far right. Trans people and our allies should not ignore the growing anti-trans sentiment in this country. Donald Trumps path to the White House bewildered much of the political establishment. He was unqualified, dishonest, and nasty, running to lead a party that had prided itself on so-called traditional family values. Through the lens of the pre-Trump era, the venom he spewed about immigrants, Black folks, and women should have sunk his candidacy dozens of times. But it never did. And slowly it dawned on many observers that Trump didnt succeed in spite of his viciousness, but because of it. Advertisement Adam Serwer, a writer for the Atlantic, captured that understanding in one phrase: The cruelty is the point. It was the title of one of his essays. And his work on the Trump presidency has been collected in a new book, The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trumps America. I spoke with Serwer on Fridays episode of A Word. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Jason Johnson: What inspired your original essay in 2018, The Cruelty Is the Point? And if you can, can you sum up that idea? The cruelty wasnt just like a byproduct of Trumpism, but it was actually like the whole point. Adam Serwer: The sort of proximate, immediate cause was when I was watching the Kavanaugh hearings, Christine Blasey Ford, who testified that she had been sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh when she was a teenager. At least one of the things that was very vivid to her was the laughter from Kavanaugh and his childhood friend as this was happening. And what struck me was that the president If youre a conservative and you supported Kavanaugh and you thought she was telling the truth, he went out and he made her an object of ridicule. He deliberately made people laugh at her. And it struck me that he had zeroed in on a vulnerability that she had expressed publicly, and was using it to cause her as much pain as possible. And the audience that he was doing this in front of was enjoying it. Advertisement And that to me seemed to be a crucial element of Trumps community buildingthat is, he was using cruelty to create a sense of intimacy between him and his supporters. What Im focused on in the book is cruelty as a part of politics, specifically the way its used to demonize certain groups. So you can justify denying people their basic rights under the Constitution, or exclude them from the political process. Theres two things I was trying to do: one, say that Donald Trump is part of a long legacy in American history; and also, he is a product of the structural inequities of our political system, which incentivize this kind of behavior, which is why its not going to end with him simply being gone. Advertisement Advertisement I want to talk about that particular moment. Because you talk about him mocking Blasey Fordthe ability for Trump, being the president of the United States, sitting on a stage to get an audience full of white people of all classes and levels to see themselves as victims. How did Trump do that so well? How did he convince people that their cruelty was so essential to preventing them from being victims when most of them have never experienced victimhood in their lives? Well, so I want to push back on that a little bit. I think what bothers me about that whole thing is that even if you think Blasey Ford is all the things that Trump saidshe was lying, she was trying to destroy Brett Kavanaughhis approach to this issue was not simply an attack on her. It was an attempt to intimidate any victim from ever coming forward. And you understand why someone like Donald Trump would want to do that, because he after all has himself been accused of sexual assault, he has admitted to sexual assault on audio, which was dismissed as locker room talk. And so, even if you think Brett Kavanaugh is the victim of a smear campaign, the women in generalregardless of political persuasionwho have been assaulted are collateral damage, with that kind of rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement And thats what really struck me. Trump did this all the time. It wasnt that he just did it with Blasey Ford. I mean, he did it with the Squad. He did it with basically anybody who made him mad. He would make fun of them in front of an audience. And the audience would just enjoy it. And even when you look at the way he talks about the Squad, when he says, We need to send them back, I mean, he is attacking the foundations of nonracial American citizenship and the crowd is cheering for it. Whenever he went extra far with his racism, with his sexism, with his misogyny, with his xenophobia, it was somehow always framedcertainly by conservativesas humor. Do you think that Donald Trump was actually a funny guy, or do you think that retroactively people would frame these attacks, these call and responses, as humor in order to make it easier to swallow what was basically just naked misogyny? Advertisement No. I mean, Trump obviously meant these things, and people like that he meant them. And the fact that hes trying to be humorous doesnt mean that hes not also saying what he thinks. But the fact that theyre enjoying themselves and having a good time does not eliminate the seriousness of it. I mean, in fact, thats part of the seriousness. And their ability to laugh is linked to the fact that they do not consider these peoplein particular these jokes that attack foundational elements of multiracial democracy, like the fact that if you were an immigrant, you are no less American than everybody elsethe fact that theyre laughing at things like that, these are statements of values. Even though people are laughing at them as jokes, they are expressions of what people believe ideologically. Advertisement Advertisement Theres an argument that the racism and cruelty to characterize the Trump administration has always been a part of American politics, and both major parties have tapped into that energy in the past. I think when you talk about attacking people and cruelty being community-making, I mean, I think of public lynchings. I think of old photos from the 20s and 30s of white families forcing their 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-year-old sons and daughters to watch Black men and women get burned. Im curious if you can think of any examples, in your research and writing in all this time, who were some champions of sort of Trumpian politics before Trump. Because everybody tries to pretend that hes new, but as you pointed out, this aint new. We just may have not seen somebody put it together this well. Advertisement I think George Wallace is really the important precursor to Trump. George Wallace initially runs as a sort of nonracist populist, and he loses. And he says, Im never gonna get out-N-worded again. And he never was. He realized that this was part of his appeal. And when you look at the 1960s, Barry Goldwater goes out and he gets shellacked by Lyndon Johnson. He loses every state outside the solid South. And theres a great book about this called From the New Deal to the New Right, which talks about this sort of conservative identity formation. So Goldwater is getting letters from angry people in the South, like, How could you talk about closing the Tennessee Valley Authority? Thats outrageous. I wanted to vote for you. I thought you were on my side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Wallace marries this sort of small government, but only in the service of denying racial equality, with this sort of economic populism. And a lot of this has to do with the way he talks about the police. I mean, early on hes praising the police for what they did, beating protesters. Hes talking about the police as a beleaguered group. Hes saying things like, if we let the police run the country, we wouldnt have any problems anymore. And hes really sort of the proto-Trump in terms of marrying a white identity politics that denies that thats what it is. Whats the difference between cruelty that is explicitly targeting minority groupspraising cops for beating people, splitting up families, calling it the Muslim banversus cruelty that doesnt explicitly hurt minorities, but still ends up killing hundreds of thousands of people? Because a lot of what we understand about the cruelty is the point in Trumpism is its all about the other. But his COVID response killed lots of white people and cost hundreds of thousands of lives. So how does that still work for him? Or was it just something people were overlooking because their attitude was Well, as long as the minority is just still dying more, were good with it? Advertisement Advertisement No, I think that this goes to a similar issue that you had with police brutality, which is that when an issue becomes raced, it becomes associated with people of color, a lot of white people sort of think its no longer their problem. And something happened with COVID. I talk about this in the book where immediately after the statistics on racial disparities began emerging, that was when the backlash to all the restrictions started. And I think, just as police brutality is an issue that affects white people, it doesnt just affect Black people. It may disproportionately affect Black people, but it is certainly not just a Black issue. And the same thing was true of COVID, where it sort of became raced, where it became seen as something that was more a problem for workers of color and less a problem for white people. And so the restrictions were not justified because why should my freedom be curtailed for these people who I dont really consider as important as me? Advertisement Trumps support actually rose amongst some groups of Black and Latino voters. What do you think is at play, that this guy can be explicitly cruel to groups of people who then turn around and support him? Because Black and brown people, not by a huge amount, but they voted for him more in 2020 than in 2016, after he spent four years demonizing them. Yeah. I mean, look, I cant say for sure, but it would certainly not be the first time that voters of color cast ballots for a candidate that they thought was racist because they felt like their economic interests were served by having him in office. In 1932, the Democratic Party was the party of Jim Crow and Rooseveltnevertheless, won the Black vote in the North. That didnt suddenly mean that the Democratic Party ceased being a white supremacist organization, although the integration of Black voters into the Democratic Party ultimately set it on the course of moving away from white supremacy and towards civil rights. But certainly at that moment, the fact that Black voters said, well, neither party is really looking out for my interests, but with Roosevelts economic agenda, I might have a chance at more economic prosperity. It didnt change what the Democratic Party stands for. And Donald Trumps improvements with some voters of color in 2020it doesnt alter what he stood for, or what he believes, or what he did. Listen to the entire episode below, or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. The teenager who filmed the murder of George Floyd last summer wrote on Facebook on Tuesday that one of her own family members had been killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Darnella Frazier, the 18-year-old who was given a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for the video, said that her uncle, Leneal Lamont Frazier, had been killed when his car was struck by a police officer speeding down a residential road in pursuit of a robbery suspect. Its not fair how the police can just go around killing people, Frazier wrote. You took an innocent life trying to catch someone else. Advertisement Data show that police chases often kill suspects, officers, and innocent bystanders like Frazier, and very rarely manage to stop further violence. Thousands of people have been killed in these high-speed pursuits over the years, and yet the practice continues. Victims advocates and police reformers have repeatedly called for police departments to put an end to the car chase. And they have found that the nature of law enforcement in the U.S.the patchwork of policies, the culture and attitudes within departments, the instinct to step in and protect the officershave made it impossible to put a stop to these avoidable deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Its not uncommon for a bystander to be killed by a police pursuit. As the Washington Post put it in 2015, police chases are deadlier than tornadoes, lighting, and hurricanes combined. In 2015, USA Today found that in the previous three-and-a-half decades, more than 5,000 bystanders and passengers had been killed from police pursuitsand more than 11,500 people had been killed in total from police chases in that period. But unlike other, more personally violent uses of force, such as putting someone in a headlock or tasing them, car chases havent featured heavily in public discussions about police conduct despite the fact that they probably injure or kill more innocent bystanders than any other kind of force, says Geoffrey Alpert, a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. Advertisement According to Alpert, a leading expert on police pursuits, there has been a shift over the decades in police practices. In the 1970s and early 80s, he said, police had a Wild West attitude. It was, basically, chase them til the wheels fall off. No one cared about safety until the 80s, he said, when some began to worry about the officers safety. Advocacy groups began to push for a change, and studies came out that pointed to the practices death toll. The data painted a clear picture: innocent people die from police chases. Advertisement In the early 1990s, progressive police chiefs began to implement policies to curb the practice. Victims also began to sue, and through large civil judgments, courts blasted the idea of chasing suspects over minor offenses. The movement held onto its momentum, and over the last decade, the number of departments with restricted pursuit policies came to outnumber departments with free-for-all attitudes. Large cities with progressive police chiefs were the first to take up the cause, but even small-town departments tend to have rules now, Alpert said. Advertisement What are these policies? Typically, that you only can pursue a suspect believed to have committed a major, violent crime. The risk of a high-speed chase is too high otherwise. Even people who are fleeing from minor traffic offenses are operating in an irrational, fear-based state. Drunk drivers become significantly more reckless and more dangerous because of the high speeds. Police officers, too, get reckless. They get engaged and cant shut down emotions, said John Firman, a professor of Justice, Law, and Criminology at American University. Its I cant believe this guys fleeing me. Im going to catch him, hell or high water. The condition of the officer is not good. Theyre not likely to treat the person carefully or respectfully in that moment. Advertisement Advertisement The outcome in so many of these pursuits is a crash. Theres no good answer with pursuits, Alpert said. To me, the balance is easy, and it has to be a serious offense to justify that risk. Despite changing policies, its common for these pursuits to follow from minor cases. According to USA Today, more than 89 percent of California police chases from 2002 to 2014 were for vehicle-related violations. The crimes are rarely violent. Making it all worse, Black peopleboth suspects and bystandersare three times more likely to be killed in one of these incidents. Some experts believe technology is the solution. Its possible to tag a fleeing car with a GPS monitoring device, or track a car from a helicopter, or even stop a more advanced car remotely. But the easiest way to avoid having to chase a suspect is simply to grab a photo of a license plate or of the suspect and follow through when things are less heated. The likelihood is the person is going to be caught the next day, Firman said. Advertisement But until technology presents an easier option, departments have to grapple with policy. Some departments policies ban pursuits for nonviolent crimes. Others tell officers to stand down if theyre in a populated areas or only to pursue if the suspect has a weapon. When a chief bans pursuits for certain scenarios, it takes away the subjective decision of whether something warrants a chase. An officer in a certain mood may decide on a given day that a person fleeing a traffic infraction is personally insulting them. Another officer, absorbed with the idea of coming out on top and making an arrest, may lose perspective, or may not stop to consider whether a response is proportionate. A clear-cut policy can aim to prevent these cases. Advertisement But there is one major issue with this solution: compliance. According to Alpert, theres rarely accountability, unless an officer kills someone and the courts become involved. In most cases, he said, departments back up the officer and cite a justification. That protection in turn emboldens other police officers, who feel safe conducting their own chases. For policies to matter, he said, police departments need to be willing to enforce them. And not everyone subscribes to such a black-and-white policy. Many policies leave open room for interpretation, such as whether an officer feels a suspect is a danger to people around them. In New Jersey, for example, police killed at least 55 people in the past decade, even as department policy limited chases to times when a vehicle is being operated so as to pose an immediate threat to the safety of another person, according to an investigation from the Appeal. And in Minneapolis, where Frazier was killed in a pursuit over a suspected car theft, officers can only chase suspects committing a serious and violent felony or gross misdemeanor or if their driving is so flagrantly reckless that the driver would pose an imminent and life-threatening danger to the public if not apprehended. Because of the protests that followed the killing of George Floyd, the trend among police departments has been to tighten policies further, Firman said. But he felt that departments were often justified in exonerating officers who violate policies. At the time and in the moment, they did what they thought was best to save lives, he said. Its a complex area. But he added that for the most part, high-speed pursuits should still be considered a bad outcome in almost any scenario. The likelihood is substantial that this thing is going to go wrong. All over the country, Republicans are tightening state election laws. They say they just want to prevent fraud, not stop Black Americans or other Democratic constituencies from voting. But theres a simple way to test that claim: What do these Republicans think of early in-person voting? Unlike mail ballots, which in theory could be faked in ways that in-person ballots couldnt (though in reality, mail ballots arent), early voting at a polling place is essentially identical, in terms of security, to voting on Election Day. So letting people vote early and in person doesnt make it easier to cheat. It just makes it easier to vote. Advertisement Former President Donald Trump, who is leading the charge to restrict ballot access, has called on states to eliminate no-excuse early voting. In some states, such as Iowa, Republican lawmakers have moved in that direction, shortening the time window for casting ballots. And despite the partys claims of innocence, polls show that theres a big constituency in the GOPranging from one-third of Republicans to 60 percent or morenot just for preventing fraud, but for making it harder to cast a ballot, even if youre a demonstrably legal voter. Advertisement Advertisement This spring, over several weeks, Economist/YouGov polls repeatedly asked whether it should be easier or harder for people to vote in American elections than it is currently. Each time the question was asked, more respondents said it should be easier than said it should be harder. But Republicans disagreed. By margins of 40 to 50 percentage points, they consistently said it should be harder. Advertisement Even when pollsters dont mention the word mail, Republicans bristle at the idea of routine early voting. In April, when the Pew Research Center asked Americans to choose between two statements on this issue, 63 percent chose the position that any voter should have the option to vote early or absentee without having to document a reason. But 62 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners chose the alternative answer: that voters should be allowed to cast their ballots early only if they have a documented reason for not voting in person on Election Day. From the standpoint of preventing fraud, it makes no difference whether the period for early voting, whether in person or by mail, is long or short. Either way, the same risks and security measures apply. Yet Republicans want to constrict this period. In May, when a Reuters/Ipsos survey asked about shortening the time window for early or absentee voting, more Americans opposed that idea than supported it. But Republicans strongly supported it, 65 percent to 23 percent. In March, when a Des Moines Register poll asked about a proposal to change the early voting period in Iowa with fewer days allowed to request and cast absentee ballots, most Iowa voters rejected that proposal. But Republicans endorsed it, 71 percent to 24 percent. Advertisement Advertisement The best way to filter out concern over mail ballotsand thereby measure how many Republicans just want to limit access to votingis to put the words in person in the poll question. Last month, in a Monmouth survey, 34 percent of Republicans said in-person early voting should be made harder. In the Pew poll, 36 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners opposed making early, in-person voting available to voters for at least two weeks prior to Election Day. In Connecticut, North Carolina, and Missouri, 30 percent, 39 percent, and 46 percent of Republicans, respectively, expressed opposition to similar questions about in person voting. When polls ask about early voting in general, the number goes up. Last month, in a Navigator survey, 47 percent of Republican voters opposed expanding early voting access by requiring all states to offer 15 days of early voting. In Texas, 60 percent of Republican voters supported prohibiting counties from offering more than 12 hours a day of early voting during the last week of early voting. In Pennsylvania, 59 percent of Republican voters favored a proposal to ban early voting. Advertisement Another way to measure how many Republicans want to impede voting is to ask about making Election Day a holiday. That would allow people to go to the polls instead of being stuck at their workplaces all day. In three recent surveys, 37 percent to 42 percent of Republicans opposed this idea. They did so even when the poll question specified that the purpose was to give people time off from work to vote. Advertisement A third way to measure the make-it-harder constituency is to ask about voting at a different place, as opposed to a different time. Security-wise, it makes no difference whether you vote at one precinct or another: Your residential records could still be accessed, and you would have to present the same ID. Nevertheless, in June, when an Economist/YouGov poll asked what should be done with ballots cast in the wrong precinct, only 40 percent of Republicans said such ballots should be counted in the correct precinct. Forty-four percent chose the alternative answer: Ballots cast in the wrong precinct should be thrown out, even if cast by eligible voters. That phrase, even if cast by eligible voters, says it all. For many Republicans, and by some measures most Republicans, the crackdown on ballot access goes well beyond concerns about fraud. They object to people voting early, voting at alternative polling places, or getting Election Day off from work, even if the security measures are the same. They agree with Trump that far too many days are given to vote. Thats not a movement for ballot integrity. Its a movement to constrict democracy. In-orbit real estate is becoming a little more cluttered. Back in 2019, India announced that it would not join the International Space Stationinstead, it would build and launch its own orbital laboratory. In mid-June, China successfully launched astronauts to their new space station. And throughout 2021, the Russian government has threatened to do the same. Russia has been a critical part of the ISS since its inception. The first segment of the ISS was Russian and was launched aboard a Russian proton rocket in 1998. Two-thirds of the Expedition 1 crewthe first team to reside in the ISSwas Russian. The agreement initially governing the ISS left Russia in charge of key altitude control capabilities, some life support modules, and the on-orbit shelter. Russia has also historically provided half of the stations crew. The station itself is also separated into two main segments: one for Russia and one for the U.S. and the other partners. And in a more abstract sense, the ISS has provided a rather stable outlet for cooperation between the U.S. and Russia even during particularly tense periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in April, in response to ongoing American sanctions and new ones imposed by the Biden administration, Roscosmosthe Russian space agencycalled for the Russian state to leave the ISS. It reiterated this position in June while discussing plans for Russias own space station. While the current agreement for the ISS ends in 2024, most of the five core partners (the U.S., Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency) are working on an extension until at least 2028. NASA may even try to extend the life of the space station for longer by replacing key pieces of station infrastructureor use planned module additions to create a long-term replacement. Roscosmos has repeatedly and publicly claimed that the aging infrastructure of the space station is putting its cosmonauts at risk; however, the evidence backing these claims is mixed. It is true that malfunctions in the Russian portion of the ISS have occurred, like an oxygen leak back in September 2020. But to say that these maintenance needs are actively threatening cosmonauts might be a stretchthe ISS crew was able to fix the oxygen leak and was never in any serious danger. Not to mention when real danger presents itself, ISS crewmembers can head for a Russian Soyuz escape pod. Advertisement Advertisement And while some Russian space actors have expressed concern over the state of Russias modules, other space experts like former NASA engineer Keith Cowing point out that overcoming malfunctions and completing maintenance work is just a part of space exploration. It turns out, operating complex machinery in space is in fact fraught with challengesno matter how old or new your craft or station is. Still, the U.S. is highly reliant on Russia to play its part in maintaining the space stationespecially since it has joint control over many key systems. So, a verifiable threat from Russia to pull out of the project could truly threaten the longevity of the station. But it doesnt make a lot of sense for Russia to pull out entirely. Rather, this threat reeks of political and/or financial posturing by the Kremlin. For one thing, the Russians plan to launch one of their largest-ever contributionsNauka, aka the Multipurpose Laboratory Moduleto the ISS this month (more than a decade late following technical and budget issues). Furthermore, they also recently launched smaller module additions to the orbiting laboratory. Does that sound like someone leaving to you? Advertisement Its also doubtful that Roscosmosan agency facing budget decreases as it struggles to launch new hardwarecould thrive in space on its own. In 2015, the Russian governments decadal planning process provided less than half of the expected budget for Roscosmos. This budget was further cut in 2020, and these constraints have stifled multiple Russian space projects. As one former Roscosmos official put it to France24 earlier this year: Russia doesnt have any new spacecraft, there is only a model. Advertisement Given that Nauka suffered from massive time delays and underfunding, it seems unlikely the Russians will have their own station operational anytime soon, let alone by the middle of this decade. Russia itself has estimated the station wouldnt be in orbit until 2030. Roscosmos entire yearly budget is pretty much equal to the 12 percent budget hike NASA is receiving in 2021. Not to mention, NASA chief Bill Nelson claimed in June that many Russian government officials dont agree with leaving the ISS and that the space workers, they want to continue with the Americans. Advertisement So what, then, is motivating the Russians to make the threat? Almost certainly money. Some state-level anger about U.S. sanctions. And maybe Chinas new orbital facility. Since the end of the NASA space shuttle program, Russia has made a great deal of money transporting U.S. astronauts into orbit via its Soyuz spacecrafts. NASA payments to Roscosmos for those trips totaled nearly $4 billion between 2011 and 2019. That was manageable when Roscosmos reached its budget peak of nearly $10 billion in 2013, but it has dropped considerably since then. In 2018 the budget was just $4.17 billionwhich is higher still than the just over $2 billion Roscosmos received in 2020. But now private companies are able to ferry astronauts for the U.S., greatly reducing the importance (and value) of the Russian Soyuz capability. And while NASA signed a deal in 2020 to reserve extra seats on Soyuz launches, this monetary well is running dry for Roscosmos. With that funding source gone, the Russians are likely desperate to raise capital elsewhere. And being part of the ISS is expensive: Russia expected to spend roughly $4.1 billion in maintenance costs between 2016 and 2025. Perhaps Russia hopes that by threatening to leave, the country hopes to gain a new source of financial commitments from NASA to help its space budget now that the Soyuz isnt bringing in the big bucks. Some space writers have speculated that Russia could threaten to leave and then ask to receive maintenance fees to keep its systems on the ISS operational. This seems plausible given that Roscosmos director Dmitry Rogozin (who is himself currently under U.S. sanctions) openly expressed concerns about paying to maintain the ISS and establish the Russian station at the same timewhich Rogozin also admitted was almost certainly going to be necessary to launch a national station. Advertisement This isnt the first time Russia has threatened to leave the ISS. Back in 2015, Roscosmos began discussing plans to leave the ISS in 2024. This was at least partially due to tense relations between the U.S. and Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. During hearings on Capitol Hill, then-NASA administrator Charles Bolden suggested to Congress that if that happened, the U.S. would just leave too. More likely, however, U.S. astronauts and those from NASA partners like Japan and Europe would have to pick up significant slack in the day-to-day operation of the space station. Russia could also choose to detach some modules to pair up with its new space station. Even if the U.S. did have to send up more astronauts to fill out the ISS crew, the financial hit likely wouldnt be onerous enough for immediate decommissioning, as the U.S. already covers about 75 percent of the current annual costs for the ISS. The real concern if ISS relations break down is that it might launch a new space race. Not only has Russia pledged to build its own station, but it has a signed memorandum of plans with China to consider establishing a joint lunar base. It has also worked with the Chinese government on their newly launched space station. So, while the ISS has preserved a general sense of neutrality in space exploration over the last couple of decades, a breakdown in the stations relations could allow politics and overt nationalism to creep back into the orbital environment. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. 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. Sewing different fabrics in intricate patterns to form brightly colored quilts has been a long-standing tradition across the centuries and around the world. This August, the Panhandle will get a glimpse of how that tradition has unfolded throughout the world overtime as a collection of quilts from the International Quilt Museum will be put on display at Legacy of the Plains Museum. The International Quilt Museum is housed at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and contains thousands of quilts from over 60 countries across four centuries. It began with a significant quilt collection donation to UNL in 1997 from former Nebraskans Ardis and Robert James, who collected 950 quilts from around the world. According to Carmen Kleager, a member of the Friends of the International Quilt Museum from Scottsbluff, the collection was offered a home in places like New York City, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. She said even the Smithsonian wanted the collection, but we have it here in Lincoln, Nebraska, because of the generosity of the James family that gave the quilt collection, as well as they have given support to continue, and they gave a lot of support for the building itself. Finding a support group is one resource that Brown said has proven to really be helpful for her members. It can be a lonely recovery, she said. Having someone else to relate to at these support groups who understands what its like having that support of one another can really help with the recovery. Emaly Ball agreed, which is why she is involved in, and now president of, the Nebraska Injured Brain Network, an organization built on bringing together a community for individuals with TBI. Ive had conversations with people that also live with injured brains that we can just finish each others sentences, because weve been there, weve done that, she said. To be able to have that sort of like, OK, wait a minute, Im not alone. Were just wanting to get people that are new in their recovery journey just to be able to understand that theres hope, and itll be a long road, but theyre not alone. And just knowing that can be a really big relief for a lot of people. I ran the Don Childs Run two years in a row with my friend Kathy Van Pelt, she said. We were both in the 60 and over division and she always beat me. In addition to the Don Childs Run, Jan has participated in the Bolder Boulder three times and several 5K runs in Kimball, Harrisburg and other areas. For about three years I was active in running, which I really enjoyed, she said. One year I went to ONeill, Nebraska, for a run and to Norfolk. As the children got older, Jan had more time to get involved in a number of activities. Keep Scottsbluff-Gering Beautiful was one of the organizations where she was involved for about 10 years. Jan said that although it was a part-time job, she enjoyed it a lot. She played many times for her home church, First United Methodist of Gering and was active in the womens group. I was flattered and surprised when I learned Id been elected Old Settlers Vice President last year, Jan said. Id always admired those that went before me, so I must have had them on a pedestal. I couldnt believe it when I was chosen. Jan added that now she looks forward to seeing the children of her friends as they return for Oregon Trail Days and class reunions. The report did not specify whom should be investigated. But people mentioned in it include lawyer Matthew DePerno, who unsuccessfully sued the county on behalf of a resident, and ex-state Sen. Patrick Colbeck. Colbeck has called the report shoddy and has called for the panel's GOP senators to be censured. DePerno has accused the committee of an election cover-up. On his website, Colbeck asks for donations to cover costs to defend himself after Dominion Voting Systems threatened legal action over his false claims that the election was stolen by manipulating the companys machines. Dominion has accused Colbeck of "knowingly sowing discord in our democracy" and soliciting exorbitant amounts of money over $1 million to his business. DePernos website seeks donations, too, and says $384,000 has been collected. The state Senate committee also urged the attorney general or Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to investigate a Wayne County Republican canvassers statement that election officials used poorly constructed drop boxes for absentee ballots despite the canvassing board having disallowed them. The report called it a serious breach. The attorney generals office did not elaborate on the probe's specifics, saying it is an open investigation. Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00 Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Let me help with a few useful donts and dos. For example: Dont start conversations with: Wow, its weird being back at work. What did you do during the pandemic? Its nice to ask, but you can see the problem -- they might actually tell you. On the other hand, feel free to launch into a detailed discussion of your months of isolation. And then, in March 2021, you might say, I washed my bathrobe. No, that was April. In March I found my bedroom slippers. They were under the refrigerator. Ill never understand how that happened. Also, after months home alone, you may find you want to escape the hustle and bustle by secluding yourself in your office. Or, if you dont have an office, under your desk. While this can be marvelously comforting, the danger you face is that someone might find you and want to relate to you. Or worse, give you some work to do. Better to slip into the supply cabinet and spend the first few months back at the office in splendid isolation among the paper clips and the Sharpies. It will be lonely, but you can do lonely. Its actual deadlines that are the problem. Now, heres the hook: Throughout life, opportunities occur. Sometimes, we are able to take advantage of them; other times, we do not even recognize they existed until after they are gone. We might ask ourselves various questions: Are we paying attention to the surrounding landscape? Do we prepare for and then recognize the opportunities so we can take advantage of them while they are here? When opportunities present themselves, do we have all the equipment necessary to take full advantage of them, or will we simply allow ourselves to be swept up, tossed about and then left high and dry? You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Tilleys Dance Academys dance company members recently attended the Showstopper National Competition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While there, the students attended workshop classes for two days and competed in various categories, including jazz, tap, hip hop and lyrical. They earned multiple platinum and double platinum awards for their performances. Several of the groups, solos and duets also received overall high score awards. The national high score award winners are: Bella Brookshire and Pressley Anne Beatty: First overall high score award for their duet The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Zayla Lescano: Top 10 overall high score for her solo Beautiful People. The Junior Company: Fourth overall for their jazz dance Rain on Me. Junior Hip Hop: Second overall for their routine Fighter. Petite Company: Sixth overall for the jazz dance Black or White. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The Rising Star Hip Hop: Seventh overall for their routine Lip Gloss Mix. Rising Star Lyrical: Eighth overall for We Are the World. Jefferies said no one policy is needed for anyone of a particular race, religion, gender, etc. Theres nothing particular for one subgroup thats what equal rights are, he said. All those things are equal, and all are protected groups. There is no specific standalone policy on how you treat them; they are all equal, he said. The superintendent said the school system does not need a separate policy to tell it how to treat people. We have been working with families and kids for years on this issue, he said. So this is not new to us, and we will continue to help out families and kids. Regarding part of the VDOE model policy that says restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a students gender identity shall be available to all students, Jefferies said a recent court ruling requires such bathrooms, and school systems must comply with the law. That is why the issue was not mentioned in the policy revisions that the board adopted, he said. The story of former Longview resident Joe Maier and his efforts to open a school and orphanage in Klong Toey, Bangkok, airs online July 11. Klong Toey is Bangkoks largest slum community, according to a press release submitted to The Daily News. Father Maier was born at Cowlitz General Hospital in 1939, to an Irish Catholic mother, Helen Childs Maier, and a German Lutheran father, George Maier, according to a 2008 Daily News story. After he was ordained, Father Maier was sent to Thailand in 1972 by the Catholic Church and has spent his entire career living among and serving the poor in the country. Father Maier has received numerous awards for his work including a lifetime achievement award from Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand, according to the press release. In 2004, he was profiled by PBS for Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. The crowdfunding platform Greenlit is hosting the one-night screening for Riverman Managements documentary film The GoOdfather. All money raised will go directly to The Mercy Centre, which provides critical funds for the children who live in Klong Toey, according to the press release. The jail houses fewer people today because quarantined inmates and those with behavioral health needs are housed in cells by themselves. The general population shares cells. Before the pandemic, the jail typically housed up to about 270 inmates; it houses about 140 now, Fox said. The jail is experiencing unprecedented numbers of mentally ill inmates that require being alone, she said. +2 Successor for Longview police drug dog Max in question due to changes in Washington state possession law A new Washington state law reducing drug possession from a felony to misdemeanor crime may prevent the Longview Police Department from replaci Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The state does not require new inmates to be quarantined, but encourages facilities to do what they can in the space they have. About 10 cells are dedicated to quarantining inmates for 72 hours and testing them twice for COVID-19 before they can join the rest of the population. The most recent temporary suspension of bookings started Saturday evening, after an inmate attempted suicide, another said they were suicidal and required an evaluation and a third said they had swallowed drugs. I knew it was a holiday weekend and we would not be able to sustain if restrictions werent put in place, she said. By Tuesday even with the bookings paused all of the cells were full in the units for quarantining, new bookings, mental health and solitary confinement. McNew said there is no referral tracking system in place to determine how many referrals a suspect has received. County agencies plan to use a shared system, currently used to create police reports, to document referrals so officers can establish when possession arrests should be made. Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office Chief Criminal Deputy Troy Brightbill said there also is no way for local law enforcement to track whether a person has received previous referrals outside of Cowlitz County. There wasnt a lot of thought about how we would track these referrals, he said. +2 Legislative 'fix' to drug charge will shift cases to district court in Cowlitz County and around Washington Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Jurvakainen said the biggest change is that misdemeanors are handled by district and municipal courts, so drug possession charges that used to be felonies and handled in Superior Court will shift to the other court. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Brightbill said suspects may be mailed summons to appear in court for drug possession if officers later find they have enough referrals to be arrested. Summons require suspects to give accurate addresses and check their mail. Referrals are a very slow way to work through the legal system, Brightbill said. Previously, if someone had an illegal substance, you could take action right there. Drug prevention McNew said police often find crimes occur to support a drug habit or while someone is under the influence. The Delta variant, climate change, taking care of each other and redistributing wealth so that everybody has a high quality of life. Were all in this together, so lets get out there and save the world! Nye said. Inslee said he first met Nye in 1998, when he was first running for the House of Representatives and Nye was at the height of his shows popularity. He said the two went kayaking along the Washington coast and have remained in touch since because of their shared interest in science. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Hes such a vibrant person. Sometimes science can seem really grey, but Bill has done so much to make that exciting. Hes also perpetually optimistic about what science can do, Inslee said. Inslee and Nye have not appeared at many events together, though Nye briefly appeared in the video announcement for Inslees 2020 presidential campaign. The two special guests had front seats to an abridged presentation from the staff of the Mount St. Helens Institute and the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Karissa Lowe, a Cowlitz Tribe member who serves on the board of the Mount St. Helens Institute, spoke about the tribes historic connection to the region. Looking for in-depth reporting on labor issues? You're in the right place. Subscribe to The Chief and get stories that cover every side of civil service in New York City and beyond. You can sign up in minutes for immediate access. She hopes this marks a new beginning for Nicolas, saying she is thankful the sheriffs office offers such an opportunity through the program. I know he can do it. One step at a time, she said. Borges-Wells said of the 39 inmates who have participated in the program, 37 have graduated two were released before they completed the program and just five have returned to jail. In order to be accepted into the program, the inmates must have good behavior and not have any violent offenses or if they do, not in the past decade. After an interview and an assessment by Project Unity representatives, the students are moved to a dorm where they live together and attend their training courses. Once they are released, she said, their case manager will follow them for 12 months to make sure they are staying on their new path. Borges-Wells, Dicky and Alvarado all encouraged the graduates future employers to give them the opportunity and chance to try. Everybody needs a second chance to become successful, even that first chance, Alvarado said. Theyre good workers; look what they did. Take a chance. Theyll be worth it. 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. 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. When first responders find themselves overwhelmed by the trauma theyve seen and the energy it takes to keep their composure while rescuing others, they often hear such advice as, Suck it up. Youre a cop. You signed up for this, Hickory said. These people are supposed to be fixers. He hopes to offer a different path out of the pain. Part of the answer is in realizing when the fixer needs fixing. The driving force is, lets destroy that stigma, Hickory said. You need to know that if youre not OK, its not OK to stay not OK. It is OK to get help. When he responded to situations that tore at his heart gruesome accident scenes, infant deaths, family violence, the terror in crime victims eyes Hickory held it together and got the job done. But nobody told him what he was supposed to do when the flashbacks came calling. Hickory first encountered the healing potential of counseling after he found himself on the brink of suicide. He and his wife entered faith-based counseling together, and he was surprised to discover how much of what came up in their sessions revolved around his work-related turmoil and unaddressed grief. But as he finally faced his problems, he started discovering the tools he needed to find his way back. Hired to be Liberty Universitys executive vice president of management efficiencies and diversity and claiming he was fired four months later, Kelvin Edwards is suing the university for more than $8 million and accusing it of racial discrimination. Edwards, previously a wide receiver with LU and the NFL, was hired last July into a position that was created for him, he claimed in a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court. The hire came amid a number of resignations by Black LU employees and three Black student athletes transferring out, prompted in large part by tweets from then-president Jerry Falwell Jr. that were decried as racist and for which he later apologized. The university offered Edwards a $250,000 annual salary plus a $1,500 monthly vehicle allowance, scholarships for him and his family and construction of a new home for Mr. Edwards and his family on Liberty Mountain, according to the lawsuit. To take the position, he agreed to move his family from Texas, where he operated a car dealership and his wife worked as a teacher, since he said the university committed to keeping him on for at least 10 years or until his retirement. Northam will include the new contribution rates for teacher and state pension plans in the budget he will present to the General Assembly budget and finance committees on Dec. 16 for adoption during the 60-day legislative session that will begin on Jan. 13. After years of partially funding the rates recommended by the VRS board, the assembly has fully funded them for state employees since 2017 and for teachers since 2018, as part of pension reforms enacted a decade ago to lower the states unfunded pension liabilities. Those liabilities had soared because of investment losses during the Great Recession. Currently, VRS is paying down about $20.8 billion in unfunded liabilities for the five state pension plans and $3.4 billion for local government plans, which are better funded because they have always paid the full rates certified by the retirement system. The state has reduced unfunded liabilities for its pension plans by $1.8 billion since 2013. Secretary of Labor Megan Healy expressed confidence, in an interview on Tuesday, that the VEC is taking the right steps to resolve tens of thousands of complex cases about eligibility for unemployment benefits, while improving its performance in answering calls and preparing for a long-delayed upgrade to its 36-year-old computer system for tracking claims. I feel a lot better about where we are, Healy said. Nothing concerns legislators more than the ability of their constituents to reach someone by phone to help them with their claim for unemployment benefits. The VEC has greatly expanded staff at its own call centers, as well as centers under private contract, but Axselle said, It will come as no surprise that VECs call centers are not meeting industry benchmarks for timeliness. As of right now, it looks like only a small portion of calls are being responded to by the VEC staff, she said in response to a question by Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William. Healy said the calls coming into the centers now are much harder to answer than those received in the early part of the pandemic and require people with better skills and training to respond. These are more complex cases, she said. While music blasts in the heights and new forms of digital connections rise, we reconcile with the longing to fill our void split open by the pandemic, a chasm of insecurities and a longing for something new and exciting. Like our ancestors who came before us, we search for hope in lives ornate with excitement, exuberance and excess. Yet, what made the Roaring 20s so remarkable was not the secrets and joy, but how quickly it fell apart. Almost overnight, the nation was thrown into disarray. The elegance and extravagance faded into a pale stain, so unlike the world once doused in golden light. The need for political change and the drive for a different world was once the green light at the end of the dock, a metaphor made famous by a novel set during the time period. Yet, the green also faded by the end of the decade. The gilded, golden world around us will tarnish, too. If only we are careful enough, we can polish these walls until they glisten with everlasting hope, not the search for excitement and false promises. Instead, we will find joy in life as it is without dazzling, sparkling fashion statements and dramatic, expressive flairs. Only then will the gold truly never tarnish. Emelia Richling is a junior at Northwest High School. The attorney for former Nebraska State Fair finance officer Patrick Kopke told a judge Thursday that his client does not want a jury trial. At a pretrial conference, Justin Kalemkiarian asked Hall County District Court Judge Andrew Butler to schedule a bench trial for Kopke. Kalemkiarian said the bench trial could be scheduled down the road. No formal agreement has yet been reached. But we are considering entering a plea, said the Lincoln attorney. Kopke waived his right to a jury trial and a speedy trial. He did not speak at Thursdays hearing. Kalemkiarian and prosecutor Gail VerMaas said two days would be required for a bench trial. In response to a question from Butler, VerMaas said six witnesses are scheduled, and their testimony will be lengthy. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} No bench trial was set. Instead, Butler scheduled another pretrial hearing for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 10. That conference will be conducted via telephone. Kopke has pleaded not guilty to three charges of theft by unlawful taking, each totaling $5,000 or more. The alleged crimes were committed in 2019. The offense is a Class IIIA felony. YORK During a community sector briefing this week, Four Corners Health Department Director Laura McDougall and York General Health Care Services CEO Jim Ulrich discussed more details about the two recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in York County. As you know, our numbers of new COVID-19 cases were up the last couple of weeks, due to some events that occurred, McDougall said. One large community event occurred, and from that we had 39 new cases in our community as a result. There were a lot more cases that came of that but 39 of those were from here. From those, five Delta variants were sequenced. Then we had 18 new cases from a second outbreak, of those 10 were P1s, also known as the Gamma or Brazil variant, McDougall explained. Both of these variants are of concern. Unfortunately for us, we became a hot spot for a bit, but the good news is that it is quieting down now, she continued. We are hoping the Fourth of July weekend does not cause more cases. We also have another situation we are watching at this time we have three cases, three people, and we are watching to see if the situation gets bigger. The conservation goals in the 30 x 30 plan are no more ambitious that those in the New Innovation Initiative. The recognition by both the former and current secretaries of agriculture for the need to conserve more land should be seen as a unifying aspiration, especially since these policies are grounded on voluntary signup of private property owners. There is no taking. The United States is already conserving 12% of its land through the benefit of existing programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program the result of bipartisan legislation that appropriately pays farmers to remove marginal cropland from production, and/or enhanced conservation practices on our nations working lands. Expanding conservation acreage far above 12% is likely to require additional policies that go beyond increasing the investment in land set-aside programs. That is why the Biden administration promised the details of the 30 x 30 plan would hammered out through stakeholder input. As an elected official, the governor has an opportunity to educate and to help shape public opinion for the good of all Nebraskans. That opportunity carries with it an obligation to be honest and do no harm. We believe the governor is failing his leadership obligations with his misleading campaign against 30 x 30. He may realize political advantages by needlessly stirring up anger and fostering division, but the rest of U.S. in Nebraska will almost certainly lose from his gains. For those downstate Illinois residents who want to breakaway from Chicagoland and form their own state, two Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers have an emphatic caution: do not do it. In a whitepaper released earlier this year by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, a think tank at the university, political scientists John Foster and John Jackson said analysis of Illinois state revenue and budgeting over recent years shows downstate Illinoisans would be worse off without Chicago than they are with their northeastern neighbors. But the simplest solution to avoid those penalties, Karr said, is to dedicate a large portion of the states remaining $5-plus billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding a measure signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this year to stimulate state economies amid the pandemics toll to paying down the deficit. Other states have used ARPA money to restore the trust fund to protect workers and employers, and if the state doesn't do it, employers are going to have crippling taxes and employees are going to have crippling benefit cuts, Karr said. State Sen. Chapin Rose, a Mahomet Republican who spoke against this fiscal years budget at the end of May due in large part to its failure to address the Trust Fund deficit, warned of drastic economic repercussions if the speed bumps take effect. If you're a restaurant trying to reopen after COVID and you've been closed, and you're just now getting your feet back under you and suddenly you get hit with this smack-down penalty, well, you know, that's less employees you can rehire, it's less new employees that you could hire, or maybe you just don't reopen at all, he said. Or that cost gets passed along to the consumer. A few days later, we learned our daughter qualified. Thank you Fast forward three months to today, and I've gained some insight into how child speech and developmental therapy works. I've also enrolled my child in day care (where she is showing signs of great improvement). I want to offer a huge thank you to Dana and the rest of the staff at Child Family Connections #22 for providing myself and my partner only words of encouragement and sound advice. I also want to give thanks to her pediatrician for being proactive and not suggesting we take the "wait-and-see" approach. And special thanks goes to our daughter's therapists, Katie and Niccole, for showing patience, kindness and compassion during each and every session. Our daughter looks forward to every visit, and as first-time parents, we have personally learned so much about child development and how to be the best teachers for our daughter. Since starting weekly therapy, my daughter is now forming short sentences, and has learned dozens and dozens of words (and some sign language!) We still have a long way to go, but I have never been more proud of her. In Virginia, the Mount Clifton United Methodist Church experienced a similar fate. The church can seat more than 100 but the number of weekly worshippers dwindled to 10 to 15, even before the pandemic. The small white church built on a hill in the Shenandoah Valley in the 1880s may be rented to another congregation, or it may be put up for sale. "It's a complicated picture overall, but the pandemic was the straw that broke the camel's back," said the Rev. Darlene Wilkins, who oversaw Mount Clifton. "It just became next to impossible to sustain." In the United States, the latest challenge for places of worship comes against a backdrop of a decadeslong trend of a smaller share of the population identifying as religious. It's too early to know the full impact of the pandemic. Surveys do show signs of hopefulness and also cause for concern. About three-quarters of Americans who attended religious services in person at least monthly before the pandemic say they are likely to do so again in the next few weeks, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. That's up slightly from the about two-thirds who said in May 2020 that they would if they were allowed to do so. But 7% said they definitely won't be attending. Federal officials this week defended the door-to-door efforts, with White House press secretary Jen Psaki noting Thursday that the vaccine canvassing is done entirely by volunteers and the White House believes it's helped boost vaccine rates in a number of states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. She emphasized that the federal government doesn't keep a database of who's been vaccinated. Jeffrey Zeints, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, also said Thursday that "local trusted messengers" like doctors, faith leaders and community leaders are the best people to promote vaccinations and 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," Zeints said. McMaster's letter comes a day after state public health officials warned that the overwhelming majority of South Carolinians now being hospitalized and dying from COVID-19 are those who aren't fully vaccinated. An analysis of newly reported data in the first two weeks of June by the state health agency found 94% of new cases were in not fully vaccinated individuals. Of cases where the agency could determine vaccine status, most of the 92 people hospitalized and all of the 11 who died of COVID-19 during those two weeks weren't completely vaccinated. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 In his executive order, Biden also calls on the Federal Maritime Commission to take action against shippers that it says are charging American exporters exorbitant charges and the Surface Transportation Board to require railroad track owners to strengthen their obligations to treat other freight companies fairly. The White House argues that rapid consolidation and sharp hikes in pricing in the shipping industry have made it increasingly expensive for U.S. companies to get goods to market. In 2000, the largest 10 shipping companies controlled 12% of the market. They now control about 82%, according to the Journal of Commerce. The World Shipping Council, an industry trade group, pushed back in a statement that normalized demand, not regulation," is the way to answer rising costs. There is no market concentration problem to fix, and punitive measures levied against carriers based on incorrect economic assumptions will not fix the congestion problems," said John Butler, president and CEO of the council. The order also notes that over the past two decades the U.S. has lost 70% of the banks it once had, with around 10,000 bank closures. Communities of color and rural areas have been disproportionately affected. Martins did not respond Friday to messages and the Office of Military Commissions declined comment, issuing only a statement that said a judge would decide whether upcoming pretrial hearings would need to be rescheduled. His retirement was first reported by The New York Times. Michael OSullivan, a deputy chief prosecutor, will assume the position of acting chief, according to the email. Taking up his duties as chief prosecutor in 2011, Martins predicted that the revamped commissions for the five men charged in the Sept. 11 attacks would be more transparent and fair to defendants than a previous effort. That also applied to other terrorism defendants at the base, including a Saudi prisoner charged in the October 2000 attack on the USS Cole. Obama sought to close the Guantanamo detention center but was blocked by Congress, which passed legislation barring the transfer of prisoners to the U.S. for any reason including prosecution or imprisonment. After backing off a plan to try 9/11 defendants in federal court in New York, the Obama administration worked with Congress on an overhaul of the tribunals. Changes included restrictions on the use of evidence gained through coercion or torture and improved viewing access for the media and select observers. The news from Afghanistan is not good, but what did anyone expect? As the U.S. and other NATO forces withdraw, the Taliban are attacking, killing enemies, taking over the country, including stockpiles of U.S. supplies provided for Afghan government forces. President Joe Biden has said the Afghan government has to stand up for itself and survive on its own. For many reasons, ranging from the strength of the Taliban and the support its receiving from Russia and Iran, among others, to the inherent weakness of a regime riddled by corruption and inefficiency, its days in power in Kabul appear numbered. Disappointment over Afghanistan mirrors other setbacks for the U.S. No one should forget the U.S. failure to stand by the Kurds, left on their own in Syria when former President Donald Trump, in one of the more controversial acts of his presidency, ordered U.S. troops to pull out. Now we wonder about the U.S. commitment to the Persian Gulf, defended by the U.S. Fifth Fleet and supported by U.S. air power, against Iran, supported by Russia. Will we be pulling out of the region? Thats not likely for a number of reasons, notably the U.S. commitment to Israel, by far the largest recipient of U.S. military aid. But whats going on in the Middle East has huge repercussions for Asia, especially China and the Korean peninsula. 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 Democrat 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. This subscription will allow existing subscribers of The World to access all of our online content, including the E-Editions area. NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please email us at admin@countrymedia.net or call us at 1-541 266 6047. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Here Today Thunderstorms. High near 80F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Tonight Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous this evening. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Tomorrow Showers and thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung said agencies and localities cannot be slow in disbursing the VND26 trillion support package. The press conference The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) on July 7 afternoon held a press conference, announcing the PMs Decision on implementing policies to support laborers and employers facing difficulties because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The package is a follow-up to a previous initiative of VND62 trillion Vietnam issued last year to support the poor and businesses hit by Covid-19. Dung said the ministry, together with the Government and other ministries, have tried their best to bring Resolution 68 into life. In normal conditions, it would take a month to fulfill the workload. But we have been working day and night in the last few days. The Minister last night worked until 0.30 am so as to be able to submit the draft decision and consult with the National Assemblys Committee for Social Affairs this morning, and then, together with the Government Office, to complete the document to submit to the Prime Minister for promulgation this afternoon, Dung said at the press conference. MOLISA has been asked to be sure that the package could reach those in need, including informal laborers like street vendors. Dung stressed that the procedures have been shortened and simplified at in an effort to create favorable conditions for people to access the support in the easiest possible way. Local authorities still can strictly observe the regulations stipulated by the laws, but can be flexible in applying regulations to give support to people and businesses. With the previous support package, businesses had to satisfy very strict requirements to borrow money to pay their workers. Meanwhile, commercial banks would consider the application for loans on the fifth day every month. This meant that if businesses applied for loans on the sixth day, they would have to wait for reply on the fifth day of the next month. At noon today, I discussed with the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and Director of the Bank for Social Policies and reached some agreements. All complicated procedures will be removed, while necessary procedures need to be completed within four days and the disbursement within three days, Dung said. This means that businesses now have to wait seven days at maximum to access the support package instead of one month and 10 days. With simplified procedures and easier requirements, Dung stressed that the time to access the VND26 trillion support package is a "daring revolution". People are looking forward to support every day, especially informal laborers. Therefore, if agencies and localities are slow in deploying the support package, we will be guilty, Dung said. The Minister reminded everyone of the images of small children in quarantine and Covid-19 patients under treatment or quarantine, who have to queue up for free meals. He also mentioned HCM City residents, who queued up to buy products to prepare for social distancing on July 7. All these things showed that people are facing difficulties and are awaiting support from the State and the community. The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) on July 7 afternoon held a press conference, announcing the PMs Decision on implementing policies to support laborers and employers facing difficulties because of the Covid-19 pandemic. They images show the significance of the deployment of this support package, he said. He said that the pandemic cannot be contained overnight and people will still face difficulties, especially workers in fields directly hit by the pandemic such as tourism, transport, aviation and informal laborers. They need prompt support from the State and the community. In the last days, I have been to Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Dong Nai and HCM City as a member of the PM and Governments missions. The Government discusses solutions to fight the pandemic every day, he said, adding that since the pandemic developments in HCM City have become complicated, the Prime Minister has ordered restriction on peoples travel in order to ensure safety. He also expressed concern over the possibility of the pandemic attacking industrial zones (Izs) and export processing zones (EPZs) with high numbers of workers. HCM City now has 1.6 million IZ workers, Binh Duong 1.2 million and Dong Nai 1 million. If the localities can control the pandemic, this would make a great contribution to the whole countrys fight against Covid-19. According to Dung, it is necessary to apply drastic measures such as restricting peoples travel. And in order to do that, it is necessary to ensure peoples lives and normal activities, especially for informal laborers who dont have savings. Local authorities must not leave any individual in hunger and allow social disorder to happen because of the pandemic. Its necessary to support people as soon as possible. MOLISAs officers, including the Minister, have been working day and night, running against time to realize the support. The Government always orients towards people and tries to ensure peoples health and safety, Dung added. The new points of the new support package Describing the new points in the 12 categories of policies aiming to support workers and employers in the VND26 trillion support package, Dung pointed out four noteworthy things related to the occupational accidence insurance policy. The premium has been reduced from 0.5 percent to zero percent, while the benefits remain unchanged. Employers can use the money from the reduction to support workers. The people in armed forces, and get salaries from the State do not benefit from this policy. Foreign workers currently working in Vietnam who pay this insurance will still be entitled to benefits. Regarding the policies to support quarantined people, F0 (infections) and F1 (direct contact with F0), both adults and children can receive VND80,000 a day for meals, for 21 days at maximum. Their treatment costs will be paid by the State, for no more than 45 days. Small children can get VND1 million additionally. Pregnant women and women feeding children aged below six can receive VND1 million when they have to suspend or stop working because of the pandemic or quarantine. The artists to receive support are those who have a fourth-class professional title and low income. There are 2,000 people nationwide belonging to this group. Tour guides are now subject to support. It is estimated that 26,000 individuals have tour guide cards. As for informal laborers, they dont have to return to home villages to get certification from local authorities, but they can get certifications in the localities where they are residing. This is a support package that is so open that it cannot be more open, Dung commented. Thu Hang HCMC implements second support package worth US$38 million to Covid-hit people The second support package worth VND886 billion (US$37.8 million) will be directly given to HCMC dwellers who have been affected by the coronavirus epidemic. PM Pham Minh Chinh has pledged to give priority to HCM City in terms of financial resources, infrastructure, materials and biological products to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which is spreading rapidly and complicatedly in the southern hub. A corner of Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA) Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has pledged to give priority to Ho Chi Minh City in terms of financial resources, infrastructure, materials and biological products to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which is spreading rapidly and complicatedly in the southern hub. During an online meeting with the city's authorities to July 8, PM Chinh requested prioritising the supply of vaccines to the city and nearby provinces and asked the health sector to roll out vaccinations promptly, safely and efficiently to local residents. About public transport, the government leader urged the city to minimise people's travel between localities. At the meeting Sectors and localities were assigned to devise scenarios to respond to the pandemic at a higher level in case there are 50,000 infections, ensure the supply of goods and necessities, and prevent the disruption of manufacturing and labour chains. As the city is applying 15-day social distancing in accordance with the PMs Decree No.16/CT-TTg, he noted that peoples lives should not be changed a lot while security and order should be guaranteed. During the fourth pandemic wave since April 27, the country has logged over 20,500 COVID-19 cases, 19,924 of them (97 percent) were domestic infections, 609 (3 percent) were imported cases, 6,590 recovered and were discharged from hospitals (32 percent), and 70 died, reported Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long. HCM City alone recorded 8,385 cases. In the past week, there were 500-600 cases per day, mostly those in quarantine facilities and others showing symptoms and went to medical establishments for checkup. The minister also warned the pandemic could worsen in the near future without drastic actions. PM Chinh asked relevant agencies to partner with the World Health Organisations and neighbouring countries to work out measures suitable with Vietnams conditions. Permanent Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh and Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam were tasked with continuing to direct anti-pandemic efforts in the city./. Source: VNA Hop on BART for a chance to see a herd of 700 goats all employed by the transit system in the effort to prevent wildfires. Plus, take a peek inside one of the Painted Ladies, get to know the Bay Area dancer with more than a million YouTube followers, and more local headlines that we promise will make you smile. Bao House Opens in Berkeley and Becomes Alameda County's First Legal Home Restaurant, SFist Following a unanimous vote to give home kitchen operations the go-ahead, Alameda County's first official home kitchen has opened its doors with smoky jerk chicken, Cambodian curry, and blackberry-stuffed buns on offer. Read more. Bay Area legend Sly Stone steals the show in new Hulu documentary 'Summer of Soul', SFGate The new doc spotlights the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festivalalso known as "the Black Woodstock"and features NorCal-raised DJ, producer, and funk musician Sly Stone's songs like "Sing a Simple Song" and "Everyday People." Read more. Watch This Drone Footage That Goes Inside One of San Francisco's Painted Ladies, The Bold Italic Thanks to some epic drone footage, you can now ogle both the outside and the inside of picturesque 712 Steiner Street. And yes, that is the Full House theme song playing in the background. Read more. BART uses grazing goats to reduce fire danger on right-of-way property, BART To decrease the chances of fires in hard-to-reach areas over the summer, BART has employed a herd of 700 goats to clear "mob graze" style. Read more. A Graceful Place Where Bhangra and Bollywood Meet, The New York Times Bay Area dancer Manpreet Toor has achieved internet fame thanks to her unique moves that blend Bollywood, bhangra, hip-hop, and Punjabi stylesshe now has more than a million YouTube subscribers. Toor also teaches classes and even features her students as background dancers in her videos. Read more. Instagram Celebrity Yolanda Previtire remembers telling the former 'Glee' actress that she loved her and asked her to call her before the star was reported missing at Lake Piru. Jul 9, 2021 AceShowbiz - Naya Rivera's mother and sister have recalled their last conversations with the actress on the first anniversary of her death. The former "Glee" star drowned during a boating trip on Lake Piru in California with her young son, Josey, on 8 July, 2020, and to mark the tragic date, her family has spoken out about the last chats they had with Naya. Her mum Yolanda Previtire tells "Good Morning America" she told the star that she loved her and asked her to call her "when you get off the water." The call back never came. Josey was found alone, asleep on a rented boat after Rivera failed to return it on time. She was initially reported missing and then her body was found five days later. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning. "It was almost like a force," Previtire describes how she felt when she learned her daughter was missing, presumed drowned. "I literally was just pushed backwards, just screaming." "Those first five days were awful," Rivera's sister Nickayla adds. Previtire says, "My faith told me that nothing is missing, surely, not a person. We just can't find them. So that was my thing: 'God, you know where she's at, just bring her back to us.' " Naya's mum took screenshots of her FaceTime chat with Naya hours before her death to help those people searching for the missing actress study the location of her final call. Previtire is grateful the family still has Naya's son, who is "like a boy version of her in every sense of the word." "Just his tenacity, his drive, his zeal, his adventure for life... He's Naya in boy form!" she shares. From the author of The Year of the Runaways, Sunjeev Sahotas China Room hovers with subtle resonance between generations of an Indian family. Our narrator is a disaffected 18-year-old heroin addict, returned to his ancestral home in rural Punjab to detox and to read (hes into everything from the poetry of Les Murray to surrealist luminary Leonora Carrington) before travelling back to London for university. This bid for freedom is set against that of 16-year-old Mehar decades earlier. She is the narrators great-grandmother, we later learn, and she finds herself newly married, together with two other girls, to three brothers. None of the girls knows which husband is hers connubial visitations always occur in the dark, and otherwise women remain sequestered from menfolk, drudging in the china room but when Mehar conspires to find out, passions erupt. Sahotas gorgeous, subtle novel weaves an effortless tale that explores the complexity of family and belonging and celebrates the liberating power of literature. Sarah is a smart, capable young lawyer working grinding hours at a mid-tier firm in Sydney. Her love life is a non-starter until she meets Daniel, who introduces her to a close-knit religious community headed by the charismatic Rabbi Menachem Lev and his wife Chani. Religion had been an afterthought in Sarahs life, but since she embraced life with Daniel she has found comfort and purpose as part of a large and devoted family of believers. Not everything is as picture perfect as it appears, though, and when the community moves to the Blue Mountains Sarahs perspective darkens as unpleasant secrets surface and she must choose between family and freedom. Lisa Emanuels The Covered Wife is a tense and dramatic psychological novel that gets under the skin of charismatic religion especially the power leaders can wield, and the difficulty of escaping. The High House Jessie Greengrass Swift, $27.99 Credit: Cli-fi with a suggestion of Noahs Ark about it, The High House takes in catastrophic global warming that leaves East Anglia submerged. Caros stepmother Francesca is a scientist who foresees apocalypse unfolding and makes a contingency plan, repurposing her holiday home as The High House a self-sufficient sanctuary with two local caretakers (Sally and her grandfather) where Caro and her young brother Pauly can take refuge if the need arises. The need arises. Powerful storms hit, and with the climate disaster cutting her off from her parents, Caro begins to settle into the rhythms of a new life. Jessie Greengrass is cunning in the way she portrays the small ways we repress the anxiety of climate change, but less inspired when disaster strikes. There is a family mystery involved, but it feels like a bolstering plot point in a rather quiet dystopian novel that slides in too straight a line from bang to whimper. Animal Lisa Taddeo Bloomsbury, $32.99 In just over a week, the full 90-man roster is slated to report to Green Bay, with the first practice of training camp set for July 28. And because Rodgers has said next to nothing publicly about his intentions, all anyone can do at this point is make educated guesses. India on Friday reported a net reduction of 1,977 in active cases to take its count to 458,727. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 3.87 per cent (one in 26). The country is fourth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Thursday, it added 43,393 cases to take its total caseload to 30,752,950 from 30,709,557 an increase of 0.1%. And, with 911 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 405,939, or 1.32 per cent of total confirmed infections. With 4,023,173 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Thursday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 368,991,222. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 29,888,284 or 97.19 per cent of total caseload with 44,459 new cured cases being reported on Friday. Now the fourth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases, and first by recoveries, India has added 294,699 cases in the past 7 days. India now accounts for 3.87% of all active cases globally (one in every 26 active cases), and 10.08% of all deaths (one in every 10 deaths). India has so far administered 368,991,222 vaccine doses. That is 1199.85 per cent of its total caseload, and 26.47 per cent of its population. Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (40927183), Maharashtra (40468159), Gujarat (31300893), Rajasthan (30886073), and Karnataka (27788532). Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Delhi (519153), Kerala (499028), Gujarat (490054), Uttarakhand (480360), and J&K (420465). Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 21 days. The count of active cases across India on Friday saw a net reduction of 1,977, compared to net addition of 784 on Thursday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Kerala (2216), Sikkim (169), Manipur (193), Meghalaya (162), and Arunachal Pradesh (97). With 44,459 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 97.19%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.32%. The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.71%), Uttarakhand (2.15%), and Maharashtra (2.03%). The rate in as many as 17 is higher than the national average. Indias new daily closed cases stand at 45,370 911 deaths and 44,459 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 2%. 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 490.9 days, and for deaths at 308.5 days. Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (13772), Maharashtra (9083), Tamil Nadu (3211), Andhra Pradesh (2982), and Assam (2644). Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (95.87%) and Maharashtra (96.05%). India on Thursday conducted 1,790,708 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 427,016,605. 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 (17.65%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.61%), Maharashtra (14.22%), Kerala (12.65%), and Sikkim (12.55%). Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added are, Sikkim (20.63%), Manipur (19.11%), Meghalaya (11.36%), Kerala (10.83%), and Mizoram (9.58%). 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 (1179359), J&K (767391), Kerala (673565), Karnataka (525086), and Uttarakhand (509288). The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6131976), Kerala (3025466), Karnataka (2864868), Tamil Nadu (2510059), and Andhra Pradesh (1914213). Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 9083 new cases to take its tally to 6131976. Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 13772 cases to take its tally to 3025466. Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 2530 cases to take its tally to 2864868. Tamil Nadu has added 3211 cases to take its tally to 2510059. Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 2982 to 1914213. Uttar Pradesh has added 110 cases to take its tally to 1707044. Delhi has added 93 cases to take its tally to 1434873. The second wave of is not over and everyone must continue to follow Covid appropriate behaviour, the government stressed on Friday. Addressing the Health Ministry press briefing, NITI Aayog's Member, Health, V.K. Paul said: "We cannot lower our guard. Need to continue following Covid appropriate behaviour as it is not the end of the pandemic. Visuals of crowds not maintaining social distancing at tourist places are a serious cause of concern." Also cautioning people that the second wave is not over, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal, said: "It is necessary to keep following Covid protocols in order to close the second wave fully." Showing a video from Kempty falls in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie, where a large crowd of people can be seen flouting all Covid protocols, he asked: "Is it not an open invitation to the virus to infect us?" About the surge in cases in other countries like the UK, Russia and Bangladesh, Agarwal said: "In other countries, we are observing a surge in overall cases. In the United Kingdom, during Euro 2020 matches, a sudden surge in cases was observed. Russia is seeing a third peak in cases. Bangladesh witnessed more cases in the third peak than the second peak." Pointing to the decline in daily new cases in the country during the second wave, he said: "More than half of the total cases in the country are primarily reported from two states - Maharashtra and Kerala and spread of infection concentrated in limited geography." He said that 66 districts have reported more than 10 per cent positivity for the week ending July 8 and 80 per cent of new cases are reported from 90 districts which need focused attention. --IANS ssb/vd (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 received a shipment of 1.13 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by Japan on Thursday. The vaccine doses were developed by the British-Swedish biotech company AstraZeneca and manufactured under license in Japan, Focus reported. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, at a press briefing, thanked Japan for the donation and said inspection of the vaccine shipment will be expedited to allow for faster distribution. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday that the vaccine donations were a gesture of gratitude for Taiwan's aid to Japan in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit his country in 2011. Motegi said he hopes the vaccines will help curb the spread of the virus in Taiwan, where daily confirmed cases have gradually flattened but a high alert for COVID-19 remains in place due to sporadic cases of the highly infectious Delta variant of the virus. On June 4, Japan had donated 1.24 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses to The donations come as Japan and Taiwan are strengthening ties, while their relations with Beijing are deteriorating. Meanwhile, China has accused Taiwan's governing party of preventing the mainland from sending vaccines to Taiwan and falsely claiming that China has hindered its procurement of vaccines. China has also lambasted Japan for having donated COVID-19 vaccine to Taiwan, labelling such a move as a "political performance". Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin had responded sharply when Tokyo said it is considering sending vaccines to Taipei in late May. "We are firmly against those who exploit the pandemic to put on political shows or even meddle in China's internal affairs," he had said. "I have noticed that Japan can barely ensure adequate supply of vaccines at home." "I would like to stress that vaccine assistance should be restored to its original purpose, which is to save lives, and should not be reduced to a tool for selfish political gains," he had added. Taiwan's inoculation program has been on the slow side with President Tsai Ing-Wen's government facing flak over the unavailability of the vaccines. Taiwan still has not received the ten million AstraZeneca vaccines it ordered between September 2020 and February 2021. In January, Taiwan agreed to purchase five million doses of BioNTech-Pfizer vaccines directly from BioNTech. The deal has remained unfulfilled. President Tsai Ing-Wen, who handily won re-election last year, accused China of interfering with Taiwan's vaccine procurement to purposely cause delays. "We were almost finished with the contract with the German supplier, but owing to China's interference, it's been delayed so that until now we have no way to complete it," she told members of her Democratic Progressive Party. Health Minister Chen Shih-Chung later said that BioNTech had asked Taiwan to change the word "country" in the press release announcing the deal. Taiwan agreed, but the deal still remains unfinished. To date, 60 per cent of the vaccines in Taiwan are donations from the governments of Japan and the US. (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.) Chief Minister M K has convened a consultative meeting on July 12, of all parties with representation in the Assembly, to discuss the Mekedatu dam issue. Pitching a united front, the government said on Friday that the proposed meet is to reflect the unanimous views of all sections in to protect the interests of farmers. The government is taking all legal steps on the issue, and days ago wrote to his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa categorically stating that the proposed dam went against the Supreme Court verdict and also would affect interests of farmers. Hence, never would Tamil Nadu allow the construction of the dam and this was conveyed to Karnataka in Stalin's letter to Yediyurappa, the government said in an official release. The CM's letter to Yediyurappa was in response to the latter's communique urging Tamil Nadu government to not oppose the Mekedatu dam initiative. Recently, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan called on Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. The interests of farmers of Tamil Nadu should be guarded and appropriate action should be taken by the union government, the two leaders had urged Modi and Shekhawat. Against this background, the meeting has been convened and Stalin has extended invitations to all legislature parties in the Assembly, the government said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The has announced the signing of an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV to supply 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine against Covid-19 for all 55 member states of the African Union (AU) by the end of 2022. Some 35 million doses are to be delivered by the end of 2021, Xinhua news agency quoted the as saying in a statement on Thursday. The agreement between and Janssen will help implement the Advance Purchase Commitment signed between the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) and Janssen in March 2021. That agreement secured an option to order another 180 million doses, bringing the maximum access up to a total of 400 million doses by the end of 2022, said the UN agency. The AU established AVAT in November 2020 to deliver Covid-19 vaccines to the African continent, with a goal of vaccinating 60 per cent of its population. Unicef will procure and deliver Covid-19 vaccines on behalf of the AVAT initiative. Other partners include the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Bank. "African countries must have affordable and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccine access has been unequal and unfair, with less than 1 per cent of the population of the African continent currently vaccinated against Covid-19. This cannot continue," said Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "Vaccinating the world against Covid-19, as the virus continues to spread and mutate, is one of the largest and most complex collective health undertakings the world has ever seen, and we need all hands on deck," said Fore. --IANS ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday underscored the importance of bilateral relations with in a telephonic conversation with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, amidst a rapid withdrawal of American and NATO troops from neighbouring The conversation took place in the backdrop of reports that the Taliban has made huge territorial gains in Taliban militants are now thought to control about a third of the war-torn country. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Blinken spoke with Qureshi and underscored the shared desire for a stable and sustainable bilateral relationship. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the importance of continued US- cooperation on the peace process following the visit to the United States by Afghan President Ghani and Chairman Abdullah, Price said in a statement. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies last year agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating. Blinken and Qureshi also highlighted joint efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including the United States' recent donation of 2.5 million Moderna vaccines, Price said. This was Blinken's first call to Qureshi after President Joe Biden delivered a major policy speech on the drawdown of troops from Afghanistan on Thursday. Biden said that America's military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31. The drawdown of troops in the war-ravaged country is proceeding in a secure and orderly way, he had told reporters at the White House on Thursday. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services said that it has completed the acquisition of 20% of the equity share capital of Ideal Finance from its existing shareholders. Consequently, the company's stake in Ideal Finance has risen to 58.20% from 38.20%. "Ideal Finance has become a subsidiary of the company effective 8 July 2021," the NBFC said in a statement. On 20 August 2019, Mahindra Finance had announced a joint venture agreement with Sri Lanka-based Ideal Finance, a fully owned subsidiary of the leading Sri Lankan conglomerate, Ideal Group. Ideal Finance is a non-banking financial Institution registered with Central Bank of Sri Lanka, with a clear focus on rural and semi-urban sector. Its lending portfolio consists of commercial trucks, motor cars, three wheelers, two wheelers, gold loans and personal loans. The aim of joint venture is to capitalize on Mahindra Finance's 25-year expertise in the financial services domain and Ideal Finance's domestic market knowledge to build a leading financial services business in Sri Lanka. Mahindra Finance had signed a share subscription, share purchase and shareholders' agreement with Ideal Finance and its existing shareholders and has agreed to subscribe/acquire up to 58.20% of the equity share capital of Ideal Finance, in one or more tranches, for an amount not exceeding LKR 200.30 crore. Offering updates on the same, the company on 30 March 2021 said that it had acquired 38.20% of the equity share capital of Ideal Finance. The final tranche for acquisition of shares from existing investors was due by 31 March 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parties mutually agreed to extend the date of completion of the aforesaid acquisition of shares with an intention to complete the same, latest by 30 September 2021, subject to necessary regulatory approvals. Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services (M&M Finance) is engaged in providing financing for new and pre-owned auto and utility vehicle, tractors and commercial vehicles. The NBFC reported 8.4% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 218.84 crore on 3% fall in total income to Rs 3038.37 crore in Q4 March 2021 over Q4 March 2020. The scrip shed 0.34% to currently trade at Rs 160 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported 2.57% fall in net profit to Rs 9008 crore on 3.9% rise in revenue to Rs 45,411 crore in Q1 June 2021 over Q4 March 2021. Rajesh Gopinathan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said: Given the variants of the virus and fears of a potential third wave, we are watchful of the emerging situation and remain optimistic of the opportunities in our core markets and verticals. We are well positioned and operating diligently to participate in them aggressively. Tata Steel said that ratings agency CARE has upgraded long term credit rating on the company to AA+ from AA and the outlook to Stable from Negative. The revision in rating and outlook assigned to the instruments of Tata Steel factors in the improvement in performance witnessed during FY21, sequentially from Q2-FY21 onwards, particularly in Indian operations, on the back of revival in demand and increased steel prices leading to substantial cash flow generation and sizeable deleveraging at the end of FY21 resulting in improvement in debt coverage indicators. Bharat Dynamics has signed a contract worth about Rs.499 crore with Ministry of Defence for manufacture and supply of Akash Missiles to the Indian Air Force. Jammu & Kashmir Bank said that the Reserve Bank of has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on the bank, on account of contravention of directions contained in circulars on 'Lending to Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Bank Finance to Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)'. Elgi Equipments' Wholly Owned Subsidiary in USA, 'Elgi Compressors USA Inc.' has formed a Joint Venture Company in USA by name 'Gentex Air Solutions, LLC.' as a North Carolina Limited Liability Company, along with James Gery and Diego Hernandez. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Glen, NH (03838) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 69F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 62F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and consider subscribing for only $7 per month to get access to more articles and news as it happens. Universal Cement records 12% rise in revenue 09 July 2021 Taiwans Universal Cement has posted a 10.2 per cent YoY decline in June revenue to TWD407.13bn (US$14.5m) from TWD453.56m in the year-ago period. In the first six months of the year, revenue advanced 12.1 per cent to TWD2.91bn from TWD2.59bn. Published under Click here to read the full article. WASHINGTON In the fall of 1981, a young conservative lawyer named John Roberts, fresh off a Supreme Court clerkship, arrived at the Justice Department at the start of Ronald Reagans presidency. Hired as a special assistant to the attorney general, Roberts focused on voting rights, and in particular the battle underway in Congress over the reauthorization of parts of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. That included Section 2 of the law, which gave voters a tool to fight discriminatory voting laws and rules in the states. As Roberts settled in at DOJ, a coalition of Democrats and Republicans in Congress wanted to reform Section 2. Under their plan, voters could strike down discriminatory voting laws by proving those laws caused discrimination, not that the people who made the laws had set out to discriminate. In other words, intent didnt matter; outcomes did. John Roberts helped lead the fight to stop this change. He drafted op-eds, talking points, and memos arguing that the proposed reforms gave the federal government too much power to influence state voting laws and would lead to a quota system for who held elected office. Roberts and the Reagan DOJ failed. The Voting Rights Act reauthorization passed with bipartisan support in 1982, and the number of lawsuits about discriminatory voting laws brought under Section 2 went from three in 1981 to 175 in 1988, according to the book Give Us the Ballot by the journalist Ari Berman. But Roberts would get his revenge. He claimed the Supreme Court chief justices seat once held by his mentor, William Rehnquist, in 2005. In the ensuing years, Roberts has chiseled away, piece by piece, at the nations laws for voting rights, campaign spending, and other democracy issues. Today, voting-rights activists and election-law scholars say the Roberts court, having dismantled chunks of the post-Watergate ethics reforms and the Voting Rights Act, is one of the biggest impediments to democratic reform at a time when the country needs those reforms more than ever. The final two opinions of the most recent Supreme Court term put this phenomenon on full display. In Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta, the courts six conservative justices ruled that Californias requirement that charities disclose their biggest donors to state regulators was unconstitutional. Critics of anonymous political spending say the decision will fuel future challenges to transparency laws and empower anonymous donors at a time when American politics is awash in dark money from Democratic and Republican groups alike. We are now on a clear path to enshrining a constitutional right to anonymous spending in our democracy, and securing an upper hand for dark-money influence in perpetuity, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said in a statement reacting to the decision. In the second decision, Brnovich v. DNC, the Roberts court knee-capped Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The Brnovich decision, legal experts say, will give greater leeway to state governments when they craft voting rules, and makes it much harder to prove that a voting law is discriminatory. This is the rewrite of Section 2 that John Roberts couldnt get in 1981, Rick Hasen, an election-law expert at the University of California, Irvine, tells Rolling Stone. I think its going to be extremely difficult now (to bring Section 2 challenges) except for the most egregious forms of voter discrimination. Combined, the AFPF and Brnovich decisions continue the Roberts courts decade-plus track record of undermining the hard-fought voting laws enacted during the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-corruption reforms passed in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. And with a six-vote conservative majority on the Supreme Court in place for years if not decades to come, that trend shows no sign of ending soon. As long as theres a strong conservative majority on the court, any hope that the courts will do anything to rein campaign spending or states efforts to restrict the vote or tilt the playing field is indeed a hollow hope, says Lee Drutman, a senior fellow in the Political Reform program at New America. In the face of the Roberts courts agenda, reformers in Congress and in state legislatures as well as election-law scholars say the need for new policies tailored to survive the high courts scrutiny. Coming at a time when Republican state governments are seeking to restrict access to the ballot box, the Supreme Courts latest decisions are yet another affront to Americans right to pick their elected officials and know who is working to influence the democratic process, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) tells Rolling Stone. This further underscores the need for Congress to pass legislation to protect the freedom to vote and ensure that our democracy works for the people, not for special interests and billionaires. Before surveying the options under consideration by reformers, its worth better understanding how far-reaching and potentially damaging the Supreme Courts last two decisions were. In the AFPF case, the court struck down Californias requirement that large donors to charities must be disclosed to the state government so that the state can root out possible fraud related to those donors. The Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a Koch-backed group, and the Thomas More Law Center challenged that requirement, saying it violated the groups freedom to associate in private. They also cited the risk of harassment if the private donor information became public (as had happened in the past when some donor information was leaked). The case harkened back to the influential NAACP v. Alabama decision in 1958, when the Supreme Court ruled that the NAACP didnt have to disclose members who feared facing retribution in the Jim Crow South. In AFPF, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU, and other civil-rights groups invoked that earlier case in a friend-of-the-court brief that argued for the right to associate in private and urged the court to reach a narrow decision that would have struck down Californias rule without broader implications for transparency in civic and political life. Instead, the majoritys opinion, written by Roberts, has broad implications for politics and activism. Before, the Supreme Court had made clear that disclosure was important enough to preserve even if it led to some nastiness or vitriol as a result. In his AFPF opinion, Roberts tossed that out the window. The mere possibility of a chilling effect on association was enough, he wrote in his opinion, to justify getting rid of certain disclosure requirements. Roberts decision does more than wipe out Californias law, experts say. Under this reasoning, it opens the door to future challenges to longstanding laws on the disclosure of campaign donations put in place after Watergate, when untraceable money flooded into American elections and led to corruption. Todays analysis marks reporting and disclosure requirements with a bulls-eye, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent in the AFPF case. In Brnovich, the voting-rights case, the Roberts court took the opposite stance toward a states authority to set the rules. This time, in an opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, the court deferred to the states to set their own voting rules and raised the bar almost impossibly high to challenge those laws for alleged discrimination, voting-rights advocates say. The majoritys opinion makes it so that a state can justify voting changes (cutting early voting, restricting absentee voting, reducing polling places) if it did so in the interest of preventing possible fraud, even if such fraud is vanishingly rare. The majoritys Brnovich ruling also takes as its benchmark the year 1982 the year when Congress last passed major updates to the Voting Rights Act for gauging the discriminatory nature (or not) of voting changes. Rick Hasen, the election-law expert, describes the practical effect of the decision like this. Imagine that a state offered a week of early voting, he says, and there was evidence that a large number of African American voters used the Sunday before the election to do Souls to the Polls drives to get people to vote right after church. Then imagine that, post-Brnovich, the same state got rid of Sunday early voting and the evidence suggested the state did so to blunt African American turnout. Under the Roberts court majoritys approach, Hasen says, this would likely not run afoul of Section 2. In his opinion, Alito says the benchmark for measuring whether a voting change is discriminatory is how it compares to the voting rules when the VRA was last reauthorized in 1982. His test also implies that as long as a state can point to other voting opportunities, it can fairly justify cutting something like Sunday early voting. For one reason, in 1982 there were very few early voting opportunities, so eliminating early voting cant be a Section 2 violation because that wasnt the norm in 1982, Rick Hasen says. For another thing, you have to look at the election system as a whole, so long as there are other ways to vote, then its not discriminatory under this courts ruling. So what can and what should Congress do? Lee Drutman, the New America political-reform expert, says the For the People Act, aka H.R. 1 and S. 1, contains a number of provisions that could repair some of the damage done by the Supreme Courts two most recent decisions. That bill which was recently filibustered in the Senate but Democrats have vowed to revive would increase disclosure of dark-money donations, mandate paper ballots, and give the federal government more latitude to expand access to the ballot box. But Drutman acknowledges that many of the most popular pieces of the For the People Act which has a slim change of passing in the first place will face challenges by conservative and libertarian legal groups. Republicans are going to litigate the hell out of it, he says. As pressure builds inside the American democratic system because of hyper-partisanship, the nationalization of politics, and many other factors, whats needed are release valves, Drutman says. He supports reforms that might break the two-party doom loop, as he puts it. Those include Alaskas model of a top-four primary election and ranked-choice voting like in New York City but applied to, say, the U.S. Senate. I think youd see opportunities for more political parties and new coalitions forming, he says. Youd get the release valves. Rick Hasen says lawmakers should focus for now on the most immediate threat to American democracy: election subversion. He says the country narrowly avoided such a disaster in the 2020 election despite Trumps attempts to pressure state and local election officials, like when he asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,870 votes to give him the victory in Georgia. But with the Trumpist wing of the GOP in full control, and Republican state legislatures moving to pass laws that empower partisans to dictate how elections are run and counted, subversion remains a threat, whether its the prospect of a state legislature selecting a rival slate of electors, a president pressuring election workers to change the count, or members of Congress disrupting the certification process in Washington, D.C. Hasen says the universal use of paper ballots, tougher penalties for anyone who interferes with the election-counting process, and reform of the antiquated Electoral Count Act could all help prevent a future attempt to overturn or change an election outcome. Its also a more narrowly tailored solution that, he says, could win over 10 Senate Republicans. We may not know until January 2025, when Congress has counted the Electoral College votes of the states, whether those who support election integrity and the rule of law succeeded in preventing election subversion, Hasen wrote this spring. That may seem far away, but the time to act to prevent a democratic crisis is now. Sign up for Rolling Stone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 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. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) A small plane carrying skydivers crashed outside the Swedish city of Orebro, killing all nine people on board, police said on Friday. The dead included the pilot and eight passengers, police said. The victims were members of a local skydiving club, according to Orebro County Governor Maria Larsson. Spokesperson Carl-Johan Linde of the Swedish Maritime Administration, which oversees air traffic, told broadcaster SVT Thursday evening's crash must have occurred in connection with the plane's takeoff. The plane burst into flames upon impact on what appeared to be an open field. There were no lives to save, local fire chief Per-Ove Staberyd, who coordinated the work of firefighters and other first responders, said. Police received word of the crash shortly before 7:30 p.m. local time and quickly knew it was a very serious incident, deputy regional police chief Niclas Hallgren said on Friday. He said that investigating the accident would be a difficult job. It will take its time. Hallgren declined to provide details about the victims or speculate why the plane had crashed. But Joakim Berlin, an instructor with the Stockholms Fallskarmsklub, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that it was nine of our comrades who have perished, who are members of our sky diving family. The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority immediately dispatched a team to the crash site outside Orebro, which is located 64 kilometers (102 miles) west of Stockholm. Something happened in the middle of the runway. The plane didn't get up very high before it went down to the left of the runaway, Peter Swaffer, Swedish Accident Investigation Authority department chief told daily newspaper Aftonbladet. He didn't elaborate. The Dagens Nyheter newspaper identified the plane as a single-engine, propeller-driven De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven wrote on Twitter that it was with great sadness and dismay that he heard about the crash, and he expressed his deepest sympathy. Flags flew at half mast in Orebro, and the prime minister said during an impromptu news conference that Friday was a day of mourning in Sweden. In a statement, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf offered his condolences to the victims' relatives, adding that he and the royal family regret their heavy loss. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden on Friday fired the commissioner of Social Security after the official refused to resign, and Biden accepted the deputy commissioner's resignation, the White House said. Biden asked commissioner Andrew Saul to resign, and his employment was terminated after he refused the Democratic president's request, a White House official said. Deputy Commissioner David Black agreed to resign, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. Both officials had been put in place under President Donald Trump, a Republican. Biden named Kilolo Kijakazi as acting commissioner while the administration conducts a search for a permanent commissioner and deputy commissioner. Kijakazi currently is the deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy at the Social Security Administration. Saul's removal followed a Justice Department legal opinion that found he could be removed, despite a statute that says he could only be fired for neglecting his duties or malfeasance. The opinion researched at the request of the White House concluded that a reevaluation because of a recent Supreme Court ruling meant that Saul could be fired by the president at will. Bidens move got immediate support from the Democratic senator who would be in charge of confirming a successor to Saul. Republican lawmakers accused Biden of politicizing the agency and pointed to Saul's confirmation by a bipartisan Senate vote in 2019. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a statement that every president should chose the personnel that will best carry out their vision for the country. To fulfill President Bidens bold vision for improving and expanding Social Security, he needs his people in charge, Wyden added, pledging to work to confirm a new commissioner as swiftly as possible. Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., who several months ago began demanding the ouster of Saul and Black, celebrated their Friday firings. Social Security is in deep trouble, Pascrell said. Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, the top Republican on the finance committee, and Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, issued a joint statement calling Biden's decision disappointing." The pair claimed Social Security beneficiaries stand the most to lose from President Biden's partisan decision to remove Commissioner Andrew Saul. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., called the personnel move an unprecedented and dangerous politicization of the Social Security Administration. The agency, headquartered in Baltimore, pays benefits, funded by a tax on wages paid by employers and employees, to about 64 million people, including retirees, children, widows and widowers, according to its website. The agency has a staff of about 60,000 employees. Saul was confirmed by a Senate vote of 77-16 in 2019 to a six-year term that would have expired in January 2025, tweeted Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. The labor union that represents Social Security employees also welcomed the firings. Ralph de Juliis, spokesperson for the American Federation of Government Employees SSA General Committee and Council 220 President, said employee morale and agency operations had suffered under Saul and Black's leadership. President Biden made the right call to send these Trump appointees packing, de Juliis said. - Associated Press writer Mike Balsamo contributed to this report. 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) Six former California Highway Patrol offices were criminally charged with nearly 100 felonies Thursday with bilking the state out of about $23,400 by exaggerating their overtime hours, the state attorney general said. The six officers working out of East Los Angeles would typically work three to four hours providing protection for state highway workers during road construction projects. But prosecutors say they then billed the state for eight hours of overtime. The practice went on for longer than two years before ending in March 2018 and triggering a CHP investigation two months later. The CHP said in early 2019 that it had temporarily relieved dozens of officers from duty while it investigated whether they had billed the state for hundreds of hours of suspected bogus overtime costing about $360,000, according to news accounts at the time. They said at the time that the abuse seemed to be isolated to officers covering the Los Angeles area and the agency had changed its overtime practices in response. The charges against the six officers are part of an ongoing investigation, the attorney generals office said. Trust is a fundamental part of effective law enforcement, Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement praising the CHP for its investigation. Californians should be able to depend on CHP officers to keep our roads and highways safe, and when officers dont adhere to the law themselves, it erodes our communities trust." The six face 97 felony counts, including one count each of grand theft and multiple counts of presentation of a fraudulent claim, one for each time they submitted an overtime claim. Grand theft applies to any theft above $950. Two of the six retired during the investigation, and the other four officers were fired as a result of the investigation, said Sgt. Robert Ruiz, a CHP spokesman. The six were sent notices to appear for arraignment on Sept. 2. The attorney generals office and CHP did not know if they had attorneys. Carrie Lane, chief executive officer of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, the union representing uniformed officers, did not respond to requests for comment. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that became a rallying point for white supremacists and helped inspire their infamous 2017 rally in Charlottesville will be hoisted off its pedestal this weekend and sent to storage, officials announced Friday. The Lee statue and another Confederate tribute nearby are both scheduled to be removed Saturday, nearly four years after violence erupted at the Unite the Right rally. The chaos left 32-year-old protester Heather Heyer dead and sparked a national debate over racial equity, further inflamed by former President Donald Trump's insistence that there was "blame on both sides. A coalition of activists issued a statement Friday celebrating the announcement. Because of litigation and changes to a state law dealing with war memorials, the city had been unable to act until now. As long as the statues "remain standing in our downtown public spaces, they signal that our community tolerated white supremacy and the Lost Cause these generals fought for," the coalition called Take 'Em Down Cville said. Preparations around the parks where the statues stand were to begin Friday and included the installation of protective fencing, the news release said. Designated public viewing areas for the removals will be established. Only the statues of Lee and Confederate Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson will be removed for now, the city said. The stone bases of the monuments will be left in place temporarily and removed later. The statues are perched in places of relative prominence in Charlottesville, a small, picturesque city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and home to the University of Virginia. Commissioned by a UVA graduate and erected in the 1920s, when Jim Crow laws were eroding the rights of Black citizens, the statues are just blocks apart from each other. The Charlottesville City Council voted in February 2017 to take down the Lee statue amid mounting public pressure, including a petition started by a Black high school student, Zyahna Bryant. A lawsuit was quickly filed, putting the citys plans on hold, and white supremacists seized on the issue. First, they rallied by torchlight at the statue in May 2017, then a small group of Klansmen gathered in July, far outnumbered by peaceful protesters. The issue reached a crescendo in August, when white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizers of the Unite the Right rally gathered in the city to defend the Lee statue and seize on the issue for publicity, meeting in what was the largest such gathering of extremists in at least a decade. They brawled in the streets near the statue with anti-racist counterprotesters as police largely stood by and watched. The scenes of intense violence shocked the nation. A short time later, an avowed white supremacist and admirer of Adolf Hitler intentionally plowed his car into a crowd of people, killing Heyer and leaving others with life-altering injuries. Trump's suggestion at a later news conference that there had been very fine people, on both sides led to a crush of criticism from Republicans, Democrats and business leaders. Charlottesville continued to fight in court for the removal of the Lee statue and additionally voted to remove the Jackson figure. But a circuit court judge prevented the city from even shrouding the statues with tarps. After Democrats took control of the General Assembly in the 2019 elections, the monument-protection law was rewritten in 2020. Since then, local governments across the state have removed statues that stood for a century or more. Charlottesville, however, waited for the resolution of the lawsuit, which came in April, when the states highest court sided with the city. Since that ruling, the city government has been working its way through the requirements of the new law, like holding a public hearing and offering the statue to a museum or historical society for possible relocation. The offer period for Charlottesvilles statues ended Thursday. Ten responses have been received so far, Friday's news release said, and the city remains open to additional expressions of interest. Under the new law, the city has the final say in the statues' disposition. Both will be stored in a secure location on city property until the City Council makes a final decision, the news release said. In the aftermath of the rally, Charlottesville residents unleashed a torrent of pain, anger and frustration at city and state officials, laying bare deeper issues about race and economic inequality. Activists have since pushed the city to address its legacies of racism and slavery and its dearth of affordable housing and police accountability, among other issues. Kristin Szakos, who was a City Council member at the time of the rally, said in an interview earlier this week that there was a determination to make sure the lessons of 2017 were learned. It really brought up a lot of awareness of white supremacy that is not just from visitors from Idaho, but also from structures in our own culture and in our own institutions that we have to deal with. And that those are more important than just chasing Nazis out of our town, she said. Szakos, no longer in office, said the city has made some progress toward that work and that the statue removals will be another step in the right direction. City officials have said they plan to redesign the park spaces where the statues are located in a way that promotes healing and that tells a more complete history of Charlottesville. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) Daily tourist arrivals on the island of Boracay dropped by 83%, a government official said Friday as he stressed the local tourism sector still struggles to recover. "Nahihirapan pa rin," Acting Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said when asked about Boracay's tourism recovery. [Translation: We're still struggling.] He said before the pandemic, the island had some 6,000 tourists arriving daily, but the number has since gone down to over 1,000 visitors a day. Bautista also stressed fully-vaccinated tourists still need to present negative RT-PCR results. The local leader said they hope to receive more vaccines from the national government to ramp up their inoculation of tourism workers. To cover both frontliners and residents, the Aklan mayor said they need 40,000 doses of coronavirus shots. HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal judge Thursday extended a temporary restraining order on West Virginia's new law that tightens requirements on needle exchange programs. U.S. District Judge Chuck Chambers said he will mull the argument by plaintiffs that the law, which was due to take effect Friday, is unconstitutional, The Herald-Dispatch reported. Republican Gov. Jim Justice signed the bill in April over the objections of critics who said it will restrict access to clean needles amid a spike in HIV cases. The American Civil Liberties Unions West Virginia chapter filed the federal lawsuit last month and Chambers issued the restraining order June 28. The law would require licenses for syringe collection and distribution programs. Operators would have to offer an array of health outreach services, including overdose prevention education and substance abuse treatment program referrals. Participants also must show an identification card to obtain a syringe. Programs also would be required to receive majority support from local county commissions and municipal councils. Advocates view the regulations as onerous. Supporters said the legislation would help those addicted to opioids get connected to health care services fighting substance abuse. Some Republicans lawmakers had said the changes were necessary because some needle exchange programs were operating so irresponsibly that they were causing syringe litter. The ACLU chapter said the law would likely lead to more HIV cases and the spread of other bloodborne illnesses. It would take effect amid one of the nations highest spikes in HIV cases related to intravenous drug use. The surge, clustered mainly around the capital of Charleston and the city of Huntington, was attributed at least in part to the cancellation in 2018 of Charleston's needle exchange program. The surge has led to an investigation by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that last month found emergency departments and inpatient medical personnel rarely conducted HIV testing on intravenous drug users in Kanawha County. Previously, city leaders and first responders complained that the program in Kanawha County led to an increase in needles being left in public places and abandoned buildings, and it was shut down. The CDC describes syringe programs as safe, effective, and cost-saving. More than 85,000 people a day are getting told to isolate by the NHS, latest figures show. The number of pings sent out by the NHS Covid-19 app has soared by 62 per cent in a week. Some 356,036 app alerts instructing people to isolate were sent out in the week ending June 30, according to NHS data the highest weekly figure since the data was first published in January. Hospital chiefs have warned that the strict isolation rules are causing carnage as thousands of doctors and nurses are getting pinged and ordered to stay at home On top of this, another 241,499 were contacted via phone by official contact tracers working for NHS Test and Trace. Since June 30, weekly cases have soared by 43 per cent, meaning the number isolating in the past week is likely to have been significantly higher. The increasing figures suggest half a million people a day could be getting told to isolate by Freedom Day on July 19, when daily infections are likely to top 100,000. Hospital chiefs have warned that the strict isolation rules are causing carnage as thousands of doctors and nurses are getting pinged and ordered to stay at home. They are calling for exemptions to be made for NHS staff who are double-jabbed and test negative before August 16, when the isolation rule is due to be lifted. Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said something is going to have to give as the NHS will be facing surging cases, staffing shortfalls and a record backlog of routine care. He said: Health Secretary Sajid Javid 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. He said there was real pressure on staffing levels given numbers of staff having to self-isolate. Since June 30, weekly cases have soared by 43 per cent, meaning the number isolating in the past week is likely to have been significantly higher Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: Health Secretary Sajid Javid was saying on Monday it is a reasonable expectation that we could hit 100,000 infections a day' Mr Hopson said: Relaxing restrictions will lead to more pressure on the NHS. This will, by definition, mean that something has to give. Most likely, in most places, speed of care backlog recovery. Growing numbers are reporting deleting the app to avoid going into isolation. Yesterdays Test and Trace data shows fewer people are now using it to check in to venues such as pubs and shops. Some 14.5 million users checked in to venues for the week ending June 2, but this had dropped to 12.5 million for the week ending June 30. Criminals as well as those who fail to be granted asylum from Albania will face a more rapid return to their home country under a post-Brexit deal secured by Priti Patel last night. The agreement, signed by the Home Secretary with the eastern European country, will make it easier to remove convicted offenders. It will also make it simpler to move failed Albanian asylum seekers and those who have overstayed their visas. The deal finalised by Miss Patel during an official visit to the capital of Albania, Tirana will make the process of transferring Albanian criminals and those in conflict with their immigration status easier and quicker The bilateral agreement with the nation will be seen as a major breakthrough after Brexit and could pave the way for similar deals with EU nations such as Poland. The deal finalised by Miss Patel during an official visit to the capital of Albania, Tirana will make the process of transferring Albanian criminals and those in conflict with their immigration status easier and quicker, Home Office sources said last night. The new deal comes amid growing concern over the number of foreign nationals in prison in England and Wales. One in eight inmates are now non-UK citizens, or 9,850 of the 78,000 behind bars. The new agreement was signed by the Home Secretary and Albanian minister of interior Bledar Cuci. Officials said it would strengthen the existing arrangements the UK has to remove Albanian nationals who have no right to be in the UK. Miss Patel said: I am determined to fix our immigration system, clamp down on illegal entry, and remove those with no right to be in UK as swiftly as possible. Pictured, a gang of Albanian drug dealers are taunting cops by posting pictures of drug money and flash cars to a public Instagram page Our New Plan for Immigration, coupled with this new agreement, will speed up the removal of Albanian nationals who have committed crimes in the UK and overstayed their welcome. I make no apology for removing dangerous foreign criminals to protect the British people and, so far this year, more than 1,000 foreign criminals have been deported, with more being removed every single week. During a two-day trip to Albania the Home Secretary also met Prime Minister Edi Rama and discussed joint efforts to tackle serious organised crime, including drug trafficking and immigration crime. Two brothers who destroyed their family home to stop their sister from getting a cut of their parents' estate have been slammed by a judge. Garry, 59, and Malcolm Taylor, 57, travelled from Hervey Bay in Queensland to Murtoa in regional Victoria to destroy the house left to them as inheritance the day before it went to auction in March, 2019. The destruction, which was filmed by the brothers much to their 'amusement', was to rob their sister Kerrie, 61, of any money made as a result of the sale. 'You were laughing while you destroyed your sister's inheritance. Now the world is laughing at you for your stupidity,' County Court Judge Michael Cahill told them on Friday. The brothers were each fined $10,000 after admitting charges of theft and criminal damage. Scroll down for video Two brothers destroyed their family home to stop their sister getting a cut of the estate left by their parents after claiming she 'killed their mother' Garry and Malcolm Taylor travelled from Hervey Bay to Murtoa in regional Victoria to destroy the house left to them as inheritance the day before it went to auction in March, 2019 The destruction, which was filmed by the brothers much to their 'amusement', was to rob their sister Kerrie, 61, of any money made as a result of the sale According to court documents, Malcolm called the real estate agent handling the sale in November 2018 claiming Kerrie 'killed his mother' The Victoria County Court heard that the brothers were determined their sister 'wasn't going to get a cent' and that they would 'rather pull it down piece by piece' than share the money. According to court documents, Malcolm called the real estate agent handling the sale in November 2018 claiming Kerrie 'killed his mother' and that he would 'continue to take items from the house until there was nothing left'. During a pre-sentence hearing the court heard Malcolm Taylor was genuinely remorseful for his actions that day. But ahead of the sentencing prosecutors tried to squash that argument, pointing Judge Cahill to a media report in which Malcolm Taylor replied 'absolutely not' when asked by a reporter if he regretted his actions. Lawyer Mike Anderson, who appeared with both men by video link from Hervey Bay, instead said Malcolm Taylor had been harassed by the media over the incident, which was reported around the world. 'If Your Honour had any worry about the concept of deterrent, the media have done that,' he said. 'There's no way these men will ever offend again.' The whole incident has been a costly affair for the brothers. It was estimated the total loss to the estate was around $60,000 - a $20,000 loss each. They also agreed in May 2019 to pay their sister a 'reasonable' amount to compensate her for her lost inheritance. Pictured: The Taylor's Murtoa house before Garry and Malcolm destroyed it using an excavator before it could go to auction in March 2019 The Taylor brothers' 'renovations' of the home were the result of a years-long and 'deep seated' battle with their sister, who was the executor of their parents' estate. Their mother Lois died in December 2013, leaving her estate in the hands of daughter Kerrie - a decision Garry and Malcolm challenged. The family war kicked off when Garry and Malcolm were told their children would receive $10,000 in trust payments as part of the estate. As a result the men went on a 30-minute 'tirade of destruction' using an excavator to destroy foundations of the home, rip down walls, smash through windows, and roll a water tank down the road. The house was sold on December 12, 2018, for $99,000, but intentional water damage saw the buyer cancel their purchase before the settlement date. It was then slated to go under the hammer on March 29, 2019, until Garry and Malcolm stepped in. 'I bet it don't look like that at 12 noon Friday,' Malcolm messaged Garry, as shown in court documents. The home after Garry and Malcolm destroyed it with an excavator (pictured Malcolm) The men went on a 30-minute 'tirade of destruction' using an excavator to destroy foundations of the home, rip down walls, smash through windows, and roll a water tank down the road The pair arrived at the mother's home on Thursday March 28 and began the destruction. Malcolm graffitied 'Lois was murdered here' on her bedroom wall and sprayed the outline of a body on the floor, according to court documents. He denied any knowledge of the graffiti in court. No legitimate basis for the allegation that Lois was murdered was mentioned in court documents and the Taylors' sister was never charged in connection with it. Malcolm then removed the water tank attached to the house and rolled it down the street while Garry filmed laughing. They then took turns demolishing the house with the rented excavator, with the other filming when not using the machine. At one stage Malcolm yells 'charge' as he rams the excavator into the wall of the home. Both brothers laughed maniacally in court-released footage as they tore down the property. Court documents alleged the brothers took selfies inside the destroyed home after they were finished. Malcolm then removed the water tank attached to the house and rolled it down the street while Garry filmed laughing The brothers took turns demolishing the house with the rented excavator, with the other filming when not using the machine A neighbour called police who attended the home, finding the brothers leaving the house on the morning of March 28. Garry told Leading Senior Constable Michael Baldock they 'had to make sure them (sic) renovations were right before tomorrow'. 'We are both tradesmen but we're f**king rough,' Garry said of the damage. Malcolm then sends a message to their sister saying: 'Renovations have begun'. Garry and Malcolm then drove to the MCG to watch an AFL match, posting a selfie from the ground with the caption 'few beers at the footy after a hard days renovating'. They were arrested the next morning before they could fly back to Queensland. Malcolm was found to be in possession of eight grams of marijuana, which he described as 'a little bit of dope, enough to roll a joint' that was used to help him sleep. Malcolm rips the gate off his mother's destroyed fence after driving the excavator through it At one stage Malcolm yells 'charge' as he rams the excavator into the wall of the home Both brothers were charged with damaging property and theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. Malcolm was also charged with drug possession and an additional theft charge. They pleaded guilty to criminal damage charges. Judge Michael Cahill said in Victorian County Court the brothers' destruction was 'an entirely irrational response', according to the Herald Sun, given denying their sister $30,000 in the house's sale would see them lose a combined $60,000 as a result. 'Family disputes bring out the worst in people,' he said. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has come under fire for photoshopping images of a woman in a wheelchair and a blind man with a guide dog onto a stock photo for the cover of its latest demographics report about diversity. The cover of ODNI's report, which was released on Thursday, features an image of well-dressed professionals and includes a description saying: 'Hiring and retention of minorities, women and persons with disabilities in the United States intelligence community'. ODNI, however, has since been accused of faking its diversity after it emerged the department had used a stock image for the cover and then edited it to include two people with disabilities. The original image, which is available for download on stock image company Shutterstock, shows 15 people with a range of different ethnicities posing alongside each other. REPORT COVER: The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has come under fire for photoshopping images of a woman in a wheelchair and a blind man with a guide dog onto a stock photo for the cover of its demographics report released on Thursday ORIGINAL IMAGE: The original image, which is available for download on stock image company Shutterstock, shows 15 people with a range of different ethnicities posing alongside each other That photo on Shutterstock includes the description: 'Portrait Of Multi-Cultural Office Staff Standing In Lobby'. But Twitter users were quick to point out that two other stock images, which are also available on Shutterstock, were then edited onto the ODNI's report. The first photo shows a woman in a wheelchair and the description on the stock image's site reads: 'Beautiful businesswoman with tablet computer in wheelchair on white background'. The second photo that was edited onto the report features a blind man with a cane and guide dog. When that image was used on the cover of ODNI's report, the color of the man's beige suit had been changed to black. DailyMail.com has contacted ODNI regarding the images. When the ODNI released the report, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines issued a statement that reflected the intelligence community's diversity. 'The intelligence community should reflect the diverse makeup of America and demonstrate that we are fostering an environment where every professional can succeed,' Haines said. ORIGINAL IMAGES: Two other stock images, which are also available on Shutterstock, were edited onto the ODNI's report, including a woman in a wheelchair and a blind man with a guide dog When the ODNI released the report, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines issued this statement that reflected the intelligence community's diversity 'Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is fundamental to our democratic values and critical to meeting the IC's mission. 'This take work every single day. We are committed to doing more to address this critical issue and accelerate our progress.' The annual report was prepared by the office's Intelligence Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department. Twitter users were quick to slam the ODNI over the edited images. 'The worst using of photoshop for the year: For the cover of its diversity report, ODNI bought a stock photo called 'Portrait of multi-cultural office staff standing in lobby' and then photoshopped a woman in a wheelchair and a blind guy into it,' one Twitter user wrote. Another said: 'I can bet anything they have 'our organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender...' written somewhere on their website/in their report.' 'Diversity only exists in stock photos. Individual hiring managers hire clones of themselves,' one person tweeted. Rupert Murdoch personally made the decision to allow Fox News to broadcast that it had called Arizona for Joe Biden in the 2020 election, a new book reveals. Donald Trump and his aides were furious when Fox News became the first network on election night to call Arizona for Biden. And the founder of News Corp. was behind the decision, revealed Michael Wolff in his forthcoming book 'Landslide.' On election night, Murdoch's son Lachlan, the CEO of Fox Corporation, got a call from the network's election-data operation shortly after 11 p.m. ET saying they were ready to declare Arizona for Biden. The state was highly competitive during the contest and had not gone for a Democrat since Bill Clinton in 1996. Biden and Trump both campaigned hard for the state with Biden winning a coveted endorsement from Cindy McCain. Wolff notes in his book, according to an excerpt published by Business Insider, that the Murdoch family had 'every reason' to delay calling Arizona, given Fox's pro-Trump stance and the fact that no other network had made the call yet. 'Lachlan got his father on the phone to ask if he wanted to make the early call. His father, with signature grunt, assented, adding, 'F*** him,'' Wolff wrote. Fox News calling Arizona was a pivotal moment in the coverage of the election as the earlier results showed Trump had a chance he could retake the White House. The Trump team is still refuting the election results in Arizona with an audit of ballots by a private company. Rupert Murdoch personally made the decision to allow Fox News to broadcast that it had called Arizona for Joe Biden in the 2020 election Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer called Trump strategist Jason Miller to let him know the network was going to call Arizona for Biden. Miller rose from his seat. 'What the f***?' he said out loud. Fox News released a statement denying Murdoch's involvement in the call. 'This account is completely false. Arnon Mishkin who leads the FOX News Decision Desk made the Arizona call on election night and FOX News Media President Jay Wallace was then called in the control room. Any other version of the story is wildly inaccurate', a spokesperson told DailyMail.com in a statement. Fox News also denied Hemmer's involvement, as outlined in the book. 'This never happened and is completely untrue,' a spokesperson said. They also noted how Hemmer was taken by surprise when Arizona was called for Biden. Trump, in a blanket statement released on Friday, slammed Wolff and other authors of upcoming books about his presidency, calling them 'fiction.' Michael Wolff's book 'Landslide' is July 13 'It seems to me that meeting with authors of the ridiculous number of books being written about my very successful Administration, or me, is a total waste of time. They write whatever they want to write anyway without sources, fact-checking, or asking whether or not an event is true or false. Frankly, so many stories are made-up, or pure fiction,' he said. But Trump was enraged about Fox's election night call and trashed the network on Twitter in the aftermath of the election. The Associated Press followed soon in calling Arizona after but other news channels held off. Despite pressure from Trump administration officials, Fox stood by its call. Biden won Arizona by about 10,000 votes and recounts reaffirmed his victory. The network announced Biden's win at 11:20 pm on election night. Trump erupted in anger, telling others in the White House to 'get that result changed,' a senior administration official told The Washington Post at the time. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows phoned Fox News's decision desk while senior adviser Hope Hicks, who had returned to the White House after a spell working at Fox Corp., got in contact with Raj Shah, a former Trump White House staffer whom she hired at Fox, about getting the call reversed. Former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway reached out to Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier to complain. And White House senior adviser Jared Kushner contacted Rupert Murdoch to try and get it retracted. Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump together in June 2016, when Trump was the presumptive Republican nominee for president But the network stood firm. And Fox decision-desk chief Arnon Mishkin went on air to explain his call and stand by it. The real danger was that Fox could have become the first news outlet to call the presidential race for Biden. With Arizona's 11 electoral votes in his column, Biden just needed Nevada's six electoral votes - a state where he was in a comfortable lead - to take the White House. But no news organization called Nevada first. Instead Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes were awarded to Biden, giving him the presidency without the Democrat needing Arizona. Trump denies claim in new book that he threw a crumpled newspaper article at Pence during row over Corey Lewandowski and says meeting with authors is a 'waste of time' because they just write 'pure fiction' Former President Donald Trump reacted with fury to a string of unflattering books on Friday, saying many of their stories were false or made-up. Two books, by journalist Michael Bender and Michael Wolff, are due to be published next week Former President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on authors of books about his administration, after enduring weeks of unflattering excerpts describing behind-the-scenes divisions, dysfunction and squabbles. His intervention appeared to be triggered by an anecdote in a forthcoming book by journalist Michael Bender, describing how he threw a newspaper article at Vice President Mike Pence as they argued about personnel moves. It is just one of a slew of new accounts lifting the lid on Trump's turbulent time at the White House. 'It seems to me that meeting with authors of the ridiculous number of books being written about my very successful administration, or me, is a total waste of time,' said Trump in a statement sent by his political action committee. 'They write whatever they want to write anyway without sources, fact-checking, or asking whether or not an event is true or false.' Trump dismissed books about his administration as containing stories that are 'made up, or pure fiction.' Two are due to be published next week promising more unflattering headlines 'Frankly, so many stories are made up, or pure fiction.' Bender's book, 'Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost,' will be published next week. It reveals how Trump told his stunned Chief of Staff John Kelly that 'Hitler did a lot of good things,' according to The Guardian. It also describes one of the rare disagreements between Trump and Pence, triggered by the president in 2018 learning that his vice president hired his former campaign aide Corey Lewandowski. 'So disloyal,' said Trump as he threw a crumpled newspaper article about the hiring at Pence. Pence was reportedly furious, pointing a finger a few inches from Trump's chest, as he told him he had made the hire on the advice of the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner and that they had discussed it over lunch. 'We walked you through every detail of this,' said Pence, according to an excerpt published by the Wall Street Journal. 'We did this for you as a favor. And this is how you respond? 'You need to get your facts straight.' The publishing industry is awash with books about the final months of the Trump administration, revealing behind-the-scenes tensions and rows In his book, Bender said he had twice been invited to Mar-a-Lago to interview the former president and on Friday he said he stood by the reporting in his book In one of two statements issued on Friday, Trump dismissed Bender as a 'third-rate reporter.' 'No such fight ever happened, it is fiction as are so many others stories written in the vast number of books coming out about me,' he said. But his statement is a reminder that Trump faces a problem in delivering his side of the story: He has yet to sign a book deal. Reports suggest publishers fear a public backlash and are at a loss to know how to manage an author with a relaxed attitude towards facts. Meanwhile, the flow of books about him continues. A account of the White House response to the COVID-19 pandemic - 'Nightmare Scenario: Inside the Trump Administration's Response to the Pandemic that Changed History' - revealed how aides feared Trump might die after becoming ill with the coronavirus, despite officials insisting he only went to hospital out of 'an abundance of caution.' And more bombshells are expected when Michael Wolff's 'Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency' is published next week. Excerpts have already revealed that Trump considered calling off the 2020 election because of the pandemic and that he mulled a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, companion to Jeffrey Epstein, such was his concern about being linked to the financier's sex scandal. Then there is 'I Alone Can Fix It' by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker due a week after that. They will be followed by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Woodward and Robert Costa of The Washington Post, whose book is expected in the fall. Not to mention those due next year. Until now, Trump had tried a charm offensive, inviting journalists including Bender to his Florida home at Mar-a-Lago. Aides also offered fact-checking services. On Friday, he changed tack, dismissing the books as works of invention. 'These writers are often bad people who write whatever comes to their mind or fits their agenda. 'It has nothing to do with facts or reality. So when reading the garbage that the Fake News Media puts out, please remember this and take everything with a grain of salt.' For his part, Bender said he had corroborated details of the Trump-Pence bust-up. 'I stand by my reporting,' he tweeted in response to Trump's statement. 'The fight happened in front of others and multiple sources confirmed. 'It is correct - and just one of many revealing details in the excerpt and still unreported in the book.' Lithuania has started building a fortified fence along its border with Belarus in an attempt to stop its neighbour sending migrants illegally into the EU. The border reinforcement comes just a week after Vilnius declared a state of emergency to address a sharp rise in illegal migration, which it accuses Belarusian authorities of orchestrating. The double, barbed wire fence will run for 342 miles to cover most of the nearly 423-mile frontier and will cost a total of 46 million euros, according to Lithuanian interior minister Agne Bilotaite. The first stretch of the fence was installed on Friday in southwestern Lithuania next to the border with EU neighbour Poland. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte also claimed on Wednesday that Belarus had been offering migrants flights to the Belarusian capital Minsk, specifically to dispatch them across the border into Lithuania. Simonyte said the main airport from where people flew into Belarus was Baghdad, and her foreign minister said people also came from Turkey. Lithuania has began building a fortified fence along its border with Belarus in an attempt to stop its neighbour sending migrants illegally into the EU The border reinforcement comes just a week after Vilnius declared a state of emergency to address a sharp rise in illegal migration, which it accuses Belarusian authorities of orchestrating The double, barbed wire fence will run for 342 miles, covering most of the nearly 423-mile frontier Relations between the two neighbours are tense following the August 2020 elections in Belarus, which were won by long-time President Alexander Lukashenko but have been widely condemned as rigged. Lithuania, which has backed and granted refuge to Belarus opposition figures, accuses its neighbour of organising the border crossings by people mainly from Iraq, the Middle East and Africa. In the past two months, more than 1,500 people have crossed into Lithuania, 20 times more than in the whole of 2020. According to Lithuanian authorities, hundreds of migrants have been flown into Belarus and subsequently sent across the border into Lithuania in recent days, most of them Iraqi citizens. The government said the military-style wire coil used to protect the border would initially cost 4.9 million euros to put up and run along most of the frontier, but plans to reinforce the barrier with a two-metre high border fence topped by razor wire will cost an additional 41 million euros, according to the interior ministry. Lukashenko has been in power in Belarus since 1994, but his rule came under intense scrutiny last year when he won an election that is widely thought to have been rigged. On Tuesday, the Belarusian president openly declared that Belarus would open the borders to allow a flood of migrants into Lithuania and the EU in retaliation for sanctions imposed after Belarus diverted a Ryan Air flight on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist. 'We won't hold anyone, they are coming not to us but to the enlightened, warm and cosy Europe,' he added mockingly. 'If someone thinks we will close our border with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine and will become a holding site for those running from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and further down Africa, he is misguided to say the least,' the president said on Tuesday. Belarus is guarding the border now only as much as it is 'profitable' to it and as much as it can financially, the president said. In a related move, Lithuania's parliament will meet on Tuesday to urgently pass legislation streamlining asylum application reviews, including shortening their initial review to no more than 10 days, the prime minister said. The government said the military-style wire coil would initially cost 4.9 million euros, but plans to reinforce the barrier with a two-metre high border fence topped by razor wire will cost an additional 41 million euros In the past two months, more than 1,500 people have crossed into Lithuania, 20 times more than in the whole of 2020. Many of the migrants are detained by border guards Migrants sit outside a tent as they plays checkers at the newly built refugee camp in the town of Pabrade, which is being used to house the influx of migrants 25 miles from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius Lithuanian authorities last month built a temporary refugee camp at Pabrade, roughly 25 miles northeast of Vilnius, in an attempt to shelter and protect the migrants which it says are being encouraged to cross into the country by Belarusian border guards. Lithuania's foreign ministry summoned the head of the Belarus embassy on Wednesday to demand that Lukashenko end the flow of migrants. The prime minister told the national broadcaster she did not expect the migrant flow from Belarus to subside on its own. 'As the Belarus regime is making money from these people for visa charges and, I think, gets other income from them as well - it would be difficult to expect any positive trend without additional means of impact', she said. A 102-year-old warning from the NSW government as it tried to contain the Spanish flu pandemic has resurfaced as the state is locked in a desperate battle with coronavirus - and it makes for very familiar reading for Sydneysiders caught in lockdown. The Spanish flu ravaged Australia in 1919, leaving 15,000 Aussies dead within a year of the first case arising in January, and killing 50 to 100million people worldwide. Australia's population stood at about five million at the time, and more than a third of all Australians were infected. Indigenous communities were hit particularly hard by the virus, which had a 50 per cent mortality rate among Aboriginal people. The NSW Government of today finds itself in similarly dire straits with Sydney in the grip of the Indian Delta variant, an incredibly contagious strain of the coronavirus. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has responded with a sweeping range of restrictions and warnings that failure to follow them will spell disaster - which is exactly what the 1919 government's flyer states. The document begins by warning the people of NSW their state is faced with a 'greater danger than war' and shouts 'EVERYONE SHALL WEAR A MASK'. The document was released by the NSW Government on February 3, 1919 - and its calls for residents to obey measures to control a killer virus still ring eerily true today Health workers wearing protective gear gather in Surry Hills in Sydney's inner city in 1919 as the city fought the Spanish flu pandemic that claimed up to 100 million lives worldwide NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said something very similar in a recent press conference: ''New South Wales is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started and I don't take it lightly'. And Sydneysiders now have to wear face masks whenever they are indoors apart from when they're at home. The document was released by the NSW Government in the Government Gazette on February 3, 1919. It singles out those who are not following flu rules for special criticism, saying they are 'showing their indifference for the lives of others'. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been warning Sydneysiders to follow lockdown laws so they don't put their fellow citizens in danger - which is exactly what of her predecessors' governments did 102 years ago Ms Berejiklian has taken the same line, pleading with Sydneysiders to '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'. The flyer also states that 'everybody is not yet working, so....the Government insists that the many shall not be placed in danger for the few' - a principle the Berejiklian government followed when residents were banned from travelling out of the greater Sydney area to stop Covid-19 spreading across the state. William Holman was Premier of NSW in 1919 as the state reeled from Spanish flu The flyer shows the 1919 government didn't stop public transport, which is currently the case in Sydney. And just like Ms Berejiklian's government, it completely shut down theatres and all other forms of indoor public entertainment, as well as race meetings and church services. But the document also shows we've made some big changes to how we tackle pandemics in the last century. The 1919 government placed restrictions on hospitality venues and other businesses by limiting the number of people who could be on the premises, while today's lockdown laws have shuttered pubs and cafes entirely. And while Sydneysiders can only exercise in groups of fewer than two at the beach after the government toughed restrictions on Friday, no limits were placed on fans of the sand and surf back in the day. Ultra-woke San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin's Twitter victory lap for prosecuting a public official's crime was met with a fiery backlash as the city struggles with soaring crime rates. Boudin announced on Thursday the prosecution of San Francisco Public Works official for allegedly concealing more than $250,000 in income from his wife's merchandising company. 'Public officials must serve the public, not use their position for their own financial gain. No one in San Francisco is above the law,' Boudin tweeted. But rather than praise, the tweet was widely mocked for being out of touch when the city is rife with crime. Many of the Bay Area's stores, like Walgreens and Target, either closed for good or were forced to close hours earlier, due to rampant shoplifting, California Retailers Association President and CEO Rachel Michelin has said in statements. In the last month, there have been multiple shoplifting videos that went viral, including one on June 14 where a man is recording filling a garbage bag full of items in a Walgreens, eluding a security guard and riding out on his bicycle. More recently, on Tuesday, at least nine shoplifters smashed Nieman Marcus display cases, snatched armloads of handbags and other items, and sped off in getaway cars before police arrived. This was caught on video, which went viral on social media. Scroll down for video San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin hit with backlash on social media after saying 'no one is above the law' during citywide crime spree Twitter user The DUDE said in response to Boudin's tweet, 'No one in San Francisco is above the law. What? Oh, except for shoplifters, car smash&grabbers, bag snatchers, home invaders, those who assault others at random, armed robbers, and more. Nice job ruining the city Cheesy. #worstDAinthecountry.' 'Are you kidding me? Anyone who commits a crime in this city is above the law,' Terry tweeted. 'Start prosecuting drug dealers and thieves. Try to make this city safer for once. Do your job. You are not in the public defenders office anymore. Do your job, or resign before you are recalled.' Janet Davidson tweeted, 'Except all the criminals looting in Safeway, Target, Walgreens, Neiman Marcus, drilling thru garage doors, smashing car windows, etc, etc, etc.' Asian Today tweeted a sarcastic response: 'Silly public works manager. Pay attention please. Next time rob neiman marcus and do some meth. Chesa will give you a trophy.' On Tuesday, an Instagram video went viral after it captured the moment at least 10 people stole loads of designer bags from Neiman Marcus in San Francisco and fled undeterred The Neiman Marcus videos surface comes less than a month after another shameless shoplifting case was caught on camera. Footage showed a brazen robber, on his bicycle, as he filled a garbage bag with products at a San Francisco Walgreens and bicycled out of the store - as a bystander and security guard watch The man rode his bike to the store, filled a garbage bag with stolen goods and rode away Several people hit Boudin's Twitter victory lap with harsh criticism for his soft approach to crime, particularly shoplifting which is forcing stores to close Shoplifting cases have become common in San Francisco, where charges of property theft less than $950 in value was downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor in 2014 - meaning that store staff and security do not pursue or stop thieves who have taken anything worth less than $1,000. For months, Boudin has been feuding with the city's cop union leaders, with both blaming each other. Since last year, assaults are up 5.1percent, burglaries are up 4.2percent, car thefts are up 3.4percent and arson is up 15.3percent, according to San Francisco Police Department's crime stats. Over the same time period, rape has dropped 20.2percent and robbery, which is a violent crime, dropped 11.9percent. Larceny is the most common crime committed in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Police Department's Crime Dashboard Boudin became district attorney of San Francisco in 2019, pledging a commitment to restorative justice over incarceration. His parents David Gilbert and Kathy Boudin were members of the Weather Underground, a radical left militant organization involved in a series of terror attacks in the 1970s. Boudin was 14 months old when his parents left him with a babysitter so they could take part in the botched robbery of an armored car that left two police officers and a Brink's truck guard dead. Both were convicted of murder as a result. Boudin became district attorney in 2019 and pledged a commitment to restorative justice over incarceration His father Gilbert is still in prison for murder and robbery, while his mother was released after serving more than two decades inside. But his critics say he's soft on crime, which they claim led to at least two murders. He was condemned in January after allowing a robber - Troy McAlister - to get out of prison on parole. After he was released, he allegedly killed Hanako Abe and Elizabeth Platt as they walked across a street in the SOMA neighborhood. Police believe McAlister allegedly stole the vehicle from a woman he had just met on a dating app. Police found a gun and drugs in his car. Domestic violence suspect Joseph Williams was released twice before he allegedly murdered a seven-month-old baby in April because Boudin said the alleged victim, who was in a relationship with Williams, didn't want to file charges. California State law considers domestic violence a crime against the state, with campaigners saying it was Boudin's duty to find a way to make a case stick. Boudin's comment angered domestic violence advocates in San Francisco who say he fundamentally misunderstood the nature of family violence cases. The wives of Afghan former translators have begun legal action against the Government to allow them to join their husbands in Britain. A dozen women fear being left to face Taliban revenge attacks with UK and US forces due to pull out from Afghanistan by September 11. Their husbands, who were interpreters for the UK military, were engaged to wed them when they were granted sanctuary in Britain. They have since returned to marry in Afghanistan but their attempts to bring their wives to the UK with them have been rejected. The wives of Afghan former translators have begun legal action against the Government to allow them to join their husbands in the UK. (Above, file image, the interpreters stood shoulder-to-shoulder with British troops) As the translators were not married when they moved to Britain, their wives must apply under normal immigration and asylum rules one requirement being they speak English. Interpreters accused the Government of 'betrayal', claiming their wives are suffering from depression. Now lawyers for the women told the Home Office they will seek a judicial review of the decision, highlighting the risk they face from the Taliban and their denial of the right to a family life. The Mail's Betrayal of the Brave campaign has highlighted the plight of translators. The Sulha Alliance for the interpreters said: 'These families should be urgently reunited to protect wives and children against revenge.' Lets be clear, Feng Shui is not just a certain brand of oriental chic. You know the one, a joss stick here, perhaps a Buddha bust there, the odd printed light shade and throwing a kimono on for dinner. Rather, it is the ancient Chinese tradition of arranging objects to create balance. This can include placement of furniture in the home, colour schemes and choosing objects for what they symbolise. Of course, there will be those who are dismissive. But at the very least Feng Shui gives us a blueprint on how to reorganise our homes. Secret of success: A bedroom painted in Duluxs Brave Ground - an earth tone. 12 for 2.5l (wilko.co.uk) This is the perfect time for people to connect with the space they live in so their homes can support them in their work, health, wellbeing and relationships, says Vicky Sweetlove, a Feng Shui consultant. And what a fitting name she has. Conveniently The Feng Shui Society is hosting a conference in London and on Zoom tomorrow. So whether its creating a more positive environment, focusing on relationships or hoping for that promotion at work, Feng Shui has you covered. Heres our guide on how to get started. Tidy spaces This is the first step in the process of Feng Shui, but its not the decluttering popularised by Netflix star Marie Kondo. Rather than getting rid of everything, the process is more about clearing space and seeing how the land lies. Clearing the clutter in your home and letting go of past objects opens the energy, says Vicky. The heaviness is lifted and people can start transforming their lives. Feng Shui is about balance and hurling out all of our belongings is more final an act than the Chinese tradition demands. The process is ongoing and small changes might be required each year. But space clearing is the place to start and ties in with the other features of this tradition. Full spectrum Brave Ground a muted grey/brown is the Dulux Colour of the Year for 2021 and while the shade is anything but bold, it does have strength in the world of Feng Shui as its an earth tone. An Oliver Bonas Clementina Ceramic Vase, 24.50 There are five elements in Feng Shui wood, fire, earth, metal and water and each brings with it different qualities. So a change in colour is an easy way to create a shift in energy. For example greens are wood tones and connected to vitality, family and wealth. So perhaps Graham & Browns Ecuador Matt Emulsion (42 per 2.5l) is the way to go. While Brave Ground will set you back just 12 for 2.5l. Life areas Feng Shui is about the relationship between people and the space they live in. Its personal and is supposed to benefit both parties; happy home, happy life essentially. Crucial to this is life areas (or the bagua) which generally are broken up into: career, relationships, health, wealth, good fortune, spiritual life, creativity, wisdom and fame. According to Vicky, health, creativity and good fortune have been the most popular recently. While this used to be career, life journeys and fame. Life areas also correspond to parts of the house as well as colours and elements. Everything is linked. For example a boost to fame and reputation would mean skipping that Love Island audition and placing a red, orange or yellow object in the homes south. The Oliver Bonas Clementina Ceramic Vase would work (24.50). While an improvement to career and life journey would mean turning to the north and buying something blue or black associated with water, for example the Eddie Eco Velvet two-seater sofa (249, Dunelm). A personal matter As personal spaces, bedrooms are crucial to Feng Shui and whats most important here is bed position. The ideal spot is known as the commanding position; this has a good view of the door while not being in line with it. Vicky had a client who was sceptical about Feng Shui, but turned to the practice to help his struggling business. She found all the beds in his home were in the position of Total Loss. After improving the familys sleeping direction her client reported his best month of the year. Beds should also be located away from a wall so theres space to get out on both sides. Under the bed storage is out; in particular for souvenirs, photos, shoes, electronics, books or general clutter. The easiest way to proceed could be to look at the bedroom as a whole picture. Sharps design consultants, for example, will come to your home and give advice. This visit could even be timed with a Feng Shui consultant. Conor McGregor kicked out at Dustin Poirier as the Irishman ramped up his war of words with his rival ahead of their showdown at UFC 264, but The Diamond was unfazed by the Irishman's antics. McGregor, 32, is bidding to avenge his Fight Island defeat by Poirier, also 32, when the pair meet for a third time in Las Vegas on Saturday night, with the Notorious in need of a win having lost two of his last three UFC fights. The former two-weight world champion was full of pleasantries ahead of their fight in January, but has now regained his edge and has launched a number of stinging remarks towards the Louisianan in the past six months. Conor McGregor lashed out at Dustin Poirier with a kick ahead of their UFC 264 showdown And McGregor attempted to get inside his rival's head when they met for the first time since January at their press conference on Thursday. 'You're getting walked like a dog in that octagon on Saturday night!', McGregor exclaimed. 'You're only a little b****. Your wife is your husband. 'You're only a little b**** of a thing, a silly little hillbilly. Jolie's wife! You little b**** of a thing.' The audience in attendance in Sin City responded well to McGregor's taunts, but Poirier - who admitted to being rattled by his rival when they met in 2014 - was left unimpressed by McGregor's comments. The lightweight rivals came face to face for the first time since UFC 257 on Fight Island McGregor upped the ante with his war of words, labelling Poirier a 'silly little hillbilly' 'You used to be a lot better than that,' Poirier said. 'The trash talk was a lot better than that. F***ing weak.' Despite his best efforts to unsettle his rival, it was Poirier who won the biggest response from the crowd when interjecting to answer a question directed at McGregor. When asked why the former two-weight world champion's demeanour has changed so drastically between fights, Poirier quipped: 'Because he got knocked the f*** out. 'Not McGregor fast [the Irishman's training programme] McGregor sleep.' Fans have been hoping to see the same McGregor that stormed to the summit of the UFC in 2016 with exhilarating, picture-perfect performances, when he competes on Saturday night. Poirier, though, was left unfazed and won the biggest response from the crowd with a quip The American said that McGregor's attitude has changed because 'he got knocked the f*** out' The Irishman stressed that he is looking forwards and is 'back on the building sites, with a hard hat, a high viz and two hammers in my hands'. 'I'm going to go through his head,' McGregor added of Poirier, who he compared to Buster Douglas. 'Put holes in him and take it off his shoulders. That's the goal here. 'He's done. This is it for him. This is the end of the road. 'Even after that last fight, "Oh I don't love this anymore, I don't love doing this." He knew what was coming. He knew the smacks he took. 'So it's on now. Saturday night, he's getting walked around that octagon like a dog and put to sleep.' The stakes are high as McGregor seeks to avoid making it a third defeat in four in Sin City Poirier once again played down McGregor's remarks, insisting that he has put in the work where the Irishman has let his foot off the gas. 'He said he is just putting his hammers on, his hard hat... my boots have been strapped for the last 10 years, I have been working my a** off,' Poirier said. 'I beat him. Its a fight. Its up to you to get prepared. I beat him. Whats his excuse going to be on Saturday is what I want to know.' McGregor and Poirier ended the press conference by squaring off in front of UFC president Dana White. The Irishman again attempted to rile Poirier by lashing out with a kick but the American wryly smiled in McGregor's direction. They are the sweetest couple in Hollywood. And Michael B. Jordan proved that as he lovingly bit the chin of girlfriend Lori Harvey in a recent Instagram post. The 24-year-old social media personality took to Instagram to share several snaps and videos from her 'baecation' at an undisclosed getaway location with the 34-year-old A-list actor. Scroll down for video Lots of love: Michael B. Jordan proved that as he lovingly bit the chin of girlfriend Lori Harvey in a recent Instagram post Wow factor: As if that wasn't already enough Lori shared sultry mirror selfies of herself in a bikini as she flaunted her fabulous figure As if that wasn't already enough Lori shared sultry mirror selfies of herself in a bikini as she flaunted her fabulous figure in a purple leopard patterned two-piece. In another cute snap, Lori posed between Michael's legs while she was in the pool. The happy couple first sparked relationship rumors in November of last year, and they have been spotted on each other's social media outlets several times since then. Fun in the sun: The 24-year-old social media personality took to Instagram to share several snaps and videos from her 'baecation' at an undisclosed getaway location with the 34-year-old A-list actor Just the two of us: Harvey's first video was shared to give her nearly 4 million followers a glimpse at the happy couple's lavish beachside accommodations for the getaway. She later took a clip with her front camera to show off her style for a romantic dinner with Jordan that was held on Saturday night. The model wore a patterned button-up shirt that she left partially unbuttoned at its top portion for her date night with her boyfriend. Her gorgeous dark hair spilled onto her right shoulder and was offset by a shining pair of gold hoop earrings. Fun in the sun: She shared even more content from the vacation over the weekend Bombshell: The 24-year-old influencer wowed in a pink leopard-print bikini Pin-up: It's not hard to believe that Harvey was the Playboy Playmate of 2020 'Always eating': Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Emmy-nominated producer chowed down on bacon and toast Harvey went on to share a video of the Black Panther actor's hand gently caressing her thigh on the underside of the table. She also shared a video of Jordan relaxing at dinner, and the actor was seen wearing a light brown camp collar shirt, as well as several articles of jewelry. The following morning, the social media personality posted a video that showed the couple preparing to spend a day at the beach. Harvey opted for a leopard-printed bikini top that left little to the imagination of her followers during the trip and accessorized with several gold necklaces. Looking good! In one of her videos, the social media personality was seen wearing a partially unbuttoned shirt before having dinner with her beau Scenic views: Harvey's first video gave her nearly 4 million followers a glimpse into the couple's lavish beachside accommodations The Creed star also wore an eye-catching and floral-printed red top, as well as a pair of stylish sunglasses, while spending time with his girlfriend. The pair was first romantically linked in November of 2020 when Jordan was spotted with his now-partner while spending time in Atlanta. The two kept things low-key over the next month before they went Instagram official this past January after having spent New Year's Eve together. The following month, Harvey's father Steve publicly commented that he approved of the pair's relationship and expressed that the Fruitvale Station actor was good for his daughter. Staying close: One of the model's videos showed Jordan's hand caressing her thigh underneath a dinner table Taking it easy: The Fruitvale Station star opted for a brown camp collar shirt during the dinner date Staying strong: The social media personality and her boyfriend were first linked in November of last year and went Instagram official the following January Jordan recently spoke to People and expressed that, although he generally keeps his love life under wraps, he was enthusiastic about announcing his relationship to the rest of the world. 'I'm still private, and I want to protect that, but it just felt like it was a moment of just wanting to put it out there and move on. I am extremely happy,' he said. The performer elaborated on his statement and noted that he made the announcement in an effort to add a semblance of normalcy to his relationship. 'I think when you get older, you feel more comfortable about the [public nature] of the business that we're in. So for me, it was a moment to, I guess, take ownership of that and then get back to work,' he remarked. David Hasselhoff looked suave as he enjoyed a night out at a casino in Seville, Spain, with his glamorous wife Hayley Roberts on Thursday. The Baywatch legend, 68, wore a smart black leather jacket as he put on an animated display posing for the cameras while making his way into the venue. He teamed his biker jacket with a crisp white T-shirt, dark jeans and black trainers for the evening out. Star: David Hasselhoff looked suave as he enjoyed a night out at a casino in Seville, Spain, with his glamorous wife Hayley Roberts on Thursday Meanwhile Hayley, 41, looked elegant in a light pink maxi dress that had a plunging halterneck neckline. She teamed the pretty dress with stylish brown sandals and carried a brown clutch bag with her while wearing her blonde tresses in a chic up do. The pair looked like they'd had a great time at the casino as they left together after chatting to fans and signing autographs. Night out: He teamed his biker jacket with a crisp white T-shirt, dark jeans and black trainers for the evening out alongside his wife Hayley and David have been married since 2018, when they had a romantic and lavish ceremony in Puglia, Italy. Speaking to OK! magazine at the time, David said: 'For the longest time I didnt think it was right to marry Hayley as I was so much older and I didnt want to take away the fun and the youth and the excitement of growing old together and having children. 'Weve been together for about seven years and weve had such a great time. Ive realised how much I love Hayley and how much weve become part of each others life.' Out and about: The Baywatch legend, 68, wore a smart black leather jacket as he put on an animated display posing for the cameras Precautions: The hunk wore a face covering as he headed through the building Pretty: Meanwhile Hayley, 41, looked elegant in a light pink maxi dress that had a plunging halterneck neckline The couple met back in 2011, when David was working as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. While in Cardiff, Wales for auditions, the former Baywatch star strolled into a store and was approached for a picture by Hayley, who was working as a shop assistant at the time. The former Knight Rider star has two daughters from his marriage to second wife Pamela Bach: Taylor Ann Hasselhoff, 30, and Hayley Hasselhoff, 27. Accessories: She teamed the pretty dress with stylish brown sandals and carried a brown clutch bag with her while wearing her blonde tresses in a chic up do Fame: The pair looked like they'd had a great time at the casino as they left together after chatting to fans and signing autographs Couple: Hayley and David have been married since 2018, when they had a romantic and lavish ceremony in Puglia, Italy Qualcomm has stepped foot in the smartphone business by finally launching its first device. This will be a special smartphone, one that the chipmaker is creating in collaboration with Asus for the members of its Snapdragon insiders program. As Qualcomm has explained, this "Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders has been designed by Asus and will pack high-end specifications and a feature set to match any other phone out there. The new Qualcomm phone will target more than 1.6 million Snapdragon Insiders, a community of fans that's on speed dial with the company, and gets to know about news coming from Qualcomm before the rest of the world. The new superphone from Qualcomm attempts to reach out to these users. Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders: Specifications The new smartphone from Snapdragon comes with a 6.78-inch display that supports up to 144Hz refresh rate and a high resolution of 2448x1080 pixels. It is an AMOLED panel in make, with promised Delta-E colour error levels less than 1, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits. There are no cutouts on the screen for a camera. Instead, the company has chosen to go for bezels to house the cameras and sensors. Covering the display is a sheet of Gorilla Glass Victus for protection. Under the hood we have Qualcomm's powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset -- instead of the Snapdragon 888 Plus -- which has been paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. As for cameras, Qualcomm has fitted this Snapdragon insiders phone with a 24MP front-facing camera with a 27mm focal length. At the back of the phone, we have a triple camera set-up with a primary 64MP f/1.8 Sony IMX686 sensor with a 1/1.73 large sensor size. The second lens in the list is a Sony IMX363 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide angle camera that offers real-time distortion correction and can also shoot 4cm macro photos. Completing the list is an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 4-axis OIS. In terms of features, this new phone comes with AI auto zoom and is also capable of recording 8K at 30fps and 4K UHD at 30/60fps. Keeping the lights on the device is a 4000mAh battery with support for Quick Charge 5 and 65W fast charging. However, in India, Qualcomm will be shipping the phone with a 35W charger. The device will also come with a pair of Snapdragon-branded MW08SI TWSearbuds and a charging case for the same. Smartphones for Snapdragon Insiders: Price The Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders has been announced to go on sale in August. The phone is available in Midnight Blue colour. The company has priced it at $1,499 and has announced that it will be up for purchase through Asus' online and offline retail channels in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, the US, UK and India. SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / July 9, 2021 / The cost of healthcare all over the world is out of the reach of the common citizen. Despite efforts by the governments of nations, the task of providing quality health care for all still remains a challenge. The coming on board of GIB Capital Group, whose goal is to provide quality health care to all, is a welcome and long-overdue development. The need for democratizing access to the resources and tools required to ensure a quality health care delivery system is why GIB Capital Group entered the fray in order to find a long-term solution to the issues surrounding the provision of a quality health care delivery system. The problems in the health care system are intractable. The novel idea from GIB Capital Group with the goal of bringing together a pool of visionary entrepreneurs who have a passion for a quality health care delivery system is a welcome development. The needed funds to get into action will be provided, which will cause a revolution in the health care system. The launch of this equity crowdfunding portal by GIB Capital Group will give answers to the problem of quality health care that has plagued the world's health system. The target is to provide a multi-path that will accommodate virtually everyone that you can think of that is in need of quality health care. GIB Capital Group has brought out a novel idea that has the capacity to resolve the issue of quality health once and for all. The inclusion of the following groups is all-embracing: Accredited and non-accredited individuals Family offices Registered investment advisors Private wealth managers Institutional investors "When we take a look at the coverage of GIB Capital Group, it can be said that they have what it takes to resolve the issue of quality health care once and for all. GIB's review of 2020 conditions pushed us further along in this mission," said GIB Capital Group CEO Roger Littman. Each of the listed categories is encouraged to invest in their areas of interest and needs through the provision of needed startups. This idea has attracted validation from professional healthcare investors. There is a plan by the company to launch a 4(a)(6) regulated crowdfunding offering which will provide funding for the investment portal. This is an idea that will stand the test of time. This is so because of the promise by the GIB Capital Group that the proceeds will be used to develop the funding portal and the development platform. This novel idea from GIB Capital Group is a great departure from the generalist equity crowdfunding portals. The approach is based on a network model that is handled by a team of healthcare-specific resources and specialists. They are to provide scientific and technical founders with the assistance they require in order to achieve the desired results. For a company to appear on the platform, they will be made to take rigorous tests through the GIB Capital Group. The goal is to access potential returns on risk-adjusted quality. The CEO and General Partner of GIB Capital Group is an experienced expert who is bringing his extensive knowledge from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to bear. A former employee of CIRM, he has gained enough experience, and he has brought this into the internal workings of GIB Capital Group. His practical involvement in the system can be used to help save many lives that would have been cut short because of inadequate health care service delivery. The story of Evie (born with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) was a narrative that brought out the flame of the establishment of the GIB Capital Group out of Roger Littman. She was 8 then and, after participating in the initiative of GIB Capital Group, she had gotten the groove of her life back from the pit of death. According to Roger Littman, 95% of US citizens have never invested in private sector participation in the health sector, despite the gains that are involved in doing so. This is the reason why GIB Capital Group has decided to throw open the door for more private sector participation in health care. The benefits of early investment in health care were witnessed firsthand by the CEO of GIB Capital Group during his tenure at CIRM. Alternative assets, in the words of GIB Capital Group's CEO has become a force to be reckoned with in the following areas: Portfolios of professional investors Pension funds Foundations Endowments Insurance funds Sovereign wealth funds and several others like them. The ultimate aim of GIB Capital Group is to inject life into science fiction. It was founded in 2016 and was the brainchild of Roger Littman and Rick Gibbons. The duo that conceived the idea of GIB Capital Group is experts in the sector that have practically seen it all in the health care sector. There is a practical approach put in place through the GIB Capital Group that will certainly stand the test of time. Currently, there exists an intersection of Health + Tech. They have built a portfolio of 23 companies which have participated in 11 follow-on rounds of their portfolio companies. The people at GIB have gifted the world's health care system with a novel idea that will make quality health care available to all through the idea of the GIB Capital Group. "Our track record inspires trust in our work and our clients trust that capital raised will be channeled to the right areas," said GIB CEO Roger Littman. Early backers include GCG Digital Banking Group, leading Asian investment and banking conglomerate. Company Information GIB Capital Group is a leading Singapore based financial services group with interests and investments in healthcare, agriculture, and technology. For more information: Website: Rev Access Singapore Email: revaccess@emailme.cloud SOURCE: GIB Capital Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654862/GIB-Capital-Group-Launches-an-Equity-Crowdfunding-Platform-Focused-on-Healthtech-Start-ups Gillette, WY (82718) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. High 98F. S winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 63F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. June 28, 2021: Oslo, Norway, PGS has been awarded a significant 4D acquisition contract by ExxonMobil for work offshore Guyana. A Titan class vessel is scheduled to mobilize for the project in Q4 2021 and acquisition is planned to be completed in Q1 2022. We acquired the 4D baseline of this area and consider it strategically important for us to be awarded a repeat survey for parts of the initial program. We are very pleased with the recognition of our Ramform acquisition platform and superior multi-sensor GeoStreamer technology, which are well suited for high quality 4D acquisition programs. The contract adds further visibility to our order book for the coming winter season, says President & CEO in PGS, Rune Olav Pedersen. FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communication Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35 *** PGS ASA and its subsidiaries (PGS or "the Company") is an integrated marine geophysical company that provides a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. The Company MultiClient data library is among the largest in the seismic industry, with modern 3D coverage in all significant offshore hydrocarbon provinces of the world. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and the PGS share is listed on the Oslo stock exchange (OSE: PGS). For more information on PGS visit www.pgs.com. *** The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2020. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect. --END-- Luxembourg 9 July 2021 - Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Brs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of a sizeable(1) contract by Aker BP for the Kobra East Gekko (KEG) field development, located in the Alvheim area of the North Sea. The project involves a subsea tie-back of approximately 8 kilometres to the Alvheim FPSO, via the existing Kneler B subsea manifold. The contract scope includes engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the pipelines, spools, protection cover and tie-ins using key vessels from Subsea 7s fleet. The production pipeline is a pipe-in-pipe design. Project management and engineering will commence immediately at Subsea 7s offices in Stavanger, Norway. Fabrication of the pipelines will take place at Subsea 7s spoolbase at Vigra, Norway and offshore operations are expected to take place in 2022 and 2023. Monica Bjrkmann, Vice President for Subsea 7 Norway said: This award continues our long-standing collaboration with Aker BP, through the Aker BP Subsea Alliance. The partnership enables Subsea 7 to engage early in the field development process, optimising design solutions and contributing to a positive final investment decision. Subsea 7 looks forward to continuing our alliance with Aker BP for the KEG field development, with a focus on safe, efficient and reliable operations. (1) Subsea 7 defines a sizeable contract as being between USD 50 million and USD 150 million. ******************************************************************************* Subsea 7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industrys partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Subsea 7 is listed on the Oslo Brs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62. ******************************************************************************* Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 (0)20 8210 5568 katherine.tonks@subsea7.com Contact for media enquiries: Jan Roger Moksnes Communications Manager, Norway Tel +47 415 15 777 janroger.moksnes@subsea7.com www.subsea7.com Forward-Looking Statements: This announcement may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, future, goal, intend, likely may, plan, project, seek, should, strategy will, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the Risk Management section of the Groups Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; and (xvii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Attachment Reference is made to the stock exchange announcements by SeaBird Exploration PLC (in the process of changing its name to Green Energy Group, hereinafter referred to as the "Company") on 30 June and 1 July 2021 regarding the successful completion of a private placement (the "Private Placement"), and a potential subsequent offering (the "Subsequent Offering") of up to 1,750,000 new shares directed towards shareholders of the Company as of 30 June 2021 who were not allocated shares in the Private Placement. Since the completion of the Private Placement, the Company's shares have over time traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with significant trading volume, at prices below the subscription price in the Private Placement of NOK 4.50 per share. Accordingly, shareholders wishing to neutralize the dilutive effect of the Private Placement have had the opportunity to purchase shares at prices below what would have been the subscription price in the Subsequent Offering. To date, despite shares having been traded below NOK 4.50, the Company has not decided to cancel the Subsequent Offering. The reason is that a prospectus will be required for the listing of the Private Placement shares due to the number of shares offered, and a cancellation of the Subsequent Offering at the current time would therefore not result in savings for the Company related to the preparation of a prospectus. As long as the value of the optionality in the Subsequent Offering for the shareholders not participating in the Private Placement can be maintained at zero cost, the Company therefore wishes to do so. Should shareholders still have the opportunity to purchase shares at below NOK 4.50 at a time when the prospectus is closer to approval, the Company intends to cancel the Subsequent Offering at that time, in order to save costs relating to a Subsequent Offering that would otherwise accrue at said time. For further information, please contact: Erik von Krogh, CFO Tel: + 47 930 38 075 E-mail: erik.von.krogh@sbexp.com Boston, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Boston) Today, the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and Bostons Brigham and Women Hospital (Brigham) announce their newly founded Diagnostic Accelerator (BrighamWyss DxA). By combining the institutions broad clinical and multi-disciplinary bioengineering expertise, the BrighamWyss DxA will enable the fast creation of diagnostic technologies through deep collaborations in a process driven by previously unmet needs. The BrighamWyss DxA presents a new type of research collaboration with the potential to significantly compress the timeframe for introducing new diagnostic technologies specifically developed to solve high-value clinical problems. The collaborators plan to achieve this through a formal process by which unmet diagnostic challenges are identified by the Brigham clinical community, effectively matched with highly appropriate technologies created by the Wyss engineering community, and the resulting diagnostic assays jointly validated and optimized in clinical settings. The agreement between the Wyss Institute and the Brigham was set in place by the Wyss Institute and Mass General Brigham Innovation Office with passive support from Harvards Office of the General Counsel (OGC), and Harvards Office of Technology Development (OTD). Diagnostic testing at the Brigham will be performed under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) conditions. This will ensure that the test results may be used by clinicians to evaluate how they can help inform their patients treatments, and result in better patient outcomes. Aggregated results will also be provided to the Wyss engineers in an iterative process to further inform the tests optimization. CLIA regulation sets clinical standards for laboratory testing for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment using human samples that align with its own evaluation and approval requirements. Traditionally, the path for a new diagnostic technology has been long and inefficient, partly because cutting-edge technologies that in principle could address diagnostic needs are developed and commercialized as life sciences research tools, said David Walt, Ph.D., who is a Core Faculty member at the Wyss Institute and Professor of Pathology at the Brigham. By founding an initiative that works on the principle of diagnostic pull rather than technology push, we hope to overcome the dearth of diagnostic capabilities for some of the most pressing disease areas here and around the world. Walt is also the Hansjorg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard Medical School (HMS), a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor, and the scientific founder of Illumina, Inc. and Quanterix Corp, as well as co-founder of multiple other life sciences companies. The BrighamWyss DxA is the culmination of a broad range of past diagnostics-related activities at the Wyss Institute and ongoing interactions between the Wyss and the Brigham fostered by Walt. In 2019, the Institute focused its 10thInternational Wyss Institute Symposium on diagnostic challenges and new technological approaches to address them. In the Wyss Diagnostic Grand Rounds series of events held continually at the Wyss Institute, individual Brigham clinicians have been presenting unmet clinical needs in their fields to Wyss researchers and engineers, which has resulted in multiple collaborations. The BrighamWyss DxA will now streamline this process and open it up further to the clinical community at the Brigham. Were thrilled to be collaborating with our colleagues at the Wyss on an endeavor that could significantly compress the timeline for introducing new diagnostics technologies, said Paul Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research and Education at the Brigham. One of the most significant aspects of this project is its potential impact on patient care information provided by novel diagnostic tests could accelerate and guide the timely treatment of our patients. The BrighamWyss DxA uses an online portal to solicit proposals from clinical advocates for urgently needed diagnostic tests to improve clinical decision making and outcomes, including the required clinical specifications, such as form factor, clinical sensitivity and specificity. A Clinical Advisory Board comprised of both Harvard-affiliated and external clinicians and entrepreneurs will select the most promising ones. These will be responded to with a research effort at the Wyss DxAs Biomarker Discovery Facility to identify the required biomarkers and analytical performance criteria to meet the diagnostic tests clinical specifications. Wyss technology developers will then fit the clinical requirements and biomarker measurements with existing technologies or create new ones that can effectively address the diagnostic need. In the clinical testing phase, diagnostic tests and devices that pass the required rigorous criteria will then be validated in the Brigham Clinical Laboratory Diagnostic Accelerator under CLIA conditions, where Wyss staff will train Brigham clinical staff in their use. We believe that the BrighamWyss DxA can be a highly effective instrument to bring much needed diagnostic capabilities in a much shorter time-frame to patients in need and reduce often staggering medical costs from misdiagnosis, said Rushdy Ahmad, Ph.D., Senior Staff Scientist and Co-lead with David Walt of the BrighamWyss DxA. Ahmad has strong biomarker discovery expertise and, along with Walt, coordinates activities related to the BrighamWyss DxA and other initiatives at the Wyss Institute. As a new model, it has potential to attract the support from industry partners, philanthropic organizations, government and international agencies, non-governmental organizations, and additional collaborators, he added. With this new cross-institutional, multi-disciplinary initiative we hope to bridge the almost ubiquitous diagnostic chasm between realistic clinical needs and innovative technology developers by creating the shortest distance path between these worlds that will bring novel diagnostic capabilities to patients faster than ever before. If successful, our model could set an example further reverberating within and far beyond the Harvard ecosystem, said Wyss Founding Director Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., who is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at HMS and Boston Childrens Hospital, and Professor of Bioengineering at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. PRESS CONTACT Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University Benjamin Boettner, benjamin.boettner@wyss.harvard.edu, +1 617-432-8232 Brigham and Womens Hospital Haley Bridger, hbridger@bwh.harvard.edu, +1 617-525-6383 MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE ### The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University uses Natures design principles to develop bioinspired materials and devices that will transform medicine and create a more sustainable world. Wyss researchers are developing innovative new engineering solutions for healthcare, energy, architecture, robotics, and manufacturing that are translated into commercial products and therapies through collaborations with clinical investigators, corporate alliances, and formation of new startups. The Wyss Institute creates transformative technological breakthroughs by engaging in high risk research, and crosses disciplinary and institutional barriers, working as an alliance that includes Harvards Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Arts & Sciences and Design, and in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston Childrens Hospital, DanaFarber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston University, Tufts University, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, University of Zurich and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For more information, please visit http://wyss.harvard.edu. Brigham Health, a global leader in creating a healthier world, consists of Brigham and Women's Hospital, Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital, the Brigham and Womens Physicians Organization and many related facilities and programs. With more than 1,000 inpatient beds, approximately 60,000 inpatient stays and 1.7 million outpatient encounters annually, Brigham Healths 1,200 physicians provide expert care in virtually every medical and surgical specialty to patients locally, regionally and around the world. An international leader in basic, clinical and translational research, Brigham Health has nearly 5,000 scientists, including physician-investigators, renowned biomedical researchers and faculty supported by over $700 million in funding. The Brighams medical preeminence dates back to 1832, and now, with 19,000 employees, that rich history is the foundation for its commitment to research, innovation, and community. Boston-based Brigham and Womens Hospital is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and dedicated to educating and training the next generation of health care professionals. For more information, resources, and to follow us on social media, please visit brighamandwomens.org. Attachment Dublin, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Diagnostic Imaging Market By Product Type ( Architecture (Open/Closed), By Field Strength (High and Very-High Field MRI Systems)) By Systems, By Portability, By Application, By End Users, By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global Diagnostic Imaging Market was valued USD32.631 billion in 2019 and is forecast to grow to grow at CAGR of 7.72% during the forecast period. Diagnostic imaging is the visualization of body organs for timely and early diagnosis and treatment. The market is expected to grow on the back of the rising geriatric population in the world. In this era, the technology and medical sciences sectors have joined hands to help people get better treatments with the help of Ultrasound, X-Rays, MRI, Mammographs, etc. Looking at the utility of diagnostic imaging, governments in all regions have now initiated funding for such types of medical devices, which is also a driving factor for this market. However, cost expensiveness and high maintenance can be a hurdle in the growth of the market. The Global Diagnostic Imaging Market is segmented on the basis of product type, systems, portability, applications, end-users and region. The System segment is segregated into Ultrasound Systems, Nuclear Imaging Systems, X-Ray Imaging Systems, CT Scanners, MRI Systems, Mammography Systems and Fluoroscopy. In 2020, X-Ray systems accounted for the largest share due to the rising cases of chronic diseases which require analog or digital X-Ray for diagnosis. In terms of regional analysis, the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market is segregated into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East & Africa. The majority of diagnostic imaging based companies are present in the North America region contributing to the largest share in 2020. However, Asia-Pacific is forecast to witness the highest growth rate in the coming future due to the rising awareness pertaining to the increasing use of diagnostic imaging in budding economies like India and China. Among all the regions, North America is expected to dominate the market through 2026. This can be attributed to the rising health awareness among the population and increasing disease prevalence in this region. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to rising geriatric population, disease prevalence as well as and government initiatives. Major players operating in the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market include Roche Phillips Healthcare Abbott Danaher GE Healthcare Siemens Healthineers Canon ThermoFisher Scientific Fujifilm Biomerieux Sysmex Ortho Clinical Diagnostics OBD Bio Rad Hologic Konica Minolta Grifols DiaSorin Varex Imaging Exact Sciences Years considered for this report: Historical Years: 2016-2019 Base Year: 2020 Estimated Year: 2021 Forecast Period: 2022-2026 Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Impact of COVID-19 on Global Diagnostics Imaging Market 4. Executive Summary 5. Global Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 5.1.2. By Volume 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Product Type 5.2.1.1. By Architecture (Open/Closed) 5.2.1.2. By Field Strength (High and Very-High Field MRI Systems/Low-To-Mid-Field Systems/Ultra high field Systems) 5.2.2. By Systems 5.2.2.1. Ultrasound Systems (2D, 3D, 4D, Doppler, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, Electrocorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) 5.2.2.2. Nuclear Imaging Systems (Hybrid Spect Systems, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Photography (SPECT)) 5.2.2.3. X-Ray Imaging Systems (Analog X-Ray Imaging Systems, Digital X-Ray Imaging Systems) 5.2.2.4. CT Scanner (High End Slice, Mid End Slice, Low End Slice) 5.2.2.5. MRI System 5.2.2.6. Mammography System 5.2.2.7. Fluoroscopy 5.2.3. By Portability (Stationary, Portability) 5.2.4. By Application (OB/Gyn, Orthopaedic, Musculosekeletal, Neuro &Spine, General Imaging, Cardio &Thoracic, Breast health, Others) 5.2.5. By End-User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Others) 5.2.6. By Region 5.2.7. By Company (2019) 5.3. Market Attractiveness Index 6. Asia-Pacific Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value 6.1.2. By Volume 6.2. Market Share & Forecast 6.2.1. By Product Type 6.2.2. By Systems 6.2.3. By Portability 6.2.4. By Application 6.2.5. By End-User 6.2.6. By Country (China; India; Japan; South Korea; Australia) 6.3. Asia-Pacific: Country Analysis 7. Europe Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 7.1. Market Size & Forecast 7.1.1. By Value 7.1.2. By Volume 7.2. Market Share & Forecast 7.2.1. By Product Type 7.2.2. By Systems 7.2.3. By Portability 7.2.4. By Application 7.2.5. By End-User 7.2.6. By Country (United Kingdom; Italy; France; Germany; Spain) 7.3. Europe: Country Analysis 8. North America Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 8.1. Market Size & Forecast 8.1.1. By Value 8.1.2. By Volume 8.2. Market Share & Forecast 8.2.1. By Product Type 8.2.2. By Systems 8.2.3. By Portability 8.2.4. By Application 8.2.5. By End-User 8.2.6. By Country (United States, Mexico, Canada) 8.3. North America: Country Analysis 9. South America Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 9.1. Market Size & Forecast 9.1.1. By Value 9.1.2. By Volume 9.2. Market Share & Forecast 9.2.1. By Product Type 9.2.2. By Systems 9.2.3. By Portability 9.2.4. By Application 9.2.5. By End-User 9.2.6. By Country (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia) 9.3. South America: Country Analysis 10. Middle East and Africa (MEA) Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 10.1. Market Size & Forecast 10.1.1. By Value 10.1.2. By Volume 10.2. Market Share & Forecast 10.2.1. By Product Type 10.2.2. By Systems 10.2.3. By Portability 10.2.4. By Application 10.2.5. By End-User 10.2.6. By Country (UAE; Saudi Arabia; Iraq, South Africa) 10.3. Middle East and Africa (MEA): Country Analysis 11. Market Dynamics 11.1. Drivers 11.2. Challenges 11.3. Porter's Five Force Analysis 12. Market Trends & Developments 13. Competitive Landscape For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qqsyqh New York, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Power tools Market Overview: According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), Power tools Market Research Report, Type, Application and Region - Forecast till 2027 the market is projected to be worth USD 43.6 Billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2021 - 2027) The global power tools market is growing rapidly. The strong market growth attributes to the rising uses of power tools led by the proliferation of DIY trends and rapid industrialization worldwide. Besides, continually increasing population, rapid urbanization across emerging regions, and economic growth worldwide foster power tools market size, driving the construction sector. Power tools are used in building & construction, carpentry, automotive, manufacturing, and other industries. With the broader range of new and innovative stocked standards available in the market, the power tools industry is projected to gain significant accruals in the years to come. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3571 Competitive Analysis List of the Key Companies Profiled in the Power tools Market Research Report are Hitachi Koki Co.Ltd Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Stanley Black & Decker Inc. Hilti Corporation Makita Corporation Husqvarna Snap on Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd Otto Baier GmbH Festool (TTS) The market appears highly competitive and fragmented due to the strong presence of well-established industry players. Global players are increasingly facing fierce competition from each other and local firms, who are growing aware of the industry's regulations and suppliers. Therefore, eminent players seek opportunities to integrate across the extended value chain while focusing on expanding their production facilities, R&D investments, and M&A activities to gain a larger impetus. For instance, recently, on Dec. 14, 2020, Bosch Power Tools India announced that its Chennai-based manufacturing plant has crossed the one-crore unit production milestone. The company had set up the facility in mid-2015, which currently manufactures over 60 power tools, serving the construction, woodworking, and metalworking industry. The wide range of products from the plant has been instrumental in driving growth for the company's rise in the country. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (111 pages) on Power tools https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/power-tools-market-3571 COVID-19 Impact on the Market The COVID19 pandemic has positively impacted the power tools industry. The lockdown mandates imposed to control the COVID 19 spread have allowed a lot of free time to people, encouraging them to uptake do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Also, induced manufacturing activities in personal protective equipment industries have accelerated the power tools market growth. On the other hand, power tools companies had to face problems ranging from obtaining raw materials and delivering end products to attracting workers from quarantines. However, pandemic-related issues presented significant opportunities for the market players. The pandemic challenges underscored the importance of smart cities to bring in smart governance addressing city-level densification and inadequate provision of basic services. This increased use of various power tools for construction and electrification purposes allows the market to witness rising revenues when most industries faced severe revenue losses and shut down manufacturing facilities. Major industry players are fostering investments in R&D and production and adopting automated production processes. Growing Manufacturing Sectors Worldwide is a Major Driving Force The power tools market outlook looks extremely promising. Increasing adoption of power tools across industries worldwide led by the global industrial sector growth and unavailability of cost-competitive and skilled workforces create significant market demand. Moreover, the increasing demand from the industrial and professional segments drives the power tools market growth. Price Volatility and the Demand-Supply Gap in Raw Materials Restrain Market Growth The power tools industry faces significant challenges, such as fluctuating prices and shortages of raw material supply required for production. Steel and aluminum are the raw material predominantly used in the manufacturing of power tools. Among these, steel is expensive as compared to any other metal. Raw material prices depend on its availability with the manufacturers, typically ranging from one year to multi-years. Share your Queries https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/3571 Segmentation The global power tools market is segmented based on type, application, and region. The type segment is further sub-segmented into electric power tools, engine-driven power tools, pneumatic power tools, hydraulic power tools, and others. Among these types, the engine-driven power tool is the largest segment projected to remain dominant throughout the review period. The application segment is further sub-segmented into industrial, professional, and household. The industrial segment comprises verticals such as automotive, construction, electronics, and others. The region segment is sub-segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and others. Regional Analysis The Asia Pacific region has always been the market leader and could continue maintaining its leading position throughout the assessment period. Heightened demand for power tools and growth opportunities presented by residential and commercial sectors position the APAC region among the strongest contenders in the global market. Besides, the rapid increase in industrialization and urbanization in various APAC countries, such as China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, boosts the market growth. Moreover, the rise in export value and volume of power tools to the global market drives the growth of the APAC power tools market. Furthermore, the significant increase in online sales of power tools and the expansion of many leading global power tools manufacturers in the APAC region boost market size. China, Japan, South Korea, and India, backed by favorable government policies supporting the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), account for considerable shares in the regional market. Segmentation of Market covered in the research: Information By Type (Engine-driven Power Tools, Electric Power Tools, Pneumatic Power Tools, Hydraulic Power Tools and others), By Application (Industrial, Professional and Household) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) To Buy: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3571 About Market Research Future: Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter New York, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market Research Report by Product, by Technology, by Application, by Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06087947/?utm_source=GNW The Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market size was estimated at USD 128.59 Billion in 2020 and expected to reach USD 143.76 Billion in 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 12.13% from 2020 to 2026 to reach USD 255.62 Billion by 2026. Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2019 are considered historical years, 2020 as the base year, 2021 as the estimated year, and years from 2022 to 2026 are considered the forecast period. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Product, the Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market was studied across Ground Mounted and Rooftop. Based on Technology, the Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market was studied across Concentrated Solar Power and Photovoltaic. Based on Application, the Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market was studied across Commercial, Industrial, Residential, and Utility. Based on Geography, the Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market was studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas is further studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific is further studied across China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa is further studied across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, and the long-term effects are projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecasts, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. Market Share Analysis: The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits. Company Usability Profiles: The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market, including Abundant Solar Energy Inc., Adani Group, Akuo Energy SAS, ALSA Solar System LLC, Bechtel Corporation, BELECTRIC GmbH, Canadian Solar Inc., Citizen Solar, Conergy Inc., Enerparc AG, Enviromena Power Systems LLC, Farella Braun + Martel LLP, First Solar, Inc., GreenSpark, Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd, Hild Energy Private Limited, juwi AG, Kaval Power Private Limited, Plethora Power Pvt. Ltd, Saur Energy, Sterling and Wilson Pvt. Ltd., STRATA SOLAR, LLC, SunPower Corporation, Swinerton Builders, Inc., TBEA Co., Ltd., Topsun Co., Ltd, Trina Solar Limited, and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd.. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06087947/?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. __________________________ PUNE, India, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Rare Disease Genetic Testing Market Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecasts, 2020-2030 provides insights on key developments, business strategies, research & development activities, supply chain analysis, competitive landscape, and market composition analysis. Rare disease genetic testing market size was estimated to be US$ 900 million in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 2.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.7%. The rare disease not just affects the existences of few individuals, dispersed across the globe, yet the quantity of individuals affected straightforwardly, accounted, comparable to the world's third crowded country. Genetic testing is a high-level analytic apparatus that not just assists with recognizing the specific disease appearances yet in addition decide the hidden reasons for genetic issues. Genetic testing offers different advantages including affirming a conclusion, understanding the reason for unexplained indications, and recognizing treatment choices including clinical preliminaries. Under diagnosis of a rare disease is frequent and may go for stretched out periods because of the restricted consciousness of patients, families, and doctors as they would have never experienced one. View the Entire report with Table of Contents: https://www.insightslice.com/rare-disease-genetic-testing-market Growth driving factors of Rare Disease Genetic Testing Market The rise in the number of available registries is one of the major driving factors of the market as it enables pool data to achieve a sufficient sample size for epidemiological and/or clinical research. Furthermore, technological advancements in data collection and interpretation for clinical practice has driven the market. Companies are making efforts to ensure efficient data collection from various ethnicities, which is expected to aid in the diagnosis of thousands of patients with the same condition. In addition, companies, such as Centogene, combine genetic testing with metabolomics and proteomics to make their data analysis process as accurate as possible. The multi-omics approach helps better understand the impact of a given mutation on the protein as well as at the metabolite level. The company has also introduced a system to simplify the sample collection process, thereby driving the adoption of genetic tests for rare disease diagnosis. Most of these diseases affect children which adds to the complexity of the process. Government-sponsored schemes are also expected to positively impact the market. In February 2020, the government of India announced financial assistance of INR 15 lacs to the patients suffering from uncommon ailments under the Rashtriya Arogaya Nidhi scheme for a one-time treatment. Access Sample Pages of this Report: https://www.insightslice.com/request-sample/656 Most of the genetic testing administrations have embraced virtualization, alongside home testing unit/home example assortment, to battle the transmission of the SARS-CoV2 infection. Nonetheless, as per the exploration article distributed in the Diary of Clinical Genetics 2020, there was impediment revealed in getting to genetic testing blood draws, because of which the genetic testing was immensely affected, wherein a decrease in genetic testing was seen during the virtual consideration time frame. Henceforth, Corona virus is required to in a roundabout way affect the genetic testing market over the progressing emergency period. Lack of awareness of diagnosis and challenges associated with clinical studies will inhibit the growth of the market. Related report: Global Cell Lysis Market: https://www.insightslice.com/cell-lysis-market Global Audiology Devices Market: https://www.insightslice.com/audiology-devices-market Global Blood Transfusion Diagnostics Market: https://www.insightslice.com/blood-transfusion-diagnostics-market The leading market segments of Rare Disease Genetic Testing Market A considerable number of economically affirmed genetic tests for neurologic conditions combined with a high predominance of neurological diseases has sped up the income growth in this fragment. Tests offered by organizations are suggested by a few clinical foundations, like the American Institute of Nervous system science, American School of Clinical Genetics, and Kid Nervous system science Society. Exome sequencing and entire genome sequencing have helped in tending to confound instances of X-ALD that present an abnormal disease course. Besides, immunologic problems, like Different Sclerosis (MS), are among the most predominant rare diseases. The genetic profile of MS is one of the key center regions among analysts in this field. This is principally to acquire applicable experiences relating to the causes and hidden physiology of diseases, bringing about a critical portion of this section. The appropriation of direct-to-customer genetic testing packs in nations, like the US, China, and Japan, is developing quickly. With expanding mechanical appropriations, mindfulness programs, and a decrease in costs, the market for DTC-GT (Direct-to-buyer genetic testing) packs is probably going to observe a critical lift over the estimate time frame. Also, the undiscovered nations, like India and other non-industrial nations, are relied upon to offer a worthwhile chance for players hoping to build up their base in the genetic testing market. Asia Pacific is relied upon to enroll the quickest CAGR from 2020 to 2027 because of rising mindfulness and target populace in Asian nations. China is endeavoring to move the consideration of the medical care framework towards the finding and therapy of rare problems. Buy This Report: https://www.insightslice.com/buy-now/656 The key players of the Rare Disease Genetic Testing Market are Quest Diagnostics Inc., Centogene N.V., Invitae Corporation, 3billion, Inc., Arup Laboratories, Eurofins Scientific, Strand Life Sciences, Ambry Genetics, Perkin Elmer, Inc., Macrogen, Inc., Baylor Genetics, Color Genomics, Inc., Health Network Laboratories, Preventiongenetics, Progenity, Inc., Coopersurgical, Inc., Fulgent Genetics Inc., Myriad Genetics, Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Opko Health, Inc. Segmentation: Rare Disease Genetic Testing Market By Disease Type Neurological Disorders Immunological Disorders Hematology Diseases Endocrine & Metabolism Diseases Cancer Musculoskeletal Disorders Cardiovascular Disorders (CVDs) Dermatology Disease Others By Technology Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Array Technology PCR-based Testing FISH Sanger Sequencing Karyotyping By Specialty Molecular Genetic Tests Chromosomal Genetic Tests Biochemical Genetic Tests By End User Research Laboratories & CROs Diagnostic Laboratories Hospitals & Clinics By Region North America The U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe Germany The U.K. France Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia Rest of APAC South America Brazil Rest of South America Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Rest of MEA insightSLICE is a market intelligence and strategy consulting company. The company provides tailor-made and off the shelf market research studies. The prime focus of the company is on strategy consulting to provide end-to-end solutions. For more details, please contact our research and consulting team at info@insightslice.com. Contact Us: Alex, insightSLICE Phone (USA): +1 707 736 6633 Email address: alex@insightslice.com Web: www.insightslice.com Dallas, Texas, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an effort to construct an international mindset and culture, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has promoted Jim Perkins to Executive Vice President of International Sales and Support. Perkins is tasked with not only continuing to develop Dickeys global footprint but also to prepare and build out its global personality, structure, and work ethic through Single Thread Management. Dickeys is deeply focused on international and over the course of the past two years, with the number of global partnerships created, weve realized the need to educate and cultivate a global perspective towards partnership. Im excited to lead this task for this family brand and be a minor component of the evolution and next step for this brand says Jim Perkins, Executive Vice President of International Sales and Support. Dickeys Barbecue Pit currently has locations in five countries and plans to expand its international footprint to a total of 12 countries by the end of 2021. Its an exciting time to be expanding globally and with Jim Perkins as Executive Vice President he is able to bolster our international presence, says Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickeys Capital Group. Jim is an international thought leader and will continue to position our brand globally as the world reopens post-pandemic. He adds, Dickeys offers a sustainable, proven model shown to provide responsible results, and Jim will help us open several new worldwide locations in the months to come. Its an exciting time for growth for Dickeys Barbecue Pit! Experienced in restaurant and convenience store executive management, Perkins has worked in operations, development, training, and financial disciplines in North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East. He serves on the board of the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference, and his involvement has been integral in driving C-Level connections across the F&B Industry in the Middle East. Perkinss accomplishments in the past 30 months: 17 countries with Master deals signed during the pandemic in: Australia, Japan, Myanmar, Philippines and Taiwan and new stores open in: Singapore, UAE and Tokyo helped my family understand the vast opportunity in international but also the need to Internationalize the business. Says Roland Dickey Jr. CEO Dickeys Capital Group. Perkins believes the pandemic taught franchisors and partners important lessons on how to use time, space, and technology more efficiently. On the near horizon, Perkins plans to build the Dickeys Barbecue Pit brand in Africa, followed by Asia and the Middle East later this year. Throughout his career, Perkins has elevated the presence of several global companies, including The Exxon Mobil Corporation, 7-Eleven, Priceline.com, and MAM Food Co in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He has also provided valuable counsel to Nestle, Los Angeles County Department of Health, Petroleos de Venezuela, Citgo Petroleum. Dickeys Barbecue Pit is a family-owned and operated company celebrating its 80th Anniversary. Find the nearest Dickes Barbecue Pit location by clicking here. To learn more about Dickeys franchise opportunities, click here. Attachments Gloucester, MA (01930) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. High 73F. S winds shifting to NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 63F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. CASSOPOLIS [mdash] Lorraine Miller, 78, of Cassopolis, Michigan, formerly of Goshen, passed away at 3:45 p.m, on Thursday, July 15, at Spectrum Health Lakeland, St. Joseph, Michigan, with her family by her side. She had been in declining health with a brief illness. She was born on March 28, Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one. Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form Press Release 9 July 2021 Most of South America continues to stagnate since the region exceeded 20% hotel occupancy in December 2020 thanks to the summer holidays and Christmas. However, one of the regions key countries stands out for its inability to generate recovery momentum. Argentina closed May with the lowest occupancy (14.4%) in the region, which was well below the levels recorded in Chile (42.7%), Peru (38.4%), Brazil (30.9%), Uruguay (30.0%), and Colombia (25.0%). Advertisements Photo: STR Contracts with mining companies and other extractive activity have lifted Perus occupancy, especially in Lima, while Chile has shown positive signs in recent months with expanded vaccination distribution. Argentina Provincial vs. Buenos Aires While Argentina lags overall, the country has exhibited a similar trend as the rest of the region with regional destinations showing higher performance driven by domestic demand. At the same time, corporate cities like Buenos Aires continue to suffer from border closures and restrictions as well as lack of a MICE segment or international demand. Argentina Provincial, as defined by STR, registered its highest occupancy level (33.6%) during the week ending 14 February 2021. For comparison, that same week, Buenos Aires registered an occupancy level of just 12.2%. The second week of February was the one with the highest hotel occupancy in Argentina, and as has been seen in other regions of the world, demand was concentrated in the provinces and beach areas, where occupancy was double that of the capital. Photo: STR Most recently, Argentina Provincials occupancy came in at 16.8% in May 2021. That was up from May 2020 (9.2%) but substantially below May 2019 (47.5%). Buenos Aires was even further behind the pace 11.6% in May 2021, 13.1% in May 2020 and 64.9% in May 2019. For further insights into COVID-19s impact on global hotel performance, visit our content hub. Press Release 9 July 2021 Functional design and a unique brand experience are about to merge at the very highest level. Dr. Jan Becker (CEO Porsche Design Group) and Marcus Bernhardt (CEO Steigenberger Hotels AG/Deutsche Hospitality) met at the Steigenberger Icon Hotel Frankfurter Hof to sign an agreement that heralds the creation of a joint hotel brand. The intention is that Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels will be launched in selected international metropolises in the future. This unique hotel concept will be positioned in the Luxury Lifestyle Segment. Advertisements Such collaboration represents a significant step for both companies. Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts and Porsche Design share common values, stated Dr. Jan Becker. We demand the highest standards of quality and exclusive design and strive for continuous development. Together we want to offer our guests a completely new hotel experience. Our two companies unite the very best of both worlds, added Marcus Bernhardt. Porsche Design brings a unique design philosophy to the partnership. And there is scarcely any company in the hotel business other than Steigenberger which has brought so much quality, service and passion to bear over a period of more than 90 years. With these strengths we create a new and exciting product which will encourage people to rediscover the hotel sector. In 1963, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche created one of the most iconic design objects in contemporary history: the Porsche 911. Following his vision to take the principles and myth of Porsche beyond the automotive world, he created the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design in 1972. His philosophy and design language can still be seen in all Porsche Design products today. Albert Steigenberger opened the Europaischer Hof in Baden-Baden in 1930, a hotel which was to go on to become the founding myth of Steigenberger Hotels AG. 160 hotels now operate under the Steigenberger name across three continents. Deutsche Hospitality has formed part of the Huazhu Group since 2020. Huazhu is one of the largest hotel groups in the world. The companys portfolio extends to more than 7,000 hotels, and its H Rewards Bonus Programme currently boasts more than 174 million members. Press Release 9 July 2021 This week, SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern celebrates the graduation of 71 new Hotelieres-Restauratrices HF and Hoteliers-Restaurateurs HF. Advertisements "What a shame, we're finally done!" Although 40 of the SHL graduates already received copies of their diplomas when their final semester ended in March, on Wednesday they were finally presented with the originals during the on-site graduation ceremony. Only 24 hours later, 31 students from the July 2021 graduating class completed their education at SHL with their graduation ceremony in Lucerne. In his speech, SHL graduate Tim Rychener acknowledged the special moment and the end of an era with the words "What a shame, we are finally done!". The ceremonies were opened by the Vice President of the SHL Foundation Board, Max Zust, who in addition to offering congratulations, called on the future leaders to work hard to create a positive, friendly and inclusive work atmosphere in the organisations they will be joining. "These important so-called soft factors pay off both in human and economic terms," Max Zust said. The paradox of digital proximity Alluding to the recent months the students have spent in distance learning, SHL Director Christa Augsburger chose to touch upon the idea of digital closeness in her commencement speech. "At first glance a paradox - and yet we were allowed to experience digital proximity," Christa Augsburger noted. Never has contacting and communicating with the students been so easy, uncomplicated, with few hurdles and without hierarchy. She also thanked the graduating classes for their commitment to maintaining the SHL spirit despite the physical distance and paid them a big compliment: "You, dear students, have all demonstrated in an impressive way how you can successfully adapt to changed circumstances." Press Release 9 July 2021 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts becomes the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China 2021, which is set to take place as a physical event in Shanghai from 24 26 Nov 2021, with a virtual extension from 8 Nov to 31 Dec 2021. Advertisements With over 8,900 hotels and 21 established brands across nearly 95 countries, the worlds largest hotel franchising company becomes the official partner hotel of ITB China for the third year in a row. The corresponding agreement was formally signed on 29 June, by Ms. Jane Yang, Senior Director, Commercial, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), the organizer of ITB China. The hotel industry giant will have a strong presence on both the physical and digital show floor of ITB China, introducing its brand-new products and innovative services to the industry in one place. Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of ITB China, said: We are very delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The dynamics and synergies that come from our show has helped forge many mutually beneficial industry partnerships. We believe that the new hybrid format of ITB China 2021 will be the perfect platform for our partners to develop their business and organize marketing campaigns. Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, AsiaPacific, said: As the largest B2B show for the travel trade in China, ITB China is an excellent platform for hoteliers to form meaningful connections with travel agencies, convention organizers and corporate clients. We are honoured to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time a strong testament of our long-standing partnership as well as enduring commitment to China as a key strategic market. We are looking forward to showcasing our diverse and exceptional portfolio of over 1,500 hotels in Asia Pacific to all attending industry stakeholders at the event. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is one of Asia Pacifics leading hotel groups and a major player in the region with over 1,500 hotels across 20 markets and territories. This year, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is well set for continued growth with 180 hotels anticipated to open across the region, including over 100 openings within Greater China, across both popular cities and emerging destinations. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the worlds largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of over 797,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 21 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services. The Companys award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers 87 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com. The exhibitor registration of ITB China 2021 ends on 15 September 2021. Further information can be found online: http://www.itbchina.com/exhibitors/become-an-exhibitor/ or email to [email protected]a.com About ITB China and the ITB China Conference ITB China 2021 will take place from Wednesday to Friday, 24 to 26 Nov, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. In addition to the physical event, ITB China 2021 Virtual will be held from 8 November to 31 December 2021. ITB China is a business-to-business travel trade platform that focuses exclusively on the Chinese travel industry. The ITB China Conference will take place parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading travel conference organizer TravelDaily (www.traveldaily.cn). Opinion Article 9 July 2021 In recent years, technological advancements have driven and manipulated the hospitality industry. Moreover, due to the COVID -19 pandemic, technology has evolved quickly like never before from virtual events to high-end robots. However, there is a humongous dilemma between AI & EQ in hospitality because the industry is all about "PEOPLE". Advertisements How can Hotels Utilize EQ to Maximize Overall Business Performance? The term emotional intelligence (EQ) was popularised by the psychologist, Daniel Goleman. Firstly, it is imperative to understand that technology is extremely important and will help any business to envision and reach goals. In the hospitality industry, hotels are rapidly adopting AI to maximize profits, guest retention, and overall performance, and more importantly to analyze guests and varying trends using data analytics. Using AI to replace the core employees is not going to make the hospitality industry "Hospitable" or it will not help hotels to reach long-term goals. This is because over time the Millennials and gen Z guests are going to travel like never before. Due to their continuous experience with virtual meetings and events, work from home, and the so-called technology-driven life, these guests will expect HUMAN-TOUCH, HOSPITALITY, EMPATHY, MOTIVATION, and more importantly HIGH-END SATISFACTORY SERVICE with integrated technological solutions. In order to achieve all these expectations, hotels should consider training staff to improve their EQ so that they can deal with any situation or use their EQ to make decisions when AI is unable to answer guest's queries or special requests, etc. In order to become more self-aware, employees need to consistently assess their own feelings and moods. Furthermore, due to rising customer loyalty, employees can emphasize highly personalized touches and anticipate what a guest needs before he or she actually says them, unlike the AI which is programmed to respond only to certain inputs. Soft skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, kindness, integrity, optimism, self-motivation, and resilience, are critical for success, according to Forbes. They also predict that by 2030, employment requiring these soft skills will account for two-thirds of all positions. Frontline hospitality employees must learn to deal with a variety of different personalities, emotions, and demands from their guests. For all these factors, EQ is still the No.1 in the Hotel Industry. How can Hotels Utilize AI to Maximize Overall Business Performance? Artificial Intelligence is here to stay forever, but only as a dynamic helping tool or as an assistant for humans in the HOSPITALITY industry. The AI is poised to make all the difference in the HOSPITALITY industry with some hotel groups already leveraging AI-enabled tools in their efforts to drive guest personalization. Guest personalization is about data. It is a function of capturing and leveraging a vast ocean of guest profile information. Only 17% of Americans express interest in fully automated restaurant concepts. However, by striking a balance between human touch and AI, guests and hotels can encounter humongous benefits in terms of loyalty programs, data protection, occupancy and rate Optimization, and competitive advantages. The following AI-based strategies will be essential for hotels to move their path towards gaining a competitive advantage in global markets: Reputation Management: AI can be used to efficiently analyze guest reviews and social media posts that link to the hotel allowing automated responses and notifies the staff to communicate better. AI also can alert if there is negative feedback which can help hotels to find a solution rapidly before it reaches the potential public. AI can be used to efficiently analyze guest reviews and social media posts that link to the hotel allowing automated responses and notifies the staff to communicate better. AI also can alert if there is negative feedback which can help hotels to find a solution rapidly before it reaches the potential public. Personalization: Personalized experiences will help hotels to boost revenue and loyalty by tailoring their offering with thoughtful touches. AI can easily identify the personal touches that draw people to your hotel and help tailor your experience to the individual. Personalized experiences will help hotels to boost revenue and loyalty by tailoring their offering with thoughtful touches. AI can easily identify the personal touches that draw people to your hotel and help tailor your experience to the individual. Predictive Analytics: More "Data" is empowering hotels to provide an amazing, personalized experience. As more technology is added to improve the guest experience, it will add more and more data about how guests interact with staff and the amenities throughout the hotel. All these interactions can be automatically saved for individual guests and use it to adapt their experience next time. More "Data" is empowering hotels to provide an amazing, personalized experience. As more technology is added to improve the guest experience, it will add more and more data about how guests interact with staff and the amenities throughout the hotel. All these interactions can be automatically saved for individual guests and use it to adapt their experience next time. Sales & Marketing: AI-powered hotel data analytics allow hotels to personalize marketing campaigns that target ideal customers. Hotel revenue management software is effectively used to track booking patterns, seasonal demands, eating habits, guest preferences, activities of interest, and identify untapped revenue opportunities, and optimize marketing strategies. AI-powered hotel data analytics allow hotels to personalize marketing campaigns that target ideal customers. Hotel revenue management software is effectively used to track booking patterns, seasonal demands, eating habits, guest preferences, activities of interest, and identify untapped revenue opportunities, and optimize marketing strategies. Revenue Management: AI can manage data better, quicker and more accurately to help revenue managers optimize and make better pricing decisions. Ready to Integrate EQ & AI? The future is optimistic where an integrated EQ & AI skills are needed to better optimize and provide guests an out-of-the-world experience. Furthermore, the true HOSPITALITY SERVICE will be enhanced and catalysed through an integrated approach between Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emotional intelligence (EQ). This is because it will help the guests to experience a harmonized and futuristic hospitality and service, on the other hand, it helps hotels to gain a competitive advantage and remain customer-centric through this integrated approach where AI + EQ = Future of Hospitality! Webinar HVS, along with our friends at Bird & Bird (lawyers), AlixPartners (restructuring specialists) and EP Business in Hospitality, are pleased to present our next webinar. Our webinar will focus on whether the UK and European hotel sector has the talent it needs to achieve successful growth in business and a swift return to profitable operations. We will examine the key issues that employers in the hotel sector are currently facing, with presentations followed by a lively Q&A featuring a panel of experts. These topics will include: Attraction and retention: Employers are facing unique challenges in recruiting and retaining talent. Post-COVID challenges: Much of the general public debate has focused on home or remote working, which is irrelevant for the vast majority of roles in the hotel sector. We want to look at the burning questions for employers as the sector prepares to reopen. Life goes on: One key theme is what the post-COVID hotel sector might look like. Whether this involves restructures, sales and acquisitions, joint ventures or franchising, the treatment and transfer of staff remains a key consideration. This is therefore the perfect time to look at the implications of COVID for transactions and the knock-on effects regarding employees, such as the relaxation of brand standards and the implications for staffing numbers, roles and activities. Hotels Post-COVID: Does Britain have the Talent is organized by HVS Several drivers are wondering what they pumped into their gas tanks after filling up at an Exxon Mobil in Cypress, and now a state agency is investigating. On Monday, several drivers told KPRC 2 they encountered serious engine problems at the gas station located at the corner of Farm to Market Road 529 and Barker Cypress Road. Some reported their cars wouldn't start at all, and some said their cars started but quickly stalled after traveling a short distance. At one point, there were several tow trucks parked in the parking lot, and by Monday evening, the regular gas pumps were covered with yellow bags, according to the KPRC 2 report. MORE ON EXXON: Exxon CEO reiterates climate policy after secret recording of lobbyist "My car started shaking and vibrating," Karla Kst wrote on Facebook. "My truck stopped (and I ) had to replace gas pump filter and gaskets," Raul Rivera posted. Those who were affected said they are furious and that they are now forced to pay hefty bills to get their cars repaired. "I had to pay $1,069 to have my car fixed because the dealership said I had put bad gas in my car," Elsa Lopez Fuentes wrote on Facebook. OnHoustonChronicle.com: Gasoline prices skyrocket before Fourth of July It is not clear what caused the car malfunctions, but the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is investigating the incident after receiving a number of complaints. TDLR spokesperson, Tela Goodwin Mange, said it takes about two weeks for the agency to receive field sample results and then the length of the investigation varies once the investigator has completed their portion. After an investigator examines the samples she said, a prosecutor determines if there's enough information to issue a notice of violation. If so, Mange said the agency will notify the company in question to offer an opportunity to work things out. If not, TDLR proceeds to file a case against the company in the state office of administrative hearing. "Oftentimes the station will say we found an issue and were working with our customers to pay for the repairs to their vehicles," Mange said. "If so, oftentimes (we'll) just issue a warning letter, that says 'this thing happened, cut it out.' But if the station is denying any responsibility, then there are administrative penalties that they can assess based on a violation. Its bad business to not do it, so oftentimes they will say well take care of it." After multiple attempts, the Exxon Mobil station and the parent company could not be reached for comment. But car troubles after pumping gas are not isolated to this gas station. Marilynn Moreno told the Chronicle she experienced the same problem with her 2017 Chevy Cruze in May at another Houston-area gas station. Courtesy of Marilynn Moreno "The whole fuel system was messed up," she said. "The cost was around $3,000." Luckily for Moreno, her insurance covered it and conducted an investigation. She added that the gas station's insurer also conducted its own investigation but initially didn't want to get involved. "At first they didn't want to help me because I didn't have a receipt," Moreno wrote in a Facebook message. "But luckily I fought and after they checked the (video) they called me with their insurance info and claim number. My insurance and the gas insurance both concluded there was water in the gas." Mange with TDLR said so far in fiscal year 2021, which is from Sept. 1 2020 to Aug. 31 2021, the state has recorded 295 field quality violations filed through the end of May, not including the recent Exxon Mobil complaints. In fiscal year 2020, from Sept. 1 2019 to Aug. 31 2020, the state recorded 344 quality violations. To file a complaint with TDLR, visit: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/ComplaintForm_MotorFuel.aspx One of Salman Rushdies characters in his novel the Satanic Verses says: The trouble with the English, is that they dont know their history, because so much of it happened overseas. In the early twentieth century, the British empire governed a fifth of the worlds population and a quarter of the worlds total land area. It was the largest empire in history, one on which it was said the sun never sets. And this has left the English with a lot of colonial history to be ignored. Do British people still see their former empire as positive? A recent survey showed that more than one third of people in the United Kingdom believe the empire was something to be proud of; Britains colonies were better off for being part of it. Thats down from a 2016 opinion poll which found that 44 per cent were proud of Britains history of colonialism, and 43 per cent believed the British Empire was a good thing. One third is still a high proportion in the 2020 survey UK attitudes contrasted with those of Germans who were the least likely to be proud of their colonial part at just 9 per cent but in more recent times statues of slave owners have famously been toppled in the UK, and a vigorous debate rages on how the history of empire should be taught to school children. The loot of the Palace of the Oba of Benin in Nigeria In parallel, the debate over the provenance and potential for the just restitution of cultural objects from former colonies of which British museums are full has grown. Several thousand brass and bronze castings and ivory carvings were looted by a British punitive expedition in 1897 from the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Nigeria. The Kingdom of Benin had flourished for many hundreds of years prior to the British invasion, says Barnaby Philips, the author of Loot Britain and the Benin Bronzes, and traded and interacted peacefully with successive waves of European explorers and traders from the from the 15th century onwards. But the Oba the King came to be seen as an obstacle to British economic interests. When they storm the Obas palace, although the British had always hoped it would be great caches of ivory, they discover all these magnificent metal plaques and metal-cast heads, and they cart off thousands of them and bring them back to London. Its not clear how many Nigerians were killed in the punitive expedition and looting of the Palace. Some historians say tens of thousands. The history of the events in Benin City is collated via newspaper reports of the time, reflecting public approval of the enterprise, and a few personal diaries and letters of the soldiers. The looted objects themselves at least 4,000 of them were brought back to Britain and mainly auctioned off by individual soldiers. A century later, the British museum has the largest single collection of [Benin Bronzes] any institution in the world, Philips says. Until recently there had been limited public interest a lone Labour MP Bernie Grant staging demonstrations outside the British Museum in the 1990s, says Philips. But events of the summer of 2020 in the US, as the Black Lives Matter movement focused attention on racial injustice, reinvigorated a debate on colonial legacy in the UK. Now the UK has agreed in principle, including the British Museum, to lend hundreds of Benin bronzes in rotation to a new museum, he says, in Benin City, Nigeria. A litany of crimes Actual accountability for UK colonial crimes makes slim pickings, even though the litany of atrocities is all known, researched, and cross-referenced. While India was under British rule, between 12 and 29 million Indians died of starvation during a variety of famines, writes American historian Mike Davis, while millions of tonnes of wheat were exported back to the UK. Former Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said: I hate Indians. They are a beastly people with a beastly religion. The famine was their own fault for breeding like rabbits, referring to the Bengal famine in 1943, where up to four million Bengalis starved to death, as food was diverted to British soldiers. Peaceful protestors demonstrated against British colonial rule in Amritsar India in 1919. Soldiers kept firing at them until they ran out of ammunition, killing up to 1,000 and injuring another 1,100 within ten minutes. The man who ordered the killings, Brigadier Reginald Dyer, was seen as a hero by the British public, who raised 26,000 for him as a thank you. In South Africa, during the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the British rounded up around a sixth of the Boer population mainly women and children and detained them in overcrowded camps, with little food. In a single year 10 per cent of the entire Boer population died in the camps, including 22,000 children. But while the list of harms is long and varied, concrete justice initiatives are rare. In 2013, the UK authorities paid reparations to more than 5,000 victims of a bloody crackdown on the 1950s Mau Mau rebellion against colonial rule in Kenya. At least 10,000 people had died in one of the British Empires bloodiest insurgencies, marked by horrific abuses by security forces. A British-funded memorial to the thousands killed, tortured and jailed was erected in Kenya and apologies given. But a later legal claim, raising the cases of a further 40,000 Kenyans who asserted they were variously tortured, mistreated and raped during the suppression of the rebellion, failed. All about us The debates on reparations, apologies, restitution tracked through UK newspapers have flared over the last twenty years. A succession of UK leaders have apologised piecemeal: in 2007 prime minister Tony Blair apologised on the countrys role in the slave trade and in 2011 for the Irish Potato Famine; David Cameron paid his respects at the scene of the Amritsar massacre; Prince Charles spoke of the injustice of the slave trade in Accra, Ghana in 2018. With a slew of recent books exploring the relationship between colonialism, heritage and current racial discrimination historian David Olusogas Black and British, Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera there is a strong focus on the need to change attitudes to empire and challenge racism in Britain. Meanwhile, returning looted cultural objects may provide an opportunity to assuage some colonial guilt. Curators around the world are searching their catalogues and restitutions have been fast-tracked by many institutions, with Germany announcing in March that it will be returning its Benin Bronzes in 2022, and other countries following suit, as plans for the new museum in Benin City take shape. The stampede to be on the right side of history this time round is compelling. Nevertheless, Philips warns, I do think there is a danger that the debate about the Benin Bronzes becomes very insular, and is really about current attitudes and arguments about whats happening within our own societies rather than about repairing past abuse. The filing also states the complainants are asking the commission to become the first authority in the nation to invalidate a municipalitys acceptance of grant funding to help defray the costs of safely holding an election during a pandemic. There has been no case law cited by the complainants to show that a city may not accept outside funds in order to provide a safer election, the filing on behalf of the city states. As to the timeliness issue, the filing by the city states the complaint centers around the acceptance and use of grant funds from CTCL in the summer of 2020, but the complainants waited until May 2021 to file the complaint. Complainants cannot assert in good faith that they promptly filed the complaint, the filing states. Further, the complainants reasonably should have consulted the plethora of federal decisions upholding the acceptance of CTCL grant funds, especially since their counsel brought many of those cases. The filing also notes that a similar action against all five cities was brought in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, which was dismissed in its entirety after the judge determined that the plaintiffs were not likely to succeed on the merits. The federal case against Kenosha was dismissed in January, the filing states. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Air Force plans to allow family members and other guests to attend basic military training, or BMT, graduation ceremonies. The first graduation ceremony allowing guests will take place at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on July 22, the Air Force said in a podcast posted Wednesday. The service abruptly halted audience attendance at graduations and other mass gatherings in March 2020 as the coronavirus spread across the country and the nation rushed to lock down. Read Next: As US Withdrawal Looms, Taliban Claims Vast Advances in Afghanistan Rules for attendance will be strict. The Air Force said Wednesday that each graduate will be allowed to invite only two guests, including infants and children. All visitors must be fully vaccinated in accordance with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines: They must have received all shots, and at least 14 days must have passed for the vaccinations to take effect. Visitors will be required to show their original vaccination card as proof; photos or copies will not be accepted. The Air Force also will require all guests to be placed on a visitors list in advance; no exceptions will be made, the service said. The release did not say whether masks will be required; updates will be posted online. "While we can't wait to see family and friends fill the stands of our Pfingston Reception Center again, we have to do this in a methodical, safe manner in order to secure the safety of our training pipeline," Col. Jeffrey Pixley, commander of the 737th Training Group, said in the podcast. The Air Force holds BMT graduations every Thursday morning. Each class graduates after attending the seven-and-a-half week course at Lackland; the training was shortened by one week during the COVID pandemic. Last year during the height of the pandemic, the Air Force used Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, as an alternative so that there would be multiple basic training locations. That program ended in November. -- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey. Related: Visitors May Need Proof of COVID Vaccination to Attend Air Force Basic Training Graduations An Army sergeant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has been convicted of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud over his involvement in a ring that arranged marriages between troops and immigrants for legal residency, benefits and cash. Sgt. Samuel Manu Agyapong, of the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, was found guilty July 2 on charges that included harboring an alien, visa fraud, theft of government property and an attempt to obstruct witness testimony, according to a release Tuesday from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Agyapong, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Ghana, was married to Barbara Oppong, an immigrant from Ghana illegally residing in New York City at the time of their marriage, according to court documents. In the arrangement between the couple, which began in January 2015, Agyapong collected a higher level of Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, based on his marriage, while Oppong received her permanent resident card and filed for U.S. citizenship, the documents state. According to the release, the couple "seldom, if ever, travelled to see each other nor had they engaged in an actual marital union." Oppong continued to live in New York while Agyapong bought a home near his duty station at Fort Bragg. Oppong also had two children with another person. Read Next: Dreaming of America, Fearing Taliban Takeover: As US Withdraws, Afghan Interpreter Waits for Visa Agyapong's conviction is the latest in a string of indictments and sentences for soldiers involved in the ring. In 2018, Pvt. Endasia East, also of Fort Bragg, told Army criminal investigators that she was having a romantic relationship with another soldier, even though she was married. Concerned that she was committing adultery -- a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice -- investigators looked into the circumstances of her arrangement and learned her marriage to Sulemana Ibrahim, a Ghanaian citizen living in New York, was a sham, according to the Justice Department and a report in the Raleigh News & Observer in 2019. The arrangements were made by former Army Sgt. Edward Anguah, a soldier assigned to 3rd Expeditionary Command at Bragg. Anguah arranged meetings, cash payments for soldiers and the purchases of wedding rings and dresses, and also served as witness to the weddings at the Cumberland County Courthouse, according to the report. He was convicted in 2019. Last year, investigators uncovered another alleged marriage scam involving individuals from Ghana, Nigeria and the United Kingdom and troops at Fort Bragg. In that case, a Ghanaian citizen, Joshua Kwame Asane, 45, and Army Sgt. Lawrence Oppong Kyekyeku were indicted on multiple charges that included marriage fraud, according to the Justice Department. Fraudulent marriages aren't new in the U.S. military, and the Defense Department frequently conducts audits of Basic Allowance for Housing payments to determine whether service members qualify for the amount they receive based on location and marital status. More than 30 sailors were ensnared in a sham marriage ring designed to increase their benefits in 2008, according to the Justice Department; in 2014, the Army investigated a rising number of Craigslist ads seeking marriage arrangements for cash and benefits. At least 10 other people have been implicated in the scheme that involved Agyapong. The sergeant, convicted on nine of 11 charges, faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced Oct. 5. In May, former Army Sgt. Ebenezer Yeboah Asane was sentenced to 44 months in prison for his role in arranging the marriages. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follower her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Marine Raider Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter, Hazing in Green Beret's Death This page contains all of The Montrose Press' coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak, and the illness it causes, called COVID-19. Because this outbreak impacts public health, our coverage of the coronavirus is available to all readers. Our journalists are working hard to bring you the verified information below. Please consider supporting important local journalism with a subscription. (Click Here) Are you a Montrose resident whos been affected by the illness? Send us an email: justint@montrosepress.com. Moultrie, GA (31768) Today Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan (AP) A powerful warlord in northern Afghanistan and a key U.S. ally in the 2001 defeat of the Taliban blames a fractious Afghan government and an irresponsible American departure for the insurgents' recent rapid territorial gains across the north. Ata Mohammad Noor, who is among those behind the latest attempt to halt the Taliban advances by creating more militias, told The Associated Press that the Afghan military is badly demoralized. He said Washingtons quick exit left the Afghan military logistically unprepared for the Taliban onslaught. In an interview at his opulent home in Mazar-e-Sharif, the main city of the north, he said that even he had not expected the Taliban's rapid wins, particularly in nearby Badakhshan province in the countrys northeast corner. It was surprising for me that in 24 hours, 19 districts of Badakhshan were surrendered without a fight, said Noor. He said in some areas the Taliban were small in number, perhaps even too few to capture a district, yet the military handed over their weapons and left. Reports and photos widely shared on social media show some government officials in the provincial capital of Faizabad boarding one of the last commercial flights to Kabul. The Afghan capital remains in government hands. The 57-year-old Noor is one of the powerhouse players as Afghanistan enters what many fear will be a chaotic new chapter, with the final withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. He commands a personal militia with thousands of fighters. Once the governor of Balkh province, where Mazar-e-Sharif is the capital, he effectively still runs the province. As head of Jamiat-e-Islami, one of Afghanistans strongest parties, he wields influence across the north. Though nominally united in opposition to the Taliban, he and other warlords are often bitter rivals. With the government weak and the insurgents gaining, the potential for violent fragmentation is high. The Taliban's capture of most of the remote Badakhshan province is particularly significant because the north has traditionally been the domain of the U.S.-allied warlords. It was the only province that didnt come under Taliban control during the groups 1996-2001 rule. It was once a Jamiat-e-Islami stronghold, the home province of one of Noors predecessors as its leader, Burhanuddin Rabbani, killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. The insurgents now claim control over more than a third of the 421 districts and district centers across Afghanistan. They have also captured several border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, opening up potential revenues for the Taliban and cutting key transportation routes. The Islam Qala border crossing with Iran was the latest to fall to the Taliban, on Thursday. Noor was harsh in his criticism of the fractious Afghan leadership, saying it often left the army without reinforcements in battle or even food and erratically paid soldiers salaries. He said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rules with a coterie of four people, a reference to the presidents increasingly reduced inner circle. U.S. President Joe Biden defended the withdrawal in a speech Thursday and said it would be finished by Aug. 31. He urged greater unity among Afghanistans leadership, saying America has given the Afghan government the weapons, training and tools to sustain itself. The Afghan government, leadership has to come together, Biden said. They have the capacity. They have the forces. They have the equipment. The question is will they do it? Still, Noor said the signs of a dispirited military predated Bidens mid-April announcement that the U.S. was ending its forever war, noting that Afghan army recruitment was already down by 60% and corruption was widespread. We advised the government then that they had to work on the morale of the military, they had to be unified, but they did not listen, he said. Noor also criticized the Afghan governments fighting strategy, saying the Afghan National Security and Defense forces' leadership has overused its elite commando units. He said this included sending them into battle without proper preparations for reinforcements and re-supplies, as well as ordering them to hold checkpoints, a job they are not meant to do. Commandos were also not given proper rest, he said. Though the Afghan air force has well-trained pilots, Noor said the fleet was overused and under-maintained. As a result most of the planes are back on the ground. They cannot fly and most of them are out of ammunition, he said. Noor also slammed the quick U.S. departure as irresponsible. While Afghanistan appreciated the money and manpower America invested in the country, it did nothing to make Afghanistan self-sufficient, he said. We needed factories to produce our own ammunition and workshops to repair the aircraft and other vehicles that were given to the Afghan forces, said Noor. But the international forces did not work to build a foundation, a self-sufficiency in Afghanistan. Earlier this year as the Taliban gained momentum, Noor was one of the first to press for the creation of new militias, calling it a peoples uprising. Last month, the government launched a mobilization program, helping arm and finance volunteers under local commanders. Noor said the new militias are needed as much to help bolster army morale as fight the Taliban. Still, he acknowledged the dangers. In the 1990s, militias and warlords including Noor fought a civil war that wreaked devastation on Kabul, killed some 50,000 people and helped fuel the Taliban's rise. There is a real possibility of a civil war. This is a very dangerous possibility, he said. He warned it would be stoked by Afghanistans neighbors Pakistan, Iran, Russia and India all of whom use Afghan factions to advance their interests. The new mobilization program only adds more militias of uncertain loyalties to the mix of militias maintained by Afghanistans multiple warlords since the 1990s. Besides Noor, they include Uzbek warlord Rashid Dostum, accused of war crimes, and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former U.S.-declared terrorist, who is currently in Kabul and has been a bitter enemy of Noors Jamiat-e-Islami for decades. Abdur Rasool Sayyafs past militias have been linked to brutal crimes against the Hazara ethnic minority during the 1990s civil war. The religiously regressive Sayyaf also had close ties to al-Qaida, and even operated training camps with the terrorist group in the 1990s. A couple of kilometers (miles) from Noor's home, he maintains a political office in a lavish compound, protected by armed guards and barricades. A group of his militiamen, some with assault rifles, others with machine guns, lounged on the lush grounds. Their leader, Habibullah Rahman Orfan, said they would follow Noor anywhere and accept his commands without reservations, referring to him as the great commander. He said they would defend Mazar-e-Sharif, would begin an offensive to retake the districts in Balkh province currently under the Taliban and were ready to serve as Noor commanded. ___ Associated Press writer Tameem Akhgar contributed to this report. Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram James Clinton Fletcher, the owner of now-defunct San Jan, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday for defrauding investors out of more than $18 million. Fletcher pleaded guilty in December 2020 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of willful failure to pay employee tax withholdings to the IRS, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AP) A South African court has rejected former South African President Jacob Zuma's request to postpone his current jail term. Zuma, who started his 15-month jail sentence Thursday, will remain behind bars after his application for his prison term be delayed was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday. Zuma has one more legal bid to be released which will be heard by the Constitutional Court, the country's apex court, on Monday. He is currently imprisoned in the Estcourt Correctional Center for failing to obey a court order to testify at a judicial commission that is investigating allegations of corruption during his term as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018. Some of Zuma's supporters in KwaZulu-Natal, his home province, protested his imprisonment on Friday by blocking roads with burning tires and other obstacles. Police cleared the roads in some areas. Zuma, 79, surrendered to authorities shortly before a midnight Wednesday deadline and was taken to Estcourt prison, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from his rural home in Nkandla. Zuma will be eligible for parole after serving a quarter of his sentence, unless his appeal before the Constitutional Court succeeds, according to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola. Zuma will be in quarantine for 14 days as part of the facilitys COVID-19 precautions. He was put in the Estcourts hospital section for assessment and will be treated like any other inmate, Lamola said Thursday. Zuma was convicted of contempt of court for defying a court order for him to appear before a commission of inquiry. The commission has 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. In a separate matter, Zuma is standing trial on charges of corruption related to a 1999 arms deal, where he allegedly received bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales. His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case. While human rights groups in South Africa welcomed Zumas imprisonment, many people in KwaZulu-Natal, the center of support for the former president, said they were not happy about it. It does not sit well with me because, first of all, he is an elderly person, so for him to be incarcerated is not good for him," said Philiswa Zondi in Pietermaritzburg. "Perhaps it would have been better for him to be incarcerated at home than to be in a cell. Another Pietermaritzburg resident, Ntuthuko Mdletshe, said she felt Zuma had been treated unfairly because South Africa has many other corrupt politicians who have not been arrested. I feel so bad for Jacob Zuma," said Mdletshe. I feel bad because every political party has its own corruption, even the previous government had its own corruption. MERIDEN Arrests reported by Meriden police: June 23 Ryan Derosimo, 22, 1023 Woodbury Road, Watertown, violation of a protective order, second-degree harassment, 7:21 p.m. Doreen Roddy, 69, 60 Humbert St., evading, 12:30 a.m. June 23 Edward Howard, 44, 110 Prospect St., Vernon, disorderly conduct, third-degree criminal mischief, risk of injury, third-degree burglary, 1 p.m. Anixalie Vasquez-Rivera, 38, 54 South Ave., improper storage of a firearm, 7:27 p.m. Christopher Tighe, 41, 177 State St., Apt. 103, criminal mischief, 7:45 a.m. June 24 Isaac Morales, 36, 201 Britannia St., second floor, third-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace, conspiracy to commit third-degree assault, conspiracy to commit second-degree breach of peace, 5:48 p.m. Damarys Rivera, 31, 201 Britannia St., second floor, unlawful restraint, third-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace, conspiracy to commit third-degree assault, conspiracy to commit second-degree breach of peace, 5:48 p.m. Hani Abdelghani, 40, homeless, extradition, 6:43 p.m. Jacob Crawford, 56, 525 Crown St., sixth-degree larceny, 10:20 p.m. June 25 Destiny Bromfield, 20, 250 E. Main St., second-degree failure to appear, 8:30 p.m. Nydia Rodriguez, 33, risk of injury, third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, 8:40 a.m. Jose Ramierz-Gomez, 32, 49 Peacock Drive, second-degree threatening, third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, 12:10 a.m. Johnny Quiles, 48, 43 N. Third St., two counts violation of a protective order, first-degree criminal trespass, third-degree assault, interfering with an emergency call, second-degree threatening, third-degree criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, illegal storage of narcotics, 2:41 a.m. June 26 Frank J. Hernandez, 55, homeless, second-degree criminal mischief, 2:15 p.m. David Harris, 44, 51 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, second-degree breach of peace, interfering with an officer, 7:44 p.m. Jason Jones, 28, 57 Fawn Drive, third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, 8:15 p.m. John Stefanopoulos, 24, 463 Newton Turnpike, Redding, operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol, 1:54 a.m. June 27 Andrew O. Yaport Mojica, 21, 100 Linsley Ave., first floor, possession of illegal fireworks, second-degree breach of peace, 1:05 a.m. Thomas Gonyea, 25, 429 Blackstone Village, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, June 28 Anibal Muniz, 29, 165 S. Vine St., second-degree threatening, disorderly conduct, 5:04 p.m. Timiaelisabeth Petrus, 22, 62 Ridgeland Road, Wallingford, second-degree breach of peace, 6:58 a.m. Colin Gibbons, 31, 122 Orange St., risk of injury, second-degree reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, 5:18 p.m. Ramon Findlay, 38, 80 Olive St., disorderly conduct, 1:17 a.m. June 29 Christian Ayala-Rivera, 24, 170 James St., New Haven, second-degree threatening, second-degree harassment, 10 a.m. Eugeenio Orea-Reyes, 29, 8 Jackson St., Apt. 2E, third-degree assault, risk of injury, disorderly conduct, second-degree threatening, 11:30 a.m. Andre Valentin, 24, 418 Main St., first-degree failure to appear, 11:05 a.m. Destony Tarlanov-Rogers, 26, 33 Atkins St. second floor, second-degree breach of peace, two counts violation of a protective order, 11:30 p.m. Jorge A. Orellana, 23, 264 New Hanover Ave., third-degree assault of a pregnant woman, risk of injury, second-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an emergency call, disorderly conduct, 12:40 a.m. June 30 Lonnie Joyner, 36, 101 Windsor Ave., second-degree threatening, second-degree harassment, second-degree breach of peace, 1 a.m. Melissa Waller-Ziemba, 50, 17 Windsor Ave., disorderly conduct, 7:38 p.m. July 1 Jose M. Medina-Padua, 30 Dewey Ave., disorderly conduct, third-degree assault, 2 p.m. Keishla Alicea, 30, 104 Camp St., second floor, New Britain, first-degree failure to appear, 2:27 p.m. Ginnet Santiago, 43, 75 Park St., Apt. 72, second-degree breach of peace, 5:12 p.m. July 2 Jose Acevedo, 28, 11 Oak St., second floor, second-degree failure to appear, 2:10 p.m. Jordan Miazga, 26, 43 Hummingbird Drive, Northford, disorderly conduct, second-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an emergency call, 9 a.m. Anthony J. Dechello, 24, 35 South First St., disorderly conduct, violation of a protective order, 6 p.m. Luis Vazquez, 19, 34 Catlin St., operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, 7:23 p.m. July 3 Jose Acevedo, 29, 11 Oak St., second floor, interfering with an officer, 2:10 p.m. Juan Hernandez-Torral, 36, 217 Britannia St., second floor, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, 2:34 a.m. Lisa Sabo, 55, 1015 Old Colony Road, apt. 1, disorderly conduct, 7:45 p.m. Christopher Cortorreal, 23, 941 Jerome Ave., Apt. 6F, Bronx, N.Y., interfering, 3:23 a.m. July 4 Lee Parise, 36, 58 Spruce St., disorderly conduct, 7:37 p.m. Dolores J. Marrero, 53, homeless, violation of probation, possession of drug paraphernalia, weapons in a motor vehicle, 2:23 a.m. Brian M. Pearsall, 45, 403 Tiffany Lane, Bristol, first-degree larceny, 7:42 p.m. Antwan M. Turner, 30, 775 W. Main St., Apt. J, violation of a protective order, third-degree criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, possession of narcotics, possession of hallucinogenic, 5:49 p.m. July 5 Kelvin M. Acevedo, 22, 218 Blackstone Village, violation of a protective order, 9:38 p.m. July 6 Rodney Pierce, 39, 173 Mt. Pleasant St., second-degree failure to appear, 2:30 p.m. Taisha Therriault, 24, 171 Parkview St., second-degree breach of peace, 11:45 p.m. Mohammad Usman, 38, 78 Crown St., second-floor, disorderly conduct, 9:58 p.m. Every week, we explore a different Texas ghost story or venture into the unknown. This week, we tackle San Antonio's famous haunted house, Gillespie Mansion. RELATED: A flying creature has spooked the South Texas area for decades The gruesome story surrounding the stately looking Gillespie Mansion, once a dwelling in San Antonio's North West side, is at its core a classic haunted house tale. Depending on where you zoom in, it also sets the scene of a cheesy '80s horror movie. In the years somewhere between John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, Gillespie, popularly known by the folkloric and not so P.C. moniker "midget mansion," was a late-night destination for San Antonio teens looking to trespass, drink their parents Lone Stars and experience brushes with the paranormal. The site is said to be haunted, a result of the violent murders that happened there. Maybe this isn't the first time you've heard this San Antonio story, maybe you're one of the ones whose visited the site before. In the 1920's the grand house on a hill is said to have been purchased by a Navy Captain stationed in nearby Galveston, Texas. After a short time, he and his family jumped ship (nautical speak for moved out). The occupants that replaced the military family at the residence, the Gillespies, were said to be wealthy as a result of the father's earnings from a career in Hollywood. The husband and wife duo were distinct, and known throughout the community for their unconventionally short stature. Some sources say Mr. Gillespie even adapted the interiors of the massive home to have shorter ceilings, counters and door handles to accommodate their size. All was well, that is, until one dark evening. One night, the story goes, the father of the family returned home in a boiling rage. With his anger stemming from pitfalls in his business career approaching the depression, or mistreatment from the outside world, it is said he grabbed the nearest knife and violently slit the throats of his wife and two daughters. Other versions claim he shot his loved ones, one by one, each with a single bullet. He stuffed their bodies in the nearest closet and sealed it shut. After finishing, he quietly retired to the master bedroom, where he ended his own life with a bullet to the brain. Neighbors, noticing something was awry, eventually notified the authorities. Mr Gillespie of Gillespie manor was found laying in a pool of his own blood. In the years following the incident, new homeowners reported sounds of scratching and moaning, particularly from the house's second story. In the 70s, reports of satanic teen murders clung to Gillespie Mansions legacy. In a 2009 MySA story, spinning the greatest hits of various San Antonio Ghost Stories, the late UTSA folklorist Rhett Rushing says that no one can really tell if this story is true or not. "There's no documentation that this ever happened. What we do know is up through the 1970s, it was a place where teenagers would come and dare each other to go to the house," Rushing definitively states. Sifting through newspaper records from this era, I was unable to find any reports of the murder. On a whim, I reached out to the San Antonio Office of Preservation, to see if they had any information on the stately home. Still, nothing. As with all ghost stories, the lack of material evidence doesn't necessarily mean the horrific eve didn't happen, as archives are not fully complete. And sometimes, stories are stories for a reason. Even if fake, the horror of the incident has already burrowed itself in the city's collective memory. The legend of it all doesn't exactly beg to be disturbed. Facebook groups dedicated to the site are filled with writings of the fond and spooky memories of the Boomer generation that once poked around the ruins and crumbling pillars of the haunted Greek Revivalist home. Deborah Moore Wolff used to work at the Mama's Cafe off I-10. Sometimes, she would visit the ruinous mansion after she would get off a shift late at night. "I would go by myself. I felt it was special and I felt peace, even though it was burnt down," Wolff tells mySA. She would also often visit the site to explore the grounds with her younger brother. She alleges the grounds were spooky, but very inviting. As a young woman, she took the photo featured above. The exact address of the manor is disputed, though absolutely cemented in the city's North West side, near the Medical Center. The coordinates are said to be either off Callaghan and I-10, at the Preston Peak Apartments, which can be found at 4114 Medical Drive in San Antonio, Texas, or at 8139 Donore Place. Flickr/Chester Paul Sgroi In a Facebook post, one user reported paranormal occurrences at the Preston Peak Apartments, where they identified as a resident. All these years later, my guess is that this story is still in the San Antonio airwaves because of so many peoples shared histories exploring the grounds. However, something about the violent and grotesque nature of the tale, and the association with decrepit buildings with decrepit spirits, likely plays into a morbid curiosity. RELATED: Tales of Texas Ghosts: The spirits of the historic Menger Hotel "It's something we can't control. We can't control what happens after death, and we don't know. It gives us a teaser, a taste of the afterlife," says Rushing from the grave in the 2009 MySA story. "Human beings think in stories. That's how we order the world around us. Humans can't stand chaos. As long as there have been people, we make a story to explain the chaos, the things we don't understand." San Antonio favorite Tajin is coming out with two sauces and is working hard to make the new additions as equally popular as its OG chili-lime flavored sauce. The company announced Wednesday that it is expanding its sauce offerings with its new Mild Hot Sauce and Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce, which is made using apricots. You know, to compete in the growing hot sauce category, according to a press release. READ MORE: San Antonio's michelada festival is ready to mix things up near downtown That growing market is no joke, given that Tajin cited a report that estimates that the global market for fiery juices will reach $5.9 billion by 2025. Yes, billion with a b. Now, given that most San Antonians can pretty much inhale spicy condiments either as a sauce or salt, that shouldnt be that hard to believe. Think about it. Local fruterias, bars, and snack shops probably keep Tajin in stock by the bucketload to douse fruit plates, micheladas, and elote en vaso in it. It goes without saying that puro locals have had a big hand in contributing to that market, but only time will tell if the new flavors are as beloved by foodies. So for a company like Tajin to make moves to get ahead of the competition, that must mean this market is serious business. The company, which was founded in Mexico in 1985, said the new flavors are a means of making its products more accessible in the U.S. given the rise in popularity for Latin American flavors. READ MORE: New pizza joint near Medical Center hosts grand opening this month Not all people have a palate for very spicy hot sauces, said Javier Leyva, Tajins U.S. director. He said that a large number of people prefer a less aggressive heat, which means the new mild sauce will be an attractive option. Even with less heat, the new flavors will still include the hint of lime that San Antonio knows and loves. (Natural News) Every week the horrendous crime wave that is sweeping across America seems to get even worse. In some of our largest cities, looting, murder and violence are becoming a way of life, and authorities seem powerless to do anything about it. Is this what we can expect life in the United States to look like moving forward? All over the globe, people are watching us, and they are stunned by what they have been witnessing. Criminals are wildly out of control, and many of our largest cities are being transformed into extremely violent war zones. (Article by Michael Snyder republished from EndOfTheAmericanDream.com) For example, just check out what happened in Oakland over the weekend. According to Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, his officers were completely overwhelmed by the level of violence and gunfire The Fourth of July reeled into 12 hours of non-stop chaos Sunday night with several victims wounded by celebratory gunfire, a homicide and a massive sideshow marred by gunfire. The night culminated at the sideshow, where more than 200 participants pelted police officers with debris and flashed them with hand-held lasers. Embattled Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong told reporters that the level of violence and gunfire overwhelmed his officers. Next door, the shoplifting epidemic in San Francisco has evolved into systematic looting. Sadly, no retailer is immune. Even though Neiman Marcus has enthusiastically embraced a whole host of woke causes, criminals ruthlessly looted one of their stores in San Francisco on Monday Looters were captured on video Monday ransacking a Neiman Marcus in San Francisco as thefts continue to plague businesses in the area. At least nine suspects smashed display cases, snatched handbags, and jetted out of the building before law enforcement arrived to the scene at about 6 p.m., according to footage. The suspects were seen running out of the store with their hands full of merchandise before entering an apparent getaway car that sped off down a busy intersection. If you have not seen footage of the looters yet, you can watch it right here. This happened in broad daylight, and it is hard to believe that such scenes are actually happening in the United States of America. At this point, the looting has gotten so bad that some major retailers are taking drastic actions Walgreens shuttered 17 of its stores in the San Francisco area in the past five years, and the company said thefts in the area are four times more likely than anywhere else in the country as executives budgeted 35 times more for security personnel to guard the chains. Target executives in the city also decided to limit business hours in response to an uptick in larceny. But unless they completely close up shop, the looting is going to continue. Criminals in California have learned that if they keep the value of the merchandise they steal at each store to under $950, they wont be charged with a felony even if they are caught. So now we are witnessing a wave of retail theft that is unlike anything we have ever seen before SF Police Lt. Tracy McCray pinned the blame on DA Chesa Boudin (whose parents were part of the radical and violent Weather Underground, and left two police officers dead during a botched heist). According to McCray, Boudins criminals first agenda is responsible for the uptick in crime. What happened in that Walgreens has been going on in the city for quite a while, McCray said in June. Im used to it. I mean, we could have a greatest hits compilation of people just walking in and cleaning out the store shelves and security guards, the people who work there, just standing by helplessly because they cant do anything. Up in Portland, the street violence just continues to get even worse. Earlier today, I was saddened to learn that a very generous man that had put up a pop-up swimming pool for the homeless during the heat wave had been viciously stabbed to death A man whose ingenious pop-up swimming pool kept the homeless cool during the recent heat wave was fatally stabbed in the same spot just one day later, according to Portland police. Officers identified Tyson L. Morlock as the man who was found stabbed in the inner eastside Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood at Division Street and Southeast Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard around 3:37 a.m. on Thursday, July 1. He tried to make Portland a better place, and now he is dead. Of course so many people are being murdered these days that it is extremely difficult to keep up with all of the carnage. In Chicago, this holiday weekend was the most violent weekend that we have seen in 2021 so far, and that is really saying something Every July 4th weekend police in Chicago brace for an uptick in violence even more than is usual when typical weekends average about 40 shootings and this holiday weekend was no different, easily registering as the deadliest and most violent this year given the total death count. New York City has also been witnessing a steady uptick in seemingly random shootings and violence, including brazen acts committed in broad daylight in heavily trafficked areas, such as the recent Times Square wounding of a US Marine. On Monday the Chicago Sun-Times has tallied 92 people shot over the long July 4th weekend, with 16 killed. The Sun-Times database shows the numbers killed to be a weekend high for all of 2021 so far. There are certain areas of Chicago that are essentially no go zones at this point, but of course the same thing could be said about the worst parts of many other major U.S. cities. As I discussed the other day, it is being reported that murder rates in our largest cities were up by an average of 30 percent in 2020, and as of a few weeks ago they were up another 24 percent so far in 2021. Ordinary citizens are begging our leaders to do something about this enormous wave of violence, but at this point nothing seems to be working. If things are this bad now while the U.S. economy is in recovery mode, how bad will conditions get when the next severe downturn comes along? It is heartbreaking to watch our society come apart at the seams all around us, and I have a feeling that what we have witnessed so far is just the beginning. Read more at: EndOfTheAmericanDream.com and Violence.news 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. WASHINGTON (AP) Major business and union groups have formed a new coalition designed to add momentum for a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package that the Senate is expected to take up this month. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO, along with trade groups representing manufacturers and retailers, announced the coalition Thursday. The groups formation comes as a bipartisan group of senators tries to craft a bill from a blueprint that aims to dramatically boost public works spending over the next five years. Dont let partisan differences get in the way of action pass significant, meaningful infrastructure legislation now, said the new Coalition for Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment. The business and union groups often differ on policy issues in Washington, but that has not been the case when it comes to infrastructure as they tout the prospect of new jobs that would be created shoring up the countrys roads, bridges, rail lines and airports. They have emphasized that the legislation should be something that lawmakers from both parties can support. I appreciate the supportive words. Those are music to my ears, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said of the coalitions announcement during an event held by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank that works to advance what it views as the best ideas from both political parties to solve problems. 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. Its not a small thing to turn the outlines of an agreement, however hard won or however detailed into legislative text, Buttigieg said. We cant let our energy dip at all in this critical phase. The bipartisan legislation would need 60 votes to pass the Senate. Speaking at a local Chamber of Commerce luncheon in northern Kentucky, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell dismissed Bidens broader infrastructure goals as wildly out of line. But he suggested the narrower, bipartisan package shows promise so long as its credibly paid for." I think theres a decent chance that may come together, he said. 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. 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. Humberto J. Rocha / Hearst Connecticut Media The New Canaan Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee (TEDAC), the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce and the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCFC) are sponsoring a public forum about coronavirus pandemic recovery on Monday, July 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. The forum is also a hybrid meeting that will take place in the meeting room of New Canaan Town Hall, with added Zoom access. The Town Hall is located at 77 Main Street. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry will meet with Russian officials in Moscow next week, making him the highest-ranking Biden administration official to visit Russia so far, at a time when the two countries are at odds. A terse State Department announcement Thursday said Kerry's four-day trip would be aimed at discussing means of enhancing global climate ambition. China and then the United States lead the globe in climate-damaging emissions of coal and petroleum fumes, but Russia, at No. 4 globally due to its dependence on coal burning, is an outsize contributor to climate change relative to the size of its economy and population. Kerry, former Secretary of State in the Obama administration, is encouraging other governments to commit to tough targets to cut emissions ahead of a U.N. global climate summit later this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin took part by video in President Joe Biden's April climate summit. But Putin's government has set only unambitious goals for cutting emissions as the waste from burning fossil fuels heats up the planet. The trip comes as the two nations spar over ransomware attacks blamed on gangs linked to Russia, putting Biden under domestic pressure to punish Russia over the hacking. Biden's administration has sought cooperation with U.S. opponents and competitors on climate despite sometimes hostile relations on other matters. Arms control is one area where both Russia and the United States are pursuing new agreements. Strategic talks between the two are expected to start late next week in Geneva, as agreed to by Biden and Putin in a summit in Geneva last month. Contributed photo New Canaan is fortunate that our Town Clerk, Claudia Weber, has committed herself to running for reelection for another term. Her diplomatic, cheerful, helpful approach to every problem brought to her office in conjunction with her vast knowledge of where to quickly and accurately access any pertinent information that will assist in resolving an issue has been of inestimable value to anyone who has ever needed the assistance of the office. Dr. Richard F. Zarilla, Ph.D., 84, of Douglassville, Amity Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at The Keystone Villa at Douglassville. Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Alfred and Cecilia (Saletra) Zarilla. Richard was a lifelong learner Dippy the dinosaur is rebuilt in Norwich Cathedral Dippy the dinosaur is rebuilt in Norwich Cathedral Dippy, the Natural History Museums iconic dinosaur, has arrived at Norwich Anglican Cathedral and is being rebuilt this week ready for visitors from July 13. The Nave of the 900-year-old Norman Cathedral will be the famous Diplodocus home for nearly four months, with the Dippy on Tour exhibition running from Tuesday July 13 until Saturday October 30. Norwich Cathedral is the eighth and final stop on the tour for Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure and Barratt and Cooke is the regional sponsor for the exhibition. Dippy arrived at the Cathedral on Monday July 5, carefully packed up in 16 crates carried by a series of lorries. The Cathedrals Nave is currently closed to the public while a specialist team of four technicians and two conservators work hard to reassemble the 26 metre-long (85ft) Jurassic giant ready for the opening of the exhibition at 1pm on Tuesday July 13. The Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev Jane Hedges, said: After all this time preparing for Dippys visit, it is incredibly exciting to finally have Dippy here, being built inside Norwich Cathedral. It is absolutely fascinating to see the progress of this amazing creature being put together in the Nave and we cannot wait to open the Dippy on Tour exhibition next week. We really hope that Dippys visit will bring great delight to people of all ages and that it will also spark constructive conversations about the relationship between faith and science, about everyones responsibility to help protect the planet, and about many other important subjects too. It is painstaking work reassembling Dippy as he has 356 bones in his skeleton, or 292 bones if his skull and jaw are counted as one. 73 of his bones are in his tail, 15 vertebrae are in his neck (mammals today have no more than seven) and he has nearly 60 bones in his hands and feet. Dippy is a plaster of Paris replica based on the fossilised bones of a Diplodocus found in 1899 by railroad workers in Wyoming, USA. Dippy was created between 1903 and 1904, and first arrived at the Natural History Museum in London in 1905. He was unveiled to the public on Friday 12 May 1905 and was the first Diplodocus to go on display anywhere in the world. Since Dippy left his London home and embarked on his Natural History Adventure tour in 2018, he has visited Dorset, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Cardiff and Rochdale. His final stop on his tour is perhaps his most unique, as his visit to Norwich Cathedral will be the first time Dippy has ever been displayed inside a Cathedral. Freya Stannard, Head of National Programmes at The Natural History Museum, said: The magnificent building is the perfect destination to bring a close to Dippys nationwide tour which launched all the way back in 2017 and has seen record numbers of visitors attend each venue. We hope that once again Dippy will continue to inspire visitors and foster a long-term respect for the natural world to create a future where both people and planet thrive. While Dippy is being assembled in Norwich Cathedrals Nave, the finishing touches are also being put to many other aspects of the exhibition, including a time tunnel in the Cloister being created by pupils from Norwich School and other local schools, and a wave of more than 1,000 fish being constructed in the Hostry by Norfolk artist Mark Reed for his sculpture Your Waves Go Over Me. Running alongside the main exhibition, final preparations are also being made for a special programme of Dippy-inspired events featuring everything from film nights to dino tales and talks. The Dippy on Tour exhibition will open to the public from 1pm on Tuesday 13 July, and from then on it will usually be open six days a week until Saturday 30 October 2021. The opening times will be 10am-4pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. From Friday 30 July, people will also be able to visit Dippy every Friday evening from 7pm until 9pm. Entry to the Dippy on Tour exhibition at Norwich Cathedral will be free and there will be no need to book in advance (unless part of a group of more than six people), although people may need to queue during busy periods. Norwich Cathedral and the Natural History Museum are working together closely to ensure that visitors will be able to enjoy the exhibition safely and visitors will need to adhere to the latest Covid regulations at all times. Pictured above is Dippy being reconstructed in the Nave of Norwich Cathedral. Pictures Bill Smith/Norwich Cathedral. Keith Morris, 09/07/2021 Newburyport, MA (01950) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. High 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 63F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Dipak Mondal By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Even as the French court has ordered the seizure of Indian government properties in Paris to help Cairn Energy recover $1.7 billion in arbitral award, the Indian government has been saying that it will vigorously defend its case in set aside proceedings at the Hague Court, where it filed an appeal on March 22 2021 against the arbitration award. However, legal experts are of the opinion that the Indian government's appeal in Hague against the award will not help it in avoiding the seizure proceedings in France, where the court has allowed Cairn Energy to attach 20 Paris-based centrally located properties of the Indian government. These properties are valued at more than $20 million Euros. Lawyers involved in the litigation told The New Indian Express that the only way the government can avoid the attachment of the properties in Paris is by appealing to the local French court which has given a go ahead to the seizure procedures. "The strategy to be adopted by the government is to go to these jurisdictions where Cairn is trying to enforce the arbitration award, and defend its properties against such procedures," says Mani Gupta, partner, Sarthak Advocates and Solicitors. She says that the first step for the government would be to figure out which assets are likely to be attached after the court order. "In France in particular, several categories of assets are considered as non-commercial assets, and such assets cannot be subjected to seizure in the enforcement of an award," says Mani Gupta. Non-commercial assets include those that are part of the cultural heritage, such as archives, as also bank accounts that are used for consular or diplomatic missions. So, before the Indian government can even do anything, it needs the details of these assets, and depending on what they are used for, it can file its defence to the proceedings in France. India's appeal in Hague is likely to come up for hearing on September 1, and as per legal experts both the proceedings India's appeal in Hague and Cairn Energy's seizure proceedings can go on simultaneously. They are also not too hopeful that India may get any relief from its appeal in the Hague Court of arbitration. "Though parties apply for stay in enforcement proceedings, but in international arbitration that is rarely given," says a lawyer. The Indian government's stand so far has been that tax disputes should be kept out of the ambit of bilateral investment treaty, under which Cairn Energy had won the arbitration case. "The Hague court will have to agree with the Indian government stand and if it does not agree with that then that is the end of the road for India," says Mukesh Butani, managing partner, BMR Legal Advocates. Cairn Energy has won an international arbitration against India in the matter involving retrospective tax. The Hague court of arbitration has found that the Indian government's decision to change tax rules retrospectively was in breach of its obligations to Cairn under the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty. By Express News Service CHENNAI: About 300 conservancy workers gathered at the Ripon Building on Thursday, protesting the alleged dismissal of contract workers under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) scheme after privatisation of 11 of the 15 Corporation zones. The protesting workers were later dispersed by the police. Waste collection and transportation in Thiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram and Ambattur zones had been handed to Ramky Enviro from February, while Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Adyar, Perungudi and Sholinganallur zones are handled by Urbaser SA Sumeet. I went to work on January 11, and was told that Im no longer working there because many Corporation zones have been privatised and permanent corporation workers have to be accommodated. I have been jobless for seven months now, said Palani (name changed), from Anna Nagar zone. Parvez Sultan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: For effective implementation and facilitation of its ambitious land pooling policy, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has proposed amendments to the DDA Act, 1957. The draft for modifications has already been sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for vetting and notification thereafter. DDA vice-chairman Anurag Jain said changes in certain statutory clauses including stamp duty provisions are mandatory, as these are creating hurdles on the ground during implementation. It will require certain statutory provisions to make land pooling policy mandatory, besides stamp duty exemption. Without these two things, implementation on the ground is difficult, Jain said at a webinar held to explain the draft Master Plan of Delhi- 2041 recently. The top DDA official is hopeful that the proposed amendments can be introduced in Parliament for nod during the monsoon session. DDA officials said changes in the Act are needed to give it legal provisions. The stamp duty is another issue as the policy requires the transfer of land twice between the owner and developer. The landowners will form a consortium and pool their land parcels, which will be handed over to the developer entity. After planning, 60 per cent of the land will be returned to the landowners or developed by the consortiums for residential, commercial and public and semi-public use. Housing challenge Incorporated in the MPD-2041, the policy was notified in Oct 2018 which covered over 90 urbanised villages. Under the policy, DDA aims to meet housing needs with construction of nearly 17 lakh dwelling units in rural areas in next 20 years By PTI NEW DELHI: A 'Graded Response Action Plan' prepared to deal with a possible third wave of coronavirus was passed in the DDMA meeting on Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said. A Delhi government panel on managing the possible third wave of COVID has devised a colour-coded mechanism which prescribes a graded response, including the closure of most economic activities at the highest 'Red' level alert. "The 'Graded Response Action Plan' was passed in the DDMA meeting today. No doubts will remain about when the lockdown will be imposed or when it will open. In the meeting, there was also discussion about the Delta plus variant. We have to stop this variant from spreading in Delhi, for which the government is taking all necessary steps," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. The colour codes based on positivity rate (on two consecutive days), cumulative number of new cases (over a week) and average oxygenated-bed occupancy (for a week) will designate four levels of alerts. The graded response will involve restricting economic activities as per the level of alert linked with the severity of the pandemic. Shops and establishments of essential goods and services will be allowed to open during all the four levels of alerts. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A group of 24 Myanmar nationals with serious ailments and awaiting organ transplant and specialised medical treatment for over six months due to the pandemic have been brought from the neighbouring country to Delhi for treatment at a leading private facility here. Their health condition ranges from chronic liver or kidney disease to hepatitis B virus infection, doctors at the hospital said. They were flown to Delhi on July 2 in a special chartered flight after the lockdown restrictions were eased for international travel, a spokesperson of Apollo Hospitals here said. Many patients from abroad visit the city for medical advice and treatment but the second wave of the Covid had put a halt on their travel, prolonging their suffering. The spokesperson said the 24 patients from Myanmar are currently kept in a 12-day quarantine, after which their condition will be assessed for transplant procedures, some may not need it and would require just specialised medical care. The patients were suffering from chronic liver, kidney and cardio-vascular diseases and had been waiting for organ transplant and specialised medical treatment for over six months, said Dr Anupam Sibal, group medical director, Apollo Hospitals. One of the patients is a 48-year-old man who had been suffering with hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a progressive and irreversible condition. The man had been waiting for treatment for over six months and hence his condition had progressed into induced liver cancer, said Dr Neerav Goyal, senior consultant, liver transplant, at the hospital. He was brought to Delhi in a specialised charter flight, along with 23 other such patients for organ transplant, he added. Siddhanta Mishra By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi Assemblys Peace and Harmony Committee has the power to compel attendance by initiating privileges against Facebook officials, according to the Supreme Court judgment on Thursday. Members and non-Members (like the petitioners) can equally be directed to appear before the Committee and depose on oath, said the top court in its order while dismissing the plea of Facebook VP Ajit Mohan against issuance of summon by the panel of the assembly in connection with last years riots in Delhi. However, clarifying on the jurisdiction of the Committee, the Supreme Court added that the Assembly admittedly does not have any power to legislate on aspects of law and order and police. It held that the Committee cannot encroach into any aspects related to public order and police and the Facebook officials will have the right to not answer questions on these issues. The SC said that the committee cannot have a misconception that it is some kind of a prosecuting agency which can embark on the path of holding people guilty and direct the filing of supplementary chargesheet against them. It stated that it was in the larger context the concept of peace and harmony goes much beyond law and order, more so in view of on the-ground governance being in the hands of the Delhi government. No need to answer The Supreme Court said that any representative of Facebook appearing before the Committee would be well within their right to refuse to answer the query providing some relief to the social media company. By PTI NEW DELHI: Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta on Friday said that if the "severe water crisis" in the national capital was not resolved in the next 48 hours, the state party unit would cut off water supply to Delhi Jal Board Chairman Satyendar Jain's house. Speaking during a press conference here, Gupta alleged that tanker mafia was "ruling the roost" under the Arvind Kejriwal government. He alleged that the AAP came to power in Delhi promising to eliminate tanker mafia active under the then Congress government but now the same mafia is ruling the roost under the Kejriwal government. He added that the Kejriwal government and his ministers will only realise how it feels to be without water when a minister's water supply is cut off. Gupta also claimed that the Jal Board, which was running at a profit of Rs 800 crore, is now "in the red and in fact, on the verge of bankruptcy". "Lakhs of people in over 100 localities are not getting water and many of them are forced to buy it. In such a situation the BJP cannot remain a silent spectator and its workers will agitate in every nook and corner of the city to protest against the city government," the BJP leader said. On Thursday, Delhi BJP leaders and workers staged protests against the AAP government at different places across the city over the alleged water crisis. At the main protest venue near the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) headquarters at Jhandewalan, partymen led by Gupta staged a sit-in alleging lack of water supply in some areas of the city. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The 1,640 outsourced nursing staff, who were unceremoniously terminated from 10 different government hospitals on July 6, 2021, have not been paid their salaries for the last two or three months. The nurses said that though such delays were common, the fact that they still havent been paid after their termination was an unabashed display of inhumanity towards Covid-19 warriors. We are unable to take care of our families after the abrupt termination of our services without a notice period. On top of that, we havent received our salaries. The Gandhi Hospital staff havent got it since June, whereas those of Osmania, Niloufer and a few other hospitals in the districts havent been paid since April, said E Ajay, a nurse who worked at Gandhi Hospital. A majority of the nurses were paid a paltry sum of just Rs 25,000. ALSO READ: Terminated nurses protest outside Telangana CM's camp office, agitation to intensify To highlight their concerns, the fired nursing staff headed for the SHRC on Thursday, July 8, 2021, where they were met with hostility from the police force. Reportedly, after negotiations, the police allowed five nurses to meet the SHRC officials and submit a petition. The SHRC then sought a report from the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad on the matter and recommended that the staff approach the High Court. We are running pillar to post to get our rightful returns. It has become quite difficult. We intend to intensify our strike demanding our two months salary, said Madhulatha M, a nurse who worked at Koti Maternity Hospital. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Police launched a crackdown at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad on Friday against nurses protesting after being terminated from their jobs. The nurses had gone there to meet Congress leaders and garner their support for the cause. After a brief interaction, the nurses along with Mahila Congress activists took to the road to lodge their protest. "We were walking peacefully raising slogans when suddenly a large group of policemen began rounding us up and using barricades to block our movement. Many of us ran away but a few nurses got injured in the altercation and were shifted in cars to a nearby hospital," said Ajay E, a male nurse who was present there. Earlier, in the morning the nurses had gone to OU to lodge their protest and were allegedly met with similar brutal force and lathi-charged. The nurses were eventually taken into police custody and shifted to Narayanguda police station. The protest began two days ago after 1640 government nurses were abruptly terminated from the jobs which they had got on an outsourcing basis in March 2020. The government in lieu of these outsourced nurses got in permanent staff. However, the terminated nurses have been demanding reinstatement to their jobs for having served during two waves of COVID-19. The nurses are also protesting as they haven't received salaries for three months. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Cyberabad police arrested a couple, Chinthalapally Raju and Chinthalapally Lathasri, who worked as caretakers at the state-run TIMS hospital on charges of looting valuables from COVID-19 patients. Police detected seven cases and recovered stolen property worth Rs 10 lakh from the couple. Among the seven cases, gold ornaments were stolen from the bodies of patients who had died in three cases and from patients in a semi-unconscious state during their stay in the hospital in four other cases. Based on credible information, police caught them while they were attempting to dispose of the stolen property and on further inquiry, they admitted to the offences. After committing the thefts, they mortgaged and sold some of the ornaments with finance companies and the remaining gold was mortgaged with Ashok of Jagdamba Jewellers at Jagadgirigutta, said DCP Madhapur M Venkateshwarlu. Raju, hailing from Mahabubnagar district, got separated from his first wife and moved to Hyderabad. While working as a car driver, he met Lathasri in 2017 and later married her. Since then, they have been living at Kukatpally along with her children. Lathasri had been working as a caretaker in TIMS Hospital on an outsourcing basis for six months. Meanwhile, during the lockdown period, Raju was transporting some hospital staff residing at Jeedimetla. Later, he also joined as a caretaker at TIMS on an outsourcing basis. While at work, they noticed gold ornaments on patients and also on the bodies of those who had died. Moreover, they also had knowledge of the patients health condition. Taking advantage of the situation, they made a plan to loot ornaments from them. Lathasri would keep a watch outside the ward and Raju stole ornaments from the patients when they were in a semi-unconscious state. In the same manner, they looted ornaments on bodies too. With more theft cases being reported in the hospital and on suspicion of an insider role, police increased surveillance and caught the couple. They were sent to court for judicial remand. By PTI KOLKATA: Two doctors were transferred from the state-run SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after being found guilty of sexually harassing a female post-doctorate medical student by an internal committee, an official said on Friday. The transfer order was issued by the state Health Department on Thursday following a huge uproar on the IPGME&R campus over the incident that first came to the fore in February 2020, but allegedly no action was taken. The main accused in the case, an assistant professor, was transferred to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, the official said. The head of the Critical Care Unit of the hospital, who allegedly shielded the assistant professor, was sent to the NRS Medical College and Hospital, he said. The woman had lodged a complaint in February last year at the Bhowanipur police station, alleging continued sexual harassment which started when she went to Hyderabad to attend a medical conference along with the assistant professor and the head of the Critical Care Unit, police said. The matter was referred to the hospital authorities, police said. In March this year, an internal committee was formed as per the Vishakha Guidelines and it found the two doctors guilty, a senior doctor at the hospital said. "The committee gave its findings in writing to the survivor but no step was taken against the two doctors," he said. However, protests broke out on the campus on Thursday over the inaction, following which the transfer order was issued. By PTI LOS ANGELES: Netflix's upcoming action feature "Red Notice", starring Hollywood stars Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds, will premiere globally on November 12, 2021. The streamer shared the news of the film's release date in a post on Instagram. "You've been put on notice. The world's number one profiler, art thief, and con, go head to head in 'RED NOTICE' on Netflix globally November 12," the post read. The film comes from writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber, who earlier worked with Johnson on movies like "Central Intelligence" and "Skyscrapper". "Red Notice" features Johnson as the FBI's top profiler, Gadot as the world's most wanted art thief and Reynolds as the greatest conman the world has ever seen. They are all brought together for a daring heist that turns the world on its head. Johnson has produced the movie along with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia through their banner Seven Bucks Productions. Thurber and Beau Flynn for FlynnPictureCo are other producers. "Red Notice" was earlier with Universal after the studio acquired the project as a pitch following a bidding battle, one where Netflix came in second. But after that Universal had second thoughts over the project as they found the movie to be too expensive. Netflix then stepped in and acquired the project from the studio. By PTI NEW DELHI: Much before the critically-acclaimed drama thriller "Take Off" and the experimental "C U Soon", director Mahesh Narayanan and Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil were supposed to work together on "Malik". The success of his 2017 directorial debut "Take Off" gave Narayanan, primarily a prominent editor in South cinema, the confidence to mount "Malik" on a grand scale. "'Malik' is actually the first film Fahadh and I were supposed to collaborate on. We have been friends for a long time. When the initial idea came I bounced it off to Fahadh. It was not exactly the film that we ended up making. As time progresses, the perspective of the filmmaker also changes. "After 'Take Off', I felt I could push in terms of budget and boundaries where I try to explore a film. I tried to make a film which could be experienced in a collective manner," the filmmaker told PTI in an interview over Zoom. ALSO READ | 'Malik' trailer out, Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil says film is "very special" to him After "Take Off", Narayanan said he moved on to another project which did not materialise, and Faasil instantly knew something was wrong with his longtime friend. The writer-director said the actor encouraged him to try making "Malik". "He was the guy who pushed me that I should try (making Malik). He is a friend like that who will constantly keep pushing, saying it should reach out to people and that you should make the film." Produced by Anto Joseph, "Malik" 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. Spanning different time periods, the film is a 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. Narayanan said the upcoming crime drama, which is slated to be released on Amazon Prime Video on July 15, is also the first film he made for geography. Set in a fishing village in Kerala, "Malik" spans through three different time periods that see Faasil's protagonist grow from a young migrant to an old man. The 39-year-old director said like "Take Off", his latest release also focuses on human emotions while respecting the location it is set in. In that way, "Malik" was written for the theatres. But as the coronavirus pandemic hit the country, the variables changed and so did the release strategy for the film. The film was ready from last February, Narayanan said. "We had our first date which was supposed to be in April. After that we had three dates; the last date was May 13, 2021. Again we couldn't deliver the film because of the pandemic." The filmmaker said there is "no regret" about releasing the film on a streaming platform as it has been a long wait for the audience. "Content has to be told in a particular time frame. If we are going to push the release again and again, the idea behind the content remains the same but the way it is being narrated keeps on changing. Everyday we change as filmmakers." Ultimately, there's a huge investment that is made for a film, he said. "There are stakes which have to be fulfilled. The investor has to recover the money. If everything gets back to normal, there will be one possibility of showing the film in the exact theatrical experience to the right kind of audience who are expecting it." After establishing himself as an accomplished and successful editor with films like "Traffic", "Viswaroopam", and "Ennu Ninte Moideen", Narayanan ventured into writing and made his debut as a writer with 2015 Malayalam film "Mili", which was received well upon its release. The director said after editing 40 odd films, he realised that it was high time he worked on his own film and narrated the story he wanted to share. "The biggest advantage for me as an editor was the transformation of me becoming a writer. A screenplay is a craft, it's not an organic form of writing. While writing, I also found that I write from the editor's point of view. Since I choose from the edit, a film like 'Malik' has very minimal deleted scenes. So the process also becomes quite economic," he added. But there are also disadvantages of being a director, who is also an editor and a writer, Narayanan noted. "I don't give that much freedom to the actors. There are also times when I have no patience. Actors often criticise me. Sometimes I say you can do all of it (acting) but I'll eventually only take a portion of it. I'm very clear about it. But nowadays I'm trying to be more patient." "Malik" also stars Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George, Vinay Fort, Dileesh Pothan, Jalaja, Salim Kumar, Indrans, Sanal Aman, Dinesh Prabhakar, Divya Prabha and Parvathy Krishna. Nikita Sharma By Express News Service As soon as Himachal opened its borders, a few people started coming in to visit. But when the government announced that no RTPCR test or E-Pass was required any longer, so many people just packed their bags and ran towards the hill state. But at Meenabagh, RT-PCR test is mandatory, because this property is around a residential area, notes Sanjay Austa, Owner, Meenabagh Homes, with a property in Shimla and Ratnari. As the summers are getting harsher in Delhi, Punjab and other adjoining Northern states, coupled with the newfound freedom from the second wave and resultant lockdowns has led to the trend of revenge travel. It is why many have been flocking to the hills, and even flouting important Covid- 19 norms. As evident from a recent video that went viral of a beggar kid in Dharamshala asking people to wear their masks. However, this herd mentality is ringing in cash registers of homestays and hotels of domestic hotspots. Scenes from homestays Meenabagh in Ratnari May is the season time, but we were under lockdown then. However, now we will be able to make up for the losses, as people are coming in with their kids, the elderly and even pets. We are fully packed till August 15, explains Austa. Apart from home stays, even the hotels in Shimla are fully packed on weekends. Vivek Sharma, Front Office Associate, Sanobar The Grand White Shimla, says, Our 70-room property is fully packed on weekends, and at least 25-30 rooms are occupied on weekdays. Every week, we host 700- 1,000 guests. The condition here is so bad. Sometimes, guests dont get rooms and end up sleeping in their cars! We have had to say no to walk-in guests as all the rooms are occupied. The property started operations on June 15 and RT-PCR is not mandatory for hotel guests. However, online booking is to help hotels and homestays accommodate guests and any of their requirements in advance. Treehouse Properties gets corporate travellers on weekdays and leisure guests over the weekends. Most of our hotels, including Chail Villas near Shimla, except Goa, are getting a lot of families for weekend breaks, and many weddings ceremonies at our various properties. Its a mixed crowd, with honeymooners and leisure travellers in the same properties, Jayant Singh, Founder & MD, Treehouse Hotels. The importance of RT-PCR tests On one hand, the restrictions are equal to nil in Himachal; on the other hand, a negative RTPCR report and E-pass are mandatory to enter the other hill state Uttarakhand. Prashant Pandey, Manager, Imperial heights, Binsar, Uttarakhand, says, Our staff and the local police ensure that social distancing measures are in place and people dont break the laws. The hotel that started its operations from June gets most of its guests from Bareilly and Delhi. Out of our 20 rooms, 12-13 rooms mostly get occupied towards the weekends. Business has started picking up now, says Pandey. Priya Vajpai, who along with her husband, owns and runs Vaikunth Homestay in Natadol, Uttarakhand, has entertained six families ever since tourist entry was allowed into the state, and prefers to run it in a home- l ike envi ronment . Guests are a part of the whole process that we follow here to live. I dont take bookings just like that. Before the guests book, I tell them this space is for solitude, and I filter requests depending upon what they need, says Vajpai, adding she makes it a point to get the RTPCR report and vaccination certificates from the guests in advance for their safety. We get the Covid tests and all the paperwork done in advance, so guests dont have to wear masks. Even if the government lifts the test requirement, I will continue to ask for it. Guests preferring longer stays, head to serviced apartments, like the ones run by The Manor in Naldehra, but have to abide by the Covid protocol. Jatin Bansal, Resident Manager, The Manor, informs, Ours is a township comprising 75 apartments. Of these, we operate/ rent seven on our own and the rest are owned by people. Most of the tourists coming in are from Gurugram and Delhi. As this is a township, we have a clinic with doctors and nurses available on call. We have antigen test kits, so doing an RTPCR test beforehand is not necessary. If anyone gets a fever, we immediately test and isolate them. But, you cannot roam without masks and have to follow social distancing norms. We mainly entertain families, so people who wish to stay and work from here need to get a reference letter from their office. Guests at Meenabagh are not required to wear masks as the property is already isolated and they dont have to go anywhere outside. But in Shimla, you can see people roaming around without masks. I feel the government shouldnt have relaxed the RTPCR norm. That would have had only responsible tourists enter the state, says Austa. By PTI ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh's COVID-19 tally rose to 38,682 as 399 more people tested positive for the infection, a senior health official said here on Friday. The COVID-19 death toll in the frontier state increased to 185 with one more person succumbing to the disease in the past two days, he said. A 52-year-old woman from the Capital Complex Region died at her home in Lower Subansiri district on Wednesday due to acute respiratory distress syndrome with Covid Pneumonia, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said. The Capital Complex Region remained at the top of the list in terms of fresh cases with 109, followed by East Siang (42), Changlang (29), West Kameng (28), Upper Subansiri (27), Lohit (24), Longding (19), Papumpare (17), Namsai and Lower Subansiri with 13 cases each. New cases were also recorded from Kamle, West Siang, Shi-Yomi, East Kameng, Tawang, Siang, Lower Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Leparada, Anjaw, Upper Siang, Kurung Kumey and one in Tirap district, the official said. Of the 399 new cases, 378 were detected through rapid antigen test 8 through RT-PCR and 13 by TrueNat method, the SSO said, adding that 172 people were found symptomatic. Arunachal Pradesh now has 3,460 active COVID-19 cases, he said. The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the northeastern state rose to 35,037 as 301 more patients were cured of the disease on Thursday, Jampa said. The COVID-19 recovery rate in the state now is 90.58 per cent while the active percentage stands at 8.94 and the positivity rate at 7.12 per cent, the official said. The Capital Complex Region - comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas - has the highest number of active cases at 776, followed by West Kameng (287), East Siang (271), Upper Subansiri (224), Lohit (218), Papumpare (207) and Tawang (206) . Altogether, 8,06,388 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the state so far, including 5,599 on Thursday, Jampa said. Meanwhile, State Immunisation Officer, Dr Dimong Padung said that a total of 6,86,047 people have been administered COVID-19 vaccine doses so far in the state since the inoculation drive began in January this year. By PTI NEW DELHI: The border dispute dialogue here between Assam and Mizoram remained inconclusive on Friday with the latter seeking more time for consultations on a former's proposal of maintaining the status quo of the 2020 position, officials said. Assam's Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164 km long border with Mizoram's three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit. Following a territorial dispute, there were clashes along the inter-state border in August 2020 and February this year. At the day-long chief secretary level meeting held at Gujarat Bhavan here, the Assam government delegation proposed the maintenance of the status quo of pre-clash position and subsequent withdrawal of security forces from the disputed areas, officials said. However, the Mizoram government team sought time for further consultations and refused to sign any agreement, they said. "We have agreed to certain issues but the Mizoram government sought some more time. We hope to reach an agreement in our next meeting," Assam chief secretary Jishnu Baruah told reporters after the talks. The chief secretaries of both the states met to find an amicable solution to the border dispute following clashes in Mizoram's Kolasib district which borders Assam's Hailakandi district. The situation along the Mizoram- Assam border is peaceful now. Both the state forces are still camping at the disputed area on either side of the border. Mizoram was part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987 following the Mizoram Accord between the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Centre, which ended 20 years insurgency in the state. The border dispute between the two neighbouring states is a long-standing issue that persisted for decades. Several round of dialogues involving the Centre held since 1995 to resolve the dispute yielded little result. While the Mizoram government claimed that a 509 square-mile stretch of the inner-line reserve forest notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 belongs to it, the Assam side agreed with the constitutional map and boundary drawn by survey of India in 1993. After a massive tussle in 2018, the border row resurfaced in August last year and then in February this year. However, the escalating tensions were successfully defused after a series of parleys with the intervention of the Centre. On June 5, two abandoned houses along the Mizoram-Assam border were burnt down by unidentified persons, fuelling tension along the volatile inter-state border. Nearly a month after this incident, fresh border standoff cropped up last week with both trading charges of encroachment on each other lands. While Mizoram accused Assam of encroaching upon its land and forcibly seizing Aitlang area about 5 km west of Vairengte village, the neighbouring state accused Mizoram of building structures and planting betel nut and banana saplings allegedly 10 kilometers inside Hailakandi district. Two makeshift camps erected by the Mizoram Police on the disputed area were damaged by the Assam Police during a recent confrontation. Officials of Assam's Hailakhandi district administration has said the razing of two camps constructed by Mizos and also a COVID-19 testing centre built by them was part of the efforts to foil Mizoram's bid to capture its land on the border. By PTI AHMEDABAD: With a significant drop in the daily rise in coronavirus cases, the Gujarat government has decided to allow physical classes of Std 12th, colleges and technical institutes from July 15 with 50 per cent attendance. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani took the decision after reviewing the pandemic situation during a meeting of the government's core committee earlier in the day, said an official release. Gujarat registered 56 new coronavirus cases and one death during the day. Physical attendance will not be compulsory for students, but the authorities at schools and colleges will have to obtain parents' consent if students are to be asked to attend in person, it said. Over 6.82 lakh students are enrolled in class 12 across 8,333 higher secondary schools in Gujarat. There are over 11 lakh under-graduate and diploma students enrolled in over 2,000 colleges and technical institutes, the release informed. Chetana Belagere By Express News Service BENGALURU: While the jury is still out on how long antibodies produced after vaccination will remain in the body, several countries are talking of booster doses to beat the highly transmissible, emerging variants of SARS-COV-2, like the Delta variant. However, former head of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) and virologist, Dr Shahid Jameel, told TNIE that there is a need for more studies on this front in India. He said booster doses of the same adenovirus vaccines may not be a good idea and that the country should either try a new combination of vaccines as booster doses, or wait for more studies. According to Dr Jameel, From a virological and immunological point of view, it may not be a good idea to give a booster dose of an adenovirus vaccine. The reason simply is that adenoviruses are very highly immonogenic and our body, after two doses, will have already produced a lot of antibodies against the adenovirus background. Hence, a third booster dose of the same vaccine is not likely to be very effective. Although laboratory studies are yet to be conducted in this regard, Dr Jameel said the third dose of the same adenovirus vaccine is unlikely to do much. Hence, the third dose, if required, has to be a different vaccine. The major vaccines used in India are Covishield and Covaxin, besides the Russian vaccine Sputnik-V, which is on a similar platform as Covishield. Interestingly, in April, Bharat Biotech, the makers of Indias Covaxin, got permission from the Drug Controller General of India to conduct trials for a third shot to be administered as a booster dose. The trial is ongoing with the first result likely to be out in August and the final one expected by November. According to Bharat Biotechs reports, the booster shot might become a yearly thing to keep the immune system at the optimum level. Dr Jameel said the third shot of vaccine could be a combination of either Covaxin, for those who have taken Covishield, or any other mRNA vaccine, or the protein vaccine. Novovax, which is being manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII), has shown excellent results, so that could also be a right choice. He said the government should wait for more scientific studies to be conducted before rushing in to mix and match vaccines, as existing ones have shown to be beneficial even against the new variants of concern. However, some other experts who are closely following the vaccine scenario, say that in the current situation, they see a potential for increasing vaccine-escape virus mutations. The original blueprint of current vaccines has been using the D614G (mutant strain) and new variants could potentially overcome this in the coming months. Many companies have already been working towards a modified vaccine or a new one, too. This seems more of a possibility than a booster, said Dr Vishal Rao, Regional Director, Head Neck Surgical Oncology and Associate Dean, Centre of Academics and Research HCG Cancer Centre, who is also a member of the Covid-19 Genomic Surveillance Committee. Sumi Sukanya Dutta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday expressed concern at the marginal rise in Covid cases in Maharashtra and Kerala over the last few days, and said that 53% of the total coronavirus cases being reported in India at present are from these two states alone. In a press briefing on Covid status in the country, authorities on Friday said that while Kerala contributed 32% of the total Covid cases logged by the country last week, Maharashtra's contribution, at 21%, was the second-highest. A few days over the last week, this has also led to marginal growth in active Covid cases in India though a clear pattern has not been set yet. "This is a matter of concern, said Lav Agarwal, a joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry. The data presented by the officials in the briefing showed that Maharashtra reported over 8,700 new cases on July 3 which declined steadily to over 6,700 on July 6. However, since then, the number of daily cases have been higher than those on July 6. On the other hand, Kerala saw more than 12,800 infections on July 2 which fell to nearly 8,300 on July 6 but over the last few days, the number of new cases has been rising again. We are coordinating with the two state governments. Our effort is to contain the spread of the infection through intensive containment measures, said Agarwal. ALSO READ | COVID cases went up due to unlock, numbers expected to go down: Kerala minister Veena George The figures also showed that Kerala recorded 13,772 Covid cases while the corresponding number for Maharashtra was 9,114, and thus put together, the two states contributed 22,886 or 52.74% of the 43,393 cases reported from across the country in the last 24 hours. Over the last couple of weeks, the authorities have also been stressing that the second wave in India is still not over with many districts reporting a high Covid test positivity rate. Last week, for instance, there were 66 districts in India -- the highest 10 in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by 9 in Rajasthan with a test positivity rate of over 10%. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the augmentation and availability of medical oxygen across India and authorities said 1,500 PSA oxygen plants are being set up in government hospitals. The plants are coming up as preparatory measures of the third Covid19 wave as the second wave had seen an acute crisis of medical oxygen in most states. These PSA Oxygen plants are capable of supporting more than 4 lakh oxygen beds, said a statement by the government. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Yak farmers in the remote Himalayas can now afford a smile, thanks to the National Insurance Company Ltd (NICL). These highlanders living in the harshest of climatic conditions used to incur regular losses due to deaths of the animal. For the first time, the NICL has decided to insure the highly valuable Himalayan cattle. India has around 58,000 yaks, found on the heights of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. This bovine species is susceptible to inclement weather conditions due to climate change, diseases, attacks by wild animals, etc. In 2019 alone, 500 yaks had died in Sikkim due to heavy snowfall. The insurance policy will now shield the yak farmers against the risks. Arunachals West Kameng district-based National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) has been instrumental in securing the insurance policy. Its Director Dr Mihir Sarkar played a big role in it. After I joined the institute as the director in January this year, I had approached the NICL and managed to convince it on the need to get the yaks insured. It approved the policy, Sarkar, who served at the NRCY for 12 years as a scientist earlier, told this newspaper on Friday. He said nobody had approached the NICL for the yaks insurance in the past. Due to the relentless efforts of ICAR-NRCY, the insurance policy for yaks was approved. It will be a big boon for the yak owners throughout the country. The policy will shield them against a number of risks posed by weather calamities, diseases, in-transit mishaps, surgical operation, strike or riots and permanent total disability for breeding or stud yaks, Dr Sarkar said. He said the benefit of subsidy under the policy is restricted to five animals per beneficiary per household. However, a beneficiary may insure more than five animals by paying the full premium without availing of the benefit of the subsidy. He believed the insurance cover will also go a long way in yak conservation and sustainable yak husbandry. The animal is a lifeline for pastoral nomads living in the higher reaches of the Himalayas where other bovines will not survive or at least, not without difficulty. Yaks play a multi-dimensional socio-cultural-economic role for the pastoral nomadic communities to earn a livelihood. By PTI KOCHI: Indian Navy on Friday prohibited flying of non-conventional aerial objects like drones and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) within 3 kms of Naval Base, Naval Units and Naval assets. "Any non-conventional aerial object, including RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) found violating this prohibition, will be destroyed or confiscated without any liability, and additionally actions may be initiated under sections 121, 121A, 287, 336, 337 and 338 of Indian Penal Code against the operator," a Defence statement said here. The Navy's decision came in view of a drone attack on an Indian Air Force base in Jammu last month injuring two personnel. The government authorities said the use of a drone to carry out a terrorist attack marked the beginning of a new security threat for the country. By PTI NEW DELHI: Terror groups providing funds to jailed, slain terrorists' kin work as motivational reassurance to its prospective cadres, said a Delhi court which on Friday ordered framing of charges against four alleged members of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) after "prima facie" finding that they received funds from Pakistan for carrying out terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Special Judge Parveen Singh noted that in the case, also involving HM commander Syed Salahuddin, the terror outfit had created a frontal organization in the name of JKART (Jammu Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust) and the purpose of the trust was to fund terrorist activities and mainly to provide funds for the terrorists and their families. The judge said every terrorist organization needs funds to continue its activities, "to provide salary/stipend/incentives to its cadres, for procurement of arms and ammunition and further, for taking care of incarcerated terrorists and the families of the terrorists who have been slain by the security forces." "The last part, though does not directly seem to be a funding to the terrorist activities, but is in fact an integral part of terrorist activities." "I say so because, it is human tendency to take care of one's family and that tendency can become a de-motivating factor to some of the terrorists if they know, that after their capture or death, their family would be left in penury," the judge said. He, however, said if a terrorist organization continues to provide for the families of its members who have been killed or captured, it is a huge motivational reassurance to its prospective cadres and cadres in strength to continue to operate for that organization. "Therefore, provision of funds to jailed cadres and their families and the families of slain terrorists is funding of terrorist activities," he said while ordering framing of charges against Mohd Shafi Shah, Talib Lali, Muzzafar Ahmad Dar and Mushtaq Ahmad Lone for "prima facie" entering into a larger conspiracy (section 120-B of IPC) of waging war against India (Section 121-A of IPC). They were also charged for the offence of raising funds and distributing it for terrorist acts (section 17 and 40 of UAPA), being a member of proscribed terrorist organization (section 20 of UAPA) and other offences. The court said that "the fact that JKART is a frontal organization of HM is established prima facie by the testimonies of protected witnesses. The witnesses have further stated that overall control i.e.administrative and operational control (of JKART) is with Syed Salahuddin. "The objectives were to raise funds in the garb of relief for 'affectees' of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. Though, it is an irony that these 'affectees' were either terrorists or their family members. "The witnesses have further stated that these funds were raised by different individuals, organizations and countries including ISI of Pakistan," the court observed. It noted that the funds that were raised were utilized for terrorist activities of HM. "The funds were also used for injured, arrested terrorists and for families of killed terrorists. These funds were also used for incurring expenditure on general establishment, procurement of arms and ammunition, ration, clothing, training camps etc.," the court noted. It said that a larger conspiracy to wage war against government of India and to commit terrorist activities and funding of those terrorist activities was prima facie established by evidence. The court observed that HM was a proscribed terrorist organization which has been waging war against Indian State for a very-very long time. "Sheltered, armed, trained and funded in our neighbourhood, it has left a long trail of blood and deaths in the State of J&K," the judge said. While ordering the framing of charges, the court noted that the accused Mohd Shafi Shah was then terrorist commander of HM and used to receive money from HM and JKART and used to distribute them to the terrorist cadres as their stipend, for funding of arms and shelter etc. and to the families of the terrorists who had been killed. He used to receive money from Pakistan and distribute monthly remunerations to active terrorists of North Kashmir, the court noted. The court said there is sufficient evidence which raises grave suspicion against accused persons. The court noted that "prima facie" accused Talib Lali had been raising, collecting and distributing funds for terrorist acts and terrorist organization HM. The court noted that there was a direct witness who has stated that this accused had recruited him for HM and then trained in the forests of Bazipora, J&K. Regarding accused Muzzafar Ahmad Dar, the court noted that he has been a high ranking operative of HM and is continuing its activities as its member is prima facie established by documents and oral evidence and thus, "there is evidence raising grave suspicion against this accused of being a part of the larger conspiracy of waging war against Government of India and conspiring to commit terrorist activities." The court said there are testimonies of witnesses who have collected money directly from Lone and who were provided list of family members of terrorists to whom these amounts were to be distributed. By PTI SRINAGAR: Security forces on Friday arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)militant from Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, a police spokesperson said. On specific input regarding movement of terrorists in Hajin town, a joint check point was established by police, army and the CRPF in Gundjahangeer area of Hajin, the spokesperson said. During checking, one person behaving in a very suspicious manner was apprehended. "He has been identified as Muzammil Sheikh alias Abu Maviya, a resident of Chandergeer, Hajin. During his personal search, incriminating material, arms and ammunition including one Chinese pistol along with live rounds, were recovered from his possession," the spokesperson said. The arrested person had joined the proscribed LeT recently and was tasked with carrying out subversive activities in and around Hajin town, he added. By PTI NEW DELHI: A New Zealand national has accused the Indian government of denying him entry without specifying any reasons leading to his "separation" from his Indian wife, a charge the Home Ministry rejected saying he was barred due to violation of visa conditions. Karl Edward Rice, who claims to be a content creator, appealed to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and also approached the Delhi High Court for the withdrawal of the Indian government's decision to "blacklist" him. He also launched an online petition to gather public opinion in his support. "Dear @jacindaardern, the Govt. of India has blocked me from entering India separating me from my wife & family in Delhi. They blacklisted me without telling me, giving reasons, or letting me reply. Please watch my struggle https://t.co/dq0Z98SCFw @NZinIndia," he tweeted from a handle @iamkarlrock along with a video of his life story. He claimed that his wife Manisha Malik hails from Haryana and they married in 2019. He also claimed that he was COVID-19 positive last year and after his recovery he donated plasma twice in Delhi to help people recover from the virus. When contacted, Union Home Ministry officials said the New Zealand national has been restricted from entering India till the next year for violating terms and conditions of his visa. He was found to be doing business activities on a tourist visa and also violating other visa conditions, they said without specifying. In the video, Rice claimed that about eight months ago, when he was about to leave for Dubai and Pakistan, he was told at the airport that his Indian visa has been cancelled. Since then he has approached MHA officials and Indian High Commission officials in New Zealand seeking reasons for the visa ban. However, he said, he has not received any reply from anyone so far. Rice said that he has approached the Delhi High Court seeking remedies and reversal of the government decision of banning his entry. He said that he has visited every Indian state and Union Territory -- from Mizoram to Lakshadweep -- and that India is his "passion". "It is very difficult for me to be away from my family," he said in the video and appealed people to sign the attached online petition in his support. Describing the Indian government "very, very tough", the New Zealander said it was "very wrong" of India to "exile" him from his family. He said he had undergone "separation trauma" and "panic attack" in the past and was very unhappy with his life. He also said he would fight back the government's decision and hoped to visit India again. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service PATNA: More than 24 hours have passed since JD-U national president RCP Singh was inducted into the Central Cabinet, but the usual congratulatory message from party leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not come. Kumar, who is active on Twitter, did not make any congratulatory comment. It has caught Patnas political circle by surprise. Boss (Nitish Kumar) is silent and that is beyond our comprehension. If something goes against his will, he turns silent and avoids discussions, a senior JD-U leader said. Sources felt JD-U getting just one berth and others including his close confidante Rajiv Ranjan Singh missing out might have irked Kumar and that is why he is silent. In fact, RCP Singh had been authorised by the party to take a call on joining the Union Cabinet. However, JD-U getting just one minister despite having 16 MPs is causing unease. What is the difference between LJP led by Pashupati Kumar Paras and our party led by Nitish Kumar? We should have got at least two Cabinet and one State Minister berths, said a leader. After becoming a Cabinet minister, RCP Singh has received a host of messages but not a single tweet from Nitish Kumar. It shows that he is not happy with the decision of accepting only one cabinet berth, another JD-U leader said. Kumar expressed grief at the demise of former Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh. But even as JD-U state president Umesh Kushwaha and other party leaders congratulated RCP Singh, the CM was quiet on this. Question is bound to arise whether Kumar is not happy with RCP Singh becoming a minister? He is active on Twitter and other social media platforms than he was in the past. But what does this silence show? was the common thought of JD-U leaders. Sumi Sukanya Dutta By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The earlier decided date of August 1 for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is likely to be changed even though the National Testing Agency is yet to finalise the date for the crucial competitive examination this year, The New Indian Express has gathered. The examination could be held in September, provided the COVID-19 situation in India remains conducive, sources in the NTA under the Union education ministry said but added that a final decision will be taken after thorough discussions with the top echelons in the government. The matter, said officials, will also be discussed with the newly inducted education and health ministers, Dharmendra Pradhan and Mansukh Mandwiya, in the coming days. As of now, we are consulting all the stakeholders involved, including the National Medical commission, said a senior NTA official, adding that sufficient time will be given to students for registering and preparing for the test. We understand that there is a lot of anxiety and concern among students as the registrations for the examinations are yet to begin but we need to strike a balance between the safety of candidates and academic calendars of medical colleges, he added. Meanwhile, in a message issued on Friday to deny a fake examination related notification going round on various social media platforms, the agency stressed that it is still in consultation with the concerned stakeholders for finalising a suitable date for the conduct of the examination. Many students have taken to social media to demand the postponement of the medical entrance exam till October. Last year, this examination was held on September 13, in the middle of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic despite widespread protests to defer it, while the results were declared a month later. This year, the hopes for this examination being held soon have risen especially as the government earlier this week announced fresh dates for two pending sessions of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main). The April and May sessions of the examination have now been planned between July 20 and August 2 with a short break in between. Authorities however also pointed out that as JEE(Main) is a computer-based test and is held over several days, it is easier to manage crowds at examination centres in comparison to NEET which is a pen and paper mode test and will see over 12 lakh students taking the test across India on the same day. By PTI GUWAHATI: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Friday alleged that the surge in encounters in Assam was a ploy to "silence" lower-rung criminals to protect their bosses running illegal syndicates, including politicians and top police officers. The chief minister's sanction to make encounters the "pattern" in handling fleeing criminals, whose numbers have suddenly spiked, has led to doubts on the actual motives of these incidents, the party further alleged. Addressing a press conference here, AJP general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan questioned, "Under the guise of fighting crime, are people being 'silenced' and terror created in their minds to protect the top criminals?" More than a dozen suspected militants and criminals have been shot dead in the state since May as they reportedly tried to escape from custody, while several others, including rape accused, and suspected cattle smugglers, have been injured, the AJP leader claimed. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, at a meeting on July 5 with Officers In-Charge of police stations across the state, had said that shooting at criminals "should be the pattern" if they attempt to escape from custody or try to snatch arms from on-duty personnel and fire at them. Bhuyan further alleged that criminal rackets and syndicates in the state have been running for several years in connivance with a section of politicians and police officers, and the encounters could be to "protect" those involved in these crimes. Referring to the operations against cattle smuggling, Bhuyan said, the government should institute an inquiry into the alleged Rs 60,000 crore illegal dealings in the syndicate in the last five years. He pointed that the incumbent chief minister has himself claimed that Rs 1,000 crore illegal transactions happen per month in the cattle smuggling syndicate. The BJP had led a coalition government in the state in the last five years and had retained power in this years state polls, with Sarma replacing Sarbananda Sonowal as the chief minister. "How can we be sure that those involved in cattle smuggling will not be killed in an encounter to erase all evidence?" Bhuyan questioned. He also expressed apprehension that with the encounters becoming a "pattern", these could soon be used for vindictive purposes. Pointing out that the ways to deal with a criminal are elaborated under different sections of IPC, CrPC, and Police Manual, the AJP leader alleged that the chief ministers statement of July 5 could lead to a mindset among the police officers in favour of encounters. "If any convict or accused is to die in police firing other than the conditions specified under the law, the police officers have to face charges of culpable homicide," Bhuyan said. The AJP leader also criticised the chief ministers recent statement undermining the power and role of an MLA in a democratic set-up. "The executive, the legislature, and the judiciary are the pillars of democracy. The CMs statement that the officers will not listen to the MLAs but only work at the instruction of the ministers negates the importance of the legislature. The power to hand out death sentence given to the police by the chief minister has also clearly done away with the judiciarys role," he claimed. The AJP leader added that the message that the chief minister is sending that only the executive is important is against our Constitution and the AJP strongly opposes it. By ANI NEW DELHI: Amid war of words between Central government and Twitter, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has joined the micro-blogging site Koo. RSS will now be sharing all its big decisions and required information with people in their own language through Koo. @RSSOrg is the authorised account of the organisation. This comes after Twitter had removed the blue verification badge from the personal accounts of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as well as a number of other leaders from the organisation last month. The list includes prominent Sangh leaders like Gopal Krishna, Arun Kumar, and former leaders Suresh Soni and Suresh B Joshi. However, the blue tick was restored by the Twitter hours after removing it. Twitter also removed the blue badge from the account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. However, it later restored the blue verification tick of Naidu's personal account. The last tweet from the handle was made on July 23, 2020. The blue tick on Twitter handles is to let people know that the social media account is authentic. It said to receive the blue badge, the person's account must be authentic, notable, and active. On June 25, Twitter temporarily suspended former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's and Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor's account citing copyright violations, only to apologise and restore it later. Several BJP leaders on Wednesday took to micro-blogging platform 'Koo' to congratulate the newly-appointed ministers in the new-look cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The list of leaders include Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Former Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. Kanu Sarda By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Stressing the importance of social media, the Supreme Court on Thursday said such platforms have become power centres unto themselves, having the ability to influence vast sections of opinions. Dealing with a plea related to the summons issued to Facebook by the Delhi Assemblys Peace and Harmony Committee in connection with Delhi riots, a bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy commented, Facebook has the power of not simply a hand but a fist, gloved as it may be. They cannot wash their hands of the issue as this is their very business. Their role is not as innocuous as they are seeking to contend, the court said with of Facebooks role in Delhi riots. The observations are significant as social media companies, including Facebook and Twitter, have often argued that they are just intermediaries and cannot be held liable under India laws for misuse/abuse of the platform by the users. 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, the bench said. Highlighting the spread of misinformation on such platforms which has created ripples across the globe, the court elaborated that even election and voting processes, the very foundation of a democratic government, stand threatened by social media manipulation. The concern is whether the liberal debate which these platforms profess to encourage has itself become a casualty. The bench held that for intermediaries to say they can sidestep this criticism is a fallacy, as they are at the centre of these debates. It has to be noted 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. In this modern technological age, it would be too simplistic for an intermediary like Facebook to contend they are merely a platform for exchange of ideas without performing any significant role themselves, especially given their functioning and business model, the court said. The bench observed governments have expressed concern for necessity of greater accountability by these intermediaries which have become big business corporations with influence across borders. It said algorithms, which are sequences of instructions, have human interventions to personalise content & influence opinions. By PTI BAHRAICH (UTTAR PRADESH): A brother-in-law of a block development committee member was killed here as he resisted an alleged attempt to abduct his relative by a BJP candidate's husband and supporters ahead of the polls for the block panchayat head. The incident took place on Thursday night at Dinapurwa village when BJP candidate Sarita Yagyasaini's husband Sudhir Yagyasaini, along with her supporters and a gunner, reached block development committee (BDC) member Yadurai Devi's house. They tried to abduct her to get her vote in the polls scheduled for July 10. BDC members are eligible to vote in the elections. When Yadurai Devi's brother-in-law Mayaram (60) resisted the attempt, he was hit with the butt of a gun and died on the spot, police said. Bahraich SP Sujata Singh said that an FIR has been registered against 10 people, including Sudhir Yagyasaini and the gunner deployed for the security of his wife Sarita. Police have arrested two of the accused--Ram Bhulawan Shukla and Jitendra Kumar -- and teams have been formed to arrest the others involved in the act, she said. The matter has been taken seriously and elaborate security arrangements have been made, the SP said, adding the stringent National Security Act will be invoked against the accused. Samajwadi Party's district president Ramharsh Yadav alleged that police are working as an "agent" of the BJP due to which its members are indulging in such acts. Meanwhile, in Kaushambi district's Sirathu block, a police team raided the residence of an independent candidate, finding 18 BDC members present there. They were taken to the Saini police station and later released after the intervention of BJP MLA Shitla Prasad Patel. When asked, Circle Officer Yogendra Krishan Narain said he had got information that independent candidate Dileep Patel had held 18 BDC members hostage in his house. Acting on it, police reached there and brought all 18 members to the police station, where the BDC members said they willingly went there and were not forced. Later, all of them were set free. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision of inducting former chief minister Narayan Rane in his cabinet is a strong message that the BJP wants to shed its traditional Brahmin-Baniya party image in Maharashtra and plans to foster a strong Maratha leadership. The BJPs chief ministerial pick in the last assembly and current leader in the House, Devendra Fadnavis, is a Brahmin. But after the party lost power, many OBC and other communities started drifting away from it. The negativity against the party has been rising under Fadnavis. Hence, the BJP decided to do expand its vote base beyond Brahmin and Baniya voters. During the time of Gopinath Munde, the BJPs leadership was in the hands of OBC. After the rise of Fadnavis, it has been unable to test any major success despite using all resources. Thats another reason why the party has now decided to strengthen the hands of Rane, a Maratha. BJP sources said from now on, along with Fadnavis he will have a major say in party affairs. Maharashtra has more than 30% Maratha population. The states politics has been always dominated by Maratha leaders such as Yashwantrao Chavan and Sharad Pawar. The BJP also has Maratha leaders like Ashish Shelar and Chandrakant Patil, but they have their limitations. By inducting Rane, the party aims to wean away Maratha votes in upcoming polls, said a senior leader. Apart from Rane, the PM has inducted three new faces from the state: Kapil Patil, Bhagwat Karad and Bharati Pawar. Except for Karad, all three have switched to the BJP from other parties. Patil and Pawar were with the NCP earlier. This is a positive message for outsiders who are in the BJP: that positions are not only given to old and loyal members but also to new entrants provided they are hardworking, aggressively take on the opposition and expand the party base, said a political observer. During the last assembly polls, many Congress and NCP leaders joined BJP and got elected. But BJP could not form a government. These MLAs are unhappy and may consider leaving the party. BJP hopes the message that those who bring benefits to the outfit will be appropriately rewarded will not be lost on such leaders. Long, snaking queues at dawn these days outside Covid mass vaccination centres in Tamil Nadu to collect tokens validate the contention of health minister M Subramanian that the states sluggish inoculation rate has now perked up. As of now, just over 1.72 crore people have been inoculated in a state with an estimated 5.8 crore beneficiaries above the age of 18. Of them, 29 lakh have been fully vaccinated while 1.43 crore have taken their first dose. Recent reports of a village in a backward district where all eligible 18-plus beneficiaries not only took their jabs but also honoured the visiting vaccination team indicate the level of awareness and the lack of vaccine hesitancy. One hopes the message will percolate across rural TN and make people receptive to the vaccine, which alone can protect them from the next Covid wave. Since the state started off rather slowly, catching up does take time and needs a steady supply of vaccine doses. But Tamil Nadu has exhausted its stock of vaccines, one reason why MaSu, as the minister is better known, had lined up a meeting with Dr Harsh Vardhan in Delhi for Friday. Now that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dropped Vardhan and made Mansukh Mandaviya the new health minister, the meeting could be rescheduled. An interesting data MaSu recently shared was that Tamil Nadu can no longer be blamed for wasting vaccines; instead, it is actually saving doses. For, vaccinators are now extracting up to 12 doses from a vial instead of just 10. They have thus added 1.4 lakh doses to the basket so far, he claimed. Compare that with the wasting of 3.5-4 lakh doses during his predecessors regime, and the difference is stark. If that saving is indeed possiblea few private hospitals elsewhere in the country have shown it is doableMaSu could share the TN experience with Mandaviya to try it out across India. However, one worrying data point is the gender gap in the drive, as 3% fewer women as compared to men have taken the jabs in Tamil Nadu so far. Though the average national gender gap is 4%, TN could take the initiative to bridge it quickly and set another progressive model worthy of replication. Kerala currently accounts for about one-third of the daily growth in Covid-19 cases in the country and one-fourth of the active caseload. The state has the highest seven-day average TPR among big states and its infection graph is still rising at a time when the rest of the country seems to have overcome the second wave. The Kerala model of Covid management has surely unravelled since the initial pandemic days, when it was hailed as the best. Its sole defence of relatively lower death toll too has fallen since and even its 14,000-odd death figure is under suspicion due to evident signs of undercounting and fudging. On May 12, Kerala reported its highest daily case tally at 43,529 and a record TPR of 29.7%, and on May 17, CM Pinarayi Vijayan cautiously declared the state may have crossed the peak. The fact that even nearly two months later, and despite the 40-day complete lockdown, the state is nowhere close to ending the wave is a clear indication that it may have botched its strategy. Experts have singled out the inconsistency and inadequacy in Keralas testing strategy as a reason for its failure to tame the contagion. It cut back on testing as soon as cases started to reduce after the peak, ignoring the wisdom of sticking to the effective 3T strategy of test, trace and treat. The lockdown too did not have the desired impact because other associated containment measures were not given enough attention. Even its post-unlock strategies like the odd-even rule for buses and restrictions on business hours at banks, shops and liquor outlets are leading to unnecessary crowding. Given the failures, a thorough assessment of Keralas anti-Covid strategy is inevitable. Its also time to evaluate if the expert panel is doing whats required of itreading the situation correctly and delivering timely and appropriate advice. It may be too early, and even unfair, to judge the performance of the new health minister, but the situation demands someone who would take charge of the battle at hand and deliver without losing time. The CM, who has boldly assumed the responsibility of briefing the public on a regular basis, must also show the resolve to enforce a course correction that Kerala desperately needs. Anusha Ravi By Express News Service BENGALURU: In the induction of the four MPs from Karnataka into the Union council of ministers, the BJP has gone beyond the obvious caste and regional representation balance. While the four MPs - A Narayanaswamy, Shobha Karandlaje, Bhagwanth Khuba and Rajeev Chandrashekar - may differ when it comes to caste, region of representation, duration of party membership etc., a common thread is the push for Hindutva and ultranationalism. These two components are set to be the BJPs poll pitch in Karnataka in the next Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. All four ministers are unapologetic ideological hardliners of the BJP and that is the message the party is hoping to get across to its cadres and voters. Hours before she took oath as MoS for Agriculture in the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, Shobha Karandlaje deleted all her tweets. Her Twitter account, which was created in 2010, now has only some 15 tweets. Before the cleansing, Karandlajes handle was filled with provocative tweets, interspersed with photos of her work and engagements. Her tweet from 2017 alleging torture of a Hindu youth, Paresh Mesta, at the hands of jihadis got her national headlines. Her elaborate claims of torture were refuted by forensic experts and the case was eventually transferred to the CBI which is still investigating the matter. In another instance, an FIR was filed against her for communal incitement. In 2020, Bidar MP Bhagwanth Khuba grabbed headlines after he asked the State Government to blacklist a school for staging a play against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Khuba backed the sedition charges against the parents of students in the play and teachers of the school as well as the police interrogation of the minor students. In March that year, a sessions court granted bail to all accused and held that the play was prima facie not seditious. A Narayanaswamy, although never caught making communally charged remarks, is a staunch RSS karyakarta who puts his Hindu identity above his Scheduled Caste identity.Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who shot to prominence in Kerala during the Sabarimala temple row, as a defender of Hindu traditions, is also an ultra-nationalist who has defended the BJPs Hindu appeasement policies as the partys national spokesperson. Senior members of the party suggest that the thinking behind these choices has a lot to do with what the BJP intends to go to the people with, in the next elections - Hindutva, nationalism and development. All of them are ideological strongmen. They have been unabashed about their Hindu identity. It was only in 2008, when JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy refused to hand over power, that Lingayats became a dedicated factor in BJP poll victories, but that also led to the loss of votes from other Hindu communities. Before that, it was always a consolidated Hindu voter base - even when we were winning seats in just double digits. The next election will see a Hindu consolidation again. Our core poll pitches will be Hindutva, nationalism and development, said a senior office-bearer of the party. The move comes at a time the party in Karnataka is desperately attempting to shake off the image that elections can be won only under Chief Minister B S Yediyurappas leadership. By PTI BENGALURU: There are no signs of the ongoing verbal duel between JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy and MP Sumalatha Ambareesh ending, with the latter on Friday accusing the former Chief Minister's party leaders in Mandya of benefiting from illegal mining in the district. She also hit out at Kumaraswamy and his party colleagues for repeatedly bringing in her late husband and popular actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's name to attack her. "Politicians won't do (illegal activities) directly with their name, they do with benamis, but it is an open secret...If you (JDS leaders) are not involved in it, why are you reacting? Looking at your strong reaction, it looks like you are benefiting from the illegal mining," Sumalatha said. Speaking to reporters here, she said barricades were erected at all access roads leading to sites where illegal mining was on in order to stop her from inspecting them, during her recent visit. "I will seek time and meet the Chief Minister and Mines Minister on the illegal mining issue," the independent MP from Mandya added. The verbal spat had begun on July 5 when Kumaraswamy made personal attacks against Sumalatha over the issue of leasing out MySugar factory in Mandya to private industries and illegal mining near KRS dam, which elicited a sharp reaction from the actress-turned politician. Responding to allegations by Srirangapatna JD(S) MLA Ravindra Srikantaiah that illegal mining in Mandya started during late Ambareesh's tenure as MP and legislator from the district,she said it was nothing but loose talk and challenged him to place the evidence and records for the same. Taking strong exception to linking her late husband's name to illegal things, Sumalatha demanded to know why the MLA was silent all this while. "People of Mandya and Ambareesh's fans will respond to it in the days to come." Kumaraswamy, who calls Ambareesh a "friend" in front of everyone, is making his Srirangapatna MLA say such statements, she added. Accusing JD(S) and its leaders of corruption in Mandya at all stages, the MP said they have started targeting her as she was trying to raise her voice against their 'misdeeds' and trying to uncover it. She alleged that her phone too was tapped during the Kumaraswamy regime, which is being investigated by the CBI. During the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign,several JD(S) leaders had indulged in personal attacks against Sumalatha. Nikhil, the son of then Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, was defeated by Sumalatha, an independent candidate, by 1,25,876 votes in the 2019 polls to Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, which had seen a bitterly contested campaign. Rejecting Kumaraswamy's claim that it was he as the CM who ensured memorial and respectful last rites to the late Ambareesh,Sumalatha said "people who don't have the dignity to take Ambareesh's name are talking about him left, right and centre. Don't you have any achievement to speak about?...why are you still taking Ambareesh's name? It has been two years since he died." Noting that it was not Kumaraswamy who ensured a memorial for Ambareesh, she said it is the current Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa who approved it. "When senior actors of the film industry Doddanna and Shivaram had gone to meet him (Kumaraswamy as CM), let him remember his behaviour when he threw the petition at them and the words he used against against Ambareesh. It was in January or February 2019 even before I had decided to contest the Lok Sabha polls," she said, adding that Doddanna had even shed tears. Sumalatha's son Abhishek Ambareesh, their family friend and film producer Rockline Venkatesh and Doddanna also attacked Kumaraswamy for his recent comments against her that she did not want Ambareesh's body to be taken to his bastion of Mandya for the people there to pay their last respects. Ambareesh, known as "Rebel Star, had died of cardiac arrest on November 24, 2018 when Kumaraswamy was the CM of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. His mortal remains were taken to Mandya from Bengaluru by chopper and brought back for last rites to be performed here. By Express News Service MALAPPURAM: The police on Thursday arrested two persons for allegedly ensnaring them in honey trap and cheating an expat from Perinthalmanna of Rs 1.5 lakh in June last year. Yakoob, 32, son of Muhammed Kutty of Parambattil house in Malappuram, and Jishad, 32, son of Kasim of Kezhakkekottaparambu house in Kozhikode, were arrested based on the complaint lodged by the expat with the Karipur police. It is believed a racket is behind the crime. As per the complaint, the expat, who works in a European country, was contacted by one of the gang members posing as a woman. They became familiar and later agreed to meet at a lodge in Karipur. There, the gang photographed the expat with a woman, presumed to be one of its members. They then demanded money in exchange for not releasing his photographs on social media. Such gangs contact expats through social media posing as women. They also use photographs of attractive women as the display pictures of their social media accounts. The two later agree to meet, mostly at a lodge or a hotel. There, the victim meets a woman, who is actually working with the gang. The gang takes their photographs without the victims consent and later demands money to keep the whole thing quiet, said Ashraf, SI, Karipur airport police station. The police said such gangs mainly target expats as they believe the latter will definitely have money. Most victims do not file a complaint fearing shame. The gangs recruit women from other states, including, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Ashraf said. The police said groups involved in the honey trap con in southern states are linked. Earlier, the Karipur police had arrested a Karnataka native in connection with the case. By Express News Service KOCHI: "I never wanted to leave Kerala. But how long can one bear abuses and torture? The biggest thing one needs is peace of mind and I have lost it. I am not leaving Kerala, they are kicking me out, said an emotional Sabu M Jacob, chairman and managing director of the Kitex group of companies, before boarding the private jet sent by the Telangana government for talks to be held in Hyderabad on Friday. Sabu said he tried his best to stay in Kerala but was forced to make the tough decision as the harassment was increasing day by day. My father had a big dream of establishing an industry that provides jobs to tens of thousands. But the dreams have been shattered. Many entrepreneurs have ended their lives in Kerala unable to withstand the harassment. Many were driven out and my plight is the latest on the list. It is time for Kerala to think of a change in the system. We should make the state industry-friendly, he said. ALSO READ: Kitex Group row: Rajeeve says no govt role in raids; tortured like animal, alleges head honcho Sabu Sabu said he will consider shifting the existing units to other states if the harassment continues. Though the expense for building infrastructure will be huge, many states have offered assistance if I decide to migrate, he said. Sabu reminded that around 61 lakh Keralites have migrated to other countries and states in search of jobs as there are no job opportunities in Kerala. There are around 7 lakh Keralites in Tamil Nadu. Years ago Tamilians had migrated to Kerala in search of a job but the situation has changed. If the trend continues, Kerala will turn into a retirement home where only elderly people reside, he said. I am not worried because other states are offering me a red carpet welcome. But it is a situation of grave concern for the unemployed youth in Kerala. The world has changed a lot, but Kerala refuses to change. We are 50 years behind other states, he said. Sabu said while other states were vying with each other to lure him, not a single person in the Kerala government tried to dissuade him. Nine states contacted me and extended all support to implement the project in their state. But the Kerala government never asked why I was winding up the project. The Industries Minister said the project was non-existent. Though the Chief Minister talks about facilitating industries, the change has not reached the lower ranks. I am not a powerful personality and I dont have the skill or courage to fight against a minister, he said. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Friday sought customs duty exemption for the life-saving drug to be imported for the treatment of 18-month-old Muhammed from Kannur who is diagnosed with rare spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the medicine for this rare disease is prohibitively expensive and unaffordable for the family. "The price of the medicine which is Rs. 18 crore is proposed to be mobilised from willing persons and imported from USA. It is learnt that the Union Government had waved taxes in a similar case of a 5-month-old child who was suffering from SMA in Mumbai. I request you to give directions to the Union Finance Ministry to take steps not to levy Customs duty and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) in this case involving import of the life saving drug 'zolgensma' " he said in the letter. Kerala has responded very kind heartedly when Mohammed's 15-year-old elder sister Arfa who is also suffering from the same disease and is wheelchair-bound, informed the world about the plight of her baby brother through a video. One of the largest crowd funding initiatives, the people of the state mainly expats donated Rs 18 crore in record seven days. It is estimated that customs duty and GST toward the import of drug would come around Rs 6.5 crore. The toddler who suffers from rare genetical disorder requires a dose of Zolgensma, one of the most expensive drugs in the world and medical experts have suggested that the child will have to be given the dose of the medicine before he attains the age of two. By Express News Service IDUKKI: The murder of a six-year-old girl in Vandiperiyar allegedly by a DYFI after raping her has taken a political turn with the Congress-led opposition parties deciding to go on the offensive against the CPM-led Left government.The police had on Monday arrested Arjun, 22, a local worker of DYFI, the youth wing of the CPM, for the rape and murder of the girl. The police said Arjun had sexually abused the girl for three years. Speaking after inaugurating a protest rally organised by the Youth Congress in Vandiperiyar on Thursday, Congress MLA Shafi Parambil said CPM and its youth wing are agencies recruiting criminals and alleged that the Communist partys ideology of protecting rapists, murderers and kidnappers and keeping them in its safe cocoon has become an encouragement for the criminals to commit the crimes again.The youth outfits of the opposition parties held protests in various parts of the state alleging that the DYFI affiliation of the accused was the reason behind such fearlessness in committing brutal crimes. If crimes which have taken place in the state in the past one month are taken into account, CPM workers have involvement in several of them. Be it a big or petty crime, the partys assurance (to the criminals) that they will be protected acts as an encouragement for them to commit the crimes again. CPM and DYFI have turned into a haven for criminals nowadays, Shafi said.Arjun was an active member of DYFI in Churakkulam. Even after it has come to light that the culprit had raped the girl, the party has not yet taken any step to dismiss him from the party. This amounts to giving support to cruelty, he said. Shafi demanded that the injustice meted out to Walayar siblings should not repeat in Vandiperiyar. The Congress party will fight till the victim and her family get justice, he said. The Youth Congress has offered financial help and support to the parents of the victim, who are residents of Churakkulam.Youth Congress state vice-president and former MLA K S Sabarinadhan, members Rahul Mankoottathil and K S Arun visited the victims house along with Shafi. Opposition leader V D Satheesan will visit the girls house on Friday. ARJUN IN FIVE-DAY CUSTODY The Thodupuzha Pocso court on Thursday granted police five-day custody of Arjun. Though the police had sought 10-day custody, special judge Nixon M Joseph granted permission only till 5pm on June 13. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the State government to ensure that family members of every person who died due to Covid are issued a certificate attributing the cause to the virus, in addition to the death certificate. The court said that such a certificate can be utilised to claim compensation, if any, announced by the State government. The order was passed on a plea moved by one HA Shrirajalakshmi who sought for the court to direct the authorities concerned to mention Covid as the reason of death in certificates issued by the State government to claim compensation. During Thursdays hearing, the counsel for the Central government informed the bench that the State government has been informed on the recent pending plea at the Supreme Court. They added that it was also brought to the States notice that Covid death be noted specifically in the death certificates of people who died due to the infection. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy directed the State that each person who died has to be provided with a certificate, in addition to the death certificate, informing that the cause of death was Covid-19, so that compensation can be claimed in the future, if announced by the State government. The plea was adjourned to 10 weeks for the State to file a detailed report on the issues raised by the petitioner. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Dr R Mahendran, former vice-president of actor Kamal Haasans party MNM, and Padmapriya, an activist who contested the recent Assembly polls on an MNM ticket, were among those who joined the ruling DMK on Thursday. Mahendran and Padmapriya joined the party in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin. During the event, MK Stalin welcomed Mahendran by presenting a shawl, and the latter handed over the details of the members, from the MNM and other parties, who joined the DMK along with him. Mahendran told reporters he joined the DMK after witnessing the DMK-led governments service in the last two months. To serve in a political party, leadership quality is as important as the policies of the party. If not for Covid, my joining the DMK would have been a big event in Coimbatore, he added. After the MNM debacle in the recent Assembly election, several candidates of the party, including former IAS officer Santhosh Babu, of Velacherry, and M Muruganandam, of Thiruverumbur, in Trichy district, deserted it. Most of them accused Kamal Hassan of inefficiency in handling the election and the one-man army attitude of the actor. Though several people deserted the party, this is the first event in which a large number of MNM functionaries (a total of 78), joined other parties. Mahendran contested as an MNM candidate in Coimbatore parliament constituency in the 2019 parliamentary election and bagged 1,45,082 votes, while he secured 36,855 votes in Singanallur Assembly constituency in the recent Assembly election, where DMK lost the seat for want of a little over 10,000 votes. Padmapriya contested in Maduravoyal Assembly constituency on an MNM ticket and secured 33,401 votes. Veteran journalist and political observer T Koodalarsan told Express, Kamal Haasans biggest challenge would be to reconstruct the party structure since there is already no structure in the rural areas. This is evident from the fact that the party secured nothing in at least 40 per cent of poll booths where they contested in the last Assembly election. Views on BJP alliance personal: CVe Shanmugam Villupuram: After taking part in a meeting with party cadre at Nattarmangalam on Thursday, former minister CVe Shanmugam said, Some newspapers have published comments attributed to me, but were not said by me. Especially, a Tamil daily added words I didnt say. It is not the fault of the newspaper management, its the reporters fault. The reason I gave for AIADMKs defeat is my personal opinion. We can say many things, but decisions will be taken by the party leadership and we will follow that. Same way, BJP leaders opinion is also their personal view. There is no change in my opinion. I strongly condemn the news published that I opposed our party leadership. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced that he would convene a meeting of representatives of all legislature parties in the state to discuss the Mekedatu issue. An official release here said the Tamil Nadu government has been taking all legal steps to prevent the efforts of the Karnataka government to construct a dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu. Already, the Chief Minister during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, explained the Tamil Nadu government's stand on the Mekedatu issue and that the interests of the state's farmers should be protected. Further, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan also called on the Union Jal Shakti Minister and urged him to take appropriate action in the matter. ALSO READ: Yediyurappa firm on Mekedatu, hopes for peace with TN Besides, responding to the letter of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on the issue a few days ago, Stalin clearly said that the Tamil Nadu government would not allow the construction of a dam across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu. He pointed out that the construction of a dam across the Cauvery would affect the interests of the farmers of Tamil Nadu and that such a move would go against the verdict of the Supreme Court. "At this juncture, with a view to echo the feelings of all sections in Tamil Nadu that they stand united on safeguarding the interests of the farmers, a meeting of the representatives of all legislature parties in the state will be held on July 12 at the secretariat," the release added. After receiving the letter from Stalin on the Mekedatu issue, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa directed Water Resources Department officials to go ahead with the project and prepare an action plan for it. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: ON the 73rd birth anniversary of her late father YS Rajasekhara Reddy, YS Sharmila unveiled her political outfit, YSR Telangana Party on Thursday, July 8, 2021, sending out a message loud and clear that she was ready to take on her brother and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to safeguard Telanganas share of Krishna waters. She also made an announcement that she would take out a padayatra across Telangana after 100 days to ingrain among people her partys philosophy of welfare, self-reliance and equality and at the same to expose Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raos government. Sharmila is not new to Telangana, as in 2012, she had taken out a padayatra across the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh when Jagan Mohan Reddy was in jail, following his arrest in disproportionate assets case. Though she did not refer to him by name and kept calling him the Chief Minister of the neighbouring State, Sharmila cast aspersions on Jagan for not sitting with his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao to iron out the dispute in Krishna water sharing. Both of them had met in the past and dined together. But they are not ready to sit together for two minutes and resolve the water sharing issue. Neither leader cares for the interests of his respective State, she said. Sharmila repeatedly referred to the inaction of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao even as the leader of the neighbouring State continued the construction of irrigation projects for the last two years. But I will stand by you and stand up to them to protect the Telanganas share of waters. I will not lose even one drop of water that belongs to us and would not seek one if it belongs to Andhra Pradesh. I want a just share, she said. While speaking on women empowerment, Sharmila said in the next Assembly elections, her party would field women in 50 per cent of the seats. She also vowed to fight for the interests of the BCs and that party tickets would be allotted to the BCs in proportion to their population. When her mother YS Vijayamma, who spoke first, referred to Jagan Mohan Reddy, there was a huge applause from the audience, contrary to the impression that in Telangana, people were against him in the wake of the ongoing water dispute. As she spoke about him and Sharmila and how they were following in the footsteps of their father, the meeting came alive with the crowd cheering lustily and raising slogans in response. Key promises Sharmila said she was ready to take on her brother and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to safeguard Telanganas share of Krishna waters. She announced that she would take out a padayatra across Telangana to expose the failures of the KCR government. She vowed to field women in 50 per cent of the seats in the next Assembly elections. She also promised to fight for the interest of BCs. By PTI ISLAMABAD: There are "clear early signs" of a fourth COVID-19 wave starting in Pakistan due to poor compliance with the standard operating procedures and the spread of the Delta variant, Minister for Planning Asad Umar said on Friday. Umar, who is also the head of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) to combat COVID-19, said field reports were showing a complete disregard for the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and warned that the government would be forced to shut down wedding halls, indoor restaurants and gyms if they ignored the rules. "Two weeks ago, I tweeted that our artificial intelligence models are showing the possible emergence of a fourth wave. Now there are clear early signs of a fourth wave starting," he said in a tweet. He cited poor SOP compliance by the people and the spread of COVID-19 variants, including the Delta variant, first identified in India, as reasons for the fourth wave in Pakistan. The NCOC, the nerve centre of Pakistan's coronavirus response, has previously confirmed the presence of different variants of coronavirus in Pakistan, including the Delta variant, Beta variant that was first detected in South Africa, and the Alpha variant that was discovered in the United Kingdom. ALSO READ: Pakistan expects five lakh fresh Afghan refugees in case of civil war in Afghanistan Meanwhile, Pakistan recorded 1,737 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours which was the highest since 1,923 cases recorded on June 4. Pakistan recorded 663 cases on June 21 which marked the end of the third wave that hit the country in March and peaked on April 17 with 6,127 new cases. Last year Pakistan battled two waves of the pandemic. Umar's tweet came a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan in a video message issued a similar warning about the looming threat of a new wave and urged people to follow the guidelines. Meanwhile, the national tally of confirmed cases reached 969,476 while the death toll touched 22,520, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. By Associated Press DAMASCUS: Hundreds of people attended on Friday the funeral of Ahmed Jibril, the leader of a breakaway Palestinian faction whose group carried out attacks in the 1970s and 1980s against Israeli targets was laid to rest in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Special funeral prayers were held for Jibril whose coffin was wrapped with a Palestinian flag at Damascus Al-Othman Mosque and was later taken for burial in the cemetery of the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk, Syrias largest. Jibril was buried next to his son, Jihad, who was killed in an explosion in 2002 in Beirut, for which the group blamed Israel. Jihad Jibril was head of the PFLP-GC military wing at the time. The funeral was attended by hundreds of Palestinian and Syrian supporters as well as officials of Jibrils Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and other Damascus-based Palestinian factions. Jibril, 83, died on Wednesday in a Damascus hospital after being sick for months. The son of a Palestinian father and a Syrian mother, Jibril was born in Jaffa in 1938, in what was then British-ruled Palestine. His family later moved to Syria, where he became an officer in the Syrian army and acquired Syrian nationality. Commander Jibril was one of the founders of the contemporary Palestinian revolution and one of the leaders who made the contemporary Palestinian history, said Samir Rifai, the Palestinian Authoritys ambassador to Damascus. Jibril founded the PFLP in the late 1950s but broke away over ideological disputes. In 1968, he founded the pro-Syrian breakaway PFLP-GC, which briefly joined the Palestine Liberation Organization, but left the umbrella group in 1974, amid sharp disagreements with PLO leader Yasser Arafat. Jibril was a vehement opponent of peace talks with Israel. His group became known for some of the more headline-grabbing attacks against Israel, including the hijacking an El Al jetliner in 1968 and machine gunning another at Zurich airport in 1969. In 1970, it planted a time-bomb on a Swissair jet that blew up on a flight from Zurich to Tel Aviv, killing all 47 on aboard. The Damascus-based group also carried out attacks against Israel from its bases in Lebanon. The group is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and other Western countries. During Syrias 10-year conflict, Jibrils group supported Syrian government forces. By PTI MOSCOW: Voicing concern over the spiralling violence in Afghanistan, India said on Friday that the "legitimacy aspect" of who should rule the war-torn country is of importance and should not be ignored as it called for immediate reduction in violence there. "Of course we are concerned at the direction of events in Afghanistan," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while responding to a question during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. His remarks came in the midst of Taliban militants seizing dozens of districts in recent weeks and are now thought to control about a third of the country, ahead of the withdrawal of US and Western troops from Afghanistan by September 11. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. ALSO READ: Taliban claims to control 85 per cent of Afghanistan; President admits to difficulties in handling situation "The point right now we stress is that we must see a reduction in violence. Violence cannot be the solution for the situation in Afghanistan," Jaishankar said. "At the end of the day, who governs Afghanistan has a legitimacy aspect of it. I think that is something which cannot and should not be ignored," said Jaishankar, who is in Russia on a three-day visit. For now more than 30 years, there have been international conferences, there have been groups, there have been formats to discuss how to stabilise and bring about peace in Afghanistan, he said, adding that the reason is because it has proven implications for regional security and regional stability. "If we have to seek peace within Afghanistan and around, it's important for India and Russia to work together to ensure that much of the progress in economic, social terms are maintained. We are committed to an independent, sovereign and democratic Afghanistan," he said. India, a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan, has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. ALSO READ: Warlords, jihadists and Islamic republics - The key players in Afghanistan The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020 after multiple rounds of negotiations to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America's longest war. India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed the peace deal with the Taliban. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains on Washington's 18-year war with Taliban in the country. India has said it was committed to steadfastly supporting Afghanistan during its transition. Its development partnership of USD 3 billion, including more than 550 Community Development Projects covering all 34 provinces, is aimed at making Afghanistan a self-sustaining nation. By AFP KABUL: The Taliban claimed Friday to be in control of 85 percent of Afghanistan, including a key border crossing with Iran, following a sweeping offensive launched as US troops pull out of the war-torn nation. Hours after President Joe Biden issued a staunch defence of the US withdrawal, the Taliban said fighters had seized the border town of Islam Qala -- completing an arc of territory from the Iranian border to the frontier with China. In Moscow, a delegation of Taliban officials said they controlled some 250 of Afghanistan's 398 districts -- a claim impossible to independently verify and disputed by the government. Separately, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP the Islam Qala border crossing was "under our full control", while government officials in Kabul said a fightback was under way. "All Afghan security forces including the border units are present in the area, and efforts are under way to recapture the site," interior ministry spokesman Tareq Arian told AFP. Hours earlier, Biden said the US military mission would end on August 31 -- nearly 20 years after it began -- having "achieved" its goals. But he admitted it was "highly unlikely" Kabul would be able to control the entire country. "The status quo is not an option," Biden said of staying in the country. "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan." ALSO READ: Warlords, jihadists and Islamic republics - The key players in Afghanistan With the Taliban having routed much of northern Afghanistan in recent weeks, the government is holding little more than a constellation of provincial capitals that must be largely reinforced and resupplied by air. The air force was under severe strain even before the Taliban's lightning offensive overwhelmed the government's northern and western positions, putting further pressure on the country's limited aircraft and pilots. Biden said the Afghan people alone should determine their future, but he acknowledged the uncertainty about what that would look like. Asked if a Taliban takeover was inevitable, the president said: "No, it is not." But, he admitted, "the likelihood there is going to be one unified government in Afghanistan controlling the whole country is highly unlikely". The Taliban, for their part, welcomed Biden's statement. "Any day or hour that US and foreign troops leave earlier is a positive step," spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP. Afghan commandos have clashed with the insurgents this week in a provincial capital for the first time, with thousands of people fleeing Qala-i-Naw in northwest Badghis province. ALSO READ | 'Talibanned': From kite-running to breakdancing, Afghan pastimes again under threat President Ashraf Ghani said the government could handle the situation, but admitted difficulties lay ahead. "What we are witnessing is one of the most complicated stages of the transition," he said in a speech in Kabul. "Legitimacy is ours; God is with us." The Taliban have been emboldened by the troop withdrawal and, with peace talks with the government deadlocked, appear to be pressing for a full military victory. Still, on Thursday a member of the negotiating team in Doha insisted the insurgents were seeking a "negotiated settlement". "We do not believe in monopoly of power," spokesman Shaheen told AFP. In Moscow, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the Taliban controlled about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border as a delegation from the insurgents wound up a visit. Some "85 percent of Afghanistan's territory" was under the group's control, said Taliban negotiator Shahabuddin Delawar. This week more than 1,000 Afghan troops fled into Tajikistan in the face of a Taliban onslaught. By Associated Press HAITI: Seventeen suspects have been detained so far in the stunning assassination of Haiti's president, and Haitian authorities say two are believed to hold dual US-Haitian citizenship and Colombia's government says at least six are former members of its army. Leon Charles, chief of Haiti's National Police, said Thursday night that 15 of the detainees were from Colombia. The police chief said eight more suspects were being sought and three others had been killed by police. Charles had earlier said seven were killed. "We are going to bring them to justice," the police chief said, the 17 handcuffed suspects sitting on the floor during a news conference on developments following the brazen killing of President Jovenel Moise at his home before dawn Wednesday. Colombia's government said it had been asked about six of the suspects in Haiti, including two of those killed, and had determined they were retired members of its army. EXPLAINER: Haiti President's assassination spells more chaos for country. What's next? It didn't release their identities. The head of the Colombian national police, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia, said President Ivan Duque had ordered the high command of Colombia's army and police to cooperate in the investigation. "A team was formed with the best investigators...they are going to send dates, flight times, financial information that is already being collected to be sent to Port-au-Prince," Vargas said. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports that Haitian Americans were in custody but could not confirm or comment. The Haitian Americans were identified by Haitian officials as James Solages and Joseph Vincent. Solages, at age 35, is the youngest of the suspects and the oldest is 55, according to a document shared by Haiti's minister of elections, Mathias Pierre. He would not provide further information on those in custody. Solages described himself as a "certified diplomatic agent," an advocate for children and budding politician on a website for a charity he started in 2019 in south Florida to assist people in the Haitian coastal town of Jacmel. On his bio page for the charity, Solages said he previously worked as a bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. Canada's foreign relation department released a statement that did not refer to Solages by name but said one of the men detained for his alleged role in the killing had been briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard at its embassy by a private contractor. He gave no other details. Calls to the charity and Solages' associates at the charity either did not go through or weren't answered. Witnesses said a crowd discovered two of the suspects Thursday hiding in bushes in Port-au-Prince, and some people grabbed the men by their shirts and pants, pushed them and occasionally slapped them. An Associated Press journalist saw officers put the pair in the back of a pickup and drive away as the crowd ran after them to a nearby police station. ALSO READ | Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise draws condemnation, calls for calm "They killed the president! Give them to us! We're going to burn them," people chanted outside. The crowd later set fire to several abandoned cars riddled with bullet holes that they believed belonged to the suspects. The cars didn't have license plates, and inside one was an empty box of bullets and some water. Later, Charles urged people to stay calm and let his officers do their work. He cautioned that authorities needed evidence that was being destroyed, including the burned cars. Officials have given out little information on the killing, other than to say the attack was carried out by "a highly trained and heavily armed group."" Not everyone was buying the government's description of the attack. When Haitian journalist Robenson Geffrard, who writes for a local newspaper and has a radio show, tweeted a report on comments by the police chief, he drew a flood of responses expressing skepticism. Many wondered how the sophisticated attackers described by police could penetrate Moise's home, security detail and panic room and escape unharmed but then be caught without planning a successful getaway. A Haitian judge involved in the investigation said Moise was shot a dozen times and his office and bedroom were ransacked, according to the Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste. It quoted Judge Carl Henry Destin as saying investigators found 5.56 and 7.62 mm cartridges between the gatehouse and inside the house. Moise's daughter, Jomarlie Jovenel, hid in her brother's bedroom during the attack, and a maid and another worker were tied up by the attackers, the judge said. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who assumed leadership of Haiti with the backing of police and the military, asked people to reopen businesses and go back to work as he ordered the reopening of the international airport. Joseph decreed a two-week state of siege after the assassination, which stunned a nation already in crisis from some of the Western Hemisphere's worst poverty, widespread violence and political instability. Haiti had grown increasingly unstable under Moise, who had been ruling by decree for more than a year and faced violent protests as critics accused him of trying to amass more power while the opposition demanded he step down. The U.N. Security Council met privately Thursday to discuss the situation in Haiti, and U.N. special envoy Helen La Lime said afterward that Haitian officials had asked for additional security assistance. Public transportation and street vendors remained scarce Thursday, an unusual sight for the normally bustling streets of Port-au-Prince. Marco Destin was walking to see his family since no buses, known as tap-taps, were available. He was carrying a loaf of bread for them because they had not left their house since the president's killing out of fear for their lives. "Every one at home is sleeping with one eye open and one eye closed," he said. "If the head of state is not protected, I don't have any protection whatsoever." Gunfire rang out intermittently across the city hours after the killing, a grim reminder of the growing power of gangs that displaced more than 14,700 people last month alone as they torched and ransacked homes in a fight over territory. Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia, said gangs were a force to contend with and it isn't certain Haiti's security forces can enforce a state of siege. "It's a really explosive situation," he said. Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities. 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. 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 Chick Vennera, who starred in "The Golden Girls" and the 1978 comedy "Thank God It's Friday," has died at his home in Burbank, CA., a representative for the actor told CNN. He was 74. Vennera, born Francis Vennera in New York, played the recurring role of Enrique on "The Golden Girls," and also voiced characters for "Animaniacs and Batman Beyond." After serving in the Army, Vennera lived in Los Angeles, where he performed in nightclubs and kicked off a prolific television career with roles on the 1978-81 Robert Urich series "Vega$," "T.J. Hooker," "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Night Court." He worked in numerous films, including "Yanks," appearing alongside Richard Gere, and Robert Redford's "Milagro Beanfield War. He played played both a boxer and a reporter named Enrique Mas in "The Golden Girls." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Vennera also founded and taught at Los Angeles' Renegade Theatre and Film Group. He is survived by his daughter, Nicky Vennera, and his wife Suzanne Vennera. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. An incident takes place. Law enforcement investigates. A culprit is identified, apprehended and prosecuted. That's typically how we think of addressing a crime. But as some ransomware victims may now be discovering, that process is much more complicated when the criminal is on another continent and the crime takes place virtually. A spate of ransomware attacks in recent months has compromised critical infrastructure and disrupted daily life across the United States and globally, with one massive attack last week on software vendor Kaseya potentially impacting more than 1,000 companies around the world. Cyber researchers say the attack was carried out by REvil, a group with suspected ties to Russia that also hit meat processing company JBS Foods last month, Apple supplier Quanta Computer in April and electronics maker Acer in March. And it's not just REvil. Hackers with links to Russia are believed to have been behind the high-profile SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline attacks. Moreover, recent ransomware attacks on Microsoft and VPN firm PulseSecure have been linked to hackers in China. Ransomware gangs have extracted payments worth millions of dollars in recent months and REvil is now demanding $70 million for a decryptor tool following its attack on Kaseya. US authorities generally discourage companies from paying ransoms, on the grounds that doing so only emboldens cyber criminals. Bringing them to justice, however, is a more complex process involving a web of local, federal and even international authorities. The process can take years, with no guarantee of a successful outcome. And during that time, the number of ransomware attacks only continues to grow. Tracking them down Prominent hacker groups such as REvil are often quick to take public credit for their attacks, but tracing the actual individuals behind those groups and their whereabouts can be incredibly difficult. Cybersecurity experts recommend that impacted organizations contact local law enforcement and the FBI. Other federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team often get involved early in the process, too. In April, the US Department of Justice launched a ransomware task force after what an agency memo described as the worst year ever for those types of cyberattacks. The goal is to unify efforts across the federal government to pursue and disrupt ransomware attackers. "The hackers' groups are part of organized criminal rings and often operate remotely and in a decentralized fashion," Beenu Arora, cofounder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Cyble, told CNN Business. "These actors often deploy intermediaries to communicate with each other," he added. The private companies that are most often victims of these ransomware attacks can be blindsided about "who actually attacked them" because of the sophisticated nature of the attackers, according to Anup Ghosh, CEO of Fidelis Cybersecurity and a former researcher at the Department of Defense. "Unlike a physical attack where you can do identification, in cyberspace it's very difficult to do attribution with certainty," he said. Cross-border chases If the ransomware attackers are based in a different country, as they often are, that requires US officials to pursue international cooperation and diplomacy that can further slow down and complicate the prosecution process. "The major challenges in bringing international hacker groups to justice are having to conduct foreign operations through additional layers of bureaucracy of our international counterparts," said Bret Fund, head of cybersecurity at the Flatiron School. "This includes less access to on-the-ground resources to investigate, gather intelligence and support the prosecution across borders." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. If that's not enough, some countries also use access to cyber criminals as a diplomatic bargaining chip, according to Bryan Hornung, CEO of cybersecurity firm Xact IT Solutions. "Russia sees cyberattacks... as a way to sow discord and give the US and democracy a black eye," Hornung said, pointing to Russia's stated willingness to extradite criminals only if the United States reciprocates. The code behind REvil's attack was written in such a way that it avoids Russian or related languages, according to a report by cybersecurity firm Trustwave SpiderLabs, which was obtained by NBC News. The firm said this is likely designed to avoid running afoul of local enforcement in the countries they operate in. The Biden administration is stepping up its effort to finalize a government-wide strategy on how to respond to ransomware attacks, with the National Security Council working to coordinate a plan of action in recent days, according to officials and experts involved in the discussions. Another meeting on the subject is expected to take place next week between US and Russian officials, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday. President Joe Biden confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin about the scourge of ransomware attacks during a summit in Geneva last month, a meeting he referenced again over the weekend shortly after the Kaseya attack. "[If] it is either with the knowledge of and/or the consequence of Russia, then I told Putin we will respond," the president said Saturday. Extradition After the attackers or hacker groups are located and prosecuted overseas often with the help of law enforcement agencies such as Interpol and Europol the next challenge is to bring them back to the US justice system. The United States has extradition treaties with more than 100 countries, but there are dozens more, including Russia and China, with which it does not. In those cases, US authorities often wait until the hackers travel to a friendlier country in order to capture and extradite them like they did with Russian hackers Aleksei Burkov (from Israel) in 2019 and Yevgeniy Nikulin (from the Czech Republic) in 2018. (Burkov pleaded guilty to multiple charges against him and was sentenced to nine years in prison last June for operating websites that sold stolen data Nikulin was sentenced to more than seven years in prison a few months later for hacking into companies such as LinkedIn and Dropbox.) Those extraditions can often take years, with US authorities having little control over the process and timeline. Both Burkov and Nikulin, for instance, were sentenced more than five years after their initial crimes were said to have taken place. In Burkov's case, the extradition process alone took nearly four years.] "The United States works with foreign authorities to locate wanted persons and then to request the extradition of the person," the Department of Justice explains on its website. "However, the extradition case is handled by the foreign authorities in the foreign courts. Once the extradition request is submitted to the foreign government, the United States does not control the pace of the proceedings." While there is a greater push to cooperate on cybersecurity issues from the United States as well as other countries, coordinating those responses is turning into a race against time as new ransomware attacks continue to take place by the week, if not by the day. "You can think of this as closer to organized crime, and the kind of task force that you've seen in the past against organized crime," said Ghosh. "It takes a long time to really map these criminal gangs, understand their heads and take them down, and requires cooperation of other countries, so those are longer timelines." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Hunter Biden's artistic debut is sparking ethics concerns for the White House as some critics raise eyebrows over the high-priced pieces and whether they pose a conflict of interest. Sources told CNN the White House was involved in forming an agreement between a SoHo New York Gallery owner, Georges Berges, and Hunter Biden in an effort to address any ethics concerns. The Washington Post was the first to report on the White House's involvement. Hunter Biden's artwork is set to be displayed and sold in September at a private and confidential opening in Los Angeles, followed by an invite-only event in New York, a Georges Berges Gallery spokesperson said. Pieces are priced between $75,000 and $500,000, according to the spokesperson. Two sources familiar with the sales arrangement told CNN that the purchaser of the artwork will be kept anonymous and neither Hunter Biden nor the public will have knowledge of who bid on or purchased the work. If there is any unusual behavior -- such as the offer price being too high or the collector doesn't appear interested in the work -- the gallery is expected to turn down the offer, the sources said. However, there's no clear enforcement mechanism for the standards agreed upon by the gallery and the prospective purchasers of Hunter Biden originals. Some ethics experts like Walter Shaub -- the former head of the Office of Government Ethics from 2013 to 2017 -- have raised concerns about Biden's new venture. Shaub, now a senior ethics fellow at the Project On Government Oversight, said the sale is "really a terrible idea." "They've basically outsourced government ethics to a private art dealer and they're depending on unknown art purchasers to help keep the secret," he said, referencing the sales arrangement. "You know, on one level I have some empathy for the President because he can't control his relatives," Shaub added. "But on another level it just is implausible that this art from an unknown artist would be selling at this price if it didn't have the Biden name attached to it. The cachet that comes with buying this art is getting to say that you own art created by the President's son. And so it really looks like the President's son capitalizing on his father's public service." Shaub also argued that they've "created opportunities for people to try to get preferential treatment without even having to pay the price." Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for the White House, said in a statement that "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." On Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Hunter Biden "has the right" to pursue a new career. "But all interactions regarding the selling of art and the setting of prices will be handled by a professional gallerist adhering to the highest professional standards," she said. "And any offer out of the normal course would be rejected out of hand, and the gallerist will not share information about buyers or prospective buyers, including their identities with Hunter Biden or the administration, which provides quite a level of protection and transparency." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. CNN has reached out to Hunter Biden's attorney for comment on the art sales. On the Georges Berges Gallery website, Hunter Biden's biography does not mention that he is the son of the President. Keeping with the style of other bios on the website, the biography sticks to his art background does not get into the more controversial parts of his past. Among the flashpoints for Hunter Biden is recent years is his past work on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, which played a role in former President Donald Trump's first impeachment. No wrongdoing from that job was ever proven against Hunter Biden. It also does not mention that federal investigators have been actively looking into his business dealings. CNN reported in December that the investigation is examining multiple financial issues, including whether Hunter Biden and his associates violated tax and money laundering laws in business dealings in foreign countries, principally China, according to two people briefed on the probe. Hunter Biden has said he is "absolutely certain" he'll be cleared in that investigation. The biography mentions his art style, refers briefly to his past work as a lawyer and describes him as someone who "now devotes his life to the creative arts." Hunter Biden has been open about his battle with addiction, penning a book published earlier this year which detailed his struggles, and crediting art as a coping mechanism. He told the New York Times last year that painting was "literally" keeping him sane, adding, that it "keeps me away from people and places where I shouldn't be." At the start of his administration, President Joe Biden vowed to avoid even the perception of a conflict of interest after years of accusations against former President Donald Trump that his business and family benefited from his office, including having his daughter and son-in-law hold top White House jobs. "We're going to run this like the Obama-Biden Administration," the President told People Magazine early in his tenure. "No one in our family and extended family is going to be involved in any government undertaking or foreign policy." He added, "And nobody has an office in this place. They always have access to Pop and Nana but nobody (will have an office)." He also issued an executive action establishing new ethics rules for his incoming administration. Before being sworn-in as President and now, months into his administration, the President has been dogged by scrutiny over his family's actions and their appearance of conflicts of interest. The President has faced intense scrutiny for Hunter Biden's business dealings -- an issue that became a lightning rod for the 2020 presidential campaign and sparked impeachment proceedings against then-President Donald Trump. In recent weeks, the administration has also been pressed by ethics experts over the appearance of nepotism among senior-level staff and the hiring of their family members. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. They came from Texas, New York, Oklahoma and all across Illinois to honor Christopher Oberheim on Tuesday. "We want the families to know that they have a ton of support across the country," said police officer Larry Bankston, who made the long trip to Decatur from Dallas. Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Champaign, IL (61820) Today Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon hours. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 63F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. 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." Carlos Cruchaga, PhD, the Reuben Morriss III Professor of Neurology, Professor of Psychiatry and Principal Investigator 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 been 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 targets -; although 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 disease -; but 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." An international collaboration uncovers several genetic markers associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. 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 Genetics 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 pandemic - which has necessitated large shutdowns in much of the world - to 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. If we had a mechanism of treating infection and getting someone out of the hospital, that would radically alter our public health response." Ben Neale, Co-director of the Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT 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. From Finland, 810 patients from the FinnGen study were included. 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." "The success of the project highlights the importance of Finland having invested in FinnGen, so we can make a strong, timely contribution - and having invested in research infrastructures that allowed FIMM to support studies from other countries by performing genotyping and statistical analyses in Helsinki. These investments put us in a position to coordinate this important worldwide effort", Daly continued. 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 is how much faster it goes and how much more we discover when 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." As physicians and health policy experts debate the merits of Aduhelm, the first new drug for Alzheimer's disease approved in 18 years, patients want to know: "Will this medication help me and how much?" Doctors explaining the pros and cons of Aduhelm won't have a definitive answer. "On an individual basis, it will be absolutely impossible to predict," said Dr. Allan Levey, director of the Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Emory University. Cognitive decline varies widely among people who have started experiencing memory and thinking problems or who are in the earliest stage of Alzheimer's the patients in whom Aduhelm was tested, Levey noted. "The nature and rate of progression varies tremendously, and we're not going to know when we treat somebody [with Aduhelm] if their progression will be fast or slow or average we just won't be able to say," Levey explained. Nor will it be possible to specify how much difference this drug would make for a given patient. "To try to tell an individual how much delay in progression they'll experience [if they take Aduhelm] is simply something we cannot do," said Dr. Jason Karlawish, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and co-director of the Penn Memory Center. Uncertainty about the potential benefits of Aduhelm, which received conditional approval from the Food and Drug Administration on June 7, is considerable. One phase 3 drug trial found that a high dose taken over the course of 18 months slowed cognitive decline by about four months; a second clinical trial failed to show any effect. The FDA is requiring a post-approval trial from drugmakers Biogen and Eisai Inc. to supply more data, but final results might not be available until February 2030. With many unanswered questions about Aduhelm's approval, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform has opened an investigation. Faced with criticism over insufficient guidance, the FDA on Thursday revised the drug's label to narrow its potential use. "Treatment with ADUHELM should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials," it now reads. These developments make the job of educating patients and families about Aduhelm and recommending for or against it extraordinarily difficult for physicians. Conversations are going to be "very challenging, given the complexity of the information that needs be conveyed." Karlawish said. Here are key points experts aim to explain. Effectiveness has not been proven. Aduhelm has been shown to be very effective at removing beta-amyloid protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, from patients' brains. Clumps of this protein, known as amyloid plaques, are thought to be implicated in the underlying disease process. But clinical trials of other drugs that remove amyloid plaques have not demonstrated effectiveness in stopping Alzheimer's progression. Although data from two Aduhelm clinical trials was inconsistent, the FDA granted accelerated approval to the drug noting it was "reasonably likely to result in clinical benefit." But this is speculative, not a proven result. Potential benefits are small. Dr. G. Caleb Alexander, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, was on the FDA advisory committee that reviewed Aduhelm, a group that recommended against approving the medication. He characterized positive results from one clinical trial of Aduhelm as "a tiny clinical change." On an 18-point scale used to evaluate cognition and functioning, patients who responded to the drug experienced a 0.39 slowing in the rate of decline over 18 months. Roughly, this translates into a four-month delay in subtle symptoms. Neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognition typically ask patients to copy a diagram, subtract 7 from 100 and spell a word backward, among other tasks. "But navigating your daily life is much more complicated, and it's not at all clear whether Aduhelm's purported benefit would be enough to impact an individual's daily living," said Dr. Samuel Gandy, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine in New York City. Disease progression will continue. "Let's say someone has cognitive impairment or other functional impairments and decides to take Aduhelm. Will they return to normal? There's no evidence that this will happen," said Dr. Henry Paulson, a professor of neurology and director of the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center. "The expectation has to be that disease progression will continue," agreed Levey of Emory. Potential side effects are common. Brain bleeds and swelling occurred in 41% of patients treated with the highest dose (10 milligrams) of Aduhelm, the subgroup that showed some response in one clinical trial, according to a document released by the FDA. Brain scans identified these as mild in 30% of cases, moderate in 58% and severe in 13%. Most cases resolved, without serious incident, within three months. The FDA recommends that patients taking Aduhelm get at least three MRI scans of the brain in the first year to check for side effects. Physicians and health systems are discussing what kind of safety protocols are needed beyond these scans. Other tests will be necessary. Aduhelm was tested on patients with beta-amyloid deposits in their brain that had been confirmed by positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging. In clinical practice, only patients who have those deposits should take Aduhelm and imaging to confirm that should be required, experts agreed. But that presents a problem for many patients. Because of their age, most are covered by Medicare, which doesn't pay for PET imaging outside of research settings. Instead, most medical centers will rely on amyloid cerebrospinal fluid tests, obtained through spinal taps. Genetic tests for a form of the apolipoprotein E gene known as APOE4, whose presence raises the risk of Alzheimer's, will also probably be in order, Gandy suggested. Patients were more likely to respond to Aduhelm if they carried an APOE4 gene; at the same time, they were more likely to experience brain bleeding and swelling, he noted. But Medicare doesn't pay for APOE4 testing or related counseling, and a positive test could significantly affect patients' families. "Once you find the APOE4 genotype, all those person's first-degree relatives are at risk," Gandy noted, "and you change the psychology of a family immediately." Therapy will be expensive. Medicare and private insurers have not yet decided whether to impose restrictions on who can get coverage for Aduhelm, which will be administered through monthly infusions at medical centers. Considering an annual list price of $56,000 for the drug alone, KFF researchers estimate that some Medicare beneficiaries could pay as much as $11,500 out-of-pocket to cover their coinsurance obligation. Add to that the costs for brain scans, monthly infusions, physician services, amyloid tests and APOE4 genetic testing and expenses could approach $100,000 a year, some experts suggest. "The most pressing thing we need is an understanding of payment for this medication," said Dr. Aaron Ritter, a dementia expert with the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. "Many patients are going to be on a fixed income with limited capacity to pay large amounts." More than 1,000 patients at the clinic are good candidates for Aduhelm, he noted. Specialists will not prescribe to all Alzheimer's patients. Although physicians can prescribe an approved drug to whomever they think it will help, dementia experts say Aduhelm should be considered only for patients similar to those in the clinical trials: individuals with mild cognitive impairment (memory and thinking concerns that don't interfere with their functioning) and with early-stage Alzheimer's (when symptoms are still mild but functioning becomes impaired). "We are going to start small and go slow until we understand more" about the medication and how patients respond, said Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, chief of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Northwell Health, New York's largest health care system. Since Aduhelm was not tested on people with moderate or severe Alzheimer's, it shouldn't be given to these patients, several experts said. "If patients in these later stages ask for the drug, we'll say we don't have any evidence that it will work in you and we can't justifiably give it to you," said Paulson of the University of Michigan. Physicians will respect patients' wishes. Even physicians who worry that Aduhelm's potential harms might outweigh potential benefits said they will prescribe the medication with caution and careful consideration. Karlawish of the University of Pennsylvania is among them. "Now that this medication is available, I have to adhere to a core ethic of the practice of medicine, which is respect for patient autonomy," he said. "If patients and family caregivers ask for Aduhelm after a thorough discussion, I'll be a reluctant prescriber." We're eager to hear from readers about questions you'd like answered, problems you've been having with your care and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit khn.org/columnists to submit your requests or tips. The largest drug companies are far more interested in enriching themselves and investors than in developing new drugs, according to a House committee report released Thursday that argues the industry can afford to charge Medicare less for prescriptions. The report by the House Oversight and Reform Committee says that contrary to pharmaceutical industry arguments that large profits fund extensive research and innovation, the major drug companies plow more of their billions in earnings back into their own stocks, dividends and executive compensation. And they can do it largely because Congress has imposed few restrictions on their pricing in the United States including in the Medicare program, which is not permitted to negotiate drug prices, House Democrats say. What we have found is shocking, said Oversight Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.). Drug companies are actively and intentionally targeting the United States for price increases, often while cutting prices in the rest of the world. According to the data crunched by the committee, the 14 largest drug manufacturers paid themselves and investors $578 billion from 2016 to 2020 through dividends and stock buybacks, while investing $56 billion less $522 billion on research and development. On top of that, the report says, some of that R&D money is spent researching ways to suppress competition, such as by filing hundreds of new, minor patents on older drugs that make it harder to produce generics. Despite Big Pharmas lip service about innovation, many drug companies are not actually spending significant portions of their research-and-development budget to discover innovative new treatments, Maloney told reporters in a conference call. Instead, these companies are spending their research-and-development dollars on finding ways to game the system. How can Pharma say with a straight face that lower drug prices for Americans will have to come at the expense of research and development? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked on the call. The release of the report during a congressional recess seemed aimed at least partly at boosting support for the House Democrats Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which, among other things, would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, let Americans with private insurance pay those same rates and limit U.S. prices to an average price other countries pay. Pelosi said she would like to see the measure, numbered H.R. 3, included in a massive bill that Democrats are preparing under what is known as the budget reconciliation process. That process allows taxing and spending bills to be packaged together and get though the Senate on a simple majority vote exempt from a filibuster. Democrats are expected to use the process for a number of key initiatives, including possible changes in Medicare eligibility and benefits, outlined by President Joe Biden and congressional leaders and panned by Republicans. With the savings on the lower drug prices, we can invest in transformational improvements in American health care, Pelosi said. We have an historic opportunity to do so as we craft the reconciliation bill. Well see how we proceed there. Some more moderate Democrats have raised concerns about H.R. 3, in part echoing industry assertions that curbing drugmakers' revenues might cut their ability to innovate. Pelosi can afford to have only a handful of Democrats defect in the House, and all 50 Democrats in the Senate are needed to pass a reconciliation measure. Among the starker examples the report highlights, the company Novo Nordisk spent twice as much on executive pay and buying back its own stock as on R&D over the five years. The drugmaker Amgen especially cashed in on the 2017 tax cuts pushed through a Republican Congress, spending five times as much on buybacks as on research, the report says. According to the report, if the 14 large companies maintain roughly their current practices, they will pay themselves and investors $1.15 trillion over the next decade, which the committee notes is double the estimated cost of H.R. 3. The report also singles out internal documents from the pharmaceutical giant AbbVie as an illustration of research and development being aimed at suppressing cheaper competition, in this case by seeking new minor patent enhancements on the rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira, which costs $77,000 a year. An internal presentation emphasized that one objective of the enhancement strategy was to raise barriers to competitor ability to replicate,' the report says, likely delaying lower-priced biosimilar drugs at least until 2023. It also notes that the company identified about $5.19 billion in R&D for Humira, about 7.4% of the drug's net U.S. revenue. In another case, the report highlights an internal presentation from Celgene, which makes the $16,744-a-month cancer drug Revlimid and has since been bought by Bristol Myers Squibb. The report says Celgene targeted the United States for its profitable price hikes and admitted in a presentation that it was because of the countrys "highly favorable environment with free-market pricing." In some other cases, the combined $3.2 billion that the 14 companies top management earned over the five years was conditioned on U.S. price hikes. A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk said its buybacks were entirely justified and included them in what he described as the companys overall long-term investments. These investments have led to the discovery of innovative treatments that have made substantial impacts on peoples' lives, said Michael Bachner, director of communications for Novo Nordisk. Given the complex challenges in the health care system, we remain committed to developing solutions in cooperation with policymakers and other stakeholders, he said. We will continue to work towards maintaining a sustainable business that will foster innovation and provide patients with access to needed new therapies." Frank Benenati, a spokesperson for AbbVie, took issue with the reports emphasis on Humira's R&D costs. He said the report is misleading in that it focuses on the R&D spend for one drug, not the total R&D spend, which was approximately $50 billion since 2013. Other companies did not immediately answer requests for comment, but a spokesperson for the industrys lobbying arm, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said the release of the report was political and aimed at backing legislation that PhRMA said would harm Medicare. "While we can't speak to specific examples cited in the report, this partisan exercise is clearly designed to garner support for an extreme bill that will erode Medicare protections and access to treatments for seniors, said PhRMA spokesperson Brian Newell. Every year, biopharmaceutical research companies invest tens of billions of dollars in the research and development of new cures and treatments, as well as our significant investments in time and resources creating treatments and vaccines to combat the global pandemic. Despite the report, he said, net prices on drugs are coming down, when rebates to customers are included. He added that the greater problems are with high deductibles charged by insurers and with profits taken by middlemen such as pharmacy benefit managers. "We are committed to working with policymakers on commonsense, bipartisan solutions that address the real challenges patients face, Newell said. Working together we can make sure medicines are affordable and accessible for everyone." A federal price transparency rule that took effect this year was supposed to give patients, employers and insurers a clearer picture of the true cost of hospital care. When the Trump administration unveiled the rule in 2019, Seema Verma, then chief of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, promised it would "upend the status quo to empower patients and put them first." I set out to test that statement by comparing prices in two major California hospital systems. I am sorry to report that, at least for now, that status quo the tangled web that long has cloaked hospital pricing is alive and well. I have spent hours toggling among multiple spreadsheets, each containing thousands of numbers, in an effort to compare prices for 20 common outpatient procedures, such as colonoscopies, cataract surgeries, hernia repair and removal of breast lesions. After three months of glazed eyes and headaches from banging my head against walls of numbers, I am throwing in the towel. It was a fool's errand. My efforts ultimately yielded just one helpful piece of advice: Don't try this at home. I was most of the way to that realization when a conversation with Shawn Gremminger helped push me over the line. "You are a health care reporter, I'm a health care lobbyist, and the fact that we can't do this ourselves is an indictment of where things stand at this point," said Gremminger, health policy director at the Purchaser Business Group on Health, which represents large employers who pay their employees' medical bills directly and have a big stake in price transparency. "The subset of people who can do this is pretty small, and most of them work for hospitals." I heard similar comments from other veterans of the health care industry, even from the former managed-care executive who inspired the story. He had come to me with a spreadsheet full of price info that appeared to show that a Kaiser Permanente hospital in the East Bay charged significantly higher prices for numerous procedures than a nearby hospital run by archcompetitor Sutter Health. That was a compelling assertion, since Sutter is widely viewed in California as the poster child for excessive prices. Nearly two years ago, Sutter settled a high-profile antitrust case that accused the hospital system of using its market dominance in Northern California to illegally drive up prices. I knew from the outset it would be tricky to compare Kaiser and Sutter because, operationally, they are apples and oranges. Sutter negotiates separate deals with numerous health plans, and its prices can vary by thousands of dollars for the same service, depending on your insurance. Kaiser's hospitals are integrated with its insurance arm, which collects premiums so, in effect, it is playing with house money. There is just one Kaiser health plan price for each medical service. Still, the story seemed worth looking into. Those Sutter and Kaiser prices matter, because they are used to calculate how much patients pay out of their own pockets. And helping patients know what they'll owe in advance is one of the goals of the transparency rule. The federal rule requires hospitals to report prices for all the medical services they provide in huge spreadsheets that can be processed by computers. It also obliges them to provide prices in a more "consumer-friendly" format for 300 so-called shoppable services, which are procedures that can be scheduled in advance. And it requires that they report the cost of any "ancillary services," such as anesthesia, typically rendered in concert with those procedures. Of the 300 "shoppables," 70 are specified by the government and the rest are chosen by each hospital. Most of the 20 common medical procedures I attempted to compare were among those 70. But a few, from lists of top outpatient procedures provided by the Health Care Cost Institute, were not. I decided to use the more comprehensive, less friendly spreadsheets for my comparisons, since they contained all 20 of the procedures I'd chosen. Each carried a five-digit medical code known as a CPT, a term trademarked by the American Medical Association that stands for "current procedural terminology." The transparency rule requires hospitals to include billing codes, because they supposedly provide a basis for price comparison, or in the rule's jargony language, "an adequate cross-walk between hospitals for their items and services." Much to my chagrin, I soon discovered they don't provide an adequate crosswalk even within one hospital. My first inkling of the insuperable complexity came when I noticed that Sutter's Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland listed the same outpatient procedure with the same CPT code three times, thousands of rows apart, with entirely different prices. CPT 64483 is the designated code for injection of anesthetics or steroids into a spinal nerve root with the use of imaging, which relieves pain in the lower back, legs and feet caused by sciatica or herniated discs. The spreadsheet showed a maximum negotiated price of $1,912 in row 12,718, $3,650.85 in row 19,014 and $5,475.80 in row 19,559 (let your eyes glaze over for just a few seconds, so you know what it feels like). The reason for the triple listing is tied to Medicare billing guidelines, Sutter later told me. I'll spare you the details. My head really began to hurt when I decided to double-check some of the prices I had pulled from the big spreadsheets against the same items on the shorter shoppables sheets. Kaiser's prices were generally consistent across the two, but for Alta Bates, there were large discrepancies. The highest negotiated price for removing a breast lesion, for example, was $6,156 on the big sheet and $23,069 on the shorter one. The difference seems largely attributable to the estimated cost of additional services, some rather nonspecific, that Sutter lists on the smaller sheet as accompaniments to the procedure: anesthesia, EKG/ECG, imaging, laboratory, perioperative, pharmacy and supplies. But why not include them in both spreadsheets? And what do the two dramatically divergent prices actually encompass? "How many bills they really represent and what they mean is difficult to interpret," said Dr. Merrit Quarum, CEO of Portland, Oregon-based WellRithms, which helps employers negotiate fair prices with hospitals. "It depends on the timing, it depends on the context, which you don't know." In some cases, Sutter said, its shoppables spreadsheets show charges not only for ancillary services typically rendered on the day of the procedure, but also for related procedures that may precede or follow it by days or weeks. The listings for Kaiser's ancillary services do not always match Sutter's, which further clouds the comparison. The problematic fact of the matter is that hospitals performing the same procedures bundle their bills differently, use different medications, estimate varying amounts of time in the operating room, and utilize more or less advanced technology. And physician charges are not even included in the posted prices, at least in California. All of which makes it almost impossible for mere mortals to anticipate the total cost of their medical procedures, let alone compare prices among hospitals. Even if they could, it might be of limited value, since independent imaging centers and surgery centers, which are increasingly common and generally less expensive aren't required to report their prices. The bottom line, I'm afraid, is that despite my efforts I don't have anything particularly insightful to reveal about how Kaiser's prices compare with Sutter's. The prices I examined were as transparent to me as hieroglyphics, and I'm pretty sure that hospital executives who unsuccessfully sued to stop implementation of the price transparency rule are not losing any sleep over that fact. This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. Karen Jo Young wrote a letter to her local newspaper criticizing executives at the hospital where she worked as an activities coordinator, arguing that their actions led to staffing shortages and other patient safety problems. Hours after her letter was published in September 2017, officials at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth, Maine, fired her, citing a policy that no employee may give information to the news media without the direct involvement of the media office. But a federal appellate court recently said Young's firing violated the law and ordered that she be reinstated. The court's decision could mean that hospitals and other employers will need to revise their policies barring workers from talking to the news media and posting on social media. Those media policies have been a bitter source of conflict at hospitals over the past year, as physicians, nurses and other health care workers around the country have been fired or disciplined for publicly speaking or posting about what they saw as dangerously inadequate covid-19 safety precautions. These fights also reflect growing tension between health care workers, including physicians, and the increasingly large, profit-oriented companies that employ them. On May 26, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld a National Labor Relations Board decision issued last year that the hospital, now known as Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital, violated federal labor law by firing Young for engaging in protected "concerted activity." The NLRB defines it as guaranteeing the right to act with co-workers to address work-related issues, such as circulating petitions for better hours or speaking up about safety issues. It also affirmed the board's finding that the hospital's media policy barring contact between employees and the media was illegal. "It's great news because I know all hospitals prefer we don't speak with the media," said Cokie Giles, president of the Maine State Nurses Association, a union. "We are careful about what we say and how we say it because we don't want to bring the hammer down on us." The 1st Circuit opinion is noteworthy because it's one of only a few such employee speech rulings under the National Labor Relations Act ever issued by a federal appellate court, and the first in nearly 20 years, said Frank LoMonte, a University of Florida law professor who heads the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information. The 1st Circuit and NLRB rulings should force hospitals to "pull out their handbook and make sure it doesn't gag employees from speaking," he said. "If you are fired for violating a 'don't talk to the media' policy, you should be able to get your job back." The American Hospital Association and the Federation of American Hospitals declined to comment for this article. While the 1st Circuit's opinion is binding only in four Northeastern states plus Puerto Rico, the NLRB decision carries the force of law nationwide. The case applies to both unionized and non-unionized employees, legal experts say. In March, the NLRB similarly ordered automaker Tesla to revise its policy barring employees from speaking with the media without written permission. Hospitals and health care organizations often have policies requiring employees to clear any public comments about the workplace with the organization's media office. Many also have policies restricting what employees can say on Facebook and other social media. Hospitals say requiring employees to go through their media office prevents the spread of inaccurate information that could damage the public's confidence. In Young's case, the hospital argued that her letter contained false and disparaging statements. But the 1st Circuit panel agreed with the NLRB that her letter was "not abusive" and that its only false statement was not her fault. Health care organizations have undisputed legal authority to prohibit employees from disclosing confidential patient information or proprietary business information, legal experts say. But the 1st Circuit panel made clear that an employer cannot bar an employee from engaging in "concerted actions" such as outreach to the news media "in furtherance of a group concern." That's true even if the employee acted on her own, as Young did in writing her letter. The key in her case was that she "acted in support of what had already been established as a group concern," the court said. "I think employers with a blanket ban on talking to the media need to relook at their policies," said Eric Meyer, a partner at FisherBroyles in Philadelphia who often represents companies on employment law matters. "If you go to the media and say, 'There are unsafe working conditions impacting me and my colleagues,' that's protected concerted activity." Chad Hansen, Young's attorney in a separate federal lawsuit alleging discrimination based on a disability against the hospital, said she has not yet been reinstated to her job. Young would not comment. The hospital's parent company, Northern Light Health, said only that its news media policy which was amended after Young's firing meets the NLRB and 1st Circuit requirements and will not be further changed. The new policy created an exception allowing employees to speak to the news media related to concerted activities protected by federal law. Speech rights under the National Labor Relations Act are particularly important for employees of private companies. Although the Constitution protects people who work for public hospitals and other government employers with its guarantee of unrestricted speech, employees at private companies do not have a First Amendment right to speak publicly about workplace issues. "I hope this case keeps alive the right of health care workers to speak out about something that's dangerous," said Dr. Ming Lin, an emergency physician who lost his job last year at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington, after publicly criticizing the hospital's pandemic preparedness. Lin, who was employed by TeamHealth, which provides emergency physician services at the hospital, lost his assignment at PeaceHealth in March 2020 soon after saying on social media and in interviews with news reporters that PeaceHealth was not taking urgent enough steps to protect staff members from covid. He had worked at the hospital for 17 years. In an April 2020 YouTube interview, PeaceHealth's chief operating officer, Richard DeCarlo, said Lin was removed from the hospital's ER schedule because he "continued to post misinformation, which was resulting in people being afraid and being scared to come to the hospital." DeCarlo also alleged that Lin, who was out of town for part of the time he was posting, refused to communicate with his supervisors in Bellingham about the situation. PeaceHealth declined to comment for this article. PeaceHealth's social media policy at that time stated that the company does not prohibit employees from engaging in federally protected concerted activity and that they "are free to communicate their opinions." TeamHealth's social media policy, dated July 15, 2020, states the company reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to behavior that adversely affects the company. Lin, who's now working for the Indian Health Service in South Dakota, has sued PeaceHealth, TeamHealth and DeCarlo in state court in Washington claiming wrongful termination in violation of public policy, breach of contract and defamation. Dr. Jennifer Bryan, board chair of the Mississippi State Medical Association, who publicly defended two Mississippi physicians fired for posting about the inadequacy of their hospitals' covid safety policies, said she faced pressure from her hospital for speaking to the news media without approval. The medical association pushed its members to talk to the media about the science of covid, while employers insisted doctors' messages had to be approved by the media office. That reflected a conflict, she said, between medical professionals primarily concerned about public health and executives of for-profit systems who were seeking to shield their corporate image. Bryan predicted the court ruling and NLRB decision will be helpful. "Physicians have to be able to stand up and speak out for what they believe affects the safety and well-being of patients," she said. "Otherwise, there are no checks and balances." High-tech methods for detecting microplastics in food and suitable prevention measures are the focus of the joint German-Austrian Cornet project "MicroplasticATfood", which kicked off on 1 July 2021. With its expertise in microplastic research, the University of Bayreuth is involved in interdisciplinary case studies dealing with packaging, filling lines, beverages, surfaces of solid food, and soluble foods. On the German side, the project will be funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy until 2023 to the tune of 542,000, of which about 275,000 have been allocated to the University of Bayreuth. Coordination of the joint project "MicroplasticATfood" is shared by the Industry Association for Food Technology and Packaging e.V. in Germany and ecoplus, the business agency of the province of Lower Austria. It is part of the Cornet (Collective Research Networking) initiative, which promotes international research projects for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises. In the project, the University of Bayreuth will be cooperating with two other research partners, the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden and the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology in Vienna. In addition, 55 companies from the packaging, food, and beverage industries are participating in the project. Together, the project partners are seeking to develop proposals and measures to avoid microplastics in food in order to protect consumers. In close coordination with its partners in Dresden and Vienna, the University of Bayreuth, under the leadership by Animal Ecology I, is developing analytical detection methods for microplastics in food. "We will optimise and further develop our analytical methods for different food groups. In this way, we will be able to provide our industrial partners with reliable data on the possible degree of microplastic contamination of their products and on its sources, for example in their respective production and packaging processes. With these results, we wish to develop solution and optimisation strategies together with these companies, which will ultimately benefit consumers," says Dr. Martin Loder, who leads the research work in the "MicroplasticATfood" project together with Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch at the University of Bayreuth. Here the project is embedded in the interdisciplinary focus area of "Food & Health Sciences". Meanwhile, microplastics have become prevalent in all areas of daily life. The new joint project now focuses on the central aspects of food production and packaging. Close cooperation between research and industry is of crucial importance here. All participants are united in their common interest in avoiding possible risks that can result from the contamination of food with microplastics. The more precisely we know how and to what extent microplastics can get into our food, the more effective are the prevention measures we can develop together with the participating companies." Dr Christian Laforsch, Professor and Chair of Animal Ecology I and Spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Centre "Microplastics", University of Bayreuth In the first stage of their work, the project partners will optimise the detection methods for microplastics for the different product groups. Afterwards, filling systems for beverages and food packaging made of plastics will first be examined to see to what extent they can contribute to the entry of microplastics into food. In the further course of the project, the focus will be on beverages, foods that are soluble in water such as salt and sugar, and the surfaces of solid foods, for example meat, sausage, fish, cheese, and tofu. Here, the project partners will seek to determine whether microplastic particles enter these everyday foods during processing, through bulk and filling equipment, or via their packaging itself. The cornet initiative Cornet (Collective Research Networking) networks national and regional programmes of collaborative research from different countries. Currently, 15 funding organisations and ministries from Europe, East Asia, North and South America are involved in Cornet. In Germany, this initiative is based on the Industrial Cooperative Research (IGF) funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It aims to strengthen the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises in particular through research at the international level. Babies younger than four weeks old, called neonates, were once thought not to perceive pain due to not-yet-fully-developed sensory systems, but modern research says otherwise, according to researchers from Hiroshima University in Japan. Not only do babies experience pain, but the various levels can be standardized to help nurses recognize and respond to the babies' cues if the nurses have the opportunity to learn the scoring tools and skills needed to react appropriately. With tight schedules and limited in-person courses available, the researchers theorized, virtual e-learning may be able to provide a path forward for nurses to independently pursue training in this area. To test this hypothesis, researchers conducted a pilot study of 115 nurses with varying levels of formal training and years of experience in seven hospitals across Japan. They published their results on May 27 in Advances in Neonatal Care. Despite a growing body of knowledge and guidelines being published in many countries about the preventions and management of pain in neonates hospitalized in the NICU, neonatal pain remains unrecognized, undertreated, and generally challenging." Mio Ozawa, paper author, associate professor, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University The researchers developed a comprehensive multimedia virtual program on neonatal pain management, based on selected standardized pain scales, for nursing staff to independently learn how to employ measurement tools. The program, called e-Pain Management of Neonates, is the first of its kind in Japan. "The aim of the study was to verify the feasibility of the program and whether e-learning actually improves nurses' knowledge and scoring skills," said paper author Mio Ozawa, associate professor in the Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences at Hiroshima University. "The results of this study suggest that nurses could obtain knowledge and skills about the measurement of neonatal pain through e-learning." The full cohort took a pre-test at the start of the study, before embarking on a self-paced, four-week e-learning program dedicated to learning standardized pain scales to measure discomfort in babies. However, only 52 nurses completed the post-test after four weeks. For those 52, scores increased across a range of years of experience and formal education. Ozawa noted that the sample size is small but also said that the improved test scores indicated the potential for e-learning. "Future research will need to go beyond the individual level to determine which benefits are produced in the management of neonatal pain in hospitals where nurses learn neonatal pain management through e-learning," Ozawa said. "This study demonstrates that virtually delivered neonatal pain management program can be useful for nurses' attainment of knowledge and skills for managing neonatal pain, including an appropriate use of selected scoring tools." 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." Michael Bang Petersen, Professor, Political Science, 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." In late December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China, with human respiratory problems resulting from the likely transmission of an animal-adapted coronavirus. This was the first time in decades that pandemics have resurfaced as a global problem. There were, however, early warnings of a global event with SARS and avian flu. Early containment in both cases was successful, but the strategy for SARS-CoV-2 shifted to mitigation after early containment failed. Almost all countries observed this pattern at the beginning of the introduction of COVID-19 across national borders. As a result of human-animal transmission, there are grave concerns regarding the possibility of a re-ignition of the COVID pandemic through resistance mutations cultivated in animal reservoirs. One specific example of animal-human transmission being the cluster-5 mutation that was found to have transferred from minks farmed in the Danish fur industry in mid-2020. The cluster-5 variant of SARS-CoV-2 was thought to have moderately reduced sensitivity to antibodies, and thus decisive action was taken with regards to strict containment measures, lasting for four weeks, after which the variant has not been observed again in mink or humans. However, it cannot be confirmed for certain that the strain has been eliminated, raising the question of how long a strain must go undetected before being considered, in all probability, extinct. In a paper recently uploaded to the preprint server medRxiv* by Schiler et al. (July 6th, 2021), mathematical models are employed to probe this question, using the case study of the cluster-5 variant to test them. How was the model assembled? Several epidemiology modeling techniques are available, some more suitable to modeling populations of larger or smaller size and complexity. The group elected to use a Markov model, which incorporates pseudo-randomly changing parameters in the modeling system, one example being the SARS-CoV-2 reproduction number. The calculation for the probability of lineage extinction over time formulated by the group considers the true and observed number of infected people carrying the variant, birth, and death rate of the variant, and population size at a particular time. In all simulations, the recovery time from SARS-CoV-2 was set to two weeks, the usual period of infectivity for the virus, and as a test case, the numbers involved in the cluster-5 outbreak were entered. The total population considered was 600,000, reflecting the northern Denmark region, with 10,000 SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests being performed per week, along with a rising number of whole-genome sequencing that reflected the numbers recorded by the Danish government. The initial number of infected was set to 11, those that were detected with the lineage at the initial stages of the outbreak. The initial lockdown was planned to last for four weeks, though the strictest measures were dropped after two, following political pressure. The variant was not detected again in the population, however, suggesting it had been contained. According to the formula developed by the research group, the probability that the lineage was already extinct upon beginning non-pharmaceutical interventions was 0.22, rising to 0.37 two weeks later when restrictions were lifted. If the lockdown had been lifted when it was originally intended, four weeks later, the probability that the lineage would be extinct rose to 0.7. Status for the municipalities in the North Denmark Region following the lock-down order on November 6, 2020. The order was imposed in municipalities with observations of Cluster-5 (red), as well as surrounding municipalities with a high concentration of mink farms (blue). The remaining colored municipalities belong to the North Denmark Region, but were not locked down. The remaining municipalities in Denmark are colored white. Further implications Applying the model to the known Danish case provided some context to the methods developed, and the group notes other interesting trends associated with the probability of lineage extinction. The effect of increasing the whole genome testing rate amongst the population while keeping the reproduction number of the virus constant was investigated, finding that the number of weeks until extinction lowers from 42 to 25 by increasing the testing rate. This is likely due to the greater testing rate identifying individuals carrying the specific strain instead of PCR testing only that could not distinguish between strains and allow the tested individuals to be isolated quickly. They also probed the probability of extinction when increasing reproduction rates while keeping the testing rate constant, noting an interesting relationship wherein the maximum number of weeks to extinction was greatest at reproduction rates slightly less than 1. That is, at higher SARS-CoV-2 reproduction rates the number of weeks it would take until the extinction of the specific SARS-CoV-2 lineage while keeping testing constant, is shorter than at rates of approximately 0.9. *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. Jeffersonville, IN (47130) Today Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 67F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Goldsboro, NC (27530) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 71F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 574-583-5121 or email cgrace@thehj.com. (Newser) Arizona's secretary of state has asked its attorney general to open a criminal investigation into whether former President Trump and others tried to pressure election officials last November. Katie Hobbs' request came after the Arizona Republic reported last week that Maricopa County supervisors received texts and voicemails while ballots cast in the president election were still being counted, USA Today reports. The Republic said the messages came from the White House; Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney at the time; Sidney Powell, a lawyer working for Trump; and state Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward. They were sent to the GOP members of the county's Board of Supervisors. The communications "involve clear efforts to induce supervisors to refuse to comply with their duties," Hobbs said, which could have broken state law. story continues below "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," Hobbs said in her letter to Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, per CBS. Trump reportedly tried to reach Republican Maricopa Supervisor Clint Hickman twice immediately after the election, per the Hill. And the Republic found Ward told the Board of Supervisors chairman on Election Day, "We need you to stop the counting." Knowingly interfering with or trying to influence an election official is a felony in Arizona, Hobbs said. Trump lost to President Biden in Arizona, then unsuccessfully tried to challenge the election results. The state has found no problems with its 2020 vote count. There was no comment yet about Hobbs' request from the attorney general's office. (Read more Arizona stories.) (Newser) Seeing signs that the effectiveness of its vaccine is fading, Pfizer said Thursday it will ask for approval to distribute a third dose to help fight new coronavirus variants. The company plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization next month, CNN reports. Pfizer cited findings from Israeli health officials that its vaccine's efficacy is declining as the Delta variant of the virus spreads. That syncs with the company's analysis, it said. Pfizer has begun producing the booster shot, per the Wall Street Journal, and wants to start clinical trials in August, saying in a statement that a third shot might be need to be administered six to 12 months after a person has been fully vaccinated for maximum immunity. story continues below Even if the FDA grants the emergency use authorization, a booster shot wouldn't necessarily be made available, per the AP. Health officials would have to agree it's needed. Administering a third dose would be "a huge effort while we are at the moment striving to get people the first dose," said Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccine expert at Vanderbilt University. About 48% of the US population is fully vaccinated. Health officials, worried about the Delta variant causing a surge in cases this fall, are asking Americans to get the shots as soon as possible, per CNBC. Just weeks ago, about one-fourth of new coronavirus infections were attributed to the Delta variant; now it's more than half. (One dose of vaccine is of little use against the Delta variant, a study has found.) (Newser) A 6-year-old girl snatched from a Kentucky street by a stranger was rescued within 30 minutes thanks to police and an alert witness. Two Louisville Metro Police officers located the suspect's vehicle last Friday after a witness who started following the car gave them part of the license plate number, CNN reports. Body camera footage released by police shows Sergeant Joe Keeling ordering the suspect to get on the ground and Officer Jason Burba lifting the crying girl from the suspect's vehicle as she says, "I want my Daddy." Police say the suspect, Robby Wildt, told officers he saw the girl "playing outside near the street" around 5:40pm, "circled the block, and then took her from the side of the road." Police say the girl was uninjured. story continues below The arrest citation states that Wildt told officers that "as the victim cried in the front of his car, he tried to console her before deciding he knew what he was doing was wrong, and he began to drive back to the location he took her from, afraid he may hurt her." The 40-year-old has been charged with one count of kidnapping a minor, with bail set at $1 million. He faces up to 20 years if convicted. Police spokeswoman Beth Ruoff says it was a rare situation, but it should be an "educational opportunity for parents to remind their children that 'stranger danger' is real," the Louisville Courier-Journal reports. Keeling told a local radio station that the feeling of relief when the girl was taken out of the car was "overwhelming." (Read more Kentucky stories.) (Newser) "I have lost my father, and I don't have my sister with whom to grieve," Bridgerton author Julia Quinn said in a Facebook post Wednesday night. She said father Steve Cotler, 77, and sister Ariana Cotler, 37, were killed in a crash involving a drunk driver in Utah, People reports. They died "because a catering company did not secure their load and canvas bags spilled onto the highway," she wrote. "Because a pickup driver thought nothing of driving while his blood alcohol level was nearly 3 times the legal limit." Authorities say a Ford F-250 crashed into the Toyota Prius driven by Steve Cotler after the Prius and another vehicle stopped because of the debris. story continues below The Utah Highway Patrol said the pickup driver was arrested for DUI after the June 29 crash on I-15 in Kaysville. Steve Cotler was also an author, best known for the Cheesie Mack series for middle-school readers, while Ariana Cotler, also known as Violet Charles, was a cartoonist, USA Today reports. Quinn, 51, whose novel series became a hit Netflix show, said she had just finished writing a graphic novel with her younger sister. "It was dedicated to our father," she wrote on Facebook. "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." (Read more Bridgerton stories.) (Newser) Police in Haiti say a hit squad of foreign mercenariesincluding at least 15 Colombians and two Haitian-Americanswas behind the assassination of the country's president early Wednesday. Authorities say 17 men have been captured, including the two American citizens, three have been shot dead by police, and another eight are still at large. Colombian authorities have confirmed that at least six suspects are former members of its military, reports the AP. "Foreigners came to our country to kill our president," said Leon Charles, chief of Haiti's National Police. The bruised and handcuffed suspects and a cache of seized weapons were shown to the media Thursday, the BBC reports. story continues below President Jovenel Moise was shot 12 times by "a highly trained and heavily armed group" that broke into his home; he was also found with a gouged eye. The motive is still unknown, but interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph told the BBC it may have been because Moise was fighting corruption. If the aim was to plunge Haiti into chaos, it was a success: The country is now under martial law and two prime ministers are claiming powerJoseph and Ariel Henry, who was appointed by Moise two days before his death and had been due to take up the role this week, the New York Times reports. With the country's parliament largely vacant, the line of succession is so unclear that even constitutional experts are confused. US officials say they are dealing with Joseph as the "incumbent" but they have also spoken to Henry. (Read more Haiti stories.) (Newser) A teen shot in the head in a possible road-rage incident on his way home from a Houston Astros game with his dad and brother has died, his family confirms. Paul Castro tells CNN his son David, 17, was taken off life support and declared dead Thursday afternoon. Castro says he and his two boys were in traffic near Minute Maid Park around 11pm on Tuesday when he got into a confrontation with another driver who was peeved Castro wouldn't let him merge. Per a City of Houston press release, the two men "exchanged hand gestures," and the other driver, said to have been behind the wheel of a four-door white Buick sedan, started following Castro. "David was a little nervous" at seeing the Buick tailing them, Castro tells Click2Houston, and though they tried to lose him, Castro says they were followed for about 3 miles. He says that as he made a U-turn he heard a "pop, pop" and glass shattering. story continues below Castro called 911, and David was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. Castro and his other son, Luke, weren't injured. A police spokesman tells CNN that the shooting is being investigated as a homicide, and as a possible road-rage incident. ABC13 notes what happened to David is "part of a growing problem" in Houston with aggressive drivers who turn violent, and that late last year, a task force was set up by the police and other entities to combat the issue. "David was one of the good guys," Paul Castro said in a statement to KHOU of his son, whom he described as a "gentle person" who loved percussion and was eager to play in band in college. "He would have added to our world and made it better. Instead, the world took him too early, in a senseless and meaningless way." The family plans to donate David's organs. (Read more fatal shooting stories.) (Newser) Richard Branson is going to space on Sundaynine days before rival billionaire Jeff Bezosand he's now lined up a celebrity host for the livestream. Branson invited Stephen Colbert to host the Sunday morning event after the late-night host joked on Twitter about not being invited on the Virgin Galactic flight, Mashable reports. Colbert also congratulated the company on launching Branson into space, joking, "Someone had to do it." He added: "I assume my invitation went straight into my spam folder." story continues below "Sorry you can't join us this time," replied Branson, who has known Colbert for years, "but were going to livestream the launch on Sunday, and Id be honoured if youd host that for us!" Virgin Galactic says the livestream will begin at 9am Eastern on its website and outlets including its YouTube channel, reports Space.com. A similar invite from Bezos, a more frequent Colbert target, may be unlikely. Last month, Colbert joked that in "preparation for space flight, Bezos has asked his warehouse workers to show him how to pee discreetly into a tube." In 2018, he said Bezos' Blue Origin company had launched "the most phallic rocket ever created." (Read more Stephen Colbert stories.) (Newser) New Yorkers are known to be a tough bunch who roll with whatever comes their way, and videos that have emerged as thunderstorms pummeled the city this week did nothing to dispel that impression. Per the New York Times, the city was slammed by heavy rains on Thursday, leading to flash floods across the boroughs, including in subway stations. Videos on social media and in news reports showed commuters wading through knee- to waist-deep water and wearing plastic garbage bags like potato sacks to get to the train platforms, while other clips showed rainwater pouring down subway steps and onto the tracks. One man was even seen getting knocked down by rushing waters as a train pulled up at a subway station in Queens. The Times notes the flooding came even before Tropical Storm Elsa, due to arrive to the New York area on Friday, entered the picture. story continues below Sarah Feinberg, the interim president of New York City Transit, says that the flooding issueswhich happened even in places she says don't usually floodwere caused by drains that became filled too quickly by the pounding rains, as well as floods from the streets above pouring down into the subway. She warned residents not to go into stations that weren't passable. Meanwhile, in between expressions of horror at commuters wading through dirty water to make their trains came another observation, put bluntly by meteorologist Eric Holthaus: "New York City is not ready for climate change." Mashable echoes that concern, noting that the city's infrastructure may not be up to the task of increasing numbers of downpours as global warming continues. Eric Adams, the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, tweeted that the city needs "congestion pricing $ ASAP to ... add green infrastructure to absorb flash storm runoff. This cannot be New York." (Read more New York City stories.) (Newser) USA Today dubs Michael Andrew the "biggest Olympic name yet" to reveal he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. The 22-year-old Team USA swimmera gold medal favorite who holds the US record in the men's 100-meter breaststroke and posted the fastest time in five years in his trial in the 200-meter individual medleytold the outlet that he opted not to get a shot as he feared side effects could disrupt his training. "I didn't want to put anything in my body that I didn't know how I would potentially react to," Andrew said during a Thursday Zoom call. "For me, in the training cycle, especially leading up to trials, I didn't want to risk any days out." The athlete, who has been training with the swim team in Hawaii, said he didn't plan on getting the vaccine in the future. story continues below Olympic athletes aren't required to be vaccinated, even with Tokyo under a new state of emergency, though USA Swimming President Tim Hinchey estimated that 90% of US swimmers had received shots ahead of last month's US Olympic trials. Andrew said USA Swimming has instituted a "very strict protocol with lots of testing, masks" and social distancing, and the same protocol would be in place in Tokyo. But USA Today suggests he could be automatically disqualified from events, including the 50-meter freestyle, if he's found to have had contact with an infected person. That's apparently not the case with vaccinated athletes. Per Yahoo, Andrew will stay with Team USA in Olympic Village, where the International Olympic Committee says about 80% of residents will be vaccinated. (Read more Tokyo Olympics stories.) (Newser) State troopers in Alaska say a teenager on a flight Wednesday afternoon asked the pilot if he could fly the small planeand minutes after the bizarre request was rejected, he tried to crash it. Troopers say 18-year-old Jaden Lake-Kameroff grabbed the yoke of the Cessna Caravan, sending it into a brief nosedive before other passengers pulled him away, reports Alaska Public Radio. There were five other passengers on the Bethel-to-Aniak flight on Ryan Air, a small regional airline. "Our pilot relied on his training and professionalism, was able to just push the passenger backwards," airline president Lee Ryan said. He said passengers restrained the teen and the aircraft landed without further incident. story continues below Ryan said the airline has never experienced a similar incident and it will look into ways to stop it from happening again. Pilot Joshua Kersch told troopers that Lake-Kameroff tried to grab the controls when the plane was 5 miles from the Aniak airport and 1,000 to 1,500 feet above the ground, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The teen was arrested in Aniak and faces charges of second-degree terroristic threatening, five counts of attempted first-degree assault, and four charges of third-degree assault. Passengers said they thought they were going to die, an arrest affidavit states. Lake-Kameroff told troopers he was trying to end his life, the affidavit states. The teen said he had spoken to behavioral health experts in the past. (Read more Alaska stories.) (Newser) With Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos planning their first trips to space as dangerous heat waves intensify, some people suspect the billionaires are planning futures off the planet. Not going to happen, says Sim Kern in an essay at Salon. "As a scifi writer and the spouse of a NASA flight controller, let me assure you that the rich escaping the earth for a space utopia is only a trope in fiction," Kern writes, noting that life on the International Space Station, the "most comfortable living situation we've ever devised above Earth's orbit," is a very long way from luxurious, and crews are only able to survive with the help of thousands of experts problem-solving on Earth. Kern notes that ISS astronauts have to exercise two hours a day just to stop "their bones turning to goo"and that Scott Kelly, after a lifetime training to be an astronaut, found his record-breaking year in space "physically and psychologically grueling" and retired when he returned. story continues below "So rest assured, Bezos and Branson will not be sipping champagne next to their space-pool on Low-Earth Mar-a-Lago," Kern writes. "For all their wealth, billionaires do not have the power to make space a more comfortable place to be than Earth." Kern describes the billionairesincluding Elon Musk, whose Mars colony plans are "astronomically less feasible"as "egotistical robber barons" who made their money in a system that is rapidly destroying the planet we live on. "Branson and Bezos aren't investing their money to forward science or expand the bounds of human possibility," Kern writes. "They're doing it to be the first rich guy to bounce around uselessly up there." "Read the room." Shannon Stirone at the Atlantic says Branson and Bezos should "read the room" and consider delaying their jaunts to the edge of space. "Leaving Earth right now isnt just bad optics; its almost a scene out of a twisted B-list thriller," she writes. "The world is drowning and scorching, and two of the wealthiest men decide to ... race in their private rocket ships to see who can get to space a few days before the other." Stirone suggests they wait "until people around the world are no longer desperately waiting for vaccines to save them from a deadly virus." Shannon Stirone at the Atlantic says Branson and Bezos should "read the room" and consider delaying their jaunts to the edge of space. "Leaving Earth right now isnt just bad optics; its almost a scene out of a twisted B-list thriller," she writes. "The world is drowning and scorching, and two of the wealthiest men decide to ... race in their private rocket ships to see who can get to space a few days before the other." Stirone suggests they wait "until people around the world are no longer desperately waiting for vaccines to save them from a deadly virus." "These guys have contributed a lot." New NASA chief Bill Nelson, however, is a fan of Bezos, Branson, and Musk and their race to space, the Houston Chronicle reports. "I love it," Nelson said. "These guys have contributed a lot." He says the rise in space launches in recent years has been "extraordinary." "All of those abandoned launch pads on Cape Canaveral, they've come to life." New NASA chief Bill Nelson, however, is a fan of Bezos, Branson, and Musk and their race to space, the Houston Chronicle reports. "I love it," Nelson said. "These guys have contributed a lot." He says the rise in space launches in recent years has been "extraordinary." "All of those abandoned launch pads on Cape Canaveral, they've come to life." Compared and contrasted. Reuters, which notes that the billionaires are all trying to "usher in a new age of space tourism," compares the ventures' spaceship designs, passenger capacityand ticket prices. (Read more space travel stories.) An aerial view of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condo is seen on June 25 in Surfside, Florida. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) An aerial view of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condo is seen on June 25 in Surfside, Florida. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Newser) As a heat wave settles in on the West Coast this weekend, Yosemite National Park might sound like an attractive escape. But temperatures at Yosemite are expected to hit 100 or 111 degrees over the weekend, SFGate reports. "Because there's a lot of exposed granite in the park that granite, once it sees those suns rays, it heats up like the Central Valley," a forecaster said. The all-time record for Yosemite, set in 1915, is 115 degrees. This heat wave is expected to last through Monday, with Saturday and Sunday the hottest days. Ocean breezes and the marine layer will keep the California coast cooler, but it will be hot inland, especially in the Central Valley, forecasters said. California won't quite be facing the historic extremes that the Pacific Northwest has recently, a climate scientist posted online. "But that's perhaps an unrealistically high bar," he wrote. story continues below For those determined to hike in Yosemite anyway, the Sierra Sun Times offers localized suggestions: Start at 6 or 7am, and don't do anything strenuous after about 10. Hydrate, of course, but bring food also to keep your body functioning. For the Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Falls hikes, figure on at least four liters of water per person. Be open to turning around on the trail before you have to, before heat illness begins. Don't expect to come across water fountains on the trails. Refill water bottles at the Yosemite Valley visitor center, Degnan's Deli, or Yosemite Valley Lodge. Bring enough food and water for your pets, too, keeping in mind how much hotter paved paths areas much as 50 degrees higher than the air temperature. (Read more Yosemite National Park stories.) (Newser) Wildlife officials in Montana say the bear that attacked and killed a camper from California earlier this week is likely no more. A male grizzly, which authorities believe dragged 65-year-old nurse Leah Davis Lokan from her tent early Tuesday while she was sleeping, was shot by federal wildlife employees just after midnight on Friday, Greg Lemon of the state's Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department tells the AP. A bear had also raided a chicken coop about 2 miles away after Lokan's mauling in Ovando, eating several chickens, so workers set a trap near the coop, in the hopes the bear would return. story continues below And indeed it did, just hours after an Ovando woman came home to find her door ripped off its hinges, claw marks found nearby, says Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles. Investigators say DNA samples from where Lokan had been camping will be compared to those from the dead bear to confirm it's the same bear, a process that should take a few days. Still, "based on the size of the bear, the color of the bear, and the nature of the chicken coop raids, we're confident we've got the offending bear," Lemon says. (Read more bear attack stories.) (Newser) President Biden called Vladimir Putin on Friday to deliver a warning about cyberattacks, reports Axios. Biden told Putin the US is poised to retaliate after another ransomware incident blamed on Russian hackers, according to a White House statement. Biden reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge, the White House said, per the Washington Post. The statement did not characterize Putin's response, and the Kremlin has not yet released its own readout of the call. Putin generally denies that his government has any role in the hacks. story continues below Biden, though, underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware," said the statement. A Russian-language group called REvil has claimed responsibility for the latest cyberattack on businesses in the US and in other nations. In fact, the code that launched the attack was written in a way that steered clear of computers that primarily use the Russian language, reports NBC News. (Read more President Biden stories.) (Newser) The acting head of the Food and Drug Administration wants the agency's inspector general to conduct an independent review of the agency's approval of a new drug to treat Alzheimer's. The approval process, which one outside adviser had called a "sham" as he resigned, has been strenuously criticized over a lack of overwhelming evidence that the treatment works. Janet Woodcock, the acting commissioner, said she wants to know "whether any interactions that occurred between Biogen and FDA review staff were inconsistent with FDA policies and procedures," CNBC reports. An FDA official informally met with a top official of Biogen, the drug's maker, at a conference in 2019, Stat has reported. story continues below In her letter requesting the review, Woodcock wrote that questions have been raised about such contacts, per the Washington Post. She made the request of the inspector general's office in the Department of Health and Human Services, expressing concern that the approval process "could undermine the public's confidence in FDA's decision," per CNN. The Wall Street Journal describes Woodcock's request to investigate doctors within her own agency as "highly unusual." Biogen shares, which had climbed sharply after Aduhelm was approved a month ago, dropped more than 3%. On Thursday, as the FDA dealt with the fallout over its decision, it narrowed its recommended use guidelines, saying that Aduhelm should be used only for patients with mild symptoms. (Two House committees also are looking into the drug's approval.) (Newser) A judge in Haiti said Friday that the two Americans arrested after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise told him they served as translators for the conspirators. Judge Clement Noel said he interviewed James Solages and Joseph Vincent shortly after they were taken into custody, the New York Times reports. They said their only job was translating, though they admitted to meeting with other plotters at a hotel to plan the raid. The planning picked up in the past month, the judge said. Noel said the two had weapons and other items used in the crime on them when they were arrested after a shootout with police. He said Solages and Vincent said the plan was to take Moise to the national palace, not to kill him. Neither of the Americans was hurt in the shoutout, the judge said. Moise was shot to death at home early Wednesday; Solages and Vincent said they were not in the room when he was killed. story continues below Government officials said they've asked the US for troops. With the situation in the streets becoming more chaotic, the government wants to ensure infrastructure such as airports, gasoline reserves and ports are guarded. The US State Department did not confirm the request, but the White House said FBI and Homeland Security officials will be going to Haiti to assess the situation. There's a power void in the country now, per CNN, without a sitting parliament and with two leaders claiming to be prime minister. Ariel Henry was about to ascend to the post, replacing Claude Joseph. He said in an interview that "Claude Joseph is not prime minister, he is part of my government." A leading judge said the order of succession is unclear. After Moise repeatedly failed to hold national and local elections, many offices up and down governmentincluding the parliamentare vacant. (Read more Haiti stories.) The post worker didn't deliver the parcel but took a photo and reported the incident to his manager. His colleague later took over the parcel and the worker said he was promised an investigation would be carried out. The man said he had to take a day off work. "I'm a bit worried and scared ... if the customer is racist and if the customer can hate me or do something to me, where is the security [for us]?" The worker said the behaviour was not okay and he hoped the offender would not get away with it. "Yesterday [Wednesday] was me and another day it could be anyone else. That's why we just want to try to make a strict action against that so that wouldn't happen in the future." Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said what happened was sad, and workers' safety must come first. He said there was a sharp increase of racist complaints since the Covid-19 pandemic - at least 100 reports every week recently. "We receive them in the service industries and schools and hospitals and the public, there's a lot of casual racism around." Foon said abuses were harmful and hurtful, and people must remember that freedom of speech came with a responsibility. "We encourage everybody to make submissions to the new hate speech [laws] review, and we are very hopeful that will help mitigate bad behaviour." A NZ Post spokesperson said the incident was appalling. "NZ Post does not stand for any form of racism. The safety and wellbeing of our people is paramount. This incident is abhorrent and unacceptable. "We are taking this extremely seriously - the matter is currently with the police for investigation, and we are also carrying out our own investigation." A police spokesperson confirmed they had received a report on the matter which was being assessed. "Violence or threatening behaviour driven by hate is not acceptable and should not be condoned by anyone. Police is committed to tackling hate crime, and to improving the way we identify and record offences and incidents," police said. "We're also focused on understanding what drives hate crime, doing the right things for victims, as well as holding offenders to account." BNZ also said earlier it may close accounts of customers who were using payment references to send abusive messages. RNZ "We have been battling for this application for a year now, and with this news it brings a sense of hope and joy that our community will finally be able to live long and healthy lives." Lee has been taking 'miracle drug' Trikafta for more than a year. He's been funding it himself, at an extraordinary cost of more than $400,000 per year. But this entire time, he's been fighting to have the drug for all Kiwis who need it and says tonight he will be celebrating with a bottle of champagne. Pharmac says it is beginning to assess the medicine, starting today. "Before we can fund any medicine, we need advice from our clinical experts, a deal with the medicine supplier and enough money in the budget to fund it now and in the future," says Pharmac's director of operations Lisa Williams. Pharmac has also acknowledged it is one of the most expensive applications the organisation has ever received. "If it makes it to our options for investment list, we'll aim to fund it when we have money available in our budget." And if there is no money in the budget, the agency has previously committed to Newshub it would be willing to go to the Government for more money. Drug-maker Vertex said in a statement, it's willing to work collaboratively and flexibly with Pharmac as the application moves forward. "Vertex has made significant progress in New Zealand over the last few months and is committed to ensuring all eligible patients have sustainable access to our triple combination treatment as soon as possible". "How can you defend that? You're supposed to be looking after freedom!" Williams says to Seymour at the public meeting, in a video circulating on social media. "You need to ask yourself why that is," Seymour responds. "Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition, and banks have decided they don't want to deal with you..." Williams, pointing to a sign about 'freedom', asks if people should have the freedom to "destroy" his life by getting him fired. "We all make choices, you've made your choices," Seymour responds. Williams then turns to the crowd and denounces Seymour. "This man here is not defending freedom! He's a bloody fraud! He's a fake!" Seymour walks off, calling Williams an idiot, and the crowd appears to agree, telling the YouTuber to sit down and leave the ACT leader alone. But Williams wasn't finished. He launched into an attack on Seymour for not speaking out about the controversial He Puapua report, a paper commissioned by the Government which sets out a proposed roadmap for co-governance between Maori and the Crown. "You've not mentioned He Puapua here. Do any of you know what He Puapua is? By 2040, Maori will own 50 percent of this country, and this man here won't even tell you about it! He's a fake and a fraud." A Ministry of Health spokesperson said the "small number of people who have returned to New Zealand and are partially vaccinated are being fully vaccinated where practicable". The spokesperson said it is "not easily accessible data" to determine where each of the 190 people would fit in the vaccine sequencing framework. In other words, the Ministry of Health can't say how many of them jumped the queue. Hipkins said it makes sense to fully vaccinate them. "I think it's important that people get full immunity from COVID-19 as quickly as they can. We're only talking about a couple hundred people who have arrived in New Zealand having had a vaccine shot somewhere else and getting their second shot in New Zealand," he told Newshub. "I'm quite comfortable about that because ultimately, it protects us all. The more people who are fully vaccinated, the more protection there is for everybody." Hipkins backs letting them skip the queue, even if it means jumping ahead of an elderly person. "We're not talking about significant numbers of people jumping the queue. It shouldn't disrupt the roll-out to people who are already booked in or on those priority lists. If it was a large number of people then we might take a different view, but we are talking quite a small number." Hipkins said there will be no flights into New Zealand from NSW until Tuesday next week, while flights will resume from Queensland at midnight for those who present a negative COVID-19 test result and were not in any locations of interest. Indications are that the travel pause with Queensland will lift early next week. The Government is strongly advising people not to fly to Sydney unless they normally live there and are returning home. "We know there are Kiwis who've been on holiday, reconnecting with family or doing business wanting to get back," Hipkins said on Friday. "However our public health officials - who are in daily contact with their NSW counterparts - have assessed that the risk to New Zealand from the state has continued to increase. That warrants an extra level of protection at the border for the time being." The announcement will affect some 2500 New Zealanders currently in NSW, Hipkins said. The added restrictions, he added, is in response to the state's unfolding COVID-19 outbreak and concerns about rule-breaking. COVID-19 is continuing to spread in NSW. The state reported 44 new cases on Friday, its highest daily number since the current outbreak began, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to tighten lockdown restrictions. It marks another jump from Thursday's record figure of 38 new cases. At the time, it was the highest daily number in NSW in more than a year. One thing we have learned about the COVID-19 pandemic is the huge role mobile technology plays in monitoring it and, when possible, keeping it under control. There's no doubt that ability will be the key to moving past the rules and restrictions we've all become accustomed to. That said, if ever there was one place capable of rolling out digital infrastructure to monitor a virus, it would be Singapore. Its years of popularity as a stopover for travellers going from one side of the world to the other will work in the country's favour as it deals with an influx of travellers post-pandemic. Even the sheer size of the Changi Airport itself means social distancing was essentially already happening there anyway. Kiwi epidemiologists are breathing a sigh of relief after New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian ruled out abandoning the state's elimination strategy towards COVID-19. NSW is struggling to get on top of an outbreak of the Delta variant of the virus, which is more than 200 percent more infectious than the original strain. Of 44 new cases recorded up to Thursday night, 29 were in the community while infectious. "We know the Delta variant is highly infectious and it can cause an explosive increase in cases," University of Otago epidemiologist Michael Baker told Newshub. "On average each case infects five to six others. You have to basically shut down outbreaks very rapidly, or you lose control of them - as we've seen in places like Fiji." Fiji's outbreak has been so explosive, the virus is spreading faster per head of population than at the height of India's tragic wave earlier this year, in which hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives. The Sydney Morning Herald on Friday reported three senior ministers in the state government were keen to see NSW drop the elimination strategy and live with the virus. Berejiklian quickly shut down those rumours, saying that would result in "thousands and thousands of hospitalisations and death". Dr Baker agrees. "I don't think they're having a very serious discussion about that. I know it was flagged, but I think that discussion was quite quickly shut down by their political leaders, basically because they know it's not going to work. You can't even think about moving to a different strategy until you have high vaccine coverage." NSW's vaccine coverage is similar to New Zealand's - about 9 percent. A recent study based on New Zealand's demographics found it could take 97 percent coverage to effectively stop an outbreak of Delta here. Shamokin, PA (17872) Today Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 73F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here Defense attorney Gary Soberay, left, talks with his client, Travis Reed, on the first day of jury selection Tuesday, July 7, 2021, at Rabinowitz Courthouse in Fairbanks, Alaska. Liv Clifford/News-Miner The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A call has gone out from a former diplomat for the immediate establishment of a trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and India. This was stressed by former Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Prof Dr Mohan Kumar, who was speaking yesterday in an online panel discussion hosted by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT). Also taking part in yesterdays discussion were prominent Bahraini businessman, researcher and writer Yuosuf Salahuddin; distinguished career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service and the first Indian woman to be appointed Ambassador to a Gulf State Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa; retired Indian Diplomat and former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Ambassador Navdeep Suri; KG Baburajan from BKG Holding Co and Dr Omar Ahmed Al Ubaidly, Mahmood Abdulghaffar and Hamad Al Abdulla from DERASAT. Baburajan highlighted some areas of immense potential for bilateral cooperation between India and Bahrain, such as renewable energy, medical and space technology, construction, finance, education, information technology and tourism. There are of course many other areas of cooperation possible, such as oil and gas, communication technology, infrastructure, investments, food processing and sports, said Baburajan. Dr Kumar said that, should the long-proposed India-GCC FTA be difficult, then the best alternative would be to establish one between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and India. I appeal to Bahrain to find out whether an India-GCC FTA is still feasible; it has been hanging for a long, long time, we have been talking about this for at least a decade, he said. If an India-GCC FTA is going to prove difficult, I genuinely think there must be a trilateral arrangement between India, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Dr Kumar added. I want to treat Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as a single economic space. I understand that they are two very different, very friendly countries, but I am trying to overcome the size aspect. This is because things are moving between India and Saudi Arabia. I genuinely believe we can have greater economies of scale if we include Bahrain in this. Dr Kumar went on to list several ways of cooperation that would be of great benefit for all involved parties, such as the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing facility for the GCC in Bahrain. There is potential for investment in India from Mumtalakat, he explained. This should be pursued pronto; we should not delay. The joint commission has talked about establishing vaccine facilities in Bahrain. This is a tremendously useful idea. This is not the last pandemic. If financing can be done by Saudi Arabia and India can bring technical know-how and manufacturing know-how to make vaccines in Bahrain for the GCC, this would be a wonderful way of trying to see if we can mix and match our respective advantages and strengths. He further spoke about establishing a food park for Bahrain in India, as well as further investment in the oil refining and renewable energy sectors. The investment of a food park in India will help meet the food security needs of Bahrain, Dr Kumar said. It is in the abiding interest of India because we have a number of nationals there and the country is not so big. The stock on oil and gas, the Saudi Aramco chairman now sits on the board of the Reliance Company in India, and if we can look at trilateral cooperation, of downstream and upstream oil refining and so on, I think it would be of great advantage to the region. There has been the first meeting of the joint working group on renewable energy. We look forward to the early ratification by Bahrain of the international solar alliance. Bahrain, like India, is blessed with sunlight throughout the year. This is something we must exploit. Bahrain has land, and we can have a wonderful solar park, which will be the envy of the Gulf. This is my dream for Bahrain and it is eminently doable with the technology that is available in India and the funds which are available in Bahrain. Dr Kumar went on to praise His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for being the most liberal leader in the entire Gulf. This will have a profound impact on the ability of Bahrain to be open-minded when it comes to economics, trade and investment, Dr Kumar added. There is no one better than HRH Prince Salman, frankly. He used to be in charge of the Economic Development Board, and he knows the working of economics inside out. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The will to achieve in the face of challenges and changes always act as the springboard for Bahrains excellence and builds on what has been achieved by the Kingdom, said His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. In this continuous process, the press and media persons here play a crucial role, HRH Prince Salman said. The contributions of the press in the Kingdoms development march throughout the history confirms its role as a partner in continuous development in line with the vision for comprehensive development by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, stressed HRH Prince Salman. Speaking to the recipients of the fifth edition of the Prime Ministers journalism award at Riffa Palace, HRH CP and PM recalled the interest of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in fostering the press and journalists. This was also the basis for the launch of the Prime Ministers Award for Journalism, said Prince Salman, adding that the award appreciates the role of the press in supporting national achievements. HRH Prince Salman said that it is an honour to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the writers and media professionals armed against the challenges of Bahrain as a team. Bahrain, HRH Prince Salman said, seeks this impartial responsibility and objectivity of the journos to continue with determination, Bahrains march towards a more beautiful future, and brighten up its present. HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, thanked HRH Prince Salman for his constant support to the national press and journalists. The awardees expressed their appreciation to His Royal Highness for promoting a diverse and vibrant media environment. The Minister of Information Affairs, Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, was also in attendance at the meeting. Awardees: Osama Al-Majed from Al-Bilad newspaper - Best Columnist Award Saeed Mohammed from Al-Bilad newspaper - Best Investigative Journalism Award Tammam Abusafi from Al-Ayyam newspaper - Best *Interview* Journalism Award Sultan Al-Haddad from Bahrain News Agency - Best Photo-journalism Award TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Ministry of Education has honoured three young students for designing a website amid the COVID-19 pandemic to help learn science subjects online. Learning science has become easy for the students of Al-Istiqlal Secondary School for Girls, thanks to a website designed by three young girls there. Fadak Jaafar, Alaa Ahmed, and Shaima Alaa Al-Din are featured on the ministrys Instagram account for their achievement amid the COVID-19 crisis. The students designed a website to help others learn chemistry, physics and biology online, with the help of their teacher Rabab Sayed. The website, the ministry said, helped efforts to promote distance education and supplements their efforts to sustain education amid the pandemic. The students worked incessantly for three months to complete the websites to provide secondary school students access to lessons in science subjects online. From concerts to parades, festivals and more, News-Press NOW is the place to find out about events in the community. Subscribe for only 25/ week. Thank you for trusting us for your local news coverage. You have reached the maximum number of free articles per month. Subscribe today for unlimited access to News-Press NOW. It's a fast and easy way to support local journalism. 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. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Albania's prime minister says he thinks a resurgence of nationalism in Europe is holding back plans to expand the European Union to include his country and others in the Balkans region. A dispute between neighboring North Macedonia and EU-member Bulgaria over the origin of the Macedonian language has gotten in the way of Albania's accession bid. PM Modi, in the review meet today, directed the officials to ensure that these plants are made functional at the earliest and there is adequate training of hospital staff on operation and maintenance of oxygen plants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reviewed the availability of oxygen across the country, amid warnings of a third wave that could hit the country by August-September. In the meeting today over the augmentation and availability of oxygen, PM said that over 1500 PSA Oxygen plants are coming up across the nation. These oxygen plants, contributed by PM CARES, would support more than 4 lakh oxygen beds. He directed the officials to ensure that these plants are made functional at the earliest and there is adequate training of hospital staff on operation and maintenance of oxygen plants. PM further instructed the deployment of advanced technology like IoT to track performance and functioning of oxygen plants. Earlier this week, the newly-elected health minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced a 23,000 crore Covid-19 relief package. He added that out of the 23,000 crore, around Rs 15,000 will allocated to Centre and around Rs 8000 crore will be allocated to states. He emphasised that this package will help up paediatrics departments across 736 districts, 20,000 new ICU beds, acquire buffer stocks of medicines and create storage facilities for oxygen and medicines at the district level. On Friday, India reported 43,393 new Covid-19 cases, taking the total number of active cases to 4,58,727 cases. As per the health ministry, about 40,23,173 people were vaccinated in the last 24 hours, taking the total vaccinated count to 36,89,91,222. Cairn wants an "amicable settlement" in the $1.2bn (870m) row. The Indian government would seek "legal remedies" after it receives notice from the French court. UK oil firm Cairn Energy has gained the right to seize Indian state assets in France worth more than 20m (17m) as part of a long-running tax row. Cairn Energy says a French court has accepted its petition for a freeze on 20 centrally located Indian government properties in Paris as part of its attempts to recover a $1.2 billion arbitration award it won last year. Cairn said it wanted an amicable settlement in the $1.2bn (870m) row. Sources said the Indian government would seek legal remedies when it received notice from the French court. Edinburgh-based oil and gas exploration firm Cairn Energy is in dispute with the Indian government over a 2014 retrospective tax bill, when the countrys tax office seized a 10% stake in Indian operations that Cairn was trying to sell. Cairn took the issue to an international tribunal, which awarded the company $1.7bn in costs and damages in December 2020. The Indian government has appealed against this. Cairn is unlikely to evict the officials living in those properties but the government cannot sell them after the court order. However, the energy firm has been identifying assets that it would seize in the absence of a settlement, including some belonging to Air India. The government said today it has not received any such order from any French court and will take legal remedies to protect the interests of India. 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, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPfaXTgOYn0 Indo-Russia relationship has been among the steadiest in the world. Need for constant nurturing of the bilateral ties that have remained strong years after the Second World War. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today (Friday) to hold talks on bilateral cooperation at the various multilateral forums, including cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 and compare notes on major global and regional issues, including the political process in Afghanistan. The situation in Afghanistan, forthcoming India-Russia meetings, and bilateral cooperation in security and defence will figure in talks between the two external affairs minister today in Moscow. Mr Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to Russia, which began on Wednesday. On Thursday he commented on the Indo-Russia relationship saying that it has been among the steadiest in the world. He called for constant nurturing of the bilateral ties that have remained strong years after the Second World War. The two sides will also discuss cooperation at the UN, Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the RIC format, the Russian foreign ministry said, referring to the Russia-India-China grouping. In an indication of the differences between India and Russia on the Indo-Pacific concept, the Russian foreign ministry said the discussions are also expected to touch up approaches to the formation of reliable and indivisible security architecture in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Foreign ministers are also 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 Russian foreign ministry said the two countries share a similar vision of a model of an emerging more fair and equitable polycentric world order, and demonstrate the similarity or proximity of positions on the most important issues of peace and security. Lavrov visited New Delhi in April, hence Jaishankars visit to Moscow is a follow-up to his trip. Besides holding talks with Lavrov, Jaishankar will also meet Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, his counterpart for the inter-governmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation, and the chairman of the state Duma committee on international affairs. Birdcode Hot Chicken West Hartford, Darien (coming soon) After a successful November opening in West Hartford, Birdcode owners Brandi and Phil Killoran are expanding their hot chicken brand to Darien in fall 2021. Birdcodes spice levels start at the no-heat country level, and increase incrementally: mild with a touch of heat, medium proceed with caution; hot burn baby burn and the top-level Code Breaker, with a warning: Do you really want to do this? Eat at your own risk. Chicken tenders are served with bread and pickles, and sandwiches are built on brioche buns topped with vinegar slaw, pickles and mayonnaise-based comeback sauce. Theres also a kale salad option with tenders, and a Naughty Neighbor, featuring tenders on a bed of fries with vinegar slaw, pickles and sauce. Sides include fries, mac and cheese and slaw, and desserts, all made in-house include banana pudding and chocolate chip cookies. Read more 120 Park Road, West Hartford (and coming soon: 151 Post Road in Darien) 860-206-1971, eatbirdcode.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Friday phone call that he must take action against cybercriminals acting in his country and that the U.S. reserves the right to defend its people and its critical infrastructure" from future attacks. the White House said. The warning to Putin was largely a repetition of the tough rhetoric Biden had used during their meeting in Geneva last month, when he warned that there would be consequences for continuing cyberattacks emanating from Russia. Since then, a new ransomware attack linked to the Russia-based REvil hacking group has caused widespread disruption, placing Biden under growing pressure to this time marry the warning with actions though none were immediately announced. I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil even though it's not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is," Biden said, speaking to reporters at an event on economic competitiveness. Asked whether there will be consequences, he said, Yes. The call with Putin underscored the extent to which the ransomware threat from criminal hacker gangs has mushroomed into an urgent national security challenge for the White House, and it suggested a possible concession by the administration that earlier warnings to the Russian leader had failed to curb a criminal activity that has taken aim at businesses across the globe. A White House statement announcing the hourlong call also highlighted a U.S.-Russian agreement that will allow humanitarian aid to flow into Syria. The dual prongs of the agenda show how even as Biden pledges to get tough on Russia over hacking, theres an inherent desire to avoid aggravating tensions as the administration looks for Russia to cooperate, or at least not interfere, with U.S. actions in other areas, including Syria, the Afghanistan withdrawal and climate change. In his call with Putin, besides reiterating the need for Russia to take action and that the U.S. stands ready to act in response, Biden also emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware," the White House said. Biden told reporters that the U.S. and Russia have "set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate with one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country. And so it went well. Im optimistic. In its own summary of the call, the Kremlin said Putin noted that despite the Russian sides readiness to jointly stop criminal activities in the information sphere, U.S. agencies havent made any requests during the past month. The Kremlin said the two leaders emphasized the need for cooperation on cybersecurity, which it said must be permanent, professional and non-politicized and should be conducted via special communication channels ... and with respect to international law." The Kremlin statement also noted that Biden and Putin touched on the situation in Syria with a special emphasis on humanitarian aspects and gave a positive assessment of coordination of Russian and U.S. efforts on the issue, including in the U.N. Security Council." The White House declined to discuss the tone of Biden's call, though press secretary Jen Psaki said it did focus significantly on the latest breach, which cybersecurity researchers have said infected victims in at least 17 countries, largely through firms that remotely manage IT infrastructure for multiple customers. Though Biden had previously said the attack had caused minimal damage, and it did not appear to target vital infrastructure, the sheer global scale and the fact that it occurred so soon after the Geneva meeting put immediate pressure on the administration to have some sort of response. Officials did not immediately announce any specific actions they were taking or would consider taking. There are few easy options to resolve the threat without risking a conflict that could spiral out of control beyond the cybersecurity realm. The Biden administration took office on the heels of a massive cyberespionage campaign known as SolarWinds that U.S. officials have linked to Russian intelligence operatives. But ransomware attacks, perpetrated generally by criminal hacker gangs rather than state-sponsored hackers, appear to have eclipsed old-fashioned spying as a potent threat. A May attack on a pipeline that supplies roughly half the fuel consumed on the East Coast caused the company to temporarily halt operations. Colonial Pipeline paid roughly $4.4 million in ransom, although U.S. authorities were able to claw back a large portion of that sum in a law enforcement operation last month. Hackers also recently extorted an $11 million ransom payment from JBS SA, the world's largest meat processor. - Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report. DENVER (AP) Colorado's first litter of gray wolf pups since the 1940s has grown to include six pups. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said Thursday that staff spotted the pups living in a den with two collared wolves known as John and Jane in northern Colorado, KCNC-TV reports. NEW HAVEN Mayor Justin Elicker simply is not listening to our fiscal concerns and is showing a failure of leadership by not giving city taxpayers relief now that more state funding than expected is flowing into the city, Democratic mayoral challenger Karen DuBois-Walton said Thursday. We need property tax relief, DuBois-Walton said in a press conference in front of City Hall, pointing out that New Haven is receiving an additional $49 million in state Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, funds this year, as well as a likely, as-yet unspecified increase in the annual voluntary contribution from Yale University. ... I think that property owners are entitled to at least 1 mill in tax relief, she said. PILOTs purpose is to take some of the burden off city taxpayers, who pay a price because of all the tax-exempt property in New Haven, including hospital facilities and educational institutions such as Yale, Albertus Magnus College and Southern Connecticut State University, DuBois-Walton said. DuBois-Walton said to double our PILOT and see no property tax relief is a failure. That suggestion brought a quick, sharp retort from Elicker, who was out with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz at an African-American business press event in Westville while DuBois-Walton held her press conference in front of City Hall. Its shocking to me that the ... other candidate might suggest the city can cut taxes at this moment, Elicker said. Our city is in a significant budget crisis and the additional PILOT money was something the city was counting on to help plug a big hole in the budget, he said. Elicker also pointed out that the city is not allowed to use the tens of million of dollars in federal pandemic recovery money to cut taxes. Going into the budget process, we had a $53 million hole in our budget, he said. Even with the additional $49 million coming in from the state PILOT program, a smaller hole remains, he said. He said it was irresponsible but also misleading residents to the reality of our situation to suggest otherwise, Elicker said. DuBois-Walton had no specifics, however, as to what she would have done to cut costs, or taxes. In order to provide that tax relief, she first said Elicker had more than a year of the coronavirus pandemic, during which many city offices were closed or operated remotely, to find efficiencies in government. Asked later to elaborate on which efficiencies she might find were she in charge, she said that during the pandemic, People had to figure out how to run City Hall more efficiently. ... Lets figure out what weve learned. ... If I were mayor, at the start of this budget season I would have done things very differently, beginning with not proposing two budgets, one of which proposed some damaging cuts, DuBois-Walton said. Among those cuts would have been the closure of the Mitchell Library in Westville, the East Shore Senior Center and the Whitney Avenue Firehouse. DuBois-Walton said the mayors fiscal decisions are evidence that he does not understand the effect the budget has on the daily lives of city residents. DuBois-Walton, who until recently was president of the Housing Authority of New Haven, has spent 20 years in public service, both as chief administrative officer and chief of staff for former Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and as head of the Housing Authority. mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com MADISON, Wis. (AP) A judge sentenced a man to 10 years in prison Friday for sexually assaulting a woman in broad daylight in downtown Madison last year. The Wisconsin State Journal reported Dane County Circuit Judge Judge Nicholas told 24-year-old Alex Wade that he forever changed the woman's life. BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Slovakias top court ruled Wednesday that a nationwide referendum cannot be held on whether to call an early parliamentary election. President Zuzana Caputova had asked the Constitutional Court to rule on the matter after over 585,000 Slovak citizens signed petitions calling for the snap vote, which the political opposition proposed over the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic. At least 350,000 signatures are needed to qualify a referendum in the country of 5.4 million. If a majority voted yes in the proposed election referendum, a new parliamentary ballot would have to be held in 180 days. Slovakias next regular general election is scheduled for 2024. Justice Minister Maria Kolikova and some leading law experts doubted that such a referendum would be in line with the rule of law and advised the president to turn to the Constitutional Court. The court agreed the proposed vote would not conform with the Constitution because it would violate the character of Slovakia as a democratic state with the rule of law, chief judge Ivan Fiacan said. Parliament would have to amend the Constitution to specifically allow such a referendum, the court said. Prime Minister Eduard Heger said he respected the ruling, which cannot be appealed, while opposition politicians condemned it. Ervin Erdelyi, the head of the petition committee that was gathering the signatures, said he would study the ruling before deciding on further steps. Slovakias last election in February 2020 resulted in the formation of a four-party coalition government led by populist Prime Minister Igor Matovic. A secret deal orchestrated by the prime minister for Slovakia to purchase 2 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine triggered a political crisis in March that resulted in Matovic's government becoming the first in Europe to collapse due to its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. A new Cabinet sworn in in April kept the same four-party coalition in power. Only one referendum in the countrys history, on European Union membership, produced a valid result. All others failed due to low turnout. ROME (AP) Pope Francis will follow in the footsteps of St. John Paul II and deliver his weekly Sunday blessing and greeting from the Rome hospital where he is recovering from intestinal surgery, the Vatican said Friday. The Vaticans daily medical update said that Francis temperature was normal again following the slight fever he ran Wednesday evening. It said his treatment and recovery at Gemelli Polyclinic were proceeding normally, with the pontiff walking, eating, working and celebrating Mass with hospital staff. Francis, 84, had half of his colon removed July 4 for what the Vatican said was a severe narrowing of his large intestine. He is expected to stay at Gemelli, which has a special suite reserved for popes, through the week, assuming there are no complications. The statement said Francis would deliver his noontime Sunday blessing from the 10th floor of the hospital, an appointment that will recall the practice of John Paul, who also delivered the Angelus prayer and greetings from the hospital's 10th floor during his occasional stays. During one stay in 1996, John Paul quipped that after so many visits, Gemelli had become the Vatican No. 3," after St. Peter's and the papal summer estate in Castel Gandolfo. Francis, for his part, was continuing to eat regularly and walk in the corridor after the three-hour surgery Sunday, the Vatican said. It said he had resumed working, alternating it with moments of reading texts." He celebrated Mass in the papal private apartment on Thursday afternoon, attended by all those assisting him during his hospitalization, the Vatican said. The Argentine pope 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. John Pauls first stay at Gemelli was after he was shot during a May 13, 1981 assassination attempt in St. Peters Square. Four days later, he delivered his Sunday prayer from the hospital and said: Pray for the brother who shot me, whom I have sincerely forgiven. John Paul was released in June of that year but returned a few weeks later after developing a serious infection that kept him hospitalized for nearly two months. He returned in subsequent years for broken bones suffered in falls, an appendectomy, respiratory and throat problems as well as to have a benign intestinal tumor removed. The Polish pope, who suffered from Parkinsons disease, died at the Vatican on April 2, 2005. Niagara Falls, NY (14301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has rejected the call by Southern governors that the 2023 presidency be zoned to the Southern part of ... Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has rejected the call by Southern governors that the 2023 presidency be zoned to the Southern part of the country. Bello claimed a rotational presidency can not solve Nigerias problem, saying it was why former President Olusegun Obasanjo could not solve the problems of the Southwest. He disclosed that the Nigerian 1999 constitution does not recognise rotational presidency. Addressing journalists in Abuja, the governor said Nigerians must be allowed to choose their leaders. The governor stressed that a rotational presidency would not solve Nigerias problems, adding that a capable leader can lead the country to its best destination. Bello said, Nigeria of today is a ship that requires the best captain to deliver it to its destination. If zoning will resolve our problem when Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo was President, all the problems of the Southwest should have been solved. When President Umaru Yaradua was there, all the problems of the North would have been solved and similarly, all Southern problems would have been solved during the era of President Goodluck Jonathan. I will continue to insist that the best candidate who will build on the legacies that President is leaving behind emerge and should the nation go on Rotational Presidency, it should be done fairly with equity. Southern governors had on Monday said the Southern part of the country should produce Nigerias next president. Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeri... Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari not to silence the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi kanu, and Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho. Oke urged the Buhari government to practise good governance and equity as a means of resolving the agitations across Nigeria, adding that agitations will never stop and others will rise if Kanu and Igboho are silenced. The Bishop spoke while addressing a press conference on the state of the nation at the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Mowe, Ogun State, on Thursday. Oke said, We appeal to the government to make sure that there is equity in the participation and representation in governance by the people. Until that is done, agitation will never stop. If we silence Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, others will rise. Kanu is presently in detention in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, while his trial continues after he was re-arrested by security operatives two weeks ago. Igbohos house was invaded by the DSS a few days ago. He is currently on the run as nobody has seen him since the attack on his residence. Both Kanu and Igboho are separatist agitators. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. In the world of finance, an upturn describes a rising stock that gains momentum along the way. And its generally something to celebrate. So what could that possibly have to do with an arts camp for kids? children come here and they have an upturn, said Dana Reed, the founding executive director of Upturn Arts an organization that helps kids build their confidence as artists through year-round music, theater, dance and design programs. They have a moment of aha or confidence. They feel good about themselves. Reed is a skilled dancer, but while living and performing in New York City, she worked for an emerging markets hedge fund (hence her familiarity with finance). On a stock chart, you can look at the existing stock for years and years, and the upturns are always there and they are never going to go away, she explained. And I see that in children. No matter what happens in their life, their upturn will always be there. Families are never denied a spot because of financial restraints. Our mission is arts for all, said Reed, noting that tuition is based on family size and income. Grants are offered to those who qualify. After more than a year of offering art activities to-go and virtual lessons, the organizations in-person summer camp is now in full swing, with a few spots still available. Plans for fall programming are in the works. Adapting to the times Although Upturn Arts still offers the same creativity-based programming that its known for, Reed has made a few modifications to keep campers and staff safe. In the past, Reed would invite nearly 30 artists to teach children throughout the summer. Close to 60 guest artists would offer one-hour workshops. To minimize possible COVID exposure, however, Upturn Arts has hired a full-time teaching staff. They are here all day long, and all summer long, Reed said. At this time, we are unable to do our guest artists series because we don't want to bring too many people into the building. Classes take place in the NOLA Spaces building on Toledano Street, near the intersection of St. Charles and Louisiana avenues. Everyone wears a mask. The campers are divided into three age groups, identified by Mardi Gras-inspired monikers Bacchus: 4- and 5-year-olds; Muses: 6- to 8-year-olds; and Zulu: children 9 and up. The groups rotate among music, theater, visual arts and dance classes. The campers also eat breakfast and lunch together. At the end of the week, each group stages a show and tell for fellow campers, since they cant do performances for family members inside the building. Rio Vidal, 9, says he has participated in the summer camp for four or five years. Its really fun and we get to do all sorts of stuff, she said. I love dancing. Veteran camper Peter Worthy, 10, says, I just like meeting new friends. Camrin Allen, 5, is experiencing her first summer with Upturn Arts. I like dancing and doing art, she said. Worth the ups and downs Some COVID-related changes are less obvious, said Reed. More families than usual have requested financial aid. Reed says its because many of Upturn Arts members are small-business owners, or people who work in the hospitality industry. And both of those sectors suffered during the pandemic. Also, young campers have experienced a bit of separation anxiety from their caregivers, said Reed. This summer, a lot of our younger students miss mom and want to be home because they were home with mom, or dad or grandma, Reed said. And so that's something that we as a staff have been working on. And they seem to have made progress. I had one student who wouldn't get out of the car for about a week, and slowly but surely he eventually got through the first door, and then eventually got into class, Reed recalled. And then it was the opposite problem; he didn't want to leave. Reed is just as happy to be back. I missed these kids like it was nobody's business, Reed said, explaining how shes been able to watch them grow over the years. The job is difficult. It has its ups and downs, but when you see the kids and their energy, and how excited they are, it really makes the work worth it. As a nod to her financial background, she added: I do it because of all the upturns I get to see every day. +2 $25K! UHC culinology student and single mom wins scholarship from celebrity chef Guy Fieri University of Holy Cross student Jamie Warrick knew she was a finalist for a $25,000 scholarship. But when food television personality Guy Fie When Moe's Original Bar B Que first opened on Calhoun Street in 2015, it brought an Alabama-based brand with a lot of cred to the city's growing ranks of smokehouses. Now though, that original location has closed while local franchisees Stephen Lane and Bryan Hargett focus on their second location in Metairie. The last day of business was July 4. When the lease for the location at 3105 Calhoun St. came due, the partners had to reevaluate the business there, Lane said. They decided to concentrate their staff and efforts on the Metairie location, where business has been growing rapidly. They were able to bring about half of the Uptown locations staff over to the Metairie restaurant. Moes is based on an Alabama barbecue style that its brand founders originally learned while in college in Tuscaloosa. They started the business after moving to Colorado, cooking Southern que for the ski town crowd. The Moes brand has grown to more than 50 locations, including many around Alabama and the Deep South. Hargett and Lane first brought Moes to town by taking over the former location of the old burrito spot Kokopellis (closed since Hurricane Katrina), near the Tulane and Loyola university campuses. They opened the Metairie expansion in 2019, taking over a former Cafe Roma location on Causeway Boulevard. Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Moes serves pulled pork, ribs, turkey and chicken and chicken wings, plus fried catfish, with a selection of traditional Southern sides and changing specials. Moes Original Bar B Que 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-407-3533 Daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. +9 Bud's Broiler returns to New Orleans; long-planned Canal Boulevard location now open A Buds Broiler burger is basic and incredibly specific all at once. Its style is the old school antithesis of overly fancy gourmet burgers an New Orleans ranked best city for barbecue, and not even New Orleans buys it Barbecue aficionados in New Orleans are living in a golden age of the craft here. But is New Orleans really the top city in the United States +12 Coolinary dining deals get early start, aiming to help New Orleans restaurants revive The annual Coolinary dining promotion is the answer to a challenge many New Orleans restaurants normally face each summer getting people in Manresa House of Retreats temporarily shut its doors Tuesday after officials learned that recent visitors to the Jesuit-run facility in Convent had tested positive for COVID-19, according to the director. Meanwhile, about 200 girls spending the week at Camp Abbey in Covington were sent home early Thursday night and Friday after a rampant stomach virus and at least two cases of COVID spread through the sleepaway camp, according to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Patricia Miller of New Orleans, drove to the north shore Thursday night to pick up her three daughters, ages 9, 11, and 13, after being notified of a positive coronavirus case and then the camp's closure. She was also informed that her eldest had been exposed to the person who tested positive for the virus. +5 Surge in Louisiana COVID cases traced to Delta variant, low vaccination rate: 'We're in it' For weeks, experts have been bracing for the effects of the Delta variant, a version of the coronavirus first discovered in India that is twic "We took our kids to the doctor this morning," said Miller, who was still awaiting the results of her daughter's COVID test Friday. There aren't a lot of details available about the coronavirus cases linked to Manresa, a men's-only retreat. Director Tim Murphy said he was told that some people who recently attended the retreat had tested positive. Murphy did not disclose how many visitors tested positive or when they attended. The Louisiana Department of Health was notified, and the retreated stopped operations on Tuesday, according to Murphy. None of Manresa's employees tested positive. "There was no one here on our staff who has contracted COVID-19 since the beginning," Murphy said. The retreat will remain closed, pending direction from the health department, according to Murphy. Over in St. Tammany Parish, two campers from Camp Abbey had tested positive for COVID-19, as of Friday, according to archdiocesen spokeswoman Sarah McDonald. An undisclosed number of campers had negative tests, she said. The decision to close the camp seems to have stemmed from the eruption of a stomach virus, accompanied by fevers and vomiting, according to officials. "After about two dozen campers at Camp Abbey presented with symptoms of a stomach bug in a 24-hour period, the leadership of Camp Abbey made the decision to close this week of girls' camp one day early out of an abundance of caution and out of concern for the health and safety of all campers and camp staff," McDonald said Friday in a written statement. The single COVID-19 case would not have automatically closed the camp, because attendees are separated into small cohorts that sleep in the same cabin and take part in activities together, according to McDonald. A camper with a positive COVID-19 case would be sent home, and the campers in that person's cohort would not be allowed to interact with other campers. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up While COVID wasn't the official reason for the camp's early closure, Miller said she is still concerned, especially after becoming aware that the virus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms for some patients. Camp officials have said that most campers didn't become ill until Thursday. However, Miller's youngest daughter told her the vomiting in her cabin began Monday, the first day of camp. "It's highly suspicious to shut down everything," Miller said. Camp Abbey will reopen Sunday for the next session of campers following a professional cleaning and COVID-19 testing for all staffers, McDonald said. Louisiana is seeing a new surge in coronavirus cases that health officials suspect is due to the Delta variant, which is twice as contagious and can evade protective antibodies. The state Department of Health doesn't publicly identify the locations of COVID-19 outbreaks unless they have trouble with contact tracing. But reports show that camp outbreaks increased from two to five between May in July, with 35 additional cases stemming from outbreaks during that time. Coronavirus cases in the north shore -- the LDH's Region 9 -- have increased by 651 this week alone, up by nearly 100%. Hospitalizations have increased by 42%, with more people per capita hospitalized in Region 9 than any other region in Louisiana. In the Louisiana Department of Health's Region 3, which includes St. James Parish, there have been 407 new cases over the past week, an increase of 84%. Thirty-one people are hospitalized in that region, an increase of over 180% from the previous week. "A highly transmissible virus is circulating without detection in a community," Tulane University epidemiologist Susan Hassig said. "If you've got groups of people who are spending a considerable amount of time together in uncontrolled and unmodified environments, you're going to get transmission." Miller and her husband had some reservations about sending their daughters. But their children had returned to school this past year, and Camp Abbey conducted the boys' sessions in June with no word of any problems. The camp scare has ended the family's debate on whether their oldest child should be vaccinated. If cleared of COVID-19, she'll be getting the shot, Miller said. The recent coronavirus stats and the variants have also made the family think twice about the reopening of the world after pandemic lock-down. "I know everyone is ready, mentally. But health-wise, maybe we're not ready for this, yet," she said. Federal agents on Tuesday seized a shipment of 3,000 pairs of fake eyelashes at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport that had been illegally imported into the U.S., authorities said. The eyelashes, which were destined for an unnamed beauty supply store in New Orleans, were unlabeled and had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, making them a safety concern, said U.S. Customs spokesperson Matthew Dyman. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discovered the 44-kilogram shipment at the DHL Express cargo terminal at the airport. An inspection determined the eyelashes, which had been shipped from China, hadn't gone through the FDA approval process, according to Dyman. False eyelashes can be made of synthetic products and are attached using adhesive placed on the eyelid, Dyman said. If unregulated or dangerous materials are used, that could lead to allergic reactions, eye irritation or worse. The boxes also had no labels indicating the name of the manufacturer, where the eyelashes were made, how they were packaged or who distributed them, according to the agency. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Without that information, consumers can't be assured of the product's quality, authorities said. They don't know, for instance, whether the eyelashes had been exposed to disease during manufacturing, whether they were stored properly or kept in areas with a massive insect infestation. Fake Louis Vuitton bags and MAC products snatched by Customs officers in New Orleans More than $80,000 worth of counterfeit Louis Vuitton and MAC products were seized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in New Orle "There's no telling what's on these eyelashes," Dyman said. U.S. Customs seized the boxes, but no business or individual has been cited. Dyman suggested eyelash consumers carefully inspect the packaging before making a purchase to ensure that the product is FDA-approved and has appropriate manufacturer labels. Joseph "Trey" Mahon, a veteran officer with the Covington Police Department, was fired Friday, nearly two months after he was arrested and booked with five counts of possession of child pornography. The termination was announced in a short email from the department. The Covington Police Department learned on May 12 that Mahon, then deputy chief, was being investigated by the state Attorney General's Office for possession of pornography involving juveniles under 13, the news release said. Mahon was put on paid administrative leave during an internal affairs investigation but had been relieved of his police powers and equipment, the email said. "Effective today, July 9, 2021, Trey Mahons employment with the City of Covington Police Department has been terminated," the email concluded. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Mahon, 37, had worked at the Covington Police Department first as a reserve officer and then, since 2009, on a full-time bases. He was promoted to commander of the department's criminal investigations division and then named deputy chief in September. Mahon's arrest coincided with an unrelated shakeup in the department. Mayor Mark Johnson had been on the verge of asking Mahon to step in as interim chief because he was planning to replace Stephen Culotta as chief. Mahon was arrested by agents with the state Attorney General's Office before Johnson could offer him the job. Johnson later appointed Mike Ferrell as the new chief. The City Council confirmed Ferrell's appointment last month. Ahmed Elsayed knew the Shell station at South Carrollton Avenue and Earhart Boulevard like the back of his hand. So when he allegedly decided to rob the store early on July 4, his first move was to shut off power at the circuit breaker, deactivating the magnetic locks on the doors. But the stickup turned deadly when Elsayed and an accomplice entered the store and found the clerk armed. Gunfire ensued, and Elsayed ended up dead. His accused partner, Henry Mortellaro III, 20, was also shot, but survived. Now investigators are trying to determine whether the robbery attempt was retribution for a fight at the store that left Elsayed and his parents out of work there. Detailed conversations with three sources familiar with the case as well as criminal court records obtained by The Times-Picayune this week lay out the unusual circumstances leading up to the heist gone wrong. Elsayed, his father Reda Elsayed Abdelaal and his mother Rehan Mohamad, all of Kenner, were employed at the Shell at 3101 South Carrollton Ave. on the edge of Gert Town. But the family parted on bad terms with store management following a brutal beating that resulted in Abdelaals arrest. On June 7, a man entered the store and began helping himself to some food. Abdelaal ordered the other man to leave, and both began arguing, police wrote in court records. Abdelaal pulled a metal baton out of his pants and battered the man's head repeatedly, according to investigators. After the fight, police came to the store to investigate. They said a detective was downloading surveillance camera video when someone described as Abdelaals son came into the room and stopped the download. Allegedly, neither Abdelaal nor his family would give a statement about what happened. Police said they eventually viewed the video after obtaining a warrant, then booked Abdelaal with second-degree battery. They also issued a municipal court summons to his wife for the same offense. Abdelaal was soon out of jail on a $2,000 bond. The couple's attorney, Joseph Bartels, said he planned to mount a vigorous defense." Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In the meantime, Abdelaal, Mohamad and Elsayed left their jobs at the store, the sources said. A few weeks later, Elsayed went back to the Shell station with Mortellaro, who also lives in Kenner, according to court records. Police allege that Elsayed and Mortellaro cut the store's power to unlock its doors, slipped inside and were met with gunfire from a clerk. At least one of them fired at the clerk, but Elsayed and Mortellaro were both hit during the shootout, police said. The pair allegedly retreated to a car outside and fled. Both men soon showed up at a hospital seeking help. Elsayed was pronounced dead, but Mortellaro survived, police said. A third, unidentified person who arrived at the hospital with the men confirmed the pair tried to rob the Shell, police allege. Police also said they confiscated unspecified weapons from the car that Elsayed and Mortellaro took to the hospital. Mortellaro remained hospitalized as of late Thursday, but detectives used the New Orleans jails remote booking process to arrest him on a count of second-degree murder earlier in the week. Investigators haven't accused Mortellaro of actually shooting Elsayed. But they believe he helped set off a chain of events directly leading to Elsayeds death. Magistrate Court Commissioner Jonathan Friedman set Mortellaros bail at $250,000 on Thursday. Mortellaro would face life imprisonment if convicted of murder. 8 people shot, one fatally, and four carjackings in New Orleans since Saturday afternoon Eight people were shot, including one who died at the hospital, in New Orleans between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, according to the The deadly shootout is the second time in less than a year that the out-of-state company that owns the Shell station has dealt with a killing at one of their businesses. In late November, a robbery at another Shell at the corner of West Esplanade Avenue and Williams Boulevard left a clerk dead. Two men have been booked with murder in that case. Shane Guidry, the Louisiana oilman and major GOP political donor, needed help. On a Saturday night in late January, Guidrys adolescent daughter found out -- via a text message from her biological mother -- that she was adopted as a toddler. Lacey Hooper, who has bounced between Mississippi and Louisiana over the years, yearned to reconnect with her daughter. She set up an anonymous TikTok account and friended the girl, then revealed the blood relation in a deluge of emotional texts. The girl asked for proof, before one text shifted the tone. this is shane, if you contact (her) again, we will have you arrested. are we clear. It was no idle threat. Soon, the Louisiana Attorney Generals office had agents out looking for Hooper, first in Louisiana and then in Mississippi -- even hunting down her brother -- even though there was no indication a crime had been committed. Guidry is a key supporter and benefactor of Attorney General Jeff Landry who has moonlighted as an agent in Landrys office himself. To Rafael Goyeneche, president of the watchdog Metropolitan Crime Commission, the whole thing reeks of political favoritism. All this paper says to me is that the attorney generals office did a favor for one of the largest financial supporters of Jeff Landry, Goyeneche said after reviewing an investigative memo that describes the agents efforts. Theres no justification for this. This isnt a criminal investigation. I dont see anything in here that even identifies a criminal violation. There are no allegations of criminal wrongdoing in any of this. The agents who went looking for Hooper came from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Landrys detective division, records show. The agents enlisted local law enforcement officers in Mississippi. The Feb. 10 road trip by three of the AGs investigators included a stop in Hancock County and another in Long Beach, where they dropped in on her brother, Blake Hooper. Hooper recalled a gaggle of agents, including supervising special agent John Mike Montalbano, showing up at his doorstep. They were asking where Lacey was and were relaying a message, he said in a phone interview in May. They eventually said they had paperwork with them, saying she wasnt to contact her daughter or post on social media. Montalbano left a dog-eared business card. Soon, Lacey Hooper, 31, reached him by phone, according to the memo, dated a few days later and obtained by the newspaper through a public-records request. At the end of the conversation, Montalbano wrote, Hooper agreed not to contact the girl without authorization. Guidry, who is independently wealthy and serves as CEO of Harvey Gulf International, the oilfield-services company his family started, has also held down a part-time job in Landrys office under the title special agent/investigator, for which he was paid $12,000 annually, state records show. In May, he said he remained working as an adviser for Landrys office. A spokesman for Landrys office said then that Guidry had been on unpaid leave as a special agent since 2017 but declined to answer questions about other roles. Guidrys status hasnt changed since, the spokesman said Friday. Landry, meanwhile, boosted his own annual income by between $50,000 and $100,000 last year when he took a seat on Harvey Gulfs board, according to a recent public filing. Guidry has said he brought aboard Landry for his legal mind, although state law bars the attorney general from moonlighting in the practice of law. Jeff Landry hired political ally Shane Guidry, now reports $50K+ as board member for his company The close relationship between Attorney General Jeff Landry and his top political ally Shane Guidry recently added a new layer: Landry took a Guidry claimed in a 2017 interview that he helped build up Landrys investigative division, whose agents recently came to his aid. I rebranded the unit to become the LBI, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Guidry said. I instituted new hiring practices and procedures which resulted in new, very seasoned agents. Goyeneche noted pointedly that Montalbano in his memo never cites a possible crime. The memo also acknowledged that original jurisdiction in the case belonged elsewhere, although the parish that Montalbano named is blacked out in the partially redacted copy that Landrys office provided. Still, Landrys agents agreed that due to the seriousness of the allegations they would investigate the matter and would be willing to assist, the memo states. Landrys office was not Guidrys first stop when the offending texts arrived. Guidry first reported Hoopers communication to the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, where hed long served as a reserve deputy. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Two of Sheriff Joe Lopintos deputies joined Montalbano to interview Guidry, but only Landrys agents made the trip to Mississippi, according to Montalbanos memo. A report dated Feb. 12 by JPSO Sgt. Terri Danna says Guidrys complaint was investigated as a possible cyberstalking but that deputies determined it does not meet the elements of a crime. Cory Dennis, a spokesman for Landrys office, declined to respond to questions about the Mississippi trip or what alleged crimes the AGs agents were investigating. The safety and welfare of children has always been a top priority of the Attorney General, and when we were notified about a concern involving criminals contacting a child on a social media app, we assisted, Dennis said. Still, Dennis said it was our office practice to neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation and to not comment on ongoing investigations. As for the drive across state lines, Dennis insisted that it was not uncommon for agents to travel out of state from time to time over the course of an investigation. Mileage logs for the New Orleans-based agents, however, show that the Mississippi trip marked the only case over the first four months of the year for which any of them reported driving out of state. The logs include records for a dozen agents in the bureau. Just who directed those agents to investigate the complaint against Hooper is left open in the memo, which says only that Montalbano was advised on Feb. 8 to contact Guidrys attorney, Michael Thomas of Metairie. The next day, LBI agents searched several Louisiana addresses for Hooper, to no avail, according to the memo. They drove to Mississippi in two vehicles the following day. After describing the agents efforts over three days -- which included digging up criminal histories and scouring social media for Hooper and her boyfriend, Nicholas Knopp, who had also entered the text exchange -- Montalbano asked that the case be closed. Dennis, the attorney general's spokesman, did not respond to whether the agent's request was granted. Thomas said in a phone interview that he wouldnt discuss the case because it involves a juvenile. +5 Exclusive: Jeff Landry-owned firm imported workers with the help of felon who broke immigration laws Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, who has railed against loose borders and lax immigration policies during his four years as the states The name of the complainant is redacted in a copy of the two-page memo, but the same allegations appear under Guidrys name in the JPSO report, as well as in a civil court matter in Jefferson Parish that was filed on Feb. 11, the day after Landrys agents returned from Mississippi. That case resulted in a temporary restraining order against Hooper and Knopp, the girls biological father, barring them from contacting her. Knopp is on parole in Mississippi. A civil judges order, with the threat of contempt-of-court charges that could bring criminal penalties for violating the terms of the adoption, was the proper recourse for Guidry based on Hoopers alleged contact with the girl, but instead, he got special treatment, Goyeneche said. Goyeneche described the investigation as a shameless abuse of power aimed at trying to intimidate Lacey Hooper. An average person could not call on the investigative division to go spend two days tracking down the biological mother and tell her to stop calling and contacting the child, he said. Its another example of a quid-pro-quo, good-old-boy network. Numerous attempts to interview Lacey Hooper for this story were not successful. On Feb. 11, another special agent in Landrys office, Frank LaBruzzo, notified Guidrys attorney that Hooper had agreed not to contact the girl. That same day, Shane and Holley Guidry filed for the temporary restraining order, court records show. The civil filing claims that Hooper and Knopp violated a 2013 judgment that said contact with the biological family shall be at the discretion and under the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Guidry, in accordance with the best interest of the minor child. Shane Guidry acknowledged in an affidavit that he told Hooper and Knopp that he would contact the authorities if they didnt stop. There is no mention of the efforts of Landrys agents. A hearing officer, Theresa Piglia, granted the restraining order on Feb. 22. Court records show only failed attempts to serve Lacey Hooper and Knopp with notice at an address in New Orleans. -Staff writer Gordon Russell contributed to this story. Norman, OK (73070) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly late. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Williamsport, Pa. -- The Lycoming County SPCA Board of Directors announced the retirement of Executive Director Victoria Stryker and hiring of Alyssa Correll. Victoria Stryker began her career at the SPCA in 1999 as the Volunteer Coordinator. She worked in that capacity for a short time before stepping into the role as Executive Director, according to the SPCA. During her 22 years there, Stryker worked with the staff to improve conditions for the animals of Lycoming County. Among some of her achievements, Stryker facilitated the use of shelter software for keeping track of animals coming and going, added a free roaming room for the felines with donor contributions; eliminated euthanasia as a means to reduce pet-overpopulation through spaying and neutering efforts, expanded the shelter to add more space for incoming cats, a surgery room, and a multi-purpose room for training or working with the animals, developed a week-long camp for children to learn about humane care of animals, trained as a Humane Society Police Officer, maintained operations through the recent pandemic in a way to keep staff safe and still operate the facility. "I have been honored to work with a dedicated Board of Directors, committed volunteers, and compassionate staff," said Stryker. "I've met many people who love animals and have contributed their time, talents, and finances to benefit those who cannot speak for themselves." "Without them," she continued, "we could not achieve so much to improve the lives of animals in Lycoming County. I am confident that our shelter will be in good hands." The board of Directors would like to introduce Alyssa Correll as the new Executive Director. She brings more than five years of global nonprofit management experience to the position. Prior to joining the Lycoming County SPCA she was manager of Membership, Engagement, and Marketing for North America at The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). Correll holds a B.A. with honors in Writing, Spanish, and Communications from Lycoming College and is pursuing an M.B.A. at Southern New Hampshire University. I am excited to return home to Northcentral Pennsylvania and look forward to sharing experiences and insights from my time in Washington D.C. for the benefit of my community." said Correll. "I am a strong believer in the mission of the Lycoming County SPCA. The world is a better place thanks to our furred, feathered, and scaled members of society, so it is an honor to advocate for them as they cannot speak for themselves. Stryker will remain at the SPCA through the end of July, when Correll will assume those duties of executive director. Thinking about protecting your child against COVID? With Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine, which has been approved for those ages 12 and older, you may be weighing the options and wondering, is it safe? Wonder no longer. Not only is the vaccine safe for children and teens, but vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves and our families. Heres what you need to know about kids and the COVID-19 vaccine. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for kids? As a parent, youre right to have concerns about your childs safety. And thats exactly why its important to vaccinate them. Vaccines protect us against many diseases, and the COVID-19 vaccine is no different. This particular vaccine may be new, but the technology used to develop the COVID vaccine has been studied for decades. In addition, these vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo rigorous testing and monitoring, just as all other vaccines have before becoming available to the public. In fact, Pfizer recently released preliminary results from a vaccine study of 2,260 participants age 12 to 15. Among the fully vaccinated children, there were no cases of COVID-19, while there were 18 cases among those who received a placebo. So far, no significant safety concerns have been reported. The findings to date give us confidence in the vaccines safety and efficacy in those age 12 to 15. Children will continue to be monitored, and data reviewed, after vaccination to understand side effects and their relationship to the COVID vaccine. Which side effects should I look for after my child gets the COVID-19 vaccine? Your 12-to-15-year-old will receive the same Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and dosage (administered in two doses) as adults do. And its likely theyll have side effects similar to what an adult would. Side effects may include pain at the injection site, fever, chills and fatigue, particularly after the second dose. Or, your child may not experience any side effects at all. But if they do, they should be feeling back to normal within a few days. Side effects are normal - In fact, theyre a sign that your childs body is building protection against COVID. Contact your childs pediatrician for advice on easing any discomfort at home. For example, a non-aspirin pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, should help relieve any aches and mild fever. Why does my child need the COVID-19 vaccine? Though your child is less likely to be infected with COVID than you are as an adult, its still possible for them to get it and spread it to others. That is especially concerning if theyre around more vulnerable family and community members. Getting your child vaccinated not only protects them from COVID-19 and potentially serious complications like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children [or MIS-C], but it also protects those around them. The benefits from having your child vaccinated outweigh any potential risks. There are possible complications with any vaccine administered to adults and children alike. However, data shows these complications are rare and the risk of being infected with COVID-19 is far more serious. Still have questions or concerns about the COVID vaccine? Talk to your pediatrician. Your childs pediatrician is a great resource when it comes to your childs health and well-being. Preparing for your childs COVID vaccine appointment Though its tempting to give your child a pain reliever before their vaccination appointment to prevent any potential side effects, dont do it. Its best to treat any potential side effects afterward. After your childs COVID-19 vaccination, theyll need to stay for an additional 15 to 30 minutes to be observed for any allergic reactions. And before you leave, your childs second dose will be scheduled. Be sure to keep this appointment and remember: your child isnt considered fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after their second dose. Its normal to have questions about a new vaccine. But you can be confident that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and theyre working. If we continue to work together by getting vaccinated and taking recommended precautionary measures, we can put an end to this pandemic. Returning to regular routines and activities will be good for all of us, and especially our children. The information in this article is current as of June 29, 2021. On June 10, Moderna filed for emergency use authorization with the FDA for its vaccine's use in those age 12 to 17. Visit here for the latest COVID-19 vaccine information. Towanda, Pa. Victim impact statements punctuated a difficult day in court for members of the Bradford County community. Former District Attorney Chad Salsman, 44, had his day in court, but it was unlike years past, when Salsman defended clients and later prosecuted them as the DA. Today Salsman sat on the opposite side, stopping at times to wipe tears from his eyes. On the stand, the once powerful figure who prosecuted criminals in Bradford County, begged the court for mercy to no avail as Judge Joseph Augello handed down an 18 month to five-year sentence in State Prison for felony charges of promoting prostitution, obstruction of justice, and witness intimidation. Salsman was also sentenced to six years of supervision after his release. Related reading: BREAKING: Salsman pleads guilty to felony charge of promoting prostitution Chad Salsman coerced vulnerable Pennsylvanians because he thought his victims would be easy to silence and less likely to be believed if they ever came forward," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "Instead, they spoke out and we listened. Now, he has been taken out of his position of authority where he can no longer hurt women, and will spend time in prison for his repeated abuses of power. Related reading: Salsmans resignation is releasing his stranglehold of power position in Bradford County In a press conference following the sentencing, Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Daniel J. Dye said the Commonwealth was pleased with the sentence. "He's no longer the DA. He's going to State Prison. It returns to the citizens of Bradford County their DA's office." Salsman was led away in handcuffs as his sister, father, and wife watched on. Salsman will be remitted to Camp Hill from where he will be sent to another prison location. "This prison sentence was important because of who he was and the crimes he committed," Dye said. Two of the five victims read their statements in person, while Dye read statements from the other three victims. This is a developing story. Docket Sheet Shamokin, Pa. On June 30, officers from the City of Shamokin Police Department said they viewed surveillance video of a man being struck by a vehicle. Officer Tyler Bischof said he spoke with the man, who had lacerations on his chest and was covered in blood, moments after he arrived on the scene. Prior to viewing the video, officers said they were alerted the male was hit intentionally by a woman, who, according to the report, remained on scene after the alleged assault. Brittany Franzen was taken into custody by officers after they identified her and said they spoke with the man struck by the vehicle. They also removed four children, who officers said were inside the vehicle as the alleged assault took place. According to Bischof, the man and Franzen were seen arguing in the video prior to the person being struck by the vehicle. Video showed the male impacting the windshield before the vehicle came to a stop. Officers said the male then got up and grabbed Franzen by the hair and began punching her on the left side of the face. According to the report, four young children, three of which were in the backseat and one in the front seat, could be seen inside the vehicle throughout both assaults. During an interview at the police station, Franzen allegedly told officers the male had jumped onto her vehicle causing the windshield to smash. Franzen told officers the male then started throwing punches and grabbing her hair. Bischof said Franzen was in the area to retrieve her belongs from a van allegedly owned by the male. Franzen told officers moments after she tried to take her belongings back, the male became physical. Franzen was charged with four counts of third-degree felony endangering the welfare of children, one court for each child inside the vehicle, first and second-degree aggravated assault, and second-degree recklessly endangering the welfare of another person. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Franzen, who remained in custody at the Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $20,000 monetary bail. Records showed the male involved in the incident was not charged as of the publishing of this story. Docket Sheet Rome, GA (30161) Today Rain. Thunderstorms possible...mainly in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Rome, GA (30161) Today Rain this morning with thunderstorms by evening. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Jenice Armstrong: That same energy we saw on display earlier this week in Mount Laurel needs to be directed toward gun violence, too LaPorte-based artist Ginny Scott got life-saving treatment for cancer at the Woodland Cancer Care Center in Michigan City five years ago. Now the former patient is brightening windowless exam rooms with vibrant splashes of color. Scott painted two abstract paintings that greet patients and physicians at the cancer center at 8955 W. 400 N. Radiation oncologist Luke Miller reached out to Scott about the commission to create the abstract impressionist pieces for the medical office. Its really an honor, and when Dr. Miller approached me, I was shocked, she said. Now being hung in the lobby for a few weeks for everyone to enjoy, the paintings will be placed where windows were removed in exam rooms after the Woodland Cancer Care Center built a new addition housing a linear accelerator to provide radiation treatment for cancer patients. It looks like its almost intentional for the art to go there, Director of Oncology Services Catherine Hebbe said. Horizon Bank, which recently opened its first branch in Gary, made a donation to the Gary Literacy Coalition to promote literacy in the Steel City. The Michigan City-based bank, which just opened a new location at 3500 Grant St., across from The Village mall just south of the Borman Expressway, gave $2,500 to the Gary Literary Coalition. The nonprofit works to increase literacy opportunities for learners of all ages in Gary, including by providing books to expectant mothers. Thank you for the gracious donation. The funds will definitely be put to good use supporting our literacy programs such as 'Reach Out and Read,'" Gary Literacy Coalition President Ben Clement said. "It also will aid our efforts to donate books to local pediatricians and the Methodist Hospital Neonatal Unit, which helps young mothers encourage their children to read and become lifelong learners. "The Gary Literacy Coalition also promotes health literacy and supplies books to the Maternal Wellness Clinic in collaboration with Marram Health and the Gary Health Department." South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Speros Batistatos has retained an attorney after the board opted not to renew his contract when it expires at the end of the year, citing concerns about the cost of his compensation. Batistatos' attorney, Sandra Blevins, sent a letter to the SSCVA board asking to discuss a mutually agreeable resolution after negotiations about a contract renewal stopped earlier this year. The letter asserts Batistatos, who has led Lake County's tourism efforts for the better part of more than three decades, is protected under a state law safeguarding whistleblowers after he raised concerns about whether a closed-door board meeting about using Paycheck Protection Program money to offer local cities and towns tourism grants violated Indiana's open door law. "I retained council," Batistatos said. "Anybody in my position would." SSCVA board attorney Scott McClure declined to comment on the matter. "We cannot comment on pending or threatened litigation or employee issues," he said. HOBART State Republicans and Democrats put politics aside Thursday to issue words of civility at a World Civility Day event. "Every day should be treated as world civility day," said U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind. Braun and U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind. both offered their greetings virtually at a dinner and awards event held at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center on U.S. 30 in Hobart. The keynote speaker was U.S. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland. Karrah Herring, chief equity, inclusion and opportunity official for the state of Indiana, represented Gov. Eric Holcomb. Gary Mayor Jerome A. Prince provided the official welcome to those who gathered; Dr. Gordon E. Bradshaw offered comments and gave the invocation. Chuck Hughes, Gary Chamber of Commerce executive director, praised the fact that both Democrats and Republicans had had a meeting of the minds at the World Civility Day event he helped launch in 2015. "We accomplished something tonight with both sides of the aisle coming together," Hughes said. CHICAGO A Lansing woman escaped injury after her vehicle was shot at on Interstate 94. Police were called to the shooting 9:15 a.m. Wednesday in the northbound lanes of I-94 at 91st Street in Chicago, said Illinois State Police. Once troopers arrived at the scene, they discovered two vehicles that were struck by gunfire. They first found a vehicle driven by a 53-year-old Orland Park man whose vehicle was damaged, but the driver was unharmed. A second driver, a 43-year-old Lansing woman, was also uninjured, but her vehicle was damaged by bullet holes, police said. Police said shots were fired from an unknown vehicle that was heading north on I-94 at 91st Street. The left lane at the scene was shutdown temporarily as police investigations were underway. The circumstances of the shooting are still be determined and limited information was available. Anyone who saw the shooting or has information on the incident is asked to contact Illinois State Police at 847-294-4400. Callers can remain anonymous. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. HEBRON A 24-year-old Crown Point-area man was on cocaine and synthetic marijuana when he went after two police officers with a knife threatening to kill them, according to the incident report. Cory Cooper had to be stopped with a stun gun before officers were able to handcuff him and take him into custody on a felony count of intimidation to law enforcement and misdemeanor disorderly conduct, Hebron police said. The incident began around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday near the Subway sandwich shop in the 600 block of North Main Street when an officer saw Cooper approaching his fully marked patrol car while dancing and holding a knife, police said. Cooper threatened to kill the officer as he walked by the patrol car, police said. When the officer activated his emergency lights and stepped outside his vehicle to order Cooper to drop the knife, Cooper charged him with the knife overhead and claimed his father was a Lake County police officer. The officer went back in his vehicle for protection and started driving slowly as Cooper attempted to stab the vehicle, according to the report. CROWN POINT A Hobart man accused of killing his father in 2018 has been offered a plea agreement that would require him to admit to reckless homicide and face a sentence of up to three years in prison. Michael Yakubec, 52, appeared Thursday with defense attorney Michael Lambert before Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel Cappas. Yakubec has pleaded not guilty to murder in the November 2018 beating death of his 80-year-old father, John F. Yakubec, of Hobart. John F. Yakubec died at a Chicago hospital about eight hours after medics were called to his home because of his injuries. His son, John E. Yakubec, described him as a "tough, hardworking man," who graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s and retired from the former LTV Steel plant in East Chicago after 39 years of service. Cappas scheduled Michael Yakubec's jury trial to begin Jan. 18. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Bruno said his office has offered Michael Yakubec a plea agreement that would require him to admit to one count of reckless homicide, a level 5 felony. CROWN POINT A 67-year-old man released from jail in late May after his co-defendant's murder conviction was overturned won't face a jury next month. Pierre Catlett, of Harvey, Illinois, had been scheduled to stand trial starting Aug. 30 on charges linked to the homicide of off-duty Hammond police Officer Lawrence J. "Larry" Pucalik on Nov. 14, 1980, during a robbery at the Holiday Inn-Southeast, formerly at the intersection of Cline Avenue and Interstate 80/94. Catlett appeared Thursday with attorneys Joseph Curosh III and Casey McCloskey before Lake Criminal Court Judge Pro Tempore Kathleen O'Halloran. After Catlett waived any conflict with O'Halloran serving as judge pro tempore, she granted a request to vacate his jury trial and set a status hearing for Oct. 14. Catlett's co-defendant, James Hill Jr., 58, was released from prison in May after Judge Salvador Vasquez set aside Hill's 2018 conviction. Hill's next court date is set for Oct. 13. Hill's attorneys, Scott King and Russell Brown, and Lake County First Assistant Deputy Prosecutor Peter Villarreal asked that Hill's conviction be set aside because the state inadvertently failed to turn over evidence to Hill's defense ahead of his 2018 trial, according to court records. WHITING Authorities cautioned residents to be on alert after a Whiting man's home was robbed in a distraction scheme. Whiting police were contacted around noon Tuesday by a man who told them his house in the 1900 block of New York Avenue was robbed. The victim said a man came to his house claiming to be from the city water department. The suspect, a white male, said he needed to check the resident's water. The resident let the suspect in the home and he turned on the water in various places in his home as directed. When they got to the second floor, the suspect told the man he needed to go get equipment from his vehicle, however, he never returned. The resident then noticed a large amount of cash and jewelry was taken from his home. Whiting police cautioned residents to not allow unfamiliar people inside their homes and if they are in doubt of the person's identity or intentions, to call police. The incident is under continued investigation. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CROWN POINT The state's case against a man accused of repeatedly stabbing his pregnant girlfriend and causing his baby to be born brain dead in 2017 has been complicated by the death of the girlfriend, attorneys said. Austin A. Mendez, 27, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery. He's been in custody since July 2018. The girlfriend he's accused of stabbing in 2017 died in May from a drug overdose, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Her death was ruled an accident. Isaiah Lacey, the child Mendez fathered by the woman, was born premature Aug. 11, 2017, according to court records. The boy was brain dead and died Aug. 28, 2017. A Cook County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide resulting from "complications of prematurity due to maternal assault," records state. Defense attorney Scott King said the state recently gave him more documents regarding the mother's death earlier this year. King said he needed time to review the information and determine if the case can be resolved without going to trial. He asked Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel Cappas to schedule a status hearing for Aug. 5. "They'll still offer the programs they're offering right now at the location at Purdue, but it's going to be a completely new project, new initiatives," Taillon said. "It's going to be very family oriented, and I think it's going to be very exciting and fit in really well with the Sportsplex and with what we're doing at the new YMCA." McDermott noted similar to the Oxbow Landing development, the Woodmar Mall won't have any room left with the new YMCA and relocated Challenger Learning Center. But the city isn't stopping there, McDermott said. "We always have another project," he said. "Downtown Hammond is a big focus, obviously, with what's going on right now. That's one that's going to take a while, but we're going to get there because we're tenacious, and we grind it out." More development planned A new downtown master plan for the city calls for a variety of new property uses, including mixed-use buildings that usually feature retail spaces on the ground floor with residential units above. "We were able to take care of business and conclude the operation within a very short period of time," Balbo said. "Yes, the Coast Guard will respond. But they'll respond from a distance. We have our people, real-time, on (the water)." Scott Schmal, the council's finance director, said money to purchase the boat is available, since millions of dollars that normally would have been appropriated to the sheriff's office and other county departments during last year's budgeting process were held back in case of tax revenue shortfalls caused by COVID-19. At the same time, Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said the $770,060 price tag for a boat definitely caught his attention, and he wondered whether his fiscally conservative Republican colleagues would support the purchase. Councilman Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, said he does have some consternation, but he understands if it truly is needed to ensure public safety on the lakefront. The seven-member council is due to vote July 15 on whether to fund the boat acquisition. Actually purchasing the boat, under normal circumstances, would be a task for the three-member Lake County Board of Commissioners, which repeatedly has refused to consent to major equipment purchases, including other boats, requested by Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. KOUTS Lily Belle Nuest, the daughter of Scott and Amy Nuest, has been selected Kouts High Schools DAR Good Citizen. She has also been named the 2020/201 winner of the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship of $150 by the William Henry Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR Good Citizens program is a way to recognize an outstanding high school senior who exhibits the qualities of good citizenship in their homes, schools, and communities. These qualities include dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The DAR Good Citizens Scholarship is open in the fall to all high school seniors from the nine Porter County high schools. Each high school is asked to nominate one senior who demonstrates all the qualities of a Good Citizen. The nominee may then choose to write an essay based on a topic that has been selected by the DAR Good Citizen committee. This years topic was Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It/How do the combined actions of so many good citizens keep our nation moving forward? The scholarship is based on this essay. Lilys winning essay went on to be chosen as one of 13 finalists for the State DAR Good Citizen Scholarship. 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. In a whitepaper released earlier this year by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, a think tank at the university, political scientists John Foster and John Jackson said analysis of Illinois state revenue and budgeting over recent years shows downstate Illinoisans would be worse off without Chicago than they are with their northeastern neighbors. Our basic premise is that people really ought to understand where their tax money is raised and where its being spent, Jackson, who serves as a visiting professor with the Institute, said. I have been at SIU over five decades and there has always been a basic misunderstanding about this. You always hear that we in Southern Illinois dont get our fair share and that somehow we are always getting the short end of the stick. This belief has some political and policy impact. For example, I think it was part of the graduated income tax debate and defeat as well as in the movement to separate Illinois into two states. If cruises between Jeju and Wonsan are for now more the stuff of fantasy than reality, Ko Chang-hoon wants the world to know what happened on Jeju that led to the deaths of 30,000 people. His panel discussions often revolve around the need to grasp the full extent of the massacres that began in the last few months of U.S. military occupation of South Korea and worsened after the rise to power on August 15, 1948, of Lee Syngman, the first president of the fledgling Republic of Korea. Some participants in these discussions believe the U.S. owes reparations for the deaths on Jeju since the U.S. command ordered reinforcements to stamp out the revolt. Its easy to imagine the Americans saying the rebels were all Communists influenced by North Korea and urging their South Korean friends to wipe them out. But theres no documentary evidence to verify that assumption, no transcripts of conversations between U.S. and South Korean officers. Nor did any reporters go to Jeju to check the reports they may have been hearing from their sources. Unfortunately, however, tourists today remain largely uninterested in going on a dark tour to sites of massacres or visiting the Jeju Museum of War History and Peace, depicting dramatic scenes of mass killing. Whenever I visited, the museum was mostly empty. Still, even if tours between Jeju and Wonsan are for now a figment of wishful thinking, Ko performs a service by increasing awareness of the legacy and tragedy of Jeju, an island of peace in a region under the constant threat of war. Donald Kirk is the author of 10 books on Korea, Okinawa, the Philippines and the Vietnam War. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. The opinions are the writer's. Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use. Error! There was a problem with reporting this article. This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it. Report Abuse Log In to report Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 In the video of the incident, Mr. Mathews turns directly to the camera and gives his exact address, challenging viewers to come see me and to bring whoever. So on Monday, more than 100 protesters showed up outside his door, videos posted on social media show, and called for him to come out. Hours later, Mr. Mathews was arrested on additional charges of bias intimidation and assault. The video wasnt available to us when we first dealt with him, said Officer Kyle Gardner, a spokesman for the Mount Laurel Police Department, explaining the second arrest. I believe the charges stem from that. Members of the crowd cheered as officers escorted Mr. Mathews out, with some protesters throwing objects at police vehicles as they drove away. According to NJ.com, some protesters smashed the windows of Mr. Mathewss condo before being pushed away by police. In a statement, Scott A. Coffina, the Burlington County prosecutor, commended the victims for showing incredible restraint. He went on to condemn the protesters who threw objects as officers left the scene and damaged Mr. Mathewss home. It is difficult to overstate how vile and despicable the conduct by this defendant toward his neighbors was on Friday night, Mr. Coffina said. No one should ever have to deal with such hatred thrown in their face anywhere, but especially on their own doorstep. We recognize the justifiable outrage of the community, Mr. Coffina added, saying that his office would see this prosecution through so that justice is done. Mr. Mathews remains in custody and is awaiting a court appearance, set for later this week. Information about a lawyer for Mr. Mathews was not immediately available. On the day after a review in The New York Times declared Outerspace, in Brooklyn, the restaurant of the summer, the three chefs who collaborated on its union of Vietnamese and Cambodian cooking pulled out. Anthony Ha, Sadie Mae Burns and Chinchakriya Un informed the owners of Outerspace, an outdoor venue in East Williamsburg, Wednesday morning that they were immediately terminating the residency they had begun on Memorial Day weekend. Their joint effort had been scheduled to continue through Labor Day. We were shocked, said Wells Stellberger, who owns Outerspace with Molly McIver. Theyre extraordinary, talented people. There were things we just werent able to see eye to eye on, and to us, we figured we could solve anything. Nothing was insurmountable. Outerspace is an unorthodox restaurant for New York City. Situated in an outdoor pavilion thick with palm fronds and banana leaves placed between picnic tables and patio umbrellas, it may cancel dinner in the event of rain and closes entirely when cold weather sets in. In its first season, last year, it had a different team of chefs cooking food that was familiar and easy to imagine eating on picnic tables pizza topped with farmers market produce, for instance. Every year, the Association of Jewish Libraries presents its Sydney Taylor Book Award to the most outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. At this years ceremony, on June 29, not a single childrens book about the Holocaust won a gold medal. As one of the judges, I consider this a triumph. Heres why. Unfortunately, to authentically portray the Jewish experience all too often means to focus on the Holocaust. In the 53 years since the awards establishment in 1968, 105 childrens and young adult books have won gold medals; of these, 31 are about the Holocaust. (Thats almost 30 percent, if youre doing the math.) Looked at another way, there were just 23 years fewer than half in which a Holocaust book was not among the gold medalists. Why this obsessive attention? First, the Holocaust sells. Presumably most of the purchasers of these books are parents, schools and libraries seeking to edify the youth though certainly many kids adore reading about history and horror. (Ask Jewish millennials about their childhood love of The Devils Arithmetic, a middle-grade time-travel novel in which a bratty tween girl opens the door for Elijah at her familys Passover Seder and is transported to an Eastern European shtetl in 1942, where she learns not to be such a jerk. Four-word spoiler alert: Redemption through gas chamber.) More and more Jews seem to base Jewish identity on the Holocaust. In 2020, 76 percent of respondents in a Pew Research Center survey of American Jews (up from 73 percent in 2013) said that remembering the Holocaust was essential to being Jewish more than the number who rated essential leading a moral and ethical life, working for justice and equality in society, being intellectually curious, continuing family traditions or observing Jewish law. With violence against Jews on the rise worldwide and the fact that 66 percent of millennials dont know what Auschwitz was its certainly vital for non-Jews to understand our tortuous history, full of expulsions and hatred, even if more recently its also been characterized by prosperity and comfort. Pfizer and BioNTech announced on Thursday that they were developing a version of the coronavirus vaccine that targets Delta, a highly contagious variant that has spread to nearly 100 countries. The companies expect to begin clinical trials of the vaccine in August. Pfizer and BioNTech also reported promising results from studies of people who received a third dose of the original vaccine. A booster given six months after the second dose of the vaccine increases the potency of antibodies against the original virus and the Beta variant by five- to tenfold, the companies said. Vaccine efficacy may decline six months after immunization, the companies said in a news release, and booster doses may be needed to fend off virus variants. The data have not been published, nor peer-reviewed. The vaccine makers said they expected to submit their findings to the Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks, a step toward gaining authorization for booster shots. Heavy rains continued to spill through New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Friday morning as Tropical Storm Elsa made its way up the Northeast coast. After a night of relentless storms and mass flooding, tropical storm warnings and flash flood watches were in place until Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to pass through southern New England with winds up to 50 miles per hour, prompting flood warnings until 4 p.m. for parts of Massachusetts. In Westernville, N.Y., in Oneida County, severe thunderstorms uprooted trees, ripped out roofs and downed power lines, according to posts on social media Friday morning. The National Weather Service will conduct a survey Friday to determine whether the storms were actually part of a tornado. Connecticut was hit with major floods Friday morning as several inches of water filled the streets of Hartford and downtown New Haven. In West Haven, Metro North service was suspended after rainfall caused a landslide near the tracks. 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? John F. Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman, said the military was looking at relocating Afghan interpreters and their families to U.S. territories, American military installations outside the United States, and in other countries outside of Afghanistan. The war began two decades ago, the president argued, not to rebuild a distant nation but to prevent terror attacks like the one on Sept. 11, 2001, and to bring Osama bin Laden to justice. In essence, Mr. Biden said the longest war in United States history should have ended a decade ago, when Bin Laden was killed. We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build, he said. And its the right and the responsibility of Afghan people alone to decide their future and how they want to run their country. Mr. Biden delivered his remarks even as the democratic government in Kabul teeters under a Taliban siege that has displaced tens of thousands of Afghan civilians and allowed the insurgent group to capture much of the country. The rapid American withdrawal, he said, was a matter of safety. Our military commanders advised me that once I made the decision to end the war, we needed to move swiftly to conduct the main elements of the drawdown, Mr. Biden said. And in this context, speed is safety. In an effort to provide limited reassurance to the Afghan government, he said the American mission to help defend the country would continue through Aug. 31, though most combat troops have already left, leaving a force of under 1,000 to defend the American embassy and the countrys airport. At another time in the countrys history, Mr. Bidens speech, and the final withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, might have roiled politics in the United States. But other officials contend that it would clash with the Biden administrations values not to clearly say that detainees have due process rights. The question first arose when the George W. Bush administration began taking wartime prisoners to the naval base in 2002 and claimed that courts had no jurisdiction and that the Geneva Conventions did not apply there, leading critics to call it a legal black hole. The Constitutions due process clause says no one can be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law. What process is due is not always clear. But if the clause protects the detainees, then they would have a greater basis to ask courts to intervene over how the government treats them across a range of matters including their continued detention, medical treatment and what evidence could be used in commission trials. The officials familiar with internal deliberations spoke on the condition of anonymity, but the disagreement partly spilled out of the executive branch this week. A top Senate Democrat Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee and his partys No. 2 leader in the chamber sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland urging him to direct the department to say that detainees have such rights. It is well past time for the department to reconsider its approach to the applicability of the basic safeguards of due process to the men who remain imprisoned without charge or trial at Guantanamo, as well as other positions that help perpetuate this moral stain upon our nation, Mr. Durbin wrote. For now, however, Elizabeth B. Prelogar, the acting solicitor general who will sign the brief, is primarily handling the issue. Mr. Garland is said to have recused himself from playing any role in the litigation; he was until recently a judge on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and participated in cases involving Guantanamo detainees. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, on Thursday offered U.S. assistance to Haiti in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and renewed American support for legislative and presidential elections that had been scheduled for September. Ms. Psaki did not say if the U.S. recognized Haitis interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, as the leader of the country, as a power struggle brewed between him and Ariel Henry, who had been appointed as prime minister by Mr. Moise two days before his death. We recognize the democratic institutions of Haiti, and we are going to continue to work with them directly, Ms. Psaki said. Asked again about the power struggle in Haiti, Ms. Psaki suggested that the situation would be resolved with new elections. Michael Waldman, the president of the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law, said that while the engagement by the White House was encouraging, there is no substitute for federal legislative action. The Democrats are going to have to face that fact, Mr. Waldman said. Bottom line is, as hard as it is, as many obstacles as there are, there is no alternative to strong legislative action if we want to save voting rights in America. Ms. Harris, who was tapped this year to lead the administrations efforts on voting rights, did not shy away from describing the daunting test the administration is facing. Nearly 400 bills that would restrict voting are moving forward in nearly 50 states, according to a tracker maintained by the Brennan Center for Justice a point Ms. Harris emphasized to the crowd at Howard. This is designed, I believe, to make it harder for you to vote, so that you dont vote, Ms. Harris said. Democrats have suffered recent defeats on the issue in the courts as well as in Congress. Voting rights activists face an uphill road to fight laws passed by Republican-controlled legislatures that make it harder for people of color to vote after the Supreme Court upheld voting restrictions in Arizona this month. In a 6-to-3 decision, the court ruled that such legal challenges would need to prove substantial and disproportionate burdens on minority voters, a standard that suggests that courts will be unlikely to overturn many of the measures state Republicans are enacting. WASHINGTON The White House has helped develop a system for Hunter Biden to sell pieces of his art without him, or anyone in the administration, knowing who bought them, the latest effort to respond to criticism over how President Bidens son makes his money. Under the arrangement, a New York City art dealer would sell the paintings, which the dealer has said he is pricing at between $75,000 and $500,000, while keeping secret all information about the sales, according to a person familiar with the plan. The gallerist, Georges Berges, has agreed to not share any information about the buyers or prices of Hunter Bidens work with anyone. Mr. Berges has also agreed to reject any offer that appears suspicious, such as one well beyond the asking price, the person familiar with the matter said. Hunter Biden has been under scrutiny for years over business dealings around the world that often intersected with his fathers official duties. His work in Ukraine in particular became a political flash point, helping to lead indirectly to the first impeachment proceedings against President Donald J. Trump, and his business dealings in China became a campaign issue last year. The United States on Thursday reached a deal with Mexico to give workers at a General Motors plant in the country the ability to vote on a collective bargaining agreement in free and democratic conditions. It is the first step toward remediation of a complaint the Biden administration filed in May, using a new rapid response mechanism in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement last year. The new agreement included language giving factory workers in the United States, Canada and Mexico the right to form unions and authorized penalties for factories that violated workers rights of free association and collective bargaining. In a statement, Katherine Tai, the United States trade representative, portrayed it as a win for the Biden administrations commitment to workers. Reaching an agreement with Mexico on a remediation plan shows the U.S.M.C.A.s potential to protect workers rights and the benefits of a worker-centered trade policy, Ms. Tai said. Fully implementing and enforcing the U.S.M.C.A. not only helps workers there, it also helps American workers by preventing trade from becoming a race to the bottom. An already turbulent political landscape in Haiti threatened to descend into further turmoil on Thursday as a power struggle between two competing prime ministers stoked tensions after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. In the hours after the killing, the countrys interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, said he was in charge, taking command of the police and army in what he cast as an effort to ensure order and stability. Mr. Joseph declared a state of siege for 15 days, essentially putting the country under martial law, though constitutional experts were unsure whether he has the legal authority to do so. It was not even clear whether he was really still prime minister. Two days before his death, Mr. Moise appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon and politician, who was supposed to take up the role this week. In an interview with The Nouvelliste, a newspaper, Mr. Henry said that Mr. Joseph was no longer prime minister and claimed the right to run the government. Angel Pereda, 49, of Mexico, was taken into custody in New York and charged with wire fraud after prosecutors accused him of trying to sell artworks that he falsely claimed had been created by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York announced on Friday. Prosecutors said that on at least one occasion, Mr. Pereda created and sent new fake provenances to an intermediary in New York claiming that a painting was by Basquiat, in the hopes that it could be sold for millions of dollars. Basquiats 1982 work Untitled sold for $110.5 million at auction in 2017. Image A vase purported to be by Haring was among the items that prosecutors said were represented to auction houses. Credit... via Department of Justice William F. Sweeney Jr., an assistant director at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said in a statement, Mr. Pereda conned art buyers, hoping his victims wouldnt see the difference between real art and a forgery. Other bakers who want to participate message the host and ask to be added to a private chat. These bakers then encourage one another, using the theme as inspiration. On a specific date everyone in the collab posts photos of their results, tagged with that collabs hashtag. Though each participant is toiling in a separate kitchen with their own resources, a temporary community forms around a specific baking assignment. Its about people wanting to be educated on how to create something or how to bake something or if theyre having issues with something theyre creating, said Ms. Walton. In the private chats, she explained, you get to know the people quite well. People will come and share photos of their families. Its not just, Heres my creation. We create a lot of friendships. Interest in baking surged during the pandemic, in part because its a comforting activity that you can do alone without leaving your house. And as millions of young people found themselves marooned inside and at home, this newfound interest inevitably spilled over to Instagram. The rise of collabs helped turn the platform into a hub for new creative partnerships, connecting bakers around the world in common projects: swapping tips, comparing notes and egging each other on. We all have that friend. (Well, maybe not all of us.) You know, the one who is fun to be around, who seeks novelty at every turn, who encourages you to take risks and who, when things turn incredibly dark, will save your life even if someone else ends up dead in the process. That last point is the tie that binds Emily to her best friend, Kristen, in Andrea Bartzs WE WERE NEVER HERE (Ballantine, 320 pp., $27), a book that skillfully examines toxic friendship at its most extreme. The two women, besties since college but separated across many continents, have fortified their relationship over backpacking trips in far-flung locales, this time to Chile. Emily, though, remains traumatized by the previous years trip to Phnom Penh, where Kristen came to her defense and killed a man who was assaulting her. Emily is even more stunned when the pattern repeats itself in Chile: another attack, another dead man. What is it about us that this horrible thing happened twice? she wonders, looking around the blood-spattered room. Theres no way well get away with this a second time. What seems like coincidence grows weirder as Kristens behavior gets odder, especially after a later surprise visit to Emilys home. Bartz never says outright what the reader comes to know about Kristen long before her closest friend does. When the reckoning arrives, it shows that sometimes, we should fear our friends a lot more than strangers. Caroline B. Cooney terrified and thrilled my younger self with works including the Losing Christina trilogy (Fog, Snow, Fire) and The Face on the Milk Carton. These novels plumbed one of the deepest fears of middle-schoolers: Loved ones might betray your trust. I grew up and moved on to other authors, but when Cooneys last novel, Before She Was Helen, was nominated for an Edgar Award, I decided to read it, and was glad I did. That novel and her newest, THE GRANDMOTHER PLOT (Poisoned Pen, 288 pp., paper, $16.99), focus on older people in assisted living communities who find themselves caught up in sinister doings and surprise deaths. For years, Kevin Mulleady was an ally of Martin Shkreli. He worked for one of the pharmaceutical executives hedge funds and later served as an executive at the company where Mr. Shkreli infamously raised a lifesaving drugs price 5,000 percent. Now, Mr. Mulleady is teaming up with activist investors to persuade his fellow shareholders to give them control of that drugmakers parent company, Phoenixus. (Phoenixus operating subsidiary, once known as Turing Pharmaceuticals, is now called Vyera.) There, he says, Mr. Shkreli still maintains control despite being in prison for securities fraud and not up for release until late 2023. That fight will come to a head on Monday, when Phoenixus shareholders will be asked to re-elect the companys five directors or back the activists alternative slate of six candidates. Central to the activist investors pitch is to sever as many ties to Mr. Shkreli as possible. The current board remains too close to the imprisoned executive, they say. The company, whose headquarters are in Switzerland, still owns the rights to Daraprim, a toxoplasmosis treatment, whose price Mr. Shrkeli unapologetically raised to stratospheric levels, earning him the moniker Pharma Bro. Policymakers say they are confident that Ireland and other holdouts will come along voluntarily. But the agreement does include measures to increase pressure on those countries. Its goal is to deprive those holdout nations of the tax revenue gained from lowering their rates to attract multinational companies by reducing the tax advantages those companies enjoy from setting up their headquarters in tax havens. Mr. Biden has proposed such an enforcement measure as part of his tax plan to fund his $4 trillion economic agenda. It would effectively raise U.S. taxes on corporations that have headquarters in tax havens but do business in America, if their home countries have not signed on to the O.E.C.D. minimum tax or raised their corporate rates to meet the minimum. Under current law, companies with headquarters in low-tax countries can move some of their profits earned by subsidiaries in the United States and send them back to headquarters as payments for things like the use of intellectual property, then deduct those payments from their American income taxes. The Biden plan would disallow those deductions for companies based in low-tax countries. Like other parts of Mr. Bidens plan, that provision will require congressional approval, which is not guaranteed. Business groups have mobilized to oppose all of Mr. Bidens plans to raise taxes on corporations. Administration officials say that the provision, known as SHIELD, is a model for other countries, and that it would become more effective if adopted more broadly. If a critical mass of countries deny deductions to corporations with headquarters in low-tax countries, they say, those corporations will lose the benefits of their home location. This could prompt them to relocate, reducing revenues for the low-tax holdouts. Mr. Saint-Amans said he believed that reluctant countries such as Ireland would come around to join the agreement if the United States was able to pass the changes through Congress something he acknowledged was not guaranteed. Republican lawmakers have expressed some skepticism about the global minimum tax, in part because they see it as a stalking horse for the Biden administration to raise the U.S. corporate tax rate. Treasury officials have expressed confidence that the global tax can pass muster in the United States. But officials have not made clear whether the White House believes it needs to gain the support of reluctant Republicans or if it can push the tax changes through Congress only with votes from Democrats. Representative Kevin Brady of Texas, the top Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, told reporters this week that he believed the Biden administrations proposed tax overhaul would be dead on arrival in Congress. The Food and Drug Administration on Friday called for a federal investigation of the process that led to the approval of a new drug for Alzheimers disease that has spurred sharp criticism from lawmakers and the medical community. In a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services independent Office of the Inspector General, the F.D.A.s acting commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, acknowledged the scrutiny the agency has faced about the approval process for the drug, which is known as Aduhelm and has a $56,000 annual price tag. She pointed to interactions between representatives from the drugs developer, Biogen, and the agency, saying some may have occurred outside of the formal correspondence process. To the extent these concerns could undermine the publics confidence in F.D.A.s decision, I believe it is critical that the events at issue be reviewed by an independent body, Dr. Woodcock wrote. She noted that the review should look at whether any of the communication between the agencys staff and Biogens representatives violated F.D.A. rules. Dana Conti, a spokesman for Biogen, said the company will, of course, cooperate with any inquiry in connection with a possible review of the regulatory process. The federally imposed tenant safeguards expire this month, but New York extended a separate statewide moratorium for an additional month, through August. New Yorks housing courts are preparing to reopen for in-person hearings soon after the state moratorium is lifted, but it could take many months, and most likely longer, for the backlog in cases to clear. Even before the pandemic, an eviction case could take up to a year to be adjudicated. Before the outbreak, New York City landlords filed between 140,000 to 200,000 eviction cases every year against tenants, who often found themselves on their own in court, without legal counsel, fighting to stay in their homes. While most cases were resolved without a court-ordered eviction 9 percent of the cases in 2017 resulted in an eviction, the city said tens of thousands of New York City residents still lost their homes every year, while the rest had their names added to tenant blacklists shared among landlords. Across the country, more than seven million households are behind on rent because of unemployment and lost wages, including about 500,000 in New York State, according to the census. Renters nationwide owe $5,600 on average in unpaid rent, according to a Moodys report. Tenants have been living with extreme anxiety about whether they can stay in their homes, said Cea Weaver, a tenant rights advocate and a strategist for the Housing Justice for All Coalition. It has been psychologically traumatizing for tenants and especially for all the tenants who are parents. The tenant protections have been critical for saving peoples lives. Ms. Mangal never wanted to be a landlord. For years, she had lived in the upstairs unit of the house, owned by her mother, as just another tenant with her boyfriend, though she paid the daughter discount of $900 a month. Her mother, Ahutey Mangal, 70, collected $1,600 for the first-floor unit and $800 for the basement apartment. Wildfire resilience must become a more consistent part of land use and development decisions; however, it must be done while meeting our housing needs, Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in vetoing a bill last year that would have imposed new requirements on local governments and limitations on building in areas defined as very high fire risk. The limits have not crept up without warning. We are misusing our environment and ourselves to the point where amenities are rapidly disappearing, social order gives way to turmoil, and life itself is threatened, a group of environmentalists argued 50 years ago in The California Tomorrow Plan, detailing all too familiar problems: lack of housing, erosion of natural resources, lack of economic stability for struggling workers, lack of public transportation, bad air and unregulated growth. The authors called for governments to be restructured to coordinate planning; economic growth predicated on a guaranteed income base; and strategies that stabilized population, protected natural resources and guided and controlled growth through public policies. The writer Wallace Stegner, summarizing the plan, wrote: Physical resources are managed largely to stimulate economic growth; problems are dealt with disconnectedly and only as they become pressing; wasteful and polluting consumption continues; and the old patterns of growth, spreading outward from the uninhabitable city, continue to break up country into suburbs. Over the next decades, some progress occurred. The coast was protected. Air quality improved. California was the first state to institute sustainability requirements for buildings. In more recent years, it also adopted landmark energy independence and climate change policies and ambitious goals that are slipping out of reach. But for the most part, the response to problems has been to engineer a workaround rather than tackle the underlying issue or change behavior. Rather than reduce the number of miles driven by car owners, the solutions have been to mitigate the damage build more roads to alleviate congestion (although studies show it does the opposite) or mandate emission controls rather than provide adequate mass transit. Even modest proposals like car pool and bus lanes have been met with contempt: When Gov. Jerry Browns transportation chief proposed car pool lanes in 1976, she was effectively run out of office. Though the slight population decline in 2020 was partly attributable to the pandemic, California has been losing residents to other states for years. Until last year, immigrants, who make up a larger share of the population than in any other state, more than compensated for that out-migration. The birthrate in California has also dropped faster than the national average decline. Most of the people leaving are lower- and middle-income and with less education; those with college degrees and higher incomes can more easily afford to move in. The state is awash in billions of dollars in surpluses, and yet there is a sense of paralysis. A federal judge, outraged by the number of homeless on the streets of Los Angeles, ordered the city to find homes for them, but after months of hearings, no one has been able to figure out where they can go. For years, millions of people have lacked clean drinking water. The most practical solution: hand out bottled water. The killing has destroyed the Biden administrations hopes (however far-fetched) for a peaceful transfer of power with elections presided over by Mr. Moise. But thats not to say that Haitis future is entirely up to the United States, nor should it be. When the United States has stepped in, Haitians have ended up worse off. When President Jean Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was killed by an angry crowd in 1915, U.S. Navy ships lay on the Haitian coast waiting to quell unrest to keep Haiti stable for American business interests there. In the wake of the killing, U.S. Marines occupied Haiti and remained there for 19 years. U.S. interventions didnt stop there. In 1986, the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier (and his father before him) fell to a combination of popular unrest in Haiti and political maneuvering by Washington. The country managed to hold its first free and fair elections in 1990, in which Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a former liberation-theology priest, was elected. Three years after Mr. Aristide was removed in a coup, the Clinton administration reinstated him. Haiti was never able to shake off the foreign yoke, except, one might argue, during the darkest days of the Duvalier regime. Over the years it has been at the mercy of the United States, of course, and of the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Organization of American States and the United Nations, which deployed a peacekeeping force there from 2004 until 2017. Yet Haiti has ended up just as poor and unstable as ever, if not more so. And the country never truly recovered from a devastating earthquake in 2010. Drug cartels and their Haitian connections have also played a damaging role. Observers say that much of the violence in recent years has stemmed from turf wars between street gangs operating in a largely lawless environment. The presidential mandate of Mr. Moise itself was iffy, to say the least. Only 21 percent of the electorate voted in that election. Nevertheless, it was easier for the United States and other parties to tolerate Mr. Moise and wait for the next elections, no matter how flawed they were likely to be, than to deal with a void created by his assassination. In the latest volley of the debate over the origins of the coronavirus, a group of scientists this week presented a review of scientific findings that they argue shows a natural spillover from animal to human is a far more likely cause of the pandemic than a laboratory incident. Among other things, the scientists point to a recent report showing that markets in Wuhan, China, had sold live animals susceptible to the virus, including palm civets and raccoon dogs, in the two years before the pandemic began. They observed the striking similarity that Covid-19s emergence had to other viral diseases that arose through natural spillovers, and pointed to a variety of newly discovered viruses in animals that are closely related to the one that caused the new pandemic. The back and forth among scientists is taking place while intelligence agencies are working with an end-of-summer deadline to provide President Biden with an assessment of the origin of the pandemic. There is now a division among intelligence officials as to which scenario for viral origin is more likely. The new paper, which was posted online on Wednesday but has yet to be published in a scientific journal, was written by a team of 21 virologists. Four of them also collaborated on a 2020 paper in Nature Medicine that largely dismissed the possibility that the virus became a human pathogen through laboratory manipulation. On Wednesday, the Entomological Society of America announced it was removing gypsy moth and gypsy ant as recognized common names for two insects. For Ethel Brooks, a Romani scholar, the move is long overdue. As a child in New Hampshire, Dr. Brooks loved watching worms and caterpillars crawl across her hand. But one particular caterpillar, the hairy larvae of the species Lymantria dispar, terrified her. The larvae would swarm and strip the leaves from a tree, leaving behind so much destruction that people sometimes called them a plague. But no one blamed L. dispar. Instead they blamed gypsy moth caterpillars, the species common name. Thats how they see us, Dr. Brooks remembered thinking as a child. We eat things and destroy things around us. Dr. Brooks, now chair of the department of womens, gender and sexuality studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey, has spoken out against the use of the pejorative in fashion and college parades, she said. But Dr. Brooks never imagined the pejorative could be stricken from its use in the more staid realm of science. But Mr. Biden may find it difficult to address the decline in competition across diverse parts of the economy including Silicon Valley, Wall Street, chain restaurants and large hospital networks solely through executive action. Experts warn that in many areas, the president will need to work with Congress to change federal laws if he hopes to have more success than former President Donald J. Trump, who also issued competition-focused executive orders and who saw limited results from them. Many of the agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, mentioned in the Friday order are independent, meaning the White House can only encourage them, not direct them, to take specific steps. But in statements on Friday, those agencies largely embraced the proposals and promised to take action. In interviews this week, senior administration officials acknowledged the limitations of executive authority but said the order focused on actions, like directing federal regulators to take steps to boost competition, that had the best chance of success in driving change across the economy. The order includes 72 provisions stretching across disparate sectors of the economy. One part of the order tells the federal agencies that approve mergers that they should update their guidance for vetting deals to better capture technology companies business models. Another asks the Federal Communications Commission to reinstate so-called net neutrality rules for broadband providers. Yet another asks the Federal Trade Commission to stop manufacturers from blocking farmers from repairing their tractors on their own. Other parts target health care at several levels. The order supports states and tribal governments that allow the importing of lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, pushes to allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter and asks the F.T.C. and the Justice Department to more stringently scrutinize hospital mergers to ensure that patients are not harmed by them. In its latest rebuke to the ride-hailing giant Didi, China ordered 25 more of the companys apps removed from mobile stores on Friday, deepening the regulatory maelstrom that has engulfed the company since it went public on the New York Stock Exchange last week. The countrys internet regulator said in its 10 p.m. announcement that the apps which include Didis car-pooling app, its finance app and its app for corporate customers showed problems related to the collection and use of personal data. The latest announcement was nearly identical to one the same agency issued on Sunday, ordering a halt to downloads of Didis main, consumer-facing app for the same reason. That order followed a separate one two days before that told Didi to stop registering new users while officials conducted a checkup of the companys network security practices. None of these recent commands offered any detail about the specific data and security problems that aroused officials concerns. In a statement that was posted after midnight on Chinese social media, Didi said it would sincerely accept and resolutely obey the demands. As the pandemic ebbs in the United States, many travelers have been favoring outdoor, away-from-it-all getaways. According to the travel planning site TripIt, over Memorial Day weekend, major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York were trending down, while outdoorsy spots like Palm Springs, Calif., were newly popular. Two-thirds of my clients are booking houses, ranch stays and hotels in smaller coastal communities, said Shawna Owen, the owner of Huffman Travel, part of the Virtuoso Network. But as residents of big cities know, their hometowns are roaring back to life. Take Chicagos Loop neighborhood. It was a ghost town at the height of the pandemic. Now, the area south of the Chicago River, known for its architecture and art-infused green spaces like Millennium Park, is abuzz with new hotels and restaurants and performances at Grant Park, which have returned after a pandemic hiatus. The nearby West Loop, an industrial quadrant that runs on the west side of the Chicago River, has been flourishing since pioneering chefs like Stephanie Izard (Girl and The Goat), Sarah Gruenberg (Monteverde) and Paul Kahan (The Publican) opened restaurants there about 15 years ago. Incredibly, new hot spots emerged during the pandemic, including a groovy boite modeled after an old school Chicago slashie (a hybrid liquor store and bar). In 2006, a heat wave led to nearly 150 heat-related deaths in California, according to coroners reports. (There were nearly 600 excess deaths during that period, suggesting an even greater effect.) What made that particular heat wave dangerous was its humidity, which traps heat at night, resulting in unusually high nighttime temperatures that caught Californians off guard, said Tarik Benmarhnia, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of California, San Diego. When cities are affected by extreme heat, poorer communities tend to be most vulnerable, he said. Heat-related deaths and hospitalizations in the 2006 California heat wave were higher in ZIP codes with fewer air-conditioners. The highest-income homes were more than three times as likely to use central air-conditioning compared with the lowest-income ones. Some cities are seeking to alleviate the effects of heat waves by opening cooling centers, checking in on vulnerable people and providing bottled water. Generally, these are done in the day, however. Its really the nighttime that is the problem, said Rupa Basu, the chief of air and climate epidemiology at the CalEPAs Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Why are nights getting warmer? In some parts of the Pacific Northwest recently, temperatures soared nearly 30 degrees Fahrenheit above their average, an extreme that would have been virtually impossible without climate change, said Geert Jan van Oldenborgh of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. As temperatures rise, the air can hold more moisture. Water vapor accounts for around 85 percent of the greenhouse effect, according to Alexander Gershunov, a research meteorologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. The water vapor doesnt cause the initial warming, but theres a feedback loop: Higher temperatures increase moisture in the air, and more moisture traps more heat close to the grounds surface, like a blanket, which leads to more warming. Tom and I were friendly on the ship, but we began to talk each day of our quarantine, and then every day for four months until we finally had our first date, she added. He retired this month and is moving to Atlanta to be with me next week. We plan to have a do-over cruise with the same route in December. As people reconfigured their lives during lockdown, many found themselves in places, and with people, they normally wouldnt be. Emily Johnsons new beau moved to her town of Savannah on a whim after the virus halted his job in television production. The pandemic brought Alex Pattersons wife to Rhode Island, where he lived, and they began dating. And after the outbreak, Lauren Kopchik moved home to Wappingers Falls, N.Y., where she reconnected with someone she had first met in the second grade. She told us that the complicated social rules brought on by the virus actually made dating easier. As an anxious dater, the pandemic offered me an opportunity to try apps in a less stressful way: I could talk to people but had a built-in and guilt-free reason to turn down in-person dates if I ended up wanting to bail, she wrote. It turns out that the slower pace you need to get to really know someone is perfect for dating during a pandemic, and my relationship started with a lot of phone conversations and outdoor, socially distant walks. Lockdown, while stressful for many, also had a surprising upside for some: It allowed them to focus. My sweetheart and I met at mutual friends Thanksgiving dinner in 2019, Norene Scott Peters wrote from the Seattle area. My husband of 50 years had died 14 months earlier and I wasnt ready for a new man. He was 70, I was 79. He asked me to marry him that night. Wait! I was very busy. Then, Covid. All busyness stopped. He moved in with me and we spent long, languid hours learning each other. No need for nor desire to see anyone else. Time slowed. We believe that we will live forever in this delicious vacuum with each other. Misha Safyan from Berkeley, Calif., told us that he always wanted a long-term partnership and to start a family, but found it difficult with a packed social calendar, frequent international travel, and a string of false-start relationships that took a toll on my morale. And yet, he wrote, during lockdown, all of that went away and I had way more space to give dating the attention it needed. He met a wonderful woman, and after an awkward initial few weeks of social-distance dating, they found their rhythm. They recently moved in together and she is now three months pregnant. Not everyone who found love during the pandemic needed to meet someone new. I went so many days wearing comfortable clothes with no makeup, I learned to love my own face, my own body in any stage, wrote Bridget Bishop from Rockford, Ill. Now, a (vaccinated) night out doesnt always involve makeup and styled hair. It involves my favorite outfits that make me feel my newfound confidence. The pandemic taught me to love myself, flaws and all. Wildlife officials shot and killed a grizzly bear in Montana on Friday that was believed to have been involved in the fatal attack of a California woman this week. The male bear was shot by federal wildlife workers shortly after midnight after it approached a bear trap set up near a chicken coop in Ovando, Mont., two miles from where the woman, Leah Davis, was killed early on Tuesday morning after she was pulled from her tent. Officials said the bear involved in the fatal attack on Tuesday and the bear killed Friday were both grizzlies but it was not yet confirmed that the bear killed on Friday was the same one that attacked Ms. Davis, who was from Chico, Calif. A bear had been raiding chicken coops since the fatal attack, officials said, and they had set a trap in hopes of luring the bear whenever it returned to Ovando, which is about 75 miles northwest of Helena. A middle-aged man who was a trainee at Walmarts distribution center in Hermiston, Ore., began stumbling and having difficulty speaking at the end of the afternoon shift on June 24, said Aaron Corvin, a spokesman for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health. The man, who has not been identified, was transferred first to a hospital and then to a medical center in Portland, where he died. The cause of the mans death has not yet been determined, and it could take several months to complete the investigation. The mans co-workers, who said he was in his 50s and had underlying health problems, said he had been with Walmart for about two weeks, earning about $18 an hour, and was working inside a hot trailer in which a fan was the only cooling mechanism. The National Weather Service reported a high that day of 97 degrees. We are devastated by the loss of one of our associates and are doing everything we can to support those affected, Scott Pope, a spokesman for Walmart, said. The details surrounding the associates passing are being assessed by medical professionals and OSHA. Out of an abundance of caution, we provided all information available to Oregon OSHA and are cooperating fully in their investigation. The distribution center, a landmark in a community of about 17,000, employs about 1,000 people and serves more than 100 Walmart stores in the Pacific Northwest. State records indicate the facility was cited by Oregon OSHA after a February 2020 inspection, but the violation a damaged floor grating was not deemed serious and was subsequently repaired. For the past week, temperatures in the Pacific Northwest have dipped more toward their usual cool levels. But global warming has dramatically amplified the regions hot spells. The Obama administration made some changes to the system and decided to pursue the Sept. 11 case against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four accused accomplices at Guantanamo, rather than in federal court. A death-penalty case, it has been mired in pretrial proceedings since arraignment in May 2012 as the sides address questions related to the torture of the defendants in C.I.A. prisons before their 2006 transfers to Guantanamo Bay, among other issues. Although the case currently has no military judge assigned to hear it, Pentagon officials are preparing for its first hearings since February 2020 to take place in the first two weeks of September, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the attack. General Martins submitted his retirement papers on Wednesday after repeatedly butting heads with Biden administration lawyers over positions his office had taken on the applicable international law and the Convention Against Torture at the Guantanamo court, according to senior government officials with knowledge of the disputes. General Martins did not respond to a request for comment. A key point of contention was a recent decision by General Martins to use a statement that a man accused of orchestrating the U.S.S. Cole bombing in 2000 had made to the C.I.A. while being tortured to make a point with the military judge presiding in that case, which is also a death-penalty prosecution. Defense lawyers for the prisoner, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri of Saudi Arabia, are appealing the admissibility of that evidence. On the same day General Martins chose to retire, he filed a brief asking the U.S. Court of Military Commission Review for extra time to respond to the appeal. Narrowing the gap between the fortunes of advanced and developing economies was a central topic on the first day of the G20 meetings in Venice. Bruno Le Maire, Frances finance minister, told reporters on Friday that inequality was a risk to the stability and security of Europe that could lead to an influx of refugees. He argued that it must be urgently addressed. It remains to be seen how far the $650 billion will go to help developing countries as they race to vaccinate people before new variants of the virus take hold, including the Delta variant, which has plunged many countries back into a health crisis. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development called this year for $1 trillion worth of Special Drawing Rights to be made available by the I.M.F. as a helicopter money drop for those being left behind. Jubilee USA Network, a nonprofit organization that advocates debt relief for poor countries, praised the move by the I.M.F. and called on wealthy countries to do more to help. This is the biggest creation of emergency reserve funds that weve ever seen, and developing countries will immediately receive more than $200 billion, said Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA Network. Wealthy countries who receive emergency reserves they dont need should transfer those resources to developing countries struggling through the pandemic. The I.M.F., the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization have created a new vaccine task force and called for an additional $50 billion investment to broaden access to supplies. The groups have also called on G20 countries to set a goal of having 40 percent of their populations vaccinated by the end of this year and 60 percent by the middle of next year. The United States has thrown its support behind the expansion of the I.M.F. reserves, reversing a Trump administration policy and angering Republican lawmakers in the process. WASHINGTON When Attorney General Merrick B. Garland had to decide whether the Justice Department should continue its highly unusual defense of former President Donald J. Trump in a defamation lawsuit, he relied on the studious approach that had served him as a federal judge for more than two decades. The case was politically perilous and discomfiting. Mr. Trump had declared that a woman who accused him of rape, the writer E. Jean Carroll, was lying to generate publicity. Mr. Garland later told reporters that if the Carroll matter were a policy question, it was one he would abhor. But as attorney general, he had to set aside his personal views to weigh the law. Mr. Garland set to work. He reviewed the argument built by the departments lawyers, even reading the relevant cases himself rather than relying only on aides to brief him, according to multiple people briefed on the case. Mr. Garland ultimately decided last month not to overturn the Trump-era decision that because Mr. Trump made the comments in the capacity of his office, a Justice Department defense was proper based largely on multiple precedents. The backlash was swift. Democrats decried the result, and the White House quickly distanced itself from the decision. But Mr. Garland saw it as the kind of impartial call that ensures that the same rules apply both to Democrats and to Republicans. And like many other former prosecutors, he viewed it as best to let the legal filing speak for itself. WASHINGTON The Biden administration is easing restrictions placed on undocumented people who are pregnant, postpartum or nursing, the latest change in its broader efforts to soften immigration detention policies put in place by former President Donald J. Trump. Under the new policy, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers generally will not detain or arrest people who are pregnant or nursing, or who had a baby within the previous year. The language in the policy will be gender neutral, acknowledging that transgender men can give birth another departure from past directives. The number of pregnant immigrants in detention increased sharply under Mr. Trump, who reversed a policy put in place in 2016 by President Barack Obama that called for detaining them only under extraordinary circumstances. Since 2016, ICE has arrested undocumented pregnant immigrants more than 4,000 times, according to internal government data shared with The Times. The number in custody has fallen more recently, partly because of measures to reduce the number of people in congregate settings who are at greater risk of contracting Covid-19. There are currently fewer than 20 such immigrants in custody, staying for an average of three days. President Biden on Friday urged President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to take action to disrupt online criminal organizations in his country and said that the United States reserves the right to respond against hackers who launch ransomware attacks from inside Russia, according to a White House readout of a telephone call between the two leaders. I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil, even though its not sponsored by the state, we expect him to act, and we give him enough information to act on who that is, Mr. Biden said to reporters after signing an executive order at the White House. Asked if Russia would face consequences for the spate of recent attacks, Mr. Biden simply replied yes. The call came in the wake of a ransomware attack over the July 4 weekend in which a Russia-based group called REvil, an abbreviation of ransomware evil, hacked a Florida company that provides software to thousands of smaller firms. Russian hackers were also accused of breaching a contractor for the Republican National Committee last week. The Department of Veterans Affairs is in the process of overhauling the countrys oldest electronic health record system at the countrys largest hospital network. Even if it goes smoothly, planners have repeatedly warned, it will be an extremely complicated task that will take 10 years and cost more than $16 billion. And so far, it is going anything but smoothly. The new health record software is supposed to increase efficiency and speed up care in the beleaguered veterans health system, which serves more than nine million veterans. But when the department put it into use for the first time in October at a V.A. medical center in Washington State, it did the opposite. The departments inspector general issued two scathing reports on the rollout this week. One found that the company that was awarded a no-bid contract by the Trump administration to do the overhaul underestimated costs by billions. The other report said the training program for hospital staff that the company created was so flawed and confusing that many employees considered it an utter waste of time. All the employees who went through the training at the first hospital to use the new health record system, the Mann-Grandstaff V.A. Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., were given a test afterward to see whether they had learned to use it proficiently. Nearly two-thirds failed, the report said. The assassination of President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday by gunmen who broke into his private residence was a stark reminder of the violence that has plagued Haiti for years and escalated in recent weeks. Armed groups have become increasingly powerful in Haiti, playing on the nations political instability and growing poverty to seize control of large swaths of cities like Port-au-Prince, the capital. About a third of Port-au-Princes territory is affected by criminal activity, and a recent upsurge in clashes between rival gangs has caused numerous casualties among civilians and stark levels of displacement of people fleeing violence. A report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that in the first three weeks of June over 13,600 people had fled their home in Port-au-Prince, which has a population of about one million. That was four times the violence-related displacement in the capital than in the previous nine months, the report said. Two Americans arrested in connection with the assassination of President Jovenel Moise of Haiti this week said that they were not in the room when he was killed and that they had worked only as translators for the hit squad, a Haitian judge said on Friday. Clement Noel, a judge who is involved with the investigation and who interviewed both men soon after their arrest, said that neither was injured in the assault. One of the Americans was identified as James J. Solages, a U.S. citizen who lived in South Florida and previously worked as a security guard at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. The other was identified as Joseph Vincent, 55. Judge Noel, speaking by telephone, said that he could not provide details on the wider plot or a possible motive, but said the two Americans maintained that the plot had been planned intensively for a month. The political storm in Haiti intensified on Thursday as two competing prime ministers claimed the right to run the country, setting up an extraordinary power struggle over who has the legal authority to govern after the brazen assassination of President Jovenel Moise in his home the day before. Haitis interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, says he has taken command of the police and the army. He has also declared a state of siege that essentially put the country under martial law, although constitutional experts questioned his right to impose it, and a rival quickly challenged his claim to power. Two days before his death, Mr. Moise had appointed Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, as a new prime minister. Mr. Henry, who was supposed to take up the role this week, told a local newspaper after the presidential assassination that he was the rightful prime minister. The dueling claims created a volatile political crisis that left constitutional experts confused and diplomats worried about a broad societal collapse that could ignite violence or prompt Haitians to flee the country en masse. During an attack in the early hours of Wednesday, a group of assassins fatally shot President Jovenel Moise of Haiti and wounded his wife, Martine Moise, in their private residence on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The assassins charged into Mr. Moises residence sometime after 1 a.m. in what officials described as a well-planned operation. Yet Haitis ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, said there had been no specific warning of the attack. Carl Henry Destin, a Haitian justice of the peace, said the presidents home had been peppered with holes and littered with bullet casings, and he had found the body of the president lying on the floor at the foot of his bed, bathed in blood. The presidents house was also ransacked, Mr. Destin said. Drawers were pulled out, papers were all over the ground, bags were open, he said. Two servants were tied up, he said. DHAKA, Bangladesh At least 51 people died in a fire on Thursday evening at an industrial building outside the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, the latest disaster in a country with a long history of unsafe working conditions in its factories. The authorities warned that the death toll could rise as firefighters continued to sift through the wreckage. At least 200 people were working in the building when the fire broke out, the police said. The fire, at a seven-story building where fruit drinks and plastic packaging were made, burned for nearly 24 hours, filling the air with thick plumes of black smoke, until it was extinguished on Friday afternoon. We have worked so hard to control the fire, said Dinmoni Sharma, the deputy director of the fire department in Dhaka. Many are still missing, and we fear that there are more dead bodies. We are still working to recover them. KABUL, Afghanistan Taliban forces on Friday penetrated Kandahar, Afghanistans second-largest city, in a new phase of a sweeping insurgent offensive that has captured territory across the country since May 1, when U.S. forces began withdrawing. The insurgents had been encroaching on Kandahar city, the capital of the province of the same name, for several weeks, capturing surrounding districts, before entering the city for the first time Friday. Taliban fighters entered Kandahars Seventh Police District Friday, seizing houses and engaging with security forces in the area, said Bahir Ahmadi, the spokesman for the Kandahar governor. Commandos and other special forces units were battling the insurgents well into the evening, proceeding cautiously because the area is heavily populated, Mr. Ahmadi said. The Afghan Air Force struck a number of Taliban positions in neighboring districts, as the insurgents attempted to push their way into the city. The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. Ive spent most of the past week talking to people about ghost stories and real-life mysteries in a place where the boundaries between the two often seem hazy: the Victorian high country. A string of people disappeared in its remote snow-capped mountains between 2019 and 2020. None of their bodies have ever been found. Stories swirled of a local recluse known as the Button Man. It contained all the elements of a good Australian mystery, I thought. It didnt take me long to realize the real story was much more complicated. The problem when fact and fiction blur is that the stories have an impact on their real-life subjects. Thats especially been the case for the Button Man, a real man who lives in the mountains and who has been unwittingly dragged into speculation. As my colleague Dan Bilefsky noted in his article, Ms. Simon comes with a long record of accomplishments as she becomes Queen Elizabeth IIs representative as Canadas head of state: A former broadcaster, she helped negotiate a land claim settlement in 1975 between the Cree and Inuit communities in Quebecs north and the Quebec government. She was also president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national Inuit rights group. As a diplomat, she was Canadas representative in Denmark and ambassador for circumpolar affairs, championing Canadas interests in the Arctic. [Read: Trudeau Appoints Canadas First Indigenous Governor General] The symbolism of Ms. Simons move into the governor generals ceremonial position may play two ways within Indigenous communities. Indigenous leaders praised her abilities, her appointment and said having an Indigenous person in that job was long overdue. But other Indigenous people are less awed, if still impressed, by Ms. Simon. The role of the governor general in terms of Canadian politics is largely seen and treated as a symbolic one, Riley Yesno, a research fellow at the Yellowhead Institute told me on Friday. Indigenous youth and much of grass roots Indigenous leadership are calling for much more material changes than symbolic positions can offer. And so over the past few days, Ive been kind of been rolling my eyes at Justin Trudeau touting this appointment as a very huge act of reconciliation. Ms. Yesno, who is Anishinaabe, did add that Inuit are much more likely to view themselves as Canadian as well as Indigenous than many people from other Indigenous groups, particularly the First Nations. Colombian officials condemned the attack and said they were doing everything possible to assist the Haitian government in its search for the truth. Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, the head of the national police, said that Colombian officials were investigating four businesses that they believed had recruited people for the operation. One of the suspects, Francisco Eladio Uribe, was being investigated last year by the countrys special peace court for homicide, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. Mr. Uribe was accused of being involved in a scandal known in Colombia as false positives, in which hundreds of members of the military were accused of killing civilians and saying they were combat casualties in a bid to show success in the countrys long civil war. In an interview with W Radio, a woman who identified herself as Mr. Uribes wife said that the two had been married for 18 years and had three children, and that he had left home one day after telling her that he had a very good job opportunity. She said her husband had been investigated but exonerated in the military scandal. Colombian officials said that some of the accused had left Bogota as early as May and flown to Panama before traveling to the Dominican Republic and then to Haiti. Others, the officials said, arrived in the Dominican Republic in early June, and then traveled to Haiti. The two countries share a Caribbean island, Hispaniola. General Luis Fernando Navarro said that the accused people had left the military between about 2002 and 2018 and that they were involved in mercenary activities with purely economic motives. The problem first came to light in November, when Mr. Sari was flooded with urgent calls from local fishermen about the mucilage. He asked a friend to investigate. The video his friend brought back from a scuba dive was alarming, he said. Large globules of mucilage were visible in the water, and at about 100 feet deep, the scene was completely black, with zero visibility. The slime was clinging to fishing nets, making them too heavy to pull in, said Hakan Sevgi, 52, a member of a fishing cooperative. When the mechanical pulley of one boat snapped, the crew spent seven hours hauling in the nets by hand, a job that should take half an hour. Some crews were forced to jettison their nets and now cast them only in shallow waters for 30 minutes at a time, other fishing workers said. During a dive this year, Mr. Sari said he found 30 sea cucumbers trying to climb off the sea floor, with one clinging to a seashell in an apparent attempt to rise above the sludge. On a second dive, he found few left. We only saw three, which means the others died, he said. The slime was diminishing the oxygen in the water, which is deadly to marine life. December to March were lean times, but the fishing crews were holding out hope that warmer weather would dissipate the mucilage as it had in the past. But in April in Misakca, a tiny fishing village on the southern shore of the Marmara, disaster struck. LONDON A London police officer on Friday pleaded guilty to murdering Sarah Everard, the British woman whose disappearance and killing this year set off a national movement demanding that the authorities do more to address violence against women. The officer, Wayne Couzens, 48, had already pleaded guilty last month to kidnapping and raping Ms. Everard, a marketing executive who went missing on March 3 as she was walking home from a friends house in South London. Her body was found a week later in a wooded area in southeast England, several miles from Mr. Couzens house. Mr. Couzens is expected to be sentenced in September. After Mr. Couzens hearing in London on Friday, womens rights groups renewed their call for systemic changes to tackle gender-based violence. Harriet Wistrich, director of the Center for Womens Justice, a legal charity, said that the British authorities should conduct a public inquiry into police failures and misconduct, and into the wider culture of misogyny. As protesters made clear, women do not feel safe, and it is incumbent on the government and all criminal justice agencies to now take action over the epidemic of male violence which is the other public health crisis of our day, Ms. Wistrich said. A loud blast rocked northern Tehran near the headquarters of the state broadcasting company in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to security authorities speaking to official state media. The explosion of an unidentified object happened inside Mellat Park, a vast and popular green space in the capital adjacent to the headquarters of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. There were no casualties reported, Iranian media said, and it was not certain if the blast was the result of an accident or an attack. There was only one explosion, Hamidreza Goudarzi, the deputy security chief for Tehran Province, said in a statement to the Tasnim News Agency. Asked if this was a terrorist attack, Mr. Goudarzi said investigators were at the scene, looking into the scope and details of the explosion. In Ms. Janochoskis case, retirement looked good after all those months of working from home, she said. I wasnt going to go before April, when my stock options vested, she added. So I picked the end of May, and we ran through the numbers. It made sense. Jesse Coffee, a wealth adviser at True Private Wealth Advisers, said that before the pandemic, it was generally clients around age 62 who were initiating pre-retirement talks with him. In the past year, that age has dropped to 54 or 55, he said. People have realized whats really important, he said. If you want to just go out and hike, it doesnt cost a lot of money. If my lifestyle isnt going to need all that much money, maybe I can move somewhere less expensive, have some low-cost hobbies and retire early. That and, frankly, the market has been great over the past 10 years. An advisers job is, of course, to do the math on whether retirement is even possible and what it may look like. But leaving a career, particularly for people who have risen up at a company doing work they enjoy, is not an easy decision to make. Working from home in the pandemic gave some people a taste of what retirement could be like, something they would not have gotten if they had kept going into the office or traveling for work. Its allowed them to reset and take a step back, Mr. Leverty said. He said there was no question that retiring early would reduce wealth, but thats a trade-off for what could be more time to spend with family, explore activities like charitable work or pursue new interests. A life-altering event four years ago got Mark Nagel thinking about retiring as soon as possible. When he slipped on ice and pulled a muscle, what seemed like a minor injury would result in the amputation of one of his legs. Early retirement became a requirement at that point, said Mr. Nagel, 55. You just never know when something is going to happen. So why wait until next year? Hikaru Cho is a Tokyo-based body painter who specializes in surreal body art created using a combination of body paint and makeup. Tokyo-based artist Hikaru Cho may only be 27-years-old, but she is already one of the most highly regarded body painters in the world, having worked with big brands like Samsung or Shiseido, and organizations like Amnesty International, among others. A graduate of Musashino Art University, Cho is one of the worlds most promising young body painters, and if her work so far is any indication, theres a lot of impressive stuff to look forward to in the future. Photo: Hikaru Cho/Instagram Cho has been painting ever since she was a little girl, and while its not clear when she became fascinated with body painting and optical illusions, its clear that she became a master of them along the way. From extra pairs of eyes painted on her own body of those of other models, to disturbing holes in the skin and seemingly missing body parts, Hikaru Cho has a very impressive portfolio. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) They are all painted on skin directly and I dont use computers or anything to change the picture afterwards, the Japanese artist said, adding that she usually spends between 5 and 7 hours on a single artwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) I dont really have a reason why I started doing those pictures. But I guess I was a little sick of everyone making pictures with their computers and wanted to see how far I can go without those technologies such as Photoshop, she told reporters back in 2014, when some of her early work went viral online. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) Although Hikaru Cho has been creating body-painted illusions for at least 7 years, she hasnt reached the social media star status of other painters, like Instagram superstars Mimi Choi or Dain Yoon, and the fact that some of her work can be described as eerie, even slightly disturbing, is a plausible reason. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hikaru Cho (@hikaru_cho) The Golden Boy, a decadent delicacy made with 100 percent Wagyu A5, Beluga caviar, king crab, white truffle, among other premium ingredients, has just broken the record for worlds most expensive burger, with a price of 5,000 euros ($6,000). The Golden Boy burger was created by Robbert Jan de Veen, owner of Dutch restaurant De Daltons, who came up with the idea while sitting in his restaurant pretending to get some work done. As he browsed the internet to pass the time, he stumbled over the previous record for the worlds most expensive burger, held by an Oregon restaurant that made a $5,000 burger that weight a whopping 352 kilograms, back in 2011. He found it cool, but decided he could make an even more expensive burger, and one that could actually be finished by one person. WOW! what a cool record, but what a waste that they made that burger 350kg-heavy, de Veen said to himself. If you have a record like that, you should make a burger that one person can eat. Because thats the real most expensive burger in the world. Restaurants were closed and there were no food competitions due to the pandemic. Though our food takeaway service was on, I was depressed. I was feeling bad seeing the sufferings of the masses and the dismal situation of the restaurant industry, the restauranteur told The National. Therefore, I decided to create the worlds most expensive burger and donate the entire income to charity to do good for the society. Getting the recipe for The Golden Boy just right took a while and a lot of trial and error, but in the end Robbert Jan de Veen came up with a suitable combination that pushed the price of the worlds most expensive burger to 5,000 euros. The decadent burger features all sorts of expensive ingredients, from the Dom Perignon champagne-infused buns wrapped in gold leaf, to the Japanese Wagyu beef, Beluga caviar, Joselito Bellota 100% Iberico Vintage Jamon, Cheddar with truffle from Wyke Farms, all smothered in a barbecue sauce made from Kopi Luwak coffee and Macallan Single Malt Whisky Rare Cask, and smoked saffron chive mayonnaise made from duck eggs. Finally, the burger is bathed in whisky-impregnated smoke for added flavor. The ingredients complement each other very well and the flavors are intense, The Golden Boys creator said. Even though this burger is extremely costly, you should still use your hands because that is the only way to eat a burger. Since the bun is covered in gold leaf, your fingers will be golden by the time you finish. As Robbert Jan de Veen worked on the recipe, word of a new worlds most expensive burger spread around the Netherlands, and as news reached Geor Schuurman, manager of Remia, a Dutch company that makes margarines, sauces, dressings etc., he approached de Veen to buy the first burger. The two also decided that the honor of eating the first Golden Boy should go to someone who deserves it. Rober Willemse, Chairman of the Royal Dutch Food and Beverage Association, was chosen to be the one to feast on the worlds first Golden Boy burger, as he does, an outstanding job, and went above and beyond in standing up for the interest of all food and beverages entrepreneurs In the Netherlands, according to de Veen. The first Golden Boy burger was sold on June 28, but Robbert Jan de Veen is all set to sell more at his restaurant in the Dutch town of Voorthuizen. However, if you plan on actually spending $6,000 for a single burger, youll need to order at least 2 weeks in advance, and also make a $750 deposit. Taiwanese doctors recently reported the unusual case of a young woman who apparently had two chopstick fragments lodged in her face for a week, without even knowing. The 29-year-old unnamed woman reportedly went to a hospital emergency room after a violent fight with her sister left her with two minor lacerations on the nose and under her left eye. Doctors examined her and even performed an X-ray, which didnt show anything out of the ordinary. The woman left the hospital, but as the days went by, she started to suspect that her wounds were more serious than she had originally thought. Pieces of the plastic chopsticks her sister had attacked her with were missing, and she started to think that there was something stuck in her nose. Photo: Elsevier 2021 A week after her first ER visit, the young Taiwanese woman returned to the hospital, and told doctors her new discoveries. A thorough examination revealed pieces of chopstick penetrating her nasal septum the wall dividing the two nasal passages and she underwent a CT scan which showed that she had two large fragments of chopsticks embedded deep in her sinuses. One of the plastic chopstick fragments was about 1.4 inches (3.5 centimeters) and the other was 2 inches (5 cm) long. After analyzing the positions of the foreign bodies and the wounds on the womans face, doctors determined that those two small cuts were actually the entry points of the fragments. Photo: Elsevier 2021 Interestingly, the chopstick pieces reportedly entered the womans skull through the same route that doctors use when performing surgery on the ethmoid sinuses, which are located between the corner of your eye and the bridge of the nose. The unnamed woman needed surgery to remove the fragments, and experienced no complications during the procedure. The case report was published in The Journal of Emergency Medicine on June 24, and the authors emphasized the need for thorough examination, as even the tiniest wounds can hide serious health problems. Photo: Elsevier 2021 While living with foreign bodies embedded in the skull for so long sounds crazy, the fact is that some people have lived with all kinds of stuff from coins to plastic discs in their nose for decades. A Chinese woman and her male accomplice were recently detained by police after she rented her ex boyfriends car and ran dozens of red lights over a period of two days, as a weird way to get back at him. Chinese media recently reported a bizarre case in which a young woman from Shaoxing, East Chinas Zhejiang Province, attempted to exact revenge on her ex-partner for leaving her for another woman, by using his own car to get him in trouble with the law. The woman, known only as Lou, allegedly convinced another man to rent her former boyfriends car via an online car renting app, and then used the vehicle to run 49 red lights and break other traffic rules, with the explicit intent to get the owner in trouble with the law. Photo: Kayla Speid/Unsplash What the two accomplices hadnt counted on was police noticing the erratic behavior of the driver behind the wheel of the rented Audi, and conducting an investigation. By searching records, police quickly found that the vehicle had been rented by a guy surnamed Chen, from its owner, Qian. After being approached by police about the traffic violations, Chen quickly spilled the bills, telling the officers that he had rented this particular car at the request of a friend named Zhu, who also happened to be the one behind the wheel, when the car passed 49 red lights. Photo: Gabe Pierce/Unsplash While being interrogated by police, Zhu admitted that he had been convinced to rent that particular car by a woman, Lou, who promised to date him if he helped her exact revenge on her ex by using his car to run dozens of red lights and break other driving rules. The Global Times reported that Lou and the car owner, Qian, had dated for a while, but Qian eventually left her for other women, which irritated Lou. Apparently, she though the best way to get back at him was to earn him fines for a bunch of traffic violations, like running 49 red light in two days. R&J Strategic Communications dishes for Dartcor, a provider of corporate dining services. R&J will leverage public relations, content marketing, and social media capabilities to bolster Dartcors brand voice, image, and awareness in the New York and Philadelphia metro areas. The agency will also work to establish Dartcor as a thought leader in the corporate dining vertical and grow its bottom line as the region begins to plan for the return to work. Dartcor serves more than 50,000 employees in companies across the Tri-State metropolitan areas, delivering such services as corporate cafes, office pantries, coffee and juice bars, catering, and virtual food halls. With the pandemic behind us, creating a collaborative work environment in which employees feel safe, appreciated and supported in their return to the office is mission critical for companies in every industry, said R&J president Scott Marioni. BizCom Associates signs up Propelled Brands, the corporate umbrella of service-oriented brands such as FASTSIGNS, NerdsToGo, MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza. BizCom will work to unify and promote the Propelled Brands message in order to increase awareness of its franchise opportunities while continuing to promote the companys individual brands to target audiences and target markets. Were excited about the opportunity to play a role in telling the Propelled Brands story as the brand emerges and continues to add new concepts, becoming a leader within the franchise and business communities, said BizCom co-founder and President Monica Feid. Creative Civilization, headquartered in San Antonio, TX, has been engaged by LEVY Architects to develop and implement an integrated marketing campaign, including brand evolution, content creation, digital, public relations, advertising, and event marketing LEVY Architects provides integrated products and services including interiors, purchasing and branding. "We have already begun to enjoy the value of Creative Civilization's strategic leadership and innovative ideas, which perfectly fits our vision and timing of our expansive growth," said LEVY Architects president and founder Stephen V. Levy. USA Today becomes the last major US daily to put up a paywall. While part of the papers content will remain free, a selection of stories will now be marked "subscriber only." The rest of Gannetts papers have already made the switch to a subscription model. According to a July 7 note from USA Today editor-in-chief Nicole Carroll and publisher Maribel Perez Wadsworth, the money from the paywall will help fund its investigations unit and visual journalism. USA Today says its digital destinations receive approximately 90 million unique visitors per month. Jason Angrisani Bloomberg appoints Jason Angrisani as global chief marketing officer. Angrisani has been part of Bloombergs marketing department since 2010 and has helped implement a global planning framework, integrating marketing automation systems with Bloombergs proprietary technology. Before coming to Bloomberg, Angrisani was marketing director for IBMs brand advertising team at Ogilvy & Mather. He will now oversee the marketing for all Bloomberg businesses globally. Bloombergs marketing organization is responsible for promoting the Bloomberg brand and engaging key audiences around the world. Knewz, a News Corp-backed news aggregation site that was intended to compete with Google and Facebooks control over what articles users read, has shut down just 18 months after its launch. The site was partly a response to arguments within the news industry that Google and Facebook were not fairly compensating publishers. Curated by artificial intelligence and editors, Knewz promoted itself as publisher-friendly, pulling from sources across the political spectrum. The platforms website now only has a farewell statement thanking its readers and points them toward such News Corp properties as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and MarketWatch. 08/07/2021 The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will add 32 new trade partners to Egypt and could be an important driver of diversification and upgrading for the country. To benefit from AfCFTA Egypt needs to update its policy approach for economic transformation, according to Egypts Production Transformation Policy Review. The report was launched today under the auspices of the Government of Egypt and with the participation of senior officials from the Development Centre of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank). Egypt is among Africas heavyweights. Although Africa is a small industrial player, accounting for only 2% of world manufacturing, Egypt is the continents top manufacturing hub, accounting for 22% of Africas value added in this sector. The countrys fast-growing economy has been increasingly attracting the attention of international investors. A growing number of firms are choosing Egypt to produce for the African continent and the Middle East. During 2017-20, Egypt attracted the highest percentage of Foreign Direct Investment in electronics and electrical manufacturing in Africa (21% of the total number of projects), and the second highest of knowledge-intensive ones (14%). However, Egypt still trades little with other African economies, with only 15% of its goods exports going to the continent. Egypt reacted quickly to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery package mobilised in 2020 accounted for 1.9% of Egypts GDP, including tax breaks, loan repayment deferrals and subsidized credit to firms. Since 2017, Egypt has been reforming its governance and regulatory framework to attract investment, foster trade and digitalisation in firms. Among the key reforms carried out, the implementation of the National Single Window in 2021-an online platform to speed up customs processes- stands out. Egypt has also been investing in raising quality, as demonstrated by the establishment of the National Food Safety Authority in 2017. Finally, Egypt has invested in supporting start-ups and has become one of Africas top start-ups hubs, accounting for 14% start-ups and 10.5% venture capital in the continent. However, the country continues to rely predominantly on traditional tools to support industrialisation, including special economic zones. To go forward, Egypt needs to continue implementing effective reforms. The agenda is vast. This report identifies three game changers are particularly relevant in the current context. Investing in making AfCFTA a real development driver. An important step will be implementing effective industrial policies and observing their impact by setting up a monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of AfCFTAs implementation in relation to Egypts Vision 2030 and the National Structural Reform Program (2021-24). An important step will be implementing effective industrial policies and observing their impact by setting up a monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of AfCFTAs implementation in relation to Egypts Vision 2030 and the National Structural Reform Program (2021-24). Engaging the private sector in innovation. Egypt falls short, by international comparison, of the typology of tools and the budget allocated to innovation and Research &Development. The introduction of fiscal incentives through Law no. 72/2017 is a step forward. Egypt should increase public support for innovation to all firms across all sectors, leveraging on existing tools, such as the ones managed jointly by the Industrial Modernization Center and the Science and Technology Development Fund. Egypt falls short, by international comparison, of the typology of tools and the budget allocated to innovation and Research &Development. The introduction of fiscal incentives through Law no. 72/2017 is a step forward. Egypt should increase public support for innovation to all firms across all sectors, leveraging on existing tools, such as the ones managed jointly by the Industrial Modernization Center and the Science and Technology Development Fund. Getting policy making ready for the future. Egypt would benefitby rationalising and strengthening implementation institutions, for example by building their capacities to operate across the whole country and by modernising its quality infrastructure system to ensure it operates well in an Industry and Agro 4.0 landscape. The Production Transformation Policy Review (PTPR) of Egypt has been a 21-month policy support process requested by the Government of Egypt and implemented by the Development Centre of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It benefitted from peer contributions from Malaysia and Italy. The German International Cooperation (GIZ) supported this process. Click here to read the report Follow discussions about the report on social media: #PolicyReview & #ProductiveTransformation For more information, please contact Annalisa Primi, Head of the Economic Transformation and Development Division, OECD Development Centre annalisa.primi@oecd.org. Media contacts: UN ECA : afeworks@un.org UNIDO: S.SACKDA@unido.org OECD Development Centre: bochra.kriout@oecd.org; Tel: +33 145 24 82 96. UNCTAD: catherine.huissoud@unctad.org A BRAZILIAN man who was the driver of a car involved in a foiled attempt to carry out a shooting in Offaly last year has been jailed for four years. Sergio Machado Filho (37), with an address at Temple Bar, Dublin 2, was one of four men who previously pleaded guilty to firearms offences committed at River Street, Clara on May 27, 2020. Tullamore Circuit Court was told today (Friday, July 9) that Mr Filho was the driver of the second of two cars used in the incident and Judge Keenan Johnson heard a litre-bottle of petrol was found in the front passenger seat of his vehicle. Mr Filho pleaded guilty to possession of a 9mm submachine gun and four 12-gauge shotgun cartridges which had been found by gardai when they stopped another car shortly after midnight. Detective Garda Pat O'Connell said Mr Filho's Vauxhall Insignia had been clocked earlier driving through the toll gate on the M4 and all four men then met at the Applegreen filling station on the motorway and then stopped again at a filling station in Kilbeggan on their way to Clara. The bottle of petrol was recorded on CCTV in the car in Kilbeggan and gardai believe it had been filled by one of Mr Filho's co-accused. Mobile phones were seized and they indicated a pattern of communication between the two vehicles. Det Garda O'Connell said Mr Filho had been in Ireland since April 20, 2019 and had not come to garda attention, nor were there any convictions recorded against him. The court heard that the cartridges found in the other car were unsuitable for use in a shotgun which was also seized and while the machine gun was in working order, it was only capable of shooting one round at a time. When first questioned by gardai, Mr Filho said he was in convoy with the other car but denied wrongdoing and said he was on his way to a barbecue in Tullamore. A letter written by his wife, who lives in Brazil, was read in court and she described him as a good, hardworking and responsible man who had gone to Ireland to study English. In December three co-accused, Ildomar Cabrar da Silva (29) of no fixed abode, and Jefferson Dos Santos (35) and Hugo Henrique Rodrigues (23), both of Ballymahon, Co Longford, all pleaded guilty to firearms offences and were sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison. All four men also admitted breaching the Covid travel regulations which were in force at the time. Judge Johnson said that though there were no guns in Mr Filho's car he was clearly acting in unison with the others but it seemed he was out of his depth and it was an extraordinary offence for a first offender. Mr Filho has been in custody since his arrest on May 27 last year and Judge Johnson accepted evidence that his behaviour there was very good and he said it was ironic that having come to Ireland to improve his English, he was now improving it in prison. He said the offence was an aberration and he imposed a seven-year sentence, suspending the final three years, and backdating it to when he first went into custody. He made it a condition of the suspension that the man return to Brazil on his release and not come to Ireland for 10 years. Previously the court heard the four-man gang were on their way to Tullamore to frighten an individual but Judge Johnson took the view that the enterprise could have gone fatally wrong. Thousands of migrants around the world risk their lives to cross international borders for safety. Many of these people are in vulnerable situations who have lost their lives or face injury in their desperate attempt at a better life, according to a new report by the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, Felipe Gonzalez Morales. My mandate has received substantive information revealing worrying trends of pushbacks of migrants carried out along most migration routes, Gonzalez Morales said. Gonzalez Morales presented the report at the 47th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Gonzalez Morales defined pushbacks as an overarching term for all measures, actions or policies that effectively result in the removal of migrants, individually or in groups, without an individualized assessment in line with human rights obligations and due process guarantees. He recognized the challenges States face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While global public health crises may require travel restrictions, screening, testing, medical quarantine or isolation measures, these measures may not result in denying effective access to asylum and protection under international law, Gonzalez Morales said. The report highlights the global trends that contribute to the loss of life and injury including the militarization of border patrols increasing the risk of human rights violations, collective expulsions of migrants, heightened risks of refoulement and chain-refoulement, the use of force involved in some pushback operations, externalization of border governance measures, bilateral and multilateral agreements that fail to uphold human rights obligations, and denial of access to territory or access to asylum by States. Gonzalez Morales pushed for an end to harmful pushback practices of migrants on land and at sea, which he sees as a widespread global phenomenon, and to respect the prohibition of collective expulsion and to guarantee that no one would be returned to a country where they are at risk of being tortured, murdered or other irreparable harm. Pushback at sea involves delays in search and rescue, and in disembarkment, are also putting thousands of migrants at risk and lead to the tragic death of many, including woman and children, Gonzalez Morales explained. The report provides a number of examples of this. For instance, Italy failed to promptly respond to a distress call and dispatch a vessel to rescue over 200 migrants, including 60 children, at sea, who died as a result. In June 2020, Iranian authorities pushed back a group of Afghan migrants through a border river and resulted in the death of at least 10 individuals, including one child, and in the disappearance of 15 others. And, in 2020, thousands of migrants were expelled from Libya and were sent to Chad, Egypt and the Sudan, said the report. Gonzalez Morales advised States to develop a human rights-based, gender-responsive, age-and-child-sensitive approach to migration and border governance that guarantees the human rights of migrants. I urge States to promptly and thoroughly investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses at the international borders; and establish effective independent monitoring mechanisms and ensure access to all migration-related facilities and procedures to monitor their compliance with international human rights laws and standards, he said. 9 July 2021 What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 716-372-3121 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. (The Center Square) Governors from 15 states are sounding the alarm over an executive order issued by President Joe Biden tasking his administration to conserve 30% of all land and water in the U.S. by 2030. Known as the 30 x 30 plan, the directive is part of a United Nations Agenda 2030 land and sustainable development goal, which directs nations to conserve land and water to combat climate change. Biden refers to the policy as part of the United States acceptance of rejoining the Paris Agreement, a deal former President Donald Trump pulled out of. The United Nations goal is to globally get to a 2 C stabilization pathway and deliver climate-change resilient landscapes by conserving land and water usage. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification argues by conserving land and water the remaining emissions gap could be closed by up to 25% and reduce the risks posed by climate change. The best way to do this, according to the plan, is for governments to control land, not private landowners. Bidens executive order, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, involves a multi-federal agency approach. Currently, the Biden administration considers roughly 12% of land and water in the U.S. to be in conservation. It includes wilderness lands, national parks, national wildlife refuges, state parks, national monuments, and private lands with permanent conservation easements. More than doubling this acreage to 30% is equivalent to conserving the geographical size of Nebraska every year for nine years, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, argues. Ricketts leads a group of Republican governors from the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah in opposition to the plan. We are deeply concerned about any effort to enlarge the federal estate or further restrict the use of public lands in our states, they write. Bidens plan would not only infringe on the private property rights of their residents but also significantly harm their economies, they argue. Its the states duty and prerogative to manage their own lands and waters for the well-being of their citizens free from federal interference, they write. It is precisely because we depend on our lands to be available for future generations to enjoy and use [that], without greater input into this initiative, we must resist implementation of the 30 x 30 program. They argue no constitutional or statutory authority of the president or federal agencies exists to set aside and permanently conserve 30% of all land and water in the United States. Nowhere in the laws of our nation is the authority delegated by Congress to the President or executive agencies to unilaterally change the policies governing land use in America, they write. The governors asked Biden to answer 12 specific questions, to which they have not received a reply. Ricketts signed his own executive order banning Nebraska from supporting federal conservation programs without the governors express authorization. While the Biden administration has not released more details about the plan, the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce and Council on Environmental Quality published a preliminary report outlining a way to implement it. I dont believe that the federal government is going to try to come out and just take land, through eminent domain, for example, Ricketts said. I believe the way theyre going to try and cover these goals is by creating more ways that they can regulate you and take your private property rights away. However, he also said, Either theyre going to fail to get to 30 percent, or theyre not telling us something else about how theyre going to get to 30 percent. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, argues Bidens land grab wont stop with 30% of land and water in nine years because a proposal submitted by the Center for American Progress in 2019 called for conserving 50% of all U.S. land and water by 2050. The federal government already has 111 million acres locked up in wilderness status and owns more than 640 million acres, so where will it get the 681 million additional acres proponents say are necessary to lock up 30% of the countrys land and waters in the next nine years? she asks. The Biden administration has explicitly stated that private property is not exempt from the 30 x 30 initiative. Boebert added that the federal government would take private property using eminent domain as it already has in her district. More than 55% of her congressional district is federal land, and that keeps expanding, she argues. In response to Bidens plan, Boebert introduced the 30 x 30 Termination Act in Congress to prevent private land from being seized by the federal government. America was founded on private property rights, but the 30 x 30 program relies on the false assumption that private property owners dont know how to manage their land responsibly," Boebert said. "Instead, it proposes that we be beholden to the administrative state to govern the land thats Americas lifeblood. 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 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 BENNINGTON, Vermont (AP) A retired investigator with New Yorks Suffolk County District Attorneys Office has pleaded not guilty to obstructing justice in his long-running child sexual assault case. Leonard Forte, 79, was charged with two new felonies Wednesday, two weeks after the Bennington Superior Court found him physically capable to be retired on sexual assault charges going back over 30 years, the Bennington Banner reported. Forte is accused of assaulting a 12-year-old girl in 1987 in his Landgrove vacation home. Forte was convicted in 1988 on three charges of sexual assault, however, the presiding judge granted a new trial claiming that the female prosecutor prejudiced the jury by being too emotional. The state charged him again in 1997, but the trial has remained in limbo over the past two decades as Forte claimed to be too sick to travel and stand trial. Forte now lives in Florida. State prosecutors now allege that he lied about his condition to evade prosecution. According to a legal filing, Forte submitted a letter on June 21, 2019, claiming to be the medical opinion of Dr. Shailaja Hegde, a letter that was submitted without Dr. Hegde's knowledge or authorization. He also told the court that he was in hospice when he was actually discharged three months earlier, according to the filing. Fortes lead attorney entered not guilty pleas at Wednesday's hearing. Public defender Susan McManus could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday. Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: The number of private debt funds in the market has more than doubled since January 2017, whilst private debt funds sit on $364bn of dry powder, said a study. According to the Q2 2021 Private Debt Quarterly Report published by Preqin, as of July 2021, private debt managers are targeting $295bn across 651 funds. This is more than double since January 2017 where $130bn was targeted across 303 funds. The report revealed that this increase has been driven by the continued fundraising of direct lending funds, which represent a majority of both the number of funds in the market and capital targeted at 53% and 56% respectively. Meanwhile, $43bn of capital was raised in Q2 2021 compared to $36bn in Q1 2021. Europe-focused private debt funds raised $22bn in Q2, four times more than in Q1 2021, and more than any other region, including North America ($19.5bn). Preqin report also suggests that 68% of investors target direct lending funds as of Q2 2021 compared to 38% in Q2 2020. It report revealed that 79% of investors will be allocating to only one private debt fund in the next 12 months, up from 67% in Q2 2020. Sam Monfared, AVP Research Insights at Preqin, said: "The private debt asset class is increasingly competitive and private debt funds keep bringing attractive yields to portfolios. Any severe distress from the pandemic seems, at this point, to be in the rear-view mirror with the help of central banks." Sam added: "C...................... To view our full article Click here Endless Media Melbourne, Florida 248.675.5484 Empty America the winner of 6 film festival awards (i.e. Mindfield Film Festival, Golden Wheat Awards, Cooper Awards, Only the Best Awards, American Golden Picture Film Festival, and Florence Film Awards) is quickly becoming a rising star on the film festival circuit. Captured, by underdog filmmaker Barry Walton, the documentary is a snapshot of America during the early days of the pandemic's national shutdown. A mix of time-lapse Graveside services for Paulette West will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 21, at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe; followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am, at Church of the Nazarene in Pella. The tragedy in Surfside, Florida, is exposing voters to a different side of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis as he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign Do you appreciate the work we do as the only independent media outlet dedicated to serving OU students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus and around the world for more than 100 years? Then consider helping fund our endeavors. Around the world, communities are grappling with what journalism is worth and how to fund the civic good that robust news organizations can generate. We believe The OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and tomorrow by helping launch the careers of media professionals. If youre able, please SUPPORT US TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1. You can make a one-time donation or a recurring pledge. The Delta College Board of Trustees has received notification that Andre Buckley, Midland County trustee, resigned from the board, effective July 6. Due to the resignation of Buckley, the Delta College Board of Trustees seeks to appoint a citizen of the Delta College district who resides in Midland County to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees until a successor is elected and qualified at the next regular community college election in 2022. Qualifications required are that the person is a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, a Michigan resident for at least six months, and a resident of Midland County for at least 30 days. Board members serve without pay and are expected to prepare for and attend 12 regularly scheduled board meetings each year, as well as special meetings which may be called from time to time, and to attend college events such as commencement exercises. They are expected to abide by the boards bylaws and operating parameters, which may be accessed at http://www.delta.edu/board-of-trustees/index.html or requested from the secretary to the board of trustees. Interested persons should send a cover letter, resume, and responses to the following questions to Andrea Ursuy, board secretary, at alnadols@delta.edu, by noon Thursday, July 22. Questions candidates must answer Why are you interested in being a Delta College Trustee? What is the role of community colleges in higher education? What is your vision for Delta College? What is your understanding of the Trustees role vs. the institutions role for matters such as handling complaints about the college or its staff or students? We may meet other candidates for this important position who, on paper, appear more qualified than you. Why should we choose you? What are your strengths and talents? What would others say about your capabilities and talents? If appointed, would you seek election in the November 2022 election? The Delta College Board of Trustees welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds for this vacancy. Another annual tradition for Michiganders is back! The Mackinac Bridge Authority board announced Friday that the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk will take place this Labor Day, Sept. 6. Board members welcomed the end of pandemic restrictions that will allow the event, citing its importance to the Straits area economy and the eagerly anticipated return of a beloved Michigan tradition. The board heard an update from staff today about ongoing preparations for the walk during its regular meeting at Mackinac Island City Hall. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the news. "I am thrilled that the Mackinac Bridge Authority has enabled the Labor Day Bridge Walk, a cherished tradition, to move forward this year," Whitmer said in a statement. "After the year we have all had, I know how excited we are to get back to activities and attending events that we all love." She said she is glad that people can enjoy this "great tradition to close out a Pure Michigan summer." Kelly Vieau, administrator of the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, said business owners and residents are thankful the walk will happen this year "and hopefully for more years to come." Organizers plan to continue the recent option to start at both sides of the Mackinac Bridge St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which eliminates the need for busing and offers additional options for participants. The bridge walk was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This video explains the bridge walk schedule and the choices people will have whether they start from the north or south ends of the bridge: Walkers essentially have three main options, according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority: Starting from either end of the bridge and walking toward the center, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city they started from, where their transportation is located. The turnaround points will move toward the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if they start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. Walking the entire length of the bridge starting from either end. Those who choose this option must reach the midpoint before 10 a.m. or they will be turned back. Anyone who walks the entire bridge must arrange their own transportation back to the side they started once the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. Crossing the bridge, starting from either end, and then turning around and walking back to the side they started from. In this option, walkers will need to cross the midpoint on their return trip by 10 a.m. or they will be turned back and need to find their own transportation back across the bridge after it reopens at noon. The bridge will again be closed to public traffic during the 2021 walk, from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, Sept. 6, based on recommendations from the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Emergency vehicles will still be permitted to cross the bridge, but no public vehicles will be allowed until the walk concludes and participants are off the bridge. Those looking to navigate the weeds of the marijuana industry can attend the 2021 Cannabusiness Industrial Marketplace Michigan Summit and Expo next week in Mount Pleasant. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Entertainment Hall in Soaring Eagle Resort at Mount Pleasant will be taken over by marijuana business members. The event is open to the public and will feature exhibitors, to seminars and networking opportunities. Jen Wynn, vice president of expositions at Cannabis Industrial Marketplace, said the event is meant to provide education on the marijuana business and to connect industry members together. You can come there and find somebody that does what your (business) is looking for, Wynn said. Full-access tickets cost $300, but Wynn said there is a July sale happening where people can purchase them for 60% off. Tickets can be purchased on the events website. The event will have an exhibition floor open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and 10:30 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Wynn said there will be over 150 exhibitors ranging from transportation, to lighting, to attorneys and more. Seminars will also take place 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The keynote speaker of the event is Andrew Brisbo, executive director of the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency, who will speak at 4 p.m. Tuesday. A networking mixer will also be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday night. Wynn said the expo can be helpful for those looking to get into the industry. Anything (people) want to know, they can probably find somebody there that could help them with (entering the industry), Wynn said. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Andrew Mullin. Sunday, July 4: 11:32 p.m. Officers responded to an assault and obstruction of justice on Baldwin Street. 11:01 p.m. Deputies responded to a Homer Township residence for a verbal dispute between a 60-year-old Homer Township male and his 25-year-old Mount Pleasant son. There was no assault and the parties separated for the night. 10:47 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Hope Township location reference a suspicious vehicle. Deputies made contact with the complainant, a 51-year-old Hope Township female. The female advised they were not familiar with the vehicle and had not seen it before. Deputies patrolled the area but were unable to locate the vehicle. 10:03 p.m. A deputy was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle with teens setting off fireworks at a construction site. The complainant called back immediately and said the vehicle left. 9:36 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Hope Township location in reference to a 14-year-old female and her 73-year-old grandmother arguing. The parties were separated, and no physical assault occurred. 8:17 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to an Ingersoll Township location regarding a PDA. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the 25-year-old male driver didn't have any insurance on the vehicle. The male was cited for no insurance and a report is being sent to the Midland Prosecuting Attorneys Office. 4:30 p.m. A 28-year-old Coleman female called to report her 37-year-old ex-boyfriend broke the window on her van. A deputy dealt with the couple earlier in the day and knew the van was mutually owned. No crime was committed, the female was told about the personal protection order process. 3:43 p.m. Deputies responded to an alarm at a closed business in Lincoln Township. Deputies found the front door ajar with the deadbolt partially engaged and checked the interior, which appeared undisturbed. No key holder was able to respond, so deputies attempted to secure the door, then left. 3:18 p.m. A deputy spoke with a 37-year-old Flint male regarding a denial of his parenting time by a 27-year-old Lincoln Township female. The male was told to contact the Friend of the Court and file a denial of parenting time complaint. 12:38 p.m. Officers responded to a domestic verbal situation on South Saginaw Road. 11:32 a.m. A 20-year-old Homer Township male called 911 and reported that he was threatened on Facebook messenger, and wanted it documented. The complainant said he and an unknown male got into an argument over an item he had for sale on marketplace. The complainant said the unknown male said he knew where he lived, and wanted to talk face to face. Deputies encouraged the complainant to block him on Facebook, and to call 911 if he shows up at his house. 8:39 a.m. Deputies responded to a Homer Township residence regarding children playing near the roadway without supervision. Upon arrival, the children were safe with their mother and deputies explained to stay away from the road without their parents. 4:10 a.m. Deputies responded to a Lee Township location for a 26-year-old Clio male who was assaulted by a 42-year-old Reese male who was a family friend. The 26-year-old male sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Mid-Michigan Medical Center via ambulance for an evaluation per his request. The male didn't want to press charges for the assault. A report was completed for documentation. 2:10 a.m. Deputies conducted a traffic stop at a Lee Township location for speed. Deputies contacted the 24-year-old female driver. During the contact it was discovered the female didn't have a valid drivers license. The female was cited for driving with a suspended license, and was given a warning for speeding and no proof of insurance. A report is being sent to the prosecutor's office. 12:36 a.m. A deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a defective equipment violation in Greendale Township. The driver, a 31-year-old Saginaw female, was cited for driving while license suspended and was given a warning for the traffic violation. A report was completed and forwarded to the prosecutor's office. Saturday, July 3 11:17 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Greendale Township location reference a 25-year-old male locating a deceased dog in the roadway that got hit, and one dog still alive. Deputies made contact with the dog's 46-year-old female owner, and returned both dogs to the owner's residence. Upon arriving at the residence, the front door was ajar, deputies made entry to check the scene and secured the residence. 8:40 p.m. A 61-year-old Midland Township man called 911 during a verbal argument with his 63-year-old boyfriend reference household duties. 8:28 p.m. Officers responded to a case of trespassing on Haley Street. 4:35 p.m. Deputies responded to a Porter Township location for a single vehicle traffic crash. The drive sustained minor injuries. 3:48 p.m. A deputy assisted a Michigan State Police trooper with a verbal argument complaint in Mills Township. It was determined that no assault occurred, and Michigan State Police handled the investigation. 3:19 p.m. A 30-year-old Porter Township female reported she feels unsafe, because her ex-husband was just released from jail. The female stated she saw him drive by her house but said there are no conditions saying he can't. Deputies explained the personal protection order process to the female, and she agreed to go to the courthouse next week. 11:52 a.m. A 39-year-old male had a verbal dispute with his 29-year-old brother. The dispute was over a mutually-owned driveway. The brothers apologized and came to a solution while deputies were on scene. 10:57 a.m. Officers made a death investigation on Rockwell Drive. 10:41 a.m. A deputy cited a 52-year-old Lee Township male for driving without insurance, after a traffic stop in Lee Township. A report will be forwarded to the prosecutor's office. 8:48 a.m. A 46-year-old female was cited for no insurance during a traffic stop in Jerome Township. The female's vehicle was impounded. 1:59 a.m. A deputy spoke with a Hope Township resident that is missing the new license plate to his motorcycle. It is unknown where it was lost/stolen. 1:22 a.m. Deputies responded to a Mount Haley Township residence for a 49-year-old Mount Haley Township female who reported her 55-year-old Beaverton ex-boyfriend and his 13-year-old daughter assaulted her. The suspects left the scene prior to the deputies arrival and were later interviewed at their Beaverton residence, in which they denied the assault. The parties were separated and there were no injuries. A report was completed and forwarded to the prosecutor's office. 12:37 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Greendale Township residence for a domestic. Deputies contacted a 51-year-old Greendale Township female who advised her daughter, a 26-year-old Lee Township female, had pushed her. The parties were separated, and a report had been sent to the prosecutor's office. On June 23, I woke up early to get ready for work. Im usually on the morning shift, so thats not unusual. I happened to check Facebook and discovered that a friend of mine from high school had died. I was shocked to learn that he died from complications of COVID. This news hit me pretty hard because, for one, it was completely unexpected; I didnt even know he had been sick. But the news also hit too close to home. Just a few months before, some of my family members, five under the same roof, were struggling with COVID. Not only was it difficult to know they were suffering, but I also couldnt help without the risk of exposing myself. I spoke to them on the phone frequently, especially the one who had no symptoms. I offered moral support and scheduled a porch drop-off, but I felt helpless not knowing what to do or what the future would hold. I think that if their situation had become much worse, I would have gone to help and then self-quarantined; but fortunately, everyone turned for the better. Still processing the news about my classmate, I checked the headlines the next day, June 24. Thats when I learned that one tower of a condo in Surfside, Florida, had collapsed early in the morning. I am very familiar with Surfside, having lived in South Florida for almost 10 years. At one point, I lived not far from that location. It was terrible to learn how many people might have been in the building when it collapsed, but the news kept getting worse. While checking Facebook to see what my friends in the area might know, I learned that another person from high school, one grade ahead of me, had returned to Florida to attend our classmates funeral. He was staying at Champlain Towers South with his mother. His brother, his brothers wife and her son lived on the same floor. They were all among the missing at the time. The bodies of his brother and his brothers family were discovered days apart in the last week of June. The bodies of my classmate and his mother were found on Tuesday. Since June 24, when the tower collapsed, I have been dealing with several emotions. To realize that in an instant, a community one that I had lived in as a teenager was never going to be the same was painful. To learn that many of my high school friends were close with the one who flew home for the funeral was completely overwhelming. The words of friends and others on Facebook, who are struggling to understand, represent many of us who are experiencing the same disbelief. Two weeks out and I am still pretty emotional when I try to talk about it. My friend who died from COVID was always super nice. My classmate who flew home for the funeral was always smiling and friendly. To put it mildly, sometimes life is a mess. Sometimes its a mess for a minute and sometimes much longer. And sometimes we lose friends and family in the most unimaginable, unthinkable and unfair ways. As I wrestle with this, I remain thankful for the support of hundreds of people in various roles from Florida and all over the world who have stepped in to help out. And while I continue to process everything, I can also say that I am thankful and grateful for the messages of hope that somehow, eventually, seem to find us. I have read so many kind posts on Facebook by people reaching out to my friends from high school who are grieving. Locally, in the not-too-distant past, I have also discovered messages of hope. About one year or so into the pandemic, I was driving home from work and saw this word spelled out in lights: HOPE. Though the letters were large, it was little lights strung together and arranged perfectly to make that word. I saw it on the front of someones house and it was so great I had to stop and take a picture. Jenn Vande Zande of Midland had put up the first two letters of the word sometime last fall. Her husband, Jeff Vande Zande, said that in December, around Christmas time, Jenn had been in the hospital. So he added the last two letters and then took a picture of the completed word to share with her. Perhaps the encouraging words I have seen around the area, in addition to this one, had been there all along, or maybe they were recently displayed; either way, I was finally starting to notice. After such a long period of difficult times, or after a tragedy such as this, hope can seem pretty elusive. But the messages of hope, they are there. And hope, in the midst of terrible pain and loss, is still there. And sometimes, thats all we are able to do: Hope. Hope for strength, hope for patience, hope for peace. HOPE. Niky House, of Midland, is a freelance writer for the Daily News. While we all may feel as if "Big Brother" is watching us from time to time, a recent Michigan court ruling ensures local governments generally cant use drones to do so. A little background first. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects people from unreasonable government searches and seizures. At the core of the Fourth Amendment is a person's right to privacy, including the idea people shouldnt be subjected to arbitrary government invasions. So, when a governmental entity wants to search a person or their property, the government typically needs a warrant. The rise of technology has complicated whether the government is "searching" someone's property or merely just using the technological resources available today. Despite some of the resources available today, local, state and the federal government must still respect Fourth Amendment privacy rights. In Long Lake Township v. Todd Maxon and Heather Maxon, the Michigan Court of Appeals said Long Lake Township must have a warrant to inspect property. In this case, the township used drones to determine if property owners were violating zoning rules related to illegal junk yards. The property owners had previously gotten in trouble for violating zoning rules, but they ended up reaching an agreement with the local government. However, shortly after reaching an agreement, Long Lake Township felt the property owners were violating the agreement and the zoning rules by greatly increasing the amount of junk on their property. The local government sued the property owners, again arguing they were in violation of the zoning rules. To prove their argument, Long Lake Township provided the court with aerial photos taken over a span of eight years. According to the township, these photos proved a huge increase in junk on the property, which violated zoning rules. The aerial photographs of the property were taken by drones. The property owners objected to the drone photographs. They argued the aerial surveillance and drone photos were an illegal search that violated the Fourth Amendment. The court agreed. To help reach its decision, the court reviewed several U.S. Supreme Court cases involving privacy and the Fourth Amendment. The Michigan court pointed out one case involving thermal imaging. In that case, the Supreme Court noted that just because technology is advancing does not mean that people do not have reasonable privacy expectations in their own homes. However, other Supreme Court cases have held that viewing property from airplanes and helicopters did not violate the Fourth Amendment. In the end, the Michigan Court of Appeals determined the drone issue was similar to the thermal imaging case. It ruled Long Lake Township had indeed violated the Fourth Amendment when using a drone to inspect and photograph the property without a warrant or the property owners' permission. This case ultimately limits the ability of local governmental units to search property by upholding an individual's privacy rights under the Fourth Amendment. Note: This case addressed government use of drones to "search" private property but may also have implications for private drone use over anothers property and whether such use invades the landowners reasonable expectation of privacy. Private operation of a drone that invades anothers reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited by Michigan statute. Lexi Woods is an attorney with the law firm Warner Norcross + Judd LLP who concentrates her practice in real estate transactions and data privacy. She can be reached at awoods@wnj.com. Director of Content and Operations Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half. New York, US (PANA) - The United Nations stands ready to support Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in efforts to resolve their decade-long disagreement over the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), senior officials told the Security Council on Thursday Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US has congratulated the people of South Sudan on the 10th anniversary of its independence which falls on Friday and pledged to support them for greater prosperity Activate your Pantagraph subscription today to unlock our wealth of digital content. Photos, videos and more at pantagraph.com and on our app. Your subscription supports local journalism and makes a difference. Looking for something to do this weekend? Our expanded calendar has lots to do and see. Add your upcoming event today. Check out our photos from the Blues Traveler concert Saturday night at The Corn Crib in Normal. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} COME BACK SUNDAY How the Olympics in Japan are inspiring young athletes a world away in Central Illinois. Is nightlife back? A look at a new kind of normalcy in Bloomington-Normal bars and restaurants. That's Sunday in The Pantagraph and at pantagraph.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BLOOMINGTON A Bloomington man pleaded guilty last week to one count of domestic battery causing bodily harm. Austin L. Alexander, 24, was charged in May with one count of aggravated domestic battery-strangulation and two counts of domestic battery, the latter being class 3 felonies due to prior convictions. He was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He had credit for 40 days served in the McLean County jail, as he remained jailed in lieu of posting $2,535. Prosecutors said Alexander choked a woman and threatened to shoot her if anyone called the police. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BLOOMINGTON A Fisher woman pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor theft at a LeRoy grocery store in December. Danielle J. Tarter, 36, had two counts of burglary class 2 felonies and one count of forgery class 3 felony dismissed prior to her plea. She was sentenced to 24 months of conditional discharge and was ordered to pay $144.29 in restitution to the Independent Grocers Alliance store in LeRoy, as well as other court fines. Tarter was charged in January with burglary, forgery and theft at the LeRoy IGA at 200 S. Chestnut St. A judge also ordered Tarter to have no contact with the LeRoy IGA. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BLOOMINGTON A 20-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison on Friday for firing a gun in the air near a crowd of people after a fatal shooting New Years Eve 2019 in Normal. Garrett R. Ahlfield, formerly of Bloomington, was sentenced seven years for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by someone who had been adjudicated as a delinquent minor; five years for possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owners identification card; and six years for reckless discharge of a firearm. He was given the maximum sentence for the charges and they will run concurrently, so Ahlfield will serve seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Ahlfield has most recently resided in Georgia. McLean County prosecutors played a video of the incident in court Friday that showed the fatal shooting of Tariq L. Houston, 17, of Decatur, on Dec. 31, 2019, in a parking lot outside Heartland Village Apartments in the 1700 block of Putnam Avenue, Normal. The roughly three-minute video showed a crowd of people scatter, then return to tender aid to Houston. As a large group of people were gathered in the parking lot, the video showed Ahlfield run toward the crowd and fire five gunshots from a revolver straight up in the air. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} McLean County Assistant States Attorney Aaron Fredrick asked Judge William Yoder to issue the maximum sentence a total of seven years. Ahlfields lawyer, Kevin Sanborn, of Johnson Law Group in Bloomington, asked Yoder to issue a four-year prison sentence with an admittance to impact incarceration, also referred to as boot camp. Its an incredibly aggravated offense, Yoder said. The threat of serious harm was clearly there because as mentioned by the state, what goes up does come down and in this case I think its important that a significant sentence be imposed to deter others from committing similar acts. Dewon I.C. Griffin, 20, of Bloomington, was charged with murder in the shooting death of Houston. He is due in court Sept. 8 for a status hearing. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CHICAGO Ald. Carrie Austin 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. 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LINCOLN A man and three teenagers from Washington were killed Wednesday night in a traffic accident on Interstate 55 south of Lincoln. According to the Illinois State Police, the man was driving a 2016 gray Chrysler Pacifica north on the interstate about 10:15 p.m. near milepost 122 when he lost control of the vehicle. Heavy rain was falling at the time. The vehicle skidded across the median and into oncoming southbound traffic, where a semi-trailer truck hit it. The Pacifica then came to rest in the median. The truck crossed the median and northbound lanes, then overturned on the frontage road on the east side of the highway. Of five occupants of the Pacifica, four were pronounced dead at the scene. They were the 47-year-old driver, 16- and 17-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy. A 13-year-old girl, also from Washington, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital, according to state police. Identities of the victims were being withheld. But an email from Washington Community High School Superintendent Kyle Freeman stated the three deceased teens were students there. The Pacifica driver was a family member of a school employee, according to Freeman. Crisis counselors were to be on duty until 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the high school. They also are to be available there from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. "This loss will affect everyone in our school family and in the Washington community," Freeman wrote. "Students may have a difficult time dealing with the loss, and we encourage parents to talk with their child and for students to seek help if needed." A passenger in the truck, a 41-year-old man from Decatur, Georgia., also was transported to a hospital. His injuries weren't life-threatening, according to state police. The driver of the truck, a 50-year-old man from Stone Mountain, Ga., was not reported to be injured. A message was left for Logan County Coroner Donald Peasley. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 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. What's 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 For downstate Illinois residents who want to breakaway from Chicago the suburbs and form their own state, two Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers have an emphatic caution: Don't do it. In a whitepaper released earlier this year by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, a think tank at the university, political scientists John Foster and John Jackson said analysis of Illinois state revenue and budgeting over recent years shows downstate Illinoisans would be worse off without Chicago than they are with their northeastern neighbors. Our basic premise is that people really ought to understand where their tax money is raised and where its being spent, Jackson, who serves as a visiting professor with the Institute, said. I have been at SIU over five decades and there has always been a basic misunderstanding about this. You always hear that we in Southern Illinois dont get our fair share and that somehow we are always getting the short end of the stick. This belief has some political and policy impact. For example, I think it was part of the graduated income tax debate and defeat as well as in the movement to separate Illinois into two states. In the paper, The Simon Review: The Politics of Public Budgeting in Illinois released in April, the pair looked at where state tax revenue is generated and where it was spent over a four-year period. The result differs from the conventional wisdom Jackson shared. Theres a long-standing myth in Illinois that downstate taxes are going to Chicago and supporting Chicago and that is just not true, Foster, a former member of the SIU political science faculty, explained. In fact, he said, the research shows that Southern Illinois gets more in state funding for every dollar spent on taxes than any other part of the state. Here in the southern 19 counties basically I-64 south with the exception of the metro east area of St. Louis we are getting back between $2.75 and $3 for every one tax dollar we pay depending on the year, Foster said. On the other end of that are the suburban counties; they are not getting nearly as much back as they are sending. The study looked at state budgeting and revenue in the period of 2013 to 2016. Jackson said the perception is that downstate is shortchanged because the northeastern part of the state has a stronger economy that much of the rest of Illinois. Jackson said that is why the central and southern parts of the state felt the impact of Illinois budget impact in 2015 to 2017 more strongly than Chicagoland. Foster said downstate Illinois has a larger dependence on state funding than Chicago and the suburbs. Additionally, he said many of the pushes for a state split comes from what he calls rural resentment, a dislike and distrust of the major urban area by those in less populous areas. Its that resentment that feeds into the perception that we need to separate, he said, adding in strong terms that a downstate succession from Cook and the collar counties would not be beneficial. Foster explained the U.S. Constitution makes the act of a single state splitting into two independent states very difficult, if not impossible. He said, in essence, downstaters should be careful what they wish for. If you could somehow get around the Constitutional issues and split, you would create a very poor state, he said. Illinois, as a whole, is very wealthy. In total, our economy is in the top 20 in the world, but if you separated the 96 counties outside of Cook County from it and those around it, the 96 would be, by far, the poorest state in the country. It would create an economic disaster. Read the paper below: Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Photo: (Photo : NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images) A district in Hangzhou, China has recently awarded 222,000 "high-achieving" participants with a parenting certification after they've successfully completed courses in a virtual parenting school. Established in 2020, the parenting school is an initiative of the Shangcheng District government to aid parents on how to educate, relate and communicate with their children below 15 years old. The classes are currently free of charge and divided into specific topics applicable to different age groups. Read Also: Mom Shares Baby's Inspiring Birth Story After 18 Miscarriages One of the classes covers sessions on handling preschool children with anger issues, while another class guides parents into teaching their older kids to develop empathy for others. Parents of teenagers also have a special course on how to deal with kids whose attitudes are changing as they enter puberty. Family Activities and Counselling The parenting school also offers different activities that family members could do together, especially during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns last year. During the stay-at-home orders, the school organized virtual group meetings for families to socialize, albeit virtually. The school also offered psychological counseling to help moms and dads explain the impact of the pandemic among their kids. Participants of the classes during the first batch were rewarded points each time they finished a module. Aside from the parenting certification, the points also gave some of the adults the distinction of being "five-star parents." The initiative has been so well-received that the Zhejiang Education Bureau acknowledged the parenting school and commended its focus on stabilizing Chinese families. The bureau also believes that this "should be a mandatory class for all parents." However, since district officials said that this is still a voluntary class then there are no penalties nor punishments for parents who fail to finish the courses. For its next batches, the school hopes to improve on its point system, as well as raise awareness about the classes. Shangcheng District officials are currently in talks to expand the virtual classes across the province of Zhejiang. Shangcheng is one of 10 districts in Hangzhou and has a general population of more than 350,000 people. Described as a place of innovation, this is district, located in the south central area, is quite small compared to the other locations but it has an above-average quality of life than other urbanized areas of the Chinese city. Are Parenting Classes Effective? Despite its positive outcome, naysayers of the school said that parenting classes cannot be effective because there is no exact science or methodology to parenting. However, a school in Connecticut believes that there are valuable lessons to learn from participating in a parenting class because moms and dads will be able to update themselves on the latest findings, discoveries, studies and trends on raising kids. Related Article: Must-Have Mom Item: Customizable Stamp Gets Rave on Tiktok The classes are also designed to boost parental involvement and guide mothers and fathers on how to effectively engage their kids, so that they could raise happier, stable and well-rounded children. Parents can also learn to develop a style that will be suitable to their different personalities of their kids. For new parents, joining a class improves their confidence in handling different situations. Photo: (Photo : StockSnap/Pixabay) In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a woman was arrested and charged on July 2, 2021, after the police tied her to the baby in the dumpster case that went cold nearly 14 years ago. Following an investigation on July 1, Tara Brazzle, 44, has admitted to the police that she is the mother of the newborn abandoned at a dumpster near the local YMCA in September 2007. Read Also: Baby Stroller Maker Recalls 86,000 Units Following Injuries, Broken Noses According to reports, Brazzle was one of 25 female suspects in the baby in the dumpster case after the police conducted an extensive DNA test of the baby's remains. However, Brazzle made the police job's easier when she confessed her connection to the child. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams confirmed Brazzle's arrest in a news conference and announced that the baby in the dumpster cold case had been solved. What Happened to Baby Mary Anne? In the fall of 2007, the police pulled out the body of a newborn girl in a dumpster, wrapped in a blood-stained towel, following a report from YMCA staff members. Next to her was a plastic bag containing the placenta and the umbilical cord. The police believed that the baby, born around the 37th or 38th week, was still alive when she was abandoned. They tried to follow leads to the case and generated community interest, who named her Baby Mary Anne. Despite the investigations and the media coverage, the police could not close the case. In 2016, Sgt. Randell Zook was following up on the cold case and tapped the help of Parabon Nanolabs for the baby's genetic genealogy. They uploaded Baby Mary Anne's DNA into a database and tracked down a second cousin. Zook then tried to build a family tree based on the information he collected from the second cousin, genealogy resources, open-source information, and the police database. They interviewed some people, including Brazzle, who has moved from Lancaster to Indiana. According to the district attorney, Brazzle confessed that she did not have proper prenatal care while pregnant with her baby and could not afford medical care after the birth. Formerly known as Tara Indrakosit, the mother worked at the YMCA, where she dumped her child several days after having her. Mom Tried to Flee Despite her confession, the police did not book Brazzle right away. According to the reports, the authorities wanted to ensure that no other person helped the mother dispose of her child. The cops wanted to investigate further before obtaining an arrest warrant. Related Article: New Postpartum Depression Drug Relieves Symptoms for 2 Weeks: Study However, after talking to the cops, Brazzle left Indiana and boarded a plane for California. The Lancaster County police coordinated with the San Jose Police Department to make sure that Brazzle would not leave the airport, and they succeeded. The police are now asking anyone with information about Tara Brazzle nee Indrakosit around 2007 to get in touch with Sgt. Zook at the Lancaster City Bureau of Police by calling 717-735-3322. They may also file an online tip to build their case against Brazzle. Payson, AZ (85541) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 87F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Cloudy skies overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Can my PC run Windows 11? Microsoft hasnt made that question easy to answer, as Windows 11s hardware requirements have been confusing, not least by the need for TPMs. Microsoft itself pulled the PC Health Check app, which was one of the few ways that you could tell if your PC qualified for Windows 11. Now, some PC makers are simply telling you whether your PC can upgrade to Windows 11, or if youll need to buy a new one. Below, youll find links to the major PC makers who've published such lists. Some have included FAQs or explanations of the Windows 11 hardware requirements as additional context. You can find more information about this and other relevant Windows 11 topics in our Windows 11 superguide. Acer PCs that can run Windows 11 Acer currently isnt highlighting its existing PCs that can run Windows 11, as some other manufacturers in our list do. The companys Windows 11 page pushes potential customers to buy the Acer Swift 3, and the many Acer Swift 3 models that it offers. Were not entirely sure if Acers Swift 3 (SF313-52-78W6) from 2020 will qualify for Windows 11, though the cutoff date from other manufacturers appears to be 2019 or so. We would imagine that Acers Swift 3x (2021) would also qualify for Windows 11, though Acer has yet to confirm this. Mark Hachman / IDG Acers recent Swift 3s are supported by Windows 11. Acer also owns Gateway, and Gateways support page doesnt currently mention Windows 11. Asus PCs that can run Windows 11 Asus has published a general overview of Windows 11, including some of the features that Microsofts latest OS offers. But youll want to dive into this massive list of Asus PCs that will receive Windows 11 to be truly sure. You may need to click the appropriate tab at the top of the page. Make sure that you know your model numberyou can find it on the bottom of the laptop, as Asus explains. Thats important, as PCs that qualify for Windows 11, such as the superb Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition, can carry model numbers specific to a particular retailer. Dell PCs that can run Windows 11 Dell provides a thorough, easy-to-use list of Dell PCs that can run Windows 11, from its Alienware gaming desktops and laptops right through to its Vostro line and Precision workstations. Dell also provides a handy Dell-specific Windows 11 FAQ, which notes that all Dell PCs currently sold on Dell.com will be upgradable to Windows 11, beginning late in 2021. (Microsoft has said that Windows 10-to-11 upgrades wont happen until 2022, but its possible that OEM systems may receive special treatment.) Gordon Mah Ung Dells XPS 13 7390 appears to be one of the oldest Dell PCs that will be officially upgradable to Windows 11. If your device is not listed, Dell is not testing the device and drivers will not be upgraded for that model, Dell says. If your device ships with a version of Windows 11, drivers are available for that version and testing is not necessary. We havent checked every device on this list, but the oldest XPS laptop that qualifies for Windows 11 appears to be the Dell XPS 13 7390, which we reviewed in November, 2019. Unsure which Dell PC you have? Dells SupportAssist tool can help. Dynabook PCs that can run Windows 11 Dynabook, the smaller PC maker which has taken over for Toshiba, hasnt said much about its Windows 11 plans. It has, however, released a statement: Dynabook is excited about the arrival of Windows 11 and we look forward to adding it to our portfolio of the world-class mobile computing solutions - Portege, Tecra and Satellite Pro. The company hasnt said when that will happen, however, or whether any models will be excluded. HP PCs that can run Windows 11 HPs Windows 11 site includes a brief Windows 11 FAQ. There are two key points: First, HPs introduction includes the disclaimer that our current Windows-based PCs will be upgradeable to Windows 11 when its available later this year. Second, HP says that PCs sold on its site will include a badge that indicates that they can be upgraded to Windows 11. HP representatives referred us back to Microsofts Windows 11 hardware specifications when we asked for further clarification. HPs original press release also lists several specific HP models that it says will support Windows 11: Currently shipping HP Spectre, HP Envy, and HP Pavilion PCs, including the HP Spectre x360 14, HP Envy x360 15, and the HP Pavilion All-in-One. HPs Omen and Victus gaming PCs, including the Omen 16, Victus by HP 16, and Omen 30L desktop. Select HP Pro and HP Elite laptops, including the HP Elite Dragonfly G2. Ben Patterson/IDG HP specifically called out this Spectre x360 14 as one of the laptops youll be able to upgrade to Windows 11. HPs press release does provide some wiggle room for including PCs that do not appear on the list, including older Omens. Your best bet is to look for the Windows 11 badge on PCs sold on HPs site. (The badges, from what we can see, have yet to appear.) Lenovo PCs that can run Windows 11 So far, Lenovo hasnt done much to promote Windows 11 except to reproduce some of Microsofts guidance via a Windows 11 FAQ, which clarifies certain aspects that we already know, such as whether its free (it is) and so on. Interestingly, if you search for Windows 11 on the site, Lenovo.coms list of Windows 11 search results includes what the page title lists as Free Upgrade PCs to Windows 11 OS. You might expect some additional clarifying language on the page making it explicit that these PCs do indeed qualify for Windows 11. That language doesnt currently appear, so we checked with Lenovo: The PCs on the page qualify for Windows 11 upgrades, were told. Microsoft PCs that can run Windows 11 Microsoft was one of the first PC vendors to highlight that several of its older Surface PCs could not run Windows 11clearly indicating that Microsoft wasn't playing favorites with its new hardware requirements. Weve listed the Surfaces that qualify for Windows 11 as part of our earlier story. If you own an older Surface Pro tablet or a first-generation Surface Book, youre out of luck. Mark Hachman / IDG Microsofts Surface Book 3 is one of the devices Microsoft has approved for Windows 11. You might think that Microsofts online store would offer some information about whether the PCs it sells would be Windows 11-compatible, but no luck so far. MSI PCs that can run Windows 11 MSI has done an excellent job of explicitly telling you which of its PCs will support Windows 11, with an extensive list of Windows 11-supported PCs as well as a FAQ (PDF) too. The latter information seems sourced directly from Microsoft. Whats interesting, though, is that MSI lists only desktops and all-in-one PCs as candidates for Windows 11. Theres not a single consumer laptop on the list, such as the MSI GE76 Raider. Razer PCs that can run Windows 11 Razer also hasnt said much about Windows 11, and the company hasnt set aside any space on its website for Windows 11 information. Weve asked Razer which of its PCs will be eligible for Windows 11, and well add that information to this page when we get it. We would expect 2021s Razer Book 13 and the 2020 Razer Blade Stealth would both be eligible for Windows 11. Samsung PCs that can run Windows 11 Samsung hasnt said anything on Windows 11 that we can find, including anything on the companys website. Weve asked the company which Samsung PCs will be eligible for Windows 11, and well add them to the list when we hear more. We would expect that Samsungs Galaxy Book Pro 360, a 2021 laptop, would be a good candidate for Windows 11. The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) has called on Government to give clear directions to Ghanaian businesses to enable them to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), based on the countrys comparative advantages in trade. The National President of CIMG, Dr Daniel Kasser Tee, made this call when he was speaking at the launch of the 32nd Annual National Marketing Performance Awards held recently in Accra on the theme; Repositioning Ghana to leverage AfCFTA for economic development. He indicated that the theme was chosen to help draw the attention of nation-Ghana and all business entities, particularly those involved in cross-border trade in Africa, to the many opportunities available on the back of the AfCFTA. Dr Kasser Tee further said that; As we are well aware, the objective of AfCFTA is to, among other things, create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business, persons and investments, paving the way for accelerating the establishment of the Continental Customs Union. This, certainly, offers opportunities for Ghanaian companies to be early birds by reorganising their efforts, on the international marketing front to take advantage of the situation. It is our expectation, in choosing this theme that Ghana, as a corporate brand, will be repositioned based on its comparative advantages. This, we believe, will serve as the strongest signal to prompt businesses to channel their resources into producing goods and services for which Ghana, as a collective, has comparative advantages. We cannot derive the required benefits of AfCFTA without first harnessing and marshalling our core competencies, as a nation to take advantage in our export drive around the continent. To ensure long term success, Dr Kasser Tee indicated that Ghana must first work at repositioning the nation, based on the best set of comparative advantages in trade across the region. He intimated that Ghana must also develop local businesses into export champions, who will be able to compete favourably with the giants of the continent. On the CIMG awards, Dr Kasser Tee said; As we are all aware, the CIMG awards has today come to be accepted as Ghanas most prestigious and the longest standing local awards, since its inception in 1990 (for the 1989 financial year). This is partly because the CIMG has been able to successfully organise 31 previous awards without any hitches or controversy. Within the period, the CIMG awards has contributed in building product and corporate brands, as well as personality brands, projecting some of these onto the international arena, where they compete favourably with globally known brands. Based on these awards, we have seen many businesses reformulate their corporate strategies and drastically changed their business operating models enabling them to be marketing-oriented by meeting the key requirements of market focus, integrated marketing, long-term profitability and customer orientation. He advised corporate institutions to constantly subject themselves to scrutiny by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and keeping themselves in readiness for external shocks and well prepared to take advantage of opportunities emanating in their specific industries, and in the economy at large. Throwing more light on the awards, the National Vice President and Chairman of the Awards Planning and Select Committee, Mrs. Agnes Emefa Essah said The CIMG has resolved to keep the stakes as high and as relevant as possible so that the standards by which we assess individual and corporate performances is not compromised. We are committed to keeping the awards process simple, transparent and fair. It is this level of commitment that has guided us, as a responsive institution, to constantly introduce new and progressive ideas, all aimed at adding value to our processes as well as new award categories. She also stated that, this year, the Institute is led by the desire to project Marketing as a tool that is relevant for the development of our nation Ghana. Hence the choice of the theme. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the CIMG, Mr. Kwabena Agyekum gave an account of the historical journey of the Institute, right from the inception in 1981 to the present. He narrated how, as a young Institute, the CIMG moved from one office location to another, until December 2017 when the Institute finally moved into its own facility at Baatsona. The Institute finally got its bill, the CIMG Bill 2019, passed by Parliament, and assented to by the President of the Republic into an Act of Parliament in 2020, giving birth to The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana Act, 2020 (Act 1021). This gave way for the launch of Ghanas first Professional Marketing Qualifications in April, 2021, ahead of the [email protected] which was also launched on the night. Some founding members of the Institute were on hand to give their fond memories of the CIMG story. These were; Madame Joyce Mahama, Nana Yaa Young Gyampo, Professor Tim Acquah-Hayford, (Past President), Mr. Kwame Adjei-Sefah, (Past President) and Mr. Frank Appiah, (Past President). Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Corporate and Investment Banking Team at Absa Bank Ghana has donated 100 sets of desktop computers and accessories to the Kressner Childrens Home School in Amasaman and the St. Anthony Catholic School in Tantra Hill. The project which cost GHs70,000 to refurbish and provide desktop computers to the two schools was aimed at supporting over 200 students to become digitally savvy and abreast through the teaching and learning of Information Communication and Technology (ICT). At a short handing over ceremony, Mrs. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, Regional Corporate Director, West Africa at Absa Bank said the donation forms part of the banks Force for Good agenda which encourages employees to play a shaping role in society. As a digitally-led bank with an African heartbeat, Absa is passionate about the education and digital skills development of young people hence the need for us to contribute our quota to the promotion of digital literacy and inclusion in Ghana, said Mrs. Ohene-Afoakwa. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly redefined our way of learning, working, and way of life. We, therefore, thought it expedient to equip these two schools with computers to enhance the teaching and learning of ICT, she added. According to Mrs. Ohene-Afoakwa, this is to show the banks commitment to promoting education and skills development by empowering the youth to become relevant to the changing needs of the world. On his part, the Priest in Charge of Kressner Childrens Home School, Rev. Father Patrick Quarcoopome expressed gratitude to Absa Bank for the kind gesture. Rev. Quarcoopome indicated that the support from Absa Bank will go a long way to complement the schools efforts in helping the students embrace basic digital skills. Authorities of the two schools promised to put the computer equipment to good use to the benefit of the students who will get a first-hand feel of ICT learning. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye has donated learning materials to the Presbyterian Cluster of Schools in Bantama in the Ashanti Region. The Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for the Bantama Constituency donated exercise books to the schools as well as other learning materials. The legislator interacted with the kindergarten pupils, taught the class three pupils and also went ahead to teach the class six pupils about the government and political history of Ghana. According to the MP, this among other initiatives in the promotion of education in his constituency is the best tribute to his beloved late mother. According to the MP, this among other initiatives in the promotion of education in his constituency is the best tribute to his beloved late mother. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment, Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has challenged the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to come out of its silos, and make itself more visible to the public. Dr Afriyie, threw the challenge to the CSIR and its Institutes when he visited some of its facilities in Accra on Thursday, to familiarise himself with their work and assess their needs to be able to advocate for more support from the government for their effective operations. He said although the CSIR was doing many wonderful things and had achieved tremendous successes over the years, most of these results and data had not been widely publicized. This was because most of the Institutes under the Council had been working in silos although they shared mandate with other sectors such as Trade and Industry, Education, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, he said. Dr Afriyie encouraged the CSIR to make conscious efforts by engaging the media to make itself visible enough for the public to know much about their activities. The Minister said the CSIR, for instance, had been at the fore of providing improved seeds, (about 90 per cent) for supply to farmers under Planting for Food and Jobs, which was one of the Governments flagship programme. He commended the Soil Research Institute (SRI) and Water Research Institutes (WRI) respectively, for the numerous studies carried out to ascertain the quality of soil and water for various purposes including domestic, industrial and agriculture, saying, some of these data had positively guided and influenced government policies for areas such as the extractive, mining and aquaculture industries. Mr Afriyie stated that strengthening collaborations with other sectors, particularly at the operational level was crucial, saying, the country would for instance be saved from the huge cost of procuring and supplying fertilizers for the agricultural sector, due to the existing data on soil and water quality that could effectively aid decisions for crop production and irrigation purposes. He said in terms of water resource management, it was important that the country passed a law that made it mandatory for all the big entities to submit their effluent for periodic tests and not be allowed the laxity to do this voluntarily. The Minister, however, said despite the hard work being done at the CSIR, the issue with a high cost of electricity consumption, which was an impute resource for its Institutes, posed a great challenge to their effective operations, and urged their Directors to do a cost analysis and submit a proposal to the Ministry for further advocacy for change. I can conveniently assure you of governments commitment to the promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for socio-economic development of the country, and further indicated that the Ministry was also working towards the improvement of the visibility of the CSIR as far as related ministries were concerned. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The member of Parliament for Mpraeso and deputy ranking member of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC), Davis Ansah Opoku, is calling on the government to relocate the Weija tollbooth immediately. This, he believes, has caused encroachment and pollution of the area around the weija dam due to the economic activities. He was speaking at the Public Accounts Hearing when the Minister of Roads & Highways, Hon. Kwesi Amoako Atta and his deputies appeared before the committee. The young legislature said that "the area is a buffer zone created to protect the Weija Lake and was compulsorily acquired by the Republic of Ghana as a 'no-go' area. However, the Weija tollbooth has attracted structures including mechanical garages and carports which has attracted massive commercial and trading activities that pollute the Lake." Mr Opoku Ansah, who also serves as a member of the works & Housing committee of Parliament, said, "The tollbooth and the explosion of trading activities are therefore not compatible with the water resources conservation and production of treated water for communities including Accra." Weija Dam serves 60% of the population of Accra and several communities in the Central Region. The continuous pollution of the river body is a looming danger for the state. On his part, the Minister for Roads & Highways, Hon. Amoako admitted to the relocation of the tolbooth and reiterated the importance of the weija dam to the people living in Accra and some central regions. He said, "The ministry is currently engaged in relocating some tool booths due to urbanisation, and it is being considered." He added that the tolbooth contributes to the building up of traffic on the national highway 1. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Scientists have discovered a critically endangered frog species found nowhere in the world beyond the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The presence of the species indicates that the health of that environment is clean and could support well-being, Mr Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director A Rocha Ghana, has told the Ghana News Agency in Accra. He explained that the presence of species such as frogs, butterflies and birds connote good environment, especially where water sources are found. Atewa Forest is a source of water for residents of Accra, Eastern Region and Central Region, so finding species that are sensitive to pollutants means the quality of water is guaranteed". The 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. Mr Bosu mentioned that the new species, called Conraua sagyimase, had been named after the community of Sagyimase, at the foot of the Atewa Forest, which is supporting the life of frogs. The Akan common name for the new species is kwae mu nsutene apnkyerne, meaning the frog of the forest streams. Mr Bosu said the frog, just like the other species, played an important role in the ecological system by controlling insects and pests. He noted that the discovery had come on the back of the recent global designation of Atewa Forest as an Alliance for Zero Extinction site (AZE), a designation that meant the area was now a "No-Go Area" for companies and banks, in line with the International Finance Corporations Performance Standards for project financing. He recalled that earlier this year, another new frog species, named Afia Birago Puddle Frog, gave rise to the AZE designation. Mr Bosu stated that Conraua sagyimase was found only in five streams in the northern part of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. The scientists who made the discovery, include a Ghanaian, Dr Caleb Ofori-Boateng from the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG). They said the new frog species occupied relatively pristine upland evergreen forest habitats within an elevation range of ~ 500750 meters above sea level. The frogs are largely found in rocky, clear, generally fast-flowing streams and waterfalls, with a few also located in slow-flowing streams. In a published paper, Dr. Caleb Ofori-Boateng said the name of the new species has been chosen to honour the people of the Sagyimase community. "This small community has supported the research of scientists as well as the anti-mining campaigns during 20062007. We hope that the naming of this endemic species will further encourage this community in their fight for an intact Atewa Range. The scientists said the discovery once again highlighted 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. In November 2020, IUCN Resolution 087 was passed asking for global action to make Atewa Forest a National Park to secure the invaluable collection of biodiversity as well as its crucial water provisioning services for over five million Ghanaians. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 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 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Nana Yaa Dampare, a Dentist at the Sunyani Regional Hospital has advised the general public to desist from opening bottle lids with their teeth to avoid getting fractures and other unpleasant dental conditions in their teeth. According to her the World Health Organizations statistics indicates that oral cavities were very common among all manner of people, saying between 60 to 90 per cent of school children and nearly 100 percent of adults have at least one dental caries (tooth decay) while between 15 to 25 per cent of adults aged 35 to 44 have severe gum diseases. Dr. Dampare gave the advice when she was speaking on the topic Dental Hygiene at the Ladies Department meeting of the Living Grace Ministries International at Berlin-Top, a suburb at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region. She observed that the process could cause both seen and unseen cracks on the teeth which could lead to long-term dental and oral health challenges. Dr. Dampare stressed that everybody including children needed to visit the dental clinic twice a year to see a professional dentist for examination, and if possible do some cleaning, so that any problem found could be rectified on time to secure the teeth and maintain a quality state of oral health. She said children before reaching age one should be introduced to a Dentist to check how their teeth are erupting to ensure any problem could be addressed at the early stage. The teeth if treated and very well-maintained could stay in the mouth intact for more than 100 years without any problem, Dr. Dampare said, adding that at best the teeth need to be cleaned by a professional dentist in every six months to clear all hidden dirt and bacterial that could not be removed by a toothbrush. She advised the public to avoid using pieces of sticks to removing unwanted materials from the teeth because that could cause sores and introduced bacteria to the gum. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Bank Hospital has now been opened to the public, with a pledge to provide quality service for clients, in line with best practices. Constructed by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) at a cost of 80 million, the 65-bed facility, which is located at Cantonments in Accra, comes with a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, general wards and exclusive executive suites, a paediatric ward, maternity and nursery and neonatal intensive care units. The facility, which will be managed by Halcom Management Services (HMS), also has theatres, a well-equipped outpatient department and an emergency unit. Expansion The Governor of the BoG, Dr Ernest Adisson, said the hospital, which started as a clinic some 34 years ago and had now been expanded and modernised, would serve not only staff of the BoG but also the public. The bank clinic has come a long way over the period, with an expanded clientele base of bank staff both active and retired, dependents and staff of other institutions. The records indicate that the medical department attends to more than 14,000 patients per year, with an estimated 1,200 patients per month. Given the size and facilities at the Bank clinic, the statistics clearly showed an uncongenial working environment, characterised by general congestion and clientele dissatisfaction. Furthermore, total active and retired staff population had increased to more than 3,000, with a dependent population of about 10,000, which is projected to exceed 15,000 in the coming years, he added. According to Dr Adisson, the facility was handed over to the BoG in April 2018, but had some critical outstanding electrical, mechanical and biomedical works to be completed. He said an implementation committee was subsequently set up to help with the operationalisation of the hospital, following recommendations by a blueprint committee. Dr Addison commended past governors and management of the bank for their various contributions towards the establishment of the hospital. The Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said his outfit was not involved with the project, adding that not all hospitals in the country are under the purview of the MoH. He said there were five categories of health providers in the country, and that the MoH was in charge of only one of them. The minister mentioned the Christian Health Association of Ghana, the security agencies, quasi-government institutions such as the BoG and the private sector which also provide and manage health facilities in the country. Commendation The Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, commended the current administration of the BoG for continuing a project started by its predecessors. He, however, said many times we have such wonderful edifices opened with a lot of excitement, but a year or two later, you see them in a bad state. I hope and trust this hospital will be managed well. A Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, also applauded the BoG for the project. We believe that the establishment of this hospital will help reduce the practice of flying people outside the country to receive health care. The Bank Hospital has come at such an important time to fill that gap, he added. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 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 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Two Minority MPs and a Ghanaian citizen have filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the approval of salaries for the First and Second Ladies of Ghana. The three applicants are seeking a total of eight reliefs from the Supreme Court. The reliefs are first, a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee appointed by the President under Article 71(1), only had jurisdiction to make recommendations in respect of salaries, allowances payable, facilities and privileges of Article 71 office holders under the 1992 Constitution. 2. A further declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee had no jurisdiction, mandate or authority to make any recommendations in respect of salaries, allowances payable, facilities and privileges of persons other than persons specified under Article 71 of 1992 Constitution. 3. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee exceeded its jurisdiction, mandate and authority when it purported to make recommendations in respect of privileges, facilities, salaries and allowances payable to the 1ST and 2nd Ladies of the Republic of Ghana. 4. A further declaration that the recommendations of the Committee, to the extent that it pertains to the 1st and 2nd Ladies of the Republic of Ghana, are null, void and of no effect. 5. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the Constitution, 1992, spouses of the President and the Vice President are not Article 71 office holders for the purposes of receipt of wages and emoluments. 6. An order declaring the recommendations in respect of privileges, facilities, salaries and allowances payable to the 1st and 2nd Ladies of the Republic of Ghana as unconstitutional and void. 7. An order restraining the President of the Republic of Ghana or any other arm, ministry, department or agency of the executive, from implementing any recommendations of the Prof Ntiamoah-Baidu Committee which pertains to the 1st and 2nd Ladies of the Republic of Ghana. 8. Any further Order(s) or direction(s) as this Honourable Court may deem necessary. Lawyers of the applicants are at the registry of the Supreme Court to file the action. A five-member emolument committee which was set up in June 2019 by President Nana Akufo-Addo among other things recommended the said allowance. Source: asaaseradio.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, former Deputy Health Minister, has supported the decision to pay salaries to President and Vice President's spouses. There is an ongoing debate on the payment of salaries to wives of President and Vice President with some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) going against the decision. NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram constituency, Sam George has threatened a law suit saying "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". Also, NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Abronye DC has dragged the Attorney General to the Supreme Court over the decision. He's asked the Supreme Court for a declaration that, the approval by Parliament to pay salaries to the First and Second Ladies is inconsistent with ARTICLE 71 CLAUSES 1 AND 2 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and consequently be declared null, void and unenforceable. Abronye DC also wants the court to order that per Articles 108 and 178 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; parliament cannot, on its own accord, initiate or approve payment of any such emoluments; which would necessarily be paid from public funds; without a bill to that effect emanating from and introduced by the Government and dully passed into law. Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', Dr. Okoe Boye wonders why this issue has become a big deal for Ghanaians, particularly the opposition party. To him, whether to pay or not pay the First and Second Ladies won't make any of them broke. Citing the wife of President Nana Akufo-Addo, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, as an example; Dr. Okoe Boye noted that her husband is ably capable of taking care of her with or without her allowances. He also added that Mrs. Akufo-Addo is rich enough to cater for herself. "Honestly, for me, one thing I know for sure and can say on this platform is that President Akufo-Addo can take good care of Mrs. Rebecca. The second thing I can say is that the first time I saw Ghc 40,000 in cash given to me to use it for my political activity or use to work in my town, it came from her. She gave it to me when we were in opposition. For her to give me such money even when we were in opposition without power, nobody can convince me unless the State pays her, she won't make ends meet," he emphasized. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Twitter is whats happening and what people are talking about right now. In case you missed it, here is a curation of five big moments that took place on #TwitterGhana this week. Kidi to hold concert dubbed Live with Kidi Ghanas award-winning contemporary artist Kidi - now popularly referred to as the Golden Boy tweeted about his upcoming concert on his verified Twitter account saying, 29th July we go jam!!! Get yo tickets my people. #LivewithKidi #thegoldenboy. The tweet was accompanied with a flyer highlighting all of the details on how to get these golden tickets. According to the price list on the flyer, people who are willing to attend the concert should be ready to cough out between Ghc 3000 to Ghc 15,000 as ticket prices. The tweet has generated a lot of comments and conversation on Twitter. You can find the thread here. Yaw Tog: I made Stormzy popular in Ghana; many people did not know him Yaw Tog, the current holder of the Hip Hop song of the Year at the recent Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, has indicated that he was the one who made UK star Stormzy popular in Ghana. While speaking in an interview with MzGee on TV3, the Sore hitmaker said he made Stormzy more popular in Ghana because many people did not know him. Ghanaian music fans are of varied opinions and the debate is still ongoing on Twitter. Read more about it here. Sarkodie hypes Ghana Party in the park In a tweet by the Music Icon, Sarkodie said this years Party in the park will be one for the books. He hinted that he was honoured to be on board as the creative director for the event. You can find his original tweet here. Celebrated actress Yvonne Nelson encourages women to be themselves In a tweet by one of Ghanas leading actresses, Yvonne Nelson encourages girls not to be afraid to rock their natural hair and also go without make-up. You can find her original tweet and comments to it here. #GetaBin: Encouraging the use of waste bins in the country #GetaBin has been on the trending list for almost two days this week. The hashtag, which has appeared organically and driven by the #TwitterGhana community is encouraging people to embrace the waste bin concept to ensure the environment is clean and to instill a change of attitude towards proper waste disposal in Ghana. Catch up on the #GetaBin conversation. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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* FILE - Marilyn Manson arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Feb. 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. On Friday, July 2, 2021, Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, turned himself in to law enforcement in Los Angeles, in relation to a 2019 arrest warrant for acts alleged to have occurred while performing a concert in Gilford, NH. Warner was processed and released on personal recognizance bail. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) The Site C Dam location is seen along the Peace River in Fort St. John, B.C., on April 18, 2017. The chief of a B.C. First Nation that won a landmark court case called on the provincial government to respect the decision ordering the province to stop authorizing industrial developments on the nation's territory. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward The last thing you expect to see while spending a quiet day fishing is a Bigfoot moving about on the shoreline and throwing rocks. A Kentuc... Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune. You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month. A healthcare worker administers a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to a staff member of the Clarendon School District at Manning High School in Manning, South Carolina, U.S., on Friday, March 12, 2021. Starting next week, South Carolina will distribute COVID-19 vaccine doses to each of the states four regions on a per capita basis, while also factoring in various demographic and disease factors, reports The State. Photographer: Micah Green/Bloomberg via Getty Images Police Arrest Second Man in Connection With Chad Power Robbery July 09, 2021 Matthew Pitt Henderson police have arrested a second man in connection with the $1 million robbery of Chad Power. Trevaghn Battle, 26, was wanted by police for a number of offenses unrelated to the home invasion style robbery of poker pro Chad Power. Battle has a lengthy criminal record, including a recent charge of sexual assault and sex trafficking of an adult. Police arrested Battle on July 3 for the unrelated offenses before hitting him with additional charges regarding the Power robbery. Police detained Battle in jail, placing a $200,000 bond on his head. Suspect Was Hiding in Miami Las Vegas news outlet 8NewsNow, reported Battle may have spent some time in Miami in a vain attempt to avoid law enforcement agencies. Battle now faces a raft of offenses including a theft greater than $100,000, owning a gun by a prohibited person, conspiracy home invasion, and home invasion with a deadly weapon. Power was playing poker on the famous Las Vegas Strip on the afternoon of February 10 when his home security system alerted him to a break-in. Power returned home to discover his personal safe was missing; the safe contained approximately $750,000 in cash and an additional $250,000 in casino chips. Surveillance tapes captured two men walking out of Power's home with one clearly carrying the safe. Inexplicably, neither suspect had their face covered by a mask. A Henderson detective identified gangster Brock Brewer as a potential suspect after reviewing similar cases on file. The detective identified Brewer as a suspect in a similar case back in 2006 where a poker player was followed home before having $15,000 in cash and chips stolen. Anonymous Tip Offs Power received several anonymous tips about the potential identification of the two men who stole $1 million from him. one of the tip-offs named Battle as a prime suspect. Power contact the Henderson police department and relayed the information to them. Cell phone records revealed Brewer and Battle were in contact with each other on the day of the burglary. Furthermore, GPS records showed both Brewer and Battle were at Power's home at the time of the heist. Brewer was arrested by the police and the FBI on May 10 outside his home. Police recorded a phone call made by Brewer while in jail where he described his accomplice as a light-skinned black male with dreadlocks, which fully matches Battle's description. Police initially released Brewer on house arrest but took him back to jail on a $1 million bail after failing to comply with a judge's order. Official police records do not mention if the authorities have managed to recover any of the stolen money or casino chips, but do believe Brewer may have purchased two high-end cars using his mother's name, possibly with the stolen money. Battle now faces a preliminary hearing on July 20 at 9:30 a.m. on all eight counts related to the home invasion, and an additional three from the 2020 sexual assault. PokerNews will bring you more information as the case continues. After the Centers for Disease for Control and Prevention issued COVID-19 prevention guidelines for schools Friday, South Carolina's health agency will use them to draft its own guidelines. The guidelines were released two weeks before some South Carolina schools begin their fall semester, and as the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is preparing its guidance for public schools across the state. Students deserve the opportunity to learn in a safe environment, and South Carolinas teachers, parents, school administrators and other employees should also be able to work in Palmetto State schools without the fear of getting sick, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC public health director. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and will help provide that healthy environment in our schools. The CDCs guidelines can be found at cdc.gov. They include that schools should fully reopen for in-person education to the greatest extent possible and that masks should be worn indoors by all individuals aged 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated. Schools are recommended to allow for at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms. When this distance isn't possible, its especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies, such as indoor masking. Screening, ventilation, hand washing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick and getting tested remain important methods of preventing spread of the virus, according to the CDC. The agency said students, teachers and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness and visit their healthcare provider for testing and care. Contact tracing, along with isolation and quarantine when indicated by CDC guidelines, remains important for stopping the spread of the disease. Lastly, the CDC said schools should encourage vaccinations for those eligible, which applies to those aged 12 or older. DHEC is currently reviewing the guidelines and will use them to draft the agencys guidance for South Carolina schools. DHEC continues to work closely with the South Carolina Department of Education and will share the school guidelines once complete in the coming weeks. Aiken City Council member Andrea Gregory has filed for reelection. Gregory, a Republican, submitted her paperwork Friday. Gregory, who represents the southern District 5, said she was seeking reelection because she loves the city of Aiken, and I think we have a great team on council, and we have to keep moving the city in the right direction. A key pillar of Gregorys campaign, she pledged Friday, is supporting police: the Aiken Department of Public Safety, the Aiken County Sheriffs Office and others. As of Friday, all City Council members up for reelection Democrat Lessie Price and Republicans Ed Girardeau, Ed Woltz and, now, Gregory had filed, declaring their respective candidacies. Four seats on City Council are up for grabs this cycle: Districts 2, 4, 5 and 6. The filing period for the City Council election closes at noon Monday, July 12. Democratic candidates can file at 410 Richland Ave. W., and should call Aiken County Democratic Party Chairman Harold Crawford Jr. at 803-215-5509. Republican candidates can file at 127 Greenville St. S.W., and should call Aiken County Republican Party Chairwoman Debbie Epling at 803-599-8660. City Council is organized under a 6-1 single-member-district plan. Only the mayor is elected citywide. An Edgefield County man was sentenced to life in prison following a domestic violence murder. Michael Tirrell Means, 39, was convicted of murder and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime in the shooting death of his wife, Yumonica Pate Means, in Edgefield County, according to a report from the Eleventh Circuit Solicitors Office. Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin imposed the life sentence following a jury trial last week. Under South Carolina law, Means is not eligible for parole, according to the report. Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard said this was a brutal and calculated crime. We are thankful for the outcome and continue our efforts to aggressively prosecute crimes of violence. On July 3, 2019, the Edgefield County 911 Center received a call from a 10-year-old child seeking assistance. When patrol officers arrived, they discovered the body of Yumonica Means, 46, in the roadway of a secluded area near a peach orchard at the intersection of Highway 191 and Yonce Pond Road near Johnston, according to the report. The late Jimmy Smith investigated the case. "Evidence obtained during the investigation determined that Tirrell Means lured his wife, Yumonica, from her home in Aiken County to the Highway 191 location in Edgefield County under the ruse that he had been involved in a car accident. Means sent text messages to his wifes phone, beginning at 11:38 p.m., claiming that he needed her to meet him at the location. Ultimately, it was determined that Means had not been involved in an accident. "According to testimony, he confronted his wife when she arrived regarding an ongoing marital dispute. Means then shot his wife while she was outside of her vehicle. The victims two young children were present at the scene when the crime occurred," according to the report. An autopsy determined that Yumonica Means had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and died immediately. Means purchased the gun in Georgia through a private transaction without a background check, approximately two days before using the firearm to kill his wife. Means was prohibited from purchasing a firearm due to his prior record and was on probation due to a recent conviction for receiving stolen goods, according to the report. Following the murder, Means fled the scene and traveled to Georgia where he abandoned the vehicle. He later turned himself in to law enforcement officers and confessed to shooting his wife in an audio-recorded statement. During the states closing argument, Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes asked the jury to consider extensive evidence of malice aforethought carried out by Means, including that he lured the victim to a dark, secluded location under false pretenses and emptied her bank account just prior to the crime, according to the report. Her fate was sealed before she even arrived, Mayes stated. There could be no greater evidence of malice. Family members of the victim addressed the court during sentencing. Yumonica is survived by three children. Judge McCaslin termed the crime absolutely horrific before handing down the sentence of life imprisonment, according to the report. Following sentencing, Mayes said we are grateful for the work of Investigator Jimmy Smith, the Edgefield County Sheriffs Office and SLED during this investigation. We recognize the magnitude of this tragedy and are relieved to see this measure of justice for Yumonicas family. Means has been transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of the life sentence. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. GEORGETOWN The three Democratic candidates for Georgetown City Council who won the primary June 8 all either failed to file state-required pre-election campaign disclosure reports or filed them incorrectly. So far in 2021, there have been three council elections a Democratic special primary election on Feb. 9, a Democratic special election on April 13 and a Democratic primary election on June 8. Council incumbent Tupelo Humes has not filed a pre-election or campaign disclosure report or the June 8 election, according to S.C. Ethics Commission records. Humes filed only a statement of economic interest on March 30, a requirement of all candidates. Humes did not file a statement of economic interest covering the calendar years of 2017 and 2018, according to online state records. Efforts to reach Humes were unsuccessful. Political newcomer Ronald McInnis, who ran in all three elections, filed a campaign disclosure quarterly report May 7 for the April 13 special election but not a pre-election report that was due 15 days before the election, according to state records. He also did not file a pre-election report for the June 8 primary but he did file a "pre-election" report on May 7 for the Feb. 9 special primary. That was due on Jan. 26. McInnis said he is in contact with the state Ethics Commission to fix the issues, and that the errors occurred out of confusion and miscommunication. Sign up for our Myrtle Beach weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Myrtle Beach area. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Myrtle Beach news staff. Email Sign Up! "I'm thinking one thing based on (conversations with the commission), that I am done, and then I hear that I'm not done, so I guess it is a little difficult to navigate," McInnis said. Fellow political newcomer Dennzon Winley filed a "pre-election" report for the June 8 primary a week after the election on June 15. That report was due May 25. Winley also said he is in contact with the Ethics Commission to fix the error and that the filing process and campaign disclosure website are confusing. "The interface of the website is not the best, it looks like it is out of the early 2000s," Winley said. "When you're doing everything on your own, you got to try to figure things out, so there's no mal intent." The Georgetown County Republican Party noted some of the missing campaign filings in a news release this week. County GOP Chairwoman Karol Anderson would not comment if the party will file any formal complaints with the state Ethics Commission. "It's troubling these Democrats think they are above the law and don't have to tell the public who is financing their campaigns or what their campaigns have spent money on," Anderson said in the release. Both Republican Georgetown City Council candidates, Jonathan Angner and Jimmy Morris, filed their pre-election reports on time, according to state records. The two Republicans will face the three Democrats for three at-large seats on council in November. It sits on more than 12 acres near the Five Forks area, it boasts a bonus room bigger than some apartments, it has a pool, fire pit and outdoor kitchen in the backyard and it went for $3.2 million. That was the selling price for a sprawling estate outside Simpsonville, which according to Zillow closed on June 29. Gated and surrounded by a split-rail fence, the 12.3-acre property features a long driveway that leads to a 7,000-square-foot home constructed in 2008. In addition to five bedrooms and six baths, the home features an 890-square-foot bonus room, a billiards room, multiple stairways and a spacious deck overlooking the pool area. The agents representing the seller and buyer were not disclosed. The estate on Bruce Farm Road had last sold in 2017 for $1.365 million, according to public records. Greenville among real estate markets to watch Greenville is one of the U.S. markets to watch, particularly in a boutique category that includes midsized cities with cultural appeal that weathered the pandemic better than others, according the Urban Land Institutes most recent edition of its Emerging Trends in Real Estate study. Among overall U.S. markets to watch, Greenville ranked 26th ahead of much larger metros such as Los Angeles, Miami, Sam Diego, Seattle and Minneapolis and three spots behind Charleston, only other South Carolina city on the list. When it comes to homebuilding prospects, Greenville ranked 14th, six spots ahead of Charleston. According to the Urban Land Institute, boutique markets such as Greenville, Des Moines, Knoxville and Portland, Maine, will continue to develop into lively, diverse, and affordable destinations. These are midsized cities with populations between 600,000 and 1.3 million, lively downtowns, diversity in cultural and outdoor options, and stable economic bases. Along with their lower cost of living and cost of doing business, they offer something for everyone, according to the ULI. Herlong to formally open Clemson office Joan Herlong and Associates Sothebys International Real Estate will officially christen its new Clemson office with a ribbon-cutting on July 15. The event is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. at the office at 148 Thomas Green Blvd. in the Patrick Square development. The Clemson office of Herlong and Associates, its first outside its Greenville headquarters, will feature nontraditional operating hours to encourage walk-in traffic as well as a state-of-the-art storefront display. Jackson Herlong is the locations broker in charge. NAI Earle Furman announces transactions The sale of a bank building in Greenville and a 59,000-square-foot industrial property in Spartanburg were among the transactions recently announced by the Upstate commercial real estate firm NAI Earle Furman. In Greenville, Keith Jones, McNeil Epps and Earle Furman represented First Citizens Bank and Trust Company in the sale of a 10,856-square-foot office building located at 501 Roper Mountain Road to Roper Mountain Road Investors. In Easley, Jones and Epps represented JSCI GMS, LLC, in the sale of a 16-acre property at 105 Stewart Drive to Getty's Middle Holdings. In Woodruff, Ellice Niedrach represented Lynwood Jordan, Mary Lynn Lowe and Susan Hendrix in the sale of 61.24 acres at 2030 and 2040 Old Orchard Road to Ivan Block. In Anderson, Jimmy Wright represented Russell Stover Chocolates in the sale of a 4,400-square-foot retail property located at 101 Destination Blvd. to AJs Bar and Grill. Also in Anderson, John Powell and Michael Branch represented JLT Investments in the sale of a 2,750-square-foot office property at 110 Montgomery Drive to Learn Upstate. In Spartanburg, Kevin Pogue and Dan Dunn represented American First Federal in the sale of a 59,724-square-foot industrial property at 298 Commercial Road to Dingler US Properties. And in Lincolnton, Ga., Rusty Hamrick represented Elberton Farm in the purchase of a 174.7-acre farm at 3495 Elberton Highway from Bradley and Janice Bailey. On the leasing front, Jones, Epps and Furman represented landlord Welltower in leasing an office space at 10 Enterprise Blvd. in Greenville to Elle OBGYN. Jones and Epps also represented landlord DJNT Investments in leasing office space at 18-20 Memorial Medical Drive in Greenville to Vinea Properties. Geoff Beans represented landlord 117 Haywood Road in leasing a retail space at 117 Haywood Road in Greenville to VLove Esthetics. Beans and Michael Roth represented landlord Sun Management Corp. in leasing a retail space at 1120 North Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville to Global Staffing Solutions. Jones and Epps represented landlord Windstream in leasing office space at 301 North Main St. in Greenville to Zuendt Engineering. Hunter Garrett and John Staunton represented landlord 2355 Hwy 101 in leasing an industrial space at 2355 Highway 101 South in Greer to Liberty Communities. Garrett and Staunton represented landlord Spartanburg Center No. 2 in leasing an industrial space at Fortis Drive in Duncan to Taz Mechanical. Garrett and Staunton represented landlord Peden Properties in leasing an industrial property at 208 Old Fork Shoals Road in Greenville to MECART. Beans represented landlord Pageland SC GN in leasing an industrial space at 505 South Pearl St. in Pageland to Chesco Services. Garrett and Staunton represented landlord Dial Dubose in leasing an industrial space at 2425 Rutherford Road in Greenville to Diversified Systems. In Simpsonville, Jimmy Wright represented landlord Magnolia Property Group in leasing a retail space at 932 Northeast Main St. Ted Lyerly and Beans represented tenant, Express Oil Change. And in Greer, Alex Campbell represented landlord Greenville Business Center in leasing an industrial property at 171 Johns Road to Huxtable Electric. Epps and Jones represented the tenant. Lyons Industrial closes pair of deals Lyons Industrial Properties of Spartanburg recently handled transactions for a pair of clients, AWL Techniek and CarbTex. Company president Bobby Lyons oversaw the sale of 4231 Orchard Park Blvd. in Spartanburg to AWL Techniek, a specialist in the design and construction of smart and robotic machines. The company focuses on the automotive, metalworking and logistics industries, and has over 600 worldwide employees. Also, Luke Lyons and Joe Lomady represented CarbTex in the leasing of 6,600 square feet of office and warehouse space at 1021 Old Stage Road in Simpsonville. The company manufactures carbon fiber for a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, textile, industrial and the military. Cardinal Commercial announces transactions Cardinal Commercial Properties of Greenville recently announced several transactions. Cardinal represented the purchaser in the sale of 19.55 acres on Highway 29 North in Anderson. Cardinal also represented the landlord in leasing an office suite to John I Smith Charities. And the commercial real estate firm represented the landlord in leasing an executive office suite to Preferred Precision Group. Upstate real estate firms welcome new agents Several Upstate real estate firms recently welcomed new agents. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors announced the addition of Tammy Ferguson to its Woodruff at Five Forks office, and Jessica Clark to its North Pleasantburg location. Ferguson, an Upstate native and agent for 18 years, holds degrees from Greenville Technical College and is also a notary public. Clark, a Louisiana native and former teacher, comes to real estate after successfully renovating several properties. The Greenville-Simpsonville office of Allen Tate Realtors welcomed Charlotte Wright, who spent much of her youth in the Upstate and has a background in education. Coldwell Banker Exclusive Realty and Management of Anderson welcomed Hannah Addison, who grew up in Piedmont and gradated from Greenville Technical College. And Carolina Foothills Real Estate of Clemson welcomed Katie Kay, Dana Lasher and Karen Sawyer. Kay graduated from Clemson University and formerly worked as a behavioral analyst. Lasher, a Connecticut native married to a Clemson grad, formerly worked in marketing for several large companies. Sawyer, a Clemson resident for 20 years, comes from a long career in high-end furniture sales. Only 5 percent of the 2.1 million South Carolinians to receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are people between the ages of 12 and 19. Children as young as 12 have been eligible to receive the vaccine since May. Health experts are urging students to get vaccinated as soon as possible before the new school year begins. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved in the United States for children as young as 12. Officials with Roper St. Francis Healthcare said the vaccine has been shown to be effective even against the rapidly spreading Delta variant. Dr. Matthew Ferguson of Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Primary Care in West Ashley said there is still a high risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases, especially with people returning from camps and summer vacation. Ferguson said although people have expressed fear of their children getting sick, especially from myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, he has not seen it in younger children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations acknowledged reports last month of rare cases of the heart issue among young people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Only a small number of people will experience the condition after vaccination, and individuals often recover on their own with minimal treatment, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is scheduling vaccine appointments for patients 12 and older at Express Care locations in James Island, Summerville, West Ashley and North Charleston. Appointments can be made online or by calling 843-727-DOCS. Statewide numbers New cases reported: 212 confirmed, 183 probable. Total cases in S.C.: 494,124 confirmed, 104,794 probable. Percent positive: 4.7 percent. New deaths reported: 1 confirmed, 1 probable. Sign up for our new health newsletter The best of health, hospital and science coverage in South Carolina, delivered to your inbox weekly. Email Sign Up! Total deaths in S.C.: 8,662 confirmed, 1,184 probable. Percent of ICU beds filled: 65.4 percent. S.C. residents vaccinated DHEC's vaccine dashboard shows that 49 percent of the state's residents have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Hardest-hit areas In the total number of newly confirmed cases, Horry County (35), York County (20) and Charleston County (18) saw the highest totals. What about tri-county? Charleston County had 18 new cases on July 9, while Berkeley County had 12 and Dorchester County had 11. Deaths The death from COVID-19 confirmed July 9 was an individual age 35 to 64. Hospitalizations Of the 127 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of July 9, 35 were in the ICU and 14 were using ventilators. What do experts say? According to the CDC, one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may offer some protection against COVID-19, but two doses are needed for better immune response. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots are being administered across the state. Go to vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov to find a nearby vaccine provider. SOCASTEE Socastee and its close neighbor Forestbrook are no strangers to flooding. Two residents, representatives and spouses, Heather and Cam Crawford, have been working to mitigate flood risk in an area they call home. State Rep. Heather Crawford, who is married to Horry County Councilmember Cam Crawford, secured a $1 million earmark to create a flood bench along a lower portion of Socastee Creek to mitigate flood risk for Forestbrook residents. This could reduce flood levels for 160 homes, according to 2020 documents from Horry County. The $1 million for the flood bench is a part of a two-step project that was proposed due to a study of the Socastee Creek Watershed, which occurred because of funding Rep. Crawford secured via an earmark in 2018. According to Horry County Stormwater Manager Thomas Roth, the other step will be a culvert along McCormick Road, which will allow more water during flooding to pass, so it does not back up along Socastee Creek. "By doing both, we would reduce the flooding in the Forestbrook area by a significant amount," Roth said. "By doing one, it would help. By doing both, it helps even more." The study, conducted by ESP Associates, found that the two projects together could help mitigate flood risk for close to 500 homes affected by the 100-year flood zone. "Flooding remains a top priority for me to help address the needs in our area," Rep. Crawford said. "So this funding is a big win for our community and for the Socastee area to help address flooding." The proposed cost of the benching project is roughly $1.5 million, but Roth said it could end up costing less than that. The projected price of the culvert is about $650,000, but Roth said it could cost more due to the COVID-19 causing material costs to rise. Right now, the county is focusing on the bench project, and will work on the culvert after. If the project's cost goes over $1 million secured, Roth said the county has budgeted for the cost as part of its capital improvement projects, which was a part of this year's budget. While the Socastee area has dealt with flooding issues more and more since Hurricane Matthew, the Socastee Creek Watershed has a history of flooding. In the early '90s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made improvements to the watershed to reduce flooding for residents in a portion of the area. The Crawfords have worked with county representatives to tackle these projects, and Cam Crawford added the different perspective he has due to the fact he's also experienced flooding. "It does mean a lot to me, personally, because... I've been through it, and I've watched my friends go through," he said. The study projects are not the only relief on its way to the Socastee and Forestbrook areas. The county recently announced the buyout program for homeowners in the Socastee area, which will begin open enrollment on July 12. Additionally, the South Carolina Office of Resiliency was established in 2020 to mitigate flood risk throughout the state. "All those things, when you put them all together, I think that they will provide significant relief to people in that community," Cam said. "You may not see it right now, but I think in the future they will, once these projects are completed." While Forestbrook does have its own flooding issues, Roth said some of the significant issues regarding flooding occur on the other side of the Intracoastal Waterway the Socastee side. "Although there are issues in Forestbrook so don't get me wrong there are issues there to be resolved," Roth said. "But there's more issues on the other side of Forestbrook, right off the Socastee Boulevard area." Roth added the county is focusing on a few projects, as well, on the Socastee side, including improving the outfall on the end of Folly Road, which is known for notoriously high water levels. "It is a battle that we have to attack on several different fronts," Heather said. "Unfortunately there's not one piece of legislation or just one thing we can do. There are several different things that need to be addressed. And it's all a part of the process that we're working on... as we work to address flood issues in the Socastee area and all around Horry County." NORTH CHARLESTON Two people have been arrested in a drive-by shooting that ended in a car crash on Ranger Drive near Interstate 26, police said. Ra'Donte Geveon Shaki Green and William Keith Scott were arrested July 8 on three counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Police were dispatched at about 8:40 p.m. July 7 for reports of a drive-by shooting in the area of 2781 Ranger Drive, according to a press release. Three victims were found at the scene with gunshot wounds, the release states. The residence at 2781 Ranger Drive was hit by gunfire, a blood trail was found in the driveway and shell casings littered the road, according to an incident report. Down the road, officers found Green, 20, and Scott, 32, sitting in a wrecked vehicle, the release states. Several firearms were also found in the vehicle. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the vehicle wreck. Evidence at the scene and witnesses led police to arrest Green and Scott after they were released from the hospital, the release states. Six Charleston County schools earned distinctions for their commitment to science, technology, engineering and math education over the 2020-21 school year. Project Lead The Way, a nonprofit dedicated to providing STEM professional development and curriculum to schools across the nation, gave out High School Distinguished School awards to Wando High School, James Island Charter High School and the Charleston Charter School for Math and Sciences high school program. The nonprofit awarded the Gateway Distinguished School recognition to Morningside Middle School in North Charleston and Moultrie and Thomas C. Cario middle schools, both in Mount Pleasant. The Gateway award also went to the middle school program at the Charleston Charter School for Math and Science. The six awards are a record for Charleston County School District, which has used the nonprofit's curriculum for over a decade. The nonprofit names its Distinguished Schools for each year based on the schools commitment to providing Project Lead The Way programs, which include engineering, biomedical and computer science curriculum. For the past decade, the district has been working to expand its Project Lead The Way curriculum, said Tralice Reddock, career and technology education curriculum specialist. Currently, 19 schools in the district offer Project Lead The Way programs. Through the curriculum, students are taught engineering processes, how to build buildings, design sustainable architecture, create robots and program computers. They also get experience identifying skeletal remains and analyzing disease outbreaks through simulations provided by the program. Students are able to earn scholarships and college credit through the programs, while working on hands-on and immersive projects. Reddock said the six programs that earned the Distinguished School award successfully enrolled more students, especially minority students, in those programs. The schools have to show how they are attracting students to their courses, Reddock said. Wando has to show, for example, how they are bringing more African American females into those courses, how they are bringing more students from different backgrounds to those courses. The school district is used to receiving recognition from the nonprofit. Out of South Carolinas 11 Distinguished Schools for 2020-21, Charleston County had the most. Last year, five schools received the distinction. Wando and Cario have each earned the recognition four times in a row. The district is the only one in the tri-county area to earn the distinction, according to the Project Lead the Way website. Its like seeing fruits of our labor explode throughout the district, Reddock said. (Were) giving every student the opportunity to experience the curriculum and empower teachers to deliver that same curriculum. Reddock and her team plan to expand the programs to more schools throughout the district. Most recently, they added Project Lead The Way curriculum to the centers for advanced studies in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. Reddock hopes to have the program expanded to elementary schools. Currently, the district is working to provide the curriculum at Springfield Elementary School in West Ashley and North Charleston Elementary school. A Charleston man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for civil disorder connected to last year's riot in downtown Charleston. Abraham "AJ" Jenkins was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel to 18 months in federal prison followed by 36 months of supervised release for the offense. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will always protect the First Amendment rights of South Carolinians," Acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart said in a statement July 8. "However, when peaceful protests turn into violence and destruction, the violent agitators committing crimes will be brought to justice." Jenkins, 26, pleaded guilty in the fall to civil disorder after admitting he damaged police equipment and harassed law enforcement officers attempting to quell the vandalism and looting that erupted May 30, 2020, following protests over the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Cameron J. Blazer, Jenkins' attorney, said in a sentencing memorandum her client jumped onto a Mount Pleasant police cruiser during the protest to catalyze what he saw as a complacent, disorganized crowd. "He knew he was taking a risk, openly damaging a police vehicle," Blazer said. "But he felt it was a risk worth taking to draw attention to the pervasive problem of extrajudicial killings of black people in America." Jenkins did not minimize what he did in statements to police after the riot, Blazer said. He admitted to spraying a fire extinguisher toward one group of officers and later throwing the extinguisher at another group of officers. He also took a flaming rag and threw it into the back of a Charleston police cruiser, causing the vehicle to catch on fire, and threw a water bottle at a patrol officer. But the crimes, Blazer said, were only a response to police tactics that forced protesters into smaller and smaller areas of the city. Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds said his department applauded the successful resolution of Jenkins' case. While the Charleston Police Department will always support our citizens right to peaceful protest, we will never condone violent or destructive acts that endanger our citizens or damage property," Reynolds said. "More work remains to be accomplished as we continue investigating and prosecuting those violent offenders responsible for the significant destruction of property, assault on our citizens and attack on our officers. We will not rest until justice is accomplished for all impacted by those criminal acts. On May 30, 2020, peaceful protests against Floyd's killing transitioned into rioting as night fell, with protesters downtown shooting fireworks and deploying fire extinguishers at police while others looted and vandalized businesses. Panicked residents and business owners flooded dispatch systems with calls for service as officers in riot gear confronted protesters in the city's business district. Thirty-five people were arrested in connection to the riot, and fires alone caused an estimated $2.28 million in damage, according to a report later released by the city. Jenkins was one of six people charged in federal court in the fall with committing acts of violence or vandalism during protests in Charleston and Columbia, which experienced its own violent protests following Floyd's killing in May 2020. Jenkins is the second person sentenced in connection with the Charleston violence. In April, Tearra Guthrie, 23, was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay $1,224 in restitution to the city of Charleston after pleading guilty to a civil disorder charge, according to court records. In letters of support written for Jenkins before his July 7 sentencing hearing, friends and community leaders described the 26-year-old as a caring and passionate young man who was active in the community. After the riot, Jenkins started a barbecue business and a community organization, Big Bros 4 Life, which provides mentoring, life skills and community service opportunities to boys and young men in Charleston, according to Allison Hilton, his longtime friend and Big Bros 4 Life board member. Pastor Nathan Smalls of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church said Jenkins also led a mentor group that recently conducted a community trash pickup. Jenkins remains charged in the 9th Judicial Circuit with arson, riot, assault and vandalism in connection with the riot, according to state court records. NORTH CHARLESTON An 18-year-old was arrested July 9 on suspicion of taking part in a fatal shooting last month. Framon De'Angelo Frasier Jr. faces one count each of murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, jail records show. Police believe Frasier was involved in the June 22 shooting death of 16-year-old Jaquez Butler. Officers responded around 8:20 p.m. that night to the area of Old Pine Circle and Pine Forest Drive for a report of a person on the ground near a playground, police said. Once on scene, officers found Butler, who'd suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene, according to the Charleston County Coroner's Office. Frasier's arrest comes after authorities took 19-year-old Israel Malachi Robinson into custody on June 30, according to court records. Robinson, of North Charleston, faces the same three charges, court records show. Harve Jacobs, a North Charleston Police Department spokesman, told The Post and Courier after Robinson's arrest that the attempted murder charge stems from another victim who was shot at but not struck by gunfire. Further information about the case was not available July 9. NORTH CHARLESTON The city is implementing a wave of new transit-friendly zoning rules calling for wide sidewalks and more space for outdoor dining around the Lowcountry Rapid Transit line. The special overlay districts, which add an additional layer of zoning that help provide consistency in a certain area, are also being used to help preserve the rural character of undeveloped properties across the Ashley River. North Charleston has already passed two special overlay districts since last year, and a third zoning district is being considered. Overlays are common tools used by municipalities to help provide consistency in an area with multiple base zonings, said Kathryn Basha, planning director with the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments. "With an overlay district, you get some uniformity," she said. "They're really common." North Charleston's most recent proposal, the Upper 52-78 Overlay District, will soon be reviewed by the city's Public Safety Committee. The plan couples with the Rivers Avenue Corridor South Overlay District to prepare for expected growth from the Lowcountry Rapid Transit system along U.S. Highways 78 and 52. The two Rivers Avenue overlays are similar, both focusing on transit-oriented development. The districts call for new development to face Rivers Avenue, the creation of a 12-foot-wide sidewalk and restrictive commercial uses. What's different is the Upper 52-78 Overlay District includes a plan for a "backage" road that allows drivers to access businesses from the rear. The back road will help make the corridor safe for cyclists and pedestrians by limiting curb cuts and traffic buildup along busy thoroughfares, Basha said. "It'll definitely create a much better living space for people using the corridor and who want to access transit," Basha said. North Charleston drew from other cities where these kinds of zonings have been successful. For example, the idea for an activity zone along Rivers Avenue and University Boulevard was inspired by Mount Pleasant's Boulevard Overlay. That district covers Johnnie Dodds, Coleman to Rifle Range Road, and Chuck Dawley boulevards. The plan calls for an activity zone, or a public, walkable space adjacent to businesses. "We wanted to create public open space along the corridor that creates more pedestrian-scaled activities," said Megan Clark, the city's deputy planning and zoning director. Basha wrote the Highway Commercial District being used by the town of McClellanville, where residents didn't want the commercial corridor to disrupt the rural look and feel of the area. There hasn't been a lot of development in the town since the ordinance was adopted 20 years. But new development, such as a Dollar General, has abided by zoning guidelines, she said. Similarly, the Oakland Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant sits in a special district that called for the complex's deep buffer and controlled access points, Basha said. North Charleston is also paying attention to development in rural parts of the region. The Ashley River Road Corridor Overlay covers the city's 9,000 acres where North Charleston hopes to maintain the scenic character as a 1,000-home complex is under construction. The plan calls for more open space by clustering development, a 200-foot-wide buffer, trails and limited curb cuts onto S.C. Highway 61. "It was a unique opportunity for the city because its an area that hasn't been developed," Clark said. The districts have been effective in areas with transit lines. Basha worked for years as a planner in Virginia. A focus around zoning for transit-oriented development in Arlington County has led to a transformation in the city. Once made up mostly of 1930s-era commercial strips, layered zoning helped pave the way for transit-friendly development, Basha said. The fact that North Charleston is taking similar steps is admirable, Basha said. Were really impressed with North Charleston being proactive and putting this in place," she said. "We want not only the (LCRT) to be successful, but we also want the development and services along that line being able to maximize their potential." Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article included incorrect information about Jude Washington. Washington was found not guilty in 2001 of charges filed the year before. NORTH CHARLESTON Jude Washington was shot outside a North Charleston auto body shop in April 2000. His assailant left him to die with a half-dollar-sized wound in his head, but, miraculously, he survived after a four-day stay in the hospital. Washington, now 45, admits there were times he did wrong. But 10 years ago he joined a Summerville church and began to turn his life around. On July 8, he was one of dozens of people who joined a community walk organized to address rising gun violence in his hometown. "I want to lead these young people in a different direction," he said. "Their lives are still valued and they have a purpose." The community walk was held the evening of July 8 beginning at St. Matthews Baptist Church in the Macon community. Residents and community organizers, including many "O.G.'s," or old gangsters, who, like Washington, managed to escape the cycle of violence in North Charleston, walked through the neighborhood to speak with young people and raise awareness about gun violence. Since 2018, 675 people have been shot in North Charleston, 89 of them fatally, according to statistics from the North Charleston Police Department. The number of shootings has steadily increased, from 145 in 2018 to 177 in 2020. Ninety-nine people have been shot so far in 2021, with 15 people killed. North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess, who attended the walk, attributed the rise in shootings to more guns on the streets. "Things have changed in this nation," he said. "The tool that everyone wants is a gun." Pastor Thomas Dixon, one of the event's organizers, said he helped start a community walk seven years ago outside the same church they were standing in front of today. After several months, community members lost interest and the project fizzled. Since then, 151 people have been killed by gun violence in North Charleston, he said. "Seven years from now, in 2028, what will another group have to say about us? Will they say that we finished the job? That life got better in our community because of the work we put in consistently in North Charleston?" Among the participants of the walk was Ronald Smith, whose daughter, Ronjanae, was killed at a North Charleston party in May after rival gang members opened fire. Fourteen other people were wounded in the shooting. With Ronjanae's mother, Katrina Sinclair, Ronald Smith has started a nonprofit organization, Positive Vibes Ronjanae Smith, to address gun violence in North Charleston. The organization plans to open a headquarters at the end of the month, Smith said. COLUMBIA South Carolina's new Office of Resilience faces a monumental task this year: setting out a statewide plan on how to manage flood damage. The office was created in response to years of serious storms in the Palmetto State, starting in 2015. The agency includes a new Cabinet officer who reports directly to the governor. It will have to deliver its first report to the state Legislature in roughly a year's time, by July 1, 2022. It marks an inflection point on the state level in how South Carolina will handle the wetter and more hazardous future brought by climate change by trying to avoid destruction before it arrives. The mandate to create a statewide resilience plan requires recommendations on where homes should be bought by the government and removed to avoid future flooding. A $6 million revolving loan fund created this year may be used to do just that shortly after storms blow through, and an additional $44 million budgeted to the office can be used for some post-disaster repairs and assistance to local governments. The plan will also address other hazards, such as wildfire and drought. But the office, which is absorbing the work of the former Disaster Recovery Office, will still have to deal with many challenges that have become evident in the past six years, including a glacially slow federal recovery system for disaster survivors. What's clear among disaster experts, though, is that things need to change, as storms become more costly and more damaging across South Carolina and the country at large. The first storm in recent memory to usher in this reality was the 1,000-year flood in 2015, which swamped the state with record amounts of rain (more than 25 inches in some places) from a stalled front, bursting dams in the Midlands and swelling waterways in the Lowcountry. After flood insurance, homeowners insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency aid were all awarded for that year's damages, there was still $400 million in unmet need to repair homes, said Eric Fosmire, chief of staff and legal director for the Office of Resilience. The state only received $126 million from the federal government to cover the gap. "I think there's a lot of concern at federal and state levels about the increasing pattern of losses, and its not sustainable," said Susan Cutter, director of the Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute at the University of South Carolina. Slow rebuilding Originally, the Disaster Recovery Office was meant to be temporary, a sort of pop-up created by then-Gov. Nikki Haley to help some of the state's most vulnerable rebuild their homes with federal grants. Ben Duncan initially joined the recovery efforts that preceded that office for two days a week, as Haley pulled together state government employees on an informal basis to tackle rebuilding after the 2015 floods. At the time, Duncan worked for the state Department of Insurance, just the latest in a long string of state government posts in his then-30-year career. But slowly, the Disaster Recovery Office became a full-time job and a more permanent group as continuous floods lashed the state. Hurricane Matthew hit the northern coast in 2016 and sent a second wave of water down through the Pee Dee as it pushed into North Carolina; Hurricane Florence, a slower and wetter storm, followed a similar path in 2018, dropping even more water into the rivers that cross from North Carolina to South Carolina. Duncan was leading the office by the time Gov. Henry McMaster nominated him to lead the new resilience group earlier this year. Duncan was confirmed to the post in the spring. These days, he works from a building tucked into the back of an industrial park not far from the University of South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. The walls of the Office of Resilience, formerly the Disaster Recovery Office, are plastered with before and after photos homes destroyed in some of the recent deluges juxtaposed next to the new houses that the state helped rebuild. The houses were paid for with Housing and Urban Development grants, a relatively newer form of federal relief that's meant to help with long-term issues long after FEMA's time in a community has ended. According to data from mid-June, almost 3,000 homes damaged in the 2015 flood and 2016's Hurricane Matthew had been repaired or replaced. But HUD dollars take a long time to reach the states that use them. Often, by the time they're disbursed, "you're already two years behind helping people," Cutter said. HUD then gives grantees another six years to spend all the money a deadline that South Carolina has met but that many other places don't. The state will finish its last few homes from the 2015 and 2016 events this year. Several factors slow down the work. Land may not have a clear title, a common situation among Black landowners who have passed down properties through many generations. Each round of HUD funding also has different rules to follow, Cutter said. The work is more complex than a typical home repair, specifically because Disaster Recovery was tasked with aiding the state's most vulnerable. Many homes had damage from delayed maintenance already. In one case, a contractor removed siding from a home to see the entire structure tilt to one side, Fosmire said. Termites had been eating the house for so long that the siding was the main thing holding it together. Because of issues like that, many contractors don't want to get involved another factor that slows down rebuilding, Fosmire said. Some are kicked out of the program for abuses. In one case The Post and Courier reported on, a work crew slept inside a North Charleston woman's home while they completed repairs there and elsewhere. Other mishaps are less extreme. Disaster Recovery once replaced a turkey that a client said was stolen from her freezer, Duncan said. Occasionally, homeowners were told that the state couldn't rebuild their home on the same land because it couldn't be lifted high enough to avoid future floodwaters or the water hadn't drained at all. That led some clients to drop out rather than move, though the transition was easier for others who had manufactured homes on rented land, Duncan said. "The best thing is just to get out of the way (of the water)," Duncan said. "It's about the only thing you can do." Looking forward Over time, Fosmire said, Disaster Recovery officials learned from past storms, realizing they needed federal monies to pay for some home buyouts. That use is being allowed for the first time in HUD disaster funds released after 2018's Florence. But the money was only awarded last year, and the state is still accepting applications through July, for an estimated 500 spots. Now, buyouts are a central component of the structure of the Office of Resilience, which must recommend where to complete them in its plan. It's the state's first step toward managed retreat, Cutter said, or the process of systematically moving people away from the places made dangerous by higher seas and more severe floods. The revolving loan fund of $6 million is also a "quick-strike" pool of money that could be used to relocate people when they are open to it, Fosmire said. After a storm, "People are getting ready to rebuild, their houses are a mess, and had we been able to go to the state (for buyout funds), I think that would have been a real plus for us," said Charleston Chief Resilience Officer Mark Wilbert. The city regularly suffers urban street flooding from thunderstorms, but saw severe events that pushed water into homes in 2015, 2016 and 2017. At the same time, the office will continue to distribute federal grants from HUD. Some of that money was awarded earlier this year to pay for some resilience work, such as an addition to a large drainage system in Charleston and a round of home buyouts in Horry County. But the biggest mandate over the next year will be the office's report on hazards around the state. While some parts of South Carolina are extremely well-studied with local research, like the work of the Lowcountry Hazards and Vulnerability Institute at the College of Charleston, others still need basic information. The Office of Resilience is already in discussion with Marion County, swamped in multiple floods, to do a study there. Some small towns in the rural Pee Dee county struggled to rebound. In some of these smaller towns and counties, they dont know what it will take to fix the problem," Duncan said. SUMMERVILLE Nearly 80 Summerville families in need will have an opportunity for additional financial assistance from the town. Summerville is planning to offer up to six months of rent, mortgage and utility payment assistance to residents through its "Summerville Home to Stay" program. The maximum amount for each household is $7,500. The service is part of a Community Development Block Grant Program that's funded through The CARES Act, a federal coronavirus aid bill. The town will have more than $400,000 to distribute through the assistance program. With organizers expecting to help 75 households, the funds will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. "The money is just sitting there waiting to be used," said P.J. Harbert, the town's grants writer. The program comes after many families in South Carolina and across the U.S. have been faced with new financial struggles in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, a federal pause on evictions was issued. On June 24, it was announced that the eviction moratorium would be extended for one month, giving people more time to take advantage of rent assistance programs. Summerville area residents also haven't been immune to feeling the financial struggles. John Michael Stagliano is the founder of the nonprofit Home Again. The organization supplies furniture and household items for people transitioning out of homelessness. Recently, he said the organization has seen a noticeable influx of people reaching out to them for help. In Summerville, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance reports that low-income households spend 71 percent of their income on housing and transportation. "It's been difficult for everybody," Stagliano said. In addition to the new rental assistance program, Summerville area residents have access to free housing counseling the second Tuesday of every month through the Charleston Trident Urban League. The program also offers advice around building financial assets. The reason why most people are struggling in the pandemic is because they didn't have any assets," said Otha Meadows, president and CEO of the league. Summerville's rental assistance program will be done in partnership with Origin SC, a professional financial and housing counseling nonprofit. The nonprofit will help residents with organizing applications. Residents must email Harbert at pharbert@summervillesc.gov for questions. The town will also be paying utility companies and landlords directly. To qualify for the assistance, applicants must live within the legal boundaries of the town of Summerville. The households also have to be at or below 80 percent area median income. In the Dorchester County area, the median family income is $82,100. Officials are estimating as many as 100 calls a day while only being able to help around 60 families. "Once the money is gone it's gone," Harbert said. If you need this, you need to do this right out of the gate." Officials said they are hoping to start accepting applications by July 16. Three federally listed plant species in South Carolina will soon undergo a review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to analyze their recovery. The endangered Canby's dropwort and threatened Miccosukee gooseberry have both been federally listed under the Endangered Species Act since the 1980s. A third plant, the white fringeless orchid, landed itself on the threatened list in 2016. Each species is listed primarily because of habitat destruction. The review will ensure their classifications are accurate and recommend appropriate changes based on the latest science. To make this possible, the service needs information from the public about the biology, habitat conditions, conservation measures and other new data regarding these species and more than 30 others that are up for review in the Southeast. Canby's dropwort Canby's dropwort is a perennial herb which can grow from 30 to 50 inches tall, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The plant has quill-like hollow leaves, corky wings and small, white flowers. Fish and Wildlife Service botanist April Punsalan said Canby's dropwort plants are found in freshwater wetlands such as pond cypress savannas and Carolina bays. Punsalan said the service and partners are working to protect private land that supports the species through conservation easements. While many of the populations that are managed with prescribed fire are doing well and expanding, unmanaged populations are decreasing in size. "Prescribed fire is critical for this species and many of the federally listed plants in South Carolina," Punsalan said. According to DNR, only 25 populations of the species are known to exist. One population is found in the ACE Basin on state-owned land. Other populations are found in Georgia, Maryland, Delaware and North Carolina. DNR said the most serious threat to the population is drought or too much rain. Miccosukee gooseberry Feral hogs have become a threat for this rare shrub found in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. A report from the Fish and Wildlife Service in 2014 said the species is protected at the 434-acre Steven's Creek Preserve in McCormick County, but feral hogs are potentially decreasing the abundance of native species. The animals' rooting habits that turn over soil tend to damage plant communities like the Miccosukee gooseberry, located in hardwood forests. The service said some populations seem to be declining, based on data from the Sumter National Forest, Steven's Creek Preserve and an area in Florida. To help protect and rebuild the populations, work is underway to remove invasive plants from Miccosukee gooseberry habitats, Punsalan said. White fringeless orchid The threatened white fringeless orchid was listed under the Endangered Species Act more recently than the other two plants up for review in South Carolina. These perennials, which grow up to about 23 inches and bear white flowers, thrive in wet, boggy areas. In South Carolina, they grow in the seeps and bogs of mountains. But populations of white fringeless orchids have been lost to construction and projects that alter the soil and water flow in their habitats. The Fish and Wildlife Service believes there is only one occurrence of "questionable status" of the plant in Greenville County. There are other populations in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. Punsalan said work is being done across the species range to cut back woods to encourage more sunlight to reach the populations and to propagate and reintroduce the plants to historic populations. She said populations that are managed and receive more sunlight often maintain self-sustaining numbers of more than 200 individuals. South Carolina residents are encouraged to help protect each of these species. Punsalan said the S.C. Native Plant Society and Naturaland Trust hold regular volunteer days for habitat management. The public can get involved with this year's review process by providing information and comments about the species to the service by Aug. 31. Information can be emailed to the following addresses: charleston_recovery@fws.gov (Canby's dropwort), panamacity@fws.gov (Miccosukee gooseberry) and cookeville@fws.gov (white fringeless orchid). Charleston, SC (29403) 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 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early with scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Gov. Henry McMaster joined the pushback seen in other Republican-led states against "door-to-door" promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine after the idea was mentioned by President Joe Biden as a means of promoting availability. In a letter to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control board chair on July 9, McMaster asked agency leaders to issue a directive covering state and local health care organizations which would prohibit them from "the use of the Biden Administrations 'targeted' 'door to door' tactics in the states ongoing vaccination efforts." A South Carolinians decision to get vaccinated is a personal one for them to make and not the governments," McMaster wrote. "Enticing, coercing, intimidating, mandating, or pressuring anyone to take the vaccine is a bad policy which will deteriorate the publics trust and confidence in the states vaccination efforts," he said. Additionally, McMaster suggested government vaccination teams "showing up unannounced or unrequested at the door of targeted homeowners or on their property will further deteriorate the publics trust and could lead to potentially disastrous public safety consequences. DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer responded later on July 9, confirming DHECs vaccine outreach efforts "have not and will not include unsolicited door-to-door visits." The agency does offer in-home vaccines, he noted, but only if specifically requested in advance by the person being vaccinated. Simmer's note stressed that DHEC "continues to strongly encourage all eligible South Carolinians to get fully vaccinated" as a means of protecting themselves and the community at large. "South Carolina and national data show that those who continue to become hospitalized and die from COVID-19 are those who are not fully vaccinated," his response noted, also saying "getting vaccinated is a personal choice." DHECs vaccine dashboard shows that 48.8 percent of South Carolina residents have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. South Carolina's overall vaccination progress ranks 38th out of the 50 states, with 39 percent of the population fully vaccinated, according to The New York Times' national database. Biden on July 6 mentioned the possibility of door-to-door promotion of the vaccine. "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," he said. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! White House press secretary Jen Psaki was specifically asked about McMaster's statement during a press briefing July 9, responding that the failure to get accurate public health information out on the need and safety of being vaccinated "including South Carolina, is literally killing people, so maybe they should consider that." Earlier, she said door-to-door vaccine canvassing is done entirely by volunteers and that the White House believes it's helped boost vaccine rates in a number of states, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia. She emphasized that the federal government doesn't keep a database of who's been vaccinated. Other states that have spoken out against the practice in recent days include Arizona and Missouri. Missouri Republican 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 there. 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!" Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, also a Republican, sent a letter to Biden condemning the new strategy. Fox News first reported on the letter. Jeffrey Zeints, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said July 8 the best people to promote vaccinations are "local trusted messengers" such as 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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. GREENVILLE Top officials at the Greenville Republican Party have abruptly resigned after months of tension with outspoken activists, blaming their critics for a relentless campaign of "intimidation, threats, bullying, disenfranchisement and character assassination" that has thrown the organization into turmoil. In a letter to South Carolina GOP headquarters July 8 that was obtained by The Post and Courier, Greenville GOP Chair Jennifer Black, 1st Vice Chair Stacy Shea and state Executive Committeeman Randy Page said the ongoing attempt to thwart their leadership has made their positions untenable. "While we have patiently sought resolution, addressed the constant baseless accusations, and always demonstrated transparency and a willingness to move forward, it has been met with barricades at every turn," the group wrote. "As such, our energy is best used elsewhere to positively engage legislative issues that affect us, our families, and the citizens of our great state," they concluded. The feud tearing apart one of the state's biggest county parties represents a continuation of the power struggle that consumed Republicans in the lead-up to their state convention in May when state GOP Chairman Drew McKissick secured reelection but only after facing weeks of attacks from pro-Trump attorney Lin Wood. Earlier this year, a group of mostly Upstate far-right activists who had been thorns in the side of party leaders for years formed a new organization under the banner of "My SCGOP" and recruited Wood to enter the race. While much of the attention focused on the state party election, the group was also working to purge the local party of members they deemed unfaithful to their cause. They lost leadership races against them at the county convention but continued haranguing them in the months since in attempt to force them out. In an interview with The Post and Courier, McKissick described the situation as "absolute insanity" and said the My SCGOP activists have engaged in "totally shameful, reprehensible behavior." "They have essentially preyed on Trump supporters, telling them the county and state party organizations didn't support President Trump, which is a total lie, and then they've gone forward spreading rumors and innuendos about people everything from sex trafficking to embezzlement to rigging elections, all this garbage," McKissick said. "These are people who want to turn the local party organization into their own personal hobbyhorse, and that is not our mission," McKissick added. "The mission of the Republican Party is to support our platform and elect people who will support that platform and carry it into public policy. Period. Anything else is a complete distraction." Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Pressley Stutts, the longtime Greenville Tea Party leader who helped create My SCGOP, said he is convinced the county GOP election was rife with cheating. He said he was initially willing to work with the new leaders but found them to be "very belligerent and very condescending towards us." Black, the outgoing party chair, said she did try hard to find some middle ground between the two sides and open up as much transparency about the election as possible. "It's unfortunate because we do agree on so much and this is not our problem," Black said. "Our problem is the Democrats. So we have to figure out how to get back together and really stop the infighting." At the party's latest meeting, Stutts called on the county party's leadership to resign a demand that was granted July 8. "We are following the advice of President Trump, who encouraged all of the MAGA supporters to go out, get involved and take over the parties with their true MAGA supporters," Stutts said. "That's what we did." Where the Greenville GOP goes from here is now unclear. In the near-term, the remaining members will need to elect new leadership, likely to happen in the next few weeks. But those elections are unlikely to resolve many of the core disputes rupturing the party. Long known as the state's foremost hotbed of conservatism, Greenville's local GOP could now enter a period of intense isolation from the rest of the Republican apparatus. "It will fall into a state of disrepair, become a complete dumpster fire and essentially be a leper colony for the next year and a half," McKissick said. In its place, McKissick suggested that "sane Republicans" might end up creating separate GOP clubs in the Greenville area for people who want to stay focused on the core party functions of supporting Republican candidates. "We will help them do that in every way," McKissick said. Spartanburg's Montgomery Building continues to be an economic catalyst after its restoration process was completed in 2018. The iconic 10-story, 127,000-square-foot building at the intersection of North Church and East St. John streets opened in 1924 but was vacant for 20 years before developers with BF Spartanburg presented a plan in 2015 to revitalize the building. It was one of the first Chicago-style Art Deco buildings completed outside of Chicago and built with Carnegie steel. Working with Harper General Contactors and McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, BF Spartanburg began in early 2017 to restore the Montgomery Building by using the original Lockwood Greene drawings as a guide to preserve and rehabilitate the structure. Recognizing the work of all those involved in the restoration process, Preservation South Carolina has awarded the Montgomery Building its 2021 Honor Award. An awards ceremony will be held July 23 in the lobby of the Statehouse in Columbia. "The challenges that had to be overcome with this building, most of the time, would have led to the demolition of other buildings," said Mike Bedenbaugh, president and CEO of Preservation South Carolina in a statement. "That's why it deserves this award." The $29 million project received federal and state historic tax credits since the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. McMillan Pazdan Smith worked with the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service to meet criteria needed to complete the preservation and rehabilitation of the building. The restored building now offers retail and dining, office space and 63 residential apartments. Foot traffic has increased on Church Street since the building's reopening. Sidewalk Pizza Company and Pharmacy Coffee Shop are located on the ground floor of the building. The second and third floors feature offices and the top seven floors are residential apartments. "We wanted to return the building back to its former relevance and stature because we know how much this building means to the people of Spartanburg," said Tom Finnegan, BF Spartanburg managing partner, in a statement. The Honor Awards celebrate historic preservation projects around South Carolina. Preservation South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor have given a series of awards to exceptional preservation projects since 1995. Sign up for our Spartanburg newsletter. Get all the latest news, business, politics and more from Spartanburg delivered to your inbox once a week. Email Sign Up! "These types of projects are extremely important to communities because people are connected to the buildings in a personal way and the reuse of historic buildings is proven to spur community development around them," said Donald Love Jr., preservation architect and architect of record on the project. There's still some discussion on how the former 1,300-seat Carolina Theatre connected to the Montgomery Building might be used. Suzanne Brooks, executive director of the Spartanburg County Historical Association, said BF Spartanburg is working with OneSpartanburg to conduct a feasibility study on what to do next. "There are several opportunities for development and community opinions will be considered on the best way to use that building (Carolina Theatre)" Brooks said. "Some of the ideas that have been mentioned are it could be used as a multi-use performance event space in the future." The theater was constructed about the same time as the Montgomery Building and was renamed in the 1940s from the Montgomery Theatre to the Carolina Theatre. Elvis Presley performed there in 1956. The last renovations in 1972 were an attempt to keep it open but it shortly closed afterwards. In the 1980s, renovations at the Montgomery Building blocked the entrance to the theater. Brooks said the restoration of the Montgomery Building has helped preserve history. "We are delighted to hear they are receiving the award," Brooks said. "It is well deserved and any opportunity for the Montgomery Building to be recognized is not only good for Spartanburg but good for preservation. That project set new standards on what is possible for rehabilitation projects." Prior to the restoration process, the city had placed scaffolding along the sidewalk around the building because exterior panels were falling off. Christopher George, Spartanburg communications and marketing manager, said the building was in danger of being demolished at the time. "We were nearly out of solutions for the building," George said. "The developers stepped up and made something happen. They came through with a plan and it was an incredible process to watch the skin of the building replaced." Passengers flying with United Airlines who are headed to Hawaii have been asked to check in three hours before departure time in light of recently implemented pandemic-related policies. Travel and safety requirements have changed significantly for every destination as a result of COVID-19. There are a few more steps that passengers need to take before departing Guam, and we ask United customers traveling to Hawaii to allow additional time for processing through for their flight, said Justin Marion, Uniteds general manager of airport operations in Guam. Previously, travelers were asked to check in about two hours prior to departure time. According to the press release from United Airlines, enhanced federal, Hawaii state and Guam safety protocols require more time to clear the A.B. Won Pat International Airport screening, Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, Hawaii pre-clearance, and U.S. immigration before hopping on the plane to Hawaii. To avoid the government-required quarantine, Hawaii requires that terminating travelers present a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure or proof of vaccination for residents of the United States and its territories. This information should be uploaded to the Hawaii Safe Travels site prior to departure for Hawaii. Specific details can be found at hawaiicovid19.com. United Airlines at the Guam airport has a Hawaii Pre-Clearance desk at the departure gate to assist transiting passengers before boarding, the release states. For travel to Hawaii, United passengers can pre-clear in Guam and bypass the screening lines when they land. This step is designed to ensure a safer experience and a smoother arrivals process in Hawaii," Marion stated. According to Hawaii's travel website, beginning July 8, individuals fully vaccinated in the United States or its Territories may enter Hawaii on domestic flights without pre-travel testing/quarantine starting the 15th day after the completion of their vaccination. All other travelers must have their negative test results from a Trusted Testing and Travel Partner prior to departing as an alternative to Hawaiis mandatory 10-day quarantine. A blue United wristband will be issued for those who qualify to bypass airport screening in Hawaii. Transiting passengers will need to enroll in the Hawaii Safe Travels site and answer the questionnaire to receive a wristband, allowing the customers to skip the screenings in Hawaii and begin their trip as soon as they land. We thank our customers in Guam, the Marianas, and Micronesia for their understanding and patience as they begin to enjoy travel again, Marion stated. Our focus is to keep customers and employees safe throughout their journey while helping them enjoy a smooth arrival process in Hawaii. It is our pleasure to welcome our customers back, and we are here to assist them with any questions they have about the travel process. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@postregister.com for help creating one. Ashley HomeStore will hold a grand opening event for its showroom at Upland Square Shopping Center in West Pottsgrove on Saturday, July 10 from 12-6 p.m. @montcocourtnews on Twitter Carl Hessler Jr. is a multi-media reporter who writes about crime and justice from the Montgomery County Courthouse for 21st Century Media Newspapers Greater Philadelphia area publications. Follow Carl on Twitter: @MontcoCourtNews "The problem is only going to get worse, and I don't think it's going to go away. The state is getting too much tax revenue from it." Pottstown Police Chief Michael Markovich Pull Quote Daniel Horowitz points to an analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times showing that judges are signing off on the release of gang leaders and other notorious criminals. They are doing so pursuant to the First Step Act, the bipartisan, pro-criminal sentencing act that Donald Trump supported and signed into law. Local prosecutors reportedly are at wits end over this development, as they should be. Chicago has been plagued by a surge in violent crime. Over the July 4 weekend, 22 people were killed and 90 wounded in the city. A 20-year-old college student was killed by a stray bullet that smashed through a window while he was sitting on a train. How can violent criminals obtain release under the First Step which, its advocates assured us, would apply to drug felons, not violent ones? The answer stems to a large extent from the fact that drug charges are the tip of the iceberg for many violent felons. Horowitz points to the case of Gustavo Colon: Colon was sentenced to life in federal prison 21 years ago for running a multimillion-dollar narcotics operation. While that is certainly not a low-level drug charge, some might believe that life in prison is too harsh for any drug crime. But thats not really why he was given life in prison; the drug laws were just used as prosecutorial tools. As WGN-TV reports, Colon served 25 years in state prison for the 1971 murder of Glenn Burr when he was a teen gang member. He was also accused of putting a gun to a girls head during the gang attack, but the gun failed to fire. . . . While he was in state prison, the feds saw that Colon had risen to the rank of corona in the violent Latin Kings and was calling all the hits and murders from behind bars. Of course, he only served 25 years after being sentenced to 30-60 years, and the feds realized in 1997 that they must do something to keep him off the streets. So they convicted him on 20 counts of running a drug operation, and he was sentenced to life. Thanks to the First Step Act, Colon is eligible to file a petition for his release. We dont yet know whether the court will order Colons release. But we do know from the Chicago Sun-Times analysis that judges are releasing major criminals and gang leaders. We also know from our experience in the 1960s and 1970s that liberal judges are prone to do that. It was for this reason that members of both parties supported tough sentencing legislation. And it was that legislation that helped reduce violent crime dramatically. For some reason, many Republicans, including Donald Trump, forgot this history or chose to ignore it. Perhaps the horrific spike in violent crime in cities throughout America will bring Republicans to their senses. The good news is that Hunter Biden has figured out how to make up whatever income he lost when his term on the board of Burisma expired. The bad news is that his replacement gig may be even shadier. As Andrea Peyser puts in her New York Post column on Hunters new gig: In October, a snazzy art gallery in New York Citys high-rent Soho district is scheduled to put on the market some 15 works created by the presidents son, 51, whose artistic experience, as far as I know, until now has been limited to doodles on strip club cocktail napkins. Whats so shady about that? Peyser explains: These multi-media monstrosities, which one critic said resemble renderings of the COVID-19 virus, but to me look like bacteria on acid are expected to fetch between $75,000 and $500,000. Each. The White House is insisting that the identities of buyers remain secret, from Hunter Biden as well as from the public. Can secrecy serve as an ethical keystone? Byron York considers the possibilities in his Examiner Daily Memo Newsletter. This is almost funny: Hunter Biden himself would not comment, but a White House spokesman claimed that the secret-buyer deal shows that the Biden administration has established the highest ethical standards of any administration in American history.' It is what might be called in other circumstances the art of the con. ADVERTISEMENT Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos Terminal Two (MMA2), has denied owing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). In a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mikail Mumuni, the company said that contrary to the claim that it owes the aviation regulatory body, it is FAAN that owes Bi-Courtney over N200bn by depriving it of its legitimate earnings over the past 14 years. Mr Mumuni said this was consequent upon FAANs decision to open and operate the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), thus competing with BASL with government money in the running of the Domestic Terminal in a flagrant breach of the concession agreement. BASL in line with the dispute resolution process contained in the agreement had an arbitration award in its favour. It also got the judgement of a High Court, six Court of Appeal judgements and a Supreme Court judgement, all in its favour and sustained the monetary award, the statement said. The Nigerian government had on Thursday vowed to clamp down on the company over debt owed the airport authorities. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made this known when he revealed that efforts have been intensified by the ministry to recover over N37 billion debts owed by airlines in the country. Speaking at the weekly ministerial press briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team at the presidential villa, Abuja, Mr Sirika specifically cited Bi-Courtney Limited as chronic debtor, saying the company was owing about N13 billion and had never remitted a dime to government coffers for 13 years. But Mr Mumuni in his reaction stressed that the courts had ruled that any debt that may be alleged against BASL by FAAN should be deducted from the credit judgement after due verification. The N14bn debt mentioned by the Minister is totally inconsistent with the demand by FAAN,the body which has been liaising with BASL, he said. Their last demand was about N1bn which was promptly responded to by BASL stating categorically that there was no such debt. We believe that (the) minister was not properly briefed by FAAN as we also pay our electricity bills as and when due. We equally provide elaborate security at the Terminal which has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders. He added that BASL is a law abiding company and will continue to obey the laws of the land while providing exceptional services at its facilities. Johnson Bolatitos Adire fabrics hung across the clothesline, swaying gently in the direction of the morning wind. Moments earlier at her cottage in Itoku area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, she had arranged the fabrics carefully across the twine to form a melange of colours suspended into the firmament like a rainbow. Ms Bolatito moved gently through a heap of clothes submerged in coloured water, unperturbed by the roaring sounds of an impending downpour. Away from the open verandah of the cottage, a cloud of steam escapes into the skies from a black pot of hot water placed on the edge of a nearby gutter. Beside the pot lie a few plastic buckets, and some metres away stood yet another black pot filled with water. We need water to make the coloured patterns come out well, Ms Bolatito says in her native Egba dialect, her eyes fixated on the clothing materials. Making and designing Adire can be very stressful, as youd see, but the result is always beautiful. Of course, we make good money from it, too. Inside the old houses adjacent to the popular Kampala Market in Itoku area of Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, there are numerous Egba women designing traditional Adire clothing materials. Ms Bolatito, 46, is one of them. She earns a living from the art of Adire cloth-making. She speaks to PREMIUM TIMES in the company of Jumoke, 38, another entrepreneur at the Itoku cottage. This is what I do, from which I feed myself, send my children to school and enjoy life, says Jumoke, who would not give her second name. Many of the people doing this business have done very well for themselves, building houses and all that. Many of those who make the biggest money are those who can invest enough capital into the business. Jumoke refers to wealthy suppliers and owners of the big shops at popular Adire markets in Abeokuta, such as the Kampala Market, Panseke Market, Osiele Market, and other major markets in the ancient city. Many of those women are directly involved in the processing and designing like we do here, she says, grinning. But you may not know until you see them get dirty inside coloured water here. From the sale of Adire, Jumoke told PREMIUM TIMES she has used the proceeds to support her family since her husband lost her job at the height of the Covid-19 crisis. Adire making is a good business, and depending on how much patronage we get, the proceeds could run into tens of thousands of naira monthly, she says. From a modest kiosk in Itoku, Jumoke says she has since expanded her supply chain to other markets in Abeokuta and beyond. She has equally brought in two of her cousins as aides, including three students of the local Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. Boosting Earnings Nigeria relies on oil and gas for more than 80 per cent of its foreign exchange. Experts have argued that the country can boost its forex earnings by diversifying its revenue base to hedge the economy against the instability of the oil market. The women producing Adire are not only creating a livelihood for themselves and their families, but are helping in their own way to boost Nigerias foreign exchange earnings as their products are patronised well beyond Nigerias shores. Adire is quite popular across West Africa. In Nigeria, its production is common among the Egba women entrepreneurs in the South-western part of the country. Historically, export of the fabric was tied to the formation of Adire makers associations in different parts of Yorubaland, stemming from the complex problem they experienced in Abeokuta in the 1920s. ADVERTISEMENT According to Bukola Oyeniyi, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Political Studies and Governance, University of Free State, South Africa, attempts at solving these problems brought about two important developments: the introduction of new methods to Adire production, and the influx of many people into the business. On account of these developments, patronage dropped, thus destroying the industry. Exports fell from 500,000 before 1928 to 150,000 by the mid-1930s, according to records from the National Archive, Ibadan. In the years that followed, Adire cloth production and export became intertwined with that of cocoa production in Nigeria and Ghana. Again, when cocoa prices plummeted in 1937, the inability of farmers to continue to purchase Adire led to the decline of the industry. In recent years, there have been conscious efforts to encourage export and spread the local fabrics to different parts of Africa and beyond. Various styles of the fabric have been exported to markets in the United States, United Kingdom, Asia, and international airports around the world where Adire is sold at premium prices. Adire fabrics are equally well sold at tourist centres, where merchants buy local materials at higher prices. In Abeokuta, Iyabo Sodipe, an Adire trader, told PREMIUM TIMES that she exports the fabric to Ghana, Mali, and Ivory Coast, from where she makes as much as $1,215 annually. With better incentives and government support, we can do better and export Adire to many parts of Africa and the world and earn good foreign exchange, she said. Sayo Jacob, an Osogbo-based trader, said she told nearly $500 worth of Adire in 2019, but could not do much in 2020 due to the pandemic. Traders, however, complain about the difficulty of exporting the designs, blaming bureaucracy and cost. Adire Adire is a Yoruba word that colloquially means tie and dye. Its a material designed with wax-resist methods, that produces patterned creative designs in a dazzling array of tints and hues. PREMIUM TIMES gathered from women in Itoku that the first female Adire merchant in Abeokuta was Jojolola Soetan, who died in 1932. Since her death, the practice has become a major part of entrepreneurial life among Egba women. Over the years, the value-chain has been extended to create jobs for a number of women such as the dyer, known as Alaro, and the decorator, known as Aladire, among others. Adire comes in various forms such as Adire Oniko, Adire Eleko, Adire Alabere and Adire Batani, all with variegated designs and creative patterns. The Adire Oniko is made out of cotton and indigo dye while the traditional Adire Eleko refers to designs created by the application of starch paste made from cassava flour. This starch resists the dye from penetrating through the cloth. The starch paste is applied with a brush or feather on the surface of the fabric or through a stencil that has been cut into a design. It is often left to dry under the sun before it is immersed in a dye solution. As the name implies, Adire Alabere refers to adire with the needle, a style of indigo textiles crafted with complex designs of symbols with patterned effect created by stitching the fabric by hand before submerging the textile in indigo dye. Adire Batani on its part is designed with the aid of zinc stencils and the application of resistant starch. Ms Bolatito told this reporter that it takes roughly three to four days to complete a yard, with patterns created with no focal point of interest. She added that irrespective of the pattern of design, Adire making is a money-spinner from which numerous Egba women and other small-scale entrepreneurs earn huge cash. The value-chain also accommodates young artisans and undergraduates of higher institutions within the Abeokuta metropolis, she said. SMEs Value-chain Komolafe Christianah, 23, is a Higher National Diploma (HND) 1 student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, where she is studying Accountancy. But she has no plan to look for a job upon graduation. Once I graduate, I will go into the full-time business of Adire, she told PREMIUM TIMES in a chat at her residence in the Oluwo area of the capital city. She explained that she is on the verge of renting a stall around the Adigbe area of Abeokuta, to aid her supply and sales of Adire fabrics. Its a business I started way back with my mum, immediately after my secondary school education, so I understand it quite well. Adire making has huge potential and market, and the future is very promising. As a student of MAPOLY, Miss Komolafe told PREMIUM TIMES she is able to make better sales by marketing to her coursemates and other friends from schools outside Abeokuta. Like Christianah, Titus Ayobami is another student who is into the supply of Adire clothing, but he is quite new on the job. A 200-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ayobami said he focuses on markets outside of Abeokuta, especially Lagos, where designers are beginning to make creative designs with Adire fabrics. I started supplying Adire material last year during the pandemic, as I had very little to do to make extra cash, he told PREMIUM TIMES in a chat on FUNAAB main campus along Alabata Road in Abeokuta. What I have studied and realised is that Adire will go places and it will get to the international market in a short while. But those of us already in the business now would perhaps enjoy the benefits more. When asked about his experience in a business largely regarded as female-dominated, he explained that there isnt any challenge, especially for those on the supply end of the value-chain. People always think it is a female-only venture but it is not, although there are more women in the value-chain, he quipped. Apart from the women who design the patterns, and students of higher institutions who serve mostly on the supply chain, PREMIUM TIMES found that there are numerous others who work in the production and design processes. Textile Beaters Before Adire fabric can be folded for onward supply to buyers, there are textile beaters who beat fabrics for various textile designers, using a wooden mallet and trunk. 34-year-old Ali Ali, originally from Mali, told PREMIUM TIMES at the Itoku cottage that he helps with the beating process. We must beat the fabric to straighten it and make it foldable before it can be packaged for sales, he said. If we dont beat it, the fabric would be rough and difficult to fold into fine patterns. Mr Ali and his brother told PREMIUM TIMES that they beat an average of 20 to 50 pieces of fabrics daily, depending on the production limit. We earn between N30 and N50 per fabric, depending on the clients, he explains in a smattering of pidgin English. Despite coming from far away Mali, Mr Ali says he feels at home in Abeokuta because of the ease that comes with his job, from which he earns an average of N80,000 monthly. In recent years, electronic iron has come to replace the beating process in the Adire value-chain and some of the women entrepreneurs often opt for the ironing process. Kareem Mudasiru, one of those who iron Adire clothes at a small cottage in Asero, told PREMIUM TIMES that people still prefer the traditional beating process because of the cost and safety. I and my colleagues make our money from ironing too but many would rather go for the old beating process, he told PREMIUM TIMES in Yoruba. At the Itoku cottage, a number of young apprentices invested in learning the craft and establishing themselves in years to come expressed optimism about the business. Adeola Joseph, a young school leaving certificate holder, told PREMIUM TIMES she had read so much about the export potential of Adire and the efforts of the Ogun State government to situate it at the centre of its digital economy. I am convinced that there is a future in Adire making and I am ready to dedicate myself to it, she said. By the time we begin to export quite well, Adire will become a money spinner for entrepreneurs in Ogun state and Nigeria as a whole. Thats why government must invest in modern technology that will aid operations. Challenges Ms Bolatito said their biggest headache as women entrepreneurs is access to financial support to enable them to expand their businesses and acquire sophisticated equipment that would aid their operations. We also need local patronage among Nigerians, she said, because our people must appreciate the local fabric before we can make good sales here and outside Nigeria. Mrs Sodipe, a trader at the Kampala Market, said the government should work more on building the capacity of the local women through training. She also suggested that government can improve local demand for women entrepreneurs through public sensitization and promotion of local content ideas in government circles. They can as well help encourage export, so we can promote our culture across the world while building the economy and creating jobs along the way, she said. Despite its huge potential, the development and export of Adire has been plagued by similar concerns militating against the growth of the larger textile ecosystem in Nigeria. In May 2017, then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo signed an Executive Order which focused on promoting made-in-Nigeria products in public procurements. The Executive Order, titled Support for Local Contents in Public Procurement by the Federal Government (LCEO), was premised on the goal of weaning the economy off over-dependence on oil revenues. But events over the years have shown that the order has been adhered to largely in the breach, as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government still import their uniforms from abroad, even in cases where there is local capacity for production. This is worsened by the heavy dependence on used clothing among many Nigerians. In 2019, Nigeria placed a restriction on the sale of foreign exchange to importers of textiles and other clothing materials in a bid to protect the textile, cotton and garment industry, and boost employment opportunities. In 2020, however, details from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigerias import figures on textile and textile articles rose to N330 billion, but the nation exported N5.05 billion worth of textile goods as of the third quarter of the year. Analysts opine that efforts must be deliberately targeted at making policies work for the growth of the textile industry. A Silver Lining for Adire? In November 2020, the Ogun State government flagged off the Adire Digital Market at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. Speaking at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun advocated the promotion of Nigerias indigenous fabrics to the world, adding that Adire fabrics could be adopted as national wear for athletes during sporting activities. Mr Abiodun added that the state would be adopting the local fabrics as part of the school uniform for public primary and secondary schools in the state. He added that plans had reached an advanced stage to make Adire an important aspect of everyday life, as all top government functionaries in the State now wear Adire on Fridays. Mr Abiodun had in 2020 urged Nigerias foreign missions to adopt the Adire fabric as a cultural symbol that will further project Nigerias rich culture to the outside world. Adams Oluwaseyi, a policy analyst, told PREMIUM TIMES that beyond beautiful rhetoric, governments at both levels must work on actionable plans to ensure that export of Adire clothing is at the heart of economic policies. According to him, the export terrain is very complex and near-impossible to navigate for individual entrepreneurs, especially in the absence of governments intervention that could aid regulatory standards. In her conversation with this newspaper, Jumoke told PREMIUM TIMES that the only export experience she had was when she sent five pieces of Adire fabrics to some clients through her cousin who was travelling to the United States in 2018. She admitted that she got a far better bargain, and made more profit. But thats not export, per se, because my cousin simply travelled with them as though they were her own used fabrics, she said. A website, AdireOgun, has been launched to promote Adire to a global audience. Mr Adams said it is the right step in the right direction, but advised that more needs to be done to ensure maximum impact. We look forward to a more robust export opportunity and strategy supported by the government. It will help diversify our revenue base, create more jobs, boost the economy in Ogun and help Nigeria earn the badly needed foreign exchange, he said. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has spoken up about the controversial primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. INEC spokesperson, Festus Okoye, told PREMIUM TIMES the Commission received a damning report on the APC primary from its officials. Mr Okoye, however, said top officials of the electoral body were yet to meet to consider the document and take a decision. The Commission has not taken a decision on the issue. A political party may conduct primaries and refuse to upload the list and personal particulars of its candidates, he said. Mr Okoye spoke just as INEC ends the uploading of the list and personal particulars of nominated candidates today (9 July). The governorship election in Anambra State has been fixed for 6 November. The INEC spokesperson said the 18 registered parties interested in contesting the November 6 governorship election gave the commission the statutory 21 days notice of their intention to conduct primaries, adding that its officials monitored the primaries of the parties that gave the required notice and issued reports. He said, If a party organised primaries in accordance with the law, the Commission will report what it observed. If the organisation and conduct fell short of the law and party guidelines the Commission will report. All the parties complied with the June 10-July 1, 2021 timetable for the conduct of primaries. The Commission has not disqualified any candidate. The Chairman of each of the parties will be given the access code to the INEC party nomination portal. The uploading of the list and personal particulars of nominated candidates will end on the 9th July 2021. Controversy The APC said it conducted its primary election on 26 June at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu Lake in Awka, the state capital, during which a former senator, Andy Uba, emerged winner, beating 13 other aspirants. Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, who headed the APC primary election committee that conducted the primary, said Mr Uba got 230,201 votes while his closest rival, Johnbosco Onunkwo, garnered 28,746 votes. Mr Abiodun said the total vote cast was 348,490, adding that the committee adopted the open ballot mode also known as Option A4 to conduct the primary election. The other aspirants and their scores, according to the governor, are Chidozie Nwankwo, 21,281; George Moghalu 18,596; Paul Orajiaka 4, 348; Geoff Onyejeagbu 3,414, Azuka Okwuosa 17,189; Nwokafor Daniel 3,335, Ikeobasi Mokelu 3,727, Kwebuike Ifeanyi 1,466 and Godwin Okonkwo 5,907. He also listed Ben Etiaba as scoring 4,244 votes, Edozie Madu 3,636 and Maxwell Okoye 2,540. But INEC officials deployed to monitor the exercise said the APC did not conduct any primary contrary to the claims by the partys electoral panel. In their report obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the officials of the electoral body said they witnessed no voting or accreditation of voters. The report, dated 26 June, was signed by Ibe U. Ibe, head, election and party monitoring, Anambra State; Nkechi Abah, assistant director, election and party monitoring, INEC headquarters and Modibbo Bellel, principal executive officer, election and party monitoring, INEC headquarters. ADVERTISEMENT The report said although there were large turnouts of APC members at voting centres, the partys election officials failed to show up to conduct the exercise. It also said besides accreditation and voting, INEC monitors did not witness collation of results at the collation centres. While members of the party were seen waiting at designated voting centres, party electoral officials were not available at the voting centres. The monitors deployed by the Commission noted that APC election officials did not arrive at the designated voting centres between 8a.m. and 5:30p.m., thus accreditation and voting did not take place during the period. No resolutions nor decisions were made at voting centres monitored because of the unavailability of the election officials between 8.00a.m. and 5.30p.m. when the Commissions monitors were deployed, part of the report read. The report also said electoral materials were not available at the APC voting centres up to 5:30p.m. when monitors withdrew from the field. Contrary to the provisions of Section 5 of the Guidelines for the Conduct of Direct Primaries used by APC, accreditation of party members did not take place in any of the voting centres in Anambra State, up to the time INECs monitors were recalled by 5.30p.m. The Commissions monitors did not witness accreditation, voting, counting of votes collation or declaration of result at the voting centres and collation centres up till 5:30p.m. when the monitors were recalled. Also, 11 of the 14 governorship aspirants of the party said the governorship primary did not hold. The spokesperson for the aspirants, George Moghalu, had in a press conference in Awka, said in all the 326 electoral wards of the state, people came out to vote, but that none of the APC team saddled with the responsibility of conducting the primary and the INEC officials were seen. Another member of the party and minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, corroborated the position of the aspirants. In a statement on 26 June, the minister said as of 4.25pm that day, there was no sign of any primary going on at his native Alor, which has two electoral wards. My inquiries and investigation show that the story is the same all around the 326 wards of the 21 local government areas in the state, he said. The minister had earlier called for the postponement of the primary to enable party members across the state to participate as well as give enough room to the Committee Members to resolve contentious issues raised by aspirants. However, Mr Okoye said any aspirant, candidate, political party or individual that is aggrieved with the organisation, conduct or issues arising from the conduct of their primaries can utilise section 285(14) of the Constitution and section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010(as amended) and challenge same in Court. Uncertainty over APCs participation in the poll There are however fears among some members of the APC that the party may not be allowed to present a candidate in the November poll as a result of the controversy trailing the primary election. While it is not clear whether the results announced by Mr Abiodun will be accepted or rejected by INEC, the commissions report could however lead to possible disqualification of the APC if the latter turns out to be the case. Going by INECs timetable for the election, parties were supposed to hold their primaries between June 10 and July 1. Besides, Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act (as amended) prescribes that any political party that fails to comply with the provision of the Act in the conduct of its primaries shall not be included in the election. When contacted, Okelo Madukaife, the spokesperson of the APC in the state, said it would be subjudice to speak on the issue because the partys national leadership had set up an appeal panel to hear complaints of aspirants. Everyone has gone to appeal panel and the report is being awaited, Mr Madukaife told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday. Precedence In 2019, the APC missed presenting candidates for the governorship elections in Rivers and Zamfara States over issues relating to the partys primary elections in the two states. Internal wrangling among leaders of the party in Zamfara resulted in the inability to conduct the primary election within the stipulated time. Although the APC faction loyal to the then governor, Abdulaziz Yari, claimed it held congresses and had candidates, the faction loyal to a former senator, Kabiru Marafa, insisted no primaries held. The party headquarters also said no primaries were held but said it adopted consensus arrangement in picking candidates within the stipulated time. Eventually, INEC left out the APC from all elections in Zamfara State in 2019. In Rivers, a federal high court ruled that the APC disobeyed a high court order on its congresses and that the primaries that produced its candidates were therefore null and void. The APC in Rivers was split into two, with a faction loyal to the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and another loyal to a senator, Magnus Abe. It was based on the high court ruling that INEC refused to recognise any APC candidate in Rivers. In 2015, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) spent almost a billion naira for the purchase of store items, a Senate committee report has revealed. The bureau, according to the report, paid a total of N995 million to store officers to purchase items like refrigerators, tyres, stationeries, laptops, among others. There was, however, no evidence to show that the items were actually purchased or taken charge. Besides the frivolous spending that could not be accounted for, the CBB also paid salaries to dead and retired officers months after their death and retirement respectively. Details of the discrepancies in the bureaus spendings are contained in the annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF) for 2015. The report was submitted to the Senate by its Committee on Public Account in June. The CCB is one of the many Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) indicted and queried by the Auditor-General for incessant violation of extant rules, some of which include non-retirement of personal advances within a financial year and grant of cash advances above approved limit. A copy of the report obtained by PREMIUM TIMES reveals that 114 MDAs were queried by the Auditor-General; of which 84 responded, made submissions and apperated before the Senate panel to defend the queries raised. Altogether 21 MDAs sent in written reports but did not appear before the committee. PREMIUM TIMES reported how seven MDAs including the Ministries of Information, Police and Health, refused to appear before the Senate Committee to account for public funds at their disposal. The query Upon discovering the discrepancies in the CCBs account, the Auditor-General queried the bureau for spending N995 million on store items for which there was no evidence. In its response, the CCB claimed that the items were purchased and receipted. The bureau said the movement of files was responsible for their failure to present it to the Auditor. But the committee, in the report, observed that the receipt provided by the bureau was dated December 31, 2015 against March, 2015 when the payment was made. Besides, the act is a contravention of Financial Regulations, the panel said. The committee therefore recommended that the sum of N995 million be recovered from the officer who recommended the payment and pay back to treasury in accordance with Financial Regulation 3107. It also said evidence of remittance should be submitted to the Auditor-General and the Senate committee. More discrepancies The Auditor-General also discovered that the CCB in 2015 paid a monthly gross salary of N128,714 to a dead officer of the bureau six months after his demise amounting to N772,289. The name of the officer was not stated in the report. ADVERTISEMENT To this query, the bureau said extra salary payment will be deducted by the Pension Commission (PENCOM) from the benefit of the affected officer. The panel therefore recommended the officer who authorised the payment be sanctioned in line with the Public Service Rule. It also said evidence of compliance be submitted to the Auditor-General and the panel. And retired officers too Besides paying salaries to a dead officer, the CCB was also indicted for paying N242,275 a monthly salary to a retired officer months after his retirement from the bureaus Kaduna office. Although the name of the officer was not mentioned, the report disclosed that the CCB paid a total of N971,061 to the officer up till December, 2015 while the officer retired on August 25,2015. In its response, the CCB said the retirement benefit of the affected officer will be used to recover the money through PENCOM. And in the same vein, the panel recommended that the officer who authorised the payment be sanctioned and disciplined in line with Public Service Rules. It also said evidence of compliance must be submitted to the Auditor-General and the committee. Although the panel has recommended sanctions for indicted MDAs in the report, no time frame was given for these sanctions to be carried out. Similarly, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had vowed to publish the names of erring MDAs but no publication has been seen to this regard, either from the Senate media or his personal outlet. This Senate will publish the names of these agencies for the public to know. This Senate will insist, any public servant or civil servant that is given public funds for public good and has questions to answer and refuse to appear to answer, should have no business being in government. Because all of us are supposed to be accountable to the people and, therefore, if someone feels that he is not going to be accountable, then that person has no business remaining in office, he said. Empty threats The Senate, particularly the public accounts committee, is known for always talking tough and issuing threats (including arrest warrants) but never follows through. The committee had on several occasions threatened heads of major agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Minister of Information and the Niger Delta Development Commission. The committee had even threatened not to approve the annual budgets of these MDAs but it all fell to the ground. Top among the panels resolution is the passage of the Audit Service Bill into law. The chairman of the committee, Matthew Urhoghide, had said this will help strengthen and streamline the audit process with a view to ensuring prudence in public finance and transactions. ADVERTISEMENT Six students and two teachers of the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria kidnapped 30 days ago have regained freedom, a family source of one of the students has confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES. The family member, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak with the media, said the victims paid ransom before they were released. The families negotiated with the bandits and paid ransom before they were released. They were released at a location in Sabon Birni village, a few kilometres to Kaduna town, the source said. A staffer of the school also told our reporter that the victims were taken to a hospital in Kaduna before being reunited with their families Friday afternoon. A report by Channels TV also said the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Abdullahi Shehu, confirmed that the kidnapped students and staff members regained their freedom after their parents and relatives negotiated with the bandits. The report did not say specifically if and how much ransom was paid. Bandits had attacked the polytechnic on June 11 and abducted the students and their teachers from their hostels and staff quarters. They also killed one student, Ali Ali, during the operation. The police spokesperson in the state, Muhammed Jalige, and the states commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, had not issued official statements on the development as of the time of this report. ADVERTISEMENT At least 35 persons were killed in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after bandits on Thursday massacred defenceless peasant farmers to avenge the killing of two of their members by a vigilante group the previous day, the police have said. A source, however, said 39 persons were killed in the attacks. The vigilantes had reportedly killed the two suspected bandits on Wednesday after they were found with guns. But on Thursday, the bandits staged a revenge attack, killing 39 peasant farmers, a resident of the area told PREMIUM TIMES, asking not to be named for security reasons. The source said the bandits indiscriminately attacked people working on their farms in Faru district of the LGA. The bandits invaded the community on motorcycles with sophisticated weapons, killing the defenceless farmers, the source added. The source said security agents stationed in the area did not respond to distress calls during the attack. Some of the corpses of those killed on Thursday were deposited at a local primary healthcare centre overnight. They were buried on Friday after more bodies were recovered from the farms. The police spokesperson in Zamfara, Muhammad Shehu, confirmed the incident to reporters but gave 35 as the number of people killed in the attacks. Mr Shehu said more security agents have been deployed to the area for reinforcement. The nation, especially the North, is reeling under mounting insecurity, crimes and killings as the federal government battles hard to tackle marauding bands of bandits and criminal elements laying siege on many communties. ADVERTISEMENT A bill seeking to establish the Defence Research and Development Bureau has been passed by the House of Representatives. The proposed Bureau will be engaging in defence related research and development for the armed forces of Nigeria. On Thursday, the bill was considered and adopted by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Deputy Speaker Idris Wase. The Nigerian Military industry complex has been struggling for years, and aside from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), there has been little in production of military equipment in the country. Nigeria relies heavily on the importation of equipment. In March, Nigeria took delivery of 3 F-17 fighter jets from Pakistan and is expecting 12 A-29 Super Tucano jets from the United States. Procedurally, the bill, sponsored by the Chairman of House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), will require the concurrence of the Senate before it is transmitted to the president for assent. According to the legislative brief of the bill, the proposed Bureau will conduct and coordinate robust research and development in the armed forces. The Bureau is to crystallize the results of scientific and technical research on defence items and equipment for public and private institutions and provides scientific-technical information to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and allies amongst others. The Bureau is to be headed by someone, not below the rank of a major-general or its equivalents in other Services. And most have experience in shall be a person knowledgeable in the defence-related industries, who has demonstrated experience in engineering or science and technology. The governing council of the body shall comprise; Minister of Defence as Chairman; Minister of Science and Technology; Minister of Communication and Digital Economy; Chief of the Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff; Chief of Air Staff; Director-General of the Bureau; Deputy Director Coordination of the Bureau as Secretary. The bill was introduced to the House on the 15 December, 2020. The House of Representatives Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of Legislative Agenda has commenced a two-day retreat to discuss new bills that will address insecurity in Nigeria and the roles of security agencies. The retreat, holding in Lagos, is in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), and supported by the German Consulate. This retreat, which focuses on addressing national security issues, will consider seven amended bills to tackle the overlapping functions of security agencies in Nigeria. The bills are the Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; National Security and Civil Defence Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; and the Customs and Excise Management Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the retreat on Friday, Femi Gbajabiamila, the House Speaker, said the amended bills reflect recommendations by security experts and policymakers on National Security. Mr Gbajabiamila was represented by Tobe Okechukwu (PDP, Aninri/Awgu/Oji River), the deputy minority leader. In the legislature, we do not control armies, we cannot deploy men and equipment to fight insurgencies, and to prevent the taking over of spaces by bandits, criminals, and assorted bad actors. Our power, and therefore our responsibility lies in our constitutional mandate to make laws for the good governance of the country. And we serve this mandate by convening ourselves and others in programs like this, to critically consider problems, advance solutions and agree on a joint strategy for law-making for oversight and collaboration with the executive, Mr Gbajabiamila said. The speaker said the experts and members of the House present at the retreat will review each of the bills, and achieve a collective understanding and shared appreciation of their objectives. We will together and individually work to rapidly advance these reform proposals through the legislative process, with a clear-eyed understanding of the fact that the work we do on these Bills will go a long way in ensuring that our country can defeat the forces of violence and strife that challenge us and threaten our peaceful prosperity, the speaker said. Overlapping mandates Vladimir Kreck, the resident representative of KAS said there is a need for improved collaboration between security agencies in Nigeria. We believe that only one agency, considering the magnitude of security challenges in Nigeria, that only one agency wont be able to tackle all the security issues in the country. Only joint approaches, collaborative approaches of security agencies in Nigeria may entail success in all aspects. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation, associated with the German ruling party, the Christian Democratic Union that has been supporting Security Sector Reform in Nigeria since 2016. Sharing some of the findings of a survey by KAS on the Overlapping Mandates of Security, Intelligence and Enforcement Agencies, Mr Kreck said there is a need to address core issues on the functions of the agencies. We realise that over the past decades, the a high number of security agencies were created in Nigeria by legislative acts, and in result, many of these agencies have overlapping mandates. Many of them even have the same mandates and there is no regulatory framework that might prevent conflicting situations between agencies, and rivalry. He said there is a need for frameworks that will induce inter-agency collaboration to tackle the main security challenges together and not in rivalry. Mr Kreck said the interventions of KAS in the security section is to seek reforms that will foster national security policy-making, improved democratic governance, and strengthen interagency approaches in the fight against crime, violence and terrorism in Nigeria. Today, Nigeria suffers from a variety of serious security challenges that are by far not limited to the Islamist insurgency in the North-east anymore. Large-scale banditry in the North-West, farmers-herders conflicts in the North-Central and in Southern parts of the country, insurgency movements in the South-East and, as of late, in the South-West, as well as banditry and militancy in the South-South, are the major security issues that destabilize the country and make development nearly impossible, ADVERTISEMENT Considering the scale of security challenges as well as the present overstretching of security agencies, it becomes clear that neither the armed forces nor the police or any other Nigerian security agency alone will be able to bring peace to the country. Only joint, collaborative approaches may entail success. Interagency collaboration, however, is not natural to agencies with similar or even overlapping mandates. In order to overcome rivalry between agencies and to induce synergies, a regulatory framework is necessary, defining the modes of collaboration, Mr Kreck said. He added that it is on this backdrop that amended security bills to foster coordination will be reviewed at the retreat. We are convinced that this retreat will not only contribute to a decisive step towards a more effective security sector, but also to more democratic governance in Nigeria, he said. Statutory weaknesses Speaking at the opening ceremony, Henry Nwabuwa, Chairman, Committee on Legislative Agenda, said the committee will ensure innovative solutions to address the most pressing national problems which revolve around security. He said during the period of the retreat, the committee, policymakers, and security experts will review bills that will address statutory weaknesses of the national security framework. Both the original and updated versions of the legislative agenda of the 9th House of Representatives included a commitment to seek and implement legislative reforms to the security architecture of Nigeria. Beyond specific considerations of provisions of these bills, we are here today to collect the opinions, observations, and ideas of members, so that these contributions can be part of other security reform bills, he said. Mr Nwabuwa said the reforms will serve the interest of the country and the committee will ensure they see the bills through to legislation. Also, Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS), said the retreat is the culmination of a survey on overlapping mandates in the constitutional and statutory frameworks regulating security and intelligence agencies in Nigeria conducted by KAS. The findings from the study, which will be presented at this retreat, show that despite perennial and often-cited problems such as insufficient funding, lack of military hardware, absence of robust intelligence gathering and analysis mechanisms and a host of other challenges, another significant challenge faced by security agencies in Nigeria relates to the poor understanding of and management of overlapping mandates. Whereas overlaps in functions are often necessary and even desirable, if not properly managed, it can lead to misunderstanding and sometimes even outright conflict. However, where there is synergy between agencies, they are better able to manage conflict, share resources, and draw from the operational competencies of one another, he said. Mr Sulaiman added that inter-agency collaboration can reduce the strain on existing resources and help the country effectively tackle insecurity. Despite denying allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), an old tweet has now emerged indicating that presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, supported and promoted the party in 2020, contrary to her claim that she quitted partisan politics in 2019. Ms Onochie on Thursday appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC which screened her for the position of national commissioner for the electoral umpire. She was nominated for the position by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2020. If confirmed, she will represent Delta State and by extension, the South-south geopolitical zone on the Commission. However, her nomination has triggered outrage among Nigerians with many describing it as unconstitutional. Many Nigerians 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. Civil Society Organisations have also petitioned the Senate opposing Ms Onochies appointment. While the main opposition party, PDP, also protested her nomination. During her screening exercise, Ms Onochie claimed she is not partisan anymore. Ms Onochie who said she is out of politics, described herself as madam 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. Since Buhari was elected as president for the second term, I have removed myself from everything about 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, she told the panel. But Ms Onochies claim is false. A tweet by the presidential aide on June 24, 2020 shows she promoted the APC stating that the party was going through a growth process. There is DEFINITELY an APC e-NEC meeting TOMORROW. We are going through a growth process. Thank you everyone, she wrote. At the time of the tweet, the partys National Working Committee (NWC) led by the former chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, was embattled and was eventually dissolved by the party`s National Executive Committee (NEC). Ms Onochies tweet came a day before the dissolution. The tweet is one of many open campaigns Ms Onochie did for the APC. At the screening, members of the panel were divided. While some questioned her integrity with regards to petitions written against her and an affidavit she swore declaring her membership of the party, others believed her past should not be used against her. ADVERTISEMENT Yahaya Gumau (Bauchi South) and Bamidele (Ekiti North) saw no reason why Ms Onochies past should be used against her. Mr Gumau stated that all the allegations against Ms Onochie were based on sentiments. Mr Bamidele argued that the current INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, 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. Onochie desperate for the position PDP Reacting to the screening exercise and Ms Onochies denial, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), derided the APC and Ms Onochie for denying her life in a desperation to be appointed INEC national commissioner. With her lies, Lauretta Onochie, a die-in-the-wool APC member, whose name appears as number 2 on the ward 4 register of the APC in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta state, has further demonstrated her lack of integrity to be trusted with the position of a national commissioner in INEC. Lauretta Onochie in her escapade in the Senate, may have forgotten that the lawmakers and Nigerians in general are aware of her subsisting oath filed in a pending suit in court affirming her membership of the APC, which she further reinforced and adopted under cross examination in the same matter very recently, part of the statement read. The PDP said allowing Ms Onochie anywhere near INEC would pollute the commission as well as the conduct of elections by the commission. The party therefore urged the Senate panel to stand on the side of the constitution and the sanctity of Nigerias electoral process by rejecting outright the nomination of Ms Onochie as INEC Commissioner. The committee is expected to present its 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, on Thursday, said seven soldiers lost their lives while repelling a bandits attack in his state on Tuesday. The governor said this when he visited five soldiers injured in the attack around Marke village. Mr Bagudu visited the soldiers where they are receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi. He was accompanied by some members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the bandits ambushed troops of the Forward Operational Base and of the Special Operational Command on a clearance operation. The seven fallen soldiers include four naval special force personnel. Aside from the five injured soldiers receiving treatment in hospital, two others were reported missing after the attack. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing in the area for the missing soldiers, sources earlier told PREMIUM TIMES. In a statement on Thursday, the governors spokesperson, Yahaya Sarki, said the injured soldiers are receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the hospital. Condolence visit The statement also said: The governor was accompanied on the sympathy visit by the Deputy Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammad Buhari Aliero, Majority Leader, Hon. Faruk Aliyu Nassarawa and some members of the House. I am here with some members of the State Assembly to visit soldiers of the Special forces serving in Kebbi State who were wounded in a very brave and courageous engagement with bandits in Zamfara two days ago. The incident also involves loss of lives of a number of soldiers, who also killed numerous bandits. On behalf of the people and Government of Kebbi State, we appreciate, thank and condole with them. We also pray with them for the regretable tragic loss of lives that were recorded in the attack. The Governor, in a sober voice, also offered his condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff and all those who lost their loved ones in the attack. Bagudu called for fervent prayers and support to our gallant soldiers against the bandits. He reiterated his call on the general public to appreciate the effort of the federal government and the security agencies in the ongoing fight against banditry in Nigeria. Special prayers were held in honor of the wounded victims and those who lost their lives in the attack, Mr Sarki said in the statement. Over a year after conflicts between the governing council and the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, almost tore the 59-year-old ivory tower apart, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Thursday broke his silence. Mr Buhari, who is the Visitor to the university, spoke on the prolonged crisis during the institutions 51st convocation ceremonies and award of honorary degrees to prominent Nigerians. The President was represented at the event by the executive secretary of the national universities commission (NUC), Abubakar Rasheed. Backstory Since 2017 when Oluwatoyin Ogundipe assumed office as the universitys 12th substantive vice-chancellor, the relationship between his management and the governing council led by Mr Wale Babalakin, an alumnus and a lawyer, had been frosty. The crisis peaked in 2020 when Mr Babalakin called for the cancellation of the universitys 51st convocation ceremonies, which had already kicked off. Many graduands, parents and well-wishers who had arrived in Lagos from far distances including overseas ahead of the ceremonies, were disappointed by the last-minute action, and heaped the blame on the chairman of the council. The crisis eventually consumed the council as President Muhammadu Buhari, in November 2020, announced its dissolution and reinstated the then suspended vice-chancellor. President speaks Mr Buhari, who described the crisis as avoidable, commended the senate of the university for what he described as its maturity and decision to send a delegation to me on the matter. He said the universitys senates intervention informed the decision to set up a visitation panel and the accompanying restoration processes. He said; Part of this restoration process necessitated the appointment of a new governing council for the university under the chairmanship of distinguished Senator Prince Tejuosu. I, therefore, urge all stakeholders within and outside the university to do everything, within the law, to ensure that peace reigns on this campus at all times so that the noble task of nation-building and problem-solving, may continue unabated. Essence of universities The President, who lamented the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy, however, described the situation as a launching pad for more innovations by scholars across the world. He said the situation cannot be different in Nigeria, urging the nations universities to live up to their expectations. Let me say, here, that the government will continue to ensure that our universities are genuine places of scholarship and innovation rather than theatres of avoidable conflicts. This is why I recently approved visitation panels to all federal universities and inter-university centres to assess the performance of these Institutions and what they require to confront current challenges, the President said. He promised to implement the recommendations of the panels, adding that universities are held in respect and that their managers must treat them as such. He said; We hold our universities in high esteem, and we believe that a healthy university system will translate to a healthy society and positive national development. We recognise the place of our intellectuals to undertake cutting-edge research that will address our existential realities and contribute to making life better for all. We acknowledge that our progress, as a nation, will be driven by a well-educated human resource base. That is why we shall continue to take necessary steps to ensure that our universities are crisis-free and provided with adequate resources. We shall continue to interface with all stakeholders to ensure that we have a stable, higher education system that is not only well-funded but also contributes to the nations global competitiveness. VC apologises Meanwhile, the vice-chancellor, while acknowledging the prompt intervention of the president, apologised to the graduands, parents, guardians and well-wishers, for the inconveniences caused by the sudden postponement. ADVERTISEMENT He said; In the last two days, I have apologised to the undergraduate and masters students for the cancellation of the university convocation ceremonies scheduled to hold from 9th 12th March 2020. Let me also extend the apology to our Ph.D students and honourees for the unfortunate event of last year. I know you all had prepared and committed time, energy and financial resources into preparing for the event, only to learn of its cancellation in the media, a few days to the ceremonies. But we are all glad today that Gods appointed time has come. Mr Ogundipe also thanked the President for the appointment of new governing council members led by a former senator and an alumnus of the university, Lanre Tejuoso. He said the new council has set in motion machinery to strengthen the institution and build the capacity of its members of staff. Listing the achievements of his administration, the vice-chancellor said despite the biting consequences of the pandemic and the conflict, quality research did not stop on the campus. He said; In line with one of my 6-point agenda for the university, which is uncompromising academic standards and excellent research output, the university has leveraged the excellence of all the great staff of the university by encouraging and assisting them to pay more attention to research and innovation. This has resulted in quite a large number of members of staff having attracted more than N14b in research grants since 2018. There were 6 patents in 2019 and 5 in 2020 of which 2 in each year have been prototyped. Indimi, Adadevor, Kensington honoured Meanwhile, the highpoint of the event was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees to five prominent Nigerians. They are the oil mogul and chairman of oriental energy resources limited, Mohammadu Indimi; chairman of Premier lotto limited, Adebutu Kessington, and chairman of troyka holdings limited, Biodun Shobanjo. The duo of the universitys former vice-chancellor, who recently died of coronavirus complications, Oye Ibidapo-Obe, and the former lead consultant physician and endocrinologist, first consultant hospital, late Amaeyo-Stella- Adedevoh, received posthumous honour. Donations As part of their contributions towards teaching and learning on the campus, both Mr Kessington and the chairman of Zenith Bank PLC, Jim Ovia, declared support for the institution. While Mr Kessignton pledged N200 million for internet infrastructure on the campus, Mr Ovia promised to provide 3,500 tablets for indigent students. On his part, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, a professor, said 200 indigenes of his state would be sponsored for postgraduate studies in the university. In attendance at the event were dignitaries including the business magnate, Aliko Dangote; former governor of Borno State and now a senator, Kashim Shetima; the universitys chancellor and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Garba, among others. ADVERTISEMENT The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has signed the bills granting financial autonomy to the state House of Assembly and judiciary. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Mr Tambuwal said Nigerians had been misled to believe that governors were opposed to financial autonomy for the two arms of government. He said the governors are only against Executive Order 10 which President Muhammadu Buhari issued to force the issue. All of us do believe in the autonomy of the Judiciary and the Legislature, no governor was against financial autonomy as believed by many Nigerians. The back and forth was as a result of Executive Order 10, which President Buhari was inadvertently ill-advised to sign. The constitution is self-enforcing. We believe in the constitution; not in Executive Order 10. Why should anyone believe in Executive Order 10? We do not believe in Executive Order 10, Mr Tambuwal said. The governor insisted that the allegation is wild and unsubstantiated that the governors do not want the autonomy of the judiciary and legislature. The governors all believe in building democratic institutions, he said, adding that the delay in implementing the autonomy was caused by Executive Order 10. Mr Tambuwal said when he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly passed the Constitutional Amendment bill that engendered the autonomy of the Federal Judiciary, noting that no executive order was signed by the president at the time. The President does not need to sign any executive order for the operationalisation of constitutional provisions because the Constitution is self-enforcing. Why then should anybody believe that there has to be an executive order for governors to obey the grundnorm of the country? In his address at the signing ceremony, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Aminu Achida, thanked the governor for his support and cooperation with the two other arms of government in the state. The spokesperson for Mr Buhari, Garba Shehu, could not be reached on Friday for comment on Mr Tambuwals remarks on Executive Order 10 signed by the president to ensure the autonomy of the legislature and judiciary in the states. Five Buhari-Must-Go campaigners picked up on Sunday at a popular Abuja church, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, have sued President Muhammadu Buhari, the churchs pastor-in-charge, and others, for alleged unlawful arrest and detention. Ben Manasseh, Anne Udoka, Henry Nwodo, Samuel Larry and Samuel Gabriel, filed their separate suits at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. The plaintiffs, who urged the court to declare their arrest and detention unlawful, also prayed for N10 million, each, in damages, for the violation of their fundamental rights. The suits are marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/631/2021, FHC/ABJ/CS/636/2021, FHC/ABJ/CS/637/2021, FHC/ABJ/CS/638/2021, and FHC/ABJ/CS/639/2021. Those sued as defendants include President Buhari, State Security Service (SSS) whose operatives arrested the plaintiffs, and the director-general of the spy agency, Yusuf Bichi. The other co-defendants are the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the pastor-in-charge of Dunamis church where the plaintiffs were arrested, Paul Eneche. The plaintiffs were said to have been arrested at the church on Sunday for wearing shirts with the Buhari-Must-Go inscription, a sign associated with activists calling for President Buharis removal on the account of his alleged incompetence in the handling of the worsening security and economic situations in the country. Their lawyer, Tope Temokun, argued in the separate suits, filed on their behalf on Thursday, that his clients are entitled to fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, right to freedom of expression and the press, right to freedom from discrimination and right to personal liberty. According to him, the rights are guaranteed under sections 35, 38, 39 and 42 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended and under Articles 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement} Act. They are sacred rights which can only be curtailed in accordance with the law, Mr Temokun wrote in the court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES late Thursday. Mr Temokun said the arrest and continued detention of his clients for wearing a clothing apparel with an inscription of BUHARI MUST GO! without a bail or arraignment, by men and officers under the command of the 1st, 2nd and 4th respondents (SSS, SSS boss, and Dunamis churchs pastor) constitute a very oppressive violation of the applicants fundamental rights. How we were arrested The plaintiffs said they were arrested by the churchs security guards and handed over to the operatives, the affidavits filed in support of their separate suits, read in part. Their case is that they were temporarily detained by the churchs security guards on the instruction of the pastor-in-charge, Mr Eneche, for SSS operatives to arrive and take them away. According to them, they were rough-handled by the SSS operatives who arrived later and whisked them away. A co-anti-Buhari campaigner, Adebayo Abdullah, who deposed to the affidavits on their behalf, said he was with the plaintiffs who wore the Buhari Must Go T-shirt when they were arrested. He said the applicants are his fellow-compatriot and fellow believer and campaigner for a better Nigeria. Mr Abdullah said they attended the church on Sunday, because of the preaching of the pastor-in-charge, Mr Eneche, in the recent time, which seemed to be in tandem with our philosophy of clamouring for a better country, a more passionately governed country, where killings of innocent citizens will become things of the past and a country that will be set on the path of reclaiming its lost glory. The deponent described how he discovered, while leaving the church, that some security guards of the church, allegedly under the instruction of Mr Eneche, challenged the only few attendee worshippers who wore T-shirts with the inscription Buhar2 Must Go to the church and were singly rounded up and arrested by the security men. ADVERTISEMENT He said the five applicants were arrested for wearing similar T-shirts with such inscription and were temporarily detained in the church for the (SSS) officers and operatives of the 1st and 2nd respondents to come and take them away. That shortly after the churchs security men arrested them by preventing them from leaving the church, the officers and operatives of the 1st and 2nd respondents arrived with one the Hilux pick-up van and two motorbikes; and the applicant, with others, were handed over to them. The applicant was rough-handled and manhandled by the operatives and officers of the 1st and the 2nd respondents on the church premises, who also seized the applicants phone and bundled him into the Hilux van like a common criminal and whisked the applicant away to an unknown detention facility, that is yet to be located till the time of filing this application. The deponent sought an urgent intervention to the applicants lives from the imminent danger as their whereabouts is unknown at the moment of presenting this application. He stated that the applicants were being kept away by the officers and operatives of the 1st and the 2nd respondents, and denied access to their families, their lawyer, justice and fair treatment. Prayers The plaintiffs, sought, among other prayers, a declaration that their arrest on Sunday, July 4, 2021 on the premises of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja, for wearing a choice clothing apparel with the inscription BUHARI MUST GO! by the SSS, the churchs guards, constituted a breach of their rights. They similarly urged the court to declare that their detention since their arrest, constitutes a violation of the applicants fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, right to freedom of expression and the press, right to freedom from discrimination and right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act. They also prayed for an order directing the defendants to either immediately release them unconditionally, grant bail to them pending the conclusion of the investigation into the allegation, if any, or arraign them within 24 hours of the making of the order. They also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from violating their rights or further detaining them in connection with the subject-matter. They each sought N10million making a total of N50million in damages, against the respondents. Application to produce detainees in court In addition to the main suit, the plaintiffs legal team also filed another for each of the detainees. One of the applications, which stated that the whereabouts of the applicants remained unknown since their arrest, sought an order compelling the SSS, which arrested them, produce them in court. Meanwhile, the church denied knowing anything about the arrest of the plaintiffs, in a statement on Thursday. It said the plaintiffs, who turned the church to a protest ground, were arrested outside the church by operatives without the knowledge of the church leadership. The ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to pay journalist, Agba Jalingo, N30 million as compensation for ill-treating and torturing him while in detention in Cross River State. The court said this in a judgment today according to a press release issued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Friday. The court was quoted in the statement as saying, Agba Jalingo was arrested and chained to a deep freezer for about 34 days without being charged to court, brutalised and dehumanised. This action taken on Jalingos behalf by SERAP seeks from this court reparation for inhuman treatment and torture meted out to him. We have looked at the evidence before us. There was no answer as to the facts that Jalingo was arrested and illegally detained, brutalised and dehumanised. This is against international human rights treaties, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights to which Nigeria is a state party. The Nigerian government has flouted the provisions of these treaties on international fair trial standards. For these reasons, on the claims of compensation for ill-treatment and torture, SERAP has been able to establish the claims. We condemn the Nigerian government for these acts, and hereby award compensation of N30 million to Mr Jalingo for violations of his human rights. The Nigerian government must comply with the order of the court within three months, and file a process to this court to this effect. Reactions Reacting to the judgment, a lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) said: In view of the ongoing brutalization of hapless Nigerian citizens by the police and other security agencies, this judgment could not have come at a more opportune time than now. It is to be hoped that the Federal and state governments and all law enforcement agencies will study the terms of the judgment and desist from further infringing on the human rights of the Nigerian people, including criminal suspects who are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by the state. The judgment followed the suit filed by SERAP against the government of Nigeria and Cross River state government of governor Ben Ayade to ECOWAS Court over the prolonged, arbitrary detention; unfair prosecution; persecution, and sham trial of Mr Jalingo. Mr Jalingo, who is the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, was arrested on August 22 over a report alleging that Mr Ayade diverted N500 million belonging to the state. The court gave the order for compensation after hearing arguments from Solicitor to SERAP, Femi Falana SAN, and lawyers to the government Abdulahi Abubakar and A. A. Nuhu. This development was disclosed today by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare. In the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/10/2020, SERAP argued that: The sole objective of the government of Nigeria and the Cross River state government of governor Ben Ayade is to perpetually keep Agba Jalingo in arbitrary detention and to silence him simply for expressing critical views and carrying out his legitimate job as journalist. The suit, read in part: The harassment, intimidation, unfair prosecution and arbitrary detention of Agba Jalingo simply for exercising his human rights violate Nigerias international human rights obligations, including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights to which the country is a state party. The government of Nigeria and the Cross-River state government of governor Ben Ayade have via the charges of terrorism and treason and denial of bail to Agba Jalingo, violated and continued to breach his human rights. SERAP contends that Agba Jalingo is being unfairly prosecuted because of his reporting in his online news outlet, Cross River Watch, which alleged that the Cross Rivers State Governor diverted the sum of N500 Million, belonging to the Cross-River Micro Finance Bank. On 22nd August 2019, the Nigeria Police, through its special anti-robbery squad arrested Agba Jalingo. On 23rd August 2019, Mr. Jalingo was transferred to a detention facility run by the anti-cult and anti-kidnapping police in Calabar, the capital of Nigerias southern Cross River state and was held there for days before his arraignment on 31st August, 2019. Kolawole Oluwadare SERAP Deputy Director ADVERTISEMENT 9/7/2021 Lagos, Nigeria ADVERTISEMENT President Jonathan emerged in a context of uncertainty over the continuation of the arrangement when he contested the following general election. The victory of President Buhari for a second term means this time the North would have its full eight-year term. In this context, opposing power shift to the South can only be described as dangerous political mischief. Political manoeuvres are currently at an advanced stage as the political class position themselves for power through the 2023 election. The political crisis in the country is, however, so severe that Nigeria may not reach that fatidic date in one piece. The problem, as we know, is that politicians are the most focused people on earth they seek to get power only, and therefore spend little time on issues of collateral damage that might be caused by their modes of engagement. The current demand is for power shift to the South and the Northern forces are positioning themselves on the Yes/No axis. For the past seventy years, Nigerian politics has been strongly marked by the question of ethno-regional domination and the control of political power and its instruments. The second concern of the political class pertains to the control of economic power and resources. Both are formidable instruments that are used to influence the authoritative allocation of resources to groups and individuals. It is therefore not surprising that whenever political elites believe their interests are at stake, they have not hesitated to play the trump card of threatening the territorial integrity of the country. Nigerias short post-colonial political life has been riddled with calls for secession, confederation or other ways of breaking up the country. What we are seeing today is not new. Whenever the interests of a political elite have been threatened, they have floated the secession banner, and all major political groups in the country have resorted to the tactic at some point. It was the Sardauna of Sokoto, leader of the Northern Peoples Congress, who first referred to the amalgamation of the Nigerian provinces as the mistake of 1914. That was in the early 1950s, when he flagged the secession banner because he felt that Southern politicians were unwilling to understand the attitudes of the Northern elite towards independence. The Sardaunas position was that the Northern elite would not rush for independence if it meant replacing European domination with Southern domination. In the 1950 Ibadan Constitutional Conference to review the Richards Constitution, a representational ratio of 45:33:33 for the North, West and East was proposed. Northern politicians felt threatened by this arrangement and the Emir of Zaria stated clearly that the North must have 50 per cent of the seats or secede from the country. In more recent times, the battle over ethno-regionalism has expressed itself in epic battles for the control of the presidency. The first of these battles was the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The election was annulled mid-way through the announcement of the results, just at the moment when it had become clear that M.K.O Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim, had won a landslide victory In the 1954 Lagos Constitutional Conference, it was the turn of the Action Group (AG) to demand that a secession clause should be inserted into the Constitution. The move was opposed by the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). In 1964, following the census and election crises, Southern politicians were getting disenchanted with their future in Nigeria. Michael Okpara, Premier of the Eastern Region, then threatened in December 1964 that the East would secede and the Northern Premier responded that there was no secession clause in the Constitution. Okpara went ahead to establish a committee under his Attorney General to work out the modalities for a declaration of secession by Eastern Nigeria. When Ojukwu finally decided to embark on the course of secession three years later, he had a ready-made plan waiting for him. Calls for secession were also being expressed within the Regions themselves. In February 1964, Isaac Shaahu of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) declared in the Northern House of Assembly that the Tiv people felt unwanted and threatened To pull out of the North and the Federation as a whole. He added that, We shall be a sovereign state; we shall be joining nobody. We are 1,000,000 in population, bigger than Gambia and Mauritania. He was reacting to perceived marginalisation of the Tiv elite from the formal political process and excessive state repression in Tiv land. The transition from threats to an actual attempt at secession was made on February 23, 1966 when Isaac Boro decided that he was not ready to live in a Nigeria ruled by the Igbos. He therefore declared the Independence of the Niger Delta Peoples Republic, following the first coup and the establishment of the Ironsi regime. Boro had become very disturbed by the perceived Igbo domination of Eastern minorities since his days as a student activist at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His Republic lasted for only twelve days, the time it took the police to round-up his rag-tag army of 159 volunteers. Isaac Boro was eventually released at the onset of the Nigerian civil war, when he joined the Federal side, and was killed in battle in 1968, fighting for the liberation of Rivers State. In more recent times, the battle over ethno-regionalism has expressed itself in epic battles for the control of the presidency. The first of these battles was the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The election was annulled mid-way through the announcement of the results, just at the moment when it had become clear that M.K.O Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim, had won a landslide victory over Bashir Tofa, a Hausa Muslim from Kano. Even if the truth of the matter was that General Babangida, the then Head of State, was a dictator who wanted to rule for as long as possible, the Yoruba, and indeed the Southern elite, were convinced that the annulment of the 1993 election was a Hausa-Fulani plot to keep them out of power. The election was considered to have been relatively free and fair and a good opportunity to start rebuilding confidence in the Nigerian nation-state. The cancellation however led to strong ethnic and regional fears that the Hausa-Fulani ruling class was not going to allow a Southerner to rule, even if he wins a democratic election. It was at that time that the Southern press led a massive media campaign, the main tenet of which was that the Hausa-Fulani will always sacrifice democratisation so as to maintain themselves in power. There is nothing new in Nigerian politics. It was in this context that the debate over power shift to the South grew very loud. What is on the agenda today is that the North agreed to power shift to the South in 1999, to address the strong feelings provoked by the power elongation antics of Generals Babangida and Abacha, and the result was the emergence of General Obasanjo as president on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which accepted the principle of power shift. The argument at that time, according to Charles Ibiang (ThisDay, 11/2/99), was that out of the twelve Heads of State Nigeria had been ruled by at that point, only four were from Southern Nigeria and that the Southern rulers were in power for only six, of the thirty-eight years that the country had been independent. The occupant of the seat of power, Aso Rock, should then therefore be from the Southern geographical zone. According to Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President during the Second Republic (The Guardian, 26/1/99), the term power shift was invented as an alternative to the concepts of zoning and rotation, which had dominated the National Constitutional Conference of 1994-95. Section 229 of the 1995 Draft Constitution had stipulated that the presidency should be rotated between the North and the South, gubernatorial power rotated between the three senatorial districts in each state, and the chairmanship of local governments between three zones to be created in each of them. These constitutional proposals were however completely discredited when it became clear that General Abacha was going to continue as elected president and that the zoning was therefore going to start from the North, the region that had monopolised power for a long time. It also brought back memories from the Second Republic. The then ruling National Party of Nigeria had adopted a zoning and rotation policy for the presidency, but when M.K.O Abiola tried to compete for the partys presidential nomination for the 1983 election, he only received insults from the party hierarchy. The concept of power shift therefore arose to remove the ambiguity associated with zoning and rotation. The idea was to focus on what was presented as the essential issue of a Southerner taking over power. What is on the agenda today is that the North agreed to power shift to the South in 1999, to address the strong feelings provoked by the power elongation antics of Generals Babangida and Abacha, and the result was the emergence of General Obasanjo as president on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which accepted the principle of power shift. Obasanjo, however, precipitated a crisis with his third term bid, which put a spanner in the works. Thankfully, he did not succeed and was stopped by the struggle of Nigerians and power shift to the North happened with the emergence of YarAdua, who died before his tenure ended. Then President Jonathan emerged in a context of uncertainty over the continuation of the arrangement when he contested the following general election. The victory of President Buhari for a second term means this time the North would have its full eight-year term. In this context, opposing power shift to the South can only be described as dangerous political mischief. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. Kaunda was a dove, with dove-like qualities including loyalty, selflessness, love, devotion, honesty, purity and faith; his signature white handkerchief, which he began to wave from his days in British prison, was itself, a symbol of peace. The neo-colonial trajectory of almost all African states, the neo-liberal policies they pursue, and their anti-people programmes, lead in virtually all cases to constant conflicts between African political leaders and workers. As such, it is rare for workers to eulogise their political elite. For them, at the continental level, to collectively eulogise and honour a particular African president is, indeed, a rarity. Perhaps only the legendary Nelson Mandela passed that test. The only African leader who surpassed Mandela on this score was former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, affectionately called KK or KK of Africa. He was the only person in history who African labour leaders collectively eulogised, begged for forgiveness and honoured. This was not just for the unparalleled support, including material, he gave to liberation movements, his commitment to the African people, his humility and for being a symbol of African unity, but also for the indignity he suffered in the hands of former labour leaders in his country after he left office. This story began in 1987 when following conflicts between the central Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), and the government, the passports of then ZCTU President, Frederick Chiluba; Secretary General, Newstead Zimba; and Executive member, Chitalu Sampa, were seized and they were barred from travelling out of the country. The continental labour centre, the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) decided to intervene. Its then Secretary General, Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, led a delegation which included officials of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)s African Office, to Lusaka. President Kaunda granted the delegation audience, during which he presented the case of his government against the ZCTU leaders. The labour delegation tried to disabuse Kaundas mind and asked for unrestricted movement for the labour leaders. Kaunda assured them that with their intervention, all actions against the ZCTU and its leaders would be discontinued immediately and as a gesture of goodwill, he ordered the passports of the labour leaders released to the delegation. Ironically, four years later, Chiluba, as candidate of the opposition Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), defeated Kaunda at the 1991 presidential election. The Chiluba government included Newstead Zimba as Home Affairs and Information Minister, and Chitalu Sampa, at various times, as Home Affairs, Mines, and Defence Minister. The government, despite all appeals, embarked on a with-hunt programme against the revered Kaunda, who as head of an 11-party coalition of opposition parties, accused Chiluba of ineptitude and gross corruption. Fifty eight days after the coup, the Chiluba government decided to rope Kaunda into the ongoing trial. It was Christmas day, and the security forces invaded Kaundas home and threw him into the maximum prison. He was accused of concealing treason, a charge that carried a life sentence. On Saturday, August 23, 1997, Kaunda attended a rally of the National Opposition Alliance in Kabwe, north of Lusaka. Armed policemen moved in to break the rally and in the process shot at Kaundas car. A bullet struck his forehead. Two other opposition leaders, including Mr Roger Chongwe, were also shot. Kaunda told the BBC on his hospital bed: There is no doubt in my mind that the assassination attempts on our lives was an instruction from above, indicating that President Chiluba wanted him dead. On October 28, 1997, there was a coup attempt against the Chiluba government led by Captains Steven Lungu and Jack Chiti. The government rounded up 104 suspects, including members of the ruling and opposition parties. Some died from torture; a claim confirmed by the coup tribunal. Fifty eight days after the coup, the Chiluba government decided to rope Kaunda into the ongoing trial. It was Christmas day, and the security forces invaded Kaundas home and threw him into the maximum prison. He was accused of concealing treason, a charge that carried a life sentence. But the charge could not stick and Kaunda was freed. When two years later, Kaunda decided to contest in the presidential election against Chiluba, high ranking members of the ruling party took him to court claiming he was not a Zambian and should be deported. The claim was based on the fact that Zambia, then known as Northern Rhodesia; Zimbabwe, then called Southern Rhodesia; and Malawi, then called Nyasaland, was a single central African federation under British colonialism. Kaundas father, David Kaunda, a priest and teacher, was from the Nyasaland of the federation, but was based in Lusaka. His young son, KK, led Northern Rhodesia against the union, broke it up and secured independence for the new territory, which he and his compatriots renamed Zambia, a name they derived from the great Zambezi River. When he became the founding President of Zambia, Kaunda renounced his Malawian origins and took up Zambian citizenship. But the Chiluba group challenged Kaundas citizenship and a pliant High Court, on April Fools Day in 1999, ruled that under the Zambian constitution, the countrys founding president, who presided over its affairs for 27 years, was not a citizen. Under Zambian law, he was liable to be arrested, his passport seized and deported to a country willing to take him, as he had become stateless since he had previously renounced his Malawian citizenship. When Kaunda accepted the invitation, the OATUU approached the then leader of the host country, President Omar Hassan Bashir to send a presidential jet to pick Kaunda and also return him to Lusaka. Bashir felt honoured and released the jet. Kaunda accepted the apology and honour of African workers. This was a joke taken too far and Africa, in unison, rose against the Chiluba government. Ironically, President Chilubas parents had come from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and if Kaunda were to be deported, he himself was liable for deportation! The OATUU, which had intervened on behalf of Chiluba in 1987, was so shocked and ashamed, not just by the profligacy of the Chiluba administration, which was proved in court, but particularly by his hounding and humiliation of the African icon. Rather than send a mere letter of apology to Kaunda or a delegation to visit him, the OATUU decided to invite him to its International Quadrennial Conference in Khartoum, Sudan to publicly apologise and honour him for his demonstrable pro-people policies and sacrifices to rid the entire continent of colonialism and Apartheid. When Kaunda accepted the invitation, the OATUU approached the then leader of the host country, President Omar Hassan Bashir to send a presidential jet to pick Kaunda and also return him to Lusaka. Bashir felt honoured and released the jet. Kaunda accepted the apology and honour of African workers. Kaunda was a dove, with dove-like qualities including loyalty, selflessness, love, devotion, honesty, purity and faith; his signature white handkerchief, which he began to wave from his days in British prison, was itself, a symbol of peace. ADVERTISEMENT Despite his peaceful nature and non-violence advocacy, Kaunda was not opposed to picking up the gun if inevitable; which was why he supported the armed struggle of the liberation movements. It is this practical attitude to life that saw him survive the settler-hawks of Northern Rhodesia, the flesh-eating falcons of British colonialism, the circling vultures of Apartheid South Africa and the man-eating cassowary (Casurius) birds in Zambia. Our father, Kaunda left on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 97, and was laid to eternal rest on July 7. May we be his worthy inheritors. Ameen. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. ADVERTISEMENT In Enugu, Osita has a stature that rivals that of a folk hero. He is a constant feature of that city with all its glory, including the famed street art of the Ogene music along Okpara square. Its not uncommon to see the chief wriggle his waist to the melodious tune, while leading a procession to the citys cultural landmark. Since I made up my mind to pen these thoughts on Osita Chidokas life journey, I have had to wrestle internally to keep my personal bias at bay. The reason being that the goal here is to present the fact as I know it, without launching a hagiography about my Jackson House hostel mate, who has been a leader for as long as I have known him. Growing up in my neck of the woods, everyone knew Osy Chidoka. I later joined him and a few other close friends at Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, Enugu, as part of the graduating class of 1988. We werent particularly close in school probably because I couldnt make the cut into the big boys club back in those days. I was friends with his uncle, Echezona Charles Nzelu, who is now a medical doctor. Even then, Osita was very popular as a student leader and he later became the deputy senior prefect of the school. We got to know each other a little closer through a few other interactions, especially during the weekly house meetings on Sundays. Although our paths diverged thereafter, as he went on to pursue a degree in Business Management at the University of Nigeria (UNN), while I went to medical school, we still shared a solid bond through the city and school we both love so much. I will come back to that in a bit. Even as he dissolved into academics while at UNN, Osita still found time to play the kingmaker in the then Students Union government, built his way up to become the Igwe of Kenneth Dike Hall and under the tutelage of late Arthur Nwankwo, was gradually introduced onto the national political stage. By the time President Babangida annulled the June 12, 1993 election and Chief M.K.O Abiola was fighting to reclaim his mandate, Osita Chidoka had become an emissary of some sort between the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and other pro-democracy forces fighting alongside Moshood Abiola. From his brief stint as a Senior Public Affairs Advisor to the American Oil giant, Exxon-Mobil, to serving in many capacities as Special Assistant (SA) to members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief Chidokas rise to national prominence was meteoric. It was his position as the Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), however, that cemented his position as an astute administrator. It did not hurt that the late Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the man who was as controversial as he was brilliant, took him under his wings. As the Chief executive officer of FRSC between 2007 and 2014, that government agency witnessed unprecedented growth and a slew of transformative changes. From being among the first of its kind to embrace Private Public Partnership (PPP), a move designed to cut government spending, to creating an all-inclusive work environment where lower staff cadre felt visible and protected. It was also during his time in the agency that the national drivers license assumed full biometric capabilities. President Jonathan tapped him as his Aviation Minister in recognition of his exemplary leadership and strong work ethic, great people skill and being a bridge builder across Nigerias multi-cultural/politics divides. His former boss and current governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El Rufai fondly calls him Osita of the Federal Republic, not to be confused with the national honour he bagged as an Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). Since leaving political office following the defeat of President Jonathan in the 2015 election, Chief Chidoka has remained active in both private and public life. In 2017, he ran for the governorship of Anambra State as a member of the United Progressive Party, but lost to Governor Willie Obiano of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). His campaign at the time, with the help of Mr. Patrick Okigbo of Nextier Policy Advisory, embraced a grassroots fund raising effort that was both innovative and exemplary. Although that did not translate into electoral victory, the chief was clearly ahead of his time. As a Special Adviser on Strategy and External Engagements to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he is helping Nigerias main opposition party to produce an actionable strategy to reposition itself for victory in the upcoming elections. He is currently the executive chairman of Noble and Marble, a group of companies focused on transport advisory, training, among others, and a freshly-minted law graduate of Baze University, Abuja. In Enugu, Osita has a stature that rivals that of a folk hero. He is a constant feature of that city with all its glory, including the famed street art of the Ogene music along Okpara square. Its not uncommon to see the chief wriggle his waist to the melodious tune, while leading a procession to the citys cultural landmark. Osy is a full blown 042. In his hometown, where he holds the prestigious title of Ike Obosi, he is fully enmeshed in lots of philanthropic efforts. In 2019, he launched a health outreach initiative with an ambitious plan to benefit the 179 communities in Anambra State. He has also been in the vanguard of many youth development and empowerment programmes across the country. What do you say to a man whom God has so richly blessed? Welcome to chapter 5.0, Ike Obosi. May your days be long. Osmund Agbo, a public affairs analyst is the coordinator of African Center for Transparency and Convener of Save Nigeria Project. Email: Eagleosmund@yahoo.com ADVERTISEMENT Importantly, Madam Adeosun must know that what led to the uproar and strident calls for her removal was not whether she had a NYSC certificate or needed the certificate to be able to hold the office of a minister, but the fact that she presented a forged Exemption Certificate to the authorities. The forgery was not discovered until the press exposed the lie. On July 7, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Mrs Kemi Adeosun, as of the time she was appointed a Minister in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, did not need an NYSC Discharge Certificate or any form of waiver to be able to hold such a high public office or contest any election in Nigeria. The Presiding Judge, Honourabe Justice Taiwo Taiwo, declared that, as a British citizen who graduated from a United Kingdom university at 22 years of age in 1989, Mrs Adeosun was unqualified to participate in the NYSC programme meant for Nigerian graduates. As reported in online edition of This Day newspaper of July 8, Honourabe Justice Taiwo argued that when Mrs Adeosun returned to Nigeria and became a Nigerian citizen at over 30 years old, she had become ineligible to participate in the NYSC scheme, adding that it would have been a criminal offence if she had participated in the NYSC under any guise. For clearly understandable reasons, the former Minister took a victory tour across the social media to congratulate herself, family, lawyers and just about every other person in her orbit. Hear her: The court, presided over by Honourabe Justice Taiwo Taiwo, ruled that the constitution does not require me to present my first degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate, to be appointed a Minister. More importantly, he also ruled that I was not eligible to perform NYSC by virtue of the constitution. The triumphant former minister went further to declare that the ruling vindicates me after a very traumatic spell. Basking in victory, Mrs Adeosun made sure to throw in a veiled threat, declaring that in light of the courts ruling, I will at the appropriate time and without hesitation, take all further steps necessary within the law to protect my reputation. Mrs Adeosun deserves our collective gratitude in taking the courage to go to court to challenge a grey area in the NYSC law that affects many young Nigerians born to Nigerian parents abroad with the right of dual citizenship. Like many Nigerian parents and their offsprings who would benefit from Honourable Justice Taiwos ruling, I must congratulate Mrs Adeosun on her legal victory. Indeed, Madam Adeosun has every right to protect her reputation, but she must not push her luck too far by threatening legal action against her traducers. Nigerians have come to accept the fact that she was unfortunate to mix with the wrong crowd or some persons who sought and got the forged NYSC certificate on her behalf, only to expose the big lie when apparently they could not bend her to do their bidding. Such shenanigans are some of the reasons not a few decent Nigerians stay far away from politics to protect their reputations. Apparently Madam Adeosun could not resist the lure and glitter of politics; hence she was forced to swallow a poison pill in the public square. On a personal level, my unsolicited advice to you, Madam, is to not push your luck. Even in your treatise on social media, you conveniently choose not to answer whether you presented a forged certificate or not; a question that agitated the minds of not a few Nigerians while this debacle lasted. You do not need to answer that now, because even though the past may be a prologue, it is not destiny. Importantly, Madam Adeosun must know that what led to the uproar and strident calls for her removal was not whether she had a NYSC certificate or needed the certificate to be able to hold the office of a minister, but the fact that she presented a forged Exemption Certificate to the authorities. The forgery was not discovered until the press exposed the lie. The former Minister must not also forget that the judgment was silent on the vexatious issue of a forged NYSC certificate, because that was never an issue before the court. The court only made a ruling based on the relief she herself sought, namely, that she did not require the NYSC certificate to be appointed as a Minister. That should be good enough for Madam Adeosun, especially because the threat to retrieve a ruined reputations from a highly charged public interest disputation can be a slippery slope. Nigerians are a very forgiving people; they have moved on, so Madam Adeosun should let sleeping dogs lie. On a personal level, my unsolicited advice to you, Madam, is to not push your luck. Even in your treatise on social media, you conveniently choose not to answer whether you presented a forged certificate or not; a question that agitated the minds of not a few Nigerians while this debacle lasted. You do not need to answer that now, because even though the past may be a prologue, it is not destiny. Your colourful launch of the DashMe Foundation, with the Vice President in attendance, amply demonstrated your continuing star power and potential for a great comeback. Keep your eye on the ball and do not look back, for the past is gone and only the future beckons. And now, Madam Adeosun, whatever be the case, accept my best wishes for a glorious future where NYSC certificates do not rule the roost. Wale Oloko writes from Lagos, Nigeria. ADVERTISEMENT 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. . 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Related Offences Bill stipulating up to life imprisonment for a person found guilty of rape. The assembly has forwarded the bill to Governor Aminu Tambuwal for assent. The assembly, presided over by its Deputy Speaker, Abubakar Magaji, at its Tuesday plenary, unanimously accepted the 34 recommendations on the bill presented to the House. The motion to pass the bill was put forward by member, Bello Ambaruwa, (APC), following consideration of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Human Rights report. Presenting the report, the committees chairperson, Maidawa Kajiji (APC), said the committee consulted all stakeholders to ensure proper recommendations on the bill. The committee recommended an interpretation section be created in the Bill on all phrases relating to violence against a person that includes abandonment of women, children, circumcision of a girl or woman, domestic relationship and violence among others. That a provision for compensation of victims be created in which for all offences in the law, the court shall, in addition to penalties, provide for the offences, award appropriate compensation to the victim, as it may deem fit in the circumstance. Whoever commits rape shall be punished with imprisonment for life or for a term of not less than 21 years, provided that the offender is up to 14 years of age, or shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not more than 14 years or below if less than 12 years, Mr Kajiji told reporters. He, however, said in the case of gang rape, the offenders will be liable to not less than 25 years imprisonment without an option of fine, while any person who rapes a child shall also be liable to life imprisonment. A register for convicted sexual offenders shall be maintained in the Bill and made accessible to the public, the lawmaker added. Child abandonment The law also stipulated that a person who performs female circumcision or mutilation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding four years or fine not less than N200,000 or both. Also a person who abandons a wife or husband, children or other dependents without any means of sustenance shall serve imprisonment term not exceeding three years or (a) fine not exceeding N500,000 or both and pay compensation in addition, the lawmaker quoted parts of the laws. The lawmaker further said that the bill made provision for the establishment of a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) offences response team in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. This is to include a representative of the Ministries of Justice, Women and Children Affairs, Social Welfare, and Health as well as Nigeria Police, Civil Defense Corps and CSOs. The team shall be responsible for the monitoring of the SGBV cases, to provide Legal, Medical, Emergency assistance, Counselling and Psychological and Psycho-Social support to survivors, the lawmaker said. ADVERTISEMENT The police in Lagos State have announced the arrest of four suspected cultists belonging to Aiye confraternity, while celebrating the annual Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe 7/7. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 7 every year, most cult groups gather to celebrate themselves. The spokesman for the command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday. Mr Adejobi said the police operatives attached to Area J, Ajah and Ogombo Division of the command arrested the four suspects belonging to Aiye confraternity on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. According to him, the operatives on routine Stop and Search, arrested two of the suspects, aged 23 and 43 at Eleko Junction, Ajah Area at 1.30p.m., with the regalia of Aiye confraternity. Similarly, the police operatives attached to Ogombo Division also arrested two suspects belonging to same Aiye confraternity, aged 25 and 28, on July 8, at about 6.30a.m. , in Ogombo Area of Lagos State. Items recovered from them include one locally-made double barrel short gun, seven live cartridges, one expended cartridge and some regalia belonging to Aiye confraternity. The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered that the suspects be transferred to the Commands Strike Team, Ikeja, for proper investigation and possible prosecution, he said. The police spokesperson reiterated the commands commitment to sustain its fight against cultism and other forms of criminality in Lagos State. (NAN) The Founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), T.B Joshua, was on Friday laid to rest in the church premises at Ikotun, Lagos. Mr Joshua died after a church service at SCOAN on June 5 , few days to his 58 birthday anniversary. The church had at a news conference on June 29 said that July 5 to July 11 would be dedicated for a series of Mr Joshuas laying to rest activities tagged: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Prophet Joshua (1963 to 2021). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that people from different races, cultures and countries gathered to give final respect to the late preacher. NAN reports that before the interment of the late preacher, his burial service was held and Bible passages read. The first Bible reading, taken from First Corinthians 15: 51 57, was taken by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, after which Stephen Ogedengbe of the Wisdom of Chapel Ministry explained the passage. The cleric urged Christians to emulate the exemplary life of love lived by the late founder of SCOAN. Mr Ogedengbe said: The character of a true believer is to find refuge in our Lord Jesus. That is why children of God are not afraid in reaching the final destination death. Heaven is our home, our dwelling place. According to him, Mr Joshua had always mentioned that those from above longed to be there. Ayoub Kara, a minister from Israel, took the second Bible reading from Revelation 21: 1- 7, while Robert Acosta, a pastor from Argentina, peached a sermon from it. Mr Acosta said that Christians should follow Christ because outside Jesus there is no reality. He said that Mr Joshua did so many miracles and showed much love to many people. After the sermon, Mr Akeredolu and the representative of governor of Lagos State delivered speeches. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olarewaju Elegushi, told the congregation that the late prophet fulfilled his destiny on earth by living for others. He encouraged christians to long for the spirit of dedication shown by SCOAN founder. ADVERTISEMENT His life should encourage us to renew our hope in Christ. Unity, peace, progress and love should be our watchword as christians, he said. Mr Sanwo-Olu urged Christians to emulate the late prophets life and live in peace with everyone without discriminating. In his speech, Mr Akeredolu described the death of Mr Joshua as a huge loss to the people of Ondo State, Nigeria and the world at large. Mr Akeredolu said that Mr Joshua contributed immensely to the emancipation of the downtrodden, orphans, widows and other less privileged people. He said that the late prophet touched the lives of many people economically and spiritually. He was not born with a silver spoon but from what I heard, he was a special child because he performed miracles even from primary school. He was born with a special gift, and his love was not only for the less priviledged. Even those of us who are privileged benefitted from his love, Mr Akeredolu said. (NAN) With gas prices likely soaring for the holiday weekend, are you planning to travel or stay close to home? You voted: PLATTSBURGH [mdash] Edward "Pete" Webber Jr., 97, passed away on July 16, 2021, at the CVPH Medical Center. He was born in Plattsburgh on Sept. 24, 1923, the son of Edward and Addie (Sanford) Webber Sr. Edward was employed as a printer for the Press-Republican for 45 years, following in his Plattsburgh, NY (12901) Today Cloudy with rain ending for the afternoon. High 72F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight A few showers early, then clouds lingering overnight. Low around 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. PHOTO PROVIDEDMarlene and Larry Ashline, joined by Ken Lehman of Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure (right) and North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas, celebrate the recent expansion of their solar farm on Route 11 in Mooers Forks. The couple began the new age farm in 2019, but it now includes around 75,000 solar panels spanning 85 acres. Marlene said they entered the venture to help the environment and the sustainability of their farm. "We're just happy that we could provide all of this solar for the future. We're just trying to help out the planet." 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Prince William community has proven resilient. The Prince William Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Prince William Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. ABUJA, Nigeria, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For many Nigerians in the lower and middle classes, owning a home remains a life-long dream due to the enormous cash needed to either buy or build a house. However, providing succour and turning this dream into reality seems to be on the way as Tent Group Limited is giving even much more than desired to Nigerians and those in Diaspora can ever imagine. With a vision geared towards easing housing challenges, Tent Group provides classy houses that convincingly match the taste of high net worth individuals, the middle and low-income class Nigerians. "Search no more. Tent Group Limited is here to give you even much more than you can ever imagine," said the chairman and chief executive officer of Tent Group, Charles Nwakamma Chukwuemeka. He said the company has come in full force with passion and excellence to do something different by setting higher standards and delivering smart homes. On what the firm is bringing to the market, Chukwuemeka said the genre of smart homes it offers includes energy-efficient and gas-efficient apartments. The CEO said the energy-efficient and gas-efficient are thermal homes built to avert heat. He said, "The experience in parking into a smart home is like having a home with virtually everything inside. They are almost like walking in with your clothes, and every other thing is available for you. "We are flexible, considering the fact that prospective clients in the real estate market come with a variety of needs, tastes, and expectations. The company has analysed these trends and also proffered solutions to satisfy our valued clients. "To satisfy clients' desires and specifications, Tent Group is focused on offering all building types that match prospects' unique tastes and expectations, from four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes to four-bedroom terraces, five-bedroom detached duplexes, and six-bedroom detached duplexes as well as one, two and three-bedroom flats." He said the company also has semi-detached duplexes, which according to him, is part of the unique offers Tent Group is bringing to the market. He noted that the company also offers mortgage protection for off-takers: "This protection remains unprecedented in the real estate industry and is not accessible by other real estate companies. It is one of its kind feature in the market, to protect our customers. "We brought this in to protect our clients and off-takers from shocks and uncertainties which may arise from job losses, accidents, sicknesses that may render them incapable of paying for the building. "In such cases, the insurance companies will come in and complete the payment of the building for him under this offer. That is one of the things we are providing free of charge. We pay the premium on behalf of the off-takers," Chukwuemeka said. For Nigerians in Diaspora, as well as Nigeria who wish to key into the exquisite offers, he said the firm has a platform where prospective homeowners will register, give building type and specification while the firm conceptualises the building to meet the need of the homeowner. "We developed a robust thought-out process from conceptualization to initiating projects to meet the needs of Nigerians in Diaspora, understanding the types of housing concepts in demand in the UK, US and others. "We have a platform where you register. You tell us the type of house you want. We would design it from the conceptualization of the building to meet your need, and we would build it for you. You would be able to monitor the building from day one to the end of the project because when we initiate the project, we also plan it for you, execute." "These are the processes we have put in place. It gives Nigerians in Diaspora a lot of confidence. You know that some of them have confidants like uncles, aunties, brothers, and sisters to whom they sent money in the past, however, do not deliver such homes. "We have also made it comfortable and convenient for them because they are not paying 100 per cent of the project cost. So, from the time they pay as low as 10 per cent or 20 per cent of the cost, we start building for them." For Nigerians in Diaspora who are willing to come back to Nigeria, he said the firm also offers rent-to-own apartments. "We can also build for our client using our funds, then you rent and pay. When you rent this apartment, you are paying for your house. So we know it will take you five years or 10 years as the case may be, to finish paying for the building. These are some of the packages that we have provided, especially for Nigerians and Nigerians in the Diaspora." He said the firm clients cut across every sector, especially the corporate world, the NGOs, and the cooperatives. "Either you are in the high-end, the mid-market, and the low-end class of the market the company has a unique offer for you," he said. On ensuring the apartment gets the best finishing in line with globally accepted practices, he said that "discerning individuals who worry so much about finishes and details in their homes of choice sure need to touch base with and talk to Tent Group." He further stated that the finishing on its clients' homes is always excellent, adding that they do not compromise on quality. He said the estimate of the housing deficit in Nigeria is well above 17 million, and the firm is challenged to fill this gap, a reason for entering into the real estate industry. Chukwuemeka decried that real estate firms most time wait for five to 10 years to get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the government which according to him is hampering the growth in the sector. He said, "You know that if your documents are not certified, they are not bankable anywhere in the world, even locally. "We keep battling with Right of Occupancy and Letter of Intent with the governments. So, if the government wants us to help in building a lot of homes as quickly as possible, the Land Use Act needs to be urgently reviewed by making sure that the C of O is quickly obtained by firms with relative ease. That will help in bringing in a lot of funds and speed up activities in the real estate sector." Web: www.idealgrace.com.ng SOURCE Pleasures Magazine 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] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560372/Free_Iran_World_Summit_2021.jpg SOURCE Free Iran World Summit 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 Get your sample today: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Auto-1Z62/Essential_Oil_Market 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. Inquire for Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/ALLI-Auto-1Z62/Essential_Oil_Market 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 ABOUT US: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains detail research methodology employed to generate the report, Please also reach to our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources CONTACT US: Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call +1-(315)-215-3225 For IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp : +91 9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Linkedin - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports ATHENS, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- An American Jewish Committee (AJC) delegation, led by CEO David Harris, has concluded a four-day visit to Greece. The group met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and other senior government officials, and Harris addressed a major policy conference. Leaders of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, a longtime AJC partner organization, joined in many of the meetings. "The constant strengthening of Greece's relations with the United States and with Israel in many spheres is clearly evident," said AJC CEO David Harris, who has visited Greece dozens of times over the past nearly 40 years. In April, he wrote an oped in The Times of Israel, "The Remarkable Trajectory of Greece-Israel Ties." In the 70-minute meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, several current issues were discussed, including Greece-U.S. and Greece-Israel relations; recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region; the tripartite cooperation among Greece, Cyprus, and Israel; and rising antisemitism worldwide. Prime Minister Mitsotakis addressed the AJC Global Forum in 2020, as well as in 2018. The AJC group also met with Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and Education and Religious Affairs Minister Niki Kerameus, who was accompanied by Secretary General for Religious Affairs George Kalantzis. Ambassador Christodoulos Lazaris, current chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), updated the AJC group on his efforts to prioritize Holocaust education during Greece's presidency of the organization. AJC has been encouraging governments across Europe and around the world to endorse the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. To date, more than 30 governments, including the United States, have done so. Antonis Samaras, who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 2012 to 2015, met with the AJC delegation for a three-hour dinner. In October 2013, Samaras told an AJC gathering in New York that the neo-Nazi, antisemitic Golden Dawn Party must be eliminated, and he took decisive action to do so. Samaras was foreign minister in the government of Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis, father of the current prime minister. The elder Mitsotakis, together with Samaras, established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1990, after previous governments had refused to do so. The AJC delegation also met with U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt and Member of European Parliament Anna Michelle Asimakopolou, and spoke with Israeli Ambassador Yossi Amrani. Dimitris Avramopoulos, who has served as Greece's Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012-13); Minister for National Defense (2013-14); and as the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship (2014-19), met with the AJC group. He has previously addressed AJC gatherings in New York, Washington, D.C., and Brussels. Harris addressed The Economist magazine's 25th Roundtable with the Government of Greece, in a discussion entitled, "Effective Diplomacy in Unstable Times" with Nikos Dendias, Greece's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Averof Neofytou, President of the Democratic Rally Party of Cyprus, joining him for the conversation. During the conversation, Dendias, who was Minister for Public Order in the Samaras government, praised Harris: "I will never forget in my life David Harris's crucial support in my effort against the Golden Dawn Party in 2013-2104. I will always remember to thank him in public for his support." At a later plenary session of the Roundtable, U.S. Ambassador Pyatt lauded AJC, saying: "I'd like to acknowledge the foundational role of AJC CEO David Harris, who is here with us, in envisioning and planting the seeds of what is today the strategic triangle of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, which is strongly supported by the United States." The AJC delegation also met privately at the Roundtable with Prime Minister of North Macedonia Zoran Zaev, Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti; European Commission Vice President Margiritis Schinas; Cypriot Minister of Energy Natasa Pilides; and Cypriot Minister of Defense Charalambos Petrides. SOURCE American Jewish Committee Related Links http://www.ajc.org TSX.V: DME U.S. OTC: DMEHF Frankfurt: QM01 VANCOUVER, BC, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) From the President of the Company. Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is pleased to announce that it has encountered significant showings of helium across four formations in its fourth wildcat well. A decision was made to set production casing and is in the process of cementing it into place. In keeping with the original plan, indications suggest there was very limited background levels of gases other than Nitrogen and Helium present during drilling. The Company will be scheduling the completion equipment and will not make further announcements with regards to this well until those completion procedures and testing are completed. The Company is also pleased to announce that it has been assigned a direct payee number by the US government, to enable immediate same day payment for gases shipped. The Company has assigned 150,000 options at $4.25 CDN to a consultant. ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded exploration and resource company focused on the discovery and development of rare earth gas fields in the U.S. The Company is primarily looking for elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor "Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forwardlooking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. Related Links https://desertmountainenergy.com/ DUBLIN, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Product Type (Drugs, Vaccine, Medicated Feed), By Animal Type, By Route of Administration, By Type of Infection, By End User, By Distribution Channel, By Region, By Company, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The animal pharmaceuticals market was valued USD45.23 billion in 2020 and is likely to grow with a steady CAGR of 7.05% in the forecast period to reach USD68.45 billion by 2026 due to the increase in pet adoption, rise in overall consumption of milk and meat, and fatal diseases like Ebola and swine flu spreading from animals. Animal pharmaceuticals are highly beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of animal disorders. The emergence of new economies has led more governments and pharma companies to fund animal healthcare, consequently pushing the market forward. The restraining factors for the market can be the government rules regarding animal testing, and the probability of the sales of fake medicines across e-commerce platforms. The Global Animal Pharmaceuticals market is segmented based on product type, animal type, route of administration, type of infection, end-user, distribution channel and region. Based on product type, the market is segmented into drugs, vaccines and medicated feed. The drugs segment dominates the market due to the rise in diseases and various infections. On the basis of animal type, the market is segmented into companion and livestock animals. Companion animals tend to hold a larger share in the market as pet owners ensure their pet's health and well-being. As compared to livestock animals, companion animals receive special care and veterinary treatment from their owners, which is the major factor driving the market share of this segment. Based on route of administration, the pharmaceutical products, i.e., drugs and medicated feed are given orally hence the oral route of administration dominates the market. Viral infections dominate the type of infection segment pertaining to their ease of spread and rate of infection. Veterinary clinics are expected to grow at a faster rate because they provide specialized pet/ livestock treatment however, veterinary hospitals are still likely to dominate the end-user segment. Based on distribution channel, e-commerce segment is expected to grow at a faster rate in the future because of continuous technological advancements that make it the most convenient option for pet and livestock owners. The overall animal pharmaceuticals market is widespread, expanding itself to various regions including Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East & Africa. North America has the largest market share by virtue of the pre-existing established pharmaceutical companies and the increasing consumption of meat and milk in the region. However, the fastest growth is shown by the Asia-Pacific region due to the prevalence of animal-borne diseases like swine flu and Ebola. The inter-company competition keeps on increasing parallelly with the market which in turn leads to innovations in technology, thus enhancing the animal healthcare sector. The top leading players of the animal pharmaceuticals market are Zoetis Inc Merck & Company Inc. Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Elanco Animal Health Inc. Vetoquinol SA Virbac SA Phibro Animal Health Corporation Ceva Sante Animale S.A Covetrus Inc. Biogenesis Bago SA Neogen Corporation Ltd. Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC ImmuCell Corporation Krka, tovarna zdravil, d. d., Novo mesto ECO Animal Health Ltd Years considered for this report: Historical Years: 2016-2019 Base Year: 2020 Estimated Year: 2021 Forecast Period: 2022-2026F Key Target Audience: Animal healthcare centers, vets Research organizations and consulting companies Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers Organizations, forums and alliances related to animal pharmaceuticals Report Scope: Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Product Type: Drugs Vaccines Medicated Feed Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Animal Type: Companion Animal Livestock Animal Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Route of Administration: Oral Parenteral Topical Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Type of Infection: Viral Bacterial Parasitic Others Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By End-User: Veterinary Hospitals Veterinary Clinics Point of Care/ In-house Testing Others Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Distribution Channel: Veterinary Hospitals Pharmacies and Drug stores E-commerce Global Animal Pharmaceuticals Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe Germany United Kingdom France Italy Spain Asia-Pacific Australia Japan China India South Korea South America Argentina Brazil Colombia Middle East & Africa & South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ek8ave About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com 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 MERRITT ISLAND, Fla., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative-e today announced it has been named a finalist (runner-up) in the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award in the Project & Portfolio Management space. 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. This is the third year in a row that Innovative-e has been recognized by Microsoft for excellence in providing leadership in customer impact, solution innovation and deployment of Microsoft technologies. "Once again we are honored to be identified by Microsoft as a leader in providing work and project management solutions at scale on the Microsoft platform. I'd like to thank all the amazing people we work with at Microsoft, including the product marketing and engineering teams, field sales and account management, and so many more. My sincere gratitude also goes to our fantastic customers and key partners edison365, Bravo Consulting, and Tasktop. Most importantly, I want to acknowledge our superbly talented and dedicated staff who make all things possible," said Mike Taylor, CEO of Innovative-e. 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. Being named a finalist in the 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award in Project and Portfolio Management signifies Innovative-e's commitment to enabling our and Microsoft's mutual customers to achieve work and project management freedom by leveraging the Microsoft365 platform to democratize, simplify and unify the way they manage work and project management. "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." Innovative-e's vision is to guide our customers' transformation of project and work management at scale. We do this by partnering with organizations to extend access to all stakeholders to include everyone in a common work management fabric; simplify processes by making data entry and management easier for the people doing the work; and unify systems and platforms to enable commonality across the enterprise. Innovative-e believes that facilitating these transformative tactics lets us meets our customers where they are and empower them to do more to improve their lives and the lives of those they touch. For additional information: Pamela Melville, [email protected] To read Microsoft's press release with more information about the Microsoft Partner Awards and a list of the winners and finalists, please click here or visit https://news.microsoft.com. Related Images 2021-microsoft-partner-of-the-year.png 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year Finalist SOURCE Innovative-e LONDON and NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Klarna, a leading global retail bank, payments and shopping service, today announces the acquisition of HERO, a social shopping platform designed to provide consumers with inspiration, advice and immediately shoppable content produced directly from retailers' physical stores. Klarna will introduce HERO to its 250,000 retail partners, allowing their in-store teams to become content creators instantly, offering reviews, real-time advice and richer, more engaging and informative content around products to bring the best of in-store shopping to the online experience for consumers. HERO, based in London and New York, was founded in 2015 to create a more personal and convenient way to shop that reflects how consumers interact today, bringing the concept of in-person customer service to e-commerce. HERO's client roster now includes global brands such as Levi, rag & bone, Chloe, Harvey Nichols and shares a number of retail partners with Klarna's existing network such as Nike and JD Sports. All 100+ HERO employees will join Klarna. Consumers are embracing social commerce, with US retail sales expected to reach $84 billion by 20241, 15% of total estimated US e-commerce volumes2. Social shopping is most popular with Millennials, but is gaining popularity across demographics, with an estimated 28% of the US population expected to be social shoppers by 20223. Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna commented: "Immersive shopping experiences are now expected by consumers when shopping online and forward-thinking brands want to provide consumers with a rich, interactive way to shop for their products. With HERO we share an ambition to elevate the shopping experience through the convergence of online and in-store shopping experiences, supporting retailers to inform and engage consumers in new ways. We see a huge opportunity to leverage HERO's existing platform and expertise to allow in-store retail professionals to become global brand ambassadors. This will unlock growth for retailers by creating a new hybrid shopping experience that enables consumers to make informed purchasing decisions as part of an engaging and personalised shopping journey." David Sandstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at Klarna said: "With HERO, Klarna can support retailers in empowering their in-store colleagues to serve a global audience, enhancing e-commerce with the benefits of physical retail. Longer term, we see opportunities for Klarna's 90 million global consumers to share their shopping expertise as part of a social shopping ecosystem that defies physical and online boundaries, aligned to Klarna's mission to ensure people can shop, bank and pay in ways that suit them and their lives today. We look forward to welcoming the HERO team to Klarna." Adam Levene, Founder at HERO said: "Klarna is a company we've long admired. They have built an iconic brand and proposition, and a unique culture that makes it the perfect home for our team. By joining forces we are able to bring our technology to even more merchants and consumers across the world, making online shopping more social, interactive and ultimately more human." Available from the merchant's website, HERO connects online shoppers with in-store product experts to provide inspiration and advice via messaging, video chat and social-style content at the click of the button. HERO makes online shopping an interactive experience with all the benefits of in-store service, while allowing consumers to shop from wherever, and however, they wish. Hero's existing products will be immediately available to Klarna's retail partners. Klarna is a global growth partner for its retailers, constantly expanding the suite of tools available to allow retailers to engage with consumers in new ways. Most recently Klarna acquired Shoptail, a comparison shopping service that ensures retailers can effectively compete in the online ad space by giving consumers access to the best search-based deals, and Toplooks, an AI-powered styling engine that allows retailers to create shoppable content by suggesting complementary items to consumers across their web and social channels. 1 Business Insider; TechNavio; 2019 2 Statista Digital Market Outlook 3 eMarketer; 2018 to 2019 ENDS For additional information, please contact: Aoife Houlihan, VP of Communications Phone: +46 (0) 72855 8047 Email: [email protected] About Klarna With over 90 million global active users and 2 million transactions a day, Klarna is meeting the changing demands of consumers who want to shop, pay and bank on one intuitive platform and with one trusted brand. Over 250,000 global retail partners, including H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macys, IKEA, Expedia Group, Samsung, ASOS, Peloton, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike and Shein have enabled Klarna's innovative shopping experience online and in-store. Klarna is one of the most highly valued private fintechs globally with a valuation of $45.6 billion. Klarna was founded in 2005, has over 4,000 employees and is active in 17 markets. Klarna has been backed by Sequoia Capital since 2010 and more recently, SilverLake, Dragoneer, Bestseller Group, Permira, Ant Group, HMI Capital, TCV, NorthZone, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Merian Chrysalis Investment Company Limited, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock amongst others. About Hero Video: How HERO works Video: HERO Social shopping feature HERO is on a mission to make eCommerce human. Our #1 virtual shopping platform connects millions of shoppers with product experts via text, chat and video, all directly from a brands ecommerce store. This is how Levis, rag & bone, Herman Miller and over 200+ of the worlds best brands bring the IRL experience online, driving sales and increasing average order value. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/r/klarna-acquires-hero-to-bring-best-of-in-store-experience-to-social-shopping-for-its-90m-consumers,c3383065 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/i/hero-press-image-4,c2935282 Hero press image 4 https://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/i/hero-press-image-1,c2935283 HERO press image 1 https://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/i/deviceimagery-perfumeshop-deviceup-3x2-3000x1800-72dpi,c2935284 DeviceImagery PerfumeShop DeviceUp 3x2 3000x1800 72dpi https://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/i/deviceimagery-perfumeshop-deviceup-4x5,c2935285 DeviceImagery PerfumeShop DeviceUp 4x5 SOURCE Klarna Bank AB (publ) WASHINGTON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from three states will hear from astronauts from three different countries aboard the International Space Station next week. The Earth-to-space calls will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. On Monday, July 12, NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur will answer prerecorded video questions from North Carolina students beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. The downlink is facilitated by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. The event will be held virtually. Media interested in covering the event should contact Jonathan Frederick at 919-843-8329 or [email protected]. On Wednesday, July 13, Kimbrough and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide will answer prerecorded video questions from students in Wisconsin beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. The downlink is being coordinated by Discovery Outreach, an inter-institutional collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Morgridge Institute for Research, the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. The event will be held virtually. Media interested in covering the event should contact Jeanan Yasiri Moe at 608-960-9892 or [email protected]. On Wednesday, July 14, McArthur and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet will answer prerecorded video questions from New York State students beginning at 9 a.m. EDT. The downlink is facilitated by The Children's Museum at Saratoga and the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library. The event will be held virtually. Media interested in covering the event should contact Sarah Smith at 518-728-4280 or [email protected]. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance, and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites. For more than 20 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked on the space station, testing technologies, performing science, and developing the skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Through NASA's Artemis program, the agency will return astronauts to the Moon, with eventual human exploration of Mars. Inspiring the next generation of explorers the Artemis Generation ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery. Follow America's Moon to Mars exploration at: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars Follow NASA astronauts on social media at: https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov GOTHENBURG, Sweden, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF will publish its half-year results for 2021 on 20 July 2021 at approximately 07:00 (CEST). Investors, analysts and media are invited to join a webcast, with the opportunity to ask questions via the chat function, at 08:00 (CEST). To join the Webcast, please login at least 10 minutes before the start using the below link or phone numbers. Link to web event: https://www.investis-live.com/skf/60db245780fc93100010272b/sdfc Sweden +46 10 884 8016 UK / International +44 20 3936 2999 Passcode: 302722 All information regarding the results will be made available on the Group's website: https://investors.skf.com/en/reports-and-presentations Media: To book interviews with Rickard Gustafson and Niclas Rosenlew after the Webcast, please contact Theo Kjellberg on [email protected] or +46 725 77 65 76. For further information, please contact: PRESS: Theo Kjellberg, Director, Press Relations tel: 46 31 337 6576, mobile: 46 725-776576, e-mail: [email protected] INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations Patrik Stenberg, 46 31-337 2104; 46 705-472 104; [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-half-year-results-to-be-published-on-20-july,c3382412 The following files are available for download: SOURCE SKF MILWAUKEE, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TKO Miller is pleased to announce the closing of a new revolving line of credit for Dynamic International of Wisconsin (Dynamic), an importer and full-line distributor of high-end, state-of-the-art CNC machines. Dynamic obtained its revolving line of credit, which will be used to support its working capital needs and fund the future growth of the Company, with Bank Leumi USA (Leumi), a full-service commercial and private banking institution. Headquartered in Pewaukee, WI, Dynamic distributes a wide range of machine tools, parts, and equipment that includes milling and turning machinery. Their well-balanced, full-line CNC machine tool offering allows them to service multiple industries such as automotive, aerospace, mining, and oil & gas. Headquartered in New York, NY, Leumi provides financial services to middle-market firms, as well as a full range of private banking solutions to domestic and international clients. Leumi also offers a broad range of securities and insurance products through its brokerage subsidiary, Leumi Investment Services Inc. Dynamic engaged TKO Miller to identify a capital partner that could provide the flexibility required by the Company to continue its strong growth trajectory and fully understood the Company's future strategy. After being engaged, TKO Miller assisted Dynamic in determining the appropriate capital structure required to support the business and identified the best senior lenders that could meet the needs of the Company. TKO Miller conducted a targeted and efficient search that allowed Dynamic to ultimately achieve its business objectives. "Dynamic found that it was no longer meeting its existing bank's definition of a target customer," said Steve Yahnke, Managing Director at TKO Miller. "TKO Miller quickly determined that Dynamic would be an attractive customer for many regional and national financial institutions for multiple reasons, but most notably the recent successful launch of their innovative vertical supply chain integration plan with the Smart Machine Tool brand." "TKO Miller procured multiple, competitive proposals for the transaction," said Dick Layo, President of Dynamic. "In the end, we were very impressed with the final financing structure and the attractive economics of the deal. The new financing from Bank Leumi will provide Dynamic with the flexibility to continue its rapid growth." "We are very pleased with the thoughtful, creative, and sound structuring advice TKO Miller provided during this capital raise process," said John DePledge, First Senior Vice President of Bank Leumi (Leumi). "Moreover, we are thrilled to have Dynamic join the Leumi client base. Working with Mr. Layo and his team to construct a flexible financing package is what Leumi specializes in." About TKO Miller TKO Miller, LLC is an independent, advisory-focused, middle-market investment bank. With over 130 years of collective transaction experience, TKO Miller provides merger and acquisition and financial advisory services for privately held and private equity-owned businesses nationwide, with a special focus on family-and-founder-held businesses. TKO Miller aims to bring value to clients by combining outstanding people with a results-oriented, flexible approach to transactions. Our services include company sales, recapitalizations, asset divestitures, and management buyouts. TKO Miller has a generalist focus but has served clients in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, business services, consumer products, and industrial products and services. For more information, visit our website www.tkomiller.com. Media Contact: Katie Yde (414) 375-2660 SOURCE TKO Miller Related Links https://www.tkomiller.com NOIDA, India, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the Venous Stents market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The Venous Stents 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 Venous Stents market. The Venous Stents 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 Venous Stents market at the global and regional levels. Venous Stents market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% from 2021-2027 to exceed US$ 2 billion by 2027. Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://bit.ly/3hGU7Wo Market Overview Vascular disorders are more prevalent in developed countries as compared to the economically weaker countries mostly because of the lifestyle differences in the two communities. The rise of venous diseases such as post-thrombotic syndrome, chronic deep vein thrombosis, May-Thurner syndrome, Hemodialysis/arteriovenous fistulae, nutcracker syndrome etc. play a huge role in the growth of venous stents market. According to the center for disease control and prevention, 60,000-100,000 individuals in the US die from deep vein thrombosis every year. Venous stents can help cure these diseases. The prevalence of vascular diseases is constantly rising boosting the market growth. Major constraints in the market include the lack of awareness and high cost associated with stenting. COVID-19 Impact Before the pandemic vascular disease treatments could be elective, urgent, and emergent in nature. Elective Procedures performed routinely also included venous stenting. Urgent and emergent cases combined with nonelective arterial disease comprise of approximately 30%-50% of vascular surgery practices. The timelines and efficacy of care was disrupted due to the pandemic. Physicians were under the dilemma of calling patients to hospital due to the potential Covid-19 exposure. Even the outpatient vascular services and office-based laboratories were severely affected mostly for elective venous treatments. In a global survey consudted by ng et al., vascular surgeons reported an 86.9% downscale or suspension of services due to the pandemic. Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://bit.ly/3hGU7Wo Venous Stents 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 Illiac Vein Stent Technology Wallstent Technology The Wallstent segment was valued at US$ XX million in 2020 and is likely to reach US$ XX million by 2027 growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2021-2027. By Application, the market is primarily segmented into Legs Chest Abdomen Others The Legs segment was valued at US$ XX million in 2020 and is likely to reach US$ XX million by 2027 growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2021-2027. By Disease, the market is primarily segmented into Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis Post Thrombotic Syndrome Others The Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis segment was valued at US$ XX million in 2020 and is likely to reach US$ XX million by 2027 growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2021-2027. Venous Stents Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America (the U.S, Canada , and Rest of North America ) (the U.S, , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , France , Spain , Italy , UK, and Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , UK, and Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , and Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , and Rest of ) Rest of the World Based on the estimation, the North America region dominated the Venous Stents market with almost XX% revenue share in 2020. Ask for Report Customization @ https://bit.ly/3hGU7Wo The major players targeting the market includes Boston Scientific Corporation Medtronic Plc Becton, Dickinson and Company Medica Germany GMBH & Co. KG Cook Medical W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Cordis Jotec GmBH Abbott Laboratories Optimed Medizinische Instrumente GmBH MOCHER GmbH 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 Venous Stents 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 Venous Stents market? Which factors are influencing the Venous Stents market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the Venous Stents market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the Venous Stents market? What are the demanding global regions of the Venous Stents market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. Request for full report-https://bit.ly/3hGU7Wo 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 The scene of 2021 WAIC Global Day event, AI development helps with digital transformation 2021 WAIC Global Day is sponsored by WAIC Organizing Committee Office and organized by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Industry Association. Mr. Junhao Zhong, Secretary-General of Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association said: "Shanghai plays an important leading role in global AI development by virtue of its international vision and all-round comprehensive strength. As of 2020, there were 1,149 key AI enterprises in Shanghai, building a relatively complete industrial chain. In terms of industrial scale, AI industrial enterprises of designated size in Shanghai was worth RMB 224.6 billion approximately in 2020, implying an average growth rate of 30% from 2018-2020." Moreover, 2021 WAIC Global Day series events include 2021 International AI Cities Forum - AI Empowered Digital Government Forum, 2021 WAIC - IJCAI Forum, AI Global Innovation Project Roadshow, AI international talent exchange and four overseas sessions. 2021 WAIC Global Innovation Project Roadshow 2021 WAIC Global Innovation Project Roadshow will be held at Hall H2, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center from July 8-9. The roadshow received over 150 applications from 13 countries. Session in Europe Sino-European Enterprises AI Governance Dialog Forum. To further understand enterprise AI and to provide constructive recommendations on AI enterprise governance.Dr. Hans-Peter Friedrich, Chairman of China-Bridge Association, Ying Chen, Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary of Party Committee of Chinese Institute of Electronics and Secretary-General of China Committee of 100 of Digital Economy, attended the session and gave speeches through video. Session in Malaysia Session in Malaysia was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It focused on how to make deployment for everyone in order to create better future. The session in Malaysia was supported greatly by local government. Session in North America Session in North America was held at University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area, America under the guidance of WAIC Organizing Committee Office. It is supported by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association and sponsored jointly by Berkeley Chinese Alumni International Association (BCAIA) and Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab. The session focused on latest AI development and researches. Session in Korea On the theme of "Sino-Korea AI Industrial Cooperation in the Post-epidemic Era", 2021 WAIC Session in Korea was broadcast on the Cloud Platform of 2021 WAIC under the guidance of WAIC Organizing Committee Office. It is sponsored by Shanghai Smart City Development Institute, AI Yangjae Hub and AICA Korea, and is supported by Shanghai Investment Promotion Service Center, Seoul Investment Center and Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association. SOURCE WAIC 2021 Climate change is proving itself to be a destabilizing force across sectors, with businesses facing calls for greater sustainability from governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers alike. The thought leaders of today, far from making justifications or avoiding the changes required to survive in today's corporate sphere, are instead embracing the chance for innovation and a pioneering role within their respective industries. This latest edition of the Global Thought Leaders series showcases the companies engaging in such myriad areas as energy and resource efficiency, carbon neutrality through sustainable data, social impact within the community, and how technological innovation can nourish the world. Additionally, the series explores ground-breaking input into international finance and trade, along with meeting tomorrow's sustainable goals today. TBD Media's creative and experienced filmmaking techniques ensure the films in this release are comprised of frank and insightful interviews with the figures inspiring transformation within their companies. The impact of leading businesses on wider industry and society will be given attention, with clear accounts of how the actions of today's thought leaders are establishing the future. Paolo Zanini, CEO of TBD Media Group, offers his own take on this important matter: "When dealing with thought leaders, you need to see the big picture. It's all very well looking at today's problems and figuring out the solution, but real innovators and industry leaders will look at the problems of tomorrow and work out resolutions that also have an impact today." Companies featured in this launch: Alef Education , Euro Exim Bank , Genus plc , Foodarom , Green Mountain , Klaus Faber AG , Oerlikon Group, QI Group , Rocky Mountain Institute , Swiss Post Solutions AG . About Global Thought Leaders: The Global Thought Leaders project showcases the businesses of today shaping the world of tomorrow. From digital transformation to industrial innovation, this thoughtful and insightful documentary series is educating the business community on how to use innovation to transform and grow. Businesses that wish to get involved should contact [email protected] . About TBD Media Group: TBD Media Group is an international, purpose-driven, media developer that helps companies, organisations and governments tell their brand stories in a human and direct way. Learn more at https://www.tbdmediagroup.com/ . Media Contact: Jenna-Leigh Soobramoney Head of Marketing TBD Media Group [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560391/Global_Thought_Leader.jpg SOURCE The Business Debate Ltd Rob Wilkins As Affirmed Housing's new Vice President, Northern California, Rob Wilkins is tasked with continuing to grow the company's Northern California presence through the strategic acquisition and development of affordable housing properties in partnership with local communities. After joining Affirmed Housing in October 2018, Mr. Wilkins led the charge on opening and then managing the Bay Area office in San Jose. He will soon expand the company's Bay Area team to three (3) members, while receiving operational assistance from Affirmed's headquarters in San Diego. The company's Bay Area pipeline consists of developments in San Mateo, Alameda, and Santa Clara Counties, with further expansion planned in the region. Mr. Wilkins is a certified LEED Green Associate and a Yale University graduate with extensive experience managing development operations for multifamily and permanent supportive housing developments. Mr. Wilkins states, "The most rewarding aspect of my job has been getting to see the real-world impact of our efforts every day I go to work. Now with a roof over their head, folks who were formerly experiencing homelessness are starting to thrive again. Seeing the excitement and rejuvenation on someone's face every day is both gratifying and inspiring." Mellody Lock Recently promoted to Director of Development, Mellody Lock now manages Affirmed Housing's Southern California development pipeline, which currently consists of 12 developments in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. She also oversees the development staff, soon expanding to seven (7) team members. Since joining the company in June 2016 as a Project Manager focused on acquisitions, underwriting, entitlements and financing of new developments, she has closed eight (8) deals in excess of $300 million in total financing. Ms. Lock has worked on numerous Affirmed Housing projects, including: Aria, Bella Vita, Villas on the Park, Della Rosa, Emerson, and Alora to name a few. An industry expert, Ms. Lock has spent her entire career in the field of affordable housing. Ms. Lock states, "One of the most recent and rewarding aspects of my time at Affirmed was working on our Westhaven project in Los Angeles. Collectively our closing team and financial partner, Bank of America, came up with resourceful ways to structure the deal, and the design team worked hard and fast to make the inevitable last-minute changes. I can't express how gratifying it feels when things line up." Jimmy Silverwood, Executive Vice President of Affirmed Housing, states, "Having Rob's experienced leadership in Northern California will allow us tremendous opportunity in a market where we are very keen on developing more affordable housing. Mellody's well-deserved promotion exemplifies how much she has contributed to our team over the years. Mellody has been a great asset for the cause of affordable housing development in California. I couldn't be more pleased to recognize both individuals' service and commitment to one of the most challenging global issues of our time." Affirmed Housing Headquartered in San Diego, Affirmed Housing is dedicated to improving and sustaining the viability of California through the development of affordable housing. The company aims at enhancing communities and our environment by building dynamic, professionally-managed, high-quality green multifamily housing. Areas of expertise include site selection, engineering, architecture, construction, relocation, and marketing. Affirmed also has extensive knowledge in public finance, low-income housing tax credit acquisition, and tax-exempt bond financing. The company has financed over $1.95 billion in affordable development, with 4,900 units developed or under development in 64 communities. For more information, visit www.affirmedhousing.com. Contact: Beth Binger BCIpr (619) 987-6658 [email protected] SOURCE Affirmed Housing Related Links http://www.affirmedhousing.com OAKVILLE, ON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. ("AQN") (TSX: AQN) (NYSE: AQN) today announced plans to release its second quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, August 12, 2021, after market close. AQN will hold an earnings conference call at 10:00 a.m. eastern time on Friday, August 13, 2021, hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer, Arun Banskota and Chief Financial Officer, Arthur Kacprzak. Conference call details are as follows: Date: Friday, August 13, 2021 Time: 10:00 a.m. ET Conference Call: Toll Free Dial-In Number (833) 670-0721 Toll Dial-In Number (825) 312-2060 Conference ID 8160639 Webcast: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3196639/C5D5FF99122874A213D865F458E5849F Presentation also available at: www.algonquinpowerandutilities.com About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. and Liberty Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility with approximately $15 billion of total assets. Through its two business groups, the Regulated Services Group and the Renewable Energy Group, AQN is committed to providing safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy and water solutions through its portfolio of electric generation, transmission, and distribution utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada. AQN is a global leader in renewable energy through its portfolio of long-term contracted wind, solar, and hydroelectric generating facilities. AQN owns, operates, and/or has net interests in over 3 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. AQN is committed to delivering growth and the pursuit of operational excellence in a sustainable manner through an expanding global pipeline of renewable energy and electric transmission development projects, organic growth within its rate-regulated generation, distribution, and transmission businesses, and the pursuit of accretive acquisitions. AQN's common shares, Series A preferred shares, and Series D preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQN.PR.A, and AQN.PR.D, respectively. AQN's common shares, Series 2018-A subordinated notes, Series 2019-A subordinated notes and equity units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQNA, AQNB, and AQNU, respectively. Visit AQN at www.algonquinpowerandutilities.com and follow us on Twitter @AQN_Utilities. SOURCE Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Related Links http://www.algonquinpower.com MEDFORD, Ore., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) has introduced a bill to amend the Lacey Act of 1981, HR 4310, to ban all "import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes." Citing the non-existent public health threat of COVID spreading from isolated rural mink farms to the general population, the bill's advocates cherry-pick claims from last summer that have been repeatedly debunked. Recent efforts to ban mink in Oregon and Washington by these same special interest groups failed to convince lawmakers that there was any threat to public healthparticularly as mink farmers have voluntarily coordinated with government agencies to protect their facilities since the beginning of the pandemic, and have worked hard to develop and produce a vaccine. Dr. John Easley DVM, one of the world's leading authorities on mink health and disease states, "The mink industry has worked in close collaboration with the USDA and CDC over the last 12 months to address mink susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Now that the Zoetis vaccine is being utilized on the farms, we expect all US mink to be immunized within the next few weeks." Officials from the CDC have clearly stated that "there is no evidence that mink play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people." And with over 750,000 US mink having received their first inoculations, any miniscule risk to humans has been further reduced. Bill supporters continue to compare the unfortunate COVID outbreaks in Europe to those few farms that suffered infections in the United States. Conveniently omitted is the fact that Denmark's agriculture minister resigned after losing public trust based on his rash decision to destroy millions of mink without the proper scientific evidence or authority. "Fringe animal activists, in their efforts to ban fur, wool, silk, goose down, meat and dairy, continue to spread unfounded end-of-the-world propaganda. Not a single mink has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the US since early January, yet they continue to fabricate a dangerous health crisis. I have confidence that our lawmakers will see through their agenda, to ban all animal products." said Michael Whelan, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA. The Fur Commission USA is a national, non-profit association representing U.S. mink farming families. SOURCE Fur Commission USA Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market in Agriculture Industry Analysis Report by Application (Robotics, Crop and soil management, and Animal husbandry) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America), and the Segment Forecasts,2021-2025". Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders. Track key industry opportunities, trends, and threats. Information on marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales, and supply functions. https://www.technavio.com/report/report/artificial-intelligence-market-in-agriculture-industry-analysis The artificial intelligence (AI) market in the agriculture industry is driven by maximizing profits in farm operations. In addition, smart sensors and precision agriculture is anticipated to boost the growth of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market in the agriculture industry. The yield and output of crops and animals must be maximized to increase profits in farm operations. With AI technologies, farmers can control and monitor the equipment, through their smartphones and also receive statistical predictions for crops and livestock. Smart sensors, satellite imagery, and other cloud-based technologies are highly beneficial to observe and record data thereby maximizing production output. In animal husbandry, AI technologies help to analyze the health and physical well-being of animals. Such timely monitoring saves money and maximizes profits in farm operations which drives the artificial intelligence (AI) market in the agriculture industry market during the forecast period. Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing Major Five Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture Industry Companies: Ag Leader Technology Ag Leader Technology offers AI in agriculture under the brand name InCommand. aWhere Inc. aWhere Inc. offers AI in agriculture by providing weather insights with in-time weather data to deliver actionable solutions. Corteva Inc. Corteva Inc. offers AI in agriculture under the brand name AgStudio which provides crop management solutions. Deere & Co. Deere & Co. offers machine learning technology for crop and soil monitoring, predictive analytics, and agricultural robots. DTN LLC DTN LLC offers AI in agriculture under the brand name ClearAg, DTN ProphetX, and other brands. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market In Agriculture Industry Application Outlook (Revenue, USD million, 2020-2025) Robotics - size and forecast 2020-2025 Crop and soil management - size and forecast 2020-2025 Animal husbandry - size and forecast 2020-2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market In Agriculture Industry Geography Outlook (Revenue, USD million, 2020-2025) North America - size and forecast 2020-2025 - size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - size and forecast 2020-2025 - size and forecast 2020-2025 APAC - size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - size and forecast 2020-2025 South America - size and forecast 2020-2025 Know more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR43307 Related Reports on Industrials Include: Global Food Processing Machinery Market- The food processing machinery market is segmented by application (MPS, bakery, dairy, and others) and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, MEA, and South America). Download FREE Sample Report Global Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) Market- The atmospheric water generator (AWG) market is segmented by technology (cooling condensation and wet desiccation) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America). Download FREE Sample Report About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Report link: https://www.technavio.com/report/artificial-intelligence-market-in-agriculture-industry-analysis SOURCE Technavio The new Ashley baby and toddler assortment will include everything from cribs and gliders to toddler mattresses and changing tables. Although youth furniture is not new to Ashley, this new category will take these products to the next level, with the introduction of trend right styles like floor beds, loft-style bunk beds and other fun and whimsical youth products. Display techniques in stores have been updated to appeal to a broader demographic allowing teens and tweens to feel excited and inspired about the new products! "Ashley Baby & Kids will expand our furniture assortment and will now provide furnishings for every life stage" Ashley's commitment to safety is always at the forefront of their product development, which is why we have partnered with a brand like Delta Children, who is #1 in safety and has been in the business for over 50 years creating safe, sustainable and stylish products at affordable prices. In addition, select Delta Children products sold at Ashley are Greenguard Gold certified, indicating they meet the stringent emission standards that contribute to healthier home environments. "Ashley Baby & Kids will expand our furniture assortment and will now provide furnishings for every life stage," said Kelly Davis, Sr. Director of Marketing Strategy at Ashley HomeStore. "Being a family company, we understand the everyday challenges of parenting, which is why we want to ensure our customers have ease of mind when designing their nursery and kids rooms." Starting July 6th, Ashley customers are able to shop the Baby & Kids products at select Ashley destinations, and the full assortment on ashleyfurniture.com/c/baby-and-toddler/ and ashleyfurniture.com/c/kids/. Ashley HomeStore is committed to being your trusted partner and style leader for the home. This commitment has made Ashley HomeStore the largest retail furniture store brand in North America and one of the world's best-selling furniture store brands with more than 1,025 locations in 60 countries. Start designing your dream home today. Visit Ashley HomeStore online at www.ashleyhomestore.com. "Like" Ashley HomeStore on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram , or see our design-focused boards on Pinterest. Media Contact: Carolina Meneses [email protected] SOURCE Ashley HomeStore Related Links https://www.ashleyfurniture.com BANGALORE, India, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The AUV Market is Segmented by Type (Shallow AUV, Medium AUVs, Large AUVs), by Application (Defense, Scientific Research, Commercial). The report covers global opportunity analysis and industry forecasts from 2021 to 2027. This report is published on Valuates Reports under Heavy Machinery Category. The global Autonomous Underwater vehicle market size is projected to reach USD 968.9 Million by 2027, from USD 421.8 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 12.1% during 2021-2027. Major factors driving the growth of the AUV market are: The growing trend of modernization of underwater inspection and the rising demand for maritime security globally. Increasing use for habitat & oceanography studies owing to their ability to capture images of the seabed. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-38Q1152/global-autonomous-underwater-vehicle TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE MARKET Increasing application of AUVs for the underwater study is expected to drive the autonomous vehicle market growth. Because of their ability to capture photographs of the seabed and surrounding habitat using imaging systems, autonomous underwater vehicles assist scientists and researchers in habitat and oceanography studies. These systems provide detailed details, such as the size and color of the area in question, which is a key driver of the AUV market's development. For research and exploration activities, many companies include real-time & quick data transmission as well as high-standard hydrographic surveys. Furthermore, AUVs also can be used for a variety of tasks. They may be used for commercial purposes like oil and gas exploration or detecting ship and plane wrecks, military purposes like reconnaissance or anti-submarine warfare, and scientific purposes like ocean mapping or measuring the physical properties of the water column. Thus the widespread end-user application of AUVs is expected to drive the growth of the autonomous vehicle market. The rapid growth of fish farming is also paving the way for the autonomous underwater vehicle market to expand, as these vehicle can provide an inexpensive and reliable platform for aqua farmers to track water quality parameters including turbidity, temperature, and conductivity, as well as observe fish behavior during aquaculture feeding processes. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-38Q1152/Global_Autonomous_Underwater_Vehicle AUV MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS Based on type, the large AUV is expected to be the most lucrative segment during the forecast period. The demand for large AUVs for military and defense applications, as well as oil and gas exploration, is driving the growth of this market segment. The demand for autonomous underwater vehicles for archaeological and exploration applications is projected to expand at the fastest pace of all applications between 2017 and 2023. Military and security applications, on the other hand, are projected to account for the majority of the autonomous underwater vehicle market in 2017. Based on the region, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the most lucrative. The growing adoption of advanced underwater systems in APAC's emerging economies, such as China and India, is providing significant growth opportunities for AUV manufacturers in the region. Inquire for Regional Data: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-38Q1152/Global_Autonomous_Underwater_Vehicle AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE INDUSTRY SEGMENTATION Market Segment by Type Market Segment by Application Defense Scientific Research Commercial Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Manufacturing Companies Kongsberg Maritime OceanServer Technology Teledyne Gavia Bluefin Robotics Atlas Elektronik ISE Ltd JAMSTEC ECA SA SAAB Group Falmouth Scientific Tianjin Sublue Buy Now for Single User: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-38Q1152&lic=single-user Buy Now for Enterprise User: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-38Q1152&lic=enterprise-user SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. SIMILAR REPORTS - Offshore AUV & ROV Sales Market is projected to reach USD 167 Million by 2027, from USD 72 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 15.1% during 2022-2027. - Offshore Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market is segmented by Type Shallow, Medium, Large, by Application Military & Defense, Environmental Protection and Monitoring, Archaeological and Exploration and by various regions. - Shallow AUVs Market is Segmented by Type Torpedo, Laminar Flow Body, Streamlined Rectangular Style, Multi-hull Vehicle, by Application Military & Defense, Oil & Gas, Environmental Protection & Monitoring, Oceanography, Archeology & Exploration, Search & Salvage Operations, Forecast 2021-2027. - Medium AUVs Market : Medium AUVs are Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) capable of diving to a depth of 100 to 1000 metres. Kongsberg Maritime, Teledyne Gavia, Bluefin Robotics, Atlas Elektronik, and ISE Ltd. are among the leading companies profiled in this research. - Large AUVs Market : Large AUVs is an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle with a diving depth of more than 1000 meters. - Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles Market is Segmented by Type Micro ROVs, Lightwork-class ROVs, Heavy Work-class ROVs, by Application Oil & Gas, Scientific Research, Military & Defense, Forecast to 2025. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are unmanned underwater robots that are connected to an operator via a system of cables that carry command and control signals to and from the underwater vehicle and the operator, allowing the vehicles to be navigated remotely. - Robotics Technology Market was valued at USD 62.75 Billion in 2019, and is projected to reach USD 189.36 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2020 to 2027. In wake of COVID-19, demand for robotics technology is expected to increase among several industries such as supply chain, manufacturing, and healthcare, due to growing adoption of robots in place of humans to reduce the impact of the virus and to enhance their market share. - AUV and ROV Market is Segmented by Type AUV, ROV, by Application Oil and Gas, Defence, Forecast 2021 - 2027. Leading companies covered in this report are BAE Systems, Columbia Group, Teledyne Gavia EHF, ECA Group, Boston Engineering Corporation, CISCREA. - ROV/AUV Video Cameras Market is Segmented by Type CMOS Sensor Type, CCD Sensor Type, by Application Commercial Exploration, Scientific Research, Defense, Forecast 2021 - 2027. To see the full list of related reports on the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market ABOUT US: Valuates offer in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains detail research methodology employed to generate the report, Please also reach to our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources CONTACT US: Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call +1-(315)-215-3225 For IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp : +91 9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Linkedin - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports SOURCE Valuates Reports NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Benebone, a leading brand of high-quality USA-made dog chews, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bengtson as Director of Operations. John comes to Benebone with a wealth of pet and operations experience, having held similar positions at Zukes, Treats Unleashed and The North Face. With an MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain, John is passionate about driving innovation and sustainability throughout the organization. As an avid outdoorsman, you'll find him kayaking or snowshoeing in national and state parks across the country. John Bengtson John commented: "I'm very excited to join the team and share my experience optimizing supply chain processes to continue the tremendous growth of Benebone. Promoting sustainable operations has been a primary focus throughout my professional career. I look forward to continuing this journey while providing the best products for our pets. My black lab rescue, Darla, is also quite willing to assist with any future product tests and reviews!" John will play a key role in building Benebone's international supply chain, including the recently established European headquarters. "We're thrilled to have John on board," said Benebone's COO Paul Nolan. "As we seek to open new global opportunities for Benebone, John's great energy and inventiveness will help us bring constant innovation to the way we serve people and pets." Benebone's CEO Peter Toolan commented, "We're growing rapidly both in the U.S. and overseas, so John is coming at just the right time. Beyond expanding the business, John's passion for outdoor exploration inspires us to head out and enjoy the world around us. We're ready to grab our dogs and hit the road for an adventure." ABOUT BENEBONE: At Benebone, we know that dogs make us better people - we live healthier, happier lives because of them. Our simple mission is to make lives better for dogs and the people who love them. We do it through a commitment to quality, community, and a good dose of fun. We strive to make a lasting positive impact on everyone we touch. For more information, visit www.benebone.com. Benebone: Kelly Thompson Phone: 203-687-6287 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Benebone, LLC Related Links https://www.benebone.com READING, Pa., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Berks County, Pennsylvania Tax Claim Bureau's Office conducted its first-ever online tax defaulted properties sale with online auction site Bid4Assets.com. The move online allowed all participants to bid remotely and led to a dramatic increase in registration with 163 bidders funding deposits in order to bid in the sale. Over the two-day auction, a whopping 5,044 bids were placed, generating a total of $2,185,200 in proceeds. The proceeds are designated to paying real estate tax balances, municipal and state liens, along with overages being paid to other liens that exist on the properties. Bid4Assets Inc. "This sale was a great pilot for our shift to online auctions," said Berks County Tax Claim Bureau Director Nicole E. Blanding, "The new format increased the efficiency of our sale process and afforded more convenience to our bidders by extending the bid period to twenty-four hours and eliminating the need to alter their schedule to attend a live auction. This was an important step forward for our office to use technology to innovate and we're glad we made the change." Online bidding ran from June 17 to June 18. Of the 116 properties that were listed, 34 were redeemed and 72 were sold, with only 10 properties not returning to the tax rolls. Winning bids ranged from $1,000 to $165,100. Of the sale's 51 winning bidders, 40 were Pennsylvania residents with the rest in nearby states like New York and New Jersey. Bid4Assets was founded in 1999 and has sold tax-defaulted property for over 100 counties nationwide. Earlier this year, Bid4Assets was contracted by the Berks County Sheriff's Office to transition their sheriff's sales online. "We're very pleased to see such strong results from Berks County's first sale," said Bid4Assets' CEO Jesse Loomis. "There are tremendous synergies to working with a group of counties in a particular state. We now have over 17,000 registered real estate bidders in the Commonwealth, so that even if an auction runs for a shorter timeframe, Bid4Assets can market the auction to a large group of targeted, in-state buyers very quickly. Online public auctions are the future in Pennsylvania and sales like this one are a perfect example of why." Berks County's next tax sale will be their Upset Sale, which is anticipated to be held on Bid4Assets from September 16 through September 17. About Bid4Assets Bid4Assets (http://www.bid4assets.com) is an online auction site based in Silver Spring, Maryland. The privately held company auctions distressed real estate for the federal government, sheriff's offices, county tax collectors, financial institutions and real estate funds. In Pennsylvania, Bid4Assets conducts online tax or sheriff's sales for numerous counties, including Berks, Bucks, Montgomery, Monroe, Adams, and Philadelphia. Since its inception in 1999, the company has sold more than 125,000 properties nationwide and grossed over a billion dollars in auction sales. Media Contact: Teresa M. Lundy TML Communications E : [email protected] P : 215-500-8749 Related Images berks-county-pa-seal.jpg Berks County, PA Seal SOURCE Bid4Assets Inc. SHENZHEN, China, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BGI is aware of reports in Reuters regarding the company's non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT test) - NIFTY (Non-Invasive Fetal TrisomY). BGI's NIPT tests have been used around the world to identify genetic conditions in pregnancy. These tests provide doctors with the scientific basis to assist millions of pregnant women, leading to better health outcomes and, in some cases, saved lives. The research that BGI has undertaken collaboratively with some of the world's leading academic and scientific institutions has led to major medical breakthroughs that will benefit the world for many decades to come. As a leader in life science and gene technology, BGI is committed to improving health outcomes worldwide. That is and always has been the company's mission. Assertions that BGI is motivated by anything other than the advancement of health outcomes are both deeply disappointing and factually incorrect. These are the facts: BGI has never been asked to provide, nor has it provided data from its NIFTY test to Chinese authorities for national security or national defense security purposes. Contrary to the report by Reuters, DNA data collected from prenatal tests on women outside China are not stored in China's gene bank. All NIPT data collected overseas are stored in BGI's laboratory in Hong Kong and are destroyed after five years, as stipulated by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). are not stored in gene bank. All NIPT data collected overseas are stored in BGI's laboratory in and are destroyed after five years, as stipulated by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Contrary to assertions by Reuters, BGI's NIPT test was developed solely by BGI not in partnership with China's military. military. At no stage throughout the testing or research process does BGI have access to any identifiable personal data or the ability to match that data with personal records. Wherever BGI undertakes research, the company strictly comply with local laws, guidelines, and protocols, while adhering to internationally recognized ethical standards. The data privacy standards BGI applies to its research meet strict national and international requirements, including the GDPR in the European Union. BGI collaborates with many academic and research organizations not just in China , but also with many of the world's most renowned institutions in the US, UK, and Europe . These collaborations have led to significant advances in medical science that improve population health outcomes around the world. BGI is a global organization driven by innovation, focused on precision medical research, and a desire to curb the harm of major diseases on humans worldwide. Since its foundation in 1999, BGI has maintained a consistent track record of applying the strictest ethical standards and protection of data privacy and security. We established the Institute of Review Board of Bioethics and Biosafety (BGI-IRB) to recognize, advocate, and guide BGI's life science research and technological applications. We are proud of the achievements that our scientists have delivered, and we are committed to continuing to work with our partners around the globe to drive new advancements in life science and healthcare. SOURCE BGI Related Links www.bgi.com NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the insights by Fact.MR, the global bioceramics market is estimated to expand at a rate of 1.5X, totaling US$ 23 bn by 2031 in comparison to the valuation of US$ 14 bn registered in the year 2020. Due to the rise in prevalence of dental disorders and musculoskeletal conditions, the market for bioceramics is likely to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 7% over the forecast period 2021 to 2031. Increasing incidence of oral disorders such as dental caries, oral cancer, periodontal (gum) disease, and oro-dental trauma, among others, is a primal aspect driving the market growth. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2017, around 3.5 billion people are suffering from oral diseases across the globe, with 2.3 billion people having caries of permanent teeth. The advent of highly advanced dental implant solutions such as bridges, dental crowns, dentures, and bristles is intended to prevent teeth loss amongst patients suffering from such disorders. As a result the number of teeth implant surgeries conducted in a year has considerably increased, in turn, stimulating demand for bioceramics. The market for bioceramics in North America is expected to demonstrate rapid growth, owing to high demand for carbon bioceramics across the region. As per the American Ceramic Society, bioceramics applications have grown across tissue engineering, orthopedics, and dentistry. This is making the region a center point for market expansion. "With competition gradually soaring, market players are focusing on specialized product offerings. There is high emphasis on getting patent rights and certifications from international organizations. In order to expand their expertise, some of the companies are focusing on strategic partnerships," says the Fact.MR analyst. Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=6393 Key Takeaways from Bioceramics Market Study In North America , the U.S. is dominating the bioceramics market. It accounted for market sales revenue of over US$ 4 billion in 2020. , the U.S. is dominating the bioceramics market. It accounted for market sales revenue of over in 2020. The China market is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 4 billion through 2031, exhibiting growth at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period. market is estimated to reach a valuation of through 2031, exhibiting growth at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period. Europe is likely to emerge as one of the most lucrative markets across the globe, owing to the expansion of the orthopedic sector in countries such as Germany and the U.K. is likely to emerge as one of the most lucrative markets across the globe, owing to the expansion of the orthopedic sector in countries such as and the U.K. Based on material, carbon bioceramics are dominating and are expected to exhibit a rise in sales at a CAGR of 7% by 2031. The Asia Pacific market for bioceramics is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 3 billion by the end of 2031. Key Drivers Increasing incidence of dental disorders is fueling the demand for bioceramics. Rising prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions is spurring the sales of bioceramics. Rising demand for lightweight and flexible materials to minimize discomfort in orthopedic implants will create prospects for bioceramics sales in the coming years. Key Restraints High cost of bioceramics is a key factor impeding the growth of the market Brittle nature and low fatigue strength of the bioceramics are hampering the market sales. Request Bioceramics Market Customization at: https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=6393 Competitive Landscape Besides focus on expanding their product portfolio, bioceramics market players are focusing on partnerships and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their footprint amid competition. For instance: In April 2021 , CoorsTek, a U.S. based company, expanded its manufacturing facility in Benton, Arkansas , to support the innovation and evolution in key domains, including bioceramics. , CoorsTek, a U.S. based company, expanded its manufacturing facility in , to support the innovation and evolution in key domains, including bioceramics. In January 2021 , DOCERAM Medical Ceramics, a Germany based company announced introducing it new product catalogue, that included wide range of zirconia products such as the Nacera. Some of the prominent market players operating in the bioceramics market profiled by Fact.MR are: Amedica Corporation Cam Bioceramics BV CeramTec GmbH Compagnie de Saint-Gobain CoorsTek Medical LLC DePuy Synthes DOCERAM Medical Ceramics GmbH H.C. Starck GmbH Morgan Advanced Materials Plc. Royal DSM NV More Valuable Insights on Bioceramics Market Fact.MR, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global bioceramics market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2019 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in bioceramics market with detailed segmentation: Application Bioceramics for Orthopedic Implants Bioceramics for Dental Implants Bioceramics for Implantable Electronic Devices Bioceramics for Other Applications Material Alumina Bioceramics Zirconia Bioceramics Carbon Bioceramics Other Material Bioceramics Regions North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa Key Questions Covered in the Bioceramics Market Report The market survey also highlights projected sales growth for bioceramics market between 2021 and 2031 The report offers insight into bioceramics demand outlook for forecast period 2021-2031 Bioceramics market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, collaborations or partnerships, and others Bioceramics market analysis 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 Explore Fact. MR's Coverage on the Healthcare Domain Dental Cements Market - Dentists and clinicians' increasing interest in revolutionary nanomaterial technology unwittingly indicates a large market opportunity for manufacturers to bring new technologies for the development of high-quality dental implants. Individuals are becoming more mindful of their personality and oral health, which is creating significant opportunities for the dental cements market to expand. Dental Restoratives Market - Over the last few years, the prevalence and severity of dental decay has decreased. Dental care requirements have resulted in a considerable shift in the type of dental care services, from traditional restorative to cosmetic and preventive. The dental restorative equipment segment will benefit from the adoption of the CAD/CAM technology. The dental restoratives industry is expected to benefit from increased dental tourism and a growing number of licensed practitioners. Oral Hygiene Market - Manufacturers of oral hygiene products have been working on developing sustainable goods in order to save the environment in recent years, which has prompted more consumers to support the cause. Humble Brush is a bamboo toothbrush with a handle that is 100 percent biodegradable and responsibly grown. It is suitable for both adults and children. Such innovations are unquestionably boosting sales of oral hygiene products all around the world. 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 healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and we'll be an able research partner. Contact: Mahendra Singh US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E: [email protected] SOURCE Fact.MR Customers will be able to sign up through the Zip App for single use digital credit cards to use on Microsoft products. Through the Microsoft Store, customers can purchase Office products as well as Surface laptops and tablets and Xbox consoles and games. The unique single use digital credit cards will offer customers a 12-month interest free payment solution, with customers able to choose between flexible weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment options. According to Zip, the new partnership empowers Australians to do more with their money, allowing them to shop with confidence without compromising innovation and performance. Microsoft has plans to extend the BNPL offering from customers to retailers and small businesses later in the year, as well as launching BNPL in other markets. The deal with Microsoft follows the announcement of another deal Zip has made in recent months. Zip has joined Adobe's Exchange Partner Program, which means their BNPL services will be available to thousands of eCommerce merchants using the Magento platform. Essentially, this will allow Magento merchants to implement buy now pay later BNPL capabilities seamlessly at checkout, helping to improve cash flow, increasing order value and promoting customer loyalty. Globally, Zip has 6.4 million customers and more than 45,000 merchants. As one of the largest BNPL providers in Australia, Zip says there is great potential to grow their service offering in the Australian technology sector. In addition to offering flexible BNPL payment options for customers, Zip has a business extension with solutions to help businesses grow. Offering business loans and simple lines of credit, the sign-up process for businesses is quick and simple. To learn more, visit Zip's website. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Zip Co Related Links https://zip.co/ Download a Free Sample Report on COVID-19 The cardiology electrodes market will witness a positive impact during the forecast period owing to the widespread growth of the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Technavio's pandemic-focused market research, market growth is likely to increase in 2021 as compared to 2020. With the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, organizations across the globe are gradually flattening their recessionary curve by leveraging technology. Many businesses will go through response, recovery, and renew phases. Building business resilience and enabling agility will aid organizations to move forward in their journey out of the COVID-19 crisis towards the Next Normal. This post-pandemic business planning research will aid clients to: Adjust their strategic planning to move ahead once business stability kicks in. to move ahead once business stability kicks in. Build Resilience by making effective resource and investment choices for individual business units, products, and service lines. making effective resource and investment choices for individual business units, products, and service lines. Conceptualize scenario-based planning to mitigate future crisis situations. Download the Post-Pandemic Business Planning Structure Key Considerations for Market Forecast: Impact of lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, demand destruction, and change in customer behavior Optimistic, probable, and pessimistic scenarios for all markets as the impact of pandemic unfolds Pre- as well as post-COVID-19 market estimates Quarterly impact analysis and updates on market estimates Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports by using Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Report on Healthcare Industries: Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Devices Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025 Cardiopulmonary Stress Testing Systems Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025 Cardiac Ablation Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025 Top 3 Cardiology Electrodes Market Players: 3M Co. The company operates in key business segments including Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Healthcare, Consumer, and Corporate and Unallocated segments. The company offers cardiology electrodes under the brand, 3M Red Dot. Ambu AS The company offers products and services through different business segments including Visualisation, Anaesthesia, and Patient Monitoring & Diagnostics. The company offers cardiology electrodes under the brand, Ambu BlueSensor. Bio-Protech Inc. The company offers various products including smoke evacuators, ECG electrodes, SpO2 sensors, and others. In addition, the company offers ECG electrodes called Telectrodes, which are used for various ECG tests. If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extract FREE! Download report snapshot here to get a detailed market share analysis of market participants during COVID-19 lockdown: https://www.technavio.com/report/cardiology-electrodes-market-industry-analysis Cardiology Electrodes Market 2021-2025: Segmentation Cardiology electrodes market is segmented as below: Product Resting ECG Electrodes Short-term Monitoring ECG Electrodes Long-term Monitoring ECG Electrodes Stress Test ECG Electrodes Neonatal ECG Electrodes Geography Europe North America Asia ROW The cardiology electrodes market is driven by the increasing prevalence and awareness of CVDs coupled with various technological advances. In addition, other factors such as increasing demand for disposable electrodes, the surging emergence of handheld, wireless, and remote monitoring ECG devices, and gradually rising focus on emerging countries are expected to trigger the cardiology electrodes market toward witnessing a CAGR of over almost 4.52% during the forecast period. Get more insights about the global trends impacting the future of cardiology electrodes market, Request Free Sample @ https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR44466 Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ Report: https://www.technavio.com/report/cardiology-electrodes-market-industry-analysis SOURCE Technavio Related Links http://www.technavio.com/ ADDISON, Texas, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are returning to work post-pandemic, but with trepidation. Workplace sanitation has become a key responsibility of employers and building owners. One of the greatest sanitation challenges is the elevator. CASPR Group and Stanley Elevator are providing a savvy solution that addresses COVID-19 concerns and year-round pathogen, mold and odor reduction of up to 99.96% with patent-pending, easy-to-install, safe and effective technology. Elevators provide a unique challenge. Even when cleaned daily, elevators contain numerous high-touch areas that accumulate germs. Infection Control Today states that the level of bacteria on an elevator button is 40 times higher than on a public toilet seat. The most common bacteria found are E. coli, Staph, and MRSA, which are contagious and lead to illnesses. At the pandemic onset, Stanley recommitted sourcing safe solutions and chose to partner with CASPR. They hoped to test and implement a disinfecting technology designed for commercial elevators. CASPR welcomed the opportunity to work with the industry leader. "We wanted to identify the leading technology in elevator sanitation," said Cory Hussey, COO of Stanley Elevator. "CASPR provided an elegant solution for a perennial problem. We've been thrilled to improve this experience for our clients." The CASPR 200e was developed with the medical-grade technology upon which CASPR was founded addressing the constraints of a commercial elevator. The product converts humidity in the air from H2O (water) to H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide). The continuously disinfecting natural catalytic converter technology uses ultraviolet lighting and a photocatalyst to create the advanced oxidation process. It's silent, easy to install, and serves a space up to 200 ft2. Stanley and CASPR tested the product utilizing a third-party to conduct and verify results. They selected settings including apartment buildings and colleges with successful results. All sites showed reductions up to 99% in pathogen levels on high-touch surfaces and in the air. This mirrored what CASPR experienced in the healthcare industry. This technology helps create another level of risk mitigation. In multi-story buildings or apartment complexes, elevators are required. This creates an impossible social-distancing situation. Stanley customers like Pride & Service, a 30-year industry leader, are enthusiastic about the CASPR 200e. "I was raised in this industry," explained President Christopher Todd. "I constantly seek the newest technology in the industry, and during the pandemic, I sought air-quality improvement for our customers." Pride & Service initially tested five CASPR units and were thrilled to discover that tests showed greater than 98% pathogen reduction. CASPR CEO Scott Wheeler is heartened by the results CASPR provided this industry. "As the leader in the disinfectant category, we've worked to ensure the indoor air we breathe is the healthiest it can be," explained Wheeler. "Being able to translate our technology to serve the elevator industry is a success story of which we're proud, and we hope to continue our advances to make American workplaces safer." Kelly Hunter, [email protected] SOURCE CASPR Group MINNEAPOLIS, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Castlelake, L.P. ("Castlelake"), a global alternative investment manager with 15 years of tenure financing and managing aviation assets, today announced it has provided a loan package to Turkish Airlines, secured by three new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and one new 737 MAX 9 aircraft. "We're pleased to be able to support Turkish Airlines, one of world's largest airlines, as it continues to enhance its fleet capabilities with advanced, efficient aircraft," said Armin Rothauser, Partner at Castlelake and head of the firm's lending strategy. "This financing is an example of the tailored solutions we are well positioned to provide to aircraft owners, enabling them to effectively achieve their fleet modernization goals. We look forward to continuing to support the airlines and the broader aviation ecosystem as the sector recovers." "This transaction with Castlelake allows us to optimally finance some of our newest, most in-demand aircraft and in doing so, execute on our strategic objectives," said Aysegul Denli, Turkish Airlines' Senior Vice President Finance of Turkish Airlines. "This is especially vital during this exciting time as international leisure and business travel recovers and we look forward to welcoming many passengers as they return to the skies." This transaction is the latest in Castlelake's growing Aviation Lending Program, which has committed $2.1 billion across multiple transactions since its launch last year. The program draws on Castlelake's deep aviation investment experience across market cycles and the differentiated expertise of its more than 60 dedicated professionals to provide compelling, bespoke capital solutions to aviation industry participants. In addition to lending transactions with carriers, leasing companies and other industry participants, Castlelake began a partnership with Boeing and its subsidiary Boeing Capital Corporation in December 2020 to provide delivery financing solutions to commercial aircraft customers for new commercial aircraft deliveries. About Castlelake Castlelake, L.P. is a global alternative investment manager focused on opportunistic investments in real assets, specialty finance and aviation. Founded in 2005, Castlelake manages approximately $20 billion of assets on behalf of its investors. The Castlelake team comprises more than 200 experienced professionals, including 89 investment professionals, across six offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.castlelake.com. About Turkish Airlines Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 362 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 325 worldwide destinations as 273 international and 52 domestic, in 127 countries as of 31 March 2021. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Contact Castlelake Media Relations Molly Blemker [email protected] +1 612 851 3083 Prosek Partners for Castlelake David Wells / Josh Clarkson / Mariel Seidman-Gati [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] +1 212 279 3115 SOURCE Castlelake Related Links http://www.castlelake.com "We were thrilled to be named the #1 Most Craveable Fries in America by consumers, and we wanted to celebrate by giving back to the communities we serve," said Frances Allen, President & CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., and Member of the No Kid Hungry Advisory Board. "No Kid Hungry is providing grants to help schools and community organizations across the country provide meals to kids. We are proud to partner with them as our national charity for a second year in a row." Every $1 invested can connect a child with up to 10 healthy meals.*** "We are so grateful for our partnership with Checkers & Rally's," said Diana Hovey, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. "With as many as 1 in 6 kids facing hunger today, the work that we're doing to feed them is even more pressing. We couldn't do this work without the support of partners like Checkers & Rally's." In addition to the $1 Fries, Any Size offer on Tuesday, Checkers & Rally's plans to celebrate National French Fry Day all week long with a series of "Fry Freak Week" events: All Week: Checkers & Rally's Fry Love Express The Checkers & Rally's Fry Love Express, a 43-foot trailer with a tricked out, fully functional fry kitchen, will be in cities across Ohio during Fry Freak Week, serving up free fries. To see the latest list of tour dates and locations, visit www.checkers.com/fryloveexpress/ The Checkers & Rally's Fry Love Express, a 43-foot trailer with a tricked out, fully functional fry kitchen, will be in cities across during Fry Freak Week, serving up free fries. To see the latest list of tour dates and locations, visit www.checkers.com/fryloveexpress/ Monday, July 12 Friday, July 16 : #1 Fry Freak Sweepstakes on TikTok Show Checkers & Rally's how you're the #1 Fry Freak for a chance to win cool prizes, like Fry Freak Prize Packs or the Grand Prize, an exclusive experience of your choice with the Fry Love Express. Be sure to check out our TikTok (@checkersrallys) to see all the Fry Freaks out there. #FryFreak Show Checkers & Rally's how you're the #1 Fry Freak for a chance to win cool prizes, like Fry Freak Prize Packs or the Grand Prize, an exclusive experience of your choice with the Fry Love Express. Be sure to check out our TikTok (@checkersrallys) to see all the Fry Freaks out there. #FryFreak Tuesday, July 13 : $1 Fries, Any Size, to Benefit No Kid Hungry From open to close, enjoy $1 Fries, Any Size, at the more than 830 Checkers & Rally's restaurants across the country. From open to close, enjoy Fries, Any Size, at the more than 830 Checkers & Rally's restaurants across the country. Thursday, July 15 : FryCoin is Coming! Checkers & Rally's is joining the cryptocurrency craziness with FryCoin. Download the brand's App and sign up for Rewards on Thursday, July 15 , to earn enough FryCoin by "FryDay," July 16 , to get a free large fry, no purchase necessary. The FryCoin coupon will be valid only on July 16, 2021 . Checkers & Rally's is joining the cryptocurrency craziness with FryCoin. Download the brand's App and sign up for Rewards on , to earn enough FryCoin by "FryDay," , to get a free large fry, no purchase necessary. The FryCoin coupon will be valid only on . Friday, July 16 : More Fry Fun on FryDay! #1 Fry Freak Sweepstakes entries to be unveiled on TikTok and FryCoin redemptions round out the weeklong celebration. For more information, hours of operation, or to find a Checkers or Rally's location near you, please visit www.checkers.com. *Technomic Ignite Consumer Data (2020), published by Restaurant Business. **Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. to donate $1 for every order of fries sold on July 13, 2021, up to $100,000. ***Meal equivalency varies during COVID-19 relief. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org/OneDollar About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its bold, craveable food, famous fries, exceptional value, and people-first attitude, operates and franchises both Checkers and Rally's restaurants. With 836 restaurants and room to grow, Checkers & Rally's is a proven brand with flexible building formats that is aggressively expanding across the country. Checkers & Rally's is dedicated to being a place where franchisees and employees who work hard can create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. In recent years, the brand has earned several of the industry's most prestigious awards including: "#1 Most Craveable Fries" by Restaurant Business; Best Franchise Deal and "Best Drive-Thru in America" by QSR Magazine; Top Food and Beverage Franchise by Franchise Business Review; the "Hot! Again" award from Nation's Restaurant News and has consistently been ranked on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. About No Kid Hungry No child should go hungry in America. But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 1 in 6 kids could face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. SOURCE Checkers & Rally's Restaurants, Inc. INDIANAPOLIS, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DeliverEnd, the company that provides robust last-mile logistics services, and Perfit, the company making contactless retail shopping easy have partnered to bring an end-to-end solution for retailers and malls to offer contactless shopping and same-day local delivery services. Perfit's solution enables a full suite of retail options including multi-store bundling, consolidation of items, and safe payments. Customers can find items online, reserve the items from multiple stores, and then have them delivered safely right to their door the very same day using DeliverEnd's robust and scalable Last-Mile Delivery solutions and driver networks. Perfit also enables powerful store inventory management through flexible and powerful API's. "We are excited to partner with Perfit to bring convenience, safety, and accountability to the at-home shopping and same-day delivery business," DeliverEnd CEO and Founder Nick Turner said. "Perfit is leading the way in scaling and perfecting the eCommerce capabilities of traditional brick and mortar stores. DeliverEnd's advanced local delivery and logistics capabilities will enhance this process to seamlessly connect to Perfit's solution to make sure customers receive their orders from local stores quickly and safely." About DeliverEnd: A Black-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis, DeliverEnd was nominated in 2021 for two MIRA awards that celebrate the leading minds in Indiana Tech. The two nominations are for "Service Partner of the Year" and "Community Impact Award". About Perfit: Perfit is the most robust, scalable digital transformation solution for allowing shoppers to more deeply engage with physical retail via its Connect application and for retailers to better understand and attract customers via an expansive set of retail data. Visit perfit.io for more information. DeliverEnd.com Perfit.io SOURCE DeliverEnd Related Links https://www.deliverend.com WASHINGTON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) will join together tomorrow, July 10, to observe National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Celebrated annually, National Lineworker Appreciation Day honors the life and work of Henry Miller, the first IBEW president, and our nation's nearly 75,000 electrical lineworkers, who often work around the clock and in dangerous conditions to ensure that the customers and communities they serve have access to safe and reliable electricity. Lineworkers also maintain and enhance the energy grid and play a critical role in delivering America's clean energy future. Earlier today, more than 130 members of Congress co-sponsored a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to thank America's lineworkers. "We couldn't have pulled through the COVID-19 crisis without the hard work and dedication of America's lineworkers," said IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson. "It's one of the toughest jobs out there, but our communities, our schools, our hospitals, and our businesses wouldn't run without the daily commitment of my members and lineworkers everywhere to keeping the power running. Today is a day when we all should stop and say: 'thank you for all you do.'" "We salute the hard work and dedication of our lineworker members, today and every day," said UWUA President James Slevin. "Over the past year, these men and women overcame a public health crisis that impacted their own families and communities and severe weather including hurricanes and a deep freeze to ensure we could power our homes and businesses. We appreciate everything they do for us." "For decades, our nation's lineworkers have been resilient, working every day no matter the conditions, to ensure our communities and critical facilities remained connected and empowered," said NECA CEO David Long. "This year, on National Lineworker Appreciation Day, we should all take a moment to acknowledge and thank the diligent lineworkers in this country for their hard work and willingness to face any challenge." "EEI and our member electric companies salute our industry's lineworkers who work tirelessly to power our lives each day," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Not only did they continue to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our lineworkers responded each and every time they were called upon for mutual assistance, often leaving their families to help our customers and our communities recover from last year's historic hurricane and wildfire seasons. Lineworkers truly are our nation's unsung heroes, and we applaud them for their continued dedication." In addition to damaging hurricanes and wildfires, lineworkers also responded to devastating ice storms, a derecho, and numerous winter storms last year, all while adhering to carefully designed COVID-19 safety protocols. At the onset of the pandemic, stakeholders from across the electric power industry came together with their partners in organized labor to develop extensive COVID-19 protocols to keep lineworkers safe while in the field. Lineworkers continue to follow these guidelines today, and customers should continue to maintain a safe distance from crews and their work zones. Together, EEI, IBEW, NECA, and UWUA remind you to #ThankALineworker and help keep them safe so that they can be there for us all. EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for more than 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 65 international electric companies as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. NECA's national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. Chartered in 1945, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO represents around 50,000 active members employed in America's utility sectors including the electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. James Slevin is the UWUA's National President. For more information visit https://uwua.net. SOURCE Edison Electric Institute Related Links http://www.eei.org WASHINGTON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With nearly every industry enduring crushing levels of corporate power, President Joe Biden today signed an executive order aimed at promoting competition and fairness throughout the economy. National Farmers Union The order includes 72 directives that will be carried out by 12 federal agencies, many of which target the agricultural sector. For instance, it advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer livestock farmers greater recourse against corporations when they are treated unfairly, restructure the inequitable system that determines poultry growers' wages, and prevent corporations from retaliating against farmers who speak out about discriminatory conduct. It would also give farmers the right to repair their equipment - which many companies currently restrict - limit "Product of USA" labels strictly to meat raised domestically, and support the development of local and regional food systems. Farmers and rural residents would also benefit from several other provisions that would make rail shipping rates more competitive, stem consolidation among rural hospitals, and encourage more choices in banking and credit in rural communities. Since it was founded in 1902, National Farmers Union (NFU) has been dedicated to protecting farmers from corporate abuse, an endeavor that has only intensified in recent decades in response to a wave of mergers and acquisitions. In a statement, Rob Larew, the organization's president, lauded the administration for taking this monumental step towards protecting farmers from anticompetitive practices. "Over the last 50 years, we've seen dramatic consolidation in the agriculture industry, with just a handful of corporations seizing control over each link in the food supply chain. It's no coincidence that this has coincided with a slew of problems for farmers: low prices, little bargaining power, few choices, misleading labels, and the inability to repair their own equipment, among other headaches. If that weren't enough, extreme concentration has also made our food system extremely vulnerable to disruptions and bottlenecks, as has become abundantly clear recently in the wake of extreme weather events, the pandemic, and cyberattacks. "After suffering corporate abuse for so many years, it is reassuring that farmers may finally get a level playing field. This executive order will offer them more autonomy in their relationships with corporations, protections from mistreatment, fairer and more accurate labeling, the right to repair their machinery, and more robust local markets - which, taken together, will go a long way towards building the resilient, equitable food system that farmers and consumers deserve. We urge the administration to swiftly implement these changes and follow up with strong antitrust enforcement." Contact: Hannah Packman, 303.819.8737 [email protected] About NFU National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice. Stay Connected Look for us online at NFU.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Related Images image1.jpg SOURCE National Farmers Union SAN FRANCISCO, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmhouse, Inc. (OTC:FMHS) (the "Company"), a fully reporting technology company with multiple cannabis related divisions and IP, today announces it successfully enforced its subsidiary Farmhouse DTLA's contract rights in an operating retail cannabis business in Los Angeles. After four years of litigation, a final Judgment was filed into the record in the Superior Court of California in the County of Los Angeles for Case number BC681251 on July 7, 2021. The filing is accessible online by entering Case Number BC681251 into the LA Court portal at < http://www.lacourt.org/website/FindaCase.aspx >. The Judgment specifies that Farmhouse DTLA recovered its 49% equity interest in Los Angeles Farmers, Inc. plus its share of profits and proceeds from 2017 going forward and ongoing along with 10% prejudgment interest. Farmhouse was also awarded its costs for reimbursement. Los Angeles Farmers Inc., formerly AHPS aka Absolute Herbal Pain Solutions, is a 25,000+ square foot fully operational and multi-licensed cannabis retail dispensary, grow, manufacturer and distributor. The facility resides in a premium location within Los Angeles and includes coveted licenses which are in limited supply from the county. A court-appointed Monitor is undertaking the process of determining the value of the 49% of profits and proceeds from 2017 forward that Farmhouse is entitled to in addition to the 10% prejudgment interest. The Monitor's report is expected to be completed by the end of Q4 2021. About Farmhouse, Inc. The Company is a holding company with multiple divisions, including the WeedClub Platform, a professional social network platform to the regulated cannabis industry, that enables cannabis and hemp professionals to connect, discover products and services and scale their businesses. Within the WeedClub Platform, members utilize an increasing set of technology-based tools for discovering professional connections and information. The Company believes it has established itself as the trusted brand to connect the industry through the WeedClub Platform and its @420 Twitter handle. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, the Company owns a 49% equity interest in a Los Angeles-based multi-licensed cannabis retail dispensary, grow, manufacturer and distributor. Forward Looking Statements The Company cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that any of our plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including, without limitation: the fitness of our product for a particular application or market, the expectations of future revenue growth may not be realized, ongoing demand for our software products and related services, the impact of global pandemics (including COVID-19) on the demand for our products and services; and other risks described in prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including in our Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2020 and any subsequent filings with the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. SOURCE Farmhouse, Inc. Related Links http://www.farmhouse.tv SHANGHAI, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. ("Four Seasons Education" or the "Company") (NYSE: FEDU), a leading Shanghai based educational company dedicated to providing comprehensive after-school education services with a focus on high-quality math education, today announced that it has received a letter from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") dated June 22, 2021, notifying Four Seasons Education that it is below compliance standards due to the trading price of Four Seasons Education's American depositary shares (the "ADSs"). Pursuant to NYSE rule 802.01C, a company will be considered to be below compliance standards if the average closing price of a security as reported on the consolidated tape is less than $1.00 over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. Once notified, the company must bring its share price and average share price back above $1.00 by six months following receipt of the notification. The company can regain compliance at any time during the six-month cure period if on the last trading day of any calendar month during the cure period the company has a closing share price of at least $1.00 and an average closing share price of at least $1.00 over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of that month. In the event that at the expiration of the six-month cure period, both a $1.00 closing share price on the last trading day of the cure period and a $1.00 average closing share price over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of the cure period are not attained, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting procedures. To address this issue, Four Seasons Education intends to monitor the market conditions of its listed securities and is still considering its options. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company's future financial and operating results, are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, management's quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract new students and retain existing students, its ability to deliver a satisfactory learning experience and improving their academic performance, PRC regulations and policies relating to the education industry in China, general economic conditions in China, and the Company's ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the NYSE or other stock exchange, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with the NYSE's continued listing criteria. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by the Company is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F. About Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. is a leading Shanghai based educational company dedicated to providing comprehensive after-school education services with a focus on high-quality math education. The Company's vision is to unlock students' intellectual potential through high quality and effective education that can profoundly benefit students' academic, career and life prospects. The Company provides educational programs that are primarily focused on elementary-level math and have expanded in recent years to also include other subjects, including physics, chemistry, and languages, and other grade levels, such as middle school programs, as well as other programs including interest-oriented programs and programs catering for kindergarten students. The Company's proprietary educational content is designed to cultivate students' interests and enhance their cognitive and logic abilities. The Company develops its educational content through a systematic development process and updates it regularly based on student performance and feedback. Such process allows the Company to effectively drive better learning outcomes and serve students of different ages, aptitude levels and learning objectives. The Company's faculty is led by a group of experienced senior educators, including recognized scholars and award-winning teachers. Over the years, the quality of the Company's education services has been demonstrated by its student outstanding academic performance. For more information, please visit http://ir.sijiedu.com. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. Olivia Li Tel: +86 (21) 6317-6678 E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Jenny Cai Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Four Seasons Education Inc. Related Links http://www.sijiedu.com Galata Acquisition Corp. announced today the pricing of its IPO of 12,500,000 units, at a price of $10.00 per unit. Tweet this B. Riley Securities, Inc. is serving as the sole book-running manager of the offering. The underwriters have been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,875,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on or about July 13, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on July 8, 2021. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by contacting B. Riley Securities, Inc. at 1300 17th Street N., Suite 1300, Attention: Syndicate Prospectus Department, Arlington, Virginia 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by e-mail at [email protected]. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Galata Acquisition Corp. Galata Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, or reorganization or engaging in any other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The Company is led by CEO Kemal Kaya. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographic region, the Company intends to focus on technology-enabled financial services businesses in emerging markets. Segments the Company might explore include, but are not limited to, insurance, reinsurance and insurance services, asset management, retail or investment banking, and merchant acquisition and payment processing. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, including with respect to the initial public offering and the anticipated use of the proceeds thereof, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in the risk factors section of the registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company's initial public offering. Copies of these documents can be accessed through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, except as required by law. Media Contact Galata Acquisition Corp. [email protected] www.galatacorp.net SOURCE Galata Acquisition Corp. Related Links www.galatacorp.net DUBLIN, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Diagnostic Imaging Market By Product Type ( Architecture (Open/Closed), By Field Strength (High and Very-High Field MRI Systems)) By Systems, By Portability, By Application, By End Users, By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global Diagnostic Imaging Market was valued USD32.631 billion in 2019 and is forecast to grow to grow at CAGR of 7.72% during the forecast period. Diagnostic imaging is the visualization of body organs for timely and early diagnosis and treatment. The market is expected to grow on the back of the rising geriatric population in the world. In this era, the technology and medical sciences sectors have joined hands to help people get better treatments with the help of Ultrasound, X-Rays, MRI, Mammographs, etc. Looking at the utility of diagnostic imaging, governments in all regions have now initiated funding for such types of medical devices, which is also a driving factor for this market. However, cost expensiveness and high maintenance can be a hurdle in the growth of the market. The Global Diagnostic Imaging Market is segmented on the basis of product type, systems, portability, applications, end-users and region. The System segment is segregated into Ultrasound Systems, Nuclear Imaging Systems, X-Ray Imaging Systems, CT Scanners, MRI Systems, Mammography Systems and Fluoroscopy. In 2020, X-Ray systems accounted for the largest share due to the rising cases of chronic diseases which require analog or digital X-Ray for diagnosis. In terms of regional analysis, the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market is segregated into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East & Africa. The majority of diagnostic imaging based companies are present in the North America region contributing to the largest share in 2020. However, Asia-Pacific is forecast to witness the highest growth rate in the coming future due to the rising awareness pertaining to the increasing use of diagnostic imaging in budding economies like India and China. Among all the regions, North America is expected to dominate the market through 2026. This can be attributed to the rising health awareness among the population and increasing disease prevalence in this region. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to rising geriatric population, disease prevalence as well as and government initiatives. Major players operating in the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market include Roche Phillips Healthcare Abbott Danaher GE Healthcare Siemens Healthineers Canon ThermoFisher Scientific Fujifilm Biomerieux Sysmex Ortho Clinical Diagnostics OBD Bio Rad Hologic Konica Minolta Grifols DiaSorin Varex Imaging Exact Sciences Years considered for this report: Historical Years: 2016-2019 Base Year: 2020 Estimated Year: 2021 Forecast Period: 2022-2026 Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Impact of COVID-19 on Global Diagnostics Imaging Market 4. Executive Summary 5. Global Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 5.1.2. By Volume 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Product Type 5.2.1.1. By Architecture (Open/Closed) 5.2.1.2. By Field Strength (High and Very-High Field MRI Systems/Low-To-Mid-Field Systems/Ultra high field Systems) 5.2.2. By Systems 5.2.2.1. Ultrasound Systems (2D, 3D, 4D, Doppler, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, Electrocorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) 5.2.2.2. Nuclear Imaging Systems (Hybrid Spect Systems, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Photography (SPECT)) 5.2.2.3. X-Ray Imaging Systems (Analog X-Ray Imaging Systems, Digital X-Ray Imaging Systems) 5.2.2.4. CT Scanner (High End Slice, Mid End Slice, Low End Slice) 5.2.2.5. MRI System 5.2.2.6. Mammography System 5.2.2.7. Fluoroscopy 5.2.3. By Portability (Stationary, Portability) 5.2.4. By Application (OB/Gyn, Orthopaedic, Musculosekeletal, Neuro &Spine, General Imaging, Cardio &Thoracic, Breast health, Others) 5.2.5. By End-User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Others) 5.2.6. By Region 5.2.7. By Company (2019) 5.3. Market Attractiveness Index 6. Asia-Pacific Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value 6.1.2. By Volume 6.2. Market Share & Forecast 6.2.1. By Product Type 6.2.2. By Systems 6.2.3. By Portability 6.2.4. By Application 6.2.5. By End-User 6.2.6. By Country (China; India; Japan; South Korea; Australia) 6.3. Asia-Pacific: Country Analysis 7. Europe Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 7.1. Market Size & Forecast 7.1.1. By Value 7.1.2. By Volume 7.2. Market Share & Forecast 7.2.1. By Product Type 7.2.2. By Systems 7.2.3. By Portability 7.2.4. By Application 7.2.5. By End-User 7.2.6. By Country (United Kingdom; Italy; France; Germany; Spain) 7.3. Europe: Country Analysis 8. North America Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 8.1. Market Size & Forecast 8.1.1. By Value 8.1.2. By Volume 8.2. Market Share & Forecast 8.2.1. By Product Type 8.2.2. By Systems 8.2.3. By Portability 8.2.4. By Application 8.2.5. By End-User 8.2.6. By Country (United States, Mexico, Canada) 8.3. North America: Country Analysis 9. South America Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 9.1. Market Size & Forecast 9.1.1. By Value 9.1.2. By Volume 9.2. Market Share & Forecast 9.2.1. By Product Type 9.2.2. By Systems 9.2.3. By Portability 9.2.4. By Application 9.2.5. By End-User 9.2.6. By Country (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia) 9.3. South America: Country Analysis 10. Middle East and Africa (MEA) Diagnostic Imaging Market Outlook 10.1. Market Size & Forecast 10.1.1. By Value 10.1.2. By Volume 10.2. Market Share & Forecast 10.2.1. By Product Type 10.2.2. By Systems 10.2.3. By Portability 10.2.4. By Application 10.2.5. By End-User 10.2.6. By Country (UAE; Saudi Arabia; Iraq, South Africa) 10.3. Middle East and Africa (MEA): Country Analysis 11. Market Dynamics 11.1. Drivers 11.2. Challenges 11.3. Porter's Five Force Analysis 12. Market Trends & Developments 13. Competitive Landscape For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/86uram Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com The honour went to a scalable drone management system, which can simultaneously control more than 100 industrial drones around the globe all from a single control centre: https://hhla-sky.de/en/drone-system/technology Lothar Muller, Managing Director HHLA Sky: "Our team is delighted with the award, which perfectly matches HHLA's motto the gateway to the future!" Matthias Gronstedt, Managing Director and responsible for Research & Development at HHLA Sky: "Thanks to the active support of our parent company Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, we managed to develop a technology that has no equal anywhere in the world. It will make the usage of drones more efficient and attractive for industrial customers." HHLA Sky is leading the automation of the industrial use of drone fleets around the globe centrally managed and monitored by a single integrated control center. For this purpose, the start-up of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is providing an advanced technology platform. As a technological leader, HHLA Sky advises users on how to better and more efficiently achieve their business and financial goals with drone solutions. https://hhla-sky.de/en/ More content A Video on this site shows the purpose of this drone system: https://hhla-sky.de/en/about-us/hhla-sky-wins-german-innovation-award This enlightening story can provide readers with more information: https://hhla.de/en/magazine/with-a-faresighted-system-to-the-future Listeners may also choose to hear this audio file (only available in German): https://hhla.de/magazin/hhla-sky-loesungen-fuer-drohnen HHL Sky will be happy to supply media with additional photos or video material on request. Please mail to Melanie: [email protected] Contact Melanie Freiwald HHLA Sky GmbH Bei St. Annen 1 D 20457 Hamburg +49 151 56829438 [email protected] SOURCE HHLA Sky GmbH HOUSTON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The HighPoint Technology Group has once again been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. HighPoint Technology Group The HighPoint Technology Group has been selected as one of the technology industry's top-performing providers of managed services by the editors of Channel Futures. For the past 15 years, MSPs from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this prestigious and definitive listing. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organizational performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics. Managed services providers that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures that rank applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue and operational efficiency. Channel Futures is pleased to name the HighPoint Technology Group to the 2021 MSP 501. "Our company works relentlessly to provide the best customer service while always maintaining a consistent and relevant portfolio of IT services even in these changing times. We maintain a steadfast commitment to our corporate culture and delivery methodologies and this type of recognition from the MSP 501 reinforces the fact that we are on point," said Steve Guistwite, President and CEO of HighPoint. "As with years past, it is an incredible honor to be named as one of the premier service providers in our industry, and we look forward to raising our own expectations even higher moving forward into the future." This year's list attracted a record number of applicants and was one of the most competitive in the survey's history. Winners are being recognized on the Channel Futures website and will be honored at a special ceremony at the MSP Summit held Nov. 1-2 in Las Vegas as part of the Channel Partners Conf. & Expo. Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organizations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid work forces. "The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition," said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference & Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. "Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this year's list was clearly one of the best ever on record." "Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward," said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector." The MSP 501 winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo / MSP Summit, Nov. 1-4, in Las Vegas. The complete 2021 MSP 501 list is available on Channel Futures' website. Background The 2021 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures editorial and research teams. Data was collected online from March 1-May 24, 2021. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors. About HighPoint Technology Group The HighPoint Technology Group is a Houston based IT Managed Services, Consulting, and Hybrid Cloud provider serving customers in over 22 states. HighPoint delivers a complete IT services portfolio through the lens of a unique customer service model built around a Disney-like customer service experience. Established in 2010, the HighPoint Technology Group provides security consulting services, outsourcing and managed services, as well as a complete data center portfolio including our Volare Cloud Solution, a hyper-connected private and public cloud infrastructure built to support most enterprise organizations. For more information on HighPoint, visit https://www.gohighpoint.com Media Contact Steve Guistwite President and CEO [email protected] About Channel Futures Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the IT channel industry with insights, industry analysis, peer engagement, business information and in-person events. Our properties include Channel Futures MSP 501, recognizing the most influential and fastest-growing providers of managed services in the technology industry, Channel Futures DEI 101, honoring and celebrating those who have often been under-represented in tech channels; Channel Partners Events, delivering unparalleled in-person events, including Channel Partners Conference & Expo, The MSP Summit, and Channel Evolution Europe; and DEI Community Group, our initiatives to educate, support, promote, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the IT channel industry. Channel Futures is part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events. Channel Futures is where the world meets the channel; We are leading Channel Partners forward. More information is available at channelfutures.com. Media Contact Ginette Andre Associate Marketer, VIP Relations [email protected] Allison Francis Editor, Channel Futures and MSP 501 [email protected] Related Images world-class-it-services-provider.png World Class IT services provider in Houston, Texas SOURCE HighPoint Technology Group ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyzon Motors Inc. announced today the signing of a Heads of Agreement targeting delivery of five hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks to Ark Energy Corporation, the Australian subsidiary of the world's largest zinc, lead and silver producer, Korea Zinc Ltd. Hyzon, a leading global supplier of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles, expects, subject to execution of a definitive vehicle supply agreement, to deliver five 154-ton hydrogen trucks to be used in road train configurations to Ark Energy for use by sister company Townsville Logistics. By replacing their diesel equivalents, these trucks are expected to reduce C02 emissions by over 1,400 tons per year. This is the second announced interest in Hyzon's 154-ton class ultra-heavy-duty trucks, received within weeks of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a European customer. As the world's first and the only ultra-heavy-duty hydrogen truck, the Hyzon 154-ton class hydrogen truck is winning market momentum. "When we scoured the world for fuel cell trucks, we found that Hyzon Motors was the only hydrogen mobility company that could manufacture fuel cells stacks with a sufficient power density to meet our requirements including the ultra-heavy payload and built to Australian Design Rules," said Ark Energy CEO Daniel Kim. "In addition, Hyzon Motors was the only OEM that was interested in supplying the Australian market in the next 18 months." The trucks are expected to be fueled by Ark Energy's own hydrogen refilling station, with hydrogen produced through a solar farm and electrolyzer. By generating hydrogen from a renewable energy source, Hyzon and Ark Energy aim to create a green solution for both supply and utilization, enabling the first refinery to produce green zinc. As part of this commitment, Ark Energy has also joined the Hyzon Zero Carbon Alliance as a founding member. The alliance, a consortium of companies that operate along all points of the hydrogen value chain, aligns experience and expertise to accelerate the transition to a zero-emissions reality. "Through Ark Energy, Korea Zinc leads this notoriously hard-to-abate sector demonstrating that decarbonization can happen now," said Craig Knight, CEO of Hyzon. "This initial order and Ark Energy's hydrogen hub lays the foundation for an emissions-free future." About Hyzon Motors Inc. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., with U.S. operations also in Chicago and Detroit, and international operations in the Netherlands, Singapore, Australia and China, Hyzon is a leader in hydrogen mobility. Hyzon is a pure-play hydrogen mobility company with an exclusive focus on hydrogen in the commercial vehicle market. Utilizing its proven and proprietary hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyzon aims to supply zero-emission heavy duty trucks and buses to customers in North America, Europe and around the world. The company is contributing to the escalating adoption of hydrogen vehicles through its demonstrated technology advantage, leading fuel cell performance and history of rapid innovation. Visit www.hyzonmotors.com. About Ark Energy Corporation Ark Energy Corporation Pty Ltd is an Australian subsidiary of Korea Zinc Company Ltd, which is the largest zinc, lead and silver producer in the world. Ark Energy's mandate is to decarbonize the energy supply of the Korea Zinc group starting with the Sun Metals zinc refinery in Townsville as it aims to become the first refinery in the world to produce green zinc. Ark Energy will leverage and expand on the group's existing investments across the hydrogen value chain to become the safest and most competitive producer of green hydrogen in the world as well as an extreme user and demand creator of hydrogen. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "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. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, including those regarding Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation's ("DCRB") proposed acquisition of Hyzon and DCRB's ability to consummate the transaction, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, DCRB and Hyzon disclaim any duty to update any forward - looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. DCRB and Hyzon caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of either DCRB or Hyzon, including risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of Exhibit 99.3 of DCRB's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on Feb. 9, 2021, the "Risk Factors" section of DCRB's definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on June 21, 2021, and other documents filed by DCRB from time to time with the SEC. 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, such as risks related to the ability to convert non-binding memoranda of understanding into binding orders or sales (including because of the current or prospective financial resources of the counterparties to Hyzon's non-binding memoranda of understanding and letters of intent), or the ability to identify additional potential customers and convert them to paying customers. Hyzon gives no assurance that Hyzon will achieve its expectations. Important Information for Investors and Stockholders In connection with the proposed business combination, DCRB filed a proxy statement and other relevant documents with the SEC. Stockholders and other interested persons are urged to read the proxy statement and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC because they contain important information about DCRB, Hyzon and the proposed business combination. Stockholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing information about DCRB, Hyzon and the proposed business combination, without charge, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Participants in the Solicitation DCRB, Hyzon and their directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from DCRB's stockholders in respect of the proposed business combination and the other matters set forth in the proxy statement. Information regarding DCRB's directors and executive officers is available in DCRB's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended Dec. 31, 2020, and under the heading "Information About DCRB" in DCRB's definitive proxy statement related to the proposed business combination filed with the SEC on June 21, 2021. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the proxy statement relating to the proposed business combination. Media contacts Hyzon Motors' contacts For U.S., Europe and Asia media: Caroline Curran Hill+Knowlton Strategies +1 256-653-5811 [email protected] For Australasian media: Fraser Beattie Cannings Purple +61 421 505 557 [email protected] For investors: Caldwell Bailey ICR, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE HYZON Motors Related Links http://www.hyzonmotors.com DUBLIN, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Surgical Robots Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global surgical robots market exhibited strong growth during 2015-2020. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% during 2021-2026. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use sectors. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. Surgical robots refer to computer-controlled machines that are used for performing minimally invasive (MI) and laparoscopic surgeries. These robots consist of a magnifying high-definition 3-D camera fitted at the tip of the robotic arm that provides an accurate representation of the body parts. They replicate the hand movements of the surgeons and can perform complex procedures using miniaturized surgical instruments that can fit through small incisions. In comparison to traditional surgeries, these robots offer faster recovery time, minimal post-operative discomfort, and reduced risks of infection and scars. Surgical Robots Market Growth Drivers: The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders across the globe is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market. In line with this, the rising geriatric population, which is more susceptible to medical ailments, is also contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, the extensive utilization of these robots for performing surgeries, along with the increasing preference for MI procedures by both patients and healthcare providers, is providing a boost to the market growth significantly. For instance, neurosurgical robots are being used for precise positioning of needles in deep intracranial lesions and for retracting delicate neural structures. Various technological advancements and the integration of the healthcare industry with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are acting as other growth-inducing factors. Surgical robots are being equipped with 3D imaging systems, HD microscopic cameras, data recorders, motion sensors and robotic controlled catheters that assist surgeons in performing complex procedures accurately. Other factors, including increasing funding and investments for research and development (R&D) in the field of robotics and medical sciences, along with improving healthcare infrastructure across the globe, are also projected to drive the market further. Competitive Landscape: The global surgical robots market is highly fragmented with the presence of several small and large players competing in terms of price and quality. Some of the major players in the market are: Accuray Incorporated Auris Health Inc. CMR Surgical Corindus Vascular Robotics Intuitive Surgical Maxar Technologies Limited Mazor Robotics Ltd. Medrobotics Corporation Medtronic Renishaw Smith & Nephew SRI International Inc. Stryker Corporation Think Surgical Transenterix Inc. Verb Surgical Zimmer Biomet Key Questions Answered in This Report: How has the global surgical robots market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What are the key regional markets? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global surgical robots market? What is the breakup of the market based on the product type? What is the breakup of the market based on the application? What is the breakup of the market based on the end-user? What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry? What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry? What is the structure of the global surgical robots market and who are the key players? What is the degree of competition in the industry? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global Surgical Robots Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Product 6.1 Robotic Systems 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Instruments and Accessories 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Services 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Application 7.1 Gynecological Surgery 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Urological Surgery 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Neurosurgery 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 7.4 Orthopedic Surgery 7.4.1 Market Trends 7.4.2 Market Forecast 7.5 Other Applications 7.5.1 Market Trends 7.5.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by End-User 8.1 Hospitals 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Ambulatory Surgical Centers 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 Others 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by Region 9.1 North America 9.1.1 United States 9.1.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.1.2 Market Forecast 9.1.2 Canada 9.1.2.1 Market Trends 9.1.2.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Asia Pacific 9.2.1 China 9.2.1.1 Market Trends 9.2.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2.2 Japan 9.2.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2.2 Market Forecast 9.2.3 India 9.2.3.1 Market Trends 9.2.3.2 Market Forecast 9.2.4 South Korea 9.2.4.1 Market Trends 9.2.4.2 Market Forecast 9.2.5 Australia 9.2.5.1 Market Trends 9.2.5.2 Market Forecast 9.2.6 Indonesia 9.2.6.1 Market Trends 9.2.6.2 Market Forecast 9.2.7 Others 9.2.7.1 Market Trends 9.2.7.2 Market Forecast 9.3 Europe 9.3.1 Germany 9.3.1.1 Market Trends 9.3.1.2 Market Forecast 9.3.2 France 9.3.2.1 Market Trends 9.3.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3.3 United Kingdom 9.3.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.3.2 Market Forecast 9.3.4 Italy 9.3.4.1 Market Trends 9.3.4.2 Market Forecast 9.3.5 Spain 9.3.5.1 Market Trends 9.3.5.2 Market Forecast 9.3.6 Russia 9.3.6.1 Market Trends 9.3.6.2 Market Forecast 9.3.7 Others 9.3.7.1 Market Trends 9.3.7.2 Market Forecast 9.4 Latin America 9.4.1 Brazil 9.4.1.1 Market Trends 9.4.1.2 Market Forecast 9.4.2 Mexico 9.4.2.1 Market Trends 9.4.2.2 Market Forecast 9.4.3 Others 9.4.3.1 Market Trends 9.4.3.2 Market Forecast 9.5 Middle East and Africa 9.5.1 Market Trends 9.5.2 Market Breakup by Country 9.5.3 Market Forecast 10 SWOT Analysis 11 Value Chain Analysis 12 Porters Five Forces Analysis 13 Price Indicators 14 Competitive Landscape 14.1 Market Structure 14.2 Key Players 14.3 Profiles of Key Players 14.3.1 Accuray Incorporated 14.3.1.1 Company Overview 14.3.1.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.1.3 Financials 14.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.2 Auris Health Inc. 14.3.2.1 Company Overview 14.3.2.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.3 CMR Surgical 14.3.3.1 Company Overview 14.3.3.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.3.3 Financials 14.3.4 Corindus Vascular Robotics 14.3.4.1 Company Overview 14.3.4.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.5 Intuitive Surgical 14.3.5.1 Company Overview 14.3.5.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.5.3 Financials 14.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.6 Maxar Technologies Limited 14.3.6.1 Company Overview 14.3.6.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.6.3 Financials 14.3.7 Mazor Robotics Ltd. 14.3.7.1 Company Overview 14.3.7.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.8 Medrobotics Corporation 14.3.8.1 Company Overview 14.3.8.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.9 Medtronic 14.3.9.1 Company Overview 14.3.9.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.10 Renishaw 14.3.10.1 Company Overview 14.3.10.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.10.3 Financials 14.3.11 Smith & Nephew 14.3.11.1 Company Overview 14.3.11.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.11.3 Financials 14.3.11.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.12 SRI International Inc. 14.3.12.1 Company Overview 14.3.12.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.13 Stryker Corporation 14.3.13.1 Company Overview 14.3.13.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.13.3 Financials 14.3.13.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.14 Think Surgical 14.3.14.1 Company Overview 14.3.14.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.14.3 Financials 14.3.14.4 SWOT Analysis 14.3.15 Transenterix Inc. 14.3.15.1 Company Overview 14.3.15.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.15.3 Financials 14.3.16 Verb Surgical 14.3.16.1 Company Overview 14.3.16.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.17 Zimmer Biomet 14.3.17.1 Company Overview 14.3.17.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.17.3 Financials 14.3.17.4 SWOT Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6awm1m Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com RADNOR, Pa., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama against Churchill Capital Corp IV (NYSE: CCIV) ("CCIV") on behalf of those who purchased or acquired CCIV securities between January 11, 2021 and February 22, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investor Deadline Reminder: In accordance with an order issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, the lead plaintiff deadline has been changed to August 30, 2021. CCIV investors who purchased or acquired CCIV securities during the Class Period may, no later than August 30, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at [email protected]; or click https://www.ktmc.com/churchill-capital-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=churchill CCIV is a blank check company, also known as a special purpose acquisition company. Atieva, Inc., d/b/a Lucid Motors ("Lucid") is an American automotive company specializing in electric cars. As of 2020, Lucid's first car, Lucid Air, is in development. The Class Period commences on January 11, 2021, when Bloomberg News reported that Lucid "is in talks to go public through a merger with one of Michael Klein's special purpose acquisition companies, according to people familiar with the matter." Michael Klein launched CCIV in April 2020 and raised $2,070,000,000 in CCIV's initial public offering. It was rumored that Lucid was merging with CCIV. On February 16, 2021, Lucid's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Rawlinson, appeared on Fox Business News with Neil Cavuto touting that Lucid was aiming for a spring delivery of its first vehicles. On Monday, February 22, 2021, the long anticipated merger agreement between CCIV and Lucid was announced. CCIV and Lucid's transaction equity value was estimated at $11.75 billion. However, at 6:22 p.m. that same night, Ed Ludlow of Bloomberg News reported that Mr. Rawlinson announced that production of its debut car will be delayed until at least the second half of 2021, with no definite date set for delivery of an actual vehicle. Following this news, CCIV's stock price fell from a close of $57.37 per share on February 22, 2021, to a close of $35.21 per share on February 23, 2021. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants failed to disclose a true and accurate picture of CCIV's business, operations and financial condition. CCIV investors may, no later than August 30, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP James Maro, Jr., Esq. Adrienne Bell, Esq. 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 (844) 887-9500 (toll free) [email protected] SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Related Links http://www.ktmc.com DALLAS, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) will issue its second quarter 2021 results on Friday, July 23 with a news release issued via PR Newswire and First Call at approximately 6:30 a.m. CDT. In addition to the news release, the company will make available prepared management remarks from Kimberly-Clark's Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu and Senior Vice President and CFO Maria Henry at approximately 7 a.m. CDT. These materials, as well as a link to the company's live question and answer webcast for analysts at 9 a.m. CDT, will be provided through the Investors section of Kimberly-Clark's website at www.kimberly-clark.com. Kimberly-Clark will continue to post the date of future quarterly earnings releases and related webcasts on its website. Interested stockholders and others should monitor the website for these announcements. About Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com. [KMB-F] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/648588/Kimberly_Clark_RGB_Blue_Logo.jpg SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation Related Links http://www.kimberly-clark.com NEWARK, Calif. and NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucid Motors ("Lucid"), which is setting new standards for sustainable mobility with its advanced luxury EVs, and Churchill Capital Corp IV (NYSE: CCIV), a special purpose acquisition company, announced today that Lucid's management team will host an investor call on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 1:30 pm PT / 4:30 pm ET. Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid, and Sherry House, CFO of Lucid, will provide a business update together with an overview of the company. The call will be presentation only, and there will be no question-and-answer session. Lucid and CCIV encourage all CCIV shareholders to participate in the investor call ahead of the CCIV shareholder meeting on July 22, 2021. Parties in the United States can access the call by dialing +1-833-470-1428 , using conference code 731 370 can access the call by dialing , using conference code International parties can access the call by dialing +1-404-975-4839 , using conference code 731 370 . About Lucid Lucid's mission is to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience. The company's first car, Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design underpinned by race-proven technology. Featuring luxurious interior space in a mid-size exterior footprint, select models of Air are expected to be capable of a projected EPA range of over 500 miles and 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Lucid Air is produced at Lucid's new factory in Casa Grande, Arizona, and customer deliveries are planned to begin in the second half of 2021. About Churchill Capital Corp IV Churchill Capital Corp IV was 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. Additional Information About the Proposed Transactions and Where to Find It This communication 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. This communication relates to a proposed business combination between CCIV and Lucid. In connection with the proposed business combination, CCIV filed a registration statement on Form S-4, as amended (the "Form S-4"), with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Form S-4 was declared effective June 25, 2021. The Form S-4 includes a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of CCIV, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus, that is both the proxy statement/prospectus which has been distributed to CCIV's shareholders in connection with CCIV's solicitation of proxies for the vote by CCIV's shareholders with respect to the proposed transaction as described in the Form S-4 as well as the prospectus relating to the proposed business combination as described in the Form S-4. CCIV also will file other documents regarding the proposed business combination with the SEC. Before making any voting decision, investors and security holders of CCIV are urged to read the Form S-4 and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed business combination as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. CCIV has mailed a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its shareholders of record as of June 21, 2021, the record date established for the special meeting of stockholders relating to the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Form S-4 and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by CCIV through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by CCIV with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at CCIV's website at: https://iv.churchillcapitalcorp.com/# or upon written request to 640 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor New York, NY 10019. Participants in the Solicitation CCIV, Lucid and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from CCIV's shareholders in connection with the proposed transactions. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of CCIV's shareholders in connection with the proposed transactions is set forth in CCIV's proxy statement/prospectus included in the Form S-4. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests is included in the proxy statement/prospectus. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target," "continue," "could," "may," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict" 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 and timing related to commercial product launches, the performance, range, autonomous driving and other features of the Lucid Air, future market opportunities, including with respect to energy storage systems and automotive partnerships, future manufacturing capabilities and facilities, future sales channels and strategies, future market launches and expansion, potential benefits of the proposed business combination and PIPE investment (collectively, the "proposed transactions") and the potential success of Lucid's go-to-market strategy, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the proposed transactions. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of Lucid's and CCIV'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 Lucid and CCIV. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including factors discussed in CCIV's definitive proxy statement/prospectus, CCIV's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2020 and CCIV's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, in each case, under the heading "Risk Factors," as well as other documents of CCIV filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither Lucid nor CCIV currently know or that Lucid and CCIV 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 Lucid's and CCIV's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Lucid and CCIV anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause Lucid's and CCIV's assessments to change. However, while Lucid and CCIV may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Lucid and CCIV specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lucid's and CCIV's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Contacts For Lucid Motors, Inc. Andrew Hussey [email protected] [email protected] For Brunswick Group: Tim Daubenspeck/Stephen Powers [email protected] For Churchill Capital Corp IV: Steve Lipin / Lauren Odell / Christina Stenson Gladstone Place Partners (212) 230-5930 SOURCE Churchill Capital Corp IV Related Links https://www.lucidmotors.com ATLANTA, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Art collector Martha Maalouf, resident of the tony Buckhead high rise that many celebs call home in Atlanta, hosts a luxurious unveiling soiree for her latest Ann Bailey painting. Mardi Gras was markedly quiet due to Covid pandemic restrictions in February 2021, but one historic American town apparently had a daring street parade, complete with revelers and a Second Line Band. . . Or such is the story of art! Live event and wedding painter Ann Bailey at art unveiling, Atlanta Guests enjoy seeing Bailey's unique Mardi Gras Parade event painting at the unveiling party. This year, artist Ann Bailey actually invented a Roswell, GA Mardi Gras parade on canvas, and included collector Maalouf and friends once she had purchased the piece to benefit the Voila Foundation 501C3 charity . Maalouf postponed receiving delivery of the artwork until pandemic worries subsided, and last week invited friends to a sumptuous wine and cheese reception to view her newest collected painting. Bailey describes her Mardi Gras painting as "Not quite Live Event Painting this year, but rooted in life - from the French Quarter-ish buildings in downtown Roswell to the post-Christmas hanging globes, which I changed to Mardi Gras green and purple." She adds, "And maybe there's never been a Mardi Gras parade on historic Canton Street, but maybe now there should be!" Bailey is a well known event and live wedding painter as well as a portrait painter, and her earlier New Legends of Atlanta portrait series resurfaced recently when her portrait of Ryan Seacrest aired unexpectedly on CBS TV's "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Now, unveiling the 2021 Mardi Gras Parade painting, Bailey was delighted to see Maalouf 's friends' excitement at viewing the painting and their portraits in person. Says Bailey, "It's always fun to show people how they look in my event paintings - and this time, it was completely surprising for all of them because I added them on a street in Carnival masks and they'd not even been there. They loved it!" Meanwhile, Maalouf and friends spent the summer evening enjoying her second Ann Bailey art acquisition and noshing in the "Dungeon," the celebrated underground wine cellar at Park Place , a very cool labyrinth that may or may not have been designed by another glamorous resident Sir Elton himself! Media contact: Ann Bailey [email protected] 678-488-6516 SOURCE Ann Bailey Studio Related Links https://www.annbaileystudio.com/ DALLAS, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. ("NREF" or the "Company") (NYSE: NREF) announced today that the Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT), to discuss second quarter 2021 financial results. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 800-353-6461 or, for international callers, +1 334-323-0501 and using passcode Conference ID: 8342614. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, http://nref.nexpoint.com. An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days. A replay of the conference call will also be available through Thursday, August 5, 2021 by dialing 888-203-1112 or, for international callers, +1 719-457-0820 and entering passcode 8342614. The Company plans to issue a presentation with second quarter financial results before market open on Thursday, July 29, 2021. About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NREF" primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity and alternative structured financings in commercial real estate properties, as well as multifamily commercial mortgage backed securities. More information about NREF is available at http://nref.nexpoint.com. Contact: Jackie Graham Investor Relations [email protected] 833.463.6697 Media inquiries: [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. Related Links https://nref.nexpoint.com JUNO BEACH, Fla., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) today announced that it plans to report second-quarter 2021 financial results before the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, July 23, 2021, in a news release to be posted on its website at www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com/FinancialResults. An advisory news release will be issued over PR Newswire the morning of July 23, with a link to the financial results news release on NextEra Energy Partners' website. As previously announced, NextEra Energy Partners will make available its financial results only on its website. Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy Partners, Rebecca Kujawa, chief financial officer of NextEra Energy Partners, and other members of the senior management team will discuss the second-quarter 2021 financial results during an investor presentation to be webcast live, beginning at 9 a.m. ET on July 23. Results for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) also will be discussed during the same investor presentation. The listen-only webcast will be available on NextEra Energy Partners' website by accessing the following link: www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com/FinancialResults. The financial results news release and the slides accompanying the presentation may be downloaded at www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com/FinancialResults, beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET on the day of the webcast. A replay will be available for 90 days by accessing the same link as listed above. NextEra Energy Partners, LP NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) is a growth-oriented limited partnership formed by NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). NextEra Energy Partners acquires, manages and owns contracted clean energy projects with stable, long-term cash flows. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy Partners owns interests in geographically diverse wind and solar projects in the U.S. as well as natural gas infrastructure assets in Texas and Pennsylvania. For more information about NextEra Energy Partners, please visit: www.NextEraEnergyPartners.com. SOURCE NextEra Energy Partners, LP Related Links http://www.nexteraenergypartners.com Exhibitors at the event themed "Intelligent Connectivity, Inspirational Cities" included several of China's most well-known companies but one of the key attractions was OneConnect's Smart Government & Enterprise Platform . The solution enables governments to combine services for matters of state, large manufacturers, financial institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through one digital platform, providing a venue for SMEs to accurately and efficiently locate resources for their financing needs. OneConnect Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Ye Wangchun said, "With the rapid development of technology today, OneConnect will continue to provide a valuable, customer-centric service experience while playing a key role in the industry's digital transformation. We believe that the essence to creating more palatable financial technologies that support and enhance human potential, social connectedness, dignity, and self-reliance is to empower the financial industry through technology. We aim to promote digital transformation, support the real economy, facilitate rural revitalization, and create social value." In addition, what most impressed visitors to the conference was OneConnect's ability to provide comprehensive digital solutions allowing the widely diversified needs of financial institutions to be met. Through the integration of multiple products, OneConnect has created 16 product lines across banking, insurance and investment verticals covering both software-as-a-service(SaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) scenarios, providing financial institutions with full-process and end-to-end technology enablement. OneConnect's banking module, intelligent risk management platform, corporate and banking digital transformation service, and intelligent double-entry bookkeeping solution all leverage leading technologies and deep insights into business to provide full-process corporate financial digital solutions and full-scenario AI empowerment, greatly enhancing the quality and efficiency of financial services. The Company's intelligent auto insurance claims platform provides insurance companies with a "Software + Services" end-to-end solution, covering the entire process from reporting of the accident, rescue, vehicle damage and human injury assessment, to supply of parts and settlement of claims. Through a large, shared service center, the platform provides resource support including rescue, inspection of the damaged vehicle and maintenance, as well as enhanced management of claims services. OneConnect's smart subscription and audit solutions fully demonstrate the advantages of AI collaboration in improving management efficiency in the investment sector. The smart subscription solution relies on multiple types of intelligent tools to automate 90% and standardize 100% of the process, significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs and lowering operational risks while enhancing management effectiveness. The smart audit solution is the industry's first of its kind to deploy AI. The Company's Gamma smart voice platform features intelligent solutions for voice navigation, online customer service, video robot, outbound calling, customer service assistance and quality inspection, among other smart customer service solutions, coupled with a voice robot that genuinely delivers business results. WAIC 2021 focused on the artificial intelligence-enabled digital transformation of cities. The event discussed the path of innovation in AI and its resultant industrial applications with the aim of conveying the concept and value of urban digital transformation and reaching a global consensus on relevant governance and norms. The financial technology (fintech) industry serves as a good example. With the growing maturity of key technologies such as cloud computing, big data, blockchain and AI alongside the transition from the internet and mobile web eras into the era of AI, integration of finance and technology has finally been achieved, laying a solid foundation for the next stage of digital development. During the first quarter of 2021, OneConnect announced its SaaS product lineup upgrade plan, with a focus on the "big picture," including platform and ecosystem, while adhering to the dual empowerment of "technology + business." Having established a unique business model, the Company has also been fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities, creating value for society through technology during this period of accelerated evolution of digital finance. Publicly available data reveal that since its inception, OneConnect has invested more than 3.4 billion yuan in technology R&D. The Company has now established its leadership in the fintech industry in terms of AI, big data and blockchain, with a series of industry-leading intelligent technology products in which it solely holds the intellectual property rights. OneConnect is also expanding rapidly into overseas markets by setting up subsidiaries in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, embarking on a new journey of global expansion. About OneConnect Financial Technology OneConnect Financial Technology is a leading technology-as-a-service platform for financial institutions. The Company's platform provides cloud-native technology solutions that integrate extensive financial services industry expertise with market-leading technology. The Company's solutions provide technology applications and technology-enabled business services to financial institutions. Together they enable the Company's customers' digital transformations, which help them increase revenue, manage risks, improve efficiency, enhance service quality and reduce costs. The Company's technology solutions strategically cover multiple verticals in the financial services industry, including banking, insurance and asset management, across the full scope of their businesses from sales and marketing and risk management to customer services, as well as technology infrastructures such as data management, program development, and cloud services. SOURCE OneConnect FARMINGTON, Conn., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) will host a conference call on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Otis President & CEO Judy Marks and Executive Vice President & CFO Rahul Ghai will discuss the company's second quarter results and the outlook for 2021. Participants are encouraged to listen live via webcast on www.otis.com. To join by phone, dial +1-877-735-3703 and an operator will place you on hold until the conference begins. Please allow 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to connect to the teleconference. A corresponding presentation and news release as well as additional investor materials will be available on www.otis.com prior to the call and a recording of the call will be made available on the website later in the day. About Otis Otis is the world's leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company. We move 2 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.1 million customer units worldwide, the industry's largest Service portfolio. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 69,000 people strong, including 40,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook and Twitter @OtisElevatorCo. SOURCE Otis Worldwide Corporation HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Poseidon Water today announced the company has submitted a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application to the California Coastal Commission for the construction of the proposed Huntington Beach Desalination Project ("Project"). The Project is in the final phase of its permitting process and Poseidon Water anticipates the Coastal Commission's consideration of the CDP before the end of the year. "Poseidon Water has a lengthy 15-year history of working cooperatively with the Coastal Commission on the permitting of the proposed Huntington Beach Desalination Project," said Poseidon Water Vice President and Project Manager Scott Maloni. "As California continues to grapple with climate change-induced drought and wildfires we remain committed to building on the success of our Claude 'Bud' Lewis Carlsbad Desalination facility by delivering Southern California a second large-scale, environmentally responsible and cost-effective desalination facility in Orange County," he said. The Project is preparing to obtain from the Coastal Commission the last major discretionary permit needed to build the long-awaited seawater desalination plant as federal and state government officials work on appropriating billions of dollars to water infrastructure projects designed to help communities weather the effects of climate change. Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reaffirmed its 2019 selection of the Project to receive up to $644 million in credit assistance under the federal government's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). The WIFIA program accelerates investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects. The benefits of the credit assistance provided by WIFIA to the Huntington Beach Project will result in a direct financial pass through to Orange County water ratepayers, which Poseidon estimates will reduce consumer water costs by $290 million over the life of the Project as compared to current financing options. About Poseidon Water Poseidon Water is a private company that partners with public agencies to deliver water infrastructure projects. The company's primary focus is developing large-scale reverse osmosis seawater desalination plants implemented through innovative public-private partnerships in which private enterprise assumes the developmental and financial risks. For more information on Poseidon's Carlsbad Desalination Plant, visit the plant website at www.carlsbaddesal.com. For more information on Poseidon's Huntington Beach desalination plant, visit the project website at HBfreshwater.com. Contact: Scott Maloni [email protected] SOURCE Poseidon Water TORONTO, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Prophecy DeFi Inc. ("Prophecy DeFi" or the "Company", formerly Bucephalus Capital Corp.) (CSE: PDFI) is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of June 8, 2021, it has completed the previously announced acquisition (the "Transaction") of 60% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Layer2 Blockchain Inc. ("Layer2"). As consideration for the Transaction, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,000,000 common shares of the Company (each a "Common Share"), to the shareholders of Layer2 on a pro rata basis. All Common Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Layer2 are subject to a four-month and one day resale restriction and voluntary lock-ups of up to 21 months, subject to certain accelerated releases in the event the Company's common shares trade above certain prices. Further information on the Transaction can be found in the press release of the Company dated June 8, 2021. "Prophecy DeFi is thrilled to make this investment into Layer2," said John McMahon, CEO, Prophecy DeFi. "Layer2 is managed by an extremely talented team of DeFi operators, and we will be advancing the existing Layer2 business with capital and resources to accelerate their operations." Going beyond fintech, decentralized finance (or "DeFi") has the potential to disrupt the centralized banking system, art markets, voting standards, and more by focusing on peer-to-peer transactions. The sector is experiencing tremendous success having grown from US$2.4B in total value locked in DeFi a year ago, to over US$55B today.1 Prophecy DeFi is committed to building a connected ecosystem of decentralized finance investments and has begun this through its acquisition of Layer2. Layer2 is a technology company focused on the rapidly emerging "Ethereum Layer Two" decentralized finance ecosystem. DeFi is currently the fastest growing and most innovative subsector in cryptocurrencies. Until recently, DeFi only existed on the Ethereum blockchain, however, scaling issues on Ethereum has pushed DeFi innovation onto a number of different but scalable "Layer Two" blockchains. This fragmentation has created a significant opportunity to realize outsized returns which the Layer2 team is uniquely poised to take advantage of. Layer2's current operations within the DeFi sector are focused on: liquidity provisioning and market making, cross-chain protocol arbitrage, network staking, validation and infrastructure. "This Transaction allows us to capitalize on the depth of experience and connections of Prophecy DeFi so that we can expand our business and take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that specifically exist in the emerging DeFi market," said Andrew Young, CEO, Layer2. "Layer2 is pleased to be joining the Prophecy DeFi organization and as a team operating in decentralized finance, we are looking forward to being a central part of the ecosystem that they are building." In connection with the Transaction, the Company agreed to issue 500,000 common shares to a certain eligible finder. The shares issued to such finder are subject to a four-month and one day resale restriction and the same lock-ups as noted above. About Layer2 Blockchain Layer2 Blockchain is focused on accelerating the development of the DeFi industry on scalable blockchains by providing early-stage liquidity to the most promising DeFi projects. Additional information about the Company can be found on the Company's website at www.layer2defi.com About Prophecy DeFi Prophecy DeFi (CSE:PDFI) aims to bring together technology start-ups in the Blockchain and DeFi sectors to fund innovation, elevate industry research, and create new business opportunities in a coherent ecosystem. Additional information about the Company can be found on the Company's website at: www.prophecydefi.com Forward-Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This forward-looking information is 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 and the possibility that the completion of the transaction may not occur. 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 information. The parties undertake no obligation to update forward-looking information except as otherwise may be required by applicable securities law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1Source: DeFi Pulse (https://defipulse.com) SOURCE Prophecy DeFi Inc. Related Links https://www.bucephaluscapital.ca/ DARIEN, Conn., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SOIGNON Whipped Goat's Milk Cheese, imported by Hudson Valley Creamery and distributed in the U.S. by Norseland, Inc., has won the silver award in the Cheese (Non cow's milk/mixed) category as part of the Specialty Food Association's (SFA) 2021 sofi Awards, a top honor in the $158 billion specialty food industry. 2021 Sofi Award Winners SOIGNON Whipped Goat Wins Silver in sofi Awards 's Milk Cheese Soignon Whipped Goat Cheese was one of 130 winners selected from nearly 1,500 entries across 49 product categories. Products are judged in an anonymous sampling for taste - including flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, innovation and quality of ingredients. "It is a tremendous honor to have been chosen for our first entry and we are thrilled to be recognized by the industry experts," says Emmanuel Guillaume, Sales & Marketing director. "Soignon has recently entered the U.S. Market with this innovation which allows each consumer to create their own experience. Soignon commits on making goat cheese accessible to all occasions: our spreadable Whipped goat cheeses are part of Soignon's unique and healthy propositions to help win the heart of the American people. Proud of our heritage, Soignon is distinctly French and this sofi Award is shared with its cheese-makers and Cooperative members for their everyday commitment to quality and flavor." Soignon Whipped Goat's Milk Cheese spread, imported from France, is renowned for its mild and creamy flavor. An innovative aerating method achieves a delightfully light and airy texture. Apply this fresh whipped spread on fresh bread or crackers for an any-time indulgence or enjoy it on pizza, pasta or with fresh cut vegetables. This is an all-natural product with simple ingredients: pasteurized goat's milk and goat's milk cream, salt, enzymes. The Soignon latest innovation of Whipped Goat Cheese, is now available throughout the United States in two flavors: Plain or Garlic & Herb. Find your newest favorite Soignon Whipped Goat Cheese in the deli section of your local supermarket. About SOIGNON An Iconic French brand founded in the Poitou-Charentes region of France in 1895, SOIGNON is the #1 brand of goat cheese in France and it is part of a decision-making farmers' Cooperative. With over 125 years of traditional French cheese making experience, Soignon is globally renowned as a producer of innovative and quality goat cheeses. Its success is due to a unique expertise perfected over decades which reflects through an unequalled wide range of goat and mixed milk cheeses, the Spreadable Whips but also 40 different propositions. "From our original Salad Topper bite-sized mini logs to our appetizing crispy medallions as well as the flagship Sainte-Maure ripened logs, we create value for both retailers and consumers." For more information, please visit https://www.hudsonvalleycreamery.com/our-cheeses/imported-specialty-soignon/. About Hudson Valley Creamery Hudson Valley Creamery is the U.S. subsidiary of Eurial, France's 2nd largest dairy co-operative which produces the Soignon brand and represents over 4,500 independent French farmers. For more than 35 years, HVC's specialty dairy products expertise has been represented through a wide range of premium dairy brands imported from France as well as the creamiest US goat cheese which is manufactured in New York's Hudson Valley. https://www.hudsonvalleycreamery.com/ About Norseland, Inc. Norseland, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TINE SA, Norway's largest co-operative of dairy farmers. Originally formed in 1978 to import Jarlsberg wheels to the US, Norseland now represent a diverse portfolio of both owned and partner specialty food brands. We use traditional recipes and generations of farming knowledge to bring real food to your table. But we know 21st century food isn't just about the taste...we aim to contribute to a global food future that is ethically produced, sustainable, and good-for-you. https://www.norseland.com/ About the Specialty Food Association The Specialty Food Association (SFA), is the leading trade association and source of information about the $158.4 billion specialty food industry. Founded in 1952 in New York City, the SFA represents makers, importers, retailers, distributors, and others in the trade. The SFA is known for its Fancy Food Shows; the sofi Awards, which honor excellence in specialty food and beverage; Trendspotter Panel Show reports and annual predictions; the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report; the Product Marketplace database, featuring specialty foods and beverages in 161 categories and sub-categories; Infinite Aisle, a new ecommerce marketplace that enables SFA Members to make buyer-maker connections and sales year-round; and Specialty Food LIVE!, a digital marketplace experience. Media contact Hayden Ari [email protected] 973-405-4600 SOURCE SOIGNON NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CLEAR (NYSE: YOU) and the State of Hawaii have partnered to expand the use of CLEAR's Health Pass technology for COVID-19 test screening and vaccine verification of all Hawaii-bound travelers through the Hawaii Safe Travels program. Starting on July 9th, passengers over the age of 18 from every U.S. mainland airport and on any airline may utilize CLEAR's Health Pass as part of the Hawaii Safe Travels testing and vaccine requirements for arrival in all airports in Hawaii - making it simple and easy to travel to Hawaii without being subjected to a 10-day quarantine period. Using the free CLEAR mobile app and Health Pass feature, travelers can add their negative COVID-19 test result or vaccine verification to their Health Pass. Travelers will then head to the Hawaii Safe Travels website to apply for a quarantine exception by linking to their CLEAR Health Pass. A seamless and secure process that can all be done with just your phone. "Safe travel is important for our residents and visitors, and CLEAR offers travelers an additional convenient and secure option for providing vaccination and pre-travel testing verification for those returning home or coming to Hawaii for work or vacation," said Gov. David Y. Ige. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Hawaii and its Safe Travels program," said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. " CLEAR's mission is to provide people with safe and frictionless experiences, and with this new expansion, showing proof of vaccination and enjoying the Aloha state just got much easier." Health Pass is a free, mobile experience by CLEAR, which securely connects a person's verified identity to multiple layers of COVID-19 related insights, including proof of vaccination, to reduce public health risk. CLEAR's Health Pass is able to link to vaccination results from hundreds of vaccine providers and national pharmacies, including Walmart, Atlantic Health System and the state of California. For example, California residents can access their COVID-19 vaccination information through California's Immunization Registry (CAIR) and generate a QR code. They can use the CLEAR app to scan the code to link their proof of vaccination to their Health Pass. More than 40% of travelers to Hawaii originate in California, and CLEAR's Health Pass is ready and able to help Californians easily show proof of vaccination and visit Hawaii. In February, CLEAR initially partnered with the State of Hawaii on a pilot program featuring Health Pass on direct flights between LAX and Honolulu on United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. HOW IT WORKS: No more piles of complex paperwork and fragile CDC cards. Once a traveler has created a Health Pass and linked it with Hawaii Safe Travels, they are ready to enjoy Hawaii: Securely Link Vaccination or Test Results: Travelers can generate a Health Pass by linking to their proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test results. Health Pass has the ability to link to hundreds of vaccine providers including national pharmacy chains, Walmart, Atlantic Health System, and the state of California's vaccine registry. Travelers can generate a Health Pass by linking to their proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test results. Health Pass has the ability to link to hundreds of vaccine providers including national pharmacy chains, Walmart, Atlantic Health System, and the state of vaccine registry. Connect Health Pass to Safe Travels : Once created, travelers will then go to the Hawaii Safe Travels website to apply for quarantine exemption by linking to their CLEAR Health Pass. : Once created, travelers will then go to the Hawaii Safe Travels website to apply for quarantine exemption by linking to their CLEAR Health Pass. Frictionless Pre-Boarding: At the boarding gate or in the terminal, airline employees will scan the HI QR Code to validate that all entry requirements are satisfied. Depending on the airline, travelers may receive a wristband to help expedite arrivals procedures in Hawaii . If a particular airline does not provide preclearance prior to departure, travelers will be screened upon arrival in Hawaii . At the boarding gate or in the terminal, airline employees will scan the HI QR Code to validate that all entry requirements are satisfied. Depending on the airline, travelers may receive a wristband to help expedite arrivals procedures in . If a particular airline does not provide preclearance prior to departure, travelers will be screened upon arrival in . Seamless Arrival: Upon arrival to Hawaii , travelers will show their wristband to airport personnel to demonstrate compliance with all entry and exemption requirements - expediting the entry process - or proceed to arrivals screening. About CLEAR With CLEAR, you are always you. CLEAR's mission is to enable frictionless and safe journeys using your identity. With more than 5.6 million members and 100+ unique locations and partners across North America, CLEAR's identity platform connects you to the cards in your wallet - transforming the way you live, work and travel. Trust and privacy are the foundation of CLEAR. We have a commitment to members being in control of their own information and never sell member data. CLEAR is at the highest level of security by U.S. government regulators and is also certified as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology under the SAFETY Act. SOURCE CLEAR BEACHWOOD, Ohio, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratos Wealth Holdings (Stratos), a family of wealth management firms on a mission to support the development of growth-minded financial advisors across the country, today announced it appointed Robert J. Samson its new Managing Director, Business Development for the Midwest. In this role he will be responsible for recruitment of individual advisors and full teams to Stratos across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and beyond. He will report to Charles Shapiro and be based in Chicago. Jeff Concepcion, Founder and CEO of Stratos Wealth Holdings, said, "Rob is a respected member of our industry and the broader community, and we are incredibly excited to have him join the Stratos team. His dedication to building relationships over time, with a keen eye to the potential of future team members, makes him the perfect fit to support our continued expansion throughout the Midwest." Mr. Samson joins Stratos after 26 years with Wells Fargo Advisors, where he most recently served as the Regional President for the Midwest. A graduate of Michigan State University with honors and Chicago Kent College of Law with high honors, he was a trial lawyer before joining the financial services industry. Mr. Samson also actively supports several community-based, religious and non-profit organizations in the greater Chicago area. Mr. Samson, said, "I'm thrilled for this opportunity to join such a strong and growth-minded enterprise as Stratos Wealth Holdings. Jeff and the entire team are laser-focused on supporting the successful and strategic growth of advisors, regardless of their business models and approach to client service and success. As we continue to see significant evolution in our space, this flexibility will be a major asset for advisors looking to take their practices to the next level." About Stratos Wealth Holdings Stratos Wealth Holdings is a family of companies focused on supporting the growth and success of financial advisors across business models and affiliation structures. Stratos companies include Stratos Wealth Partners, Stratos Wealth Advisors, Stratos Wealth Enterprises, and Fundamentum. Stratos includes a national network of over 300 experienced financial advisors and financial planning practitioners working across 26 states throughout the country. Stratos Wealth Partners, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, manages over $9.00 billion in advisory assets, and services through LPL Financial, over $7.56 billion in brokerage and third-party managed assets for a total of $16.56 billion as of March 31, 2021. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, manages over $1.93 billion in advisory assets as of March 31, 2021. Fundamentum, LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, manages over $571 million in advisory assets as of March 31, 2021. Media Contact: Joseph Kuo / Andrew Wang Haven Tower Group 424 317 4851 or 424 317 4859 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Stratos Wealth Holdings FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Total Parts Plus (TPP), the leading provider of critical parts data for product environmental compliance and lifecycle management, announces their partnership with a new majority investor, ParkerGale Capital (ParkerGale). ParkerGale specializes in partnering with profitable founder-owned software companies to accelerate growth, develop innovative products, and build world-class management teams. As part of the partnership, TPP will join ParkerGale's portfolio of companies and merge with Source Intelligence, the industry-leading SaaS company for supply chain compliance and transparency. Both TPP and Source Intelligence will retain their current staff and leadership teams under the guidance of new CEO Glenn Trout. Previously, Glenn was the Founder and CEO of VelocityEHS, the leader in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) software. For over 20 years, TPP has combined web tools, data, and managed research to provide a comprehensive solution for obsolescence management, REACH and RoHS, and Conflict Minerals compliance. For over 20 years, TPP has combined web tools, data, and managed research to provide a comprehensive solution for obsolescence management, REACH and RoHS, and Conflict Minerals compliance. The combination of TPP and Source Intelligence will give our customers access to one of the most expansive supplier networks and parts & compliance libraries in the industry. TPP's data collection and validation services, along with Source Intelligence's suite of software tools, provide a comprehensive solution for data analysis and compliance reporting. "Both Source Intelligence and TPP are very excited to be working together moving forward. Together, we have the resources and expertise to support our rapid growth, provide enhanced services to our customers, and combine our supplier networks to create one of the largest databases in the industry," says Glenn Trout, who is joining the combined companies as Chief Executive Officer. "I've had the pleasure of working alongside the TPP team and have seen firsthand their passion and drive to provide customers with the highest quality environmental and product compliance data and expertise. Our vision is to leverage the strengths of both teams to make supply chain data management and compliance easy and accessible for both small and large enterprises." Devin Mathews, Partner at ParkerGale concludes on the new partnership and expanded resources, "We have known Glenn Trout for over a decade, and we're thrilled to have him leading the combined team. Through our research, it was clear the combination of these two complementary companies could be powerful for companies struggling to stay on top of rapidly changing global regulatory requirements. We couldn't be more excited to be partnering with Glenn and the team to bring these two growing companies together." To learn more about the expanded TPP leadership team and solutions for supply chain compliance, please visit home.totalpartsplus.com. About Total Parts Plus: Total Parts Plus specializes in environmental compliance and obsolescence management solutions in the form of data content, web-based tools, and hosted services. Total Parts Plus suite of products provide information and reporting on RoHS Compliance, REACH/SVHC, Conflict Minerals, etc. and electronic component obsolescence management to include PCN's, alternate sourcing, alternate equivalents, and life cycle predictions. To learn more, visit home.totalpartsplus.com. About Source Intelligence: Source Intelligence is the leading provider of SaaS Supply Chain Compliance solutions and has been automating supply chain compliance for over a decade. Source Intelligence uses AI and machine learning technology to gather and validate supply chain data for over 300,000 companies for due diligence, regulatory compliance, risk management, and ESG initiatives. To learn more, visit www.sourceintelligence.com. About ParkerGale: ParkerGale Capital is a private equity firm based in Chicago that invests in founder-owned technology companies and corporate carve-outs where the firm's operating resources can have a meaningful impact on the outcome. ParkerGale also hosts the Private Equity FunCast available on iTunes, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more, visit www.parkergale.com. Related Images total-parts-plus-expands-supply.jpg Total Parts Plus Expands Supply Chain Compliance Solutions For over 20 years, TPP has combined web tools, data, and managed research to provide a comprehensive solution for obsolescence management, REACH and RoHS, and Conflict Minerals compliance. SOURCE Total Parts Plus VANCOUVER, BC, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The TUEX Foundation is working alongside JA British Columbia to create a Build Your Own Business contest for local schools in British Columbia. This contest will encourage students to tune into their entrepreneurial spirit and turn their small ideas into big opportunities. With the help from various JABC sponsors and the TUEX Foundation, the contest will be fully funded and the students will have access to resources that will help them build their business ideas. These resources include classes to help understand finances, expert advice from professionals, and avenues to help create prototypes. Alfred Chien, Co-Founder and CEO of TUEX Education, can't wait to get the contest started, "We are excited about this initiative with JABC and hope to run multiple contests throughout every school semester for years to come. Students have always had great business ideas, but most don't have the means to pursue them. Through these contests, we hope to jumpstart the careers of future entrepreneurs with the help and resources they need." The plan is to recruit sponsors from now until the end of July, then run the first contest in August before the new school year begins. Media Contact: Alfred Chien TUEX Foundation 604-780-2681 [email protected] https://www.tuexfoundation.org SOURCE TUEX Foundation Related Links http://www.tuexfoundation.org DUBLIN, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "US & EU Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market, Key Trends & Growth Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The genomic market is poised to grow at a much faster pace with real-time drug discovery, cutting-edge diagnosis, and technologically advanced treatment. Genomic testing has proven to be a revolutionary tool in medicine, with applications including infectious disease diagnosis, cancer treatment selection, and non-invasive prenatal testing. Biomarkers and companion diagnostics are increasingly being included in FDA labelling of pharmaceuticals to guide therapy selection, a trend that is expected to accelerate, establishing genomic testing as a mainstay in the clinic. DTC-GT can be called directly by the consumer at home without any physician recommendation or through healthcare professionals, used for genealogy purposes. The increasing numbers of products provide medical information. For example, 23andME offers FDA-approved genetic testing that examines the consumer's risks for certain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, celiac disease, and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. One of the major concerns is the potential for misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the test results, particularly when pre- or post-test genetic counselling is not provided. With the growing consumer interest in DTC-GT, there is a shortage of trained specialists needed to meet this demand. The complexity of these tests is one of the reasons the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has recommended that genetics experts be made available for patient test result consultations. Thus, primary care physicians assisted by genetic counsellors will likely be asked to interpret DTC-GT results with increasing frequency. Success will be defined by the ability to properly communicate results and risks identified from genetic and genomic tests back to their patients. Many DTC-GT results relate to small risk changes for common diseases and pharmacogenetics, which may be more appropriately interpreted as part of primary care and may not require an in-person visit to a genetics specialist. Data from studies indicate that telegenetics is substantially less expensive for the institution and was associated with comparable patient satisfaction. Patients have reported high satisfaction with cancer telegenetics. These services can include a mix of virtual visits, remote monitoring tools, mHealth, and emergency response systems. Healthcare professionals and researchers are constantly seeking both to optimize medical treatments and to avoid adverse reactions to treatments, wherein comes the role of precision medicine (PM). The PM revolution began in oncology, where genomic understanding of disease progression (e.g., identification of cancer-causing genes) enabled development of targeted therapies based on observed mutations. Changing the treatment paradigm to include lifestyle data, and to leverage digital platforms and advanced analytics to create personalized predictive models will likely revolutionize treatment delivery and enable the delivery of precision care in large heterogeneous diseases. Widespread use of PM in these diseases will require a change in the healthcare ecosystem, with increased reliance on patient-collected data, use of new diagnostics (including digital biomarkers), and an increased focus on prevention and reduced total cost of care. Each of these factors requires a transformation in how patients, providers, and payers interact to deliver healthcare. Key Topics Covered: 1. Strategic Imperatives Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow? The Strategic Imperative The Impact of the Top Three Strategic Imperatives on Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine 2 Growth Opportunity Analysis: Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Overview and Scope Growth Environment DTC-GT Market Segmentation Key Trends Defining DTC-GT in 2021 Market Participants Growth Drivers for DTC-GT Market Growth Restraints for DTC-GT Market 3. Business Model Innovation Cross-sector Collaborations will Accelerate Personalized Healthcare Expanding Avenues to Access Global Genomic and Biological Data for Evidence-Based Medicine, Research, and New Drug Discovery Genomic Players will have to Transition from Traditional Tests to Disease-specific Tests, Advanced Kits, Technology & Services 4. Growth Opportunity Universe: Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Growth Opportunity 1: Telegenetic Counseling Provides Patients Access to Care, Improves Health Outcomes, and Reduces Costs Unmet Need: Understanding, Interpreting, Informing, and Integrating Findings in Patient Care Continuum Remains the Biggest Need in Genome Medicine Growth Opportunity 2: Disease-specific Genetic Tests will Assist in Early Diagnosis of Diabetes, CVD, or Cancer (Breast/Colorectal/Pancreatic) Growth Opportunity 3: Shift toward Personalized Medicine Enabled by Pharmacogenomics will Improve Patient Outcome 5. Appendix Companies Mentioned 23andME American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1th7pu Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com DUBLIN, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "The US Cannabidiol (CBD) Market: Size & Forecasts with Impact Analysis of COVID-19 (2020-2024 Edition)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. "The US Cannabidiol (CBD) Market: Size & Forecasts with Impact Analysis of Covid-19 (2020-2024 Edition)" provides an in-depth analysis of the CBD market in the US including detailed description of market sizing and growth. The report provides an analysis of the US CBD market followed by US Hemp-Derived CBD market and its various segments. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been segmented into hemp-derived, marijuana-derived and pharmaceutical. Hemp-derived CBD has been further segmented on the basis of product and distribution channel. Based on product, hemp-derived CBD has been segregated into tinctures, topicals, capsules, vape oil/ cartridges, gummies, other edibles, pre-roll/ flower and syrups and dabs. On the basis of distribution channel, hemp-derived CBD has been divided into natural food stores, online, smoke shops, dispensaries, medical companies and others. The US Cannabidiol (CBD) market is expected to rise significantly during the period 2020-2024. The market is expected to be driven by various growth-enhancing factors such as aging population, the growing use of CBD among millennials, increasing prevalence of arthritis, removal of hemp from the Controlled Substance Act, etc. However, the market is not free from challenges that are hindering its growth. Some of the major challenges faced by the market are lack of regulatory clarity and ineffective and unregulated products. Moreover, the report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall CBD market in the US has also been forecasted for the period 2020-2024, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The major players dominating the US CBD market are Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc., CV Sciences, Inc., Reliva CBD Wellness and Elixinol Global Limited (Elixinol USA). The four companies have been profiled in the report providing their business overview, financial overview and business strategies. Company Coverage Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc CV Sciences, Inc. Reliva CBD Wellness Elixinol Global Limited (Elixinol USA ) Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 2.1 Cannabidiol (CBD): An Overview 2.1.1 Impact of CBD 2.1.2 CBD Legality in the US 2.1.3 CBD Products 2.1.4 Side Effects of CBD 2.2 Cannabidiol (CBD) Segmentation: An Overview 2.3 Hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) Segmentation: An Overview 3. The US Market Analysis 3.1 The US CBD Market: An Analysis 3.1.1 The US CBD Market by Value 3.2 The US Hemp-Derived CBD Market: Analysis 3.2.1 The US Hemp-derived CBD Market by Value 3.2.2 The US Hemp-derived CBD Market by Product (Tinctures, Topicals, Vape Oil and Cartridges, Capsules, Pets, Gummies, Beauty and Skincare, Pre-Roll and Others) 3.2.3 The US Hemp-derived Tinctures CBD Market by Value 3.2.4 The US Hemp-derived Topicals CBD Market by Value 3.2.5 The US Hemp-derived Vape Oil and Cartridges CBD Market by Value 3.2.6 The US Hemp-derived Capsules CBD Market by Value 3.2.7 The US Hemp-derived Pets CBD Market by Value 3.2.8 The US Hemp-derived Gummies CBD Market by Value 3.2.9 The US Hemp-derived Beauty and Skincare CBD Market by Value 3.2.10 The US Hemp-derived Pre-Roll CBD Market by Value 4. Impact of COVID-19 4.1 Impact on the US CBD Market 4.1.1 Impact on Operations of CBD Companies 4.1.2 Challenges 4.1.3 Opportunities 4.1.4 Contraction in Prices 4.1.5 Pandemic encouraging Innovation 5. Market Dynamics 5.1 Growth Drivers 5.1.1 Aging Population 5.1.2 Rising Disposable Income 5.1.3 Growing Use of CBD among Millennials 5.1.4 Increasing Prevalence of Arthritis 5.1.5 Removal of Hemp from Controlled Substance Act 5.2 Challenges 5.2.1 Lack of Regulatory Clarity 5.2.2 Ineffective and Unregulated Products 5.3 Market Trends 5.3.1 Use of Blockchain Technology 5.3.2 Rapidly Growing Online Retail 6. Competitive Landscape 6.1 The US CBD Market Players: Primary Competitors Analysis 6.2 The US CBD Players: Financial Comparison 6.3 The US CBD Market Players by Instagram Followers 7. Company Profiles 7.1 Charlotte's Web Holdings Inc. 7.1.1 Business Overview 7.1.2 Financial Overview 7.1.3 Business Strategy 7.2 CV Sciences Inc. 7.2.1 Business Overview 7.2.2 Financial Overview 7.2.3 Business Strategy 7.3 Reliva CBD Business 7.3.1 Business Overview 7.3.2 Business Strategy 7.4 Eleixinol Global Limited (Elixinol USA) 7.4.1 Business Overview 7.4.2 Financial Overview 7.4.3 Business Strategy List of Figures and Tables Figure 1: CBD Products Figure 2: Side Effects of CBD Figure 3: Cannabidiol (CBD) Segmentation Figure 4: Hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) Segmentation Figure 5: The US CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Billion) Figure 6: The US Hemp-derived CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Billion) Figure 7: The US Hemp-derived CBD Market by Product; 2019 (Percentage, %) Figure 8: The US Hemp-derived Tinctures CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Billion) Figure 9: The US Hemp-derived Topicals CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Billion) Figure 10: The US Hemp-derived Vape Oil and Cartridges CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Million) Figure 11: The US Hemp-derived Capsules CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Billion) Figure 12: The US Hemp-derived Pets CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Million) Figure 13: The US Hemp-derived Gummies CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Billion) Figure 14: The US Hemp-derived Beauty and Skincare CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Million) Figure 15: The US Hemp-derived Pre-Roll CBD Market by Value; 2019-2024 (US$ Million) Figure 16: The US Aging Population; 2010-2050 (Percentage, %) Figure 17: The US Per Capita Disposable Personal Income; 2012-2018 (US$ Trillion) Figure 18: The US Millennials' Annual Aggregate Income; 2020-2030 (US$ Trillion) Figure 19: The US Arthritis Population; 2010-2040 (Million) Figure 20: The US Blockchain Technology Market; 2016-2020 (US$ Million) Figure 21: The US CBD Market Players by Instagram Followers; 2018 Figure 22: Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. Revenue; 2016-2019 (US$ Million) Figure 23: CV Sciences, Inc. Net Product Sales; 2015-2019 (US$ Million) Figure 24: Elixinol Global Limited Revenue; 2017-2019 (US$ Million) Figure 25: Elixinol Global Limited Revenue by Region; 2018 (Percentage, %) Table 1: The US Marijuana-derived CBD Legal Status by State Table 2: The US CBD Market Players Financial Comparison; 2018 Companies Mentioned Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc CV Sciences, Inc. Reliva CBD Wellness Elixinol Global Limited (Elixinol USA ) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bbpsv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com "Tom has the ideal background for leading our casualty unit," said Mr. Meyer. "His experience and a proven track record in excess and surplus lines, specifically in the areas of underwriting, wholesale distribution and executive leadership, coupled with his outstanding reputation among wholesale brokers make him a perfect fit for this role. I look forward to working with him to continue with the successes we have experienced to date." Thomas McLaughlin joined Westchester in June 2019 as Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Northeast Regional Manager for its Casualty Division. He has more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry, where he has held a variety of leadership roles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College, a JD from Suffolk University Law School, and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar. "On behalf of my colleagues, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Dean Andrighetto for his many contributions to Westchester over the last three and a half decades," said Mr. Meyer. "He has played a pivotal role in helping to shape Westchester as one of the largest excess and surplus lines carriers in the U.S. We wish him and his family all the very best during this next chapter of his life." About Westchester Westchester is one of the largest and most diverse excess and surplus lines commercial property and casualty insurance underwriters in the United States. Focused on the wholesale distribution channel, Westchester provides innovative specialty products for property, specialty casualty, environmental, professional risk, inland marine, product recall, small business, binding and programs. The business is further distinguished by exceptional financial strength, underwriting excellence and superior claims handling expertise. Westchester is a Chubb company. Additional information on Westchester can be found at www.westchester.com. About Chubb Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com. SOURCE Chubb Related Links www.chubb.com DUBLIN, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this Global Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Market Report. The cordless vacuum cleaner market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.39% during the forecast period 2021-2026. The rising awareness about cleanliness among the consumers and the ease of the cleaning process is creating heavy demand for vacuum cleaners. North America and Europe contribute to the largest share of the market. APAC is observing a higher growth rate due to a rise in disposable income and increasing health awareness. The growing trend of co-working spaces is driving the growth of cordless vacuum cleaners worldwide. Purchasing power and the standard of living of people across the regions are the major factors impacting the market growth. The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the cordless vacuum cleaner market during the forecast period: Rising Usage of HEPA Filter and Anti Allergen Technology Introduction of Smart Vacuum Cleaners Increasing of Disposable Income and Urbanization Rising of Single Residential Ownership The report considers the present scenario of the cordless vacuum cleaner market and its market dynamics for the period 2020-2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study covers both the demand and supply sides of the market. It also profiles and analyzes leading companies and several other prominent companies operating in the market. Market Segmentation The global cordless vacuum cleaner market research report includes a detailed segmentation by category, product, distribution channel, end-user, geography. The cordless vacuum cleaners, specifically designed for floor cleaning, occupy the market's highest share. For instance, In March 2021, Eufy launched a handstick cordless vacuum cleaner for floor cleaning in India. The growth of residential sectors in developing countries such as China, India, and others is expected to boost cordless vacuum cleaners' demand. North America and Europe are significant markets for floor-specific cordless vacuum cleaners due to their high purchasing power and higher living standards. The rising electricity and labor costs in countries such as Germany, the UK, and others drive the upright vacuum cleaner market. Residential vacuum cleaners are expected to generate high revenue in the upright market. Bagged upright vacuums are very hygienic and enhancing the demand for these products across the globe. The growing concern towards sustainability and environment-friendly products is projected to boost the demand for this vacuum cleaner year on year. The online distribution channel in the cordless vacuum cleaner is significantly growing across all regions. Various vendors such as Eufy, Karcher, and others expand their presence to other countries by collaborating with other e-commerce channels in the global cordless vacuum cleaner market. The huge discounts provided in the online media attract consumers to buy these products through online channels. The rising tech-savvy population is giving a boost to online sales during the forecast period. Developing countries such as India, China, and others are growing rapidly, and huge investments are taking place in these countries for the application of cordless vacuum cleaners. The advent of COVID-19 and several measures taken by governments of emerging economies are expected to be key factors driving the demand for cordless vacuum cleaners in commercial spaces. The global commercial vacuum market is growing at a CAGR of 11. 05%. Competitive Landscape Dyson, Electrolux, LG, TTI Group, SharkNinja, Bissell, and others offer cordless vacuum cleaners in the global market. The key market players compete in various rounds, such as introducing new products, technology, and online presence. The constant innovation and development of new products are making the competition among the vendors more intense. Most key vendors focus on the European and North American markets to gain growth opportunities in the market. Vendors incorporate several innovative features in cordless vacuum devices such as floor sensing, battery sensing, and filter sensing technology to gain a competitive advantage. Key Questions Answered: How big is the vacuum cleaner industry? What is the growth rate of the North America Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Market? Who are the key players in the cordless vacuum cleaner market? Who are the major end-user segments in the cordless vacuum cleaner market? What are the technological advancements in the market? Key Topics Covered: 1 Research Methodology 2 Research Objectives 3 Research Process 4 Scope & Coverage 4.1 Market Definition 4.1.1 Inclusions 4.1.2 Exclusions 4.1.3 Market Estimation Caveats 4.2 Base Year 4.3 Scope of The Study 4.4 Market Segments 4.4.1 Market Segmentation by Category 4.4.2 Market Segmentation by Product Type 4.4.3 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 4.4.4 Market Segmentation by End-User 4.4.5 Market Segmentation by Geography 5 Report Assumptions & Caveats 5.1 Key Caveats 5.2 Currency Conversion 5.3 Market Derivation 6 Market at a Glance 7 Introduction 7.1 Overview 7.2 Raw Material Insights 7.3 Impact Of COVID-19 7.3.1 Supply Side 7.3.2 Demand Side 8 Market Opportunities & Trends 8.1 HEPA Filter And Anti-Allergen Technology 8.2 Advent of Smart Vacuum Cleaners 9 Market Growth Enablers 9.1 Increasing Disposable Income and Urbanization 9.2 Rising Single Residential Ownership 9.3 Internet Shaping Purchasing Behavior 10 Market Restraints 10.1 High Cost of The Product 10.2 Upgradation of Products 10.3 Availability of Counterfeit Products 11 Market Landscape 11.1 Market Overview 11.2 Market Size & Forecast 11.3 Five Forces Analysis 11.3.1 Threat of New Entrants 11.3.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.3.4 Threat of Substitutes 11.3.5 Competitive Rivalry 12 Category 12.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 12.2 Market Overview 12.3 Floor 12.3.1 Market Overview 12.3.2 Market Size & Forecast 12.3.3 Market by Geography 12.4 Window and Pool 12.4.1 Market Overview 12.4.2 Market Size & Forecast 12.4.3 Market by Geography 12.5 Others 12.5.1 Market Overview 12.5.2 Market Size & Forecast 12.5.3 Market by Geography 13 Product 13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 13.2 Market Overview 13.3 Upright 13.3.1 Market Overview 13.3.2 Market Size & Forecast 13.3.3 Market by Geography 13.4 Canister 13.4.1 Market Overview 13.4.2 Market Size & Forecast 13.4.3 Market by Geography 13.5 Stick 13.5.1 Market Overview 13.5.2 Market Size & Forecast 13.5.3 Market by Geography 13.6 Handheld 13.6.1 Market Overview 13.6.2 Market Size & Forecast 13.6.3 Market by Geography 13.7 Others 13.7.1 Backpack: Market Overview 13.7.2 Robotic: Market Overview 13.7.3 Market Size & Forecast 13.7.4 Market by Geography 14 Distribution Channel 14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 14.2 Market Overview 14.3 Offline 14.3.1 Market Overview 14.3.2 Market Size & Forecast 14.3.3 Market by Geography 14.4 Online 14.4.1 Market Overview 14.4.2 Market Size & Forecast 14.4.3 Market by Geography 15 End-User 15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 15.2 Market Overview 15.3 Residential 15.3.1 Market Overview 15.3.2 Market Size & Forecast 15.3.3 Impact of COVID-19 15.3.4 Market by Geography 15.3.5 Indoor: Market Size and Forecast 15.3.6 Outdoor: Market Size and Forecast 15.4 Commercial 15.4.1 Market Overview 15.4.2 Market Size & Forecast 15.4.3 Market by Geography 15.4.4 Hospital: Market Size & Forecast 15.4.5 Shopping Malls: Market Size & Forecast 15.4.6 Impact of COVID-19 15.4.7 Retail Stores: Market Size & Forecast 15.4.8 Others: Market Size & Forecast 16 Geography 16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine 16.2 Geographic Overview 17 North America 18 Europe 19 APAC 20 Latin America 21 Middle East & Africa 22 Competitive Landscape 22.1 Competition Overview 23 Key Company Profiles 23.1 Dyson 23.1.1 Business Overview 23.1.2 Product Offerings 23.1.3 Key Strategies 23.1.4 Key Strengths 23.1.5 Key Opportunities 23.2 Electrolux 23.2.1 Business Overview 23.2.2 Product Offerings 23.2.3 Key Strategies 23.2.4 Key Strengths 23.2.5 Key Opportunities 23.3 Gtech 23.3.1 Business Overview 23.3.2 Product Offerings 23.3.3 Key Strategies 23.3.4 Key Strengths 23.3.5 Key Opportunities 23.4 LG 23.4.1 Business Overview 23.4.2 Product Offerings 23.4.3 Key Strategies 23.4.4 Key Strengths 23.4.5 Key Opportunities 23.5 Midea Group 23.5.1 Business Overview 23.5.2 Product Offerings 23.5.1 Key Strategies 23.5.2 Key Strengths 23.5.3 Key Opportunities 23.6 Panasonic 23.6.1 Business Overview 23.6.2 Product Offerings 23.6.3 Key Strategies 23.6.4 Key Strengths 23.6.5 Key Opportunities 23.7 Samsung 23.7.1 Business Overview 23.7.2 Product Offerings 23.7.3 Key Strategies 23.7.4 Key Strengths 23.7.5 Key Opportunities 23.8 TTI Group 23.8.1 Business Overview 23.8.2 Product Offerings 23.8.3 Key Strategies 23.8.4 Key Strengths 23.8.5 Key Opportunities 23.9 Whirlpool 23.9.1 Business Overview 23.9.2 Product Offerings 23.9.3 Key Strategies 23.9.4 Key Strengths 23.9.5 Key Opportunities 24 Other Prominent Vendors 24.1 Bissell 24.1.1 Business Overview 24.1.2 Product Offerings 24.2 Daewoo 24.2.1 Business Overview 24.2.2 Product Offerings 24.3 Deerma 24.3.1 Business Overview 24.3.2 Product Offerings 24.4 Dreame 24.4.1 Business Overview 24.4.2 Product Offerings 24.5 GlenDimplex 24.5.1 Business Overview 24.5.2 Product Offerings 24.6 Karcher 24.6.1 Business Overview 24.6.2 Product Offerings 24.7 Kent 24.7.1 Business Overview 24.7.2 Product Offerings 24.8 Moosoo 24.8.1 Business Overview 24.8.2 Product Offerings 24.9 Neato Robotics 24.9.1 Business Overview 24.9.2 Product Offerings 24.10 Nilfisk 24.10.1 Business Overview 24.10.2 Product Offerings 24.11 Numatic International 24.11.1 Business Overview 24.11.2 Product Offerings 24.12 ProTeam 24.12.1 Business Overview 24.12.2 Product Offerings 24.13 Puppyoo 24.13.1 Business Overview 24.13.2 Product Offerings 24.14 Roidmi 24.14.1 Business Overview 24.14.2 Product Offerings 24.15 SharkNinja 24.15.1 Business Overview 24.15.2 Product Offerings 24.16 Simplicity 24.16.1 Business Overview 24.16.2 Product Offerings 24.17 Tennant 24.17.1 Business Overview 24.17.2 Product Offerings 24.18 Tineco 24.18.1 Business Overview 24.18.2 Product Offerings 24.19 Tornado 24.19.1 Business Overview 24.19.2 Product Offerings 24.20 Vorwerk 24.20.1 Business Overview 24.20.2 Product Offerings 25 Report Summary 26 Quantitative Summary 27 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/st4vxx Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com FTSE 100 recovered some of yesterdays hefty fall after the UK economy rose by 0.8% in May, although GDP grew slower pace than forecast. Londons leading index added 33 points to 7,064 in early trading. Britons are rushing to book summer holidays after the government scrapped quarantine from amber-list destinations for double-jabbed travellers. EasyJet PLC ( ) said bookings to these areas such as Spain, Greece and Portugal have rocketed 400%. Half-year trading for ( ) was ahead of expectations, said management. The components manufacturer has recently rejected five cash offers from private equity group Lone Star. Inc. ( ) is to acquire ( ) for 1bn as it diversifies away from tobacco. The UK pharma company scrapped a lower offer previously agreed with private equity firm Carlyle. Arc Minerals PLC ( ) shares lost a fifth of their value as the companys exclusivity period agreement with Anglo American ( ) lapsed. During the exclusivity period Anglo had permission to conduct a technical review of Arcs copper exploration licences in Zambia. ( ) said it expects to report a loss for the extended accounting period ended May, but recover strongly thereafter. The engineer restructured following the loss of a major contract in late 2020. Bidstack Group PLC ( ) unveiled an exclusive partnership with Belgrade-based Nordeus, best known for its flagship game Top Eleven. First released in 2010, Top Eleven is now one of the longest-running mobile games. Serowe-2 has been drilled to a total depth of 350 metres and encountered 9 metres of target Serowe coal seams in line with pre-drilling estimates. Pure Hydrogen Corporation Ltd ( ) (OTCMKTS:STRXF) has spudded the Serowe-3 coalbed methane(CBM) well, the second of its six-well appraisal drilling campaign at the Serowe Project in Botswana. The Serowe-2 well is currently at a depth of 47 metres towards a target depth of 500 metres. The company has run logs on Serowe-2 well, which indicated the well has intersected coal seams in line with pre-drilling estimates. Further work wil be carried out to determine the optimum method of completion for the well. Spudding reflects ongoing confidence Pure Hydrogen managing director Scott Brown said: Pure Hydrogen is encouraged by the initial interpretation of the Serowe-2 well. This is a good outcome, and we expect to report on further testing here with our plans to complete the well in the near term. Spudding Serowe-3 reflects our ongoing confidence in the project, and we look forward to updating shareholders on progress as our program unfolds. Looking ahead Pure Hydrogen says there have been some delays with the drilling due to Covid restrictions in Botswana. After completing the drilling of Serowe-3, the in-country drilling team will take a break and the drilling of Serowe-4 is likely to begin in approximately two months. The Serowe Project has a prospective high-grade CBM gas resource of 2.38 trillion cubic feet. Testing at the first Venus CSG Pilot Progressing Pure Hydrogen is continuing to flow test Venus-1 in its Walloon CSG project in the Surat Basin where early gas breakout confirmed high gas saturation of the target Juandah coals. The technical team is currently designing the next phase of the Pilot, which is planned for the coming weeks. The company has 100% ownership of the Serowe Project (51% post-farm-in) and is free with project partner BotsGas funding 100% of the farm-in appraisal programs designed to high-grade resources to reserves. Pure Hydrogen is an Australian east coast focused clean energy company with having business interest in hydrogen and gas. The company has three gas projects under development which include The Windorah Gas Project in the Cooper Basin, Australias most prolific onshore producing petroleum basin, Project Venus CSG in the Surat Basin in Queensland and the Serowe Project CSG in Botswana. Yangon, July 9 : The number of Covid-19 cases in Myanmar has increased to 180,055 on Thursday after 4,132 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to a release from the Ministry of Health and Sports. A total of 51 new deaths were reported on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 3,621 in the country, the release said. According to the ministry's release, 142,309 patients have been discharged from the hospitals and over 2.82 million samples have been tested for Covid-19 so far, the Xinhua news agency reported. Myanmar detected its first two Covid-19 cases on March 23 last year. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) London, July 9 : Britain has reported another 32,551 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total in the country to 5,022,893, according to official figures released Thursday. The country's coronavirus-related death toll rose by 35 to 128,336. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, the Xinhua news agency reported. More than 45.6 million people in Britain have received the first Covid-19 vaccine jab and over 34.1 million people have received two doses, the official figures showed. British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced Thursday that fully vaccinated British residents arriving in England from amber travel list destinations will no longer have to quarantine from July 19. Shapps said in the House of Commons, the lower house of the British parliament, that British residents who have received two vaccine doses and those aged under 18 will not need to quarantine when they return to England from a place on the amber list. For the time being, individuals returning from the British government's amber or red list destinations, regardless of vaccine status, must isolate for 10 days. All of these rule changes still need to be confirmed on July 12 by the government after its review of the latest data. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on 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 also be confirmed on July 12. To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Russia, the United States as well as the European Union have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Washington, July 9 : US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that US military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31, days ahead of his original September 11 deadline. "In this context, speed is safety," Biden said in his remarks at the White House. "Conducting our drawdown differently would have certainly come with an increased risk of safety to our personnel." Biden in April ordered all US troops to leave Afghanistan before September 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that drew the US into its longest war, the Xinhua news agency reported. In defending the withdrawal, he noted that the US military had achieved its counter-terrorism objectives in the 20-year war. "We did not go to Afghanistan to nation-build," Biden added. "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 reaffirmed that the US will continue providing support to the Afghan government and planned to move Afghan nationals who worked with US forces out of the country to wait for their US visa to be processed. "Starting this month, we're going to begin relocation flights for Afghanistan SIV (Special Immigrants Visa) applicants and their families who choose to leave," he said. The Wall Street Journal last month reported that the US intelligence community assessed that the Afghan government could collapse as soon as six months after the complete withdrawal of the US military. Biden rejected the collapse scenario on Thursday. "They didn't reach that conclusion," he told reporters, saying he had confidence in the capacity of the Afghan troops. Meanwhile, the security situation in the war-torn country has deteriorated as Taliban militants continue heavy fighting against government forces and captured about 100 suburban districts out of the country's 400 districts since the drawdown of US troops on May 1. US and NATO forces last week had evacuate the Bagram Airfield near capital city Kabul, handing over the largest coalition base to Afghan government troops. US Central Command said on Tuesday that the US military had completed over 90 per cent of the withdrawal. According to media reports, around 650 troops are expected to remain in the country to provide security for diplomats. Over 2,400 US troops have been killed in Afghanistan over the past two decades, with 20,000 wounded, according to the Pentagon. Estimates show that over 66,000 Afghan troops have been killed, and over 2.7 million people have had to leave their homes. Srinagar, July 9 : An encounter has started between terrorists and security forces at Redwani area of South Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials said on Friday. "Encounter has started at Redwani area of Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job," police said. The firefight between terrorists and security forces took place after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists. As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter. Wellington, July 9 : Eleven people were injured due to a hot air balloon crash near Queenstown, South Island of New Zealand on Friday, reported the local media. A police spokesperson at the scene confirmed that at least one person was seriously injured, with the 10 others suffering minor or moderate injuries, the Xinhua news agency reported. Visual contents from the scene showed a large semi-deflated balloon seen through tree branches. It is said that there were numerous power lines visible at the site. At the request of the emergency services, the power company turned off the power, leaving at least 160 houses in nearby suburbs without electricity. Hot balloon flight is one of the popular touring attractions in New Zealand, but tragedy did happen before. A balloon crash accident in 2012 took 11 lives. There is no evidence this crash was caused by misconduct, but a witness reported a plummet landing being seen this time. New Delhi, July 9 : Its a love letter to a city. Even as she explores cuisines and eateries synonymous with Kolkata, the author, who has been living there forever, discovers her city anew with every page -- first with surprise, and then gratitude. Author Mohona Kanjilal, whose latest 'A Taste of Time: A Food History of Calcutta' (Speaking Tiger) is a journey through the ever changing landscape of Kolkata's food and cultural milieu, from its decades old cutlet, jhal muri and puchka stalls to its iconic continental restaurants like Firpo's and Flurys, from its oldest tea shop -- Favourite Cabin to the 21st century fine dining restaurants. A book that not about the food of Kolkata, but also its history, sights, sounds, colour and smell. As the author writes about Kolkata's history, people and places through food, she admits the city grows on a person. "This holds true even for the non-Bengalis --there is something special about this city and its people. The warmth that the inhabitants of this city exude or their tolerant nature - really difficult to point out a single factor. Kolkatans are not only culturally active but politically aware and intellectually alert. Every interesting nugget of information I would discover while researching on the city would get me excited and make my city all the more endearing to me," she told IANS. Kanjilal, who has written two short story collections before, was thinking of an idea for her third book. One day, while shopping, she stepped into Nahoum's - the Jewish bakery. Though she had been there before, on that particular day, it was taking some time to settle the bill at the counter. She began looking around and the old-world charm in its dAcor and a nostalgic feeling of a bygone era that emanated from it caught her eye. "When they told me that the place was established in 1902, it got me thinking about other old eateries in Kolkata." She found the subject interesting and began her research. While interacting with the owners of these eateries, Kanjilal also came across interesting nuggets of information about Kolkata's food history, which she began exploring in detail. "Researching on the subject further, I realised that this cosmopolitan food culture in Kolkata developed when it became an important centre of trade and commerce and was made the royal capital, attracting many communities to it. Now my research, which had begun with a vague idea, became more defined. So, the book is a combination of history and food." Of the numerous places -- Armenian, Jewish, Chinese, Parsi and Indian ones she explored,the one where she would love to sit behind the counter is the Favourite Cabin on Surya Sen Street, the first tea shop to come up in the city. "There is so much history entwined with this place. It was the popular hub of freedom fighters. They would visit the shop in disguise and discuss politics over garom cha. Whenever the police conducted raids on the shop, the owner would signal to them in a code language, and they would escape, right on time, from the back door. Not a single freedom fighter was ever caught there." Mention the misconception among people living outside Bengal that the food from the state is all about maachh and mishti -- fish and sweets, and she smiles, "There is a plethora of vegetarian dishes in Bengali cuisine. I can think of at least ten different types of dishes that can be made with a single vegetable like bottle gourd in our cuisine, right from savoury to sweet dishes." She adds that today, Kolkata has a flourishing hospitality industry, and local food entrepreneurs picked up the threads from the Europeans and began setting up restaurants. "Park street and Dacres Lane are the two food streets of Kolkata. While the former has its fair share of upscale restaurants, the latteris the mecca of street food. There are different categories of restaurants to suit all kinds of budgets. And the number of such places seems to be growing because there is an increasing demand for them. Kolkatans love to celebrate life and one of the ways they do it is through food." Stressing that the book provided her an opportunity to see the city afresh, she says that 'A Taste of Time' evolved over the years, and she grew with it. "I rediscovered the city, saw it with a new perspective and fell in love with it even more. I was a Kolkata addict before. But this book has turned me into a hardcore one." (Sukant Deepak can be reached at sukant.d@ians.in) By Arul Louis Biden cancels Trump proposal to time-limit student visas By Arul Louis New York, July 9 (IANS) President Joe Biden's administration has announced it is cancelling a proposal by his predecessor Donald Trump to limit student visas to a four-year term for scholars from India and most other countries. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the decision on Tuesday and said that it would also drop the proposed limits on visa for journalists. The DHS said that it had received about 32,000 public comments, of which 99 per cent were critical of the proposal made by the Trump administration last September and, therefore, it was withdrawing the proposed changes. It said that it "is concerned that the changes proposed unnecessarily impede access to immigration benefits." By keeping the current visa regulations, students on F and J visas would be able to keep their visas in the US as long as they are continuing their studies and journalists on I visas while keeping their jobs. If the changes had gone through, they would have had to apply to the Citizenship and Immigration Service for extensions or leave the country and apply to the Customs and Border Protection agency for readmission. The Trump administration proposal would have further reduced the limits on student visas to two years for certain countries a large number of whose citizens were overstaying their visas. The DHS reported that those opposing the time limit said "would significantly burden the foreign students, exchange scholars, (and) foreign media representatives" and "impose exorbitant costs." "Higher education groups were alarmed by the plan to change the policy, which, they argued, would create uncertainty and confusion for students who would have to navigate a burdensome and costly new reapplication process in order to continue their studies in the US," Inside Higher Education reported. The businesses that wrote in against the proposal said that "many noncitizens may not be able to apply for an extension of stay or have it approved in a timely fashion, thereby delaying the possible start dates of employees and/or cause them to lose potential job candidates," the DHS added. The DHS, however, said that it still supports the goal of the proposal, which was "to protect the integrity of programmes that admit nonimmigrants in the F, J, and I" visa categories and would analyse it while ensuring that it conformed to Biden's executive order issued in February on "restoring faith in our legal immigration systems." Typically, students in PhD or research programmes or pursuing other advanced degrees require more than four years. Students transitioning to practical training programmes could also be affected, impacting businesses that rely on foreign students to power their development. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis) Lucknow, July 9 : Uttar Pradesh has overtaken Maharashtra in terms of Covid vaccinations, after over seven lakh vaccinations. According to the CoWin Portal, the total number of doses extended in Uttar Pradesh till 9 p.m. on Thursday was 3.60 crore while Maharashtra stood at 3.57 crore. The state now accounts for about 10 per cent of the total doses given in the country. Uttar Pradesh has been able to provide at least one dose to 22.4 per cent of its population. On Thursday, UP also became the first state to have given the first dose of the vaccine to over three crore people. As per the CoWin portal, 3,04,96,595 persons have taken at least one dose while 55.27 lakh are fully vaccinated in the state. The nearest contender is Maharashtra where 2.82 crore have taken at least the first dose. The others to follow are Rajasthan (2.15 crore), Gujarat (2.11 crore) and Karnataka (2.04 crore). Among districts, Lucknow (15.64 lakh), Gautam Buddha Nagar (13.04 lakh), Ghaziabad (11.29 lakh), Meerut (10.50 lakh) and Gorakhpur (9.93 lakh) are among the top performing districts while Kasganj (1.78 lakh), Lalitpur (1.86 lakh), Kaushambhi (1.98 lakh) and Aurraiya (2 lakh) are among the worst performing ones. Health officials said that the improvement in vaccination scenario is mainly due to the cluster model which has addressed the key bottlenecks, particularly connectivity and digital divide, and created an ease of vaccination. The steps taken, such as microplanning, have accelerated the vaccination drive in the state. Since the launch of the cluster model, vaccination in the rural areas has picked up very well. On a daily basis, about 40 per cent of the vaccinations are taking place in villages. Additional chief secretary (ACS), health and family welfare, Amit Mohan Prasad said that there was visible enthusiasm for the vaccine now. He also said that the state had ample stock and all eligible persons must get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible. Navneet Sehgal, ACS, information, said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had expressed satisfaction at the pace of the vaccination programme and directed district officials to ensure that every eligible person was facilitated for the vaccination. He said that the chief minister had also congratulated the team behind the drive. San Francisco, July 9 : Apple has announced a new documentary special that tells the story of 9/11 through the eyes of the presidency by gaining unprecedented access to the key decision makers who responded for the nation. Titled "9/11: Inside the President's War Room," the documentary by Apple and the BBC will make its global debut on Apple TV+ and BBC One this September, marking the 20th anniversary of the attack. Narrated by Emmy Award winner Jeff Daniels, it recounts the 12 hours after the strike on that momentous day, offering rare and unique insight into the dilemmas of decision-making against the clock, as those involved provide intimate, revealing and heartfelt details for the first time, Apple said in a statement late on Thursday. The documentary special will feature never-before-heard testimony with President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice (national security advisor), Colin Powell (secretary of state), Andy Card (chief of staff), Dan Bartlett (director of communications), Rear Admiral Deborah Loewer (head of Situation Room), Josh Bolten (deputy chief of staff) and more. "It will also feature nearly 200 never previously published photographs, as photographers followed every move of Bush and Cheney that day, as well as filmed archive," Apple said. The documentary will debut alongside Apple's expanding offering of award-winning documentaries and docuseries, including Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Award-winning "Boys State"; "The Me You Can't See," a multi-part documentary series from co-creators and executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and The Duke of Sussex; "1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything". July 09 : Kriti Sanon starrer film Mimi has been in the news since it went to floors in October 2019. Like most films, Mimi was also sidelined due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, which continued till this year. Now with the relaxation of the lockdown, films are coming to the fore once again as they gear up for their releases. Mimi has also been dug out from the pile as Kriti surprised her fans with a new poster. The Luka Chuppi actress took to her Instagram profile on Friday and shared her first look from the most anticipated film Mimi. Kriti shared a motion poster of the film, wherein she is seen cradling her baby bump. "Nothing like what you're expecting," reads the tagline on the poster. Kritis sister Nupur Sanon cheered for her and wrote: "Going to be the best!" Mimi will now premiere on Disney+ Hotstar in July. The actress hinted at it and wrote, "This July, expect the extraordinary from the ordinary! Stay tuned #Mimi," she wrote. Helmed by Laxman Utekar, written by Rohan Shankar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under his banner Maddock Films, Mimi is a remake of Samroudhhi Porey's National Award-winning Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychy! which was released in 2011. Kriti plays a surrogate mother, and for her role, she had to put on 15 kilos. Laxman Utekar had previously directed Kriti in Luka Chhupi. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Manoj Pahwa and Supriya Pathak. Mimi was mostly shot in Churu, Rajasthan. Initially, the film was slated to release theatrically in mid-2020, but post-production delays due to COVID-19 pandemic caused the postponement in its release date. The first look poster shared the first glimpse of Kritis character in the film. In the movie, Kriti plays a dancer, who aspires to be an actress and ends up to be a surrogate mother. Earlier, while talking about the film, Kriti had said that the storyline of Mimi has an entertaining take on surrogacy, and not a "preachy" or serious approach. It's not like you are going to watch a film on surrogacy and it's going to be a documentary film. It's a very entertaining film, filled with humour, and a lot of ups and downs, she had said in an interview. July 09 : Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khans daughter Suhana Khan is having a gala time in New York, where she is currently studying before she can plunge into her acting career. While the young diva is doing a course at The New York University Tisch School of the Arts, her life includes friends, outings, parties, and loads of fun, and she often shares glimpses from her happening New York life. Earlier this week, the star kid had stepped out for a party with her gang and posed for some goofy selfies. While Suhana gave a glimpse of her party outfit on her Instagram story, Orhan Awatramani, who hosted the bash, took to Instagram to share a series of pictures from the party. Orhan Awatramani shared multiple picture collages, in which Suhana Khan and other friends were seen striking various goofy poses. If u lame thats a shame u cant hang with us... obs, Orhan Awatramani wrote in his post. Suhana dropped a goofy emoji on the post. In another video clip, some boys were seen glued to their phone, while the girls were seen dancing. What happens when you host your party during the Super Bowl. Boys vs girls, he wrote in the caption. Image Source: Instagram/suhanakhan2 Suhana Khan poses for goofy pictures Suhana also shared a picture of herself on her Instagram stories, giving a glimpse of the outwit she wore at the party. She was seen wearing a blue strapless figure-hugging gown and holding a matching handbag. She posted a blue heart emoji along with the photo. Image Source: Instagram/suhanakhan2 Suhana Khan shared on her Instagram story Suhana, who aspires to be an actor like her father Shah Rukh Khan, returned to the US in January this year, after spending several months in Mumbai with her family during the lockdown last year. The young aspiring actor has previously acted in an adaptation of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet in London. Shah Rukh Khan had come all the way to London to watch her play Juliet. Suhana was also a part of a short film titled The Grey Part of Blue. Seoul, July 9 : South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI is considering investment in the US to meet growing demand for electric vehicles, industry sources said on Friday, stoking speculation over potential partnership with major automakers. The battery making arm of Samsung Electronics has been reviewing various options to build a new battery factory in the U.S. to supply potential clients but has remained cautious over its plan despite rising market expectations. "We are considering U.S. investment, but details have not yet been decided," a company official said without elaboration, citing sensitivity of the ongoing discussions, reports Yonhap news agency. Talks have been under way with major automakers, including Stellantis, to discuss partnership, which could be a supply deal or establishing a joint venture to build a new factory in the U.S., another source said. Stellantis, the world's No. 4 automaker, has been considered as a potential partner for Samsung SDI as it plans to build its own battery manufacturing facilities to accelerate its EV transition. During the EV Day presentation on Thursday, the automaker, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, said it will invest more than 30 billion euros ($35.54 billion) through 2025 for its electrification, noting it is "in final steps" of securing a battery partner in North America. Samsung SDI is well positioned to team up with Stellantis as its two other Korean rivals have already established joint ventures with American automakers to build battery factories. LG Energy has launched a joint venture with General Motors to build battery factories in Ohio and Tennessee, in addition to its plant in Michigan, under its plans to invest more than $4.5 billion in the U.S. by 2025. SK Innovation and Ford are set to launch a joint venture that will build a $5.3 billion battery plant in the U.S. separate from SK's two factories under construction in Georgia. Samsung SDI has battery cell plants in South Korea, Hungary and China and operates a battery pack assembly line in Michigan built in 2018. The company supplies batteries to German automaker BMW and Fiat, now part of the Stellantis family, and has secured a deal from U.S. startup Rivian, backed by Amazon and Ford, for its electric pickup and SUVs. Lucknow, July 9 : Cinema halls and multiplexes will not reopen in the state even though the Uttar Pradesh government has allowed them to reopen from July 5. The UP Cinema Exhibitors Federation had earlier said that cinema halls and multiplexes would reopen from July 9 but the decision has now been changed. Federation president, Ashish Agarwal, said, "There is no point in reopening cinema halls -- single screen and multiplexes -- from Friday because the weekend closure on Saturday and Sunday continues. Most families watch films on weekends because it is a holiday for all. Moreover, the night curfew that begins from 9 p.m. means that we cannot run night shows. In such a situation, there is no point in reopening halls to empty shows." Cinema and multiplex owners want the state government to call off weekend curfew and also night curfew since Covid cases are now negligible. The Federation said that unless restrictions are removed, they would not want to reopen theatres. Meanwhile, a multiplex manager in Lucknow said, "In any case there are no new films releasing at the moment so business is going to be low. These restrictions will further dent business. Unless cinema halls are allowed to run through the week, the new films will not be released. After all, who wants to release films on 20 per cent business." Harare, July 9 : Zimbabwe has become the first country to exempt all member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from visa requirements. 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, Xinhua news agency reported. Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava made the remarks in a statement, saying: "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." 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. New Delhi, July 9 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday enquired about the health of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh and said people across India are praying for his speedy recovery. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, "Countless people across India are praying for the speedy recovery of Kalyan Singh Ji. Yesterday J P Nadda Ji, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Ji and others went to the hospital to meet him. I just spoke to his grandson and enquired about his health." In another tweet, Modi said, "I was deeply touched to know that during his conversation with J P Nadda Ji, Kalyan Singh Ji remembered me. I also have many memories of my interactions with Kalyan Singh Ji. Several of those memories came back to life. Talking to him has always been a learning experience." The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is critical and admitted at Lucknow's Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. On Thursday, BJP chief Nadda paid a surprise visit to Lucknow to see ailing Singh. From Lucknow airport, Nadda went straight to the hospital. BJP general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh accompanied Nadda. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 9 : Former Health Minister Harsh Vardhan being dropped from the Cabinet has not gone down well with the people. As per the IANS-CVoter Snap Poll, more than half or 54 per cent said Harsh Vardhan is alone not responsible for the hardships faced by the people during Covid-19 pandemic and is being made a scapegoat. The sample size of the survey is 1,200 and is based on interviews with adult respondents across all segments, however, 29 per cent disagreed with this notion. Hopes are dim on any relief on petrol and diesel prices despite a change in guard. Fifty-five per cent said changing the Petroleum Minister and appointing Hardeep Puri will not put a check on rising prices of petrol and diesel while 34 per cent said it will. A new Education Ministry has been perceived positively with 52 per cent saying it will improve the state of education in the country while 35 per cent disagreed. A big surgery in the Modi government on Wednesday led to the axing of several heavyweight ministers holding key portfolios. Most of these resignations were unexpected and not part of the usual speculation binge which takes place in the run up to a Cabinet reshuffle. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan was in the firing line because of perceived mismanagement of the Covid second wave which took a toll on millions of lives. Harsh Vardhan had been widely criticised for the ensuing situation as the Health Ministry is seen as the nodal ministry for management of the Covid situation and vaccine administration. Among the senior ministers, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Sadananda Gowda, Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister and Santosh Gangwar, Union Labour and Employment Minister have also resigned. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment has been appointed as Governor of Karnataka. Twelve ministers have resigned from the Modi government, including Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and I&B and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted their resignations, a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said. Among the Ministers of State, Debasree Chaudhuri, Women and Child Development; Rattan Lal Kataria, Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment; Sanjay Dhotre, Education; Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Animal Husbandry; Babul Supriyo, MoS, Environment; and Raosaheb Danve Patil, MoS, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution have all resigned. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Cairo, July 9 : Egypt has welcomed on Russia's decision to lift a ban on charter flights to the African country's Red Sea resorts after around six years of suspension, the Foreign Ministry in Cairo in a statement. "Egypt expresses its aspiration for the speedy return of Russian tourism to Egyptian resorts, which would enhance bilateral cooperation in the tourism field," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying. Issued in November 2015, a few days after a Russian plane crashed over the Sinai Peninsula killing 224 people, the ban was annulled earlier on Thursday by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Before Thursday's decision, only regular Russian flights to Cairo and official flights to Egypt were allowed. The Russian flight suspension greatly affected the tourism industry in Egypt, for Russia used to be a top source of tourists for Egypt's popular Red Sea resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada. Before the 2015 crash, Russian tourists accounted for about 40 per cent of all foreign visitors to Egypt, mostly arriving on chartered flights to Sharm El Shiekh and Hurghada. The resumption of the chartered flights comes at a time when Egypt's vital tourism sector is slowly recovering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The government this week allowed hotels nationwide to operate at 70 per cent of their capacity, up from 50 per cent. Preventive measures remain in force. Egypt welcomed 13 million tourists in 2019, the year before the pandemic struck, earning $13.03 billion. Last year, its revenues from the sector dropped to $4 billion. The tourism industry, which normally accounts for about 15 per cent of Egypt's gross domestic product, earned the Treasury about $4 billion during the first half of 2021. Chennai, July 9 : The war of words between the BJP and the DMK in Tamil Nadu is likely to continue over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) after the Union health ministry in its affidavit before the Madras High Court said that the committee is 'neither requisite nor valid'. The Union ministry filed the affidavit on Thursday. BJP Tamil Nadu state secretary K. Nagarajan had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court that the Justice (Rtd) A.K. Rajan committee constituted by the Tamil Nadu government was against the constitution and prayed in the PIL to quash it. Undersecretary in Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Chandan Kumar in the ministry's appeal stated that according to Section 14 of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, that admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses would be made only through NEET. He also stated that the Supreme Court had in April 29,2020 in a case filed by the Christian Medical College(CMC), Vellore had held that NEET was neither opposed to social principles guaranteed in the constitution nor to the social fabric of the country. The Union health ministry also stated in the Madras High Court that the terms of reference of the Justice A.K. Rajan committee read as if the state government has already come to a conclusion that NEET was against the students of socially and economically backward classes. BJP state secretary, K. Nagarajan while speaking to IANS said, "There is no locus standi in constituting a committee like Justice A.K. Rajan committee even after the Supreme court had in the CMC Vellore case clarified that NEET is not against social justice." The DMK, Dravida Kazhagam and other parties have filed separate petitions before the Madras High court to implead themselves as parties to the proceedings in the PIL filed by K. Nagarajan on June 10th to quash the proceedings of the Justice( Rtd) A.K. Rajan committee. The first bench of the Madras High court comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy is slated to hear the case on July 13. Hyderabad, July 9 : Hetero, a globally renowned vertically integrated pharmaceutical organization, on Friday announced the interim clinical results from Phase III clinical trials of Molnupiravir in mild Covid-19 patients conducted across multiple Covid-dedicated hospital sites across India. The trials demonstrated statistically significant fewer hospital admissions, faster time to clinical improvement and early negative SARS CoV-2 RT PCR with Molnupiravir treatment in mild COVID-19 patients Compared to Standard of Care alone. The company said it has approached the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to seek emergency use authorization for Molnupiravir in India. In April this year, Hetero had entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., the US, to manufacture and supply Molnupiravir in India and over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Molnupiravir is an investigational, orally administered form of a potent ribonucleoside analog, being developed globally by MSD, that inhibits the replication of multiple RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19 with demonstrated activity against SARS-CoV-2 in human airway epithelial cell cultures and potential to completely eliminate SARS CoV-2 from the body within 5 days. Hetero had commenced a phase-III, comparative, randomized, multicenter clinical trial on 1,218 mild Covid-19 patients. These clinical trials were aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of Molnupiravir plus standard of care (test arm) versus standard of care alone (control arm), in mild Covid-19 patients with a positive SARS CoV-2 RT PCR test for Covid-19 and randomized within 5 days of onset of symptoms. Patients in the clinical trial were randomized to receive either Hetero's Molnupiravir capsules 800 mg (4 x 200 mg) every 12 hours (twice daily) for 5 days along with standard of care as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines or, in the control arm, to receive standard of care alone. The company said the interim results from 741 mild Covid-19 patients revealed encouraging outcomes. Earlier clinical improvement (2-point decrease in WHO Clinical Progression Scale) was observed in Molnupiravir group compared to standard of care Median time to clinical improvement was as early as 8 days in Molnupiravir group compared to 12 days in standard of care alone group. Earlier SARS CoV-2 RT-PCR negativity observed in Molnupiravir group compared standard of care. There were fewer hospital admissions in Molnupiravir group There was no mortality in either group. All adverse events were non-serious, mild in severity, and none led to drug discontinuation. Most common adverse events reported were nausea, diarrhoea and headache which were resolved completely. In addition to these clinical trial studies, Hetero is also undertaking a separate Molnupiravir study on moderate Covid-19 patients approved by CDSCO. The interim and final clinical results on the same will be shared in due course. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Liverpool, July 9 : Arts and cultural organisations in Liverpool joined force in a last-minute bid to avert the British city losing its Unesco World Heritage status. Unesco's World Heritage Committee, meeting later this month in China, is being recommended to strip Liverpool of the prestigious title because of waterfront developments, including a new multi-million dollar stadium for English Premier League club Everton, reports Xinhua news agency. Liverpool was granted the World Heritage status in 2004 in recognition of the city's history as a major trading centre and of its architectural landmarks. In 2012, proposals for high-rise buildings prompted the World Heritage Committee to put the city on the List of World Heritage in Danger. A report to the committee said the projects threaten the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site. Liverpool Arts Regeneration Consortium (LARC), an alliance of the city's major cultural organisations, on Thursday pleaded with the Unesco revaluate its decision to remove the city's from the World Heritage list. The consortium includes the cream of the city's cultural world, including Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool (NML), the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the city's three main theaters, and other arts bodies. LARC says Liverpool is at a crucial moment for its economic renaissance, adding "Deletion of World Heritage status, at a time when we are planning our comeback following the global pandemic, would be an unfair setback". In their plea to Unesco, the consortium said: "We understand the importance of protecting the city's considerable historic assets and believe the stories of our past have an integral role in Liverpool's ongoing development and growth. "As such, we are committed to celebrating the city's remarkable heritage while looking forward to an exciting future, imbued with culture and creativity." The consortium adds that several of its venues are housed in historic buildings within the World Heritage Site, delivering arts and participation programs that engage with, interpret and interrogate the port's maritime mercantile narratives, bringing them into dialogue with the present. "Recognition of Liverpool's global heritage significance is especially critical at this time, as we endeavor to connect contemporary debates around colonial legacies to an understanding of our past. Liverpool has always been a world-class heritage city -- with its fine architecture, distinctive waterfront and cultural assets, with people at its heart. "However, the protection and appreciation of our historic assets and the city's need and appetite for ongoing development needn't be exclusive," the letter added. They said they believe there is an outstanding opportunity for Unesco, the UK government and Liverpool to work in partnership to secure the thriving future an ambitious global city, while preserving the unique and prestigious heritage at its heart. Local mayors and civic leaders, as well as national politicians, have asked the World Heritage Committee to delay a decision to enable it to visit the city to see how the site is being protected. The World Heritage Committee meeting will held in Fuzhou, China on July 16-31. New Delhi, July 9 : India's Civil Aviation sector got a new commander to manoeuvre the industry out of the Covid turbulence, as Jyotiraditya Scindia took charge of the ministry on Friday. Accordingly, the Union Minister took charge of the ministry headquartered at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here. He succeeds Hardeep Singh Puri who has now got the Ministry of Petroleum and retains the Urban Affairs Ministry. Besides, former Army chief-turned-politician General V.K. Singh (retd), the Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is also the new Minister of State for Civil Aviation. The sector is one of the hardest impacted by the Covid pandemic. At present, airlines and airports are running into massive financial and job losses. However, the sector, despite the economic fallout, has successfully been able to transform its image from elitist to essential. The two ministers will now face the daunting task of Air India's divestment as well as reinvigorating the sector via infrastructure development. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, July 9 : Heres an ode to one of the most entertaining periods of Hindi cinema. Kaveree Bamzai's "The Three Khans - And The Emergence of New India" (Westland), releasing on July 15, looks back at Bollywood during the 1990s and the political and social incidents that were instrumental in making Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir emerge as superstars of the time. Their enormous fame not only marked turning points in their careers but also influenced the social and emotional disposition of the devoted Indian audiences. The three young men entered the world of Hindi films when the Angry Young Man era was on its last legs, heralding a change that audiences sought and found in the 1988 teen romance, "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", starring Aamir Khan. The film's success set the stage for another blockbuster, "Maine Pyar Kiya", a year later, starring Salman Khan. Meanwhile, a third young actor, Shah Rukh Khan, emerged as the star of "Fauji", a TV series. In the coming years, Hindi films changed dramatically, much of it spearheaded by the troika. The last three decades have also seen change in India with the unleashing of caste mobilisation, the emergence of a post-liberalisation open market and the rise of an assertive Hindutva. In addition, these decades have witnessed the growth of multiplexes, the emergence of digital streaming, noisy television news channels and an opinionated and vibrant social media. While exploring the political and social circumstances in which the Khans rose to fame, the book maps the movies that marked the turning points in their careers and examines their social and emotional impact on Indian audiences. Deeply insightful without being pedantic, the book is a masterly examination of the role popular culture plays in our lives. Kaveree Bamzai is an independent journalist with over 30 years at India Today, The Indian Express and The Times of India. She launched her career as a sub-editor-cum-film-reviewer at The Indian Express, Ahmedabad, in 1988, having inherited her love for movies from her late father. She was the first, and is so far the only, woman editor of India Today. A member of the CII Women Empowerment Committee for several years, she is now a member of the jury for the Women Exemplar Awards of the CII and of the ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards. She is a changemaker for Save The Children charity and a mentor for the KARM Fellowship. She has spoken at several media platforms on cinema, gender and youth. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Toronto, July 9 : A Punjabi trucker has been arrested in Canada for smuggling about 112.5 kg of cocaine into the country from the US. Pardeep Singh, 24, who is a resident of LaSalle in Quebec, was caught when his truck entered Fort Erie in Canada from the US. When Singh's truck was referred for a secondary examination, border inspectors found about 112.5 kg of cocaine hidden inside five duffle bags. The market value of the seized drug haul is about $14 million. Singh was arrested and handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He will appear in court on Friday to face charges. Scores of Punjabi men have been arrested recently for smuggling drugs into Canada. In June, nine Toronto-area Punjabi men were arrested when police forces busted a 20-member drug cartel and seized drugs worth over $61 million from them. In April, 25 Punjabi men from Brampton were arrested as part of a drug gang which was smuggling cocaine into Canada and distributing it throughout the country through its underground network. In January, Punjabi trucker Amarpreet Singh Sandhu of Calgary created a smuggling record when he was arrested with 228.14 kg of methamphetamine worth $28.5 million in the market. New Delhi, July 9 : Sixteen-year-old Priyanka Rauth, along with her parents and grandmother, live in a one-room shelter in one of the most crowded slums of Kolkata. The family shares a community toilet with 12-13 other families in the neighbourhood. When her mother, the only earning member in the family, tested Covid-19 positive, she was unable to isolate herself completely in her 6 by 7 ft. shanty. The family was forced to fight the virus in their claustrophobic living conditions. Priyanka's story is not an isolated case as thousands living in urban hotspots continue to play catch-me-if-you-can with the Covid-19 virus. Assessing the impact of the two Covid-19 waves Since the beginning of the pandemic, urban areas have been hotspots, both globally and in India. In the past four to five months, the immediate peri-urban areas and rural hinterland surrounding these urban hotspots have also begun reporting infected cases. India currently ranks second among the top five countries with the highest active Covid-19 cases. With 20,26,092 active cases (as of May 31), the virus has affected the adult population aged 30 to 45 years more in the second wave when compared to the first wave. But epidemiologists and public health experts fear that a third wave might affect children more severely. To beat the surge in cases, many states have gone into lockdown with varying degrees of restrictions. Towards the end of last year and beginning of this year, the infection rate slowed down and that led to complacency towards following the Covid-19 prevention protocols. As a result, while the urban hotspots continued to be the hotspots in the lethal second wave, they also led to a spread of infections in their surrounding rural hinterland due to the sudden opening up of the economic activities and removal of travel restrictions. Safeguarding the Hotspots Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi NCT and West Bengal are the top seven states with high prevalence of Covid-19 cases. (Table 1). These seven high-burden Covid-19 states account for 48.6 per cent of the total urban children population in the country. Table 1: Covid-19 confirmed cases, level of urbanisation and urban children (0-18) in 7 states The state capital of these seven states, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata, are the main urban centres in their states and respective region/hinterland too. These state capitals house international airports and have a high footfall of domestic and international travellers. They are also important business centres for their surrounding peri-urban areas and rural hinterlands. Whether big or small cities or towns, the urban and rural economy thrive on each other. As a result, the marketplaces in these urban hotspots are focal points for huge socializing with people gathering and migrating for work, selling their produce or getting essential services. As the states start easing lockdown restrictions, it becomes important to safeguard the urban centres as a lot of these children belong to informal settlements and their vulnerabilities are further exacerbated due to Covid-19 induced food and livelihood crisis. It is critical that these highly Covid-19 affected states, especially their capitals, and other cities (like Malappuram Urban Agglomeration, Pune, Mysore, Cochin, Thane, Nagpur etc) be prioritised for Covid-19 containment measures for pre-emptive and preventive action towards reducing the impact of third wave on children and other non-infected population. Augmenting Healthcare Infrastructure & Reinforcing Preventive Protocols In Mumbai, when the cases were surging a few months back, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to decentralise its disaster control room and divide it into 24 Covid response war rooms. Each war room came with a dedicated helpline connected to 30 lines. These helplines were operated by a team of doctors, medical interns, school teachers, and social workers who were working in eight-hour shifts to keep the helplines active 24/7. This became the 'Mumbai Model' drawing praise from the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court. The Mumbai model, formation of Covid-19 paediatric task force (Maharashtra, Delhi NCT), auto ambulances in Kochi, monitoring Covid-19 integrated command and control centre by Varanasi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Seva Ahaar initiative of Hyderabad Police -- studying these state initiatives will help in planning, preparation and fight towards the third wave, along with the implementation of a few other measures and checks. Travel (air, road, sea, and rail) in these urban centres should be restricted. All the transport terminals (bus, airport, ports, and railway stations) must be disinfected regularly and screening of passengers should be prioritized for Covid-19 symptoms. Urban local bodies have shown remarkable resilience and they have to continue to make sure that their cities are well-resourced and are providing basic services, including food, shelter, etc. to the vulnerable population jointly with CSOs and other volunteers. Like in Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, these local bodies are mobilising resources to upgrade their paediatric units, establishing oxygen plants etc. We need to work on war footing for the next five months to strengthen necessary infrastructure, services, manpower to not only save these 62,487,091 children living in the urban centres of these high burden states but other states too. Since vaccination for children has not yet commenced, it is important to prioritize vaccination of 18-plus age groups, especially the parents, caregivers of children. This will help in containing the spread of virus to the children. It's important for the ULBs and other departments concerned to safeguard the survival, protection and development of children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19. It would also be important to prioritize sensitization of rural folks about the vaccination drives, de-stigmatization or overcoming any myths, encouraging Covid-19 appropriate behaviours, managing home quarantine, helplines and have knowledge of emergency facilities/diagnostic services in the town. And lastly, vaccination drives and Covid-19 treatment and management in rural hinterland should be expanded in phase-wise manner starting with high to moderate and low affected areas. Source:*https://www.covid19india.org/ (as on May 27, 2021); **Handbook of Urban Statistics 2019, MoHUA; Status of Children in Urban India, Baseline Study, NIUA (2018) (Manish Thakre, Head Urban Programme and Policy, 'Save the Children', India) (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Tehran, July 9 : War is not a solution to Afghanistan's political conflicts, said a statement issued here at the conclusion of a dialogue attended by members of the Kabul government and Taliban. The two-day dialogue was held in an attempt to end the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan, Xinhua news agency reported. In the statement released at the end of the meeting on Thursday night, the warring sides expressed their gratitude for the efforts of Iran in helping push forward the peace process in Afghanistan. The Afghan government and the Taliban agreed that the continuation of the war would damage the country's interests and they should endeavour to reach a political and peaceful solution to the differences among the concerning parties. They also decided to discuss the issues that need further consultation, such as the establishment of a mechanism for the transition from war to permanent peace and the Islamic system in Afghanistan, as well as ways to achieve the goals during the next meeting expected to be held as soon as possible, the statement added. Condemning the attacks that target people's homes, offices, mosques, hospitals and public institutions, the sides called for the punishment of the perpetrators. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday urged a peaceful solution to the differences among Afghan political parties. "For peace one should sacrifice and forgive, should refrain from the maximum demands and pay attention to the demands of the other side," Zarif said at the end of the intra-Afghan dialogue. "What I demand from you (the Afghan parties) is to seize this opportunity and end the war in Afghanistan as soon as possible and provide the people of Afghanistan with an opportunity for development." Iran is ready to facilitate the continuation of talks in any way the Afghan parties want, he added. Hours after the release of the statement on Thursday, local media reported that the Taliban captured the Islam Qala customs post on the border of Iran and Afghanistan. Following the Taliban's seizure of the border post, the Afghanistan security forces reportedly fled to Iran after clashes erupted in Islam Qala. Located in Afghanistan's Herat province, the Islam Qala border post is the official land crossing from Iran's eastern Taybad town. Sydney, July 9 : An international team of scientists in a new study has claimed that evidence points to the natural origin of Covid, debunking the theory that Covid-19 leaked out of a Chinese laboratory. The team, which includes Australian Nobel laureate Professor Peter Doherty, also has scientists from the UK, the US, China, Canada, New Zealand. The study was released on open-access repository Zenodo, ahead of peer review. The study stated that coronaviruses have long been known to present pandemic risks. Covid-19, which was caused by the SARS-CoV-2, is the ninth documented coronavirus that infects humans. It is also the seventh identified in the last 20 years. The scientists refuted the lab leak theory citing there is no evidence. While viruses have been known to leak from labs in the past, there is no data to suggest the Wuhan Institute of Virology had SARS-CoV-2, or any virus close enough to evolve into it, to be able to leak it, they said. "Aside from the 1977 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic that likely originated from a large-scale vaccine challenge trial, there are no documented examples of human epidemics or pandemics resulting from research activity," the scientists claim. "No previous epidemic has been caused by the escape of a novel virus and there is no data to suggest that the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) -- or any other laboratory -- were working on SARS-CoV-2, or any virus close enough to be the progenitor, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. "Viral genomic sequencing cell culture, which was routinely performed at the WIV, represents a negligible risk as viruses are inactivated during RNA extraction and no case of laboratory escape has been documented following the sequencing of viral samples," they stated. Moreover, despite extensive contact tracing of early cases during the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been no reported cases related to any laboratory staff at the WIV and all staff in the laboratory of Dr. Shi Zhengli, also known as the batwoman, were reported to be seronegative for SARS-CoV-2 when tested in March 2020. "Epidemiological modeling suggests that the number of hypothetical cases needed result in multiple hospitalised Covid-19 patients prior to December 2019 is incompatible with observed clinical, genomic, and epidemiological data," they said. Further, the team of scientists said that genetic evidence points to the natural origin of Covid -- that the virus jumped from animals to humans. "All previous human coronaviruses have zoonotic origins, as have the vast majority of human viruses. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 bears several signatures of these prior zoonotic events," the scientists said. "It displays clear similarities to SARS-CoV that spilled over into humans in Foshan, Guangdong province, China in November 2002, and again in Guangzhou, in 2003," they added. Both the events were linked with markets selling live animals and involved species, particularly civets and raccoon dogs, that were also sold live in Wuhan markets in 2019 and are known to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The scientists also found that animal traders working in 2003, without a SARS diagnosis, were documented to have high levels of IgG to SARS-CoV (13 per cent overall and less than 50 per cent for traders specialising in civets). Subsequent serological surveys found nearly 3 per cent positivity rates to SARS-CoV related (SARS-CoV) viruses in residents of Yunnan province living close to bat caves, demonstrating regular exposure in rural locations. "Although it is impossible to fully exclude a lab accident, there is no evidence at the moment that the virus escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology," lead author Professor Edward Holmes, a virologist at the University of Sydney, was quoted to The Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday. The paper "provides a point-by-point rebuttal of questions raised to support the 'lab leak' hypothesis," the Australasian Virology Society said in a statement. "This review presents plausible explanations to support the case that SAR-CoV-2 is likely a zoonosis (a disease that has jumped from animals to humans) similar to SARS and MERS." However, the paper failed to address concerns Chinese researchers may be hiding relevant evidence, Professor Nik Petrovsky, a Covid-19 vaccine researcher at Flinders University in Adelaide, was quoted as saying. "They completely ignore the fact that WIV has taken all data on its viruses offline," he said. "This paper adds nothing to the origins debate. "The truth (is) that this is a completely open verdict where neither possibility can be proven or refuted." Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text July 09 : Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 11 which was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, will feature Rahul Vaidya, Shweta Tiwari, Arjun Bijlani, Abhinav Shukla, Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya , Aastha Gill, Sourabh Raaj Jain, Mahek Chahal, Anushka Sen, Sana Makbul, Nikki Tamboli, Vishal Aditya Singh and Varun Sood as contestants. At the press conference of the show, Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya spoke about the show and said, "I was scared before I left for the show. I was sceptical about my fitness level. We all get influenced watching fitness goals on social media and we start judging ourselves. " She further added,"When Vivek came to know that I was offered this show, he motivated me to go ahead. He pushed me towards fitness and made me ready for the show. " Talking about what can people expect out of her from the show, she said, "Audience is going to see me in an all-new avatar in Khatron Ke Khiladi 11. This Divyanka that everyone will see was somewhere hidden inside me since my childhood. " Talking about performing various stunts, she said, "I believe fear is all in our minds. We inculcate it from the environment around us. The real winner is one who surpasses this and overcomes it. As I was performing various stunts in the show, I was stunned to see myself doing all that." Khatron Ke Khiladi season 11 will air on Colors TV on July 17. The theme of the show this year is Darr vs Dare. Lucknow, July 9 : The initiative by the Uttar Pradesh electricity department to rely on women to realise power dues from villagers, seems to be paying off. Engaging rural women of self-help groups (SHGs) as 'Bijli Sakhis' as part of a state government initiative under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), has resulted in power bills worth over Rs 49 lakh being collected by them from the rural areas in Prayagraj district. Bijli Sakhis have collected dues from Soraon, Koraon, Phulpur, Meja, Karchana, Mauaima and Pratappur development blocks in Prayagraj district. These dues had accrued between February 1 and June 15, 2021. Vinod Kumar Gangwar, chief power engineer of Prayagraj division, said, "These women have ensured that collection of electricity dues from rural areas, even during the peak of the pandemic second wave. We are now planning to encourage more rural women to join this mission, aimed at empowering them and also doing a noble national service." NRLM's district mission manager, Amit Shukla, said that the performance of rural women, most of whom were working for the first time, has been commendable. "We trained 115 women to work as Bijli Sakhis in Prayagraj and 102 of them have already started working by reading electricity meters, generating bills and collecting the due amounts. The fact that in less than five months they have earned a commission of Rs 2.5 lakh for themselves despite the pandemic is really worthy of applause," he said. These 102 women working in 10 groups have managed to realize this amount from 5,274 consumers, leaving even senior power department officials surprised. The Bijli Sakhis undergo brief training on reading meters and generating power bills before they start working. New Delhi, July 9 : Even though Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal has resigned from the Ministry of Education due to post Covid complications, his brilliant contribution to the National Education Policy will surely be remembered by education fraternity of the nation. Realizing the importance of continuous dialogue with all the stakeholders in crafting a new policy Dr Nishank successfully engaged with states' Education Ministers, Governors, Education Secretaries, and Vice Chancellors of Universities across the country. Efforts were made to reach out to 2.5 lakh gram panchayats to include everyone's opinion. In order to get feedback from the entire country Dr Nishank got it translated into twenty two Indian languages. In addition, he held a series of comprehensive meetings with the public representatives representing various regions of the country. Apart from meeting the MPs, Chief Ministers of the various states, he encouraged educationists to organise workshops and seminars in their institutions . NGOs and social organisations and government institutions were encouraged to hold a series of meetings and workshops on NEP 2020. This massive exercise resulted in collection of more than 2 lakh suggestions across India and abroad . Considered to be one of the largest open innovative exercise, the wide consultation resulted in inclusion of stakeholders aspirations . The result is that the new education policy has been widely welcomed in the country and abroad. Infact, it is for the first time in the history of Independent India, that an India centric education policy has been formulated, reflecting the strong resolve to make India a knowledge-based superpower. The best universities in the world such as Harvard, Cambridge and Michigan have lauded this innovative policy. Being scientific research-oriented, practical and innovative education policy, foreign scholars have also heaped praises on the new education policy. More than 100 top institutions of the world have analyzed and appreciated various aspects of the National education policy. This new education policy will in fact provide a strong foundation to build New India. It's only through successful implementation of this policy that we can fulfill the dream of making India a 'Vishwa Guru' in future. Considering the important and central role of students in implementation , the education policy focuses on providing them excellent training opportunities with a focus to transform them completely. Number of positive measures are being undertaken to make our students strategically competitive at the global level. The fact that Dr Nishank maintained continuous dialogue with all the stakeholders was also widely appreciated. The move was widely welcomed by the students and teachers alike during the difficult and challenging times of corona . Addressing the children from the AIIMS does reflect his deep concern and affection for the students. The education fraternity of the country will remember him as a minister very much sensitive to the problems and challenges being confronted by students. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text United Nations, July 9 : Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said that an agreement between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the disputed Nile dam in can and must be reached. While shared watercourses have been the cause of dispute, they can also be the foundation for cooperation and well-planned hydraulic infrastructure on a shared river course can be a source of enhanced collaboration and need not be a zero-sum game, she told the Security Council on Thursday during a briefing on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), whose construction is nearing completion. With integrated planning, damaging seasonal inundations can be prevented, energy can be traded, water storage can be optimised, and benefits can materialize both in terms of development and in terms of water optimisation, Xinhua news agency reported citing the UNEP chief as saying. While progress has been made in many areas of the negotiations, consensus has not been reached regarding some critical aspects, including arrangements for the management of protracted drought, development of upstream and downstream of GERD, and a dispute resolution mechanism, she noted. "At this stage, and with other sources of regional tension increasing, we must recognize that overcoming the remaining differences among the parties will require careful, meticulous work, supported by the relevant technical and legal experts and with a determination by the three states to arrive at a cooperative solution, in pursuit of sustainable development for all in the spirit of 'one river, one people, one vision'. "An agreement on GERD can be reached, and, indeed, must be reached," Andersen said. A large dam -- any large dam -- impacts and alters a river's flow and where water is scarce and drought frequent, such as is the case in the Blue Nile Basin, cooperation on a shared river is the only long-term sustainable option, she said. The UN remains ready to support Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, and the African Union, in their efforts to achieve an agreement on GERD that is beneficial to all, the UNEP chief added. Ethiopia, an upstream Nile basin country, started building the GERD in 2011 and carried out the first phase of filling the dam in July 2020 despite the concerns of the downstream countries Egypt and Sudan, which have repeatedly called for a tripartite binding agreement on the rules of filling and operating the dam. Over the past few years, tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating the hydropower dam with a total capacity of 74 billion cubic meters have been fruitless, including those hosted by the US and the recent ones by the African Union. New Delhi, July 9 : Chef Ajay Chopra says, "India has hugely picked up on the short video content format and are excited to showcase their cooking skills and unique recipes on short video apps." The food veteran has collaborated with short video app Roposo to celebrate Foodie Week #CookWithChopra, till July 11. Chopra will create content on some exciting recipes using leftovers, lip-smacking snacks, and desserts. Additionally he will share tips, tricks that apply in the kitchen that would interest all foodies and aspiring chefs. Read excerpts from his conversation with IANSlife: Q: Tell us about your association with Glance Roposo A: It's been a month since I have collaborated with Roposo as their curator/creator. People are in search of short-video content that includes dance, music, comedy, and lifestyle. We are trying to excite people by bringing something different through the cooking category. In the last two years, people have enjoyed cooking a lot, and the app is a great way to showcase your short videos on cooking. Q: You are hosting a foodie week with the #CookWithChopra trend on Glance Roposo, what is planned for the weeklong activity? A: We are celebrating Roposo Foodie Week with the #CookWithChopra trend. I will be creating interesting content with videos on recipes using leftovers, instant snacks and delicious desserts, apart from sharing my unique tips and tricks with other food content creators and my audience. We encourage all the food content creators out there to get onto the app to cook with me. The challenge is you must cook a tasty dish, that too quickly. Since it is on a short video app, you have to upload a video that is short, quirky and use the hashtag #CookwithChopra. Furthermore, I will select dishes that will be showcased on my social media handles. You also can stand a chance to win some exciting prizes. Q: What can the content creators expect from the engagement? A: Through this engagement, we are creating a community for content creators who enjoy cooking, intending to encourage food content creators. The winners will win some exciting prizes and shout out from me on the app as well as on my other social media handles. Every eligible story wins 50,000 Roposo coins which creators can redeem. Q: What are your views on the kind of content that is being created today? A: India has hugely picked up on the short video content format and are excited to showcase their cooking skills and unique recipes on short video apps. The pandemic has given rise to a lot of new young food creators who started by creating fun videos on banana breads and Dalgona coffees. Short video apps have helped these creators build a viewer base and keep them engaged and excited with trends, challenges, and contests in their genre of interest. Q: Any tips you would like to give to foodies on creating food content? A: Few tips that I want to share are to keep it simple and not complicate things. I'm not expecting the Niharis of the world, I want to look for simple ingredient-based dishes. So, if you can make three or five-ingredient dishes, I will be happy with that since all I want is to see your passion and thought process in it. I want to see you created something great and astounding that is also quick. Q: Can you share tips on how to create exciting recipes made from leftovers? A: We generally throw away leftovers, but it's an opportunity to create something new. Leftover aloo ki sabzi can be made into an aloo ki tikki, stuffed puri, a wrap, a salad, and so many other things. There are so many leftover dishes in our fridges which can be created into some amazing delicacies. (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kochi, July 9 : Just before boarding a special private jet sent by the Telangana government, estranged Kerala businessman Sabu Jacob on Friday expressed deep concern at the way businessmen are being treated in his home state and said 'Kerala is 50 years behind'. "The whole world has changed, but in Kerala, it's still 50-years behind. We have been doing business in Kerala for the past 53 years. I feel really worried about our young generation as there are no jobs for them. Just look around 6.1 million Keralites are working outside the state and abroad. Gone are the days when men from Tamil Nadu used to come to Kerala for jobs. I wish no Kerala businessman faces a situation that I have been facing for a while," said Jacob. "The only thing that an investor seeks is peace of mind and that's what I have not got in my home state, which I love the most. I am not going out from here on my own, instead I am being driven out. Not a single telephone call I got from anyone, here ever since I raised my apprehensions, while I got a call from the Chief Ministers, Ministers and others from nine states in the country," said Jacob, speaking to the media just before departing from the Kochi airport. Trouble broke out for Jacob, who heads Kitex -- one of Kerala's biggest industrial groups, ever since he announced apprehensions over the way he was being treated after he announced plans for his proposed Rs 3,500 crore unit in Kerala. Kitex Garments, the second-largest children's apparel manufacturer in the world, after a series of raids by various state government agencies, later 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. 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, and also has said that 'it was all profit for the state government and there has been no professional interest being shown 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. "I will meet you again when I return from Telangana on Saturday," said Jacob to the media. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, July 9 : Amitabh Bachchan has shared a picture cuddling a puppy, whom he tagged as his "new companion on set". Bachchan posted a picture on Instagram, where he is seen holding the puppy in his arms. "My new companion on set.. cozy and comfortable in my arms.. wanted so much to bring her home.. but," he wrote as caption. The veteran actor did not share what he was shooting for or what the puppy was doing on the set. Just a few days back, the thespian was shooting with a dog, whom he lovingly called his "co-star". The actor currently has "Brahmastra", "Chehre", "Jhund", "MayDay", "Goodbye" and a remake of the Hollywood film "The Intern" coming up, besides an untitled film with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Geneva, July 9 : The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a proposal for a new general Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation of $650 billion, the largest allocation in the organisation's history, to help recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday. "I will now present the new SDR allocation proposal to the IMF's Board of Governors for their consideration and approval. If approved, we expect the SDR allocation to be completed by the end of August," Georgieva said in a statement. "This is a shot in the arm for the world. The SDR allocation will boost the liquidity and reserves of all our member countries, build confidence, and foster the resilience and stability of the global economy," she said. Noting that an SDR allocation in 2009 had contributed significantly to recovery from the global financial crisis, Georgieva believed that the new SDR allocation will help every IMF member country, particularly vulnerable countries, strengthen their response to the Covid crisis, reports Xinhua news agency. "We will maintain active engagement with our membership in the months ahead to identify viable options for voluntary channeling of SDRs from wealthier members to support our poorer and more vulnerable countries to help their pandemic recovery and achieve resilient and sustainable growth, which will also help boost global economic recovery," she said. Final approval of the SDR allocation by the Board of Governors requires an 85 per cent majority of the total voting power of all IMF members. The allocation would be implemented and become effective 21 days after the Board of Governors' approval, sometime in late August, according to the IMF. The SDR can be exchanged among governments for freely usable currencies in times of need. The IMF executive board's approval came a day after Georgieva called for urgent action by the G20 and policymakers across the globe to address a worsening "two-track" recovery. The IMF chief urged G20 policymakers to step up international cooperation to end the pandemic, step up efforts to secure recovery, and step up support for vulnerable economies. IMF staff recently outlined a $50 billion plan that could lead to trillions of dollars gained from faster vaccine rollout and accelerated recovery. "This would be the best public investment of our lives and a global game-changer," Georgieva added. Santo Domingo, July 9 : At least 15 Colombians and two Haitian-Americans suspected to be involved with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been arrested, officials announce. At least 28 people participated in the murder of the Haitian president, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, Leon Charles, director of Haiti's National Police at a press conference here on Thursday. Eight other people have fled and three assassins were killed in the shootings with security forces, added the official. Moise was shot dead on Wednesday at his residence during an early morning raid by a group of gunmen. He had been ruling Haiti by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. Disputes have been around on when his term ends. Haiti's constitutional referendum, which should have taken place in April but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held on September 26, the national electoral commission announced on June 28. Chennai, July 9 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called an all-party meeting on the issue of Mekedatu dam on July 12 in an effort to resolve the crisis and find a legal remedy, according to a statement issued by his office on Friday. The all-party meeting, according to the Chief Minister's office, will discuss and take a unified stand on the Mekedatu dam issue. The Tamil Nadu government has objected to Karnataka constructing a dam in the Cauvery river. The state's Water Resources Minister S. Duraimurugan also met Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi and received an assurance from latter that any construction will only be carried out with the consent of Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government said that Karnataka should abide by the Supreme Court orders that the latter cannot allow any block to the free flow of the Cauvery river which is the major source of water for the farmers living in the delta region. Friday's announcement comes a day after Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had on Thursday called a meeting of senior officials to speed up the construction of the Mekedatu dam. New Delhi, July 9 : Even as a Special NIA court has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to question sacked police official Sachin Vaze at the Taloja Jail in connection with the alleged corruption case lodged against former state home minister Anil Deshmukh, the financial probe agency will soon also question former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, sources said. According to informed sources in the ED, Singh will be called for questioning in the coming days. Earlier in the day, ED officials said that the agency will question Vaze on Saturday inside the jail premises in Mumbai. On Thursday, a Special Court has granted permission to the ED to visit Vaze and record his statement in the jail. It may be recalled that on May 19, Vaze had claimed to the ED that he had collected Rs 4.70 crore from bars in Mumbai between December 2020-February 2021 allegedly on Deshmukh's orders. Vaze said that he later handed over the amount to the ex-minister's PA Kundan Shinde, who is now arrested in the same case, along with another PA Sanjeev Palande. On its part, the ED said that Shinde has denied knowing Vaze and was not cooperating with the investigations, though both he and Palande were directly linked in the crime. Deshmukh, who was forced to quit because of the allegations against him, has skipped three ED summons recently for questioning and has moved the Supreme Court seeking protection against any coercive action. Vaze was arrested in connection with the sensational case of planting a SUV with 20 gelatin sticks and a threat note near the home of industrialist Mukesh Ambani and the subsequent death of the vehicle owner Mansukh Hiran. Later, Vaze penned a note alleging Deshmukh had demanded Rs 2-crore to reinstate him in service and also set a target to collect Rs 100-crore per month from hoteliers and bars in Mumbai. He also targeted Shiv Sena's Transport Minister Anil Parab alleging that the latter had asked to collect money from contractors for him. Both Deshmukh and Parab have stoutly denied the allegations and termed it as a strategy of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party to defame and malign the image of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Bengaluru, July 9 : Karnataka administration on Friday reiterated its Covid restrictions, as devotees got ready to begin their ritual on Krishna Paksha (fortnight), Amavasya (no moon day) of Ashadha month, which is the fourth month in a traditional Hindu Kannada calendar followed in the state. Ashadha Masa (Month) began from July 9 and ends on August 8. In Karnataka, the Ashadha Month is considered to be inauspicious for performing marriages, house warming ceremony or any other function. However, it is considered to be very auspicious to perform rituals and worshipping of deities besides organising village fests in the name presiding deities of respective villages. Therefore, full moon day, no moon day and all four Fridays of this month are considered to be most auspicious to please presiding deities of various temples. Friday and Saturday, will also mark Amavasya (no moon day). On both of these amavasyas many people who believe in the religion take part in several rituals. Devotees believe that if the rituals are done on these days (no moon day, full moon day and on all four Fridays) the ancestors will be appeased. However, owing to Covid restrictions, devotees would not be allowed into the famous Hindu temple atop the Chamundi hills in Karnataka's Mysuru on Fridays of Hindu calendar month 'Ashadha', beginning July 9, to prevent crowding. "As thousands of devotees throng the Chamundeshwari temple atop the hill during the auspicious month of Ashadha, especially on Fridays and the weekends, we have decided to ban their entry to prevent crowding and avoid getting infected by the virus," Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Bagadi Gautham stated in his order. Mysuru, the southern state's cultural capital and popular tourist spot, is about 150 km from Bengaluru. The Mysuru DC's order also stated the temple on the city's outskirts, however, will remain open for devotees from Monday to Thursday, as per the Covid safety protocols. "Devotees must wear mask, maintain physical distance and not bring holy water to sprinkle or offer prasadam to the presiding deity," said the order. The temple was re-opened on July 5 after remaining shut for 60 days since April 27 due to the Covid induced lockdown. The administration has deployed additional police personnel from the foothills to the temple to regulate the movement of devotees and their vehicles. The Karnataka Hindu Religious Organisations, Temples and Endowments department manages 34,558 temples directly and of these there are around 350 A-grade temples in the state. These temples include, Male Mahadeshwara, Najundeshwara in Nanjnagud, Kukke Subramanya, Kateel Durgaparameshwari, Kollur Mookambika, Mysuru Chamundeshwari, Horanadu Annapoorneshwari and Melkote Cheluvanarayana. Among these, Kukke Subramanya receives the highest footfall as well as revenue. This temple receives the second highest revenue among all the temples in India, after Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati. Barring Saundatti Yellamma temple in Belagavi and Chamunedeswari temple in Mysuru, all other temples are functioning by following Covid safety protocols, an official in the Endowment department said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 9 : The Income Tax Department has carried out a search and seizure operation on a group based in Hyderabad. The group is engaged in real estate, construction, waste management and infrastructure. The activities of waste management are spread across India while real estate activities are mainly concentrated in Hyderabad. During the course of search and seizure operation many incriminating documents, loose sheets etc., were seized indicating involvement of the group in unaccounted transactions, the I-T department said in a statement. It was found that the group had sold majority stake, to a non-resident entity based in Singapore, in one of its group concerns during FY 2018-19 and had earned huge capital gains, the statement added. The group subsequently devised various colourable schemes by means of entering into a series of share purchase/sale/Non arm's length valued subscription and subsequent bonus issuance etc with related parties, creating a loss which was set off against the capital gains earned. Incriminating evidence/documents have been recovered, which indicate that the loss was artificially created to set off the respective capital gains. The search operation led to detection of artificial loss of approximately Rs 1,200 crore, which is to be taxed in the hands of the respective assessees, the department said in its post investigation report. Further, during the course of the search, it was found that the assessee had incorrectly claimed bad debts to the tune of Rs 288 crore on account of related party transactions, which was set off against the aforementioned profits earned. During search proceedings, incriminating documents relating to this artificial/incorrect claim were found. Unaccounted cash transactions with the associates of the group have also been detected during the search, and the quantum and modus of the same is under examination. As a result of the search and seizure operation, and on the basis of various incriminating documents found, the entities and associates have admitted to having unaccounted income of Rs 300 crore and have also agreed to pay due taxes. Further investigations are in progress. San Francisco, July 9 : In a bid to help small media publishers reach new audiences and drive more traffic to their content, the Google News Initiative (GNI) has launched a training academy for 20 media professionals to learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to support their journalism. Google is partnering with Polis, the London School of Economics and Political Science's journalism think tank, to launch the training academy, it said in a statement on Thursday. The AI Academy for Small Newsrooms is a six-week long, free online programme taught by industry-leading journalists and researchers who work at the intersection of journalism and AI. It will start in September this year and will welcome journalists and developers from small news organisations in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. By the end of the course, participants will have a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities of AI technologies. "They will learn examples of how to use AI to automate repetitive tasks, such as interview transcription or image search, as well as how to optimize newsroom processes by getting insights on what content is most engaging," Google said. Most importantly, participants will create action plans to guide the development of AI projects within their news organisations. JournalismAI will share these plans openly to help other publishers around the world. JournalismAI is a partnership between the GNI and Polis to forester AI literacy in newsrooms globally. More than 110,000 participants have already taken the online training modules available on the Google News Initiative Training Centre. Prayagraj : , July 9 (IANS) Faculty members from the Allahabad University (AU) will now work on protecting the Ganga river from environmental degradation. Acting on the directives of the Union Jal Shakti ministry, the AU authorities have formed a special committee under Prof I.R. Siddiqui of the department of chemistry for this purpose. The team will also engage volunteers to work for protecting the Ganga from pollution and rejuvenating its banks via community participation. The panel will have five members, including two female teachers which will undertake an extensive survey of the riverbanks to identify potential threats. The aim of this new initiative is to protect the river and help plug the major sources of pollution. The committee will work in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. Prof A.R. Siddiqui, head of the department of geography, said, "Ganga is not just a river for us but a flow of civilization and culture and our national identity. Efforts should be made to make Ganga pollution free and ensure the continuity of its stream. For this, we will monitor the river, survey all the villages along its course, geotag the drains falling in the river and most importantly rope in the communities living on its banks for protecting the river." "Community support, including that of students and teachers of colleges and schools located in the villages along the river, would be sought as the life of the villagers revolves around the river and once, they are made aware about the need of preserving the river, half the battle is won," he added. He further said that support of NCC cadets and volunteers of NSS would be taken in activating village folks, students and women. Lucknow, July 9 : The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area is set to emerge as a major industrial hub of India in the coming years, given the amount of interest it is generating among industrialists from both within the country and abroad. About 1,564 industrialists are making an investment of about Rs 16,523.83 crore to establish their units in YEIDA area, which will provide employment for 2,60,413 people. This is for the first time that YEIDA has attracted such a huge investment. The investors have already started construction of their firms and some of the units are on the verge of completion as well. For example, Vivo has almost set up its factory for manufacturing mobile phones in Sector 24 of YEIDA and the production is likely to start in the next four to six months. Similarly, Yingtong Electronic Technology's unit for manufacturing mobile phone accessories is almost ready in Sector 24. Apart from this, many companies like Surya Global Flexi Pvt Ltd, Haldiram Snacks Pvt Ltd, Holistic India Kent RO, Orient Fashion Export, Bodycare International are setting up their units in YEIDA. The state government's investor-friendly initiatives have not only improved UP's ranking in ease of doing business, which has jumped to number two in the country from an abysmal 12 in the last four years, but have also boosted investors' confidence. According to the government spokesman, the number of investors in YEIDA area could go further up remarkably with the beginning of construction of Jewar International Airport. Experts believe that the airport will attract the biggest investors of the world and YEIDA, leaving other industrial development authorities in the state far behind in terms of investments. Industrial development officials said that altogether 3,908 big investors have acquired industrial plots to set up their units in UP in the last four years of the Yogi Adityanath government at the cost of Rs 61,330.98 crore, of which the highest 1564 units are to be set up in YEIDA area. Besides, 1035 units will be set up in UPCIDA, 864 units in Noida Development Authority, 345 units in Greater Noida and 118 units in GIDA. Meanwhile, prominent among the companies that have been allotted land to set up their units in YEIDA area include Ishi Technology, Dev Pharmacy, Kwality Buildcon, Matend Limited, Raj Corporation, Galvano India Private Limited, Bikaner, Quadrant, Swastik Industries and Narsee Monji University. There are plans to develop a handicraft park, an apparel park, a MSME park and a toy city also in YEIDA. Another reason why industrial development has gained momentum in YEIDA is the construction of Jewar Airport, which will be the biggest international airport in Asia as per plans. Work is underway on many big projects including Film City, Raya Heritage City and Tappal Logistic Hub, which are expected to get off the ground by 2023-24. With their completion, YEIDA would become known worldwide as a major industrial city. Bengaluru, July 9 : Thaawarchand Gehlot will be sworn-in as Governor of Karnataka at the Glass House of Raj Bhavan on Sunday at 10.30 a.m., a Raj Bhavan communique said here on Friday. The oath of office to the new Governor will be administered by Karnataka Chief Justice, Abhay Srinivas Oka . President Ram Nath Kovind had approved the appointment of eight Governors on June 6 and Gehlot is one among them. Gehlot will be the 19th Governor of Karnataka. He is also the first leader from Madhya Pradesh to become Governor of this state. Prior to his elevation to gubernatorial position, he was serving as Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment from 2014 to 2021. He was also the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. Besides a member of BJP's top most decision making body - Parliamentary Board and also the Central Election Committee of the party. Gehlot is taking over as the Governor of Karnataka at a time when incumbent Chief Minister, B.S. Yediyurappa's leadership in the state is under constant challenge from dissenters within the state unit of the BJP besides the ruling BJP will be gearing up to face Assembly elections in 2023 and Lok Sabha polls in 2024. Gehlot's predecessor Vajubhai Vala had taken over from K. Rosaiah, the then governor of Tamil Nadu, who was given additional charge of Karnataka after H. R. Bhardwaj's five-year tenure came to an end in June 2014. Vala presided over a tumultuous period during which the state saw four chief ministers in a span of seven years. Siddaramaiah was chief minister from 2013-18 when Vala took office. However, after the assembly elections, on May 17, 2018, Vala invited Yediyurappa and the Bharatiya Janata Party that had won 104 out of the 224 assembly seats to form the government since it was the single largest party despite it being short of the majority of 113. The invitation led to accusations of bias since the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Congress had already forged a formal alliance that gave them the majority. On top of this, Vala gave Yediyurappa 15 days to prove his majority despite the latter only seeking seven days. The Congress and JD(S) took the matter to the Supreme Court and a three judge bench, in a midnight hearing, said the majority had to be proven by the evening of May 20. Yediyurappa had to step down after just two days in power. Three days later on May 23, H.D. Kumaraswamy of the JD-S was sworn in as chief minister after joining hands with the Congress. In the 14 months that followed, the Karnataka Raj Bhavan's role came under scrutiny for alleged political activities before the Cong-JD(S) coalition was nearly wiped out in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which gave the BJP an unprecedented 25 out ans single seat supported by BJP, while coalition partners had to be content with lone seat each of the 28 seats in the state. Amid allegations that Yediyurappa and the BJP were luring legislators from the Congress and JD(S) to defect to the party. 17 legislators quit from both parties, Yediyurappa was finally sworn in as chief minister for a record fourth time on 26 July 2019. Lucknow, July 9 : A new variety of 'jamun' (black plum) developed by the Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture (CISH) in Lucknow is now being exported to London. Jamwant, a special variety of black plum, having more than 90 per cent flesh, was cultivated by farmers in Bithoor, Kanpur, and is now on the export list. CISH director, Shailendra Rajan said: "It is a big breakthrough and it is the medicinal properties of jamun that has made it so popular. In fact, it is categorized as 'exotic' in the European market." The CISH director said that the first batch of the fruit was sent in the first week of June by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Dr CB Singh, a senior official at APEDA, said that jamun holds a lot of export potential, just like mango. It has anti-diabetic properties, contains high level of Vitamin C and antioxidants, as well as bioactive compounds beneficial for human health. The bioactive compounds help in the improvement of heart health, digestion and gum health. While people eat the pulp, the jamun seeds are dried and ground and the powder is taken as a supplement. Though initially labelled as a poor man's fruit, jamun now sells up to Rs 300 per kilogram. Hyderabad, July 9 : After alleging that he was "kicked out" of Kerala, garment major Kitex Group Chairman and Managing Director Sabu M. Jacob on Friday met Telangana's Industry Minister K. T. Rama Rao here and discussed his proposal to invest Rs 3,500 crore which he had originally proposed for Kerala. A delegation from Kitex Group led by Jacob had a meeting with Rama Rao and senior officials. KTR, as the minister is popularly known, gave an overview of the progressive industrial policies of Telangana and availability of required resources for textiles sector. Principal Secretary, Industries, Jayesh Ranjan, Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles, Shailaja Ramaiyer, Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (TSIICL) MD Narsimha Reddy and senior officials from Industries Department also participated in the meeting. Jacob and a five-member team reached Hyderabad by a special flight sent by the Telangana government for discussions on Rs 3,500 crore project which they abandoned in Kerala. Before the arrival in Hyderabad, he said they already had one round of discussions with the Telangana minister, who offered them all the support. KTR reportedly invited Kitex Group to set up their plant at the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park coming up at Warangal. Kitex started looking at Telangana and other states for investment following its standoff with the Kerala government. The company management alleged that they were treated like criminals by the state government. Before leaving for Hyderabad, Jacob told reporters at Cochin airport that he was "not abandoning Kerala but he was kicked out". He claimed that he received calls from Chief Ministers and Industry Ministers from nine states. He slammed the Kerala government's policies, saying the state was still 50 years behind. New Delhi, July 9 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested Jai Prakash Gupta, an assistant manager with the National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), along with another person in an alleged bribery case. A CBI spokesperson said that the agency has arrested Gupta, working as the State Resource Person (SRP) of UIDAI in Jaipur under an MoU between UIDAI and the National Institute for Smart Government, and Hemraj Tanwar, the owner of Tanwar Complete Services in Jaipur. The official said that the agency has registered a case registered against Tanwar and unknown public servants of UIDAI posted in Delhi or Jaipur on a complaint alleging that the owner of the private firm had demanded undue advantage of Rs 25,000 from the complainant in the name of the unknown public servants of UIDAI of Jaipur or New Delhi for facilitating the complainant in restoring his Operator ID which was suspended in March, 2021. The official said that a trap was laid and the said private person was caught while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant. "During investigation, the role of Gupta also emerged following which he was arrested," the official said, adding that the agency has carried out searches at the premises of both the accused persons. Bengaluru, July 9 : To deal with the house owners who are giving out their properties on rent to foreign nationals without collecting, verifying their details, and are only concerned about collecting higher rents, the Bengaluru police department has decided to make house owners as accused persons in the narcotic and drug cases. Of late, considering the involvement of foreign nationals in the drug racket in the state capital Bengaluru, the police have started a three-pronged investigation to deal with the drug mafia. The probe will look into both the peddlers' side, foreigners involved in the drug racket and the house owners as well, from now on. "Those giving their houses to foreign nationals on rent are supposed to provide details to the local police station. First, they should check the travel documents before giving rent. Their identity cards, whether the documents are permissible or not. If it is genuine, they can go ahead. Otherwise, it is their duty to inform local police. The role of house owners who are aiming to get high rent from them are being taken seriously," Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr SD Sharanappa told IANS. Recently, a notice was slapped on a house owner in Govindapura in connection with a drug case in which one Nigerian national and a South African woman were involved in which 56 grams of cocaine was recovered. Both were found to be over-staying illegally in the country and involved in drug peddling. On questioning, the owner did not have any details of these persons and had rented out his property for a higher amount. "The house has been seized and we will go ahead with further legal action on this owner," said DCP Sharanappa. "Till now, only notices were issued to house owners. We have decided to make them accused persons and seize their property if the details of foreign nationals are not verified before giving their property on rent to them," he explained. As many as 70 foreign nationals were arrested in 2020 under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS) in comparison to 44 in 2018 and 38 in 2019. The number of arrested persons in 2020 under NDPS Act was increased by 200 percent in 2020. New Delhi, July 9 : The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant effect on most spheres of clinical practice, including the outpatient attendance and elective surgeries, revealed a study by a team at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital here on Friday. The team conducted an observational study on 6,77,237 cases (599,281 outpatient and 77,956 hospital admissions) and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on various medical and surgical specialties for the entire duration, since the onset of the pandemic, and compared it with the preceding pre-pandemic period (June 1, 2019-March 31, 2020). The findings, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, showed that attendance of both new and follow-up cases dropped by 57.65 per cent. The outpatient cases attendance saw a significant reduction of 89.2 per cent, followed by a reduction of 80.75 per cent in surgical work. Further, Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on both the hospital's major medical and surgical specialties. Bariatric surgery (87.5 per cent) and ophthalmology (65.45 per cent) were affected the most and general surgery (32.28 per cent), and neurosurgery the least. "The only medical specialty that saw more patients has respiratory medicine with a significant increase of 314.04 per cent, in admissions because of Covid-19," Apollo Hospitals Group Medical Director, and Senior Consultant, Paediatric Gastroenterology Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Anupam Sibal, said. "Healthcare providers must factor in the impact of fear which results in patients ignoring their healthcare needs which can be detrimental," Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, Managing Diirector M.P. Shivakumar said. The doctors urged that those who were neglected must be given medical attention at the earliest. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Thiruvananthapuram, July 9 : Two-time Kerala Finance Minister and senior CPI-M leader Thomas Issac has expressed concern over Union Home Minister Amit Shah getting the new Cooperation portfolio in the Narendra Modi-led Central government. Issac, an economist, and a four-time legislator, wrote on his Facebook page that "this move has ulterior motives and with a purpose". "Shah's tirades first started by capturing the Cooperative banks which were the forte of the Congress party in Gujarat and the BJP there took control of it. The manner in which Verghese Kurien was booted out of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation was done by the BJP. The spearhead of the White Revolution, after he passed away, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi being in the next town where Kurien breathed his last, failed to turn up to pay his last respects... it clearly indicates the deep rooted anger they had towards him," said Issac. Issac goes on to point out that it was just two days before the cabinet reshuffle took place that the order for creating the new Cooperation ministry came out. "This must be seen in tandem with the manner in which a new law was floated in the parliament which saw the handing over the reins of Urban Banks from the Cooperative Registrar to the Reserve Bank of India. And using that through a mere notification, the new law will become applicable to the primary cooperative banks also and through this the Vaidyanathan Committee report that we the CPI-M strongly opposed will now become applicable," added Issac. The Cooperative movement, especially in the banking sector in Kerala, is under the control of the CPI-M. Issac further pointed out the time is not very far when the new laws that was passed by the Parliament in the previous year would become applicable and the Cooperative banking sector in the state will be left crippled as these cooperative institutions will no longer be allowed to use the word 'bank'. Deposits will be allowed to be made by only those members in the A category who have the right to vote. "Consequent to this, close to Rs 60,000 crore presently held with these Cooperative banks here will have to be returned to the present depositors. These things will all be now made applicable through a simple notification hence this is going to be like a Damocles sword over the head of our fine tuned and time tested Cooperative banking sector. We will have to fight against this very hard and a people's movement will have to take shape," added Issac. San Francisco, July 9 : Google previously said its midrange Pixel 5A 5G would arrive later this year. Now, a new report suggests that the smartphone is likely to arrive soon. Google Pixel 5A 5G has been spotted in the FCC's database, suggesting a release might not be far away, The Verge reported. Android Police, which first saw the two listings, reports that none specifically mention the name "Pixel 5A" but that at least one of the three model numbers (GR0M2) lines up with previous reports about the barely announced phone. Android Police speculates that one of the models (G1F8F) is the version of the phone destined for release in the US based on its wireless frequency bands, but reports that this version doesn't offer support for mmWave 5G networks. In contrast, the Pixel 4A 5G offered mmWave support when used with compatible carriers. The other two models could be the phone's international versions. The Pixel 5A will reportedly be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor. It is likely to be equipped with a 6.2-inch OLED 1080p display and will include a headphone jack. Two rear cameras are expected -- the main camera and an ultrawide -- based on the recent leak of an ultrawide camera shot taken by the unreleased phone. New Delhi, July 9: The shortage of shipping containers, despite the slowing of Covid-19 cases, has resulted in a loss or postponement of export orders of about $20 billion for Indian exporters even as the country's total outbound shipment in the April to June period stood at $95 billion -- the highest quarterly figure ever. Though the shortage is no more acute as it was during the first wave of Covid-19, there are delays in movement due to limited manpower in various clearing zones. The problem has also aggravated as most of the most exporters have been relying primarily on Chinese containers. India's need for containers has also increased compared to the pre-Covid phase as orders from Europe and the US have gone up with several nations looking to de-risking their supply chain network. "Export orders have gone up significantly with fast changing geopolitical dynamics and growing anti-China feeling in Europe and the US. Many countries are willing to source goods from India even at a slightly higher cost," an exporter of raw materials told India Narrative on condition of anonymity. Typically, a shipping container from India enroute the US used to take 90 days before the Covid-19 pandemic. Today it takes about 150 days. "Containers are still in shortage though the world is gradually coming out of the pandemic. Bottlenecks continue to exist," Ajay Sahai, director general, Federation of Indian Export Organisation told India Narrative. Shortage of containers, especially in the post Covid-19 era, has been causing delays in shipment of various goods. "India's exports could have crossed the $100 billion mark in the first quarter of FY 21 but the shortage of containers has had an impact. Though we cannot say that we have lost out on export orders or business, but definitely the orders and shipment have been postponed," Sahai added. He also said that the movement may normalise only around the third quarter of this financial year. While the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has already set up a committee to study the feasibility of manufacturing containers at Bhavnagar in Gujarat, sources said that other such hubs must also be set up. Former chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Najib Shah in an article in CNBC TV 18 noted that more than 85 per cent of global trade is undertaken in containers. He added that there are about 17 million containers of 20 foot and 40-foot containers -- the standard industry norms "circulating globally and more than 5300 vessels handling exclusively container cargo." "Containers thus are necessary for trade. And it is essential that containers move from one port to another; this is determined, like all things, by demand which again gets triggered by requirement-or in other words by the quantum of imports and exports," Shah wrote. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Chennai, July 9 : Tamil Maanila Congress Chief and former Union Shipping Minister, G.K. Vasan, has appealed to both the Central and state governments to reduce the excise duty and value added tax (VAT) on auto fuel. He said the hike in fuel prices is affecting the lives of people. In a statement on Friday, the senior leader urged the Central government to form an expert committee and asked it to implement the recommendations of that committee to reduce the price of fuel. The former Union Minister asked the countries across the world to unite and reduce the price of fuel which is directly impacting the day-to-day lives of people. G.K. Vasan appealed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government to prepare for a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and said it was actively involved in curbing the infection. He called upon the Union government to provide employment opportunities and economic progress of people as the infection had taken lives of many people. He also asked the DMK government to press the Central government for a permanent solution to the Mekedatu dam and Markenadeya dam issues as it affected the farmers and drinking water supply to many districts in the state. The Tamil Maanila Congress leader said there was no need for the constitution of former Justice (retd) A.K. Rajan Commission regarding the study on the impact of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on socially and economically backward students. The Supreme Court judgment regarding NEET is final and that there was no need for parties to indulge in a political slugfest while students were busy preparing for the exams. Two workers dead 30 injured and more than 100 missing in a massive blaze in a Food processing factory of B'desh. Image Source: IANS News Two workers dead 30 injured and more than 100 missing in a massive blaze in a Food processing factory of B'desh. Image Source: IANS News Two workers dead 30 injured and more than 100 missing in a massive blaze in a Food processing factory of B'desh. Image Source: IANS News Two workers dead 30 injured and more than 100 missing in a massive blaze in a Food processing factory of B'desh. Image Source: IANS News Two workers dead 30 injured and more than 100 missing in a massive blaze in a Food processing factory of B'desh. Image Source: IANS News Two workers dead 30 injured and more than 100 missing in a massive blaze in a Food processing factory of B'desh. Image Source: IANS News Dhaka, July 9 : A massive blaze tore through a food processing factory in an industrial town near Dhaka, killing at least 52 as workers trapped by flames in the multi-storey building were forced to leap for their lives from the fourth floor. The blaze broke out at the Shezan Juice Factory in Rupganj, an industrial town 25 km east of the capital, on Thursday afternoon 5 p.m (local time) and was still burning nearly 25 hours later, Fire Service's Director Operation, Lt Col Siddique Mohammed Zulfiqar Rahman told IANS on Friday afternoon. President Abdul Hamid and Prime minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy. Rahman also told IANS the fire rapidly spread because highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stockpiled inside. About 30 people were injured and more than a hundred are missing, said the awaited relatives. Hundreds of distraught relatives and other workers waited anxiously as emergency services brought out bodies from the burning building. Rahman said that many of the workers injured had leapt for their lives from the upper floors in the complex. It was not confirmed how many people were trapped inside. "Once the fire is under control, we will conduct a search and rescue operation inside. Then we can confirm any further casualties,"he said. Anwarul, a factory worker who escaped the fire, said there were dozens of people inside when the blaze began. He also claimed that the fourth floor of the food processing factory was locked, and that is why most of the workers could not get out. The 49 bodies were recovered from the fourth floor of the factory, officials added. The relatives of the workers also said that the workers at the spot informed them, over mobile, about the fire and that they were helpless as the gate was locked by the authority. "On the third floor, the gate on the only stairwell was locked. Other colleagues are saying there were 48 people inside. I don't know what happened to them. "A dozen other workers ran to the roof after the fire broke out on the ground floor and black smoke covered the whole factory. Then the firefighters brought us down by using ropes," worker Dildar Mia told IANS. Most of the workers of the factory were adolescent girls, including his two daughters, said Billal Hossain, father of Mitu and Ritu, who worked there. While bodies of two women and a man who died after jumping out from the multi-storied building were recovered from outside, 49 burnt bodies were found inside and taken to the mortuary. The duty officer of the mortuary of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) told IANS that the relatives of the deceased failed to identify the dead bodies, and only DNA tests can prove their identity. The bodies were taken to the mortuary in a fleet of ambulances amid anguished shouts and tears from people watching in the streets. New Delhi, July 9: The Taliban has launched a feverish diplomatic offensive-with Russia and Eurasia as its immediate focus. The charm offensive of the militant group is multi-pronged. On Thursday while a Taliban negotiating team was talking to the representatives of the Afghan government for re-starting stalled the Intra-Afghan talks, another four, led by Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar met Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan, in Moscow on Thursday. Its outreach was laced with a message -- Taliban does not pose a threat to Russia or its Central Asian allies. According to Russian news agency TASS, Kabulov told the Taliban delegation that it was important "to prevent them from spreading beyond the country's borders". The Taliban's assurance to Russia on Central Asia is significant. Russia has historically considered Central Asia as its backyard. Consequently, it opposes any excessive foreign interference in this region, whether it comes from China, Turkey, or in this case by the Taliban, which has been traditionally backed by Pakistan, China's top ally. Amid the US withdrawal, the Taliban is aggressively pushing its fighters in the northern region of Afghanistan forcing 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. To keep foreign interference at bay, Russia has positioned one of its motorised division in Tajikistan. Naturally, Russia has expressed concern as the Taliban surge could destabilize the ex-Soviet Central Asian nations north of Afghanistan. The Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, who is a part of the delegation said that "taking Afghanistan by military force is not our policy, our policy is to find a political solution to the Afghan issue which is continuing in Doha." "We confirmed our commitment to a political solution here in Moscow once more," he observed. Russia has hosted several rounds of talks on Afghanistan, most recently in March, that involved the Taliban - even though Russia has labelled them a terrorist organization. Russia has expressed readiness to support Central Asian nations that are part of the Moscow-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The international community is concerned about the Taliban making a rapid advance in Afghanistan, which could once again become a breeding ground for other terrorist groups and organisations like Daesh (commonly known as Islamic State) and Al-Qaeda. Sharing similar concerns, China views the deteriorating situation as a catalyst to strengthen the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a Uyghur separatist organization, fearing security implications of a Taliban regime. A recent UNSC report confirms the presence of more than 500 ETIM fighters in different parts of northern Afghanistan, including Badakhshan, Kunduz, and Takhar provinces that connect China's Xinjiang province via a narrow Wakhan Corridor. China has been very wary of Taliban's connections with Xinjiang's Uyghur militant groups affiliated with al Qaeda but the Taliban has been assured China and its concerns. With the NATO troop withdrawal nearly complete, China's clout in the region is growing, in part through Beijing's strategic relationship with the Taliban's main backer, Pakistan. At present, under the President Ghani's administration, China has been providing for the first time to provide military assistance to Afghanistan, although the aid was mostly non-lethal. On the other hand, Taliban representatives have paid several visits to China and were received there with diplomatic protocol. China is hedging its bets in Afghanistan, as it often does in other countries' internal conflicts. However, there is also a view that China has cut out a deal with Pakistan and the Taliban, which will pivot Kabul towards China, including Afghanistan's integration in the Beijing led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). So far, the Taliban has established good relations with Iran, Russia, China, Turkey and other countries. Taliban has been trying to explain to countries including those who are wary of its past that once in power, the Taliban won't allow Afghanistan soil to be used against any country but most of them don't trust Taliban. Afghans are scared of the thoughts of the returns of the Taliban. On Thursday when asked, the US president Joe Biden answered "I do not trust the Taliban," adding, "but I trust the capacity of the Afghan military." (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Hyderabad, July 9 : The Telugu Desam Party's Telangana unit President L. Ramana on Friday resigned from the party and decided to join the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Ramana sent his resignation letter to TDP national President N. Chandrababu Naidu. He thanked the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for all the support he extended to him for last 30 years. Conveying to Naidu that he has decided to join the TRS, he said that in view of the changed political situation in Telangana, he has decided to participate in the state's development by joining the TRS. Ramana's resignation came a day after he met Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to express his willingness to join the TRS. Accompanied by Panchayat Raj Minister E. Dayakar Rao, Ramana called on Chandrasekhar Rao, who is also the President of the TRS. Chandrasekhar Rao reportedly assured Ramana that he will be given due recognition and political opportunity. Ramana is likely to be nominated as the TRS candidate for Legislative Council elections that are due in a couple of months. The meeting at the Chief Minister's official residence Pragati Bhavan lasted for one hour. KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly called, reportedly highlighted the development achieved by Telangana in a short span of time after attaining statehood in 2014. Ramana, who had been leading the TDP in Telangana since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, is likely to formally join the TRS in a couple of days. He was one of the few leaders remaining in the TDP in Telangana. Several top TDP leaders switched loyalties to TRS during the last seven years. Ramana's close friend in the TDP Dayakar Rao had joined the TRS in 2016. There have been reports for last one month about the TRS trying to woo Ramana to negate the possible impact from the resignation of former minister Eatala Rajender, who joined the BJP recently. Rajender, who resigned from Huzurabad Assembly constituency, will be contesting the by-election as BJP candidate. Ramana, a former MLA from Jagtial and a leader from backward classes, is expected to bolster the ruling party ahead of the by-election. The TDP could win just two seats in 119-member Telangana Assembly in 2018. With both the MLAs defecting to the TRS recently, it now has no presence in the state Assembly. New Delhi, July 9 : India Inc is likely to report a sequential decline of 8-10 per cent in revenue at Rs 7.3 lakh crore for the first quarter of this fiscal, Crisil Research said. The decline has been led by consumer discretionary products such as automobiles, which saw volumes impacted by the lockdowns across states to contain the second wave of Covid-19 infections. However, Crisil Research said on a yearly basis, the revenue will rise 45-50 per cent on a low base. The note pointed out that improvement will be seen across sectors, riding on higher volume on a low base and higher realisations due to increase in commodity prices. Factoring out the commodity sectors, on-year revenue growth will be lower at 37-40 per cent, the note said. "The robust on-year revenue growth is reflective of higher commodity prices and a low base of last year. On a sequential basis, however, sectors such as automobiles, FMCG and construction have seen moderation, while the likes of steel and aluminium continued to grow strongly because of high commodity prices," Crisil Research Director Hetal Gandhi said. "Even export-linked sectors such as IT services and pharmaceuticals have shown strong resilience in terms of weathering the blow of the second wave sequentially." New Delhi, July 9 : The Supreme Court on Friday directed one of the petitioners, who had challenged the elevation of Justice Dipak Misra as the Chief Justice in 2017, to deposit costs of Rs 5 lakh despite the death of co-petitioner, self-styled godman Swami Om. A bench comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah said that some people have become professional public interest litigants, and this business must stop. The top court made this observation while hearing a plea by Mukesh Jain, who was the co-petitioner with Swami Om. The bench told the petitioner's counsel to tell his client to pay up, otherwise the court will not entertain any PILs from him. Jain's counsel, advocate A.P. Singh, informed the bench that his client was in Balasore jail for nearly a year and recently, he got out on bail. "A lot of time he has appeared before the apex court in person. Swami Om has died. I would request for an adjournment for 2 weeks," he submitted. Swami Om had passed away in February 2021. The bench emphasised that the petitioners are "professional public interest litigants" and warned the petitioner that if costs are not paid, the court will pass an order barring him from filing any public interest litigation petition in the top court. "See he will have to pay otherwise, we will punish him," the bench told counsel. As the bench asked Singh for what offence was his client in jail, he said it was for circulating a WhatsApp message for conducting Jagannath Yatra. He requested the court for adjournment in the matter, so that his client can appear in person before bench. "His application we have rejected, and we have issued a contempt notice.. These are professional public interest litigants now, this business must stop now," the bench reiterated. After hearing the arguments, the bench said since the petitioner has been released from jail, the court will schedule the matter for further hearing after two weeks. In August 2017, the top court had imposed costs of Rs 10 lakh on Jain and self-proclaimed godman Swami Om for challenging the elevation of Justice Misra. The top court then had termed the plea popularity stunt and imposed costs on the petitioners. Swami Om had later moved the apex court seeking waiver of costs citing Covid-19 pandemic. The court then reduced it from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Kabul, July 9 : Women have taken up guns in northern and central Afghanistan, marching in the streets in their hundreds and sharing pictures of themselves with assault rifles on social media in a show of defiance as Taliban militants make sweeping gains nationwide, The Guardian reported. One of the biggest demonstrations was held in central Ghor province, where hundreds of women turned out at the weekend, waving guns and chanting anti-Taliban slogans. They are not likely to head to the frontlines in large numbers any time soon, because of both social conservatism and lack of experience. But the public demonstrations, at a time of urgent threat from the militants, are a reminder of how frightened many women are about what Taliban rule could mean for them and their families, the report said. "There were some women who just wanted to inspire security forces, just symbolic, but many more were ready to go to the battlefields," said Halima Parastish, the head of the women's directorate in Ghor and one of the marchers, adding: "That includes myself. I and some other women told the governor around a month ago that we're ready to go and fight." The Taliban has been sweeping across rural Afghanistan, taking dozens of districts including in places such as northern Badakhshan province, which 20 years ago was an anti-Taliban stronghold. They now have multiple provincial capitals in effect under siege. In the areas they control, the Taliban militants have already brought in restrictions on women's education, their freedom of movement and their clothing, say activists and residents of those areas. In one area, flyers were circulating demanding that women put on burqas. Even women from extremely conservative rural areas aspire to get more education, greater freedom of movement and a greater role in their families, according to a new survey by a group whose voices are rarely heard. Taliban rule will take them in the opposite direction, the report said. "No woman wants to fight, I just want to continue my education and stay far away from the violence, but conditions made me and other women stand up," said a journalist in her early 20s from northern Jowzjan, where there is a history of women fighting, the report said. She attended a day's training on weapons handling in the provincial capital, which is currently besieged. She asked not to be named in case it falls to the Taliban. "I don't 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," she said. She said there were a few dozen women learning to use guns with her, and despite their inexperience they would have one advantage over men if they faced the Taliban. "They are frightened of being killed by us, they consider it shameful," she said. For conservative militants, facing women in battle can be humiliating. ISIS fighters in Syria were reportedly more frightened of dying at the hands of female Kurdish forces than being killed by men. It is rare, but not unprecedented, for Afghan women to take up arms, particularly in slightly less conservative parts of the country. Last year, a teenager, Qamar Gul, became famous nationwide after fighting off a group of Taliban who had killed her parents. The militants included her husband. In Baghlan province, a woman called Bibi Aisha Habibi had become the country's only female warlord in the wake of the Soviet invasion and the civil war that followed. She was known as Commander Kaftar, or Pigeon. And in northern Balkh, 39-year-old Salima Mazari has recently been fighting on the frontlines in Charkint, where she is the district governor. The Taliban shrugged off Afghanistan's historical precedents, claiming the demonstrations were propaganda and men would not allow female relatives to fight. "Women will never pick up guns against us. They are helpless and forced by the defeated enemy," said a spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, adding: "They can't fight." As per the report, the provincial governor of Ghor, Abdulzahir Faizzada, said in a phone interview that some of the women who came out in the streets of Firozkoh, the provincial capital, had already battled the Taliban, and most had endured violence from the group. The Taliban's conservative rules are particularly unwelcome in Ghor, where women traditionally wear headscarves rather than covering themselves fully with the burqa, and work in fields and villages beside their men, Parastish said. The Taliban has banned women even from taking care of animals or working the land in areas of Ghor they control, she added. They have closed girls' schools, ordered women not to leave home without a male guardian and even banned them from gathering for weddings, saying only men should attend. Washington, July 9 : NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has pushed its limits to successfully complete its ninth and "most challenging" flight since it first took off on the Red Planet, US space agency NASA has said. The mini helicopter flew to the Red Planet on February 18, while being attached to the belly of NASA's Perseverance rover. It was now airborne for 166.4 seconds -- 2.8 minutes -- and flew at a speed of 5 metres per second, NASA said. "#MarsHelicopter pushes its Red Planet limits. The rotorcraft completed its 9th and most challenging flight yet, flying for 166.4 seconds at a speed of 5 m/s," NASA tweeted. "On Flight 9 we are taking things to a new level with a high-speed flight across unfriendly terrain, which will take us far away from the Perseverance rover," NASA had said before taking the flight. In February, Perseverance rover landed at Mars' Jezero Crater, which harboured a big lake and a river delta in the ancient past. In early April, the little chopper deployed onto the red dirt, kicking off a month-long, five-flight campaign designed to show that aerial exploration is feasible on the Red Planet, Space.com reported. Ingenuity aced that original technology-demonstrating mission and was rewarded with an extension, which aims to showcase the scouting potential of Mars rotorcraft. For example, the Perseverance team is looking forward to studying the photos. During Flight 9, the mini chopper flew over a rugged region called "Seitah" -- characterised by sandy ripples that is very challenging terrain for rovers and took colour images. The terrain -- with rocks and ripples, shadows and texture, and the ups and downs -- challenged Ingenuity's navigation algorithm. "We told it that those features are all located on flat ground. That freed the algorithm from trying to work out variations in terrain height, and enabled it to concentrate on interpreting the movement of the features by the helicopter's movements alone," Ingenuity Chief Pilot Havard F. Grip, and Perseverance Deputy Project Scientist Ken Williford said in a blog post. In the week ahead, Ingenuity will send back colour images that Perseverance's scientists are looking forward to studying. The images snapped by Ingenuity include "rock outcrops that show contacts between the major geologic units on Jezero Crater's floor", Grip said. The images also include a system of fractures the Perseverance team calls "Raised Ridges". The rover's scientists hope to visit it in part to investigate whether an ancient subsurface habitat might be preserved there. The self-driving six-wheeled robot Perseverance rover, last week, set for an epic journey across Jezero Crater's floor to seek signs of ancient life. It is driving at a top speed of 120 metres per hour, NASA said. Kolkata, July 9 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has thanked Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for sending mangoes to her. Sheikh Hasina had dispatched 2,600 kg of mangoes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, July 4. In her letter to Sheikh Hasina, Banerjee said, "I like the mangoes you had sent. I had heard about Rangpur district's Haribhanga mangoes, but I never had the opportunity to taste one. I have distributed the mangoes to everybody. The mangoes brought with them your love and the essence of Bangladesh." Sheikh Hasina and the West Bengal Chief Minister have always shared good relations, but the distribution of Teesta waters has been a point of contention between the two neighbours. The central government is ready to share Teesta waters with Bangladesh, but Mamata Banerjee is not prepared to part with the share that Bangladesh has been demanding, fearing it might have a negative effect on agriculture in North Bengal. Hasina's goodwill gesture might have been an effort to reach out to the West Bengal Chief Minister and perhaps get her to soften her stand. The consignment of Haribhanga mangoes was transported across the land border via the Benapole checkpoint. Anupam Chakma, deputy commissioner of the Benapole customs house, told Bangladeshi media that the mangoes were a symbol of the goodwill between the two countries. On Sunday afternoon, Bangladeshi trucks carrying 260 boxes of mangoes crossed the border after clearing customs and port requirements. Several prominent Bangladeshi officials, including Ashraful Alam Liton, mayor of Benapole municipality, were present when the trucks crossed to the other side. Sources in the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata said that Sheikh Hasina planned to send mangoes to the chief ministers of the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, which share borders with Bangladesh. Mango diplomacy is an integral part of sub-continental politics. There's been a history of it between India and Pakistan. Zia-ul Haq and Pervez Musharraf, as well as former interior minister Rehman Malik, were among those Pakistani dignitaries who had gifted mangoes to their Indian counterparts in the past. sbg / srb New Delhi, July 9 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case to probe the matter of fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination camps organised in Kolkata. A senior ED source related to the investigation said that the financial probe agency has registered a case to probe the alleged money laundering angle in the matter. The source said that the agency had collected documents of the case last week which were registered by the Kolkata Police. The Kolkata Police have arrested seven persons, including a man posing as an IAS officer, in connection with the case. The case is currently being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police's Detective Department. The police have nabbed several people involved in the case, including the 'fake' IAS officer Debanjan Deb, the alleged mastermind of the dubious matter. Deb (28), masquerading as a joint commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, had organised fake inoculation camps in Kolkata. He was arrested on June 23 after more than 100 people, including Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty, were administered fake vaccine shots. BJP NationalPresident JP Nadda and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur paying tributes to former Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh by laying wreath on his mortal remains at The Ridge Shimla. Image Source: IANS News BJP NationalPresident JP Nadda and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur paying tributes to former Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh by laying wreath on his mortal remains at The Ridge Shimla. Image Source: IANS News BJP NationalPresident JP Nadda and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur paying tributes to former Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh by laying wreath on his mortal remains at The Ridge Shimla. Image Source: IANS News Shimla, July 9 : BJP President J.P. Nadda, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, along with other political leaders, paid floral tributes to six-time Himachal CM and Congress stalwart Virbhadra Singh by laying wreath on his mortal remains here on Friday. Virbhadra Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 87 after prolonged illness at Shimla's Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). The leaders expressed their heartfelt condolences to Singh's wife, Pratibha Singh, a two-time former MP, and son, Vikramaditya Singh, a legislator from Shimla rural. Hundreds of people, comprising politicians cutting across party lines, started arriving at the historic Ridge early on Friday, where the mortal remains of Singh were kept for people to pay their last respect. Later, the body was taken to the state Congress office -- Rajiv Bhawan -- on the Cart Road from where it was taken to the Padam Palace, the ancestral house of Singh in Rampur, some 120 km from here. Rahul Gandhi paid his last respects to the departed leader at the Congress office, while Nadda and Thakur paid tributes when the mortal remains were kept at the Ridge, an open space just above the Mall. On Saturday, the body will be kept at Padam Palace for 'antim darshan' from 8 am to 2 pm before the funeral at 3 pm. Singh's body was kept at his private residence -- Holly Lodge -- here for the entire day on Thursday for 'antim darshan'. New Delhi, July 9 : The second wave of coronavirus is not over and everyone must continue to follow Covid appropriate behaviour, the government stressed on Friday. Addressing the Health Ministry press briefing, NITI Aayog's Member, Health, V.K. Paul said: "We cannot lower our guard. Need to continue following Covid appropriate behaviour as it is not the end of the pandemic. Visuals of crowds not maintaining social distancing at tourist places are a serious cause of concern." Also cautioning people that the second wave is not over, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal, said: "It is necessary to keep following Covid protocols in order to close the second wave fully." Showing a video from Kempty falls in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie, where a large crowd of people can be seen flouting all Covid protocols, he asked: "Is it not an open invitation to the virus to infect us?" About the surge in cases in other countries like the UK, Russia and Bangladesh, Agarwal said: "In other countries, we are observing a surge in overall cases. In the United Kingdom, during Euro 2020 matches, a sudden surge in cases was observed. Russia is seeing a third peak in cases. Bangladesh witnessed more cases in the third peak than the second peak." Pointing to the decline in daily new cases in the country during the second wave, he said: "More than half of the total cases in the country are primarily reported from two states - Maharashtra and Kerala and spread of infection concentrated in limited geography." He said that 66 districts have reported more than 10 per cent positivity for the week ending July 8 and 80 per cent of new cases are reported from 90 districts which need focused attention. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 9 : The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday approved Delhi government's proposed Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in view of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. As per Delhi government officials, this colour-coded GRAP was proposed by an expert committee formed by the Delhi government to guide Covid preparedness in case of the outbreak of a possible wave of the pandemic. The action plan will see shopping malls and shops dealing in non-essential goods and services coming under an odd-even system when the alert level is raised to 'Yellow' in the national capital. "The Graded Response Action Plan was passed in DDMA meeting today. There will be no doubt about when the lockdown will take place and when it will open," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted. "In the meeting, there was also talk about the Delta+ variant of Corona... We have to stop this variant from spreading in Delhi, for which the government is taking all the necessary steps," Kejriwal added. As per the GRAP, shops in malls will witness a further reduction in timings under the 'Amber' alert and will be shut altogether, along with weekly markets, when the alert is raised to 'Orange'. Only essential services, stand-alone shops and construction activities with on-site labourers will be allowed during the 'Orange' alert. The alerts -- Yellow, Amber, Orange and Red -- have been arranged in terms of the severity of the pandemic, taking into consideration factors such as positivity rate, cumulative new positive cases, and average weekly occupancy rate of oxygen beds. While Red is the highest level of alert in terms of severity, most economic activities will come to a halt with the announcement of an Orange alert. Further restrictions will be planned under the Red alert when the situation arises. According to the expert committee's plan, the Yellow alert will be issued if the positivity rate remains at over 0.5 per cent for two consecutive days, or the average occupancy of oxygen beds in the hospitals remains 500 for a week. With this alert, shops in markets and malls dealing with non-essential goods and services will be allowed to open between 10 am and 8 pm, as per the odd-even formula. While one weekly market will be allowed per municipal zone at half the capacity of vendors, construction activities and industrial establishments and manufacturing units will be allowed to operate, said an official. An Amber alert will be issued if the test positivity rate remains at over 1 per cent for two consecutive days, or average oxygen bed occupancy remains over the 700-mark for a week. The Orange alert will be issued in case the city records a positivity rate of more than 2 per cent for two consecutive days, or the average oxygen bed occupancy remains over the 1,000-mark for a week. A Red alert will be issued if the test positivity rate remains over 5 per cent for two consecutive days, or the average oxygen bed occupancy rate remains 3,000 or more for a week. To prepare the Graded Repose Action Plan, the Delhi government had setup an eight-member expert committee on May 27. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dharamsala, July 9 : A five-year-old slum boy, who hogged social media attention for teaching Covid-appropriate behaviour to holidaymakers with a stick in hand, is now being employed by the Himachal Pradesh police to make people follow the rules. The state has seen a major surge in the number of tourists escaping the heat of the plains, causing doctors to warn that their Covid-inappropriate behaviour may just trigger a third wave of the pandemic. The boy, Amit, whose parents earn their livelihood selling balloons, was caught on a video in the streets of Bhagsunag near McLeodganj asking people to wear a mask by poking them with a stick. When the video went viral, the local police, realising how effective Amit was, provided him with food and clothes. Donning a new Himachali cap and clothes, the boy, sitting on a police vehicle, is now the new mascot for Covid-appropriate behaviour. "This little kid was seen on the streets of Dharamsala, asking people to wear masks," read the caption of the video shared on Instagram. "He doesn't even have shoes to wear. See the smirking faces of these people. Who is educated and who is uneducated here?" In the video, Amit, who was wearing a mask and holding his now-famous stick, asked everyone who passed by him, "Tumhara mask kahaan hai? (Where is your mask?)" vg/srb Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pune, July 9 : Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi President Prakash Ambedkar underwent an emergency heart surgery at a Pune hospital, a party official said on Friday. "Adv. Prakash Ambedkar has undergone an emergency heart bypass surgery on Thursday. He is presently shifted to the intensive care unit," VBA state in-charge President Rekha Thakur said this evening. She added that the condition of the Dalit leader - the grandson of the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. B. R. Ambedkar - is "stable" and the doctors attending to him have assured there is no cause for worries. The 67-year-old Ambedkar's wife, Anjali, some other family members and a few party leaders are with Ambedkar at the hospital - the name of which has not been disclosed to avoid crowds gathering there. The development came barely hours after Ambedkar issued a video statement on Thursday announcing that he would "keep off VBA duties" for a period of three months for certain "personal reasons" which he did not reveal, and VBA leaders also kept mum on the sudden developments. He had appointed Thakur and a team of others to handle the party affairs in his absence and solicited all party activists to extend their cooperation to them, including for some of the local bodies elections that could be scheduled in the state over the next few months. Collar Bomb : ; Cast: Jimmy Sheirgill, Asha Negi, Rajshri Deshpande, Sparsh Shrivastav; Direction: Dnyanesh Zoting; Rating: * * (two stars)BY VINAYAK CHAKRAVORTY A cop runs against time to stop a suicide bomber who holds a group of children hostage in a school. The bomber forces the cop to commit certain unlawful acts, if he must see the children alive and, of course, there is a twist in all this. "Collar Bomb" operates using a basic thriller format. The film has an interesting idea about one's past actions catching up, but stops short of becoming the pulsating psychological play that the narrative seems to promise. The story never quite engages the viewer despite introducing the mandatory twists, and it does get too absurd to be logical. Writer Nikhil Nair sets up his story in a school in scenic Sanawar. Not much time is wasted in introducing the plot. High-profile cop Manoj Hesi (Jimmy Sheirgill), in town to admit his teenage son at the school, finds himself among a room-full of people held hostage by a man who walks in wearing a collar bomb. The man presently lets the adults out but continues holding the kids hostage, including Hesi's son. He gives the cop a phone and tells him to step out, and complete certain 'tasks' according to instructions he receives over phone, if he wants to see his boy and the other children alive. As an enterprising local cop, ASI Sumitra (Asha Negi), tries rallying the police unit to ensure safety of the hostage children, it becomes obvious there could be a personal motive behind all that is going on, and it could have to do with a recent case Hesi solved. Director Dnyanesh Zoting is incohesive while setting up the drama and even less impressive while tying the loose ends. The plot has its loopholes and the climax, inadequately executed, could seem incongruous. The film benefits from good acting by the cast. Jimmy Sheirgill, returning as a policeman after a while, is impressive as ever playing the cool cop with a blemish, while Asha Negi scores with the moments of drama that the script gives her. Rajshri Deshpande gets a role with an interesting arc, and she makes the most of it. Most of the prop cast have been aptly cast. "Collar Bomb" is passable fare, done in by inept writing and execution. The very average tech-specs do not add to the drama in any way, and the film does not have a redeeming feature strong enough to stay in your mind. Kolkata, July 9 : Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lawmaker Harunur Rashid has pitched for an Islamist Bangladesh, opposing the secular polity that the ruling Awami League seeks to uphold. During his speech in the Bangladesh Parliament this week, Rashid said, "There is no place for secularism in Islam." His comment was opposed by the Awami League lawmakers, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But Rashid continued to strongly push for a Constitution based on "Islam as enshrined in the Holy Quran", negating the often-made claims by the BNP politicians that their party is for "equality before law" of all Bangladeshis. The BNP had made its political preference clear when it formed the government in 2001 with pro-Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami as its coalition partner. For the next five years of the BNP-Jamaat reign, a surfeit of Islamist radical terror groups like HUJI, JMB and Ansarullah Bangla Team surfaced or consolidated their position in Bangladesh, unleashing horrible pogroms against minority Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. Jamaat-e-Islami had opposed the break-up of Pakistan and the emergence of an independent Bangladesh, with its top politicians functioning as local collaborators of the Pakistan army in its genocidal campaign. The BNP was born in the military barracks, and its founder and military ruler General Ziaur Rahman had legitimised the pro-Pakistani collaborators by removing the ban on them. Its brand of Bangladeshi nationalism is religion-driven. The BNP has also backed the Hefazat-e-Islam's violent street agitations on a wide variety of issues like installation of statues of the nation's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, anti-jihadist crackdown in France and visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi as a special guest on the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence earlier this year. BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had strongly pitched for the immediate release of Hefazat leaders arrested and booked on charges of violence. The BNP itself along with its radical allies had periodically unleashed a violent campaign of burning down public transports and bombing crowded locations to enforce their strikes after they lost three successive elections to the Awami League. "Bangladesh is a secular nation and it will remain secular. Our nationalism is based on our rich language and distinct Bengali cultural identity and that will not change," Sheikh Hasina reminded Rashid, the BNP MP from Chapai Nawabganj, during the debate in the Parliament. But Rashid continued to insist on the "innate discrepancy between Islam and Westernised secularism", and said: "For a country whose population is 90 per cent Muslims or more, it is inconsistent and unacceptable to have a secular polity." The BNP leadership did not oppose Rashid's remarks in the Parliament. Analysts say that BNP's fresh pitch for an Islamist state comes at a time when Pakistan-backed Taliban is pushing for power in Afghanistan after the US military withdrawal. "The BNP always enjoys strong Pakistani backing. Its former PM Begum Khaleda Zia had even graced the Pakistan Army Day programme at the Pakistan embassy in London in 2019 before the parliamentary polls. The Taliban surge in Afghanistan seems to have encouraged BNP," said Sukhoranjan Dasgupta, author of 'Midnight Massacre' on the 1975 Bangladesh coup. He said the BNP is trying to "bring together all Islamist radical elements under one roof" to challenge the Awami League, which has presided over Bangladesh's 'Golden Decade of Development' (2010-2020). "The violence during Modi's visit and to oppose statues of Mujib because statues are anti-Islamic is a clear attempt to question the Bengali basis of Bangladesh and play up the defeated ideology of Pakistan," Dasgupta said. Jayanta Roy, author of 'Nationalism on Trial' that predicted the break-up of Pakistan, said, "BNP's pitch for an Islamist Bangladesh is a well thought-out attempt to question the very basis of the country's emergence." "The Islamists were defeated in 1971 but were never wiped out. They keep coming back to reclaim their political space with help from external patrons," said Ray, adding: "And they wish to fish in troubled waters by whipping up religious passions." Dasgupta said there is an attempt to consolidate the Islamist eco-system in Bangladesh now, with the general elections just over two years away. "You have the BNP competing the polls, the Hefazat and Jamaat hitting the streets violently and terror groups like JMB and HUJI carrying forward their hit-and-run on secular politicians, figures and institutions. This is an attempt to finish the unfinished revolution," Dasgupta said. Mumbai, July 9 : Veteran actor Anupam Kher took to social media on Friday evening to explain why he shuts the world out at times. "Please don't try to fix me. Please understand that like everybody else I too just get sad sometimes. So sometimes I shut the world out and when I feel better I will let it back in!" Kher posted on Instagram. The actor's post on sadness comes a day after he spoke about the shocking and alleged suicide of a young line producer of his upcoming film "The Kashmir Files". Kher had shared the news of the suicide of Sarahna on Thursday. The actor received the news from her mother, who says Sarahna was battling depression. "This is #Sarahna. She was the line producer of #KashmirFiles when I was shooting for the film at Dehradun & Mussoorie. The unit celebrated her birthday on Dec 22nd last year at the location. After the shoot she went to her hometown in Aligarh because of the lockdown. She was bright, brilliant, helpful and excellent at her job. She messaged me on my mother's birthday to wish mom from her side. I called her and spoke to her and passed mom's blessings to her. She sounded absolutely fine. And today I got a message (4th pic) from her phone which really shook me and saddened me deeply. Spoke to her shattered mother. This depression really is effecting the younger generation drastically. I pray for her soul and hope her mother and brother #Antriksh can deal with this loss. It is so sad!! #OmShanti @the_soulflower #MentalHealthMatters," Kher posted late on Thursday. He also posted a photograph of the deceased, a video of her birthday celebration on the sets of the film and a screenshot of a text message that reads: "Sarahna has passed away on 30th June. She hanged herself." New Delhi/Moscow, July 9 : India and Russia said on Friday that it is important for the two countries to work together for Afghanistan's peace, and stability and security in the region. Following his two-day trip to Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a joint press conference in Moscow said that the talks were as always very warm, comfortable, comprehensive and productive. The Russian Foreign Minister was in Delhi in April this year. As per a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, Jaishankar also had a "very good meeting" with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov on Thursday. In the press conference, Jaishankar said, "The situation in Afghanistan occupied a lot of our attention because it has a direct implication for regional security. We believe that the immediate need of the day is really a reduction in violence. If we have to see peace within Afghanistan and around Afghanistan, it's important for India and Russia to work together and ensure that much of the progress that we've seen in economic, social and democratic terms are maintained. We are both committed to an independent, sovereign, united and democratic Afghanistan." The two sides also talked about the developments in Syria, Iran and Libya. Sharing India's view-point on the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar said, "We support cooperation that reflects the multi-polar and rebalanced character of global politics. We are very much committed to the centrality and unity of the ASEAN and we believe that the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative which we tabled at the East-Asia Summit is very important for the larger region. Because of our larger geo-political compatibility with Russia, we see a more active Russian presence and participation in the region as something very very important." He said despite the fact that so many things are changing in the world as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the time-tested and trust-based relationship between India and Russia is very much not just in place, but remains very strong, and continues to grow. Expressing gratitude for the Russian support during the second wave of the Covid pandemic this year, Jaishankar said, "India has always seen its relationship with Russia as a contribution to global peace, security and stability. "What makes our working together so natural and comfortable is our belief in a multi-polar global order. We consider that to be a reflection of a very natural and inevitable process of evolution of inter-state relations in the 21st century." He assured that when the annual bilateral summit takes place later this year, the development and progress in cooperation between the two countries will be very much on display before everyone. A new dimension that has been added to the bilateral relationship is the agreement to hold the 2+2 dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers. A lot of the bilateral cooperation between India and Russia is focused on the nuclear, space, energy and defence sectors, but the two countries have now moved beyond the established areas with their discussion on greater inter regional cooperation particularly with the Russian far east. Jaishankar said the two sides made some progress with respect to the connectivity, especially the North South Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. India is poised to hold the Presidency of the UN Security Council in August. The minister shared with his counterpart Lavrov India's plans and ideas for the month. India is currently the chair of the BRICS and also of the RIC. The two countries have membership of G-20, ASEAN led fora, SCO and CICA. New Delhi, July 9 : Cracking down on continuing violations of Covid appropriate behaviour, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday ordered a few more markets in the national capital to shut down. The Covid management authority noticed gross violation of Covid norms in the Gaffar Market and Naiwala Market of the renowned Karol Bagh market and directed closure of these two markets for 48 hours. "Notably, these two markets will remain shut from 10 p.m. on Friday till 10 p.m. on July 11," a Delhi government order said. Last week, the DDMA had ordered south Delhi's popular Lajpat Nagar market to shut for not complying with Covid appropriate behaviour. It had also ordered to shut several markets in east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar for six days, but they were later allowed to reopen after two days. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kolkata, July 9 : Veteran politician Mukul Roy, who recently joined the Trinamool Congress after winning the Assembly polls from Krishnanagar North on a BJP ticket, was made the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman on the last day of the Budget Session in the West Bengal Assembly on Friday. The BJP MLAs, who pitched for Ashok Lahiri as the PAC chief, staged a walked as a mark of protest following the appointment of Roy. "This is the first time in history that the opposition party has not been given the PAC chairman's post. The Speaker (Biman Bandhopadhyay) has done this intentionally to hide misappropriation of funds. Had BJP's Ashok Lahiri been made the PAC chairman, all the misdoings would have come to light," said Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari. Roy, officially a BJP MLA, joined the Trinamool last month, four years after leaving the ruling party for the saffron camp. However, he has not resigned as an MLA, despite being asked to do so several times by the saffron camp. The BJP has already appealed to the Speaker for his expulsion under the anti-defection law. The matter is likely to be heard on July 16. Defending the decision of the Speaker, Trinamool Lok Sabha MP Saugata Roy said, "There is no rule which says an opposition leader has to be made the PAC chairman. It is only a convention. The Speaker is the sole authority to select the chairman. He has done the right thing." The decision to appoint Roy as the chairman of PAC was taken much earlier when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had openly lent her support to Roy and said that the Speaker's decision would be final in this matter. The decision to appoint Roy as the PAC chief will not only help accommodate the veteran politician in a key post, but also prevent a BJP legislator from occupying the position. Agartala, July 9 : An undertrial Turkish national, who has been accused of stealing huge amounts of cash by hacking ATMs in Kolkata, Guwahati and Agartala in 2019, fled from police custody here on Friday, the police said. According to the police, four cyber criminals -- Hakan Zamburakan and Fettah Aldemir, both Turkish nationals, and Mohammad Hannan and Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, both Bangladeshi nationals -- were arrested in January last year for stealing cash amounting to lakhs of rupees by hacking ATMs in Kolkata, Guwahati and Agartala. The four accused were lodged in the Tripura central jail since January last year. A police officer said that Hakan Zamburakan was taken to the government-run Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital in Agartala on Friday as he was feeling unwell. However, he escaped through the toilet of the hospital after deceiving the jail police constables. The central jail superintendent has sent an urgent message to all the police stations across Tripura to nab the 54-year-old foreign undertrial. The police are also probing as to how the Turkish national fled from the jail police custody. A Tripura police team with the help of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate in West Bengal had arrested the four foreign cyber criminals from a hideout on the outskirts of Kolkata in January last year. According to the police, the Turkish nationals, with the help of the Bangladeshi collaborators, had taken out lakhs of rupees from ATMs using ATM-cloning devices in Guwahati, Kolkata and Agartala in 2019. According to the police, over 80 clients of different banks in Tripura, mostly of the State Bank of India (SBI), had in November 2019 lost lakhs of rupees due to the fraudulent acts of the cyber criminals. According to a cyber-technology expert, the ATM card cloning system comprises a spy camera, a memory card and a small data device to gather account details of bank customers. July 09 : Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone kickstarted shooting for the much-anticipated film Fighter on Friday. The actors collaborated for the first time, and fans are excited to see them together on the big screen. Hrithik shared a bunch of pictures with Deepika as they began work on their upcoming film. Taking to his Instagram handle, the war actor shared a series of pictures on Friday evening. In the pictures, the co-stars, Hrithik and Deepika can be seen happily posing together. In one selfie with Deepika, Hrithik is seen posing with his arm around her shoulder. The actress is seen in a red top while Hrithik wore a blue and white cap. In another picture, the co-stars are seen posing with the film's director Siddharth Anand. Hrithik captioned his post as: "This gang is ready for take off, and added the hashtag #Fighter. Hrithik has previously worked with Siddharth in the 2019 film War, co-starring Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRGwYB-n6Ou/ Fans showered the actors with good wishes and compliments. Cant wait, said a fan, while another wrote, "Have a terrific working time all together." "All the best. Expecting a cracker of a film," wrote another. Fighter was announced on Hrithiks birthday in January this year. He had shared a teaser of the film and tweeted, "Presenting a glimpse of the MARFLIX vision as Fighter! Looking forward to my first flight alongside the exceptional Deepika Padukone. All buckled up for this Siddharth Anand joyride." Presenting a glimpse of the MARFLIX vision as #Fighter! Looking forward to my first flight alongside the exceptional @deepikapadukone. All buckled up for this #SiddharthAnand joyride. pic.twitter.com/gaqv53xbO9 Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) January 10, 2021 Deepika had also shared the teaser, and wrote, "Dreams really do come true... #SiddharthAnand #Marflix #Fighter @iHrithik." Talking about the film, Siddharth Anand had said, "This is definitely one of the most exciting moments of my life to bring together two of my favourite stars, Hrithik and Deepika, for the first time to the Indian and global audience. I am thrilled to begin the journey of MARFLIX, a production house dedicated to action film making in India. Fighter is slated for a 2022 release. It will be co-produced by Viacom18 Studios, Mamta Anand, Ramon Chibb and Anku Pande. Touting it to be India's first aerial action franchise, the film will be designed for a global audience and will be shot in real locations across the world. Hyderabad, July 9 : Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday directed the Health Department to once again conduct a door-to-door fever survey in the Covid-19-affected areas in the state as the earlier survey was successful in the early detection of the virus and curtailing its spread. He observed that the pandemic had not been controlled fully in the neighbouring states and hence, its effect has not been completely rooted out in the districts bordering these states. He wanted the officials concerned to identify such areas, do a scientific study, and critically analyse the reasons for the spread of coronavirus there. He asked the medical and health officials to implement a special scientific action plan. He said a team of senior officials under the leadership of Medical and Health Secretary S.A.M. Rizvi should visit the affected boarder areas on July 11 to 13. He asked the officials to use a helicopter and visit Nagarjuna Sagar, Miryalguda, Nakrekal, Suryapet, Khammam, Dornakal, Huzurabad, Mancherial, Peddapalli, Bellampalli, Godavari Khani, Sircilla and Warangal for three days at a stretch. The officials were directed to prepare and submit a report to the Cabinet after their tour. The Chief Minister on Friday held a meeting with top officials on corona situation in the state. "Not only in our country but all over the world, nobody knows what are the reasons for corona. It is becoming a problem without any solution. The government has no awareness on how to take the preventive measures and to curtail its spread. Nobody knows which wave, variant will hit and when? Nobody knows how much it can spread? For any disease, if one finds the reason, it is easy to find a solution. We are unable to understand the reason for corona, its symptoms, its entire form, and its consequences. Curtailing corona became a very difficult task," he said. He directed the Health Department to be on high alert under these difficult times and find out new ways to control corona. Take measures to protect people from the new variants and waves of corona, he told the officials. With the reports of a third wave, Medical and Health Department officials should be on a high alert and should be well prepared to face any situation, he said. He wanted a study to be done on corona situation and measures taken to curtail it in West Bengal, Delhi, and Maharashtra. The Chief Minister wanted measures to be taken so that people compulsorily wear masks. He also urged the people to observe self-restraint and follow the Covid guidelines and cooperate with the government. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mumbai, July 9 : Actress Tisca Chopra has distributed packets of rice to theatre workers in the interior regions of Maharashtra. "Theatres have been shut for quite some time and these theatre workers are suffering. They're not able to manage basic necessities. Therefore, we at Tisca's Table decided to donate rice packets for these people," the actress said. She added: "We had done it in Mumbai theatres last week, and now we are trying and reaching out to the interior parts of Maharashtra as well. The plan is to spread this campaign to as many states as possible. We are initially targeting smaller towns like Raipur, Bhilai, Akola and Yavatmal." Srinagar, July 9 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with security forces, arrested an active terrorist of proscribed terror outfit LeT in Bandipora district and recovered arms and ammunition from his possession, officials said on Friday. Police said on specific input regarding movement of terrorists in Hajin town, a joint Naka was established by police, the army's 13 RR and the CRPF's 45 Bn in Gundjahangeer area. "During naka checking, one person was found behaving in a very suspicious manner, and was apprehended by the joint naka party," a police official said. He has been identified as Muzammil Sheikh alias Abu Maviya, resident of Chandergeer Hajin. Police said during his search, arms and ammunition including a Chinese pistol, along with live rounds, were recovered from his possession. "Pertinently, the said terrorist had joined proscribed terror outfit LeT recently and was tasked to carry out subversive activities in and around Hajin town," police said. Colombo, July 9 : Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa plans to vaccinate majority of the population against Covid-19 before September this year. Rajapaksa said that 100 per cent of the 30-plus population in the Western province, the country's economic and administrative hub and also a high-risk area for Covid-19 spread, will be vaccinated by the end of July. The President said this at a meeting with the special committee on prevention of Covid-19 outbreak, which included ministers, tri-forces heads and health authorities, on the vaccination drive and future plans. He stated that the island nation is expected to receive two million Sinopharm vaccine doses by July 11 and 1.47 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine within the next two weeks. "Steps must be taken to provide more space for resumption of economic activities as a significant percentage of doses have already been given to the people," Rajapaksa said. He stressed the need to brief the foreign diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka on the local vaccination drive and the current situation in the country. The President also directed that instead of mixing vaccines as planned earlier, 600,000 out of the total AstraZeneca vaccine shots the country will receive within the next two weeks should be administered to those awaiting the second dose. He instructed that Pfizer vaccines should be given to the fishermen in Northern Mannar district where they are interacting with the Indian fishermen. He also said that the rest of the Pfizer vaccines be given to the students going abroad. Sri Lanka Army Commander General Shavendra Silva had announced on Friday that over 1,000 Sri Lankan students expecting to go abroad for studies have registered for the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hyderabad, July 9 : Kerala-based textiles major Kitex Group on Friday announced that it will invest Rs 1,000 crore to set up its apparel manufacturing unit in the Kakatiya Mega Textiles Park (KMTP) at Warangal in Telangana. The announcement came after a series of meetings by the company's top leadership with Telangana Industry Minister K. T. Rama Rao and senior officials. After alleging that he was "kicked out" of Kerala, garment major Kitex Group Chairman and Managing Director Sabu M. Jacob, along with other company officials, flew in to Hyderabad on Friday in a chartered flight arranged by the Telangana government for a series of meetings with the minister and his team. KTR, as the minister is popularly known, gave an overview of the progressive investment policies of the state government and also the availability of various resources for textiles industry in Telangana. The minister explained about the TSIPASS Single Window clearance system, and the other advantages that Telagana offers. He also stated that the state's cotton is one of the finest in the world. The delegation from Kitex gave a presentation on the group's current activities, and their future expansion plans. After an initial round of meetings, the Kitex team flew to the KMTP in a helicopter and inspected the premises. The team was impressed with the infrastructure and flew back to Hyderabad. Later in the evening, Kitex Group delegation met KTR again and announced that they would be investing Rs 1,000 crore in the KMTP. Jacob stated that they have decided, in principle, to invest Rs 1,000 crore in the KMTP, Warangal. This is Phase 1 of the investment and will be done in a span of two years. The proposed investment to set up apparel manufacturing facility is expected to generate 4,000 jobs. KTR welcomed the decision and assured them of all possible cooperation to set up their operations in Telangana. Principal Secretary, Industries, Jayesh Ranjan, Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles, Shailaja Ramaiyer, Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (TSIICL) MD Narsimha Reddy and senior officials from Industries Department also participated in the meetings. Kitex Group team arrived in Hyderabad for discussions after abandoning a proposed Rs 3,500 crore project in Kerala. Kitex started looking at Telangana and other states for investment following its standoff with the Kerala government. The company management alleged that they were treated like criminals by the state government. Before leaving for Hyderabad, Jacob told reporters at Cochin airport that he was not abandoning Kerala but he was kicked out. He claimed that he received calls from Chief Ministers and Industry Ministers from nine states. He slammed the Kerala government's policies saying the state was still 50 years behind. Chennai, July 9 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday directed officials to engage senior lawyers to argue the state's case on its 69 per cent reservation quota in Supreme Court. Gayatri C.V., a student, had through her father, S.Vaitheeswaran, filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Tamil Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act of 1993. Section 4 of the Act provides 30 per cent reservation to the Backward Classes, 20 per cent for Most Backward Classes and denotified communities, 18 per cent for Scheduled Castes and 1 per cent for Scheduled Tribes leading to 69 per cent reservation. A statement from the Chief Minister's office said that Stalin gave the direction while addressing officials during a review meeting of backward classes and minorities welfare at the Secretariat. He also called upon officials to implement Sachar Committee recommendations including educational scholarships to all minorities, skill development training to minority youth, and special training to entrepreneurs and loan assistance. He also called upon the officials to ensure that the Wakf boards were registered, properties reclaimed, information of Wakf properties computerised and services of the Wakf board made online. The Chief Minister called upon the Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation to sanction loans to more people. He said that these agencies should offer loans to pursue education also, as per the release. He also called upon the officials to provide adequate basic facilities and quality food to the students staying in hostels run by the Backward Classes and Minority Department. The Chief Minister also called upon the officials to engage more students in schools and for high enrolment. He also said that cash incentives provided by the government must reach the students in due course of time and that free bicycles be distributed to the students at the start of the academic year. Stalin also called directed the officials to implement schemes through the welfare boards of denotified communities including narikuravars (nomads), ulemas, and employees should reach the beneficiaries on time. He also asked the officials to provide separate habitations with basic facilities to uplift the narikuravars and the free house patta schemes for the backward and most backward communities should be expanded with provision of basic facilities. New Delhi, July 9 : The Transport Minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot, said on Friday that commuters in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will soon have access to real-time information regarding the arrival of buses at particular bus stops. "Delhites can very soon plan their bus journeys to the minute. We're in the final lap of integrating all our public transit systems into the Google India platform, which will utilise the Open Transit Data of Delhi government and live data of buses to create a reliable multi-modal transit planner," Gahlot tweeted after a review meeting on Friday. In April this year, the Delhi government had signed an agreement with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT Delhi) to create a Centre for Sustainable Mobility to set up world-class transport infrastructure in the national capital. For this development, the Delhi government has already allocated Rs 6.1 crore. The centre will work towards integrating various advancements initiated by the Transport Department like route rationalisation, open transit data, charging station infrastructure on one platform etc. The open-transit data system which facilitates real-time location of DTC and cluster buses will be created in the centre. Congratulating the Transport Department for its development initiative, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Delhi government is working hard to make Delhi's transport system user-friendly using technology." Mumbai, July 9 : For the first time in 14 days, Maharashtras Covid-19 toll suddenly shot above the 500-mark, though the daily infections remained below the 10,000-mark, health officials said here on Friday. On June 26, the state's toll stood at 511, after which it hovered below the 500-level. However, the toll zoomed to 738 on Friday, comprising 200 fresh fatalities and 538 old deaths, though much lower than the peak toll of 2,771 recorded on June 13. With this, the state's death count on account of Covid-19 has reached a whopping 125,034, the worst in the country. The state has so far reported 61,40,968 Covid cases till date, remaining above France which has recorded a tally of 57,99,107 till now, and figures at No. 4 in the world, below the US, India and Brazil. The number of fresh cases remained below the 10,000-level at 8,992 on Friday, much less than the peak of 68,631 cases reported on April 18, even as the state remains on high alert for a possible third wave of the pandemic. In Mumbai, for over six weeks, new infections remained below the 1,000-level at 596 on Friday, pulling up the city's tally to 726,633 till date, after touching the highest daily spike of 11,206 cases on April 4. With another 13 deaths recorded on Friday, the total fatalities in the country's commercial capital touched 15,599 on Friday. The state's death rate also worsened from 2.02 per cent to 2.03 percent, while the number of active cases remained below the 2-Lakh level at 112,231. On the brighter side, as many as 10,458 fully-cured patients returned home, taking the total number of recoveries to 59,00,440 with a recovery rate of 96.08 per cent for the day. The Mumbai Circle, comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts, recorded 1,863 new cases, taking its Covid tally to 16,11,886, while 40 more deaths mounted its death toll to 32,930, in view of reconciliation of data. Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home isolation increased from 624,511 on Thursday to 627,243 now, while those shunted to institutional quarantine went up from 4,572 a day before to 4,756 on Friday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, July 9 : As the economy tries to recover from the impact of second Covid-19 wave, the government's Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal has stressed on the need to monitor economic scenario with real time data. In his remarks at a webinar, he also said that quick response to the probable third wave and maintaining the pace of vaccination coverage would be major move towards supporting the economy. "Responding quickly to the third wave and making sure that the vaccination keeps happening at the current rate is key. Implementing the budget of February 2021 comes next. We need to also monitor the economic scenario of the country with real time data," he said at the webinar organised by FICCI FLO. Noting that 2020 was a difficult year with people, businesses, and economy bearing the brunt of it, FICCI FLO President Ujjwala Singhania said that she hoped to see women-led businesses flourish through structured interventions. "All policy frameworks need to incorporate measures to mitigate financial constraints, by clearing MSME dues and incentives. There's a need to adopt a more proactive, flexible and women-friendly role by SIDBI, also to break in a new policy of social security for MSME employees and migrant labourers," said Singhania, who is also the Director of JK International. Chennai, July 9 : The Puducherry police's Cyber Crime Cell on Friday arrested a Nigerian national for cheating a woman of 5.25 lakh, by impersonating a senior official with the French Embassy and promising her a good job at a French airport. Adewale Samson, 31, of Lagos, was was arrested from Bengaluru's Yelahanka. The Cyber Crime Cell, in a statement, said that Jasleen Mario, an employee of a private airline, had applied on several job sites for overseas employment and had received a mail from a person named Gerard Mulliez about a prospective job on August 4, 2020. The woman contacted him the next day and enquired about the job. The man assured her the job and told her that a woman named Vianne from the French Embassy would contact her, it said. Mario received a call on August 6, 2020, from someone claiming to be from the French Embassy, New Delhi, and asking her to deposit an amount of Rs 36,500 online as processing fee. She transferred the amount to the account details mentioned in the mail sent to her. Mario had then reported that that she received regular calls asking her to transfer Rs 64,000 for IELTS examination fee, Rs 2.64 lakh as visa processing fee, Rs 87,000 for getting an anti-terrorist certificate, and Rs 73,400 for getting a gate pass. She, in all, paid a sum of Rs 5,25,400 on various dates in August 2020. She waited for the offer letter for a few weeks but did not receive anything. After unsuccessfully trying to establish contact with the people who had extracted money from her, she then lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell. The Cyber Cell registered case against unidentified people under Sections 419 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code and 66-D of Information Technology Act, 2000 and arrested the Nigerian national. It said that the hunt is on for the others involved in the cheating and impersonation. Guwahati, July 9 : Assam Congress leaders claimed on Friday that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with his recent comments on police encounters is trying to make the security personnel trigger- happy, thus setting a dangerous trend of disregarding human rights concerns. State Congress President Ripun Bora said Sarma's remark that firing upon criminals in custody by the police or while in chase should be a 'pattern' has dangerous ramifications of turning Assam into a police state. "Sarma should be aware that the Supreme Court and the high courts have ruled that no matter how dreaded a criminal may be, he should be apprehended alive. "The police have no right to fire at criminals at will. They can open fire only for self-defence and that too below the knee," he told the media. He said the Supreme Court has also said that if a criminal is fired upon even in self defence or otherwise, the police have to give a justification before the court for their actions. Bora, a Rajya Sabha member from Assam, said that despite such ruling by the Supreme Court, a Chief Minister of a state passing a remark that firing upon a criminal should become a 'pattern' speaks volumes about his disregard for the judicial process of the country. On July 5, Sarma, who also holds the home portfolio, while justifying the series of encounters in which at least 12 suspected insurgents and criminals were killed since he assumed office, had said that firing upon criminals by the police in custody or while in chase should be a 'pattern', triggering a political controversy in the BJP-ruled state. The Congress leader said that Sarma had said some time back that all opposition MLAs should join the BJP, saying "what will they do in the opposition benches for five years?" "Such remarks only reflect the total disregard for the whole democratic process of the country and destruction of the democratic values and his belief in autocratic dictatorship," Bora said. The Assam Congress President also said that Sarma's remark on July 6 that the MLAs' only role is to make laws in the Assembly as they have no role in the developmental work in their constituencies was not only abusive, but also an insult to the Constitution of India. "Sarma had also recently said that Syama Prasad Mukherjee was responsible for the introduction of Assamese language in Calcutta University and that he was a proponent of the Assamese language. "Perhaps the Chief Minister was not aware that prior to the establishment of Gauhati University, many students from Assam used to go to Kolkata (then Calcutta) for higher studies and it was due to the demands of the students that the Assamese language was introduced in the curriculum of Calcutta University," Bora said. The Congress leader said that when a person becomes arrogant and dictatorial, he automatically tries to use his power to misinterpret history to mislead the public. "Some time back, Sarma had said that Syama Prasad Mukherjee had supported the late Gopinath Bordoloi in stopping the grouping of Assam with Bengal (present Bangladesh). "As far as historical facts are concerned, there is no mention of his role in this. In fact, by trying to give credit to Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Sarma has only added insult to the efforts of the leaders of Assam like Gopinath Bordoloi and Bhimbar Deuri, who truly deserve the credit," the Assam Congress chief said. Zagreb, July 9 : Two draws and a defeat to Anish Giri in the ninth and final round pushed Viswanathan Anand down the leaderboard as he finished seventh among 10 players in the Croatia Grand Chess Tour event here on Friday. Anand, who was sharing the second spot with two others at 3.5 points from six games going into Friday's final three rapid games in this nine-round event, eventually finished with 4.5 points from a maximum possible nine points. On Friday, Anand started with a draw against Jan Krzysztof Duda of Poland in the seventh round. Playing with black pieces, the Indian Grandmaster created a lot of opportunities in this game but could not capitalise on his chances as Duda defended strongly to deny him. Playing with white pieces in the 8th round, Anand was held to a draw by Croatian GM Ivan Saric. He eventually ended the event with a defeat to Giri, the Dutch Grandmaster of Nepali-origin. In the Bogo Indian game, Giri created pressure steadily from an equal position and Anand played some imprecise moves to lose. Anand now has to recover quickly for the blitz tournament, which will take place over the next two days. The added attraction for blitz competition is Anand's clash with Garry Kasparov in a clash of former world champions. Jaipur, July 9 : The workers of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) were lathicharged by the police on Friday after they went to a college in Jaipur to stage a dharna against the alleged atrocities on SC/ST communities under the Congress rule. As they went to submit a memorandum to the collector, they were stopped by the police, which led to a verbal duel. The BJYM supporters were then lathicharged by the police, leading to tensed situation as many workers sustained injuries. State BJP chief Satish Poonia later went to the SMS Hospital to inquire about the health of the injured persons. "I strongly criticise the lathicharge by the police on BJYM workers who made a peaceful start to protest against the atrocities of the Congress government on the Dalits of the state. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot keeps talking about democracy, but the failure of the state government has been proven by the increasing number of criminal cases against the Dalits," he said. National spokesperson of the BJP, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, also termed the lathicharge on BJYM workers as 'murder of democracy'. "The rising cases of rape in the state do not invite police attention, but a non-violent protest invokes such harsh reaction," he said. Amaravati/New Delhi, July 9 : Senior YSRCP leader V. Vijayasai Reddy on Friday said that he is seeing "bias" in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla with respect to the way he is dealing with the party's demand for disqualification of rebel party MP Kanumuru Raghurama Krishna Raju. "According to the Supreme Court's verdict, there should be no delay when it comes to disqualification matters. However, in the case of Raju, the Speaker is not taking any action since a year. I could see bias in his position," said Reddy, a Rajya Sabha member. If this continues, the YSRCP leader threatened that they would agitate in the Parliament meetings. Nearly a year has passed by since the party first asked Birla to disqualify Raju for turning against the party as well as Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Reddy followed up these remarks against Birla after meeting him in his office on Thursday, along with fellow Parliamentarians Mithun Reddy and Margani Bharat, to reiterate the demand to disqualify the rebel MP. Meanwhile, the Narasapuram MP continues to enjoy a rapport with most of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in the national capital, and regularly meets them. On Wednesday, a day before Vijayasai Reddy could meet the Speaker, Raju met Birla in his office for a "courtesy call". He also met Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss the "current situation" in the state. He also met G. Kishan Reddy after his swearing in as a Union Cabinet minister and 'congratulated' him. Vijayasai Reddy said Raju won on behalf of the YSRCP but is doing injustice to the people of Narasapuram. "Lok Sabha Speaker is whiling away time without taking any action on Raju's disqualification. If he continues like this, we will protest in the Parliament meetings," he warned, stressing that there should be no delay in this matter. For the past several months, Raju has been mostly dividing his time between Hyderabad and Delhi, ignoring his Narasapuram constituency where several villages continue to suffer from lack of potable drinking water and several other issues. The MP is also embroiled in a few bank fraud cases which are being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Gandhinagar July 10 : The Vadodara Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) on Friday arrested five African nationals from Delhi for allegedly cheating a Vadodara businessman of Rs 19.35 lakh on the pretext of selling CPU scrap. The African gang was involved in a racket of turning coded US dollars into real money by trapping unsuspecting victims, the police said. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCB, Jaydeepsinh Jadeja, told the media, "On July 4, the crime branch received a complaint from Rajesh Patel, an import-export businessman, alleging that he was cheated of Rs 19.35 lakh in an online scam by a gang that claimed to be selling CPU scrap." "Our investigation revealed that the accused persons were based in Delhi. We then dispatched a team to Delhi and with the help of technical, scientific and human intelligence sources, the team arrested the five accused persons," Jadeja added. The arrested persons have been identified as Benjamin Kouakou Ndri, Kaptu Ematurin Marie, Kitii Jacques Devalois, Martin Copere Ndimou and El Hadji Mahamane Toure. They were nabbed from the Chhattarpur area in Delhi. According to the police, the accused had lured the trader into transferring Rs 19.35 lakh via IMPS in multiple instalments under the pretext of settling matters at the Kanpur Customs department. But they did not send across the CPU scrap as per their business deal for several days. The police have also recovered 14 bundles with counterfeit $100 bills, two laptops and 18 mobile phones from the accused persons. Bengaluru, July 10 : Alarmed by cases of Zika virus in neighbouring Kerala, Karnataka on Friday issued guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease in the state. "As monsoon season allows proliferation of Aedes mosquito, which is a vector for Zika virus disease, surveillance should be carried in rural and urban areas across the state on war footing," said state Health Commissioner Trilok Chandra in an order here. The order directed authorities concerned to dispose solid waste to prevent Aedes breeding in peri-domestic areas. "The vector management should include surveillance of larvae, biological and chemical control at household, community and institutional levels," said the order. The authority has been tasked to conduct Aedes larval surveillance and source reduction activities in airports, sea ports and in rural and urban civic wards. "Zika virus presents symptoms like fever, rashes, conjunctivitis and joint pain. Travel history or visit of guests should be considered for suspecting the disease," said Chandra. The order has advised the local authority to collect samples from suspected cases and send them to National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Bengaluru for testing. "During ultra-sound scanning for pregnant women, focus should be given for presence of microcephaly. If detected, the serum sample of the pregnant women should be sent to NIV for testing," said the order. As Zika cases have been reported in Kerala, border districts like Chamarajanagar, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi have been to be more vigilant. Moscow, July 10 : Russia logged 25,766 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours as the Delta variant continues to spread, taking the nationwide tally to 5,733,218, the official monitoring and response centre said on Friday. The national Covid-19 death toll rose by 726 to 141,501 in the past day as the country battled the surging Delta variant, while the total number of recoveries increased by 21,832 to 5,165,087, the Xinhua news agency reported. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Friday that the overall situation with the coronavirus in the country remains concerning due to an increase in cases in most regions. Also on Friday, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that the number of people in the country that have received one dose of a vaccine could soon reach 30 million. Moscow, Russia's worst-hit region, reported 6,643 new cases, taking its total to 1,418,134. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Friday that around 110,000 people are getting vaccinated in the capital daily, adding that the recent measures implemented in the capital, including the QR code system, have yielded results and the situation with Covid-19 appears to be stabilising in Moscow but still remains difficult. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) "I am ecstatic to be welcoming these five members to the board. The baby industry is full of talent, and we've recruited the best of the best," said Chairman of ABC Kids Expo, Lea Culliton. All Baby & Child Corp., the organizers of North America's premier juvenile products gathering, has announced five new board members in advance of their annual ABC Kids Expo in Orlando, Florida, from September 26-28. The new board members include: Tracy Fong, SVP of Sales at Million Dollar Baby Co. Chad Peterson, Director at TJ's the Kiddies Store (Canada) Jamie Grayson, Owner at Baby Guy Gear Guide Nancy Lee, President at MyRegistry.com Amanda Vega, CEO at Amanda Vega Consulting "We were overwhelmed by the interest in being part of our board," said President of ABC Kids Expo, Aaron Pederson. "Each of these remarkable individuals brings fresh minds and unique perspectives, which, in turn, strengthens the ABC Kids Expo as we move back to in-person events." "I am ecstatic to be welcoming these five members to the board. The baby industry is full of talent, and we've recruited the best of the best," said Chairman of ABC Kids Expo, Lea Culliton. "From public relations gurus to worldwide manufacturing and distinctive retailer insights - our new board members are going to drive the ABC Kids Expo to greater heights than ever before." This year, the ABC Kids Expo will be held in Orlando, Florida, in person from September 26-28. For additional information, visit https://theabcshow.com. More about the new board members: Tracy Fong: Tracy Fong is stepping into the Manufacturer's seat with her 16 years of experience. Tracy has a passion for the industry and finding ways to help both retailers and brands grow and thrive. She also carries immense support from her family - the founders of Million Dollar Baby. Tracy has established deep relationships with independent retailers and large retailers such as Amazon, Target, Wayfair, BBB, Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel. While her family has been in the industry for over 32 years, Tracy wields a fresh perspective and new way of thinking. Chad Peterson: Taking up the Retailer reins is Chad Peterson. Chad is highly familiar with the baby industry as he grew up surrounded by his family's business, TJ's the Kiddies Store. While being a Director of this company, he also lived in Shanghai for the past 11 years. Along with his wife, Jessica, he owns and operates an import and distribution company focused on bringing juvenile products from North America to Chinese retailers. In addition, Chad has attended trade shows across the globe in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Europe, South America, Canada, USA, to name a few, which brings a global perspective to the ABC board. Jamie Grayson: Jamie Grayson, founder, and owner of the Baby Guy Gear Guide, will join the board as one of its most connected members, carrying a new voice and reach with him. Jamie holds tremendous influence in the industry as he works specifically with juvenile brands in helping them market both brand and product through his social channels (where he has a community of almost 1 million followers) and numerous speaking events. Nancy Lee: Nancy Lee comes to ABC with a diverse background and a wealth of knowledge. She began her career in Japan as the first female news anchor and subsequently ran Japan's first women's cable television station. After making her way back to the States, Nancy built and sold several businesses before becoming president of MyRegistry.com, where she has spent the past 15 years developing the business into the industry leader for Universal Gift Registry services, supporting gift registry activity for weddings, new babies, and all other gift-giving occasions, and expanding the company's reach into multiple international markets. Amanda Vega: Amanda Vega has served on the boards of WebMD, Gerber, Gap, Inc. and brings forth a wealth of knowledge to the ABC Kids Expo board. For the past two decades, Amanda has served as CEO of a consulting firm that works with both agencies and brands in PR, social media management, compliance services, and other web-related activities. As an expansion of that agency, she founded 3 Peas Baby Product marketing - a firm that specifically services the juvenile product industry. About All Baby & Child ABC Kids Expo (All Baby & Child), founded in March 2003, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to producing events on behalf of the juvenile products industry. The corporation's main objective and purpose are to act as a business league that helps organize and manage trade shows to benefit juvenile product manufacturers, specialty store retailers, distributors, and manufacturers' representatives. Media Contact: abc@brilliantprm.com Guard 911 apps were designed with a single focus to provide an early warning system for these emergency situations and save precious seconds that can mean the difference between life and death. The Florida Legislature has allocated $6.4 million in recurring state funds to ensure every Florida public [and charter] school has this critical life-saving tool. The deadline for all Florida public and charter schools to choose their Alyssas Law emergency mobile alert system is August 1, 2021 less than a month away. The Florida Legislature has allocated $6.4 million in recurring state funds to ensure every Florida public [and charter] school has this critical life-saving tool. Florida Department of Education. Guard911, the mobile safety alert app company that developed SchoolGuard in 2013, is an FLDOE-approved vendor, contract number 21-959. The company has been working closely with many schools in Florida to expedite implementing the mobile alert system process Guard911 can have a system up and running within a couple of days. Additionally, Guard911 is the ONLY app solution with the Hero911 Network of 60,000+ law enforcement officers who are notified instantly, along with 911, when the app is activated. Many Florida public and charter schools such as Taylor, Bay, Union, and Gulf Counties have selected Guard911 as their solution. Steve Hoard, Coordinator of Safety and Mental Health at Union County Schools, said, Union County schools have relied on the powerful, proven effectiveness and simplicity of SchoolGuard for the past several years. To meet the August 1, 2021, deadline and gather more information on how your school can be protected by that fast-approaching deadline, contact Guard911, info@guard911.com, 618-973-9174. When He Has Come: He Will Crush the Luciferian Agenda: a compelling narrative warning of the impending Luciferian War. When He Has Come... is the creation of published author, Wiley B. Edmonds, a well-educated leader who built and pastored several churches. After spending over half a century as pastor, evangelist, teacher, and businessman, the author has agonized over the lack of understanding by the average Christian on the Big Story behind their faith. He found Christians to be, for the most part, unaware of the ongoing battle in the spiritual dimension just beyond human sight. The forces of the armies of the Eternal God, led by the Holy Spirit, and the armies of the Satan, whose name is Lucifer, have relentlessly been fighting since man was only a concept in the mind of Eternal God. Eternal life for the human and his inheritance is at the core of that battle. Mans right to ascertain that inheritance and Lucifers battle to stop it is the Big Story of the biblical narrative. The Holy Spirit, Gods prima director of that war, invests His power in you to personally defeat Lucifers hidden agenda. Embodied in the final words of Jesus at His ascension back to heaven is the promise of a personal empowering of the Holy Spirit, henceforth, to be made available to every believer as he bursts onto the scene at Pentecost. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Wiley B. Edmondss new book provides inspiration and a reconnection to faith in a brand-new light. Edmonds writes, When He Has Come is the story of the Luciferian warcontending for the title deed to our planet Earth- and the coming of the Holy Spirit, equipping every believer with the personal power to recognize, engage, and defeat every Luciferian onslaught. In the climatic events of this war to actually be fought in the near future, Jesus will return to earthbringing with Him the host of the armies of the eternal Godand quash at Armageddon the armies led by Luciferian forces and establish His millennial kingdom, ruling from the throne of David in the city of Jerusalem. View a synopsis of When He Has Come: He Will Crush the Luciferian Agenda on YouTube. Consumers can purchase When He Has Come: He Will Crush the Luciferian Agenda at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about When He Has Come: He Will Crush the Luciferian Agenda, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Yamileth Orozco, an El Salvadorian native now residing in Virginia, who knows the importance of being able to communicate in multiple languages, has completed her new book The King that Did Not Like to Bathe: an important story of the effects of proper hygiene. Orozco writes, In a faraway place called the Kingdom of Husky lived a king named Apollo. Everyone loved him, but he had a flaw: he did not like bathe. One day, he decided to create a new law that said, From now on, its not mandatory for anyone to bathe if you wish not to. I am the king, and I will not bathe anymore. Because he did not bathe for a long time, he got seriously sick. Why does King Apollo not like to bathe? What does he have to do to get healthy again? Lets read the story to find out! Published by Page Publishing, Yamileth Orozcos engaging tale is great to use in promoting bilingual reading. Readers who wish to experience this work can purchase The King that Did Not Like to Bathe 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 Arbors of Bedford, a Benchmark Mind & Memory Care Community Our team defines the Benchmark value of being Called to Care. They have worked incredibly hard to provide safety and security for our residents, and we couldnt be more grateful to have our dedication validated by the great families and others we are so fortunate to serve. -Peter Touborg The Arbors of Bedford, a Benchmark Senior Living Mind & Memory Care community, today announced that Union Leader readers have selected them as the best assisted living community and one the best over 55 communities in the Manchester area. For the past nine years, the awards program has recognized readers favorite businesses, including lifestyle providers, shops, restaurants, venues, services and attractions. Awards always mean a lot to us but especially now given the challenges over the past year, said Peter Touborg, executive director of The Arbors of Bedford. Our team defines the Benchmark value of being Called to Care. They have worked incredibly hard to provide safety and security for our residents, and we couldnt be more grateful to have our dedication validated by the great families and others we are so fortunate to serve. The Arbors is a memory care community in Bedford, NH and a respite care provider offering care and programs for those with Alzheimers and dementia. They are the only community in the Manchester area devoted exclusively to addressing the unique needs of those with memory impairment. Benchmark Mind & Memory Care works to evoke positive emotions in those with brain disorders and meaningful human connections with residents and their families. Dedicated care providers regularly attend quality trainings, including Benchmarks nationally award-winning associate and resident communication program, Connect First. Research-based, therapeutic experiences, sensory dining and specially designed living spaces that support cognitive function, emotional health and overall wellness are provided. Care and experiences are offered in a secure, assisted living setting, so residents have enhanced freedom and independence. The Arbors is one of 11 dedicated memory care assisted living communities throughout the Northeast owned and operated by Benchmark and is one of three in New Hampshire. For more information, visit https://www.benchmarkseniorliving.com/senior-living/nh/bedford/the-arbors-of-bedford. About Benchmark Senior Living Benchmark is a leading provider of senior housing in the Northeast, providing independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care options in 63 communities and across seven states. The Waltham-based companys core values of Called to Care, Better Together and Be the Benchmark guide its mission to stay connected to who and what matters most: our residents, their families and our associates. Benchmark is one of only two companies to be named to The Boston Globes Top Place to Work all 13 years that the honor has been given. Throughout its history, Benchmark has continually been recognized as a top workplace. The Great Place to Work Institute certified Benchmark for two straight years, and the company earned a place on FORTUNEs 50 Best Workplaces in Aging Services list each of the two years that the magazine published the list. "The 2022 Pathfinder is now available for test drives in the Waukesha, Wisconsin, area." Boucher Nissan of Waukesha has recently welcomed the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder to its showroom. This revamped SUV is ready to take on the latest adventure with its outstanding mechanics and performance. The 2022 Pathfinder is now available for test drives in the Waukesha, Wisconsin, area. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. All trim levels come in either a 2-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive drivetrain. The engine is the same on all trim levels and drivetrain options. Drivers can expect to find a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. There is a 9-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Various driver assistance technology features come standard on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Some of these include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and so much more. Customers are sure to feel safe when traveling in a 2022 Pathfinder. The interior of the 2022 Pathfinder includes cloth seats with a tri-zone automatic temperature control and in-cabin microfilter. Drivers can easily start the 2022 Pathfinder with the Nissan Intelligent Key with a push button ignition. Depending on the trim selected, the 2022 Pathfinder can hold seven to eight occupants. Individuals who are interested in learning more about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can do so by stopping at the dealership or visiting Boucher Nissan of Waukeshas website, https://www.waukeshanissan.com/. This dealership is conveniently located at 1451 E Moreland Blvd. in Waukesha. Boucher Nissan of Waukesha can be reached for questions by calling 800-504-6619. The dealership is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center staff members are preparing to host their 11th annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. National Day of the Cowboy nationally recognized event to highlight the hardworking symbol of the American West; the cowboy. CTHCs NDOC celebrates this by offering free admission to the museum all day as well as various special guests and performances. This Years Schedule includes the following: Oklahoma childrens author, Tina Hawkins, will be here reading with her two dogs, Bella and Stella. She will have copies of her books available to purchase and autograph. Readings will be at 10:30; 11:30; 12:30 and 1:30 Mike Buchanan, author will be here to sell and sign his book, Cross Timbers. Allen Wooten, Gaylon Blankenship, and Dedra Frye - The Cowboy Opry Band will perform live throughout the event. A childrens art project will also be available. This project is made possible with funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council. Joe Don Braves art exhibit Osage Journey will be on display. Hawk Hill Farms Petting Zoo will be here 12 p.m. to 2p.m. Bethany Barley, president of National Day of the Cowboy Organization will be here. Katey Jo Gordon, winner of Ultimate Cowboy will be here from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All activities are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are designed so that no matter what time guests choose to attend, they will be able to enjoy everything planned. The entire day of activities is for family and fun no matter your age. Visitors can experience the 4D theater, Campfire Theater, the Garis Gallery of the American West, and all exhibits and activities for free during this day. NDOC is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. Chisholm Trail Heritage Centers new hours are Tuesday Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CTHC is located at 1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway in Duncan. For more information, call 580-252-6692. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center Association is a 501c3 non-profit. We are proud to have built such a strong relationship with AAJ and its members over the years, and fully support its efforts to strengthen our civil justice system. Were honored to host such an esteemed panel of talented lawyers. Counsel Financial recently announced its continued commitment to the American Association for Justice (AAJ) as the headline Diamond Sponsor of the upcoming AAJ Annual Convention. The conference will take place July 12-15 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The Convention draws the nations top plaintiffs lawyers who converge to discuss the latest developments in litigation across numerous practice areas, participate in specialized continuing legal education programs and network with fellow attorneys engaged in similar cases. Counsel Financial will host a panel discussionFrom the Experts: Latest and Emerging Mass Tort Newson Monday, July 12 at 12:30pm focused on current litigations and recent updates, along with considerations for incorporating those cases into a firms portfolio. Attorneys seeking to expand their practice or build upon their existing caseload will have the opportunity to hear from top litigators on topics such as hernia mesh, fertility clinic tank failures, Paragard and Paraquat. The program will conclude with an interactive Q&A session to further discuss specific areas of interest. Paul Cody, President & CEO of Counsel Financial, stated, We are proud to have built such a strong relationship with AAJ and its members over the years, and fully support its efforts to strengthen our civil justice system. Were honored to host such an esteemed panel of talented lawyers and hope this discussion will be of great benefit to those in attendance. Counsel Financial has been exclusively endorsed by AAJ for law firm financing since 2006. In addition to financial solutions, the company offers a multitude of consultative benefits to its clients, such as assistance with budgeting and financial analysis, portfolio valuation, industry insight and co-counsel introductions. To learn more about all of the financial products available to contingent-fee firms, visit booth K2 or contact a member of the business development team to set up a meeting during the event by clicking here. About Counsel Financial Counsel Financial is the largest provider of working capital credit lines to plaintiffs attorneys in the industry, having loaned over $1.5 billion exclusively to plaintiffs attorneys in its 20-year history. Counsel Financial sets the standard for innovation and flexibility in its financing offerings, structuring terms that are conducive to the unique demands of contingency-fee practices. Leveraging 200+ years of internal legal experience, Counsel Financial has financed the growth of firms in every area of plaintiffs litigation, including personal injury, mass torts, class action and labor and employment. The company is exclusively endorsed by multiple national and state trial organizations, including the American Association for Justice and The National Trial Lawyers. "Although a large percentage of business owners want mandatory in-person attendance, it is obvious that getting direct feedback from workers and mitigating fears about the virus are also top-of-mind." - Dennis Consorte Digital.com, a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services, has published a recent survey report on how American companies plan to operate in a post-pandemic workplace. The study generated responses from 1500 small business owners and focused on remote work experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for resuming in-person work. Research findings indicate that 4 out of 10 employers will fire workers who wont return to the workplace full-time. Nearly 50% of the survey respondents said most job functions require in-person attendance, and 45% expressed concerns about a decline in employee productivity while working remotely. Business owners also cited other disadvantages to working from home, such as low employee morale, increased lateness due to oversleeping and distractions, and increased miscommunication among staff. In contrast, only 10% of employers will make remote work mandatory, and 17% said employees will follow a hybrid schedule of onsite and remote work. Survey results also show that most business owners are willing to consider feedback from employees about work schedules. Sixty-nine percent of employers state that they have asked or plan to ask workers for their input on post-pandemic work structure. One critical takeaway from this study is that theres no one-size-fits-all approach to post-pandemic workplace strategies, says small business expert Dennis Consorte. Although a large percentage of business owners want mandatory in-person attendance, it is obvious that getting direct feedback from workers and mitigating fears about the virus are also top-of-mind. According to the report, 42% of businesses will require staff to get vaccinated before returning to work onsite. Employers are also in favor of other safety protocols, such as mask mandates and social distancing. Fifty-five percent of small businesses will require workers to wear a mask, while 52% will prohibit or limit close interactions between employees. Digital.coms research team developed this report to share insightful data on workplace trends in a post-pandemic world. The survey was created and paid for by Digital.com and administered by Pollfish, the online survey platform, from April 7-8, 2021. To view the complete report, please visit: https://digital.com/39-percent-of-employers-will-fire-workers-refusing-to-come-in-to-work/ ABOUT DIGITAL.COM Digital.com reviews and compares the best products, services, and software for running or growing a small business website or online shop. The platform collects twitter comments and uses sentiment analysis to score companies and their products. Digital.com was founded in 2015 and formerly known as Review Squirrel. To learn more, visit https://digital.com/. ### RS21, a data science and Inc. 500 fastest-growing company, welcomes Trisha Miller, PhD to the leadership team as Director of Research and Development for National Laboratory and Government Support Services. Miller has led numerous security analysis projects spanning the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazard space in support of the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, and various government agencies. Most recently, she served as a senior member of the technical staff at Sandia National Laboratories. Her work focused on leading teams to develop analysis approaches, metrics, and tools to support federal decision-making in resilience, emergency management, cybersecurity and matters of national importance. Trisha is the ideal person to provide technical and strategic support for our clients within the National Laboratories and broader federal R&D ecosystem, said Charles Rath, RS21 President and CEO. She is a creative problem-solver, accomplished scientist, and exceptional leader in building and maintaining relationships with our nations leading scientists to address complex challenges. In her position at RS21, Miller will work with leadership to establish a new division specifically focused on supporting research and development (R&D) at national laboratories and federally funded R&D centers. There are a lot of potential opportunities for RS21 to provide capabilities in data science, data engineering, software development, and human-centered design that complement the deep technical research happening at national laboratories and across the federal R&D complex, said Miller. By establishing this new division, we will be able to cultivate and maintain a consistent team of analysts and developers with skills and expertise that enhance the ongoing and unique research of our lab and government partners. RS21 works with national laboratories to build and mature innovative big data analytics platforms and visualization tools to support decision-making. For example, RS21 partnered with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop a prototype for smart meter technology to allow scientists and utilities to better understand how to improve grid resiliency. RS21 will continue to focus on supporting research and development efforts by bridging the gap between lab-based analytics tools and user-centric products that provide intuitive insights in operational environments. About RS21 RS21 is a rapidly growing, global data science company that uses artificial intelligence, design, and modern software development methods to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the world. Our innovative solutions are insightful, intuitive, inspiring, and intellectually honest. With offices in Albuquerque, NM and Washington, DC, RS21 is a 2020 Inc. 500 fastest-growing company and a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators. We help clients achieve programmatic goals, improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and maximize productivity using MOTHR, our human-centered, artificial intelligence-driven platform that allows users to seamlessly integrate data and reveal insights at hyper speed. We navigate complex data issues in the fields of healthcare, population health, infrastructure resilience, disaster preparedness, supply chain management, community safety, and security and cybersecurity. For more information, visit http://www.rs21.io. Bounce will drive incremental revenue, while also providing our resellers and direct consumers with additional peace of mind... OnPoint Warranty Solutions, a leading provider of warranty services, including underwriting, service contract, and extended warranty programs, home warranty, logistics, and service management technology, has contracted with FlexTech Solutions to offer Bounce mobile screen protection on products distributed in the US market. FlexTech Solutions is a leading provider of asset returns and management, reverse and forward logistics, product routing, distribution, and liquidation, as well as repair and refurbishment services. It will offer screen protection plans on mobile devices sold in the US through its reseller and direct-to-consumerFlexTech channels. FlexTech seeks new opportunities to drive additional revenue for our business, while also providing additional value to our customers. The addition of the Bounce protection program to our suite of services enables FlexTech to do both. Bounce will drive incremental revenue, while also providing our resellers and direct consumers with additional peace of mind for devices they have protected with Bounce. The program is easy to sell and even simpler to fulfill if a device screen is broken. We look forward to working with the OnPoint team, stated FlexTech CEO, Rick Hurley. Rob Christian, President, and CRO, OnPoint Warranty, stated, FlexTech is another great win for OnPoint. It further demonstrates the value of a screen protection program that is unconnected to carrier plans, and available on new, refurbished, or in-hand devices. Interest in the Bounce program from across the industry has been phenomenal! About OnPoint Warranty Solutions OnPoint was launched by customer experience experts with proven success helping global brands deliver underwriting, extended, home warranty, HVAC, and service contract programs, Bounce screen damage protection, service fulfillment, insuretech and logistics, to drive the highest levels of consumer experience in the service industry. Building on the foundation of a global insurance ecosystem, a connected, multinational service network, an insuretech platform that facilitates front to back-end warranty sales and administration, omnichannel customer communications, OnPoint creates brand loyalty through insuretech and warranty service solutions designed to reduce risk, increase efficiency, delight consumers, and improve our customers bottom line. For more information, visit our website: http://www.onpointwarranty.com A team from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP successfully represented Involvio, LLC in connection with the sale of 100% of the equity interests of Involvio, LLC to Cisco Systems, Inc. Greenberg Traurig provided multidisciplinary legal advice with respect to the transaction, including mergers and acquisitions, tax, intellectual property, data privacy and security, labor and employment and international trade and customs. The Greenberg Traurig deal team was lead by shareholder Trevor Chaplick and associates, Christopher Turek and Jennifer Riso. Other team members included shareholders, John Cummerford, Joseph Curran, David Greenberg, Barbara Kaplan, Steven Lapidus, Pallav Raghuvanshi, Gretchen Ramos, and Eric Sigda; of counsel Sonali Dohale; associates Nicolas Sabet and Sandy Chiu. Involvio provides a suite of products designed to improve student experience in higher education. These products are used by colleges and universities to provide onboarding materials during orientation, connect students with various support resources and involvement activities throughout the student lifecycle, and capture analytics such as academic and co-curricular attendance to better inform student retention strategies. Students largely interact with these products through mobile apps that are produced on behalf of and branded specifically for each college or university customer. Involvios products are sold both directly and through Ciscos resale channel. Customers of Involvios student experience products are primarily higher education institutions. Additionally, Involvio licenses components of its software to Cisco on a white label basis which Cisco has incorporated into its offerings for the education market. Cisco designs and sells a broad range of technologies that have been powering the Internet since 1984. Cisco is integrating intent-based technologies across networking, security, collaboration, applications and the cloud. These technologies are designed to help customers manage more users, devices and things connecting to their networks. This enables Cisco to provide customers with a highly secure, intelligent platform for their digital business. About Greenberg Traurigs Corporate Practice: Greenberg Traurig's Corporate Practice focuses on the business objectives of our clients. More than 450 corporate and securities lawyers work together to provide clients with the legal and market experience needed to manage and close the most complex transactions, as well as provide practical counsel on clients' day-to-day operations. We advise public and privately held companies on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital, underwritten and syndicated offerings, commercial finance and syndicated lending, cross-border transactions and general corporate matters. Our industry experience includes transactions in a wide range of fields, from the pharmaceutical, medical devices and life sciences fields, to representations involving clients in the aviation, banking, energy, health care, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications sectors. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com This empowers the small entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations to avoid complexities involving a bank or other intermediaries. A sender or donor may directly send their loan or grant to the target organization. California-based software development company, HashCash Consultants extends its humanitarian services to engineer a financial communication channel. This setup will impact non-profits and small businesses. Small businesses and non-profits operating in the remote African territories require grants of money. These organizations will receive funds directly from senders through a blockchain network. As emails carrying attachments are sent and received over a network, the financial communication channel is to act in the same way, explains Raj Chowdhury, CEO of HashCash Consultants. The only apparent difference lies in its capacity to bear documents such as loan contracts, digital IDs, currency exchanges, complex financial instruments, or other applications required to sustain a financial system, in attachments. This empowers the small entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations to avoid complexities involving a bank or other intermediaries. A sender or donor may directly send their loan or grant to the target organization. The design ensures that the installation of the network incurs reasonable expense and is moderate in energy consumption. HashCash has recently accomplished a domestic fund transfer project partnering with a local concern. The effort enables the unbanked population of the country to safely send and receive funds. HashCash has previously worked with several organizations enabling cross-border asset transfer and remittance. The blockchain development company has also tested its abilities partnering in a project tracing mineral supply chain to redress child labor issues that plague the mineral mining industry in Congo. They have also designed an e-commerce and retail focus digital token for an African enterprise The complexities and expenses in getting a bank involved, intimidate a section of people. Our efforts make way for economic mobility to these people, concludes Chowdhury. The effort is aimed at decentralizing the economic powers for common people who have remained unbanked to date. The economic mobility allowed by such projects should liberate Africans with an influx of opportunities. About HashCash: HashCash is a global software company. HashCash Blockchain products enable enterprises to move assets and settle payments across borders in real-time for Remittances, Trade Finance, Payment Processing, and more. HashCash runs a US-based digital asset exchange, PayBito & digital asset payment processor, BillBitcoins. HashCash offers custom exchange and payment processor software solutions, ICO services, and customized use cases. HashCash propels advancement in technology through Blockchain1o1 programs and its investment arm, Satoshi Angels. HashCash offers solutions in AI, Big Data, and IoT through its platforms, products & services. HashCash solves the toughest challenges by executing innovative digital transformation strategies for clients around the world. Life to the Max: a warmhearted reflection on a wide range of events in a busy life filled with family, work, and faith. Life to the Max is the creation of published author L. Maxine McQueen, a great-grandmother and prolific writer presently residing in the Midwest with her husband, Mac, two dogs, two cats, and a plethora of fish. From clowns to chickens to the death of a child, this book will take you through the ups and downs of struggling with and accepting what time hands you as you survive this great world of ours. The book is a compilation of stories about her life events which she has published in newspapers. Memories of being raised in the 50s and 60s add to Maxs humorous accounts of being a farm girl in Central Illinois. Always ready to see the funny side of life, her tales will keep you laughing and have you looking for the humor in everyday living. Nostalgia, tears, and joys abound within the covers of this book. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, L. Maxine McQueens new book is an entertaining compilation of lighthearted anecdotes addressing a myriad of topics from everyday trials of parenting five boys to the seminal events that shaped her family. View a synopsis of Life to the Max on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Life to the Max at traditional bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Life to the Max, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. In the role of Client Services Associate at Tarantino Wealth Management, Heidi Waldmann assists Michael Tarantino, CFP with developing client-specific financial plans, managing financial planning software and supporting client meetings. Heidi grew up in Parker, Colorado and moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University (CSU). She graduated in May 2021 with a degree in Financial Planning and Investment Analysis. Heidi looks forward to helping people take control of their finances and pursue their financial goals. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Kilroy Realty, L.P., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against Kilroy Realty, L.P., alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Kilroy Realty, L.P., is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCV20624. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the lawsuit filed, Kilroy Realty, L.P. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, and (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, (f) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges Kilroy Realty, L.P. obtained consumer reports improperly because the authorization and disclosure form Plaintiff signed failed to comply with requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, and Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act. Allegedly, Kilroy Realty, L.P. inserted extraneous language that does not relate to the FCRA, ICRRA, and CCRAA. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Kilroy Realty, L.P., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Kristen Snedeker, Founder of Legacy Properties Changing and evolving are critical factors to a business succeeding, which is why we are partnering with Side. Legacy Properties 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 affiliation will ensure that Legacy Properties, a firm that helps buyers and sellers build legacies that endure for generations, is powered by the industrys most advanced platform. Kristen Snedeker, the founder, is known for putting people, not sales, first, as reflected in the abundance of referrals and repeat customers she has acquired over the years. After earning her real estate license in 2005, Snedeker sold 20 homes in her first year, and her business has grown steadily since then. She also has experience as a real estate investor and owns multiple out-of-state properties. The Legacy Properties team leads with knowledge and serves with kindness. Its agents relaxed natures and flexibility make it easy for them to represent any client, from first-time buyers to retirees, and every transaction, from starter homes to million-dollar properties across Greater Sacramento. The firm is headquartered in Roseville and plans to open an additional office in Sacramento. Partnering with Side will ensure Legacy Properties 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 Legacy Properties 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, Legacy Properties will join an exclusive group of Side partners, tapping into an expansive network from coast to coast. Legacy Properties has been successful through the years, but now we are looking forward to our future, said Snedeker. Changing and evolving are critical factors to a business succeeding, which is why we are partnering with Side. Sides top-notch solutions will provide us with the structure and support to propel Legacy Properties forward, all while creating an elevated experience for our clients in the years to come. 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 Legacy Properties Legacy Properties combines real estate with respect for where its clients are and where they want to go. A fresh, modern boutique firm headquartered in Roseville, California, Legacy Properties benefits its clients through its years of experience while continually evolving to stay ahead of a rapidly changing industry. With a willingness and ability to adapt and grow, the company helps buyers and sellers live for today and plan for tomorrow. For more information, visit http://www.equitylegacy.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. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys hosts FREE Backpack Giveaway in Phoenix on July 20, 2021. We hope that our contribution will help offset some of the financial concerns of disadvantaged Phoenix students so that they can succeed in the 2021-2022 school year. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is pleased to announce that their law firm is once again hosting a FREE backpack giveaway to benefit disadvantaged school-aged children living in the Phoenix Valley. Local families are invited to drive through this contactless Backpack Giveaway on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 located at the Metrocenter Mall parking lot (9617 N Metro Pkwy W, Phoenix, AZ 85051) from 3:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. As quantities are limited, backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. K-12 students must be present in vehicles to receive a backpack. Families are also asked to be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles when entering and exiting the parking lot. Going back-to-school should be a time of excitement for kids, especially after the major disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic caused during their previous school year. Unfortunately for some K-12 students, the first day of school can be a cause of anxiety as their family may not be able to afford essential school supplies for them to actively participate in class. That is why our team is once again hosting our annual Phoenix backpack giveaway. We hope that our contribution will help offset some of the financial concerns of disadvantaged Phoenix students so that they can succeed in the 2021-2022 school year, said attorney Kevin Rowe. For more information about Lerner and Rowes FREE drive-up Phoenix Backpack Giveaway, please contact Cindy Ernst or Christa Luirette with Lerner and Rowe Gives Back at (602) 977-1900. Like and follow Lerner and Rowe Injury attorneys on Facebook to learn more about this and future giveaways. More About Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is a powerhouse law firm in representing personal injury clients. Attorneys Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe have grown their law firm into one of the largest personal injury firms in the country, with over 50 attorneys and nearly 400 support employees located in Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Alabama, and Tennessee. The law firms reputation for excellence can be attributed to the high levels of respect, dignity, and customer service shown to victims and family members hurt in an accident. For those injured outside one of the previously listed states, Lerner and Rowe has an established network of attorneys across the country, ready to help. The firm takes pride in nourishing these relationships as they know a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the victims of tortious conduct. For more information about Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, please call 602-977-1900. To connect with the law firm socially, follow Lerner and Rowe on Twitter and Instagram, or become a fan of its Facebook page. Also, be sure to visit lernerandrowegivesback.com to learn more about the many other community services that the lawyers and legal support team of Lerner and Rowe actively support. ### Lerner and Rowe gives back by hosting a FREE Backpack Giveaway in Albuquerque. One of the biggest obstacles school-aged kids face at the start of each school year is whether or not they will have the proper tools needed to fully participate in class. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys excitedly announces that their law firm will be giving away 750 FREE backpacks stuffed with school supplies during a contactless drive-thru backpack giveaway on Saturday, July 17, from 10:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. at The Pit parking lot (1111 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, 87106). The giveaway was created as a means to help students of economically challenged families in Albuquerque prepare for the 2021 - 2021 school year. K-12 students must be present in vehicles to receive a backpack. As quantities are limited, backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Families are also asked to be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles when entering and exiting the parking lot. All kids should share the same opportunities to grow and learn. Unfortunately, one of the biggest obstacles school-aged kids face at the start of each school year is whether or not they will have the proper tools needed to fully participate in class. That is why our team hopes that for each backpack given away, one more child will feel less anxious and more excited to learn on the first day of school, shared attorney Kevin Rowe. For more information about Lerner and Rowes FREE contactless drive-up Albuquerque Backpack Giveaway, please contact Cindy Ernst or Christa Luirette with Lerner and Rowe Gives Back at (505) 544-4444. Like and follow Lerner and Rowe Injury attorneys on Facebook to learn more about this and future giveaways. About Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is a powerhouse law firm in representing personal injury clients. Attorneys Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe have grown their law firm into one of the largest personal injury firms in the country, with over 50 attorneys and nearly 400 support employees located in New Mexico, Indiana, Illinois, Arizona, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, and Tennessee. The law firms reputation for excellence can be attributed to the high levels of respect, dignity, and customer service shown to victims and family members hurt in an accident. For those injured outside one of the previously listed states, Lerner and Rowe has an established network of attorneys across the country, ready to help. The firm takes pride in nourishing these relationships as they know a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the victims of tortious conduct. For more information about Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in Albuquerque, please call 505-544-4444. To connect with the law firm socially, follow Lerner and Rowe on Twitter, or become a fan of its Facebook page. Also, visit lernerandrowegivesback.com to learn more about the many other community services Lerner and Rowes team actively supports. ### Campaigns designed by the MOLOCO Studio have generated average impression-to-install conversion rates of 3.2 percent a 20 percent lift over other ads on the MOLOCO platform. MOLOCO (http://www.moloco.com), a leader in machine learning and growth solutions for mobile marketers, announced today the launch of the MOLOCO Studio, an in-house design studio dedicated to helping advertisers and marketers deliver best-in-class ad creative across the programmatic ecosystem. Campaigns designed by the MOLOCO Studio have generated average impression-to-install conversion rates of 3.2 percent a 20 percent lift over other ads on the MOLOCO platform. The MOLOCO Studio leverages data-driven insights derived from the companys proprietary machine learning algorithms to determine which creative assets and campaign strategies will appeal most to an advertisers targeted audiences. Composed of a multi-disciplinary team including data scientists, graphic designers, and campaign strategists, the MOLOCO Studio provides end-to-end campaign management from analysis and concepting to design, measurement and optimization. The studio is headed by Anurag Agrawal, global vice president of product management. No company understands the programmatic ecosystem better than MOLOCO, and MOLOCO Studio enables us to apply our knowledge and expertise to create dynamic, engaging experiences that resonate with audiences and help drive our clients marketing goals, said Ikkjin Ahn, CEO of MOLOCO. Our unique approach to optimizing mobile ads combines creativity, technology, and a surplus of data insights to scale campaigns with ease and ensure we outperform even the most demanding performance metrics. Serving the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions, the MOLOCO Studio designs high quality creative for all of the most common mobile ad formats, including static banners, dynamic videos, native ads, interstitials, and playable ads. MOLOCO then delivers the best creative for every impression programmatically to nearly 10 billion global devices across the worlds leading in-app Real-Time Bidding (RTB) exchanges, including AdMob (a Google company), Ironsource, Unity, MoPub (a Twitter company), Fyber, Vungle, AdColony, Chartboost, Tapjoy, LINE and more. Case study: MOLOCO Studio drives performance for Soomlab Soomlab (http://www.soomlab-mask.com), the maker of hyper purifying breathing masks that use a high-tech and specialized nanomaterial called BYONDTEX, partnered with MOLOCO Studio to design ad creative promoting its Breathable Super-Clean Mask. MOLOCO Studio designed creative concepts for a variety of ad units and ran the ads across MOLOCOs advertising partners inventory. The creative produced by MOLOCO Studio earned more than twice as much sales revenue as Soomlabs previous creatives, including more than three times the sales from MOLOCO Studios video creatives as Soomlabs previous video creative. The MOLOCO Studio team worked very closely with us to understand our goals and help us devise a data-driven creative strategy to resonate with audiences in ways that would drive campaign performance, said Seungah Hyun, Executive Director, Soomlab. We were extremely impressed with the campaign results and thankful to MOLOCO Studio for their partnership. For additional information on MOLOCO Studio, visit http://www.molocoads.com/moloco-studio. About MOLOCO MOLOCO is a programmatic advertising company that empowers mobile businesses to unleash the power of their data for fast, sustainable growth. Founded in 2013, the company offers a complete suite of proprietary advertising solutions to help mobile companies optimize the performance of their acquisition, retention, and monetization efforts. MOLOCO Cloud is a top-rated cloud platform that provides scale across nearly 10 billion devices. MOLOCO is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in San Francisco, Seattle, London, Beijing, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. For more information, visit http://www.moloco.com. # # # Media Contact Lauren Tascan Fluid Group for MOLOCO lauren @ fluidprgroup.com Company Contact Natalie Files MOLOCO natalie @ molocoads.com Caleb White, Actuarial Analyst Caleb White joins the team as an Actuarial Analyst and is a recent graduate from Worcester State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He will be assisting Odysseys team of actuaries in designing and evaluating employee benefit programs with an emphasis on pension and post-retirement medical and insurance plans. Im really looking forward to being on board with Odyssey and hope to help create an efficient environment for both our clients and my coworkers, says Caleb. When Caleb isnt crunching numbers in the office, hes made it his mission to track down the best burger on this side of the East Coast. He considers himself a homebody who enjoys spending quality time with his friends and family. Caleb White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-white-90709117b/ Luke Matchett, Actuarial Consultant Luke Matchett, Odysseys newest Actuarial Consultant, graduated in 2020 from the University of Connecticut with his degree in Actuarial Science. He is currently in the process of taking his preliminary exams with the goal of becoming an actuary. Before joining the Odyssey Advisors team, Luke completed an Actuarial Internship with Connecticare here in Connecticut. Im excited to join the team at Odyssey Advisors and to learn from the other actuaries, says Luke. When Luke isnt studying for exams or in the office, you can catch him pier-side enjoying the fresh air lounging on the beach. Luke Matchett on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-matchett-9aa10a194/ We couldnt be more excited to have the two of them join our team here at Odyssey Advisors in support of our growing client base. Were also looking forward to supporting them as they begin their careers in the consulting field, Parker Elmore, President and CEO of Odyssey Advisors. About Odyssey Advisors Odyssey Advisors began in 1998 as Primoris Benefit Advisors. Since then, theyve developed solutions to complex financial issues faced by municipalities and small to mid-sized employers including their OPEB and retirement needs. Odyssey serves clients globally, with service ranging from California to Maine and Europe to Australia. With over 25 years of industry experience, President and CEO Parker Elmore is dedicated to quality service, expertise, and efficiency. Odyssey prides itself on great work, exceptional service and its ability to simplify the process. People choose Odyssey for their extensive knowledge in all aspects of financial consulting. Odyssey develops and implements solutions to the complex financial issues faced by small and mid-sized employers. Learn more at http://www.odysseyadvisors.com. 'Hallelujah' gets an expert remix from MARO Music and Skytech in time for summer 2021. Hallelujah" is the new single by DJ/producer, Stefano Pain, who began his DJ career at age 15 playing in top nightclubs around the world. Supported by DJs such as David Guetta, Bob Sinclar, Swedish House Mafia, Hardwell and many others, Pain's productions have reached the international sales charts several times. Hallelujah, produced in collaboration with Andrea Serratore, was remixed by MARO Music & Skytech, the remixing duo of the Platinum-certified hit song by Sanah, "Invisible Dress," released earlier this year. Skytech is one of the most outstanding DJs and producers on the Polish electronic dance music scene. As a producer, Skytech has collaborated with artists including R3HAB, Headhunterz, Bassjackers and Yves V. As a DJ, Skytech has performed on massive music festival stages at the likes of Belgium's Tomorrowland and Poland's Sunrise Festival. In 2018, Skytech was the second most-listened-to Polish artist on Spotify, and in 2019, he earned a #1 chart position on the Polish DJ charts. MARO (aka MARO Music), is a Warsaw-based DJ/producer, composer, mix/mastering engineer and head of Bettermaker professional studio equipment and software used by GRAMMY winning producers. MARO has been featured in major music publications in the U.S. and world, and he hosts the weekly Addicted To Music radio show on Dash Radio (U.S.) and on other radio stations. MARO's music appears in the highly publicized interactive video game, "Cyberpunk 2077" (Projekt Red), and he also frequently collaborates with leading rap/hip-hop pioneers including the members of the Wu Tang Clan, and many others. Official: http://maromusic.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maromusic1/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/maromusic1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaroMusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iHE8t7vhPwUX0TrF4cETN EMILY TAN MEDIA RELATIONS | EmilyTan@EmilyTanMediaRelations.com | +1(917) 318-3758 # # # UN Publishes Hindu Persecution Report on SPH Nithyananda and KAILASA HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT The report highlighted the roots of the modern Hindu Genocide. (1) use of media as a weapon to delegitimize and persecute Hindus, (2) State funded Terrorism targeting Hinduism, especially minority communities that worship primordial cosmic divinity as divine mother. On June 24, 2021 a virtual conference, as part of the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations OHCHRs Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was held on the rights of Indigenous women and girls. The United Nations CEDAW recognized the persecution of the SPH Nithyananda Paramashivam and United Nations Recognizes the Persecution of the Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism and KAILASA's Adi Shaivite Community, marking a huge milestone in the history of Hindus and humanity as the centuries of persecution, injustice, and violation of fundamental human rights have come to the forefront, no longer hidden. The SPH Nithyananda Paramashivam has been facing persecution for over two decades, especially for His highly progressive stance on true women empowerment. The massive lawfare, assassination attempts, sexual assaults and rapes, character assassination, shaming and sexual objectification, children abuse among many other attacks on The SPH Nithyananda and KAILASA, especially the female followers, has been taken a serious note of and the attached report published on the UN website by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Removaly today announces the launch of their new personal information data removal platform, helping to ensure you and your loved ones personally-identifiable information (PII) remain far from prying eyes and bad actors. While also providing completely free step-by-step opt-out instructions for a variety of data brokers and people search websites, the true offering for Removaly is their automated service. Removaly automatically searches for users private information across dozens of people search sites and data broker databases, then automates the process of getting that information removed from those platforms. Unlike other PII removal services online, Removaly scans every day to ensure that your information does not pop back up into their databases. From cyberstalking to identity theft, social engineering to physical harm and beyond, the ability of bad actors to obtain your name, phone number, address, and much more is shockingly simple when not properly mitigated, says Removaly Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer John Bourscheid. The importance of harnessing your digital presence and minimizing your public personal information is crucial to both you and your loved ones protection, as well as your online reputation. Removaly is proud to be the only bootstrapped, US-based data removal service online. We dont have investors, so we are able to put customer interests at the forefront rather than profits, as we arent beholden to any third-party influences, notes Removaly Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kyle Krzeski. We are also 100% US-based. Youd be amazed how many alternative data removal services store and handle users personal data in places such as Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia. Keeping everything in-house is yet another layer of safety and security we can offer that most others cant. As much of the opt-out service is fully automated, and with a lack of a physical office building, Removalys low operating costs are reflected in the affordable cost of their Removaly service. With prices significantly lower per scan than competitors, a more robust opt-out platform, and far more frequent daily data scanning, Removaly proudly fills in the gaps common with most personal data opt out platforms. Sunrise Technologies, a global provider of Microsoft Business Applications and cloud services, today announced it has been named a finalist for the Microsoft 2021 Dynamics 365 Commerce Partner of the Year and Retail & Consumer Goods Partner of the Year Awards. 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. Sunrise Technologies was the only partner to receive recognition in both the Retail and CPG categories. The Sunrise team has done an amazing job over the past year as we navigated the pandemic, and I could not be prouder of this recognition, said John Pence, President and founder of Sunrise Technologies. Microsofts solutions continue to deliver for our customers, and were excited to see what the future holds, especially with the addition of Commerce creating a complete retail solution. 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. Sunrise Technologies was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in North America, Europe, and Asia. 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 Sunrise Technologies Sunrise Technologies is a premier global provider for Microsofts cloud-based solutions, backed by extensive industry expertise in Dynamics 365, Power BI, and Azure for apparel, fashion, consumer products, furniture, and manufacturing companies. Sunrise delivers global, Tier 1, supply chain solutions and support that enhance Microsofts business applications for a lifetime. Plus, customers can hit the ground running with industry best practices, pre-built configurations, and a proven methodology. For additional information please contact: Sunrise Technologies | http://sunrise.co Annie Graziani 336-722-6741 info@sunrise.co Dr. Kennedy Im honored to join Austins most well-regarded facial plastic surgery team, noted Dr. Kennedy. Im extremely passionate about my work and look forward to serving our clientele and helping them to achieve their goals. The Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to welcome a new fellow, Dr. Paige Marie Kennedy, MD. The center announced today that Dr. Kennedy would be replacing Dr. Lafer, who has accepted a position in New York. Dr. Kennedy earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX in 2016. She received an SRF Leadership Grant from the American Academy of Otolaryngology in 2019 and, as a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, has been serving as a Section for Residents and Fellows representative since 2017. In addition to her education, Dr. Kennedy has published multiple peer-reviewed papers including The Aging Face. Med Clin North Am. (2018) and the book chapters Rhytidectomy and Rhinoplasty for In: Crush Otolaryngology Boards, Volume 2. Nova Science Publishers (2019). She is also an active researcher and is currently studying The Effect of Oral Dexamethasone on Postoperative Pain Following Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy. Im honored to join Austins most well-regarded facial plastic surgery team. Noted Dr. Kennedy. Im extremely passionate about my work and look forward to serving our clientele and helping them to achieve their goals. Dr. Buckingham and the team also expressed their excitement at Dr. Kennedy joining the team, saying, Its a pleasure to welcome Dr. Kennedy as a fellow at The Buckingham Center. We always strive for an amazing experience and result for our patients and we know that Dr. Kennedy shares our vision wholeheartedly. Its wonderful to have her on board. Dr. Buckingham continued, "We are sad to see Dr. Lafer go, but she is joining a prestigious practice in NYC and we wish her well there." About The Buckingham Center The Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is widely recognized as one of the Austin areas best providers in surgical and non-surgical facial and body cosmetic procedures. Patients come to us for the meticulous work of Drs. Buckingham, Smith, and now, Dr. Kennedy, who all strive to achieve the most natural result for patients, releasing the beauty that patients already possess. "There are many reasons that can lead to the cancelation of a policy. To avoid that, drivers should be honest with their insurers and obey the laws while driving", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that explains why car insurance companies might void policies. For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/why-car-insurance-companies-cancel-coverage/ Car insurance companies are businesses that deal with risks. Insurers survive as a business by being able to assess risk and avoid losses. To avoid losing money from various reasons, insurance companies are canceling their customers' policies that present a risk. The main reasons why car insurance companies are canceling policies are the following: Breaking the terms of the policy. Drivers that violate the terms of their policies will likely get questioned by their insurers. For example, using a personal vehicle in commercial activities will break the terms of a personal car insurance policy and the insurer will likely void the policy. Committing fraud or lying to the insurer. Drivers that are shopping for insurance or are making claims should always provide truthful information. If they are discrepancies in the provided information, then the insurer will not only void a policy but on some occasions, the insurer can deny an otherwise valid claim. Drivers should do their best to provide only honest information to their insurers. Important information like the number of drivers in the household, primary drivers of specific vehicles, and annual mileage should be reported with honesty, otherwise, the insurer might void the policy. Driving badly and filing too many claims. Drivers that have serious traffic violations that are penalized by adding points to the license or even by losing the license can be in danger of losing their policies. If an insurer believes a customer poses a great risk, then they won't hesitate to cancel the policy. Drivers that make too many claims, especially if they were at-fault drivers in many incidents, will also face the possibility of having their policies canceled by their insurers. Not paying the premiums. This one is quite obvious. If a driver doesn't pay his policy, then logically his insurers will cancel the policy. Drivers that are consistently late on paying their premiums can also get their policies voided. 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. Tiger Analytics, a leading provider of AI and advanced analytics consulting services, today announces its participation in the Microsoft AI Inner Circle Partner Program. By joining the program, Tiger Analytics and other AI Inner Circle Partners receive exclusive access to Microsoft AI resources, including early adopter technology previews and joint case study opportunities. The AI Inner Circle Partner Program recognizes partners expertise in specific industries and their ability to drive business transformation through the power of AI and data. AI Inner Circle partners champion Microsoft AI technologies and deliver state-of-the-art AI solutions, both on-premises and in the cloud. The program is designed for partners that provide custom AI services and solutions based on AI technologies on Microsoft Azure. AI Inner Circle Partners demonstrate technical expertise in Microsoft AI tools and proven track records of customer success. We champion solving complex business problems for customers using AI solutions. Being selected as a Microsoft AI Inner Circle Partner is a huge recognition of the value that we bring to our customers, said Mahesh Kumar, CEO of Tiger Analytics. Were proud of the acknowledgement of our expertise in data and AI, and it further motivates us to scale our AI solutions and make it accessible to all. Microsoft AI partners understand AI, data, and the cloud, and how to build integrated intelligence into applications using the most advanced cloud technologies, said Phil Webb, program leader, Worldwide Azure AI Inner Circle Program at Microsoft Corp. The program recognizes a partner's unique expertise and ability to drive business transformation using the power of AI and data. Were pleased to have Tiger Analytics participating in this program. About Tiger Analytics Tiger Analytics specializes in building AI and analytics solutions that enable enterprises to generate business value from data. The company brings deep expertise in marketing science, customer analytics, operations analytics, and risk analytics. By participating in the AI Inner Circle Partner Program, Tiger Analytics can scale its support to clients to put AI into action and promote responsible approaches to AI in meaningful and relevant ways. Tiger Analytics is a trusted partner for several Fortune 500 companies. To learn more know more, visit http://www.tigeranalytics.com. The University of La Verne is remarkable for its combination of academic excellence, inclusivity, and social mobility, said Emmeline de Pillis. The University of La Verne has appointed Emmeline de Pillis as the new dean of the College of Business and Public Management (CBPM). One of the universitys four colleges, it enrolled 2,412 students in 2020-21 at the bachelors through doctoral levels. She will join the university on July 12, replacing Abe Helou, who had served as dean since 2008. The University of La Verne is remarkable for its combination of academic excellence, inclusivity, and social mobility, said de Pillis. Im inspired to see how a La Verne education can transform lives. Currently, de Pillis is interim dean of the College of Business and Economics at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She founded its Executive Education Program and established a new advising structure that reduced the number of students dropping without earning a degree by more than half. She also led the colleges strategic planning and accreditation processes, including reaccreditation in 2020 by AACSB. De Pillis earned her PhD in business administration from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and her bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of California, San Diego. She began her career as a channel marketing engineer with the Hewlett-Packard Company and later served there as a training, product, and software marketing manager. Her career has also included work as a research scientist in Norway and as a consultant for the Behavioral Sciences Group at the RAND Corporation. De Pillis began her academic career at UH-Hilo in 1997. An active scholar, she is interested in how complex organizations, especially in healthcare and education, can be more effective. Some intuitively appealing approaches may not work as advertised, she says, while others may be surprisingly effective. A manager should always look at the evidence--don't assume! She is the author of four books or book chapters and many peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented at conferences across the U.S. and in Europe. The University of La Verne is delighted to welcome Dr. de Pillis as the new CBPM dean, said Provost Kerop Janoyan. She naturally connects with the mission of the university, and her track record of success in building executive education programs, along with improving student success and retention, will serve our students and community well in the years ahead. # # # About the University of La Verne: Founded in 1891, the University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive institution founded on four core values: lifelong learning, ethical decision making, civic and community engagement, and diversity and inclusion. The university serves approximately 7,000 students on the historic La Verne central campus as well as across regional campuses and online. Other Hyundai models expected to arrive soon include the 2022 Hyundai Sonata, 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2022 Hyundai Elantra. Apple Valley Hyundaia Hyundai dealership located in Winchester, Virginiahas recently received its first 2022 Hyundai vehicles. Only a select few vehicles are currently available and are currently in limited quantities. More 2022 models are expected to arrive at the dealership in the upcoming months. One model now available is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The 2022 model year marks an all-new generation for the Hyundai crossover. It has a new exterior look, new powertrain options and new integrated tech. The 2022 Tucson will also be getting a sporty N Line variant, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Both variants are expected to arrive at dealerships by the end of 2021. Another model now available at Apple Valley Hyundai is the 2022 Hyundai Kona. It received a visual refresh this model year alongside its all-electric 2022 Hyundai Kona EV variant. A performance-focused 2022 Hyundai Kona N is expected to arrive by the end of 2021 as well. Other Hyundai models expected to arrive soon include the 2022 Hyundai Sonata, 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The 2022 model year also marks the release of the all-new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz subcompact pick-up truck. Interested parties can see which 2022 Hyundai models are available by visiting applevalleyhyundai.com or by calling 855-463-5530. Apple Valley Hyundai is open for business Monday through Saturday and is located at 2934 Valley Ave., Winchester. Inspansion aligns with lean principles because it provides facilities with an alternative to building their way out of capacity problems, while addressing the core issue that will benefit customers. Woolpert has been granted a trademark for Inspansion, a method of adding capacity through analytics in place of physical expansion, by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Woolpert Director of Strategic Consulting David Tomber developed Inspansion to help airports identify logical efficiencies in operations, technology and staffing to optimize facility performance, while deferring capital investment. Tomber, a longtime leader in the aviation industry, first realized the benefits of Inspansion in the mid-2000s while working as the aviation planning manager for Port of Seattle/Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He researched and employed nontraditional planning and operational strategies, such as expediting check-in processes and integrating additional technologies, to accommodate peak-hour passenger capacity without physically expanding the airport. This strategic approach focused on operational process improvement and technology in lieu of more expensive capital development solutions. These practices and others like them have since been adopted by airports and other facilities around the world. In addition to providing traditional planning for Sea-Tac, I was fortunate to head a think tank for strategic innovation, Tomber said. The combination of working in that environment daily and understanding the pulse of the airport while having the flexibility to devise creative solutions was invaluable. A lot of consultants dont have that luxury and opportunity to test their ideas in a real-world setting. Tomber said Inspansion was inspired by the book, The Toyota Way, which describes how the company developed a method to manufacture cars so they would have fewer defects, get to market more quickly and provide more choices for customers. Toyota is among the companies that adhere to lean business practices, which maximize customer value while minimizing waste. Inspansion aligns with lean principles because it provides facilities with an alternative to building their way out of capacity problems, while addressing the core issue that will benefit customers, Tomber said. In the case of airports, terminal expansions are very expensive. If you dont have to build, you save a lot of money and you are being sustainable by conserving materials, reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and by not adding to your facilitys carbon footprint. The economic and environmental value of Inspansion is tremendous, and I hope it can continue to benefit businesses of all kinds. About Woolpert Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global Design Firm, recently earned its fifth-straight Great Place to Work certification and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been Americas fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. The firm has over 1,100 employees and 42 offices in three countries. For more, visit woolpert.com. CONCORD [mdash] Doris McKenzie April 19, 1927 - January 7, 2021 Doris Ann Tilley McKenzie passed away January 7 at the Gardens of Taylor Glen in Concord NC. Doris was born in Rainelle, WV to Claude and Eula Tilley. She is survived by her twin sister Dora Lee Campbell of Shelby and her childr This week, six esteemed Black authors celebrate their YA collaboration; Kate Messner launches a timely release; and Zoe Hana Mikuta gears up for her debut. Black Stars Shine Dani Kwateng (bottom c.), executive editor at Teen Vogue, joined the six bestselling and award-winning authors of the new collaborative novel Blackout (Quill Tree) for a virtual launch event on June 22. The YA novel features six interconnected stories of Black love during a blackout in New York City. Bookstore partners for the event included 44th and Third Booksellers in Atlanta; Barnes & Noble; Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Dock Bookshop in Dallas and Fort Worth, Tex.; Loyalty Bookstores in Washington, D.C.; and Source Booksellers in Detroit. Pictured (top, from l.): Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, and Angie Thomas; and (bottom, from l.) Ashley Woodfolk, Kwateng, and Nicola Yoon. Mess with the Best Kate Messner (pictured) visited The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, N.Y., on June 29 for the stores first in-person event since the pandemic began. The indie bookstore celebrated the release of her picture book biography Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became Americas Doctor, illustrated by Alexandra Bye (Simon & Schuster) with a sidewalk signing. It was the next step for us in getting back to pre-pandemic normalcy and it felt great!, said store owner Sarah Galvin. The fact that we were launching Kates book about Dr. Fauci was especially fitting. Breaking Free On July 1, The Ripped Bodice, the West Coasts only exclusively romance bookstore, located in Culver City, Calif., hosted an event celebrating the launch of Zoe Hana Mikutas debut Gearbreakers (Feiwel and Friends), which follows two Korean girls on opposing sides in a land of deity-mechas. Mikuta was joined by fellow Gen Z friends and authors, Tashie Bhuiyan (Counting Down with You, Inkyard), Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights, S&S/McElderry), Christina Li (Clues to the Universe, Quill Tree), and Racquel Marie (Ophelia After All, Feiwel and Friends). In a major deal for the large and growing audience of American manga fans, Kodansha USA Publishing has announced a deal to make its massive catalog available to libraries and schools through LibraryPasss Comics Plus. With increased interest in manga around the world were proud to be able to offer an expanding catalog of our digital manga to libraries and their customers, said Yae Sahashi, v-p of sales & marketing at Kodansha USA Publishing, a subsidiary of Japans largest publishing company. We see this partnership with LibraryPass as an amazing way to engender and grow manga readership in libraries, schools, and beyond. Kodansha USA Publishing is the English-language publisher of some of the worlds most recognizable manga properties, including Attack on Titan and Fire Force, and also publishes Japan-based fiction and nonfiction books. Under the deal, more than 200 titles are available now in Comics Plus, including popular series like Chis Sweet Home, FAIRY TAIL, and Battle Angel Alita, with the collection set to grow to more than 1,000 titles over the summer. Through Comics Plus, library readers can borrow thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from their school or librarywith unlimited simultaneous access for online and offline reading. In conjunction with Kodanshas signing, Comics Plus has added new manga-specific categories like Kodomomuke, Shonen, Shoujo, Seinen, Josei, and Yaoi/Yuri, to help manga fans to dive deeper into the collection and discover new titles. Manga is by far the most requested category from our customers, so were thrilled to partner with one of the largest manga publishers in the world to make their titles available to libraries and schools with unlimited, simultaneous access for readers, said Guy LeCharles Gonzalez, LibraryPass chief content officer, in a release. Kodansha has an impressively diverse catalog of titles for every age range and interest, and well have nearly doubled our manga collection to approximately 3,000 titles by the end of the summer. Robert Kramer, professor of physics in Purdue University Northwest's Department of Chemistry and Physics, works on his innovation to create hydrogen from food waste. Kramer leads one of four projects that received funding from the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization's Trask Innovation Fund, which supports short-term projects to enhance a Purdue innovation's commercial appeal. (Photo provided by Robert Kramer) Five Purdue researchers receive more than $130,000 from the Trask Innovation Fund to advance innovations WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization has awarded more than $130,000 to four projects led by researchers in Purdue University's College of Engineering and its College of Science, and Purdue University Northwest's College of Engineering and Sciences. The Trask Innovation Fund supports short-term projects that enhance the commercial value of Purdue's intellectual property. Brooke Beier, vice president of the Office of Technology Commercialization, explained how the Trask Innovation Fund complements activity done by OTC personnel. "Researchers at Purdue University campuses disclose their innovative work to OTC throughout the year. Sometimes it needs support to move from concept or even a first prototype to a more mature, proven innovation," Beier said. "Taking that step strengthens OTC's ability to apply for IP protection, market and even license innovations so they can reach the public to improve people's lives. The Trask Innovation Fund supports that step." Abhijit Karve, director of business development at OTC, said the Trask funding is awarded on a competitive basis. "The four projects that received funding were vetted by our business development and IP team before they were presented to the Trask Advisory Board," Karve said. "The quality of work by Purdue researchers across all academic disciplines and campuses is impressive and will continue to make its mark on people's lives as they reach the marketplace." The five Purdue researchers leading the four projects are: Guang Lin, College of Science and College of Engineering, and Craig J. Goergen, College of Engineering. Lin and Goergen received $50,000 for "Machine Learning-driven Contouring System for High-frequency, Four-dimensional Cardiac Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging." Lin is a professor of mathematics and mechanical engineering. Goergen is the Leslie A. Geddes Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Lin said the contouring system could be used by biomedical researchers using cardiac ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems. It improves upon traditional methods to identify boundaries within image data. "Compared to manual techniques that can take up to an hour to process, large data sets from hundreds of timepoints and thousands of locations can be processed within seconds," Lin said. Goergen said developing the innovative system requires building a larger image repository of a variety of diseases and continuing to improve the machine learning algorithms. "Trask funding is crucial to support the students and postdoctoral fellows who will be working to move this project forward," Goergen said. "The funds will also benefit our commercialization efforts as we aim to partner with interested companies." Somali Chaterji, Purdue College of Engineering. Chaterji received $25,000 for "OptimusAI: Cloud-hosted Database for Internet of Things and Computer Vision." Chaterji is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and leads the Innovatory for Cells and Neural Machines (ICAN), which works in applied machine learning for IoT and cloud analytics. Chaterji said OptimusAI could be used by vendors of cloud computing, database systems, IoT enterprises and domain application providers. "OptimusAI right-sizes an on-premises database configuration in a production system at runtime by optimizing the configuration parameters of databases, focusing on scalable NoSQL databases," Chaterji said. "In addition, OptimusAI does joint optimization of database configuration parameters and cloud virtual machine instances for the ubiquitous data science-centric applications, such as e-commerce and IoT, running on cloud-hosted databases." Chaterji is developing two varieties of the technology, one licensed directly to other companies in the IoT/e-commerce sector. The second is a turnkey solution for managing clients' cloud resources, whether on their premises or in the cloud. "We have incorporated a company, KeyByte LLC, to further bring the technology to the marketplace. I am the CEO, and Professor Saurabh Bagchi in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is the chief technology officer," Chaterji said. "We also are working with OTC and Wisconsin-based incubator SuperSonic to further our technology with dashboards, to provide customization to specific early adopter clients and increase our coverage to new databases and cloud providers." Chaterji said the Trask funding will help develop the technology in several ways. "We will hire a graduate student to conduct front-end development and extend the technology to support two popular database technologies: Redis and MongoDB," Chaterji said. "We also will leverage the cloud credits to make our technology work on Google's cloud ecosystem and benchmark with Amazon's AWS." Robert Kramer, Purdue University Northwest College of Engineering and Sciences Kramer received $25,000 for "Production of Hydrogen Using a Biological Process Employing Yeast." He is a professor of physics in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Kramer said more than 30% of all food, amounting to $48 billion, is wasted in the United States each year; that waste could be used in a process to create hydrogen, a sustainable energy source that does not cause environmental issues. "Hydrogen is an important basic material for industrial processes and can be used to generate power locally or as a transportation fuel," he said. "When hydrogen is combusted, the only byproduct is water vapor." Kramer's innovative process produces hydrogen that can be used for energy or as a process chemical. "The developed process has a high production rate and can be implemented quickly," he said. "The process is robust, reliable and economically viable for local energy production." The Trask funding will enable Kramer to develop a continuous flow option for the hydrogen-producing process. "The award will provide needed equipment and supplies," Kramer said. "At the completion of this effort, the next step will be to do additional scale-up development at a test site in anticipation of commercialization." Eckhard A. Groll, Purdue College of Engineering Groll received $37,740 for "In-situ Oil Circulation Ratio (OCR) Measurement Using Separation Method in Suction Lines of Systems Running Vapor Compression Cycle." He is the William E. and Florence E. Perry Head of Mechanical Engineering and the Reilly Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Groll said certain refrigeration, air conditioning and heat-pumping systems use multiple, parallel compressors on a rack to achieve variable cooling or heating capacities in vapor compression systems. Many supermarket refrigeration systems, as an example, use multiple, parallel scroll or reciprocating compressors for their medium- and low-temperature vapor compression loops. Sometimes compressors fail due to lack of oil and lubrication. "Our OCR sensors allow end users to measure the online oil return to the compressors' suction port. By including appropriate system logic, the available oil to properly lubricate the compressions during any operation mode can be monitored," Groll said. Groll said the OCR measuring and monitoring technology can alert users if any particular compressor has a lack of oil. Users can then change parameters to provide proper oil return to the compressor, increasing its reliability and longevity. Groll said the OCR technology will be implemented in a conventional suction line accumulator, which is typically installed into systems of interest. "This way, no additional system component has to be purchased in order to install the OCR measurement sensor," Groll said. "It already will be included as a necessary system component." The Trask Fund award will allow Groll and his team to purchase all the necessary components to install the OCR measurement technique into conventional technology. "Once the accumulator is designed and constructed, its operation and measurement accuracy will be first tested in a specifically designated and available OCR text facility at the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories on campus," Groll said. "Afterward, the operation of the OCR accumulator will be verified in an actual multi-compressor cold-climate heat pump system, also available at the Herrick Labs." About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. The office recently moved into the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration in Discovery Park District, adjacent to the Purdue campus. In fiscal year 2020, the office reported 148 deals finalized with 225 technologies signed, 408 disclosures received and 180 issued U.S. patents. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information. Writer: Steve Martin, sgmartin@prf.org Sources: Brooke Beier, blbeier@prf.org Abhijit Karve, aakarve@prf.org Somali Chaterji, schaterji@purdue.edu Craig J. Goergen, cgoergen@purdue.edu Eckhard A. Groll, groll@purdue.edu Robert Kramer, kramerro@pnw.edu Guang Lin, guanglin@purdue.edu If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit New York City, NY (11385) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 70F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Starz president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch has announced the promotion of Superna Kalle to president, international networks, reflecting the premium pay platforms continued international growth. Kalle previously served as executive vice president for international digital networks at Starz, which she joined in 2018 to lead the international expansion of StarzPLAY, now available in 58 countries. Reporting directly to Hirsch, Kalle will oversee the international divisions growth for Starzplay including all aspects of programming and production on StarzPLAY international original series, distribution, marketing and publicity, along with Lionsgate Play. While at Starz, Kalle has solidified Starzplays presence in Europe, Latin America and Canada, and continues to expand the footprint. Hirsch commented: Superna is an incredibly talented and strategic executive who has demonstrated her acute business expertise to help expand Starz into the global premium SVOD service it is today. She has done a superb job of building a successful international division from the ground up that has formed strategic distribution partnerships and international original productions that contribute to our companys innovation and distinction. I look forward to even greater global growth under her continued leadership. Prior to joining Starz, Kalle was a senior advisor to several media companies guiding them on international SVOD strategy, digital operations, restructuring and global business development. Major clients included Starz, Lionsgate and CBS/Showtime. The rollout of a 23 million town-wide full-fibre network in Crawley has taken a major step forward thanks to a new agreement between CityFibre and Crawley Borough Council which will see people living in over 9,000 homes managed by the authority among the first to connect to the gigabit infrastructure.This has been made possible due to the is thanks to the signing of a blanket wayleave agreement, which gives CityFibre permission to connect all Crawley Borough Council properties to the new network it is building across the town. This, says the infrastructure firm, will will ensure the project can continue to go ahead smoothly and reach social housing sites as well as other homes and businesses in the area.Digital access is one of the major issues facing communities across the UK, and we are committed to addressing the problem, said Anne Krausse, CityFibres city manager for Crawley (pictured). The Covid-19 pandemic has shown, more than ever, just how vital a fit-for-purpose connection is for work, play and keeping in touch. The agreement we have reached with Crawley Borough Council will make a genuine difference to thousands of people living in properties across the town and we look forward to seeing them take advantage of the benefits full-fibre will bring. We want to help make Crawley an even better place to live and provide great homes in neighbourhoods where our tenants can access training, skills and job opportunities, added Councillor Peter Smith, cabinet member for planning and economic development at Crawley Borough Council. CityFibres full-fibre network will be vital in ensuring Crawley has a resilient and dynamic economy for decades to come and by signing a blanket wayleave agreement, we can ensure the residents of our properties can enjoy the many benefits of the fastest and most reliable digital connectivity will bring without any delay.Work on Crawleys on the full-fibre first began in December 2020 and is now almost complete in Langley Green. The rollout is currently moving south towards Gossops Green, with Northgate and Three Bridges earmarked for construction later this year. CityFibre expressed confidence that once the entire build has been completed in 2023, almost every home and business in Crawley will have access to full-fibre broadband.The CityFibre network is not yet live but once activated, services will be available from a range of broadband providers including Giganet and No One.The expansion of the Crawley network comes hot on the heels of a similar move in the Adur and Worthing coastal region of the county of Sussex. Despite the fact that the UK government is in the process of loosening foreign travel restrictions due to the Covid crisis, the operator says that Summer 2021 is expected to see a record amount of staycations thus leading to a commensurate massed demand for its communications services.To back its case, it released details of research taken in April 2021 showing nearly two thirds (57%) of Brits are planning to holiday in a remote area of the UK for a staycation this year. The study also revealed that with the Government allowing individual businesses to decide on their work from home policies, it is likely that they will have to accommodate a range of employee preferences. Alost a fifth of workers (19%) workers said they were considering a nomadic working break this summer where they will work remotely at a location out of their home this summer.UK holidaymakers were already driving mobile data demand as lockdown eased. In terms of total data traffic measured, for the week ending 8 May 2021 the O2 network carried approximately 55% more peak hour data than it did in the week ending 9 May 2020. The network also carried the most amount of data traffic ever to support the all-English Champions League Final in May.After a year like no other, we know how important it has been to stay connected, commented Virgin Media O2 CTO Jeanie York. Thats why were committed to providing our customers with reliable connectivity all across the UK - as shown by our 448 million investment on newly released spectrum - to increase capacity in our network and power the technology of the future, as well as spearheading the Shared Rural Network.In advance of the summer holiday season Virgin Media O2 has now upgraded almost 600 cell sites in coastal and tourist hotspots like Edinburgh Castle, the V&A Museum, Bognor Regis, Bath, Falmouth, Plymouth, Cambridge, Stirling and Bournemouth Pier to support increased connectivity demands from holidaymakers. It is also strengthening its 5G coverage in towns and cities while introducing the next generation network to tourist hotspots such as: Edinburgh Castle, Bournemouth Pier, Tynemouth King Edwards Bay and Llandudno West Shore. Also gaining new outdoor 5G connectivity are a range of museums and galleries, including the V&A Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, the Mary Rose Museum, York Castle Museum and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.Whether youre a holidaymaker heading off for a sunny staycation, a rural business or someone living and working in a remote area, were doubling down on 4G to ensure network capacity is deployed where its needed most, York added. The numbers speak for themselves, with over 31,300 postcodes receiving a 4G network upgrade this year, hundreds of tourist hotspots boosted and a real focus to improve our 5G experience where people need it most. You are the owner of this article. In an image taken Jan. 6 from video, Alan W. Byerly, is allegedly attacking an Associated Press photographer during a riot at the U.S. Capitol. Eric Adams & the Uncertainty of Democratic Party Adams won New York City's mayoral primary by appealing to centrist, working-class voters. But his political vision remains undefined. I like to apply free market analysis to American politics. Within established laws, politicians compete for votes and are rewarded for maximizing voters' preferences. As in economics, there are sometimes market failures, but mostly the system seems to be self-regulating. This sounds nice, but it doesn't seem to describe what's been happening over the past five or so years. Both parties seem to be ignoring voters' clear signals. Neither seems to be rationally maximizing its votes and its chances of winning presidential elections or congressional majorities. National Democrats have indeed won the popular vote in six of the last seven presidential elections, but they in only four did they have comfortable Electoral College majorities. Hillary Clinton lost 46 crucial electoral votes to Donald Trump by 77,736 votes in three states in 2016. In 2020, Joe Biden won 37 crucial electoral votes by an even smaller 42,918 votes. Democrats' positions on issues have given them a large electorate largely clustered in central cities, sympathetic suburbs and university towns. That puts them at a disadvantage in the Electoral College and in congressional and legislative contests in equal-population districts, because Republican voters are spread more evenly around the rest of the country. Republicans' position is no stronger. In four White House years, Donald Trump failed to make significant net gains as other re-elected Republican presidents (Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan, George W. Bush) did. Trump's claims that he somehow won the 2020 election "in a landslide" might have more moral standing if he had not trailed Biden by 7 million popular votes. Trump did make gains among demographic groups over previous Republican presidential nominees -- among non-college whites in 2016, and among Hispanics in 2020. But his percentage of the popular vote went up by 0.9%. Neither party's pols or primary voters have paid much heed to these signals. But Democrats haven't done much to win marginal constituencies beyond their base. Their politicians and primary voters have moved sharply to the left over the 15 years, as the liberal blogger Kevin Drum, citing Pew Research data, argues. The Biden administration has ratified this leftward movement, proposing federal takeover of elections, repeal of the 1996 welfare reform, the highest tax rates since the 1970s and explicit racial preferences in farmer aid and small business relief. Biden's immigration policy is essentially open borders, and he downplays equality of opportunity in favor of equality of results ("equity"). Most Biden proposals are in predictable trouble given Democrats' thin (51-50, 222-213) margins in Congress and their unpopularity among voters. To which Democrats' response is, "let's change the system." Abolish the Senate filibuster. Pass statehood for the District of Columbia and -- although half its voters have opposed it for years -- Puerto Rico. Pack the Supreme Court. Previous presidents (Dwight Eisenhower, Bill Clinton) modified their parties' policies after it took shellackings in election after election. Biden and Democratic congressional leaders seem bent on pushing as many unpopular policies as possible, as long as their tenuous majorities last. That may be a while if Trump continues to dominate the political landscape. Trump can claim some unique policy successes -- tax cuts and immigration policies that channeled economic gains disproportionately to low-wage workers, development and approval of COVID vaccines months before "experts" thought possible. But his non-credible insistence that he won the 2020 election combines his solipsism with rear-view-mirror vision -- an election-losing formula. True, Democrats like Hillary Clinton, who supported Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams's claim she won in 2018, are not well-positioned to criticize him. Nor are Democrats and journalists who spent two years hyping the Russia collusion hoax well-positioned to charge he's pushing conspiracy theories. It's not clear how many Republicans see their party as a Trump party and how many think it might do better in 2024 by nominating a candidate younger than 78 who can salute Trump's political and policy successes unburdened by his personal baggage. Will either party start responding rationally to signals in the political marketplace any time soon? The signs are not propitious. Consider Democrats' anguished attacks on state voting law changes as "voter suppression" -- even though nonpartisan research shows they have little effect on turnout. Georgia, for example, has seen record turnout increases, and national turnout as the percentage of eligible voters in 2020 was the highest since 1900. New York City, with election laws much more restrictive than those Democrats criticize, just recorded its the second highest (after 1989) mayoral primary turnout primary in history, and the (anti-police-defunding) nominee was the choice of most Black voters. Democrats have been allowing players with adolescent mindsets to determine their policies, and Republicans have been embracing a leader with adolescent behavior control problems. It's time for the parties to grow up and pay attention to the signals and cues voters are sending them in the political marketplace. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM As the nation limps out of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans assume that we are also leaving behind the serious -- and in some cases, shocking -- power grabs that government leaders insisted were necessary to "defeat the virus." The headlines suggest otherwise. A number of trends have emerged, the confluence of which should concern all Americans who love this country and value their freedom. First and foremost is the obsession with characterizing the Jan. 6 riot in the Capitol as an "insurrection." Like so much else the American public has been told in recent years, this is a "narrative" -- wrapped in secrecy and sold with a heaping helping of propaganda, hyperbole and flat-out lies -- which falls apart as the truth slowly leaks out. While unruly and disruptive, Jan. 6 was no attempt to overthrow the federal government. Hundreds of protesters were let into the Capitol building by the U.S. Capitol Police; no one was carrying a firearm of any sort. USCP Officer Brian Sicknick was not killed by chemical spray or a blow to the head from a fire extinguisher, but died of a stroke. In fact, the only person killed on January 6 was Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed protester shot by a USCP officer who will not stand trial and whose name has never been released to the public. Perhaps most disturbing, Revolver News has raised pointed and unanswered questions about the FBI's possible role in January 6. It is vital to understand that the "insurrection" obsession is itself grounded in another claim of far more serious import: that there was no fraud in the Nov. 2020 election, and that Joe Biden won the presidency "fair and square." While this is certainly possible (if unprecedented, given Trump's increased support in 2020 and every historical benchmark from previous presidential elections), the still-inexplicable simultaneous vote count stoppages in multiple battleground states, coupled with millions of unverified mailed-in ballots and massive middle-of-the-night vote dumps for Biden, raised legitimate suspicions that Americans deserve to have addressed. And then, there is the Democrats' abject terror of forensic vote audits in battleground states like Arizona (or any states, for that matter). This terror manifests itself as: insisting that mailed-in votes have somehow already been audited (they haven't); suing to block the audit; demonizing every government official or concerned voter calling for an audit as a "Trump voter" - and, therefore, a QAnon nutcase at best or a "domestic violent extremist" at worst; and threatening states conducting audits or implementing election integrity legislation, as Attorney General Merrick Garland has done with the states of Arizona and Georgia. This is not how a government acts when it is confident in its victory. As anyone in government should know, an audit not only verifies facts that have been reported, but also the procedure by which those reported facts were obtained. It is odd, to say the least, that the same institution whose various agencies (IRS, SEC, EPA) audit individuals and entities regularly is now telling us that asking for an audit of election results is not only unnecessary and unpatriotic, but somehow a signal of bad faith and questionable -- if not criminal -- intent. Jan. 6 is also behind President Biden's recent announcement that "white supremacists" represent the single biggest threat of violence within the United States. Even for an administration that plays as fast and loose with the truth as this one does, that's a whopper; one weekend in Chicago would disprove it. Attorney General Garland also pointed to Jan. 6 in his announcement of the administration's new plan to confront domestic terrorism, lumping Trump voters in with "white supremacists" and "militia groups." The government's dangerous ability to spew unadulterated lies 24/7 was not created by the pandemic, but was certainly enhanced by it. The government has been exposed in one lie after another related to COVID-19, from its possible origin in a Chinese virology lab, to pharmaceutical interventions and treatments for it. At every turn, the government's lies have been disseminated by a compliant and unquestioning TV and broadcast news media, and anyone attempting to get accurate information out to the public has been silenced and banned by social media companies acting as the government's de facto censors. All of this, without more, should have Americans deeply concerned. But there is more. Last year's Black Lives Matter riots spawned a "defund the police" movement, which has had grievous consequences in our major cities, where cops have retired in record numbers or been ordered to stand down. Murders are at record numbers in Chicago. Retail theft is not being prosecuted in California. Criminals are released without bail in New York. And even as state, county and local police forces struggle with funding cuts and attacks, the Capitol Police are opening "field offices" in California, Florida and other states. What's coming? A "United States Police Force" hunting down disgruntled Trump voters with the aid of Facebook and Twitter? If you want to leave the major cities for the relative peace of the suburbs, alas, the Biden-Harris administration has a power-grab policy for that, too. As further proof that Obama and his people are pulling Pappy Joe's puppet strings, here comes Obama's Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. As reported by Tucker Carlson last week, the AFFHA and Senator Cory Booker's proposed HOME Act would force cities and towns to eliminate single-family zoning and minimum lot sizes, and build high-density apartment complexes instead. Carlson warned that the plan is to "destroy the suburbs." But this month's National Geographic cover story, "Beating the Heat," warns that "wealthy areas" of Los Angeles -- meaning single-family neighborhoods -- are "shady and cool," compared to poorer neighborhoods, which have fewer trees, less shade, more concrete and more high-density structures. Why would those who care about "climate change" want even more of us in those circumstances? Concerned yet? COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM Meghan McCain is leaving "The View." One assumes that regular readers of editorial pages and political magazines aren't exactly the prime audience for a daytime-television show. And one also assumes that a not insignificant number of Republicans aren't fans of McCain because of her sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump. Yet I think it's fair to say that McCain was probably one of the most consequential conservatives in media over the past four years. For one thing, "The View" captures a larger audience than any cable-news show in the country. It is watched by millions of Americans who are otherwise subjected to a nearly uninterrupted barrage of leftist political perspectives. During her four years on the show, McCain confronted numerous high-profile Democrats with questions that they would otherwise never have been asked. Quite often, I suspect, she brought up issues that a majority of the audience weren't even aware existed. When James Comey was being treated like an American hero by an unctuous media, McCain confronted him over his phony apolitical posturing: "You sound like a political commentator to me." When the disgraced Andrew McCabe turned up on "The View" and fueled conspiracies theories about Russia directing Trump to fire Comey -- my God, what insanity we endured -- she told him: "I don't believe you're a reliable narrator. And I'm not convinced this isn't just some kind of PR campaign to stop yourself from getting indicted." It was McCain who confronted former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, by then a CNN contributor, about his contention, under oath, that the United States did not engage in the data collection of millions of Americans. "In 2013, when you were asked about it, you said no," McCain said. "So that is a lie." When CNN Brian Stelter was on the show preening about journalistic ethics, she said: "There's a 2016 audio of your president, Jeff Zucker, offering debate advice to President Trump that was released. Jake Tapper was recently caught trying to allegedly influence a congressional election, and I have serious problems with the way Chris Cuomo had a reoccurring prime-time sort of comic routine with his brother instead of asking about policies that were literally sending my friend Janice Dean's older relatives to die in nursing homes ... Do you believe that this is acceptable?" As the media were reporting on Republican "pouncing," McCain confronted Kamala Harris about her support for defunding the police, twice -- before the then-presidential candidate offered some evasive gibberish about how she "reimagined" public safety. She called out Pete Buttigieg's radical support for abortion into the ninth month. "What if a woman wanted to invoke infanticide after a baby was born; you'd be comfortable with that?" McCain asked Buttigieg, who did not offer a straightforward answer. She also asked Amy Klobuchar about Ralph Northam's comments on infanticide: "Are you for what he said or late-term abortion or the moments that he was talking about where he would keep a woman 'comfortable' as she was giving birth in case she wanted to abort her third-term child?" The presidential candidate refused to answer. This is not, needless to say, the type of conversation one normally hears on major networks. McCain asked Elizabeth Warren, who had only recently been feted by the likes of Rachel Maddow and Seth Meyers, to explain why she changed her description of Qassem Soleimani from "murderer" to "military official." "I don't understand the flip-flop," McCain said. "I don't understand why it was so hard to call him a terrorist, and I would just like you to explain the change." Three times McCain asked. And three times Warren deflected. When McCain challenged Raphael Warnock -- who enjoyed a free ride in 2020 -- to explain why he wouldn't take a position on the left's court-packing scheme, he refused to answer. And when McCain pressed him, "View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg stepped in to end the interview. McCain was probably also the only person on a major network who brought up, on numerous occasions, the normalization of antisemitism among progressives in the Democratic Party. These are just some of the exchanges that come to mind. There were surely others. Now, I don't regularly watch "The View." All I know is that very few conservatives ever get access to powerful Democrats. McCain did. And she wasn't scared to pose tough questions. Which is a lot more than we can say for most of the political media. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM You know, Rep. Chip Roy is telling RealClearPolitics after balking at the administrations latest COVID vaccine push and after all but telling President Biden to pound sand, my dad had polio. It is a surprising start to the interview given that, about an hour earlier, the congressman tweeted a black-and-white image of a syringe. Federal health officials continue to have a hard time getting all Americans vaccinated against the coronavirus, and Biden had promised to send people door-to-door" to get doses to the vulnerable. For Roy, that is when the president went too far. Hence, the cartoon syringe, a play on the famous Come and Take It flag, this time with an updated captionCome Inject It. Merchandise branded with that slogan will be available soon on his campaign website, but as the second-term Republican explains while driving along Interstate 10 somewhere in south Texas, he knows the importance of inoculation. He saw what can happen without them. I grew up and I watched him live a life ravaged by that disease, Roy says of his father. I'm very pro-vaccine. The congressman calls the vaccine that banished polio a great blessing. He is delighted that children no longer have to worry about that debilitating disease. Likewise, Roy adds, Im delighted there are millions of people who are able to avail themselves of a [coronavirus] vaccine that they believe, in their calculation, is good for them and their well-being. That is great. Hes ticked off all the same. Im just sick and God-darn tired of the left, and this government, dictating to me, frankly, anything at all, he says. Back the F off. That's my message to the White House. Roy predicted that the left is going to lose their ever-loving collective mind over his criticizing the White House. They are going to call me an anti-vaxxer. He says they are wrong, that it is intellectually consistent to support a vaccine but also oppose a federal campaign to convince the public to take it because, What I really am is a believer in freedom. Who are you targeting and how do you know? Are you going to go door-to-door' to all 330 million Americans, or are you going to go through some lists you have about who is-or-is-not vaccinated? he said. Asked for a response to the congressman, a White House official texted back: lol no. Roys sentiments are still indicative of the kind of vaccine hesitancy among conservatives that the White House is trying to tackle. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll showed that while 93% of Democrats report that they have either gotten the shot or plan to, just 49% of Republicans say the same. This comes as vaccination rates are leveling off nationally and an easily spread new variant of the virus originally from India has taken hold in the United States. Federal officials are now switching their focus from mass vaccination sites to localized vaccination efforts. This means setting up clinics at workplaces, urging employers to give employees paid time leave to visit their doctor, and, yes, going door-to-door. Now we need to go to community by community, the president said Tuesday, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oftentimes door to door literally knocking on doors to get help to the remaining people, protected from the virus. Biden has stuck with the persuasion route, and his administration, after considering but ultimately abandoning the idea of vaccine passports, has shied away from anything close to a vaccine mandate. He declined to require active-duty members of the military get the shot, and the White House issued guidance to federal agencies directing them not to require their employees be immunized. Asked about public schools and private companies requiring vaccination, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, We are going to leave it up to them to make these decisions. Some public health experts want the president to be more aggressive, as the New York Times reports, and encourage states and employers to require vaccinations. Im trying to restrain myself, but Ive kind of had it, former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told the Times. You know, were going to tiptoe around mandates. Its like, come on. Im kind of over that. I want to make sure that people I deal with dont have it so I dont transmit it to my granddaughter. A brow-beating former Obama administration official isnt going to win over recalcitrant Republicans. Someone like Tom Frieden, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just might though. That was one finding from a focus group hosted by longtime Republican pollster Frank Luntz. Over a Zoom call, Luntz introduced Frieden to self-identifying Trump voters wary of the vaccinedeliberately omitting the part about him heading the CDC during Obamas administration. Frieden then rattled off five facts, among them that the vaccine will not remain in your body and that more than 95% of the doctors whove been offered this vaccine have gotten it as soon as they can. Many of the participants seemed open to Frieden, and some said he changed their mind. The group overwhelmingly felt, as one man in the focus group explained, that, We want to be educated, not indoctrinated. The Luntz takeaway? Politicians probably wont be able to sell the vaccine to the portion of the public thats already hesitant. But physicians might. Asked about the Biden door-to-door vow, the GOP pollster told RCP, Im not sure if I like the strategy, but I certainly appreciate the passion and the commitment. What he cant stand is partisanship infecting public health: Its essential to keep politics out of the vaccine effort, he added. Unfortunately, that has proven to be impossible. Its a tragedy that some people refuse to act responsibly just because they want to make a political statement. Pandemic politics were a feature of 2020, whether it was President Trump calling Democratic criticism of his handling of the virus a hoax, or Kamala Harris on the debate stage with Mike Pence questioning the safety of a future vaccine. Pandemic politics, unsurprisingly, continue to be a thing in 2021. Please get vaccinated now. It works. Its free, Biden said at the White House Tuesday. Its never been easier, and its 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 its a patriotic thing to do. And that is where Roy objects. He likened Bidens red-white-and-blue routine to wrapping a supposed duty in the name of public health in the flag, and provides a rebuttal in kind: Freedom to choose what is in your best interests and your family's best interest that is the most patriotic thing we can do. Rattling off how the CDC flip-flopped on mask wearing then relating how critics insisted a vaccine wouldnt be developed before the end of the year, Roy also said Democratic obsession with vaccination is like a religion. They live-and-die by political moment and the power of government versus trying to live as a free people respectfully to each other, taking care of each other, he asserted. Well, what is the correct disposition of government during a health emergency then? The answer is always freedom, Roy answers. That's the answer for all the things. And unfortunately, our country is moving away from that and until we return to that our country is going to be divided. He raises questions about possible long-term side effects of the vaccine, especially the rare inflammation of the heart that has occurred in teens and young men under 30 which the CDC is now investigating. But he wont say whether or not the shot went into his own arm. And the congressman, who even urged the Biden administration to set up a vaccine super site in San Antonio, argues that the federal government should just leave the issue alone already. Roy isnt the only who feels that way. Biden stepped on a veritable rake of Republican backlash when he suggested that the federal government would go door-to-door" to get people vaccinated. But Roy is becoming increasingly prominent on the right. The Associated Press recently dedicated an entire story to a secretly recorded video of the congressman talking to his constituents on a Southwest Airlines flight. Roy wasnt wearing a mask, the AP reported, an apparent violation of federal law. It was less than three-minutes long. The AP thinks they've done some great service to humanity by exposing the great crime of the century, Congressman Roy having his mask down, he jokes. After the story ran, Roy tells RCP that people wrote him just to say thank you. The report was massively well-received in my district, he says, estimating that it was probably the equivalent of a $500,000 ad for me running in my district. There is an appetite for the cantankerous Texans kind of politics, says Jessica Anderson, an alumnus of the Trump White House and the executive director of Heritage Action for America. He is the best kind of legislator, because he stands on principle and doesnt worry about whether he will come back, she said. He certainly doesnt mind controversy. Another video, this one also secretly recorded, showed Roy telling conservative activists that Republicans would benefit from obstructing the presidents agenda, specifically creating 18 more months of chaos and the inability to get stuff done. Well yeah, I mean, that's our job. I totally disagree with everything Democrats are trying to do to my country, so of course I oppose it, he deadpanned when asked about the online outrage his leaked comments sparked. He opposes Biden on everything from the presidents gender identity executive order to the administrations proposed energy policy. I'm an equal opportunity basher of virtually everything that occurs in Congresson both sides of the aisle, says the congressman. That is sometimes true, even if it isnt politically expedient. Roy was one of the rare House Republicans who split with his own party and voted to certify the 2020 election results. Citing his many policy differences with Biden, the conservative says, It's not a surprise when I say I'm sorry, I'm generally against what you numbskulls are doing. I want to try to stop you from inflicting more damage on my country and the people I represent. A former assistant attorney general for Texas, Roy sees it as his constitutional duty as a member of the co-equal legislative branch to balance the executive: And that civic obligation doesnt stop during a pandemic. For him, the role of the federal government is simple. Facilitate the rollout of doses, sure, but dont knock on any doors. Leave it up to the individual whether or not to get vaccinated. Then it is a question of prudence, of weighing risks-vs-rewards. It is the conversation he had with his own father. My parents said to me, Well Chip, what do you think? Roy recalls. I said, Dad, you're 78. Mom, youre 72. I think it is in your best interest to probably get the vaccine, even though it's relatively untested, because the virus aint great if you're 78. Almost exactly 60 years ago, the newly appointed Chadian ambassador to the United States, Adam Malick Sow, was heading south on Maryland's Route 40 toward Washington, D.C. He stopped at the Bonnie Brae diner and asked for a menu. The owner, Mrs. Leroy Merritt, sneered, "We don't serve n-----s here," and threw him out. The same thing happened to other African diplomats at other Maryland establishments, and it became an international embarrassment. President John F. Kennedy worried that this treatment of diplomats from Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Congo and other newly independent African nations would harm U.S. efforts to limit Soviet influence in Africa. The story, recounted in Ted Johnson's exploration of race and history, "When the Stars Begin to Fall," illustrates something that's worth pondering: How much did Cold War competition spur us toward fulfilling our national ideals? Johnson notes that the steps toward integration following the "Route 40 Incident" did not go entirely smoothly. Several restaurants "demanded to see credentials before proffering meal service ... loudly apologizing to white customers who had to endure eating alongside black diplomats." And, of course, it would be several more years before African Americans could expect the same service as African ambassadors. The Cold War was the reason that Americans could be embarrassed by what had been routine for centuries. We were engaged in a contest with the communist world that was about everything. It was a great power rivalry for influence and resources. It was a military competition for supremacy. It was a religious war about belief in God versus atheism. And it was an ideological conflict about how to organize society and how to live. As such, everything we did, everything we were, was viewed through the lens of how our enemies and allies would see it. The Cold War shaped our sense of national identity and purpose. When arrayed against an ideological foe that rejected individual rights, trampled on religious liberty, murdered millions and enslaved even more -- all in the name of a supposedly morally superior system -- we had a clear sense of who we were. We were for freedom, both economic and political. We were for religious rights. We were for an independent judiciary and a nonpolitical military. We were for individuality, not coerced collectivism. And we were for strivers and dreamers who wanted to share the blessings of liberty. The Soviets couldn't build a car that functioned or stock their markets with food, but, prodigious liars, they were skilled at propaganda. No, the CIA did not invent HIV as part of a biological warfare program. No, the U.S. did not start the Korean War. No, the CIA did not kill John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King Jr. Perhaps even more maddening than the lies they told about us were the truths they concealed about themselves: the Gulag, the terror famine in Ukraine, the mass deportations, the mass executions, the antisemitism, the censorship, the Hitler/Stalin pact, the war on peasants, the empty shelves, the "psychiatric hospitals" full of dissidents, the crushing of liberty in other nations and too many other crimes to list. Not to mention the luxuries enjoyed by the communist elite. But the Soviets didn't always have to invent lies to discredit us. The case of the Scottsboro boys became a fixture in Soviet textbooks, and Communist Party members in the U.S. did play a prominent role in campaigning for civil rights (if only in this country). When American cities went up in flames after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Soviet outlets made sure the world saw this as proving our hypocrisy on human rights. That they were insincere in their concern for Blacks (as some African Americans who emigrated to the USSR discovered) did not invalidate their criticism of us. We were hypocrites, and many Americans were ashamed of it. Concern about how our treatment of African Americans made us look abroad was one rationale for the Truman administration's decision to file an amicus brief in Brown v. Board of Education. The argument was explicit: "The United States is trying to prove to the people of the world of every nationality, race and color, that a free democracy is the most civilized and most secure form of government yet devised by man. ... The existence of discrimination against minority groups in the United States has an adverse effect upon our relations with other countries. Racial discrimination furnishes grist for the Communist propaganda mills." In that sense, our enemies did us a favor by pointing to our flaws, because it played a role in spurring us to be better. Today, we still have enemies, but we no longer have the morally organizing idea of liberty versus tyranny that shaped our self-concept during the Cold War. We no longer see the need to sell our way of life to others around the globe. Many Americans shrug at the prospect of the Chinese government crushing freedom in Hong Kong, or Eastern European countries closing universities and independent media. We don't see ourselves as leading Team Liberty. And even though in most respects we won the Cold War, that is a real loss. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM Christina Haack is defending her new relationship with Joshua Hall. ADVERTISEMENT The 38-year-old television personality responded to critics of her relationship in an Instagram post Thursday after going public with Hall this week. Haack and Hall were spotted together this week in Mexico, with Haack later confirming the relationship by sharing photos on Instagram Stories. Haack finalized her divorce from her second husband, British television presenter Ant Anstead, in June. In her post Thursday, Haack said she met Hall in the spring and immediately felt an instant connection with him. "When we met this past spring, the synchronicities hit us so hard and fast they were impossible to ignore. I felt immediately crazy protective over him and wanted to keep him for myself and get to know each other before the tornado (media attention) hit," Haack wrote. "We've had a few solid months of just us getting to know each other and I've loved every second of it," she said. "So called 'fame' provides so many things but it comes with a cost. They build you up then tear you down." Haack said her "heart started beating out of [her] chest" when she saw paparazzi at the airport, because she knows the media "dig and dig" and she didn't want to see Hall "stress over the media stalking him and his family." FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Haack said she and Hall are ignoring "the nonsense online" and living their lives free of "other peoples judgements or opinions." "We pride ourselves on never judging others and always wanting others to be happy and we wish others would have the same respect," Haack said. "So yes 'another relationship' and guess what. I'm 38- I'll do what I want," she concluded the post. People reported Tuesday that Haack and Hall were celebrating Haack's 38th birthday in Mexico. "They recently started dating each other and it was an immediate, real connection," a source said. "They've enjoyed getting to know each other one-on-one without outside noise." Haack and Anstead split in September 2020 after nearly two years of marriage. Haack was previously married to her Flip or Flop co-star Tarek El Moussa and has two children, daughter Taylor and son Brayden, with El Moussa. TRAVERSE CITY [mdash] Lee Harrison Gardner, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on Nov. 18, 1950 to the late Polly Isabel (Harrison) and Stephen Vandergrift Gardner. Wife Candy (Smith) has been the love of his life for o Continuing coverage of COVID-19 and its impact. If you have a question about the novel coronavirus pandemic and haven't been able to find an a Many students take advantage of what UGA Greek life has to offer, but for LGBTQ+ students this opportunity may also be muddled with reservations about acceptance. Now more than ever, students deserve to feel able and prepared to defend themselves against perpetrators of any type. Regardless of gender, size or strength, there is no better protection mechanism than confidence in knowing we can fend for ourselves. Greenville, NC (27833) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Vermont Suitcase Company will be performing the play at outdoor venues across the state. The local theater group is sponsored by Winston Prouty Center for Children and Family, The Porch, and Foard Panel. The group thanks the Winston Prouty center for the generous use of their community room Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain. High 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Rain. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indiana's top health officials warned Friday that spread of an especially contagious coronavirus variant is significantly increasing across the state, with more than half of the population still unvaccinated. Indiana's COVID-19 positivity rate, which had dropped to 2.1% in late June, has crept back up to 3.2%, state health commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said during a news conference Friday. While new deaths remain at the lowest levels since early in the pandemic, the state is recording an uptick in hospitalizations. Four long-term care facilities in north-central Indiana have experienced recent outbreaks, Box continued. At least 27 cases have been identified at the facilities since mid-June, resulting in at least seven deaths among residents, she said. Most of the infected individuals were unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated. Box said more outbreaks are expected, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. Nearly 2.9 million Indiana residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, representing 49% of the eligible population, said Indiana Department of Health chief medical officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver. Top health officials warned that Indiana continues to see concerning gaps in vaccine uptake, both by age and geography. Less than half of residents ages 40 to 49 have been vaccinated, and inoculation percentages drop off significantly in younger age groups, Weaver said. About a third of those ages 16 to 29 have been vaccinated, while the number of fully vaccinated residents in the 12 to 15 year age group remains below 20%. The low vaccination rates among the states youth means few students will be immunized before returning to school, which Weaver said could allow the virus to spread quickly among large numbers of people. The state has also seen a 20% decline in routine immunizations during the pandemic among younger children and an even higher decline among older children putting youth at risk of becoming ill from other preventable diseases, Weaver added. We all want this next school year to look more normal than it has in the last 16 months, but we also want schools to remember that COVID-19 is a communicable disease, she said. These variants have been shown to be more infectious and may cause more severe illness, and the vaccine is still the most effective tool that we have to protect the people we love. Still, Box said state health officials are not planning to reinstate restrictions after the statewide mask order and COVID-19 business restrictions ended in early April. Decisions about how students should return to classes this fall are being left to local school boards and individual communities. State health officials are now working to identify county fairs, summer festivals and other events where mobile vaccination clinics can be offered, Box said. We knew there would come a time when we would go from people (being) very, very anxious to get the vaccine and not having enough, to a time when we were really working very hard to get that next individual to be vaccinated," Box said. "We're trying to be patient." ___ Casey Smith is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. NEW HAVEN The city experienced heavy rain and flooding on many streets and along the shoreline Friday, as Tropical Storm Elsa rolled through New Haven and surrounding communities. The National Weather Service reported New Haven received slightly more than three inches of rain between 11:30 p.m. Thursday and approximately 11 a.m. Friday. Mayor Justin Elicker said the significant amount of rain, delivered in a short time, was the main challenge posed by the storm. While the wind largely held off, the rain prompted flooding in typical areas, such as Union Avenue, and in less common places, such as downtown near Yale New Haven Hospital, he and Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana said. We took a real beating from the rain this morning, said Fontana, noting that approximately two inches of rain fell between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Were fortunate. This could have been worse. But the impacts will be lasting. At one point, Tweed New Haven Regional Airport was flooded by roughly a foot of standing water, Fontana said. City Engineer Giovanni Zinn said city staffers were out later Friday afternoon assessing the damage caused by the storm, with an eye to repairing damage in the short term and improving the citys infrastructure in the long term. There were approximately 40 calls for service to city police and fire during the storm, Fontana said, concerning power outages, downed branches and power lines. Elicker said approximately 300 people lost power during the storm; United Illuminating, which had a representative in the citys Emergency Operations Center, was working to restore their electricity as of Friday afternoon, he said. As the storm played out, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, and Gov. Ned Lamont came to the area and called for greater investment in infrastructure, noting the challenges posed by the storm and the increasing threat of climate change. Blumenthal was at the scene of a landslide on Callegari Drive in West Haven, which temporarily interrupted Metro-North train service. If there was any need to prove the desperate imperative for investment come here to West Haven, said Blumenthal. Its right here. Blumenthal noted the slide imperiled the tracks, and thus, the agencys network of trains. He said he would bring word and photos of the incident back to his colleagues in Washington, hoping to share the pressing nature of the matter. Blumenthal noted he had seen flooding in Bridgeport and Stamford earlier to the day. We need to improve our roads and bridges, rail and railroads, said Blumenthal. (The storm) drives it home. West Haven Public Works Director Tom McCarthy said crews were called to the scene around 9 a.m., finding that a report of a fallen tree actually was a landslide. City crews worked to clear Callegari Drive and Metro-North employees examined the track, he said. The good news is no one is hurt. People paid attention and reported it, West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi said of the slide. Something serious couldve really happened. Lamont spoke to the incident at the West Haven train station, also arguing that it, as an example of the damages caused by flooding, demanded further investment in infrastructure. Its a reminder that resilience is not an abstract. Resilience is how we keep our economy going, and how we keep it going safely, said Lamont. Lamont said Elsa had brought more rain, but less rain and fewer power outages than last years Tropical Storm Isaias, which knocked out power for days in parts of Connecticut. DeLauro noted the House recently passed the INVEST in America Act, a $715 billion transportation bill that would provide approximately $3.8 billion over five years for Connecticut. That is about, for our communitys safety and security, that we take a look at what were spending on infrastructure, to be able to cope with some of these efforts, said DeLauro. Elicker and Zinn said climate change likely would increase the frequency of severe weather events, adding to the need for infrastructure improvements in the city. Were going to see more and more of these type of storms, as climate change continues to more significantly impact the world, said Elicker, noting the city was striving to bolster its coastal resiliency in the Long Wharf area and improve drainage by adding bioswales, among other measures. Zinn said a typical municipal drainage system could handle a couple of inches of rain in a short period of time, which can be exceeded. Sea level rise also diminishes the capacity of the drainage system, he said. Water flows downhill is the guiding principal of a storm system, and it basically affects the size of the hill. The bigger and steeper your hill, the faster the water runs down, and the more water can run down. If youre raising the bottom of the hill, which is the level of water in the harbor, your hill gets smaller and smaller, said Zinn. Theres a lot less pressure being able to push water through our pipes. Milford received the most rain in the local area between 11:30 p.m. and roughly 11 a.m. Friday, with 4.82 inches, according to the National Weather Service. According to the NWS, Hamden got 3.07 inches; East Haven received 2.94 inches; West Haven received 2.55 inches; Branford got 2.36 inches. The Hearst Connecticut Media team compiled live updates as the storm moves through the region. The running blog can be found here. Brian Zahn and Mark Zaretsky contributed to this story. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com PHOENIX (AP) The state is lifting closures of state trust land for public access for recreation now that recent precipitation has reduced the danger of severe wildfires. The move by the state Lane Department and the Department of Forestry and Fire Management to lift the closures effective Friday follows similar decisions by five national forests in Arizona that had prohibited public access. Hamburg St. Michaels Church, 529 St. Michaels Road, will have a flea market and Christmas in July from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17 in the social hall. For more information, call 610-488-1783. Pottsville Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., will have a Vacation Bible School Carnival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for children through elementary school; youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 570-622-9910. Ringtown Free summer Quest programs for children are continuing through August at the Ringtown Area Library. Children up to age 16 can register and complete reading logs and activity logs at home throughout the summer for chances to win prizes. Upon registration, children choose three free books to keep. Storytime for children ages 3 to 6 is currently held outdoors on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Upcoming dates include July 12 and 26, and Aug. 9 and 23. Students in grades two through six are invited to attend outdoor programming at the Ringtown Recreation Complex, including Maker Camp on Thursdays, July 22 and 29, and Aug. 5. Schuylkill Haven The Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens group will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at The Island, weather permitting. For more information, including about trips, call 570-385-5323. Shenandoah The Rev. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, host of EWTN Live, with John DeJak, co-editor of With God in Russia, will have a live broadcast at 8 p.m. Wednesday. They will discuss the life, works and message of Father Walter J. Ciszek, a Shenandoah native and native son of St. Casimir Church who is a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church. People can watch the program live on TV or at www.ewtn.com/tv. There will be a live call-in segment during the one-hour show. To ask questions, call 800-221-9460. MAHANOY CITY State police at Frackville are looking for the operator of an SUV who they say caused a woman to crash her car on Interstate 81 in Mahanoy Township on Wednesday. The driver of the car was ejected and seriously injured. Trooper Thomas Powell said the incident began around 5:40 p.m. in the southbound passing lane, where Kaitlin Smith, 27, of Pottsville, was driving a 2002 Subaru Outback in the area of mile marker 129.5. Powell said a man driving a black, medium-sized SUV, possibly a Chevrolet, veered into the left lane and struck the womans car. The Subaru veered onto the east shoulder, then came back into the left lane, where it was struck a second time by the SUV, Powell said. Smiths car rolled several times, ejecting her. The driver of the SUV stopped and approached a passenger in the Subaru, then got back into his vehicle and fled south. Smith was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, in a MedEvac helicopter that landed on the highway. Two passengers, Samuel Castorina, 27, of Pottsville, and Jaimylee Matthews, 21, of Fort Collins, Colorado, suffered minor injuries and were taken to a Pottsville hospital, police said. Powell said the driver of the SUV is white, 30 to 40 years old, has brown or black hair and was wearing dark pants and a collared shirt with a logo on the left chest. His vehicle likely has damage to the drivers side front bumper and fender area. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information should call police at 570-874-5300. The crash shut down both southbound lanes, with traffic rerouted at the Hometown exit, across the Frackville-Morea Highway and through Frackville before getting back onto Interstate 81. Traffic was snarled on the secondary roads. Firefighters and fire police from Delano, Ryan Township and Mahanoy City initially diverted traffic but were later relieved by PennDOT crews. Interstate 81 was reopened to traffic around midnight. SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The borough council met Wednesday to discuss ongoing projects, including a new memorial to be built in Bubeck Park. At a previous meeting, the council approved a proposal from Richard Nagle, Schuylkill Haven historian, to install a new monument in Bubeck Park dedicated to John Fincher, the boroughs first settler. Nagle suggested this week that the monument, which he plans to pay for, be placed along a walkway near the stage in the park. He said the project may be completed in late August or early September. For the wastewater treatment plant upgrade, the following invoices were approved: payments in the amounts of $60,435 and $18,675 to GR Noto Electrical Construction for electrical work; and $4,950 to Master Mechanical Corp. for mechanical and HVAC work. Another ongoing project is updating the code book. During an April council meeting, solicitor Mark Semanchick said council members were having trouble with General Code, the company contracted to work with the borough on the updates. Weve gone back to General Code to try to upgrade and expand upon the scope of the services, primarily so that they do a current review of your existing ordinances compared with what existing law is, Semanchick said Wednesday. As a result, the council voted to accept a new bid from General Code for $5,363 to cover the requested services. In other business, the council accepted a bid for timber harvesting in Panther Valley from Kings Sawmill LLC, Spring Glen, for $149,517. Council also accepted bids through Municibid for the following items: 1992 Wacker plate tamper for $410; 1999 Tymco 600 street sweeper for $7,530; 2009 GMC Canyon SLE pickup for $2,450; 2021 Erskine snow pusher for $1,100; and security gate for $400. Borough Administrator Scott Graver said that the items are no longer needed. In upcoming events: The borough will have a fireworks display Saturday at Island Park, with food trucks set up starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Also Saturday, borough businesses will hold the Business with a Bang event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Walk In Arts Center is having a Pawcasso and Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 28 on Parkway. Im calling about the person who wants to take down all these statues. Its history. You cant change history. Leave them up. Learn by the mistakes that were made. And besides that, read some history books and see what happened to all these countries where they started taking away things other than statues and what not and then see where they ended up at and it sure wasnt freedom of speech like we have here today. Ashland Wow, Kamala. Absolutely nothing in the news about the illegal immigrants and the children crossing the border held in cages since Trump left office. The news media, I guess if you dont report on it, it just didnt happen. Its so sad that this is what our media and our politicians have become. You Democrats should be so proud of yourself. Orwigsburg. What will happen at Hillside? I hope that it will continue to thrive. Since I am not a member of the board nor an employee at Hillside, I have to trust that the boards decision to fire Tricia Moyer was not taken lightly and the reason for termination was valid. Please remember donations to Hillside should be given to help the animals, not because of the people working there. Auburn Lets all remember Dave Argall at the next election. Lets do the same thing to him that we did to Trump and get him out of office. He no longer represents the people and hes perpetrating the big lie. Germanville I live on Pennsylvania Avenue. I just would like to know when, when is our police force going to do something about the speeding on this road? Does it have to wait until somebody gets killed? The worst place they speed is right past the police station. Shenandoah Heights I hope our illustrious school board members, who seem to forget they were elected to represent the taxpayers and not the school districts, please do not include one-time spending in your general budget and then think you should get more next year. Its one-time money. Next year, you will say you lost that money. You didnt lose anything, just didnt get more. Pine Grove Its very unfair that Bill Cosby was let out of jail. These women had grounds to have him punished for raping them when they were unconscious. He drugged them and now he only got two years in jail out of the 10 years. Wheres the justice for those women? They gave him his rights but not their rights. Now they gotta figure out a way to get Bill Cosby back in jail. Shenandoah Heres a thought for all the readers: about 40 years or so ago, cigarette advertising on television was banned. Whats wrong with todays banning all alcohol advertising? It does the same thing as cigarettes. It kills. Frackville Does anyone know where a person can get a decent hot dog in Shenandoah or Mahanoy City? Girardville What a joy it is to ride through the streets of Schuylkill Haven. The new macadam runs from Route 61 down Dock Street and then through the downtown. The mayor of Pottsville and the city council should travel there and learn something. Pottsville It seems like a certain columnist at your paper has their attack dogs out on Sen. Argall. You know, its a joke. Frackville Thank You Jimmy ... for your wonderful job at the Walter Griffiths AMVETS Post 188 on Seneca Street. You did a wonderful job for remembering our servicemen and women and also for the beautiful dedication at the Race Street playground. We need a lot more people like you to volunteer and remember. Youre a very wonderful and caring person. Thank you. Pottsville I support Dave Argall to have an audit for the presidential election. The left is afraid to reveal the truth of this far left fraud. I would also like to see a change in our property taxes. The seniors are struggling financially to pay their bill without an increase in their property taxes. Thank You, Mr. Argall. Friedensburg Way to go, Sen. Argall. Thank you for standing up against the Democrats and going forward with the audit. I want to be certain that my vote counts. What do the Democrats have to hide, fraud? Friedensburg I want to thank Bill Wagner for all his valuable information. He has tremendous insight and really gives the readers a truthful view of the lying Democratic liberal party. Friedensburg I was a customer of DiMaggios for years and Im wondering whats going on there. They closed about two weeks ago, saying they didnt have enough help, but rumors are flying around that theyre not going to reopen. This would be so sad. I hope its not true. If anybody knows whats going on, call Thunder/Enlightning to let us know. Shenandoah I am just wondering if the people in Schuylkill County are so confident there was no voter fraud, then why are they so against a recount? This just doesnt make sense. Somewhere along the lines something went wrong. Remember, were not the only county in Pennsylvania. Were dealing with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Something is wrong with our government. Something needs to be done. Tower City Wolf vetoed voter ID. He is saying voter suppression. No. I have to show ID if Im buying medicine, if I go to the doctor, go to the courthouse, I have to show ID that Im the person I am. Is that voter suppression? Is that suppression of my rights? Whats wrong with you people? They just want to take our votes away from all of us that are legally right to vote. They just want power. Orwigsburg Now youre going to spend taxpayer money on an audit while two audits already said there was no wrongdoing. Meanwhile, my taxes just went up all but 3%. N. Manheim Township July 1 in Thunder/Enlightning, 22 comments. Nine of them bashing Sen. Argall. OK, we get the point. You dont like him. Park Place Hey, Dave Argall, you want to restore faith in Democracy, how about showing all your finances, where youre getting your money from? Then that will restore your faith in democracy. Pottsville I saw the paper where Mr. OPake, who I like very much, by the way, I voted for him before, Id vote for him again, said that his friend, who is a district attorney in the Mr. Cosby case, worked very hard. Well, Im sorry, there was a deal made and Mr. Cosby spent a couple years in prison and he shouldnt have had to. He should be compensated. Mahanoy City Will somebody from the police department please do something about these quads racing up and down the street? Someone is going to get killed already. Is that what you are waiting for? Mahanoy City Minersville, when are you going to stop the tri-axle dump trucks filled with stone and the flatbed tractor-trailers going up and down North Street, which is a borough street instead of staying on the state routes? It is tearing up our streets. Minersville I remember when Trump publicly stated that anybody who pays taxes is a sucker. As soon as he said that, I knew that would come back to haunt him one day and guess what? It is time to pay the piper. What a ridiculous statement to make. Frackville A truck rammed into a bus carrying labourers here, leaving two passengers dead and 12 injured, police said on Friday. The incident took place on Thursday when the bus was going to Telangana from Nepal, SHO, Baldirai, Raja Ram Chowdhury, said. Two persons identified as Mahendra Bhushal (15) and Prem (35) were killed on the spot. The SHO said those travelling in the bus were labourers and a contractor was taking them to Telangana from Nepal. The injured were rushed to a hospital where their condition was stated to be stable. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) COVID-19 and its complications have time and again restricted both travellers and expats to fulfil their travel plans. Dubai was no exception as they decided to restrain travellers from India citing reasons to curb the spread of the Delta Variant of the virus. Routes from India to Dubai are expected to re-open from Thursday, July 15, after going through multiple delays. Although, Abu Dhabi has decided to lift the restrictions from Wednesday, July 21 and is expecting flights to re-open after Eid. When and which flights are resuming? On June 25, UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority in a Notice Issued to Airmen (NOTAM) said flights from India and 13 other countries - including Liberia, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Uganda, Zambia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and South Africa - will remain suspended until July 21. On the first day of the confirmed travel resumption, the Indian carrier operated by Star Alliance, Vistara will operate a flight from New Delhi to Dubai. Emirates airline and budget carrier fly Dubai are seen as re-starting flights from India from July 16. Etihad Airways will resume flights from July 22. Emirates had previously denoted the resumption of flights from India, South Africa and Nigeria to Dubai from June 23. This was following an announcement by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, instructing passengers from India with a valid residence visa who received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine to travel to Dubai. Fares to travel from India to the UAE Indias domestic traffic fell 71 per cent in May compared to May 2019 amid the emergence of the more contagious variant. This compares to a 42 per cent decline registered in April versus the same month two years ago. With an effort to revamp the industry, moderation in fares would be inevitable and on a steeper side. Fares from Mumbai to Dubai have assumed to range between Rs. 14000 to around Rs. 38000. New Delhi has a slightly low offering with the highest available price at Rs. 32000. Tickets from Kochi however, are a little on the steep side with prices soaring beyond the Rs. 50000 mark. Image Credits - AP The Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA), Rahul Chhabra undertook a thorough review of bilateral and international issues. Rahul Chhabra was on his first-ever bilateral visit from India to Guinea Bissau on July 5-6. Chhabra held a delegation-level discussion with Ude-fati, the Secretary of State for International Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rahul Chhabra also called on President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Deputy Prime Minister Soares Sambu in the meeting. Apart from Guinea Bissau officials, he also interacted with prominent members of the Indian community. According to the MEA release, India and GB both sides took stock of exchanges of bilateral visits, holding Joint Commission and FOC meetings, bilateral trade, and investments, development partnership, capacity building, people to people linkages, and opening of resident missions, along with regional and global issues. India and Guinea Bissau bilateral relation India and Guinea Bissau, both have very friendly bilateral relations between themselves and hopes to grow stronger in the future. They appreciated their cooperation on COVID-19 related issues like the supply of medicines and made in India COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX initiative. Currently, the bilateral trade between India and Guinea Bissau is USD 135 million which is below potential. As per the current bilateral relation and trade, there is considerable scope for higher growth. India is the biggest export partner of Guinea Bissau as it exports around 90% of GB's raw cashew nuts. Both sides are on the way to expand their trade basket and organization of business delegations & roadshows with each other, on virtual and in-person platforms. India has also extended its developmental assistance to GB worth over USD 25 million under credit lines. As per the MEA release, ANI reported that India will continue to extend its capacity-building support with the help of scholarships and skill development training under ITEC. India and GB, both decided to have bilateral relation meetings at regular intervals. (IMAGE: AP/@INDDIPLOMATS-FACEBOOK) Jaipur, Jul 9 (PTI) A man was injured after allegedly being beaten on his head with a brick in Rajasthan's Pali district and a video of the purported incident was uploaded on social media, police said on Friday. In the video, the victim is seen pleading for mercy whereas the accused got a friend to film the incident while reciting a movie dialogue to upload it on social media. Both the accused have been arrested in the matter, police said. According to Sadri police, accused Naresh Mali had gone to victim Prakash Meghwal's residence on Thursday and took him outside on the pretext of some work related to furniture. He then stopped and started beating Meghwal on the head with a brick, that led to bleeding, police said. The victim's family members rushed to the spot after getting information about what had happened. They took him to a hospital from where Meghwal was referred to another centre in Udaipur for treatment. The accused had some past rivalry with Meghwal over money-related issues due to which the accused and his friend Bhavesh Pujari decided to teach him a lesson, police said. "Both the accused have been arrested in the matter following a complaint lodged by the victim's family members," Sadri SHO Surja Ram Chaudhary said. He said Mali has a past criminal record of theft and arms smuggling. PTI AG HDA (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) SP Woman Panchayat Candidate Molested In Lakhimpur; UP CM Suspends Entire Police Station In a shocking incident in UP's Lakhimpur, a Samajwadi Party candidate Ritu Singh was molested by a BJP leader while filing for nomination for upcoming block panchayat elections on Thursday. Visuals from the block poll office show several men pulling at her sari and her nomination papers, while bystanders look on. Singh has alleged that the police were present on the scene, but did nothing. Cracking down, UP CM Yogi Adityanath has directed to suspend the entire police station - from the Commanding officer to the constables. Read full story here PM Modi Orders Early Commencement Of 1500 PSA To Support 4 Lakh Oxygen Beds; Reviews Prep In preparation for the third wave of COVID-19, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the augmentation and availability of medical oxygen across the country on Friday. The PM noted that 1500 PSA oxygen plants are coming up across India contributed by PM CARES. PM Modi directed to ensure that the oxygen plants, which would support 4 lakh oxygenated beds, are made functional at the earliest. Read full story here PV Sindhu Pumped Up & Positive For Tokyo Olympics, Says 'I'm Very Much Prepared' It seems that PV Sindhu might be in the perfect frame of mind ahead of the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Sindhu, who had a dream run in the previous edition in Rio where she had won a silver medal would now be hoping to finish on top of the podium this time around. Read full story here Kolkata Fake COVID Vaccine Scam: HC Dismisses PILs Seeking CBI Probe, Refuses Intervention The Calcutta High Court, on July 9, refused to intervene in the fake vaccine scam in Kolkata being probed. The vaccination camps were allegedly conducted by accused Debanjan Deb who masqueraded as an IAS officer to appear credible and dupe people into receiving fake COVID-19 vaccine jabs. The case is related to the fake vaccination camps that were busted by TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty who was also a victim of one such fake camp. Read full story here Fiji To Make COVID-19 Vaccine Compulsory For All Workers; PM Says 'no Jabs, No Jobs' Amid the Delta variant outbreak, Fiji on Thursday,July 8 announced plans to make the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for all workers. In a national address, Fijis Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, issued a blunt message and said, no jabs, no jobs. He said that all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 would have to go on leave if they had not had their first jab by August 15. Bainimarama also added that they would be sacked if they did not receive their second dose by November 1. Read full story here BJP's NV Subhash Hails 23K Crore COVID Package, Thanks PM Modi's Cabinet For 'big Boon' Telangana BJP leader NV Subhash was all praise for the PM Modi as the Centre announced the second COVID response package worth Rs 23,000 crores on Thursday. Applauding the decision by the Union Cabinet Friday, the senior BJP leader termed the approval of a Rs 23,123 crore package for improving health infrastructure to fight COVID-19 as a big boon to the health care system across the country. Read full story here PM Modi Reviews Preparations For Facilitating Indias Contingent Ahead Of Tokyo Olympics Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics that is set to begin from July 23, PM Modi on Friday reviewed preparations for the Tokyo Olympic-bound Indian contingent. As per reports, PM Modi suggested that more support staff travel with the athletes rather than officials amid the second wave of COVID. In a tweet, PM Modi also added that he will be wishing luck to the athletes on July 13 on behalf of 130 crore Indians in a virtual meeting. Read full story here Kerala CM Asks PM To Waive Import Duty On Drug Meant For Child With Rare Disease Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested the Union Government not to levy Customs duty and Integrated Goods and Service Tax (GST) in the case of a child suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The request has been made in reference to the 18-month-old Master Muhammed who has been diagnosed with the rare disease and needs the import of life-saving drug 'zolgensma'. Read full story here Taliban Captures Afghanistan's Key Border Crossing With Iran After US Troops Pullout Taliban fighters have seized control of a key district in western Afghanistan that encompasses an important border crossing with Iran, the country's security forces said on July 8. A video that has surfaced online shows Taliban insurgents taking down the Afghan flag from the roof of the Border Customs office in Islam Qala. According to BBC, Islam Qala is one of the biggest gateways into Iran generating an estimated $20 million monthly revenue for the Ashraf Ghani-led administration. Read full story here 'Need Code Common To All': Delhi HC Directs Law Ministry To Frame Uniform Civil Code In a significant development towards having uniformity across the different sections, castes, creed and religions in the country, the Delhi High Court on Friday observed that there is a need for implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. Read full story here 'Covishield One Of The Main Vaccines': Belgium Recognises SII-produced Vaccine Belgium on Friday recognised the Serum Institute of India (SII)-manufactured COVISHIELD vaccine against the COVID-19 infection. The AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) is one of the main vaccines, said Arnaud Lion, Charge dAffaires, Belgium to India. Read full story What Is The Kappa Variant Of COVID-19 Detected In UP? Here's All You Need To Know With the authorities in India preparing for the speculated third wave of coronavirus, two cases of Kappa variant have been detected in Uttar Pradesh. On Friday, the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed the presence of the Kappa variant in the state as two samples tested positive with the variant of interest. Read full story Sachin Tendulkar Turns 'Salt Bae' As Master Blaster Dons Chef Hat, Asks What's Cooking India's Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Friday shared a never-seen-before avatar of himself as he took to social media to flaunt his cooking skills on Friday. Sachin Tendulkar shared a video of himself whipping up a dish for breakfast. Sachin Tendulkar shared the video with the caption stating, 'Say Hi to your chef for today! Guess what's cooking?' Read full story PM Modi Receives First Copy Of 'The Ramayana Of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji' From KTS Tulsi Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first copy of the book 'The Ramayan of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji' penned by Late Baljit Kaur Tulsi on Friday. Late Baljit Kaur Tulsi is the mother of lawyer KTS Tulsi. The book was handed over to PM Modi by Rajya Sabha MP KTS Tulsi himself in the presence of his daughter Japna Tulsi and granddaughter Mukti Tulsi. Read full story EAM Jaishankar Discusses Afghanistan With Russia's FM, Dismisses 'violence As A Solution' India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday held talks on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and revealed that the ongoing developments in Afghanistan 'occupied' their attention. Addressing a joint media briefing along with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, EAM S Jaishankar shed light on the plethora of discussions that took place between them. Read full story Despite Threat From Across Border, Last Village At LoC Achieves 100% COVID-19 Vaccination In a heartening development in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the border village of Bobiya has achieved a 100% vaccination against COVID-19. All the 18 plus individuals who are inhabitants of Bobiya village of the Hiranagar sector have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This development assumes significance and is also encouraging because the Bobiya village in Jammu is said to be the last village of India as it lies on the international border along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Read full story HC Turns Down Chirag Paswan's Plea Challenging Pashupati Paras' Appointment As LJP Chief In a massive setback for ousted LJP chief Chirag Paswan, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed his petition to remove newly-inducted Cabinet Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras as party's Legislative chief in the Lok Sabha. A single judge bench comprising Justice Rekha Pali said the petition is not maintainable, therefore it would not interfere with the plea. Read full story PV Sindhu Opines On Japan's strict COVID Norms For India's Tokyo Olympics-bound Contingent With almost a fortnight to go for the Tokyo Olympics, India's star shuttler PV Sindhu is all prepped up for the mega-event. In an exclusive interview with Republic TV on Friday, PV Sindhu spoke about her preparation for the Tokyo Olympics before she takes off for Japan and also opined on the strict guidelines imposed by Japan on India and Group A countries. Read full story 52 Killed In Bangladesh Factory Fire At least 52 people were killed and over 50 others injured in a massive fire that broke out at a six-storey juice factory outside Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, according to media reports on Friday. The fire broke out at around 5pm on Thursday at the Shezan juice factory in Naryanganj's Rupganj, according to fire officials. Read full story Lambda Variant Of COVID-19 Is 'variant Of Interest'; No Cases In India So Far: Health Min The new Lambda variant of COVID-19 is a 'variant of interest', but there is no evidence that such a strain has been identified in India, said Niti Aayog Member-Health Dr VK Paul on Friday. He however cautioned that we should, however, be watchful of such mutations. Read full story Amidst the faceoff between American microblogging platform Twitter and the Government of India, Twitter's rival and indigenous microblogging platform Koo on Friday said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has joined its platform to connect with people in Indian languages. Reacting to it, the Koo team, said, " The new prominent entrant to the community is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which on Wednesday, began to engage with people on Koo, the Indian micro-blogging and social networking platform, using the handle @RSSOrg. A made in India platform, Koo enables organizations to strengthen local reach and connect with communities in various parts of India. The RSS's official spokesperson, Rajiv Tuli, has also joined Koo." Koo, which has been projected as an alternative to Twitter, is witnessing an exceedingly increasing userbase on the made in India platform. Koo is widely being adopted by the BJP leaders and also those among the citizens who are vocally criticising Twitter for flouting Indian laws especially the new IT rules. Twitter's fiasco with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Moreover, it was only last month that Twitter removed the verification badge or the 'blue tick' from the personal Twitter handle of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, although it was restored hours later. According to ANI, the organisation's members had stated that Twitter removed the blue badge from the accounts of many RSS leaders whose accounts were verified by the social media platform back in 2019. On the same day when Mohan Bhagwat's account was unverified, Twitter also removed the blue tick from the account of the Country's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu which has over 13 lakh followers. Twitter had then stated that his personal handle was inactive for a long time hence the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge, however, his account was again verified after After the Vice President office contacted Twitter and also the outrage across the country against Twitter. Twitter also locked the account of former Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad citing the violation of American law, only to reactivate it again in another embarrassment for the social media giant. Twitter has also lost its intermediary status, owing to non-compliance with India's new IT rules. Nevertheless, after many misadventures, Twitter on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it will try to appoint a Resident Grievance Officer within 8 weeks, in compliance with the new IT rules. Twitter's softening stance came after the Delhi High Court denied interim protection to Twitter while hearing a petition filed in relation to compliance with the New IT Rules. The Government of India has made it amply clear that the social media giants will have to follow the law of the land regardless of their country of origin. Meanwhile, Koo is garnering all the attention amid the faceoff. Last month, the Government of Nigeria banned Twitter, becoming the first country to suspend the US-based micro-blogging website in the African continent. Nigeria's decision came after Twitter froze its President Muhammadu Buhari's account. After the Nigerian Government locking horns with Twitter, Koo's founder Aprameya Radhakrishna was quick to extend an invite to the Nigerian government on Koo by stating that Koo is available in Nigeria and is contemplating on enabling the local languages too. Thus, Nigeria became the first foreign country to join Koo. Koo is also widening its base amid rival Twitter being currently involved in a stand-off with the Government of India over compliance with the new IT rules. While Facebook, Google, and Telegram agreed to comply with the latest guidelines, Twitter is yet to fall in line. Residents of the Nigerian city of Damishi took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the lack of security and the frequent kidnappings taking place in northern Kaduna state. The small group of protesters blocked a street and chanted slogans demanding peace. One of the demonstrators reported that at least 16 people had been kidnapped the previous day. Their disappearance came two days after a group of gunmen stormed a local school and abducted 121 students. The demonstrator called on the state's governor to listen to worried residents like him and to act to bring peace and stability to Kaduna. As the protesters staged their rally, parents of some of the kidnapped students gathered at the Bethel Baptist High School. They've been coming there since Monday, the day their children were abducted, to pray and demand justice. A group of gunmen stormed the school in the middle of the night, shooting sporadically as they kidnapped 121 students. Two security guards lost their lives while battling the kidnappers, according to officials. The father of one missing girl gathered at the school on Thursday called on the international community to help Nigeria's children. He urged them to call on the government to act because "we need our children back". Tragically, school abductions have become a common occurrence in northern Nigeria, where nearly 1,000 students have been kidnapped from schools since December. The principal of the Prelude Comprehensive College in Kaduna city says the security crisis has had a massive impact on pupils attending his school. Many parents are withholding their children from school out of fear something might happen to them, he said. Missing class, however, means these children can't sit national exams needed to enter universities or polytechnic institutions, according to the principal. The crisis is also affecting teaching staff, some of whom have been let go because of budget shortfalls caused by a reduced number of students. The spate of mass abductions from schools in Nigeria has grown significantly since 2014 when members of the jihadi rebels Boko Haram abducted 276 female students in Chibok in Borno State. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The Australian government has rejected the allegations made by the Chinese government that they were interfering in the rollout of domestically-made Covid-19 vaccines in Papua New Guinea. Australian authorities have maintained that they have accepted Papua New Guinea's decision over its choice of vaccination. The acquisitions came mainly from the Chinese media. The Global Times of China sparked a conflict when they accused that Australian consultants were strategically placed in Papua New Guinea with the intention of "obstructing" the emergency use authorisation of Chinese vaccines. Even Wang Wenbin, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman got involved when he called out the presence of Australian officials in Papua New Guinea as irresponsible behaviour. He said that Australia should stop disrupting and undermining vaccine cooperation between China and other Pacific island countries. The previous encounter between the two nations Relations between Australia and China have been worsened over the years over issues like the authorisation of 5G network through Huawei or Australias stand on Uyghur Muslims of the Xinjiang region. The countries infamously collided publicly over the origins of coronavirus. What was the article in Global Times about? In an article dated July 2, The Global Times made acquisitions that Australia was threatening the officials from Papua New Guinean. The allegations were that they threatened with the loss of investment in various development projects if they went to the airport to welcome the arrival of the jabs. What was Australia's response? Australia had already made a promise to share 15 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines with its Pacific neighbours by mid-2022. Australian Senator, Zed Seselja, said that it was providing support to Papua New Guinea. Australia has already provided them with 28,000 doses of Astrazaneca vaccines and has promised to share more vaccines that would be enough to inoculate the entire eligible population. Seselja further claimed that Australia has enough resources for vaccines and will not hesitate in sharing more with its neighbouring countries. Papua New Guinea had started the vaccination problem when the cases surged back in May. The country had to fight misinformation regarding the vaccine as well. French President Emmanuel Macron met Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum ahead of a G5 Sahel virtual meeting in Paris on Friday. France is preparing to reduce its military presence in West Africa's Sahel region the vast area south of the Sahara Desert where extremist groups are fighting for control. In June, Macron announced the end of Operation Barkhane. France's more than 5,000 troops will be reduced in the coming months, although no time frame has been given. Instead, France will participate in a Special Forces unit with other European countries and African countries will be responsible for patrolling the Sahel. France has several thousand troops covering more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of terrain in the volatile region where the borders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso meet. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Bulgarians will go to the polls for the second time in three months following an inconclusive parliamentary election in April when none of the parties secured a majority to form a government. Three-time Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's GERB party performed best in the inconclusive election, but received only 26% of the vote, a significant fall from the 33% it received four years ago. The latest opinion polls indicate that support for Borissov's party has dropped further since an interim government appointed by Bulgaria's president in May opened investigations into alleged corruption during Borissov's time as Prime Minister. Now polls suggest a neck and neck race between Borissov's party and its main rival the anti-elite party There is Such a People led by popular TV entertainer Slavi Trifonov. "There have been two clear trends in the last couple of months - erosion in support for the GERB party, mainly due to the actions of the caretaker government, and a slight - but clear - growth of There is Such a People", political analyst Dimitar Ganev told the Associated Press on Wednesday. Ganev said he sees no chance for the former ruling party led by Borissov to stay in power regardless of whether it comes in first or second. "I expect the next government to be formed by the so-called protest parties," Ganev said. The key question in this election is whether Trifonov and two other anti-corruption groups will be able to win enough seats in parliament to form a viable coalition government. Borissov previously managed to draw backing at home and abroad by combining populist man-in-the street rhetoric with pro-Western slogans. But thousands took to the streets during month-long protests last year and accused Borissov and his government of protecting oligarchs, refusing to reform the judiciary and suppressing freedom of speech. The interim government's investigations have shed additional light on some of those accusations. Caretaker ministers have alleged that dozens of opposition politicians were illegally wiretapped before the April election. They also have claimed that billions in public money was distributed to favored private companies without a bidding process and that business people have become objects of intimidation and extortion. Bulgaria, a member of both the EU and NATO, also has come under scrutiny from its Western partners due to its long-standing problems with corruption, adhering to the rule of law and preserving freedom of the media. The U.S. government last month sanctioned several Bulgarian public officials and businessmen, including two powerful oligarchs, and their networks encompassing dozens of companies over their allegedly "extensive" roles in corruption. The U.S. Treasury said the move was its single biggest action targeting corruption to date anywhere in the world under the Magnitsky Act. Political analysts assume the U.S. sanctions, imposed just weeks before the election, could additionally boost the anti-corruption arguments of the protest parties. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) For the first time, women in Egypt have spoken publicly about how they were sexually abused by the same officials who are sworn to protect them. As per New York Times report, women across the Middle Eastern country have suffered abuse while encountering Egypts criminal justice system irrespective of them being victims of crimes, witnesses or the accused. The report stated that by seeking justice, these women risk taken aside and stripped, groped, prodded and violated. Even though the treatment is illegal, the report has stated that there is nothing they can do about it in the authoritarian and patriarchal country. Egyptian women described sexual violations to the media publication that they said were committed in police stations, prisons and even hospitals. Some of such abuses occurred when the police or prison guards made routine searches. The report cited the accounts of women to stated that other sexual offences were carried out by state-employed doctors who are directed to conduct invasive physical exams such as virginity tests. However, there is no public data on the total number of such incidents involving women in Egypt which the rights groups have said, may amount to torture and sexual assault. NYT finds a dozen women with same experiences While most women avoid reporting sexual assault fearing getting shunned, civil society groups, experts, lawyers and therapists said that there is enough anecdotal evidence to indicate that such incidents take place rather frequently. The NYT claimed that it has found a dozen women who recounted similar experiences with most of them speaking anonymously fearing arrest. Some were also concerned about stigmatizing their families. Meanwhile, government officials usually reject or deny accounts of systematic abuse being inflicted upon women in the country. Reportedly, others also insist that they are conducting standard searches that are lawful and even essential in investigations or to keep contraband out of prisons. The media publication also said that Officials at Egypts Ministry of the Interior that is responsible for monitoring the police and prisons and the Public Prosecutors office did not respond to requests for comment. However, one police officer who worked for years in a police precinct and prison said that sexual abuse of women by legal authorities was everywhere. Speaking on the condition of anonymity fearing retribution, said that the aim was not to gather evidence or search for contraband but to humiliate your humanity. further, the media outlet stated that Asmaa Abdel Hamid, 29, was arrested in Cairo for protesting an increase in subway fares, but she said she was subjected to invasive searches three times. First in police custody, second in a public hospital, and third in prison. IMAGE: Representative Taliban on July 9 announced that it now controls 85 percent of Afghanistan's territory, although the groups claims cannot be independently verified. The revelation was made by Shahabuddin Delawar, a key negotiator for the fundamentalist group, who, speaking to media reporters in Moscow, boasted that the controlled area now encompasses 250 out of 398 districts. With US and NATO troops almost out of the Central Asian country, the Taliban is inching closer to re-establish the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. According to a report by BBC, the militants have successfully captured over two-thirds of the country including an arc of territory from the Iranian border in the west to the frontier with China on the other side of the country. They have also captured five districts in Herat. Meanwhile, a top Russian official disclosed that militants have captured 2/3rd of the territory on the Afghan-Tajik border. On July 8, Afghanistan security forces revealed that Taliban fighters have seized control of Islam Qala, a key district in western Afghanistan that encompasses an important border crossing with Iran. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said the crossing was "under our full control". Meanwhile, the country's President Ashraf Ghani has reassured citizens that an operation to regain territories was underway. Meanwhile, Delawar emphasis that the US withdrawal was a result of the Taliban bringing Afghanistan's population over to its side under the "principle of Islam". "The United States was forced to leave our territory," he said, denying the Afghan peace pact in 2020. He said that there was no agreement with the United States for the Taliban not to attack administrative centers, though he said that it will not take them "by force". Hospitals to function He also said that despite seizing the regions, the Taliban has ensured the functionality of all administrative bodies and hospitals continue their work on the territory. However, last week Mohammad Azam Afzali, a member of the Takhar provincial council, which has recently come under the Talibans control said that also notified that all government buildings, schools, hospitals have been obliterated and serviced has been halted. Governor Abdullah Qarluq added, "They (Taliban) looted everything, and no services exist. Image: AP After Israeli airstrikes rocked Gaza and over 200 Palestinians lost their lives, the World Bank on Tuesday (July 6) said that rebuilding the region from the devastating war will cost up to $485 million. According to the report, it will cost $380 million to repair the physical damage and other financial assistance will be required for remaining recoveries. The major conflict between Israel and Gaza went on for 11 days in May and it was said to be the most deadly violence between both regions. The World Bank director, Kanthan Shankar who overlooks the West Bank and Gaza site also added that this was another 'unfortunate episode' of violence. This is yet another unfortunate episode in which the Palestinian people in Gaza saw themselves in the midst of conflict and destruction, said Kanthan Shankar. Estimating the losses that Gaza went through, the World Bank said that the war caused up to $190 million in economic losses, in a territory where unemployment already hovered around 50%. Over 4,000 homes were demolished or partially damaged, added the World Bank report. The report was carried out with the United Nations and the European Union. Israel-Gaza conflict The deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas left trails of destruction behind as civilians suffered in the attacks. Israel unleashed artillery fire and airstrikes in an attempt to clear out a network of militant tunnels. Hamas and other militant groups embedded in residential areas have fired some 4,000 rockets at Israeli cities. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 227 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children and 38 women, with 1,620 people wounded. Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed, while Israel says the number is at least 130. On May 21, then-Israeli PM Netanyahu called for a unilateral ceasefire to halt an 11-day military operation in the Gaza Strip, which was later agreed to by Hamas. Later, in a major development, Benjamin Netanyahu, who had led Israel for the past 12 years stepped down as 8 coalition parties have agreed to unseat him and form the government. However, the airstrike continued from Israel to Gaza even after the ceasefire was announced. (Inputs from AP) Belgium on Friday recognised the Serum Institute of India (SII)-manufactured COVISHIELD vaccine against the COVID-19 infection. The AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) is one of the main vaccines, said Arnaud Lion, Charge dAffaires, Belgium to India. "Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which was, is and will be used under the COVAX facility. Covishield will be used not only in India or in neighbouring countries, but also all over the world. You cannot isolate a country," Lion said. "Belgium recognises Covishield, the @AstraZeneca vaccine produced by @SerumInstIndia and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," Belgium in India tweeted. Last week, the Netherlands recognised Covishield as a valid proof of vaccination against coronavirus. Iceland, Switzerland and seven European Union (EU) countries also allowed the SII produced vaccine on July 1, a day after Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took up the issue of inclusion of Covishield in the EU COVID-19 Vaccination Passport. According to ANI sources, Germany, Austria, Greece, Slovenia, Ireland, and Spain have approved accepting Covishield for travel entries. Iceland and Switzerland have also recognised Covishield. Estonia will recognise all the vaccines approved by India for incoming travellers, said sources. Covishield excluded from EU Green Paas As European states started the unlocking process, the EU created the 'EU Green Pass' to restore the freedom of travel, removing travel restrictions, quarantine obligation and COVID testing. Based on the traveller's status, the EU launched three types of COVID-19 Passport- Test certificate, Recovery Certificate and Vaccination passport. However, it approved four vaccines- BioNTech and Pfizer's Comirnaty, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen, AstraZeneca and Oxford's Vaxzevria and Moderna. However, COVISHIELD, which is manufactured by SII in Partnership with AstraZeneca and Oxford has not been particularly mentioned, leading to uncertainty as to whether people vaccinated on Covishiled can travel to European countries or not. India had requested EU nations to individually consider exempting those who have taken Covishield and Covaxin and said it will make a reciprocal arrangement for recognition of the EU COVID Certificate. About Covishield Covishield is the India-made version of AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria vaccine that protects against the COVID-19. Developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, the vaccine is a Viral Vector-based technology that uses modified chimpanzee adenovirus ChAdOx1 as a vector. The SII manufactured vaccine has an efficacy rate of 70 per cent, which climbs to 91 per cent, when both doses are taken 8-12 weeks apart. The Dominican Republic armed forces have closed the border with neighbouring Haiti to non nationals in the wake of the crisis unleashed after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. Meanwhile hundreds of Dominicans living in different cities inside Haiti began crossing the border returning to their country. Those returning said tension is rising inside Haiti and decided to return to their country. Dominican authorities have temporarily closed the bi-national markets in the border provinces that normally operate during the week. "Commerce is totally null," said Santiago Riveron, the Mayor of Dajabon. Faced with uncertainty on the other side of the border, the Dominican Republic Army has deployed brigades throughout the border area. "These measures we are taking are simply and plainly as a preventive precautionary measure," said Dominican Army General Miguel Angel Garcia Burgos. "Let's hope that everything proceeds normally." (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Amid the Delta variant outbreak, Fiji on Thursday,July 8 announced plans to make the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for all workers. In a national address, Fijis Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, issued a blunt message and said, no jabs, no jobs. He said that all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 would have to go on leave if they had not had their first jab by August 15. Bainimarama also added that they would be sacked if they did not receive their second dose by November 1. No jabs, no job that is what the science tells us is safest, and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through law," Bainimarama said. According to the new plan, private-sector employees must have their first dose of coronavirus vaccine by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. Bainimarama made it clear that it does not matter if one is the CEO of the company, a sole trader or a salaried employee. You must be vaccinated to continue working or else that business will risk being shut down, Bainimarama said. According to ABC News, Fijis hairline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures, which has been blamed in part for a huge spike in infections. It is worth noting that until April, the South Pacific nation recorded no community cases for a year. However, quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording over 700 new cases a day. Virus could 'kill country's future' Despite the rising number of cases and the under-resourced health system stretched to breaking point, Fiji PM has resisted calls to lock down the entire country. Bainimarama has cited economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely populated squatter settlements. He has said that a hard lockdown cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus. "But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future, the PM added. Further, while speaking about vaccines, Bainimarama said that online misinformation was discouraging some people. He noted almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection and assured that he had experienced no effects from his vaccination. I have not been magnetised or microchipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said. Bainimarama also said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear masks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders. "My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said. The PM also added that until it does, the nation must remain vigilant until more of the population is protected. Get vaccinated, wear your mask, maintain physical distance from others," Bainimarama urged citizens. (Image: AP) The Taliban and Afghan officials have agreed that violence is not the answer to the Afghan crisis and that a system for transitioning from conflict to enduring peace is needed. Both sides signed a joint declaration with six articles on Wednesday at a meeting in Iran between Taliban and Afghan politicians. The parties also agreed to meet in a "cordial atmosphere" to discuss "issues that require further consultation and clarity, such as establishing a mechanism for the transition from war to lasting peace, and the agreed Islamic system and how to achieve it," according to the declaration. The two sides condemned attacks on "people's homes, schools, mosques, and hospitals, resulting in civilian casualties," as well as the destruction of public facilities and called for the perpetrators to be punished. Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif started the two-day meeting with an opening speech. Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's negotiator, led the delegation. While former Vice President Younus Qanooni led a delegation of Afghan politicians from Kabul to Tehran. Karim Khurram, former chief of staff to former President Hamid Karzai, Ershad Ahmadi, a close aide to former President Karzai, President Ashraf Ghani's adviser Salaam Rahimi, Zahir Wahdat of the Hezb-e-Wahdat party, and Mohammadullah Batash of the Junbish party were among the Kabul officials. Honored to be host of cordial & substantive dialog between senior Afghan reps. As foreign forces leave Afghanistan, no impediment remains for Afghans of all political stripes to chart a peaceful & prosperous future for the next generation. Iran stands with our Afghan brethren. pic.twitter.com/nABlJfdXaP Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 7, 2021 There is widespread concern that the Taliban will launch a full-fledged civil war after seizing control of several districts in the country's north, while Afghan forces are retaliating and launching a counter-offensive against the Taliban. In response to Taliban advances in northern Afghanistan, hundreds of Afghan security personnel recently retreated across the Tajik-Afghan border. Meanwhile, Qatar's Special Envoy to Afghanistan, who arrived in Kabul on Tuesday, met with a number of key Afghan political figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, to discuss ways to speed up the Doha peace talks, which have been deadlocked. Ever since US President Joe Biden announced in April that they will leave Afganistan by September 11. Taliban increased their attack on various areas and many districts fell to the group. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "what Iran is trying to do with this meeting may well be constructive. I think the jury is still out. This is something which we have not discussed with Iranians, other than by making the point very publicly that Afganistan's neighbour need to be responsible stakeholders". (Inputs from ANI) Image- @JZarif/Twitter According to the detailed wording of the resolution published on Friday, Ukraine's government has recommended personal sanctions against 52 Belarusian officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko's son Viktor. Belarus is in the midst of a political crisis following a vote-rigging scandal that sparked enormous rallies against President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in office since 1994. Ukraine agrees to recommend penalties on Belarusian authorities On Wednesday, the Ukrainian government agreed to recommend penalties on Belarusian authorities involved in falsifying the results of the 2020 presidential election and human rights breaches, but it did not name anyone or provide any details. Personal economic penalties against Minsk officials would be enforced for three years, according to Friday's document, and will include a ban on trips and transit via Ukraine, as well as an asset freeze. Almost all current and former interior ministry leaders, the state security committee (KGB), presidential advisers and aides, and chiefs of the prosecutor general's office and the central election commission are among the targeted. The government decided on sanctions and presented them to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's security and defence council. It will be enacted by presidential decree if the council accepts it. Last year, Ukraine cut ties with Belarus and joined the European Union in denouncing the elections as unfree and unfair. Lukashenko denies that there was any electoral fraud. The West has condemned Lukashenko, the long-serving authoritarian leader who ignited the protests by claiming a sixth presidential term, stating that the August 9 election was not free or fair. Leaders in the West have recently targeted crucial areas of Belarus's faltering economy to punish Lukashenko's regime for intercepting a Ryanair jet in May and detaining an opposition activist and his girlfriend on board. Western countries have also imposed a litany of sanctions on Lukashenko and his dictatorship, but they appear to have had little impact because he retains the support of Russia, a vital ally and creditor. Who is Alexander Lukashenko From 1975 to 1977, Alexander Lukashenko served in the Border Guard, where he was an instructor of the political department of military unit No. 2187 of the Western Frontier District in Brest, and from 1980 to 1982, he served in the Soviet Army. He was the leader of an All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol) chapter in Mogilev from 1977 to 1978. and served in the Soviet Army as a deputy political officer with the 120th Guards Motor Rifle Division, based in Minsk before becoming the President of Belarus. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), on Friday, noted that a record of 270 million would face an acute shortage of food as the food prices are inflated up to 40 per cent. The UN report also asserted that around 690 million people or 9 per cent of the world's population go to bed hungry each night. While speaking over the report of global hunger, the World Food Programme chief Economist Arif Husain said, "High food prices are hunger's new best friend." 'CCC' factor- responsible for global hunger: UN Quoting the three possible reasons for a steep increase in the figures of global hunger, the WEP Chief said that existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic leads a major chunk of the world population to "sleep without taking a meal". "The world has been witnessing the combination of the deadly trio of 'CCC'- conflict, climate and COVID-19. Now, food prices have joined the deadly trio, making the situation even worse," added Economist Arif Husain on the consequences of the soaring food prices. Edible oil prices soar by 440% in Syria The WEP Chief economist noted that amid economic turmoil, the average price of wheat flour has risen to 219 per cent in Lebanon, whereas, devastated Syria has witnessed a steep rise of 440 per cent in cooking oil prices. U.N food agency, which measures a basket of food prices, noted that the world food prices were up 33.9 per cent in June this year at the international level. Oxfam report says 11 people die of hunger per minute Oxfam-- a confederation of 20 independent charitable organizations focusing on the alleviation of global poverty-- says at least 11 people die of hunger per minute. It asserted that the number facing famine-like conditions around the globe has increased six times over the last year. In a report titled "The Hunger Virus Multiplies," Oxfam said that the death toll from famine outpaces that of COVID-19, which kills around seven people per minute. The humanitarian group also said that 155 million people around the world now live at crisis levels of food insecurity or worse some 20 million more than last year. Around two-thirds of them face hunger because their country is in military conflict. Military spending increased six times what the UN needs to stop hunger The report listed a number of countries as "the worst hunger hot spots" including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen all embroiled in conflict. Surprisingly, despite the pandemic, which has hit almost all parts of the world severely, Oxfam said that global military spending increased by $51 billion during the pandemic an amount that exceeds by at least six times what the U.N. needs to stop hunger. Pope Francis will deliver his Sunday weekly blessing while recovering from intestinal surgery, said the Vatican on July 9 delivering his daily medical update. It also said that the pope is walking in the corridor, walking and even celebrated Mass at Romes Gemelli Hospital. The update also stated that his temperature was normal again following the minor fever he ran Wednesday evening. The Vatican also said that the popes treatment and recovery at the hospital were proceeding as planned. The upcoming Sunday weekly blessing will be delivered from the hospital as the 84-year-old cleric had half of his colon removed last Sunday for what the Vatican has previously said was a severe narrowing of his large intestine. In Thursday update of his health, Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press office had said in a statement that, At this particular moment, he turns his gaze to those who suffer, expressing his closeness to the sick, especially to those most in need of care. Scheduled surgery In the afternoon of July 4, Pope Francis left the Vaticans Casa Santa Marta for Romes Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, a Catholic hospital. In the evening of that same day, the cleric underwent a scheduled surgery for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon. "Stenosis" is constriction of the intestine due to the diverticula, or pouches or sacs, that form on the wall of the large intestine narrowing the passage. After the operation on Sunday evening, Bruni also said that the pope reacted well to the surgery that was performed under general anaesthesia by a 10-person medical team. He underwent an operation for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon, a condition where sac-like pouches protrude from the muscular layer of the colon, leading it to become narrow. It is worth noting that in addition to causing pain, the condition can lead to bloating, inflammation, and difficulty in bowel movement. It tends to affect older people more. Before the surgery, the pope appeared to be in fine health. Three hours before leaving for Rome, Pope Francis had cheerfully greeted the public in St. Peters Square in keeping with a Sunday tradition and told them he will go to Hungary and Slovakia in September. IMAGE: AP United States President Joe Biden on July 8 backed the decision of troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and said that it was not inevitable that Kabul would fall to the Taliban as the extremist group rapidly gains on the ground. He confirmed that the US exit from Afghanistan would be completed by August 31. However, he also confessed that after nearly two decades of American forces tackling the Taliban in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, it was highly unlikely that Kabul would have been able to control the entire country. In a White House speech on Thursday, Biden stated that the US military has achieved its goals in Afghanistan including the killing of Osama bin Laden, degrading Al-Qaeda and further preventing more attacks on the US. He reiterated that US troop withdrawal implies the ending of Americas longest war. Earlier, the US President has set the deadline for retraction of the American military from Afghanistan as of September 11. Reportedly, Pentagon has also said that the exit is 90% done. When asked if the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan is now inevitable since US troops are leaving the ground, Biden said, the Afghan troops have 300,000 well-equipped...as well-equipped as any army in the world...and an air force against something like 75,000 Taliban. It is not inevitable. Earlier in his speech, the US President, Nearly 20 years of experience has shown us that the current security situation only confirms that just one more year of fighting in Afghanistan is not a solution but a recipe for being there indefinitely. Taliban seize key Afghan border While Biden defended his decision of troop withdrawal, the Taliban on Thursday seized another key Afghan border crossing. This time, it is with Iran, stated an Afghan official and Iranian media. The seizure of the third border crossing by the Taliban has increased as American troops complete their pullout. In just the past week, the extremist group has already taken over crossings with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Further, the Taliban wins in Afghanistan have caused some nations to close their consulates in the region. IMAGE: AP Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email please call (208) 542-6777 for help. We get it. You don't want to see the ads. We'd just ask you to understand that those ads help us pay the bills and our reporters. Please, consider white-listing the Standard Journal in your ad-blocker or, even better, purchase a subscription so that you can help support quality local journalism. Even before summer reaches its peak for energy demand, some analysts have started to warn about the effect that China's growing consumption will have on winter fuel supplies. On June 25, Bloomberg News outlined a "desperate scenario" that could leave European markets short of natural gas next winter as a result of China's rising demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) now. The report cites the recent surge in LNG prices, in both Asia and Europe, as a sign that "there isn't enough supply to go around." But despite the high prices, China has kept buying, both for consumption and storage. As a result, Europe could be forced to fall back on coal for power generation and heating, an option that would have dire consequences for carbon emissions and climate change, the argument goes. "If a gas deficit does develop during the winter months, it could spur European utilities to burn more coal, which has already started happening," Bloomberg said. "At the center of the action is China, which in a surprise move is set to overtake Japan as the world's top LNG importer for the first time this year. China is stockpiling supplies of the super-chilled fuel in order to power its booming economy and help it shift away from dirtier fossil fuels," it said. According to China's customs figures, LNG imports jumped 35.8 percent in May from a year earlier to 7.03 million metric tons, more than double the volume of pipeline gas. LNG imports this year through May climbed 30.4 percent, Platts Commodity News reported. The increase has been traced to strong demand, economic recovery and a low base for comparison during the COVID-19 crisis last year, Platts said. China has also been competing with its Asian neighbors for LNG to be delivered next winter in preparation for a repeat of last year's unusually cold temperatures. "China's importers were scolded by the government for not being well prepared last winter and they don't want to make the same mistake twice," Bloomberg said, citing unidentified traders. State-owned China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) recently released a forecast that underscored the importance of natural gas to the country's plans for controlling emissions and reducing the role of coal. CNPC estimated that China will cut coal's share of the country's primary energy mix from 56.8 percent last year to 44 percent in 2030, while the gas share will rise from 8.7 to 12 percent over the same period. China's carbon emissions are expected to peak before 2030, according to goals set by President Xi Jinping last September. In 2060, the deadline for "net zero" emissions, coal's share of the energy mix would drop to just 8 percent, gas would edge down to 11 percent and non-fossil fuels would account for 75 percent of China's energy, Reuters reported, citing the CNPC forecast. The path ahead Gas is seen as a "bridge fuel" for China's shift from coal to non-fossil energy sources. Gas consumption is projected to grow by over 60 percent from 326.2 billion cubic meters (11.5 trillion cubic feet) last year to 526 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2030, peaking at 650 bcm by 2035, an official of the state-controlled PipeChina monopoly said, according to Argus Media. Consumption is expected to fall back to 550 bcm by 2050 as the net-zero goal nears. CNPC plans call for gas to account for 55 percent of its production by 2025, the official English-language China Daily reported. Despite the plans to reduce coal's share of consumption, domestic production of the high-polluting fuel has already climbed 8.8 percent through May to 1.62 billion metric tons, the National Bureau of Statistics said. But the link between China's LNG demand and the risk of more coal use in Europe is debatable. In its analysis, Bloomberg pointed to European gas inventories, which are said to be "the lowest in more than a decade for this time of year," leaving the region vulnerable to a sudden increase in coal use for winter heat and power. But Edward Chow, senior associate for energy security and climate change at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said the analysis fails to take into account the cyclicality of the LNG trade in a "notoriously cyclical industry." LNG spot market prices in Asia have hit extreme highs and lows over the past year with disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recovery. Chow also cited the wide swings in weather conditions and demand over recent years, affecting prices and inventories. "European gas inventories are coming off historic highs after the two previous mild winters before last winter's unusually cold weather in northeast Asia," said Chow. "It wasn't too long ago that producers were complaining that gas prices were too low. Now, consumers are complaining that prices are too high. This is typical of industries with long lead times," he said. Winter weather conditions will affect spot market pricing in the short term, but there is little chance that Europe will be forced to burn more coal because of China's demand for LNG, Chow said. "Europe was always the market of last resort for spot LNG supplies, since it has access to imports of pipeline gas and more gas storage capacity, while other major LNG markets do not," he said. "If Europe was really worried about it, its gas buyers could firm up more LNG supplies with term purchases. U.S. LNG project promoters would love that, but it is not happening," Chow said. A new forecast by the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) also sees little chance that a global LNG shortage will emerge. The average annual growth of LNG demand in 2019-2024 is projected to be just 3.3 percent, a fraction of the double-digit rate between 2016 and 2019, the IEA said. "The wave of final investment decisions on LNG projects taken before 2020 should therefore prove sufficient to satisfy additional LNG demand in the coming years," the agency said in its Gas 2021 report. "In the absence of major project delays or unplanned outages, the risk of a structurally tight market appears limited before 2024 with the possible exception of short seasonal episodes," the forecast said. Europe's demand for LNG will have more to do with Russian supplies of pipeline gas than with China's consumption of LNG, said Chow. Russian pipeline Despite U.S. sanctions and concerns about the loss of transit through Ukraine, Russia's Gazprom appears close to accomplishing plans for new direct pipeline routes to Europe with the Nord Stream 2 project to Germany and the TurkStream pipelines to Turkey and countries of southeastern and central Europe. Taken together, the routes will add 86.5 bcm per year of new transit capacity. Europe is also supplied by the Southern Gas Corridor with new pipelines through Turkey from Azerbaijan. "Once Nord Stream 2 comes into operation along with TurkStream 2 and the Southern Corridor pipelines, Europe will have surplus gas pipeline import capacity. The future depends more on how Russia decides to play the market, maximizing volume or price, than Chinese LNG demand," said Chow. "I assume Russia will price its gas to Europe to make U.S. LNG uncompetitive. Coal consumption is a different but interesting story and a test of European commitment to climate policy, but it has little to do with China, except that it faces a similar test," Chow said. Last month, a heat wave in Europe drove gas prices to the highest level in three years due to a spike in electricity demand as inventories fell to record lows, Interfax reported on June 21. European gas storage was 44.3 percent of capacity on June 19, dipping below the previous record low for that date, BCS Global Markets said, according to Newsbase Daily News. "After the gas glut of 2019, gas supplies have been depleted by a very cold winter and now a very hot summer. The price for gas has tripled from the start of this year and that has driven up Gazprom's profits and stock price," a Newsbase report said. In February, Gazprom reported that its exports to Europe in 2020 reached 174.9 bcm, down 8.6 percent from a year earlier, Interfax said. Civil society groups say they will hold ceremonies commemorating the fifth anniversary of the killing of government critic Kem Ley. People pray at the grave of Cambodian government critic Kem Ley to mark the first anniversary of his death, at his mother's home in southern Cambodia's Takeo province, July 9, 2017. Rights groups and other organizations are calling on Cambodian authorities to create an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the death of a political commentator and human rights defender gunned down five years ago, while his wife says she has lost all hope that justice will be served in the case. Kem Ley was shot dead in broad daylight on July 10, 2016, while having a morning coffee at a gas station minimarket in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, days after publicly criticizing Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family for abuse of power and unexplained wealth. The prominent political analyst and fierce critic of strongman Hun Sen was also a trained physician and held a doctorate. He was 45 years old when he was killed and left behind four children and a pregnant widow. Authorities charged former soldier Oeuth Ang with killing Kem Ley over an unpaid U.S. $3,000 debt and sentenced him to life in prison in March 2017. In May 2019, court officials rejected Oeuth Angs appeal for a sentence reduction and upheld his life imprisonment term, though many in the country see him as a scapegoat and reject the governments story that he killed the pundit over money he was owed. The claim has been disputed by Kem Leys widow and Oeuth Angs wife. No one believes for a second that scapegoat Oeuth Ang was anything more than a stooge set up to spout absurdities in court and take the rap for a political killing, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of Human Rights Watch, in a statement on Friday. The outlines of Cambodias current authoritarian dictatorship started with the blood of Kem Ley, and that's why the countrys leaders and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party will ensure there will never be justice for Kem Ley in a Cambodian court, he said. Forty-five international and domestic NGOs, civil society groups, and trade unions issued a statement on Friday calling for a commission of inquiry to probe Kem Leys death, saying the Cambodian government has consistently failed to achieve justice for him and his family. They pointed to several factors that were not adequately addressed during the trial, including what they said was an implausible explanation about the unpaid loan that prompted the shooting, the failure to interview a witness named by Oeuth Ang to corroborate his story, and the production in court of video footage from only one of several CCTV cameras at the gas station that likely captured the event. They also noted that investigators failed to try to identify a man seen sitting with Kem Ley prior to the shooting and an individual who Oeuth Ang claimed fired a weapon at him as he fled the scene. The groups also said investigators did not locate and interview the alleged seller of the murder weapon, examine Oeuth Angs background and possible ties to the military, or account for the identity of individuals one of them apparently armed seen in video footage pursuing the accused as he ran away. To date, there has been no independent, impartial and effective investigation to establish whether anyone else was involved in the killing, said the statement signed by Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists, and Mother Nature Cambodia, among other groups. Kem Leys wife, Bou Rachana, said she has lost hope for justice for her husband and family, especially as long as Cambodia remains under the leadership of Hun Sen, the autocratic prime minister who has ruled the Southeast Asian nation for more than 35 years. I demand that the government in Cambodia seek justice for the murder of my husband, but there is no hope that he [Hun Sen] will be able to make it happen, she told RFA. If he was able to bring justice to us, he would not have kept us waiting in vain like this for the past five years. Bou Rachana also called for justice in the murders of union leader Chea Vichea and environmentalist Chhut Wutty, who were both murdered more than 10 years ago. There is no justice for any of us, she said. Worse than that, they [the government] have stifled freedom of expression. As for the courts, they are all under [politicians] orders, so we cannot obtain justice. Cambodians hold images of prominent government critic Kem Ley to mark the first anniversary of his death, at his mother's home in southern Cambodia's Takeo province, July 9, 2017. Credit: AFP We have to move forward Kien Ponlok, secretary-general of the Cambodian Federation of Intellectual Students, said that if the government wants to demonstrate transparency in the case and truly seek justice for Kem Ley, it must release the full CCTV recordings at the minimarket where the pundit was gunned down to prove who really shot him. The previous showing of the CCTV footage was not clear and showed just a short action that looked like an arrangement, he said. Hopefully, the government will show the real video. It should not be concealed from the public. Unions and civil society leaders said they would commemorate the fifth anniversary of Kem Leys death in Buddhist ceremonies held at their respective headquarters on July 10, the day he was murdered. Vorn Pov, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA), a labor group comprising mostly of tuk-tuk drivers and motor-bike taxi driver, recalled that Kem Ley visited him in prison and encouraged him to carry on with his work. Brother Kem Ley brought me some food and told me that in general we social workers always encounter this, so we must not panic, he said. We shed tears, but after wiping the tears, we have to move forward together for the nation, for society, and for justice and innocent people. Vorn Pov was arrested in 2014 and charged with causing intentional violence and damaging property during a protest for a higher increase in the minimum wage for garment plant workers outside a factory in Phnom Penh that resulted in a deadly crackdown on striking laborers. Ten institutions and organizations, including community networks in the provinces, also planned to hold religious ceremonies dedicated to Kem Ley, while leaders of civil society groups, trade unions, and development associations are holding a live online chat program on the topic Justice For All on Facebook, he said. Bou Rachana, who lives in Australia, and other Cambodians abroad said they will mark the anniversary of Kem Leys death on Saturday. Am Sam Ath, deputy director of the human rights monitor Licadho, said that Kem Leys heroism cannot be forgotten. He recalled that a month before the pundits assassination, Kem Ley visited him at Licadhos office and said that even though his work was challenging, he had to remain steadfast and not flee the country in the face of threats, even if he was beaten, tortured, or imprisoned. He said the important thing was to advise, educate, and explain things to the people so they can understand problems, [including those] of democracy and other social issues, Am Sam Ath said. No one can forget how much he sacrificed. A spokesman for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court recently told local media that Kem Leys murder is still under investigation. Many activists say no progress has been made, however. Another year has passed without one iota of progress in uncovering the real masterminds behind the assassination of Kem Ley, Robertson said. The government claims that investigations are ongoing, but the reality is that as soon as scapegoat Oeuth Ang was convicted, there was going to be no more progress as long as the Cambodian government and courts are involved, he said. Robertson noted that activists seeking to commemorate the anniversary of Kem Leys killing have faced harassment and abuse from authorities in the past. From PM Hun Sen on down, there is zero political will to pursue the Kem Ley case any further, Robertson said, urging the international community to persuade the government to set up an independent commission of inquiry with support from the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights to probe the murder. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. The move targets large numbers of Chinese and Myanmar nationals who cross the border for various reasons without papers, residents said. China, which has recently closed its border with Myanmar amid a wave of COVID-19 cases, is enforcing the closure with a newly built barbed-wire fence spanning around 600 kilometers between Ruili, Lijiang, and the Gaoligong mountains in its southwestern province of Yunnan, local residents told RFA. The fence, which has been under construction for nearly a year, is close to being finished, and was built by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to stem cross-border flows of people wanting to evade immigration checkpoints. Recent photos posted to the social media platform Weibo showed the fence snaking across a mountainous region near Ruili, with lights along it during the hours of darkness. "This is to prevent illegal border crossings," a resident of a border town in Yunnan surnamed Ma told RFA. "Lots of Chinese people leave the country this way without papers, and when they come back ... they will also cross back illegally." "That's what the barbed-wire fence is for," he said. The Gaoligong mountain range straddles the 2,000-kilometer border between China and Myanmar, rising to more than 5,000 meters above sea level. A businessman surnamed Zhang with ties to Ruili said ethnic minority groups whose traditional homelands are on both sides of the border would use lesser-known paths through the mountainous border region to cross into Myanmar. "Cross-border ethnic minorities would go from China to Myanmar, maybe smuggling goods, or to learn about Christianity or Buddhism," Zhang said. "Some would go through legal immigration channels and some wouldn't, but they were going to Myanmar to attend seminaries." "So the border wall is effectively blocking off the routes used for underground religious infiltration into China," he said. "When foreign religions are preaching to people in China across the border from Myanmar, that's overseas religious infiltration," he said. 'They are all building walls' Ma said walls are also under construction along an 800-kilometer stretch of border between Yunnan's Xishuangbanna region, Ruili, and Lincang. "They are all building walls," he said, adding that the new walls and fences will also prevent Myanmar soldiers and militia members from casually slipping across the border into China to go shopping and to meet up with friends. According to Zhang, Ruili has long been a favorite exit point for Chinese people wanting to flee China, heading for Thailand. "They need to get from Ruili to Lincang, and from there to Kokang [on the Myanmar side]," Zhang said. "There is a road -- on the Chinese side of the border -- that's used by Myanmar militia convoys to transport arms and drugs." "That's the road they use ... it starts at a Chinese county town but I don't know the exact route," he said. Trafficking drugs, guns The Chinese authorities were clearly unhappy with drug and gun-smuggling into China, Zhang said. "People from Myanmar sometimes bring drugs and guns into Ruili to commit crimes," he said. "This has caused security issues for Ruili, and it's been going on for many years now." He said previous walls and barriers had "many holes." The CCP is also worried that a roaring arms trade linked to ongoing ethnic armed conflict in Myanmar means that weapons are finding their way across the border, and into the hands of Chinese citizens. "China is getting more cautious," Zhang said. "I heard recently that a couple of Chinese anti-communist militias had appeared in northern Myanmar, and that maybe there are other anti-communist militias too." "So this could be the main reason for the CCP to speed up construction of the border wall," he said. Recent social media posts have mentioned a rumored anti-communist force known as the V Brigade, but RFA has been unable to verify such reports. Cross-border trade halted Twenty-five counties in Yunnan province share a border with Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, along a a 4,060-kilometer stretch of China's national border in the region. The China-Myanmar border measures nearly 2,000-kilometers, with the Sino-Vietnamese border running to more than 1,000 kilometers. China this week suspended cross-border trade, leaving more than 1,000 trucks stranded on the Myanmar side, sources in Myanmar told RFA on Thursday. Around 1,300 trucks carrying rice, beans, onions, and dried fish were 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. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. The city's immigration and customs chiefs met the undersecretary for security for hotpot at an exclusive club in March. Three high-ranking officials in Hong Kong law enforcement on Friday apologized for attending a dinner at an exclusive club in March despite restrictions on public gatherings of more than four people. Hong Kong's immigration director Au Ka-wang, customs commissioner Hermes Tang, and undersecretary for security Sonny Au were issued with fines by police who arrived at the venue while on a separate investigation, the city's security bureau said in a statement. "They were invited to attend it at a place where they were told by the host was a private premises, and therefore mistakenly believed that the venue fell outside the regulation of the prohibition on group gathering," the statement said. Under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance, gatherings of more than four people are banned in a public place, which includes "group gatherings in catering business ... premises." The security bureau said the trio had consumed "normal hotpot ingredients" at the dinner. "The three officials admitted that they were negligent and lacked sensitivity on this occasion," the statement said. "They apologized for it, pledging that they will exercise particular caution when attending events in the future." It said none of the three was involved in the separate police investigation into an allegation of rape. Stand News reported that the meal took place at the Suiyuan Hui private club in the Causeway Centre, Wanchai district. The club, on the third floor of the center, comprises a cigar lounge and a dining section, and bristles with surveillance cameras and a high-tech security entrance system, the news website reported. An employee who answered the phone at a branch of the club in neighboring Shenzhen said the club provides exclusive catering services to members, who must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test to gain entry to the facilities. Prices start at around 3,000 yuan per head, but can be much higher depending on what is consumed, the employee said. 'Standards sinking' It was unclear who picked up the tab for the dinner, but the cost of the meal was far in excess of a H.K.$500 limit on benefits permitted to be accepted by public servants under anti-bribery laws in Hong Kong. Media reports said that a single person had paid for the meal, but RFA was unable to verify that claim independently. A Hong Kong barrister who declined to be named said it was important to establish who had paid for the meal, the purpose of the meal, the interests of those attending, and whether the meal had been declared to the officials' superiors. Neither the immigration bureau, the customs and excise bureau, the security bureau, nor the civil service bureau responded to requests for information on the meal, whether it was disclosed to then security secretary John Lee, whether the officials attended in a public or private capacity, and whether someone else had picked up the tab for the officials, by the time of writing. The Hong Kong police confirmed to RFA that a man had been arrested and charged with attempted rape, and that nine fines were issued at the premises of "a catering business in Wanchai" in the course of the rape investigation. The apologies come after Frederic Choi, a senior officer in Hong Kong's national security police, was placed on leave after being caught in a police raid on an unlicensed massage parlor. Chung Kim-wah, deputy head of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI), said the Hong Kong government appears to have lost its former reputation for being relatively corruption-free. "The moral standards of the entire government seem to be sinking, with no sense of alertness to this," Chung told RFA. "It shows us that the system seems to have descended into decadence, with no curbs on officials' behavior," he said. "The government doesn't even seem to think it's an issue." Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Malaysia is one of six Asian countries that has territorial claims in the South China Sea, most of which Beijing claims as its own. A Petronas gas station sign appears in the foreground of Malaysia's 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, an RFA-affiliated online news service. 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. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Su Htet Waing was arrested with her mother and sister when authorities failed to detain her activist father. Su Htet Waing marches in front of protesters holding a poster of Aung San Suu Kyi in Mogok city, in an undated photo. A five-year-old girl whose father helped organize protests against Myanmars junta was forced to endure stress positions during more than two weeks in detention, according to her father, making her what observers say was the countrys youngest known political prisoner under the military regime that seized power in February. On June 13, security forces in Mandalay region raided the home of Soe Htay, a local activist who had led demonstrations in Mogok city against the junta following its Feb. 1 takeover of Myanmars democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Soe Htay had already gone into hiding with his two sons, and when authorities failed to locate him, they arrested his wife Nan Kyi Kyi Khine and their daughters Theint Sandi Soe, a 17-year-old third-year law student, and Su Htet Waing, a five-year-old girl. Arresting relatives of wanted protesters has been a common practice. The protests Soe Htay had organized in Mogok were part of a nationwide backlash against the military following its coup, which it said was necessary because the NLDs landslide victory in the countrys November 2020 elections was the result of widespread voter fraud. Regime leaders have yet to produce any evidence of their claims, while soldiers have violently cracked down on the demonstrations. According to the Bangkok-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the military has killed 898 people and arrested 5,127 in connection with the anti-junta protests. Of those, 2,269including Su Htet Waingwere freed from prisons across the country as part of a general amnesty on June 30, although observers say the release was little more than a stunt by the military to gain international recognition. Soe Htay, who was reunited with Su Htet Waing and remains in hiding, recently told RFAs Myanmar Service that his daughter was left traumatized because of the poor treatment she was subjected to during her 18 days in detention. He said Su Htet Waing told him that she and others were regularly forced to assume the ponzan posturea half-sitting, half-standing stress positionduring roll call, and that she hated the people who ordered her to do it. Su Htet Waing knows nothing about politics and had only called for the release of NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with several other party officials shortly after the military takeover, Soe Htay said. She doesnt understand the politics we were discussing, the NLD member and leader of the Mogok Township Peace and Open Society told RFA. Soe Htay said he recently learned from staff at the Mogok Prison that his older daughter is enduring serious health problems while she remains in detention. He said that he has had no direct contact with his family members since the day of their arrest. My eldest daughter was on medication, suffering from rheumatism when she was arrested. On the day of her arrest, she was taken away with the only clothing she had on, and she didnt have any of her medicine, he said. She had to kneel down, handcuffed, on the concrete floor for two or three hours during questioning and now she is in critical condition, according to what a friend in the prison told me. Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun for comment on the arrest of Soe Htays family members went unanswered Friday. Su Htet Waing reunites with her father, Soe Htay, following her release from detention, June 30, 2021. Family photo Illegal detention Speaking to RFA this week, lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said arresting a five-year-old is illegal. Even if children under the age of 18 commit crimes, they are not allowed to go to jail. They are not allowed to be held behind bars, he said. Arresting a five-year-old is totally unlawful. Its a violation of human rights, too. There is nothing this military regime wouldnt hesitate to do if their hold on power was threatened. Not even children will be spared. Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, Minister for Women, Youth and Children for Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG), said Su Htet Waing will be recorded as the youngest political prisoner under the military regime. Such arrests constitute war crimes and those responsible must be held accountable, she said. This arrest and detention are a violation of childrens rights and the law. The child is too young and can be left deeply traumatized. We are working with professional counselors. Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe also condemned what she called hostage-taking by the junta, adding that by NUGs count there are around 80 minors currently in detention. Soe Htay told RFA he is determined to fight to the end against the military, even though his family has been arrested. I am determined to root out this dictatorship, he said. I see the suffering of my daughters and wife as a sacrifice to this revolution. It is from these feelings that I get the strength to fight for a speedy end to the revolution. Reported by Soe San Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Healthcare workers are protesting or in jail, while the countrys medical supply chain is in shambles. Nearly one million children in Myanmar have been denied routine vaccinations amid the political upheaval of the militarys coup detat, healthcare workers said Friday, while the ongoing turmoil has stymied efforts to control a new coronavirus outbreak in the capital Naypyidaw, according to residents. Myanmars Ministry of Health recommends administering 12 vaccinations to children from the time of their birth until they are 10 years of age to protect against Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and influenza. An additional vaccine to prevent against a variant of the human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer is recommended for girls. The ministry under Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) government suspended the countrys regular vaccination drive for children on April 1 last year amid a rise in infections of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, but resumed it two months later. On Feb. 1, the military overthrew Myanmars democratically elected government, claiming voter fraud had led to a landslide victory for NLD party in the countrys November 2020 election. The junta has yet to provide evidence of its claims and has violently suppressed nationwide demonstrations calling for a return to civilian rule, killing nearly 900 people over the past five months. Another casualty of the coup has been healthcare access for the nations children, according to medical workers and parents, who spoke to RFAs Myanmar Service on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal. They said that Myanmars vaccination drive has stalled again, but this time because healthcare workers are taking part in a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the junta, while many of the countrys hospitals have been closed. Securing vaccinations for children has been particularly difficult in Myanmars remote border regions, where military offensives against ethnic armies and Peoples Defense Force (PDF) militias have displaced an estimated 230,000 residents since the coup. They join more than 500,000 refugees from decades of conflict between the military and ethnic armies who were already counted as internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the end of 2020, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, a Norwegian NGO. A mother who fled fighting in Kayah states Demoso township told RFA she has been unable to vaccinate her 16-month-old daughter while taking refuge at an area IDP camp. She received a vaccine when she was 10 months old and was supposed to get another in June ... but I cant give it to her, as we are on the run, she said. She used to get vaccinated regularly, but now she is at risk of infections. Many of the more than 100,000 IDPs from Demoso township are infants or elderly and considered vulnerable but lack access to basic healthcare. Prior to the coup, sources said, health officials in Kayah state regularly provided vaccinations at local clinics, hospitals, monasteries, and care centers for mothers with young children. Supply chain disruptions But even residents of Myanmars largest city Yangon told RFA that they have been unable to obtain vaccinations for children in the aftermath of the coup. Pyae Pyae, the mother of a 15-month-old boy, said public hospitals in the city were no longer providing the jabs. Ive consider buying the vaccines myself and getting them administered at a private clinic, but it isnt easy, she said. In the past, the government provided vaccines, but now I hear that some of them arent available on the market. A midwife from southern Shan State, who declined to be named, told RFA that the consequences of missing a vaccination could be fatal for young children. Of them all, BCG [(Bacille Calmette-Guerin) to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella] is the most time-sensitive because infants need to have it before they turn one year old, she said. Since the coup, many children are missing their window for the BCG vaccine. They are also at risk of infection from meningitis and tuberculosis. I am gravely concerned for the children. According to the midwife, several different departments under the Ministry of Health normally work together to acquire, store, and distribute vaccines for various diseases. Since the takeover, she said, the nations medical supply chain has suffered major disruptions, even resulting in shortages of basic medicines for diarrhea and dengue fever. Attempts by RFA to contact the central office of the Department of Mother and Children Care under the Ministry of Health for comment on the status of the nations vaccination drive went unanswered Friday. Last week, UNICEF announced that nearly 1 million children have been unable to receive their regular vaccinations in Myanmar since the coup, while some 5 million are no longer receiving critical Vitamin A supplements, leaving them at risk of infectious diseases and blindness. The agency said it is working with partner organizations to resume the vaccination drive for children in Myanmar. In May, UNICEF said that the combination of a lack of access to key services and economic contraction in the wake of the coup had placed a whole generation of children and young people in peril. Without urgent action, these children will suffer many negative impactsphysical, psychological, emotional, educational, and economic, the agency said at the time. Health workers wearing protective suits carry the body of suspected CVOVID-19 victim in Naypyidaw. Citizen journalist Outbreak in the capital The concerning reports of lack of access to adequate healthcare for Myanmars children came as the juntas Ministry of Health announced Friday that, as of July 8, more than 2,700 people had been infected with COVID-19 in the capital Naypyidaw and at least 18 have died since the coronavirus was first detected in the country early last year. The Ministry of Health said on July 1 that 1,976 people had been infected with COVID-19 to date in the city, while 10 people had died from the disease. The new numbers represent a 40 percent leap in infections and 80 percent increase in deaths in the course of just one week. In the wake of the new outbreak, authorities have issued a stay-at-home order in at least two townships in the capital region, shutting down local marketplaces and blocking off access roads. Movement has been restricted throughout the city, sources said. The virus has spread to almost everywhere in the Naypyidaw region, said one capital resident. We regularly witness the cremation of bodies of people who have died from the disease. Another source told RFA that hundreds of Buddhist monks had been infected at the Ma Soe Yain monastery in Zabuthiri township, where Soe Moe Thu, a volunteer who is helping to send suspected COVID-19 patients to monitoring centers, said people with symptoms of the disease are everywhere. We have to remain on standby to help these people around the clock, he said. Sometimes, we have to go and help them in the middle of the night. We arrange to provide them with oxygen tanks when they have problems breathing. But Soe Moe Thu and other aid workers said the supply of oxygen in the capital is running dry. Meanwhile, some confirmed patients have refused to go to hospitals controlled by the military and instead tried to treat themselves at home, they said. Multiple attempts by RFA to speak with Dr. Thiri New, Naypyidaws Public Health Department chief, about the situation of the outbreak in Naypyidaw went unanswered on Friday. According to the Ministry of Health, at least 184,375 people have been infected with COVID-19 in Myanmar since the start of the pandemic, while 3,685 people have died. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane and by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Chinese officials in Tibet pressure authorities to find and punish cases of 'political subversion' whether real or imagined, Human Rights Watch says. Chinese authorities in Tibet last year sentenced four Tibetan monks to long prison terms following a violent raid by police on their monastery in Tingri county, a New York-based rights group said in a report released this week. The raid followed the discovery in September 2019 of a cell phone containing messages sent to monks living outside Tibet and records of financial contributions made to a monastery in Nepal damaged in a 2015 earthquake, Human Rights Watch said in its July 6 report, Prosecute Them With Awesome Power. The discovery of the phone owned by Choegyal Wangpo, a monk at Tingris Tengdro monastery, prompted his arrest and beating under interrogation, and was followed by a raid by armed police who assaulted the monastery and 20 private homes in Dranak, a village nearby, HRW said, citing sources in the region. Police carrying out the raid beat resident monks and seized religious texts and photographs of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, the rights group said, adding that Chinese authorities then launched a program of daily political indoctrination the monks were forced to attend. On Sept. 7, a Tengdro monk named Lobsang Zoepa took his own life, apparently in protest at the crackdown by authorities, and internet service to and from Dranak was immediately cut off, Human Rights Watch said. Most of the monks detained in the raid were held for several months without trial and then released, HRW said, but four senior monksChoegyal Wangpo, Lobsang Jinpa, Norbu Dondrub, and Ngawang Yeshewere tried in secret by a court in Shigatse (Chinese, Rikaze) prefecture in October 2020 and handed prison terms of 20, 19, 17, and five years respectively. Details of the charges made against the four were not available because of Chinese clampdowns on communications in the area, but Chinese laws do not currently forbid cross-border communications by phone or text message or the sending of funds abroad, HRW said. Tengdro monks Choegyal Wangpo, Lobsang Jinpa, Norbu Dondrub, and Ngawang Yeshe are shown left to right. Photo: Sent from Tibet 'Shocking miscarriage of justice' Chinese courts usually impose extreme sentences only for recidivism, or for involvement in activities such as organizing protests, illegal organizations, espionage, acts of violence, or, increasingly, spreading unofficial news, HRW said. Yet, there is no suggestion that any of the Tengdro monks had previous convictions or had taken part in such activities," the rights group added. In a July 6 statement, Sophie RichardsonChina director at Human Rights Watchdescribed the imposed prison terms as unprecedented. The Chinese governments assumption that Tibetan monks and nuns are potential subversives, the heightened border security, and increased restrictions on online communications and religious donations all combined to create a shocking miscarriage of justice, Richardson said. The horrific treatment of the Tengdro monks points to the Chinese governments pressure on officials in Tibet to find and punish cases of political subversioneven if the alleged subversion is a figment of their imagination." Tengdro monastery in Tibet's Tingri county is shown in a photo taken in 2017. Photo: Sent from Tibet Formerly an independent nation, Tibet was invaded and incorporated into China by force 70 years ago, following which Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and thousands of his followers fled into exile in India and other countries around the world. The Dalai Lama turned 86 in Dharamsala, India this week. Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on the Tibetan region, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity, and subjecting Tibetans to persecution, torture, imprisonment, and extrajudicial killings. Pham Chi Thanh was charged under Article 117 of Vietnam's Penal Code, a law frequently used by authorities to stifle dissident voices. A court in Vietnams capital Hanoi on Friday sentenced a political dissident, writer, and journalist to five years and six months in prison following a two-and-a-half hour trial called inappropriate and unlawful by his lawyer. Pham Chi Thanh, owner of a blog and Facebook page containing around 100 articles satirizing Vietnamese political leaders, had been charged under Article 117 of Vietnams Penal Code for producing, storing, and disseminating information and documents against the Vietnamese state. Article 117 is frequently used by authorities to stifle peaceful critics of the countrys one-party communist government, and persons convicted of crimes charged under the law can be sentenced to from five to 20 years in prison. Pham Chi Thanh is innocent, said Thanhs lawyer Ha Huy Son, speaking to RFA after the trial. Article 117 only covers writings against the state, and Thanhs writings only criticized the President, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The Investigating Agency and the Procuracy equated the president with the state, which was entirely baseless, so this prosecution [of Thanh] was inappropriate and unlawful, Son said. Son added that he had asked that the trial be postponed as both Thanhs accuserthe buyer of a book self-published by Thanh in 2019 criticizing government leadersand representatives from the Investigating Agency were not present in the court, but his request was denied. Born in 1952, Thanh had worked as a managing editor at the Voice of Vietnam radio service, but was dismissed from his job in 2007 after writing articles criticizing China. He later joined dozens of others presenting themselves as independent candidates for election to Vietnams National Assembly, a political process tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party. Books, online writings After self-publishing books and posting online writings criticizing Vietnams government and leaders, he was taken into custody on May 21, 2020 by a large group of police who burst through the door of his home and seized personal documents, two computers, and a printer, and was later charged under Article 117. With Vietnams media all following Communist Party orders, the only sources of independently-reported information are bloggers and independent journalists, who are being subjected to ever-harsher forms of persecution, the press freedoms watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says in its 2021 Press Freedoms Index. Measures taken against them now include assaults by plainclothes police, RSF said in its report, which placed Vietnam at 175 out of 180 countries surveyed worldwide, a ranking unchanged from last year. To justify jailing them, the Party resorts to the criminal codes, especially three articles under which activities aimed at overthrowing the government, anti-state propaganda and abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to threaten the interests of the state are punishable by long prison terms, the rights group said. Vietnams already low tolerance of dissent deteriorated sharply last year with a spate of arrests of independent journalists, publishers, and Facebook personalities as authorities continued to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party Congress in January. But arrests continue in 2021. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Richard Finney. Hungarian Prime Minister and vociferous EU critic Viktor Orban has used a visit to Serbia to press for the bloc to accept that country and thus unlock the Western Balkans to inject "new energy" before it's too late. Speaking after a meeting in Belgrade on July 8 with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Orban said that without enlargement the European Union could stagnate and even disintegrate. "I unequivocally support Serbia's membership in the EU, because the entire Western Balkans is behind it," Orban said, adding that "Serbia is a key country [and] the EU should understand that." Serbia is the most populous and economically powerful of the so-called Western Balkan Six countries remaining outside the European Union: former Yugoslav states Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, plus Albania. Populists who frequently play the nationalist card, Orban and Vucic are both regarded cautiously in Brussels for their perceived backsliding on democratic institutions as they cultivate deeper ties with Moscow. "Enlargement should be the most important project of the European Union," Orban said in Belgrade. "It should not be delayed, but accelerated. If we speak the language of numbers, today the EU has a much greater interest in Serbia's membership in the union than Serbia in EU membership." Momentum among many of the EU's 27 member states for enlargement has flagged in recent years, leaving candidate countries like Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro in the wings. Bosnia and Kosovo have additional obstacles to eventual membership. "There are few such friends," Vucic said, thanking Orban for his support, "We will see to it that we keep that friendship." Orban has drawn the European Union's ire over his dominant Fidesz party's consolidation of power, including controversial moves to rein in the media and NGOs. He recently signed into law a controversial law banning materials that could be seen as promoting homosexuality or gender change to minors in a move that has been condemned in Brussels and could threaten funding channels. In a statement seemingly aimed at trolling Orban's EU critics, Vucic suggested at the joint press conference that "Everyone in the region perceives you as a stabilizing factor." The enlargement malaise prompted lame-duck German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week to warn that "it is in the European Union's very own interests to drive the [accession] process forward" in the Western Balkans. Russia and China have sought to drive a wedge between some Balkan states and the European Union, including through diplomatic and economic sweeteners. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a Balkan-focused conference this week that "Our first priority is to accelerate the enlargement agenda across the region and support our Western Balkan partners in their work to deliver on the necessary reforms to advance on their European path." With reporting by Reuters DUSHANBE -- Amid swift Taliban advances in northern Afghanistan, Mohammad Zaher felt that fleeing to neighboring Tajikistan was his only chance to survive. Zaher -- the head of a border communications unit in the Khwahan district of the northeastern province of Badakhshan -- is among the hundreds of Afghan forces who have crossed the border into Tajikistan in search of safety since late June. Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib said on July 6 that 2,300 Afghan personnel who fled to Tajikistan had rejoined the Afghan National Defense and Security Force (ANDSF). A Tajik security official told RFE/RL's Tajik Service on July 7 that some 600 Afghan servicemen had been flown back to Afghanistan. Zaher said resisting the Taliban was a losing battle as a large group from the local Public Uprising Forces had decided to join the militant group and fight pro-government troops. The forces -- which include volunteers -- fight under the umbrella of the government to help maintain security in different areas of the country. Zaher added that the group had a significant amount of arms and ammunition. "The Public Uprising Force seized government equipment and struck a deal with the Taliban. We no longer had the strength to resist and came to Tajikistan," Zaher told RFE/RL. Like Zaher, Afghan soldier Mohammad Vali said fighting the Taliban with little support was "suicide." Therefore, he and his colleagues retreated across the Tajik border. Zaher and Vali spoke to RFE/RL's Tajik Service on July 5 from the city of Kulob. They are believed to have returned to Afghanistan. But the fighting in Afghanistan could force more soldiers to retreat to Tajikistan and other neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan, where many have also already fled. Rapid Gains Local officials in Badakhshan told Radio Azadi that 26 of the 28 districts in the northern province have fallen to the Taliban advance. Tajik officials have said the Taliban now controls 900 kilometers of the 1,357-kilometer border with Tajikistan. The Taliban currently has control of more than half of Afghanistan's 398 districts -- most of those falling since U.S. and other international forces began their withdrawal from the war-torn country on May 1. The extremist group's rapid gains amid the near complete pullout of U.S. forces have created major concern in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, which fear an influx of refugees and potential instability. "The retreat of military forces without a fight and the evacuation of Badakhshan [by government forces] has shocked people and confronts them with questions and doubt," the Afghan daily Hashte Sobh wrote in a recent commentary, noting that many of Badakhshan's districts had fallen like dominoes in a few days. Some of the Taliban advances have been met without a major fight amid the retreat of some Afghan forces and the surrender of others. Afghan officials have said that, in some cases, the retreat of government forces was tactical. On July 8, the Taliban captured Afghanistan's main border crossing with Iran in the latest advance amid a series of attacks on government-controlled districts by the militia group, which has become emboldened as the result of the foreign forces' withdrawal. Some Afghan border guards and servicemen were even reported to have fled to Iran's side of the border. Local officials said government forces in two districts in the western province of Herat had retreated to avoid civilian casualties. Massouda Karokhi, a female member of the Afghan parliament, suggested that in some districts in the country servicemen feel that fighting the Taliban does not make sense. "The soldiers there don't have any support: they don't receive food and are not provided with any facilities so they say 'why should I sit here with nothing and fight the Taliban -- it makes more sense for me to surrender my arms and go,'" Karokhi said in an interview with Noor TV. Government Pushback In some cases, Afghan forces have managed push the Taliban back and regain control of some districts. In Qala-e Naw, the capital of Badghis, officials told Radio Azadi on July 7 that government forces had repelled the Taliban after the militant group managed to enter the city and take control of some government buildings. Enayat Najafizada, the founder and CEO of the Kabul-based Institute of War and Peace Studies, told RFE/RL that the withdrawal of U.S. forces has affected the morale of Afghan forces. "Poor military leadership and bad governance at the local level are some of the factors behind the fall of the districts and army checkpoints," he added. "Nevertheless, in places where the [ANDSF] and the local uprising forces stood against the Taliban, not only did the Taliban fail to gain any territory, but its forces were also thoroughly defeated," he said. In some areas -- particularly in the north -- the Taliban has in the past worked with community elders in order to persuade soldiers to surrender and abandon their posts, Najafizada said, adding that in some cases the tactic had been affective. "These community elders were challenging the Afghan forces by asking them: 'Who are you fighting? Why are you defending people when you're not getting paid on time?'" Yet Najafizada believes that as the United States and NATO continue their military, political, and technical support to the Afghan government, it will be "in a very good position." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani admitted on July 8 that his country faced a difficult situation as U.S. troops depart the country. But he insisted that government forces could handle the challenge and withstand Taliban forces. With reporting by Radio Azadi Lithuania has started construction of a barrier on its border with Belarus amid a surge in illegal migrant crossings that Vilnius says Minsk is purposely organizing in retaliation for European Union sanctions. Lithuanian State Border Guard Service spokesman Gedrus Mishutis said the military had begun installing a wire fence on July 9 along the border, some of which runs through densely forested areas, to strengthen control over the flow of migrants, hundreds of whom have flooded into the country in recent weeks. Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite added that, once finished, the barrier will run for about 550 kilometers of the Baltic state's nearly 680-kilometer frontier at a cost of 41 million euros ($49 million). Vilnius has accused Belarus of allowing migrants to cross into Lithuania in response to sanctions imposed by the bloc after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested opposition blogger Raman Pratasevich and Sofia Sapega, his Russian girlfriend. Officials say that, over the past two months alone, more than 1,500 people have crossed into Lithuania, a twentyfold increase on the figure for the entire year in 2020. Lithuania has been one of the staunchest critics of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka, calling for a robust EU response against his regime since a disputed presidential election in August 2020. Lithuania and many other Western states have refused to acknowledge Lukashenka as the winner, instead saying the balloting was rigged and opposition candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya was the victor. In response to the sanctions, Lukashenka said earlier this week that his country wouldn't close its borders "and become a camp for people fleeing Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Tunisia." "We wont hold anyone, they are coming not to us but to the enlightened, warm and cozy Europe," he added. A Schengen free-travel-area member, Lithuania has said it is considering imposing border controls with neighboring EU countries to stop migrants from traveling to Western countries in the bloc. With reporting by Reuters and Interfax Belarusian authorities raided the offices of several media outlets outside the capital, Minsk, and searched the homes of independent journalists on July 9 in the second straight day of the country's latest crackdown on independent press critical of authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka. The July 9 raids, most of which took place in the western city of Brest, came a day after the website of the country's oldest newspaper, Nasha Niva, was blocked and its chief editor was detained and reportedly beaten while security forces searched the offices of several regional newspapers. Offices of news outlets were also raided in Baranovichi in the Brest region. Journalist Ruslan Ravyaka of the Baranovichi news portal Intex-Press was taken in for questioning by the KGB, the Belarusian state security agency, and was later released. Journalist Tatsiana Smotkina's home was raided in the northern city of Hlybokaye, as was the apartment of the administrator of the Virtual Brest news portal, Andrey Kukharchyk. The Onliner Telegram channel reported that security forces also searched the home of its journalist, Anastasia Zenko. Konstantin Bychek, the chief of the KGB's investigative department, told state television that a "large-scale operation" was under way to root out "radicals." The Belarusian Association of Journalists reported that 32 media representatives have been detained since July 8. Nasha Niva's editor in chief Yahor Martsinovich was beaten and suffered head injuries while being detained in a raid, the online publication reported on July 9. It said that the raids on the outlet were carried out as part of a probe into actions that grossly violated public order. The latest crackdown comes after authorities in May hit top independent news portal Tut.by, whose website was blocked and 12 of its journalists were 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. Both Nasha Niva and Tut.by extensively covered months of protests against Lukashenka, which were triggered by his reelection to a sixth term on August 9 in a vote that was widely seen as rigged. Since the election, 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. Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election, who says she actually won the poll, condemned the latest raids. "Our independent journalists suffer violence, torture in prison because they do their work," she wrote on Twitter on July 9. Western nations have imposed a wide range of sanctions on Lukashenka and his regime over the crackdown, but they appear to have had limited effect as he retains support from key ally and financial backer Russia. With reporting by AFP Kyrgyz and Tajik border guards have exchanged fire along the Central Asian states' disputed border, leaving one Kyrgyz soldier dead and another wounded in an incident each side blamed on the other. Each side also offered differing casualty estimates of the other. The skirmish follows bigger clashes in April along another disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border that left more than 50 civilians and border guards dead. The violence has raised fears of a wider conflict between the post-Soviet neighbors. Tajikistan's National Security Committee blamed the Kyrgyz side for the latest incident, saying four Kyrgyz border guards "illegally" crossed the border near the Devashtich district. It said the four were dressed in military and civilian clothes, had Kalashnikov assault rifles, and intended to steal nine horses. "Kyrgyz border guards, contrary to the warning of the Tajik border guards about violation of the state border line, opened fire on them. Two Kyrgyz border guards were wounded by the return fire of Tajik border guards," the committee said in a statement published by the Khovar state media outlet. Kyrgyzstan's National Security Committee confirmed the exchange of fire, but gave a different account. It said a Kyrgyz border unit was patrolling on horseback when it was attacked by Tajik border guards in the Leilek district of the Batken region. The Kyrgyz side has also suggested there were dead and injured among the Tajiks involved, although Dushanbe has not confirmed any casualties. Almost half of the 970-kilometer Kyrgyz-Tajik border has not been demarcated, leading to repeated tensions since the two former Soviet countries gained independence three decades ago. In quick succession, Russian authorities have detained and jailed several members of the protest group Pussy Riot, just days after they had completed jail terms on similar charges. Anna Kuzminykh was the latest to be arrested on July 9 at the entrance of her home for unspecified reasons and reportedly needed an ambulance after falling ill, according to the independent news website Mediazona. Kuzminykh had been released on July 7 after she and three other members of Pussy Riot -- Lyusya Shtein, Maria Alyokhina, and Aleksandr Sofeyev -- were put behind bars as part of a crackdown on the protest group. Kuzminykh, Shtein, and Alyokhina were found guilty of disobeying police orders, while Sofeyev was sentenced for minor hooliganism. A Moscow court on July 8 sentenced Alyokhina again to 15 days in jail on a charge of disobeying police. Alyokhina was detained the previous day outside a detention center where she had been held for 15 days. Sofeyev was sentenced to 12 days in jail on July 8 for alleged petty hooliganism. He was similarly detained outside of a Moscow detention center a day earlier after serving 15 days for the same offense. Earlier, a Moscow court on July 3 sentenced Nikulshina to 15 days in jail for disobeying police orders, just two days after she was released on a similar charge. Pussy Riot came to prominence in 2012 when five members of the group burst into Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral to protest ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Their protest -- the performance of a song they described as a "punk prayer" -- took place as Putin was campaigning for his return to the presidency. Alyokhina and another member, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, were convicted on a charge of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" and sentenced to two years in a penal colony. The duo were close to completing their sentences when they were granted amnesty in December 2013. In another stunt, Pussy Riot members interrupted the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow between France and Croatia by running onto the field wearing fake police uniforms. The group says such protest acts are aimed at challenging government policies and raising awareness of human rights issues. With reporting by Mediazona U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call to "take action" against ransomware groups operating in Russia, the White House said. Ransomware attacks on the United States and other countries have increased sharply over the past year and have included a high-profile attack that shut down a major fuel pipeline in the eastern United States. Biden told Putin during the call on July 9 that the United States will take "any necessary action" to defend Americans and critical infrastructure threatened by cyberattacks, the White House said. The call, which the White House said lasted about an hour, took place days after Florida-based technology firm Kaseyas remote-management software tool was targeted by a ransomware attack that impacted hundreds of U.S. businesses and up to 1,500 businesses globally. Information about the extent of the attack, which cybersecurity experts have said is the biggest ransomware attack on record, remains incomplete. The Russia-based cybercriminal group REvil claimed credit for the attack and demanded $70 million worth of bitcoin as ransom to decrypt software and allow owners to access data. Biden "spoke with President Putin about the ongoing ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia that have impacted the United States and other countries around the world," the White House said in a statement. "President Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware," it said. "President Biden reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge." White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington does not "have additional or new information suggesting that the Russian government directed these attacks," but that the Kremlin has "responsibility to take action." The conversation between the two leaders came less than a month after they held their first face to face meeting in Geneva, when Biden first warned against continuing cyberattacks on U.S. businesses and infrastructure emanating from Russia. With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters President Vladimir Putin has signed a National Security Strategy that takes criticism of the West to a new level, claiming that Russia's "cultural sovereignty" is at risk and that its "traditional values" are "under active attack by the United States and its allies." Analysts say the Kremlin's main motive may be self-preservation, not the security of the nation. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. 'A Paranoid's Charter' Moscow is aiding Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian government's gruesome war against its opponents, supporting separatists fighting against Kyiv in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and has no treaty with Japan formally ending their hostilities in World War II. Other than that, Russia is pretty much at peace. But the Kremlin's new National Security Strategy is "the document of a country at war," according to Andrei Kolesnikov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center. Numerous analysts made similar observations about the policy that was adopted by President Vladimir Putin's decree on July 2 and replaced a version that had been in place since 2015. They noted wording like preparing for "wartime" and "mobilization readiness" of the economy, as well as many references to ways in which Russia is allegedly threatened by the West and, as author and analyst Mark Galeotti put it, by "the very processes reshaping the modern world." The 44-page document, Galeotti wrote in a July 5 article in The Moscow Times, is "a paranoid's charter." In some ways, this is nothing new. Over almost 22 years in power as president or prime minister, Putin has very frequently used the specter of external threats to justify restrictive actions at home, critics say, and has repeatedly raised the prospect of a new catastrophic war. Other motives for this focus may be a desire to draw Russians' attention away from more immediate concerns -- which currently include a deadly new surge of COVID-19 cases and poor economic prospects -- and to remind the world, as he did following an incident in the Black Sea involving a British warship late last month, that a nuclear war is one type of confrontation in which Russia could hold its own. 'Gone Like Smoke' But the new National Security Strategy seems to take the war footing a few steps further. Compared to previous editions, "It reads as very closed off: more survivalist in tone and all [references] to cooperation with the West were deleted," Dara Massicot, an expert on Russian defense issues at the Rand Corporation think tank, wrote on Twitter. Detailed provisions on relations with the United States and the European Union "have disappeared in [the] 2021 version," tweeted Igor Denisov, a senior research fellow at the Russian foreign-policy institute MGIMO. Another difference: The 2015 strategy, while it was adopted the year after Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine and fomented separatism that contributed to the outbreak of the war in the Donbas, driving ties with the West to new lows, "contained a clause on possible cooperation with NATO," Denisov wrote. In 2021, that wording was "gone like smoke," he wrote, while "criticism of the collective West has increased substantially." Many aspects of that criticism are old hat. NATO, sanctions, and support for civil society are all held out as tools deployed by Western powers bent on holding Russia back, if not dismantling it altogether and collecting the spoils. The novelty in this edition, 21 years into the 21st century, is the assertion that Russia's "cultural sovereignty" faces an existential threat from the West -- that "traditional Russian spiritual, moral, and cultural-historical values are under active attack by the United States and its allies." Along with "transnational corporations and foreign nonprofit, nongovernmental, religious, extremist, and terrorist organizations," the strategy document states on page 36, these countries are "applying informational and psychological pressure on the individual, group, and societal consciousness by spreading social and moral tenets that contradict the traditions, convictions, and beliefs of the peoples of the Russian Federation." This assertion, made without evidence or clear explanation, may come as no surprise: Putin has and other officials have made the notion that a conservative Russia is under constant attack in a kind of culture war waged by the West a frequent topic of their remarks. Exceptionalism, Anyone? In an exchange of unpleasantries with U.S. President Joe Biden in March, two months before they met for a summit in Geneva, Putin claimed that Russia was inherently different from the United States and other Western countries, its citizens set apart by "a different genetic and cultural-moral code." And Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov unleashed an over-the-top example of such rhetoric when he accused the United States, in effect, of weaponizing what he called the "liberal concept of boundless permissiveness" as part of what he described as a push to "impose its own rules" on other countries. Citing no evidence in a June 28 article that seemed intended to be a serious statement of Moscow's case that the West is seeking to press its values and ideals on Russia and the rest of the world -- that "in a number of Western countries, students learn at school that Jesus Christ was bisexual." In recent months, it seems to have become increasingly clear that the Kremlin is determined to use this theme -- the idea of a dangerously liberal West imposing its will on a Russian populace that is uniformly possessed of a different set of values -- as part of its effort to consolidate opinion and instill patriotism, as a rallying cry that can unite millions of Russians against a common enemy. The ascendancy of this rhetoric seems to coincide with a stepped-up crackdown on real and perceived opponents, civil society, and democratic rights and freedoms that the state has imposed since Putin foe Aleksei Navalny, whom the authorities cast without evidence as a tool of the United States, was jailed upon his return to Russia in January after recuperating in Germany from a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning he blames on Putin and the Federal Security Service (FSB). Several observers have said that this focus, and the new National Security Strategy itself, seem deeply influenced by Nikolai Patrushev, the hard-line fellow former KGB officer and critic of the West who has been one of Putin's closest associates throughout his years in power -- the FSB chief from 1999 to 2008 and the secretary of the presidential Security Council since then. "Patrushev wins," was the succinct way that Anton Barbashin, editorial director of the media outlet Riddle Russia, put it after reading the new National Security Strategy. Several observers, and not just staunch critics of the Kremlin, suspect it is in fact people like Patrushev, not the country as a whole at all, that Putin and his allies are trying to protect by adopting the new document -- that it is less a national security strategy than a tactic aimed to keep them in power. "The new National Security Concept introduces the term 'alien ideals.' This is from the most primitive Soviet ideological vocabulary, which everyone has always laughed at," Kolesnikov wrote, suggesting that what the Kremlin is really trying to suppress are "universal human values" he said were "alien" to Putin and his allies. The policy is "not about the security of the country, but about the self-preservation technology of the narrow ruling clique," he wrote. "For them, 'unity of the people' equals the loyalty of the state-dependent population." History Lesson Others have pointed out that while accusing Western countries of trying to impose their ideals on Russians, the security strategy does that by asserting that the country's citizens are monolithically guided by the magnet of quite a different moral compass -- though there may be little evidence of that. And Dmitry Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, suggested that Putin and those close to him should practice what they preach. The National Security Strategy "sets out fundamental Russian values including service to the fatherland and responsibility for its fate, high moral ideals, the priority of the spiritual over the material, fairness, and mutual assistance," Trenin wrote in a July 6 article in the newspaper Kommersant. "It's understood that this is an ideal, but possibly the main problem with Russia today lies in the fact that its ruling elite shares these ideals only in rare cases and, according to opinion polls, possesses not even a minimum of moral authority to lead society in its path," Trenin added." History shows that in the past, he wrote, "the Russian state has collapsed not under the blows of external enemies, but as a result of the loss of trust in it on the part of its subjects." Thousands of concertgoers lined up in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad to attend the 20th edition of the EXIT Music Festival. After being canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event was back this year at the Petrovaradin Fortress, with the gates opening up on July 8. People had to either show proof of being vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide a negative PCR or antigen test result. One of the event's organizers, the United Festivals of Serbia, has launched a nation-wide campaign promoting the vaccination of young people. This year, the EXIT Music Festival has reduced its capacity with only 20 stages instead of the usual 40. The festival was founded in 2000 as part of a student movement fighting for democracy and artistic freedom in Serbia and the Balkans. The UN Security Council has approved an extension of a cross-border aid operation for millions of desperate people in Syria after Russia agreed to a compromise in last-minute talks with the United States in a move commended by U.S. President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call. The Security Council vote on July 9 ensures that the Syrians have access to UN aid for 12 months and comes just ahead of the expiration of the council mandate for the aid on July 10. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia reached an agreement on a compromise resolution early on July 9. The two countries then presented it to the 15-member Security Council, which unanimously adopted it. The resolution authorizes aid deliveries to northwest Idlib through the crossing at Bab al-Hawa on Syria's border with Turkey. The compromise resolution says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres must produce a report in six months on the "transparency" of the aid operation and on aid deliveries across conflict lines. But it does not require another vote in six months to extend the cross-border operation, diplomats said. Russia had opposed keeping the Bab al-Hawa crossing open for one year and had disagreed with the view of the UN and many Western nations that there is no alternative to delivering aid to rebel-held areas except from Turkey. Moscow had argued that humanitarian aid deliveries to the rebel-held northwest are possible across conflict lines within the country. The United Nations has said 3.4 million people in Syria, including 2 million in rebel-held areas, are in desperate need of food and other international assistance. In a statement issued after Biden held a one-hour long phone call with Putin on July 9, the White House said, "The leaders commended the joint work of their respective teams following the U.S.-Russia Summit [in Geneva] that led to the unanimous renewal of cross-border humanitarian assistance to Syria today in the UN Security Council." Thomas-Greenfield said the councils approval of the resolution will save lives. "It shows what we can do with the Russians if we work with them diplomatically on common goals," Thomas-Greenfield told reporters. "I look forward to looking for other opportunities to work with the Russians on issues of common interest." Parents can sleep tonight knowing that for the next 12 months their children will be fed, she said. Nebenzia described the vote on the resolution as a "historical moment" that he hoped could become a turning point that will be a win not only for Syria but the Middle Eastern region as a whole. "We hope that it might be a turning point that is indeed in line with what Putin and Biden discussed in Geneva," Nebenzia told reporters after the vote. "It demonstrates that we can cooperate when there is a need and when there is a will as well." With reporting by Reuters, AP, and dpa MANSFIELD The North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) along with the Regional Manufacturing Coalition (RMC), Mansfield City Schools and EPIK are excited to host students in 5th through 8th grade participating in the 4th Annual Summer Manufacturing Institute Camp. The camp is part of Senator Sherrod Browns call to engage Ohios youth with local manufacturing activities and opportunities in their home county. This year the camp will take place in person at NECICs facility with health and safety protocols in place. This camp is open to Richland County resident students and is free to participants thanks to generous host and manufacturer contributions. Tyler Shinaberry of EPIK explained, Last years virtual camp was such a great success that we saw this years camp fill up quickly! We are at capacity and so excited to introduce students to the opportunities manufacturing brings. Students will also be learning STEAM principles through projects, including a community project in which they will go through the process of designing the NCOIMs (North Central Ohio Industrial Museum) entryway sign. During this exercise students will take an artists rendering and deconstruct it into a bill of materials, CAD file, and go through the process of procurement. At their final manufacturing visit, MAPCO (Lexington) will unveil the sign to the students and they will learn the manufacturing processes used to manufacture and assemble. Students will start the week with a thorough discussion of safety and PPE from Laura Smith of the Ohio BWC. Following this, students will visit Mechanics Bank to learn about the significance of the bank and its manufacturing roots as well as its role with manufacturing as a business and banking in respect to employees. Students will then visit partner companies Skybox; Nanogate; Mansfield Engineered Components; Stoneridge; and Nanogate with half day visits. Transportation for the students is being provided through a partnership with Mansfield City Schools and their ongoing efforts through local and the 21st Century grants. On the final day, students will participate in the unveiling of the NCOIM sign and be the first tour in the museums official opening. Families will be invited to the North Central State College Kehoe Center for lunch and a tour of the programs, including College Now. Programs discussed and promoted through SuccessBound Ohio will be shared and we will discuss educational opportunities and pathways at home. The week will end with an awards ceremony by Senator Sherrod Browns office recognizing the merits of their participation. When students leave the camp, we want them to recognize that an education path can open up amazing opportunities and that there are many on and off ramps and our region has exceptional, free career and technical opportunities for students who are equipped and engaged," said Shinaberry. "Following this education, manufacturing has countless job opportunities and will for years to come right in their home county." To help do this, students will be going home with a career path concept and tools to navigate these opportunities moving forward. Shinaberry said the resounding success of this camp has brought with it other regions asking for similar programs. He said he is happy to discuss how to get a program like this started in other communities. Anyone interested may contact Shinaberry at tyler@epikltd.com. EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was written in response to a reader-submitted question through Open Source, a platform where readers can ask Richland Sources newsroom to investigate a question. MANSFIELD Former Ontario police officer Elijah Finley was sentenced to a three-year probation at Richland County Common Pleas Court on Thursday afternoon. Finley, 32, was originally charged by the county prosecutors office for 120 counts of unauthorized use of the Law Enforcement Automated Database System (LEADS), according to assistant prosecutor Matt Metcalf. The defendant and the prosecutors office reached a plea agreement in late May. Finley agreed to surrender his Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy license and pled guilty to 10 charges. The prosecutor has dismissed the other 110 charges. A reader recently asked Richland Source to look into the case through the Open Source platform. Finley joined the Ontario Police Department (OPD) in March 2017 as a police officer and school resource officer, according to Chief Tommy Hill. His position was terminated in March 2020 because of the LEADS violations. In the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Metcalf said law enforcement uses LEADS to help with warrants and search for ID, social security numbers and other confidential information. It requires officers to take training and get certifications each year, which Finley completed. Metcalf said he doesnt think its a coincidence that many individuals Finley looked up were women between the ages of 20 and 40. He said there are certain alarming things in the case, but it is a nonviolent, fifth-degree felony. He said the prosecutors office is happy to accept the plea agreement. During the hearing, Finley said it was a great blessing for him to serve in law enforcement. He believed he was very fortunate to use his gifts to help others and was grateful for the opportunities. Finley, who currently works at a health service center in Wooster, said he will keep serving the communities in other ways. James Mayer III, Finleys attorney, said his client regrets the conduct and is ready to close this chapter and move on. Before imposing the sentencing, Judge Phillip Naumoff said no victims have asked for any prison time from Finley, according to the victims impact statements. Most of the victims seem to be confused, not really understanding what's going on or what happened, Judge Naumoff said. While nobody was hurt, he said the fact of the matter is people lost trust in law enforcement. Being in law enforcement nowadays is tough enough as it is. When a law enforcement officer does something like this, it just makes it harder, Naumoff said. And any kind of respect that people have for law enforcement gets shredded a little bit. He also said what Finley did was non-sealable offenses, which he said is a bigger punishment than anything else. At the end of the hearing, Judge Naumoff said he will go along with the plea agreement and put Finley on probation for three years. Finley also has to pay a $2,500 fine and the court costs. If he violates the probation, the judge said he will be facing a prison term of 10 years, along with three years of discretionary parole. MANSFIELD Destination Mansfield-Richland County and the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development on Friday announced consultants working on the community branding project will be here during the week of July 12-16. This part of the process is known as immersion and four representatives from the branding firm, Belo + Company, a national company that specializes in community branding, will be here to do on the ground research. A public input component is part of the process, and the two local organizations are inviting people to participate. The branding project was one of the ideas in the Mansfield Rising Plan. When we were selecting the firm to work with us on this project, one of the key components that we looked for was a strong research phase with a lot of different inputs. Having a full week for immersion will allow them to more fully uncover our authentic brand," said Lee Tasseff, president of Destination Mansfield-Richland County, Prior to coming in market, the firm has hosted six focus group sessions with more than 55 local residents and conducted a quantitative survey with nearly 2,000 responses. During their week here, they will visit different attractions, businesses, and communities, and will have conversations with community leaders, as well as other residents. We were just about to embark on this (immersion) part of the process when COVID hit in 2020, said Jodie Perry, president & CEO of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. While it delayed the work, it did not stop the project and we are thrilled to be at this point. In some ways, I think they will have a fuller experience this summer and meet more people along the way," Perry said. The steering committee for the branding project will also host several pop-up input sessions throughout the next week. These will have several brief interactive exercises that are designed to gauge local opinions on the community. The committee was committed to involving our entire community and the pop-up events are a part of that commitment. We hope that the many in the community will take the time to visit one of these pop-up input sessions, Tasseff said. We are really excited about this phase of the project. The community is encouraged to stop by during the times & locations below: Saturday, July 10 located at the Shelby Bicycle Days Festival (Black Fork Commons), set-up from 5:30 7:00pm Thursday, July 15 located at the NECIC North End Farmers Market (311 Bowman St.), set-up from 4:00 5:30pm Thursday, July 15 located at the Ontario Concert in the Park (Marshall Park), set-up from 5:00 6:30pm Thursday, July 15 located in Bellville at the Music in the Park (downtown Bandstand), set up from 6:30 8:00pm Friday, July 16 located in downtown Mansfield, in front of the Carrousel (75 N. Main Street), set up from 11:00am 1:00pm Friday, July 16 located at the GMAC Swimming Event in Lexington (Clear Fork Pool), 4:00 6:00pm Friday, July 16 located at the Richland Source Newsroom After Hours event (IdeaWorks, 40 W. Fourth Street), set up from 6:30 7:30pm The brand story that is developed will help us tell our community story with a more cohesive voice. The time is right for us to take this step forward, said Perry. The project emerged from the Mansfield Rising Plan with the majority of funding coming from the Richland County Foundation, Destination Mansfield-Richland County, and Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Additional financial support came from the City of Mansfield, Richland County Commissioners, Mechanics Bank, OhioHealth Mansfield & Shelby Hospitals, Park National Bank, and Richland Source. MADISON TOWNSHIP The financial condition of Madison Township needs to be improved immediately, according to Ohio State Auditor Keith Fabers office. Nita Hendryx, chief project manager at the state auditors office, shared a three-year financial forecast with township trustees at a special meeting on Friday afternoon. The report includes numbers from actual financial statements from 2018 to 2020 and estimates for 2021 to 2023. Madison Township has been in fiscal caution since 2012. Hendryx said the township needs to have a good financial forecast to get out of the fiscal distress. According to the forecast provided by the state auditors office, the township will keep seeing deficit spending in general fund and road funds in the next three years if no actions are taken. The township will likely have a deficit spending of $26,251 in the general fund this year, according to Hendryx, bringing down to $95,459. The decrease is more than 20 percent when compared with that of 2020. The state auditors office projected that Madison Townships general fund will go down to $35,500 at the end of 2023. Based on this trend, we all can see what's going to happen. You're going to end up deficit spending to where you don't have any balance, Hendryx said. The report also said the township would be deficit spending by about $71,000 this year, $81,000 next year and $92,000 in 2023 in road funds. In addition, the total amount would decrease from more than $550,000 to about $376,000 within three years. The fire funds are in a better situation. Hendryx said the deficit spending is likely to be seen only this year by close to $223,000 due to the increase in salaries and benefits. Hendryx said it is time for Madison Township to figure out ways to stop the negative trend, such as getting additional revenue or reducing expenditures. We want to see that turned around. We want to see positive variances instead of negative, she said. She asked the township to start working on an updated financial recovery plan. It also has to contain a plan for purchases in the next couple of years if the township needs to buy a plow truck, for example, the plan should include the trucks price and how the township will pay for it. Hendryx said the state auditors office would love to receive the recovery plan by September 10, which will give Madison Township 60 days to work and vote on it. And the office can update the three-year forecast. Chairman Trustee Jim Houser said the township will start to work on the plan and discuss it in future meetings. At the end of the meeting, township fiscal officer Leanna Rhodes said the trustees are considering putting an operating levy on the ballot this year to help the general fund. She asked Hendryx whether half or one mill would be appropriate. The chief project manager said it depends on how much one mill can bring in. In her opinion, the township needs at least another $30,000 to $35,000 for its general fund. Township Trustee Cathy Swank said one mill should generate about $167,000, according to Richland County auditors office. Rhodes told Richland Source the operating levy was suggested by Hendryx. She said the money generated by the levy will go to the general fund and can also be transferred to road funds or fire funds when needed. Swank said in previous trustees meetings that she is working on a road levy mainly for replacing old equipment in the road department. On Friday, Rhodes said the trustees are considering the operating levy instead because the use is more flexible. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. Rocky Mount, NC (27804) Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. High 89F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Source: PhilArty Photography (eco-tourism.expert) - The exhibition "The World in Faces" by the famous Russian photographer Alexander Khimushin opened yesterday in Paris at the UNESCO headquarters. The author presented a collection of more than 170 photographic portraits of representatives of different peoples of the world in their authentic national dresses in their settlements. The project coincided with the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which is celebrated annually on August 9. The exhibition will stay open until the end of August 2021. The project is aimed to raise public awareness about indigenous peoples, to draw attention to their problems and contribute to their solution. The project honors nature preservation, traditions and culture of indigenous peoples, and helps to support and create new opportunities for the development of indigenous activities. The opening ceremony was attended by the official representatives of UNESCO, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Norilsk Nickel company, as well as heroes of works by Alexander Khimushin. The project was organized in partnership with Norilsk Nickel. About the project The idea of the project "The World in Faces" was born in 2014. The collection of Alexander Khimushin's photo project today includes portraits of representatives of more than 100 nations. In recent years Alexander has been working on a project in Siberia. His project largely contributes to the growth of interest in the indigenous peoples of the Siberian region around the world. In 2018 Alexander Khimushin, with the support of Norilsk Nickel, visited Taimyr where he made a series of photographs of the region's indigenous inhabitants - Dolgans, Nganasans, Enets, Nenets, Evenks. In the same year he worked in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Commission to prepare for the 70th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. In 2019, which was officially declared the Year of the World's Indigenous Languages, Alexander Khimushin was invited to organise an exhibition of the World in Faces project at the UN headquarters in New York. The exhibition was timed to coincide with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), which was attended by representatives of many peoples of the world as well as officials and representatives of different countries. Victoria Quiri Danvers, MA (01923) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. High 72F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Theyre still not legal in California, but ferrets have found a potential friend in La Mesa. The City Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to consider a proclamation declaring La Mesa a ferret-friendly city. As a part of a plan to undo what she considers a ridiculous ban on the animals, City Councilwoman Kristine Alessio has pledged to reach out to local legislators to ask for help to allow Californians to keep the animal as a pet. Councilman Bill Baber also said he would push for a change in state law. Advertisement A subcommittee on the issue is looking into a proclamation by the city to officially deem La Mesa ferret friendly, which would cement the citys statement on the animal being unfairly banned. Ferrets are members of the mustela family, which first in 1933 in California were deemed wild and prohibited to be kept as pets. The animals are legal in 48 states. Hawaii also bans them because of concerns of ferrets as potential carriers of rabies. They are typically 20 inches long, including their 5-inch tails and weigh anywhere between 2 and 4 pounds. They can live for up to 10 years Baber said he thinks that people should be able to have ferrets. Its a matter of peoples freedom, he said. Im a Libertarian on animals and pet issues. Ferrets are docile little things. I feel bad that pet owners cant break through the Sacramento bureaucracy on pet issues. If we can do a proclamation that helps the cause, thats the minimal thing we can do. Pets are therapeutic. If your therapy comes from ferrets, then so be it. Who cares what kind of pets people have? Two dozen supporters of the animal attended the meeting donning T-shirts reading Life is Good in Ferret-Friendly La Mesa California with a photo of a ferret yawning while on his back in a mini hammock. Before the meeting they gave residents oval bumper stickers reading Do it for the little guy! and calendars with photos of ferrets. La Mesa resident Pat Wright originally requested that La Mesa dub itself a Ferret Sanctuary City but then lightened his stance and asked for what he said is a less dramatic term. Advertisement Wright runs a group called Legalize Ferrets. For more than 20 years, he and several thousand ferret owners and supporters have been lobbying across the state to have the animal taken off the restricted species list of the California Fish & Game Commission. The Fish & Game department maintains that animals like ferrets threaten native wildlife, the states agricultural interests, and public health and safety. The department permits ferrets under special circumstances such as medical research. Wright said he hopes that the City Council members do as they said they would at the meeting reach out to those in higher office at the state level and give the issue a push. Kudos to the city of La Mesa for helping us, Wright said. When we go up to Fish & Game, theyre all playing on their smartphones and not really listening. The engagement in La Mesa is different and not something weve seen before. Advertisement Alessio has been following the Legalize Ferrets campaign for years, and she backs the groups efforts. She said she has already made contact with the office of Assemblyman Randy Voepel on the ferrets behalf and plans to gauge interest of Assemblymembers Todd Gloria and Shirley Weber. Legalize Ferrets started a ballot initiative for California in 2015 with a goal of 92,000 signatures but didnt collect enough to move it forward. The group has been pushing for regulation changes in the state since 1995. Wright said no actual numbers are kept on how many ferrets are in California homes, but he said he is certain that the state has more ferrets than any other state. He said that nearly one-quarter of the nations ferret supplies are sold to people in California. Advertisement karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com If you want to retire well in Wyoming, preparation is the key. By learning about the area, especially the costs youll encounter when there, you can make sure your retirement savings will let you live comfortably in the Equality State. If you arent sure how much youll need, heres what you need to know to retire well in Wyoming. Cost of Living When it comes to assessing how affordable a state is, taking a look at its cost of living scores is a great place to start. Since the national average is permanently set at 100, you can see if a state costs more or less than the average at a glance. If the score is under 100, its less expensive. When the score is above 100, its the opposite situation. Plus, you can compare states to one another. The state with the higher score cost more than the other one. Its really that simple. In Wyoming, the overall score is 95.7. That puts the Equality State firmly in the middle of the pack, sitting just below the national average. If you look at individual category scores, its a bit of a mixed bag. For groceries and healthcare, Wyoming has scores of 103.5 and 100.2, respectively, putting the state above the national average slightly. For utilities and transportation, the scores are 87.4 and 94.5, respectively, showcasing affordability. When it comes to housing, Wyoming has a score of 81.7. Thats supported by the average home values in the area. While the national average home value is $287,148, the Equality State comes in at $269,791, demonstrating that comparable properties cost less in Wyoming. Tax Considerations Since taxes can take a big bite out of your budget, its important to look at them when youre deciding where to retire. Luckily, Wyoming has something going for it: there isnt a state income tax. As a result, youll only have to worry about applicable federal taxes for your retirement income. Plus, Wyoming also has a fairly low sales tax. The base rate is 4 percent. However, municipalities can add to that, bringing local sales tax rates up as high as 6 percent. Still, thats far lower than you find in many other states. Generally, Wyoming property taxes are low as well. Plus, low-income seniors may qualify for a tax rebate, reducing the liability even further. Part-Time Job Opportunities Many retirees want to work part-time. In some cases, its to supplement their retirement income. In others, its a way to stay active. One way to gauge the availability of part-time job opportunities in an area is to look at the unemployment rate. If that is high, there may be fewer available positions. If its lower, you may have an easier time finding work, depending on the field or industry you target. In Wyoming, the unemployment rate (as of May 2021) was 5.4 percent. Thats just slightly below the national average at that time, which sat at 5.8 percent. In general, thats positive news, as part-time jobs are likely reasonably accessible. Best Cities for Retirees in Wyoming When youre figuring out where to retire, you have to pick a city. Luckily, Wyoming has some great options. If youre looking for an area with low tax rates, a small-town feel, and quick access to outdoor recreation, Cody needs to be on your list. Its popular with retirees, has plenty of amenities, and is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Yellowstone National Park. For retirees who prefer a larger city, Casper or Cheyenne could be right up your alley. Casper has plenty of amenities and a sizeable population, but it doesnt feel overcrowded. Cheyenne is a bit more vibrant and has a unique history thats fun to explore. Plus, its home to Warren Air Force Base, which could make it a great choice for retired veterans who still have on-base access. Retire Using These Apps App Fees and Minimum Best for: Betterment 0.25% per year no account minimum Saving for retirement Ellevest $1-$9 per month no account minimum Retirement especially for women Personal Capital Free Planning retirement How Much It Costs to Retire Well in Wyoming Since Wyoming has a slightly below-average cost of living, you can live comfortably there with a modest amount of retirement income. In many cases, $59,904 in annual retirement income will do the trick, letting you cover your needs and pay for some wants, too. Are there any other tips that you know of that could help someone retire well in Wyoming? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Read More: If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool. Close Evolutionary experts recently identified how South African dinosaurs breathed using the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility ESRF's X-ray technology. The dinosaur, better known as the Heterodontosaurus tucki, had a breathing system that had been a puzzle for scientists up until today. Heterodontosaurus Fossil Shows Unique Ventilatory Techniques of the Ornithischian Dinosaurs Back in 2016, the University of Witwatersrand's Evolutionary Studies Institute experts collaborated with ESRF to scan the detailed skeleton structure of a specific dinosaur. Using the brightest and most powerful synchrotron light source, the fossil of the 200 million-year-old herbivore giant Heterodontosaurus tucki was observed for additional details regarding its previous body formation. Albany Museum's expert and co-author of the study William de Klerk was the first to encounter the fossil way back in 2019 in South Africa's Eastern Cape, reports Science Daily reports. After the discovery of the fossil, the paleontologists have utilized scanning systems that were developed by ESRF experts in Grenoble, France. The main goal of the comprehensive scanning was to reconstruct the skeleton of the Heterodontosaurus virtually, producing a detailed model of the dinosaur. Through the virtual reconstruction, the experts will be able to determine how the ancient herbivores breathed. All animals vary in their breathing process. Some of them even use organs which is far from what humans are using. For example, people breathe through the expanding and contraction of the lungs, while birds have their lungs pumped by an external air sac. With that said, paleontology experts have thought for a long time that the ancient dinosaurs breathed the same way the modern-day avians do. This is due to the fact that birds have similar anatomy with most of the dinosaurs, leading to the conclusion that their breathing patterns could be the same, too. However, in the study published in the journal Evolutionary Biology entitled "A new Heterodontosaurus specimen elucidates the unique ventilatory macroevolution of ornithischian dinosaurs," it was found that among thousands of dinosaur genus, Heterodontosaurus did not breathe as the winged animals do. Instead of the air sac, the Heterodontosaurus had bones that scale to a toothpick and paddle-shaped ribs that are used for breathing. These tiny bones expand on the dinosaur's chest and belly to provide circulation of air throughout its body. ALSO READ: Extinction of Elephants and Mastodonts: Real Cause Revealed by Paleontology Experts Breathing Anatomy of Dinosaurs and Ventilatory Evolution Heterodontosaurus belongs to the oldest lineage of Ornithischians. They are also the first-evolving genus of the clade that was recorded. These dinosaurs roamed the face of our planet 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period, right after the Triassic period. Alongside Heterodontosaurus, the Ornithischians include plant-eating giants like the Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and other dinosaurs with duckbill features. Through the structure and breathing process of the Heterodontosaurus, the paleontology experts are able to know the biological factors that affected other dinosaurs to their survival and extinction. The findings of the study were a product of the unending partnership between the paleontology experts of South Africa and ESRF. The paleontological projects that are being conducted by their collaboration apply effectively, non-invasive techniques that are beneficial for both the studies and the environment, PhysOrg reports. The study of Heterodontosaurus exhibits the stunning biodiversity of the paleolithic age of Earth. Through their breathing process, the experts are able to conclude several life patterns and strategies of the ancient giants, and these unusual processes reveal the distinction between the methodologies of various species. South Africa's contribution to paleontological studies is outstanding, and further protection must be met to preserve the fossils scattered across the region. RELATED ARTICLE: Ancient Beetle Discovered in Fossilized Poop: This 230-Million-Year-Old Find is the First New Species Found in Unusual Place Check out more news and information on Paleontology on Science Times. Click here to read the full article. 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. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) Central European leaders on Friday voiced concern over what they said was a potential migration rush from Afghanistan as U.S. and NATO forces pull out from that country. They also complained that a small group of powerful countries within the European Union continue to call the shots without input from smaller or less wealthy member states. Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki Morawiecki said a NATO troop withdrawal from Afghanistan could trigger a migration influx into Europe, on top of a steady stream of migrant arrivals from Africa. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis took it a step further to suggest that a migration wave from Afghanistan constitutes a big threat. For that reason we must be capable of protecting our external borders, Morawiecki said. The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia - all EU and NATO members - gathered in Slovenia on Friday, just days after the Alpine Nations took over the EU's rotating presidency. The countries make up the so-called Visegrad Group, an informal body that aims at closer regional cooperation. Most Central and Eastern European countries have in the past opposed allowing into Europe people fleeing war and poverty from the Middle East, Africa or Asia. Hungary erected a fence on its southern border with Serbia following a massive influx of migrants in 2016 that saw a million people reach Western Europe. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday urged Central European countries to stick together on the issue of migration so that their voice is heard within the 27-member bloc. Cooperation between Central Europe countries is not a theory but a practical reality, Orban said. Orban and Slovenias right-wing Prime Minister Janez Jansa are close allies. Jansa has also recently faced EU scrutiny over concerns that his government has been curbing media and democratic freedoms in the traditionally liberal country. Central European countries have been critical of EU migration policies have have accused the bloc of fostering inequality among its members that diminishes their influence. The Populist governments of Hungary and Poland have openly clashed with Brussels over a number of issues including the rule of law and LGBT rights. At a joint press conference after the meeting, the officials praised their cooperation and pledged to support Slovenia's six-month tenure at the EU's helm. Morawiecki complained that Central European countries feel that they're only pawns on some European chess board. This is why our voice in the discussion about Europes future . must be very loud, he said. We are against centralism ... we are for a strong role of sovereign states that cooperate very closely together in the economy." Ahead of the gathering, Slovenias LGBT groups demanded that Jansa publicly condemn both Poland and Hungary over policies that they say stifles LGBT rights, the STA news agency reported. Hungary recently passed law that prohibits the display of content depicting homosexuality or sex reassignment to minors, and which activist say stigmatizes the LGBT community in the country. EU leaders have strongly condemned the law. 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. MOSCOW (AP) The head of Russia's state coronavirus task force says the number of deaths nationwide in June this year rose nearly 14% over June 2020, due to the spread of the delta variant that caused infections to soar and a record spike in deaths. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said Friday that current data show a 13.9% increase in mortality in June, year-on-year. Russia has been struggling with a surge of infections since early June, with daily new cases rising from about 9,000 at the beginning of the summer to over 23,000 in early July. On Friday, the task force reported 25,766 new infections. For the first time in the pandemic, the daily death toll this week exceeded 700, with 726 new deaths registered Friday. The delta variant is detected in 66% of cases, said Anna Popova, head of Russia's public health agency Rospotrebnadzor. Overall in the pandemic, Golikova's task force has reported a total of more than 5.7 million confirmed infections and 141,501 deaths. However, reports by Russia's state statistical service Rosstat that tally coronavirus-linked deaths retroactively reveal much higher numbers. According to Rosstat, last year alone COVID-19 was the cause of 144,691 deaths. Data for the first five months of this year show 126,049 deaths of people with COVID-19, including cases where the virus was suspected but not confirmed and cases where it wasn't deemed the main cause of death. A report released Friday showed that 18,695 people who had coronavirus died in May this year the lowest monthly tally the agency reported for 2021. Out of the total number of deaths, 12,779 were directly caused by confirmed COVID-19; 2,192 were likely caused by the virus, but it wasnt confirmed by a test. In 984 cases, the virus significantly contributed to fatal complications of other diseases, and 2,740 people tested positive for the virus but died of other causes. Russian officials ascribe that to different counting methods, saying the task force only includes deaths where COVID-19 was the main cause and uses data from medical facilities, while Rosstat takes its numbers from civil registry offices where registering a death is finalized, which allows for a fuller picture. Rosstat started releasing detailed monthly updates on virus-linked deaths last June, after the task forces relatively low death count raised eyebrows in the West as Russias tally of confirmed coronavirus cases became one of the worlds largest. Critics and Western media alleged back then that Russian authorities might have been falsifying the numbers for political purposes to downplay the scale of the outbreak, accusations that officials vehemently denied. The Kremlin credited the governments response measures for Russias low COVID-19 mortality, and experts cited the way Russia counts virus deaths as one of the reasons behind the relatively low numbers reported. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak This weekend in Seattle is going to be a sweet one. In Kirkland, you can get your cake and eat it, too. You can also score your own homemade pie although there is a small catch on Whidbey Island. And speaking of treats, this weekend you can book your own donut-shaped boat tour on Lake Union. But first, Seattles premier escape room company has opened up shop once again, and boy would they like to see you. Keep reading for what to see, do and eat in the Emerald City July 9-11. Puzzle Break Attractions: Get lost at Puzzle Break After being locked up at home for the last year because of COVID-19, the idea of willingly getting locked up in an escape room on purpose may not seem all that appealing. But if youre willing, Puzzle Break would love to have you. Founded on Capitol Hill in 2013, Puzzle Break boasts of being the very first escape room company in America. They literally started a movement of copycat rooms across the country, but few have been able to match Puzzle Breaks excellence in storytelling. If you are unsure what this is all about, you and your friends get locked into a mysterious room filled with strange objects and messages all serving as clues on how to get out in less than 60 minutes. One of the companys most popular experiences, The Eventide Departure, has reopened at their Belltown location where guests will find themselves involved in a seance room trying to communicate with the recently departed and mysterious Professor Firestone. Each private game is suitable for parties of 2-5 people. Nothing Bundt Cakes/Yelp.com Good Eats: Free mini Bundt cakes anyone? Originally founded in 1997 in Dallas, Texas, Nothing Bundt Cakes has expanded across the states sharing its goodness, and this weekend marks the grand opening of the shop's Kirkland location. As the name suggests, they sell nothing but Bundt cakes, although they come in different sizes. On Friday, July 9, one-fifth of all sales will be donated to Hopelink, an organization dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency among members in our community. On Saturday, the bakery will be giving away 300 Confetti Bundtlet cakes to every customer (until they run out) beginning at 10 a.m. Each cake is baked in-house and made with quality ingredients. They come in 40 different design options and 10 tempting flavors including Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Classic Vanilla, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Confetti, Carrot, Lemon, Marble, Pecan Praline and Lemon Raspberry. Whidbey Camano Land Trust Recreation: Sea, Trees and Pie Bike Ride Heres a great excuse to dust off your bike and visit Whidbey Island, and enjoy some homemade pie as a reward for doing so. The Sea, Trees and Pie Bike Ride is a unique fundraiser for the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. You choose the distance (five, 10 or 20 miles), the date and the time between July 10 and September 5. With all loops beginning near the Coupeville ferry terminal, pedal at your own pace and enjoy the scenic vistas of the Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve. Registered entries will receive a voucher for a delicious, locally made pie redeemable at 3 Sisters Market in Coupeville. Rates are $25 for single riders, $40 for families and anyone age 16 or under rides for free (however, those six years or younger are not allowed to ride bikes on their own). Helmets are required for all riders and a valid Discover Pass is required for the parking lot. Bruce F./Yelp.com Weekend Bonus: Hop on a donut boat Perhaps youve seen those crazy round boats circling around Lake Union and wondered, What the heck? Chief Donut Officers John and Steve created the Seattle Donut Boat Co. a couple of years ago. Believe it or not, anyone can become their own sea captain in a matter of minutes with freedom to explore the lake at a whopping seven miles per hour. These boats have become quite popular and the rental times for this weekend are all sold out, so we recommend that you plan a weekend (or a weekday for that matter) in the future to take advantage of this unique adventure. Each donut-shaped boat named Sprinkles, Glazed and Confused, Cinnamon and Sugar hold up to six adults, and come with umbrellas, safety vests and, on those rare chilly summer nights, blankets. London, KY (40741) Today Isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Isolated thunderstorms this evening followed by a few showers overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. Thank you for reading! You have reached your 30-day limit of free access to SentinelSource.com, The Keene Sentinels website. If you would like to read two more articles for free at this time, please register for an account by clicking the sign up button below. We hope you find The Sentinels coverage of the Monadnock Region valuable. We rely on our subscribers to bring you strong local journalism and hope you will consider supporting our work by taking advantage of this special subscription offer here. Good morning, Bay Area. Its Friday, July 9, and if you felt an earthquake yesterday, you were far from alone. Heres what you need to know to start your day. 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 such as Israel and Japan, which have tightened some restrictions because of 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. Kellie Hwang reports on what we should look for. Alameda County has seen an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Millennials are one of the poorest generations ever. The pandemic made their economic anxieties worse. S.F. businesses hurt by pandemic can now get zero-interest loans in new program. A single dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or previous coronavirus infection offers little protection from the delta variant but the standard two-shot regimen is highly effective, according to a study published Thursday in the scientific journal Nature. Assembly weighs mandating vaccines for members and employees after statehouse COVID outbreak. Did you feel it? A 6.0 quake followed by a 5.2 shaker and more than 60 aftershocks struck Thursday afternoon in California, close to the Nevada border, and they were felt in the Bay Area. The first quake hit at 3:49 p.m., registering a magnitude 6.0 in Coleville (Mono County), followed by a series of more than 30 quakes ranging from magnitude 1.0 to 5.2. Sue Wood was serving plates of hamburgers to customers at the Buckboard General Store in Smith Valley, Nev., when she heard a booming crack. Moments later, the merchandise on the stores shelves began shaking and the floor rolled beneath Woods feet. It shook us good, Wood said Thursday afternoon, minutes after the upheaval subsided. Read more about the quake, and follow our earthquake tracker. Around the Bay Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Emergency drought declaration for nearly every Bay Area county: As California drought worsens, Gov. Gavin Newsom urges residents to cut water use. Opinion: Bay Area heat waves could become downright deadly without action. No-bid contracts: D.A. Chesa Boudin accuses ex-S.F. Public Works official of concealing city payments to a company owned by the officials wife. Also: Boudin fields questions during a visit to Mannys cafe in the Mission District, says he wont be distracted by recall efforts. Data spotlight: Exercise equipment and furniture imports have the Port of Oakland humming right now. Appeal expected: Berkeleys ban on natural gas in new buildings is upheld by a federal judge. In memoriam: Fred Zehnder, longtime KTVU news director, dies at 87 after being hit by a car in Alameda. Shut down after mass shooting: VTA plans to restore light rail service by end of July. Whats new in Peninsula dining: Eight restaurants to check out. The return Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 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. Whats that feeling were describing? Its the undeniable magic of stepping into your favorite S.F. dive bar after 16 months. Esther Mobley was there. Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com. The grizzly bear suspected of killing a Chico woman camping in Montana was shot dead by wildlife officials. Montana wildlife officials believed the bear was the same animal that dragged 65-year-old Leah Lokan from her tent and killed her early Tuesday morning as she camped near the small town of Ovando. Officials located the grizzly at a chicken coop not far from the womans campsite and set up a trap. Just after midnight Friday, when the bear returned to the coop, wildlife officials shot it dead, said Greg Lemon, spokesperson for Montanas Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The agency is still waiting on DNA samples and will get confirmation that it was in fact the same bear in the next few days, Lemon said. But based on the size, color, and nature of the chicken coop fixation, officials believe it is the same bear. Lemon said that the decision to kill the bear was made as a matter of public safety and the fact that the bears behavior was by all standards abnormal: Unless grizzly bears feel threatened, they will usually run away from humans, Lemon said. When a bear comes into a community and demonstrates a lack of fear of humans in occupied areas, and has an encounter like the bear did ... at that point we decided the best approach was to euthanize it. Officials say its hard to say why the bear chose to attack Lokan but it could have been that somewhere along the line, the bear associated humans with a food source. But such a scenario is still very rare, Lemon said. Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @annievain San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin took aim Thursday at recall campaigns targeting him and other progressive leaders, saying theyre not about removing bad actors from office but instead about changing the outcome of elections. In his first in-person discussion with an audience since the pandemic restrictions forbade gatherings, the progressive district attorney fielded questions at Mannys, a cafe in the Mission District, from friend and venue owner Manny Yekutiel about his first 18 months in office. The event was an opportunity for the district attorney to talk about crime and criminal justice, his accomplishments and his thoughts about the campaign drive to remove him from office. The audience was friendly and receptive, responding to many of Boudins comments with head nods, snaps and applause. At one point, Boudin addressed whether the recall efforts have been a distraction to his work, while a lone heckler with a megaphone droned on outside the door. Raising his voice and without missing a beat, Boudin took aim at not just his own recall campaigns but dozens of others throughout the state, largely targeting progressive leaders. Boudin compared the recall movement with the Big Lie spread by former President Donald Trump, in which Trump and his supporters falsely claimed that his election was stolen. These local and county leaders, are being recalled not because of high crimes and misdemeanors, not because of things that would lead anyone to be impeached at a federal level, Boudin said. Its happening because people dont like the outcome of elections. The prosecutor continued, now drowning out the protester. So to answer your question, I refuse to be distracted, he said, drawing cheers and loud applause from the audience. Yekutiels questions gave Boudin the chance to highlight what he views as his most significant accomplishments in office as well as address his detractors. Boudin underscored the new programs put in place, including one that secures funding for victims of police violence. He spoke of never accepting funding from police unions and of his pursuit of criminal charges against five police officers accused of undue force. Boudin also delved into what is perhaps the most persistent perception of his leadership: that crime in the city is up and that Boudin himself is to blame. Citing police statistics, Boudin said overall crime was actually down by approximately 20% in 2020 a trend he attributed not to his offices policies, but a pandemic that threw the world into disarray. While this included most types of violent crimes, certain categories of property crimes like commercial and home burglaries rose, Boudin acknowledged. These types of crimes are personal, he said, and paired with San Franciscos social crises exacerbated by the pandemic, can make residents feel unsafe. The thing that keeps me up at night is figuring out how we can continue to make it a safer city; and also how to make sure that everybody feels safe, he said. Boudin said his recall campaigns have been fueled by a few wealthy and powerful people who didnt like the outcome of this election. Its been 18 months Ive been able to go to my office for two of them, he said. And they want to recall me now, when crime rates have fallen by 20%? I mean, theres room for improvement, Im aware, he said. And we are working tirelessly to find ways to do better. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy California state regulators have denied a string of applications to drill for oil using the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, a move Gov. Gavin Newsoms office described Friday as the beginning of the end for fracking in the state. The 21 fracking applications, which sought new operations in the oil-rich fields of Kern County, were turned down Thursday because of what the California Department of Conservation cited as a need to protect public health and address climate change. Supporters of the move called it the first time the state has significantly limited fracking for health and climate purposes. Many have been pushing for such action for years. Fracking is the process of using high-pressure water and often chemicals to unleash fossil fuel deposits deep within the earth. The practice has the potential to taint groundwater and mucks up the natural geology, though boosters say its an efficient way to get needed oil and natural gas out of existing wells. Fracking, of course, also means more fossil fuel development and more climate-warming pollution. In the face of these concerns, Newsom, who faces a recall election Sept. 14, directed the state Department of Conservations oil regulator, known as CalGEM, in April to develop a plan to phase out new fracking by 2024. The governors office said the 21 applications denied this week represent a step in that effort. While environmental groups applauded the recent action, they said Newsom should be doing a lot more if he seriously wants to improve public health and tackle climate change. Were finally getting recognition that oil and gas is harmful to our health and our water and our climate, and that is a huge relief, but it doesnt go far enough, said Alexandra Nagy, the California director for the watchdog group Food and Water Watch. Were still ramping up oil and gas permitting in California. This year alone, a dozen new fracking permits and 100 new oil well-drilling permits have been approved by CalGEM, state records show. Newsoms directive in April called for not only halting new fracking permits, which he pledged to do when he ran for office in 2018, but phasing out all oil extraction by 2045. Again, environmentalists appreciated the announcement, but said the timeline was too long and undermined any real commitment by the governor. The 21 fracking applications that were denied this week were submitted by Aera Energy, a joint venture of of fossil fuel giants Shell and ExxonMobil based in Bakersfield. The company, one of the biggest recipients of fracking permits in California, sought development in two Kern County oil fields, North Belridge and South Belridge. The state oil and gas supervisor at CalGEM said in an email to The Chronicle that the applications were denied because the agency is now legally required to consider the impact of fracking on public health and heat-trapping gas emissions. In the face of the effects of the climate emergency, the risks to everyday Californians are too high to approve these permits, Uduak-Joe Ntuk said. Aera Energy on Friday criticized the states action and said it was evaluating legal options to challenge it. This is the latest decision attacking the oil and gas industry that is based solely on politics rather than sound data or science, spokeswoman Cindy Pollard said in an email to The Chronicle. Scientific studies commissioned by the state conducted by some of the brightest minds in the world have deemed that hydraulic fracturing is safe. A post on the companys website last month by Aera Energy President and CEO Erik Bartsch took issue with Newsoms broader crackdown on oil. While I agree that climate change needs action, the administrations intent to eliminate oil production in the state doesnt confront the issue, Bartsch said. Why? Banning oil production in California does not end our states underlying need for fuel. Curbing California production only adds instability and cost. Newsoms office on Friday praised the states response to climate change. This (denial) is one of many actions the administration is taking to reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the climate emergency, spokesperson for the governors office Erin Mellon said in a statement Friday. The governor has been clear that we need to do more to combat the climate crisis and create a healthier future. He has also been clear that he does not see a role for fracking in that future. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander San Franciscos city government has problems with racially disproportionate discipline of its employees, a lack of opportunities for Black workers and an ineffective system of resolving worker complaints, according to an independent report released Friday. The report follows a forgery scandal that rocked the citys Department of Human Resources last year and a rash of discrimination lawsuits. The author of the report, William Gould IV, a labor and discrimination law expert at Stanford Law School, told The Chronicle he was surprised the system was fundamentally deficient in so many ways. Issues include inefficient processes and lack of resources that led to a seemingly interminable bureaucratic process to resolve worker complaints. Many of the problems affected Black employees. Kathy Broussard, a Black worker at the Municipal Transportation Agency who has filed complaints and sued the city for discrimination and harassment, said reading the reports introduction brought tears to her eyes. It was an acknowledgment that there is definitely something wrong there, and its in dire need to be changed, said Broussard, who was also the victim of forgery by a human resources manager. One can only hope that the new changes brings closure to a system that has consistently failed so many Black and African American city employees. Mayor London Breed commissioned the analysis of the human resources departments Equal Employment Opportunity processes which review worker complaints about discrimination, harassment and retaliation last fall after the forgery scandal. Former human resources manager Rebecca Sherman resigned after admitting to forging a settlement with Broussard. The city settled Broussards lawsuit in January and charged Sherman with two counts of forgery in June. Over the past year, the city has been hit with half a dozen discrimination lawsuits from Black or queer employees, including one class-action suit alleging unequal pay and racist treatment. Gould said the report, which didnt specifically address the forgery, could help avoid litigation and inspire other cities. San Francisco is the first big city as a general matter in the post-reckoning era of the (George) Floyd (police) murder in Minneapolis to focus on internal (human resource) policies, he said. My expectation is that other municipalities throughout the country, and perhaps smaller cities as well, will use this as a road map to addressing the problems they confront. The Department of Human Resources hired a new director of the EEO division last month and is developing a reform action plan, scheduled for release in the fall, to implement the reports findings. The Controllers Office is also working on an audit to improve the system that will be completed end of September. Breed included $1.9 million in the upcoming city budget to add more staff and a new database to make the complaint system more efficient. Its critical that were doing everything we can to protect our workers from workplace discrimination and harassment and creating a welcoming environment for all employees, Breed said in a statement Friday. Human Resources Director Carol Isen said she was grateful for Goulds report and is working as quickly as possible on addressing disparities, reforming systems and hiring staff. "Were working diligently to try and clean up that backlog, she said. Justice delayed, of course, is justice denied. Isen, who took over the department in March, said the Sherman case was the result of a rogue employee. We have no other instances of such conduct in the past and I wont expect them in the future, she said. The 43-page report was based on dozens of meetings with city departments, workers employees and labor unions. There was also a website where more than 100 employees shared experiences from Dec. 1 to June. Broussard, who is a leader of the SFMTAs Black & African American Affinity Group and member of the citywide group Black Employees Alliance, said she met with Gould at least three times. The report contained 19 findings and 57 recommendations in three areas: the EEO complaint process; recruitment, hiring and advancement; and discipline. It first concluded the complaint process was seriously understaffed and over-complicated and inefficient. Complaints take months or even years to resolve, leading many employees to lose faith in the system. Out of the 130 complaints open in December 2020, roughly 78% had been open longer than six months. Some dated back to 2015. The department lacked technology and enforceable deadlines and didnt have enough staff to respond quickly to complaints, with roughly one investigator per 2,000 employees. Prolonged investigations let problematic behaviors persist and could lead to retaliation, the report said. City departments also werent require to implement recommended corrective action. The report recommended that the city overhaul its complaint investigation process, setting a four-month deadline for completion and hiring more staff. Gould urged the city to employ more third-party mediation. The report also said the city falls behind in recruitment, hiring and advancement of lower-level Black employees. Recommended solutions fixes included creating a more objective interview process and more apprenticeships. And the report said Black workers are subject to disproportionate levels of discipline, which was acknowledged in a city report last year, and released more frequently from employment for medical reasons. The report called for further review of discipline citywide. Broussard said Gould did an excellent job closing several of the loopholes in a system that has almost always been unfavorable towards Blacks and African Americans. She was hopeful it would prevent a situation like hers. If we confront the challenges proposed in the report, the reckoning will happen, she said. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority plans to resume light-rail service by the end of July, roughly two months after a disgruntled worker killed nine VTA employees and himself. The transit agency suspended light-rail service immediately following the May 26 early-morning mass shooting at the Guadalupe River light rail yard near downtown San Jose, affecting tens of thousands of South Bay residents who rode the trains each day. Several steps are needed to restore service, the authority said in a plan announced Thursday. This includes retraining workers, inspecting and repairing trains and equipment, and relocating staff to temporary work sites. The authority plans to relocate employees and equipment while officials decide whether to remodel or rebuild parts of the Guadalupe rail yard, which could take two to five years. The authority is assessing how much light-rail service it will provide based on staffing levels, according to the plan. We understand that our riding public depends on this service. And we are as eager to get it going again as they are, the Valley Transportation Authority said in a statement to The Chronicle. We understand that we have a commitment to our community to provide public transit and were working diligently to try and meet that commitment. Josie Lepe / Special to the Chronicle The authority briefly served its light-rail routes using buses after the shooting, but stopped May 31 due to a staffing shortage. Some local transit operators such as Muni and AC Transit temporarily provided mutual aid. Last month, the California State Legislature passed $20 million in the state budget to help the authority recover from the shooting. The funding provides mental health services for grieving workers and their families, and allows the agency to make facility and equipment repairs. Many riders expressed sympathy following the shooting, though several have said the suspended light-rail service has created hardships for them. Monica Mallon, a VTA rider and transit advocate, said she supports the authoritys light-rail recovery plan. The suspension in service has been inconvenient for her; some trips that once took one light-rail ride now might require multiple buses and transfers to complete. But she urged VTA riders to be patient and have compassion for everybody at the agency. For the entire pandemic, VTA employees risked their lives every single day to put riders first and keep transit running, Mallon said. And now its our turn to show them support, and let the agency put them first in this time of need. Correction: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the transit agencys light-rail service after the mass shooting. Ricardo Cano is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ricardo.cano@sfchronicle.com Sarahbeth Maney/Special to The Chronicle A 35-year-old man was severely injured Friday morning after he fell 40 feet from a tree he was trimming in Antioch. Contra Costa Fire was called to the scene around 9:20 a.m. and found a worker who had accidentally fallen off a palm tree he was trimming on Yorkshire Drive. The man was severely injured, according to spokesperson Steve Hill. Beyond Meat is getting back on the plant-based chicken train and its latest effort, tenders made with fava beans and peas, is now available at two Bay Area locations of the vegan chain Next Level Burger. The vegan burger spot will be serving up the tenders in a new, two-level monster sandwich called Beyond Crispy Chicken Animal that features four tenders, grilled onions, tempeh bacon and crinkle-cut fries among other ingredients. The tenders will also be available in a basket by themselves with a side of fries. Both items will be available at the chains San Francisco location at 450 Rhode Island St. and the Concord outpost at 2085 Diamond Blvd., both located inside Whole Foods outposts. Next Level Burger The launch of Next Level Burgers newest items coincided with Beyond Meat introducing its new plant-based tenders into 400 restaurants nationwide, including Nunos Tacos and Vegmex Grill in Dallas and Bad Mutha Clucka, in West Covina, a Los Angeles suburb. The chicken tenders mark Beyond Meats second foray into the increasingly popular and competitive plant-based chicken market. The company previously sold frozen plant-based chicken strips, but discontinued them in 2019 after its Beyond Beef products took off in a major way. With a massive recent rise in chicken consumption particularly during the pandemic and the resultant shortage, companies like Beyond Meat are looking to cash in through meat alternatives. Next Levels decision to serve up the chicken tenders as a sandwich also dovetails with a proliferation of fried chicken sandwiches in the Bay Area and beyond during the pandemic. The chain additionally works with several other plant-based chicken producers and has been serving a variety of these chicken alternatives for a while. The burger chain also branched out into a plant-based chicken chain called Next Level Clucker. A spokesperson for the company declined to name the other plant-based chicken producers it works with. Next Level Burger Fast-food chains are often the breeding ground for the launch of new plant-based meat alternatives, with brands like KFC, Carls Jr. and Dunkin all now having options on their menus along with several other major chains. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Since its launch in 2009, the Los Angeles-based Beyond Meat has become one of the top plant-based meat companies in the U.S.; the company generated more than $400 million in revenue last year, a nearly 37 percent increase year over year. Part of the brands and others popularity has come from re-creating the taste of meat for many, including Vox.coms Sigal Samuel, who recently noted that the Beyond Chicken tenders tasted almost identical to real chicken, and the breading on them made them look convincingly chicken-esque. For now the tenders will be available only at restaurants, though a larger rollout to hotels, college campuses and stadiums is planned in the near future. Tanay Warerkar is the San Francisco Chronicles assistant food & wine editor. Email: tanay.warerkar@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @TanayWarerkar A federal judge has upheld Berkeleys first-in-the-nation ordinance banning natural gas lines in new buildings, rejecting arguments by restaurant owners that the ban conflicts with federal laws on energy efficiency. The ordinance, which took effect in 2020, was aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. It requires new residential and commercial buildings to use entirely electrical lines and infrastructure unless a building cannot be constructed without natural gas piping, or the city grants an exemption in the public interest. It was challenged by the California Restaurant Association, whose lawsuit drew support from national organizations of home builders and manufacturers. The suit contended Berkeleys law was an attempt to regulate energy efficiency and was therefore overridden by the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which sets energy-efficiency standards for a number of appliances, including air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters. But U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of Oakland said Berkeley is not trying to regulate energy efficiency for any appliances, only the fuel they use. Under federal law, states and localities expressly maintain control over the local distribution of natural gas, Gonzalez Rogers said Tuesday in a ruling dismissing the suit. She said the federal law cited by the restaurant owners is designed to avoid a patchwork of state efficiency standards for certain covered appliances; nothing in the statute evinces legislative intent to require local jurisdictions to permit the extension of natural gas service. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said the ruling was a victory for the environment. While eliminating natural gas is not the only solution to climate change, it is an important tool that can lead us towards achieving the goals that must be met in order to avoid record breaking heatwaves and wildfires from becoming an annual occurrence, Arreguin said in a statement. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Natural gas pipes also emit methane, a potential health hazard and a potent greenhouse gas, said City Council Member Kate Harrison, who sponsored the Berkeley ordinance. She said 43 California cities have now enacted similar bans or required builders to show natural gas is more efficient than alternatives before installing pipes in new buildings. The California Restaurant Association said it would appeal the ruling. The judges decision, if upheld, would be a dramatic shift in how energy policy is set in this country, said Courtland Reichman, a lawyer for the association. Regardless of which administration is in the White House, its energy policy would be undermined if each of the thousands of cities and counties across the country can simply veto it. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko The delta variant is driving up coronavirus cases in California, landing the Bay Area on a federal hot spot watch list and spurring renewed urgency to get shots into the arms of people who havent been vaccinated, even in areas where immunization rates are already high. In San Francisco, public health officials are now requiring all workers at hospitals, nursing homes, jails and shelters to be vaccinated by Sept. 15. Thats a shift from an earlier order that mandated vaccination only after at least one vaccine was fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which now allows the shots under emergency authorization. Stanford Medicine announced a similar policy shift Friday. The moves come as cases have more than doubled in parts of the state, including Alameda and Los Angeles counties, and several large outbreaks have been linked to the highly infectious delta variant. Sonoma County on Friday reported worrying signs of a surge in cases and hospitalizations, plus five COVID-19 deaths last week, the most since February. A Santa Rosa homeless shelter was closed after reporting a few positive cases July 2 since then, about a third of its 150 residents have tested positive, most with confirmed delta cases. Few of the residents were vaccinated. Theres no health order thats going to prevent every infection, Dr. Susan Philip, the San Francisco health officer, said after issuing the new vaccination requirement for some workers. But with delta-fueled cases climbing, the vaccines are a firewall against COVID-19 in our most vulnerable populations, she said. The updated vaccine mandate applies to people who work in any high-risk setting in San Francisco, including those not run by the city. That includes, for example, private hospitals and nursing homes. It does not apply to all city workers including police and firefighters who will be required to get vaccinated only after vaccines are approved by the FDA. Although San Francisco already has among the highest vaccination rates in California, Philip said virtually everyone must be inoculated in congregate settings or in places that house many high-risk people. At Laguna Honda, the citys largest skilled nursing home with about 720 residents, 86% of staffers are fully vaccinated. CDC At Stanford, all hospital and other health system employees will be required to be vaccinated effective Aug. 15, said spokesperson Lisa Kim. We join an increasing number of health systems nationally in taking this action with urgency, particularly in light of the emerging threat of highly infectious variants, she said. Nationwide, cases are spiking in regions that are under-vaccinated as the delta variant dominates, and federal health officials are concerned that uncontrolled spread of the virus could spawn more mutations. The delta variant is thought to be up to twice as infectious as the original strain of the coronavirus, and 40% to 60% more infectious than the alpha variant, which dominated in the U.S. through the spring. Delta makes up roughly 40% of new cases in California, but the state should be less vulnerable to surges in cases due to its overall high vaccination rates, combined with high levels of natural immunity from people who have already been infected. Cases have climbed statewide since June 15, when California lifted almost all public health restrictions from an average of about 2.5 cases per 100,000 residents a day to 4 per 100,000 recently. Bay Area counties are seeing similar increases. Those are still relatively low rates, but on Friday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed the Bay Area as an emerging hot spot due to rising case numbers over the past week. According to the CDC, cases have climbed 85% for the region week over week. The positive test rate is still low, at 1.7%, especially compared with other hot spots, which range from 4.3% in Memphis, Tenn., to 11.9% in Jacksonville, Fla. But there are troubling signs in some Bay Area counties, including Sonoma, where the positive test rate is 3.1%, health officials said. Of the five deaths reported last week, four were people who hadnt been vaccinated. The fifth was a man who was fully vaccinated, but he was over age 90 and had other underlying health problems, which underscores the importance of continuing to protect the most vulnerable residents, health officials said. The numbers are trending in the wrong direction, said Dr. Sundari Mase, the Sonoma County health officer. Nearly all of our recent COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths have involved unvaccinated individuals. Getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and the community. Hospitalizations have increased in the state and locally by almost 50% in the Bay Area and about 37% across California since June 15. But theyre still down more than 90% from the winter peaks. Hospitalization numbers are similar to those seen during other lulls in the pandemic the difference this time is that there are almost no health restrictions like mask mandates and bans on public gatherings. Thats a sign the vaccines are holding up, infectious disease experts said. The optimism is reinforced by the latest death tolls, which have remained at or close to their lowest levels since the pandemic began. Statewide and nationally, more than 99% of people who have died of COVID in recent months were not fully vaccinated. The vaccines are performing extremely well, even as the virus throws its best punches at us, said Dr. Warner Greene, a senior investigator with the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. Despite evidence in international studies that the vaccines are somewhat weakened against the delta variant, they are maintaining strong protection against the most serious outcomes of infection, experts said. The most discouraging study to come out so far a report from Israel last week suggested that the Pfizer vaccine was only about 64% effective at preventing infection, but was still more than 90% effective at preventing serious illness. Other vaccines, including those made by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, need more study but also appear to be holding up well in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. The goal of the vaccines is to prevent severe disease, hospitalization and death. And we have access to three fantastic vaccines that are safe and effective, said Dr. Upinder Singh, division chief of infectious diseases at Stanford Health. Singh said she recently treated a 25-year-old man who was fully vaccinated and had tested positive. He was quite symptomatic, Singh said, but this person wont die. He has a bad cold. Thats a critical distinction as places with high vaccination rates maneuver through reopenings and figure out how to co-exist with the coronavirus. Singh said the patient she treated had been going to clubs and other places unmasked, which is reasonable for a young healthy person who is fully vaccinated, especially given the relatively low case rates in the Bay Area, she noted. But its not entirely without risk. Increasingly, people are having to make those assessments for themselves. Im fully vaccinated and I dont feel comfortable going to the grocery store or even outdoors at the farmers market where its really crowded, so I wear a mask in those situations, said Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health. But a lot of people arent wearing masks, and thats fine for them. We have to let people know what the risks are and recognize that everyone has different risk tolerance and different circumstances. Oakland resident Tania Yarema had a solid grasp of the risks, but she was still dismayed when she and her 7-year-old son, Julian, became infected at the end of June. Yarema is a nurse practitioner who works in intensive care, and shes been fully vaccinated since December. She was still being careful, she said, since Julian couldnt yet be vaccinated. But with case rates so low across the region, the boy had been to a few indoor gatherings, including visits with family and a trip to the Legoland Discovery Center in Milpitas always with a mask on, Yarema said. She doesnt know where he was exposed to the virus, but he woke up with a high fever on June 29. Yarema developed symptoms a few days later. Julian was hospitalized for five days, which was brutal, Yarema said, but by Thursday he seemed back to normal. Im awesome, he called out while his mom was interviewed by phone. Im still pretty short of breath. And other than that, just super tired and feeling crappy, Yarema said. Although shes frustrated she was infected at all, she believes the vaccine probably kept her symptoms milder than they might have been. I cant imagine what this would be like without that vaccination, Yarema said. I probably wouldnt have done well. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Catherine Ho contributed to this report. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday 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. SACRAMENTO The California Assembly is exploring whether to require its members and employees to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, after a small outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the state Capitol during the week of June 28. Its something thats under consideration, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said in an interview Thursday. Theres a couple of different models that other entities have adopted. We have to talk it over, not only with our public health folks, but also with our employment attorneys as well. Rendon, a Democrat from Lakewood (Los Angeles County), said mandatory vaccines was one of several possibilities that were looking at as legislative leaders try to tamp down the spread of the virus amid the rise of the more infectious delta variant. Some lawmakers have called for the requirement, Rendon said, but his staff is still assessing the legality and whether it would be more effective than other safety precautions. When cases are concentrated in a certain area, we know that people are at risk. So thats why were considering this, he said. Nine Assembly employees, four of whom were fully vaccinated, tested positive for the coronavirus last week, according to Assembly officials, though one of those staff members subsequently tested negative. Eight of the people who were infected worked in the same office. That led the Assembly to reinstate a mandate last week that all lawmakers and employees wear masks at all times while inside the Capitol and other legislative buildings. They had previously been allowed to remove their masks in their offices if they were fully vaccinated. The state Senate, which has not reported any new coronavirus infections, followed suit. In a statement Friday, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, suggested she was also open to requiring vaccinations, though she provided no specifics. The Senate has and will continue to take actions necessary to address the continued risk COVID-19 poses all options are under constant consideration, she said. Last month, San Francisco announced that it would require all city employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, on penalty of firing, once the shot receives full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It was probably the first local government in the country to take that step, though some unions and employee groups have resisted the mandate. Educational institutions such as Stanford University and the University of California are planning to require all students and staff to be vaccinated in the fall, while private sector employers are still struggling to sort out their vaccination and COVID testing policies. They may look to the government for an example. More than 80% of Assembly employees are already fully vaccinated, Rendon said Thursday, and the outbreak of cases has not affected their work. Were still going about our business, he said. Over the course of a year and a half, weve learned how to function under these conditions. Rendon declined to provide additional information on the office where the outbreak occurred, including whether it belonged to a member of the Assembly. Most lawmakers do not have eight staffers in their Capitol offices. Other units in the building include administrative staff and security personnel. But Rendon said he did not believe the outbreak was the result of anti-vaccine sentiments or other political views. Id like to think not, he said, though he acknowledged, COVID, like hand soap and anything else, becomes politicized in this building. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff SACRAMENTO The judge who will decide whether Gov. Gavin Newsom can make a late addition of his party identification to the recall ballot plans to issue a written decision on Monday. Judge James Arguelles of the Sacramento County Superior Court gave little indication during a virtual hearing Friday how he plans to rule, but said he would draft his decision over the weekend to fulfill a request by Newsoms team. California is on a quick timeline as it moves toward a Sept. 14 election in which voters will decide whether to remove Newsom from office before the end of his term. Candidates seeking to replace Newsom have only a week left to file to run. While those candidates can name their political party on the ballot, Newsom missed his opportunity to do so when he did not include that information in his original answer to the recall petition in February 2020. His lawyers have said it was an inadvertent but good faith mistake, because the law had just changed two months prior. After Secretary of State Shirley Weber rejected an updated filing last month, Newsom sued to get his party, Democratic, added to the ballot, which will ask voters two questions: Should Newsom be recalled? And if he is, who should replace him? For more recall coverage, see our special report. Thomas Willis, an attorney for Newsom, said Friday there was no question that the governor would have wanted his party preference on the recall ballot, if not for the filing error by Willis. He argued that Newsom should be accommodated because he had substantially complied with the law by attempting to correct the error before the Secretary of States office certified a list of candidates or began compiling the ballot. While rival candidates still have time to file to run, Willis said, the governor faced a much earlier deadline to submit his information. This deadline is completely divorced from any election date, Willis said. Its a deadline that serves no administrative election purpose. Lawyers for the recall organizers and Republican candidate Caitlyn Jenner, both of whom sought to intervene in the case, rejected the notion that there was any evidence Newsom had previously wanted to take the voluntary step of including his political party on the recall ballot. They urged Arguelles to conform to the text of the law, which would require that Newsom appear without any party identification. He did nothing. He didnt put a D, he didnt put party, he didnt misspell Democrat, said Bradley Benbrook, an attorney for Jenner. Now he just wants to go back and get a do-over. Jenner, a former Olympian and reality TV star, appeared in Sacramento herself Friday. She held a news conference where she explained that she had intervened in the case to make sure Weber, a Democrat appointed by Newsom, oversees the process fairly. In an earlier statement, she had called Newsoms suit against Weber a request for preferential treatment. While Weber has not asked Arguelles to rule in Newsoms favor, her attorney did largely side with the governors arguments during the hearing Friday. We think the best way to jealously guard the peoples right is to give as much information to voters as possible and let them decide how to vote, Kevin Calia, a lawyer for Weber, said. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff An out-of-control wildfire burning in southern Oregon was threatening transmission lines that carry power to California on Friday afternoon, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign an emergency proclamation to free up additional energy capacity. Californias electric grid operator had already warned that a mounting heat wave across the state was taxing the power supply. The California Independent System Operator was urging Californians to voluntarily conserve electricity from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, a request that the governors office doubled down on because of the fire. The Bootleg Fire, which ignited Tuesday, was racing through heavy timber in the Fremont-Winema National Forest near the Klamath County town of Sprague River. Strong winds and dry vegetation had pushed the fire across 38,892 acres, as of Friday evening, with crews reporting no containment. Three major transmission lines, each owned by different companies, were at at risk, according to the U.S. Forest Service, though the agency could not immediately provide further details. Fire information officer Gayne Sears said the Forest Service was keeping the owners of the electrical equipment apprised of the fires progress and that any decision to cut off electricity through the area was up to the power companies. Newsoms emergency proclamation suspends permitting requirements to allow for the use of backup power generation and free up additional energy. The Independent System Operator said Friday night that it was requesting more electricity from other states. To help conserve energy, California residents were urged to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or above, if their health permitted, and to avoid using large household appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during the so-called Flex Alert. Cal ISO issues Flex Alerts in anticipation of acute stress on the states energy grid, often resulting from high temperatures and the attendant need for people to keep cool. Triple-digit temperatures are expected to roast significant swaths of California through the weekend. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for much of the interior region of Northern California starting at noon Friday that will last through 9 p.m. Sunday. Parts of the East Bay, including Concord and Livermore, could reach beyond 100 degrees Friday, the NWS said. Sacramento could get as high as 107 degrees. Kurtis Alexander and Dominic Fracassa are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com, dfracassa@sfchronicle.com WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon said it canceled a disputed cloud-computing contract with Microsoft that could eventually have been worth $10 billion. It will instead pursue a deal with both Microsoft and Amazon and possibly other cloud service providers. With the shifting technology environment, it has become clear that the JEDI Cloud contract, which has long been delayed, no longer meets the requirements to fill the DoDs capability gaps, the Pentagon said in a statement Tuesday. The statement did not directly mention that the Pentagon faced extended legal challenges by Amazon to the original $1 million contract awarded to Microsoft. Amazon argued that the Microsoft award was tainted by politics, particularly then-President Donald Trump's antagonism toward Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, who stepped down Monday as the company's chief executive officer. Bezos owns The Washington Post, a newspaper often criticized by Trump. The Pentagon's chief information officer, John Sherman, told reporters Tuesday that during the lengthy legal fight with Amazon, the landscape has evolved with new possibilities for large-scale cloud computing services. Thus it was decided, he said, to start over and seek multiple vendors. Sherman said JEDI will be replaced by a new program called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability, and that both Amazon and Microsoft likely will be awarded parts of the business, although neither is guaranteed. Sherman said the three other large cloud service providers Google, IBM and Oracle might qualify, too. Microsoft said in response to the Pentagon announcement, We understand the DoD s rationale, and we support them and every military member who needs the mission-critical 21st century technology JEDI would have provided. The DoD faced a difficult choice: Continue with what could be a years-long litigation battle or find another path forward. Amazon said it understands and agrees with the Pentagon's decision. In a statement, the company reiterated its view that the 2019 contract award was not based on the merits of the competing proposals and instead was the result of outside influence that has no place in government procurement. Oracle, which had earlier sought the JEDI contact but didnt make it to the final round, declined comment Tuesday. In separate statements, IBM said it was evaluating the new Pentagon approach and Google said it looked forward to discussing it with Pentagon officials. The JEDI project began with the $1 million contract award for Microsoft, meant as an initial step in a 10-year deal that could have reached $10 billion in value. The project that will replace it is a five-year program; Sherman said no exact contract value has been set but that it will be in the billions. Sherman said the government will negotiate the amount Microsoft will be paid for having its 2019 deal terminated. Amazon Web Services, a market leader in providing cloud computing services, had long been considered a leading candidate to run the Pentagons Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure project, known as JEDI. The project was meant to store and process vast amounts of classified data, allowing the U.S. military to improve communications with soldiers on the battlefield and use artificial intelligence to speed up its war planning and fighting capabilities. The JEDI contract became mired in legal challenges almost as soon as it was awarded to Microsoft in October 2019. The losing bidder, Amazon Web Services, went to court arguing that the Pentagons process was flawed and unfair, including that it was improperly influenced by politics. This year the Pentagon had been hinting that it might scrap the contract, saying in May that it felt compelled to reconsider its options after a federal judge in April rejected a Pentagon move to have key parts of Amazons lawsuit dismissed. The JEDI saga has been unusual for the political dimension linked to Trump. In April 2020, the Defense Department inspector generals office concluded that the contracting process was in line with legal and government purchasing standards. The inspector general found no evidence of White House interference in the contract award process, but that review also said investigators could not fully review the matter because the White House would not allow unfettered access to witnesses. Five months later, the Pentagon reaffirmed Microsoft as winner of the contract, but work remained stalled by Amazons legal challenge. In its April 2020 report, the inspector generals office did not draw a conclusion about whether the Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft Corp. was appropriately declared the winner. Rather, it looked at whether the decision-making process was proper and legal. It also examined allegations of unethical behavior by Pentagon officials involved in the matter and generally determined that any ethical lapses did not influence the outcome. That review did not find evidence of White House pressure for the Pentagon to favor the Microsoft bid, but it also said it could not definitely determine the full extent of White House interactions with the Pentagons decision makers. ___ Associated Press writers Matt O'Brien and Joseph Pisani contributed to this report. A series of Hawaiian petroglyphs estimated to be more than 300 years old was vandalized this week with a paintball gun, Hawaiian officials announced Wednesday. At a distance, it appears the approximately 100 petrogylphs, known as Pu'u Kilea, were decimated by bird droppings, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a press release. But the white marks spread across the face of the Olowalu Valley basalt cliff turned out to be the result of someone with a paintball gun firing "shot after shot onto the dark cliff," the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement said. "I would guess several hundred paintballs were shot at this historical site, said Lt. John Yamamoto of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement in a statement. Yamamoto said the attack appeared to be random and that the paintball gun was "likely fired from down the road." White and yellow splotches of paint are spread across nearly the entire cliff face from the top to the base and from one side to the other. A great battle happened in this Ahupuaa and its hurtful to see this kind of disrespect for our culture, he said. DLNR Video Screenshot The Pu'u Kilea petroglyphs feature human and animal figures, as well as canoe and sails, and are believed to depict the legends of early Hawaiians. The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement said the site has been vandalized in the past with graffiti. The vandal or vandals face charges of criminal property damage in addition to civil penalties. Yamamoto asks anyone with information to call the DLNR at 808-873-3990 or leave a tip via the DLNRTip app, available on Android and iPhone. HOUSTON (AP) A man who opened fire at a married couple, killing one of them and wounding the other before fatally shooting himself inside a popular Houston seafood restaurant, had a history of mental illness and did not know the people he shot, police said Friday. The couple was finishing dinner in the bar of the Downtown Aquarium Restaurant shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday when the man approached them, pulled out a gun and immediately started firing rounds at them, Houston police Executive Assistant Chief Matt Slinkard said. According to witnesses and security video from the restaurant, the man had been sitting at the other end of the bar before the shooting, police said. The 28-year-old husband died at the scene while his 24-year-old wife was shot at least once in the leg. Police said Friday that the woman told investigators she and her husband did not know the man who shot them. Slinkard said it appeared the suspect had very little or even no interaction with the couple before the shooting occurred. This was a tragic, isolated incident, with no relationship between the victims and the suspect," Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said in a statement Friday. Police identified the husband as Gabriel Moriones Vargas. The suspected shooter was identified as 39-year-old Danny Cazares. The name of Vargas' wife was not immediately released by authorities. She remained hospitalized in stable condition on Friday, Finner said. No other injuries were reported. Cazares had a long criminal record dating back to 2000, including arrests for theft, driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana, according to court records. His most recent arrest was on April 19 on a charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. On Sept. 18, 2020, Cazares was accused of trespassing inside the residence quarters of a Houston area fire station. When he was found inside the station, Cazares stated he knew he shouldn't be there but was scared because someone was following him earlier in the day," according to court records. Just over a month later, Cazares was accused of damaging a motel room he was staying in because he was looking for a person he believed was also in his room and he had taken some medication to calm him down, according to court records. Court records also show that Cazares spent 30 days getting care at a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Beaumont, Texas, in January and February. Kevin Stryker, Cazares' attorney on his felon in possession of a firearm charge, declined to comment about his client. You know, this is a horribly tragic incident, and you know this is the type of situation that should make us all pause, send out as many prayers as we can for all the families and all the lives that would be affected, Slinkard said at a Thursday evening news conference. It was unclear how many patrons were at the restaurant, but Slinkard said it wasnt very crowded. A spokeswoman for the restaurant referred questions about the shooting to Houston police. The restaurant is popular with families, as it features a 150,000-gallon (567,811-liter) aquarium and amusement park rides, including a giant Ferris wheel. The dining complex is owned by billionaire Tilman Fertittas Landrys Inc. Elaine Khalil, who had been eating dinner with her two children, told KTRK-TV she heard two sets of gunshots, including a burst of four of five shots. She said there was panic and pandemonium as people inside ran away. The wait staff, they were very composed, they led us to a back staircase where everyone ran out, she said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) A Florida judge agreed Friday to delay a case in which a Republican congressional candidate claims a GOP rival stalked her and discussed a plot to have her killed. Pinellas County Circuit Judge Doneene Loar rescheduled the case of candidate Anna Paulina Luna for Sept. 14. Luna is seeking the District 13 congressional seat being vacated by Democrat Charlie Crist, who is running for governor. The district covers Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg. Luna and GOP activist Erin Olszewski are seeking a permanent restraining order barring William Braddock from having any contact with them. Braddock is another GOP congressional candidate who allegedly indicated in text messages and a recorded call that he wanted Luna dead. I do not feel safe and I am currently in fear for my life from Mr. Braddock, Luna said in her petition. Braddock has previously denied the accusations and has not been charged with a crime. He did not speak during Friday's brief video conference hearing. Loar, however, reminded Braddock that a temporary restraining order prohibiting contact with Luna and Olszewski remains in effect. This will be the final continuance on Mr. Braddock's behalf, Loar said. In 2020, Luna lost by about 24,600 votes to the far better-known Crist in the District 13 congressional race in Pinellas County. Crist previously was Florida governor as a Republican and has held or run for several other elected posts. Other candidates seeking the congressional seat so far are Democratic state legislators Ben Diamond and Michele Raynor. ROCKY FORD, Colo. (AP) Seven people have been identified as suspects in the alleged kidnapping, torture and attempted murder of a woman in southeastern Colorado in 2017, authorities announced Friday. They are suspected of being involved in the incident at an apartment in Rocky Ford, a city of about 4,000 people about 160 miles (257 kilometers) southeast of Denver, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Belarusian authorities have raided the offices of several media outlets and the homes of scores of journalists under a multi-pronged crackdown on dissent and free speech in the ex-Soviet nation, a media watchdog said Friday. The Belarusian Association of Journalists, or BAJ, said the country's law enforcement agencies have conducted nearly 30 searches at media outlets and journalists' apartments and detained at least seven journalists in the past two days. A new wave of repression that is unprecedented in scope and cruelty has targeted the independent media, said BAJ leader Andrei Bastunets. The authorities arbitrarily designate any journalist as an extremist. On Thursday, Belarusian authorities blocked the website of Nasha Niva, a leading independent online newspaper, raided its offices and detained its chief editor Yahor Martsinovich and several other staffers for questioning. Agents of the Belarusian state security agency, which still goes under its Soviet-era name, KGB, also conducted searches at several regional media outlets and detained several journalists. The crackdown continued Friday, with KGB officers raiding the apartments of Nasta Zanko, a journalist of the independent Onliner.by news outlet in Minsk and journalists Andrey Kukharchyk and Maksim Khlyabets in Brest, on the border with Poland. They also searched the apartment of journalist Tanya Smotkina in the town of Glubokoye in Belarus' north, and the offices of Informprogulka and Media-Polesye media outlets in Luninets and a local newspaper in Hantsevichi in the country's west. Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are currently in custody, either serving their sentences or awaiting trial, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said. Konstantin Bychek, a deputy head of the KGB's investigative department, said the raids and arrests were part of a broad sweep against radical-minded individuals." Bychek alleged that those targeted are suspected of involvement in helping to stage mass disturbances and even acts of terrorism. The independent media and journalists targeted in the crackdown have 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. The European Union and the United States have responded to the crackdown by slapping Belarus with sanctions. They also imposed new, tougher restrictions after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main opposition candidate in the election who fled to neighboring Lithuania after the vote, urged the EU to respond to the crackdown on independent media by ramping up pressure on Lukashenko's government. The attack on the Belarusian media indicates that the regime is scaling up repressions and the democratic nations' response to that must be maximally harsh," Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press. We expect the EU to expand its sanctions list to include the collaborators of the regime who take part in today's repressions. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A larger, more diverse search committee to find the next University of Wisconsin System president was named Friday, following a failed search last year that was widely criticized for breaking with tradition and not including members representing faculty, staff and students. The 19-member panel announced by the UW System Board of Regents will look for a permanent successor to Ray Cross, who resigned last year. The panel will include representation from a broad cross section of the university, including students, faculty, staff, chancellors and regents. We commit to you right now that we are going to bring to you some fabulous candidates," said Karen Walsh, the regent vice president who is leading the search process. The last search was led by a committee of nine people, half the normal number, and resulted in the name of just one finalist, then-University of Alaska System President Jim Johnson. The announcement drew criticism from faculty and alumni in Alaska, who pointed to two no-confidence votes against him and an accreditation issue. There was an outcry in Wisconsin as well, with students, faculty, staff and others saying the search process was flawed from the start. Johnson later withdrew as a candidate for the UW job and resigned at Alaska. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson agreed in July 2020 to serve as interim president after Cross retired. Thompson remains on the job while the search for a permanent president commences. Walsh acknowledged the shortcomings of the previous search, which concluded during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, calling it a fairly dark time in the hallways of UW System. ... It was certainly not a happy time." Walsh said much has been learned since that failed search and the new committee is more diverse because of it. She said everyone who agreed to be on it shares a passion for education that will drive the search. The only person who served on the previous search committee who is also on the current one is UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank. Other members include one former and four current regents, including Walsh; one current student regent from the Whitewater campus and one former student regent from the La Crosse campus; chancellors of the Parkside and Platteville campuses; professors from the Oshkosh, Eau Claire, and Green Bay campuses; five other university officials and staff and Paul Shain, vice chair of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association who is also president of Singlewire Software. The committee is expected to meet in August and schedule listening sessions at all 13 UW System campuses in September. It is also going to hire a national search firm to assist with the goal of naming finalists this fall. BEIJING (AP) China's regulator ordered the removal from app stores of 25 apps owned by Didi Global Inc., the country's largest ride-hailing service, citing severe violations of rules against collecting personal data. The Cyberspace Administration of China had already taken down the main Didi app last Sunday, pending a cybersecurity review, after it debuted on the U.S. stock market last week. The 25 additional apps include Didi Enterprises, as well as ones designed for Didi drivers. A spokesperson for Didi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The move comes after Chinese authorities said earlier this week they would step up supervision of companies listed overseas. Under the new measures, regulation of data security and cross-border data flows, as well as the management of confidential data, will be improved. Didi is the latest company facing the scrutiny from the Chinese government. An investigation found serious violations in how Didi collected and used personal information, the internet regulator said earlier in the week. A statement said the company was told to rectify problems but gave no details. The internet regulator also said Didi was barred from accepting new customers until the investigations were completed. Didi was founded in 2012 as a taxi-hailing app and has expanded into other ride-hailing options including private cars and buses. It says it also is investing in electric cars, artificial intelligence and other technology development. Didi raised $4 billion from investors in its New York stock offering. The ruling Communist Party began tightening control over Chinas fast-changing internet industries last year, launching anti-monopoly and other investigations. Earlier this year, authorities fined Alibaba a record $2.8 billion over antitrust violations and launched an investigation into food delivery platform Meituan over suspected monopolistic behavior. On Saturday, China's market regulator blocked Tencent-backed videogame live-streaming platforms Huya and Douyu from merging following an anti-monopoly investigation. IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) A Colorado police officer is being prosecuted after he allegedly got into a fight and used a Taser on a man in his 70s, requiring the man to be taken to the hospital. Nicholas Andrew Hamming, an officer in Idaho Springs, was charged Thursday with third-degree assault on an at risk person, according to court documents. MILWAUKEE (AP) Ousted Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales will return to his post as the city's top cop next week, the city's police commission said Friday. The commission initially issued a statement saying Morales will return to his old job on Monday. The commission issued another statement later Friday saying the reinstatement has been pushed back to Thursday to coincide with a commission meeting that day. KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) On a sweaty recent Thursday afternoon, Alex Berrios was instructing his team on how to get people to register to vote. Extend your hand, he said; 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 chamber's GOP 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." BAGHDAD (AP) Irans expeditionary Quds Force commander brought one main directive for Iraqi militia faction leaders long beholden to Tehran, when he gathered with them in Baghdad last month: Maintain calm, until after nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. But he was met with defiance. One of the six faction leaders spoke up in their meeting: They could not stay quiet while the death of his predecessor Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. drone strike went unavenged. Militia attacks have only been increasing against the U.S. in military bases in both Iraq and Syria. Three missile attacks in the last week alone resulted in minor injuries, stoking fears of escalation. The details from Esmail Ghaanis visit, confirmed to The Associated Press by three Shiite political officials and two senior militia officials, demonstrate how Iranian-aligned Iraqi militia groups are asserting a degree of independence, sometimes even flouting orders from Tehran. Iran now relies on Lebanons Hezbollah for support in reining them in, and there is potential that Irans new president could play a role in doing the same. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings. Irans influence, sustained by ideological ties and military support, has frayed because of the U.S. killing of Soleimani and al-Muhandis last year, because of differing interests and because of financial strains in Tehran. With nuclear talks restarting following U.S. President Joe Bidens inauguration this year, these differences have come to the fore. Iran isnt the way it used to be, with 100% control over the militia commanders, said one Shiite political leader. Increasing rocket and drone attacks targeting American troops in Iraq and Syria have alarmed Western and coalition officials. There have been at least eight drone attacks targeting the U.S. presence since Biden took office in January, as well as 17 rocket attacks, according to coalition officials. The attacks are blamed on the Iranian-backed militias that make up the bulk of Iraqs state-supported Popular Mobilization Forces. The Biden administration has responded by twice targeting Iraqi militia groups operating inside Syria, including close to the Iraqi border. What is taking place now is when Ghaani asks for calm, the brigade leaders agree with him. But as soon as he leaves the meeting, they disregard his recommendations, said another Shiite political leader. The loudest of the defiant militia voices has been Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq faction, which also maintains a political party. On June 17, only days after Ghaanis meetings with the militias, he said in a televised address that they would continue to target the U.S. occupier and that they will not take into consideration nuclear talks. And that decision is an Iraqi one, he said. The coalition has formally ended combat operations and reduced troop levels significantly in the last year. Only 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq and discussions are ongoing with NATO to transfer to an advisory mission. Iraq still needs coalition support in surveillance and intelligence gathering and airstrikes against Islamic State group targets. Some argue the ongoing attacks benefit Iran by maintaining pressure on the U.S. During talks with Shiite political officials during his visit, Ghani said Iran doesnt interfere in their political work, but that military matters were different. These must be approved by the Revolutionary Guard, one political leader recounted him saying. Still, Ghaani did not reprimand the militia groups during the meeting. Instead, he told them he understood their concerns. Iran has struggled to fill in the gap left in the absence of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, who were commanding figures able to push factions into line and resolve disputes among them. "Ghaani has a different style and capabilities, said Michael Knights, a fellow at The Washington Institute. He has a looser framework, establishing broad red lines on some matters, while other things are dont ask, dont tell, he said. Along with asking for less, cash-strapped Iran has been giving less as well. Assistance to the groups has been significantly downgraded since U.S. sanctions began crippling Irans economy last year. Divisions among factions have deepened, with growing competition among militias and Shiite politicians. Ghaani came to meet the militia leaders to mend tensions that were sparked weeks earlier when Iraqi authorities arrested a paramilitary commander, Qassim Musleh, prompting a standoff between PMF fighters and security forces. Ghaani brought a letter from Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, criticizing the PMF for its reaction, saying it weakened their position. To apply pressure on the factions, Iran has come to rely on Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah in Lebanon, a figure the militias highly respect. Almost weekly, various factional leaders hold face-to-face meetings with him in Lebanon, said Shiite political leaders. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, elected in June, also may be a unifying figure for the militias, which hold him in high esteem, political and militia officials said. When Raisi visited Baghdad in February, he met with PMF commanders and told them, in fluent Arabic, Our flesh is your flesh, and our blood is your blood. Ghaani communicates with brigade leaders through an interpreter. The resistance will grow in power and will see its best of times due to the election victory of Raisi, said Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, in a recent interview. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut. PHOENIX (AP) Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday signed legislation banning state or local governments from requiring training in critical race theory and a bill creating a new small business income tax category that will allow small business owners to avoid paying any of the 3.5% income tax surcharge voters approved in November. The new small business tax is expected to cut $292 million from the original $836 million schools would have received under Proposition 208, according to the Legislature's budget analysts. Backers of the initiative have vowed to block the new law by referring it to the ballot. He also signed a measure that tightens the state's sex education law and requires parents to give permission for instruction that includes sexual issues in non-sex ed classes. Ducey vetoed an earlier version of the sex education bill, citing concerns that it was overly broad and vague and that its ban on classes before fifth grade could put children at risk by limiting sexual abuse prevention education The new version specifically allows such good-touch, bad-touch teaching and stripped out a double opt-in for discussion touching on sexual orientation or gender issues. But it still requires notice and parental pre-approval for any discussion of sex-related material outside of sex ed classes. The broad requirement would block discussions of historic events that have a sexual component, like the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York, considered the genesis of the modern gay rights movement, or even the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage, without parental pre-approval. Parents should have the right to know what their children are learning in school, Ducey said in a statement. This is a no-brainer piece of legislation that protects our children from learning materials that arent suited for them. Every family has their own priorities for their childrens education, and parents should get to weigh in." Republican backers of the bill say it is needed to boost parental rights, while detractors say those rights are already in Arizona law and say the bill is an assault on LGBTQ students. The Republican governor acted on 24 bills from the legislative session that ended last week and faces a Monday deadline to sign or veto 11 remaining measures. He issued one veto, of a bill expanding the State Emergency Council. Ducey also signed legislation that bans city or county governments from requiring employees to take orientation, training or therapy that suggest an employee is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. The state budget he signed last week contains similar language banning schools from teaching critical race theory. Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines history through the lens of racism. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nations institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society. I am not going to waste public dollars on lessons that imply the superiority of any race and hinder free speech," Ducey said in a statement. Ducey's signature on the Proposition 208 workaround bill by Chandler GOP Sen. J.D. Mesnard means small businesses are no longer subject to the 3.5% surcharge on income above $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for couples in the initiative. This tax cut will keep Arizona competitive for small businesses already operating here and new businesses flocking here every day, Ducey said in a statement. After a year as tough as the last, we should not be raising taxes on our small businesses we should be cutting their taxes." Ducey did not mention that the new tax category cuts a large part of the money voters wanted schools to get by imposing Proposition 208, called the Invest in Education Act. It was an outgrowth of a 2018 statewide teachers strike that won 20% pay raises but still left teachers among the lowest paid in the nation. Backers of the measure say the governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature are thumbing their nose at voters who wanted the wealthy to pay more to fund education. What people need to understand is thats $150 million that was meant for teacher salaries, thats what the governor just erased, said Joe Thomas, president of the state teachers union, the Arizona Education Association. It is entirely disappointing. I dont know another way to say it, Thomas said. Teachers worked hard, educators worked hard to get Invest in Ed on the ballot, during a pandemic, voters came out to sign those petitions, during a pandemic, to get it on the ballot, and we passed it. Half of the new tax on the wealthy will be used for raises for credentialed teachers, 25% to boosting wages for cafeteria workers, bus drivers and other support staff, and the rest for teacher training, vocational education and other initiatives. Small business income is now taxed at the individual level and is subject to the surcharge. Mesnard said proponents of the tax said it would not affect small businesses and that some voters who backed the measure did not like how it might affect businesses but wanted the new revenue to fund education. He also said in an interview that he's not worried about the voter referral. Im not concerned about it because I think itll be a landslide election, Mesnard said earlier this week. And then it will be voter protected, which I dont typically think is good public policy as a matter of rule, but if its voter protecting helping small businesses I could probably make an exception. The Arizona Constitution allows voters to block any law passed by the Legislature from taking effect by collecting signatures from 5% of the people who voted in the last general election, which this year would be nearly 120,000. Voters then have the final say in the next general election and can either approve or repeal the bill. A massive tax cut included in the already-signed budget package reduces income taxes by about $1.9 billion and shields the wealthy from the new surcharge by keeping their top rate at the current 4.5%. The general fund would use hundreds of millions of dollars a year to directly fund the new education spending in Proposition 208, siphoning off money that could be spent on other priorities. Backers of Proposition 208 are collecting signatures to refer the tax cuts to the ballot and plan to do the same with Mesnard's bill now that it had been signed into law. Thomas said he believes Ducey and the Republican-controlled Legislature will face a backlash from the tax cuts and other steps they've taken this year in response to Democratic wins in the November election. The Legislature stripped power from the elected Democratic secretary of state and education chief and is auditing the results of the election. "It's unbelievable how theyre trying to overturn the will of the voters in every instance they can," Thomas said. And I believe theres going to be a reckoning. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Ethiopias prime minister has promised immediate access for humanitarian groups to Tigray, the United Nations said on Friday, after the United States and the European Union compared the Ethiopian government's current treatment of the embattled region to a siege. The humanitarian situation in Tigray, which faces the world's worst famine crisis in a decade, is extremely concerning, the U.N. said after Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed spoke Thursday by phone. Abiy also said basic services to Tigray including electricity and communications will resume swiftly, the U.N. said. But Ethiopias government on Friday said all flights carrying aid to Tigray region must go through its capital for inspection to ensure they carry only humanitarian items. The U.N. says such flights have not resumed since commercial flights were halted on June 23, though the government this week said they would be allowed. Aid to Tigray has been blocked, though access within the region is improving, the U.N. humanitarian agency said, as some 5.2 million people need help and hundreds of thousands face famine conditions. Aid hasn't reached many since fighting began in November, despite the government's earlier assurances that help was being delivered. Ethiopias government last month declared a unilateral cease-fire in Tigray as its soldiers retreated ahead of resurgent Tigray fighters loyal to the regions elected government, which Ethiopia now calls a terrorist group. The war, now in its ninth month, followed months of political tensions and Abiy's accusation that Tigray forces had attacked a military base. The war has threatened to destabilize Africas second most populous country, an anchor in the strategic Horn of Africa region. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and the conflict threatens to draw in neighboring Sudan as Tigray forces fight their way in that direction in the hope of finding an opening to the outside world. The fighting is moving into western Tigray, where forces from Ethiopias neighboring Amhara region had earlier taken control of many communities and expelled ethnic Tigrayans. This new phase in the conflict could be really, really much more dangerous than what weve seen so far, Tsedale Lemma, the founder of the independent Addis Standard magazine, told an online event Thursday night. Amhara authorities have said western Tigray is historically theirs. Caught in the middle are millions of Tigrayans. People have begun to starve to death, The Associated Press has reported. And witnesses have described Ethiopian forces, backed by those from neighboring Eritrea to the north, burning and looting crops and other food supplies in what the U.S. has called an entirely man-made famine crisis. In late June, Amhara special forces blocked a 29-truck convoy with World Food Program aid from entering Tigray, the U.N. update said. Two bridges that are crucial to delivering aid to the region were destroyed on July 1. Electricity and telecommunications in the region remain cut. Humanitarian supplies within the region are quickly depleting, including a severe shortage of fuel, the U.N. said, adding that over 1.8 million people could slide into starvation. Ethiopias foreign ministry on Friday accused the U.N. humanitarian agency of making biased statements that seem to be framed to encourage the Tigray forces and mislead the international community. The U.N. agency didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The Tigray forces have dismissed the unilateral cease-fire as a sick joke and insist that a key condition for a halt to the fighting would be the operation of international flights directly from airports in Tigray without any preconditions. The tensions, along with unsubstantiated allegations circulating on social media that humanitarian flights could carry arms to the Tigray forces, have increased the risks for aid workers in the region. This week, the medical charity Doctors Without Borders announced it was suspending its services in the key towns of Abi Adi, Adigrat and Axum after three staffers were murdered. No one has claimed responsibility for the killings, the aid group said, adding that aid organizations have been repeatedly undermined by public statements casting unwarranted suspicion on their activities, thereby jeopardizing the safety of their staff on the ground. Negotiators from 131 countries have agreed on a major overhaul of how the worlds biggest multinational companies are taxed. It's an effort to deter complex international avoidance schemes that have cost governments billions in revenue. The sweeping proposals are meant to better cope with a world where globalization and an increasingly digital economy mean profits can move easily from one jurisdiction to another. The agreement sealed last week in global talks in Paris is up for discussion Friday and Saturday among the Group of 20 finance ministers meeting in Venice. The key feature of the complex package is a global minimum corporate tax of at least 15%, following the broad outlines of a proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden. While the tax deal is complex in its details, the idea behind the minimum tax is simple: If a multinational company escapes taxation abroad, it would have to pay the minimum at home. Here's why it was proposed and how it would work. THE PROBLEM: TAX HAVENS AND THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM Most countries only tax domestic business income of their multinational companies, on the assumption that the profits of their foreign subsidiaries will be taxed where they are earned. But in todays economy, profits can easily slide across borders. Earnings often come from intangibles, such as brands, copyrights and patents. Those are easy to move to where taxes are lowest and some jurisdictions have been only too willing to offer reduced or zero taxation to attract foreign investment and revenue, even if companies do no real business there. As a result, corporate tax rates have fallen in recent years, a phenomenon dubbed a race to the bottom by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. From 1985 to 2018, the worldwide average corporate statutory tax rate fell from 49% to 24%. From 2000-2018, U.S. companies booked half of all foreign profits in just seven low-tax jurisdictions: Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore and Switzerland. The OECD estimates tax avoidance costs anywhere from $100 billion to $240 billion, or from 4% to 10% of global corporate income tax revenues. That's money governments could use as they see deficits rise from spending on pandemic relief. THE SOLUTION: THE GLOBAL MINIMUM TAX The talks seek to put a floor under corporate tax rates by having countries legislate a minimum that they would levy on untaxed foreign income. In other words, if Company X headquartered in Country Y paid no or little tax on profits in Country Z, Country Y would tax those profits at home up to the minimum rate. That would remove the reason for using a tax haven, or for setting one up. Biden has proposed a 15% floor for the global talks, though it could be higher. ANOTHER PROBLEM: TAXING DIGITAL COMPANIES Another focus is what to do about companies that make profits in countries where they have no physical presence. That could be through digital advertising or online retail. Countries led by France have started imposing unilateral digital taxes that hit the biggest U.S. tech companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook. The U.S. calls those unfair trade practices, and has threatened retaliation through import taxes. THE SOLUTION: ALLOCATING TAXING RIGHTS Biden's proposal focuses on the 100 biggest and most profitable multinationals no matter what kind of business they are in, digital or not. Countries could claim the right to tax part of their profits under a proposal backed by the Group of Seven wealthy democracies, up to 20% of the profits of companies above a profit margin of 10%. Governments would have to roll back their unilateral taxes, defusing the trade disputes with the U.S. BIDEN'S PLANS The agreement, reached last week in talks convened by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, plays a role in Biden's push for changes that would, in his view, make the tax system fairer and raise revenue for investments in infrastructure and clean energy. The U.S. already passed a tax on foreign earnings under the Trump administration. But Biden wants to roughly double the Trump era rate to 21%, and also to charge that rate on a country-by-country basis so tax havens can be targeted. The president also seeks to make it more difficult for U.S. companies to merge with foreign firms and avoid U.S. taxes, a process known as inversion. All those changes must be approved by the U.S. Congress, where the Democratic president has only a thin majority. Biden wanted a diplomatic win at the OECD talks so that other countries impose a form of a minimum tax to prevent companies from avoiding their potential tax obligations. WHAT'S NEXT? The agreement reached at the OECD is likely to be endorsed at the finance ministers' meeting since 20 G-20 countries joined in signing the OECD deal. More technical work would then be needed at the OECD before the G-20 would give its final blessing at a summit of heads of state and government Oct. 30-31 in Rome. Then comes implementation at the national level. The global minimum tax would be voluntary. So countries would have to enact it into their own national tax codes on their own initiative. According to Gabriel Zucman, an economics professor at the University of California at Berkeley who has written extensively on tax havens, the minimum tax will still work even if some countries dont sign up. He said in a tweet that the fact remains: If some countries refuse to apply a minimum tax, then other countries will collect the taxes they refuse to collect. The proposal to tax companies on earnings where they have no physical presence, such as through online businesses, would require countries to sign up to a written international agreement. A key hurdle will be approval in the U.S. Congress. Biden's tax proposals, which would be needed to comply with the global minimum, face opposition from Republicans, and the Democratic president has only a narrow majority. Rejection by the U.S., the world's largest economy and home to many of the biggest multinationals, could seriously undermine the global deal. Any parts that are enshrined in a tax treaty would require a two-thirds vote in the U.S. Senate. Still, Biden could argue that passage would relieve U.S. tech companies of burdensome national digital taxes that would have to be withdrawn in favor of the global arrangement a prospect that may have some bipartisan appeal. ___ AP Business Writer Josh Boak contributed from Washington, D.C. HOUSTON (AP) The father of a 17-year-old boy who died after a road rage shooting on Friday asked for the publics help in finding the man who opened fire as he and his family were driving home from a Houston Astros game. Im asking for your help in bringing him to justice, and Im not angry at him. Im angry at what he did. I dont know who he is ... But I know he killed my son, said Paul Castro, whose son David died two days after being shot on Tuesday. Houston police say the driver of a white, four-door Buick LaCrosse with a sunroof exchanged hand gestures with Davids father as they were stuck in slow-moving traffic following an Astros game at around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Police allege the driver followed the Castro family for several miles on Interstate 10 before shooting at their truck shortly after both vehicles exited the freeway. David was shot in the head. He was taken to a hospital, where he died on Thursday. Paul Castro and Davids brother, who was also in the truck, were not injured. During a news conference, Paul Castro, recalled how a non-threatening hand gesture he made as the Buicks driver tried to merge in his lane ended up triggering the shooting. Justin Brown, a detective with the Houston police homicide division, said the Buicks driver had been driving aggressively, swerving around vehicles when he got stuck in traffic. When the driver unsuccessfully tried to merge into the same lane as Castros truck, he opened his door and yelled at Castro, Brown said. Castro said the Buick got so close to me he was like almost chipping the paint on my truck. He pointed his hands in a downward direction to signal to the driver that he had already let in several other vehicles into his lane and was just trying to keep traffic moving, Castro said. So that hand gesture got my son executed and thats not fair, he said. Brown said the driver of the Buick was a black or Hispanic male in his 20s to early 30s. Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect. The vehicle had a temporary paper license plate on the back and no plate on the front. The vehicles tires had distinctive rims with seven holes and the headlights had an unusual yellowish color, police said. Thats why were putting out this information to see if anyone has seen anything. Anything would help at this point, Brown said. A $10,000 reward is also being offered in the case. Police say its possible the driver does not live in the Houston area. Castro said his son had wanted to attend either Texas A&M University or Purdue University and study chemical engineering. He also was interested in politics and public policy. He was worried about global warming, the environment, gun violence, Paul Castro said. He wanted to do something with his life that would make the world better. Davids family hoped they would be able to donate his organs following his death. Were hoping that his last physical gift is going to be one where other families, who are suffering in some way, shape or form, will find solace, said Castro, who has worked over 26 years in education as a teacher and principal. He also asked for people to perform random acts of kindness in his sons memory. If the world were better, maybe this man who was obviously angry at something, maybe he would not have made that decision or someone else who has a weapon available in that moment of rage thats 10 seconds long, make a decision that they cant take back and affects another family, a community in an irreparable way like this one did, Castro said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A federal judge on Friday halted enforcement of a new Tennessee law requiring businesses to post special signs if they allow transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. The first-of-its-kind law went into effect on July 1 and would require such businesses to post signs on multiperson bathrooms that read, This facility maintains a policy of allowing the use of restrooms by either biological sex, regardless of the designation on the restroom. Businesses in Nashville and Chattanooga sued over the law, claiming that being forced to post those signs would violate their First Amendment rights by compelling them to communicate language they find offensive. The state of Tennessee argued in court that the signs are merely factual. In her Friday decision, U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger handed a victory to the businesses that sued, granting a preliminary injunction that effectively prevents the state from enforcing the law while the case works through the courts. She noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has found that compelling individuals to 'mouth support for views they find objectionable' violates a cardinal constitutional command unless justified by the strongest of rationales. "Particularly repugnant to the First Amendment is when the government forces a private party to voice the governments compelled message, not merely in private or in direct dealings with government itself, but in public, as an involuntary 'instrument for fostering public adherence to an ideological point of view,' Trauger wrote, quoting from a Supreme Court opinion. The law's sponsor, Republican state Rep. Tim Rudd, has said he is concerned about sexual predators taking advantage of loose restroom policies to assault or rape other restroom users. The law also would require signage on locker rooms, shower facilities and dressing rooms, according to court filings. The sign requirement is part of the state building codes and violations would be considered a misdemeanor offense, according to court filings. How the measure would be enforced, however, has been unclear. In June, Republican Senate Speaker Randy McNally told reporters he didn't think it would be enforced. In her opinion, Trauger accused the state defendants of pretending that no one knows how the Act will be enforced, despite the fact that, of course, they know, because they will be among the ones doing the enforcing, and they are simply keeping their plans to themselves. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Federal prosecutors will no longer seek the death penalty for an Alaska man accused of killing two people in Wasilla in 2016. John Pearl Smith II, 35, is scheduled to go on trial in October on federal charges in the case, but prosecutors gave notice on June 17 that they would withdraw their intent to seek the death penalty, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Prosecutors in 2018 said they would seek the death penalty against Smith if he was convicted of federal drug trafficking and firearms crimes that resulted in the deaths two years earlier of Ben Gross and Crystal Denardi. Prosecutors said Smith shot and killed Gross and Denardi in a robbery attempt. Their bodies were found in a burned home. Autopsy results showed they had been shot before the fire started. Smith has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers did not immediately respond to messages on Friday by The Associated Press seeking comment on the removal of the death penalty. The U.S. attorneys office for Alaska withdrew the intent to seek the death penalty under U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland's direction, Lisa Houghton, a spokesperson for the Alaska U.S. attorneys office, told the Daily News in an email. This decision does not change our intent to pursue justice for the victims and their family members, she said. Trial is scheduled to begin October 18, 2021. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Garland last week said federal executions would be halted pending a review of policies and procedures. Taimy Alvarez/AP FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Attorneys for the man accused of killing 17 people at a Florida high school in 2018 want a judge to close all future hearings to the media and the public to ensure a fair trial. A motion filed Thursday by lawyers for Nikolas Cruz says news coverage of pretrial hearings could instill bias among prospective jurors in the death penalty case. For example, they say, the hearings could discuss evidence later found inadmissible at Cruz's trial. TOKYO (AP) Tokyo Olympic organizers are holding out hope that the Paralympic Games might allow some fans. Organizers and the International Olympic Committee on Thursday banned all fans from Olympic venues in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures because of surging COVID-19 cases. A smattering of Olympic venues in outlying areas of Japan will allow some fans. Fans from abroad were banned several months ago as too risky. Organizing committee President Seiko Hashimoto, speaking at a Friday briefing, said a decision on Paralympic fans would be made after the Olympics close on Aug. 8. The Paralympics open on Aug. 24 and will involve 4,400 athletes. The Olympics involve 11,000. A state of emergency imposed by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga goes into effect on Monday and ends on Aug. 22. After the Olympics Games close as soon as possible we would like to make a decision," Hashimoto said. Because if it's postponed any further it will impact the preparations for the Paralympics. Japan's Kyodo news agency said Friday that a Lithuanian swimmer, who tested negative upon arrival in Tokyo on Wednesday, tested positive after traveling to a pre-Olympic training camp at Hiratsuka near Tokyo. Kyodo cited Hiratsuka city officials. The city said the swimmer trained Friday before receiving the positive result. Authorities were trying to trace his movements in the camp. Tokyo reported 822 new COVID infections on Friday. It was the 20th straight day that the number was higher than seven days previously. New infections on July 2 was 660. Japan's prime minister's office said Friday that 16.8% of Japanese have been fully vaccinated. The Olympic flame arrived on Friday in Tokyo and was unveiled at the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium. It will not circulate around the city. The torch relay, which began in March in northeastern Japan, has been pulled from all streets in Tokyo leading up to the opening ceremony on July 23. The relay will take place on a few Tokyo islands off the coast of the mainland. ___ More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/olympic-games and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Hundreds of people attended on Friday the funeral of Ahmed Jibril, the leader of a breakaway Palestinian faction whose group carried out attacks in the 1970s and 1980s against Israeli targets was laid to rest in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Special funeral prayers were held for Jibril whose coffin was wrapped with a Palestinian flag at Damascus Al-Othman Mosque and was later taken for burial in the cemetery of the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk, Syrias largest. Jibril was buried next to his son, Jihad, who was killed in an explosion in 2002 in Beirut, for which the group blamed Israel. Jihad Jibril was head of the PFLP-GC military wing at the time. The funeral was attended by hundreds of Palestinian and Syrian supporters as well as officials of Jibrils Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and other Damascus-based Palestinian factions. Jibril, 83, died on Wednesday in a Damascus hospital after being sick for months. The son of a Palestinian father and a Syrian mother, Jibril was born in Jaffa in 1938, in what was then British-ruled Palestine. His family later moved to Syria, where he became an officer in the Syrian army and acquired Syrian nationality. Commander Jibril was one of the founders of the contemporary Palestinian revolution and one of the leaders who made the contemporary Palestinian history, said Samir Rifai, the Palestinian Authoritys ambassador to Damascus. Jibril founded the PFLP in the late 1950s but broke away over ideological disputes. In 1968, he founded the pro-Syrian breakaway PFLP-GC, which briefly joined the Palestine Liberation Organization, but left the umbrella group in 1974, amid sharp disagreements with PLO leader Yasser Arafat. Jibril was a vehement opponent of peace talks with Israel. His group became known for some of the more headline-grabbing attacks against Israel, including the hijacking an El Al jetliner in 1968 and machine gunning another at Zurich airport in 1969. In 1970, it planted a time-bomb on a Swissair jet that blew up on a flight from Zurich to Tel Aviv, killing all 47 on aboard. The Damascus-based group also carried out attacks against Israel from its bases in Lebanon. The group is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and other Western countries. During Syrias 10-year conflict, Jibrils group supported Syrian government forces. AMSTERDAM (AP) Two men suspected in the shooting of a celebrated Dutch crime reporter appeared in court Friday and were ordered to stay in custody for another two weeks, while doctors were still fighting to save the journalist's life in an Amsterdam hospital. Peter R. de Vries was shot in the head while walking to his car after a Tuesday night television appearance. The attack on de Vries, known for courageous reporting on the Dutch underworld, raised concerns around Europe about journalists safety and media freedom. His condition has remained unchanged since the shooting, according to a statement from his family. A ceremony in de Vries honor was held Friday afternoon at Amsterdams Westerkerk church, which welcomed visitors to lights candles and to observe a moment of silence. Some 4,000 white roses were heaped in his honor at the Nationaal Monument nearby, with a sign reading Attack on Freedom of the Press. Dutch police said the suspected shooter is a 21-year-old Dutchman, and a 35-year-old Polish man living in the Netherlands is accused of driving the getaway car. They were arrested not long after de Vries was wounded. Heavy security ringed the Amsterdam District Court for Fridays hearing. The court said in a statement that there are currently sufficient objections and grounds to keep the two men in pre-trial detention. They were ordered held for another 14 days while the investigation continues. No motive for the attack has been disclosed. We are running through several scenarios and are working with all our might to find out what the role of the suspects is and who else might be responsible, said police spokesperson Sarah Tillart. De Vries reported on the countrys most infamous crimes, from the 1983 kidnapping of a Heineken heir to his investigation into the 2005 murder of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway while she was on holiday in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba. Most recently, he had been serving as an adviser and confidant to a witness in a major trial of alleged drug kingpin Ridouan Taghi. Taghi and 16 others are on trial over a series of murders, including the 2016 killing of a crime blogger who had reported on Taghis alleged criminal activities. According to Dutch daily newspaper de Telegraaf, the 21-year-old suspect is the cousin of a member of Taghis organization who is serving a 13-year prison term for orchestrating a series of assassination attempts against rival gang members. Taghis lawyer said her client was not involved in the journalists shooting. There has been a flood of reports in the media about who is responsible for this terrible event. However, my client Ridouan Taghi has been referenced without any objective substantiation, lawyer Inez Weski said in a statement Tuesday. Two people linked to the witness de Vries was advising were killed in recent years the witness lawyer and his brother. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A Houston man who received widespread attention after standing six hours in line to cast a ballot in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary was in jail Friday on charges that it was illegal for him to vote at all because he was on parole. Hervis Rogers became an overnight face of Texas' battle over voting access when he emerged from a polling center at a historically Black college around 1:30 a.m. He was among Houston voters on Super Tuesday who waited more than an hour and some for several hours in mostly minority, Democratic neighborhoods. Lines in mostly white, Republican neighborhoods were shorter. The way it was set up, it was like it was set up for me to walk away, Rogers told reporters in comments carried by multiple news outlets, including The Associated Press. He was arrested this week on two counts of illegal voting, a second-degree felony that carries a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison. His bail was set at $100,000. Rogers, 62, voted last March while still on parole from a felony burglary conviction, making him ineligible to cast a ballot under Texas law. Andre Segura, an attorney for the ACLU of Texas who is representing Rogers, said his client did not know he was ineligible to vote. He drew comparisons to Crystal Mason, a Fort Worth woman who was sentenced to five years in prison for casting a provisional ballot while on probation in 2016, who also said she was unaware she could not. Mr. Rogers made headlines after waiting hours for what he thought was his civic duty, and was very proud of that," Segura said. "We shouldn't be prosecuting people for innocent mistakes. The rare arrest on illegal voting allegations comes as Texas Republicans begin a second attempt at passing many of the same restrictive voting measures blocked by Democrats during a dramatic late-night walkout in May. Texas is the biggest state where Republicans have vowed to make voting changes since Donald Trumps false claims that fraud cost him the 2020 election. Courts records show Rogers is being prosecuted by the office of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has zealously pursued election fraud cases and last year took a failed attempt to overturn President Joe Biden's victory to the U.S. Supreme Court. His spokesman did not immediately respond to a message about Roger's indictment. In March 2020, Rogers said he was among the last people allowed in line before polls closed at 7 p.m. at Texas Southern University. Photos of voters waiting in long lines on the Houston campus appeared on news websites and ricocheted around social media. Rogers said he considered leaving but told reporters that every vote counts. Elections officials in Houston blamed the long lines on the local Republican Partys refusal to hold a joint primary with the Democrats. GOP leaders accused the county of trying to shift the blame, saying county officials who allocated both parties an equal number of voting machines disregarded warnings about turnout for the hotly contested Democratic presidential primary. As soon as Saturday, Texas Republicans could begin advancing their revived election bills at the state Capitol. One provision would require courts to explain to defendants how a felony convictions impacts their right to vote, a change Democratic state Rep. John Bucy has pushed in the aftermath of Mason's sentence. Intent is vital, Bucy said. We've got to really keep pushing back on these bills, because a lot of what they're trying to do could criminalize mistakes." BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungary's capital city is offering free antibody testing to its elderly residents in a bid to ratchet up pressure on the government over concerns that certain vaccines don't provide adequate protection against the coronavirus. The offer of 20,000 free tests, available for Budapest residents over 60, came after many fully vaccinated people reported that tests they had undergone at private laboratories indicated that they hadn't developed antibodies to defend against COVID-19. Budapest Deputy Mayor Ambrus Kiss said those reports came primarily from people who received China's Sinopharm vaccine, convincing city leaders that there was a genuine problem." He said the government should consider offering third doses to those with inadequate immune response. If there is such a loss of confidence in certain vaccines, then the government needs to order a third dose and free up the capacities for giving them, Kiss told The Associated Press, adding that the tests are available to anyone over 60 regardless of which vaccine they received. We think the the more tests we perform, the more societal pressure there is for a third dose, Kiss said. The testing drive will continue next week, and initial results will likely be released next week with the full results expected by the end of the month. Hungary was an early vaccination leader in the European Union, due largely to its procurement of jabs from eastern countries like Russia and China, on top of vaccines received through the EU. It was the first country in the 27-member bloc to approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, and is the only one to deploy China's Sinopharm. More than 5.1 million doses of the jab have been distributed to Hungary, of which it has administered more than 2 million, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. While government officials insist there is no reason to offer a third dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, critics of the jab - including Budapest's liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony - have cast doubt over its efficacy. In announcing the city's antibody testing campaign in June, Karacsony referred specifically to the Chinese vaccine as the reason for the measure. He pointed to other countries like Bahrein and the United Arab Emirates, which have offered booster shots for some Sinopharm recipients amid efficacy concerns. Both Sinopharm and Sinovac, another Chinese company who has produced its own vaccine, said in April that they were looking at whether a booster shot could help better protect against COVID-19. Karacsony often spars with Hungarys right-wing government and is considered a front-runner for replacing Prime Minister Viktor Orban in national elections next year. Sinopharm jab recipient Maria Szaniszlo, 78, said she backed a move to offer booster shots to anyone who needs them. There is news that the Chinese vaccine isnt reliable because it doesnt offer protection to many people, said Szaniszlo after showing up on Thursday for an antibody test in the capital. I decided that I wanted to know too ... They sent me the (immunity) card saying Im protected, but Ill find out tomorrow if I really am. ___ Huizhong Wu in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine https://apnews.com/hub/understanding-the-outbreak CHICAGO (AP) Illinois prosecutors on Friday sued the owner of a chemical plant where a fire last month sent dark smoke and ash into the air for days and prompted evacuations, saying the company should be held accountable for air and water pollution and hazards that still exist. An estimated 1,000 residents were evacuated from the area around the Chemtool plant near Rockton in northern Illinois after the June 14 fire, which authorities say was accidentally started. The company manufactures lubricating oil, grease and other fluids. Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Winnebago County States Attorney J. Hanley argue in the lawsuit that the fire posed a substantial danger to the public's health and welfare and the environment." They say tanks holding about 100,000 gallons of petroleum product still being stored at the facility have been compromised and pose a significant threat to the area, including the nearby Rock River. They want the company to pay for costs the state and county incurred responding to the fire, take action to avoid future release of pollutants and pay a penalty. The Chemtool fire rattled the community, displaced residents, and took the combined resources and efforts of several fire departments to get under control. Although the flames have been extinguished, the hazard posed to the public and the environment continues, and Chemtool owes the community more information, Raoul said. My office, in collaboration with the Winnebago County States Attorneys office will ensure that Chemtool is held responsible for evaluating the extent of the contamination and thoroughly remediating the damage. Lubrizol, which owns the Chemtool plant, said in a statement this week that it has started to outline the scope of the site cleanup and working with local and state authorities on a plan. We remain devastated by the fire at our Rockton Chemtool site and the impact on the local community, spokesman Cody Adams said Friday in a response to the lawsuit. Throughout this event, we have been working with state and federal regulators to address their concerns and the needs of residents and will continue to do so. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said Friday that samples taken from the area show air and water, including in all wells used as a water source for Rockton residents, are safe. The agency worked with the Illinois National Guard to conduct the sampling, as well as with other state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) A Marshalltown middle school teacher facing charges of having inappropriate contact with a 13-year-old student has been found dead, authorities said. The body of Adam Eugene Edgington, 42, of Nevada, Iowa, was found Thursday night in his car parked in a field, the Story County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Friday. The release said he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. HELENA, Mont. (AP) A Montana judge dismissed a lawsuit by The Associated Press and other media organizations that argued the chairman of a legislative committee illegally held a secret meeting of Republican lawmakers before the committee voted on bills involving abortion and transgender health care. District Court Judge Mike Menahan ruled Thursday that he was unwilling to say that when most of the majority partys committee members meet, it constitutes a quorum whose discussions must be open to the public under the right to know provision of Montana's Constitution, the Montana State News Bureau reported. Rep. Barry Usher of Billings held a closed meeting of nine of the 12 Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee in February. The full committee had 17 members, including five Democrats. Usher said he held three Republican members of the committee out of the meeting so it could be closed to the public, according to Mara Silvers with the Montana Free Press. The meeting did not include more than half of the members of the committee and was not a quorum, the state Department of Justice argued in defending the case against Usher. Mike Meloy, the Helena attorney for the media organizations, had argued that because Republicans hold a majority of the committee and have enough votes to make the decision for the committee, their caucus should be considered a subcommittee and the meeting should have been open. The Court is unwilling to redefine quorum as a majority of a majority,' " Menahan wrote. He said the gathering of lawmakers was closer to an ad hoc group than an organized deliberative body that would be open under Montana case law. Usher said he supports the public's right to observe what its government is doing. "Montanas constitution and state law spell out what is and isnt a meeting thats open to the public," he said in a statement. "Im glad to see the court agree with the very clear fact that a fraction of a quorum is not a quorum and the members of my committee talking together followed Montana law. Meloy argued that open meetings laws and the state Constitution should be interpreted broadly to protect the people's right to know and observe their government. It is particularly unfortunate that Ushers actions were specifically designed to avoid public scrutiny, Meloy said in a statement Friday. In addition to The Associated Press, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of all five Montana newspapers owned by Lee Enterprises as well as the Montana State News Bureau; the Bozeman Daily Chronicle; the Montana Free Press; the Daily Inter Lake and other papers owned by Hagadone Media Montana; the Montana Broadcasters Association; and the Montana Newspaper Association. AURORA, Colo. (AP) A Kansas man convicted of sexual assault in the rape of a woman in suburban Denver and of assaulting and carjacking another woman has been sentenced to life in Colorado state prison. The Aurora Sentinel reports that 26-year-old Tre Carrasco was sentenced Friday by Arapahoe County District Judge Ben Leutwyler to a total of 136 years in prison. ATLANTA (AP) Republican Governor Brian Kemp has more than $9 million on hand more than a year before the 2022 general election, having raised nearly $4 million from Feb. 1 through June 30. Kemp has raised nearly $12 million since the beginning of 2020. He is one of dozens of statewide candidates who filed campaign finance reports Thursday with state ethics officials. More than a quarter of Kemp's money was raised in the biggest possible chunks with donors giving the maximum contribution of $7,000. More than 150 donors gave not only for the Republican primary, in which Kemp faces three declared rivals, but also for the general election, in which many believe he will have a rematch against 2018 Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams. This campaign has the resources necessary to stop the far-left agenda in its tracks next year, campaign manager Bobby Saparow said in a statement. Neither Abrams nor any other Democrat has filed yet to run for governor. Vernon Jones, a former Democratic state representative who is now challenging Kemp in the Republican primary, said he had raised more than $650,000 since his April announcement. Jones, who has alleged Kemp was disloyal to former President Donald Trump, had not filed with the state as of early Thursday evening. The support our campaign has attracted has made one thing clear: Georgians have not forgotten Brian Kemps betrayal of President Trump," Jones said in a statement. Republican Kandiss Taylor raised $11,000 in the quarter and had $2,800 on hand. Kemp is already spending briskly, posting nearly $1 million in outlays. The incumbent is ahead of where other governors were at the same time. In 2013, incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal raised $613,000 in the period and ended with $1.1 million in cash. Here's a look at fundraising for other offices: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Butch Miller, the Republican Senate president pro tem who seeks to preside over the Senate as lieutenant governor, raised $2 million in a five-week sprint. The haul shows the fundraising power of the Gainesville resident, tightly linked with business interests. The only other declared Republican, Savannah party activist Jeanne Seaver, raised $17,000, including a $1,081 loan to herself. On the Democratic side campaign strategist Kolbey Gardner of Atlanta raised $112,000 and had $110,000 banked. Gardner gave or loaned his campaign $21,600. State Rep. Erick Allen of Smyrna of raised $106,000. Allen, his wife and state House campaign accounted for more than one fifth of the total. State Rep. Derrick Jackson of Tyrone raised $73,000 including $7,000 from his House committee. He had $70,000 on hand. ATTORNEY GENERAL Republican incumbent Chris Carr raised $574,000, with lawyers and business interests the biggest contributors. He's got $1 million on hand. Carr has no announced primary opponent. The incumbent was outraised during the period by challenger and Democratic state Sen. Jen Jordan of Sandy Springs, who took in nearly $674,000, concluding the quarter with more than $600,000 in the bank. Her top donors were largely lawyers. The 2018 Democratic nominee, Charlie Bailey, raised $294,000 for the period and has $481,000 on hand. SECRETARY OF STATE Congressman Jody Hice, who jumped into the race with Trump's blessing, raised $575,000 to pursue a primary challenge against fellow Republican and incumbent Brad Raffensperger, who spurned Trump's efforts to overturn Joe Biden's victory in Georgia. More than 30% of Hice's money was raised in $7,000 contributions, including from fellow U.S. Rep Andrew Clyde and billionaire Trump supporter Richard Uihlein of Illinois. Raffensperger raised $250,000, including $50,000 that he loaned to his campaign after spending more than $1 million of his own money to get elected in 2018. His campaign has $275,000 in the bank. Former Alpharetta Mayor and Republican David Belle Isle raised $164,000 and had $100,000 on hand. Among Democrats, state Rep. Bee Nguyen of Atlanta raised nearly $387,000 after announcing her run. Many of Nguyen's 2,100 donors gave smaller amounts, reflecting Nguyen's work at harnessing Democratic outrage over Georgia's new voting law. Albany Democrat Manswell Peterson reported raising $318,000, almost entirely in unitemized contributions below $100. Peterson said his campaign has been fueled by grass-roots enthusiasm, but campaign finance officials said they will examine the situation. LABOR COMMISSIONER Republican State Sen. Bruce Thompson of White raised $250,00 for his primary challenge against incumbent Republican Labor Commissioner Mark Butler, including a $150,000 loan to himself. Butler loaned himself nearly $65,000, giving him $95,000 in cash. Democratic state Sen. Lester Jackson of Savannah raised $66,000, while fellow Democrat Nicole Horn of Atlanta raised $88,000. State Rep William Boddie of East Point hadn't filed as of Thursday evening. AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER State Sen. Tyler Harper of Ocilla, the only Republican declared for the open seat, loaned his campaign $501,000 and raised $33,000 from others. Willie Fred Swann of Tucker, the 2018 Democratic nominee, raised $52,000. Nakita Hemingway, a Gwinnett County Democrat, loaned her campaign $20,000 and raised $1,000 of cash and $5,000 of in-kind services. Former Lithonia mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Deborah Jackson hadn't filed. INSURANCE COMMISSIONER Republican John King, appointed by Kemp after previous commissioner Jim Beck was indicted, raised almost $50,000, leaving him $192,000 in the bank. Democratic state Rep. Matthew Wilson reported raising nearly $121,000. Democrat and former Gwinnett County commissioner candidate Derrick Wilson hadn't filed. STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Republican Superintendent Richard Woods gave his campaign $25, leaving him with $2,500 on hand. - An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the amount of cash on hand for Charlie Bailey as $573,000. The correct amount is $481,000. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Gov. Bill Lee will visit the United States border with Mexico this weekend to meet with Tennessee National Guard troops. Lee's office said Thursday that the Republican will also evaluate needs in securing the border during the trip. Lee will travel with Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee adjutant general. VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Lithuania began Friday to erect a fence along its border with Belarus to deter third country migrants from entering, a week after Vilnius declared a state of emergency to address a sharp rise in migratory flows which it says Belarusian authorities are encouraging. Relations between the two neighbors are tense following the August 2020 elections in Belarus, which were won by long-time President Alexander Lukashenko but have been widely condemned by the West as rigged. The vote results triggered months of protests and a harsh crackdown on the opposition by Lukashenko's authoritarian regime. Lithuania, which has backed and granted refuge to Belarus opposition figures, accuses its neighbor of organizing the border crossings by people mainly from Iraq, the Middle East and Africa. The double, barbed wire fence will run for 550 kilometers (342 miles), covering most of the nearly 680-kilometer (423-mile) frontier. It will cost 41 million euros ($48 million), according to Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite. In the past two months, more than 1,500 people have crossed into Lithuania 20 times more than in the whole of 2020. This week, Lukashenko said his country wouldn't close its borders and become a camp for people fleeing Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Tunisia. We wont hold anyone, they are coming not to us but to the enlightened, warm and cozy Europe, he added mockingly. The European Union, of which Lithuania is a member, has said it will help the Baltic country of 2.8 million people that has already set up tent camps to accommodate the growing number of migrants. Tensions between the EU and Belarus have escalated further after Belarus diverted a passenger jet on May 23 to arrest an opposition journalist. Lukashenko has said his country will halt cooperation with the 27-nation bloc on stemming migration, in retaliation for bruising economic sanctions the EU slapped on Belarus over the passenger jet diversion. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration BIDDEFORD, Maine (AP) An employee of a Maine school district has been arrested and faces child exploitation charges after transmitting obscene material on the internet, police said Friday. Jesse Kiesel, who works at Biddeford Middle School as an education tech, engaged in an internet chat with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a 13-year-old girl, police said. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) A man accused of killing an Indiana police officer heard the charge Friday from a hospital bed where he is recovering from a shootout outside an FBI office. Shane Meehan was not fully capable to participate in the hearing due to his physical discomfort and the administration of pain medication, U.S. Magistrate Judge Craig McKee said in a court filing. HAZEL DELL, Wash. (AP) A southwestern Washington man is accused of shooting his roommate during an argument Tuesday at their house in Hazel Dell. Authorities identified the victim Thursday as Michael Brachais, 45. Justin Nicholas Romero, 31, made a first appearance on a second-degree murder charge Thursday in Clark County Superior Court, The Columbian reported. Judge David Gregerson set bail at $750,000. It wasn't immediately known if he has a lawyer to comment on the case. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) A man wanted for a fatal shooting in Minnesota has been arrested in South Dakota, according to sheriff's officials. The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office said the 18-year-old man was arrested Thursday night in Sioux Falls. He was wanted for fatally shooting 45-year-old David Harris last month in Austin, Minnesota. KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) Officials on Maui are moving quickly to implement a new tax on tourists. The move comes after state lawmakers overrode a veto by Hawaii Gov. David Ige this week. Hawaii lawmakers overrode Iges veto of a bill that overhauls how the state funds the Hawaii Tourism Authority and allocates tourism tax revenue to the counties. The new law allows Hawaii's counties to collect a 3% tax from visitors staying at hotels and other short-term rentals. Before the new law, the state collected a 10% hotel tax and distributed a share to each county. Now, the counties can levy their own surcharge to the tax and keep the money for local needs. The bill would stop funding the tourism agency with money raised by the transient accommodations tax. Lawmakers intend to pay for the agency with money from the general fund, though for the current fiscal year they appropriated federal coronavirus relief funds. This will help tremendously, said Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee. Lee said that will bring Maui nearly triple the revenue, Hawaii News Now reported Thursday. Instead of $23 million, well probably receive in the neighborhood of $50 to $70 million, Lee said. Maui has seen a sharp increase in tourism since pandemic restrictions have eased. State Rep. Sylvia Luke, the House Finance Chair, said under the old system, Oahu got the bulk of the money because it is the most populous island in the state. Now counties will be receive money based on how many visitors they get. Luke said Maui could benefit the most. The island is just overrun with tourists, said Luke. And you look at the population of Maui, compared to Oahu, theres a lot more tourists per capita. California visitors Phil and Diana Asenas think the law is unfair. Taking a little bit of an advantage of people who truly want to get out and have been locked down for two years now, said Phil Asenas. Theyre definitely taking advantage of us, Diana Asenas said. "But at the same time, if we want a vacation, we have to suck it up too. But its not right. Its definitely not right. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has vetoed legislation that would make property owners register with the state before listing short-term rentals through online lodging websites, to the chagrin of some concerned about the unregulated nature of the industry. I cannot support this bill because it will create additional burden for property owners, the Democratic governor wrote Thursday in a veto message. Short-term rental concerns, like other property/land use and small business matters, are most effectively addressed at the municipal level. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A statue of journalist, teacher and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells will be unveiled as part of a week's worth of events honoring the former resident of Memphis, Tennessee. The life-size bronze statue of Wells, who lived in Memphis for 10 years in the late 1800s, is being erected at a plaza in downtown Memphis. The unveiling is scheduled on July 16, culminating a week-long celebration of Wells' life and legacy that also will include a community prayer service, a parade and a visit to a prominent lynching site in Memphis. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Friday vetoed a wide-ranging bill that would have limited public access to certain government records. Among other things, the measure would have allowed Missouri government agencies to close off public access to peoples addresses and phone numbers provided for mailing lists. BUCHAREST (AP) Moldovan voters go to the polls this weekend in a snap parliamentary election that could decide whether the former Soviet republic fully embraces pro-Western reforms or prolongs a political impasse under strong Russian influence. The landlocked country of 3.5 million Europe's poorest, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine has in recent years lurched from one political crisis to another, dogged by instability and stuck in geopolitical limbo between pro-Western and pro-Russia forces. Although Moldova signed a deal with the European Union in 2014 on forging closer political and economic ties, rampant corruption and lack of reform have hindered development and at times drawn strong criticism from Brussels. Analysts say Sunday's election could prove decisive for the future of the country, which gained independence in 1992 but has seen widespread disillusionment with post-Soviet politics, and an exodus of hundreds of thousands of citizens seeking a better future abroad. These elections are crucial for Moldovas future development, Iulian Groza, executive director of the Chisinau-based Institute for European Policies and Reforms think tank, told The Associated Press. It is basically a struggle between the incumbent kleptocrats, and new pro-reform elites willing and ready to clean the system from corrupt practices. Over three million registered voters will choose Sunday among more than 20 parties, but only four are expected to make it to the 101-seat legislature. The main battle will be between the pro-Reform Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and a Moscow-friendly bloc made up of the Communists and Socialists, headed by two former presidents. Current Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who used to lead the pro-reform bloc, told voters that this is our chance to cleanse the political class. She forced the election in April by dissolving parliament shortly after Moldovas highest court abolished a state of emergency imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. You decide who will be part of the next parliament and government, the 49-year-old former World Bank official said in an online post. It is up to you how quickly we can save the country from corruption and poverty. Moldovas last parliamentary elections in 2019 led to a series of awkward coalitions and occasional deadlock in parliament. Sandu forced the snap polls by twice nominating prime ministerial candidates that were unlikely to be approved by parliament, which then had to be dissolved according to the Constitution. She now aims to build on her presidential victory last November by securing a clear pro-reform government that she can work with. Sandu beat Igor Dodon, a former president with close links to Russia, in a presidential runoff last year. Dodon warned of instability if reformists take power in a country still mistrustful of changes aligned with Western values. Only our team is able to end the chaos in the country, ensure social protection of people, restore the economy, strengthen statehood, Dodon, whose party campaigns on high social spending and traditional family values, said earlier this week. Recent opinion polls have given a lead to the pro-Sandu PAS party, but the result could largely depend on turnout among Moldovas more than 200,000 diaspora voters. Radu Magdin, an analyst at Smartlink Communications, said a strong turnout likely would mean strong support for the reformists. The main question, which could turn everything around, is mobilization, he said. Svetlana Eremka, a 40-year-old design manager who lives in Essex, U.K., hopes this election brings a "new beginning. Our nation has been struggling for the last 30 years or so, with little success ... it is a lot of work and requires each of us to participate and help to build a new system, she said, adding that she hopes many Moldovan students living abroad can move back and believe there is bright future ... not just for a few elites but the vast majority of the population." The EU has earmarked a 600-million-euro ($710 million) recovery package for Moldova to help the economy recover from the pandemic and boost investment. But Brussels has warned the money is conditioned on judicial and anti-corruption reform. In Transparency Internationals 2020 Corruption Perception Index, Moldova ranked 115th out of 180 countries, with the first place being the least corrupt. Sabin Rufa, a 20-year-old student at Warwick University in the U.K., believes this election comes at a crucial moment in his countrys democratic history. I feel this election is perhaps the most important milestone in the last 10 years, especially for the progressive people that wish Moldova to develop in line with democratic standards and institutions, he said. I hope that in another 10 years, I will look back to this election knowing that it was a turning point. With all its imperfections, Moldova is where I want to build a future for myself, for my family, and for my compatriots. WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Most Kansas schoolchildren and teachers, regardless of whether theyve been vaccinated against COVID-19, wont be required to wear face masks next school year. Schools find themselves under pressure to return to more normal, pre-pandemic operations. But officials say they stand ready to pivot including reinstating mask mandates if the pandemic worsens dramatically. Should adjustments to our plan be required, said Alicia Thompson, superintendent of the states largest school district in Wichita, we will bring our pandemic leadership team back together to recommend adjustments. She said her district weighed current data on infection rates, along with guidance from local health officials and feedback from a community survey, to craft the districts plan. Starting this month in Wichita schools, masks are optional. Vaccinations are not required. And regular activities will resume, including volunteers and visitors in schools. Several large districts in Johnson County, including Olathe and Blue Valley, also lifted mask mandates that had been in place more than a year. The Kansas News Service reports that its a controversial call. Health officials recommend mask wearing while indoors for people who arent fully vaccinated or who have a compromised immune system. And children younger than 12 arent eligible to get a vaccine. Meanwhile, the new, more-infectious Delta variant of the virus now accounts for 80% of coronavirus cases in the state and for nearly all new hospitalizations. Fewer than half of Kansans eligible for vaccinations have been inoculated. A few large districts, including Shawnee Mission in Johnson County, have yet to decide on masks for this fall. Spokesman David Smith said Shawnee Mission leaders are still looking for some clear guidance from health officials on masks and other COVID protocols, especially for vulnerable elementary school populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that schools continue to use COVID-19 prevention strategies, including masks and social distancing, through the last school year. On Friday, the CDC issued new guidelines giving vaccinated students the option to attend classes without masks in the fall while their unvaccinated classmates continue to wear masks. Wichita school board member Ben Blankley said continued precautions, particularly with unvaccinated elementary-schoolers, could prevent outbreaks and related quarantines. Id hate to be in a situation where we send entire classrooms out on quarantine and disrupt a bunch of peoples livelihoods again just because we decided that particular pandemic precautions were unpopular with some people, he said. Brent Lewis, president of the Wichita teachers union, said he agrees with the decision to make face masks optional. Leaders are trying to balance COVID-19 concerns with a desire to keep schools open and comfortable, he said. But he worries that possible outbreaks could lead to widespread quarantines. Federal law does not require districts to provide paid leave to employees who are sick with COVID-19, under quarantine or caring for someone with COVID, so teachers would have to use their personal leave time. Its unclear how many of Wichitas 4,200 teachers are vaccinated, but Lewis said about three-fourths signed up for vaccines when they were made available this spring. In Olathe, superintendent John Allison said masks will be highly encouraged but not required for students, staff and visitors. Board member LeEtta Felter asked how that will play out in classrooms if some parents want their children masked. I dont want to unduly burden our teachers with being the mask gestapo, she said. How will we accommodate a familys preference for their child to wear a mask ... and (have) no bullying? Allison said school leaders will talk about strategies before school starts this fall. We dont tolerate bullying for whatever reason, he said. Masks would fit into that. Thompson, the Wichita superintendent, said COVID-19 taught school districts and families to be flexible. The protocol when students return Aug. 12 could change. We can say with confidence that we have now led in a pandemic, but none of us yet have led coming out of a pandemic, she said. There will be many lessons to be learned over the next year. SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) New Jersey's governor signed a package of bills Friday aimed at moving the state closer to its goal of generating 100% of its power from clean sources by 2050. The measures make it easier to develop some solar energy projects, and to locate and build electric vehicle charging stations. But still waiting for action by the Democratic governor is another bill that would remove most local control from where and how offshore wind energy projects come ashore. Murphy did not mention that bill at a signing ceremony in Seaside Heights in a municipal parking lot across the street from a popular water park. From wind turbine component manufacturing to solar to electric vehicles, we are well on our way to putting New Jersey back to its rightful place as a national leader in clean energy, Murphy said. One measure makes it easier to locate electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state, eliminating the need to go before planning or zoning boards to get them approved. Pam Frank, CEO of ChargEVC-NJ, an electric vehicle advocacy coalition, said charging stations are crucial to the growth of the electric vehicle industry. Four new charging stations were recently installed in the parking lot where Friday's news conference was held. Most New Jersey drivers will not even consider an electric vehicle until they can see charging infrastructure out and around. she said. A similar bill signed by the governor encourages development of zero-emission vehicle fueling and charging infrastructure in redevelopment projects. Murphy also signed two measures dealing with solar power projects. One allows so-called dual use solar projects located on unpreserved farm land that is still also used for agricultural purposes. Another bill would create a successor program to a solar power program in the process of being discontinued by the state. Joseph Fiordaliso, president of the state Board of Public Utilities, said New Jersey has more than 142,000 solar power installations statewide. After the news conference, Murphy said nothing should be read into the fact that he did not sign the offshore wind energy bill Friday. I wouldn't say that (not signing the bill) today gives any indication at all, Murphy said, adding his policy is not to comment on pending legislation until he acts on it. Aside from granting local communities a public hearing on an offshore project that comes ashore in their town, the bill would strip those communities and their elected officials of most, if not all control over where and how the project's power lines and associated infrastructure are installed onshore. It does require that power lines run underground in most cases, but sets up a mechanism where the state BPU can approve a project if local authorities delay or obstruct it. Some shore communities including Ocean City have vocally opposed the bill. ___ Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC. ENTERPRISE, Ala. (AP) A new state veterans home in southeast Alabama will be named for Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, who received the Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War and died of COVID-19 last year, officials said Friday. The new home, with space for 175 veterans, will be to be located in Enterprise, said a statement from the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs. MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) Parents of the most recent group of students abducted in northern Nigeria are calling for international pressure on the government to help stop a series of kidnappings since December that have seized nearly 1,000 students. Angry residents in Damishi in Kaduna state marched in the streets this week, demanding peace. The small group of protesters said at least 16 people were kidnapped on Wednesday, just two days after gunmen stormed the Bethel Baptist High School early Monday and abducted at least 121 students. We are still mourning the Bethel school students and now this happened, said Habib Lukeman, standing near a barricade. We dont want bad government, we dont want them. They should bring back our children. Parents of the kidnapped students gathered inside the school, crying, praying and demanding justice. We need the international community to help and speak to the government, said Joseph Jeremiah, a pastor whose 14-year-old girl was abducted. When we are talking of pain, we know what it is, what it has caused, when you miss one of your family. Solomon Danbeki, the vice-chairman of the schools parent-teacher association, worried about the poor security. The armed bandits came with sophisticated weapons, but the vigilante security personnel in the school only had guns. There couldnt have been anything they could do to save our children, he said. Two security guards lost their lives on Monday while battling the kidnappers, Kadunas governor said. Such school abductions are becoming common in northern Nigeria. The U.N. childrens agency estimates at least 950 students have been abducted by gunmen since December, with more than half of the abductions occurring in the past six weeks. This situation really has a tremendous impact, said Emmanuel Nandang, principal at Prelude Comprehensive College in Kaduna city. Parents dont allow their children to travel or leave home to study because they are scared of what could happen, he said. With fewer students, the budgets of some schools have been reduced and they have been forced to fire teachers. This situation affects the entire population, Nandang said. The abduction at Bethel Baptist High School is the fourth in Kaduna state in the past six months. There have been seven mass kidnappings of students in Nigeria this year. The gunmen seek ransoms. Analyst Malam Bashir Mohammed has attributed the rise of kidnappings to poverty, unemployment and greed. Mass abductions from schools in Nigeria have increased significantly since 2014, when Boko Haram extremists abducted 276 female students from a school in Chibok in northeastern Borno state. Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, a retired army officer, has blamed the kidnappings on the ransoms paid, saying the the government and security agencies are failing to trace the payments to apprehend collaborators in the communities. ___ AP reporter Ajayi Taiwo Oluwole in Kaduna contributed. NEW YORK (AP) Airline service company Eulen has agreed to provide $590,000 in reimbursement to employees who were forced to pay for the cost of laundering uniforms they were required to wear, New York's attorney general said Friday. Attorney General Letitia James said Eulen America unlawfully deducted money from about 1,500 workers out of their paychecks. New York state law requires employers to reimburse workers earning minimum wage for the laundering costs of required uniforms at a fixed weekly rate. CHILOQUIN, Ore. (AP) A fast-growing wildfire on national forestland in south-central Oregon has prompted mandatory evacuations as it threatened about 3,000 homes, authorities said. Pushed by strong winds, the fire in Klamath County grew from about 26 square miles (65 square kilometers) Thursday to 61 square miles (158 square kilometers) Friday in the Fremont-Winema National Forest and on private land. There was no containment, according to the update posted on Facebook by the incident management team. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Gov. Mike Parson pumped the brakes Friday on legislation that would have ended a vehicle emissions testing program in counties surrounding St. Louis. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Parson cited the potential loss of $52 million in federal funding when he vetoed the legislation. It called for excluding Franklin, Jefferson and St. Charles counties from vehicle emissions inspections that are mandated by the federal Clean Air Act. PHOENIX (AP) Phoenix police officers responding after a man made multiple 911 calls shot and killed him after he announced he had a gun and then pointed what appeared to be a handgun at them, police said Friday. The object pointed by the 64-year-old man before he was shot Thursday night turned out to be a water gun, the Police Department said in a statement. NEW YORK (AP) The suspected gunman in the shooting of three people in New York was fatally shot by police after raising a gun in the direction of responding officers, an official said. The officers heard gunshots late Friday and found three people wounded in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, according to preliminary information from NYPD Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes. LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) Police in southwestern Nebraska believe the death of a man earlier this week in Lexington may have stemmed from a drive-by shooting a rare occurrence outside Nebraskas metropolitan areas. Investigators believe Marcus Keyser, 23, was gunned down early Monday morning on a Lexington street, police told station KRVN. Police Chief Tracy Wolf is asking residents to check any surveillance video they have between the times of 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. Monday for any activity that might be related to the shooting. ROME (AP) Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury marked the 10th anniversary of the independence of South Sudan on Friday by urging its rival political leaders to make the necessary personal sacrifices to consolidate peace. The majority of the countrys population is Christian, and churches helped to rally international support when South Sudanese fought for independence from Sudan, which is overwhelmingly Muslim. Francis, Archbishop Justin Welby and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Jim Wallace, repeated their hopes of visiting South Sudan in a joint message to the countrys leaders. But they noted that much more needs to be done to ensure peace and reconciliation. Sadly, your people continue to live in fear and uncertainty, and lack confidence that their nation can indeed deliver the justice, liberty and prosperity celebrated in your national anthem, the three religious leaders wrote, noting they had made the same appeal in a Christmas message. We encourage you to make even greater efforts to enable your people to enjoy the full fruits of independence, they wrote, adding that this may require personal sacrifice from you as leaders. There were high hopes for peace and stability when oil-rich South Sudan gained its long-fought independence from Sudan in 2011. But the country slid into ethnic violence in December 2013. The five-year civil war killed hundreds of thousands of people. U.N. experts have warned that continued political, military and ethnic divisions were widening, leading to multiple violent incidents between the main signatories to last year's cease-fire, the possibility of renewed civil war, and nearly 100,000 people facing famine-like conditions. In April, the U.N. experts said the slow pace of reforms by President Salva Kiirs government and political disputes and disagreements over how to implement the February 2020 cease-fire and the 2018 peace agreement has led to frayed relations between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, who led the armed opposition in the civil war. Francis has been hoping to visit South Sudan for years but has been prevented by security concerns. In 2019, Francis invited South Sudans rival leaders to the Vatican for an Easter summit, stunning onlookers when he knelt down and kissed their feet in a humble plea for peace. The Justice Department is continuing its investigation into the killing of Emmett Till, the Black teenager whose slaying 65 years ago in Mississippi sparked outrage and illustrated the brutality of racism in the segregated South. The department's latest report on civil rights cold cases, released late last month, lists three investigations dating back decades that were closed because witnesses or suspects have died, leads went nowhere or cases were too old to prosecute, but the Till case wasn't among them. Relatives of Till said they didn't know of anyone in the family who'd received official notification that the review had ended, a key step in the department's process. Thats all we know, that its still open, family member Marvel Parker said Friday. Her husband, Wheeler Parker, was with Till the night he was taken from a family home at gunpoint. The youth's brutalized body was later pulled from a river, where it had been weighted down with a cotton gin fan. Some news outlets reported last year that the investigation had ended. Initially closed in 2007, the case was reopened after a 2017 book quoted a key figure in the case, Carolyn Bryant Donham, as saying she lied when she claimed that the 14-year-old Till grabbed her, whistled and made sexual advances. The allegation enraged the white woman's husband and another man, who were acquitted of murder but later admitted to the killing in a magazine interview. While Donham's then-husband Roy Bryant and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, were never retried and have since died, Donham is in her 80s and still lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Relatives have publicly denied that she recanted her allegations about Till. Ollie Gordon, a cousin of Till, said relatives want the case to remain open as long as there's any chance someone could be prosecuted. We want justice," she said. As long as Carolyn Bryant is still breathing we want justice. The FBI investigation has included a talk with Wheeler Parker, who previously told The Associated Press interview that he heard Till whistle at the woman in a store in Money, Mississippi, but that the teen did nothing to warrant being killed. First approved in 2007 and reauthorized in 2016 to include additional cases, a federal civil rights law named for Till allowed a review of slayings that hadn't been solved or prosecuted to the point of a conviction. The law requires the Justice Department to make annual progress reports to Congress, but no new report was issued in 2020. While about 150 cases have been reviewed, only two federal convictions and three state convictions have occurred, most recently when former Alabama state trooper James Bonard Fowler was convicted in 2010 of shooting Jimmie Lee Jackson during a protest in Marion, Alabama, in 1965. The report last month said three cases involving Black victims had been closed without any charges because people had died or crimes were too old to pursue. Those included the deaths of Anthony Adams, 25, in Salt Lake City in 1978; Jo Etha Collier in Drew, Mississippi, in 1971; and Eddie Cook in Detroit in 1965. Adams, a gay Black man, was found stabbed to death in his ransacked apartment, but a woman whose fingerprint was found on a television died in 2008, the report said. Three men were charged with murder in the death of Collier, who was shot to death from a moving vehicle while walking with friends, but no one was convicted and no further prosecutions are possible, it said. The report said no suspects were ever identified in the case of Cook, who was killed by a shotgun blast that came from a car occupied by four or five white youths. ATLANTA (AP) An exotic cat that was roaming parts of Atlanta has been captured, but the owner is being forced to give up her pet because it's illegal to keep such cats as pets in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said Thursday that a serval, a species native to Africa, had been taken to a holding facility until it could be relocated to a wildlife sanctuary. Authorities had been searching for the feline since June 30, when it entered a house and jumped on a woman's bed while she was sleeping. The owner, Anna Fyfe, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution she moved to Georgia from South Carolina where it's legal to keep a serval as a pet. Fyfe told the newspaper that she had brought the serval to her Georgia home from her parents' house in South Carolina when it escaped. The animal is named Nala, after a lioness in Disney's The Lion King. The DNR did an amazing job at helping catch Nala and making sure everyone is safe, even though she is just a kitty and is harmless, Fyfe said. They are not letting me keep her. They are taking her away to a sanctuary I completely understand, theyre only doing their job. Im just devastated because Nala is my baby. A neighbor captured the cat on Monday and returned her to Fyfe, but game wardens told her they would have to take the cat. Fyfe said she has been told by investigators that no charges would be filed. She said shes raised her pet since she was a cub, and that Nala had never had a violent incident. I think the DNR should return Nala back to (me) as long as she is taken back to South Carolina immediately, Fyfe said. Its unfair to her to live out the rest of her life in a new environment. JOHANNESBURG (AP) Rwanda on Friday said it would immediately deploy 1,000 members of its armed forces and police to northern Mozambique to help battle an Islamic extremist insurgency that has caused than 700,000 residents to flee for their lives. Rwanda's government said its forces will support efforts to restore Mozambican state authority by conducting combat and security operations." The Rwandans will be joined by a deployment from the 16-nation Southern African Development Community which is to begin on July 15, according to a letter from SADCs executive secretary to the United Nations secretary-general and seen by The Associated Press. The SADC mission will last for three months and could be extended, the letter said. The regional body last month approved a $12 million budget for the deployment of the Standby Force Mission for Mozambique. Earlier this year, military experts from the group recommended that the regional body send about 3,000 soldiers with arms, helicopters, airplanes and naval capacity. The Rwandan and regional interventions come as the insurgent attacks in northern Cabo Delgado province intensify, with rebels targeting villages and islands and beheading some residents. Witnesses have said the fighters are looting and warning residents to leave or be killed. The violence in northern Mozambique is blamed for the deaths of more than 2,000 people. The World Food Program has warned of a growing hunger crisis as nearly 1 million people need food aid. The insurgency in northern Mozambique started in Cabo Delgado province in 2017 and has grown rapidly in the past year. The insurgents have held the port of Mocimboa da Praia since August and have repeatedly attacked the strategic center of Palma, forcing the French energy firm Total to suspend its $20 billion liquified natural gas project. ___ Bowker reported from Belgrade, Serbia. LISBON, Portugal (AP) Spains top diplomat pushed back Friday against French cautions over vacationing in the Iberian peninsula, as southern Europes holiday hotspots worry that repeated changes to rules on who can visit is putting people off travel. On Thursday, Frances secretary of state for European affairs, Clement Beaune, advised people to avoid Spain and Portugal as destinations when booking their holidays because the French government is considering restrictions on travel to the Iberian neighbors, where COVID-19 infections are surging. Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said the current surge is not translating into more hospitalizations and urged people to be proportionate in their response to pandemic trends. This is a time for prudence, not for panicking, she said at a press conference in Madrid. There is no reason at the moment to ask people to cancel their vacations. Visiting French Foreign Minister Yves Le Drian urged people to have a COVID-19 jab before travelling. The vaccine is the door to Spain, he said. Millions of tourists arriving every year in Spain and Portugal are crucial for the Iberian countries economies and jobs. Both hope tourism will help drive an economic recovery after the pandemic. French tourists staying away would be a major blow. For Iberian tourism businesses, last year was mostly a washout due to COVID-19 lockdowns and local and international travel restrictions. This year is turning out to be a wild ride, as rules have flip-flopped amid efforts to resume leisure travel. Germany on Friday labelled the whole of Spain as a risk area, potentially discouraging travel there. Portugal has also been clobbered by changing rules. Last month, Portuguese companies cheered when the country was placed on the U.K.s green list, permitting British tourists to skip quarantine when returning home. Three weeks later, amid a surge in COVID-19 infections, Portugal was axed from the list and the British market dried up. There are hopes this could change again after July 19, when the British government scraps the requirement for people going abroad to quarantine, as long as they are fully vaccinated. Germany this week eased its recent strict restrictions on travel to Portugal, which had disheartened the Portuguese tourism sector. Now, a negative test is enough for Germans returning from holiday to avoid quarantining. Everyone keeps chopping and changing their rules, Eliderico Viegas, head of Portugals Algarve Hotel and Resort Association, a representative body, said. France, and before it Germany, are good examples of that. Portugal, like Spain, was expecting this summer to be less bad than last year. The French ministers comments have changed that outlook, according to Viegas. Theres no doubt that demand will fall now, he told the Associated Press. State employee union leaders are suing to stop Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's order to have workers return to the office now that much of the state has emerged from the pandemic, accusing him of violating prior telework agreements reached with the unions and ignoring the benefits of having people work from home. The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, which filed the request for an injunction in Hartford Superior Court on Tuesday, said in a statement that state workers proved throughout the COVID-19 crisis that a flexible teleworking agreement could be beneficial to the state of Connecticut. From increased productivity and quality performance to the positive environmental impacts like reduced emissions, improved air quality and public health, the benefits of telework are clear and something that the Administration should be taking a proud step in leading, SEBAC said in a statement posted on its website. In May, Lamont sent an email to state employees announcing they would be returning to their offices as of July 1 and that any telework would be limited to no more than 50% of their time, with manager approval. "Agency heads will work to stagger teleworking schedules to keep the number of people in the office reduced to support distancing, but with low levels of community spread and use of masks in common areas or where distancing is not possible, we are confident it is safe to return to the office," Lamont wrote in the email. He added how the state would continue discussions with the unions in an effort to finalize the telework guidelines that contemplates the considerable experience gained during this challenging period. In its lawsuit, SEBAC maintains that Lamont violated, ignored and effectively abrogated the administration's agreements with the unions by, among other things, forcing unionized employees to work an altered schedule while their application for telework was still pending and unilaterally denying telework applications for more than 50% without considering the merits of the request. SEBAC estimates Lamont's order affects about 10,000 state employees. Max Reiss, Lamont's communications director, said he could not comment on pending litigation. A SEBAC spokesperson said she also could not comment, referring reporters to the organization's written statement posted online. A judge on Thursday ordered a remote hearing be held Aug. 13 on the lawsuit. While the unions representing Connecticut state employees were working before the pandemic on ways to allow some of their members to have flexible work-from-home schedules, many private sector companies are now grappling with the issue as offices are reopening. Companies like Amazon and automakers Ford and General Motors have promised to adopt a hybrid approach permanently for their office staff, responding to internal and public surveys showing an overwhelming preference for work-from-home options. BANGKOK (AP) Officials in Thailand on Friday announced a seven-hour curfew and other restrictions for the capital and nine other provinces to try to slow a growing number of cases and deaths in a coronavirus surge that began in early April. People living in Bangkok and five surrounding provinces along with four in the countrys far south, where the virus is also rampant, are required to remain at home from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., not hold gatherings of more than five people and avoid unnecessary travel. The restrictions take effect on Monday and will be reviewed after two weeks, Deputy Health Minister Satit Pitutacha said. KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) A judge on Friday set a Jan. 10 trial date for a Wisconsin man charged with killing three people and wounding three others in a shooting at a crowded bar. Rakayo Vinson, 24, of Kenosha, pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and three counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the April 18 shooting at Somers House Tavern in the village of Somers in Kenosha County. He would face life in prison if convicted on any of the counts. SAN DIEGO (AP) A California judge decided victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting near San Diego that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to the teenage gunman, according to a newspaper report. Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel said Wednesday that victims and families in the Poway, California, synagogue shooting have adequately alleged that Smith & Wesson, the nations largest gunmaker, knew its AR-15-style rifle could be easily modified into a machine-gun-like or an assault weapon in violation of state law. A 2005 federal law shields gunmakers from damages in most cases for crimes committed with their weapons. But it allows lawsuits if the manufacturer was negligent or knowingly violated a state or federal law, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday. 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, the newspaper said. The judge also said the shop, San Diego Guns, could be sued for selling the weapon 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. Prosecutors say Earnest, a nursing student, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle during the last day of Passover services in April 2019. The attack killed 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye and wounded three others, including an 8-year-old girl and the rabbi, who lost a finger. Earnest then allegedly called 911 to say he had shot up a synagogue because Jews were trying to destroy all white people, authorities said. Earnest faces state murder charges carrying a potential death sentence and federal hate-crime charges. Wednesday's 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 didn't immediately respond to the Chronicle's request for comment. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia temporarily closed admissions at five mental hospitals Friday amid a staffing crisis. The move will allow the hospitals to reduce the number of patients through attrition, not discharges, until there are enough employees to care for patients safely, an official said. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that five of the state's eight facilities for adults are affected: Central State Hospital near Petersburg, Eastern State Hospital near Williamsburg, Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville, Western State Hospital in Staunton and Catawba Hospital near Roanoke. Despite our aggressive recruiting and retention strategies, state hospitals continue to lose staff while admissions continue to rise, said Alison Land, Virginia's behavioral health and development services commissioner. It is no longer feasible to operate all state beds in a safe and therapeutic environment, she added in a message announcing the step. Since July 1, 63 patients and employees have been injured at the states mental hospitals because of the shortage, Land said. The challenges faced by the state hospitals are now an immediate crisis for two reasons, the commissioner said. First, the level of dangerousness is unprecedented and second, recent admissions are occurring in an environment that is no longer adequately staffed. Virginias behavioral health institutions have struggled with a surge of people in psychiatric crisis since the bed of last resort law was enacted in 2014 prevented the release of people from emergency custody if they pose a threat to themselves or others. Admissions under temporary detention orders have increased by almost 400% at state mental hospitals since 2013. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents, the states only psychiatric facility for youth, is operating only 18 of its 48 beds because it doesnt have enough employees to care for more. The closures will put pressure on private psychiatric facilities. Virginia will need all available private beds for temporary detention to be open, even for challenging patients, Land said. In addition, the commonwealth needs every possible step-down and long-term care facility to be ready to accept patients who are ready for discharge from state facilities, she said. The state is accelerating efforts to discharge patients who are ready, but Land said it is complicated by a lack of adequate community programs and services to accept them. These hospitals have operated with high numbers of patients for years and the pandemic has made it tougher, Alena Yarmosky, a spokeswoman for Gov. Ralph Northam, said in a statement. Northam will propose putting federal American Rescue Plan funding towards "boosting staff salaries, hiring critical workers, and ensuring the well-being of patients and staff, Yarmosky said. YORKTOWN, Va. (AP) The owner of a Virginia landscaping company has been sentenced to a year in jail for covering up an accident in which one of his workers struck and killed a bicyclist. A judge sentenced Robert Lee Strickland Jr., 64, of Poquoson on Wednesday for concealing a 2018 hit-and-run crash that killed 50-year-old cyclist Brian Leonard Utne, The Virginian-Pilot reported. 3 1 of 3 Steven Morris Photography/Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Alison C/Yelp Show More Show Less 3 of 3 SEATTLE (AP) Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has been sold for about $1.2 billion to a private equity firm by its parent, the tobacco company Altria. Woodinville-based Ste. Michelle describes itself as the nations third largest wine company, farming nearly 30,000 acres across Washington, Oregon, and California and selling wines under labels including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Erath, Intrinsic and Patz & Hall. WASHINGTON (AP) Two high-ranking Trump political appointees at the Environmental Protection Agency engaged in fraudulent payroll activities including payments to employees after they were fired and to one of the officials when he was absent from work that cost the agency more than $130,000, a report by an internal watchdog says. Former chief of staff Ryan Jackson and former White House liaison Charles Munoz submitted official timesheets and personnel forms that contained materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements" to mislead EPA personnel and facilitate improper payments over multiple months, according to a report by EPAs Office of Inspector General. The two men, who have since left the EPA, arranged for former agency employees to continue collecting nearly $38,000 salaries even after they were fired, the report says. Separately, Munoz also received an improper raise and submitted fraudulent timesheets during periods when he was not at his work station that cost the EPA almost $96,000, the report said. The March 31 report was released this week. In a statement Friday to The Associated Press, Inspector General Sean O'Donnell said, Continuing to pay fired political staff, creating fraudulent records and authorizing improper pay increases represent serious waste of taxpayer funds.'' While the Justice Department has declined to prosecute the former Trump-era officials, the EPA OIG will do everything within its power to ensure that public officials are held accountable for acts of misconduct during their service, O'Donnell said. A spokesperson for EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the agency is evaluating the report and potential next steps.'' The 25-page report blacks out the names of the two former employees who received payments after being fired. The Washington Post, citing an earlier version of the report, named the fired employees as Madeline Morris and Kevin Chmielewski. Morris was terminated from her job as a scheduler for former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in August 2017, while Chmielewski is a former EPA deputy chief of staff who was forced to leave the agency in February 2018, the newspaper said. Federal prosecutors declined to press charges over any of the inspector general's findings. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment Friday. Jackson, a former aide to Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., left the EPA in February 2020 to become vice president for government and political affairs at the National Mining Association. He could not be reached for comment, and a spokesperson for the mining group did not return calls and emails. Munoz, who left the EPA in January when the Biden administration took office, also could not be reached for comment. The report follows years of controversies at the EPA throughout President Donald Trump's term in office. His first EPA administrator, Pruitt, resigned in 2018 following a series of scandals and ethics investigations, including frequent first-class flights, heavy spending on personal security and a sweetheart condo lease connected to a fossil-fuel lobbyist whose firm had sought regulatory rollbacks from EPA. Chmielewski, one of the fired employees, provided detailed information to House and Senate lawmakers about alleged wrongdoing by Pruitt. Chmielewski has filed a lawsuit alleging that Pruitt and other officials violated his free speech and due process rights. The inspector general's report said Jackson, the former chief of staff, met with the scheduler on Aug. 31, 2017, to tell her well take care of you by providing severance pay, even though he knew severance pay was not allowed. Jackson directed Munoz to tell EPA's human resources division that she was on an extended telework schedule, even though she was no longer working, the report said. Munoz amended her time-and-attendance reports so she could continue being paid. Munoz told investigators Jackson also directed him to provide severance pay to the other employee on the condition that he resign, even though the EPA cannot provide severance packages, the report said. The employee told investigators he refused to resign and was escorted from the building by armed security guards. The inspector general's report also faults Jackson and Munoz for an improper raise for Munoz granted by Jackson when Munoz was transferred to a regional office in Las Vegas. Munoz grew up in Nevada and was the Trump campaigns Nevada state director in 2016. "Pursuant to federal law, regulation and EPA policy, when a federal employee is appointed to a new position at the same grade level without a break in service, an increase in (pay) is not permitted,'' the report said, adding: No justification had been given to support the increase.'' DETROIT (AP) A white man has been sentenced to five years in prison for attacking a Black teenager with a bike lock because of his race at a southeastern Michigan park. A judge in U.S. District Court in Detroit on Thursday also ordered Lee Mouat, 43, of Newport, to serve three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in March to a federal hate crime after he was accused of striking Devin Freelon Jr., 18, on June 6, 2020. WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) An Ohio woman who tried to spring her boyfriend from an Iowa jail has been sentenced to probation. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that the 23-year-old from Columbus said she made a mistake" before a judge granted a defense request for a deferred judgment. That means the case will come off her record if she successfully completes probation. By Astrid Casimire Bay City News Foundation Daly City announced Thursday that it has hired Jordan Consulting and Investigations, a firm run by former Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan, to investigate a fatal police shooting from earlier this year. On April 7, Daly City police fatally shot San Francisco resident Roger Cornelius Allen following a struggle over what turned out to be a replica gun. The consulting firm will review the Police Department's policies, such as ones around use of force and how the department communicates with the public following those cases. According to the Police Department's use of force policy posted online, officers may use deadly force "only as a last resort when reasonable alternatives have been exhausted or are not feasible to protect the safety of the public and police officers." Officers are also required to give a verbal warning before any deadly use of force and to report the incident afterwards, explaining why they believed the use of force was reasonable. San Mateo County's District Attorney's Office is leading an investigation to determine whether officers acted within the law. At the time of the shooting, police were not equipped with body cameras and there was no video evidence, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. In early May, the city approved the purchase of body and vehicle cameras for the Police Department. Officers are receiving training and will begin using the equipment in the next few months. Later in May, City Attorney Rose Zimmerman asked the office of state Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate the shooting. Bonta declined since the District Attorney's office is already investigating and the city had planned to hire an independent expert. Daly City Police Department policies are available online at https://www.dalycity.org/420/Police-Accountability. Copyright 2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. Copyright 2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Raphaela Bailey has become a successful San Antonio entrepreneur. But she didnt get there without making it through some hard times. After moving to San Antonio from Ohio in 2006 with her husband and five children, Bailey eventually opened what is now Baileys Child Development Center in her home in 2013. Early on, she had difficulty securing financing for her business, and she struggled at times. But her family pitched in, the business grew, and by 2017 she was able to move the center out of the house to the Northeast Side at 13777 Judson Road. By then, the center had grown from 12 children to more than 70, she said. This time, Bailey faced new challenges attracting new clients and paying the bills. But she and her daughters, who work alongside her, have since grown the center; it now occupies four suites in the strip mall where its located. And diagonal from her child care center is Ellas Salon and Spa Ella being short for Raphaela another business Bailey started. She plans to rent space at the salon to local stylists. Allowed to remain open during the pandemic, Baileys child care center was eligible for government funding directed toward businesses. She received grants and loans through government and local programs that allowed the business to grow. Bailey became an entrepreneur after working for others most of her life. In the late 90s, She was the lone female mechanic at a Goodyear service center in Ohio. She also has worked to find jobs for men living in a community-based prison in Akron. These days, she focuses on growing more than her businesses. After raising two sons and three daughters, Bailey and one of her daughters have custody of two toddlers who attended her center. Now, as the pandemic wanes, Baileys Child Development Center is as strong as ever. She exudes confidence walking the halls, recounting the story of how a former tire mechanic started her own business. Bailey sat down with the Express-News at her Northeast Side child care center to talk about starting her business and surviving the pandemic. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity. Billy Calzada /Staff Photographer Q: How did you come to start your child care center in San Antonio? A: Were originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and we moved to Akron. I was in the service for a bit in college. I was in the Navy. My husband was in the Air Force. He liked it when he was stationed in Wichita Falls, and he had a friend who wanted help with a business in San Antonio, so we moved here. He helped his friend get started with a business. And after, he was working with USAA and then went to Accenture. I applied and I was working at Accenture, too. After we left Accenture, my husband went to do civil service work in Arizona. I was here with our five kids. I started working in civil service as well at Randolph (AFB) doing human resources, and I wanted to do more because all my work was through a computer and through a phone. And Im a face-to-face type of person. So I started working doing the AVID program at Judson High School, and then I applied and started being a substitute teacher. Ive always been around kids my whole life and my real passion is helping others, and I felt like Lets start with the younger ones. When I started substituting, they offered me a job right away. That wouldve been around 2011. So in 2013, I said I want to do this. I got registered really quickly and by April I was able to start. I was nervous, but I had the backing of my husband and the kids. He invested in it so he stood behind me to help get this going. Even my kids, because this is in our home. So thats a lot for them, and they cant have everything lying around. You can be a licensed home, which can have up to 12 kids. So I got to 12, and people are still coming to me, so Im like, Weve got to start looking for a place. So I got with a real estate agent, and we didnt have any luck in 2014 and 2015. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios haunted history keeps Sisters Grimm from going ghost Q: How did you feel about making the leap from your home to your own location? A: Business was doing well; we were constantly getting people. So I felt really good about it, but I didnt know what all would be involved. I tried to reach out to other child care centers to get information. What insurance do you need? How much do utilities usually cost? And it was hard because we kept getting turned down for buildings and for loans. I tried to go through the (Small Business Administration) and things. But you can only have 12 kids, so my income was capped and we were stuck. When youre renting a space, they want the first months rent and a security deposit, and you have to have insurance, a security system. You need to put down a deposit for utilities. But through my family from Ohio, they all pulled together my kids, my sisters, my husband pulled together to come up with my first months rent and our security deposit. We moved into our building, and thats when we could take on more families. Once we got here, we had to hire more people. It was awesome. To just go into a classroom, and youre, like, This is my building, these are our kiddos. And to have a staff, it was amazing. It felt good. But things quickly changed. We were having problems getting new kiddos or families. We were stagnant. Things were looking pretty bad for us. We still couldnt get a loan, get help or anything like that. I was really stressed. I thought I was going to have to close. This was in August 2017. It was like, Howre we going to do it? Howre we going to pay people? I wasnt paying my bills so I could pay my employees, and it was just horrible. And I just felt like if I wouldve lost this place, I would have had to go back to Ohio. One day, this lady walked through the door and asked if we wanted to partner with the Head Start and Early Head Start program. It was amazing. They said, We love what you guys are trying to do and it matches what were doing. Well come in and give you all the furniture and the supplies you need if youll hold spots for 24 kiddos 3 years and younger. They would give me a stipend each month. And they help kiddos get on the child care subsidy, so those parents arent paying as much. That changed everything. We were really excited. The stress was gone. That was late 2017, and things really turned around. Q: How was your business doing in early 2020, before the pandemic hit? A: Of course, you have your ups and downs. I didnt realize how important marketing is, and I didnt realize how important having an (accountant) and bookkeepers were. I just felt like we didnt have the money to invest in that, but we should have found ways to cut in money for that, because that was what we needed next. So things had slowed down, and the pandemic was actually our saving grace. Q: Did you have to close at any point during the pandemic? A: I never had my child care center shut down. We did not have an outbreak here. I wasnt scared because we have other things we have to worry about: hand, foot and mouth disease, pneumonia, which can be dangerous. We always have to be cautious and take that extra step in cleanliness and sanitation. We just had to step things up. We didnt allow parents in. I didnt even come here. I worked from home. When the pandemic happened, it was a blessing for us. We were finally able to get funding. We were able to get the Paycheck Protection Program loans and (Economic Injury Disaster Loan). LiftFund gave me a ($75,000) grant, and the state gave us a $12,000 grant. We were working with limited staff, and we were able to redo rooms, buy extra stuff. We had so many organizations giving us PPE, equipment. Parents were still keeping their kids in, but as they started working from home, they started to pull them out. We had a scare of a little one having COVID, so we all tested and closed for one week. Nobody had it, but I wanted to get the building sanitized. We had 70-something kids, and we went down to between 20 and 30 the whole time, and now were back up to almost 70. I didnt have people getting unemployment or anything. Now Im up to 19 employees. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios Doublewide Dudes re-imagine manufactured home sales for the virtual era Q: What are your expectations for the near future? A: Were finalizing a partnership with George Gervin Academy to offer pre-K3 for free. So that is going to do a major increase for us. And Ellas Salon and Spa, its already furnished and everything. Were just waiting to pass one more inspection. I have people ready to go to work there; they want to rent space. It was an eye-opener when we were having so many problems, so I have to be thinking outside the box and see how else I can bring in money. Q: How difficult or personal does it getting working with families and children over time? A: Kids just slip through the cracks. It takes a village, I strongly believe that. Were here to be patient, not just with children but families, too. Youve got to be flexible and caring. These parents are going through stuff. We have (Child Protective Services) cases here. Me and my daughter have a conservatorship over two kids here, so we have custody over them. The mother signed them over to us. So we cant say its the parents responsibility, because we know parents arent able to, some of them. You start off thinking, Im here for the kids, and then you learn, Im here for my employees, and Im here for the families. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net You are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short. Unlimited website access 24/7 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more! With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. Page Content Decree 145/2020 of the Vietnamese government clarifies several contents of the Labor Code 2019. One notable point is the guidance on how to calculate the overtime (OT) cap. Specifically, under Article 60.5 of Decree 145/2020, "break time within a work shift will be deducted when calculating the monthly or yearly overtime hours" ("exemption"). Without further clarification on this provision, it is, however, unclear how to interpret this exemption in practice. Example: A company organizes for its employees to work under the shift pattern of 12 hours per shift (7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.; 7.00 p.m. to 7.00 a.m.) For each shift, 10 hours are considered as normal work time, and the remaining two hours are overtime. Within a shift, the employees shall be entitled to 60 minutes of break falling within first 10 normal work hours. Will 60 minutes of break be excluded from the total monthly or yearly OT cap of an employee under Article 60.5 above? Based on Article 60.5 of Decree 145/2020, there may be two different interpretations on the calculation of OT in this case. The most favorable interpretation for employers is that the whole 60 minutes of break would be excluded from the total monthly or yearly OT cap. That means the break time falling within any work hours of a work shift (i.e., regardless normal work hours or OT hours) or any work shift (i.e., regardless normal shift or OT shift) would be eligible for this exemption (favorable interpretation). One, however, can take a stricter interpretation that only break time falling within OT hours of a work shift or within an OT work shift can be excluded (Strict Interpretation). That means, in the context of the above example, the whole 60 minutes of break will not be excluded. To be eligible for the exemption, the employer must arrange for this break to fall within the last two OT hours of the shift, or if such break is within a work shift which is an OT shift. We set out below some arguments for each interpretation. Arguments to Support Favorable Interpretation The favorable interpretation can be supported by the following arguments: Article 63.1 of Decree 145/2020 provides that a work shift is a work period that begins when the employees start work and ends when they finish and hand over the work to another, including work time and break time. This article seems to suggest that work shift can be either normal shift or OT shift so the exemption could apply to break time of either normal shift or OT shift. Article 63.3 of Decree 145/2020 provides that the break time will be eligible for the exemption if it is within a work shift having six consecutive hours or more, and the gap between two adjacent shifts must not exceed 45 minutes. That means the break time of any work shiftwhich is either normal shift or OT shiftthat satisfy these conditions will be eligible for the exemption. Article 64.3 of Decree 145/2020 allows an employer to decide when an employee will be entitled to break time during the work hours of a work shift, provided that such break time does not fall at the beginning or ending time of a work shift. The "work hours" can be interpreted to include both normal work hours and OT hours. Therefore, the break time of a work shift can fall at any time of the work shiftbut not the beginning or ending time of a work shift. That means even if the employer arranges for the break time to fall within the normal work hours of a work shift, it still qualified for the exemption. Arguments to Support Strict Interpretation For those who take the strict interpretation, the main argument is that the main purpose of the exemption is to calculate the OT hours that an employee can work in a month or a year. Therefore, it would be logical to exclude the break time falling within an OT shift or during the OT hours of a shift from the OT cap because though the employees are entitled to OT wage for such break time, they do not actually work during this period. However, it would not be reasonable to do so for break time included in a normal shift or normal work hours because it is purely normal work time. Further, if the break time included in a normal shift or normal work hours is excluded, this could result in the significant increase of the total actual OT hours of an employee in practice. This may not be consistent with the state policy to gradually reduce the work hours of employees in the future. [Want to learn more? Join us at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2021, taking place Sept. 9-12 in Las Vegas and virtually.] Conclusion Due to the ambiguity in the wording of Article 60.5 of Decree 145/2020, it is not entirely clear which interpretation will be adopted by the authorities. We have consulted with the labor ministry (MOLISA) and labor department (DOLISA) of some provinces but no confirmation has been given. It is also uncertain if the MOLISA intends to issue a circular providing guidance on this exemption. Concerned enterprises may want to send an official letter to the MOLISA to seek an official interpretation to facilitate their implementation and compliance in practice. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy is an attorney with Venture North Law in Hanoi, Vietnam. Trinh Phuong Thao, also with Venture North Law, co-wrote the article. 2021 Venture North Law. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology. Page Content Plaintiffs challenging California's efforts to require more diverse boards for companies based in the state may have received a boost recently from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court ruled in June that a corporate shareholder was legally entitled to dispute a gender-diversity law in the Golden State, SB 826, which requires publicly traded companies headquartered in California to appoint a minimum number of female directors to their boards. Companies risk significant fines for failing to comply with the law, which takes effect in phases and will require by year-end 2021 at least two female directors on five-member boards and at least three on boards with six or more directors. Gender Discrimination Alleged California lawmakers advanced SB 826 to boost the state's economy and improve opportunities for women, citing studies showing it could take 50 years to achieve gender parity without action. The plaintiff contends that the 2018 law violates the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause by requiring or encouraging shareholders to discriminate on the basis of sex when exercising their corporate voting rights. A district court judge dismissed the case, finding that the shareholder lacked standinga legal rightto challenge SB 826's constitutionality. The district court said the plaintiff didn't suffer any harm from the law because SB 826 imposes obligations and potential penalties on corporations, rather than shareholders, and the law did not prevent the plaintiff from voting for male directors to fill board vacancies. A three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit unanimously reversed the lower court's ruling. "Because [the plaintiff] has plausibly alleged that SB 826 requires or encourages him to discriminate based on sex, [he] has adequately alleged an injury in fact," the appeals court said. The appeals court noted that shareholders are responsible for electing directors at their annual meetings. "For SB 826 to hasten the achievement of gender parityor indeed, for SB 826 to have any effect at allit must therefore compel shareholders to act." The 9th Circuit court also took issue with the lower court's reasoning that the shareholder lacked standing because the law didn't prevent him from voting for a male director at a shareholder meeting and any individual injury he may have established wasn't real because the company was in compliance with SB 826. California lawmakers must have concluded that imposing sanctions on companies for noncompliance would at least encourage shareholders to vote for female nominees, the appeals court wrote, noting that the shareholder also alleged the law enforces its mandates through "public shaming" by requiring the secretary of state to list compliant and noncompliant companies. Next Steps The 9th Circuit only ruled on the plaintiff's legal right to sue and not on the merits of his case or the law's constitutionality. The shareholder asserted that if SB 826 is found to be unconstitutional, he would no longer have to worry that he might expose the company to fines unless he considers gender when voting for board members. That allegation is all that is required to establish the shareholder's standing in the case, the 9th Circuit panel wrote. "The key takeaway is that the 9th Circuit is helping to clear the fog that sometimes confuses or prevents shareholders from bringing challenges to corporate laws," said James Azadian, an attorney with Dykema Gossett in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The appeals court explained that "a person required or encouraged by law to discriminate on the basis of a protected class 'has suffered a direct personal injury sufficient to confer standing.'" Based on the 9th Circuit's decision, the case will return to the district court, where the litigation will proceed, noted Kevin LaCroix, an attorney and executive vice president for RT ProExec, a management liability insurance intermediary and R-T Specialty LLC division in Beachwood, Ohio. Broader Implications Possible While it's too soon to know for certain, the ruling may eventually have broader implications for other diversity initiatives, such as AB 979, a similar statute enacted last year that requires public companies based in California to meet thresholds for directors from underrepresented communities, including those comprising Black, Latino, Native American and LGBTQ individuals. [Want to learn more about California employment law? Join us at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2021, taking place Sept. 9-12 in Las Vegas and virtually.] "At this point, all that the 9th Circuit decision means is that shareholders seeking to mount legal challenges to statutory diversity schemes may be able to establish that they have standing to challenge the statutes," LaCroix said. "The 9th Circuit's ruling was not a decision on the meritsthat is, it made no rulings on the plaintiff's claims of unconstitutionalityso for now existing diversity initiatives may stand." However, if the plaintiff's lawsuit should result in a finding that SB 826 is unconstitutional, he added, it might not only affect other statutory initiatives, such as AB 979, but it might also deter other states from enacting similar initiatives. Azadian noted that "similar to the challenges brought against SB 826, AB 979 has been, and will be, challenged on 14th Amendment equal protection and other grounds. The practice of using racial and gender classifications to benefit minorities and women has proven to be a contentious issue." Despite the legal challenge, SB 826 remains in force, so publicly traded companies based in California should take steps to comply, the legal experts said. Azadian noted that the measure authorizes the secretary of state to impose up to a $300,000 fine per violation. Dinah Wisenberg Brin is a freelance writer and reporter based in Philadelphia. The decision comes close on the heels of serious doubts arising over Chinese vaccines in Indonesia as those who have received the shots are also contracting Covid-19 and infections are surging in the country. "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," local media cited health minister Ong Ye Kung as saying at a press conference on Wednesday. The Delta variant is currently the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Singapore and was identified in the city state in May. Only people who have received the Moderna and Pfizer shots, are being considered as vaccinated in the official records. Singapore had allowed some private clinics to offer the Sinovac shot, CoronaVac, from mid-June. Around 17,000 people are reported to have received one dose of CoronaVac. Local media had also reported Singapore's director of medical services saying last month that evidence from other countries showed people who had taken CoronaVac were still getting infected. Most of the vaccines being used by Indonesia have also come from China's Sinovac Biotech. Some health workers inoculated with Sinovac jabs have been hospitalized due to Covid-19. A few have even died despite being fully immunized, according to a report in Nikkei Asia. The Indonesian Doctors Association says that of the 14 doctors who died from the virus between February and May, ten had been fully vaccinated with Sinovac, while the rest had been given one dose. Although there is a serious problem with Chinese vaccines due to inadequate data to show their efficacy, some countries are being forced to opt for them because of the cute shortage of vaccines worldwide amid the devastating pandemic. China has been projecting itself as the front-runner in the Covid vaccine race but had itself gone in for a deal to buy the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine from Germany for its own use which shows that the dragon is not as confident in its home-made product as it would have others believe. Beijing had launched aggressive vaccine diplomacy to woo ASEAN, Brazil and Mexico as part of its campaign to increase its influence worldwide. However, countries in the ASEAN bloc had turned away from the offer and signed deals for the Pfizer vaccine instead since there is no transparency in the development of the Chinese vaccine as is the case with much else in the country. ASEAN members Thailand, the Philippines have finalised deals for procuring COVID-19 vaccines from US pharma giant Pfizer and Britain's AstraZeneca which also has a collaboration with Pune-based Serum Institute of India. Brazil and Taiwan have also raised questions over the Chinese vaccine candidates in the past. The fact that China had sourced 100 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine from German company BioNtech for its own use had only gone to strengthen the doubts of these countries over the Chinese vaccine candidates. Doubts over the Chinese vaccine were earlier raised when Taiwan made it very clear that it would not buy COVID vaccines manufactured by mainland companies due to safety and regulatory concerns. Communist China has been divulging very little about its vaccine development programme to the outside world. Even without final approval, more than 1 million healthcare workers and others who are seen as facing a high risk of infection in China had received experimental vaccines under emergency use permission. But the developer has yet to disclose how effective their vaccines are and the possible side effects that they may have. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative This pandemic has been a nightmare for students who had looked up for skilling opportunities via internships. As many industries have shut shops and others facing downsizing, skilling opportunities are rare to find. When the engineering student community has already been under the scanner for 80% unemployment, and with the 3rd wave on its way, this is an issue that requires urgent attention. Elite Techno Groups, an edtech company, skilling engineers for the last 8 years has taken an initiative to tackle this issue by organizing Indias Biggest Bootcamp on Industrial Technology for Engineers (BITE) with the help of industry experts and key speakers from top engineering companies to help students get industrial exposure. Dr. Manpreet Manna, Former Director, AICTE MoE, Govt. of India and Dr.Allabaksh Naikodi, Head EV at Royal Enfield are one of the key speakers who will share their expertise and experience with the students. This boot camp is in support of Central Govts Skill India Programmes push on corporates taking the responsibility of Indian youth. Our aim is to help the students bridge the gap between Industry and Academics and to achieve our goal were very happy to announce BITE where we are targeting to skill 1 lakh+ students and offer them 50 Lakhs worth scholarships. ETG is doing its best to provide the best of the learning during this tough time.'' Mayank Arora, Founder, Elite Techno Groups. This skill development program will not only help in gaining better job opportunities but will be a bonus for students stuck at home, to get an industrial exposure about what is going on in the industry, how pandemic has changed the working/ hiring process, and how students can grab this opportunity irrespective of their college standard, ranking, or status. As per ETG, 100+ colleges across India have expressed interest to be a part of BITE. BITE 21 Media Partners are Higher Education Digest, Convergence Plus, Proche, and Silicon India. In this Skilling Program ETG will be providing free workshops on various topics like Automotive Engineer (Learn Vehicle Dynamics & Design),Electric Vehicle (Technical Opportunities For Engineer) and also Start Practical Machine Learning/AI (Skills Needed to be a Data Scientist) from 9th - 31st July 2021 with reputed Industry Experts. These workshops can be enjoyed by anyone, undergrad or working professional keen to build their skill in any of this domain can register right away. Registering with the first 10000 students only. Visit https://www.elitetechnogroups.com/bite/ Elite Techno Groups has skilled over 1 Lakh Students from 600+ Colleges from 25 States of India including IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and other top Universities. ETG also offers Internship cum Training for Vehicle Dynamics, Data Science & ML/AI, Electric vehicles, and Engg. Design & Analysis. With highly skilled mentors and highly rated planning, ETG ensures the best learning experience. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! A tiny Leonardo da Vinci sketch sold Thursday at Christies for 8.9 million pounds with fees, or about $16.5 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 (about 7.5 centimetres), 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 pounds to 12 million pounds, or about $14.9 million to $22.3 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 $16.5 million was marginally better than the $15.5 million given in 2001 for Leonardos slightly larger silverpoint study Horse and Rider, the previous auction high for a drawing by the artist. Leonardo da Vincis Head of a Bear: Youre buying a name. Its nothing to do with the love of drawings, said Jean-Luc Baroni, a dealer in museum-quality old master drawings. Credit:AP 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 $2.7 million. Youre buying a name. Its nothing to do with the love of drawings. A slim majority of staff at Readings in Melbourne voted last month to negotiate an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with management through the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union. Of the 133 Readings staff eligible to vote, 67 were in favour, while 53 opposed. The votes of the 13 people who chose not to express a view were counted as no votes, which resulted in an overall majority of one. Managing director Mark Rubbo said management would be meeting with the Fair Work Commission next week. We absolutely want to get a result that works for staff and ensures Readings remains viable, he said. Thats what Id like the outcome to be. Since the advent of the pandemic, bookshops have, like many businesses, struggled to keep going by boosting online sales, introducing click-and-collect operations, and even home delivering. The vote was clearly divisive for the seven-shop chain, with one bookseller saying they didnt think bringing in the union to negotiate an EBA was required. Quite a few of us dont think its necessary. Everything Readings does is by the book or more. But staff in favour issued a statement saying the push for an EBA did not represent a threat to the bookshop: An EBA represents a great opportunity for Readings to enshrine its legacy as a progressive cultural institution that values its people. This EBA would be the first of its kind for booksellers in Australia a point of pride for all involved. Getting a show onto HBO, the American pay-television network thats been home to The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Game of Thrones, and Succession, is not in any way easy. Competition is excessive, the creative process is gruelling, and under-performing pilots are abandoned on the path to getting the green light. But theres one circuit-breaker: a pandemic. Just ask Mike White, creator of HBOs scathing new satire The White Lotus. HBO contacted White a leading Hollywood screenwriter whod had a previous series, Enlightened, run on the network for two seasons starting in 2011 in August last year, when their programming stocks were running low. HBO needed shows with a low COVID footprint. White suggested a series about the guests at a luxury resort. It promised one location, inside a production bubble. By October the scripts were written and production was underway in Hawaii, post-production started in January of this year, and now The White Lotus, a seditious contemporary comedy of razor-sharp intent, is ready to air. Its been less than a year from go to on-screen whoa. Mike Whites razor-sharp comedy The White Lotus is set on a luxury island where a boat load of well-to-do guests soon face an uncomfortable reckoning. Credit:Mario Perez/HBO It was a very intense production, that quickens the blood flow, says White. In TV the development process can be so laboured and everyone picks over everything as its all filtered through the system. Sometimes that produces good stuff and sometimes that deflates the whole balloon. This one went so fast that they had to leave us alone and quality control was just me being hard on the scripts myself. She was married and raising two children when she perused a newspaper during her lunch break and saw an advertisement for recruits to the London Metropolitan Police. 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. Sislin Fay Allen, a former geriatric nurse who in 1968 became the first Black policewoman in Britain and later worked in law enforcement in her native Jamaica, died on July 5 at her home in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. She was 83. So, I looked at it and thought, Why not? she told Sky News in 2020. One of her friends told her she was silly for even considering it, doubting they would accept her. As a precaution, she said, she wrote on the application that she was Black. She soon went back to her friend and said: Ive got news for you. Ive been accepted. She won appointment in an era of considerable antagonism between the Met (as the London force was known) and the Black community, including many from the Caribbean. It was two months after she first pounded the beat, initially always with a male colleague, that a Conservative member of parliament, Enoch Powell, stoked racial animosity in what became known as his Rivers of Blood speech attacking mass postwar immigration to Britain. Allen said her superiors told her they received hate mail addressed to her but declined to show it to her so to not weaken her morale. They did present her with the many positive letters welcoming her appointment. New warning statements will be added to Pfizers vaccines after a potential link to a small increased risk of heart inflammation, particularly among young men, was identified in international data. There have been no deaths linked to the syndrome. Australias health department and independent experts said the benefits of Pfizers vaccine continue to strongly outweigh the risks for all age groups. Pfizer is about to seek US authorisation for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. The link is likely to be causal, said Professor Jim Buttery, head of epidemiology and signal detection at the Victorian immunisation safety service. However, he emphasised that the link had not been conclusively proven, and it was possible the findings could just be down to random chance. On the initial information the benefit far outweighs risk - even in young males. There may be small subsets of young males, like those with a past history of cardiac inflammation, where that risk-benefit equation may be different, and those discussions would be had with their treating physician prior to getting vaccinated. Lisa Hunt, 61, and Jane McAloon, 57, met 30 years ago in Parliament House before pursuing high-flying careers in the public sector. It was in the crucible of personal tragedy, however, that their deep attachment was forged. Lisa Hunt (left) and Jane McAloon: When my dad died, Lisa wanted me to know she was there. But Lisas always there. Credit:Janie Barrett Jane: I met Lisa in Canberra in 1993. The High Court had made a judgment on Mabo and we were working as advisers in the Keating Labor government; we were going to take that judgment and turn it into law through the Native Title Act. I instantly liked her. She had a striking presence and a calmness that was unusual in Parliament House, which was typified by advisers who worked with outward frenetic energy. She did everything differently: with more poise, panache, thought and impact. It was almost like, your eyes meet across the room and you think, I really like that person. In 1996, the Labor government lost the federal election, and Lisa and I went to Sydney and moved into a share house in Darlinghurst. I was working in the NSW public service and she was chief of staff for the state transport minister. So we had more interactions inside and outside of work, particularly around the Sydney Olympics, which was a crazy time. I had separated from my artist husband, Michael, by that stage, but we remained close. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung has written a beautiful piece about artists: that theyre boundary riders, and its lonely out there on the frontier. Michael suffered mental health issues his entire life. On the Sunday he died he was in the UK, and for no reason I was feeling inconsolably sad. I was crying and didnt understand why when I got the call to say hed taken his own life. He was 35. Hed lived as much life as he could cope with. HSC trial exams for more than 500 NSW schools have been postponed by two weeks due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak. Trial exams written by the CSSA - once known as the Catholic Secondary Schools Association - which are purchased and run by more than 500 Catholic, independent and public schools were due to begin on July 26 but have been delayed until August 9, system leaders were told late on Thursday. Schools that purchase and issue the CSSA exams must abide by the revised timetable to ensure the integrity of the process. HSC trials have been delayed for students at more than 500 NSW schools Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Schools can determine their own HSC trial timetable or not run the trials at all, as the marks form part of the schools assessment score. NSW has already recorded more COVID-19 cases in its latest outbreak than it did across the two months of the Avalon and Berala clusters, and this time it is affecting young people at a much higher rate. A Herald analysis of the first three weeks of the Bondi cluster against those in the Crossroads and Avalon and Berala outbreaks revealed children and people in their 20s and 30s made up more than half of recent infections. Georgia Rousselot, 25, with her three housemates as they work from home in a Redfern sharehouse. Credit:Janie Barrett Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has repeatedly called on young people to be aware of the health implications of catching COVID-19, after a person in their 20s and another in their 30s were among the 10 patients admitted to ICU this week. On Friday, Dr Chant announced that person in their 20s was on a ventilator, as she warned the situation should be a wake-up call to young people and Premier Gladys Berejiklian tightened restrictions across the city. Outdoor exercise: 2 people at a time, down from 10 You can only exercise within your local government area, or within 10 kilometres of where you live No carpooling outside household Browsing in shops is not allowed, essential shopping only From Sunday, funerals back down to 10 attendees Loading Ms Berejiklian said she appreciated the message delivered on Friday was shocking, but that she needed everybody to be shocked. NSW is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started, and I dont say that lightly, she said. Unless theres a dramatic turnaround in the numbers, I cant see how well be in a position to ease restrictions by next Friday. Do not leave your home. Do not leave your home unless you absolutely have to. That is what a lockdown is, she said. Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 43 people were currently in hospital due to COVID, with 10 people in intensive care units (ICUs), four of whom are being ventilated. Loading Of the 10 people in ICU, one is in their 20s, one is in their 30s one is in their 50s, five are in their 60s and two are in their 70s, she said. This trend has to be turned around and the only way we can do so is by seeing a decline in numbers. Dr Chant said people in suburbs like Kareela, Sylvania, Hurstville and Maroubra needed to stay particularly vigilant and come forward for testing. South-west Sydney remains of heightened concern, including suburbs like Bossley Park, Smithfield, Fairfield, West Hoxton, Bass Hill, Greenacre, St Johns Park, Bonnyrigg, Bankstown, Canley Vale, Chester Hill and Edensor Park. Loading One new case overnight was a non-clinical staff member at Waratah Private Hospital in Hurstville who worked for two days while infectious, on July 5 and 6. All affected patients have tested negative to date and are isolating at the hospital in single rooms. Another new case was a worker at IKEA in Tempe for the period 10am-9pm on July 6. Anyone who attended the store in that time is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday announced 300,000 extra vaccine doses would be fast-tracked to NSW to boost inoculations in south-west Sydney, targeting the most vulnerable in the community. The doses will comprise equal components of both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. A number of new western Sydney locations were added to NSW Healths list of COVID-19 exposure sites on Wednesday night, among them retail stores, cafes and supermarkets. Eleven of those are close contact sites, meaning anyone who attended at the relevant times must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days no matter the result. The venues include Aldi and Kmart in Merrylands, both on Monday, July 5, between 1.30 and 3.30pm and Australia Post in Merrylands on July 5, from 2-3pm. Other venues include Kathmandu Burwood on July 4, from 12.35-1pm, Beds r Us Wetherill Park on July 5, between 2.30 and 3.15pm, as well as food outlets in Auburn and Smithfield. Sydneys hospitals are standing by to mobilise COVID-19 surge plans in preparation for the possible influx of people needing urgent care, with more than 10 per cent of the states cases now in hospital. Frustrated by a return to remote learning, parents are urging governments to expedite vaccinations for teachers. P&C Federation Tim Spencer who is waiting six weeks for his Pfizer jab says parents want as much certainty for teachers as possible. By having teachers vaccinated, they know their children will have ongoing support, he said. Sharon Leifer from the Australian Parents Council said teachers should be given priority, but at the very least governments should remove impediments that make it difficult for eligible teachers to organise vaccinations, such as a lack of leave. If teachers get sick, it affects a whole school, she said. Parents are really exasperated by the thought of more remote learning. We weathered it last year, and this year it feels like a bridge too far. Parents have come to appreciate how important their job is. About 47 per cent of teachers are under 40, and 72 per cent are under 50, so about 53 per cent are eligible for either a Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. However, many are saying they have to wait months for appointments, particularly if they must book outside school hours. Principals were told on Friday at an online forum with the secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Georgina Harrisson, that no state government workers were being given special leave to attend vaccination appointments. Mr Farley said Sydney Catholic School employees were encouraged to book their appointments after hours, but if they could not, principals would have discretion over whether to give them a few hours off. However, independent schools have been allowing teachers to get vaccinations during work hours. Phillip Heath, principal of Barker College, is organising leave for vaccination appointments and side-effects. Its our duty to support this for our people who are on the front line of care for students, he said. Julie Townsend, principal of St Catherines School at Waverley, encourages her staff to be vaccinated. If you need half a day, take half a day, she said. Its vital that they get vaccinated as soon as possible so they have a level of security and so do parents. The head of the Secondary Principals Council, Craig Petersen who has not been able to book a Pfizer shot before September called on the state government to make it easier for eligible teachers to access the vaccine, even without official priority. Loading That could include setting aside appointments for teachers on certain weekend days at vaccine hubs, or, when supply increases, setting up pop-up vaccination centres for teachers in different parts of the city after students have gone home for the day. However, Mr Petersen said turning schools into community vaccination hubs at present posed dangers, particularly as non-essential visitors had been asked to stay away. Principals are also expecting classes to be disrupted regularly over the next term as the existing casual teacher shortage is exacerbated by the need for teachers to stay at home if they or their children are even slightly unwell, by or side-effects from the vaccine, which cause about one in four people to take sick leave. Even without factoring in vaccinations, principals are really anxious about whats going to happen this term, Mr Petersen said. Theres no casuals available. I dont think people have put two and two together. Loading Professor Robert Booy, an expert in child and adolescent health, said teachers were important to childrens education, socialisation and mental health and should be protected because they were exposed to a large number of people. Despite the fact children are less likely to transmit, some transmission can occur, especially as we now have the Delta strain, he said. Just as aged care workers need to be given two hours off with paid leave, teachers too need two to four hours off to get in the queue for a vaccine. Thats money well spent, ensuring the protection of teachers and the education of children. However, infectious diseases expert Peter Collignon said the lack of vaccine supply was still a major issue, so older and vulnerable people, and those who work with them, should remain the priority. Rapid testing will be deployed in Sydneys south-west in order to extinguish any unrecognised transmission of COVID-19 after the state clocked up the outbreaks highest number of new daily cases. The number of close contacts reached 14,000 on Friday, doubling from the previous day, with thousands of new close contacts linked to a positive case that visited Ikea Tempe on July 6. COVID testing in Fairfield, in Sydneys west on Thursday. Credit:Kate Geraghty The state recorded 44 new local COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest daily number of cases in the outbreak, with 29 who were in the community for part or all of their infectious period. When we see the numbers of cases are going up substantially, we are extremely concerned that we need to turn the tide, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. A Queensland court has ruled a man can be extradited over an alleged plot to kill Samoas prime minister, after a bizarre hearing in which a lawyer was threatened with a contempt charge. In Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, magistrate Tina Previtera described parts of the argument put forward by the accused mans defence lawyer as absurd, rubbish and an attempt to delay proceedings. The defendant is accused of a plot to kill Samoan politician Tuilaepa Malielegaoi. Credit:UNTV via AP Talalelei Pauga was taken into custody by Australian police on August 20 last year when Samoa made an extradition request to the Federal Attorney-Generals department. Mr Pauga was 43 at the time. He had been remanded at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre since then, but was brought into court for the two-day extradition hearing on Thursday and Friday. A man has been charged with manslaughter after reporting his friends disappearance to authorities on Friday, before police pulled the missing mans body from the Albert River. The man was reported missing by his friend about 7am, with the friend telling police the victim disappeared under the waters surface in the Logan suburb of Eagleby, south of Brisbane. The scene on the Albert River in Eagleby on Friday after police found a missing mans body. Credit:Nine News Queensland Officers searched the area on foot and water police were called in to search the river itself, with the 27-year-old mans body found about 7.30am. However, after investigations throughout Friday, police will allege the two men in fact had a fight on the bank of the Albert River before the victim fell in and failed to resurface. Former special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith received an anonymous letter warning him that he had been spotted at a Sydney hotel with a woman other than his then-wife and urging him to try more marriage counselling, documents released by the Federal Court reveal. Mr Roberts-Smith has previously told his defamation trial against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, which was paused in late June for at least a month owing to a COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, that he suspected the letter was sent in December 2018 by a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair between late 2017 and early 2018. Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court in Sydney on June 28. Credit:Peter Rae He has since split from his former wife, Emma, who is expected to give evidence for the media outlets in the high-stakes defamation trial. I can imagine what you were doing with another lady (other than Emma) at Suite 991 Hyatt Regency in Sydney for three nights from Sunday 19 November to Wednesday 22 November? opens the letter, released by the court on Friday. People saw you there. Its [sic] on your credit card and phone records. Australias response to COVID-19 at the state and national level has been to follow the health advice. Despite some differences in approach, the objective in all jurisdictions has been to completely control community transmission and not allow the virus to circulate. The ongoing Sydney outbreak, with more than 400 cases over the last month and no evidence control is imminent, has apparently led some within the NSW government cabinet to agitate for a different strategy one in which we would presumably accept its time to live with the virus. St Vincents drive-through clinic at Merrylands , busy with many people getting tested for COVID. Credit:Nick Moir Globally, we will be living with COVID-19 for many years probably decades to come. However, the case that it is not yet time to live with the virus in NSW and Australia is compelling. With vaccine coverage at its current levels in Sydney, a rapid spread of the virus would be inevitable if we changed course now and would bring with it the risk of our hospital system being overwhelmed. A conwoman in jail for fraud offences connected to a fake cancer scam is to face court again over allegations she created a phony reference before she was sentenced by a magistrate. Hanna Dickenson swindled $41,770 from family and friends in 2013 by claiming she was gravely ill with leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and that she needed money to go overseas for treatment. All her claims were lies. Hanna Dickenson is in prison for fraud offences and due to face court later this year. She extended the lies to the federal government between 2014 and 2018 by submitting false documents to obtain $100,230 in payments under a disability support pension. Dickenson used the money she fleeced to fund trips to Thailand and Hong Kong and on a party lifestyle of nightclubs, alcohol and drugs, previous court hearings were told. Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association chief executive Sam Biondo criticised the Prime Minister for reversing the TGAs ban on offering alcohol as an inducement for getting vaccinated. The TGAs approach of not fixing one harm by another potential harm is a reasonable position, he said. It may sound like one glass of beer is trivial... but if you are suffering from the harms of alcohol and the impacts of family violence then you may have a different view. The Age and The Herald revealed on Thursday that the TGA had reprimanded Tom Streater, the publican of the Prince Alfred, for giving vaccinated customers a free pint. Mr Streater welcomed the Prime Ministers comments and said he wanted to continue offering free beers to vaccinated customers. We will jump at the chance to offer it again, he said. Politicians have to have a perspective. Its a popular position. People love a beer and most people think the vaccine is a good idea. Mr Streater said he was surprised the restrictions existed but he had grown accustomed to new rules over the past 18 months. Victorias Health Minister Martin Foley, whose Albert Park electorate takes in the Port Melbourne pub, also weighed into the debate, saying he was all for pubs offering free beer to vaccinated customers. He also couldnt resist a dig at Mr Morrison. Im glad the Prime Minister has established that Port Melbourne and Melbourne [are] part of the Commonwealth and that hes keen to make sure that incentives are real and tangible. I dont know why the TGA had that rule in place, given ... the federal government had just had a meeting in preceding days about how to incentivise measures to get people vaccinated, Mr Foley said during Fridays COVID-19 update. Loading What we need is everyone vaccinated and if PAs suggestion of a beer is going to help as part of that, then good on PA. The Australian health watchdog has a vastly different stance on alcoholic inducements to the US, where President Joe Biden praised an initiative by beverage manufacturer Anheuser-Busch to give Americans free beer if the country achieved a goal of 70 per cent of adults having at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine by July 4. Thats right: Get a shot, have a beer, the teetotal president said. We need everyone across the country to pull together to get us over the finish line. Mr Streater said the idea to hand out a free pint, wine or rum and Coke came to him after watching pub regulars queue for their vaccinations at a nearby pop-up clinic at Port Melbourne Town Hall. Loading I thought a few free beers is way cheaper than a few more months in takeaway mode during another lockdown, he said. We couldnt afford to bear the costs of shutting down again. He said a few dozen people presented their vaccination cards to staff in order to get a free drink during the week-long promotion, which ended on Sunday and was set to be recommence when the pop-up vaccination clinic returned later this month. They had their freebies and then sat there for another hour and had lunch or another drink, he said. Mr Streater said he was surprised more Australian businesses werent offering incentives to people who had been vaccinated. Loading Some Australian businesses have been inundated with scathing online comments from anti-vaxxers after promoting incentives to get vaccinated. In May, the Stomping Ground Brewery in Collingwood axed its pot for jab promotion due to negative commentary from anti-vaxxers on social media. It had planned to give vaccinated people a free beverage at a beer festival, which was being held alongside a major vaccination hub at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Uber and travel company Luxury Escapes are among the larger companies that have unveiled incentives to encourage people to get the COVID-19 jab. Loading Earlier this year Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the airline would reward vaccinated passengers with discounts, flight vouchers and frequent flyer points. He revealed that 10 vaccinated people would receive free flights for a year as part of a rewards program set to start this month. The use of incentives to boost vaccination rates has boomed in the US, where states are offering daily lotteries of cash prizes. Up to $5 million is up for grabs for New Yorkers who get vaccinated at state-run clinics. A TGA spokesman said the watchdog had received five complaints in relation to businesses offering a reward as part of promoting the COVID-19 vaccine. The TGA undertakes compliance activities consistent with its regulatory framework which includes engaging with businesses to make them aware of their obligations in relation to advertising of therapeutic goods, he said. In the 15 minutes before the ambulance arrives, Daniel Macklin sits with the young woman in the middle of the night, in the middle of a road, in what feels like the middle of nowhere. When the ambulance arrives, throwing more light onto the scene, he realises with a lurching panic that this might be the woman he is currently dating. Shes wearing similar clothing. He spots her handbag, sitting upright in the opposite lane, and searches for a phone, desperate to call an emergency contact. The screen comes alive with an image of the woman and an older man. This is not his lovers father, he thinks. This is not my lover. On the phone he sees no missed calls or messages. He hits the brakes. Everything slingshots towards the windscreen: the dogs slam against their cage, Macklins collarbone snaps, his teeth chip against the steering wheel. Hell be unaware of these injuries until a day later: right now hes desperate to find his phone to call triple zero. He finds it and steps out into the inky black. Are you okay? he calls out, the thin white phone light revealing bits of his car everywhere. Then he falls over the womans body , cutting his knees on the bitumen. I tried to help, he says. But it was too late. A girl has just popped out of the middle of nowhere, he tells me. But not just popped out, she ran in. He follows Metung Road up a hill, leaving behind the town lights. He passes the dog kennels that care for Jasper and Kiro and is now deep into farmland that gently undulates between Metung and the Tambo River. Then, rounding a soft bend 4.5 kilometres from Metung, a woman appears out of the pitch-black, running across the opposite lane towards his car. Macklin loads the dogs into the back of his brand-new, $60,000 Toyota RAV4 (lovely car, great car), into which hes sunk his entire recent divorce payout. He cruises past the Metung shops, past the yacht club, and in a decision that still haunts him past the Rosherville Road turnoff, his regular shortcut home to Swan Reach, 10 minutes away. The musics on, but not too loud. And hes driving just under the 70-kilometre speed limit because, as a local, he knows this is wombat territory. Its just before 1am, an odd time to be walking dogs. But Daniel Macklin has just clocked off from a forklift-driving shift in Bairnsdale, in eastern Victoria. Now, early on this Monday morning in October 2019, the 33-year-old has driven to Shaving Point, a picnic area in nearby Metung, to give Jasper and Kiro a run and quick sausages cooked up on the public barbecue. Ashleighs mother Theresa and brother John (both pseudonyms) were left not only with unrelenting grief, but with many unanswered questions about that night about what Ashleigh was doing alone on that road, and what they see as Higginss odd behaviour that night and his hurtful actions since. In all honesty, I dont think it was just the media that tipped Ashleigh over the edge, says John. I think theres more to it. Then, the day after Ashleigh died, there was silence. The media noted no suspicious circumstances and moved on. The coroner found Ashleigh Petrie took her own life by deliberately running in front of a car. His report, which Good Weekend has seen, has not been made public. Higgins returned to the bench and a few months later to his long-term partner, Lurline Le Neuf. In all honesty, I dont think it was just the media that tipped Ashleigh over the edge. I think theres more to it. Nineteen days earlier, the woman Macklin hit 23-year-old Ashleigh Petrie had gone from an unknown court clerk to the focus of a media storm and legal controversy. On October 9, 2019, in a front-page story, Melbournes Herald Sun newspaper had revealed her relationship with then 68-year-old magistrate Rodney Higgins, 45 years her senior. The story went viral, and sparked serious questions about power and workplace culture in Victorias court system. The relationship was raised in the Victorian parliament and a complaint later dismissed was fired off about Higgins to the Judicial Commission, the oversight body for judges in the state. Eventually Macklin is taken to Bairnsdale, where he clears an alcohol and drugs test. The detective said: Mate, Michael Schumacher couldnt have stopped. Youve done nothing wrong. Then he said: I dont want you watching the news. This girls well known. I wish I could have protected her, says Theresa. She was 23 and you cant go kidnap her. I would have loved to have kidnapped her and spoken sense into her. And when your trusting, big-hearted daughter becomes an adult, theres only so much you can do. Ashleigh was a lover of inside jokes; bubbly, happy, generous. About seven months before she died, Ashleigh dragged her mother and brother around the city streets until 10pm, handing out hot cross buns to the homeless. We werent allowed to eat before we gave out all the buns, remembers Theresa. But with this generous heart came a trusting soul. She was young and naive, very naive, I probably sheltered her a bit too much in life, says Theresa. She trusted everybody. In years 11 and 12, at her high school in Hoppers Crossing, Ashleigh hit the books. Post-it notes bloomed around the house as she committed her studies to memory. She was uninterested in partying or boys. Id take her to a party and say, Dont ring me for a few hours, says Theresa. But within an hour shed be home, saying she had to study. It paid off: Ashleighs marks got her into a psychology degree at RMIT University (she switched to criminology after six months). Ashleigh Louise Petrie was born in 1995, in Melbourne. John followed two years later. Theresa and then-husband Peter (they separated in 2015), lived in the citys outer-western suburbs and the kids grew up under her protective watch. I never took my eyes off my kids, she says. Ashleigh was Daddys little girl, but mother and daughter were also close, only 16 years apart. I was like her big sister, Theresa laughs through tears. Actually, she hated that comparison! Ashleigh loved watching Keeping up with the Kardashians. She was chubby then, after a health kick, skinny. This is my second interview with Theresa, both conducted with a lawyer present. Her wariness is understandable: she partly blames the medias scorching spotlight for her daughters death and guards her own privacy strenuously. This is why Good Weekend has changed her and her familys names. Theresa Petrie lives alone in a regional town an hours drive west of Melbourne. Hers is the back flat in a row of four small, 1980s-style brick units. On a Saturday in early March, Theresa straight blonde hair, striped top, jeans welcomes me into her spotless unit, where the floorboards are shiny and Ashleigh is everywhere. Framed on the wall, in a soft apricot dress, shes with Theresa and John on Mothers Day. In a corner, in a shrine-like setting, shes pictured with a gold garland crowning her long brown hair. She looks almost like a forest nymph; a beauty from another world. In late 2015, after his marriage ended, Gowty moved back to Shepparton, his home town, and bought a picture-framing business. Ashleigh followed about four months later, commuting to Melbourne to study. Then in late 2016, she landed a job as a court clerk at Shepparton Magistrates Court. She seemed to excel at it. Everyone thought she was wonderful, says Gowty. She eventually switched to studying law online at the University of New England. There were challenges. For a start, he was married. Also: mismatched energy levels. Ashleigh wanted to party until 5am. He was ready for a cup of tea and bed by 10pm. She made me feel younger and I made her feel more mature. So we averaged out somewhere in the middle. Gowty and Ashleigh met at Hoppers Crossing Bunnings in 2014. He was an account manager there, she a casual salesperson. He was 44, she 18. She was very smitten with me and I liked that, he says. Certainly, there was an element of liking attention from a young girl and a very attractive girl. So it just blossomed from there, I guess. Before everything soured, the two couples were friends here, often socialising with neighbours on the lawn. It was not uncommon to sit outside on a nice Friday night in summer and open a bottle of wine and suddenly its two in the morning, Gowty says. We climb the timber stairs to his outdoor alcove. Gowty stands, chain-smoking next to the barbecue. Hugo, his one-eyed black-and-brown cat, watches from an inside window ledge. Through the window I can see the closed roller blinds that block any view of Higgins and Le Neuf on their deck. In late February I drive to Shepparton, a rural hub two hours north of Melbourne, to meet a man that Ashleigh trusted implicitly: Stuart Gowty, 50, her former boyfriend of five years. After lunch, Gowty soft, friendly face, blue eyes, chambray shirt stands with me on a Goulburn River walking track. We look across an expanse of lawn to a row of riverfront houses. The smaller corner house is Gowtys rental. Next door, with its extensive balcony, belongs to Higgins and Le Neuf. As you can see, his is bigger than mine, Gowty says wryly, as a flock of cockatoos roughly announce themselves in the river gums behind us. Despite the hurt, a post-relationship friendship blossomed between Ashleigh and Gowty. Stop worrying about having a boyfriend, he says he told her. Go to work, do your studies. I pray for nothing more than for you to meet a nice guy your own age. Higgins was first posted to the Gippsland courts and, in late 2017, Higgins and Le Neuf moved to Mirboo North, a South Gippsland town two hours east of Melbourne. Back in Shepparton, Gowty grew ever more suspicious. Ashleigh seemed to always know when Higgins and Le Neuf were visiting Shepparton. Then, on New Years Eve 2018, there was another lawn party incident. Rod went inside to use the bathroom and Ashleigh followed him in, or something like that, says Gowty. Lurline realised something was going on. In January, Ashleigh and Gowty broke up over the affair and she moved out, transferring her job to the Melbourne Magistrates Court. In 2013 and 2014, Higgins ran for Labor in the federal and state elections respectively. He had little chance of winning over the conservative-leaning Shepparton locals in either election, but Labor needed to be on the ballot and someone had to do it. (They should vote for me because I stand for social justice, Higgins told The Shepparton News in 2014.) In September 2017, when the Andrews government appointed Higgins to the bench noting his proven ability to navigate complex and sensitive legal issues the Liberal Party cried jobs-for-the-boys. Higgins elevation, shadow attorney-general John Pesutto complained, undermined the judiciarys independence. Born in 1951 , Rodney Higgins worked for decades as a wharfie and union official. He joined the Labor Party in 1978 and was later a local branch president. Through the 1990s, Higgins studied arts and law part-time and was briefly mayor of Moreland, an inner-north municipality. In 2001, after separating from wife Lee (with whom he has three daughters now aged in their 40s), Higgins moved to Shepparton as a criminal lawyer and 16 months later met Le Neuf. Then, in late 2017, he noticed something between Ashleigh and his neighbour Higgins. It was at one of the neighbourhood gatherings, a bogan-themed party. Gowty, who went in footy shorts and fake love-bites, remembers he wasnt the only one who noticed. Even Lurline made a comment like: Well have to keep an eye on these two. Three years into the relationship, Gowty inked a sign of his devotion into his skin: three cursive capitals ALP Ashleigh Louise Petrie in a forearm tattoo. But the relationship was not smooth sailing. They broke up several times. Ashleigh, he says, was easily led by others and suffered from depression and mood swings (she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19). There was one suicide attempt, which Gowty saw more as attention-seeking than a definite decision to end things. The inner-east suburb of Richmond was now where Ashleigh called home. On the Saturday night of March 2, 2019, she went out to a local pub. She met a man there, and later that night an incident occurred that was deeply traumatising. In distress, Ashleigh rang Gowty, who drove to Melbourne the next day. She rang Higgins, too numerous times but he was away with Le Neuf. On Tuesday March 12, Ashleigh sent Theresa and John a text: I love you. Sensing something was wrong, they rushed to Richmond. A friend had pulled Ashleigh back after shed climbed over a barrier to jump off a balcony. The catalyst, John and Theresa believe, was Ashleighs belief that Higgins had decided to stay with Le Neuf. But Ashleigh was also extremely distressed about the Richmond incident, says John. I was driving her to the hospital and she had to tell my old man what happened over the phone, because he was worried. She was a mess. She was bawling her eyes out. Ashleigh went to police about the incident but according to Theresa, John and Gowty was torn about proceeding: shed seen in her job how victims of such experiences are treated in the justice system and worried how a court case would affect her legal-career ambitions. So at some point, she wrote to police requesting no further police action. Their investigation ended. But the trauma didnt end. Researchers have recently found clear links between traumatic events and the worsening of mood disorders such as bipolar, and the coroner later found the incident detrimentally affected Ashleighs mental health until her death. Ashleighs social media accounts documented her relationship with Higgins. Credit:Jennifer Soo In late March 2019, Le Neuf returned to Shepparton from Mirboo North, her partnership with Higgins over. Gowty, friends and neighbours gathered around her. Ashleigh and Higgins were now officially a couple, but Ashleigh continued to struggle. On June 3, a distressed Ashleigh rang Gowty. She was feeling insecure about her relationship with Higgins. Late that night, Gowtys phone rang again. It was Higginss number. He braced for a conversation with the magistrate, but instead heard Ashleigh talking very slowly, her breathing laboured. She had taken a knife to her wrists while Higgins slept. Gowty called an ambulance to the Richmond apartment Ashleigh shared with a flatmate, and she was taken to hospital. She discharged herself later that night and took an Uber home. By now, Theresa who had in the past viewed Ashleighs self-harming as largely attention-seeking was extremely worried about the Higgins relationship and despairing of the states mental health system (in its final report in February, a royal commission found the system had catastrophically failed to live up to expectations). I said to her: Just come home. But she wouldnt come home. Two more significant acts of self-harm followed in June and July, the coroner noted. In late June, Ashleigh saw a psychotherapist who later told police she thought Ashleighs self-harm took place in the context of excessive drinking after conflict with Higgins. She saw in Ashleigh a pattern of involvement with older, more influential and powerful adults and that while Ashleigh appeared capable and confident she was also extremely vulnerable, especially given her addictive behaviour with alcohol. Theresa and John never saw Ashleigh as struggling with alcohol and certainly not drinking alone. But they did witness Ashleigh and Higgins drinking heavily at places such as Crown Casino. After the June suicide attempt, Ashleigh took leave from the Magistrates Court to recover. Around this time, Le Neuf took out a restraining order against her (Good Weekend asked why, but received no response). By July, Ashleigh had moved in with Higgins in Mirboo North. Things had been rocky, but in a few months, Ashleigh would get something she deeply coveted: a marriage proposal. When Higgins popped the question on a Fijian holiday in late September 2019, Ashleigh took to Instagram. I said YES! [diamond ring emoji]. In the picture, Ashleigh, showing off her ring, has the sort of blemish-free, even-toned skin lent only by youth and a generous application of foundation. Higgins skin is a mottle of pink and brown sun damage. What an amazing 10 days it has been here in Fiji! Firstly I arrived as Rods (sic) girlfriend and I leave as rod (sic) fiance! , the caption reads. I cannot wait to become Mrs Higgins! It started with a crush and now I have a ring on my finger. The love of my life asked me to marry him and I said YESSSS. (In another post Higgins holds his seniors card: Dating a senior citizen my community work is done, Ashleigh jokes.) Theresa congratulated her daughter but still harboured deep concerns about the age gap. It started with a crush and now I have a ring on my finger, Ashleigh wrote of her engagement. On October 8, Gowty won a restraining order against Ashleigh: he could no longer deal with her constant calls. I told her: I love you, but I cant do this. Late that night, Gowtys mobile burst into life: Herald Sun court reporter Shannon Deerys first article on Ashleigh and Higgins had hit the internet. The couples engagement, it said, had triggered an email warning to Magistrates Court staff about inappropriate relationships. Deery, who declines to speak to Good Weekend, had been digging into the Magistrates Court culture for months. In March, a magistrate was stood down following Deerys report of allegations that hed sexually assaulted a woman at a Christmas party. Deery knew of several inappropriate relationships between magistrates and young clerks but could only confirm the Higgins/Petrie relationship, as Ashleighs social media posts were publicly accessible. Deery went on to expose a rumoured X-rated romp between a magistrate and a clerk in the Childrens Court and report that three magistrates were spoken to about dealings with younger clerks. (Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan, who was appointed in November 2019, did not respond to questions about the court culture under her predecessor Peter Lauritsen, but told Good Weekend she is unwaveringly committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace.) The Higgins-Petrie story took on a life of its own. Everyone had an opinion: she was a gold-digger, he the shallow opportunist. Ashleighs social media accounts were mined for pictures, including her bikini-clad on a beach. In a leaked staff email, then Herald Sun editor Damon Johnston praised Deery for the scoop and noted the articles had attracted 30 new subscriptions. Following Ashleighs death, the ABCs Media Watch program asked Johnston how the story was in the public interest. The paper had been told of concerns raised with Lauritsen, including a perceived power imbalance between the pair. Several senior legal figures and court sources, Johnston added, believed the relationship could compromise court operations and Higgins sentences may have been influenced, or had the potential to be. (This idea originated from an event at a legal conference where Ashleigh allegedly described Higgins as too soft and boasted that she helped him decide sentences. According to media reports, a clash with a senior criminal barrister ensued and Ashleigh threw a glass of wine over him.) Two weeks after the Herald Suns report, shadow attorney-general Ed ODonohue, a state Liberal MP, made a complaint against Higgins to the Judicial Commission, breathing fresh life into the story. He alleged Higgins lacked judicial independence due to his relationship with Ashleigh (partly based on media reports of the legal conference incident), was involved in a drunken incident at Crown Casino and that his appointment was politicised. (In April last year, the Commission dismissed the first two complaints due to lack of supporting information, and the third because it was beyond its jurisdictional scope.) For Ashleigh, the media storm was suffocatingly intense. Shed be ringing me crying, says Theresa. One day she said: Oh my god, [the media] are at my door. She walked out of her legal exams, unable to concentrate. Higgins later told police that on the evening of October 20, Ashleigh left his Mirboo North house, texting that she would walk in front of a truck. He says he found her walking down the middle of a road in Leongatha, a 20-minute drive away. (Higgins declined a request to be interviewed for this story and did not respond to written questions.) But heres the complex bit: Ashleigh, though not involved in Deerys first story, began regular contact with him soon after, even providing the information for another story, published on October 19, about her one-month relationship with magistrate (and former The Castle actor) Costa Kilias, then 59. The Herald Sun provided Media Watch Facebook Messenger texts to prove Ashleighs involvement. These show her offering to anonymously confirm or deny any tips and provide goss. On the Kilias article she said: Anyway good luck [thumbs up emoji] its a good article (not flattering for me) but its good!.. And its true! In another exchange, Deery said: Ill do it tomorrow. Only if youre sure. Ashleigh replied: Im certain right now! I wont change my mind! On October 25, two days before her death, Ashleigh wrote: Im going to the mint [a bar frequented by Melbourne court staff] tonight which Ill be able to get goss! Ill keep it for when your [sic] back. The Daily Mail, which ran seemingly endless digital reams on the relationship, and the Herald Sun told Media Watch Ashleigh wanted to raise concerns about the courts culture. Theresa and John agree. She told me she had a lot of dirt on the courts and she wanted to go public with it, says Theresa. John adds: She wanted to make a difference. But it backfired and it turned into an article about her. According to the coroners report, Theresa said that although Ashleigh liked attention, she was unsure whether her daughter liked the level of attention she received. Its one thing to like attention, quite another to accurately predict the life-altering impacts of a viral story: the loss of anonymity, the taint of public shame, the harm to job prospects. Theresa wonders why the Court didnt issue an off-the-record warning to Deery that Ashleigh was off work recovering from a mental-health issue. Chief Magistrate Hannan declined to answer this question, but a court spokeswoman said Ashleigh received extensive support from court staff and management both before and after the news of her relationship made headlines. While Ashleigh was concerned about court culture, its important to remember she never framed her own relationship as one of sexual harassment. She was a consenting adult who genuinely appeared to love Higgins. They did not work in the same courtroom or building. In April this year, former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights commissioner Helen Szoke released her report, commissioned by the Andrews government, into sexual harassment in the Victorian courts. The report, which was not prompted by the Higgins-Petrie relationship, found sexual harassment an open secret in the Victorian legal profession and that court staff faced significant barriers in making complaints. Szoke tells Good Weekend that power imbalances are stark in court workplaces because judges are not bound by public service guidelines. Judges also administer justice, so their professional and private behaviour need to be beyond reproach. But people, including judges, meet their partners at work, so its a matter of handling any power imbalances and potential conflicts transparently. Once these are addressed, says Szoke, it comes down to the age gap. And thats tricky. Wade into these waters and its difficult not to emerge dripping in accusations of sexism (if you contend Higgins took advantage of Ashleigh, are you infantilising a grown woman?) or ageism (whats wrong with older men?). But, says Szoke, its less about age and more about the status gap. Its important to bear in mind that when things go wrong, its always the person whos the least powerful who bears the consequences. Szoke says she would feel uncomfortable about a 60-something female magistrate with a 20-something court worker, but personally she feels intrinsically uncomfortable about a younger woman taking up with an older man in a significant position of power. Men, after all, still continue to hold the majority of powerful positions. It feels more like an indulgence on his part than generating some sort of equal relationship. While Ashleigh Petrie wanted to make a difference by exposing the culture in the court system, she was overwhelmed by the media coverage of her relationship. On her last Friday afternoon, Ashleigh dropped by her mothers workplace, revealing she was flying to Sydney for a media interview with the ABC the following week. She seemed happy. But that night, Higgins and Ashleigh went out drinking, and everything ended in chaos. Called to their Melbourne CBD hotel room, police found them alcohol-affected and concluded that Ashleigh had committed a minor assault on Higgins. (Theresa was told by police that her daughter ended up in hospital with a head injury, but has been unable to confirm this.) The next morning, police asked if Higgins wanted to make a statement. He declined. They requested to interview Ashleigh, which worried her, the coroners report says. On Sunday, the couple drove to the Gippsland Lakes and checked in to McMillans of Metung, a 3.2-hectare property of 20 luxury cottages and villas. That afternoon, they ended up at the local pub, the Metung Hotel, where owner David Strange remembers them distinctly. You think its father and daughter, but then theyre holding hands and hugging. The age difference just shocked us all a bit. Ashleigh mostly had her head down, he says, texting, texting, texting. Bartender Sue Haupt remembers Ashleigh crying with someone on the phone. I ask if she saw the couple fight. No, she says. He was actually comforting her the whole time, rubbing her back. They finished dinner, bought a takeaway bottle of wine and settled the bill at about 8pm. There are conflicting reports on Ashleighs state of mind that night. Higgins later told police shed confessed to being in a dark place and didnt know if she could cope with the publicity. She worried no one would employ her. But Theresa spoke to her daughter as she was getting into the cottages spa and says she sounded really good. Higgins told police Ashleigh got a bit teary in the spa recounting things that happened to her years before but noted she was fine. Higgins left to buy another bottle of wine and returned to find Ashleigh on the phone with the detective whod investigated the Richmond incident back in March. The pair spoke twice that night and exchanged messages. The detective, in his coronial statement, said Ashleigh told him police wanted to interview her about Friday nights assault of Higgins. He was unable to provide legal advice, but told Ashleigh police generally have a zero-tolerance approach and take action. She texted the detective saying the previous month had been the hardest of her life: a close family member and some friends were distancing themselves. He reassured her but could see no indication she was in trouble more than the media and trust issues that had plagued her for the past month. I first meet Daniel Macklin in late May, at a pub in Northcote, in Melbournes inner-north. You could mistake him for a tough guy: tall, solidly muscular, a sleeve of tattoos. But its soon clear his heart is gentle. His girlfriend of one year, Amy, is here too. She puts a hand to his back when he breaks down. She has witnessed the pain in him, the sleepless nights and low motivation. Hes particularly on edge tonight he hit a fox on the drive from Gippsland. The sudden flash in the headlights reminded him of the night that changed his life. There are not many days that I dont think about her, he says, releasing a sharp exhalation and straightening his spine. I never knew her, but I feel like shes like a little sister. Ill always be connected with her. After the accident, he couldnt work. Then the bushfires hit and accommodation got scarce. He was briefly homeless. His collarbone healed, his teeth were fixed, the car repaired. Hes retraining for a security job. But the trauma continues to stalk him. He knows, intellectually, that Ashleighs death is not his fault. Yet he feels responsible. He feels sure it was a deliberate act: the way she ran like she was pushed or dived across a lane. It did not seem, he says, like she was trying to flag down his car. But he also hates it when, trying to make him feel better, people blame Ashleigh. Its the mental health state she was in, he says. The poor girl. Some things still puzzle him. The police gave him a typed note from Higgins that said something like mate, she had mental-health problems, it was not your fault. He thought it oddly lacking in emotion. Higgins told the police they went to bed and that around midnight Ashleigh got up, dressed, and said she was going for a walk. She agreed to his request to walk within the propertys fences. I begged her to stay, Higgins told Media Watch. But she said she needed to clear her head. Over the next hour she sent me four or five texts and voice messages, one of which said, I cant cope with all the coverage. She apologised to me and said she loved me, but Id be better off without her. After waiting for Ashleigh to return for an hour, Higgins went looking for her, and came across the accident, the ambulance already there. She was a lovely, young, fragile, impressionable girl. I have no doubt at all that the Herald Sun and Daily Mail articles tipped her over the top, he told Media Watch. He also dismissed the idea that Ashleigh saw herself as a whistleblower on court misconduct and was co-operating with the media. She was devastated by the salacious revelations of her private life and had absolutely no intentions of commenting on the Magistrates Court. At the scene, the coroners report says, Higgins stated that he had deleted some of the messages between himself and Ashleigh that night. He told Senior Constable Chelsea Maxwell that there had been a verbal argument and that Ms Petrie had left on foot. But later, Higgins denied a fight. Macklin is puzzled by how Ashleigh found herself so far out of town. At an average walking pace, it would have taken her an hour to walk the 4.5 kilometres there from McMillans, in the pitch-black, up a significant hill, with a mixture of alcohol (forensic toxicology tests recorded 0.12 per cent) and antidepressants in her system. (Macklin wonders too why he didnt see Ashleigh while driving into Metung; walking the dogs had only taken 30 minutes.) Ex-boyfriend Stuart Gowty is also bewildered by how far she had gone. Ashleigh doesnt walk. I couldnt get her to walk that far even if I took her shopping. Theresa, meanwhile, is puzzled about Ashleighs suitcase. Higgins told her hed returned to McMillans and thrown Ashleighs stuff in her suitcase before driving to Mirboo North that night. But when he returned the suitcase to Theresa it was packed like Ashleigh had packed it, the make-up perfect in the bag. It was as if shed skipped her pre-bed skincare routine. More significantly, Theresa remains hurt that Higgins didnt immediately chase after Ashleigh that night. You dont let her go for an hour and then go, Where is she? If [a person is] not okay, make sure they are okay. This hurt was only the beginning. In the months ahead, Theresa would struggle with the actions of the man who almost became her son-in-law. At about 8.30am on Monday October 28, seven-and-a-half hours after Ashleigh died, Stuart Gowty found his neighbour Lurline Le Neuf madly knocking on his back door. Shed heard rumours on the court grapevine that something bad had happened to Ashleigh. Gowty rang Theresa and suggested she call Ashleigh. Theresas calls went to voicemail. Theresa then called Higgins, but it rang out. About 20 minutes later, Gowty called Higgins, who picked up first ring. Gowty urged him to call Theresa immediately. He goes, Yeah, yeah, yeah, I will. Ive got to go. And then he hung up and proceeded to turn his phone off. Theresa tried Higgins about 10 times. Around 9.30am, she says, he finally returned her call. He says: Oh, shes dead. I mean, who says, Oh, shes dead? says Theresa, crying in gulping, big breaths. Loading Within three days of her death, Good Weekend has confirmed, Higgins had called Rest Super about Ashleighs $180,000 death benefit. The magistrate, who earns $324,000 a year, then made a successful claim, despite Ashleigh having bequeathed the money to Theresa, who earns a modest income in an accounts job. (An appeal process against Rests decision, now in its 16th month, is still afoot and Theresa is raising funds for her legal fees via a GoFundMe page.) Higgins refused to let Theresa and John see and listen to Ashleighs last messages. Putting his garbage out a few months after Ashleighs funeral, Gowty needed more space and opened the Higgins/Le Neuf bin. He spotted some of Ashleighs mementos, including her Western Bulldogs hat. When Gowty tells me this, I notice his usual joviality has leached away. I still love her and I still miss her, he says. He regrets his restraining order every day that he wasnt there for Ashleigh when she needed him. I suggest that living here, next to Higgins, might not be good for his mental health. Hes already decided to move, he says, and does so a few months later. Ashleigh had a generous heart, says her mother, and trusted everybody. As Higgins is a sitting magistrate, the Victorian coroner asked NSW magistrate Ian Guy to independently investigate Ashleighs death. In his report, which concluded that an inquest was not needed, Guy says the family was consulted about holding one. Theresa, however, denies that she was consulted, and says she would have welcomed a more public investigation. She is also disturbed by what she sees as a conflict of interest in the local police putting together the coroners brief on a case that involved a magistrate who sits in their area. Guys report misspelled Ashleighs first name and omitted where she died on Metung Road. It made much of Ashleighs mental-health history, including an eating disorder while at school which Theresa characterises as healthy eating. She was young and naive, very naive, I probably sheltered her a bit too much in life. She trusted everybody. Ashleigh Petries mother Indeed, both Theresa and John say they felt pressure from police to speculate that Ashleigh took her own life due to her mental ill health, a conclusion they reject. Says Theresa: She would have texted us and said I love you. She had holidays booked and all these new dresses that I still have in my wardrobe with the tags still on. Guy noted that several of Ashleighs suicide attempts and self-harm episodes happened prior to the media exposure. But the media interest was undoubtedly intense and despite her initial enjoyment of the spotlight, it became a burden. The press, he said, were unaware of her fragile mental state and at least one media organisation would have seen Ms Petrie as a willing participant. As Media Watch host Paul Barry concluded, this was a salutary tale for everyone in the media. With so many people living their lives on social media, he said, journalists have unprecedented power to expose, ridicule and judge. And they need to be a lot more careful about how they use and abuse it. On a midweek morning in November, 2019, Rod Higgins approached the lectern at Tobin Brothers in Werribee, in Melbournes west, and loomed over it. The white casket containing Ashleighs body stood just metres away. At first, Higgins voice faltered as he described this as the saddest time of my life. Ashleighs beauty, he said, was more than skin-deep, though she was externally as attractive as a woman could possibly be. She had dreams of being a Legal Aid lawyer. She had wanted a child and he was willing to try. But the second half of his six-minute speech took a turn. Her zest for life, he said, contrasted against problems of anxiety and depression. Ashleigh, he said, was taking medication for a chemical imbalance in her brain. The black dog of depression magnified her shortcomings, driving her constant need of reassurance. At this, fellow mourners started to mutter their annoyance. Theresa sat a metre from Higgins in the front row, her back bent over in grief, her eyes fixated on her daughters casket. When I view the video footage of Higgins speech with Theresa, she explains her fury in this moment: it was a time to celebrate Ashleigh, not highlight her struggles. Put it this way, me and John had to hold each other, she tells me, in tears. Because we just wanted to get up and belt him. All Theresa knew was that Higgins must stop. I think thats enough, she said out loud. And, with that, Higgins sat down. Lifeline: 13 11 14. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636. To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times. The best of Good Weekend delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Sign up here. As school holidays come to an end and teachers return to the classroom there is growing concern around their mental health and wellbeing as they seek to ensure our childrens education is not impacted in these most trying of times. Our teachers work is demanding with about 200 school days each year across four terms. For an average primary teacher that requires planning for 5000 student days for the year. This all on top of a pandemic that has placed our teachers on the front line. The pandemic has increased pressures facing teachers. This added pressure has not only seen our teachers concerned about whether they may contract the virus in the classroom, potentially placing themselves and their families at risk, they are also fielding questions daily from students, equally concerned about the state of the world around them. There has been a disruption to learning, one that is likely to occur a number of times as the government seek to vaccinate the nation, meanwhile parents are understandably sharing their concerns directly to teachers on the impact of this disruption to their childs education. Former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser has buttressed Philip Lowes view that high levels of immigration have contributed to low wages growth, saying the nation needs to train local workers to fill skills shortages rather than rely on migrants. But Prime Minister Scott Morrison has not signalled that reducing international arrivals when the borders re-open is part of the post-pandemic economic recovery plan. In relation to the debate about migration and wages ... were in quite an extraordinary situation at the moment, Mr Morrison said on Friday afternoon. [Closed borders] obviously put some restrictions on the labour market. But at the same time, jobs picked up very quickly. Former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser. Credit:Josh Robenstone The effects of high levels of immigration on wages were raised by the central bank boss this week, with Dr Lowe saying that while the hundreds of thousands of new migrants into the country each year helped boost the economy they also diluted wages. His views have fuelled debate among the economics community with many pointing to the benefits of welcoming migrants into Australia as they tend to be younger and highly skilled. Mr Fraser said that in terms of supply and demand there should be upward pressure on wages when there is a labour shortage. A record number of new companies were registered last month, with experts saying the tens of thousands of extra businesses launched in 2021 is due to a boom of entrepreneurs and contractors spurred on by the coronavirus crisis. There were 34,868 new businesses formally signed up with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission nationally in June, including 11,373 in NSW, 10,053 in Victoria and 7206 in Queensland. In the first six months of 2021 about 152,000 companies were registered, compared to almost 110,000 for the same period in 2020 and 113,000 in 2019. Contracting from home and a boom in entrepreneurs is expected to have led to a jump in company registrations. Credit:iStock An analysis of the publicly available ASIC data by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age shows June had the most new business registrations than at any other point in two decades of available records. June is typically the busiest month for registrations, marking the end of the financial year, and it was the busiest month of 2021 in line with this historical trend. Registrations slumped modestly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic but have been steadily improving since mid-2020. In June last year there were 26,804 new businesses registered, including 8863 in NSW, 7873 in Victoria and 5545 in Queensland. The number of close contacts forced to isolate swelled to 14,000 on Friday, with 2000 linked to Ikea Tempe. Anyone who visited the store on July 6 is required to quarantine for 14 days. Ms Berekilian said Fridays case numbers were the opposite of where we need or want the numbers to trend. The state recorded 44 new local COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest daily number of cases in the outbreak. Credit:Wolter Peeters We are extremely concerned that we need to turn the tide, Ms Berejiklian said. Ms Berejiklian conceded that, without a dramatic turnaround in the number of cases in the community, she could not see NSW being in a position to ease restrictions next Friday. I appreciate the message Im delivering today is quite shocking for a lot of people but I need everybody to be shocked, Ms Berejiklian said. The message is, do not leave your home. Do not leave your home unless you absolutely have to. That is what a lockdown is. She warned that the number of people who had been infectious in the community could surge in the coming days. Obviously were going to see higher case numbers moving forward. So until we get that to zero or close to zero we cannot ease restrictions, Ms Berejiklian said. There have been 439 local cases reported since the outbreak began, with one in 10 of those now in hospital. Ten are in intensive care, with one of the four people ventilated in their 20s. Despite cases being concentrated in the south-west with 21 recorded in that area on Friday 15 new cases were distributed throughout the south-east and western Sydney. On Friday night, a swathe of new alerts was issued for venues mainly located in Sydneys west and inner west. Anyone who attended Lab Bakery Cafe in Strathfield on July 1 between 11.30am and 12.45 am, Direct Trade in Merrylands on July 3 between 2.20pm and 2.50pm or Beacon Lighting in Bankstown on Thursday between 8am and 9.30am is now considered a close contact of a confirmed case and must get tested and isolate for 14 days. Passengers who travelled on the Redfern to Beaconsfield 309 bus from Redfern Station to Botany Road at Epsom Road on Sunday from 6.46pm to 6.51pm must also get tested and isolate for 14 days. Ms Berejiklian said NSW cannot live with this, when our range of vaccination in NSW is at nine per cent. NSW Mounted Police patrol the streets of Fairfield. Credit:Kate Geraghty The Premier stressed that the Delta variant is far more contagious than previous strains of the virus seen in early phases of the pandemic and only an increase in the vaccination rate could combat the strain. The state is planning three new mass vaccination clinics in the coming weeks, including one at Macquarie Fields in the south-west on July 26. But a city clinic in Pitt Street, slated to open later in July, is already at capacity with all current Pfizer vaccine appointments filled. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he was alert and alarmed by the severity of the situation and the number of people out and about in the community. We have the responsibility to stop the virus in its tracks. The only way we can do that is to not leave our homes, unless we absolutely have to, Mr Hazzard said. Businesses across greater Sydney have been left reeling by the extended lockdown, with the Premier insisting that the government would announce extra measures to support businesses and households in the coming days. Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the community needed to respond to the lockdown in the same way it did last year to give businesses the best chance of bouncing back. For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Leaning in the doorway of his sweets and pastry shop a short walk from Fairfield station, 54-year-old Jan Israel surveyed the passing foot traffic on Thursday and declared the lockdown a joke. The small-business owner has worked seven days a week since buying his brother-in-law out and going solo last year. But he said he was willing to close up and wear the financial pain if it meant helping pull Sydney back from the brink of a prolonged COVID-19 outbreak. People are still visiting each other and people are still on the street, the Iraqi-born shop-owner told the Herald, hours after Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant had issued their impassioned pleas to Sydneysiders to only leave home for the absolute necessities. Small-business owner Jan Israel took his own advice and shut up shop. Credit:Kate Geraghty Maybe only 10 per cent of these people on the street here are essential [going out] and the rest are not, he added. I understand that some people get stressed about staying home and they are not used to it, but if they want to be safe they have to. Supermarkets were essential, he said, but coffee is not, takeaway food from restaurants is not. You can make that at home. By Friday morning he had taken his own advice and shut up shop. For all the governments complaints about citizens not doing the right thing it was clear by weeks end that giving so many retail outlets the option of staying open has sent a confusing message to the NSW public. Advertisement Even with tightened restrictions on movement announced on Friday morning, it was not apparent how a ban on browsing, and insisting that only one person leave the home to do household shopping, was going to be enforced. People wait for buses at Fairfield during Sydneys COVID-19 lockdown. Credit:Kate Geraghty Fridays numbers a new high of 44 cases, of which 27 had been out and about in the community while infectious have stunned the government which once prided itself on being the countrys most lockdown-resistant. Just over a year ago Melbourne began its descent into a gruelling three-month winter hibernation. Now Sydney sits on the brink of its own precipice, with the highly transmissible Delta variant threatening to overwhelm the states defences. Loading Gone is any hubris that might have percolated through the government corridors in Macquarie Street. In its place is trepidation, a recognition that the enemy has vastly increased its ability to skip several steps ahead of the states much-celebrated contact tracers. Please do not think that the New South Wales government thinks we can live with this when our vaccination rate is only at 9 per cent, Berejiklian warned on Friday, quashing reports that some of her ministers were thinking it might be possible to abandon the zero transmission strategy if case numbers proved stubbornly resistant to suppression. Advertisement No country on the planet can live with the Delta variant when our vaccination rates are so low. Using the strongest language shes deployed to date, she said that to do otherwise would risk seeing thousands and thousands of hospitalisations and deaths. Its now hard to recall that as recently as June 22, state Treasurer Dominic Perrottet had walked jubilantly into the bustling Legislative Assembly and declared NSW is back, touting a jobs resurgence and a predicted surplus by 2024-25. There was a jovial atmosphere that had not been in the Parliament since the pandemic had begun, recalls one forlorn government member of budget day. It was almost like a dream, it was there and then it was taken away. Its been a shock, its come hard and its come fast, Perrottet said. Fridays numbers lent a new stridency to Berejiklians messaging about the need for people to stay home, unless they absolutely had no alternative, and for them to accept no one outside their household into their home, unless there was an equally pressing need for that person to be there. The Premier was determined to put paid to several days of headlines suggesting division within the state crisis cabinet about how long the lockdown should extend and whether it might as Health Minister Brad Hazzard speculated on Wednesday morning be an option to accept that the virus has a life which will continue in the community if people did not curtail the spread. Advertisement Hazzard quickly walked that back the next day, but not before Deputy Premier John Barilaro had endorsed the remark. Perrottet wont discuss the debate which took place inside the state crisis cabinet earlier in the week as he, Berejiklian, Barilaro, Hazzard, Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello and the minister responsible for overseeing hotel quarantine, Stuart Ayres, sweated over whether to extend the fortnights lockdown for at least another week. Senior government sources now portray that debate as more akin to war-gaming than a split, though the pro-business Perrottet had been widely reported as initially opposing the lockdowns extension. Premier Gladys Berejiklian at Fridays update on the COVID-19 situation in NSW. Credit:Wolter Peeters Dominello, weighing in on Friday, said: In my view there will be a live debate as to when we can live with the virus but that is contingent squarely on much higher vaccination rates. From the other side of the continent, Perth-based AMA president Omar Khorshid added his voice to warnings that we are going to see a disaster if NSW opened up before eliminating the virus while vaccination rates were still so low. Chant had been desperately hoping that case numbers would be declining, and chains of transmission stamped out by now. Instead health authorities are bracing for a further increase in cases in the coming days. I am incredibly concerned, Chant said on Friday, highlighting the risk posed by households continuing to mingle. When we find a case in a family, we find that everyone in that household [already] has the disease. Advertisement The numbers of very ill are also creeping up, with nearly 10 per cent of those diagnosed with the Delta variant requiring hospitalisation. And where contact tracers were chasing down 7000 close contacts of cases on Thursday, by Friday that number had swollen to 14,000. Berejiklian knows from her own migrant background how deeply ingrained the culture of regular contact with extended family is in many ethnic communities. She referenced this when urging people to recognise this week that immediate family means whose you live with, it does not mean extended family or friends. People walk along the near empty streets of Fairfield during lockdown. Credit:Kate Geraghty The government has drawn flak for singling out three local government areas in south-west Sydney Liverpool, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown as the latest hotspot of greatest concern. This was, after all, an outbreak which began in the citys east, with a Bondi limousine driver ferrying international air crew under a gaping regulatory loophole which did not require him to wear a mask or be vaccinated. But Berejiklian said she was making no apologies for being direct. Imagine going home and giving the virus to your partner, to all of your children and then if you happen to go and visit your cousins, to all of that family, and that is what we are seeing, unfortunately that is what we are seeing. NSW police launched a high-visibility mission into south-west Sydney on Friday morning, with Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke warning that where we do not get compliance, we will enforce. Advertisement Hong Kong: For almost every video game restriction, children and teenagers will find a way around it. But the room to manoeuvre is shrinking in China, where underage players are required to log on using their real names and identification numbers as part of countrywide regulations aimed at limiting screen time and keeping internet addiction in check. In 2019, the country imposed a cyber curfew banning those under 18 from playing games between 10pm and 8am. Recognising that wily teenagers might try to use their parents devices or identities to circumvent the restrictions, the Chinese internet conglomerate Tencent said this week that it would close the loophole by deploying facial recognition technology in its video games. Beijing introduced an e-game curfew in 2019. Credit:AP Children, put your phones away and go to sleep, Tencent said in a statement Tuesday when it officially introduced the new feature, which is called Midnight Patrol. The wider rollout set off a debate on Chinese internet platforms about the benefits and privacy risks of the technology. PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 7, 2021, Minister Ottley visited the Mental Health Foundation with his cabinet members Johnnie Richardson and Richenell Hanley. Also present were Dr. Felix Holiday president of the board, Arno Peels Treasurer, Dr. Hoencamp Psychiatrist, Sandro Garcia Finance and Operational director, and Eileen Healy projects. They were given a presentation of the foundation, containing the history since 2006, the developments, and the current needs and plans. MHF has based its future plans on the needs of its patients. Patients' and familys needs are based on the data collected since 2006. In mental health care, family and caregivers support are also extremely important, and on a regular basis, meetings are held with them. Much has been accomplished over the years but the foundation is aware that much still needs to happen. The minister was extremely interested in the work of the foundation the team efforts of the staff not only in-patient care but also the work done in the community and the police support. Dr. Hoencamp emphasized the unique concept of the foundation, having all care in one foundation makes it easy for the patients to get the care they need without having to go to other organizations for care needs. The foundation has 2 psychiatrists, 4 psychologists/councilors, Social work, Occupational Therapy and Nurses working on in-patients care and in the community. At the Faraja, Day Treatment Center the minister was explained the options available for the clients and how it works even around COVID. The client offered the minister a token of appreciation. The minister committed to supporting the foundation and its needs. The visit was much appreciated by the foundations board, management and staff. PHILIPSBURG:---On July 6, 2021, His Excellency, Governor drs. Eugene B. Holiday and Mrs. Holiday were presented with a viewing of the locally produced movie Atlantis: The Rebirth by artist and producer Jonathan van Arneman. The Governor & Mrs. Holiday welcomed Producer Jonathan van Arneman, Head of the Department of Culture Ms. Clara Reyes, and NIA Director Ms. Arlene Halley at his office. They discussed the creators inspiration for the film, the preparation, and the challenges to realize the film. Developing its theme Atlantis; The Rebirth, the film takes you through several significant and defining historic events of our enslaved ancestors in the Caribbean. Governor Holiday applauds and congratulates Mr. Jonathan van Arneman and the entire cast for an impressive historic Caribbean documentary portrayed through dance and music. PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Jacobs condemns the act of violence against freedom of speech and stands in solidarity with the people of the Netherlands. The shooting of celebrity Dutch investigative journalist and crime reporter Peter R. de Vries occurred on Tuesday, July 7th, in Amsterdam city sending shockwaves throughout the Kingdom. De Vries remains in critical condition. Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs stated, Mr. Peter de Vries is a well-known crime reporter who has worked on many cases, some of which have gotten attention worldwide. Freedom of the press is an integral part of freedom of expression and this act of violence against a journalist is not only a threat to the free press but also to society. As governments within the Kingdom continue to uphold and safeguard freedom of expression, no one could have imagined that such an atrocity would take place. The government and people of St. Maarten pray for Mr. De Vriess recovery and wish much strength to his family during this difficult time. Willemstad:--- On Thursday, July 8th, 2021, the Honorable Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson made a visit to the Victim Support Services (VSS) of Curacao where she was welcomed by Director Milouska Everitz. This visit was one of keen interest for Minister Richardson as VSS Sint Maarten is in the final phases of being established for Sint Maarten. In her opening statements during the Central Committee meeting of Parliament concerning the 2021 Budget, Minister Richardson highlighted the great significance of establishing a VSS for Sint Maarten. VSS is currently budgeted for and once established as a foundation, this will allow the board opportunity to apply for additional financial assistance to operate optimally. VSS-Curacao shared a presentation with the Minister that outlines their structure and operations which included the various services that the agency assists their clients with. Statistics of cases and how they work with partners in the community such as the police, prosecutor, Court of Guardianship, and many more were also part of the presentation. Similarly, to the other justice-related agencies that Minister Richardson visited during her week in Curacao, VSS-Curacao also expressed enthusiasm to work as partners with Sint Maarten. Minister Richardson continued her trip with a visit to Bon Futuro Prison where she met with Prison Director Mr. Urny Floran. Mr. Floran has held this position for the past twenty years, managing over 300 plus members of staff and a population of over 400 inmates. The discussions covered various areas of policy, personnel, and operations. Mr. Floran expressed the good relationship Curacao Centre for Correction and Detention once had with Sint Maarten. He offered assistance to help improve Sint Maartens Prison with its operational challenges. Most naturally, Minister Richardson is elated for this willingness and intends to utilize these levels of support to the full extent. During the visit, Minister Richardson was taken on a tour of the sewing center, library, computer center, and agricultural field. She also visited the area where inmates with mental challenges are housed. There she interacted with a few persons from Sint Maarten. Minister Richardsons work visit to Curacao concluded with a visit to the base of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. There, she engaged in discussion with the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee Lieutenant General Hans Leijtens and the Dutch Customs regarding the development of the plan of approach as Sint Maarten moves forward with strategic programs to better manage our borders, overstayers, and what sort of goods are being shipped in and out of Sint Maarten. Minister Richardson stated, As this work visit comes to an end, I express my heartfelt appreciation to the Honorable Prime Minister and interim Minister of Justice, Gilmar Pisas for his warm welcome, hospitality, and support in every area of justice where interest was expressed. My support staff and I also express much appreciation to Mr. Rigoletto Thode, Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Justice who assisted with much of the planning and schedule of the work visit in Curacao. Mr. Thode is a key figure who made this work visit a complete success and we are truly grateful. Id also like to thank all the departments and agencies that we engaged and had fruitful discussions with. They welcomed us with open arms and have shown complete willingness to work with Sint Maarten again. Somerset, KY (42501) Today Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Next wave of SoCs will turbocharge camera capabilities at the edge A new generation of video cameras is poised to boost capabilities dramatically at the edge of the IP network, including more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and higher resolutions, and paving the way for new applications that would have previously been too expensive or complex. Technologies at the heart of the coming new generation of video cameras are Ambarellas newest systems on chips (SoCs). Ambarellas CV5S and CV52S product families are bringing a new level of on-camera AI performance and integration to multi-imager and single-imager IP cameras. Both of these SoCs are manufactured in the 5 nm manufacturing process, bringing performance improvements and power savings, compared to the previous generation of SoCs manufactured at 10nm. CV5S and CV52S AI-powered SoCs The CV5S, designed for multi-imager cameras, is able to process, encode and perform advanced AI on up to four imagers at 4Kp30 resolution, simultaneously and at less than 5 watts. This enables multi-headed camera designs with up to four 4K imagers looking at different portions of a scene, as well as very high-resolution, single-imager cameras of up to 32 MP resolution and beyond. The CV52S, designed for single-imager cameras with very powerful onboard AI, is the next-generation of the companys successful CV22S mainstream 4K camera AI chip. This new SoC family quadruples the AI processing performance, while keeping the same low power consumption of less than 3 watts for 4Kp60 encoding with advanced AI processing. Faster and ubiquitous AI capabilities Ambarellas newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions" Security system designers desire higher resolutions, increasing channel counts, and ever faster and more ubiquitous AI capabilities, explains John Lorenz, Senior Technology and Market Analyst, Computing, at Yole Developpement (Yole), a French market research firm. John Lorenz adds, Ambarellas newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions for meeting the growing demands of the security IC (integrated circuit) sector, which our latest report forecasts to exceed US$ 4 billion by 2025, with two-thirds of that being chips with AI capabilities. Edge AI vision processors Ambarellas new CV5S and CV52S edge AI vision processors enable new classes of cameras that would not have been possible in the past, with a single SoC architecture. For example, implementing a 4x 4K multi-imager with AI would have traditionally required at least two SoCs (at least one for encoding and one for AI), and the overall power consumption would have made those designs bulky and prohibitively expensive. By reducing the number of required SoCs, the CV5S enables advanced camera designs such as AI-enabled 4x 4K imagers at price points much lower than would have previously been possible. What we are usually trying to do with our SoCs is to keep the price points similar to the previous generations, given that camera retail prices tend to be fairly fixed, said Jerome Gigot, Ambarella's Senior Director of Marketing. 4K multi-imager cameras However, higher-end 4K multi-imager cameras tend to retail for thousands of dollars, and so even though there will be a small premium on the SoC for the 2X improvement in performance, this will not make a significant impact to the final MSRP of the camera, adds Jerome Gigot. In addition, the overall system cost might go down, Gigot notes, compared to what could be built today because there is no longer a need for external chips to perform AI, or extra components for power dissipation. The new chips will be available in the second half of 2021, and it typically takes about 12 to 18 months for Ambarellas customers (camera manufacturers) to produce final cameras. Therefore, the first cameras, based on these new SoCs, should hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022. Reference boards for camera manufacturers The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK" As with Ambarellas previous generations of edge AI vision SoCs for security, the company will make available reference boards to camera manufacturers soon, allowing them to develop their cameras based on the new CV5S and CV52S SoC families. The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK that is already available on our previous generations SoCs, which makes the transition easy for our customers, said Jerome Gigot. Better crime detection Detecting criminals in a crowd, using face recognition and/or licence plate recognition, has been a daunting challenge for security, and one the new chips will help to address. Actually, these applications are one of the main reasons why Ambarella is introducing these two new SoC families, said Jerome Gigot. Typically, resolutions of 4K and higher have been a smaller portion of the security market, given that they came at a premium price tag for the high-end optics, image sensor and SoC. Also, the cost and extra bandwidth of storing and streaming 4K video were not always worth it for the benefit of just viewing video at higher resolution. 4K AI processing on-camera The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm. By enabling 4K AI processing on-camera, smaller objects at longer distances can now be detected and analysed without having to go to a server, and with much higher detail and accuracy compared to what can be done on a 2 MP or 5 MP cameras. This means that fewer false alarms will be generated, and each camera will now be able to cover a longer distance and wider area, offering more meaningful insights without necessarily having to stream and store that 4K video to a back-end server. This is valuable, for example, for traffic cameras mounted on top of high poles, which need to be able to see very far out and identify cars and licence plates that are hundreds of meters away, said Jerome Gigot. The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm Enhanced video analytics and wider coverage Ambarellas new CV5S and CV52S SoCs truly allow the industry to take advantage of higher resolution on-camera for better analytics and wider coverage, but without all the costs typically incurred by having to stream high-quality 4K video out 24/7 to a remote server for offline analytics, said Jerome Gigot. He adds, So, next-generation cameras will now be able to identify more criminals, faces and licence plates, at longer distances, for an overall lower cost and with faster response times by doing it all locally on-camera. Deployment in retail applications Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once Retail applications are another big selling point. Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once (e.g., in a mall), to provide not only security features, but also other business analytics, such as foot traffic and occupancy maps that can be used later to improve product placement. The higher resolution and higher AI performance, enabled by the new Ambarella SoCs, provide a leap forward in addressing those scenarios. In a store setup, a ceiling-mounted camera with four 4K imagers can simultaneously look at the cashier line on one side of the store, sending alerts when a line is getting too long and a new cashier needs to be deployed, while at the same time looking at the entrance on the other side of the store, to count the people coming in and out. This leaves two additional 4K imagers for monitoring specific product aisles and generating real-time business analytics. Use in cashier-less stores Another retail application is a cashier-less store. Here, a CV5S or CV52S-based camera mounted on the ceiling will have enough resolution and AI performance to track goods, while the customer grabs them and puts them in their cart, as well as to automatically track which customer is purchasing which item. In a warehouse scenario, items and boxes moving across the floor could also be followed locally, on a single ceiling-mounted camera that covers a wide area of the warehouse. Additionally, these items and boxes could be tracked across the different imagers in a multi-headed camera setup, without the video having to be sent to a server to perform the tracking. Updating on-camera AI networks Another feature of Ambarellas SoCs is that their on-camera AI networks can be updated on-the-fly, without having to stop the video recording and without losing any video frames. So, for example in the case of a search for a missing vehicle, the characteristics of that missing vehicle (make, model, colour, licence plate) can be sent to a cluster of cameras in the general area, where the vehicle is thought to be missing, and all those cameras can be automatically updated to run a live search on that specific vehicle. If any of the cameras gets a match, a remote operator can be notified and receive a picture, or even a live video feed of the scene. Efficient traffic management With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself Relating to traffic congestion, most big cities have thousands of intersections that they need to monitor and manage. Trying to do this from one central location is costly and difficult, as there is so much video data to process and analyse, in order to make those traffic decisions (to control the traffic lights, reverse lanes, etc.). With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself. The camera would then take actions autonomously (for example, adjust traffic-light timing) and only report a status update to the main traffic control centre. So now, instead of having one central location trying to manage 1,000 intersections, a city can have 1,000 smart AI cameras, each managing its own location and providing updates and metadata to a central server. Superior privacy Privacy is always a concern with video. In this case, doing AI on-camera is inherently more private than streaming the video to a server for analysis. Less data transmission means fewer points of entry for a hacker trying to access the video. On Ambarellas CV5S and CV52S SoCs, the video can be analysed locally and then discarded, with just a signature or metadata of the face being used to find a match. No actual video needs to be stored or transmitted, which ensures total privacy. In addition, the chips contain a very secure hardware cyber security block, including OTP memory, Arm TrustZones, DRAM scrambling and I/O virtualisation. This makes it very difficult for a hacker to replace the firmware on the camera, providing another level of security and privacy at the system level. Privacy Masking Another privacy feature is the concept of privacy masking. This feature enables portions of the video (say a door or a window) to be blocked out, before being encoded in the video stream. The blocked portions of the scene are not present in the recorded video, thus providing a privacy option for cameras that are facing private areas. With on-camera AI, each device becomes its own smart endpoint, and can be reconfigured at will to serve the specific physical security needs of its installation, said Jerome Gigot, adding The possibilities are endless, and our mission as an SoC maker is really to provide a powerful and easy-to-use platform, complete with computer-vision tools, that enable our customers and their partners to easily deploy their own AI software on-camera. Physical security in parking lots With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot One example is physical security in a parking lot. A camera today might be used to just record part of the parking lot, so that an operator can go back and look at the video if a car were broken into or some other incident occurred. With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, first of all, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot. Additionally, it will be able to detect the licence plates of all the cars going in and out, to automatically bill the owners. If there is a special event, the camera can be reprogrammed to identify VIP vehicles and automatically redirect them to the VIP portion of the lot, while reporting to the entrance station or sign how many parking spots are available. It can even tell the cars approaching the lot where to go. Advantages of using edge AI vision SoCs Jerome Gigot said, The possibilities are endless and they span across many verticals. The market is primed to embrace these new capabilities. Recent advances in edge AI vision SoCs have brought about a period of change in the physical security space. Companies that would have, historically, only provided security cameras, are now getting into adjacent verticals such as smart retail, smart cities and smart buildings. He adds, These changes are providing a great opportunity for all the camera makers and software providers to really differentiate themselves by providing full systems that offer a new level of insights and efficiencies to, not only the physical security manager, but now also the store owner and the building manager. He adds, All of these new applications are extremely healthy for the industry, as they are growing the available market for cameras, while also increasing their value and the economies of scale they can provide. Ambarella is looking forward to seeing all the innovative products that our customers will build with this new generation of SoCs. Enterprise, AL (36331) Today Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Medford, NJ (08055) Today Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 67F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. The University of Connecticut was featured in Amazon's new show "The College Tour." UConn was the subject of the last episode of the show's first season, which showcased 10 UConn students who shared their college experienced. "They will show you around campus, share some of their favorite things about UConn, and inspire you," reads the episode description. 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 Morgan Lee/AP SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Republican lawmakers in New Mexico are asking the state attorney general to weigh in on a spending dispute over $1.75 billion in federal pandemic relief aid. GOP leadership in a letter sent Thursday asked New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, a Democrat, to issue a legal opinion declaring the funds must be allocated by the Legislature to protect the body's fiscal authority. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) A state court judge is scheduled to hear arguments Monday in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a voter-approved initiative that would end party primaries in Alaska and institute ranked-choice voting in general elections. Scott Kohlhaas, who unsuccessfully ran for a state House seat last year as a Libertarian; Bob Bird, chairman of the Alaskan Independence Party; Bird's party; and Anchorage attorney Kenneth P. Jacobus sued in December, shortly after the initiative was approved. In court documents, they say people exercise their right of free political association by forming political parties for the purpose of electing candidates and advancing issues and principles. They call the new voter-approved system a political experiment and say it was designed in a way to harm political parties. They cite concerns that candidates for minor parties, like the Alaskan Independence Party, could get lost in the shuffle," in a primary where all candidates are listed on one ballot and the top four vote-getters advance to the general election. They allege in court documents that ranked-choice voting imposes an unconstitutional burden on the voter's right to make a knowledgeable choice," saying voters will make choices not knowing which candidates might be eliminated. Attorneys for the state Department of Law in court documents say the plaintiffs' opposition includes a mix of policy arguments and speculation. They say the claims raised by the plaintiffs do not affect constitutional rights or otherwise fail because they rest on a misunderstanding of what the initiative does, court filings by Assistant Attorneys General Margaret Paton Walsh and Thomas Flynn state. They say ranked-choice voting effectively asks voters to answer a series of questions about their preferences at once. Ranked-choice voting lets voters express their true preferences without the need for strategic voting, reducing the danger that a least-favored candidate will prevail, the state attorneys wrote. Attorneys for the state also said the initiative creates a more accessible system under an open primary. While only the top four vote-getters advance to the general election, independent candidates and minor political parties won't have to expend as much effort to file for the primary, state attorneys wrote in court documents. If allowed to stand, the new election system will be in place for next year's elections, which will feature races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the offices of governor and lieutenant governor. The state Division of Elections has a section on its website aimed at explaining the process set out by the initiative. Voter registration statistics for Alaska show about 144,600 registered Republicans, 79,210 registered Democrats and about 18,940 registered members of the Alaskan Independence Party. The largest bloc of Alaska voters is not affiliated with any party and registered as nonpartisan or undeclared, according to the statistics. Milton, PA (17847) Today Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 60F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. 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 Hazleton, PA (18201) Today Cloudy skies with a few showers this afternoon. High 69F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. 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. Trump announced the action against Facebook, Twitter and Google's YouTube, along with the companies' CEOs, at a press conference in New Jersey on Wednesday. He was joined by other plaintiffs in the suits, which were filed in federal court in Miami. Were demanding an end to the shadow-banning, a stop to the silencing and a stop to the blacklisting, banishing and canceling that you know so well, he said. 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 to earn it by satisfying requirements set by the government. Trump was suspended from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube after his followers stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6. The companies cited concerns that he would incite further violence. Nonetheless, Trump has continued to spread 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. Facebook, Google and Twitter all declined comment Wednesday. The suits argue that banning or suspending Trump and the other plaintiffs is a violation of the First Amendment, despite the fact that the companies are private. The suit against Facebook and CEO Mark 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 the other plaintiffs - a handful of others who have all had posts or accounts removed. But Trumps lawsuits 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 over the past few decades 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. Goldman said its likely Trump is instead pursuing the suits to garner attention. As president, Trump last year signed an executive order challenging Section 230. 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. 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. OBrien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press writer Mae Anderson contributed to this report from Nashville. The Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector will be finalized until July 2022, so that gas from Azerbaijan will reach Romania, wrote, on Facebook, Energy Minister Virgil Popescu, Agerpres informs. "Today [Friday - e.n.] I had a working meeting with my counterpart from Bulgaria - Energy Minister Andrey Zhivkov, on the sidelines of the participation in the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Sofia. The discussion focused on future actions to strengthen bilateral relations between the two states, but also the future joint investment projects in the renewable energy domain (hydro and offshore wind), and about increasing interconnection for the transportation of electrical energy," Popescu showed. He added that he received assurances that the Bulgaria - Greece interconnector will be completed until July 2022, so that the Vertical Corridor becomes operational and Azeri gas and liquefied natural gases in Greek ports may reach the BRHA. At the end of last year, Azerbaijan started commercial natural gas deliveries towards Europe through the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), entering a very profitable energy market which is dominated by Russia. President Klaus Iohannis says Romania remains "firmly committed" to the Three Seas Initiative through "pragmatic action in support of concrete solutions to narrow gaps and strengthen resilience in the region. At a joint news conference held in Sofia on Friday with his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev, Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, and Latvian counterpart Egils Levits, the Romanian chief of state mentioned the "special attention" Romania pays to Rail-2-Sea and Via Carpathia projects as "actual initiatives of major economic importance and with true strategic value for the region." "The development of a parliamentary level and a local and regional level of the initiative, in addition to its intergovernmental dimension, is welcome. The ultimate goal of all these efforts remains the rigorous implementation of the initiative's priority strategic interconnection projects in the three basic areas - transport, energy and digital transformation. We have shown that there is a high level of expectation on the part of our citizens to whom the activities of the initiative must respond adequately moving forward," Iohannis pointed out.He also mentioned the opening in Romania on May 31 of the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre as a contribution of the country to the achievement of the key objective of building resilience."Given the background, it is not surprising the increased interest in the activities of the initiative from an increasing number of nations belonging to the transatlantic community, which Romania welcomes and supports," said Klaus Iohannis. "About 100,000 jobs have appeared in Romania since January 1, 2021 to date. We have roughly 100,000 employees and about as many employment contracts for an indefinite term. This is an encouraging trend and let me tell you that there has been a significant increase in the number of jobs in the last two months, with about 20,000 new jobs created per month, and a drop in the number of part-time contracts, although it's a seasonal period. So practically figures show that this economic growth we all see reflected in EU statistics, as well as in the amount of investments and state budget revenues is also confirmed by job creation and filling. And by indeterminate employment, which all brings about a certain stability," Turcan said at the press conference delivered together with Cluj-Napoca mayor Emil Boc and MEP Daniel Buda. The Minister said that, however, "there is room for more", especially as there are only 200,000 applications by job seekers for about 480,000 jobs that are being advertised by the National Employment Agency. Raluca Turcan participated on Friday in the opening of the Job Marketplace organized by the Cluj County Employment Agency, which had 1,800 jobs listed for which 850 candidates were selected; 278 jobs were filled on the spot. During the day, LabMin Turcan also visited the Cluj offices of companies Emerson Automation Solutions and Terapia and had a working meeting with the heads of the devolved institutions under the authority of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Agerpres informs. Prime Minister Florin Citu will take over his duties as interim Finance Minister on Friday evening, the government's press office informs, Agerpres informs. "Tonight, Prime Minister Florin Citu will take over his duties as interim Finance Minister, in a procedure completed at the premises of the Government of Romania. In his new capacity as interim minister, the Prime Minister requested from the Finance Ministry the budget implementation on all chapters, in a monthly breakdown for each ministry and public institution, as well as the personnel expenses. The Prime Minister also requested a five-month report on investment projects and, as soon as possible, a mid-year report. Several meetings will take place next week to unblock delayed projects at the Finance Ministry," the cited source specified. Chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL) and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Ludovic Orban told a local party meeting today in Ramnicu Valcea that a new National Local Development Plan (PNDL) is needed for achieving the basic infrastructure goals in local communities. "I consider a new National Local Development Plan - PNDL stage 3 - to be a necessity and a must for the Liberal government. A true PNDL, of at least 40 billion lei, to provide financing for infrastructure objectives because no local community can really develop if it doesn't have water, sewerage, gas, asphalt roads and electricity. What kind of a local community development plan can be implemented if one lacks the basic infrastructure? Or, for us, financing these infrastructure projects is vital, whether we do it through PNDL 3, through the National Investment Corporation, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the National Strategic Plan, through any possible form of financing, and this shouldn't be delayed to the Greek calends, but we must find the solution to kick off the projects as fast as possible for a part thereof to be completed by 2024, so that we be able to present ourselves before the citizens with heads held high," Ludovic Orban said. The PNL leader stressed that supporting Liberal mayors and their projects is an obligation for the party leadership. "You know very well that for me, as PNL Chairman, the Liberal mayors are the party's calling card. The public perception of the PNL depends on how they manage local communities. For this reason, regardless of budgetary constraints, we must find the solutions to guarantee the fulfillment of the electoral promises of the PNL mayors, with financing from either government funds, from European funds, or from other financial resources that can be made available to the mayoralties," Orban explained. PNL Chairman Ludovic Orban and Prime Minister Florin Citu participated on Friday in Ramnicu Valcea in the meeting of the PNL Valcea County Coordination Committee that elected the leadership of the local party organization, Agerpres informs. On Thursday, Romania's President Klaus Iohannis had a meeting with US Senators Roger F. Wicker and Ben Cardin, who lead the US Congress delegation at the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, on the sidelines of the event. According to a press statement released by the Romanian Presidential Administration on Friday, Iohannis welcomed the firm commitment of the US to the goals and priorities of the Three Seas Initiative, also demonstrated by President Joe Biden sending a substantial message to 3SI with the US Congress delegation attending the summit. "The President of Romania expressed appreciation for Washington's support for meeting the Initiative's objectives in areas such as the sustainable and competitive economic development of Central and Southeast Europe, consolidating regional interconnectivity, strengthening transatlantic relationships and developing resilience," the Presidential Administration shows.The chief of state emphasised the importance to Romania of the implementation of the Rail2Sea and Via Carpathia projects and pleaded for a consistent US involvement, including financial involvement, in these projects in order to strengthen its economic presence in the region, especially under such strategic projects. He underscored the need for funding and other major strategic interconnection initiatives at the 3SI level using the mechanisms of the 3SI Investment Fund, whose foundations were laid at the 2018 Bucharest summit.The Presidential Administration also shows that, in terms of bilateral relations, President Iohannis highlighted the depth and solidity of the Romanian-American Strategic Partnership, as an "essential" pillar of our country's foreign policy, and welcomed the excellent state of Romania - US political and defence co-operation."Also, the President of Romania voiced satisfaction with the development of civil nuclear energy and 5G network co-operation between Romania and the US," the source shows.During the discussion, the "excellent" level of political, economic and defence co-operation between Romania and the US was highlighted, as well as a shared interest in deepening and expanding the strategic partnership, as Romania is one of the most "reliable," "steadfast" and "firm" allies of the United States in the region, says the Presidential Administration.President Klaus Iohannis participates, on Thursday and Friday, in the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Sofia. Two stateless persons, accused of terrorist propaganda, were declared undesirable in Romania by the Bucharest Court of Appeal for a period of 10 years, the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) announced on Friday. Upon the referral of the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Bucharest Court of Appeal ruled that the stateless persons F.A. and B.M. should be declared undesirable persons in Romania, for a period of 10 years. According to SRI, the two have shown a keen interest in accessing terrorist propaganda materials, being involved in promoting them with the intention of convincing and attracting new followers.Their behavior, attitudes and opinions are also specific to people under a radicalization process.Taking into consideration the mentioned aspects, SRI acted in order to prevent the materialization of the threats to national security, resulting from the presence and the activities carried out by the foreign citizens on the Romanian territory.Following the Bucharest Court of Appeal ruling no. 1112/2021, the foreigners were taken into public custody on July 9, by the Ministry of Internal Affairs - General Inspectorate for Immigration, so as to be removed from the national territory.As a national authority in the field of preventing and combating terrorism, SRI's mission is to protect Romania against terrorist threats, constantly cooperating in this respect with the other institutions within the National System for Preventing and Combating Terrorism (SNPCT), as well as with external partners. According to PolicyLink estimates, the nationwide total rent debt is upward of $20 billion, with more than 5.8 million renters, or 14%, in arrears. Thats twice as many as in 2017, according to the most recent prepandemic estimate from the U.S. Census Bureaus American Housing Survey. In recent months, the nations share of renters with debt has trended downward as the economy has recovered, but in some states the share of renters in debt has increased. As of June 7, 13% of Texas tenants owed back rent, down from 21% on May 24. But in 22 states, the share of renters in debt increased during the same period, according to the latest census data analyzed by PolicyLink. In Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia, at least 1 in 4 tenants was behind on rent as of June 7. Sara Treuhaft, vice president of research at PolicyLink, said the increase is entirely a consequence of the pandemics economic fallout. Nearly 7 in 10 of those who are behind on rent lost employment income at some point during the pandemic, she said. The majority were low-wage workers and disproportionately people of color, according to Treuhaft. In Texas, people of color made up 80% of those behind on rent compared with 66% nationally. But the percentage of unionized retail workers has been declining over the past four decades. Last year, only 4.6% of U.S. retail trade workers were unionized, down from about 9% in the early 1980s and from about 5% a decade ago, according to Unionstats.com. Union is a trigger word for a lot of managers. Theyll start finding things to let you go for and theyll get you out, said David, 39, a Walmart store worker in Stillwater, Oklahoma, who declined to provide his last name for fear of losing his job. Walmart Inc, which declined to comment, is the biggest private employer in the United States and has no unionized stores. About two-thirds of Kroger Co. workers are unionized unlike Amazon, Target Corp. and Walmart, which have no organized workers. During quarterly conference calls with analysts, Kroger has repeatedly called out union-negotiated benefits that put it under financial pressure that its competitors do not face. The grocer whose percentage of unionized workers has decreased since 2013 said last month it has to work out several major union contracts this year, including for workers in Atlanta, Houston and Memphis. Both Kroger and Target flag collective bargaining in their annual regulatory filings as a potential risk to operations that could increase the cost of labor. Each high-profile attack inevitably spawns imitators, but the COVID-19 pandemic also created new vulnerabilities for criminals to exploit. As companies scrambled to allow remote workers full access to their networks, some didnt pay enough attention to ways others might sneak in. The pandemic has opened up a huge opportunity, and the cybercrime cartels are exploiting it to make lots of money, said Joe Scherrer, who leads a cybersecurity institute at Washington University. Brian Gant, assistant professor of cybersecurity at Maryville University, said most ransomware victims are small or medium-sized companies. Entities like the federal government or a Fortune 500 company have robust security and monitor their networks constantly for signs of trouble. Maryville offers free cybersecurity evaluations for small businesses, and Gant says most firms are aware of the threat but dont know how to respond. A lot of them want to have something in place, he said. They may not have the budget or the manpower to do so. American Ballet Theatre, one of the nations most prestigious dance companies and a highlight of the New York cultural scene, has taken to the road this summer for an eight-city tour. And St. Louis is on the itinerary. ABT Across America comes to Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park for two performances July 14. The 50-minute show featuring 20 dancers is presented by a group of St. Louis arts leaders including former ABT board member Susan Sherman, COCA and the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival. Recently, Go! Magazine spoke with ABT associate artistic director Clinton Luckett about the traveling dance showcase. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q Whats the idea behind ABT Across America? A The purpose of it, of course, is to just have performances. Because, as with other arts organizations, weve been absolutely stuck (because of the pandemic) and not able to do anything, really, for almost the past year and a half. The only artistic activity that weve been able to engage in since last fall has been to do what we call bubbles, or pods, where we took a very small group of dancers and isolated them in remote locations, so that they could work together creatively without masks and without social distancing. EAST ST. LOUIS An East St. Louis man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday in the shooting death of Illinois State Police Trooper Nick Hopkins in 2019. Christopher Grant, 47, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and also to gun and drug charges. Two lesser charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. He had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges last June. Grant shot and killed Hopkins while the trooper and a police tactical team were serving a drug-related no-knock warrant at his home in the early morning hours of Aug. 23, 2019. The East St. Louis home, a duplex, was in the 1400 block of North 42nd Street. {div class=lee-article-text}Grant was selling crack cocaine and marijuana out of the home, according to prosecutors. Undercover State Police officers purchased drugs from Grant three times in June and July 2019 before being granted a search warrant. During those drug buys, officers saw AR-15- and AK-47-style rifles and handguns, prosecutors said, classifying Grant as a high-risk warrant. FERGUSON Ferguson's assistant police chief, Frank McCall, has been picked to lead the city's police department following the resignation of current Chief Jason Armstrong, the department has confirmed. McCall, who came to Ferguson after serving as police chief of Berkeley, previously served as the interim leader of the Ferguson Police Department following the 2018 resignation of former Chief Delrish Moss. McCall was in the running to become chief when Armstrong was chosen for the job in 2019. Armstrong, who came to Ferguson after leading a department near Atlanta, is heading to Apex, North Carolina, to preside over a police department in his home state. Ferguson police officials congratulated Armstrong and thanked him for his service in a statement this week, noting that Armstrong and McCall will work together over the next few weeks to "ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of power." Armstrong will begin as the Apex chief in early August, according to a statement from that municipality. This is particularly important in the face of anti-Asian sentiments and violence, she said, tying the recent rise in such incidents to the pandemic and its origins in China. Empathy comes from understanding, and we cannot do better unless we know better, Gong-Gershowitz said. The measure was approved on a 108-10 vote in the House, where some Republicans argued that curriculum decisions should be left up to local school districts. It passed without opposition in the Senate, where it was sponsored by Democratic Sen. Ram Villivalam of Chicago, the first Indian and Asian American to serve in the chamber. While the Illinois State Board of Education will provide guidance, it will be up to local school districts to determine the specifics of what is taught and how much instructional time should be devoted to the subject. The law is the latest in a series of new requirements Pritzker has signed that aim to make the teaching of history in Illinois schools more inclusive. Earlier this year, the governor signed a measure backed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus that expands requirements for teaching Black history in public schools, including instruction on the centuries before enslaved people were brought to America. Some in the group at Thursdays news conference also criticized Reed and aldermen for taking too long going over Jones overall plan. They said the board could have begun its round of hearings on the aid in April, when Jones panel began work. Reed has insisted that the board is moving quickly and that Jones could have issued her proposal earlier. Before the news conference, the group went to Reeds second-floor office to deliver a letter they said was backed by about 50 ministers, labor officials and others. The letter urged Reed to support Jones full plan, including immediate cash assistance. In response, Reeds legislative director, Mary Goodman, said the letter seems outdated. She said Reeds bill includes most of the requested items cited in the letter, including spending on COVID vaccination efforts, violence intervention programs, care for the homeless and youth jobs. Meanwhile, Boyd said he, Reed and the committee tried to give Jones as close to 100% of what she wanted in the bill as possible. For people to be bickering about what they didnt get, its just being selfish, Boyd said. This is politics. Its all a win-win; its not win-lose. Dollar amounts in an appropriations bill mean something. They are not randomly drawn from a hat, the brief notes. In addition, the brief warns the court that it should be wary of forcing another branch of government to spend money. The bigger problem, from the perspective of separation of powers, is that plaintiffs invite this court to order the political branches, in perhaps unprecedented fashion, to appropriate money, the brief notes. Democrats who favor expansion have raised concerns about the decision by House leaders to file the brief, saying the act should have been voted on by the full chamber. For the House to take an official position on anything requires a majority vote of its elected members, and there has been no vote on a resolution authorizing involvement in this case. Republican leaderships attempt to misrepresent the Houses position before Missouris highest court demonstrates contempt for another branch of government, and the court should disregard it, said House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield. Meanwhile, Parson said he torpedoed the property tax refund legislation because it could severely affect the ability of local governments to pay for basic services. Under the legislation, which was sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy, R-south St. Louis County, and Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, property owners could claim a tax refund on the property taxes owed just to a city or county that imposed a pandemic-related restriction in 2021. Affected business tenants would be eligible for a portion of their landlords rebate. Parson said the proposed law was written so broadly that it could have allowed virtually all property owners to claim a refund, resulting in a major financial hit to local governments. This is a significant departure from the current tax structure in Missouri, and could severely undermine the ability of cities and counties to provide local services, Parson wrote. In St. Louis County, where about a quarter of property taxes come from commercial property, the impact was estimated at nearly $9 million, a not insignificant portion of its roughly $850 million budget. KABUL Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistans sprawling capital. Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his real estate agents office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the agent in the mouth. Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says. Zamaray only went there because he personally knew the realtor and thought it was safe, Samiullah Darman, his brother-in-law, told Reuters. We didnt know that he would never come back. At least seven Afghan pilots, including Zamaray, have been assassinated off base in recent months, according to two senior Afghan government officials. This series of targeted killings, which havent been previously reported, illustrate what U.S. and Afghan officials believe is a deliberate Taliban effort to destroy one of Afghanistans most valuable military assets: its corps of U.S.- and NATO-trained military pilots. In so doing, the Taliban who have no air force are looking to level the playing field as they press major ground offensives. The militants are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to topple Kabul. Reuters confirmed the identities of two of the slain pilots through family members. It could not independently verify the names of the other five who were allegedly targeted. In response to questions from Reuters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group had killed Zamaray, and that it had started a program that will see Afghan Air Force pilots targeted and eliminated because all of them do bombardment against their people. A U.N. report documented 229 civilian deaths caused by the Taliban in Afghanistan in the first three months of 2021, and 41 civilian deaths caused by the Afghan Air Force over the same period. Afghanistans government has not publicly disclosed the number of pilots assassinated in targeted killings. The nations Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was aware of the deaths of several Afghan pilots in killings claimed by the Taliban, but declined comment on U.S. intelligence and investigations. Afghan military pilots are particularly attractive assassination targets, current and former U.S. and Afghan officials say. They can strike Taliban forces massing for major attacks, shuttle commandos to missions and provide life-saving air cover for Afghan ground troops. Pilots take years to train and are hard to replace, representing an outsized blow to the countrys defenses with every loss. Shoot-downs and accidents are ever-present risks. Yet these pilots often are most vulnerable in the streets of their own neighborhoods, where attackers can come from anywhere, said retired U.S. Brigadier General David Hicks, who commanded the training effort for the Afghan Air Force from 2016 to 2017. Their lives were at much greater risk during that time (off base) than they were while they were flying combat missions, Hicks said. Although Taliban assassinations of pilots have happened in years past, the recent killings take on greater significance as the Afghan Air Force is tested like never before. Just last week, U.S. forces left Americas main military bastion in Afghanistan, Bagram Air Base outside Kabul, as they complete their withdrawal from the country 20 years after ousting the Taliban following the Al Qaeda attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Pilots are on top of the Talibans hit list, the senior Afghan government official said. That Afghan official and two others, speaking on condition of anonymity, said theyre working to protect pilots and their families, moving some to on-base housing and relocating others to safer civilian neighborhoods. A White House National Security Council spokesperson strongly condemned all targeted assassinations in Afghanistan and stressed U.S. commitments to continue providing security assistance to the Afghan military. The Afghan Air Force is heavily dependent on U.S. training, equipment and maintenance as well as logistics to ensure a reliable pipeline of munitions and spare parts. The Pentagon has yet to fully detail how it will keep Afghan aviators flying after the U.S.-led mission formally ends in coming weeks, as ordered by President Joe Biden. The Pentagon told Reuters it would seek to provide Afghanistan with extra aircraft to ease the strain of combat losses and maintenance downtime. David Petraeus, a former CIA director and former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, warned that failure of the United States to provide enough support for the Afghan military could be disastrous. We are potentially consigning Afghanistan and the Afghan people to a civil war, Petraeus said in an interview. Washington is moving to evacuate interpreters who worked for the U.S. military, but its unclear if the Biden administration would risk doing the same for Afghan forces, like pilots. Some officials believe offering an exit strategy for elite Afghan troops could accelerate a feared collapse following the U.S. withdrawal. U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that the Afghan government could fall in as little as six months, two U.S. officials told Reuters. No one wants to have the (Afghan forces) preemptively throw in the towel, another U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Precious, over-stretched Two Afghan Air Force pilots were killed on June 7 while trying to evacuate troops wounded during a surge of fighting against the Taliban insurgency. The Taliban claimed responsibility for shooting down their Russian-made, U.S.-financed Mi-17 helicopter. Local media identified the deceased pilots as Milad Massoud and Abdul Alim Shahrayari. The Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement that the aircraft crashed, but it did not say why, nor would it identify the pilots. An Afghan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the chopper was shot down. Both the crew and the aircraft were precious. The Afghan fleet contained just 13 Mi-17 helicopters and 65 qualified aircrews of pilots and co-pilots to fly them, according to U.S. military data from April 2021 and November 2020, respectively. Those data show the entire Afghan Air Force comprises 339 qualified aircrews and 160 aircraft less than a quarter of the fleet size of U.S. commercial carrier Southwest Airlines. The usable fleet is even smaller around 140 aircraft after accounting for aircraft undergoing maintenance, according to the same April data. Built in Americas image, the Afghan Air Force is equipped with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and lumbering C-130H transport aircraft, neither of which Afghans know how to maintain, according to a Pentagon report released in April. Those aircraft are serviced by U.S.-funded contractors, which also handle most maintenance for the rest of the fleet, including A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, AC-208 Eliminator planes and MD-530 helicopters, according to that report. A separate 2020 report by the Pentagons Lead Inspector General warned that Afghanistans fleet would stop being combat effective within a few months if the Afghan Air Force were to lose contractor support. The Pentagon has not said how many contractors will remain in Afghanistan. Reuters contacted two large U.S. defense contractors that support the Afghan Air Force: Leidos Holdings Inc. and DynCorp International, now part of Amentum Services Inc. Spokespeople for those companies declined to say how many contractors, if any, were still in Afghanistan. In comments to Reuters, the Pentagon acknowledged the withdrawal of contractors could impact routine maintenance, something it was working to address. Spokesman Major Rob Lodewick said it had already become common practice to send aircraft abroad for heavy maintenance. Petraeus said thats not only costly, but its impractical in a wartime setting to fly aircraft out of Afghanistan for repairs. Remote instruction and meetings via video-conference also have natural limitations. Along with Afghanistans Special Forces, the Afghan Air Force is a pillar of the nations strategy for preventing a Taliban takeover of cities. In addition to providing air cover and performing bombing raids, pilots conduct medical evacuations, ferry supplies and transport troops for the countrys over-stretched army. Since Bidens April withdrawal announcement, Taliban militants have more than doubled the number of districts under their control in Afghanistan to 203, which is nearly half the countrys 407 districts, according to the Long War Journal, an online publication associated with the conservative think-tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington. Reuters could not independently verify the data. Western security officials said insurgent forces have captured more than 100 districts, but the Taliban say they have control of more than 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the Central Asian country. The U.S. military has stopped releasing its tally of Taliban-controlled districts and says that information is now classified. But on Thursday, a Pentagon spokesman acknowledged the Taliban had taken dozens of district centers. Swift gains by the Taliban are putting more strain on Afghan Air Force crews and aircraft to repel the advances, four U.S. officials said. Even before the latest wave of Taliban offensives, the Afghan Air Force was flying missions at a faster pace than anticipated, piling up maintenance checks that took more planes out of circulation, according to a May report by the Pentagons Inspector General. General Austin Miller, the commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, warned on June 29 that he was concerned about overuse of the Afghan Air Force. If you overuse the organizations, its difficult for them to ... reconstitute, Miller told reporters. In remarks from the White House on Thursday, Biden said aid to Afghanistans military would continue after the U.S. military mission ends on Aug 31. But Biden was hardly optimistic about Afghanistans future, casting doubt on the two-decade-old project to preserve a unified, centralized state. Still, he said a Taliban victory was not inevitable. I trust the capacity of the Afghan military, which is better trained, better equipped and more competent than the Taliban, he told reporters. Stay and fight? It wasnt just Taliban death threats against him and his family that drove decorated Afghan helicopter pilot Major Naiem Asadi out of Afghanistan. Asadi said the Afghan Air Force had failed to do enough to protect pilots vulnerable to off-base assassinations. They spend a lot of money on (the training) of these pilots, but they cant spend any money on the pilots for their security, Asadi told Reuters in an interview, after arriving in New Jersey in June to start his bid for asylum. Asadi complained that not all Afghan pilots got paid the same or even regularly. As a member of the ethnic Hazara minority, Asadi believed he was also passed up for promotion. They are not taking care of every pilot equally, he said. The Afghan military did not respond to requests for comment on Asadis case. Asadi did not show Reuters documentation to support his discrimination claims. Experts say the morale of Afghan forces could prove critical in preventing collapse, given the momentum of the Taliban and the perceived weakness of the Afghan central government in key parts of the country. On Sunday, more than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled across the border into Tajikistan following Taliban advances in northern Afghanistan. Almost 300 flew back to Afghanistan on Wednesday, and officials in Kabul continue to express confidence in the Afghan security forces. A review by a U.S. government watchdog found nearly half of all foreign military trainees who went Absent Without Leave (AWOL) while training in the United States since 2005 were from Afghanistan. The Pentagon eventually halted training of Afghan pilots inside the United States. Niloofar Rahmani, the first female fixed-wing pilot in the Afghan Air Force, won asylum in the United States in 2018 after receiving death threats from the Taliban and others in Afghan society who condemned her for working alongside the U.S. military. Rahmani, who is now training in Florida to become a flight instructor, said the Afghan government didnt take those threats seriously enough and that even some of her fellow pilots didnt think women should fly. She said she wasnt paid for a year. Still, the decision to leave Afghanistan wasnt an easy one. It honestly broke my heart, I was depressed for two years just thinking about it, Rahmani said, explaining she felt like she had abandoned her family and what once seemed like a promising military career. She said she feared many pilots would drop out of the force because of lack of support, because of the threat. The Afghan military did not respond to a request for comment on Rahmanis case. An active-duty Afghan pilot, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity from Afghanistan, said he, too, was trying to figure out a way to flee the country in the face of deteriorating security. Some are finding the U.S. door shut. Mohd Hamayoun Zarin, a former A-29 pilot, expressed shock that the U.S. Embassy in Kabul rejected his visa request in March. As an Afghan Air Force veteran who spent years training in America, Zarin is convinced the Taliban will make good on their many threats to kill him and his family now that U.S. troops are leaving. It would be payback, he says. I wasnt dropping flowers on them. These were bombs, Zarin said in an interview, detailing his case publicly for the first time in the hopes that the United States might reconsider. In its letter to Zarin, viewed by Reuters, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said he was ineligible for the same visas set aside for interpreters because he did not work directly for the United States, but rather for the Afghan government. Zarin said that distinction makes little difference on the ground in Afghanistan, where he was known as an English-speaking pilot who spent years training in the United States. The State Department declined comment on Zarins case, saying visa applications are confidential. Trained killers Masood Atal, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, was driving on his day off on Dec. 30 to buy fruit for his mother when two motorcycles flanked his gray Toyota Corolla on a Kandahar city highway, one on each side of the car. Gunmen on the back of both bikes opened fire on Atal, shooting him 11 times, once in the face, six times in his right arm and hand, the rest in his chest, his family said. Atal had confided to his family that he had received Taliban death threats, the latest in an expletive-laced phone call just two days before he was killed. Were killing you, they told him, recounted Bashir Ahmad, one of Atals brothers. Atal had asked for bodyguards and a bulletproof car but the Afghan military turned him down, Ahmad said, accusing it of being very weak on these things. An Afghan military spokesman, Sadeq Esa, confirmed Atal had been killed by the Taliban but did not provide further comment about his case. The Taliban confirmed it killed Atal and said it would do the same to other pilots. Targeting those who bombard civilians, who drop blind bombs on civilian houses, is an obligation for us and we will do this, Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, told Reuters. For Atals parents, it was their fifth child killed in the many decades of fighting in Afghanistan. In 1984, during the Soviet occupation, a rocket fired by an anti-Soviet mujahideen landed in front of their childrens school in Kandahar, killing another son and three daughters, the family said. Such crossfire has killed untold numbers of Afghan civilians. But there was nothing indiscriminate about Atals killing, his family said. The Taliban are absolutely focusing on the pilots first ... to make the Afghan government vulnerable enough so they can be beaten, said another brother, Waheed. Catching the killers of Afghan pilots has proven difficult. A few weeks after the January shooting of Zamaray, the airman shot dead in his realtors office, Kabul police told the family they had made an arrest. They asked Zamarays 14-year-old son to identify the suspect. Glimpsing the detainee at the police station, the teen informed police they had the wrong man. Police tried to convince the boy that the suspect might now look different because he had a broken nose, the family said. The police were pushing (Zamarays) son to identify and implicate the wrong person just to hide their weakness and show an achievement, Darman, Zamarays brother-in-law, said. Afghan authorities did not respond to a request for comment on the allegations. 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. Investigators said Heese was parking her police SUV on the sidewalk to watch students boarding buses when she hit Gabriella, who was playing on the sidewalk. The child's mother drove a school bus and sometimes brought her along on the route. Before being sentenced, Heese expressed her remorse to the victims family, The Columbia Missourian reported. I would like to say I am very sorry. If I could go back and do it over I would, she said. I am devastated by this, and I know you all are devastated too. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. In early 2021 the U.S. Army conducted its first live test of a new mission-update system that uses an army Gray Eagle (improved Predator) UAV flying with or ahead of UH-60 troops carrying helicopters and launches smaller ALE-L (Air-Launched Effects-Large) disposable powered UAVs that can move at high speed, up to 360 kilometers an hour, for about 40 minutes and transmit photos and electronic emissions found around the helicopter LZ (Landing Zone). In the transport helicopters troops see this real-time information on tablet computers equipped with mission planning software that is modified to accept the ALE-L updates so that during a 30-40-minute helicopter ride the troops can get updates on what is going on near their LZ. This can often be a matter of life or death because an LZ is selected beforehand as an area where the terrain and lack of armed opposition is favorable to the helicopters getting in and out after unloading their troops safely, but as close as possible to the ground objective the troops are after. The army press release did not provide many details on the new ALE-L or the real-time updates for the mission planning software. It was also not mentioned that all this new tech is evolutionary not revolutionary. The ALE-L, whatever its exact specs are, is based on loitering-munitions that have been around for over a decade. Mission planning software was first developed for military aircraft so the crew would know what each mission involved, especially a combat mission. The ground forces, especially SOCOM (Special Operations Command) have long monitored developments in this area, which is not that difficult because there are army and air force aviation components of SOCOM that pioneer the development of new mission planning systems as part of their job. Mission planning for ground troops developed quickly after 2000 as commercial satellite photography became available to everyone via Google Earth. Meanwhile advances in gaming software, where successful designs depended on more realistic NPCs (non-player characters) or computerized opponents led to the development of two technologies SOCOM adapted for mission planning. The first was ScenGen, an app that quickly calculates all the possible outcomes for a mission. ScenGen deals with a limited number, as defined by the mission planner, of actions in a mission. The action list can be changed and ScenGen run again. With an app like ScenGen planners and commanders can quickly see which aspects of the mission are most likely to cause problems and address those issues. Something like ScenGen is particularly useful when used with a mission planning system like LGC (Lt.Gen Computer) that adds photo analysis tools that enable 2-D digital photos to be quickly transformed into 3-D models of the battlefield terrain. LGC helps troops with sorting out what the easiest routes (traversability) are and what you can see from any point in an area (for line-of-sight to potential targets.) Changes in traversability, caused by weather or enemy actions, often requires changes to a mission plan. Troops have long been asking for capabilities of apps like ScenGen and LGC. The troops also want mission planning software that is easy to use, does what needs to be done, and fits on a laptop computer or tablet. Since 2014 the latest mission planning systems combined digital maps and 3-D gaming technology with military procedures and equipment specifications to produce programs that enable commanders, and troops to quickly put together a simulation of a mission. This is what mission planning is all about. Apps like ScenGen and LGC take a lot of the risk out of combat by enabling the troops to get a better look at the battlefield, and try out moves before they do it under enemy fire, and also be able to quickly adjust a plan to changes in the situation. SOCOM had earlier addressed the LZ monitoring issue in 2014 with the EMC2 (Enroute Mission Command Capability) system. This is a software package that operates inside U.S. Air Force C-17 and C-130 transports when carrying commandos, rangers or paratroopers as they are being flown to an operation where they will parachute in. This trip often involves eight hours or more in the air, especially if the flight is from the United States to some distant hotspot. During that time the situation at the destination can change quite a lot and the troops have to be kept up to date. There have been products similar to EMC2 available for over a decade, but with much slower data links, as in varying degrees of dial up modem speed, and not as much supporting software. EMC2 addressed a lot of these shortcomings and the solutions that have long been on SOF operators wish lists. EMC2 featured use of internet service, mission planning apps, video, handling highly classified intelligence and collaboration apps so commanders on the aircraft can communicate with those on the ground or other aircraft. The aircraft are equipped with flat screen PC terminals that could also be used for teleconferencing. Data can also be transferred to tablets and smartphone type devices used by officers, NCOs and troops on board. Word of EMC2 and its success got to the many more ground troops who conducted a lot more air-mobile missions via helicopter and wanted the same capability to monitor the LZ. The ALE-L UAV is described in mysterious tones and without much detail but it sounds like an update of the MALD (miniature air-launched decoy) disposable decoy that entered service with the air force and navy over a decade ago. MALD is a powered decoy that appears on enemy radar to be a warplane. Later came MALD-J, a radar jamming version. MALD is three meters (9.5 feet) long and its pop-out wings give it a 1.55- meter (five foot) wingspan. The 130 kg (285 pound) decoy is powered by a small turbojet engine that gives it a speed of up to 1,000 kilometers an hour, for 45 minutes, at 11,000 meters (35,000 feet), or 20 minutes at 1,000 meters (3,100 feet). It can be programmed to fly a specific course to try and get enemy air defenses to open up so the enemy weapons can be spotted and destroyed. MALDs are also designed to be used in swarms to overwhelm enemy air defenses. MALDs cost nearly $300,000 each. The MALD-J is more expensive and about five percent heavier. The MALD-J has been so successful in tests that the air force is converting 200 of its MALDs to MALD-J. The Gray Eagle (MQ-1C) UAV described as using ALE-L can already carry four Hellfire missiles. These weigh up to 49 kg (108 pounds) each, which would be what a disposable UAV like ALE-L would weigh and the recent test of ALE-L and the real-time LZ update software mentioned a Gray Eagle launching two or more ALE-Ls. The new system does take advantage of recently developed and tested tech that enables helicopter pilots to share access to data UAVs are gathering. Troops on the ground can do the same. In this case troops in helicopters and on the ground shared data from both ALE-Ls and smaller ALE-S (small) UAVs. The ALE-S can be launched from the ground or from fixed wing aircraft or helicopters. ALE-S is used to update information once the troops have landed and now uses existing loitering munitions like Slingshot to attack newly discovered targets. Much of this data is also used by a ground headquarters which combines data from many sources to show the current state of operations over a wide area, like the portions of the South China Sea now occupied by Chinese bases on small islands, some of them artificial, recently built using dredged up sand. And there we have another example of the old adage about what is old is new again. Its a way of life in the military where radical new tech is suspect until it proves itself, or has its origins in earlier but similar and familiar, to the troops, technology. The United States has resumed its criticism of Shia rebel refusal to negotiate until restrictions on smuggling and control of food aid in the north were removed. This comes two weeks after an American announcement that they were changing their negotiating strategy in Yemen by recognizing the Shia rebels as a legitimate rebel movement rather than a terrorist organization and tool of Iranian foreign policy. That foreign policy is often controlled by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) that was created in the 1980s to protect the religious dictatorship that rules Iran. The American policy change was bad news for the Saudis and the Yemeni government because Iran has been visibly in charge since late 2020, after Iran sent a Quds Force (the IRGC branch that handles foreign wars) general to be the Iranian ambassador to Yemen. Since 2015 most of the embassies and government ministries have left for the southern city of Aden, which is the temporary capital elected government the rebels are trying to replace. Iran is one of the few countries to recognize the rebels as the legitimate government and now Iran has an official ambassador in the capital. The rebels insist that because they occupy the capital and control over a third of the population, they are the real government and their opponents are southern separatists or foreigners. This ignores the fact that many of the people in rebel territory are kept in line via threats to cut off access to food, medical supplies and imported items. Tribes that try to break away risk starvation and a blockade of roadblocks and attacks on smugglers trying to get in. More and more tribes have been able to break away but the rebels have maintained a presence around many towns and cities. While the rebels hailed the American policy change, this did not halt rebel activities that were clearly done for the benefit of Iran. This included increased use of naval mines and remotely controlled bomb-boats directed towards commercial traffic in the Red Sea. The naval mines are a recognized danger to all ships and in early 2020 shipping companies warned their ship captains that naval mines, of the contact type, were floating into the Red Sea from the north Yemen coast. That coast is off the Shia rebel home province of Sadaa and the rebels had been releasing a few of these mines periodically for years in an effort to disrupt Red Sea shipping traffic to and from Saudi Arabia. The currents generally flow north in this part of the Red Sea, towards the major Saudi Red Sea port and the entrance to the Suez Canal. The floating contact mines are a 19th century development that has been improved on for over a century and is still used because it is cheap and effective. Iran has provided the Shia rebels with these mines which are normally kept in place by a cable or chain between the mine and an anchor on the sea bottom. The Shia rebels cut the cable and let the mines drift into the Red Sea. American warships are part of the international naval blockade of Yemen, to prevent smuggling and to deal with the mines, which are a danger to the warships as well as commercial shipping. During 2020 there was a major effort to locate and neutralize these free-floating mines. By the end of 2020 over 160 mines were found and neutralized. The rebels continued putting mines in the water during 2021 and the number found and neutralized remained at 2020 levels. The Shia rebels continued putting these mines in the water after the June 25 American announcement that they would stop treating the rebels like a terrorist organization. The rebels also continued their use of UAVs turned into flying bombs for attacks on targets in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. In the last month these attacks have been particularly heavy. On one day Saudi air defenses detected and destroyed 17 of these UAVs, which the rebels did not try to use in swarm attacks to overwhelm air defenses. This often works inside Yemen, but rarely against Saudi targets. IRGC leaders were reluctant to give up gains made in Yemen and may have been told that they could revive support for the Yemeni Shia after the economic sanctions on Iran are lifted. Because of these sanctions Quds force saw its budget cut by half since 2017, forcing major reductions in Quds activities in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Yemen was always the least expensive Quds operation and did not suffer noticeable aid cuts. Yemen was the only IRGC operation that was able to attack arch-enemy Saudi Arabia directly and that counted for something. The Yemen operation was allowed to continue. The new (since January 2021) American government believed they could negotiate an Iranian departure from Yemen, Iraq and Syria. So far, Iran has refused to consider giving up their operations in places like Yemen. Iran had already found an effective way to attack Saudi Arabia by arming Shia rebels in Yemen with over a thousand ballistic missiles and UAVs during the last seven years. Most of these were aimed at southwestern Saudi Arabia. Less than one percent of those UAVs and missiles hit anything of consequence in Saudi Arabia. Iran is seeking to carry out a similar campaign against Israel using Iran backed militias in Syria. That has not been working out so far because Israeli intelligence capabilities and airstrikes have been much more effective in Syria than Saudi efforts in Yemen. This despite the fact that Israel and Saudi Arabia have similar aircraft, smart bombs and air defense systems. While not as efficient as the Israelis, Saudi pilots and ground forces have gained a lot of practical combat experience in the last six years. Saudi pilots are much more accurate and surer of themselves than they were during the first two years (2015-16). On the ground the Saudis supply artillery and troops trained to quickly and accurately request and direct air and artillery support. All these ground teams have a year or more of combat experience and it makes a difference. July 6, 2021: In central Yemen (Baida province) Shia rebels lost another of the 20 districts in the province. The rebels were also losing control of two more districts. Yemen has 22 provinces (Governorates) each consisting of a dozen or more districts. There are a total of 333 districts and control of a province is usually defined as who controls, won or lost a specific district. In Baida there have been a lot of districts changing hands in the last seven years. For several years Islamic terrorist groups controlled several districts and often defended them against Shia rebel attacks. The unofficial alliance between Islamic terrorists and the government forces ended because the Islamic terrorists would also seek to control lightly defended government occupied districts. Local tribal militias also played a role in fighting the rebels and providing sanctuary for Islamic terror groups. Some of the tribes received military and other aid from the Saudis as well as some air support. In the south (Abyan province) a missile or explosive carrying UAV hit an army camp, killing three soldiers and wounding 22. The target was the base mosque. July 3, 2021: In the northwest (the Red Sea port of Hodeida) two Shia rebel remotely controlled bomb boats were detected and destroyed near the port. The rebels were apparently sending them after ships seeking to use the port. July 2, 2021: In the north Saudi air defenses shot down a rebel UAV apparently headed for the southwestern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait in Asir province. July 1, 2021: In central Yemen (Marib province) the Shia rebels were forced to retreat after a five day long offensive failed and a government counteroffensive, supported by airstrikes, found the rebels too weak and dispirited to resist. June 27, 2021: In central Yemen (Marib province) the Shia rebels lost another battle, with over 80 dead in three days. Government forces, supported by artillery and airstrikes, halted rebel attacks coming from three directions. Government forces lost 29 dead. Altogether there were several hundred wounded. June 23, 2021: In the south (the port of Aden) two rival STC (South Transitional Council) brigades clashed again, leaving two dead and fifteen wounded. Three weeks of this fighting has paralyzed the distribution of foreign aid in the city of Aden. The factions cannot agree on who should control what in Aden and because of that essential maintenance on power plants and other infrastructure is stalled. This is unpopular with most Aden residents and is making the city unlivable. The UAE has been in charge of security (and aid delivery) in the south since 2015 and supported the formation of the STC in early 2017. The STC is composed of southern tribes that want autonomy but claim they are willing to fight and defeat the Islamic terrorists as well as the Shia rebels first. June 22, 2021: The U.S. seized 35 Iranian news sites owned and operated by the IRGC. All these sites used an American hosting service, because the U.S. hosting services are the most efficient and resistant to hacker disruption. Because Hezbollah and the IRGC are internationally recognized terror organizations their assets, once located, can be seized. This American move was in response to the rigged (as they traditionally are) presidential election in Iran that put Ibrahim Raisi, an infamous mass-murderer and recognized war-criminal, into office. Putting Raisi into such a public position is another example of how desperate Iran is to make clear to opponents in Iran, Iraq and elsewhere what they are up against. Raisi takes office on August 3rd and is a known hard-liner who soon made it clear that after he took power Iran would not negotiate until the 2017 sanctions were first lifted. Nations seeking to negotiate a new peace deal with Iran soon discovered that Raisi had the support of the religious dictatorship in Iran as well as the IRGC. June 19, 2021: In the northwest (the Red Sea port of Hodeida) Shia rebels forced a ship carrying 12,600 tons of food aid to leave the port without unloading the grain that the UN needs to feed many civilians in rebel-controlled territory. The rebels no longer have access to the port area but are close enough to fire machine-guns or mortar shells into parts of the city where there is resistance to rebel movement or operations. This includes the docks. The rebels demand free access to the docks and unloaded supplies. This enables the rebels to prevent inspection of some aid shipments that contain weapons. The rebels allow enough food in to feed their own civilian supporters but either divert (to markets) or halt food aid for the growing number of civilians that openly oppose the rebels. The government brings in food aid through Aden. They could supply food for civilians in rebel-held territory but the rebels will seize those shipments. Hodeida has long been the main port on the Red Sea for imports and exports for northern Yemen. Further north the rebels launched at least 17 explosives equipped UAVs at targets in Saudi Arabia. All the UAVs were intercepted. June 13, 2021: In the south (Abyan province) pro-government militiamen found and arrested the AQAP (al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) leader and several of his followers who were responsible for several recent bomb attacks on government forces in Abyan. The AQAP leader was known to be skilled at building and using bombs and eventually several of the captured AQAP admitted they were responsible for the recent attacks. These bombs often kill or wound civilians, which encourages civilians to call in sightings of AQAP members. The Streaming Toolbox: Vegas Stream, axle ai, and Lumen Orchestrator All three of the products in this installment of Streaming Toolbox are perfectly suited for today's work-from-home streamer. The first produces a professional-looking live stream for your virtual events. The second uses cloud-based content management for search and collaboration. The last one coordinates multi-CDN edge delivery to ensure each viewer is getting the best viewing experience. Vegas Stream Vegas Stream is a brand-spanking-new product from 20-year-old Vegas Creative Software. PC desktop users (sorry, it's not compatible with Macs) can enhance live streaming with many of the features found in higher-end professional production tools. Vegas Stream can push 1080p content out to any Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) environment, including YouTube, Vimeo, Kultura, Brightcove, or Qumu. There is a growing demand for quality live-stream content across multiple markets, but live streams by themselves are too often just not that interesting, says Sumit Rai, chief product officer for Magix Software, owner of Vegas Creative Software. Vegas Stream was developed because its customers were producing more content for broadcast via the internet and were looking for additional functionality. Stepping Up Live Streaming Vegas Stream supports live-events production for up to 10 video sources and 16 audio tracks. "You can bring in graphics and switch cameras. We support Blackmagic Decklink inputs, [so] you could theoretically connect eight high-end, full-frame HD video feeds," says Rai. The product demo showed some great features for producing very polished-looking live streams, incorporating content from NDI cameras as well as webcam or screen output from a Microsoft Teams or Skype call. The differentiator Vegas Stream pitches is a built-in postproduction workflow and a very powerful graphics engine. It ships with five customizable templates with lower thirds, branding, overlays, integration with social media feeds, a Microsoft directory, graphics, live spreadsheet data, picture-in-picture, two and four box transitions, and animation support. "Not only could you broadcast to the internet, but the product has the ability to send out a live NDI feed, so it could be picked up by monitors around a conference," says Rai. Precise Audio Control "We can bring in up to 16 audio sources as well. If I were doing a podcast with multiple guests, I could bring all of their microphones in. Another cool thing is the ability to follow your video switching," Rai says. "Let's say that I had a professional microphone and I wanted to make sure that when I switched to a different camera angle, it always stuck with that really high-quality mic. I can make sure that it follows along with that source. Or, you could have a different mic assigned to each camera." Content is encoded to H.264 or MPEG-2 and is stored locally. It can be recorded to separate tracks for use in a nonlinear editor. "We see ourselves as a really good stepping-stone to the highest end, but we're definitely not at the lowest end," Rai notes. This release supports streaming to a single location, but look to later versions to have better configurations. Vegas Stream does not do subtitling or closed captions and has no cloud support, although the company is working on it. According to Rai, "We are moving into the cloud soon, so content recorded via a phone can immediately edit from it and be able to archive your projects," he says. Pricing: The software bundle for Vegas Stream Pro 365 is $35.99 per month, or $31.99 with an annual commitment, and this includes Vegas Stream, Vegas Pro, and Sound Forge Pro. vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-stream axle ai axle ai, a cloud-based collaboration and asset management tool rolled into one, is used by at least 650 companies worldwide on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices. When the founders started the company 9 years ago, they wanted to create a lightweight tool for non-broadcast users to catalog and repurpose their video. "You need a strong search capability to avoid just fumbling around all day [trying to find something]," says Sam Bogoch, CEO. "We thought it would be a few thousand clips. [N]ow we routinely have customers with hundreds and hundreds of terabytes and even petabytes of material." Collaboration This year, the product has helped many companies get back to work. "One of our customers, in 24 hours, switched 40 people to working at home," Bogoch says. "Because this is in a browser and it's making H.264 proxies of all your high-res and 4K media, you essentially have the potential to work from wherever you are. "Over time it's evolved to include a lot of AI functionality," Bogoch continues. This includes multiple language audio transcription, facial recognition, and the ability to train for unknown faces. "I can search across all the videos for a particular phrase, like goal,'" says Bogoch. axle ai has created custom training dictionaries for larger customers, but they are not yet in the base transcription tool. "You can quickly see what's going on [via scrubbing the thumbnail], but then you can drill down and click on the individual asset and see the contents," says Bogoch. Users can annotate or even grab a bunch of clips and push them to their editor of choice. Technical metadata gets extracted from the video clips. You can also create unlimited numbers of custom metadata fields. "We have a workflow engine called Connectr that lets you build custom workflows so that you can push the metadata from within axle onto the next steps of the workflow," says Bogoch. Note that I did not demo the workflow engine. axle ai is compatible with live workflows and can even trigger ingests of live material into the system. Customer Control Bogoch says that most media asset management systems "want to take stuff in and stash it somewhere and keep it in some canonical format." axle ai doesn't alter content but creates proxies of content in your folder structure, keeping the original files intact. Its proxy is linked to the high-res source file, and it has started making a third-tier mezzanine file, which is a 720p proxy with all the audio tracks intact. There is a separate module for handling high-end transcoding. axle ai has plugins with modified functionality for Adobe's Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Final Cut, and Avid solutions. "Whichever editor they're using, they can be remotely accessing their media instead of handing each other hard drives or FedExing things. It makes a huge difference on the collaboration," Bogoch says. Customers generally use axle ai in a mix of cloud (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Wasabi, and Backblaze) and on-prem. The product was very easy to use, there's great product content on their site, and the plugin functionality is a real plus. Bogoch says setup usually takes an afternoon. Pricing: Fees start at $395 per month for a five-user license, and there is module-based pricing for add-ons such as integration with various archive systems. The transcription add-on is priced from $1 per hour of transcribed material in English, Spanish, or French. Servers can be MacOS or Linux, and client workstations can be Mac or Windows. Adobe Creative Cloud plugins are available at no cost for both platforms. axle.ai Lumen Orchestrator Getting data from all the different sources in the delivery chain that can impact the end user is a real challenge and quite expensive. Streamroot, recently acquired by Lumen, saw that back-end CDN load balancers couldn't switch midstream and developed Orchestrator, a device-side routing application. "We thought this device-side intelligence could be really interesting and very complimentary to some of the solutions that are out there already that don't have that perspective," says Erica Beavers, senior product manager for go-to-market and marketing strategy at Lumen. Last-Mile Quality "Most people use standard monitoring from companies like Catchpoint or Dynatrace," says lead product marketing manager Craig Lowell. The data collection location is determined by each monitoring vendor. "If the local ISP goes down, that may actually get missed by a standard load balancer unless they have monitoring set up at the last mile as well," says Lowell. Orchestrator calculates its own QoS score based on error rate, time to first byte, and bandwidth to work with client-designated business rules. For those who prioritize on quality, all CDNs would be rated relatively equally. "That would allow us to switch more liberally if we see even a slight decrease in bandwidth. The midstream switches are completely seamless to the end user, so they wouldn't need to refresh the page," says Beavers. Orchestrator is pre-integrated with most open source and proprietary video players. "We act as a proxythe player requests the segment from us, and we direct it to the CDN that is performing the best at that time," Beavers explains. Orchestrator evaluates each segment request to decide if a switch should be made to another CDN. "One of the issues that we've seen with other CDN load balancers is they can create a single point of failure," says Beavers. "If Orchestrator is not working, we're not adding a single point of failure. It's going to pass through us completely and just go to the CDN that is the first one listed in the manifest." Business Logic Orchestrator's dashboard can filter by different parameters to see how much traffic was delivered via each CDN, via live or video on demand, by platform type, by average burst download speeds, and by concurrent viewers. When Orchestrator detects a point of presence (POP) going down, it automatically switches to a lower-quality video chunk. There's a very brief drop in video quality, says Lowell. Although he pointed it out to me in the demo, I didn't notice it. Orchestrator also offers activation control for customers to determine what percent of traffic they want to test their CDN configurations on prior to increasing traffic load. Player integration is achieved with two lines of JavaScript. On mobile, the software development kit integration takes from 4 hours to 2 days. No public pricing; streamroot.io/cdn-orchestrator [This article appears in the June 2021 issue of Streaming Media Magazine] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles Companies and Suppliers Mentioned Potsdam, NY, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ichor Therapeutics, Inc. has expanded to the North Country Incubator at Clarkson University as an anchor tenant to establish a biotechnology cluster in Potsdam, NY. Ichor studies fundamental mechanisms of aging to develop new classes of drugs dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier lives. CEO and Founder Dr. Kelsey Moody, a native of the North Country, said he recognizes the unique opportunities for industry and academic collaborations and entrepreneurial spirit of Clarkson. Ichor aims to build upon obvious synergies between its core competencies in structure-based drug discovery and translational medicine, and Clarksons deep expertise in chemistry, engineering, and health sciences, Dr. Moody said. A special open house will be held to welcome Ichor Therapeutics, Inc. to the North Country Incubator at Clarkson University on Tuesday, July 13 from 3pm to 5pm at Peyton Hall on Clarksons downtown campus. In collaboration with the Lewis School for Health Sciences, Ichor is expanding their protein science division and will occupy offices and wet laboratory space in Peyton Hall. As part of the expansion, Ichor will provide over $2 million in state-of-the-art equipment and 8 full-time staff, offering regional universities and start-up companies access to industrial scale drug development capabilities, including world-class protein engineering. With Clarkson, Ichor will also train high school, undergraduate, and graduate students and university faculty in advanced techniques in biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and translational medicine. Ichors presence in Clarksons incubator space marks a major step forward in the biotechnology field for the North Country, said Clarkson University President Anthony G. Collins. Collaborating with the Lewis School of Health Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences not only helps Ichor expand, but also offers cutting edge educational opportunities to Clarkson students and faculty. Access to new equipment and expertise as a result of Ichors expansion to the North Country will also benefit academic labs, start-ups, and other companies in the field. Dr. Moody is a process-oriented drug developer and executive who has specialized in the study of aging and aging mechanisms for more than a decade. Since 2013, he has raised over $27 million in venture funding and built Ichor from a living room start-up into a premier, vertically integrated research organization. Dr. Moody received a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from Miamis Miller School of Medicine, an MBA from Concordia University Wisconsin and a BSc from SUNY Plattsburgh. Chief Science Officer Dr. Aaron Wolfe is an entrepreneur and biophysicist. He co-founded Finger Lakes Bio, a boutique protein engineering company, which was acquired by Ichor. He previously served as biotechnology consultant to RLH, a private investment company. Dr. Wolfe holds a PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics from Syracuse University and a certificate in entrepreneurship from the Warton School. Attachment LONDON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Modulaire Group, the leading modular space leasing business in Europe and Asia Pacific, is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Procomm Site Services Ltd ("Procomm").Procomm is a leading provider of portable modular accommodation in the UK with a broad range of end markets including general construction, public sector and petro-chemical. With four strategically placed depots across the country, its c. 8,000 strong fleet is highly compatible with Modulaire Group's existing UK businesses. Procomm has 125 employees and an annual 2020 revenue of c.19m. The expert management team, with over 100 years of collective industry experience and strong track record, will remain with Procomm, which will operate alongside Elliott, Carter and Advante, Modulaire Group's other specialist businesses in the UK. Procomm marks Modulaire Group's third acquisition in 2021 and the tenth acquisition worldwide since the beginning of 2020. A targeted acquisition strategy remains one of Modulaire Group's four strategic objectives, alongside an efficient cost base, a focus on optimising sales and granular management of branch level performance, and effective capital investment. Mark Higson, Modulaire Group's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am delighted to welcome Procomm into the Modulaire Group and look forward to working with their highly experienced management team. Procomm's well-invested and maintained fleet, alongside its diversified portfolio of attractive end-markets will further strengthen Modulaire Group's position in the UK."Bernie Cranny, Managing Director of Procomm, said:"We're really excited to join Modulaire Group and become part of the leading modular space provider in Europe. We're proud of the growth we have achieved to date and look forward to embarking on the next stage of our journey." About Modulaire Group Modulaire Group is a leader in European modular services and infrastructure. We create smart spaces for people to live, work and learn. Our business is designed to help customers find the right space solution, no matter what their requirements. Modulaire Group has operations in 25 countries with approximately 259,000 modular space and portable storage units and 3,400 remote accommodations rooms. The company operates as Algeco in Europe and Scandinavia, Elliott, Advante and Carter in the United Kingdom, BUKO Huisvesting, BUKO Bouw & Winkels and BUKO Bouwsystemen in The Netherlands, Ausco in Australia, Portacom in New Zealand, and Algeco Chengdong in China. About Procomm Procomm Site Services Ltd was formed in 2002 in the Northeast of England. The business grew its national coverage and now has four strategically placed depots and a hire fleet of c. 8,000 units. The majority of the fleet comprises a highly versatile range of modular bays and this is complemented by AV and site storage units. Procomm has built its reputation on the quality of supply and excellent backup service. For further informationInvestor relations:investorrelations@modulairegroup.com 07841 563541 Media enquiries:Tulchan Communicationsmodulairegroup@tulchangroup.com 0207 353 4200 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/modulaire-group-continues-to-strengthen-its-presence-in-the-uk-with-acquisition-of-procomm-301328527.html SOURCE Modulaire Group LONDON, July 8, 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 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-worlds-best-bartender-has-been-crowned-301328413.html SOURCE Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals Garrison Commander Colonel Stuart James relinquishes command to incoming Garrison Commander Colonel James Brady in a Fort Bliss Garrison Change of Command Ceremony Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the Fort Bliss Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. (Briana Sanchez, The El Paso Times/TNS) FORT BLISS, Texas (Tribune Content Agency) Col. James Brady, a native of Las Cruces, is now Fort Bliss garrison commander. Brady took over command from Col. Stuart James in a ceremony Thursday at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center on base. Fort Bliss is not new to Brady. He served at the installation after he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1992. He entered the U.S. Military Academy a year later and graduated in 1997. I know many things have changed over the years, Brady said during the ceremony. However, the great qualities of this region remain the same, and that is the people and the culture, James, who was garrison commander for two years, said his relinquishment of command ends nine years of service with the 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss nicknamed Old Ironsides. Before the change of command, James received the Legion of Merit award in recognition of his service. Its been an honor and privilege to serve with this team and support this community during this challenging time, James said. Ive left it all on the field, left it all on the field. Ive got nothing left to give. James, who is being assigned to a leadership position in Pennsylvania, was commended by Major Gen. Sean Bernabe, Commanding General 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss; and Brenda Lee McCullough, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness; for his response to and navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other attendees at the change in command ceremony included Bradys and James families. Brigadier Gen. Eric Little, who took over White Sands Missile Range earlier this year, was also in attendance. Brady, a graduate of Mayfield High School, is moving back to the Southwest after most recently serving as the director of operations for the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I really cant wait to work with this great team to improve the strong foundation that already exists, Brady said during the ceremony. I intend to maintain a high level of trust throughout my tenure. Brady is the son of retired Col. Ed Brady of Las Cruces and is father to Edward Thomas Brady, who received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy earlier this year. ___ (c)2021 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. Embassy in Eswatini. Over a dozen Marines deployed on short notice June 30 to the southern African kingdom, to support embassy security personnel during civil unrest in the country. (Facebook/U.S. Embassy Eswatini) Over a dozen Marines with a diplomatic security unit created in the wake of the 2012 Benghazi attacks were deployed to Eswatini, a southern African kingdom previously known as Swaziland, after pro-democracy demonstrations erupted last month. The short-notice deployment June 30 of the Quantico, Va.-based Marine Security Guard Security Augmentation Unit, or MSAU, was its 106th mission since the outfit was created under the Obama administration in 2013, the Marine Corps said in a statement this week. The teams primary mission is to protect U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities facing increased threat, or in situations such as natural disasters and VIP visits. Since it was established, the MSAU has deployed on average every eight days, the statement said. The tiny mountain kingdom of Eswatini is ruled by Africas last absolute monarch, King Mswati III, who protesters accused of human rights abuses and running a repressive government, The Associated Press reported. Mswatis family, including 15 wives, live a lavish lifestyle while most of the countrys 1.1 million people are impoverished, human rights groups say. Unrest first began ... in May, when students 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 United Nations said this week. In late June, these protests grew into daily pro-democracy marches. Among their political and economic grievances, the demonstrators sought the lifting of a ban on all opposition political parties that has been in effect since 1973, the AP reported. Videos on social media showed people burning tires and barricading streets in Manzini, the countrys largest city, and the central town of Matsapha. The government ordered businesses to close and imposed a strict curfew to quell the violence, the AP reported June 29. The Marine unit was created after President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced criticism over the response to the terrorist attack on U.S. facilities in the Libyan city of Benghazi on Sept. 11, 2012. The siege on the U.S. mission left four Americans dead and spurred a series of Republican-led inquiries. U.N. officials expressed concern this week over the situation in Eswatini after reports of internet blackouts and allegations of what a spokesperson for the organizations human rights office called disproportionate and unnecessary use of force, including harassment, intimidation and the use of live ammunition by government security forces. Dozens have reportedly been killed or injured in the clashes, the U.N. said Tuesday. Chad Garland Chad is a Marine Corps veteran who covers the U.S. military in the Middle East, Afghanistan and sometimes elsewhere for Stars and Stripes. An Illinois native whos reported for news outlets in Washington, D.C., Arizona, Oregon and California, hes an alumnus of the Defense Language Institute, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Arizona State University. A sailor from the Naples, Italy-based U.S. 6th Fleet is under house arrest, following a May 23, 2021, car crash that left an Italian man dead. (djedj/Pixab) NAPLES, Italy A U.S. Navy 6th Fleet sailor is under house arrest following a car crash that left an Italian citizen dead. Navy officials this week would not release the name or rank of the sailor, or details about the May 23 crash, saying they could not comment on an ongoing investigation. The sailor was arrested by Italian authorities, who have primary jurisdiction because the incident happened off base, said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Comer, 6th Fleet spokesman. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is cooperating with local law enforcement, Comer said. Formal charges have not been filed, he said. Fanpage.it and several other Italian news outlets reported a two-vehicle fatal crash involving a U.S. sailor on the same date at the Lago Patria-Giugliano junction on Via Domitiana in Naples. Those reports identified the victim as a 56-year-old man from the commune of Qualiano. news@stripes.com Supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro rally in support of loosened gun control outside the Cathedral of Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, July 9, 2021. The T-shirt at left carries the Portuguese phrase: "An armed people will never be enslaved," and the one at right features the president and the upcoming election year. (Eraldo Peres/AP) BRASILIA, Brazil Brazil's presidential election is 15 months away, yet barely a day passes without President Jair Bolsonaro raising the specter of fraud and warning that he will be entitled to reject the results unless Congress overhauls the voting system. He has mentioned potential vote fraud more than 20 times in the past two months and even floated the idea of canceling the election altogether. "I don't mind handing over the government next year, to whomever it is, but with an honest vote, not with fraud," Bolsonaro told supporters July 1 outside the presidential residence. Later that day, he was harping on the issue again. "They say I don't have proof of fraud. You don't have proof that there's no fraud either!" The relentless attack on Brazil's electronic voting system has prompted an outcry and closed-door meetings between lawmakers and Supreme Court justices to defend the system. And the nation's electoral tribunal last month ordered the president to provide proof of the fraud he has repeatedly claimed to possess, but so far hasn't presented. The assault also raises concern that Bolsonaro, who is far behind in early polls, is cribbing from former U.S. President Donald Trump and laying the groundwork for his own version of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington. "His strategy seems to be that if he can cloud the results of the election by claiming it is fraudulent or rigged, then he has a better chance of overturning the results," said Robert Kaufman, a professor of political science at Rutgers University, whose research has focused on democracies and dictatorships in Latin America. Brazil's electoral tribunal organizes and oversees elections, not the executive branch. The president's press office did not immediately comment on whether he will present evidence of past electoral fraud, with the deadline looming in August. At Bolsonaro's order, his administration has tasked the federal police with scouring Brazil's states for reports of fraud from the past 25 years he can use to support his claims, according to one of his ministers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. It is also part of his strategic response to opponents of a constitutional reform proposal that would add printouts of each vote to the electronic system, the minister said. Were the proposal implemented, a receipt for each electronic vote would be visible to the voter before being deposited into a sealed ballot box. In the event of alleged irregularities with the electronic vote, the president argues, results could be checked by manually counting the printouts. Opponents of the proposal, including the current and future presidents of the electoral tribunal, all three of whom are also Supreme Court justices, say the electronic system that began taking shape in 1996 already allows for an audit and that the change would merely open the way for baseless fraud claims. The tribunal's president, Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, has been on a mission to quash the proposal in the congressional committee that is expected to vote on it next week. Last month, he and two other Supreme Court justices met with more than 40 politicians from across the political spectrum to prevent the bill from advancing. The printed vote is a "risky solution to a problem that does not exist," Barroso told The Associated Press. He said it increases the risk of coercion and breaches of vote secrecy by drug traffickers and militias. Criminal organizations have been known to corral support for candidates and buy votes. Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, a former president of the electoral tribunal, said by phone that the current moment calls for caution. "People close to the government have used as an argument that, if it isn't their way, there can't be an election," Mendes said. "It became a topic to cultivate crisis. We saw what happened in the United States." Bolsonaro's push for voting reform precedes his 2018 election, after which he claimed many votes cast for him were diverted to the Workers' Party candidate. Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, of the Workers' Party, is widely expected to run against Bolsonaro in 2022. In recent weeks, the far-right president has ratcheted up the frequency and intensity of his comments. "Either we do clean elections in Brazil or we don't do elections at all," he told cheering supporters on July 8. The next morning, he told them: "We run the risk of not having elections next year. It's your future that's at risk." On Friday, the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, said elections were "nonnegotiable" and that anyone who attempts to take a step backward "will be singled out by the people and history as the enemy of the nation." The cause has become a family affair. His sons Eduardo, Flavio and Carlos, all politicians, have joined the campaign using their widely followed social media accounts and sometimes posting more than once a day. The escalation coincides with record-low approval ratings for Bolsonaro, street protests against him, mounting pressure from a parliamentary inquiry into his administration's handling of the pandemic and allegations of corruption in the acquisition of vaccines. Early polling shows da Silva as a heavy favorite next year. Stirring doubts about election results under these circumstances "could aim to make people believe an election isn't necessary," said Diogo Rais, professor of electoral law at Mackenzie University in Sao Paulo. If the special committee of Lower House lawmakers approves the reform proposal next week, it would proceed to the floor, marking the start of a drawn-out process involving several votes. If concluded by October, the system would be in place for the October 2022 election. Doing so in time would be an uphill battle, especially since 11 political party leaders last month banded together to oppose the reform. More likely is a scenario akin to what happened in the U.S., where a significant percentage of the population believes the election was neither free nor fair, said Anya Prusa, senior associate at the Wilson Center's Brazil Institute in Washington. "In some ways, that is more dangerous to a democratic system than an outright power grab, which is easier to defend against," Prusa said. "It will further erode Brazilians' confidence in their democratic system, at a moment where there is a lot of polarization and distrust." ___ Jeantet reported from Rio de Janeiro. Police search the Morne Calvaire district of Petion Ville for suspects who remain at large in the murder of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, July 9, 2021. Moise was assassinated on July 7 after armed men attacked his private residence and gravely wounded his wife, first lady Martine Moise. (Joseph Odelyn/AP) 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. We definitely need assistance and weve asked our international partners for help, Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph told The Associated Press in an interview, declining to provide further details. We believe our partners can assist the national police in resolving the situation. Joseph said that he was dismayed by opponents whove tried to take advantage of Moises murder to seize political power an indirect reference to a group of lawmakers that have declared their loyalty and recognized Joseph Lambert, the head of Haitis dismantled senate, as provisional president and Ariel Henry, whom Moise designated as prime minister a day before he was killed, as prime minister. Im not interested in a power struggle, Joseph said in the brief phone interview, without mentioning Lambert by name. Theres only one way people can become president in Haiti. And thats through elections. Joseph spoke just hours after the head of Colombias police said that the Colombians implicated in Moises assassination were recruited by four companies and traveled to the Caribbean nation in two groups via the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, the U.S. said it would send senior FBI and Homeland Security officials to help in the investigation. Haitian National Police Chief Leon Charles said 17 suspects have been detained in the brazen killing of Moise that stunned a nation already reeling from poverty, widespread violence and political instability. As the investigation moved forward, the killing took on the air of a complicated international conspiracy. Besides the Colombians, among those detained by police were two Haitian Americans, who have been described as translators for the attackers. Some of the suspects were seized in a raid on Taiwans Embassy where they are believed to have sought refuge. At a news conference in Colombias capital of Bogota, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia said four companies had been involved in the recruitment, the gathering of these people implicated in the assassination, although he did not identify the companies because their names were still being verified. Two of the suspects traveled to Haiti via Panama and the Dominican Republic, Vargas said, while a second group of 11 arrived in Haiti on July 4 from the Dominican Republic. In Washington, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said senior FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials will be sent to Haiti as soon as possible to assess the situation and how we may be able to assist. The United States remains engaged and in close consultations with our Haitian and international partners to support the Haitian people in the aftermath of the assassination of the president, Psaki said. Following Haitis request for U.S. troops, a senior administration official reiterated Psakis earlier comments that the administration is sending officials to assess how it can be most helpful, but added there are no plans to provide military assistance at this time. The U.S. sent troops to Haiti following the last presidential assassination in the country, the murder of President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam in 1915 at the hands of an angry mob that had raided the French Embassy where he had sought refuge. In Haiti, National Police Chief Leon Charles said another eight suspects were still at large and being sought for Investigative Judge Clement Noel told the French-language newspaper Le Nouvelliste that the Haitian Americans arrested, James Solages and Joseph Vincent, said the attackers originally planned only to arrest Moise, not kill him. Noel said Solages and Vincent were acting as translators for the attackers. The same newspaper quoted Port-au-Prince prosecutor Bed-Ford Claude as saying he ordered an investigative unit of the National Police Force to interrogate all the security agents close to Moise. These include Moises security coordinator Jean Laguel Civil and Dimitri Herard, head of the General Security Unit of the National Palace. If you are responsible for the presidents security, where have you been? What did you do to avoid this fate for the president? Claude said. The attack, which took place at Moises home before dawn Wednesday, also seriously wounded his wife, who was flown to Miami for treatment. Joseph assumed leadership with the backing of police and the military and declared a two-week state of siege. Port-au-Prince already has been on edge amid the growing power of gangs that displaced more than 14,700 people last month alone as they torched and ransacked homes in a fight over territory. The killing brought the usually bustling capital to a standstill, but Joseph urged the public to return to work. Vargas has pledged Colombias full cooperation, and authorities there identified 13 of the 15 Colombians implicated in the attack as retired members of the military, 11 captured and two killed. They range in rank from lieutenant colonel to soldier. The commander of Colombias Armed Forces, Gen. Luis Fernando Navarro, said they had left the institution between 2018 and 2020. Colombian Armed Forces Commander Gen. Luis Fernando Navarro, center, National Police Director Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, right, and Army Commander Gen. Eduardo Zapateriro give a press conference regarding the alleged participation of former Colombian soldiers in the assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise, in Bogota, Colombia, Friday, July 9, 2021. (Ivan Valencia/AP) In the criminal world, there is the concept of murder for hire and this is what happened: they hired some members of the (army) reserve for this purpose and they have to respond criminally for the acts they committed, said retired Colombian army general Jaime Ruiz Barrera. Senior officials from Colombias security forces will travel to Haiti to help with the investigation. U.S.-trained Colombian soldiers are heavily recruited by private security firms in global conflict zones because of their experience in a decades-long war against leftist rebels and powerful drug cartels. The wife of one former Colombian soldier in custody said he was recruited by a security firm to travel to the Dominican Republic last month. The woman, who identified herself only as Yuli, told Colombias W Radio that her husband, Francisco Uribe, was hired for $2,700 a month by a company named CTU to travel to the Dominican Republic, where he was told he would provide protection to some powerful families. She says she last spoke to him at 10 p.m. Wednesday almost a day after Moises killing and said he was on guard duty at a house where he and others were staying. The next day he wrote me a message that sounded like a farewell, the woman said. They were running, they had been attacked. ... That was the last contact I had. The woman said she knew little about her husbands activities and was unaware he had even traveled to Haiti. Uribe is under investigation for his alleged role in extrajudicial killings by Colombias U.S.-trained army more than a decade ago. Colombian court records show he and another soldier were accused of killing a civilian in 2008 who they later tried to present as a criminal killed in combat. The CTU in question may be CTU Security in Miami-Dade. The business has two listed addresses on its website. One was a shuttered warehouse with no sign indicating who it belonged to. The other is a simple office under a different companys name where the receptionist says the CTU owner comes once a week to collect meal and hold the occasional meeting. Solages, 35, described himself as a certified diplomatic agent, an advocate for children and budding politician on a now-removed website for a charity he started in 2019 in south Florida to assist resident of his home town of Jacmel, on Haitis southern coast. Solages also said he had worked as a bodyguard at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti, and on his Facebook page, which was also taken down after news of his arrest, he showcased photos of armored military vehicles and a shot of himself standing in front of an American flag. Canadas foreign relation department released a statement that did not refer to Solages by name but said one of the men detained for his alleged role in the killing had been briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard at its embassy by a private contractor. Calls to the charity and Solages associates went unanswered. However, a relative in south Florida said Solages doesnt have any military training and doesnt believe he was involved in the killing. I feel like my son killed my brother because I love my president and I love James Solages, Schubert Dorisme, whose wife is Solages aunt, told WPLG in Miami. Taiwans Embassy in Port-au-Prince said police had arrested 11 individuals who tried to break into the compound early Thursday. It gave no details of their identities or a reason for the break-in but in a statement referred to the men as mercenaries and strongly condemned the cruel and barbaric assassination of Moise. As for whether the suspects were involved in the assassination of the president of Haiti, that will need to be investigated by the Haitian police, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou told The Associated Press in Taipei. Police were alerted by embassy security while Taiwanese diplomats were working from home. Haiti is one of a handful of countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan. ___ Suarez reported from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Goodman reported from Miami. AP videographer Pierre-Richard Luxama in Port-au-Prince and Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed. Buy Photo A sign posted by town officials in May 2019 warns people about polluted spring water in Kadena, Okinawa. (Stars and Stripes) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa The Marine Corps has pushed back against Japanese public broadcaster NHK, which reported Wednesday that the U.S. military wants to release harmful contaminants into a local river on Okinawa. The report, which cited unnamed officials from Japans Ministry of Defense, said the U.S. military informed the Japanese government of its intention to release treated sewage containing contaminant known as PFOS into a river near Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The report said the Japanese plan to turn down the request. In a statement Thursday, Marine Corps Installations Pacific said water would be treated and then released through the public wastewater system. The story reported by NHK on July 7 was inaccurate, the statement said. Marine Corps Installations Pacific and United States Forces Japan have been coordinating with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Environment to release treated water through the public wastewater system; this wastewater is fully compliant with Japanese drinking water guidelines to include target levels for PFOS and PFOA, which are stricter than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Defense guidelines. PFOS and PFOA are found in aqueous firefighting foam, aircraft grease, water-repellant materials and fluorine chemicals. They have been known to cause tumors, increases in body and organ weight and death in animals. The treatment process is a safe, efficient, and proven method to reduce levels of the harmful compounds in contaminated water until its safe for release and complies with Japanese standards for drinking water, according to the Marines statement. The plan would be fully coordinated with Okinawan officials prior to the release of any wastewater, the statement added. Marine Corps Installations Pacific has not responded to a request for further information Thursday about where the treated wastewater would ultimately be disposed of. MCAS Futenma is storing the contaminated water in tanks, the NHK report said. A spokesman from the Okinawa Prefectural Enterprise Bureau, the agency responsible for the islands water supply and quality, told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday that the water would be released into the sea around Okinawa and not into a river. He added that the water would likely not be PFOS-free. Government officials in Japan customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity. PFOS and PFOA are virtually identical synthetic, fully fluorinated organic acids, though their concentrations differ depending on the product. The compounds have been found in high concentrations around MCAS Futenma and Kadena Air Base on Okinawa. U.S. military officials in Japan say the source of the PFOS and PFOA pollution on Okinawa is not necessarily U.S. military facilities. They have also begun phasing out aircraft firefighting foam with one featuring a new formulation. Japan has a combined safety threshold of 0.05 micrograms per liter for PFOS and PFOA for its drinking water. The threshold is not law, but a quality standard guideline. The United States threshold is 0.07 micrograms per liter. Manufacture and importation of items containing the acids have been prohibited in Japan since 2010. An unknown quantity of wastewater containing firefighting foam spilled June 9 at the Army base Torii Station when an above-ground reservoir holding contaminated water overflowed in heavy rains, according to June 12 statement from U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa. The water spilled into an adjacent drainage ditch leading off-base. The firefighting foam contained both PFOS and PFOA, NHK reported. The reservoirs were never intended to contain the foam and were not designed to contain overflows of water, the Army statement said. Approximately 60,000 gallons of the toxic firefighting foam spilled on MCAS Futenma on April 10, 2020. About 22,000 gallons was contained on base. The remainder traveled off base through a storm drain and into a nearby stream and neighborhood. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, speaking to reporters Thursday, said the plan to release the wastewater locally was unacceptable, NHK said in an updated report that day. We must demand that it be treated within the military, he said. The U.S. military was reportedly waiting for a response on the matter from the Japanese government when the NHK report was released. The Okinawa Defense Bureau told NHK that U.S. authorities are considering their options. Hana Kusumoto Matthew M. Burke previous coverage No environmental impacts from wastewater spill at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, wing says Petty Officer 2nd Class Carllouis Obieta, left, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Padilla prepare cookies aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in the Arabian Sea, July 5, 2021, in honor of Nancy Reagans 100th birthday. (Jillian Grady/U.S. Navy) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan recently took a moment from their routines to celebrate a special anniversary with a sweet treat. In honor of the 100th birthday of former first lady Nancy Reagan, wife of the Reagans namesake, sailors prepared chocolate chip cookies on July 6 with a recipe provided by the Reagan Foundations Roland Mesnier, former White House executive pastry chef. As our ships sponsor, it is important that we keep the legacy of Nancy Reagan alive, Lt. Cmdr. Dawn Stankus, spokeswoman for the carrier, told Stars and Stripes in an email on Tuesday. She was a true force in so many aspects of her life as an actress, wife, mother, first lady and more. The recipe was Reagans favorite cookie during her time as first lady, according to Stankus. Reagan survived her husband and died March 6, 2016, at age 94. To honor her memory, the ships culinary specialists used the recipe to prepare hundreds of cookies that were served on the carriers mess decks. The Reagans sailors enjoyed the cookies in the Arabian Sea, where the ship has been assisting with the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Petty Officer 3rd Class Anna Jenica Moralez prepares ingredients for Nancy Reagans favorite chocolate chip cookies aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in the Arabian Sea, July 5, 2021. The treats were served July 6, on what would have been the former first ladys 100th birthday. (Oswald Felix Jr./U.S. Navy) Our talented culinary specialists recreated a treasured dessert in her memory, and this is something that all of us can enjoy together, Capt. Fred Goldhammer, the Ronald Reagans commander, said in a statement emailed to Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. One of the Reagans culinary specialists, Petty Officer 2nd Class Carllouis Obieta, said in the statement that the cookies were baked at a high heat to give them a crispier texture. Aboard the Reagan five months, Obieta said it was an honor to prepare them in memory of Nancy Reagan. As a culinary specialist it is important that we help maintain the morale of the ship, and, with that, its also important to keep the tradition and culture of USS Ronald Reagan alive through efforts like baking Nancy Reagans favorite cookies on her birthday, said another culinary specialist, Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Padilla. Alex Wilson Ambassador Robert Wood (Eric Bridiers/U.S. Mission ) GENEVA A U.S. diplomat focusing on disarmament said Thursday that China is "looking at" developing naval and aerial autonomous nuclear weapons systems, warning any such development could disrupt strategic stability. Ambassador Robert Wood, the U.S. envoy to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, said China hasn't developed or been able to weaponize the technology yet. But his comments suggested that China is interested in such so-called "exotic nukes" like nuclear-powered underwater drones and nuclear-powered cruise missiles being developed by Russia. "This is something they are looking at," Wood said. "If they were to develop ... these kinds of weapons and aerial systems, this has the potential to change the strategic stability environment in a dynamic way." The United States doesn't have either type of system. "This is not where China was 10 years ago," Wood added, noting the "upward trajectory" that China has been on in the quantity and quality of its weapons systems. "They're pursuing weapons similar to some of the nuclear-powered delivery systems that the Russians have been pursuing." Russia has said its development of such weaponry is aimed at countering the United States' defenses against ballistic missiles. Moscow has expressed concern that such defenses could eventually undermine the viability of its strategic offensive nuclear forces, although Washington insists that its defensive system is designed to protect the U.S. homeland from North Korean missiles, not Russia's or China's. Asked about Wood's comments on China's interest in developing nuclear-powered cruise missiles and underwater drones, Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, said he hadn't heard any U.S. government official make a similar assertion. But "it's not surprising that China would be developing and exploring technologies they see others working on," Kristensen, an experienced analyst of Chinese, Russian and American nuclear arsenals, wrote in an email. He noted that developing weapons technology but leaving it on the shelf, rather than deploying it, "is an old trademark of the Chinese." Wood's comments are part of a broader push by the United States to draw China into strategic talks. He decried a lack of transparency from Beijing and a shortage of U.S.-China communication along the lines of that between the U.S. and Russia and the former Soviet Union for decades. "Until China sits down with the United States bilaterally, the risk of a devastating arms race will continue to increase and that's in the interest of no one," he said. ___ Robert Burns in Washington contributed to this report. Police officers investigate the wreckage of a plane outside Orebro Airport in Orebro, Sweden, Friday, July 9, 2021. (Jeppe Gustafsson/TT News Agency via AP) COPENHAGEN, Denmark A small plane carrying skydivers crashed outside the Swedish city of Orebro, killing all nine people on board, police said on Friday. The dead included the pilot and eight passengers, police said. The victims were members of a local skydiving club, according to Orebro County Governor Maria Larsson. Spokesperson Carl-Johan Linde of the Swedish Maritime Administration, which oversees air traffic, told broadcaster SVT Thursday evening's crash must have occurred "in connection" with the plane's takeoff. The plane burst into flames upon impact on what appeared to be an open field. "There were no lives to save," local fire chief Per-Ove Staberyd, who coordinated the work of firefighters and other first responders, said. Police received word of the crash shortly before 7:30 p.m. local time and quickly knew it was "a very serious incident," deputy regional police chief Niclas Hallgren said on Friday. He said that investigating the accident would be "a difficult job. It will take its time." Hallgren declined to provide details about the victims or speculate why the plane had crashed. But Joakim Berlin, an instructor with the Stockholms Fallskarmsklub, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that it was "nine of our comrades who have perished, who are members of our sky diving family." The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority immediately dispatched a team to the crash site outside Orebro, which is located 64 kilometers (102 miles) west of Stockholm. "Something happened in the middle of the runway. The plane didn't get up very high before it went down to the left of the runaway," Peter Swaffer, Swedish Accident Investigation Authority department chief told daily newspaper Aftonbladet. He didn't elaborate. The Dagens Nyheter newspaper identified the plane as a single-engine, propeller-driven De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven wrote on Twitter that it was "with great sadness and dismay" that he heard about the crash, and he expressed his "deepest sympathy." Flags flew at half mast in Orebro, and the prime minister said during an impromptu news conference that Friday was "a day of mourning in Sweden." In a statement, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf offered his condolences to the victims' relatives, adding that he and the royal family "regret their heavy loss." Ata Mohammad Noor, chief of Jamiat-e-Islami and a powerful northern warlord, arrives for a meeting at his house in Mazar-e-Sharif north of Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP) MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan A powerful warlord in northern Afghanistan and a key U.S. ally in the 2001 defeat of the Taliban blames a fractious Afghan government and an "irresponsible" American departure for the insurgents' recent rapid territorial gains across the north. Ata Mohammad Noor, who is among those behind the latest attempt to halt the Taliban advances by creating more militias, told The Associated Press that the Afghan military is badly demoralized. He said Washington's quick exit left the Afghan military logistically unprepared for the Taliban onslaught. In an interview at his opulent home in Mazar-e-Sharif, the main city of the north, he said that even he had not expected the Taliban's rapid wins, particularly in nearby Badakhshan province in the country's northeast corner. "It was surprising for me that in 24 hours, 19 districts of Badakhshan were surrendered without a fight," said Noor. He said in some areas the Taliban were small in number, perhaps even too few to capture a district, yet the military handed over their weapons and left. Reports and photos widely shared on social media show some government officials in the provincial capital of Faizabad boarding one of the last commercial flights to Kabul. The Afghan capital remains in government hands. The 57-year-old Noor is one of the powerhouse players as Afghanistan enters what many fear will be a chaotic new chapter, with the final withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. He commands a personal militia with thousands of fighters. Once the governor of Balkh province, where Mazar-e-Sharif is the capital, he effectively still runs the province. As head of Jamiat-e-Islami, one of Afghanistan's strongest parties, he wields influence across the north. Though nominally united in opposition to the Taliban, he and other warlords are often bitter rivals. With the government weak and the insurgents gaining, the potential for violent fragmentation is high. The Taliban's capture of most of the remote Badakhshan province is particularly significant because the north has traditionally been the domain of the U.S.-allied warlords. It was the only province that didn't come under Taliban control during the group's 1996-2001 rule. It was once a Jamiat-e-Islami stronghold, the home province of one of Noor's predecessors as its leader, Burhanuddin Rabbani, killed by a suicide bomber in 2011. The insurgents now claim control over more than a third of the 421 districts and district centers across Afghanistan. They have also captured several border crossings with Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, opening up potential revenues for the Taliban and cutting key transportation routes. The Islam Qala border crossing with Iran was the latest to fall to the Taliban, on Thursday. Noor was harsh in his criticism of the fractious Afghan leadership, saying it often left the army without reinforcements in battle or even food and erratically paid soldiers' salaries. He said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rules with a coterie of four people, a reference to the president's increasingly reduced inner circle. U.S. President Joe Biden defended the withdrawal in a speech Thursday and said it would be finished by Aug. 31. He urged greater unity among Afghanistan's leadership, saying America has given the Afghan government the weapons, training and tools to sustain itself. "The Afghan government, leadership has to come together," Biden said. "They have the capacity. They have the forces. They have the equipment. The question is will they do it?" Still, Noor said the signs of a dispirited military predated Biden's mid-April announcement that the U.S. was ending its "forever war," noting that Afghan army recruitment was already down by 60% and corruption was widespread. "We advised the government then that they had to work on the morale of the military, they had to be unified, but they did not listen," he said. Noor also criticized the Afghan government's fighting strategy, saying the Afghan National Security and Defense forces' leadership has overused its elite commando units. He said this included sending them into battle without proper preparations for reinforcements and re-supplies, as well as ordering them to hold checkpoints, a job they are not meant to do. Commandos were also not given proper rest, he said. Though the Afghan air force has well-trained pilots, Noor said the fleet was overused and under-maintained. As a result "most of the planes are back on the ground. They cannot fly and most of them are out of ammunition," he said. Noor also slammed the quick U.S. departure as irresponsible. While Afghanistan appreciated the money and manpower America invested in the country, it did nothing to make Afghanistan self-sufficient, he said. "We needed factories to produce our own ammunition and workshops to repair the aircraft and other vehicles that were given to the Afghan forces," said Noor. "But the international forces did not work to build a foundation, a self-sufficiency in Afghanistan." Earlier this year as the Taliban gained momentum, Noor was one of the first to press for the creation of new militias, calling it a "people's uprising." Last month, the government launched a mobilization program, helping arm and finance volunteers under local commanders. Noor said the new militias are needed as much to help bolster army morale as fight the Taliban. Still, he acknowledged the dangers. In the 1990s, militias and warlords including Noor fought a civil war that wreaked devastation on Kabul, killed some 50,000 people and helped fuel the Taliban's rise. "There is a real possibility of a civil war. This is a very dangerous possibility," he said. He warned it would be stoked by Afghanistan's neighbors Pakistan, Iran, Russia and India all of whom use Afghan factions to advance their interests. The new mobilization program only adds more militias of uncertain loyalties to the mix of militias maintained by Afghanistan's multiple warlords since the 1990s. Besides Noor, they include Uzbek warlord Rashid Dostum, accused of war crimes, and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former U.S.-declared terrorist, who is currently in Kabul and has been a bitter enemy of Noor's Jamiat-e-Islami for decades. Abdur Rasool Sayyaf's past militias have been linked to brutal crimes against the Hazara ethnic minority during the 1990s civil war. The religiously regressive Sayyaf also had close ties to al-Qaida, and even operated training camps with the terrorist group in the 1990s. A couple of kilometers (miles) from Noor's home, he maintains a political office in a lavish compound, protected by armed guards and barricades. A group of his militiamen, some with assault rifles, others with machine guns, lounged on the lush grounds. Their leader, Habibullah Rahman Orfan, said they would follow Noor anywhere and accept his commands without reservations, referring to him as "the great" commander. He said they would defend Mazar-e-Sharif, would begin an offensive to retake the districts in Balkh province currently under the Taliban and were ready to serve as Noor commanded. ___ Associated Press writer Tameem Akhgar contributed to this report. Iran-backed militia fighters march in central Baghdad, Iraq, on June 29, 2021. (Khalid Mohammed/AP) BAGHDAD Iran's expeditionary Quds Force commander brought one main directive for Iraqi militia faction leaders long beholden to Tehran, when he gathered with them in Baghdad last month: Maintain calm, until after nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. But he was met with defiance. One of the six faction leaders spoke up in their meeting: They could not stay quiet while the death of his predecessor Qassim Soleimani and senior Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a U.S. drone strike went unavenged. Militia attacks have only been increasing against the U.S. in military bases in both Iraq and Syria. Three missile attacks in the last week alone resulted in minor injuries, stoking fears of escalation. The details from Esmail Ghaani's visit, confirmed to The Associated Press by three Shiite political officials and two senior militia officials, demonstrate how Iranian-aligned Iraqi militia groups are asserting a degree of independence, sometimes even flouting orders from Tehran. Iran now relies on Lebanon's Hezbollah for support in reining them in, and there is potential that Iran's new president could play a role in doing the same. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings. Iran's influence, sustained by ideological ties and military support, has frayed because of the U.S. killing of Soleimani and al-Muhandis last year, because of differing interests and because of financial strains in Tehran. With nuclear talks restarting following U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration this year, these differences have come to the fore. "Iran isn't the way it used to be, with 100% control over the militia commanders," said one Shiite political leader. Increasing rocket and drone attacks targeting American troops in Iraq and Syria have alarmed Western and coalition officials. There have been at least eight drone attacks targeting the U.S. presence since Biden took office in January, as well as 17 rocket attacks, according to coalition officials. Iran-backed militia fighters march in central Baghdad, Iraq, on June 29, 2021. (Khalid Mohammed/AP) The attacks are blamed on the Iranian-backed militias that make up the bulk of Iraq's state-supported Popular Mobilization Forces. The Biden administration has responded by twice targeting Iraqi militia groups operating inside Syria, including close to the Iraqi border. "What is taking place now is when Ghaani asks for calm, the brigade leaders agree with him. But as soon as he leaves the meeting, they disregard his recommendations," said another Shiite political leader. The loudest of the defiant militia voices has been Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq faction, which also maintains a political party. On June 17, only days after Ghaani's meetings with the militias, he said in a televised address that they would continue to target the U.S. "occupier" and that they will not take into consideration nuclear talks. "And that decision is an Iraqi one," he said. The coalition has formally ended combat operations and reduced troop levels significantly in the last year. Only 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq and discussions are ongoing with NATO to transfer to an advisory mission. Iraq still needs coalition support in surveillance and intelligence gathering and airstrikes against Islamic State group targets. Some argue the ongoing attacks benefit Iran by maintaining pressure on the U.S. During talks with Shiite political officials during his visit, Ghani said Iran doesn't interfere in their political work, but that military matters were different. "These must be approved by the Revolutionary Guard," one political leader recounted him saying. Still, Ghaani did not reprimand the militia groups during the meeting. Instead, he told them he understood their concerns. Iran has struggled to fill in the gap left in the absence of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, who were commanding figures able to push factions into line and resolve disputes among them. "Ghaani has a different style and capabilities," said Michael Knights, a fellow at The Washington Institute. He has a looser framework, establishing broad red lines on some matters, while "other things are 'don't ask, don't tell," he said. Along with asking for less, cash-strapped Iran has been giving less as well. Assistance to the groups has been significantly downgraded since U.S. sanctions began crippling Iran's economy last year. Divisions among factions have deepened, with growing competition among militias and Shiite politicians. Ghaani came to meet the militia leaders to mend tensions that were sparked weeks earlier when Iraqi authorities arrested a paramilitary commander, Qassim Musleh, prompting a standoff between PMF fighters and security forces. Ghaani brought a letter from Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, criticizing the PMF for its reaction, saying it weakened their position. To apply pressure on the factions, Iran has come to rely on Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah in Lebanon, a figure the militias highly respect. Almost weekly, various factional leaders hold face-to-face meetings with him in Lebanon, said Shiite political leaders. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, elected in June, also may be a unifying figure for the militias, which hold him in high esteem, political and militia officials said. When Raisi visited Baghdad in February, he met with PMF commanders and told them, in fluent Arabic, "Our flesh is your flesh, and our blood is your blood." Ghaani communicates with brigade leaders through an interpreter. "The resistance will grow in power and will see its best of times due to the election victory of Raisi," said Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, in a recent interview. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut. The U.N. Security Council on Friday unanimously agreed to a last-minute compromise that will allow humanitarian aid to continue flowing into Syria across the Turkish border for the next 12 months. The vote came just one day before a cutoff of food and medical assistance to millions of Syrians living in harsh conditions. Both the United States and Russia, which had long ago threatened to veto any aid resolution, hailed the vote as a historic success and a direct result of what Russias U.N. ambassador called the spirit of last months summit in Geneva between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was possible above all because the United States and Russia were able to come together, work diplomatically and forge an agreement that would meet the needs of the Syrian people, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters after the vote. An early foreign policy test for Biden, the vote may prove only a temporary example of newfound cooperation. Washington and Moscow face much bigger pending issues, including in cybersecurity and nonproliferation. At the same time, the vote does little to address the ongoing failure of finding a political solution to Syrias 10-year civil war. In a call between Biden and Putin on Friday, the two leaders commended the joint work of their respective teams that led to the U.N. vote, according to a White House readout. But Biden also raised the issue of ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia and said the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge, according to the readout. The administration had staked a significant amount of political capital on the humanitarian-aid resolution. Biden raised it directly with Putin in Geneva, and senior administration officials had repeatedly made public statements stressing the importance of continuing the flow of assistance. The vote, Thomas-Greenfield said, was an important moment in our relationship that showed what we can do with the Russians if we work with them diplomatically on common goals. She added that the administration looked forward to other opportunities to work with the Russians on issues of common interest to our two governments. The mutual congratulations masked a tense week of negotiations in which Russia refused to discuss the matter with the Security Council, conducting only private talks with the United States. Last year, Russian and Chinese vetoes had reduced the number of crossings for U.N.-coordinated aid going to an estimated 14 million displaced and suffering Syrians from four to one, at Bab al-Hawa into northwest Syria, with authorization for only six months of deliveries. That mandate is due to expire Saturday, at which point all assistance, totaling at least 1,000 truckloads per month into Syrias Idlib province, would have stopped. The United States had originally asked for Bab al-Hawa to remain open for at least 12 months and for two others to be reopened, while Russian officials continued to insist that the cross-border shipments, which it charged were supporting terrorist groups in Idlib, were a violation of Syrian sovereignty. Russia has been the primary military and political ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad during the Syrian war. It demanded - along with China, its frequent ally in the council that all aid be delivered through Damascus and distributed by the Assad government across existing conflict lines. The adopted resolution, a U.S.-Russia compromise worked out late Thursday and into Friday morning, approved a six-month extension of the U.N. mandate for Bab al-Hawa only, with an additional six months automatically added without further vote after U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres issues a report focusing on the transparency of distribution and efforts to increase the amount of cross-line aid. We will carefully monitor the next six months, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said, and expect to have detailed information ... particularly on the mechanics of U.N. distribution on the ground, the locations and the stores of humanitarian deliveries. In statements after the vote, all except Russia and China described the agreement as a 12-month extension, and Thomas-Greenfield said unequivocally that we got 12 months of a lifeline to the Syrian people. Certainly, we would have wanted to have three border crossings, adding that we certainly didnt want less than the existing single crossing. This is a success, she said, and stressed that we see this resolution as being automatically renewed in January for an additional six months. No vote will be required, and the council will work with the secretary generals office to ensure that once he puts the report on the table it will be accepted by all council members. France, the current Security Council chairman, voiced the Wests relief but mixed feelings about the passed resolution. The Syrian regime continues to use humanitarian assistance for political ends, French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said after the vote. While France was relieved, he said, let us be clear. ... The mechanism we just renewed will be inadequate, adding that since last year, humanitarian needs have increased. Our position and that of our European partners remains ... we will not finance reconstruction and we will not lift sanctions on the Assad regime, de Riviere said, as long as a credible political process is not launched. He added, Neither will we finance development activities that contribute to the Syrian regime. De Riviere also reflected the concern of many members that Russias insistence on more transparency in aid distributed by the United Nations and nongovernmental aid agencies is a ploy to seek out its perceived enemies among displaced Syrians in Idlib. Referring to instructions for the secretary generals report, he said that nothing in this resolution can be interpreted as implying a transmission of data concerning the beneficiaries of the aid and that full respect for the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian aid workers must be respected. The vote staved off what relief workers said was an accelerating crisis in Idlib, a province reeling from overlapping calamities, including the aftershocks of a Syrian government military offensive last year that displaced nearly a million people many of whom ended up in Idlib after being routed by earlier battles elsewhere. The scale of the destruction and the continuation of hostilities in parts of the province have meant that only a quarter or so of those displaced have returned to their homes. They languish instead in makeshift or formal refugee camps, with little access to basic services and too poor to buy food and other commodities. Seventy-five percent of the population relies on humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. The U.N. is the only agency that can fill the gap, said Mohamed Al-Maraei, the deputy project manager for Ataa, a Turkey-based nongovernmental organization that distributes relief supplies in a massive refugee camp in Idlib along the Turkish border. Without it, he added, the province would collapse. He spoke in an interview Thursday, the day before the Security Council vote, as his organization distributed food chickpeas, lentils, rice, sugar, salt and sunflower oil in a narrow alleyway of the camp, called Atmeh. It would help sustain families for a month, until the next deliveries arrived. The organization was distributing to 177 families at this stop, the last of several that day, in what appeared to be a well-oiled operation. Tents were set up, lines formed, lists of beneficiaries were checked and food was being doled out 20 minutes or so after the Ataa staff arrived. The families were given bars of soap as well. A woman who gave her name as Um Hossam, or the mother of Hossam, said she was picking up supplies for relatives from four families, or about 15 people a bulky, heavy haul she could scarcely manage to cart away on her own. No one in her family had been able to find work, she said, and without the supplies, wed be begging. Fahim reported from Atmeh. Afghan Taliban representatives Mawlawi Shahabuddin Dilawar, left, and Suhil Shaheen attend a briefing in Moscow, Russia, on Friday, July 9, 2021. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/A P) MOSCOW The Taliban claimed on Friday that they now control 85% of Afghanistan's territory amid a surge in wins on the ground and as American troops complete their pullout from the war-battered country. The announcement came at a press conference at the end of a visit by a senior Taliban delegation to Moscow this week a trip meant to offer assurances that the insurgents' quick gains in Afghanistan do not threaten Russia or its allies in Central Asia. The claim, which is impossible to verify, was considerably higher than previous Taliban statements that more than a third of the country's 421 districts and district centers were in their control. There was no immediate response from the government in Kabul on the latest claim. 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. Since mid-April, when President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's "forever war," the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. They recently have swept through dozens of districts, taking control, often without a fight. Over the past week, they seized border crossings with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and on Thursday, with Iran. However, at the Moscow presser, the Taliban promised not to attack provincial capitals or seize them by force, and expressed hopes for a "political resolution" with Kabul. "We will not seize provincial capitals in order not to inflict death on Afghan citizen," said Taliban negotiator Mawlawi Shahabuddin Delawar. Guarantees for that have been presented to the Afghan authorities, along with demands for the release of more Taliban prisoners from Afghan jails, Dilawar said. He added that the Taliban now control 85% of Afghan territory. The Taliban also vowed they would "not allow anyone, any individual, any entity to use the soil of Afghanistan against the neighboring country, regional country and world country, including the United States and its allies." Members of a senior Taliban delegation attend a briefing in Moscow, Russia, on Friday, July 9, 2021. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) "We don't want to fight. We want to find a political resolution through political negotiations," said Taliban spokesman Mohammad Sohail Shaheen. The Taliban representatives spoke through a translator. Iranian media reported Friday that the Taliban were in control of two border crossings between Afghanistan and Iran, including the key transit route of Islam Qala seized on Thursday. Iranian state radio said 300 Afghan soldiers and civilians had escaped the Taliban advance and slipped across the border to Iran. In southern Kandahar there was fighting on Friday near the provincial capital and the government had sent more troops to protect the prison there from attempts by the Taliban to attack it and free the inmates. 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. Asked about this week's visit and the terrorist label, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Moscow's contacts with the Taliban were "necessary, given how intensely the situation in Afghanistan is developing, how the situation on the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is developing." ___ Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran; Kathy Gannon in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report. FEMA Urban Search and Rescue workers joined first responders in the aftermath of a building collapse in the Surfside community of Miami-Dade County, Florida. (Lameen Witter/FEMA) (Tribune News Service) To his parents, Juan Mora Jr. was their Milagro de Dios, or miracle of God. To his friends, he was a dedicated man and loyal companion who felt more like a brother than anything else. Juan Mora Sr., a radio operator in Bay of Pigs Brigade 2506, was described fondly by his sons friends as a typical Cuban ... headstrong. Mora, a 2011 graduate of Loyola University, had been working for Morton Salt in Chicago for the last five years. He came to Miami recently to visit his parents, Juan and Ana Mora, and work remotely in Champlain Tower South s apartment 1011, which faced the ocean. Miami-Dade police on Wednesday and Friday confirmed that Mora Jr., 32, and Mora Sr., 80, were among the 78 found dead in the rubble of the Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside. Ana Mora, wife to Juan Sr. and loving mother to Juan Jr., is still missing. Juans memory, smile, and energy will continue with all who knew him as golden as his loyalty and friendship, childhood friend Daniel Ugarte, 32, wrote in a text. Fernando Marquet, who served in Brigade 2506 alongside Mora Sr., wrote in Spanish on Facebook: No word from them, phone calls unanswered ... a sad day for the family, as for others who have been affected by this tragic accident. Moras and Ugartes other childhood friend, Oscar Cepero, 31, was fishing with Mora the Saturday before the collapse, just blocks from the condominium. Last week he told the Miami Herald that the news felt surreal. When he heard about the catastrophic incident, he jumped in his car and headed to the scene. I was like, this looks like his parents place, Cepero said at the time. I went to the reunification place and was looking around for them, but nobody was providing information. The young Mora was adventurous, leaving Chicago after his college graduation to pursue an MBA in international business at a school in China from 2012 to 2014, a program Cepero also completed. Mora eventually moved back to Miami. He spoke five languages and lived in four cities. In 2016, he relocated to the place he last called home, Chicago, to work for Morton Salt. He became a Cubs fan and even had a deep-dish pizza preference for Lou Malnatis, Cepero told the Chicago Sun-Times. Moras parents were both Cuban immigrants who built a life for their small family near Coral Gables. Ana Mora was a 30-year Delta employee who loved to travel with her family and cook meals for her son and his friends. She more recently served as an assistant to the principal at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, the school where her son graduated in 2007. In 2017, she was honored in a video to commemorate her 10 years of service to the school. Belen Jesuit posted on Facebook Wednesday to announce the young alumnis death with a heavy heart Days earlier, the school held a rosary service to pray for those affected by the collapse. According to his LinkedIn, Mora participated in Belens youth mission for six years, working in impoverished areas of the Dominican Republic to build small schools, chapels and bridges in rural communities. One teacher, Mercy Ballina-Sori, commented on the schools Facebook post she always enjoyed hearing from him even after he graduated. My prayers go out to his extended family and friends, she wrote. This is heartbreaking. 2021 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This aerial view shows search and rescue personnel working on site after the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, north of Miami Beach, on June 24, 2021. (Chandan Khanna, AFP via Getty Images/TNS) SURFSIDE, Fla. (Tribune News Service) Elected leaders and government agencies have vowed to uncover what caused Champlain Towers South to suddenly collapse, killing dozens as they slept and everyone from construction contractors to town building officials to condo board members will be scrutinized for their role. Lawsuits filed by survivors and relatives of the dead could lead to multimillion-dollar judgments. Professional licenses may be lost, fines levied, people fired. But can anyone face criminal charges, or even jail time, over the tragedy? If past cases are any precedent, it would be a tough case to make. Legal experts say building a criminal case for the deaths will be extremely challenging under Florida law, given all the building plans, construction work, maintenance and repair decisions or lack of decisions over the last 40-plus years that will be examined in the unprecedented collapse. You can go to any condo building in South Florida, and youre going to find water damage, flaking concrete and deterioration. Youd have to prove that someone knew this was an imminent danger and ignored it, said prominent South Florida defense lawyer Roy Black. An inspector would have to have told the H.O.A., Hey this place could fall down, or this column supporting the building is in danger of collapsing. Short of that, theyre not going to be able to bring a criminal case. Ultimately, the decision will fall to state prosecutors, who likely will rely on findings from a federal team of scientists and forensic engineers about the cause of the collapse, as well as evidence uncovered by Miami-Dade police homicide detectives or other experts analyzing the catastrophe. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle could eventually file charges directly, or it could fall to Miami-Dades grand jury, which can indict people or companies, as it examines broader safety issues raised by the tragedy. The Miami-Dade police probe resembles, on an even more massive scale, the one into the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse in March 2018. The bridge, which was under construction, collapsed onto Southwest Eighth Street, killing five people in cars, as well as a construction worker. Fernandez Rundle drew criticism shortly after the collapse for telling TV reporters that charges appeared improbable at this point. She later defended herself, telling the Miami Herald she was speaking in general about the complexity of these cases. A federal transit safety board would later blame the bridge collapse on a major design error and a lack of oversight. Still, three years after the tragedy, the state attorney has yet to decide whether anyone involved in the project will face criminal charges. An office spokesman declined to comment on when the bridge investigation might be concluded. The Surfside probe could last even longer. The 12-story, 136-unit condo in the beach town of Surfside collapsed in the middle of the night on June 24, killing at least 78 people, leaving dozens more missing and sparking a massive and complicated rescue and recovery effort. Civil lawsuits are a given in most U.S. structure failures. So far, more than a dozen have been filed in Miami-Dade circuit court. But absent overwhelming evidence, its common for prosecutors in these types of cases to conclude that there is not enough for a criminal case. A person or company in civil court can be found negligent but the bar is much higher in criminal court. For a criminal manslaughter case, Florida prosecutors would have to prove people involved with the building acted so negligently that it amounted to a reckless disregard for human life or had a grossly careless disregard for the safety and welfare of the public. There are more than a few Florida examples, some so egregious that they led to changes in construction standards: The building that housed Miamis Drug Enforcement Administration field office collapsed in 1974, killing seven federal employees. No one was charged criminally. But the tragedy led to the implementation of requirement that requires that buildings in Miami-Dade County be recertified for occupancy every 40 years the process that Champlain Towers was about to undergo. The Harbour Cay Condominium building in Cocoa Beach collapsed during construction, killing 11 workers in 1981. Floridas Department of Professional Regulation accused the architect and design engineers of negligence they lost their licenses but they were not criminally charged. The disaster led Florida lawmakers to pass a law requiring inspection of the construction of condo buildings taller than three stories. In the past decade-plus, no major fatal construction accidents have resulted in a criminal prosecutions, including the case of four construction workers killed in a Miami Dade College parking garage collapse in 2012, a fatal crane accident near Downtown Miami that killed two construction workers in 2008 and the concrete-pouring failure that left three workers dead at a Bal Harbour condo project in 2006. Nationally, in what had long been considered the deadliest building failure in American history, two walkways inside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Kansas City, Mo., collapsed onto a crowded lobby, killing 114 in 1983. Again, no criminal charges were filed, although engineers lost their licenses. In charging companies, prosecutors arent always seeking jail time. The cases, however, can extract financial penalties and send a message to industries about safety standards. And there have been some high-profile prosecutions nationwide arising from high-profile structure failures, and industrial or construction accidents. In Massachusetts, a contractor was indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges after a woman was killed when a portion of the ceiling of Bostons Big Dig public works project collapsed in 2006. The company was accused of knowingly supplying an insufficient adhesive blamed for the accident. New York City prosecutors ran Manhattans Construction Fraud Task Force, which brought criminal charges in a slew of cases of unsafe practices. The task force garnered multiple manslaughter convictions, such as the case of a construction worker who fell 29 stories to his death because of unsafe practices, and a worker who died when a construction trench collapsed on him despite repeated warnings about the safety of the site. In North Philadelphia, a contractor was convicted of manslaughter after he ignored safety warnings, leading to the toppling of a thrift store, killing six people. Like with other construction accidents in which criminal cases are filed, investigators will need to dig to find out whether any safety warnings were ignored, or if anyone knew about substandard construction material or building flaws, said Philadelphia attorney Robert Mongeluzzi, who has represented victims in construction accidents for decades. Particularly now, with email and electronic information, there is way more of a trail than there would have been 30 to 40 years ago, said Mongeluzzi, who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the children of Champlain Towers resident Harold Rosenberg, who died in the collapse. The sheer scale and scope of the Surfside disaster will make the criminal probe unique. The Miami-Dade police homicide bureau, which most visibly investigates stabbings, shootings and other murders, is also tasked with investigating unnatural deaths to include industrial accidents and plane crashes. As search-and-rescue workers have scoured the massive rubble pile, teams of Miami-Dade homicide detectives have been on scene, helping document each time a body is found, and notify relatives of those identified as having died. The Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office has assigned senior prosecutors to assist. One of them, Laura Adams, is also the lead prosecutor assigned to review the FIU bridge collapse. Another is Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephen Talpins. Their analysis will eventually rely heavily on what is uncovered by experts from National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is leading the probe into what caused the collapse. In asking the Miami-Dade grand jury to explore building safety issues arising from the Surfside collapse, Fernandez Rundle signaled that a criminal probe wouldnt be the thrust of this jurys term pending the conclusion of the long-term investigation that will yield the cause of the collapse. Since the condo collapse, theres been a stream of clues about the state of the building over the years. Three years ago, an engineer hired by the condo association reported major structural damage because of a lack of proper drainage in the pool deck but gave no indication the building was in imminent danger. Surfsides then-building officials later told the association the building was in good shape. The building had begun its scheduled 40-year review and roof repairs had started, while the condo association had also been engaged in years of turmoil over repairs, which is not unusual in South Florida communities. They may have been too slow but thats not criminal conduct, said Black, the defense attorney. Residents have reported much repair work over the years in the garage and pool deck area, where experts so far believe the collapse originated. A pool contractor reported alarming cracks and standing water in the parking garage two days before the collapse. Problems likely also go back to the buildings original design and construction. The original architects design didnt allow for proper drainage, the 2018 engineers report said. The New York Times reported it appears that construction crews may not have placed enough crucial steel rebar into concrete pillars, which may have weakened the building over time. The investigation by NIST which investigated the collapse of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001 may take years to formally finish, although updates to the public may come within months. The direction of the criminal probe will hinge on its findings. Without a cause, it makes it difficult to prosecute anyone, said retired Miami-Dade senior prosecutor Penny Brill. Then, they have to figure out who was involved in that causation. Was it the architect? The builder? An inspector? There are so many people over so many years that could be involved. It will be challenging to bring a criminal case. The former head of Manhattans Construction Fraud Task Force, Diana Florence, said criminal investigators would likely focus on more recent developments, such as the roof work, or reports that construction work on a nearby condo often caused Champlain Towers South to shake. The fact that rebar may or may not have been placed right its awful, but how could they charge that? How are you realistically going to find the guy who decided to place it there 40 years ago? Florence said. Florence, who prosecuted a leading New York City concrete testing company that falsified test results on concrete mixes used in building projects, said that if investigators cast a wide enough net, they may well wind up with other criminal cases aside from the deaths such as fraud. Its always a Pandoras box, and with the severity of what happened here, it demands a full-blown investigation, she said. Miami-Dade prosecutors have filed criminal charges in industrial disasters before. They charged an aviation company with third-degree felony murder and manslaughter in the 1996 accidental crash of ValuJet 592. The state accused SabreTech, a contracted company, of negligently handling oxygen generators that were placed inside the plane, causing the crash that killed more than 100 people. The company ended up pleading no contest to a lesser felony in exchange for paying $500,000, which went to help relatives of air disaster victims. The State Attorneys Office also charged outdoor sign company Eller Media, along with an electrician, with manslaughter in the electrocution of a 12-year-old boy at one of its bus shelters. Jurors in 2001, however, acquitted Eller and the electrician at trial. With Surfside, Miami-Dade prosecutors have been quiet on the scope of the criminal probe. For now, Fernandez Rundle has focused on the grand jury, which will issue recommendations to 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, she said in a statement on Wednesday. Over the decades, Miami-Dade grand juries have issued reports on the financial health of Miamis public hospital system, the environmental state of Biscayne Bay and the treatment of mentally ill people in county jails, and corrupt practices in building inspections, among many other topics. In an earlier statement, she said, the grand jury would not jeopardize any scientific, public safety, or potential criminal investigations. The current grand jurys term ends in early November, although the members can ask that it be extended by up to 90 days to be able to finish any reports on a broader issue. Another possibility: a future grand jury could explore criminal indictments, after a federal probe. Still, Gary Winston, a former Miami-Dade prosecutor who worked on the ValuJet prosecution, said criminal charges will be difficult because of the unprecedented nature of the Surfside collapse it would be hard to prove people involved in construction, repairs or maintenance could have envisioned that the entire building would have pancaked to the ground. Buildings just dont collapse like this, Winston said. Its hard to imagine anyone would have reacted and not said, everyone get out because its going to collapse. 2021 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Buy Photo Gen. Montgomery Meigs, the outgoing commander of U.S. Army Europe, speaks at his change of command ceremony at Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg, Germany, in 2002. Meigs died July 6, 2021. He was 76. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) STUTTGART, Germany Retired Gen. Montgomery Meigs, a combat veteran who commanded the Army in Europe for four years and hailed from a storied line of military officers, died Tuesday in Texas. He was 76. Meigs led U.S. Army Europe from 1998 to 2002, overseeing about 60,000 soldiers on the Continent. He also commanded NATOs peacekeeping force in Bosnia, when thousands of U.S. soldiers fanned out across the Balkans. As the USAREUR boss in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Meigs was in charge as garrisons across Europe went from having relatively relaxed post-Cold War security conditions to becoming the highly secured compounds of today. An obituary from an Austin, Texas, funeral home did not mention the cause of Meigs death. Meigs was an Annapolis, Md., native and a 1967 graduate of West Point. His father, a lieutenant colonel, was killed during World War II in France, months before he was born. Meigs also was a third great-nephew of the Civil War general Montgomery Meigs, who was a quartermaster general for the Union and was instrumental in the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery. He is also credited as engineer of the Capitol in Washington. Decades before assuming command in Europe, Meigs began his Army career with cavalry units in Germany and Vietnam. He later came back to West Point as an instructor and earned his doctorate in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1982, said the Association of the United States Army, where Meigs was a life member. He also led the Germany-based 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division into Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. Buy Photo Montgomery Meigs, center, then a major general and the 1st Infantry Division commander, talks to Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. George Joulwan, left, and U.S. Army Europe commander Gen. William Crouch, at Tuzla Air Base in Bosnia, in 1996. Meigs was commanding Task Force Eagle at the time. Meigs died July 6, 2021, at age 76. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo Deputy V Corps commander Maj. Gen. Reginal Clemmons and U.S. Army Europe commander Gen. Montgomery Meigs inspect the troops at a V Corps change of command ceremony in Heidelberg, Germany, in November 1999. Meigs died July 6, 2021. He was 76. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Four years after his Army retirement, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld asked Meigs to lead the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, as roadside bombs became regularly employed against U.S. troops in Iraq. Meigs had a common touch when it came to relating to junior soldiers, who expressed condolences online for their former commander. He was squadron commander of 1/1 Cav when I was there in 85-86, wrote Raymond Anguiano, a junior enlisted soldier who at that time was trying to get a compassionate reassignment because his son was sick. Anguiano had been trying for months to get reassigned when he had a chance encounter with Meigs while pulling guard duty and shared his story. Three weeks later, he had orders with a handwritten note from Meigs that read: The man must fly! Another former soldier, a driver for Meigs when he was in command at 7th Army Training Center in Grafenwoehr, Germany, said the general understood his goal of eventually becoming an Army officer. To that end, he ensured I was exposed to almost everything he was involved with. This meant that I went into the field with him at Hohenfels to watch unit rotations, gunnery ranges on Graf, and senior leader meetings in Heidelberg, wrote Christopher Mac McGarry. Years later, after McGarrys enlistment had ended and he had gone on to graduate college, Meigs offered to be there for his commissioning. True to his word he was there and pinned on my 2LT rank. In many ways he treated me as one of his sons, McGarry wrote. I felt more like a family member than a lower enlisted member. Orville Staffenhagen, second from left, brother of Navy Fireman 1st Class Neal Todd, stands at attention as his brother's remains are escorted from an airliner by a United States Honor Guard to a waiting hearse at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on Thursday, July 8, 2021. Standing next to Staffenhagen is his son Anthony, left, and his wife, Delores. Todd was killed while stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. His remains were positively identified through DNA samples in February of this year. (John Autey, Pioneer Press/TNS) ST. PAUL, Minn. (Tribune News Service) For Orville Staffenhagen, the flag-covered casket solemnly carried Thursday by six Navy pall bearers was a brotherly reunion 80 years overdue. Inside was Navy Fireman 1st Class Neal Todd of Akeley, Minn., who had gone missing in 1941 with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was presumed dead, but that wasnt confirmed until this year through DNA testing. He was brought home with pomp and honor to 58 family members waiting Thursday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. He was one of a kind, said Staffenhagen, 88, pausing often to regain his composure. He was the friendliest man in the world. Im really proud of him. Of the 12 children born to Irena Staffenhagen, eight served in the military, five of them at the same time. All came home except Neal, her fourth-born. It was a pretty trying time for my mother, Orville Staffenhagen said. The mother and son will be reunited Saturday when he is laid to rest near her grave in Akeley. Neal Todd was born Nov. 5, 1919. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Oct. 23, 1940. One year later, he was dead. The Navy didnt declare him dead, however, until March 7, 1942, which made for some uneasy months for the family. Wesley Todd, who survived the bombing, had tried to find his brother and wrote in letters home that others had reportedly seen him alive on another ship. By February 1942, the family was told that Neal Todd had been on the USS Oklahoma, one of the ships that was destroyed in the bombing. Wesley himself had barely survived. He was stuck below decks in another ship with no way out besides a porthole. A couple of his mates stripped him down and covered his body with engine grease so he could squeeze through. His mates were too big to slide through and died as the ship took on water. When Wesley broke the surface, he said the water was on fire and bullets were strafing the lifeboats filled with survivors. He stayed underwater as long as he could. He went on to serve in the Korean War and retired from the Coast Guard. He died in 1980. Orvilles last memory of Neal was when he was 8 and his half-brother stopped by the elementary school in Akeley to say goodbye before heading back to Hawaii. Neals body was brought in by plane Thursday and honored with a water salute. A fire truck sprayed an arc of water over the plane as it taxied in to the terminal as a way to honor Neals service. Orville laid a hand on the casket and cried. His brother had come home. Other family members spoke about how they had submitted their DNA for testing to help the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identify the remains of the crew of the USS Oklahoma, which had been interred in the Halawa and Nuuanu cemeteries in Hawaii. The fact that we can actually get back someone who was from the Pearl Harbor attack and help bring closure to those families of the service members, its a tremendous honor, said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Sheehan with the Navy Public Affairs office. It also reinforces the commitment that the Department of Defense, and the country as a whole, has to service members, that if you pay the ultimate sacrifice, we are going to do everything we can to identify you and to bring you back and bring closure to your family. ___ (c)2021 the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.) Visit the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.) at www.twincities.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, after his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) ORANGEBBURG, S.C. (Tribune News Service) Mac Crosby never got to meet his uncle, but hes ready for him to come home. Army Pfc. Louis N. Crosby, 18, was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 1, 1950, after his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered. On July 27, 2018, following a summit between then- U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea turned over 55 boxes which had been purported to contain the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Aug. 1, 2018, and were then sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory for identification. The agency announced on Thursday that Louis Crosbys remains of were accounted for on April 21, 2020. Scientists from the DPAA used anthropological analysis and circumstantial evidence to identify Crosbys remains. Scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System also used mitochondrial DNA analysis. Mac Crosby said his 92-year-old father, Henry M. Crosby Sr., is especially looking forward to having the remains of his youngest brother arrive home. When my uncle went off in the service and all, he never saw him anymore since then. Thats been 71 years ago. My dads 92. Hes been kind of looking forward to that happening, especially when they gave him the call, Mac Crosby said. They took his DNA a few years back so they would have that on file. Then when they brought the remains over, they did identify him as one of them, he said. He continued, They let us know that a while back, just before COVID came in. Then with the COVID pandemic, they had to stop with all that. A memorial service is scheduled for Aug. 18, which would have been the soldiers 89 birthday. A time has not been set. Crosby said his uncle will be buried in Crestlawn Cemetery next to his parents. Thompsons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Crosbys name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. My dads looking forward to him getting home. Theyre going to bury him at Crestlawn right next to his mom and dad. Were going to have that set up for them so theyll have that done. I never knew him because he was gone before I was even born or anything like that. So I personally didnt know him at all, but my dad talked highly of him, Crosby said. It was his youngest brother. My dads the only surviving one out of all of them. So it was kind of good for him to know that his brother was coming back home. He was really excited about that. Were really looking forward to getting him home and having a memorial for him, he said. Crosby said the memorial service for his uncle will be a special one. Were really looking forward to it. One of the guys at the VFW is interested in getting some things done with it. Weve actually talked to one of the guys that my first cousin knows real well. Hes talking about doing a little flyover-type thing that they do for military. Of course, weve got the full military ceremony coming with the 21-gun salute, folding of the flag, pall bearers, and all that good stuff. We would like for the community to know that hes coming home, thats for sure, he said. ___ (c)2021 The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, S.C.) Visit The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, S.C.) at thetandd.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Hector Ocegueda-Rivera outside the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, Thursday, July 8, 2021. Ocegueda-Rivera, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Artesia, was deported to Mexico in 2000 for a drunken driving conviction. Ocegueda-Rivera finally received an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after two previous unsuccessful attempts. (Hans Gutknecht, SCNG/TNS) LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service) Clad in blue jeans and a striped shirt, Hector Ocegueda-Rivera stood outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, July 8, nervously clutching a manila folder. He was on the cusp of a life-changing moment. For more than two years, Ocegueda-Rivera, a decorated Marine Corps veteran from Artesia deported to Mexico in 2000 because of a drunken driving conviction, has struggled to become a U.S. citizen. Twice in 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials scheduled him for required naturalization interviews in Los Angeles. However, in both instances, the Department of Homeland Security denied him entry into the country, including once when Border Patrol agents turned him away at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. But on Thursday, a hopeful Ocegueda-Rivera, with family members standing close by, declared himself ready and eager to prove that he indeed should become a U.S. citizen. Its where I belong, he said quietly while waiting for his immigration interview to begin. Late Thursday afternoon, Ocegueda-Rivera, 53, received word from immigration officials that his citizenship petition had been approved. He is scheduled to take the oath of citizenship Friday at the federal building. Lawsuit spurs interview The long-awaited meeting with UCIS officials came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by his lawyers last month arguing that if he wasnt allowed to come to Los Angeles for an interview, then immigration officers should instead come to him at the border. He never should have been deported in the first place, Helen Boyer, one of Ocegueda-Riveras attorneys, said Thursday outside the federal building. Neither Ocegueda-Riveras drunken driving conviction nor his deportation disqualifies him from becoming a U.S. citizen, according to Boyer. Federal law permits citizenship for all eligible military veterans who have served honorably during designated periods of hostilities, as long as they meet certain requirements, including a naturalization interview. Additionally, policy guidance issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says veterans residing abroad may seek to be admitted or paroled into the United States for the purpose of attending a naturalization interview and oath ceremony. In 2019, Ocegueda-Rivera, with assistance from his attorneys, filed for citizenship and an expedited limited request for parole to ICE so he could attend a naturalization interview in Los Angeles. After Ocegueda-Riveras lawsuit was filed, immigration officials quickly invited to Los Angeles for an interview. When he arrived Tuesday at the border checkpoint south of San Diego, Border Patrol agents said they had been expecting him and whisked him through. I was nervous, Ocegueda-Rivera said. It went very smooth. Ocegueda-Rivera was granted 72 hours to enter the U.S., attend the interview and return to Mexico. He stayed with family members who prepped him for his naturalization exam, which included 100 questions about U.S. history and government. Ocegueda-Riveras 15-year-old niece, Triscilla Garcia of Chino, was his chief proctor. Garcia said her uncle rattled off correct answers to tough questions, even knowing that Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies. I was shocked by all of the answers he was getting right, she said. Triumph and tragedy Ocegueda-Riveras own history is filled with triumph and tragedy. He came from Tecate, Mexico, to Artesia in 1975 at age 9 when his now deceased father was offered a job at a dry cleaning business. At first, life in the U.S. was idyllic for Ocegueda-Rivera, who has a sister and two brothers, one of whom is deceased. While attending Gahr High School, Ocegueda-Rivera, worked at In-N-Out and then for a Paramount company that made commercial fences. After his high school graduation in 1986, he briefly attended Cerritos College. Ocegueda-Rivera joined the Marine Corps in 1987. He was stationed for three years at Camp Pendleton and then transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he drove trucks for the Marines. Along the way, Ocegueda-Rivera received several military commendations, rose to the rank of corporal and married his high school sweetheart. The couple, who have since divorced, have two daughters who live in California and Florida along with several grandchildren. After leaving active duty, he honorably served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1991 to 1995, which included duty during the Gulf War. Ocegueda-Rivera, who now works in Tecate as a security guard at a hotel, found the transition from military to civilian life difficult. He developed a drug addiction that led to criminal convictions from 1992 to 2006 for a series of offenses, including possession or use of controlled substances/paraphernalia, possession of a firearm, driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. Ocegueda-Rivera said he missed the stability of the Marine Corps and was unaware of the medical benefits and support available to veterans that could have helped him. Seeking reunification with his family, Ocegueda-Rivera twice re-entered the U.S. illegally, only to be deported again to Mexico in 2002 and 2012. During one stint in the U.S. in 2009, he checked into a drug treatment program through a local Veterans Affairs hospital. The treatment was successful and Ocegueda-Rivera has been sober ever since, says the lawsuit. The American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego issued a report in 2016 analyzing 59 cases of veterans who had been forced out of the U.S. or were still in the country but facing deportation. In many instances, the veterans who were deported had committed minor offenses due to the difficulties of readjusting to civilian life and had paid their debt to society, the study found. Exiled to Mexico The darkest days came in February 2000, when the Immigration and Naturalization Service charged Ocegueda-Rivera with an aggravated felony for the drunken driving conviction, prompting a federal judge to deport him back to Mexico. When they deported me, I couldnt believe it, he told the Southern California News Group last month. I cried as I crossed the border into Mexico. I felt as though I was being kicked out of my house. It was hard. I grew up in the U.S. Thats where all my memories are. I was little when I left Mexico. My whole family, everyone, is in the U.S. To me, thats home. Last week, the Biden administration announced it would invite back U.S. veterans who have been deported, along with their immediate family members, and pledged to ensure that those veterans receive their benefits. Ocegueda-Riveras lawsuit describes the felony charge that got him deported as a term of art under immigration law. While an aggravated felony is a bar to naturalization ... Mr. Ocegueda-Rivera has none, the suit says. The Ninth Circuit and Supreme Court have clarified that convictions for driving while under the influence are not crimes of violence ... and therefore are not aggravated felonies warranting deportation. Ocegueda-Riveras 51-year-old sister, Alma Ocegueda of Chino, believes her brothers best days lie ahead. Its been a long journey for him and I am hoping that what happened today is just the start, she said. ___ (c)2021 The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) Visit The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) at www.ocregister.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. previous coverage Biden administration formally launches effort to return deported veterans to US The Port of Tauranga is disputing claims from workers and the Maritime Union of New Zealand that safety is not a priority at the port. The allegations come from straddle crane drivers and MUNZ national secretary Craig Harrison. Craig says long shifts and a relentless drive for profit over the wellbeing of workers are underlying issues at ports, and the Port of Tauranga is notorious for the bad conditions of many workers inside the port gates. A Port of Tauranga spokesperson says: We completely reject any suggestion that Port of Tauranga does not care about the health and safety of port workers. All workers at Port of Tauranga, no matter their employer, are encouraged to report safety concerns and to refuse to use equipment if they believe it is unsafe. The claims come after three straddle crane drivers spoke to Newshub anonymously about the serious back injuries they have sustained while working at the port. Two of the drivers still work at the port and are employed by C3 Limited or ISL, which contracts with the Port of Tauranga. The other driver was let go in April after five years at C3 because of an injury he claims he sustained onsite. The drivers claim port managements focus is profit over people, and the ports straddles are poorly maintained, according to the Newshub report. Both MUNZ and the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, which represents workers at Port of Tauranga and at C3, have backed the crane drivers for speaking out. RMTU central North Island organiser Dasha Van Silfhout says there is no doubt there is a problem at the port, and similar issues exist elsewhere. Straddle drivers work long shifts in sometimes difficult conditions, at night, or in poor weather, she says. Dasha claims the physical and mental stress of the job comes with a high cost for many workers, however the Port spokesperson says all workers have unrestricted access to the safety reporting system, and there is a dedicated email address that anyone can use to raise concerns and do so anonymously if they wish. The container terminal is a high traffic environment with lots of heavy machinery, they say. Since October 2020, it has also been running with 50 per cent more containers than usual because of shipping congestion, says the spokesperson. This means a lot of additional straddle traffic, and wear and tear on the pavement. Our civil works team inspects the site daily and any problems are immediately fixed, or blocked off until they can be repaired. On top of this, we have a multi-disciplinary team looking at short-term and long-term fixes for pavement issues. Port of Tauranga welcomes any efforts to improve health and safety in the port sector and we actively participate in multiple forums at a national level to achieve this. We work closely with the unions that represent port workers in Tauranga. Dasha says RMTU has approached C3 and the Port of Tauranga and are keen to see the issue resolved. The Union is supporting calls for impact sensors on straddles which would measure the potential impact on straddle operators as well as machinery, she says. The first powhiri welcoming migrants in the Bay of Plenty will be held today at Whareroa Marae at Mount Maunganui. The event, hosted by Ngai Te Rangi Iwi will include multicultural performances and is free for anyone to attend. Being part of a society that welcomes people of all nations is simply the right thing to do, says Ngai Te Rangi CEO Paora Stanley. Doing this as an iwi brings an even great value to this process. Te Runanga O Ngai te rangi Iwi Trust is proud to be part of this process and we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday July 10. The event will also be attended by the NZ Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon. Members of Multicultural Tauranga, a local organisation that has been working in the migrant settlement sector for the past 25 years are excited that Ngai Te Rangi are formally welcoming all migrants who have made Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty their home at this special event. Multicultural Tauranga President Premila DMello is hopeful for a good turnout at what is regarded as a prestigious occasion. This will be a formal and very special day that we hope all migrants in the Bay of Plenty will attend, says Premila. We have enjoyed a special connection with the migrant communities in Tauranga and we encourage migrants and cultural community leaders to attend this event. We are honoured to work with Ngai Te Rangi. We have been in touch with several migrant groups and we are eager to see all the significant migrant communities represented on the day. Premila says the NZ China Friendship Society has also been very proactive in contacting the communities. We are very grateful for the support of the Tauranga/Western Bay Welcoming Communities team in co-organising this event, says Premila. Tauranga City Councils Diversity and Culture Adviser Haidee Kalirai hopes individual migrants and cultural community groups spread the word and organise their groups to be represented at this special occasion. We often hear from newcomers that they would like an opportunity to visit a marae, increase their understanding of Maori culture and build a relationship with Maori as tangata whenua - people of the land, says Haidee. This event is an important step in achieving this for all newcomers in our area and creating a sense of belonging to all. The day begins at 9.30am with assembly at the gate of Whareroa Marae, 25 Taiaho Pl, Mount Maunganui. A powhiri and formal speeches follows, including songs in various languages. Speakers on behalf of the guests are Meng Foon, Jason Whareroa and Ray Totorewa. The migrant community speakers are Anish Paudel Nepalese, Lawrence Kautai Pacific Islander, Cora Burch Filipino, and Jackie Xian Chinese. There will also be speeches by Labour List MP Jan Tinetti, Fungai Mhlanga and Premila DMello. After a shared lunch there will be multicultural performances by South Indian, Chinese, Philippines, Cambodia and Nepalese groups as well as kapahaka performances. This event which runs from 9.30am 3pm is free and all are welcome. Everyone is encouraged to wear their traditional cultural dress and to bring a plate of food to contribute towards a shared lunch. Attendees are invited to register their attendance on Eventbrite Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Lawton, OK (73501) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 92F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 72F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Tahlequah, OK (74464) Today Thunderstorms - some may contain locally heavy rain, especially during the morning hours. High 87F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Tahlequah, OK (74464) Today Thunderstorms - some may contain locally heavy rain, especially during the morning hours. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Aurora Tankers and GSB Tankers announce strategic partnership in J19 segment Aurora Tankers, a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC Industrial Group (IMC), announced it has formed a strategic partnership with Golden Stena Baycrest Tankers (GSB), to manage and operate stainless steel tankers. The collaboration will be focusing on expansion across the Asia region for the two companies. Golden Stena Baycrest Tankers (GSB) is a joint venture between Golden Agri-Resources, Stena Bulk and Bay Crest Management, which was established on 1 January 2019. Frederik Guttormsen, Managing Director, IMC Shipping Group, said: I am very pleased to announce this strategic partnership with GSB. This will give us more scale, drive efficiencies and be a platform for further expansion in the stainless steel chemical tanker segment. We remain confident in the chemical tanker market overall and we will continue to expand our shipping platform which today include our 22 strong MR tanker fleet, our stainless-steel 19k fleet, CSIMC, our fleet of MPVs, the global dry bulk operating business and the domestic operation in Indonesia by PT Pelita Samudera Shipping Tbk, added Guttormsen. Dexter Say, Managing Director of Aurora Tankers, added: This joint operation partnership is a step towards building our stainless steel fleet and serving customers with greater flexibility. We believe the timing of the partnership is perfect, as the medium to long term outlook for the chemical tanker market is positive. We look forward to working together with GSB Tankers to achieve both companies goals. Braemar and Womar join forces to launch chemical tanker index Braemar ACM Shipbroking and Womar Tanker Pools have jointly launched what they claim to be the industrys first online earnings index for J19 tankers. J19 vessels refers to stainless-steel chemical tankers between 19,000 dwt and 22,500 dwt, which are the workhorses of deepsea chemical shipping. The Braemar Womar Index, published via online platform BraemarScreen, takes into account time charter equivalent earnings on 19 trading routes across the globe. Spot assessments of TCE earnings on nine main routes are published separately. We are trying to add a bit of transparency to a market that is relatively opaque at the moment, Braemar specialised tankers analyst Ben Cooke told TradeWinds. The assessments are based on rate information gathered from market sources outside the two firms. Singapore-based Womar, which has about 20 ships in the J19 class, provides business intelligence on bunker consumption and port costs for TCE calculations. Ultimately, what we are trying to do is to provide an independent benchmark for the market that can be used by the industry as a whole, Cooke said. We dont want it to be a Braemar index. We dont want it to be a Womar index. This index, which will be updated every month, is launched in collaboration with FDX Group and Zuma Labs. Braemar has separately unveiled a forecasting tool for future J19 earnings up to 2030 based on supply and demand factors. Cooke said Braemar will constantly monitor the supply-demand fundamentals and update the prediction at least once per month. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Seminole, FL (33772) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 77F. Winds light and variable. Thank you for Reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and Purchase a Subscription to continue reading. 07CR BHPian Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Pune Posts: 582 Thanked: 1,515 Times The 2021 Poll | Which car brands do BHPians own? I just got a bit curious as to which cars do the TBhpian's own? Just need to see how TBhpian's react to a new car vs how the market reacts to it. Should be fun! Let's follow the following while voting- 1) Vote on the basis of only your CURRENT cars. If you are hopping between car purchases, and don't have a car currently, then you can vote for the new car you have booked. If not booked, then please don't vote. 2) Vote on the basis of cars owned by You, Your dad/mom, Your direct siblings, Your kids and Wife. 3) Multiple votes allowed. If you own a Maruti and Hyundai, you can vote for both. Can't think of a option of how you can vote if you have two Maruti or two Hyundai's! Maybe mods can help. 4) Poll only limited for car brands that are sold in India. 5) Tried to include almost all brands I remember that are sold in India. If I have missed someone, please use other option. 6) You can use, CTRL + F to find your brand, since the list is somewhat long, and not arranged alphabetically. Last edited by 07CR : 6th July 2021 at 19:27 . In brief: The Covid-19 crisis has been a challenging time for everyone. As such, several tech giants have gifted their employees a pandemic bonus. One of these is Microsoft, which is handing workers $1,500 "in recognition of the unique and challenging fiscal year that Microsoft just completed." In an internal memo seen by The Verge, Microsoft's chief people officer, Kathleen Hogan, announced that all staff below the level of vice president that started on or before March 31st, 2021, will be eligible for the bonus. That includes part-time workers and those on hourly rates in both the US and internationally who are eligible. "As a symbol of our appreciation for coming together as One Microsoft during a uniquely challenging year, we are proud to recognize our employees with a one-time monetary gift," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNET. Despite Microsoft owning LinkedIn, GitHub, and ZeniMax, employees at those companies are not eligible for the bonus. With 175,508 workers worldwide, the gifts are expected to cost the Windows maker around $200 million. That's a lot of money but represents just two days' worth of profit for Microsoft, which last month became only the second US public company to hit a $2 trillion market value, joining Apple in a very exclusive club. Microsoft isn't the only firm to hand out a pandemic-related bonus. Facebook gave its staff $1,000 cash in March 2020 to help during the coronavirus outbreak; Amazon's frontline workers received a $300 holiday bonus; UK telecoms company BT is gifting $2,000 to its 60,000 employees; and Twitter said it would reimburse staff for the equipment they purchased to work from home, as well extra day care fees paid by those with children. Image credits: The Art of Pics (Photo : Pixabay/Firmbee) MacBook lost The Apple Store in Modesto, California, was accused by a woman of losing her MacBook that she uses for work. The incident has reminded users that it is important to back up their passwords. Apple Store Accused of Losing MacBook Corina Fezi from Modesto, California, told AppleInsider that she had to get the screen of her MacBook repaired, so she dropped it off at their local Apple Store. She was supposed to pick it up on June 23. However, Fezi stated that when the day came, no one could give her the MacBook back. According to her, her local Apple Store lost her MacBook. Fezi told CBS Sacramento that she called Apple support numerous times and no one could give her a tracking number and that nobody knows where her MacBook is. She claimed that no one could give her any information about the incident. Also Read: Fitbit disappears from online Apple store following HealthKit snub Fezi claimed that her job was on the line because the MacBook contained passwords that she failed to back up before taking it in for repair. CBS Sacramento reached out to Apple regarding the issue, who then responded that Felize already received her MacBook as of July 8. Apple said that it reached out to the customer, and they have achieved a mutual resolution. Cases like this serve as a reminder that users must back up passwords. Fortunately, Apple's iCloud Keychain syncs passwords with all devices that have the same Apple ID, so Apple users won't have to go through numerous passwords. Apple's Password Security Aside from backing up passwords, it is also important to ensure that whatever password manager you are using is storing your password security. A rash of iPhone thefts in Brazil has warned users to make sure their passwords are stored in secured locations. In June, reports surfaced about numerous iPhone thefts in Brazil that date back to 2020. Instead of flogging the phone for some quick cash, the thieves found a more lucrative payout using the iPhones to gain unauthorized access to the victims' bank accounts. Sao Paulo authorities arrested members of a gang that is said to specialize in breaching iPhones and access bank accounts, according to iMore. According to Folha de Sao Paulo, unlike the government data-gathering operations or the other types of hacks that need expensive equipment and software, all that was needed was a SIM card removal tool. According to Police Chief Fabiano Barbeiro, the thieves will take the SIM out of a victim's iPhone, place it in an unlocked device, and search for linked accounts on social media networks like Instagram or Facebook. Once an account connected to the phone line is found, the thieves will then search for an associated email address, usually paired to a user's Apple ID. Using the email account and phone number, the thieves would reset the Apple ID password on the unlocked iPhone, download system backup information from iCloud, and search the password. In most cases, the victims would store passwords, account numbers, and other information in plain text. After gathering the information needed, the SIM card is swapped back to the original iPhone. Another gang member would then access bank accounts and uses them to transfer the money illegally. Related Article: Ransomware Attack Helps Macbook Repair Shops Recover Lost Data -- How? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk has debunked a misconception about the reason why he founded SpaceX and his massive fascination about going to Mars. He also revealed his stand on drinking coffee and having caffeine pumping in one's blood, and Musk is not that much of a fan. The mission going to Mars is something that Musk would often talk about, especially as SpaceX will soon start on testing its full-stack launches of Super Heavy Booster and Starship, set this July. Elon Musk: SpaceX Was Not Made as 'Private Escape Pod' from Earth Musk was always known to entertain questions on Twitter and come up with hilarious or serious responses which explain a lot about his nature as a CEO. A user posted a screenshot from a satirical newspaper of "The Onion," where an article said that a spacecraft project is a "private escape pod" by wealthy people. The user jokingly urged the CEO to admit if that was the reason for building SpaceX, to which Elon Musk did not directly answer, but presented a video link to his skit on SNL with Pete Davidson who played "Chad." That is the impression that some have Traveling to another planet & building a self-sustaining city is not for the faint of heart. Consider the sad case of Chad (RIP) https://t.co/DhXGi65pKG Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 8, 2021 Musk said that traveling to Mars and outer space is "not for the faint of heart," and is not something you do out of randomness. For Musk, forming SpaceX was to fulfill his dream to go to space and help further its discoveries, not just something to escape the Earth because he can, as brought by his wealth and influences. Read Also: Elon Musk Weighs in on Turning SpaceX Starship Into Space Telescope Musk is not a Coffee Lover In addition to this, Musk replied to a meme, talking about drinking caffeine to get energized, but only ends up increasing one's heart rate but still feel tired. Here, the CEO replied to a video link about debunking the myths of caffeine and what it does to the body, instead of the actual benefits or purpose it should bring to the one that consumes it. The excerpt is from "The Joe Rogan Experience," where Michael Pollan revealed the benefits of quitting caffeine for three months. This shows that Musk is not much of an avid believer of the effects of caffeine, which suggests that he does not drink coffee or consume caffeine to stay awake, or to jump-start one's day. Inside the Mind of the Multi-Tech CEO The multi-tech CEO has revealed a lot about his perception of things with the recent answers to curious users that asked him earlier today. From caffeine belief to his real reason for starting SpaceX and going to Mars, Musk has revealed a lot about himself. That is also shown with the satirical article he posted, which has a lot of oxymorons about a concept that can only be solved by the same thing that caused it (e.g. "Drugs Win Drug War"). Related Article: SpaceX Starship: Two Tethered Spacecraft May Launch for Artificial Gravity; Musk Reveals Other Purposes This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Wells Fargo is closing down its credit line accounts in the coming weeks, as customers reportedly receive email notices from the bank, explaining why it would be removed. The bank would focus more on giving personal loans instead of the personal line that ranges from $3,000 to $100,000, and they have noted that this would affect their "credit scores." One of the largest banks in America would focus more on handing out loans to the public, instead of holding a credit line for them in its new venture, and the company is not showing second thoughts on proceeding with this venture. Wells Fargo to Close Down Personal Credit Accounts According to CNBC's report last Thursday, Wells Fargo has notified most of the users under the personal credit line that it would soon close and cease to exist. This means that the finance company would no longer allow handing out personal credit lines to its users, and would focus on massive accounts only. Furthermore, this observation is happening immediately and has not asked any of the customers for their opinions or feelings about this. The move made by Wells Fargo also said that personal credit scores might get affected by this, and it would reflect on the account of a user that is registered for the credit lines that would soon close down. This goes alongside the many changes in the country's economy, as what the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon the world, including that of airlines refusing to give cash refunds for their canceled flights. Read Also: Amazon Blocks Choetech for Allegedly Hiring People to Write Positive Reviews Wells Fargo to Focus on Personal Loans And while some blockchains and cryptocurrency are thriving as of this moment, other giants of the finance industry have been looking on ways to divert its focuses on other things, instead of their original offers. Instead of having a credit card line for customers to use and pay for most stores that accept card payments, Wells Fargo would soon bring the application for personal loans as a replacement for its credit accounts. This means that instead of having an accessible card at hand, users would need to apply for personal loans for ventures like the home renovation or paying off credit card debt. This move is a massive turn for Wells Fargo, especially as it means that people would have to apply every time a loan is already used up or finished, unlike a card which refreshes every month, and is more accessible to be paid. Moreover, while credit cards are loaning money to be paid at the end of the month, they can be used to pay for smaller things like refueling on gas stations, or dinners. Settlement of Existing Personal Credit Accounts That being said, the closure of personal credit lines is something to be observed from Wells Fargo, and it is said to be handing out the 60-day notice to its existing customers. The settlement of current balances would be distributed over time, at a fixed rate with the minimum payment. Related Article: Apple Value Continues to Rise, Increasing by 1.8% This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Morgan Stanley is facing a data breach after it was discovered that hackers have accessed a number of client data. The data breach happened in January and involved a third party vendor. According to Bloomberg, the Morgan Stanley data breach "involved exploitation of a vulnerability in file-transfer software from Accellion Inc." Morgan Stanley Hack: How It Happened Morgan Stanley hackers exploited the vulnerability in a file-transfer software being used by their third party vendor, Guidehouse. Guidehouse is a consulting company that provides Morgan Stanley account maintenance services. Specifically, Guidehouse deals with Morgan Stanley's stock-plan business clients whose accounts had gone dormant. These dormant accounts have assets that are in danger of being liquidated and turned over to the state, according to Bloomberg. The vulnerability was patched within five days' time, but the hackers were able to get the decryption key for the data. Per a report by Reuters, Guidehouse discovered the data breach in March. Morgan Stanley subsequently found out about the hack in May. Related Article: Biden: Federal Probe Against 'REvil' Ransomware Attack with More Than 1,000 Victims, Linked to Russians Morgan Stanley Data Breach: Which Data Was Stolen The hackers who have accessed and stolen Morgan Stanley's data were able to get client information such as client names, corporate company names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. No passwords were stolen, per Bloomberg's report. According to Reuters, the stolen files have been recovered and Guidehouse has said that the data hasn't been distributed online. Despite this, Morgan Stanley is said to be monitoring the dark web for evidence that proves otherwise. Accellion FTA Hack Morgan Stanley is the latest reported company affected by the hack on Accellion's File Transfer Appliance (FTA) software, which happened late last year. In a statement posted on the company's official website, Accellion said that it engaged cybersecurity forensics firm FireEye Mandiant to investigate the cyberattacks. FireEye Mandiant was able to patch all FTA vulnerabilities. The cybersecurity firm also informed Accellion that it found no additional vulnerabilities that could have been exploited by the hackers. The cyberattack on Accellion has since been connected to a hacker group called Cl0p Gang. Other victims of the cyberattack on Accellion's FTA include the State of Washington, which faced a data breach involving 1.6 million unemployed citizens. The design and other sensitive data of Globaleye, a Canadian spy plane, had also been leaked. Accellion Company Background Accellion Inc. is the provider of Kiteworks, which is known as the first enterprise content firewall in the industry. This enterprise content firewall is meant to prevent "data breaches and compliance violations from sensitive third party communications," according to the company statement. Accellion has been able to provide secure file sharing services, enterprise app and Microsoft Office plugins, secure web forms, enterprise workflow automation, and other services to its clients. Also Read: Ransomware Operations of Clop Gang Resumes After Recent Arrests - New Data Breach Victims This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isabella James 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : GettlyImages) Jack Dorsey announced on Twitter that Square would take a massive leap and create a "Hardware Wallet" for the world's leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. This means that an actual digital wallet would soon be available to the public, and it would contain records or the account of a person's Bitcoin cryptocurrency in one place, readily available at any time. And while the company has not yet provided any initial looks on the products, only describing it in words, a lot of speculations think that it would be in the form of a portable hard disk drive. Square, Jack Dorsey is Making a Hardware Wallet for Bitcoin Jack Dorsey (@jack) and Square engineer, Jesse Dorogusker (@JesseDorogusker), have initially teased that a hardware wallet for Bitcoin is something that the company considers making. Initially, it started as an announcement of interest, and then it evolved to something which Square has confirmed via the two company executives. Square and its engineers are now in the conceptualization stage, and currently, there are no concepts released to the public for them to see what to expect in the coming months or years. For now, people would have to visualize what a "hardware wallet for Bitcoin" looks like, and apparently, there are limited which come to mind, especially as represents digital money. Bitcoin has never had a physical entity yet and is only represented by a gold coin that has its logo in the front to signify its coin. Read Also: Is Finger Lakes Getting Destroyed? Locals Say that Leading Cryptocurrency Mining Plants Are The Cause Hardware Wallet for Bitcoin, Is it Essential? There are many controversies that Bitcoin is facing now, and it includes heating up and destroying Seneca Lake, one of the five popular "Finger Lakes" located in Upstate New York. That and its current performance in the market still sees a trend that experts, miners, and fans alike, are not happy to see. That being said, Square is still pushing through with its hardware wallet for Bitcoin, and the public is not sure whether it would only be intended for BTC or can be used for other types as well. Currently, there are plenty of other cryptocurrencies in the world which are also in the top ranks aside from Bitcoin, and all of them are treading on thin ice. How Will a Hardware Wallet Work, Exclusive to BTC? The hardware wallet would work like the usual, and mostly leather wallet that is known to man, which purpose is to keep money in a certain place. The hardware wallet of BTC will keep the coins in one place, and it would most likely be a digital wallet that can be connected and read by computers. This might also have its plug-and-play interface like hard drives, where it could show current values or funds that are kept in the wallet. There is limited information on the hardware wallet for now, and whether it would be available for other coins, but the sure thing is that Square is making one for Bitcoin. Related Article: Unexpected Cryptocurrency Finally Bullish in 30 Day % | $HEX Remains at the Top This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Screenshot From Pexels Official Website) Cryptocurrency Holders Can Now Gain 12% Annual Interest Through Yield App DeFi Fund Cryptocurrency holders can gain 12% annual interest through the use of the Yield App's DeFi Bitcoin Fund! The decentralized finance or DeFi wealth management platform announces the official Bitcoin Fund! Cryptocurrency Holders Investment Fund According to News.Bitcoin, users will be able to earn their high-interest returns on Bitcoin or $BTC! The reason for the annual yields being high is that users will get a base annual percentage yield of 6% on $BTC with an additional 6% in YLD rewards! The fund, however, is only available for those Tier 5 Yield App users meaning they would have to hold at least 20,000 YLD tokens in order to get the maximum APYs available. Tier 5 users will be able to deposit Bitcoin into the Yield App Bitcoin Fund starting July 8, 2021 at 7:00 UTC up to July 11, 2021 7:00 UTC or until the cap of 500 $BTC has been reached. Fund Cap at 500 $BTC It was also stated that if there is any space left and the 500 $BTC hasn't been reached, the fund will open to other users after. Once the fund has been reached, the Yield App portfolio team will close the funds until October 10, 2021 at least. Investors that remain within the Yield App Bitcoin fund for the whole period will receive the principal investment and interest in both $BTC and YLD once the term ends. During the period, it was stated that the Yield App team could open the fund for additional investments over the 500 $BTC cap depending on demand and favorable market conditions. The approach reflects Yield App's long-standing commitment towards both stability and safety. The safeguards will ensure stability and market-leading APY of the Yield App $BTC Fund, which will then join the wealth management's own platform's $USDT, $USDC, and $ETH offerings. Read Also: Conan O'Brien Talks About Crypto and Catches Attention of Dogecoin Creator DeFi TVL Grew from $21.1 Billion to $107.5 Billion The well-rounded suite of funds would offer investors an opportunity to earn all the way up to 20% on the largest cryptocurrencies. DeFi has been setting new records this year. It was stated that between January 1 and June 30, 2021, DeFi's TVL or total value locked climbed from just $21.1 billion to $107.5 billion with a 409% increase. While DeFi's growth has been significantly spectacular, the accessibility has hampered its mainstream adoption. Yield App bridges the dividend through a secure and intuitive platform that is backed up by DeFi's innovative protocols. In the near future, Yield App launches additional funds, in-app token swaps, fiat ramps, and card services. To learn more about the Yield App investment offerings, read their blog about the Yield App Bitcoin Fund. It is important to note that before investing in something, cryptocurrency or not, it is important to first research and weigh out the risks of any investment. High interest is often times paired with high risk. Related Article: Tether $USDT Has More Deposits than 'Many U.S. Banks' | Learn More About this Stablecoin This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Chang'e 5, China's moon sample and return mission, finally has a name that has been approved and made official. The site has been named Statio Tianchuan. The word statio means post or station in Latin, while Tianchuan is actually a Chinese constellation name that means "ship sailing in the Milky Way," according to Space. Per the report, the word statio was previously used in the formal name of Apollo 11's landing site, Statio Tranquillitatis. Chang'e 5 Landing Site: What is Known About Statio Tianchuan Chang'e 5's landing site name was approved in May, according to Space. The approval was done by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The IAU is in charge of the names of space features as well as those found on solar system bodies. Seven topographical features have been found near the landing site, which have also been named along with Station Tianchuan. The names given to these features are Mons Hua, Mons Heng, Pei Xiu, Shen Kuo, Liu Hui, Song Yingxing, Xu Guangqi. Mons Hua and Mons Heng are peaks, while the rest are moon craters named after Chinese scientists and mathematicians. Chang'e 5 Mission: What It Is The Chang'e 5 landed on the moon on December 1, 2020, with the aim of collecting samples of lunar material that were sent back to Earth on December 16. The lunar samples collected by the Chang'e 5 were the first in 44 years. Xinhua News referred to the moon mission as "one of the most complicated and challenging missions in China's aerospace history." Elon Musk called the Chang'e 5 "exciting" when he commended the moon mission. Chang'e 5 Lunar Samples: What Scientists Know So Far According to Space, the samples taken by the Chang'e 5 from the moon are set to be analyzed by scientists. Some of the samples have been loaned to institutions in China and loans to international organizations are being considered. Scientists who have examined the samples previously said that it seems unlikely for planting to be possible on the moon. Related Article: China Is Officially Ready To Lend Fresh Moon Rock Samples For Research Chang'e 6 Mission: When Will It Launch The next Chang'e lunar mission has also been set to take place by 2024. According to a separate report by Space, the Chang'e 6 will be collecting samples from the far side of the moon this time around. Specifically, the location will be the South Pole-Aitken basin. The Chang'e 5 mission collected samples from the near side of the moon. The SKA basin is described as "a colossal, ancient impact crater roughly 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers) in diameter that covers almost a quarter of the moon's far side." The Chang'e 6 probe will include an orbiter, lander, lunar ascent vehicle, and reentry capsule, according to China Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center Chief Engineer Hu Hao. Also Read: China Chang'e 6 Lunar Exploration 2024: European Countries' Tech to be Showcased This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isabella James 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung's vapor chamber cooling system for its smartphones is coming back for its next flagship device in 2022. The plan was hinted at by some supply chain sources, even as supplier still faces the ill effects of COVID-19. It comes even as the demand for cooling solutions steeply declined in 2020 due to the slowing rollout of 5G. Digitimes reported that the move could save the sales of vapor chamber suppliers. Samsung's Vapor Chamber Cooling for Smartphones Notably, Samsung is one of the pioneering brands to include vapor chambers in their smartphones. Other major phone makers such as Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Huawei only followed the footsteps of the South Korean giant. Not to mention that brands offering gaming smartphones like Asus and Razer included it too as it is suitable for high graphics usage. Additionally, Apple is reportedly following suit for the upcoming iPhone, as per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He claimed that the Cupertino giant tests the vapor chamber on their devices to prevent water from sipping into the smartphone. The aging flagship phone of Samsung, the Galaxy S10 Plus sported the said cooling technology. \Back then, the South Korean phone maker flaunted the feature as a performance booster, as per Android Authority. However, since then, Samsung users have been receiving smartphones lacking the cooling feature. Although the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 were seen to have sported a vapor chamber, not all models carry it. And the Galaxy S21 reportedly let go of the said function completely. Smartphone Cooling Solution Decline DigiTimes further suggested that phone makers let go of the cooling feature in their flagship phones to lower their costs. It is due to, yet again, the leisurely deployment of 5G. To be precise, the orders of mobile phones to suppliers only accounted for 10% of their overall sales. The subpar performance even extended up to the first quarter of 2021, though there have been slight improvements. However, Samsung is going against the tide for its upcoming smartphones by including vapor chambers again. Read Also: Overheated Smartphone? No Problem, Say Hello To Chevrolet's 'Active Phone Cooling' System Samsung's Vapor Chamber Cooling: What For Exactly? The vapor chamber technology is not only used for smartphones, but also for desktops and laptops to cool their systems. Essentially, maintaining a low temperature for devices helps improve their overall performance. If the report is to be based upon, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is likely to run high graphics tasks even for a long time as the SoC's power will not be degraded by the heat. However, Android Authority noted that there is a major compromise for including the vapor chamber tech in smartphones. The cooling system lessens the available space for the device, which upgraded batteries or antennas could use instead. Elsewhere, Samsung is gearing to test 6G connectivity even as 5G is still rolling out. Related Article: Samsung Exynos Chip with AMD GPU Exceeds iPhone 12 Pro Max in Benchmark Test This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. China is quite sensitive when it comes to its residents' data security. With that, the Chinese government announced that it will soon ban all Didi apps from the app stores available in the Asian country. Aside from this, China also confirmed that websites and other platforms could be restricted from accessing services related to the giant tech firm. If you don't have any idea what Didi offers, it is a Chinese vehicle hire company. This means that the apps it provides mostly focuses on helping people hiring a service. On the other hand, it also offers carpool, as well as financing applications. However, the Chinese government decided to order the mobile stores in the country to remove Did's main app earlier in July after the nation's cyberspace administration discovered that the application collects personal user data. The detail was released on Sunday, July 4. This is currently a major issue since Didi has Apple, Tencent, and other big companies as its investors. China's App Stores To Remove Didi's Main Application According to The Wall Street Journal's latest report, Didi has faced a spate of Chinese regulatory actions in the first week of July. Because of this, it shares struggled. Also Read: Zappter's Customizable App Prepares Restaurants for Post-Pandemic Success Did is really in a bad situation right now, especially since it already raised at least $4 billion this week after the New York Stock Exchange debut in one of the largest U.S. IPOs. On the other hand, Didi seems to be trying to fix the issue after it removed its app from various app stores in China. It also made some corrections in its applications. Aside from this, the company also confirmed that it stopped offering its main application to new users, which started on Saturday, July 3. However, Didi explained that those who are already using the application can still access it. Experts Say Didi's Case Is Unusual According to Tech Crunch's recent report, Didi's issue in China is rare since it is unusual for a country to ban a popular or essential daily app. Didi already served more than 493 million annual active users for the past few years. On the other hand, it also made more than 40 million transactions on a daily basis. For more news updates about Didi and China's issue, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Facebook Lost a Moderation Rule, Oversight Board Overturns Removal of Solitary Confinement Post This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft's PrintNightmare flaw is a serious internal issue that could lead to massive user data leaks. Because of this, the company decided to release an emergency update to solve the issue. However, the patches that were meant to solve the so-called PrintNigthmare bug also became bugs themselves. Microsoft recently explained that the PrintNightmare flaw is a major security risk for enterprises since print spoolers are still used on Windows devices. It added that the PrintNightmare bug is being tracked as CVE-2021-1675 and CVE-2021-34527. One of them is a remote code execution flaw, and the other is a local privilege escalation flaw. Another issue caused by the Microsoft PrintNightmare bug is that it already released an exploit code in the public domain before the company even released its fixes. The tech giant firm that hackers and other online attackers can use the bug to manipulate that the code in the Windows device with system privileges. Microsoft's Patches For PrintNightmare are Now Bugs? According to ZDNet's latest report, since hackers can use Microsoft's PrintNightmare flaw to view, delete, and change user data, the giant tech firm was forced to release some Microsoft patches to solve the issue. Also Read: This Windows 98 Simulator Brings Back Microsoft's Nostalgic OS to Android Devices However, some consumers are now complaining that the released updates are affecting their Microsoft printers. Because of this, Microsoft is already providing the public a warning. "After installing this update, you might have issues printing to certain printers. Most affected printers are receipt or label printers that connect via USB. Note This issue is not related to CVE-2021-34527 or CVE-2021-1675," said that giant tech firm. On the other hand, Microsoft explained that users need to use the so-called KIR to solve the current issue in its new updates (Known Issue Rollback). "Please note that it might take up to 24 hours for the resolution to propagate automatically to consumer devices and non-managed business devices," added the company. Microsoft Says Patches are Still Essential Forbes reported that even though the new Microsoft emergency patches are flawed, the tech firm still advised the users to install the updates since it can prevent hackers using the latest PrintNightmare bug. If you haven't installed the new fixes yet, all you need to do is follow these steps: Windows Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update Click the "Check for updates" option Watch that a new July patch starts installing Restart your computer afterward For more news updates about Microsoft's PrintNightmare issue and other related security threats, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Microsoft Launches New Changes for Windows 11--Start Button, Settings, Refresh Rate and MORE This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The U.S. Air Force is pretty busy with its defense technologies. Right now, it is working on a new system that can use Earth's magnetic field to navigate jets and other military mobiles. The military agency confirmed that it is preparing to test a new pod-based positioning system that should replace satellite-based GPS in an emergency. However, this innovation will be quite different than the current satellite-based GPS. Instead of relying on aerial navigation mapping, the new system will rely on ground-based image mapping. If it becomes successful, it will be essential since space satellites usually become unavailable because of bad weather. As of the moment, PNT or Satellite-Based Position, Navigation, and Timing are one of the most reliable technology when it comes to guiding jets and land and water mobiles. These include Russian GLONASS, European Galileo, the American GPS, and the Chinese Beido. Will US Air Force Ditch PNT? According to Popular Mechanics' latest report, the U.S. Air Force did not confirm if its new system will replace the current PNT used by various military authorities. PNT is still essential since it allows tank units to identify their position on the battlefield. Also Read: US Navy's Next-Gen Amphibious Ship Could Camouflage? Can Blend In With Normal Fishing Boats and Other Features Aside from this, PNT also allows U.S. missiles to strike targets with unprecedented precision accuracy, as well as warplanes to steer their way around known enemy air defenses. Right now, more than 30 American GPS satellites provide PNT services around the world, and U.S. forces have become heavily dependent on them in peacetime. But, once the new system arrives, navigating jets would be easier and smoother. The U.S. Air Force explained that Earth's geomagnetic field is an invisible field generated by the planet's core and crust. The military agency added that it is also mappable by detecting local variations in intensity and direction. Unlike satellite-based GPS, the new system can't be shut down by enemy forces easily. Once it is complete, it could benefit the current U.S. F-35 fighter jets and other advanced defense aircraft. U.S. Air Force Is Also Working On A New A.I. Aside from the new navigation system, the U.S. Air Force is also working on new artificial intelligence to assist with scheduling aircrews. The military agency said that around 7,600 airmen will use the new A.I. once it is released in actual operations. "Being a scheduler is an additional duty on top of an airman's main job, such as being a pilot," said Capt. Ronisha Carter, a Cyberspace Operations officer, via MIT News. "What we want is for a scheduler to click a button, and an optimal schedule is created," he added. For more news updates about the U.S. Air Force and its upcoming technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: U.S. Navy Claims New CPS Missiles Could Arrive By 2028; These New Rockets Have Mach 5 Speed! This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, two of the richest people in the world, are set to launch themselves into Earth's orbit mere weeks apart. But they're not exactly fighting about who gets to launch first. Bezos (Blue Origin) and Branson (Virgin Galactic) are arguing over where outer space really begins, reports CNBC. That's because both men will be flying at different altitudes. Richard Branson will be launched to around 80 kilometers (262,000 feet) above the Earth, which the US considers the official boundary of space. On the other hand, Jeff Bezos is launching himself a little bit higher at roughly 100 kilometers (328,000 feet), into a region known as the Karman line. According to National Geographic, this area (named after the Hungarian physicist, Hungarian physicist Theodore von Karman) is what the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) considers as the "official" boundary of space. The FAI's job is to track records and measurement standards in aeronautics and astronautics for the uninitiated, where space exploration falls in. Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic space tourism company considers its mission to be "a different experience" because the mission to carry the billionaire won't be flying beyond the Karman line. As for Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, they're likely disputing whether or not Branson's attempt is legitimate because it's not following the Karman line standard. Branson is scheduled to launch into space on July 11, while Bezos will go nine days later on July 20. Read also: FAA Says Yes To Virgin Galactic's Commercial Flights! Space Tourism Now Begins Jeff Bezos Vs. Richard Branson: Why Are They Disputing Where Space Begins? To understand the conflict, it all starts with how Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic's spacecraft actually work. Contrary to what many might think, the rockets set to bring the billionaires up there aren't exactly going to orbit. They will only go as far as the endpoint of Earth's atmosphere, stay there for a few minutes to experience a bit of weightlessness, then come back down. That's because the spacecraft are only classified as "sub-orbital." They won't reach the right distance to orbit the Earth like the ISS does because they're never meant to. Flights Fraught with Risk But even if they're not going to the distance where the ISS sits, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson face many risks for both their flights. For instance, Bezos is at great risk because of his age. At 57, he's already considered past his physical prime despite being fit and healthy. To escape most of Earth's gravity, Jeff Bezos is submitting his body to a 17,000 mile-an-hour orbital velocity which not even a much younger astronaut will find easy, despite having trained for years. Branson, on the other hand, is a middle-aged man just like Bezos. His Virgin Galactic spacecraft is also not as tested when it comes to crewed flights. But whatever happens, these two men will be going to where few have gone before, and that is already a lifetime achievement by itself. Related: Jeff Bezos Retirement: What is Next for the CEO? Blue Origins and Executive Chair at Amazon Still at Play This article is owned by Tech Times Written by RJ Pierce 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tehachapi, CA (93561) Today Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 89F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low around 65F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Madisonville, KY (42431) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Ada, OK (74820) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High near 90F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. ADA [ndash] Services for Patsy Ruth Blansett, 85, of Ada are 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Tony Folger will officiate. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Blansett died Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at a local assisted living center. She was born June 24, 1936 Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission LIVINGSTON The sex-crimes trial of a former Livingston Parish teacher who faces charges along with her ex-husband, a former sheriff's deputy, was delayed Thursday and might not occur until early next year. Cynthia and Dennis Perkins had initially been set to be tried together beginning Monday, but their cases were severed last month and now each one has won a delay. District Judge Ericka Sledge did not set a new trial date, but Cynthia Perkins' lawyer, James Spokes, said it is possible that it could be delayed until late this year or early in 2022. The attorney general's office, which is prosecuting the case, says the couple acted together to commit several criminal acts against at least two adults, to children and a dog. The delay granted by an appeals court Wednesday in Dennis Perkins' case means the ex-deputy will likely wait until early 2022 to begin his trial, Jarrett Ambeau, Dennis Perkins' defense lawyer, told The Advocate on Wednesday. The couple was arrested in October 2019 and have awaited trial from jail since then. Following the delay of Dennis Perkins' trial, the attorney general's office moved to begin Cynthia Perkins' trial on Monday in her ex-husband's place. But Sledge said the change in the anticipated trial order put Cynthia Perkins in a position where she may not have enough time to prepare her defense. Assistant Attorney General Christopher Walters argued against Spokes' motion for the prosecution, calling the delay unnecessary given the year that has passed since the trial date was first set. "We would assert that these defendants have an obligation to the state, the community and the victims to be prepared for trial when it was set," Walters said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up During his arguments for delaying Cynthia Perkins' trial, Spokes also gave some clues about her anticipated defense and and unveiled more accusations of possible wrongdoing by Dennis Perkins as a member of the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office narcotics division. Files on Dennis Perkins' hard drive contain photos of sexual acts with "over 100" adults and screenshots of their personal information "that appear" to have been taken from the sheriff's office database, Spokes said. Some of those adults, who Spokes declined to name to protect their privacy, have illegal drug charges, indicating Dennis Perkins used his position to "coerce" the women into having sex with him, he said. "We feel like this closely aligns to our defense in that Cynthia Perkins was forced, intimidated and coerced based on his position of authority into committing things against her will and doing things that she wouldn't have done otherwise," Spokes told reporters after the hearing. Cynthia Perkins may also face one fewer charge when her trial finally begins, Spokes said. During the hearing, Spokes indicated that he and the attorney general's office have been in talks to sever the first-degree rape charge from Cynthia Perkins that she and Dennis Perkins both face. The talks began after the recent disclosure of evidence related to that charge favorable to Cynthia Perkins, Spokes said. "Based on that information that was just disclosed to us last week, they're deciding to sever those cases," Spokes said. "We feel as though they should be dismissed and she should have never been charged with this in the first place." The attorney general's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of that severance. James Finn writes for The Advocate as a Report For America corps member. Email him at JFinn@theadvocate.com or follow him on Twitter @RJamesFinn. To learn more about Report for America and to support our journalism, please click here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Next week is a big one for Australian literature. The winner of the 2021 Miles Franklin Award will be announced on Thursday. The recipient will go home with $60,000 prize money and is bound to enjoy a sweet spike in book sales. There are six novelists on the shortlist. Which one of them will get the chocolates? As a literary critic, I suppose I should be at least mildly interested in what the judges verdict will be. But Ive always found it hard to get excited about such questions. To care who wins them, you have to take literary prizes seriously in the first place. And I dont. I think theyre a terrible idea all round. I believed this in my bones long before I understood why. And then a few years ago I had an experience that clarified my views. Somebody rang me out of the blue to ask me to serve on the judging panel of one of Australias most coveted literary prizes. Id better not say which one it was but trust me, it was one of the biggies. The six books on the 2021 Miles Franklin shortlist. Credit: Intrigued, I asked what the job would entail. For starters, it would require a barely feasible amount of reading. The preliminary judges meeting was just a couple of months away. During that period, every book eligible for the prize would be shipped to me. Id have to spend the next two months reading approximately four books a day. I must have emitted an involuntary yelp or oath at that point in the conversation because the person on the phone swiftly assured me I wouldnt have to read every book from cover to cover. Tactfully, she indicated that many of the works sent to me would be obvious non-contenders. Being an experienced critic, I would no doubt be able to spot these duds after about 20 pages. I could then toss them aside and move on, like a crack chicken-sexer making short work of an interloping turkey. Here was my chance to give something back to the literary world, after receiving so little from it. Advertisement As for payment, a modest honorarium was mentioned. By modest, I mean minuscule, roughly equal to the fee I generally get for reviewing a single book. Also, I would be flown twice to a certain capital city, so I could liaise there with my fellow judges: first to thrash out our shortlist, and finally to pick our winner. Tara June Winch and her 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award-winning novel, The Yield. So was I interested? When I asked if I could sleep on it, I got a reluctant yes. Indeed, there was a suspicious whiff of urgency about the whole business. I got the impression I was a late call-up, a last-minute sub. One of the first-choice judges must have dropped out, or possibly dropped dead. Anyway, I slept on it. Or rather I lay awake on it. Here, at last, was my big chance to become an insider, a player: a Yartz commissar. Here was my chance to give something back to the literary world, after receiving so little from it. But did I really want to spend the next two months being literatures version of Lucille Ball at the candy factory, fielding delivery after delivery of incoming prose, neck-deep in a rising tide of distinctive new voices? And if I got through that part, how much fun would it be to meet up with my fellow judges afterward and work out which book we liked the best? Thats the bit that really would have torqued my nightmares, if Id been able to get to sleep. My literary taste is unorthodox, by current standards. I happen to think its sound, and I do my darnedest to defend it in my criticism. But Ive never been bold enough to imagine that my literary judgments amount to objective, provable truths. That said, I dont view them as negotiable either. So the prospect of sitting down with a couple of strangers to haggle about our respective tastes in literature struck me as radically unappealing. Did I really want to spend the next two months being literatures version of Lucille Ball at the candy factory, fielding delivery after delivery of incoming prose, neck-deep in a rising tide of distinctive new voices? Advertisement Towards the end of that sleepless night, I had a lasting epiphany about the absurdity of all literary prizes. Even if I helped judge this one myself, would I approve of the winner? I seriously doubted it. With me on it, the panel would probably end up picking a book that was nobodys favourite a winner that thrilled none of us, but that we could all at least live with. So thats why I chickened out when given my chance to serve behind the OzLit green curtain. And its why Im against literary prizes in general. As Julian Barnes once said, theyre a form of posh bingo. They pose as trusty gauges of literary merit, but theyre thoroughly random and subjective. You get a sudden appreciation of that when a stranger rings you up one day and asks you to judge one yourself. Not that I advocate the abolition of all literary awards. But if I had the funds to establish my own prize, Id introduce some major tweaks. For instance, Id lose the judging panel. Id have one judge only a different person each year, chosen strictly on the strength of his or her literary expertise. I know that idea sounds farcical. People would denounce such an award as arbitrary, a mere expression of some randoms personal taste. But what makes us think our current prizes arent also like that? Granted, theyre judged by panels, rather than lone individuals. But the idea that panels make better decisions than individuals is a furphy. Somewhere in one of his books, Richard Dawkins illustrates this point by asking himself a hypothetical question. If charged with a serious crime, would he rather be tried by a judge or a jury? The answer, says Dawkins, would depend on whether he was innocent or guilty. If innocent, hed want a judge. If guilty, hed go for a jury. Patrick White won the first Miles Franklin Literary Award in 1957 with his novel Voss. Credit:Staff photographer The same principle applies in the literary arena. Talented writers will always dread the idea of being judged by a committee. It doesnt matter how discerning each individual judge is. When human beings get together in groups, weird things happen. We feel pressured to conform to say what we think were expected to say rather than what we believe. Thats why the verdicts of literary juries tend to be predictable, wholesome, obedient to the winds of trend. Or lets have a prize that scraps the concept of the lone winner. Lets have a prize where there isnt even a shortlist a prize where the judges just announce their longlist of the years 15 best books, then split the winnings 15 ways. Advertisement Admittedly this wouldnt turbo-charge book sales the way our existing awards do, but in the long run it might promote a healthier relationship between fiction and the reading public. If diversity and inclusion are what we want, why not showcase these qualities on a longlist, instead of pretending they can somehow be embodied by a single writer? On longlists theres room for different writers with different talents, doing all sorts of different things. Theres room for the quirky, the experimental maybe even the humorous, once a decade or so. Sniff around a longlist for a while and youre likely to find at least one book that floats your boat. American poet Louise Gluck speaks to reporters outside her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, after winning the Nobel Prize in literature. Credit:AP Long live longlists, I say. The moment you start whittling them down, the bad vibes begin. Suddenly the judging process becomes a matter of culling and exclusion. And suddenly you start hearing from pundits who havent read any of the books in contention but feel that literary prizes should be dished out according to non-literary criteria. Whose turn should it be this time? Hasnt this particular writer or this particular identity group had a fair shake already? Loading So is this the part of the article where I clear my throat and mention some of the over-praised featherweights whove won literary prizes in this country? Hell no. Im not about to name names. Im a bit young to spend the rest of my days living in the literary worlds equivalent of the witness protection program. Instead lets broaden the argument, and talk about the Nobel Prize. Its well known that the Nobel Committee has honoured many an undeserving plodder while snubbing some of the greatest writers. In 1901, the prizes inaugural year, Leo Tolstoy was overlooked in favour of the French poet Sully Prudhomme. Even at the time, that decision was viewed as a head-scratcher. Proust missed out on the Nobel too. So did Auden, Woolf, Nabokov, Primo Levi and Gertrude Stein. James Joyce was never even nominated. In 1922, the year Ulysses appeared, the Nobel went to the Spanish playwright Jacinto Benavente. Remember him? Neither do I. Advertisement At the 2019 Melbourne Cup, amid outcry in the lead-up over the treatment of racehorses (and a minor fracas about the scourge of midriffs in the exclusive Birdcage enclosure), billionaire mining magnate and Flemington regular Gina Rinehart took up position trackside in the Lexus marquee. On that day, Rinehart was wearing a red-and-white floral dress by Ralph & Russo, the London-based luxury brand founded by two Australians, the once romantically linked Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo. Founded in 2010, the label is arguably most famous for creating the $95,000 dress Meghan Markle wore in the official portrait announcing her engagement to Prince Harry in December 2017, as well as dressing celebrities from Angelina Jolie to Nicole Kidman. Gina Rinehart (left) reportedly tried to buy troubled fashion brand Ralph & Russo, which made Meghan, Duchess of Sussexs engagement dress. Credit:Eddie Jim/AP But its Rineharts dress, or the relationship between Australias richest woman and the brand, that took on a new level of intrigue this week, as documents filed in the British High Court and obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed the boss of Hancock Prospecting made two separate bids to buy the failed fashion house after it went into administration earlier this year. The revelations, which reference a close relationship between Rinehart and Ralph, are contained within two separate documents in a case brought by the administrators of the business, who are suing Ralph over allegations she and Russo misused millions in company funds for personal expenses including luxury accommodation nearly 20,000 ($37,000) at Londons Cadogan and Berkeley hotels business-class flights, pet care, baby furniture, rent on a London apartment, a Rolls Royce and even a COVID-19 test for Ralphs mother. There are also claims the pair defrauded their employees superannuation fund. Every week, I get queries from readers and subscribers about comments on our online articles. They have bewildered me a little, because some readers accuse The Age of deliberately ignoring comments that express conservative views, but just as many accuse us of refusing to publish comments with a more progressive slant. I attempt to answer every subscriber email - I dont always get to them, but thats the aim - but questions about comments are so common that I thought I would explain our system to all our subscribers. Sometimes we dont get to your comment quickly because of the sheer volume of them. Last week we received 60,730 comments on 565 articles. Credit:Peter Rae We know our subscribers value the opportunity to comment on our articles - to agree or disagree, to discuss articles with each other, and to continue the conversation about issues of interest to them. We get it! I also need you to know that publishing comments is resource intensive and we need to be careful that they are not abusive or hateful. The vast majority of comments we receive are respectful, but we have an obligation to keep a close eye on them. But we do not censor due for political reasons! I will never convince all of you of that, but its the truth. A few things you should know. All our reader comments are pre-moderated by a team before they are published on our articles. Our moderation team is headed by chief moderator Rob Ashton, who has been in the role since 2014. The teams job is to watch for legal red flags - we can be sued for comments that are defamatory - and to look for profanities (I am old-fashioned, but I do not want swearing in comments). Also, with fraught issues such as COVID-19 vaccinations, moderators watch for obvious falsehoods. We have eight moderators on rotation, including one who exclusively moderates our federal political stories, the category of news that attracts the most comments. Our subscribers have strong views about federal politics. The ABCs written defence to Christian Porters defamation claim should be removed from the Federal Court file and transferred to a separate part of the courts records that is not open to the public, the federal Liberal ministers barrister has urged the court. Mr Porter agreed in May to withdraw his high-stakes defamation case against the ABC, although the proceedings have not yet been officially discontinued. Christian Porter wants to strike part of the ABCs defence to his defamation claim from the court file on the basis that they contain scandalous and vexatious material. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen As part of a settlement deed, the ABC and Mr Porter agreed to seek a court order that 27 pages of the ABCs 37-page defence to his claim be permanently removed from the court file. The pages are redacted in the publicly available version of the defence. A temporary suppression order over the 27 pages was made by Justice Jayne Jagot in May, pending an anticipated pre-trial application by Mr Porter to strike them out and remove them from the file on the basis that they contained scandalous and vexatious material, or material that was otherwise an abuse of the process. That application fell away when Mr Porter agreed to drop the case. Hyping up the imminent third-tier debut of his headline double-act of sacked sporting stars, billionaire miner Clive Palmer on Friday offered media assembled at Brisbanes Hilton hotel a bonus assortment of political teases, medical opinion and an unprompted confession that he was indeed a fornicator. Mr Palmer was flanked on his left by multi-code champion Israel Folau, who will play his first game of anything in Australia since he was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for anti-gay comments on Instagram. Tony Williams, Clive Palmer and Israel Folau speak at a press conference at the Hilton Hotel on July 9, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty Images On Mr Palmers right was former NRL player Tony Williams, who had had his United States league contract torn up because of offensive comments, also on Instagram, following his friend Jarryd Haynes sexual assault conviction this year. Both men will run out for the Southport Tigers on Saturday evening at the Gold Coasts Owen Park (field one). 18/30 NSW Health allowed about 160 year 12 students at St Josephs College at Hunters Hill to be inoculated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer vaccine, even though the program has only officially been rolled out to people aged 40 and above. Multiple sources familiar with the situation told the Herald that HSC students at the high-fee independent high school were bussed to a vaccination centre at the end of last term for their first shot, and are due to have their second shot when school resumes. In response to a query from the Herald, the colleges principal Ross Tarlinton said the school approached the Sydney Local Health District in May to inquire about the possibility of vaccinations for students given many were boarders from remote, regional and Indigenous communities. Credit:Rhett Wyman Victorian health officials anxious about the potential of COVID-19 leaking out of Sydney will not hesitate to shut the border to travellers from all of NSW, calling on any Victorian who is still there to return home immediately. COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said NSW was battling the largest COVID-19 outbreak since Melbournes deadly second wave of infections. COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar. Credit:Chris Hopkins The New South Wales position, as weve seen again this morning, remains extremely volatile and very high risk, Mr Weimar said. We are, of course, doing everything we can to support our colleagues in the Greater Sydney area and in New South Wales, but we are exceptionally concerned about the ongoing spread of the virus in the Greater Sydney area. On Saturday as Victoria added the 10th day to its COVID-free streak, NSW recorded 50 new cases of coronavirus; 26 of which were infectious in the community. Australia will be generous with approving visa applications from Afghans who worked with Australian troops, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison promising the government will work through them with a high level of urgency. Hundreds of Afghans who worked with Australian troops across 20 years are applying to leave the country ahead of the Taliban moving into areas of Afghanistan that coalition forces are vacating. A senior government source speaking on the condition of anonymity said Australia would be generous with approving the applications. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says visa applications from Afghan workers who helped Australian troops will be dealt with quickly. Credit:Janie Barrett Former prime minister John Howard says the country has a moral obligation to help, including granting Afghans visas to live in Australia if necessary. Mr Howard was prime minister when Australia joined the United Nations forces in Afghanistan following the September 11 terror attacks in New York. Mr Morrison told ABC radio the government was doing everything it can. Cyber experts have warned foreign state actors may have infiltrated critical Australian infrastructure such as water or power systems and are lying dormant to potentially wreak havoc in the event of a conflict. States such as Russia, China and the United States are widely suspected of having used cyber attacks against their enemies and in recent days teachers in NSW were forced out of their emails and online classroom technology, though the source of the incursion has not been revealed. A key gas pipeline in the United States was forced to shut down in May after hackers gained access to its operators network. Credit:AP The Australian Strategic Policy Institutes cyber policy director, Fergus Hanson, said it was entirely possible for a foreign state to already be present on Australian networks, as did John Blackburn, a former deputy air force chief turned consultant. Given the capability that were up against and the fact that other states perhaps wouldnt be doing their jobs if they werent trying to do that [against Australia], our adversaries, its going to be perhaps nearly impossible to eradicate that threat, Mr Hanson said. So I think its a hopeless task to try to completely eradicate that threat. But its not a hopeless task to be resilient to come back if we are attacked. For much of last year, Victorians in lockdown had four permitted reasons to leave home. Or, in the eyes of many couples, one very good reason to stay home. Hes absolutely a COVID baby: Hannah Martin gave birth to Soren in Melbourne two days ago. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui The number of babies born in Victoria has boomed over the past year, at an average of 5.7 per cent across the state but by as much as 50 per cent in some areas. Births have skyrocketed in particular in the regions, which make up seven of the top 10 baby boom areas. Midwives and doctors witnessed the highest surge in March and May this year. Have you done the maths? Thats nine months after Victorias second wave lockdowns began then peaked, in June and August last year. The story is the same for tens of millions around south-east Asia, where vaccines are in short supply and COVID-19 is rampant. After more than a month of a nationwide lockdown in Malaysia the plight of the poor has spawned a white flag movement, with people placing them outside their homes to signal a need for food or other necessities. In Cambodia, in Phnom Penhs so-called COVID-19 red zones, it was low-income families hit hardest in April and May. Many went hungry as they were forbidden to leave their homes. Mohamad Nor Abdullah, born without arms, put a white flag outside his rented room in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to signal for help during the lockdown. Credit:AP Vietnams largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are also going into lockdown and another is approaching for Thailand, which is also being overrun by the Delta variant. With low vaccination rates and high infections, governments have been given little option but to close up to slow down transmission, but it comes witha cost and its the vast informal sector that wears the brunt of it. They are the ones who are badly hit by the pandemic, said Eko Listiyanto, a researcher at the Institute for the Development of Economics and Finance in Jakarta. Local vendors sell pork meat and vegetables on a sidewalk as the main market remained closed during a lockdown in downtown Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Credit:AP The street food sellers for instance ... now the social restrictions [in Indonesia] limit the operational hours of restaurants, cafes, street food by 8pm. It creates more problems for some street food businesses as some food and drinks are only consumed after sunset. Then there are the potential flow-on effects, although not directly quantifiable, from economic insecurity. In the Philippines, where hard lockdowns have been a feature of the pandemic, particularly around Manila, a 57 per cent rise in suicides from 2019 to 2020 was reported this week. Malaysian police have also noted an increase in the number of people taking their own lives - 468 from January to the end of May this year, compared to 631 for all of 2020. A resident wearing face mask sit outside his house next to barbwire at Segambut Dalam area placed under and enhanced movement control order (EMO). Credit:AP The desperation of many in Malaysia prompted tech entrepreneur Rezi Razali to this week launch a website and app to digitise the white flag campaign, facilitating a link between those requiring help and those who can assist. When contacted Razali said there were about 3000 requests on the site.He said in many instances people had been offered help, to put food on the table or pay for rent, within 30 minutes of asking. From what I see from my data, the majority of the requests that we saw are from the urban areas, mostly Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, he said. The majority of them are out of work, mostly blue collar workers. In Indonesia, the government of President Joko Widodo has been accused of prioritising the economy over public health and not imposing restrictions earlier, particularly on Java. On the island where more than half of the population lives, hospitals have been inundated due to skyrocketing infections in the past three weeks. A police officer stops motorists at a check point in Jakarta. Credit:AP Even when the curbs were eventually imposed last Saturday, before being widened on Wednesday, it was a decision made reluctantly. Indonesia Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said in the fortnight before restrictions were put in place Joko had asked him to visit the poorest areas of Jakarta where two families share one bathroom. Health professionals see that the faster the lockdown is, the better. For the middle class and above the faster the lockdown the better, Sadikin said. But from [the] other perspective if you see there are many people at the bottom of the pyramid if you talk to the 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the Jakarta population at the lowest level, they tell you, Sir, we need to work to live. A resident, left, receives food from a delivery man through barbwire at Segambut Dalam area placed under strict lockdown in Kuala Lumpur. Credit:AP Sadikin said that input was provided in designing the measures. This is not an ideal decision but at least we moved forward and made this decision, he said. Anti-mobility measures are due to end on July 20 but will almost inevitably be extended until infections drop, so the Indonesian government is preparing a social assistance package that will include 10 kilograms of rice for 20 million families. Loading Listiyanto, the economist, believes the informal sector can handle the decreased activity for two weeks but if it is pushed out further it will be harder for them to survive. Uwok, the motorcycle taxi driver, is thankful for the customers he still has, saying it is better than nothing. But he hopes his city and country can contain the outbreak before too long and thus shake off the restrictions affecting his livelihood. Jackie Hoffman, Tragedian. Well, what about Jackie Hoffman, Italian? Amazingly, you get both in Fruma-Sarah (Waiting in the Wings), a new play by E. Dale Smith opening July 8 at the cell on West 23rd Street. "Is a stretch," as Googie Gomez of Terrence McNally's The Ritz might sayand Hoffman extends her range in a way you probably would never have suspected. As any theater buff can tell you, Fruma-Sarah is an often-overlooked, 169-word character who arrives late in Fiddler on the Roofin a very late state, as Lazar Wolf's deceased first wife, conjured up by Tevye to convince his wife, Golde, their oldest daughter should marry her heart's desire, the tailor, not the butcher. It's a 67-minute wait in the wings. Hoffman plays the lady doing the waiting, Ariana Russo, a figurehead in Roselle Park Community Theater, now relegated to bit parts, trying to convince herself that there's no such thing as a small role. A flask of bourbon, which she has preemptively stashed backstage, helps her keep that thought. There's also a new but thoroughly briefed stage manager, Margo, whose job it is to keep her quiet, in line, and hooked up to her flight harness for her screeching streak across the stage. "I just love this role," Hoffman is quick to confess. "She's a lot like me. I think that's why I was drawn to it. It's very exciting to do. There's funny in it, and there's not funny. It's an emotional roller-coaster of a role. It has a truly tragicomic narrative. There's absolutely everything in it." It is easy to understand why Hoffman pounced on this part. Character actors of a certain age rarely get a shot at a star role. And, make no mistake about it, this Ariana Russo dominates her tiny portion of the backstage, stewing and kvetching till it is time for her to take off, gradually growing darker in her reflections. This opens a door to Hoffman's seldom-seen dramatic side. Jackie Hoffman and Kelly Kinsella in Fruma-Sarah (Waiting in the Wings) ( Hunter Canning) The Italian Russo, like the Jewish Hoffman, has done time on stage playing Yenta the matchmaker, and Russo thinks nothing about it. "Italians and Jews get cast to play each other all the time, and nobody knows the difference," the character shrugs matter-of-factly. "It's like Joy Behar." The National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene gave Hoffman, inexplicably, her very first shot at Fiddler. Directed by Joel Grey, the acclaimed Yiddish-language production played the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Lower Manhattan from July 4, 2018 to December 30, then bounced back six weeks later for extra innings at Stage 42 on West 42nd. Set in real time, Fruma-Sarah runs a total of 75 minutes. While Russo rants and raves and carries on to a tolerant audience of one, the show is going on simultaneously on stage. Not much of Joseph Stein's dialogue filters through the flats, but the orchestra brings the Jerry Bock-Sheldon Harnick songs into Russo's domain. She either sings along or criticizes the hell out of them. Playwright Smith has provided Hoffman with lots of laugh lines, which she delivers with her usual caustic bravado. The density of them is on par with her standup stuff, but the overall effect is quite different. "Most of the time, I'm sitting down," she points out, for startersnot only just sitting down, but overflowing in yards of rented cheesecloth and tethered to the fly system. "It's really a two-person play," says Hoffman. "I'm supported by a wonderful actress named Kelly Kinsella." Both women are allowed moments of vulnerable musings. At the end of Kinsella's one and only spiel, Hoffman pops up with "You know, you talk a lot"this after a fairly constant outpouring of Hoffman's sorrows. It gradually develops that Russo is a ghost playing a ghost. She has been abandoned by a gay husband and an argumentative daughter. To a certain extent, her community theater has left her out to dry in small roles where she can't do much damage. All she wants is for someone to believe in her, and, sadly, this comes down to an engaged audience. "Anyone who knows and loves theater will really enjoy this play," promises Hoffman. News featured Safe Haven Baby Box blessed at Central Fire Station Jeanette Anderton staff photos Conway firefighter Ty Ledbetter demonstrates how the Safe Haven Baby Box works at Central Fire Station on Wednesday. Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc., explains why the boxes are so important to her. Jeanette Anderton staff photo Greg Heigel (left) from Heigel Building Solutions donated the materials and labor to install the Safe Haven Baby Box, which was spearheaded by Conway firefighter Ty Ledbetter. The Safe Haven Baby Box, which allows parents to surrender an infant up to 30 days old anonymously, was blessed at Central Fire Station on Caldwell Street on Wednesday. Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc., shared a personal story explaining why the boxes were so important to her. In August 1972, a 17-year-old girl was brutally attacked and raped and left on the side of road. Abortion was illegal in our country then, even in the case of rape or incest. This 17-year-old girl was strong enough to press charges against the man who had raped her. He was arrested and charged, she said. When her life was finally getting back to normal, she finds out shes pregnant. She was hidden for remainder of pregnancy, taken out of high school. She gave birth in April 1973, and abandoned her child two hours after that child was born. That child was me. The box at Central Fire Station is the fifth in the state and the 75th in the nation. This gives women the option of anonymous surrender, Kelsey said. This box offers no shame, no blame and no names. Were the only organization in America today that is literally saving babies in boxes at fire stations and hospitals in multiple states. Firefighter Ty Ledbetter, who spearheaded bringing the box to Conway, thanked Mayor Bart Castleberry and CFD Chief Mike Winter for supporting the project. One of the biggest fears of mine was going up to Chief Winters office and telling him that we are going to try to tear a hole in the side of this building, he said with a laugh. This building is one of the oldest, most historic in Conway. Im very grateful for them allowing us to do this. Ledbetter said he was overwhelmed by the communitys generosity. This box was 100 percent funded by our community, and it was done in a matter of days. I fully expected it to take a year or more to raise the amount of money we needed to get the box here and get it installed, he said. This was not possible without Greg Heigel from Heigel Building Solutions. They did a spectacular job. Heigel Building Solutions donated the materials and labor to install the box. After the box was unveiled and blessed, Ledbetter demonstrated how it works for those present. One minute after the box is closed which gives the parent time to walk away if they dont want any face-to-face interaction when leaving the infant a loud alarm sounds throughout the fire station. Additionally, Ledbetter, Winter and other fire department personnel receive push notifications on their devices. First responders then assess the infant before turning the child over to one of two local hospitals. Conway Regional and Baptist Health-Conway have both partnered with the CFD in the initiative. Conway, AR (72032) Today Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. In this Monday, June 13, 2016 photo, graffiti is written on the side of a mobile home at the Little Farm trailer park in El Portal, Fla. In a city known for its glitzy, luxurious condo towers, affordable rental housing is hard to come by. Up for debate: Live legislation tracker Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics. Staff Reporter Nyamekye Daniel has been a journalist for five years. She was the managing editor for the South Florida Media Network and a staff writer for The Miami Times. Daniel's work has also appeared in the Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald and The New York Times. 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. The Scranton welcome sign, seen Oct. 30, 2019, was used in the The Office" and was re-located to the Marketplace at Steamtown shopping center to keep cars from stopping on the interstate for pictures. 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. Only voters living in Fire Districts #2 and #8 may vote in the August election. Laramie County Fire Districts #2 and #8 are holding an election for voters in areas served by the districts on Tues., Aug. 17, according to Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee. The election seeks voter approval for the consolidation or merger of the two fire districts into a single new district called Laramie County Fire Authority. The County Clerks office is conducting the election, which is only open to qualified electors living within the service areas of the two districts. Lee said eligible voters may vote by absentee ballot or at a polling place on Election Day. The Clerks office will begin mailing absentee ballots on July 19 to registered voters who request them. Absentee ballots can be requested by calling the Election office at 633-4242 or emailing election@laramiecountyclerk.com with the subject line Fire district absentee. When requesting an absentee ballot, voters need to provide their name as listed on the voter registration roll, date of birth, residential address in the county, and the address where the ballot is to be mailed. Absentee ballots for the fire district election must be returned to the Clerks office by 5 p.m. on Aug. 17. According to Lee, there are approximately 8700 registered voters in the fire district areas. Individuals can see what fire district they reside in by entering their address on the countys interactive site at https://maps.laramiecounty.com/myrep/ . A map of fire districts is also available at https://www.laramiecountywy.gov/_officials/CountyAssessor/_pdfs/2021/2021_FIRE_TAX_NBHD.pdf Persons not currently registered to vote may do so at the County Clerks election office in the Laramie County Governmental Complex at 309 W. 20th St. Applicants will be asked to provide their Wyoming drivers license and if they do not have one, they must provide the last four digits of their social security number and present another form of identification. Election Day voting for the fire district consolidation election takes place Aug. 17 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at two polling locations: Fire District #2 Headquarters, 5800 N College Dr. and Fire District #8, 1050 Road 210. Lee noted that due to passage of the states new voter ID law, voters must now present identification prior to casting their ballot at the polling place. Accepted identification includes Wyoming drivers license or ID card, tribal ID card, valid U.S. passport, U.S. military card, drivers license or ID card from another state, Wyoming student ID, valid Medicare or Medicaid insurance card. Residents who have questions about their voter registration status, their eligibility to vote in the fire district election, and the voter ID requirement may contact the County Clerks election office at 633-4242. For more information on the two fire districts, visit https://www.lcfd2.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/LaramiecoFD8/ . Call Fire District #2: 632-5400 or Fire District #8: 432-4332 Batavia, NY (14020) Today Cloudy with light rain this morning...then becoming partly cloudy. High 79F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. This is the temporary subscription pass for users returning from the Vision Data subscription process. Your subscription will be updated within 24 hours, after your information is verified. Please click the button below to get your pass. Oneonta, NY (13820) Today Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then cloudy with rain likely during the afternoon. High 68F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low near 60F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Oneonta, NY (13820) Today Showers this morning, becoming a steady rain during the afternoon hours. High 69F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks. Oil City, PA (16301) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A clear sky. Low near 60F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. News COVID spike poses greater risk to unvaccinated RALEIGH State health officials are again urging residents to get their vaccinations as an uptick in coronavirus cases is again gripping North Carolina. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is urging all unvaccinated North Carolinians to get a COVID-19 vaccine as cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been inching up across the state. North Carolinas early warning systems are showing more people going to the emergency department with COVID-like illness and elevated viral levels in wastewater in certain regions of the state. At the same time, the more infectious and potentially more dangerous Delta variant is rapidly spreading in North Carolina and across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified the Delta variant as a variant of concern because it spreads faster than current COVID-19 variants, and early studies have also shown a possible increased risk of hospitalization in people infected with the Delta variant. Dont wait to vaccinate. Serious illness, hospitalization, death and the long-term effects experienced by many who have had COVID-19 are preventable with vaccines, said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen. Protect yourself and those you love by getting vaccinated now. Since May, more than 99% of new cases in North Carolina have occurred in people who are not fully vaccinated. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is easy and safe. Vaccines are proven to be effective against COVID-19 and its variants. More than 150 million Americans have been safely vaccinated are protected from COVID-19 related hospitalization and death. North Carolinians can go to MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location. Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19, including against the Delta variant, said Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist. Nationwide, more than 50% of new cases are now caused by the Delta variant, and the number of Delta variant cases is rapidly increasing in North Carolina. While the states trends are far below where they were at the height of the pandemic, cases increased by 12% the week ending on July 3 compared to the previous seven days, and hospitalizations have increased by 8% over the past seven days. The states sampling of wastewater treatment plants also shows recent increasing of viral particles in four locations since June 24. In Rutherford County, the 14-day positivity rate has spiked to 5.3% (percentages over 5% warrant concern). Another local fatality has been recorded, marking the second within a week. The county still lags in its vaccination rate, with only 30% having been fully vaccinated while 32% county residents have gotten at least one vaccine dose, according to state data. Those who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccines must continue to practice the 3 Ws wearing a mask, waiting 6 feet from others and washing hands often to protect themselves, their families and their communities from the virus. People should also seek testing for COVID-19 if they develop COVID-like symptoms or if they have not yet been vaccinated and are exposed to someone who has COVID-19. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for children over the age of 12, and NCDHHS has provided safety guidelines for schools to keep children safe, in addition to mask requirements in schools and other specific settings. K-12 public schools can also participate in the COVID-19 Rapid Testing in Schools Program to provide on-site testing at no cost to parents, staff or the district. (L-R) Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, and and Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 22, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) 21 GOP Attorneys General Send Biden Letter Opposing EEOC Transgender Guidance A group of more than 20 Republican state Attorneys General addressed a letter to President Joe Biden Wednesday, opposing new radical guidance on access to gender-specific bathrooms. Led by Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slattery, the coalition in their letter (pdf) pushed back against guidance from the Biden Administration on how businesses and schools regulate bathroom use by transgender individuals. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on June 15 published the legal guidance on the anniversary of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that expanded protections for LGBT employees under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agency enforces federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Title VII, which specifically protects workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In its guidance last month, the EEOC advised that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workers cannot be required by employers to follow dress codes or use bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex. It warns that the intentional and repeated failure to use an employees preferred pronouns may contribute to an unlawful hostile work environment. The EEOCs guidance also states that an employer may not discriminate against a potential or current LGBTQ worker on the basis that clients or customers would prefer to work with those with a different gender identity or sexual orientation. Slatery said that the newly released guidance goes well beyond what was ordered by the high court. By unilaterally plunging ahead with these sweeping dictates, the Biden administration harms the rule of law and undermines the legitimacy of these executive agencies, he wrote. With respect to pronouns, the EEOCs guidance comes across as an effort to leverage the authority of the federal government to chill protected speech disfavored by your administration, the attorneys general wrote. The Tennessee AG also said that the legal guidance could affect millions of people across the United States. The red state coalition says the EEOC chose to disregard the rule of law and precluded public notice and participation in the regulatory process. Other signatories of the letter include the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. Federal agencies do not have the authority to unilaterally change laws. That is the exclusive prerogative of Congress, wrote Slatery. Actions like these exclude the voices, votes, and participation of the people and their representatives, which is neither right nor constitutional. The EEOC and the White House didnt immediately respond to requests for comment by The Epoch Times. 5th-Graders in Chicago to Have Access to Free Condoms Under New Sex-Ed Policy A new sex education policy at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the nations third-largest public school district, will provide free condoms to students as young as 10 years old. The policy (pdf), which was approved by the board of education but wasnt fully implemented due to school closures, requires every school teaching grade fifth and up to have a condom availability program. There are currently over 600 schools in the CPS system, most of which serve students in fifth grade and older. Each elementary school will receive 250 condoms initially, while high schools will receive 1,000, according to Chicago Sun-Times. When a school runs out of condoms, principals will be responsible for asking the school district and the citys health department for a restock. 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 school district explained. The CPS also noted that the policy is medically accurate, culturally, developmentally, and age appropriate, and guided by anti-racist pedagogy, although it is not immediately clear how the availability of free condoms among middle school students helps mitigate racism. Similarly, the policy also requires schools to make female menstrual hygiene products available for free in at least one bathroom in the school building. Kenneth Fox, a veteran pediatrician and the top health official at the CPS, said in an interview with Chicago Sun-Times that students, despite their young age, have the right to make healthy decisions and need resources to protect their health and the health of others. When you dont have those protections and dont make those resources available then bad stuff happens to young people, Fox said. You have elevated risks of sexually transmitted infections, of unintended pregnancies, and thats very preventable stuff. I would expect that not everybody is going to be completely on board right from the start, but I do think society has changed, he added. The plan, which is set to be enacted next month when the CPS fully reopens all its schools, has left some parents confused. They are 10 years old, 11, 12. They are kids. So why is CPS thinking about providing condoms? Maria Serrano, a parent whose daughter is a sophomore, told Chicago Sun-Times. 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. Alaskan Motorist Spots Baby Moose Unable to Cross Guardrail to Reunite With Mom, Lends a Hand A courageous outdoorsman in Alaska saved the day by helping a moose calf over a guardrail to reunite with its mom in early Juneand photos taken during the wildlife interaction went viral. Joe Tate and his friends were driving back from a fishing expedition at Ninilchik when they came across a line of cars stopped for a moose mother near Clam Gulch. Drawing nearer, they noticed a baby moose struggling to get over the guardrail; vehicles had stopped to give the baby some time, backing up traffic. It was tired, Tate told KTUU. It was very young. Maybe a week and half old. The group watched the baby moose struggling in vain back and forth, yet failing to traverse the rail. Soon, traffic had backed up for about a mile on both sides; Tate and his friends decided to do something to remedy the situation. They maneuvered their trailer between the moose and her calf, blocking her line of sight to prevent alarming her while they helped the baby. Another driver did the same on the other side of the road. Tate approached the baby moose, hoisted it up with his arms, and hefted it over the guardrail safely to the other side. They took a risk by approaching the wild animal, but it was ultimately successful. It was calculated, said Tate. It was something we kind of looked at and talked about before we did it. It worked out for the best. And it could have gone bad and I understand and know that. But it did go for the best, and it was worth the risk I took. Meanwhile, motorist Andrea Cordova managed to catch the courageous act on camera as Tate assisted the calf to reunite with its mother. She later took to Facebook and posted the shots, and they attracted thousands of reactions online. Facebook user John Algee commented, Talk about a good man; this is a good example how people created in the image of God, treats animal created by God, says a lot about people. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter A statue of former Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald is pictured on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 3, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Archives Canada Deletes Offensive and Redundant Historical Biographies of Former Prime Ministers Historical biographies of former Canadian prime ministers have been deleted from the Library and Archives Canada website because they are offensive or redundant and dont reflect the countrys modern-day diversity and multiculturalism. The Prime Ministers of Canada webpage, while still including photographs of prime ministers from John A. Macdonald in the late 1880s through to Stephen Harper in 2006, will now only yield an error 404 not found search result to the biographies of the former leaders. An announcement dated June 29 says Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has been conducting a spring cleaning and has deleted redundant or outdated web content, including the First Among Equals: The Prime Minister In Canadian Life And Politics webpage. A series of historical biographies of former prime ministers has been removed from the Library and Archives Canada website. Content deemed redundant or outdated has been deleted from the website as of July 7, 2021. (Screenshot) Another section of the LAC website explains that outdated content will be removed or rewritten to correct anything offensive. Our current website contains information that was written many years ago. Unfortunately, it does not always reflect our diverse and multicultural country, often presenting only one side of Canadas history. LAC acknowledges that some of its online presence is offensive and continues to correct these issues, it says. According to an archived version of the website, the First Among Equals site replaced two earlier sites from 1996. The main exhibit of the new site, which was on display from May 20, 1994, to Jan. 3, 1995, attracted over 27,000 visitors and was thought to be the most popular in NAC history. The site examines our leaders political careers as well as their private lives. It also sheds light on Canadians perceptions of our prime ministers, states the archived webpage. From Macdonald to Harper, our political leaders are twenty-two individuals who have made a difference, shaping Canadas identity, sometimes in profound ways. In June, LAC removed a different biography of Macdonald, Canadas first prime minister. Last October, The Toronto Star reported that the biography failed to mention Macdonalds role in establishing the residential school system. Macdonalds webpage was pulled after members of the Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation community in May announced the discovery of the remains of 215 indigenous children at the location of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia. Library and Archives has also deleted a childrens version of First Among Equals, a website introducing the War of 1812 fought between Canada and the United States, and a poetry archive. The Epoch Times reached out to National Archives for comment, but didnt receive a response. Arizona Gov. Ducey Signs Bill to Prohibit Teaching of Critical Race Theory Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill into law on Friday preventing local governments from teaching critical race theory (CRT), a quasi-Marxist ideology at the center of a cultural tug-of-war between parents and school districts nationwide. The measure, known as Arizona House Bill 2906, will prohibit the state and any local governments from requiring their employees to engage in orientation, training or therapy that suggest an employee is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously, said Duceys office in a statement. The bill was passed in the House 31-25, while the Senate passed it in a 16-12 vote, according to online records. Ducey signed a separate bill last week that aims to bar the teaching of CRT in schools. The law says that schools cant teach that one race or ethnic group is superior to another and cannot claim that a person is racist because of their race. While some critics of the push to end CRT say that its not Marxist, others have pointed out that it is an outgrowth from the earlier critical theory, which was originally a European Marxist school of thought. According to the Legal Insurrection Foundations Criticalrace.org, CRT differs from the Civil Rights movement because its proponents challenge the very foundations of the liberal order, such as rationalism, constitutional law, and legal reasoning. Critical race theorists argue that American social life, political structures, and economic systems are founded upon race, which (in their view) is a social construct, the site says, noting that CRT is often associated with the so-called anti-racist movement. Systemic racism, in the eyes of critical race theorists, stems from the dominance of race in American life, it further states, adding that such ideologues believe such systems need to be dismantled. Other critics, meanwhile, have described CRT as merely the application of Marxist class struggle along racial lines, with CRT proponents denigrating white people as oppressors and Western culture as oppressive. In one instance in Loudon County, Virginia, amid a parental pushback against the schools CRT curriculum, one father said it actually increases racial tensions as opposed to bringing people together and treating everyone the same and treating people the way they themselves should be treated. Earlier this year, a Loudon school board advisory committee recommended firing teachers who opposed the mandated CRT-based equity training. Anti-racist advocates in Loudon then reportedly started allegedly started making lists of parents who opposed the programs. But proponents of CRT, including some school board members and the head of the American Federation of Teachers, have claimed that it teaches the honest history about race relations in the United States. Theyve also asserted that parents who have pushed back against critical race theory are misleading other parents and have mischaracterized curriculum that touches on racism as CRT. Some in the media have alleged that these parents are playing into the hands of Republicans, who are trying to win back Congress in the 2022 midterms. And several school boards have begun to employ a strategy claiming CRT opponents are trying to censor what teachers can say in classrooms or make them not teach certain historical topics such as Jim Crow laws, slavery, or the treatment of Native Americans. However, those who support anti-CRT legislation and mandates said the laws do not discourage critical thinking or bar teachers from teaching about slavery, Jim Crow, or other controversial aspects of U.S. history. Daniel J. Miller, 61, of Parks, Ariz., and his dog Buddy go for a walk on July 8 in front of their house. Miller said he won't take the COVID-19 vaccine even if federal employees come knocking at his door. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Arizona Lawmaker Advises People to Put up No Trespassing Signs to Deter Door-to-Door Vaccine Checks At age 61, Daniel J. Miller of Parks, Arizona, says theres no way hes ever going to take the COVID-19 shoteven if the government comes knocking at his door. It isnt just a matter of his religious beliefs and faith in his own natural immune system that emboldens him, its a matter of personal choice and medical privacy, Miller says. So when the Biden administration announced earlier this week that its considering sending people door to door to persuade the unvaccinated, Millers reaction was, Hes got to be out of his mind. [President Joe Biden] is way out of bounds, Miller said. Theres no reason for him to say take the shot just because he thinks you should. Its your body, not his. Earlier this week, Biden lobbied for higher numbers of Americans to get vaccinated even if it means going community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oft-times door to door, literally knocking on doors. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich was quick to respond. In a July 6 letter to the Biden administration, Brnovich said he was greatly alarmed by remarks indicating the possible use of medical records to obtain contact information on Americans who havent been vaccinated. If this is the case, this is a severe breach of privacy, and I will not tolerate such intrusions within Arizona, Brnovich wrote. Arizona state Sen. Kelly Townsend, a Republican, advised Arizona residents to put up no trespassing signs to ward off government compliance checkers. I have spoken to local law enforcement, and if you dont want the Federal government on your property asking about vaccines, they advise you to post a no trespassing sign in a visible location. This is a prerequisite to [being] able to charge someone for being there against your will, Townsend wrote on Twitter on July 7. Arizona GOP Chairwoman Dr. Kelli Ward suggested a more personal touch with signs for vaccine compliance checkers to stay away. Who thinks we will see a surge in No Trespassing signs? Ward wrote in a Twitter post. And could/should they be individualized to specifically prohibit people from harassing you about vaccinations? And why doesnt #HIPAA &/or the #4A already prevent this [government] harassment? Isnt our health info private? At present, approximately 157.9 million Americans, or 47.9 percent of the total population, have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That percentage is well below Bidens July 4 national goal of 70 percent. In Arizona, 43.6 percent have been fully vaccinated against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, with nearly 5 million vaccine doses having been administered. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Arizona has surpassed 18,000 residents, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Delta variant of the virus now makes up more than half of all COVID-19 cases in the United States. As of June 23, the nation surpassed 600,000 total deaths from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC noted that its closely monitoring what it calls variants of concern, such as the Delta variant. These variants have mutations in the virus genome that alter the characteristics or cause the virus to act differently in ways that are significant to public health, and may cause more severe disease, spread more easily between humans, require different treatments, or change the effectiveness of current vaccines. As state and federal health officials continue to push for more people to get vaccinated, vaccine hesitancy has stymied those efforts. Arizona state Rep. John Fillmore, a Republican, described any attempts by the government to harass people to get vaccinated as ludicrous. Its scaryand its a harbinger of things to come from this administration, said Fillmore, who hasnt been vaccinated against COVID-19. If someone comes to my door asking if Ive been vaccinated, Im going to shut the door on them, Fillmore said. Its a violation of privacy. Are they going to mark us? Put a big white star out in front [of our homes]? Come back in the middle of the night and take us away? What it does to me is it instills fear that down the road theyre going to mandate something. Miller, like Fillmore, also fears government overreach and more coercive measures to force vaccine acceptance. Way more forceful measures, Miller said. Theyre not going to give me the shot. Louann Crandall, 57, of Phoenix, said she refuses to take the shot based on her personal religious beliefs. Id tell them to get out of here. Theyre invading my privacy. Im not getting [the shot], Crandall said. I didnt get a shot when I had the Hong Kong flu. My son and his fiancee got [the COVID-19 vaccine] and they got really sick. Youre going to have to tie me down and give it to me. Im not going to take it voluntarily. Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs removes a mask as she speaks to members of Arizona's Electoral College prior to them casting their votes in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 14, 2020. (Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo) Arizona Secretary of State Seeks Probe of Trump, Giuliani Arizonas secretary of state wants the states attorney general to investigate whether former President Donald Trump and several allies broke the law when they tried pressuring Maricopa County officials to intervene in election certification and counting efforts in late 2020. Phone calls and texts from Trump, his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward may have violated state law that makes it a felony to knowingly interfere in any manner with an election officer, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, told Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, in a letter this week. The law also says people commit a felony when they try inducing an election officer to violate or refuse to comply with the officers duty or any law regulating the election. Hobbs pointed out how Ward told Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman, a Republican who was chair of the Board of Supervisors at the time, to stop the counting, according to documents and audio from the county obtained by the Arizona Republic. She said that was a clear effort to induce supervisors to comply with their election-related duties, which include overseeing the counting of ballots. Hobbs said she has also obtained the records and will provide them to Brnovich to aid in an investigation. We have received the Secretary of States letter and have no further comment at this time, Katie Conner, a spokeswoman for Brnovichs office, told The Epoch Times in an email. The Arizona Republican Party, Giuliani, and Trumps office did not return requests for comment. Hickman declined an interview request through a spokesperson, who confirmed that Giuliani and Ward contacted him in the wake of the election. The White House operator also left a voicemail with Hickman, asking that he respond to speak with Trump. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors are seen during a meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., on Oct. 23, 2019. (Jonathan J. Cooper/AP Photo) Supervisors Steve Chucri and Bill Gates, both Republicans, did not respond to requests for comment. They were also contacted by Ward and Giuliani. Hickman told the Republic that he did not want to speak to Trump because he thought the former president would try pressuring him to change the election results. He was worried communicating with Trump, who called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger late last year to ask him to probe alleged election fraud, would be improper. I didnt want to walk into that space, Hickman said. Im not going to tape a president, so Im not going to talk to a president I didnt want to have a very rough call to my home on a Sunday night. I got a phone call from the White House switchboard, and I have to say it: All of these people that called me, it wasnt stonewalling. We were in litigation at all these points. Whatever needed to be said, needed to be said in a courtroom in front of a judge or a jury, he added during an appearance on CNNs Cuomo Prime Time. Hickman said he conveyed to Trumps campaign that Trump shouldnt get in touch. I said, Just do me a favor. I cant talk to anyone while this is being litigated, he said. Maricopa County faced multiple lawsuits after the election. The county battled with the Arizona Senate in court for months before a judge ruled the county needed to comply with subpoenas that ordered officials to turn over election materials such as ballots. Auditors hired by the Senate have been conducting an audit of the materials for months. Theyre nearing completion of the effort and expect to issue a report on what they found in August. The county Board of Supervisors does not support the audit and asserts the election was well-run, referencing a post-election hand count of a sampling of ballots and a risk-limiting audit. Founded in 1932, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show has garnered a critically-acclaimed reputation as one of the finest outdoor art exhibitions in the nation. This year, the pageant format has been modified to showcase 120 artists, down from 2019s show that included 140 artisans. (Courtesy of Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts) Artistic Revival on Display with Return of Popular Arts Festival LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.For many artists juried into the famed Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts for its 2021 summer-long exhibition, emerging from the 15-month pandemic shutdowns is an opportunity to reunite and reconnect with fellow artists, friends, and clientele. Making up for the lost year, it will also be a time to forge relationships and engage new patrons as they visit the legendary open-air festival grounds. Founded in 1932, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show has garnered a critically-acclaimed reputation as one of the finest outdoor art exhibitions in the nation. This year, the pageant format has been modified to showcase 120 artists, down from 2019s show that included 140 artisans. In my opinion, the new venue layout is better, its less cramped, and overall, I think it provides a better representation of the artists, similar to the way it was when the festival started, fine jewelry designer Troels Larsen told The Epoch Times. After the 15-month pandemic void, for Larsen and many of the artisans in this years festival, having the opportunity to engage with the public in person provides them with the grassroots marketing and networking opportunities critical for them to build business and keep creating their art. For me, its where I generate new clients, I get to talk to people, the festival is the perfect venue to start up conversations with people Ive not met before, Larsen said. By being there, I develop relationships with customers, future clients, and I have a lot of clients that come back and see me each year. You get to know people, which is really cool. Larsen said artists being able to personally explain their medium or materials, philosophy, vision, and inspiration is key to both selling work as well as creating a more vibrant, memorable experience for festivalgoers. Its best if you can be there to explain your work, what materials are being used, and answer questions for people, Larsen said. I love to be there myself because its educational. For example, Ive worked with a bunch of different gemstones, there are many different facets to the jewelry, so its fun for me to give them a little talk about the different stones, the history and where they came from, how rare they might be. I enjoy it and I meet so many different people from all over the world. Larsen said his jewelry, and art in general, is an international business. Ive met people from India, Sri Lanka, Africa, and South America. The Festival of Arts opened July 5 and will run through Sept. 3. On weekdays, the grounds will be open 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and on weekends, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Return of Tableaux Vivants Running simultaneously with the Festival of Arts is the equally-renowned Pageant of the Masters, 90-minute tableaux vivants (living pictures) that depict startlingly realistic recreations of classical and contemporary works of art with real people posing to look exactly like those in the original pieces. Ensconced in its Laguna Canyon hillside amphitheater, the show is accompanied by a professional orchestra, original musical scores, live narration, intricate and sophisticatedly lit sets, all brought to life by experienced staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. The Pageants 2021 theme is Made in America, a tribute to the artists who were revolutionaries, innovators, dreamers, and patriots who made the United States their home and let their creativity be inspired by the freedoms upon which the nation was founded. The theme is also a nod to the innovative artists and community members who originally founded the event in the then-tiny coastal art colony of Laguna Beach in 1933. American masters that will be showcased include artists Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Norman Rockwell, Daniel Chester French, Luis Jimenez, and John Nieto. The Pageant of the Masters will also run through Sept. 3. The crowd reacts near the Petionville Police station where armed men, accused of being involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, are being detained in Port au Prince on July 8, 2021. (Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images) As a President Is Assassinated, There Is No Worst in Haiti Commentary My memory for poetry is poor, but a half-line from the great innovative religious poet of the second half of the 19th century, Gerard Manley Hopkins, sticks in my mind: No worst, there is none. A fuller quote is as follows: No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief, More pangs will, schooled at forepangs, wilder wring. Comforter, where is your comforting? Hopkins thought not only that there was always worse suffering possible than that which anybody actually suffered (that is to say, there could always be worse, there was no worst), but that the greatest suffering anyone experienced was of purely psychological origin: O the mind, mind has mountains; cliffs of fall Frightful, sheer, no man-fathomed. Dying in 1889, he didnt live to experience the historical horrors of the 20th century, when sheer human malignity produced depths of suffering that could hardly be exceeded. It was the achievement of figures such as Lenin, Hitler, Mao, and Pol Pot to demonstrate that there was indeed a worst. It was as if they had set out to prove Hopkins wrong: a curious ambition for dictators. Whenever I think of Haiti, whose president has just been assassinated, I think of Hopkinss half-line: no worst, there is none. Haitis whole history seems to have been a refutation of Hopkinss poem. Its as if the country were determined to prove that the reason there is no worst is because there are many worststhat the worst comes in many guises. When I first visited in the early 1980s, Haiti was one of the three Hs that were associated with the new epidemic of that time: AIDS. The three Hs were homosexuals, hemophiliacs, and Haitians. The spread of AIDS was rapid, and since there was no cure, only prevention was possible. That included having as little contact with Haiti and Haitians as possible. Tourism to Haiti ceased. It so happened that on my return from Haiti, I fell very ill. I had a high fever and had never experienced a headache like it, nor have I since. I was treated in the hospital much as a patient suspected of suffering from Ebola would be today, by people in spacesuits. I recovered spontaneously: I had suffered from a mosquito-borne virus. Baby DocJean-Claude Duvalierhad just been overthrown. He was a pale shadow of his father, the notorious and sinister Papa Doc, Jean-Francois Duvalier. Papa Doc had once worked for the Rockefeller Institute but really preferred voodoo, and proved that doctors dont necessarily make the best heads of state. Surely, after many years of what was called Duvalierism, things couldnt get worse? Ah, but they could, and they did, though in a slightly different way. When I returned with my wife about 10 years later, Haiti was much pooreror perhaps I should say, its poverty seemed much more desperate, which isnt quite the same thing. On my first evening back in the country, we went to a little restaurant with a terrace open to the road. There was a grille between the street and the terrace. When we sat down to a stew of scrawny chicken (delicious nonetheless), small starving children arrived and poked their thin hands and arms through the grille to try to grab the food from our plates. The owner, a woman, shooed them away with a broom as if they had been large flies. Even more of the countryside had been eroded into a kind of desert (when you flew from the Dominican Republic, you could see the border from 35,000 feet, green on one side and brown on the other). As the population increased, so the production of food decreased, or it seemed so. Yet, oddly enough, the capital city of Port-au-Prince was safe enough. Money changers, standing in the rotting-garbage-filled streets, had great wads of notes and people saw us change dollars for gourdes, without there being any suggestion that we might be robbed. Now the gangs were in charge. On my first visit, I had visited a remarkable American medical missionary, Dr. William Hodges, in the small town of Limbe in the north of the country. He and his wife were very welcoming, and I had a pleasant evening with them. Hodges, who spent much more than half of his life in Haitibecoming a citizenwas also a keen archaeologist and discovered the site of an early Spanish settlement on the north coast of Haiti. When my wife and I visited him about 10 years later, I realized at once that it was a mistake to have done so. Hodges had told me all those years ago that he wanted to retire and concentrate on his archaeology, but medical conditions had deteriorated to such an extent in the meantime that he had to continue his medical work. He was surrounded by scores of patients, all in urgent need of attention. He was working more than 12 hours a day, at age 70, and was clearly at the point of exhaustionhe died within a year. Our visit, far from welcome, was a frivolous intrusion. Hodges was later the object of disgraceful slurs in a book titled The Immaculate Invasion, in which he was accused practically of racketeering. What was clear was that the desperation of the country, which I had supposed as great as possible when I had first visited it, had increased enormously. Ever afterward, when my wife and I had an argument over a trifle, we would say to one another, Remember Dr. Hodges, and that would calm us immediately by putting things into perspective. Yet the travails of Haiti were far from over. Apart from what, when viewed in context, one might call the normal political disasters that have attended its history ever since it won its independence from France in 1804, there was a devastating earthquake followed by a cholera epidemic and a hurricane of terrible proportions. The damage caused by the earthquake was in large part the consequence of poverty and negligence: Chile has suffered earthquakes of much greater severity, with only a fraction of the damage. As for the cholera epidemic, it was brought by U.N. peacekeeping troops from Nepal, a fact that was concealed by a kind of international conspiracy that included the U.N., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the major medical journals, though it fooled no one in Haiti. Massive foreign aid after these catastrophes did what it often does: increase political competition within the recipient country for members of the political class to get their hands on the loot as the surest way to quick wealth. In short, billions of dollars disappeared without any benefit coming to the impoverished. The numbers of the latter increased enormously, by at least a factor of two since I first visited, as if in an attempt to prove Malthuss theory right: that population increases faster than the means to support it. Haitians awareness of, and humiliation at, their own poverty increased thanks to improved information technology, thus adding a further layer of desperation to an already desperate situation. Like everyone who goes to Haiti, I developed a strong affection for the county; yetno worst, there is none. Theodore Dalrymple is a retired doctor. He is contributing editor of the City Journal of New York and the author of 30 books, including Life at the Bottom. His latest book is Embargo and Other Stories. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Suspects in the assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise, among them Haitian-American citizens James Solages, left, and Joseph Vincent, second left, are shown to the media at the General Direction of the police in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, July 8, 2021. Moise was assassinated in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn) At Least 2 American Citizens Arrested for Assassination of Haitis President: Officials At least two American citizens were arrested for the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise earlier this week, officials said. Officials said in a news conference two Haitian-Americans allegedly involved in the plot were identified as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55. Four of the other men are from Colombia, authorities said. All six suspects were photographed sitting down in zip-tie handcuffs during a press conference that was live-streamed by interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph on Facebook. Leon Charles, the chief of Haitis National Police, told The Associated Press that law enforcement was looking for another eight suspects. Solages was identified as a resident of South Florida, reported Local10, citing family members. Schubert Dorisme, of Tamarac, Florida, told the outlet Solages is his wifes nephew and has known him for several years. Dorisme said Solages often travels to Haiti to do charity work and visit his parents. #NEW: Facebook Live from interim Prime Minister @claudejoseph03 shows more than a dozen suspects in custody following the assassination of Haitian president #JovenelMoise. Haitian-American, James Solages of South Florida, is seen in t-shirt and khakis in the video. @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/qZBqOgdVWI Ryan Nelson (@RyanNelsonTV) July 9, 2021 My son killed my brother! Thats the way I feel like my son killed my brother because I love my president and I love James Solages, Dorisme told the outlet, although he doesnt believe Solages was involved in the assassination plot. Regarding his charity work, he added: Yeah, he helped in Haiti there is no way that thing would happen. Thats why I say probably somebody else used him. I mean, we cannot believe it. I love my president I dont think so. I dont think hes capable to do these things. I think somebody used him, Dorisme said. According to online records, Solanges appeared to had previously worked as a security guard. But his family members said claims he was in the military are not true. He doesnt have military training, Dorisme added. He wasnt in the military. Joseph said that Moise, 53, was killed during a highly coordinated attack by a highly trained and heavily armed group, reported The Associated Press. Meanwhile, a judge told local news outlets that the president was shot about a dozen times. On Thursday, video footage surfaced online showing a mob of people capturing two of the alleged assassins before beating them and dragging them through the streets of Port-au-Prince, the capital. Another video showed the suspects being taken away by police. They killed the president! Give them to us! Were going to burn them! the mob shouted. That prompted calls for calm on behalf of Leon, who said citizens shouldnt resort to vigilante justice. I told them to stop. We need evidence, Leon said, according to the Times of London. The Epoch Times has contacted the Department of State for comment. This photo taken on December 10, 2020 shows a basket of live western rock lobsters to be purchased directly from the boat to customers lined up on the wharf, in Fremantle in Fremantle in Western Australia. (Trevor Collens/AFP via Getty Images) Aussie Lobster Grey Trade Thrives as Smugglers Circumvent Beijing Bans Chinese e-commerce platforms and wet markets are circumventing Beijings unofficial ban on Australian lobster imports by offering the popular delicacy for sale to Chinese consumers. Driven by strong demand, the lobster grey trade is thriving, with importers moving the Australian goods to Hong Kong and then into Mainland China via waterways. In May, Chinese police found over 569kg worth of lobster during a raid, with an estimated street value of US$19,300. The shellfish were found along with typical goods preferred by smugglers including handbags, jewellery, shark fin, and smartphones. In another instance, Chinese police seized 100 boxesweighing 1,274kgcontaining the famous Western Rock Lobster. The street value of the crustacean was estimated to be US$46,500, according to the South China Morning Post. The increasing regularity of shellfish appearing in the grey marketwhich technically is not illegalcoincides with the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) wide-ranging economic coercion campaign against Australian exports. This lobster grey trade comes after Chinese customs held up several tonnes of live exports in November 2020 on airport tarmacs, after new testing regimens were implemented and carried out to check for elements of minerals or metals. Subsequently, several shipments of the live crustacean were left to die. Australian exporters were quick to divert or halt trade altogether, fearing Beijing had turned its angry sights on the lobster trade. Fueled by anger at the Australian government for calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak in April 2020, the CCP has targeted a range of Australian exports via suspensions and tariffs. Australian exports such as coal, beef, barley, lobster, timber, lamb, and cotton were swept up in the campaign. But figures from peak industry body Western Rock Lobster have revealed that despite Beijings retaliatory bans, exports to Hong Kong ballooned from December 2020 onwards. Prior to that, monthly exports to Hong Kong were negligible, but by April 2021 they had reached a new high of over 400 tonnes. A similar dynamic played out with Australian wine exports, with figures from Wine Australia revealing that despite a drop in trade to China, trade to Hong Kong increased by 55 percent. For smugglers in Hong Kong, once the goods arrive in the city, the waterways are the most popular way of moving goods to Mainland China. Smugglers can use speedboats and visit any one of the numerous ports or piers that stretch along the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, which is home to over 71 million people. Once the goods cross the border into China, the lobsters can be transported further inland. As a result, major online e-commerce sites Xianyu and Taobao are still able to offer Australian lobsters to Chinese customers. Then-Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping toast during a State Luncheon for China hosted by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Department of State in Washington on Sept. 25, 2015. (Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images) White House: No Plans Yet for Second Phone Call Between Biden, Chinese Leader Xi WASHINGTONThe Biden administration is communicating with senior Chinese officials, but there are no immediate plans to host a second phone call between the president and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the White House said on July 9. Certainly, we are in touch, at a very high level, with Chinese leaders. In terms of an upcoming call with President Xi, I dont have anything to predict on that front, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a press briefing, in response to a question by The Epoch Times. President Joe Biden held his first official phone call with the Chinese leader on February 10. A month later, senior diplomats from both countries met for talks in Alaska, an engagement now remembered for the public tongue-lashing given by the Chinese officials. Since then, Biden has embarked on a campaign of rallying allies in Europe and elsewhere to jointly confront global threats posed by the communist regime, as well as its rampant human rights abuses. These actions have been met with scorn by Chinese Communist Party officials. Last month, national security adviser Jake Sullivan also said that the White House was planning to step up engagement with China in coming months in some ways to take stock of where both countries are in their relationship and to ensure some kind of direct communication that Biden has found valuable with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden will look for opportunities to engage with President Xi going forward, Sullivan said during a press call on June 17. He also didnt rule out the possibility of a meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming Group of Twenty (G20) summit in October. We dont have any particular plans at the moment, but I would note that both leaders are likely to be at the G20 in Italy in October. So I will leave it at that for now, he said. The Financial Times on June 23 reported that Biden was planning to launch the next phase of his China policy and hence was pushing for high-level meetings, according to sources familiar with the matter. Its unclear whether Biden will exert more pressure on China to address issues surrounding human rights, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Biden last month criticized Beijings intensifying repression in Hong Kong after the forced closure of Apple Daily, a major pro-democracy newspaper. The president also has ordered a closer intelligence review on the origins of the COVID-19, including whether the pandemic was the result of a laboratory leak. In a speech last week marking the centenary of the Chinese Communist Partys founding, Xi said that foreign forces would get their heads bashed if they attempted to bully China. He added that the regime would smash any attempts from self-ruled Taiwan to claim formal independence. His speech came after Washington resumed trade talks with Taiwan on June 29, despite objections from Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the democratic island. Psaki didnt confirm any summit with Xi but said, I know that G20 summit is coming up right around Halloween, but that is quite some time from now in terms of the planning and what other events may or may not be around it. Nicole Hao and Eva Fu contributed to this report. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that there were talks between the United States and China about a second call between Biden and Xi. The Epoch Times regrets the error. (L) President Joe Biden waits to speak as he visits the Sportrock Climbing Centers in Alexandria, Va., on May 28, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) (R) Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting with members of the Council of Legislators of the Federal Assembly, at the Tauride Palace, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on April 27, 2021. (Alexei Danichev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Warns Putin on Russian-Based Ransomware Attacks President Joe Biden on Friday said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and warned him about a spate of ransomware attacks on businesses and infrastructure that allegedly originate from the country. In remarks to reporters, Biden said that officials do not believe the ransomware attacks are state-sponsored. However, he said that the United States would take action against the Kremlin. I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil, even though its not, not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is, the president said. According to a White House readout of the phone call with Putin, Biden said he would take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge. Last week, a ransomware attack targeting software firm Kaseya impacted as many as 1,500 businesses, including a number of small businesses. Reports have suggested that the Russia-based group REvil is behind it, but that detail hasnt yet been confirmed publicly by any federal officials. We have set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate to one another when each of us thinks something is happening in the other country that affects the home country. It went well, I went optimistic, Biden added of his phone call with Putin. Biden didnt provide any details about what punitive action would be taken against Russia should more ransomware attacks occur. President Biden also spoke with President Putin about the ongoing ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia that have impacted the United States and other countries around the world, said the White Houses readout of the phone call between the two leaders. President Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware. Tensions between the United States and Russia have increased since Biden took over in January amid several high-profile security breaches of U.S. infrastructure. The Colonial Pipeline that delivers fuel to the East Coast was disrupted following a multimillion-dollar ransomware attack, while meat processor JBS Foods was hit with a similar attack. Both breaches were attributed to Eastern European cybercriminal gangs. Prior to that, federal officials pinned the monthslong SolarWinds cyberattack, which impacted several U.S. agencies, on Russian malign actors. California Judge Rules That Shooting Victims Can Sue Gun Manufacturer A California judge ruled that victims of a 2019 shooting in San Diego that left one dead and three wounded can sue the manufacturer of a rifle and the gun shop that sold it. Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel ruled (pdf) Wednesday that the victims and families in the shooting in Poway, California, can file a lawsuit against Smith & Wesson, one of the largest gun manufacturers in the world, over alleged negligence. Lawyers for Smith & Wesson argued that the lawsuit was barred by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a federal law that shields gun manufacturers and sellers from liability. The 2005 law prohibits arms manufacturers and dealers from being sued over crimes that were committed with their products, although there are exceptions to the rule. The plaintiffs in the suit alleged that the gun maker violated California state law by designing the M&P15 riflesimilar to the popular AR-15 rifleso that it can be easily modified. The suit, which is backed by the gun-control group Brady Center, also claimed Smith & Wessons marketing attracted impulsive young men with military complexes who were particularly likely to be attracted to the unique ability of AR-15 style weapons, according to reports. Medel also ruled that the gun shop, San Diego Guns, could be sued for selling a weapon to the alleged shooter, John Earnest, who the plaintiffs claimed was only 19 years old and lacked a hunting license that would have exempted him from Californias 21-year minimum age to purchase a gun. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit also claimed Earnests parents negligently facilitated their sons (the shooters) ability to gain access to one or more pieces of weaponry/tactical equipment used in the incident, upon information and belief, having prior knowledge of his propensity for violence. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an injunction requiring Smith & Wesson to stop its allegedly deceptive marketing campaign and to change its distribution and sales practices. Smith & Wesson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The Epoch Times also reached out to San Diego Guns for comment. At the time the lawsuit was filed last year, pro-Second Amendment group San Diego County Gun Owners described the suit as asinine. Michael Schwartz, the executive director of the group, said that the plaintiffs and the Brady Center are blaming the gun shop and manufacturer for the actions of a highly disturbed monster. Schwartz added: The manufacturer is no more to blame than Ford or Chrysler is to blame for drunk driving. They are also legally protected by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This is settled law which makes naming them as plaintiffs frivolous. I hope the victims are able to find peace through other means rather than following the advice of those who only want profit. The Supreme Court, which has rarely taken up Second Amendment cases in recent years, on April 26 agreed to hear a dispute over New York states gun laws that could broaden gun rights in the United States. The case involves New York states ban on carrying handguns in public without a permit. Reuters contributed to this report. On right, Paul Hodgkins seen inside the Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. On left, Hodgkins seen in an undated selfie photograph. (FBI; U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia) Capitol Breacher Asks Judge for No Jail Time A Florida man who participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 is asking a judge to not include prison time in his sentence. Paul Hodgkins, 38, was seen inside the Senate chamber waving a pro-Trump flag. He pleaded guilty last month to obstructing an official proceeding. The felony charge carries up to 20 years in prison, in addition to up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Based on sentencing factors, prosecutors said in the plea deal that Hodgkins would likely receive 15 to 21 months in jail and be fined between $4,000 and $40,000. But Hodgkins through his lawyer, Patric Leduc, said in a July 8 filing that because the defendant has no prior criminal record and because he owned up to what he did through the plea, that he should not go to jail. This case is the story of a man who represents all that we would want in our fellow Americans. Law-abiding, hardworking, honest, caring, kind, thoughtful, generous, and the kind of person you would love to have for a neighbor. It is the story of man who for just one hour on one day, lost his bearings and his way. It is the story of a man who made a fateful decision to follow the crowd, and found himself for approximately 15 minutes in a place that he sincerely regrets to have been. It is the story of a man who is worthy of this courts mercy and grace, Leduc wrote. Paul is an avatar of us all, and how this Court deals with his misconduct will say much about where we are and what we will become as a nation. Hodgkins is one of the first Capitol breach defendants to plead guilty to a felony but he should be treated similarly to Anna Morgan-Lloyd, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to no jail time last month, his representatives asserted. Like the Defendant, Morgan-Lloyd said she went to Washington on Jan. 6 to support then-President Donald Trump at the Save America rally, and later posted about her participation in the riots on social media. Ms. Morgan-Lloyd was also found to be inside the Capitol, and like Mr. Hodgkins, was not accused of any property damage, or engaging in violent activities with law enforcement. Like Mr. Hodgkins, she simply followed the crowd. The distinction was simply the location within the Capitol itself, Leduc wrote. Simply put, had Mr. Hodgkins stopped at the threshold of the Senates door, he would have likely also been offered a misdemeanor. The imposition of a felony for spending five minutes on the floor of the Senate is a severe and continuing punishment in its own right. For sentencing purposes, however, and given Mr. Hodgkins characteristics, a sentence of similar proportions is just and appropriate, he added. Keeping Hodgkins out of prison will benefit the Tampa Bay community in which he lives and enable him to pay the restitution that he expects to be ordered to put up, the filing stated. Leduc told The Epoch Times previously that his client, an Eagle Scout and a blue-collar worker, made a poor judgment call but noted he was in the Senate chamber for just 15 minutes, during which time he snapped a selfie photograph. Hes a good guy; he made a mistake, Leduc said. Im hoping that the court is going to be very gracious. Mona Sedky, the assistant U.S. prosecutor leading the prosecution of the defendant, did not respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors have not yet entered their sentencing recommendations. Hodgkins is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19. Cutting edge applications of artificial intelligence are seen on display at the Artificial Intelligence Pavilion of Zhangjiang Future Park during a state organized media tour on June 18, 2021 in Shanghai, China. (Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images) CCP Develops AI Technology Aiming for World Military Domination The Ministry of Education of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has added 37 new undergraduate majors to the universities of China, that will be available for the fall enrolment. More than 25 percent are related to artificial intelligence (AI). Last December, Outlook Institute, one of the CCPs think tanks, listed AI as one of the primary race tracks on which China would compete with the world. On August 14, 2020, the U.S. Office of the President for Science and Technology (OSTP) released the report FY 2022 Administration Research and Development Budget Priorities, which identifies AI and quantum information science (QIS) as future critical industries and emphasizes that the development of these two professions is related to economic growth and national security. Closely tailing the United States, the CCP has set up AI technology as a direction for future military development. Among the 37 new undergraduate majors added by the Ministry of Education of the Communist Party of China, there are at least 10 intelligence-related or AI-related majors: Intelligent Control and Measurement Engineering, Intelligent Aircraft Technology, flexible electronics, cryptographic science and technology, and others. Flexible electronics are a fundamental support for AI. Flexible artificial neural form wafers can simulate the human brain in real-time for learning and high-speed computing, thus meeting the hardware requirements of artificial intelligence technology for cloud computing and other super-processing algorithms. CCP Aims to be No. 1 in AI The 14th Five-Year Plan announced by the CCP in March 2021, places artificial intelligence, quantum information, and integrated circuits as the top three items of the plan, with artificial intelligence given the highest priority. AI is regarded as one of the six tracks to race with the United States, Europe, and other developed countries, as claimed in Outlook Weekly No. 51 in 2020, a weekly magazine of the Outlook Institution. Affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, Outlook Institution is a government-backed think tank CCID Wise, another think tank having close ties with the CCP, explained further that advanced computing is a must-have area for major powers. CCID Wise is affiliated with China Academy of Electronics Information Industry Development (CCID). Utilizing AI Technology for Warfare Preparation in China Back in November 2017, Xi Jinping proposed that the military should comprehensively improve its ability to fight and win, and be capable of fighting and winning battles. In 2020, a bimonthly magazine of the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in China stated that the development of artificial intelligence is needed in future warfare, and emphasized that artificial intelligence enhances combat command capability and guarantees victory in warfare. The CCPs national defense intends to leverage AI experts to develop intelligent algorithms. An artificial intelligence challenge that concluded on June 1, 2021, with prizes totalling approximately $1.165 million, had 899 groups, 1640 teams, and 3937 players participate. The event was organized by the Equipment Development Department of PLA Rocket Force and the Rocket Force Research Institute. An AI autonomous air combat simulator, known as AI Blues, has been used in the daily training of airmen, according to information released on June 12 by the Chinese Ministry of Defense. Ethical Standards Absent From the CCPs AI Development On April 21 this year, the European Commission published Europes first Artificial Intelligence Act. The CCP has focused on technological innovation and industry in AI but is lacking in legal regulations, regulatory systems, and standard frameworks, admitted Saidi think tank, saying that this reflects the current state and direction of the CCPs AI development. Chinas AI applications lack ethical standards in science and technology, indicated Jiang Yugang, dean of the Institute of Computer Science and Technology at Fudan University. He found that the application of intelligent algorithms has never been from the perspective of improving human life and serving human society. Jiang cited the example of chatting robots that persuade their owners to commit suicide, the chatbots learn this from data, it is not programmed for this by the developers. In addition, the chatbots also learn to swear and discriminate on the basis of race. Such problems arise in the development of AI in China. He worries that if such industry standards are applied to the military, the CCP would probably explore lethal autonomous weapons systems. Autonomous weapons are weapons that can independently search for, identify, and attack targets without human intervention. Students wear protective masks as they arrive for classes at the Immaculate Conception School while observing COVID-19 prevention protocols in The Bronx borough of New York on Sept. 9, 2020. (John Minchillo/AP Photo) CDC: Schools Should Open in Fall, Recommends Masks for Unvaccinated Children The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday released guidance that is urging schools to fully reopen in the fall, saying that students who are fully vaccinated dont need to wear masks. The new guidance, which covers policies other than masks, is not mandatory but is expected to influence local school officials, governors, and local health departments in crafting their COVID-19 policies. Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting vaccination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports, the CDC wrote. Unvaccinated students or staff should continue to wear masks and recommended schools carry out voluntary routine testing once per week, according to the guidance. The agency is also encouraging 3-feet distancing for unvaccinated students in the classroom but it said that the recommendation shouldnt prevent schools from being reopened. As for masks, the agency said, they should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated. However, the CDC said that all students, drivers, and others have to wear masks on school buses, as they are counted as public transportation. Children who are under the age of 12 are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, according to the CDC. The guidance appears to suggest that all children aged 11 and under should wear masks if the eligibility requirement isnt expanded before the schools return in the fall. The Epoch Times has contacted the CDC for comment. Fridays guidance did not issue any recommendations or guidance on whether schools should require proof of vaccination to enter or enroll in classes. Many public schools already require proof of other childhood immunizations such as the MMR vaccine targeting measles, mumps, and rubella. Some medical professionals disagreed with the CDCs guidance on mask-wearing for unvaccinated children. Critics of the guidance also argued that the guidance around mask-wearing will potentially create unfavorable social situations in schools, as some children will wear masks while others will not. I disagree. Mask-wearing by kids should not be universal, wrote Nicole Saphier, a physician based in New York, on Twitter following the CDC guidance update. Meanwhile, a study from JAMA published in late June found there are consequences of elevated carbon dioxide levels in kids and hypercapnia from inhaled air from the dead space a mask creates, said Johns Hopkins professor Marty Malarky on Twitter on July 1. This is why I was so fired up by the CDC guidance for kids to wear masks outside. Following the CDC guidance update, one of the largest teachers unions in the U.S., the American Federation of Teachers, released a statement and largely said it agrees with the agencys conclusions and recommendations. The Biden administration has not made any federal mandates for vaccines, with officials saying that the decision is up to schools and businesses to make such decisions. Several federal officials have said the mandate could change if federal regulators grant their full approval to common COVID-19 vaccines, which are currently being distributed and administered under the Food and Drug Administrations emergency authorization. Pupils at Rosshall Academy wear face coverings as it becomes mandatory in corridors and communal areas on Aug. 31, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Individual school districts have already gone ahead with plans to reopen. The Clay County Public Health Center in Missouri, for example, has said that masks will not be required for children when they go back to school in the fall. And in Arizona, the Chandler Unified School District decided that mask-wearing should be voluntary when Gov. Doug Ducey signed a law that prohibits local counties and school districts from requiring students and staff to wear them. The CDCs guidance further recommended schools that attempt to transition away from implementing pandemic restrictions should do so carefully and gradually. If localities decide to remove prevention strategies in schools based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time and monitor closely (with adequate testing) for any increases in COVID-19 cases before removing the next prevention strategy, it said. The agency also provided more recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, including providing ventilation in enclosed spaces. Screening testing, ventilation, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick and getting tested, contact tracing in combination with quarantine and isolation, and cleaning and disinfection are also important layers of prevention to keep schools safe, according to the CDC. Chicago Mayors Top Aides Took Days Off Leading Into Violent Fourth of July Weekend Despite All Hands on Deck Strategy By Gregory Pratt From Chicago Tribune CHICAGOLeading up to the summer months when Chicago historically sees its highest levels of violence, Mayor Lori Lightfoot vowed to take an all hands on deck approach to stopping the citys shootings. But even as the city canceled days off for Chicago cops and forced them to work 12 hour days, two of the mayors top aides took time off leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, where at least 108 people were shot, 17 fatally. Some aldermen criticized the absences. Lightfoot Chief of Staff Sybil Madison was out of the office on Thursday and Friday, Madison told city workers in an email. Madison, who became chief of staff just last month after serving as the mayors deputy for education and human services, said Lightfoots new chief operating officer, Paul Goodrich, would be in charge while shes out. Goodrich joined the mayors office last month after a career largely spent in the private sector. Lightfoots deputy mayor for public safety, John OMalley, was also out for most of last week, sources told the Tribune. The absences came as city officials prepared for the Fourth of July holiday, which is often among the citys bloodiest. It also came as Lightfoot and police Superintendent David Brown complained that aldermen called Brown to a special City Council meeting to discuss violence, saying it took away valuable time from preparing for the weekend. In response to questions about the absences, Lightfoots press office released a statement saying working in the Mayors Office is a 24/7, 365 job, and members of the Mayors senior staff are constantly connected. Those responsible for on-the-ground operations continued to execute over the holiday weekend, and the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff were fully engaged every day, the statement said. Whether it matters that top City Hall aides took time off leading up to the holiday is, perhaps, debatable. But some aldermen expressed criticism of the absences. South Side Ald. Anthony Beale, a frequent Lightfoot critic, said its poor leadership for people to be out of the office when we need them the most. He also took aim at the mayors office for having criticized the special City Council meeting on violence. We were told the meeting we had last week was a waste of time but your people are out of the office, Beale said. Southwest Side Ald. Raymond Lopez also criticized the mayors staff members, saying it shows city leadership is disconnected. Weve heard about the whole of government approach (to dealing with violence) for weeks now, Lopez said. But I guess that doesnt apply to the people responsible for actually creating the policies. Early in her first term, Lightfoot issued an edict banning top police leaders from taking time off during the summer months, saying they need to set an example for rank-and-file officers. It also comes as city police leaders canceled days off for all Chicago cops over the weekend, forcing them to work 12 hour days in an effort to saturate the streets. At least 108 people were shot in Chicago over the long Independence Day weekend, among them two police officers; 5- and 6-year-old girls; and a group of six people early Monday in the Washington Park neighborhoodwhere a man was killed hours later in an unrelated shooting. Two days later, a Chicago officer and two federal law enforcement agents were injured by gunfire while working undercover on the Far South Side, according to police. Brown said on Monday that too many criminal defendants are out on bail and electronic monitoring for serious offenses, even murders. Court officials and crime experts have pushed back on that narrative with data that suggests issues in the bond system are not a root cause of the problem. 2021 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Capitol Hill neighborhood at dusk in Washington in a file photo. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Church Awarded $220,000 by Washington DC After Filing Lawsuit Over CCP Virus Religious Restrictions A Washington, D.C., church has been awarded $220,000 after it filed a federal lawsuit challenging the districts restrictions on gatherings at places of worship during the CCP virus pandemic. Leaders of Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC) have appealed to D.C. officials since Mayor Muriel Bowsers restrictions were issued on March 11, 2020, which banned all indoor and outdoor church meetings of 100 or more, even if participants wear masks and social distance. But in October last year, Senior Pastor Mark Dever and CHBCs elders won a preliminary injunction (pdf) against Bowsers restrictions, allowing the congregation to resume worship services outdoors with proper precautions such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance. In a settlement (pdf) between the two parties signed on July 8, 2021, Mayor Muriel Bowser and her administration agreed to pay $220,000 to church lawyers at WilmerHale and the First Liberty Institute, a Plano, Texas-based law firm that specializes in First Amendment religious freedom litigation. As per the settlement, the district agrees that it will not enforce any current or future COVID-19 restrictions to prohibit CHBC from gathering as one congregation in the district. The district further agrees that, should it impose new restrictions on religious gatherings in the name of mitigating COVID-19 or variant thereof, they will not be more restrictive than on comparable secular activities, as defined by the Supreme Court, the settlement states. The district also agreed to pay the churchs legal fees. Senior Pastor Mark Dever is a nationally known evangelical leader and the founder of the 9Marks organization, which provides ministry and administrative resources for churches across the nation, and has been at CHBC since 1994. The 850-member congregation has held worship services every Sunday since 1878, except for three weeks during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic. All Capitol Hill Baptist Church ever asked is for equal treatment under the law so they could meet together safely as a church, said Hiram Sasser, executive general counsel for First Liberty Institute. The church is relieved and grateful that this ordeal is behind them. Government officials need to know that illegal restrictions on First Amendment rights are intolerable and costly, he said, according to the Washington Times. Lockdowns, which began in March 2020 in the United States, forced religious services, including those of Roman Catholic, Orthodox Jewish, and Pentecostal congregations, to come to a halt throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the forced closures became a sticking point when some jurisdictions imposed more severe restrictions on houses of worship than were placed on secular activities. The Supreme Court struck down several prohibitions on religious gatherings during the crisis, and multiple states eventually began easing the restrictions and allowing houses of worship to open for in-person services, albeit with virus-related modifications in place. COVID-19 Death Toll in California County Drops 22 Percent After Revision Health officials in Santa Clara County, California, announced a drop in the countys COVID-19 death toll after it refined its data-reporting systems. After using a new approach to review COVID-19-related fatalities, county officials said the death toll from the virus dropped 22 percent from 2,201 to 1,696 deaths. Authorities told a CBS affiliate station that it came up with narrower criteria for deaths attributable to COVID-19, which is caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, otherwise known as the coronavirus. Officials had previously counted COVID-19 deaths by including people who died while infected with the virus, even if it didnt actually contribute to their cause of death. For example, according to the San Jose Spotlight citing local officials, someone who died in a car crash but had COVID-19 at the time would be counted as a COVID-19 death. We are constantly trying to get the best information to county residents as soon as we have it, a Santa Clara County spokesperson told San Jose Spotlight. In the height of the pandemic in January, we were unfortunately hearing about multiple deaths every day and couldnt wait the several weeks for the death certificate to notify the public of our community members who were dying. Dr. Sarah Rudman, the countys assistant public health officer, appeared to defend the original counting method during an interview with the San Jose Mercury News. The process, Rudman said, was being carried out during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and said it was the right decision at the time. She didnt elaborate as to why. Now were able to do that deep review of the death certificates to make those detailed assessments, she said. A similar scenario unfolded last month in nearby Alameda County when officials revised (pdf) the death total from the viruswith fatalities dropping 1,634 to 1,223, or around 25 percent, once the data was updated. It is important to go back and do this accounting to see if COVID was actually the cause of death, said University of California San Francisco Prof. of Medicine and Infectious Disease expert Dr. Monica Gandhi, according to CBS San Francisco. I think that transparent communication is an upside, I mean, in the sense that its true that if we did this across the nation, it would bring our death rate lower. A downside of that, could be that people will say, Well, it wasnt as serious as you said. Gandhi told the news outlet that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may ask all counties in the United States to revise their death reporting methods, adding that the nation could see a drop in its overall COVID-19 death told. Santa Clara County is located in Californias Bay Area. The Epoch Times has contacted the Santa Clara County health agency for comment. A protester holds a small placard at an event organised by Justitia Hong Kong to mourn the loss of Hong Kong's political freedoms, in Leicester Square, central London on Dec. 12, 2020. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) European Parliament Passes Resolution on Hong Kong Calling for Urgent and Resolute Action The European Parliament adopted a new resolution on July 8 to condemn the communist Chinese regimes unprecedented crackdown of freedom in Hong Kong, calling for a boycott of the Beijing 2022 Olympics in response to human rights abuses. The urgent resolution was passed by overwhelming majority support in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, with 578 in favor, 29 against, and 73 abstentions. Amid the tension between the communist Chinese regime and the EU, the non-binding resolution shows the prevailing mood in the Parliament to the European Commission and the Council of the EU. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemn in the strongest terms the forced closure of Hong Kongs vocal pro-democracy newspaper, the Apple Daily, calling it to release detained journalists and pro-democracy protesters immediately and unconditionally and stop harassing and intimating media and journalist, according to the resolution. The 28-point resolution also called for governments to impose further sanctions, decline invitations to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and provide emergency visas to help journalists and activists who fled from the city to resettle. Apple Daily printed its last edition on June 24 after its assets were frozen and executives were arrested under the Beijing-imposed national security law (NSL) following Hong Kong polices mass raid of its headquarters. Its founder, media tycoon Jimmy Lai, is serving a 20-month term for his involvement in pro-democracy protests of 2019. MEPs criticized NSL as a comprehensive assault on the citys high degree of autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms. Over the course of one year, the law was applied to completely dismantle Hong Kongs free society on almost all fronts completely transforming Hong Kongs political and legal landscape and stifling freedom of the press and free expression of opinions, said the statement. Attendees from various forces march next to a banner supporting the new national security law at the end of a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kongs handover from Britain in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) The sweeping NSL came into effect on June 30, 2020, criminalizing vaguely defined charges as subversion, secession, and collusion with foreign forces. Considering the NSL completely violates the one country, two systems rule, MEPs called EU members to address the NSL as a top priority on the agenda of all EU-China meetings. The communist regime had agreed to let the city control internal affairs through its political structure under the one country, two systems approach for 50 years when the sovereignty of the former British colonial city was handed over to China on July 1, 1997. They urged the EU and 27 member states to implement a lifeboat scheme to help pro-democratic activists and political leaders to live and work in respective countries and offer emergency travel documents for journalists, as the human rights conditions deteriorate in the city. It pointed out that 128 people had been arrested under the NSL and 64 people formally charged, of whom 47 are currently in pre-trial detention. The resolution called for governments to decline invitations to government representatives and diplomats to attend the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, unless the Chinese Government demonstrates a verifiable improvement in the human rights situation in Hong Kong. We must not make ourselves a symbol of the communists hand, said German MEP Engin Eroglu in Brussels, who had pushed for the boycott of the Beijing Olympics. We will not stop talking about these issues here in this House as long as Hongkongers have to fight for their freedom, he said before ending the remark. Very happy that our #HongKong / #AppleDaily resolution got approved by a huge majority! You can rewatch my speech from this morning in the plenary of the @Europarl_EN below, in which I urged my colleaugues to also #StandWithHongKong and vote in favour of this resolution pic.twitter.com/DF6JoXVj3C Engin Eroglu (@EnginEroglu_FW) July 8, 2021 Slovakia MEP Miriam Lexmann said on Thursday, the CCP is engaging in the worst human rights since the Tiananmen Square Massacre. The free world cannot stand by and so, on the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party, in words as in deeds, let us send a strong message: that we stand with the people of Hong Kong, we stand with all the victims of CCP terror and oppression, and with freedom-loving people everywhere, she continued. To end the human rights violations, MEPs claimed more targeted measures, like sanctions if necessary, will be imposed to address the repression in the far-western Xinjiang region and Hong Kong. The EU had suspended the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment in May, after tit-for-tat sanctions imposed over the human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region. They recommended designating July 1 as Stand with Hong Kong Day to raise awareness of the situation in Hong Kong. The EU also welcomes cooperation with democratic allies like the United States to halt the erosion of Hong Kongs freedom and support the democracy in Taiwan. The UK Labour Party, the main opposition party in the country, called on the government and royal family to boycott the 2022 Olympics on July 6, over the systematic persecution of Uyghurs if Beijing refuses to allow a thorough investigation. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would certainly consider a diplomatic boycott of the event on July 7. The Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) mouthpiece, Global Times, slammed the full-blown push, threatening whoever sanctions China over Hong Kong will receive relentless retaliation on July 9. Ireland Senator Malcolm Byrne told The Epoch Times on July 9 that Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers, confirmed that Ireland would not send any official government representative to the Games in Beijing. Byrne said he hoped to move the Olympics games to another country so that we do not disadvantage the athletes. I think there is a major question for sponsors of the Beijing Games and if they want to be associated with the Chinese Communist Party using the Games for propaganda purposes, said Byrne. Yingying finds her home ransacked after her mother was abducted by Chinese police, in the short film "Rag Doll." (Flying Cloud Productions) Film Depicting Plight of Chinese Orphans Suffering Under CCP Persecution Wins Big at Leo Awards The story of a little girl who is determined to use the magic of art to bring her mother back to life after she was killed for her faith in communist China, swept the animation category at the 2021 Leo Awards, which recognize excellence in British Columbias film and television industry. Rag Doll, a stop-motion animation short film that highlights the plight of Chinese orphans suffering under persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), won Best Program, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Screenwriting in the Animation Program category at the awards ceremony, held virtually on July 7. Four years in the making, the film tells the story of Yingying, a 5-year-old girl whose mother was killed in the CCPs long-running persecution campaign against Falun Dafa adherents, leaving her alone on the streets of Northern China, using and creating art, one of the gifts her mother left her, to survive. The film is inspired by a true story, said director Leon Lee in his acceptance speech. The Vancouver-based filmmaker also won the prestigious Peabody Award in 2014 for his documentary Human Harvest about Chinas illegal organ harvesting industry. His company Flying Cloud Productions focuses on making films exposing Chinas crimes against humanity. Vancouver filmmaker Leon Lee, one of RBCs Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2016, during the awards ceremony at One King West Hotel in Toronto on June 21, 2016. (Courtesy Flying Cloud Productions) The harrowing story of Luna Huang is what compelled Lee to create the film. Huangs mother, Luo Zhixiang, was tortured to death while three months pregnant in 2003 in the brutal persecution of Falun Dafa adherents, launched by the CCP in 1999 and continuing today. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese self-improvement discipline that consists of five meditative exercises along with moral teachings centred on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. Then-CCP head Jiang Zemin ordered for the eradication of the practice after the number of its adherents surpassed the membership of the Party, claiming it was a threat to the countrys stability. While Huang lived with her grandparents, her father, who had previously been imprisoned for practising Falun Dafa, fled to Thailand. His daughter joined him there a year later. However, they were both detained and almost deported back to China by Thai authorities for participating in a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese Consulate. Luckily for them, the New Zealand government issued special visas and they were able to move to Auckland. That was in 2006, when Huang was only 4 years old. Lee said he wanted to bring to viewers the rarely seen, real-life atrocity of what the children of Falun Gong adherents face in the aftermath of the persecution, when their parents are imprisoned and their children left alone or orphaned. I wanted to open peoples eyes to whats happening to children like Luna in a way that transcends language, culture and age, Lee said on the Films for Freedom website. Thats why I wrote Rag Doll without dialogue and set it in a world of stop-motion animation. Its almost like viewers are inside a childs imagination, which is a magical place full of hope that everyone on earth can relate to. He said he hopes that the film, made with Academy Award-winner Martin Meunier and veteran animator Richard Kent Burton, can also remind people that hope, imagination, and determination are more powerful than police batons or state-sponsored violence. Huang, now nearing 20, said Yingyings story resonates deeply with her. Rag Doll is a heart-wrenching story that represents the cold truth faced by many children in China. I feel a deep sense of kinship with the main character because we both lost someone so important and irreplaceable, our mothers, to the gruesome persecution, she said. I want to tell those children like me without parents in China to endure a little longer and be a good person. I also hope that the policemen in China would stop persecuting Falun Gong practitioners. Dont make more children suffer the loss of a mother. Lee said in his acceptance speech that the children of Falun Dafa practitioners are also subjected to forced labour. The film is called Rag Doll because a well known brand of doll from Italy was actually made in a Chinese labour camp by children whose parents were persecuted. So I hope you have a chance to watch the film at ragdollfilm.com and help to shed the light on their plight. Rag Doll was also officially selected for four Oscar-qualifying film festivals, including the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Hollyshorts Film Festival, and Foyle Film Festival. Finding Americas Optimistic Future in Our Past Commentary In the 1770s, Britain was the greatest imperial power on the planet. The idea that the 13 colonies could somehow challengelet alone defeatthe British militarily was almost unfathomable. And yet, by the beginning of 1775, the colonists realized their relationship with Britain needed to change dramatically and conflict could erupt as a result. What that change would look like remained unclear. Some people advocated independence. But others thought there were other options. Indeed, right up until 1775, none other than Thomas Jefferson believed there was a possibility of Britain and the colonies coming to an arrangement that would keep the latter part of the British empire. Regardless, the colonists knew something big was coming. They just didnt know exactly what it would be. The answer, of course, was revolutionand independence. At its core, the American revolution wasnt about the right to taxation; it was about whether the colonists were going to be free. Before the Founders declared independence, societies had been organized as top-down hierarchies. Authority started at the top with a monarch or some other leader and flowed down through the nobility and down to the commoners. But the Founders read the thinkers of the Enlightenment, from Locke to Montesquieu, and had an opposite understanding of political philosophy. They opposed hierarchies. They believed societies naturally flowed from the bottom up, with natural lawnot power and authoritydictating the flow. In other words, sovereignty and authority come from the people, who then delegate certain authority to leaders. But the underlying value is always freedom. Unlike in Europe, which was full of hierarchical societies, the colonists lived out Enlightenment thinking. Indeed, the British left them to their own devices to make their way in the New World. As a result, the colonists governed themselves independently, adopting what they read in Enlightenment philosophy. For example, all 13 colonies created their own legislatures, despite living in the shadow of British imperialism. They had no reason to do this unless they valued self-governance. I discuss this history while reflecting on the significance of Independence Day last week on my podcast, Newts World. My guest is one of the nations most eminent historians, Allen Guelzo. A long-time friend and a best-selling author, Allen is director of the James Madison Program Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship and senior research scholar in the Council of the Humanities at Princeton University. As Allen explains to me, by the period of 17651775, the lead-up to the revolution, the colonists had created their own worlda world quite similar to the thought experiment described in the works of Enlightenment philosophers. Allen also details how, some decades after the revolution, a young historian asked a former militia captain why he and other colonists met the British at Lexington and Concord. The former captains response was simple: We had always governed ourselves, and they intended that we shouldnt. The colonists refused to accept a system in which they would be governed by faceless bureaucrats in London. Americans were historically uniquedare I say exceptionalin their approach to governance. And this was largely dictated by culture more than anything. Its important to remember this history, even 245 years after the Founders declared independence. Today, many Americans are pessimistic about the future of their countryand for good reason. But looking at the overall arc of American history, its difficult not to be an optimist. The Founders endured revolution, Lincoln endured civil war, and they all remained ever optimistic about this country as humanitys last best hope. As John Adams predicted, American independence would be the most memorable epoch in the countrys history, celebrated for generations as a day of deliverance. Americans should continue to prove him right. From Gingrich360.com. Newt Gingrich, a Republican, served as House speaker from 1995 to 1999 and ran as a presidential candidate in 2012. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Former Hong Kong Journalist Fled Hong Kong in Fear of Arrest Approximately one year after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) enforced the National Security Law in Hong Kong, Mr. Yip (pseudonym), a former journalist in that city, left for the U.K. to avoid harassment or possible arrest by the authoritarian Chinese regime. In an interview with The Epoch Times Chinese edition, he recalled his reporting of the anti-extradition bill protests in the island city, weeping because he felt sorry that he could no longer report the facts for Hong Kongers, and sad that fellow reporters were being charged and jailed for telling the true situation in Hong Kong. Yip worked for several media in Hong Kong. He is a member of the Hong Kong Journalists Association and holds an IFJ International Press Card (IPC). He traveled to France in 2018 to report on the Mouvement des gilets jaunes, or Yellow vest movement, initially, a protest against a planned tax increase on fuel plus the high cost of living. When Hong Kongers took to the streets to protest the Extradition Law Amendment Bill in 2019, he began reporting the local protests, and later, dissatisfied with the reporting tactics of the mainstream media company he worked for, he resigned and began reporting for an online media company. Police officers tear the shirt off a protester during a clash inside a shopping arcade after a rally against a controversial extradition bill in Sha Tin district of Hong Kong on July 14, 2019. (Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images) The [online] media I worked for abides by a code of ethics, and it has editorial independence and wont call black white, Yip said. Witnessed 2019 Yuen Long Attack According to Yip, two incidents became turning points of the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests: the 2019 Yuen Long Attack and the Prince Edward station attack; both exposed Hong Kong police brutality and their collusion with triad gangsters. These incidents changed the nature of the movement and peoples attitude towards Hong Kong police and government, Yip said. Yip was at the scene of the Yuen Long attack on July 21, 2019, and witnessed how gangsters attacked people with wooden sticks and metal bars in a subway station. Many people were simply passing by. [The triad gangsters] beat people for no reason, they even beat pregnant women! recalled Yip. Calvin So, 23, a resident of Yuen Long, shows his wounds and bruises in a hospital corridor in Hong Kong on July 24, 2019. (Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images) The police did not show up in time to protect people and enforce the law; and when they finally arrived after the bashing was over, they came with an arrogant attitude. Yip, like other media professionals at the scene, was completely disappointed by how the police handled the mayhem. Such blatant collusion is really outrageous! Yip said. Fearing Personal Safety, Yip Left Hong Kong After the CCP implementation of the National Security Law, the situation in Hong Kong changed drastically. Pro-democracy media waere forced to censor themselves, and Apple Daily, whose founder Jimmy Lai was jailed for taking part in a pro-democracy assembly in 2019, was forced to close down in June. Seeing the arrest of Jimmy Lai, Yip realized that the Communist regime of Hong Kong would sooner or later take action against the press. He started to think about his own safety, My personal information is all registered in the Information Services Department (ISD) of Hong Kong, how could they not have my information? He said he was a journalist for eight years and had always felt protected by Hong Kong law, but now, there is no more freedom of the press in Hong Kong. The fate of a journalist in Hong Kong is no different from that of journalists in mainland China, because reporting the truth will be politically prosecuted by the authorities as inciting subversion of state power. I just do normal reporting, but now they can put a label on you at any time and say that your interviewing foreigners is colluding with foreign forces. I lived in this fear every day. It has been exposed that the CCPs Security police like to arrest people at midnight. How could I possibly sleep peacefully?, said Yip. In the end, after much hesitation and struggle, he discussed with his family about his future and finally decided to leave Hong Kong for the U.K. in late February this year. He recalled the moment that he said goodbye to his parents in the Hong Kong airport. My parents are both in their fifties, but they are worried that I may be taken away by someone. We are all afraid that we will not see each other in the future, so we hugged for several minutes at the departure gate Yip said as tears welled up in his eyes. Survival and Starting Fresh in the UK Yip had two jobs in mid-March to maintain daily expenses: working as a freelance journalist writing news and taking photos for different online media, and working in a Taiwan bubble tea shop as a kitchen manager. However, after only two weeks, he had to quit working at the tea shop. He [the boss of the tea shop] did not allow me to speak Cantonese with customers and said that only Chinese should be spoken. I told him I was speaking Chinese, and he scolded me in Taiwanese. Since my parents came from the southern Fujian Province of China where people speak a similar dialect, I could understand what he was saying. We quarreled, and I told him I quit this job, Yip said. When asked whether he would return to the media industry as a full time reporter, Yip said that he wanted to be a freelancer at the moment, even though hes had eight years of experience in journalism. Coming to the U.K., I want to start afresh, Yip said. Reporting the Truth Is a Journalists Responsibility Yip said that since 2019, Hong Kong people have lost a lot of ground, including freedom of the press. He couldnt help but cry when talking about the loss of press freedom. I just want to report the truth, and this is the responsibility of journalists. Why are reporters jailed today for reporting the truth? Take good care of yourselves, because tomorrow Hong Kong will take a new look Yip used the lyrics of the hip hop group LMF to encourage the Hong Kong people. Yip wanted to express his appreciation to the Hong Kong people for their support of the journalists and his former colleagues who have stood by his side. Even the strongest opponents have weaknesses, Yip said, and he hopes that Hong Kong people can persevere to the end. Cathy Zhang and Sophia Lam contributed to this article. An investor is reflected on the surface of a wall as he walks past an electronic board showing stock information at a brokerage house in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, China, May 27, 2015 (Reuters/Jon Woo) FTSE Russell to Remove More China Stocks From Indexes Over US Ban SHANGHAIGlobal index publisher FTSE Russell said it will delete 20 more Chinese companies from its indexes after user feedback on an updated U.S. executive order that bars U.S. investment in companies with alleged ties to Chinas military. U.S. President Joe Biden signed the order on June 3 that bans U.S. entities from investing in dozens of Chinese companies with alleged ties to defense or surveillance technology sectors, replacing an earlier order under former president Donald Trump. In a statement on its website, FTSE Russell said the additional Chinese companies will be deleted from its indexes on July 28. Excluding quality Chinese companies from the indices will only hurt the image of and cause losses to the indices themselves, said Wang Wenbin, Chinas foreign ministry spokesman. The United States is unjustifiably oppressing Chinese companies, he told a regular briefing in Beijing on Friday. The decision was based on the feedback from index users and stakeholders, it said. Stocks to be removed include aerospace-related companies such as Aerospace CH UAV, Avic Aircraft, Avic Aviation High-Technology, and Avic Heavy Machinery. It also listed China Shipbuilding Industry, CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering (Group), and Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group. The stocks will be removed from FTSE GEIS, the FTSE Global China A Inclusion indices, and associated indices. FTSE Russell has previously removed Chinese companies including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co from its indexes due to U.S. sanctions. Gun-Death Hoax Faked the Facts, Which the Media Echoed Commentary I recently drove 950 miles to give the keynote commencement address at an online high school based in Las Vegas. Two thousand students were supposedly going to attend, but it turned out that the school didnt exist. The fake high school and the deceptive editing of my speech werent the only falsehoods here. A gun-control organization called Change the Ref hoodwinked news outlets worldwide to propagate a lie about how extensive gun violence is in the United States. The videos made from this address focus on the lost class. Specifically, they are the 3,044 graduating high school seniors that died from gun violence, according to Change the Ref. These dead students were represented by the vast sea of 3,044 empty chairs that the group had me give my dress rehearsal talk in front of. It is a claim that received unquestioning national (e.g., USA Today, MSNBC, CNN, Washington Post) and international (e.g., The Guardian [UK], Stern [Germany], SBS News [Australia]) news coverage parroting this figure, even running the number in their headlines. But it is a number that isnt even remotely close to the truth. About 3.7 million students were expected to graduate from high school during the 202021 school year. But 3,000 of them were not killed with firearms. In this country, there are 4.1 million 17-year-olds. Yet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that in 2019 (the last year for which data is available), 17-year-olds were the victims of 337 homicides, 18 accidental deaths, and 193 suicides. Thats a total of 548 gun deathsabout one-sixth the number cited by Change the Ref. But even these numbers are inflated. Homicides include justifiable homicides, such as when a victim shoots a 17-year-old robber or rapist or person intent on murdering them. That death shouldnt be in the same category as school shooting fatalities. Gang-related violence is the biggest source of murders for this age group. Those lives surely count, but its misleading to simply describe them as otherwise graduating high school seniors. Suppose that we look at the data for all 77 million people under 18a number more than 20 times larger than the total of graduating seniors. The CDC shows that there were 938 homicides, 88 accidental deaths, and 657 suicidesfor a tally of 1,638 gun deaths. Even that figure is little more than half of what the media is spouting. And again, even these numbers exaggerate the true figure. I pointed out the inaccuracies to multiple reporters, but only one bothered to question it in her story. I challenged Change the Ref on Twitter, but the media outlets didnt care, so the group ignored me. Its video claims that the solution to these deaths is universal background checks. But while background checks may help people feel better, and that is important, they wont really stop criminals from getting guns illegally. Just as people find ways to buy illicit drugs, criminals will find ways to buy illicit guns. Change the Ref similarly belittles my point that every single place in the world that has banned either all guns or all handguns has seen murder/homicide rates go up. If guns on net cause harm, surely such a ban should cause murder/homicide rates to fall, but you cant find even one place where they stay the same. Yet, the attack isnt factually based; the group merely plays an emotional 911 call where someone is the victim of a gun crime. This was an expensive fraud. Sam Shepherd, executive creative director at the large and prestigious advertising agency Leo Burnett, told AdWeek that his team worked around the clock for months to come up with this idea. But if gun-control activists had confidence in their arguments, they wouldnt find it necessary to lie, alter, and misstate what other people have said. Most media outlets just accept this poor behavior and are happy to cite false statistics. That is too bad, because Americans need accurate facts. From RealClearWire. John R. Lott Jr. is the president of the Crime Prevention Research Center and the author of Dumbing Down the Courts: How Politics Keeps the Smartest Judges Off the Bench and Gun Control Myths. Until last month, Lott was the senior adviser for research and statistics at the U.S. Department of Justices Office of Legal Policy. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Heavy Storms Whip Multiple Chinese Cities A young San Francisco entrepreneur was imprisoned in China for nearly a month. He says he didnt know where he was and if he would get out alive. The Biden administration extends former President Donald Trumps sanctions on Hong Kong for another year. And Beijing criticizes the United States for making mistakes on top of mistakes. A Chinese company halts its over $200 million plans to go public on the U.S. stock market. Its the first Chinese firm to make the move since Beijing started cracking down on tech companies. Heavy rains are drenching regions across China. In Shanghai, the sky suddenly turned dark in the early afternoon, and heavy rains began. An 86-year-old scientist was beaten by a Chinese aerospace executive. A letter she wrote reveals her side of the story. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China. For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter. Passengers wait at the check-in counters for New Zealand flights at Sydney International Airport as Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel bubble on April 19, 2021. (Saeed Khan/Getty Images) Home Quarantine Set for Trial in Australia Australias Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the states of South Australia and New South Wales (NSW) will likely be the first states to trial home quarantine for fully vaccinated returned travellers. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will discuss the idea with premiers and chief ministers at a national cabinet meeting on Friday. Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the proposal would look at alternative options including home quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers. One of the things the work done so far tells us is that a vaccinated person quarantining for seven days is stronger than an unvaccinated person quarantining for 14 days, she told ABC radio. NSW and SA have expressed interest in participating in a small-scale trial. We will start that in the coming period when the medical advice enables us to do so and the processes are put in place, Payne said. The ACT has allowed diplomats, government officials and the prime minister to quarantine at residences during the pandemic. But the territory government is reluctant to immediately expand the program to the general population. National cabinet will also revisit international passenger caps, which will be halved in five days. The foreign minister said the reduction would be in place until Aug. 31 despite Morrison stating it would be in place until at least the start of next year. Payne said work was underway to increase the amount of government-facilitated flights as demand soars from Australians stranded abroad. Im very aware, particularly given the extraordinary amount of work my department has been doing with Australians endeavouring to return, this does create an additional layer of difficulty, she said. Australia has offered companies the chance to make their case for the contract to provide vaccination passports for international travel. Payne said it was a work in progress with international regulators and airline groups looking at similar options. Australia wants to make sure were fully engaged in that process, she said. By Matt Coughlan Houston Aquarium Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 1 Injured: Police Texas police are probing a shooting that took place Thursday evening at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston, leaving two people dead, including a suspect, officials said. Houston police responded to reports of a shooting on the second floor of the aquarium at around 8:10 p.m. Thursday evening. According to FOX 26 Houston, at least one other person was injured in the incident. Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson told KPRC-TV in Houston that the suspect allegedly shot a man and a woman before turning the gun on himself. The woman was transported to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, and is reportedly in stable condition. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. According to a preliminary report issued by HPD Asst. Chief Matt Slinkard, the two targets of the attack were sitting at the bar having dinner, and were approached by the suspect as they were closing their tab, ABC 13 reported. This suspect got up, and in a very quick manner, went around the bar to the area where the male and female were together, said Slinkard. At the time, the suspect immediately starting firing rounds. The deceased male immediately went down. The female who was injured went down as well, and then, from the footage that weve seen, this person we know to be our suspect thats deceased on the scene immediately committed suicide with one self-inflicted gunshot wound, he added. Slinkard said surveillance camera footage is being examined by officers. It does not appear that these parties were together, he added. We have very little to go on except that footage. The motivation behind the shootings is still unclear. No other injuries were reported. This is the type of situation that should make us all pause for all of the families and all of the lives that will be affected, said Slinkard. How Ideology Protects the Young From Ever Growing Up Commentary Over the Fourth of July weekend, a widely publicized poll revealed that only 36 percent of the youngest demographic cohort polledages 18 to 24were either very or extremely proud to be American. In all other groups, including blacks and Hispanics, the number who were proud to be American was more than 50 percent. Far be it from me to gainsay those who see these figures as portending ruin for our country only a few years down the road, but I would just mention that we can hardly be surprised by them. For one thing, polls have shown for years that the young are less patriotic than their seniors. Its been part of what it means to be young, at least since the emergence of the youth culture of the 1960s. For another thing, the wave of emotional publicity ensuing upon the death of George Floyd last year at the hands of (or under the knee of) the police and the reaction to it of the Black Lives Matter movement must have had more than a little influence in depressing the number of those of all ages who are inclined to feel pride in their country, but disproportionately so in the case of the young. They are almost by definition more susceptible than others to emotional appeals and less likely to seek out the facts behind the partisan medias hyperbole about the supposed wave of police killings of black people. Its also true that, for some years now, polls have also been showing a growing tendency, especially among the young, to view socialism favorably and capitalism unfavorably. That this is an international phenomenon is suggested by another recent survey, this one by the British Institute for Economic Affairs, showing that 67 percent of 16- to 34-year-olds in Britain would like to live in a socialist economic system. And yet, as the UnHerd website pointed out, another UK poll released at the same time showed that support for lower taxation is twice as high among 18- to 24-year-olds than it is among Conservative voters. So maybe young people dont really know what they think? Or, more likely, they think contradictory things at the same time and see no need for consistency or coherence in their replies to opportunistic pollsters seeking to market their answers to the media. Either way, such results must tend to confirm what we already know from the most perfunctory observation of the popular culture: namely that, compared with previous generations of young adults, those of today are shockingly immature. This is a generation, after all, that was largely taught by the previous onethe one that apparently found something profound in the preposterous idea that All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Certainly, they dont seem to have learned very much since kindergarten if theyre so naive as to fall for the empty promises of socialism, the most comprehensively discredited economic theory there has ever been. And what is it but immaturity and ignorance of the world that would allow anyone, of any age, to fall for the sob stories of those who, from a position of privilege matched by few, black or white, in the history of the world, nevertheless claim to be oppressed by the dominant culture that has so enriched them? To some extent, of course, this is not the fault of the young. They are prepared to believe that requiring a photo ID to vote is tantamount to the return of Jim Crow laws because they have no knowledge of what those laws really were and no memory of the more than half-century of progress in racial relations there has been since they were abolished. And yet its not as if this is recondite knowledge, known only to a few scholars in their dusty ivory towers. If the young had ever been taught that there was any value in the study of history, they might have acquired such knowledge without undue labor. Instead, they seem to have learned in kindergarten that history is nothing but a chapter of atrocities practiced by white, male, heterosexual culture upon women, homosexuals, transsexuals, and people of color and have shown no curiosity about it since then, nor any wish to examine the plausibility of such an absurd point of view. We have long known that adolescencea concept invented only two or three generations agois now prolonged into the 30s and even 40s, but here is the proof of it. Everybody has heard some variation on the quotation, once attributed to Winston Churchill, to the effect that anyone who is not a socialist at 20 has no heart while anyone who is still a socialist at 30 has no brain. Its simply a clever and memorable way to express what used to be meant by maturity. But now we may have to amend age 20 to 30 and age 30 to 40or, perhaps, to abolish the concept of maturity altogether, along with that of the color-blind society. And of the rule of law. And of biological sex. Only thus can we keep abreast of the cultural tendency of our time to protect the young from knowledge of the world and to substitute for it an ideology based on fantasyan ideology that, carefully nurtured and tended by the educational establishment, may preserve their immaturity into extreme old age. One sign of hope for us old-timers, left behind by the youth revolution, is a T-shirt I saw the other day on an admittedly middle-aged person. If you cant look back at your younger self and realize that you were an idiot, it read, you are probably still an idiot. Thats always been true, but it has never been more true than today, when educational philosophy seems to be based on the assumption that everything important to know has been already figured out by experts and can be delivered to you, prepackaged, from kindergarten on. Its a perfect recipe for the creation and preservation of idiocy. But at least some of the young, upon their release from educational confinement, are unlikely to be content to remain idiots. James Bowman is a resident scholar at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. The author of Honor: A History, Bowman is a movie critic for The American Spectator and the media critic for the New Criterion. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Dana and Ron Kutt dedicated a bench to their son, Jason, at the site of his death near Lake Nockamixon. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) Hunter Sentenced to 7 to 20 Years in Prison for Fatally Shooting Teen at State Park By Vinny Vella From The Philadelphia Inquirer Profusely apologizing for his actions, a Bucks County, Pennsylvania, hunter was sentenced to seven to 20 years in state prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of a teenager at Nockamixon State Park last fall. Kenneth Heller, 52, of Warminster, told Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey L. Finley he thought he was aiming his .17-caliber rifle at a groundhog on Oct. 24. Days later, after District Attorney Matthew Weintraub held a news conference asking the public for information about the case, Heller learned he had killed Jason Kutt, 18, who was taking in an early fall sunset with his girlfriend on a bank of Lake Nockamixon. I would rather it was me that died that day than Jason, Heller said in the courtroom, addressing more than 30 of Kutts friends, relatives, and supporters in attendance. I cant wake up from this nightmare, and I dont think I ever will. Finley said he did not doubt that Heller was remorseful. But he admonished the longtime hunter, saying he seemingly was thinking more about himself than the grieving family after word of Kutts death spread. Not only did you know what you had done, you knew the trauma you inflicted on this family, and you knew the community was in fear of a murderer running amok in Nockamixon Park, Finley said. Your panic turned into selfishness and self-preservation. Investigators searched for Kutts killer for 60 days, pursuing the leads that were available at the sparse crime scene. Finally, an anonymous caller told authorities Kellers vehicle had been parked at Nockamixon State Park on the day of the shooting. Subsequent interviews with Hellers coworkers revealed he hadnt shown up for work the Monday after the shooting and had begun to give away rifles, ammunition, and other hunting gear. When detectives served a search warrant on his home, they found the gun that killed Kutt. Heller, in conversations with detectives played during Wednesdays hearing, said he had been planning to turn himself in but had begun to procrastinate, wishing for one more day with his family. Kutts parents, awash in grief and anger, told the judge how badly they sought one more day with their son. There is a huge hole in our hearts that will never heal, said Ron Kutt, Jasons father. When you lose someone, your only son, in such a heinous way, you know you will never heal from it. In the months since their sons death, Kutt and his wife, Dana, have become advocates for stronger hunting regulations in Pennsylvanias state parks. Theyve also raised money in Jasons name, forming a grant program at his alma mater, Upper Bucks Technical School. Perhaps the most direct impact theyve had was installing an elevated benchhandmade by Ron Kuttat the site of the shooting, a safe seating area they believe will prevent further tragic accidents by hunters. But the couple made clear that the impact of their sons death will reverberate throughout the rest of their lives. They spoke of sleepless nights, of hundreds of tears shed, and of meetings with counselors specializing in violent trauma and PTSD. 2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference announcing a class action lawsuit against Big Tech companies at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, N.J., on July 7, 2021. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) I Look Forward to It: Trump Says Hell Sit for Twitter, Google, Facebook Lawsuit Deposition Former President Donald Trump said Thursday he is eager and willing to provide sworn testimony in a deposition in his lawsuits against Google, Twitter, and Facebook so he can talk about the 2020 election. I look forward to it, actually, Trump told Bill OReilly on Thursday night about possibly sitting for a deposition, coming a day after he announced the lawsuits. I love talking about the election fraud. The former president unveiled the legal action during a news conference in New Jersey on Wednesday, saying he wants a judge to rule on the social media giants alleged censoring, blacklisting, and shadowbanning of users over political speech. The lawsuit will also seek punitive damages. Theyre going to want to take a deposition from you. You going to sit for a deposition? OReilly asked him. Trump replied: Sure. I think weve had a lot of them, frankly. A part of it will be the election. Now, if youre talking about January 6th, that will also be about the election. Are your lawyers prepared, though, for the war? There will be a war. You know that. Are they prepared for it? OReilly asked Trump. Everything is a war. With me, life is a war. Yeah, were prepared and somebody had to do it, Trump replied, saying that a number of people have urged him to file lawsuits against Google, Facebook, and Twitter. The three platforms, along with others, suspended Trumps accounts and claimed he incited violence during the Jan. 6 Capitol incident. Facebook several weeks ago said his ban would last approximately two years, Twitter executives have said his account suspension will be permanent, and Google-owned YouTube has provided even fewer details about the length of his ban. In the interview on Thursday, Trump also denied inciting any violence on Jan. 6, pointing to statements he made at the time that demonstrators who were gathered in Washington D.C. to protest the Joint Session of Congresss certification of the election should do so peacefully. While announcing the suit, Trump argued that social media companies have ceased to be private companies and cited the Section 230 protection shield that such firms employ to protect themselves from liability. Republicans have argued that the federal rule has allowed Big Tech firms to censor their political opponents, while some have gone further, arguing that social media giants should be regulated as utilities. Google, Facebook, and Twitter have not responded to a request for comment. Facebook and Twitter spokespersons told other news outlets they had no comment on the litigation. A pro-democracy district councilor Lee Yue-shun arrives for a hearing at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong, China, on July 8, 2021.(Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) Judge Rules That 47 Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Cases Will Resume in September A judge ruled on July 8 that court cases for 47 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists will resume in late September, after prosecutors were granted more time to build a case against them. The 47 activists, who were among 55 arrested by national security police on Jan. 6, were charged with participating in a primary vote in 2020 that was unofficial, non-binding, and independently organized. The primaries saw hundreds and thousands of people voting, despite warnings that doing so would breach the Beijing-imposed national security law implemented in the same year. While the primary was to select candidates for a since-postponed city election, authorities said it was a vicious plot to subvert the government and charged many of the activists with conspiracy to commit subversion. Judge Victor So in the West Kowloon Court ruled that the defendants will return to court on Sept. 23 after Thursdays appearance as prosecutors had requested more time to prepare the case. The activists, aged 23 to 64, now face life in prison if convicted under the draconian national security law, which critics say has crushed the citys wide-ranging rights and freedoms, turning the city into just like any other city in mainland China. Supporters hold signs featuring images of some of the 47 pro-democracy activists outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts ahead of a hearing in Hong Kong, China, on July 8, 2021. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) Those arrested include civil society members, social workers, teachers, and former pro-democracy legislators, who had represented Hong Kong constituents for decades but have since retired. Many of them have been denied bail because of communications theyd with the United States or overseas journalists. Back in February, a days-long hearing heard claims that many of the defendants had been denied showers and rests, while four had been taken to hospital. In addition to the new national security law, which was imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing just 10 days before the primary, authorities have changed the criteria for Hong Kong elections and the makeup of the legislature to ensure an overwhelming pro-Beijing majority. A pro-democracy activist Hendrick Lui Chi Hang arrives for a hearing at the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts in Hong Kong, China on July 8, 2021. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) Since the security law was introduced, the most prominent pro-democracy figures have been jailed, fled abroad or intimidated into silence while demonstrations have been banned. The citys most prominent pro-democracy newspaper, the Apple Daily, printed its last edition on June 24 following a raid on its headquarters and the freezing of key assets and bank accounts. Five hundred police officers searched the newsroom for evidence of the company violating the national security law which was imposed by Beijing on the city last year. Hong Kong police arrested five top executives of the company. More than 120 people, mainly opposition politicians, democracy activists, and students as young as 15, have been arrested under the security law so far. Beijing has defended the moves as necessary to restore order in the Asian financial hub and prevent the type of protests seen in Hong Kong during much of 2019. Critics say they mark a betrayal of the central governments promise to maintain Hong Kongs civil liberties for 50 years after its handover from British colonial rule in 1997. Reuters contributed to this report. Judge Suspends Criminal Proceedings Against Alleged Mass Shooter, Orders Mental Exam An Orange County, Calif. judge suspended court proceedings July 8 against Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, the man accused of killing four people and injuring another, pending a mental competency evaluation. The proceedings marked Gonzalezs first court appearance since a March 31 mass shooting in Orange that ended when he was shot in the head by police. He could be seen in court behind a barrier in a wheelchair, wearing a white helmet. Ken Morrison, Gonzalezs attorney, said during the proceedings that he doesnt believe Gonzalez is currently competent enough to assist counsel in his own defense. Hes likely unable to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings against him, Morrison said. Morrison asked that Gonzalezs competency be checked by doctors throughout the next four weeks to determine if he will be fit for trial. The prosecution, which included Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer in the courtroom, didnt object to a competency evaluation. The judge suspended court proceedings against Gonzalez, and the court will reconvene Aug. 6 after he has been evaluated by two doctors, one on the defense side and one on the prosecutorial side. Ken Morrison, attorney for Aminadab Gaxiola Gonzalez, speaks to reporters outside an Orange County, Calif. courtroom on July 8, 2021. (Drew Van Voorhis/The Epoch Times) Morrison spoke to reporters outside the courtroom to explain the situation further. Today was the first time that Mr. Gaxiola Gonzalez was medically cleared for transport to court for his arraignment, Morrison said. The court has concluded that Mr. Gaxiola Gonzalez is at this time mentally incompetent to assist in his own defense. Furthermore, we believe that he may even not be able to understand the proceedings against him. As a result of that, the judge at least temporarily suspended criminal proceedings. However, it doesnt mean the case is over, he said. Suspending criminal proceedings means that its basically just frozen for the moment so the court can essentially fact-find to determine whether, in fact, somebody is mentally incompetent, Morrison told reporters. And if the court determines the person is competent, or at some point is restored to competency, then the criminal proceedings can pick up where they left off. Everybody has a constitutional right, of course, to understand the charges filed against them. Gonzalez is accused of entering the offices of Unified Homes in Orange on the evening of March 31 and using bicycle-type locks to secure the gates leading into the office building. He allegedly proceeded to open fire on employees, killing four, including a 9-year-old boy, and critically injuring another. The victims include 28-year-old Genevieve Raygoza, her 50-year-old father Luis Tovar, and 9-year-old Matthew Farias. Leticia Solis was also killed. The mother of Matthew and Genevieve, Blanca Tamayo, survived the shooting after being shot in the head, and has since been released from the hospital. Gonzales has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. Hes also facing a special-circumstance allegation of multiple murders, which makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. Families of the victims were present for the court proceedings. Gonzalez didnt speak during the proceedings, nor was he asked any questions. It is unclear how well he is able to communicate due to his injuries. Alec Torres, 38-year friend of Luis Tovar, told reporters after court that its disappointing to have to wait so long for answers, but he understands that the court system can be slow. Everybody would like to have justice served. Its just a matter of time waiting for that, Torres said. I suspect it will be a good four or five years before its all settled if it does go to trial. Its heart-wrenching because we want answers as to why this occurred, we want the answers as to what the investigation holds. Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, August 14, 2019. (Michael Dalder/Reuters) LAX Cargo Handlers to Plead Guilty to Theft of Gold Bars LOS ANGELESTwo men who worked at Los Angeles International Airport for a cargo-handling company are expected to plead guilty July 9 to a federal charge for stealing gold bars that were part of an international shipment. Marlon Moody, 38, and Brian Benson, 35, both of South Los Angeles, have each agreed to enter their pleas to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit theft of an interstate or foreign shipment, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. The indictment alleges that both men worked for Alliance Ground International, a company that provided ground handling services at LAX. On the evening of April 22, a shipment of gold bars arrived at LAX on Singapore Airlines. A total of 2,000 gold bars, each weighing 2.2 pounds and valued at $56,000, were being shipped from Australia to New York at the direction of a Canadian bank. During a stopover at LAX, the gold was offloaded and secured, but an inventory that evening showed one box containing 25 gold bars was missing, federal prosecutors said. Moody allegedly found the missing box of gold bars near the Singapore Airlines cargo warehouse on the morning of April 23, placed the box on a belt loader and drove that vehicle to a nearby location, where he removed four of the bars. Soon after, Benson arrived to pick up Moody in a company van, where they allegedly exchanged text messages about the gold bars because other employees were in the van. The two defendants later left the airport and went to a nearby parking lot, where Moody gave Benson one of the four gold bars, the indictment alleges. The lost box with the 21 remaining gold bars was discovered by other cargo handlers later on April 23, and authorities began an investigation that ultimately led to Moody and Benson, according to the indictment. Moody gave one gold bar to a relative on May 4and directed the family member to exchange the gold bar for a vehicle and/or money, the indictment alleges. Around this time, Moody allegedly buried the remaining two gold bars in his backyard. The FBI recovered all four gold bars about two weeks after they went missing from LAX, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Live Q&A: Trump Sues Social Networks Over Censorship; Biden Launching Door-to-Door Vaccine Campaign Donald Trump announced a major class-action lawsuit against Twitter, Facebook, and Google over censorship, and the case is expected to address the issue of Section 230 legal protections for the social networking companies. And in other news, Joe Biden has announced a program for door-to-door visits to encourage Americans to get vaccinated. In this live Q&A with Crossroads host Joshua Philipp, well discuss these stories and others, and answer questions from the audience. Were being heavily censored by Big Tech. Our solution? Create our own independent platform free of censorship. Join us today on EpochTV. Weve got a country to save: http://epochtv.com/Crossroads Follow EpochTV on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus McConnell: Flipping House, Senate in 2022 Would Force Biden to Be a Moderate Republicans regaining control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2022 midterm elections would put them in a position to check President Joe Biden, a Democrat, the top Republican in the Senate said Thursday. What direction we take is largely going to be decided by the election in 2022, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. President Joe Biden vowed on the campaign trail to govern as a moderate but quickly moved away from that pledge, issuing a flurry of executive orders opposed by most Republicans and backing his partys play in Congress to ram through a $1.9 trillion package that included COVID-19 relief with zero GOP support. McConnell said when he made remarks last year that he could guarantee Biden would be a moderate, he thought he would remain majority leader. Instead, Democrats won both Senate runoff elections in Georgia, giving them control of the 50-50 upper chamber through Vice President Kamala Harriss ability to cast tiebreaking votes. In the House, Republicans flipped 15 seats, considerably narrowing the Democrats majority. With Democrats barely having control in each chamber, McConnell alleged Biden has misread the mandate from voters. I dont think the American people voted for all of this, but they have narrow control here for the next year and a half. And the American people, I think, have to make a big decision in 2022do they really want a moderate administration or not? he told the chamber. President Joe Biden speaks to members of the press prior to a Marine One departure from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on July 7, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) The American people right now have given us, I think, a 50/50 government. It could go either way. And I think the 22 election will be an example for the administration to get a report card, a midterm report card, he added later. Biden and White House officials have generally blamed Republicans for how his term is going so far, accusing GOP lawmakers of refusing to come to compromises on major issues like infrastructure and election reform. The 2022 elections will see voters decide on who will hold 34 Senate seats, including 20 currently held by Republicans. Every seat in the House is up for grabs, since terms are only two years. If voters do hand control of Congress back to the GOP, that would not mean nothing gets accomplished. McConnell pointed to how the parties came together to pass multiple relief packages in 2020, among other pieces of legislation that drew bipartisan support and a signature from former President Donald Trump. What I want you to know is if I become the majority leader again, its not for stopping everythingits for stopping the worst, McConnell said. Its for stopping things that fundamentally push the country into a direction that at least my party feels is not a good idea for the country. And I could make sure Biden keeps his promise [he made] in 20 to be a moderate. Meet One of the Only Families in the UK to Have 6 Generations Alive at the Same Time A family has become one of the only in the UK with six generations alive at the same timewith one of the family members becoming Scotlands only great-great-great-grandma, aged 86. The family stretches from oldest member Mary Marshall, 86, to their youngest member Nyla Ferguson, who is just a couple of weeks old. Mother of eight Mary, who was born four years before the start of World War II, boasts a whopping 90 grandchildren. Mary Marshall (L), 86, with her family members. (SWNS) The women are all on the same side of the familyand all except new mom Toni-Leigh work, or worked, as carers for the National Health Service (NHS). All gave birth at the age of 18 or younger, resulting in this super-sized happy family, and all live in or around Edinburgh, Scotland. Head of the family Mary has eight children including eldest daughter Rose Thorburn, 68. Rose has four children including mom-of-three Chyrel Borthwick, 50. Chyrel gave birth to mom-of-four Carrie Dow in 1986. Carrie, 35, has four children, including new mom Toni-Leigh Aitken, 17. And on 25 May 2021, Mary earned herself the title of Scotlands only great-great-great-grandma with the birth of Nyla Ferguson, weighing 6 pounds 14 ounces. Mary Marshall has earned herself the title of Scotlands only great-great-great-grandma with the birth of Nyla Ferguson. (SWNS) Due to the size of her family, Mary, from Edinburgh, says she is forgiven for not buying each and every member a birthday and Christmas present as shed spend half the year doing so. Im a lucky woman to be honest with you, Mary said. Its great to have such a big family. Theres always someone there looking out for you. Im incredibly happy. Mary Marshall with her great-great-great-granddaughter, Nyla Ferguson, and family members. (SWNS) Toni-Leigh, who gave birth to the newest member of the family in May, said: When we found out I was pregnant we did make a joke about us breaking some sort of record. Then we started looking into it and it doesnt look like anyone else has our family set-up. Its a bit too early to see a resemblance to her great-great-great-grandma but it was love at first sight when they met! We live no longer than a 1015-minute drive away from one another so we see each other. We havent had a big [get together] with the entire family since the pandemic but when we do, its great fun. There are 90 grandchildren now with Nyla so its always pretty loud! Mary Marshall, who was born four years before the start of World War II, boasts a whopping 90 grandchildren. (SWNS) Rose said: Its great when you have a new baby. Im one of eight so Ive always had a big family in some sense. But now were pretty big! I havent heard of any other family of this size in Scotland. Whenever we get together theres always fun and laughs. Theres always someone there for you. The family is believed to be the only family in Scotland with six generations alive at the same time. According to Guinness World Records, the most generations alive in a single family have been seven. Mary Marshall, 86, born in June 1935. Rose Thorburn, 68, born in October 1952. Chyrel Borthwick, 50, born in July 1970. Carrie Dow, 35, born in February 1986. Toni-Leigh Aitken, 17, born in October 2003. Nyla Ferguson, born in May 2021. Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. Michigan Attorney General, Police to Probe People Who Made Election Fraud Claims Michigans attorney general, with assistance from police officers, will investigate people who claimed election fraud happened during the 2020 contest. A spokeswoman for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel told The Epoch Times in an email on Friday that the Democrat will probe people who allegedly made false claims, with help from Michigan State Police. The spokeswoman said Nessel decided to launch the probes on a request from Republicans in the Michigan Senate. A Republican-controlled Senate panel last month issued a report saying it found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in Michigans prosecution of the 2020 election. A portion of the Michigan Senate Oversight Committee report focused on Antrim County, where the county clerk falsely reported on the morning after Election Night that Democrat Joe Biden had beat former President Donald Trump by thousands of votes. The senators said their review backed the position of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Antrim County officials, which is that the false reporting was due to human error and was ultimately rectified. The committee recommended that Nessel consider investigating those who have been utilizing misleading and false information about Antrim County to raise money or publicity for their own ends. The Committee finds those promoting Antrim County as the prime evidence of a nationwide conspiracy to steal the election place all other statements and actions they make in a position of zero credibility, it said. Benson said her office looked forward to partnering with Nessel on this critical investigation into the real fraud that took place in 2020: efforts to deceive Michigan citizens about their vote with misleading, false statements about the accuracy & integrity of our elections. Attorney Matthew DePerno and his client, William Bailey, have raised money for a case brought against the county that alleged Dominion Voting Systems machines used in the county were shown to miscount votes cast for Trump, counting them for Biden. The case was dismissed in mid-May. Dominion has denied the allegations, including details in a forensic report from a firm hired by DePerno that alleged Dominions machines and software were purposefully designed with inherent errors to create systemic fraud and influence election results. Patrick Colbeck, a former state senator, an aerospace engineer, and a poll challenger, sits down for an interview in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 27, 2020. (Bowen Xiao/The Epoch Times) There were no software glitches that switched votes in Antrim County or anywhere else, Dominion responded at the time. The errors identified in Antrim County were isolated human errors not involving Dominion. DePerno told The Epoch Times in an email on Friday: Dana Nessel is a lawless Marxist. She is trying to stop our investigation into election fraud. She is also opposing counsel in the case Bailey v Antrim County and Jocelyn Benson. She is now using the power of the police state and her to actively investigate opposing counsel. This is unethical, unconstitutional, and criminal (see MCL 750.505). Dana Nessel must resign immediately for her unethical conduct. Patrick Colbeck, a former Michigan senator, has a website where he hosts content he says back his election fraud claims. Users must pay a monthly fee to see some of the content. Colbeck recently started a petition to censure McBroom and the other Republican senators who signed onto the report and denounced what he described as legislators attempt to marginalize those exposing election fraud. In a lengthy post on his site, Colbeck said the panels report consistently repeats the flawed assertion that the integrity of the election can be demonstrated simply by running ballots through the tabulator. The Committee appears to be operating under an extremely unique definition of election fraud that dismissed any evidence of fraud if it did not add up to the 154,188 votes promoted as the margin of victory for Joe Biden. This failure of reasoning dismisses the cumulative effect of breaches in the chain of custody and violations of existing statute, he said. A large group of protesters stand on the East steps of the Capitol Building after storming its grounds in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Naming the Capitol Police Officer Who Killed Unarmed Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt Most police departmentsincluding Washington, D.C.s Metropolitan Policeare 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. Policewhich shares jurisdiction with the Capitol Police and has led the investigation into Babbitts shootingconcluded 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. An undated social media selfie photo shows Ashley Babbitt, also spelt Ashli. (Ashli Babbitt/Twitter) 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 shotthe only round fired by anyone during the four-hour siegehas 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, USCPs communications chief officially knocked it down as misinformation. Now a new name has surfaced in the Babbitt imbroglioLt. Michael L. Byrdand 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 Transcriptswhich, according to its website, provides the complete word from Capitol Hill; exactly as it was spokenrecorded 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 shootinga 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. 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 departments 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. In a still image from video released by NTD, the attorney for Ashli Babbitts family, Terry Roberts, speaks to NTDs Cindy Drukier on The Nation Speaks, on Mar. 13, 2021. (NTD) 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. U.S. Capitol Police deploy during the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. (Allison Dinner/AFP via Getty Images) 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 officers 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. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol building on the way to attending the State of the Union in Washington on Jan. 30, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) 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. This article was written by Paul Sperry for RealClearInvestigations NSW Expands Contact Tracing but Promises Data Privacy The New South Wales (NSW) government has followed Queensland to significantly broaden its contact tracing mandate but has promised to break the nationwide cycle of police accessing users private location data. From July 12, educational institutions, offices, supermarkets, amusement centres, recreational facilities, places of worship, and more, will all be required to set up QR code scanning stations to facilitate contact tracing through the Service NSW app. This comes amid mounting concerns and dwindling public trust after police in both Queensland and Western Australia (WA) were found to have legally accessed contact tracing data on at least one occasiondespite proclamations by state governments that the data would only be used for contact tracing purposes. This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible, Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said. The new requirements follow an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, which propelled NSW into a two-week lockdown, and has currently reached over 400 locally transmitted cases. NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello addresses the media in Sydney, Australia on March 3, 2021. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control, Dominello said. The NSW government has attempted to assuage concerns regarding Service NSWs contact tracing usage by emphasising that the apps data would only be used by health authorities for contact tracing purposes. The NSW Government recognises the importance of maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of check-in information collected under the Public Health Order, a NSW Health spokesperson told The Epoch Times. The spokesperson said that, under the Public Health (COVID-19 Gathering Restrictions) Order (No 2) 2021, check-in information collected under the Order is only to be used for the purpose of contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. People arrive at a COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic in the suburb of Fairfield in Sydney, Australia on July 9, 2021. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) The spokesperson also said that the health order was strictly defined, and that there was no power to grant an exemption under any circumstance that would see the order overruled. Following the revelation that WAs police had accessed users location data in two separate investigations, groups such as Digital Rights Watch expressed grave concern regarding the governments non-compliance with its own promises. The public were explicitly told that contact tracing check-in data would not be used for anything other than public health contact tracing purposes, a Digital Rights Watch spokesperson told The Epoch Times. Police access to the WA COVID-19 check in-app data is a betrayal of this public trust. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer speaks at a news conference announcing charges against defandants accoused of ripping off California's unemployment program during the pandemic, in Santa Ana, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Orange County District Attorney Slams Inmate Firefighting Program SANTA ANA, Calif.Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer on July 8 called for reforms in the firefighting program for state prison inmates in response to one inmates joyriding spree in a Cal Fire truck on the Fourth of July. Cameron Zoltan Horvath, 31, is accused of going off-roading in a stolen fire truck after leaving his assignment battling a brush fire in El Dorado County on July 4, according to the district attorneys office. Horvath attempted to carjack another vehicle when the fire truck got stuck in a ditch, authorities said. Horvath was doing a 10-year sentence that started in 2015 after he was convicted of carjacking a woman in Orange County. He also had a prior conviction for attempted carjacking in 2014. He led law enforcement on a chase in the stolen vehicle before taking a deputys patrol vehicle during the pursuit, prosecutors said. He also got into a scuffle with deputies at a hospital following his arrest and attempted to grab a firearm from a deputy. Horvath, who was in the states inmate firefighting program, was helping to battle a brush fire sparked by illegal fireworks July 4 when he left in a fire engine, prosecutors said. Spitzers office noted that in 2005, another inmateMarlon Ruffwalked off from the Eel River Conservation Camp in Humboldt County while doing time for beating and robbing an armored vehicle guard and fatally shot a San Francisco police officer before taking his own life. In 2010, Jeffory Lynn Shook, who had led police on chases in Orange County and attempted to run over a detective in Placer County, escaped from a fire camp, Spitzer said. Dana Simas, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said Horvath was an isolated incident that prison officials and others were investigating. This individual will no longer be eligible to participate in the firefighting program, Simas said. It is important to note that the act of one individual is not reflective of the conservation camp program at CDCR, or its participants, who volunteer for this program, and have to meet numerous criteria in a manner that is consistent with public safety, Simas said. This includes being designated as `minimum custody, the lowest security classification awarded based on their sustained good behavior and for consistently following the rules within the prison and participation in other rehabilitative programming. She added that, The actions of one person should not overshadow the crucial and difficult work many of our incarcerated hand crews do to protect the state from wildfires and other disasters. When not fighting fires, camps participants perform invaluable conservation and community service projects such as clearing brush and fallen trees to reduce the chance of fire, maintaining parks, sand bagging, flood protection and reforestation. They work hard to serve their time productively and give back to the state and their local communities. Spitzer told City News Service that his office cited in the press release multiple examples of inmate firefighters misbehaving. They have to do a better job of screening inmates for the program, he said. Spitzer has also taken issue with a new state law that allows the inmates participating in the program to get their criminal records expunged. No ones record should be expunged, he said. The expungements are not automatic. Defendants must petition a judge to have their criminal records cleaned up. Weapons are distributed to members of the National Guard outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 13, 2021. (Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images) Pentagon Offered National Guard Troops 2 Days Before Jan. 6, Former Chief of Staff Confirms The Pentagon offered National Guard troops two days before the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol building, but that proposal was rejected, former chief of staff Kash Patel has confirmed. In an episode of EpochTVs Kashs Corner, Patel, who served as chief of staff to the Acting United States Secretary of Defense under former President Donald Trump, explained why the Capitol breach could have been prevented. Patel, who also served as a government official in the United States National Security Council and the United States House of Representatives, said that he believes that the offer from the Trump administration was blocked for political reasons. You have to ask yourself, what happened on Jan. 6? I was chief of staff on the Department of Defense on Jan. 6, said Patel. We had offered the Capitol Police and Mayor Bowser of Washington D.C. thousands of National Guardsmen and women two days before Jan. 6, and they turned us down. So it could have been prevented. The breach took place during a joint session of Congress when lawmakers met to certify electoral votes submitted by states. The Capitol grounds and building were breached by protestors and some rioters, some of whom wanted to voice their stance against then-Vice President Mike Pences refusal to intervene in the certification process. Thousands of peaceful protesters remained outside. Police and protesters outside the US Capitols Rotunda, in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Protesters have said they believe widespread fraud occurred in the election and did not like how officials in some states dramatically altered voting rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many mistakes that led to the events that unfolded on that day, Patel said. Why on Jan. 6when it has now been publicly admitted by the FBI that they had information that there could possibly be a situation like that at the United States Capitolwhy werent the cabinet secretaries under [then] President Trump briefed? Why didnt the FBI put a thousand uniformed agents around the U.S. Capitol? Where was the fence? asked Patel. These are the mistakes, intentional or otherwise, that led to Jan. 6, Patel continued. If you look at the videos from Jan. 6, an entire side of the Capitoland I believe its outsidewas totally unmanned. No police officers whatsoever, and thats where the crowd first came in through. He charged that the Pentagons offer was rejected for political reasons. I think people now are starting to realize that the protecting of the U.S. Capitol on a day like Jan. 6 is a law enforcement function, Patel explained. You cannot have the United States military descend and occupy the area around the U.S. Capitol, its literally illegal. But they can assist their law enforcement partners through a request from the mayor or the governor or the Capitol Police. Thats what shouldve happened, and thats what we told them they might want to consider, but they flat out rejected it for political reasons I believe. The U.S. Capitol Police, Mayor Muriel Bowsers office, and the Department of Justice didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times. More than 535 defendants across nearly 50 states have been charged in the six months since the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol Building, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said this week. The majority of the cases are related to entering a restricted building, obstruction of an official proceeding, and civil disorder. People who breached the U.S. Capitol gather in the buildings Rotunda in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) FBI Director Christopher Wray told an oversight hearing held by the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee last month that the law enforcement agency considered the events that unfolded on Jan. 6 to be an act of domestic terrorism. When asked by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) whether the events could be considered an insurrection, Wray said it would be inappropriate to describe the breach as such. In my role as FBI director, because thats a term that has legal meaning, I really have to be careful about using words like that, Wray said, noting that what he says could affect ongoing criminal cases. Democratic lawmakers have pushed the narrative that the Jan. 6 breach was an insurrection, largely during the January impeachment effort against Trump. No one who participated in the breach has been charged with insurrection. On June 23, Indiana woman Anna Morgan-Lloyd, 49, was put on probation in the first sentencing stemming from the Jan. 6 breach. Separately, reports of harsh conditions for pre-trial defendants have emerged in recent days. Two attorneys told NTDs The Nation Speaks that more than 50 such defendants are being held pretrial in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, in conditions that are unconstitutional and violate every single basic human right. The FBI on Jan. 6 appealed to the public for additional information to assist in identifying 300 people who allegedly committed violent acts at the U.S. Capitol, including more than 200 who assaulted law enforcement officers. Businessman Tony Accurso arrives at the courthouse for sentencing in Laval, Que., on July 5, 2018. The Crown has dropped its fraud case against a former construction tycoon in Quebec and four co-accused following a nine-year legal battle. (The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes) Quebec Crown Drops Case Against Ex Construction Tycoon, Citing Lack of Resources MONTREALThe Crown has dropped its fraud case against a former construction tycoon in Quebec and four co-accused following a nineyear legal battle. Prosecutor Francois Blanchette told a Quebec court judge Thursday he wouldnt be able to meet the courts deadline to release the Crowns evidence against Tony Accurso and four other defendants. The ex-construction magnate was accused of having helped organize a scheme with entrepreneur Francesco Bruno and accountant Francesco Fiorino to bribe Revenue Canada agents Adriano Furgiuele and Antonio Girardi with about $250,000 in order to avoid paying tax. Quebec court Judge Melanie Hebert had ordered the prosecution to divulge evidence involving 600 boxes of documents seized by the Canada Revenue Agency 12 years ago. But Blanchette told the judge his office couldnt meet the deadline imposed by a 2016 Supreme Court of Canada decision that capped the length of trials. In 2018, Accurso received a four-year prison term after being convicted on fraud and corruption charges in what a Quebec court judge called one of the worst examples of municipal corruption to come before a Canadian court. He was released from prison after serving one week, however, pending an appeal. In October 2020, Accurso and several companies tied to him were ordered to pay $4.2 million after pleading guilty to tax fraud. Accurso had pleaded guilty to making false tax declarations between 2006 and 2010 and was fined almost $2 million. Blanchette told the court Thursday there are simply too many documents in the case, and his office doesnt have the resources to analyze them in time. We came to the conclusion that, unfortunately for us, for the state, we could not continue the proceedings in this case, he said. We must act like officers of the law and put our emotions aside and do what we think is the best thing in the case and act fairly for the litigants. The Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, in Avila Beach, Calif., on June 20, 2010. (Joe Johnston/The Tribune (of San Luis Obispo) via AP) Rep. Nunes Wants to Keep Californias Last Nuclear Power Plant Running In midst of the summer heatwave, increased energy demands, and worries about possible rolling blackouts due to power shortages, a California Congressman plans to propose legislation aimed at preserving Californias last operating nuclear power plant. Rep Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) is expected to introduce the legislation in the House of Representatives on July 9. The bill, known as the Clean Energy Protection Act, would ensure the continued operation of Diablo Power Canyon Power Plant. Closing Californias last operating nuclear power plant will worsen the states energy crisis, drive up electricity prices, and eliminate a major source of zero-emissions clean energy, Nunes told The Epoch Times via email on July 8. Nunes suggested that California become more self-reliant in meeting its clean energy demands instead of closing Diablo Canyon, an electricity-generating nuclear power plant near Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County, California. One-third of Californias energy is imported from other states, according to the bill. In times of high demand, Nunes said those states could choose to serve their own residents first, as they did last year, leaving Californians in the dark. The bill states that between 2010 and 2020, Californias electricity prices jumped by 39.5 percent, the largest increase of any U.S. state, and that more than 800,000 homes and businesses lost power in August 2020. With less than four years left before Diablo Canyon Power Plant near San Luis Obispo starts shutting down the states last two nuclear reactors, experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) say energy regulators have not prepared sufficiently for what happens next, wrote the nonprofit organization UCS in an analysis from February. California is at risk of a 15.5 million metric ton increase in cumulative global warming emissions between now and 2030 if the states Public Utilities Commission (PUC) does not aggressively plan to replace Diablo Canyons nuclear generation with clean energy resources. Following the 2013 closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station south of San Clemente, California, along the Pacific coast, carbon dioxide from California-based electricity greenhouse gas generation began to rise, Nuness bill states. In 2018, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed an executive order mandating that California achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The same year, California regulators approved a request to shut down both of Diablo Canyons nuclear reactors. The plant currently produces 10 percent of the states electricity, or 18,000 gigawatt-hours of power every year. More than half of the nations carbon-free energy is nuclear-generated, and nuclear-generated electricity makes up nearly 20 percent of the nations electricity, according to the proposed legislation. The measure also calls for the granting of a federal license to expand the plants generating capacity by 8,000 megawatts. Nuness office said in a statement that closing Diablo Canyon would drive up energy prices and likely mean replacing clean energy to one extent or another with fossil fuels. If the Democrats believed their own warnings about an approaching climate apocalypse, theyd be actively building nuclear power plantsa clean, efficient, and safe energy source with zero carbon emissions. But instead, theyre forcing the shutdown of Californias last operational nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, which is slated to retire in 2025, the statement said. Saving Diablo Canyon from the Democrats climate chopping block is a necessary first step in a long fight to restore sensible energy policies to California. The two main actors in the movie are Robert Montgomery (L) and John Wayne in They Were Expendable. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) Rewind, Review, and Re-Rate: They Were Expendable: A Stirring Tribute to a Lesser-Known Theater of World War II Not Rated | 2h 15min | Drama, War | 1945 As an Army vet, Ive watched quite a few war movies. But as a landlubber, Ive never known much about the PT boats Ive seen snaking through jungle rivers in movies about the Vietnam War. Director John Ford sheds light on their impact in one of his lesser-known movies, long before the Vietnam era. They Were Expendable (1945) is one of Fords many collaborations with actor John Wayne. Although the two usually worked together on Westerns, they occasionally did other genres, such as this fine war drama. The film begins with a U.S. Navy unit stationed in Cavite, Philippines. Lt. John Brick Brickley (Robert Montgomery) and his direct subordinate, Lt. Rusty Ryan (Wayne), lead newly founded Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three. Brickley hopes to show the value of his squadron, which consists of a number of PT boats, to a cadre of top brass, including overall commander Adm. Blackwell (Charles Trowbridge). A naval demonstration he performs culminates in a clever dispersal maneuver whereby the PT boats split up and become more difficult to be targeted. (LR) John Wayne, Charles Trowbridge, and Robert Montgomery in They Were Expendable. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) Blackwell voices his opinion of the newly designed vessels to Brickley: Those boats of yours maneuver beautifully, but in wartime Im afraid Id prefer something more substantial. In other words, although theyre fast, theyre too small to engage larger ships. As the admiral departs with his driver, Brickley and Ryan stand in the cars dust, utterly dejected. Ryan prefers larger craft, such as destroyers, and believes that the general lack of approval for the PT boats will cause him to miss out on any potential action that could break out in the region. After all, Japanese forces have been spotted in the area. Suddenly, the men get the word: The Japanese have successfully launched a devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, and theyre officially at war. At first, Blackwell assigns the squadron to light, noncombat duties, such as ferrying messages back and forth. But as the Japanese ramp up their assaults, the unit gets to show off some of its capabilities. When a detachment of Japanese planes attacks their base, Brickleys squadron scrambles out to sea to face them. In one of the better naval warfare scenes Ive ever witnessed, Brickley, Ryan, and their men duel a contingent of Japanese planes with their machine guns. Utilizing the scatter maneuver witnessed earlier in the demonstration, they manage to avoid taking damage and destroy the enemys planes. During the exchange, Ryans hand gets injured by shrapnel. After showing some of the fighting capabilities of the PT boats, Brickley and his men are soon tasked with a difficult missiona torpedo run on a Japanese cruiser that has been shelling U.S. coastal targets in the area. Going up against a cruiser is a daunting task, but this is Brickleys chance to prove his boats effectiveness, and Ryan and his unit finally get to see the battle action they crave. As Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three prepares for battle, Brickley discovers that Ryans hand injury has led to blood poisoning and sends a testy Ryan off to the local hospital. There, Lt. Sandy Davyss (Donna Reed), an Army nurse assigned to him, eventually manages to melt away his crankiness, and the two soon develop romantic feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Brickleys boats destroy the cruiser. When Ryan returns, the unit is assigned to more combat missions and succeeds in sinking many Japanese naval targets. The Japanese war machine revs up, and Ryan is ordered to embark on a dangerous, top-secret mission. Lt. Sandy Davyss (Donna Reed) and Lt. Rusty Ryan (John Wayne) get romantically involved, in They Were Expendable. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) An Authentic Film Interestingly, both John Ford and Robert Montgomery served in the U.S. Navy, and they lend authenticity to the way the film is shot and paced. This was Montgomerys first film after returning from action in both Europe and the Pacific theaters. He is especially convincing as a stoic, reserved Navy hero in contrast to Waynes more braggadocious energy. The rest of the cast is excellent. Its odd that They Were Expendable didnt seem to garner as much fanfare as many other war films of the era. This is perhaps because of the films more somber tone that honors some who have been little acknowledged yet gave their lives for our magnificent country. They Were Expendable Director: John Ford, Robert Montgomery (Uncredited) Starring: Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed Not Rated Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes Release Date: 1945 Rated: 5 stars out of 5 Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author based out of Los Angeles. To learn more, visit DreamFlightEnt.com or contact him at Twitter.com/ImIanKane. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on March 23, 2021. (Greg Nash/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill Banning Federal Government From Maintaining Vaccine Database Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a bill that would bar the federal government from creating and maintaining a database of who has received COVID-19 vaccines. White House officials had just announced a plan to send outreach teams door-to-door in areas with relatively low vaccination rates. Cruz, in a tweet, suggested that statements from President Joe Biden and White House press secretary Jen Psaki are concerning. When the Biden admin calls for targeted door-to-door outreach to get people vaccinated, it comes across as a g-man saying: We know youre unvaccinated, lets talk, comrade, Cruz wrote Thursday. My bill to ban federal vaccine passports prohibits the feds from maintaining a vaccine database. Biden announced the door-to-door vaccination initiative on Tuesday, saying that we need to go community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and often times door by doorliterally knocking on doors to get help to the remaining people. Biden and Psaki didnt provide many details about the plan, including where it would target, how long it would last, and what the outreach teams will even do. Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Xavier Becerra pushed back against criticism of the plan, saying it is absolutely the governments business to send officials out to knock on peoples doors. Knocking on a door has never been against the law, and American citizens dont have to answer. But we hope you do, he said. Later on Thursday, the HHS secretary wrote in tweets that the federal government doesnt keep a database of who is or isnt vaccinated against COVID-19. In one tweet, Becerra said that his comments to CNN were taken wildly out of context, adding: Were encouraging people to step up to protect themselves, others by getting vaccinated. Its the best way to save lives and end this pandemic. 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. The messaging about outreach teams also drew backlash from other Republican lawmakers. 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.) on the social media platform. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Teen Killed, 11 Hurt in Ohio Holiday Party Gunfire Body camera video of a mass shooting in Toledo show two officers running toward the sound of gunfire as they yell at people to stay down and find cover while dozens of rounds are being fired. Seventeen-year-old Stephon Johnson was killed early Monday during a block party in a central Toledo neighborhood and 11 people ranging in age from 11 to 51 years old were wounded. The 51-year-old and a 19-year-old were hospitalized in critical condition. Toledo police released the video on Thursday. Officers responded to a call about someone shooting in the air and people fighting. Police have said around 80 rounds were fired by multiple shooters. Bullets were found in the walls of neighboring houses. No arrests have been made. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $5,000 reward for information about the shooting suspects. A man looks at a building with an LED billboard displaying a slogan celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party and the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China in Hong Kong, on June 29, 2021. (Bertha Wang/AFP via Getty Images) The Chinese Regimes Pledge to Hong Kong Erodes: Report The political system of Hong Kong is now almost no different from a city in mainland China, after the ruling Communist Partys overhaul threatened the free business climate guaranteed by its separate judicial system, a report by the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) says. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-imposed national security law (NSL) has chipped away at the citys core values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Now, the one country, two systems policy has a mere nominal existence, according to the report (pdf) released in July. The NSL was passed by Chinas rubber-stamp legislature on June 30, 2020. The law criminalizes four broadly defined categories of offenses including: secession, subversion, and collusion with a foreign country. Persons found guilty of violating this law can face up to life in prison. In addition, cases can be adjudicated in mainland China and the law applies to anyone, anywhere in the world. The chilling effect overwhelmed the city. Over 60 percent of Hong Kongers are gloomy about the future environment and personal freedom, said the MAC report, observing the citys overall development from July 2020 to July 2021. The promise of a high degree of autonomy and Hong Kong governed by Hong Kongers is now eroded, said the report, issued 24 years after sovereignty was handed over to China. On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was returned to Chinese control after a century and a half of British colonial rule. The handover was meant to establish a one country, two systems relationship between China and Hong Kong that would last until 2047, with Hong Kong existing as a special administrative region. However, the sweeping national security law has transferred Hong Kong from a patriots governing semi-autonomous city to a CCP completely controlled city, through changing election rules and punishing pro-democracy politicians, said the report. Sweeping Changes In 1997, Beijing agreed that Hong Kong would control internal affairs through its own political structure. The MAC has since published an assessment on Hong Kong and its relationship with China every year. In November 2020, four Hong Kong legislators were disqualified immediately after the Chinese regime announced the resolution allowing authorities to expel those who support independence, seek foreign interference, or other activities that endanger national security. Civil servants in the government were asked to sign a written oath of allegiance to the CCP triggering a wave of resignations. Later in March of this year, due to election reform measures, candidates for the citys parliament were vetted by a separate committee first, allowing the CCP to easily bar critics. Hong Kong police data cited by the MAC showed that among 117 arrested in the first year of the enactment of the law, 55 were from the pro-democracy camp and had run in the primaries of the previous years Legislative Council election. Beijing appointed security chief John Lee to the second-highest ranking position in Hong Kong Government on June 25. Lee is in charge of enforcing Beijings national security law. The report stated that Taiwan would pay attention to the CCPs involvement in next years election because the polls show that over 70 percent of Hong Kong citizens lost confidence in the current chief, Carrie Lam. Former lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Martin Lee (C) leaves the Central District police station, after being arrested and accused of organizing and taking part in an unlawful assembly in August last year, in Hong Kong, on April 18, 2020. (Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images) Intensifying Political Pressure Hong Kongs mini-constitutionthe Basic Lawwhich protects the independent judiciary, democratic rights, and election of parliament, was supposed to stay in effect until 2047. Nonetheless, as the Legislative Council became more submissive, the Chinese regime intensified political pressure on the judicial system, using the national security law to undermine the independence of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The law was also applied retroactively and without a jury. For example, Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai was charged under the NSL for involvement in pro-democracy protests in 2019. He was denied bail under pressure from the CCPs mouthpiece media. Tong Ying-kit, the first defendant charged under the national security law, was tried without a jury. CCP Controls Hong Kong Economy From Afar Beijings tightened control and dominance increases the risk of doing business in the city even though it remains a separate customs territory to the mainland and operates as a free port status, with no tariffs charged on the goods for import and export. In addition, Hong Kong has been booted off this years index of economic freedom published by a conservative think tank in March, which it had dominated for over two decades. The Heritage Foundation explained that the economic policies in the city are ultimately controlled from Beijing, even though its citizens enjoy more financial freedom than the average citizen in China. The report pointed out that among 154 firms going public in Hong Kong last year, Chinese companies accounted for 112, contributing to 99 percent of the approximately $50 billion in fundraising. At the same time, foreign capital fell as several major international companies planned to withdraw, including Vanguardthe worlds second-largest asset management companyand U.S. hedge fund Elliott Management. Taiwan-Hong Kong Relations Strained The MAC said that Taiwan continues its support of Hong Kongs democracy and freedom through practical help. But it emphasized that it is reviewing the Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong and Macao Affairs to stop the regimes infiltration through capital and people. In July, the Taiwan government called back all but one staff member from its Hong Kong office as the authorities refused to renew their visas. The Hong Kong government required staff to sign the one-China commitment, which would mean they admit Taiwan is a province of communist China. Meanwhile, Hong Kong had already closed its office in Taiwans city of Taipei in late May, claiming that assistance to the citys pro-democracy activists grossly interfered with its affairs and created irretrievable damage to Hong Kong-Taiwan relations. Taiwan launched the TaiwanHong Kong Office for Exchanges and Services under the Hong Kong Aid Project on July 1, 2020, offering support to people fleeing after the NSL was imposed. The Taiwan immigration departments data shows that residential permits issued to people from Hong Kong almost doubled in 2020. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system (L) intercepts rockets (R) fired by the Hamas movement toward southern Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip as seen in the sky above the Gaza Strip overnight on May 14, 2021. (Anas Baba/AFP via Getty Images) The Palestinian War Against Israel Commentary The Palestinian war against Israel has been supported by the worldwide press and universities, even though their job is to inform the public. Theres so much disinformation and so many facts are suppressed that I decided to outline several of the most important accusations below. I expect that many people will be unaware of these facts, which can have critical effects on the future of Israel and the worldwide growth of anti-Semitism. First, I will provide some background information. Background The Palestinian territories are divided into two entities. The West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority, where Fatah is the main political party, and Gaza is governed by Hamas. They are intense adversaries, although both are committed to destroying Israel and are willing to cooperate with each other to that end. Both territories are dictatorships without religious freedom and civil liberties; in particular, their treatment of women, gay people, and religious minorities is appalling. Much of the intended humanitarian aid from the United States and Europe is diverted to violent ends. The charter of Hamas calls for the obliteration of Israel and demonizes Jews as a whole, not just Israelis. The leader of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas, has overstayed his election by more than a decade. Speaking in English, he attempts to present himself as a moderate, but watchdog groups translate what he says in Arabic, which reveals hostility identical to that of Hamas. Palestine is a geographical area, like the Great Lakes. The word Palestine is derived from the word Philistine. When the Romans destroyed the Jewish nation of Judea (from which the term Jews is derived), as a special insult they named it for the Philistines, a hated enemy of ancient Israel. For most of the past 2,000 years, Palestinians meant Jewsfor example, the major scientific exhibition at the 1939 Worlds Fair was called the Jewish Palestine Pavilion and the Jerusalem Post was originally known as the Palestinian Post. There has never been a nation of Palestinethe only nations in that region have been three Jewish ones: the ancient nations of Israel and Judah, and modern Israel. Modern-day Palestinians are mostly Muslim Arabs from other countries and are indistinguishable from them in terms of religion, culture, and language. Assertions To support my assertion, I offer the following points. In the interest of brevity, I focus on just a few issues. 1. After surrounding themselves with women and children, and placing armaments in schools and hospitals, Hamas fired 4,300 rockets into Israel. 2. The pretexts for the attacks were that (a) Israel restricted the populations on the Temple Mount, which they had to do, consistent with COVID-19 precautions, and (b) a few individuals, based on a court decision, were evicted for not paying rent for many years. The real reasons were that Mahmoud Abbas, the PA president, fearing a likely loss to Hamas, had canceled his own overdue election and Hamas, therefore, wanted to undermine him by attacking Israel in order to emphasize that its the true representative of Palestinian interests. Hamas also resented the Abraham Accords, by which moderate Arab states were making peace with Israel. 3. Israel forcefully withdrew all 8,000 Israeli citizens from Gaza in 2005. Residents of Gaza now never see any civilian Jewish men, women, and children, let alone Israeli soldiers. As part of the arrangement, the Israeli government was required to empty gravesites, as even dead Jews were too offensive. Wealthy Jews donated some profitable businesses, which were destroyed, and thousands of rockets were fired. 4. Col. Richard Kemp, a distinguished British commanding military officer who isnt Jewish, has extensively studied the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and has testified that it has the lowest ratio of civilian to military casualties in history, better than that of the UK and the United States. The IDF uses thousands of leaflets, texts, and phone calls to protect innocents before its counterattacks. While the press reported that the IDF gave a one-hour advanced warning that it would bomb the Associated Press building, which was also a military installation, the actual notice was effectively five hours, as Kemp indicated in an email: The reality is that 5 hours elapsed between the initial warning to evacuate and the building being hit. I understand that this was because it took that length of time for the IDF to be certain (or as certain as they could be) that all occupants had left the building. None of the other targets were wrong either. If any Western critics know anyone with 20 years of military experience in urban warfare who can do better, Israel would love to hear about it. 5. Some areas of Gaza (but not all) are poor, but thats because the Western aid is stolen. Financial aid that was supposed to be used for housing, schools, and other infrastructure was instead used to build a vast network of elaborate tunnels to support extensive terrorist activities. Shipments into Gaza are sometimes stopped to remove armaments designed to kill Jews, after which they are allowed to proceed. 6. Israel has no obligation to Palestinians (as opposed to Arab Israelis) to provide vaccines any more than the United States must provide them to Iceland or Peruthey are separate from us, though more deserving since these nations arent trying to murder U.S. citizens. Palestinians have their own health authority, as agreed upon in the Oslo Accords. Israeli Arabs are the healthiest, wealthiest, and best-educated Arabs in the worldso much for the idea that Israel has it in for Arabs. Israeli hospitals provide care for non-Israeli Arabs who are trying to kill Israelis. 7. COVID-19 vaccines are up to 95 percent effective in fighting this severe virus. However, merely refraining from firing rockets into Israel would be 100 percent effective in stopping all the casualties in this area of the world. 8. The idea that Israel is illegitimate is false. Space wouldnt permit me to elaboratewhole books have been written on this subject. I discussed several, including the occupation, in a recent article on anti-Semitism. But a few observations would be helpful. (a) The Middle East was carved up from the losing Ottoman Empire after World War I; if Israel is illegitimate, all the other states in the area are also. (b) Almost 98 percent of the Palestinians are governed by non-Israeli Arabs. (c) Every nation has the right to self-defense. 9. People are, of course, free to criticize Israel, whether based on valid concerns or not. But Jews arent stopping dissentinstead, on U.S. college campuses, Jewish students are subject to intimidation and the disruption of pro-Israel speakers. Anti-Israel propaganda is undoubtedly behind the increase in violence against Jews in urban centers in America and Europe. 10. Iran, the No. 1 sponsor of terrorism in the world, is behind these attacks, as well as attacks on U.S. soldiers. Iran used to be known as Persia. However, because of its support of the Nazis, it decided to rename itself Iran, which is the Persian name for the country, used before the rise of Nazism. The reason was that the name sounds like Aryan, Hitlers name for his insane concept of the master race. 11. There is no prospect of peace as long as the population is indoctrinated to hate Israel and Jews. Schools and government-controlled television ensure that this process saturates youngsters with hatred. Schools, streets, and many other public facilities are regularly named for terrorists. Families of suicide bombers receive pensions. Recently, an official publication praised a man who named his son Eichmann, in honor of one of the most important implementors of the Holocaust. I will close with a general observation. Ethnic and religious groups tend to have similar behaviors in different nations. Yet criticisms of Israel imply that Jews are brutal and vicious, even though theyre known to have low levels of violence worldwide. Consider the following: Suppose a local politician, in explaining why violent crime had spiked in a Chicago neighborhood, had offered the explanation that it was because a new Hebrew school had just opened in the area. How credible would that be? This attitude has fueled a worldwide increase in anti-Semitism, with Jews being subject to increasing violence in Western countries. The U.S. State Department is engaged in intensive efforts to restore the completely unenforceable Iran nuclear agreement (the JCPOA). Recently, 100 percent of congressional House Democrats voted against a resolution to provide emergency funding for the Israeli defense programs, including the Iron Dome system, which simply intercepts incoming missiles. Anti-Semitism is being mainstreamed in Congress and universities. The only plausible explanation is the slander of Israel. This false narrative is undermining the support of Israel and endangering its existence, as noted above, with the proposed Iran agreement that is favored by the American and European left. Yet, one atomic bomb from Iranas hot as the sunwould kill as many Jews and others as Adolf Hitler murdered in 12 years with the Holocaust. Arthur Wiegenfeld is an independent investor in New York City. He has training in economics, finance, physics, and computer simulation. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Missy Lattanzie, an RV park resident, searches through her belongings that were destroyed after a tornado touched down Wednesday on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Kings Bay, Ga., on July 8, 2021. (Mass Communication 3rd Class Aaron Xavier Saldana/U.S. Navy via AP) Tropical Storm Elsa Soaks NYC as It Races up East Coast NEW YORKFast-moving Tropical Storm Elsa hit the New York City region with heavy rain and high winds Friday, toppling trees and hindering some rail service as it churned its way toward New England. Maximum sustained winds from the storm peaked near 50 mph as it moved past New York City and across the eastern tip of Long Island, the National Hurricane Center said in an 11 a.m. update. Storm conditions caused snags on commuter rail lines across the region, with slight delays on the Harlem Line north of the city and service suspended on the Long Island Rail Roads Oyster Bay Branch because of fallen trees. The downpour caused a small rock slide under the main railroad track in West Haven, Connecticut, forcing trains to switch to a secondary track for a couple of hours. The coastal city also was dealing with street flooding. Were waiting on the water to recede, said Joe Soto, the citys emergency management director. The drainage system was just overwhelmed. The storm came a day after a deluge flooded some streets and subway stations in New York City. Despite videos showing flooding in some stations Thursday, we actually weathered the storm quite well, interim New York City Transit president Sarah Feinberg said in an email. Up to 6 inches of rain was possible in some areas Friday, enough to cause flash flooding. The hurricane center said a tornado or two was possible through early afternoon Friday over parts of Long Island and southeastern New England. The strongest winds were expected to stay off the coast of New England. But the storm was expected to bring heavy rainup to 4 inches on the Maine coastbefore blowing into the Bay of Fundy and Canada late Friday. Heavy rain had ended in New York City by mid-morning. The system was already blamed for one death in Florida on Wednesday. And Elsa also previously caused a damaging tornado in Georgia. A tropical storm warning Friday morning stretched along parts of the East Coast from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Forecasters said Elsa was moving northeast at 31 mph. Elsa is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone by Friday night. Debris covers the ground after a tornado on Wednesday struck the on-base RV park on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Kings Gay, Ga., on July 8, 2021. (Mass Communication 3rd Class Aaron Xavier Saldana/U.S. Navy via AP) On Wednesday, nine people were injured in coastal Camden County, Georgia, when a tornado struck a campground for active-duty service members and military retirees. Eight of those hurt had to be taken to hospitals, Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base spokesperson Chris Tucker said. The EF-2 tornado flipped over multiple RVs, throwing one of the overturned vehicles about 200 feet into a lake, the National Weather Service said in a preliminary report early Thursday after its employees surveyed the damage. 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. In South Carolina, a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah crew rescued a family that became stranded Wednesday on Otter Island after their boat drifted off the beach. The group was flown to a hospital in good health, a Coast Guard news release said. The National Weather Service in Morehead City, North Carolina, tweeted that a tornado was spotted near Fairfield on Thursday afternoon. Scattered power outages were being reported along Elsas path Friday morning, with about 24,000 homes and businesses without electricity from Delaware 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. By Michael Hill and Tom Hays U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke arrives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 3, 2018. (Shawn Thew - Pool/Getty Images) Trump Endorses Ryan Zinke, His Former Interior Secretary, for Montanas New House Seat Former President Donald Trump on Thursday endorsed former congressman and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in his run for Montanas newly awarded U.S. House seat. Zinke, who said he maintains a friendship with Trump, announced his run for Montanas second House seat in May after filing paperwork to organize a campaign committee. The seat was awarded based on the states population growth compared to other states in the latest U.S. census results. In a statement on July 8, the former president praised Zinkes leadership at the Department of the Interior under his administration. Under Ryan Zinkes leadership at the Department of the Interior, the U.S. achieved Energy Dominance, increased federal energy revenues, and responsibly opened federal acreage for energy production. He was instrumental in expanding public access to public lands for recreation and rebuilding our National Parks and Forests infrastructure, Trump said. Zinke is a former U.S. Navy Seal and was Montanas lone U.S. House member from 2015 to 2017. After joining Trumps Cabinet, he loosened environmental restrictions on oil and gas development and mining, while also promoting the creation of wildlife migration corridors and opposing mines near Yellowstone National Park. As Montanas Congressman for the new 2nd District, Ryan will fight against the Radical Left Democrats who continually block the America First policies we put in place, Trump said. He will be a strong leader for the great Patriots of Montana. Ryan has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Congress! The election is slated for November 2022, but the voting districts boundaries have not been set. In an interview with Insider late May, Zinke said that Trump offered to endorse him for the states new House seat. He said, Run and Ill endorse you,' Zinke, a Republican, told the outlet at the time. Ive always got along with the president. Zinkes last months at the Interior were marked by increasing numbers of investigations into his conduct. Some of the investigations concluded with no findings of wrongdoing, but others remain unresolved. He said Friday there was never any substance to allegations he misused the office. The Interior Department inspector general in 2018 found Zinke violated travel policies when he took his wife Lola in government vehicles. In 2019, the Office of Special Counsel said he violated a ban on federal employees engaging in political activity when he tweeted a picture of himself wearing socks with Trumps campaign slogan. Investigations not publicly resolved include a probe of his decision to reject a casino sought by two tribes in Connecticut and a land deal involving the chairman of an energy company that did business with the Interior when Zinke was there. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The UK has finalised a post-Brexit trade deal with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, the government has announced. International trade ministers agreed the deal in principle last month, but said the deal has now been signed by representatives from all nations. The Government said the deal will be a major boost for the four non-EU nations, which had a trading relationship worth 21.6 billion last year. Ministers said the move will boost the digital, financial and professional services sectors, as well as reduce tariffs on British exports and support international jobs. The UK is Norways top trading partner outside of the EU. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: Todays deal signing is a landmark moment for trade between the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. It will support jobs, cut red tape, and open up more opportunities for the UK. I urge businesses across the country, from farmers to fintech, to seize the fantastic opportunities this deal presents. Norways minister of trade and industry Iselin Nybo said: The UK market is of great importance to Norway. Today marks an important step in our future relationship with the United Kingdom. I am proud that we have concluded an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement, which will provide predictability and opportunities for our businesses, investors, students and workers in the years to come. UK Prime Minister Orders Security Review on Chinese Acquisition of UKs Biggest Semiconductor Maker UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a security review of the purchase of the UKs largest producer of semiconductors by a Chinese-owned firm after the acquisition was widely criticized by Members of Parliament (MPs). Johnson said on July 7 that he has asked his national security adviser to probe into the purchase of Newport Wafer Fab (NWF) by Nexperia, a Dutch firm wholly owned by Chinese company Wingtech. The Welsh-based NWF produces chips used in technological products ranging from cellphones to cars. The company is specialized in the more advanced compound semiconductors, which is the key technology used in 5G networks and facial recognition software. It also has close research cooperation with British universities. Wingtech, whose shareholders include Chinese state-funded investors, announced on July 5 that Nexperia has taken full ownership of NWF. Wingtech supplies chips to Chinese cellphone makers, including Huawei. The purchase has triggered national security concerns by MPs across the political spectrum. Given the importance of semiconductors to our countrys critical infrastructure, there is a clear case to examine this on national security grounds, said MP Ed Miliband, the shadow business secretary. Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, urged ministers to review the deal under the National Security and Investment Act. Johnson told MPs on parliaments liaison committee, I think semiconductors are of huge importance to this country, and one of the things I wanted to look at immediately when I became prime minister was whether or not we could become more self-reliant. He added, There is this company in Newport, we have to judge whether the stuff that they are making is of real intellectual property value and interest to China, whether there are real security implications, I have asked the National Security Adviser to look at it. According to the UKs Enterprise Act, the government has 30 days for screening to decide if the deal will proceed or to put it under further review and even stop it for security reasons. In 2020, the UK government decided to ban Chinese company Huawei from participating in the UKs 5G network from 2027, due to concerns that the Chinese regime would use it for espionage and surveillance. China doesnt have the capability to make more advanced chips. The United States has banned the export of semiconductor technology to Chinese manufacturers out of national security concerns. A gate of what is officially known as a vocational skills education center is photographed in Dabancheng, in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) US Blacklists Over a Dozen Chinese Entities for Aiding Xinjiang Abuses and Military Modernization The Biden administration on July 9 added a total of 19 Chinese entities to its economic blacklist over their role in furthering Beijings human rights abuses and supporting military aggression. The blacklist includes 15 concerning Russia or Iran, adding up to a total of 34. The Department of Commerce remains firmly committed to taking strong, decisive action to target entities that are enabling human rights abuses in Xinjiang or that use U.S. technology to fuel Chinas destabilizing military modernization efforts, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement, adding that the department will continue using export controls to punish attempts to access U.S.-origin items for subversive activities. The trade blacklist restricts the targeted firms from exporting or transferring products or technology without seeking additional licenses from the Commerce Department. Among the sanctioned is Xinjiang Lianhai Chuangzhi Information Technology Co., a subsidiary of a state-owned military contractor that just won recognition in April for its accomplishment in the artificial intelligence realm. Xinjiang Sailing Information Technology, another company on the list, was described by a Chinese major investment holding firm in a 2017 report ( pdf ) as one of the pioneers for countering terrorism in Xinjiang, a term that the regime frequently cited as a justification for the suppression of the regions millions of Muslims. The firm is dedicated to providing solutions for government agencies such as the police to protect city security, it stated. It noted a plan to export such equipment to Islamic countries such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan through the Belt and Road Initiative, the regimes trillion-dollar global infrastructure project to expand Chinas economic and political influence in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Friday sanction reflects an escalation in the U.S. effort to scrutinize Chinese firms high-tech surveillance activity in Xinjiang. In June, after seven of the worlds wealthiest democracies collectively rebuked Chinas human rights abuses, the Commerce Department targeted five Chinese firms that accepted or utilized forced labor involving Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. Cotton pickers harvest a crop of cotton at a field in Hami, in Chinas far west Xinjiang region on Sept. 20, 2011. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) The same month, the Biden administration also expanded on a Trump-era blacklist to bar investment in 59 Chinese defense and tech firms involved in the development or use of Chinese surveillance technology to facilitate repression or serious human rights abuse. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday insisted the Xinjiang issue was an internal affair and accused the United States of trying to destabilize Xinjiang. The regimes treatment of Xinjiang Uyghurs has drawn worldwide condemnation. The U.K.s Foreign Affairs Committee on July 8 published a report calling for its government to take stronger responses, including boycotting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and import bans. Days prior, French prosecutors opened investigations into four fashion retailers suspected of concealing crimes against humanity. US Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Rise, Overall Trend Points Lower WASHINGTONThe number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week but continuing claims dropped, another indication that the labor market recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be choppy. Businesses have reopened at a rapid clip, boosted by a rollback in restrictions. Still, the job market rebound has been anything but steady despite recent employment gains. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 373,000 for the week ended July 3, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 350,000 applications for the latest week. Through some of the noise in the data it still looks like the trend for filings keeps moving lower over time, said Daniel Silver, an economist at JPMorgan in New York. Lack of affordable child care and fears of contracting the coronavirus have been cited for keeping workers, mostly women, at home. There were a record 9.2 million job openings at the end of May and 9.5 million people were officially unemployed in June. The number of people continuing to receive benefits after an initial week of aid declined 145,000 to 3.339 million during the week ended June 26, the claims report showed. There were 14.2 million people receiving benefits under all programs in late June, a fall from 14.7 million earlier in the month. The data comes on the heels of an encouraging monthly jobs report from the Labor Department last Friday, which showed U.S. companies hired the most workers in 10 months in June. Claims have dropped from a record 6.149 million in early April 2020 but remain above the 200,000250,000 range that is seen as consistent with a healthy labor market. The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it smooths out week-to-week volatility, fell 250 to 394,750. The claims data may remain volatile in the coming weeks as 25 states with mostly Republican governors pull out of federal government-funded unemployment programs. These included a $300 weekly check, which businesses complained was encouraging the jobless to stay at home. Those collecting benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation programs dropped by nearly 465,000 in the week ended June 19, the largest decline since early May. At a combined 10.7 million, their rolls were the lowest since the start of the year. The early termination of aid began on June 5 and will run through July 31, when Louisiana, the only one of those states with a Democratic governor, ends the weekly check. For the rest of the country, these benefits will lapse on Sept. 6. Vatican Denies Rumors Pope Will Visit North Korea VATICAN CITYThe Holy See Press Office has denied a report that Pope Francis may be planning a trip to North Korea. The article, published yesterday by The Times, cited a report by Agenzia Fide, the information service of the Pontifical Mission Society. The report claimed Park Jie-won, head of South Koreas intelligence services, is working for the Papal visit, and claimed that he would meet with Archbishop Kim Hee-jung and the Apostolic Nuncio in South Korea, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, to discuss Pope Francis visit to Pyongyang. The Epoch Times contacted Matteo Bruni, the Head of the Holy See Press Office, to expand on this report, and provide any details as to proposed dates, plans, and intent for the visit to the hermit kingdom. The Pope is currently in the hospital, the Press Office replied, and there is no information concerning even a preliminary study to organize such a journey: as of now, the only journey that is being prepared is the one the Pope announced last Sunday. Shortly before heading to the hospital on Sunday, Pope Francis announced that he would be traveling to Hungary and Slovakia next month, to participate in the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, and as a pastoral visit to the Slovaks. Hunter Biden attends his father Joe Biden's inauguration as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2021. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Reuters) White House: Hunter Biden Art Sale Arrangement Shows Administrations High Ethical Standards Ethics expert says arrangement is inadequate The White House is alleging an arrangement it helped craft for purchases of artwork produced by President Joe Bidens son is an example of the administrations high ethical standards, though the arrangement has drawn criticism from some ethics experts. The arrangement will see Georges Berges, who owns a New York art gallery, vet buyers who want to buy Hunter Bidens pieces. Berges will be able to turn down any offer he thinks is suspicious, White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed on Friday. Hunter Biden, 51, and Biden administration officials, meanwhile, will not know the identity of any of the buyers. I can tell you that after careful consideration, a system has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within reasonable safeguards, Psaki told reporters in Washington. Of course, he has the right to pursue an artistic career, just like any child of a President has the right to pursue a career. But all interactions regarding the selling of art and the setting of prices will be handled by a professional gallerist, adhering to the highest industry standards. And any offer out of the normal course would be rejected out of hand. And the gallerist will not share information about buyers or prospective buyers, including their identities, with Hunter Biden or the administration, which provides quite a level of protection and transparency, she added. Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said earlier in the week that the Biden familys commitment to rigorous processes like this was an example of the president having established the highest ethical standards of any administration in American history. Hunter Bidens lawyer did not return an email or voicemail. A woman who answered the phone at Berges gallery told The Epoch Times, I am not able to give out any information on that right now. The gallery did not respond to an email. Its not clear when the pieces will begin to be sold. A profile of the artist on the gallerys webpage described Hunter Biden as a lawyer by trade who now devotes his life to the creative arts. It does not mention the president. Some ethics experts expressed concern about the arrangement. We do not think this arrangement is adequate. Its really a self-enforced blind trust that is outsourced to an art dealer, Danielle Brian, executive director at the Project On Government Oversight, a government watchdog, told The Epoch Times via email. If there was no way the president could stop his son from obviously trying to trade on his last name while his father is president, then the reverse arrangement should have happened. The White House should have required complete transparency so that they, and all of us, could be assured the buyers do not get preferential treatment, she added. Hunter Biden (L) travels with President Joe Biden to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on March 26, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) But other ethics experts said they found little to take issue with as of now. 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, Norm Eisen, former President Barack Obamas onetime ethics czar, told The Washington Post, which first reported the arrangement. That means things like the White House should not be promoting the art show, which as far as I know theyre not doing, he said. The Treasury Department warned last year that high-value artwork transactions could enable foreigners blocked from the U.S. market and financial system to access them. Foreigners or Americans could conceivably buy Hunter Bidens art as an attempt to curry favor with the Biden administration. Hunter Biden, the presidents sole surviving son, has been embroiled in controversy for years, particularly for his business dealings while his father was vice president. Hunter Biden made $50,000 a month to be a board member for Ukraine-based Burisma while his father was charged by Obama with helping improve the countrys governmental practices, and was doing business with China-based firms when he traveled with his father on an official trip to the country in 2013. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) have called Hunter Bidens financial transactions with Russia and China questionable and released a report and a supplement that cited records showing links between the Biden family and the governments of the countries. The links created counterintelligence and extortion concerns, the lawmakers said last year. Hunter Biden has acknowledged his actions didnt look good but denied doing anything wrong. President Biden has repeatedly defended his son. Hunter Biden is under investigation by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Delaware. The probe is centered on possible tax fraud, according to the younger Biden, who has said hes cooperating completely with investigators. President Biden and administration officials have said they will not interfere in the probe. Hunter Biden told an art publication, Artnet News, last month that, My dad loves everything that I do, adding, Ill leave it at that. Berges told the art website that Hunter Bidens pieces would sell for as little as $75,000 and as high as $500,000, depending on the artwork. The chapel at the Guildford Grammar School is pictured in Guildford in Perth, Australia, on Jan. 23, 2008. (Paul Kane/Getty Images) Why Are We Afraid of Defending Christian Values? Commentary The increasing lurch to the left of Australias major and minor political partieswhere progressive policies on abortion, euthanasia, and the LGBTQI+ take centre stagehas presented a unique challenge to protecting and safeguarding Christian values in the country. I have had personal experience of the problem. As the former senior vice-president of the Liberal Partys Fremantle Division, I was delighted to see a motion proposed by our member, Sherry Sufi, receive approval from the partys Western Australia (WA) Division. It read as follows: That the Liberal Party of Australia (WA Division) calls on the Federal Government to introduce right of passage to persecuted European minorities of South Africa and Zimbabwe enabling them to resettle in Australia. As a consequence, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton instructed his department to consider bringing severely persecuted white minority South Africans to Australia on refugee visa grounds. Dutton called for them to be given special consideration, saying the group deserved special attention due to the horrific circumstances they face at home. Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton addresses media in front of the Subiaco War Memorial in Perth, Australia, on April 19, 2021. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) At the time, there were claims that over 19,000 White South Africans had been murdered in their homeland due to farmland reclamation efforts by the government. To my utter dismay, no special visa was granted. As reported, the then-Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop refused to back Dutton and abide by the motion I put forward. While Bishop acknowledged this was a worthy response to an obvious humanitarian crisis, she said persecuted South Africans were not immediately eligible for humanitarian visas. When Scott Morrison became prime minister, many expected a new kind of leadership in line with Christian values and principlesparticularly after he explained to Australians the grief he felt over the plight of genuine refugees. In November 2018, when Pakistani Asia Bibi needed to escape from imminent death in November 2018, there was an opportunity for him to demonstrate his own integrity and truthfulness in his admissions. Bibi was a Christian farm labourer from Pakistan whose story began in June 2009 when she was picking berries with other farmworkers in a field in Punjab. She got into an argument with two Muslim women who refused to drink water she fetched because a Christian had touched it. Pakistans blasphemy law carries the death sentence. Despite the harsh penalty, a remarkably light burden of proof needs to be produced, and the accusers can refuse to repeat the allegation in court for fear of blaspheming themselves. As a result, Bibi was convicted in 2010 on charges of blaspheming the prophet Muhammed. Asia Bibi from Pakistan poses during a photo session in Paris, France, on Feb. 25, 2020. (Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images) Fortunately, the Pakistani Supreme Court overturned her conviction because there was no evidence to support the claims against her. She was then acquitted after spending almost eight years on death row and solitary confinement. Bibi was then forced to hide herself and apply for a refugee status, after riots erupted and radicals vowed to assassinate her. On that occasion, I also urged the Australian government to offer political asylum to Bibi, an innocent woman who narrowly avoided the death penalty. However, instead of offering asylum to a Christian woman in desperate need of help, the government informed me that it would consider offering asylum to Bibi only if Canada or another country did not do so. Why should Australia have to wait for a response from Canada first? Why should we follow the lead of other nations? Either its the right thing to do, or it isnt. And with extremists hunting her from house to house, it is important for us to act now, Martyn Iles, director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) said. These two incidents are examples of the weakening support and protection towards Christian values and beliefs by Australian public officials. Another example is the issue of abortion. During the 2019 federal election campaign, the Labor Partys Spokesperson for Women, Tanya Plibersek, announced a plan that would make public hospitals provide abortion services to qualify for federal funding. The prime minister, himself a Christian, could not condemn the announcement. When responding to Labors abortion plan, he said: This is a very controversial and sensitive issue and on these matters I have never sought to divide Australians on this I dont find that debate one that tends to unite Australians and I certainly am not going to engage in the political elements of that discussion, because frankly I dont think it is good for our country. While attempting to sidestep a divisive issue, the prime minister did not overtly defend the rights of an unborn child. Further, when rugby player Israel Folau faced banishment by the Australian Rugby Union for posting statements from the Bible on his Facebook page, the prime ministers first reaction was to condemn him, I thought they were terribly insensitive and obviously that is a matter for the ARU, and theyve taken that decision. It raises the question of how our country can walk this tightrope where, on the one hand, we continue to benefit from the values that Christianity has bestowed on our nation, and on the other, shy away from defending these same values. Augusto Zimmermann is a professor and head of law at Sheridan Institute of Higher Education in Perth, Australia. He is also president of the Western Australian (WA) Legal Theory Association and a former WA law reform commissioner (20122017). Zimmermann is the author of Recent Attacks on Religious Freedom in Australia, an academic review available on the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Poland (pdf). Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Chinese military's new DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles, that can reportedly reach the United States, are seen at a parade to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on Oct. 1, 2019. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Xi Jinping Is Mobilizing China for War, Possibly With Nukes Commentary China in recent weeks has sent tens of thousands of troops to its disputed border with India in Ladakh, high in the Himalayas. Beijing looks as if it is preparing for a full-scale invasion of Indian territory. This deployment occurred while Chinese ruler Xi Jinping, in the words of the Communist Partys China Daily, made a pro-peace, pro-development, and pro-cooperation speech to celebrate the centennial of the Partys founding. The Chinese people have never bullied, oppressed, or subjugated the people of any other country, and we never will, Xi said on July 1. In May of last year, the Peoples Liberation Army moved troops south of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, in other words, into Indian-controlled territory. A month later, on the night of June 15, Chinese soldiers launched a surprise attack, killing 20 Indian troops. India responded by reinforcing its forces and launching a counterattack in August. China then added to its troop count, increasing the number of soldiers from 15,000 a year ago to 50,000 at this moment. Beijing has also brought advanced weapons to the area and began building bases. Ladakh is not the only Himalayan hotspot. There is a Chinese encroachment in Indias Sikkim as well as incursions in neighboring Bhutan and Nepal. Beijings campaign against India has been multifaceted. Since June of last year, there was a China-attributed attack on the Mumbai electric grid, Chinese-linked Maoist terrorists killed another 20 Indian security forces, and we witnessed a destructive attack on an iPhone parts-manufacturing plant that looks like part of a Beijing political warfare operation to discourage the shifting of supply chains to India, Cleo Paskal of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Gatestone. As a result, many in India now see China in the worst possible light. As Paskal explains, The breadth and depth of the Communist Partys aggressive unrestricted warfare against India leads one to think there are no barriers to Beijings malign behavior. The Indian people are right to be concerned. China has changed the definition of warfare, and one of its instruments is disease. If SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing COVID-19, did not start out as a biological weapon, Chinese Communist Party leaders turned it into one, by lying about contagiousness and pressuring other countries to take disease-ridden arrivals from China. Its no wonder many Indians think their second wave of coronavirus was a deliberate release by China to weaken them further, Paskal notes. Beijing looks as though it is even thinking of using nuclear weapons to fight the next war. The Washington Post reported China appears to be building, in an area covering more than 700 square miles in the Gansu desert, 119 missile silos for the ten-warhead DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile. When added to 26 more silos the Chinese military is building elsewhere, China could soon be housing from these fixed locations about as much firepower as the existing U.S. nuclear arsenal. When Chinas missiles carried on mobile launchers and submarines are added, Chinas warheads could end up exceeding Americas. Because Beijing already has a sufficient number of nukes to deter othersChina has had for a long time sufficient weapons for a so-called minimal deterrentit looks as if Chinese military planners are thinking of using nuclear weapons in an offensive capacity. Chinas flag officers and political leaders have in public threatened to use their arsenal in this way. In any event, Xi Jinping in his bellicose July 1 speech promised to crack heads and spill blood of those standing in the way of what are, in essence, his plans to take territory under the control of others. More significantly, he threatened to take down the existing Westphalian international system of sovereign states, established in 1648. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, with their bravery and tenacity, solemnly proclaim to the world that the Chinese people are not only good at taking down the old world, but also good at building a new one, Xi said. A new world? Throughout this century, Xi has made indirect references to tianxia, or all under Heaven. For two millennia, Chinese emperors believed they both had the Mandate of Heaven to rule tianxia and the obligation to do so. Lately, Xis references in public pronouncements have become unmistakable, and his subordinates have been clear that Xi believes that everyone outside China owes him obedience. Xi, while spouting tianxia-like language and bellicose words, has been getting the Chinese people ready for war. On July 1, he talked about foreigners meeting a wall of steel built with the flesh and blood of 1.4 billion Chinese people. Moreover, he is making preparations to use his shiny new military. Amendments to Chinas National Defense Law, effective the first of this year, transfer powers from civilian to military officials. The amendments reduce the role of the central governments State Council and transfer powers to the Communist Partys Central Military Commission. Specifically, the State Council will no longer supervise the mobilization of the Peoples Liberation Army. At most, the central government will merely implement Party directives. It is true that the law could be mere posturingthe Communist Party has always been in controlbut the signaling is ominous nonetheless. The new law, after all, contemplates the mass mobilization of society for war. The changes signal the growing clout of the Peoples Army inside the Party and highlight the militarization of the countrys external relations. China is fast becoming a military state. Xi Jinping on July 1 told the world what he is going to do. We are, in all probability, in the last moments of peace. From the Gatestone Institute. Gordon G. Chang is a distinguished senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute, a member of its Advisory Board, and the author of The Coming Collapse of China. Follow Gordon at GordonChang.com and on Twitter @GordonGChang Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Wilton Library is presenting a new four part poetry seminar entitled, Summer Poetry with Judson Scruton - W.H. Auden: Ironic Points of Light - Poem as Myth, Poem as Parable, today, Thursday, July 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The series continues on Thursdays, July 15, July 22, and July 29. The an online literature seminar is about the poetry, and the religious thought of the Anglo American Poet W.H. Auden, (1907-1973,) who was also a playwright, critic, and librettist. See the librarys registration link for more details. There is no charge for the program. The seminar is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Advance online registration is required in order to receive the readings, and the Zoom session invitation links. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Quigley was a longtime Wilton resident. Weekly craft sessions added Children, who are ages 8-years-old to 12-years-old, are invited to join Recycled Crafts for Kids, on Thursdays, July 8 through Thursday, Aug. 26, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Fiona Conway, who is an upcoming 11th grade Wilton Girl Eagle Scout. who is completing her Gold Award, is hosting the crafting class. Children will make crafts out of recycled materials that can be found around the house generally speaking, and that would otherwise be thrown away. and contribute to pollution. Registration is required for each individual class. There is no session on Thursday, Aug. 19. See the librarys registration link for details. Zoom links will be sent the day of each session. Email Conway at fionaconwaygs@gmail.com with any questions. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. Cartooning around Would be artists, who are in the third grade through the fifth grade, are invited to Cartoon Drawing with Emma, on Fridays, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Emma Keating, who is the instructor of the class, and a Class of 2017 Wilton High School graduate, returns for her fourth year to show children how to draw characters, creatures and animals. The classes are held on Zoom. Children need registration for each individual session. Participants will also need paper, pencils, coloring medium such as colored pencils, crayons and watercolors, plus their imaginations for the classes. Zoom links will be sent shortly before the start of each program. Call 203-762-6336 or email the Head of the Library, Andrea Szabo, at aszabo@wiltonlibrary.org with questions. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register. More crafty things Amy Lilien-Harper, who is the Wilton Library's certified Zentangle instructor, is hosting a Zentangle Art Workshop: Zooming with Amy, event from the meditative art form, on Tuesday, July 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This is a live online art session. The meditative art form, Zentangle, uses simple steps to teach practitioners how to create patterns. The program is suitable for adults, and teens, who are ages 13-years-old, and up. See the librarys registration link for suggestions about the supplies that are needed for the workshop, Registration is required, and space is limited. An email link will be provided to all registrants prior to the session. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register, and to see short video tutorials of examples about the workshop, and art form. Shorts are back Susan Boyar, of Wilton Library Readers fame, is back for her seventh year of New Yorker Shorts: Four Weeks of Short Stories from The New Yorker magazine on Wednesdays, July 14, July 21, July 28 and Aug. 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The sessions will be held via Zoom. Story titles will be announced one week prior to each of the discussions. The current issue of the magazine is available in the Reading Room of the library for in library use, or ithe issue can be downloaded through the eBook program OverDrive on the librarys computers, or the Libby by OverDrive app on mobile devices. Links to the stories at the magazines website will also be provided. Registration is limited and required for each individual session in order to receive the Zoom links. The Zoom link for each weeks session will be sent by email from the Head of Circulation at the Library, Karen Zeibak, at kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org. Also email any questions to Zeibak at kzeibak@wiltonlibrary.org. To register for the sessions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Slithery things Wonderful Wednesdays - Riverside Reptiles, is on Wednesday, July 14, from 3 to 4 p.m. This Zoom program will introduce summer readers to some creatures like snakes, and tortoises. Registration is required for children, who are ages 4-years-old, and up. The Zoom link for the program will be sent the morning of the program. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Author returns In Camille Aubrays second author talk at the Wilton Library, Aubray is introducing her new novel book that is titled: The Godmothers, on Thursday, July 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. Aubrays historical fiction is a novel book about four women who marry into an Italian family, and then must take charge of the familys business when their husbands are forced to leave them during World War II. See the librarys website for more details. Registration is required for the virtual event, in order to receive the Zoom link for it. Visit elmstreetbooks.com to order a copy of the book; a portion of the proceeds benefit the library. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Please note: Borrowed books can now be returned at the drive-thru window, and the circulation desk during the librarys hours, and 24/7 at the librarys blue return bin in the librarys parking lot. Items are no longer being quarantined. The librarys book donation bins on Godfrey Place in the town are now open. The library cannot accept VHS, (Video Home System,) magazines or reference materials. It is very costly to dispose of these unsellable items, therefore they do not benefit the library. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for information, and to register for any of the librarys virtual programming, for information about the librarys Digital Library, or any of the librarys databases. For those Wilton residents needing a library card to access the Digital Library, please call 203-762-6334. If anyone has questions about accessing or using the Digital Library, please email reference@wiltonlibrary.org. Some wont ever remember the parents they lost because they were too young when COVID-19 struck. Others are trying to keep the memory alive by doing the things they used to do together: making pancakes or playing guitar. Others still are clutching onto what remains, a pillow or a photo, as they adapt to lives with aunts, uncles and siblings stepping in to fill the void. The 4 million people who have died so far in the coronavirus pandemic left behind parents, friends and spouses but also young children who are navigating life now as orphans or with just one parent, who is also mourning the loss. Its a trauma that is playing out in big cities and small villages across the globe, from Assam state in northeast India to New Jersey and points in between. And even as vaccination rates tick up, the losses and generational impact show no sign of easing in many places where the virus and its variants continue to kill. As the official COVID-19 death toll reached its latest grim milestone this week, South Korea reported its biggest single-day jump in infections and Indonesia counted its deadliest day of the pandemic so far. Victoria Elizabeth Soto didnt notice the milestone. She was born three months ago after her mother, Elisabeth Soto, checked into the hospital in Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, eight months pregnant and suffering symptoms of COVID-19. Soto, 38, had tried for three years to get pregnant and gave birth to baby Victoria on April 13. The mother died six days later of complications from the virus. Victoria wasnt infected. Her father, Diego Roman, says he is coping little by little with the loss, but fears for his baby girl, who one day will learn she has no mother. I want her to learn to say mom by showing her a picture of her, Roman said. I want her to know that her mother gave her life for her. Her dream was to be a mom, and she was. Tshimologo Bonolo, just 8, lost her father to COVID-19 in July 2020 and spent the year adjusting to life in Soweto, South Africa, without him. The hardest thing has been her new daily routine: Bonolo's father, Manaila Mothapo, used to drive her to school every day, and now she has to take public transport. I used to cook, play and read books with my papa, Bonolo said. What I miss most is jumping on my papas belly. In northwest London, Niva Thakrar, 13, cuts the grass and washes the family car things her dad used to do. As a way to remember him, she takes the same walks and watches the movies they used to watch together before he died in March after a two-month hospital stay. I still try to do what we used to do before, but its not the same, Thakrar said. Jeshmi Narzary lost both parents in two weeks in May in Kokrajhar, in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. The 10-year-old went on to live with an aunt and two cousins, but could only move in after she underwent 14 days of quarantine herself during Indias springtime surge that made the country second only to the U.S. in the number of confirmed cases. Narzary hasnt processed the deaths of her parents. But she is scrupulous about wearing face masks and washing her hands, especially before she eats. She does so, she said, because she knows that coronavirus is a disease which kills humans. Kehity Collantes, age 6, also knows what the virus can do. It killed her mother, a hospital worker in Santiago, Chile, and now she has to make pancakes by herself. It also means this: My papa is now also my mama, she said. Siblings Zavion and Jazzmyn Guzman lost both parents to COVID-19, and their older sisters now care for them. Their mother, Lunisol Guzman, adopted them as babies, but died last year along with her partner at the start of the violent first wave of the pandemic in the U.S. Northeast. Katherine and Jennifer Guzman immediately sought guardianship of the kids Zavion is 5 and Jazzymn 3 and are raising them in Belleville, New Jersey. I lost my mother, but now I'm a mother figure, said Jennifer Guzman, 29. The losses of the Navales family in Quezon City, Philippines, are piling up. After Arthur Navales, 38, died on April 2, the family experienced some shunning from the community. His widow, Analyn B. Navales, fears she might not be able to afford the new home they planned to move into, since her salary alone wont cover it. Another question is whether she can afford the kids taekwondo classes. Ten-year-old Kian Navales, who also had the virus, misses going out for noodles with his dad. He clutches onto one of the pillows his mother had made for him and his sister with a photo of their father on one side. Our house became quiet and sad. We dont laugh much since papa left, said Kians 12-year-old sister, Yael. Maggie Catalano, 13, is keeping the memory of her father alive through music. A musician himself, Brian Catalano taught Maggie some guitar chords before he got sick. He presented her with her own acoustic guitar for Christmas on Dec. 26, the day he came home from the hospital after a nine-day stay. Still positive and weak, he remained quarantined in a bedroom but could hear Maggie play through the walls of their Riverside County, California, home. He texted me and said, You sounded great, sweetie, Maggie recalled. The family thought he had beaten the disease but four days later, he died alone at home while they were out. Devastated, Maggie turned to writing songs and performed one she composed at his funeral in May. I wish he could see me play it now, she said. I wish that he could see how much I have improved. ___ AP photographers Mary Altaffer in Belleville, New Jersey; Jerome Delay in Soweto, South Africa; Aaron Favila in Quezon City, Philippines; Esteban Felix in Santiago, Chile; Jae C. Hong in Riverside County, California; Anupan Nath in Kokrajhar, India; Natacha Pisarenko in Lomas de Zamora, Argentina; and Thanassis Stavrakis in London contributed. BECKWOURTH, Calif. (AP) A California wildfire that closed nearly 200 square miles of forest forced evacuations across state lines into Nevada on Friday as winds and scorching, dry weather drove flames forward through trees and brush. The Beckwourth Complex which began as two lightning-caused fires in Plumas National Forest showed extreme behavior," fire information officer Lisa Cox said Friday evening. Hot rising air formed a gigantic, smoky pyrocumulus cloud that reached thousands of feet high and created its own lightning, Cox said. Spot fires caused by embers leapt up to a mile (1.6 kilometers) ahead of the northeastern flank too far for firefighters to safely battle, Cox said. Winds up to about 20 mph (32 kph) on ridgetops were funneling flames up draws and canyons full of dry fuel, where it can actually pick up speed," Cox said. By evening, the fire was approaching U.S. 395, a main interstate in the northern Sierra Nevada not far from the border. Although the flames hadn't crossed that divide, the Washoe County Sheriffs Office told people to evacuate some areas in the rural communities of Ranch Haven and Flanagan Flats, north of Reno. Evacuate now," a Sheriff's office tweet said. Although there are no confirmed reports of building damage, the fire already prompted evacuation orders or warnings for hundreds of homes and several campgrounds in California along with the closure of nearly 200 square miles of Plumas National Forest. The blaze, which was only 11% contained, officially had blackened more than 38 square miles (98 square kilometers) but that figure was expected to increase dramatically when fire officials were able to make better observations. Nearly 1,000 firefighters were aided by aircraft but the blaze was expected to continue leaping through trees and chaparral that already are bone-dry because of low humidity and a heat wave forecasted to continue through the weekend. Were expecting more of the same the day after and the day after and the day after, Cox said. The air was so dry that some of the water dropped by aircraft evaporated before it reached the ground, she said. The fire was one of several burning in the West, including several that destroyed dozens of California homes in recent days. In the region between the Oregon border and the northern end of the Central Valley, the big Lava and Tennant fires were significantly contained, and progress was reported at the Salt Fire as containment improved to 45%. The Salt Fire has burned 27 homes and 14 outbuildings north of Redding, which hit 100 degrees (37.7 Celsius) before 11 a.m. The Lava Fire destroyed 20 structures, including 13 homes, and damaged two structures. The Tennant Fire destroyed five buildings, including two homes. In north-central Arizona, increased humidity slowed a big wildfire that posed a threat to the rural community of Crown King. The 24.5-square-mile (63.5-square-kilometer) lightning-caused fire in Yavapai County was 29% contained. Recent rains allowed five national forests and state land managers to lift public-access closures. Climate change is considered a key driver" of a trend that is creating longer and more intense dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make forests more susceptible to severe wildfire," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said recently. Fire crew officials will be briefing the community on progress Friday evening at the Chiloquin Community Center. The meeting will be streamed on the Facebook page for the Fremont-Winema National Forest beginning at 7 p.m. In Oregon, pushed by strong winds, a wildfire in Klamath County grew from nearly 26 square miles (67 square kilometers) Thursday to nearly 61 square miles (158 square kilometers) on Friday in the Fremont-Winema National Forest and on private land. It was 0% contained, according to a Facebook post by the incident management team. Klamath County Emergency Management on Friday issued an immediate evacuation order for people in certain areas north of Beatty and near Sprague River. California dispatched two strike teams with wildland engines to help. In Idaho, Gov. Brad Little declared a wildfire emergency Friday and mobilized the state's National Guard to help fight fires sparked after lightning storms swept across the drought-stricken region. Fire crews in north-central Idaho were facing extreme conditions and gusts as they fought two wildfires covering a combined 19.5 square miles (50.5 square kilometers). The blazes threatened homes and forced evacuations in the tiny, remote community of Dixie about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Grangeville. Efforts were complicated in part because resources were stretched thin, fire managers said, and the area has very challenging terrain covered with parched trees and plants. Meanwhile, forecasters warned that much of California will see dangerously hot weekend weather, with highs in triple digits in the Central Valley, mountains, deserts and other inland areas because of strengthening high pressure over the state. Heat warnings did not include major coastal populations. On Friday, Death Valley National Park recorded a staggering 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 Celsius). If verified, it would be the hottest high recorded there since July 1913, when the same Furnace Creek area hit 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.6 degrees Celsius), considered the highest reliably measured temperature on Earth. Californias power grid operator issued a statewide Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday to avoid disruptions and rolling blackouts. Flex Alerts call for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity by reducing the use of appliances and keeping the thermostat higher during evening hours when solar energy is diminished or no longer available. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed an emergency proclamation suspending certain requirements so the state could obtain additional power capacity. Gov. Ned Lamont is asking the General Assembly to extend his pandemic-related emergency powers until Sept. 30. The governors powers, which are set to expire July 20, have been in place since March of last year but have shrunk in scope since then. Lamont said he issued more than 300 executive orders since the start of the COVID pandemic and is proposing to extend 11 of them. The governor has called state lawmakers into a special session on July 14 to vote on the extension. A new law passed during the 2021 legislative session requires the House and Senate to vote on any extension of the governors emergency powers. While Connecticut has largely defeated COVID-19, which killed more than 8,000 residents, Lamont said, in a letter dated Thursday to legislative leaders, there remains a need to protect the public and respond to evolving changes. The state has one of the highest vaccination rates in nation - more than 61 percent of the population is fully vaccinated - but still, more than 30 percent of residents have not received even one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Lamonts powers have enabled him to modify state statutes due to the public health emergency. The governor cited the example of a state Department of Public Health plan to set up vaccine clinics in commuter lots, which are becoming busier with people returning to work, by July 30. State law otherwise prohibits these lots for being used for anything but commuter parking. The continuation of his powers for several more months also would enable his administration to issue safety rules for school and childcare facilities, such as requiring kids to wear masks in those locations. Children under 12 are currently not eligible to be vaccinated. Lamont said it would also continue new protections for tenants, give more time for federal rental relief to get to landlords and tenants in the state to avoid evictions, and ensure the state continues to get reimbursed by federal government for temporary, non-congregate housing for homeless individuals and domestic violence survivors, for example. With both the House and Senate controlled by Democrats, its likely Lamont will be granted the extension. Republicans are unlikely to vote in favor of continuing the governors powers as theyve long argued its time for the General Assembly to be part of the decision making. julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com Recently, the village board of Glen Carbon announced it is creating a Tax Increment Financing agreement for the $45 million Orchard Town Center development on land referred to as the Foucek property. The land is bordered by Governors Parkway, Troy Road and Center Grove Road in Edwardsville. It was a 51-acre orchard business for many years. The proposed development would be anchored by a Menards store, surrounded by smaller stores, which would offer tools, lumber, appliances, pet supplies, lawn and gardening and much more according to the stores website. Does this sound familiar? Before I get into why we dont need another hardware store (Hint: because we have Home Depot and Lowes), lets talk about logistics, especially traffic at Center Grove Road and Troy Road. The location, if approved would add to the already congested intersections that commuters must cross going to and coming from work. While Edwardsville/Glen Carbons version of rush hour is a mere annoyance, it would seem that the intersections would have to be redesigned to accommodate additional ingress and egress to the Orchards Town Center site. So, not only would the Menards store be redundant to the Home Depot and Lowes, it would add to an already busy intersection. Ive been to Menards, Home Depot and Lowes. They all offer pretty much the same kinds of items, with Menards offering a few more agriculturally oriented items than the other two. Menards has a location in OFallon in St. Clair County and other sites in Missouri. What I dont understand is how you can put a major anchor and smaller businesses around it when the ground is undermined by abandoned coal mines. Picture a hardware store sinking into the ground. But what has gotten some people irritated is the TIF designation. District 7 School Board questioned the fair market evaluation of the land the development would cover. It currently is assessed as agricultural land at $4,784 per acre. As I mentioned in a previous column, commercial developments are required to set aside 4 percent of the total development for green space. In Edwardsville, they are required to pay $41,000 per acre for that purpose. So, the math is that Orchard Town Centers acreage is worth either $243,984 as agricultural land or, if it were considered developable land, the value would be $2,091,000. That is a fairly big discrepancy on which to base a TIF. That doesnt even come near the value of the land once it is improved. Why does that matter to you? If a TIF is based on the smaller number, taxing bodies, including Madison County, the Village of Glen Carbon, Glen Carbon Fire Protection District, Lewis & Clark Community College, Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 Schools and Edwardsville Township, will be adversely affected. Why? Because they get their revenue from taxes based on property value. So, if a property is evaluated (assessed) at a lower amount, those taxing districts get less tax money. Less for the community. Less for the education of children. And, less funds for the services we expect from our government. Although the tax revenues in a TIF will increase every year, a TIF can last up to 23 years before the taxing districts realize the full value of the property and some are renewable upon maturity. According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunitys website, projects in TIF districts typically include: Redevelopment of substandard, obsolete or vacant buildings Financing public infrastructure improvements, including streets, sewer, water, in declining areas Cleaning up polluted areas Improving the viability of downtown business districts; rehabilitating historic properties Providing infrastructure needed to develop a site for new industrial or commercial use Despite several efforts to reach the Illinois Tax Increment Financing Association, no call was returned. This project fits none of the criteria for a TIF. The bottom line is this: Progress is when what you will get is better than what youve got. I question whether that is true with Orchard Town Center. The next Glen Carbon Village trustee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 at village hall. James M. Grandone is a long-time resident of Edwardsville. He holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois and is a former Coro Fellow. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs. He lives in the Leclaire neighborhood with his wife, Mary. Do UFOs exist in our universe? The question has recently spurred discussions after Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby released a report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, another term for UFOs, on June 25. The report was made in an effort to respond to Senate Report 116-233, which expressed concern for the lack of substantial information sharing across the U.S. Intelligence Community. In response, the Office of the Director of Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense assembled an intelligence assessment to explain the unidentified flying object sightings. The report details 144 sightings throughout the U.S. between 2004 and 2021, with many accounts being unexplainable. An Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force was established in 2020 to dive into the origins of these unidentified objects since there may be potential for a threat to U.S. National security. On a June 29 NPR episode, former President Barrack Obama said on The Late Late Show with James Corden in May, What is true is that there is footage and records of objects in the skies that we dont know exactly what they are. Since 2011, six potential UFO sightings have been recorded in Edwardsville, according to Mutual UFO Network (Mufon). Each of the sightings in Edwardsville describes people seeing a floating object of various colors either speeding through the sky, hovering or moving at a steady pace. On Mufons website, some of the people reporting sightings have included either a video or photograph of the suspicious object. In Oct. 2014, a report described two people in a car who saw a red object in the sky, which at first glance, was perceived as a plane, but then it transformed into a structured object. Reports have been made in other parts of the Metro East, too, such as East Alton, Caseyville and Godfrey. Some reports share similar sighting characteristics such as an object with a beam of light moving across the sky. However, this doesnt correlate with the Pentagons report, which states of the 144 sightings reported, a majority of the accounts mention varying characteristics, which has led officials to believe there are different types of UFOs. The report also states since there may be different types of UFOs, the process to identify these objects may require other reporting mechanisms. Visit mufon.com for more information on the Edwardsville sightings. Submitted Madison County Madison County Regional Superintendent Robert Werden 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. Werden is hopeful that with the help of our students Congress will pass this important piece of legislation. BERLIN (AP) A train carrying dozens of schoolchildren derailed Friday in the Austrian Alps, and a carriage ended up on its side in a river, authorities said. Seventeen people were slightly injured. The derailment happened at around 7 a.m. on the Mur Valley railway, a narrow-gauge line in central Austria, the Austria Press Agency reported. One carriage of the three-car train fell into the Mur river, which runs next to the tracks. Salida, CO (81201) Today Sunshine this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 86F. NNW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Sevierville, TN (37876) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Elizabethtown, KY (42701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on thenewsguard.com. The News Guard E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) Health authorities agree to use rapid antigen tests to detect COVID-19 THAILAND: The Public Health Ministry is accelerating its push for rapid antigen testing in an effort to speed up detection of cases as COVID-19 infections soar. CoronavirusCOVID-19health By National News Bureau of Thailand Friday 9 July 2021, 02:31PM Photo: NNT The tests would be used in addition to the current RT-PCR method which yields the most accurate results. Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) Director-General Dr. Supakit Sirilak said medical agencies have discussed the rapid testing drive in response to record daily highs of infections and deaths. He said authorities are now considering whether to make the rapid test kits available for home use, but warned they were not 100% accurate. Thailands Food and Drugs Administration (TFDA) has approved 24 brands of rapid antigen test kits for use in hospitals and testing centers. Dr. Supakit added that suspected cases with no symptoms, whose antigen test is negative, should self-isolate at home and then take another rapid test a few days later. If they test positive, the result must be confirmed by an RT-PCR test. However, at-risk groups and people with symptoms should take an RT-PCR test straight away, and medical units facing high demand could give rapid antigen tests first. Sandbox tourists stuck in quarantine ask to go home PHUKET: Twelve tourists now stuck in alternative local quarantine (ALQ) in Phuket after one person who arrived on the same flight to the island tested positive for COVID-19 have asked to fly home. COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourismeconomics By The Phuket News Friday 9 July 2021, 11:51AM Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon confirmed the news yesterday (July 8). Dr Kusak explained that the 12 tourists who have asked to fly home were among the 14 people who arrived on Emirates flight EK378, which landed in Phuket on Tuesday (July 6). On the same flight was one man from the United Arab Emirates who tested positive for COVID-19 after landing at Phuket International Airport. As is now standard procedure under the Phuket Sandbox model, once the man tested positive for COVID-19, he was taken into care at a local quarantine venue, while all people deemed to be high-risk contacts were taken to ALQ venues. According to the terms of entering Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox policy, tourists are responsible for all costs related to any COVID measures. As such, Dr Kusak yesterday confirmed that 12 tourists now in ALQ have informed their intention to return to their countries. At this stage about 20 people, including foreign arrivals under the Phuket Sandbox scheme, hotel staff and taxi drivers, have been been taken to quarantine venues and gone through the testing process, Dr Kusak said. The 20 people tested negative in the first test, and we will test them again six days after this, he added. Do not panic because our medical staff have tested at-risk people. Please trust our disease control measures and follow them, he said. SANDBOX UPDATE According to the Phuket Sandbox Daily Report for yesterday (July 8), issued earlier this morning, 125 more arrivals landed in Phuket yesterday on two flights: one operated by Singapore Airlines and the other by Etihad Airways. All 125 tested negative for COVID-19, said the report. The report also noted that a further 182 Phuket Sandbox arrivals had now tested negative following their second COVID test as past of the Sandbox conditions, bringing the total number of Sandbox arrivals passing their second COVID test to 475. So far one Sandbox arrival has tested positive for COVID-19, the report noted. In total, from July 1 to 8, 2,524 arrivals have entered Thailand under the Phuket sandbox scheme, said the report. The report also marked that so far in total 143,025 room nights have been booked from July to September under the Sandbox scheme, as follows: 130,113 room nights in July; 11,623 in August; and 1,289 in September. A further 1,094 room nights have been booked for Oct to Feb, the report added. LOCAL INFECTIONS According to the PPHO daily report for yesterday (July 8), Phuket recorded seven new cases of infection. The new infections brought the total number of COVID infections recorded on the island since Apr 3 to 766. Of those, 714 had been discharged from hospital care, while 54 remained under medical care and supervision. Since Apr 3 Phuket has suffered seven deaths attributed to COVID-19. The PPHOs updated map showing the locations of infections across the island since Apr 3 reported as follows: Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Mostly cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 88F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Articles: remaining of Thank you for reading eight articles this month! We appreciate your support. If you want unlimited digital access, please consider a subscription. You can sign up online or call us at 925-634-1441. Lt. Col. Matt Woolsey, incoming product manager for the Apache Production and Fielding Product Office, accepts the guidon from Col. Jay Maher, project manager for the Apache Attack Helicopters Project Office, during a change of charter ceremony June 24 at Bob Jones Auditorium. Lt. Col. Jeff Poquette, the outgoing product manager, relinquished responsibility of the office. Anthony Dupree, deputy product manager, performed the guidon bearer duties. Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin. 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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. SEEKING WORK STUDY STUDENTS! Prompt, cheerful, students with professional attitudes are encouraged to apply to answer office phones and greet guests from behind a plexiglass COVID barrier in The Shorthorn office.Preference is given to students available to work some mornings. This in-office job offers flexible hours and plenty of time to study.Apply through Handshake for job #5030898 or call 817-272-3188 for more information. We joined Matthias Jordan from Pluto in studio while rehearsing ahead of the first of this year's 'Come Together' concert series, where he will be the piano point man for Elton John's Magnus Opus Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. He took us through the Musicology and genius of Elton John, concert details here. Media Content Creator Ian Ostroff is a writer/reporter who resides in Montreal. He is passionate about getting to know the people and places that make his hometown so great. In his spare time, you can find him at the gym, eating ice cream, or working on his novel(s). ALTON Planning has begun on rebuilding the McDonalds restaurant at 717 E. Broadway in Alton destroyed in a June 17 fire. On Thursday, an employee of Farnsworth Group a national engineering and architecture firm with 12 locations in Illinois alone was collecting survery data at what is left of the building. On the day of the fire, owner Dick Bold vowed to rebuild the restaurant at the same location. The survey data would be one of the first steps in that process. Around 5:30 a.m. June 17, Alton firefighters received calls from passersby reporting smoke coming from the roof of the building. Firefighters from East Alton, Godfrey and Florissant, Missouri, assisted Alton firefighters with the blaze which is believed to have begun in or near an HVAC unit on the roof. The HVAC unit collapsed partially through the roof, making the structure too dangerous to enter. All firefighters were pulled from inside the building, setting up fort for an exterior attack as the fire spread through the attic toward the front of the building. People watched the fire burn through heavy smoke visible for blocks in every direction. Alton Public Works and Alton Police erected barricades and closed streets around the scene to protect fire supply line hoses; runoff water from hoses was nearly boiling hot in the early stages of the fire. Firefighters battled the blaze outside of the restaurant using hoses through the drive-up windows when they could no longer enter the structure. Heavy smoke that billowed from fire burning inside the walls prompted Alton officials to bring in a city trackhoe and knock in some walls. The trackhoe also removed the HVAC unit for closer examination. Flames broke through the restaurants roof, causing the McDonalds sign to fall off the building, and raced through the attic of the structure. When part of the HVAC unit collapsed, it crashed through the roof into the restaurants kitchen area. The roof burned away and walls collapsed. Bold, who also owns another McDonalds in Alton as well as the ones in Godfrey and Bethalto, said he was saddened by the blaze but planned to rebuild the restaurant at the Broadway site. No injuries were reported; no one was working or dining at the restaurant when firearrived. EDWARDSVILLE An Alton man faces felony charges after allegedly taking cash from another person and hitting them last week. William S. Cole, 36, of Alton, was charged July 8 with aggravated robbery, a Class 1 felony. The case was presented by the East Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on July 2 Cole allegedly took money from another man, saying he was armed with a gun, and then struck the victim with his fist. Bail was set at $100,000. Other felony charges filed July 8 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Eli Raisin, 27, listed as homeless out of Collinsville, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and unlawful possession of methamphetamine, both Class 3 felonies, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. On July 7 Raisin allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and less than 15 grams of Alprazolam; and was also in possession of 9 mm ammunition. It was noted Raisin has a 2018 conviction for robbery 1st degree out of Florida, making him ineligible to possess weapons or ammunition. Bail was set at $20,000. Marcus D. Jenkins, 27, of Belleville, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence while license revoked and driving while license revoked, both Class 4 felonies. The case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. On July 3 Jenkins allegedly was found to be driving a 2013 Toyota on Illinois 157 while under the influence of alcohol. It was noted his license had been revoked for a similar crime, and he has a prior conviction for driving while license revoked in 2019. PONTOON BEACH The Gateway Blue Star Moms are hosting a 2x4s For Hope fundraiser on Sunday, July 18, at Mastermind Vodka, 5111 Illinois 111 in Pontoon Beach. Music will be provided by Strange Buffalo. FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS An East St. Louis man accused of killing Illinois State Trooper Nicholas Hopkins in 2019 pleaded guilty on Friday to six related federal charges. Christopher R. Grant, 47, could face life in prison following his guilty plea Friday to federal charges in connection with the murder, Hopkins, 33, who was killed Aug. 23, 2019, while trying to execute a search warrant at Grants house. Appearing in federal district court Friday, Grant pleaded guilty to six federal crimes, including using a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. From the first hours of this investigation, the U.S. Attorneys Office has pledged to vigorously pursue justice for Trooper Hopkins and his family, said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. Todays conviction is an important step toward keeping that solemn promise. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, and we will continue our work to honor his sacrifice. On March 18, 2020, a federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against Grant, charging him with three counts of distributing crack cocaine, maintaining a drug house, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the charges for possessing and using a firearm during a federal drug crime after Grant pleaded guilty to murder, although the dismissal of those lesser counts does not change the statutory penalties Grant faces. Leading up to the murder, an Illinois State Police investigation showed that Grant was selling marijuana and crack cocaine from his in East St. Louis home. Officers conducted a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Grant and obtained a search warrant to search his house. The ISP SWAT Team was called in to help execute the warrant after it was learned that Grant had a cache of weapons inside. On the morning of Aug. 23, 2019, Hopkins and two other SWAT Team members went onto Grants porch to connect chains from the front hooks of a police Ford F350 to a set of steel bars protecting the front door. Officers were preparing to forcibly remove the steel bars from the door frame so they could enter through the front door. Grant later told officers that he was sleeping on the couch in the living room close to the front door when the activity on the porch woke him up. He claimed he suspected someone was there to rob him; he had been robbed of cash and drugs about two weeks earlier. As part of his guilty plea, Grant admitted he had been sleeping on a .9 mm handgun and that he fired the gun three times towards whoever was on his porch. Hopkins had just finished connecting the chain to the steel bars on the front of the house and was turning to walk back down the steps when one of Grants gunshots passed through the wooden door and struck him in the head, entering through his right temple. Officers returned fire as other ISP SWAT Team members rushed to Hopkins rescue. He was transported to St. Louis University Hospital, but life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2019. A later search of Grants house recovered eight firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, and five handguns. Grants DNA was found on the murder weapon: a Glock Model 19, 9 mm pistol. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 9 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel. Using a firearm to commit murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. This case was investigated by the Illinois State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers are prosecuting the case. CARROLLTON Recent Greene County arrests have been announced. Greene County Sheriffs Department Kimberly Ann Schutz, 50, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County Jail at 8:23 p.m. Thursday on charges of disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing and resisting a peace officer. Kiara R. Walton, 32, of Jacksonville was booked into the Greene County Jail at 5:41 p.m. July 1 on a charge of driving while license is suspended. Carrollton Police William P. Conway, 51, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County Jail at 5:23 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Marcus S. Knapp, 41, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County Jail at 5:52 a.m. Sunday on a possession of methamphetamine charge. Zachary S. Carter, 30, of Florissant, Missouri, was booked into the Greene County Jail at 8:02 p.m. July 2 on a criminal damage to property charge. Daniel L. Deverger, 35, of Eldred was booked into the Greene County Jail at 2:06 p.m. July 2 on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jacob W. Mathenia, 25, of Waterloo was booked into the Greene County Jail at 9:38 a.m. July 1 on charges of disorderly conduct and violating an order of protection. Greenfield Police Jennifer Lee Miller, 47, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County Jail at 1:46 a.m. Thursday on a driving under the influence charge. Bradley D. Rulo, 19, of Greenfield was booked into the Greene County Jail at 1:31 p.m. Sunday on charges of domestic battery and resisting a peace officer. White Hall Police Amber C. Herder, 33, of White Hall was booked into the Greene County Jail at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday on charges of battery, assault and disorderly conduct. ROME (AP) Hundreds of migrants disembarked from a humanitarian rescue ship in Augusta, Sicily on Friday after Italy offered a safe port in response to warnings that food was running out and tensions were rising on board. The SOS Mediterranee rescue group said the sick and young were the first of the 572 migrants to disembark from its ship, the Ocean Viking. Among those on board were a boy in a wheelchair and other young children. 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. Pfizer and manufacturer BioNTech announced Thursday that they are developing a Covid-19 booster shot intended to target the delta variant as concerns rise about the highly-transmissible strain that is quickly becoming the dominant strain in the United States. The companies said that although they believe a third shot of their current two-dose vaccine has the highest levels of protection against all currently known variants, including the Delta, they are "remaining vigilant" and developing an update. "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, the company said. 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 6 to 12 months after full vaccination. Delta is estimated by the World Health Organization to be about 55% more transmissible than the alpha strain, which is losing its dominance in the United States. Current evidence shows Pfizers vaccine is highly effective against delta in preventing severe disease and death, but it may not protect as well against mild disease and spreading the disease to others, scientists say. Israeli officials reported Monday a decrease in the effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in preventing infections and symptomatic illness but noted it remained highly effective in preventing serious illness. Delta is expected to cause another surge in new coronavirus cases in the fall, especially in places like Missouri with the lowest vaccination rates. There are about 1,000 counties in the U.S. that have Covid vaccination rates less than 30%, mostly in the Southeast and Midwest. Just four counties in Missouri Boone, St. Charles, St. Louis and Joplin have vaccination rates above 40%. In Illinois, Madison County is currently at 42.27% fully vaccinated and Morgan County is currently at 40.41%. The CDC is already seeing increasing rates of infection in the lowest-vaccinated areas due to the further spread of the delta variant. Executives from both companies have repeated that people will likely need a booster shot or third dose within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated as they expect immunity to wane over time. It's also likely people will need to get additional shots each year, they said. Pfizer and BioNTech are expected to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its vaccine soon. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Sweden's caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Lofven unveiled on Friday a two-party, minority coalition government just two days after garnering support in Parliament to cobble together a new administration. No new ministers were announced in the center-left government. In line with constitutional rules, Lofven unveiled in Parliament the names of his 22-member team selected from his own Social Democrats and the Greens. This is Lofven's third government since he first became prime minister in Sweden in 2014. Prior to unveiling his government, Lofven addressed in parliament Thursday's tragic plane accident in Orebro, west of Stockholm, in which nine people were killed.. We "want to express our deepest compassion in their grief, he said addressing the victims' families and relatives. The new government will be formally presented to King Carl XVI Gustaf later on Friday. The duties of Sweden's head of state are ceremonial, and the monarch holds no political power. On Wednesday, Lofven secured 116 votes in the 349-seat Riksdagen - enough to give him a mandate to form a government. Lawmakers from the Center Party and the Left Party abstained from voting which handed Lofven the mandate. In Sweden, prime ministers can govern as long as there is no parliamentary majority a minimum 175 votes arrayed against them. A total 173 votes were cast against Lofven. Lofven, 63, last month lost a no-confidence vote called by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats party after his Left Party ally withdrew its support for the government over proposed legislation to deal with a housing shortage. Swedens next general election is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2022. BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Brazils presidential election is 15 months away, yet barely a day passes without President Jair Bolsonaro raising the specter of fraud and warning that he will be entitled to reject the results unless Congress overhauls the voting system. He has mentioned potential vote fraud more than 20 times in the past two months and even floated the idea of canceling the election altogether. I dont mind handing over the government next year, to whomever it is, but with an honest vote, not with fraud," Bolsonaro told supporters July 1 outside the presidential residence. Later that day, he was harping on the issue again. They say I don't have proof of fraud. You don't have proof that there's no fraud either! The relentless attack on Brazil's electronic voting system has prompted an outcry and closed-door meetings between lawmakers and Supreme Court justices to defend the system. And the nation's electoral tribunal last month ordered the president to provide proof of the fraud he has repeatedly claimed to possess, but so far hasn't presented. The assault also raises concern that Bolsonaro, who is far behind in early polls, is cribbing from former U.S. President Donald Trump and laying the groundwork for his own version of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington. His strategy seems to be that if he can cloud the results of the election by claiming it is fraudulent or rigged, then he has a better chance of overturning the results, said Robert Kaufman, a professor of political science at Rutgers University, whose research has focused on democracies and dictatorships in Latin America. Brazils electoral tribunal organizes and oversees elections, not the executive branch. The presidents press office did not immediately comment on whether he will present evidence of past electoral fraud, with the deadline looming in August. At Bolsonaro's order, his administration has tasked the federal police with scouring Brazils states for reports of fraud from the past 25 years he can use to support his claims, according to one of his ministers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. It is also part of his strategic response to opponents of a constitutional reform proposal that would add printouts of each vote to the electronic system, the minister said. Were the proposal implemented, a receipt for each electronic vote would be visible to the voter before being deposited into a sealed ballot box. In the event of alleged irregularities with the electronic vote, the president argues, results could be checked by manually counting the printouts. Opponents of the proposal, including the current and future presidents of the electoral tribunal, all three of whom are also Supreme Court justices, say the electronic system that began taking shape in 1996 already allows for an audit and that the change would merely open the way for baseless fraud claims. The tribunal's president, Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, has been on a mission to quash the proposal in the congressional committee that is expected to vote on it next week. Last month, he and two other Supreme Court justices met with more than 40 politicians from across the political spectrum to prevent the bill from advancing. The printed vote is a risky solution to a problem that does not exist," Barroso told The Associated Press. He said it increases the risk of coercion and breaches of vote secrecy by drug traffickers and militias. Criminal organizations have been known to corral support for candidates and buy votes. Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, a former president of the electoral tribunal, said by phone that the current moment calls for caution. People close to the government have used as an argument that, if it isnt their way, there cant be an election, Mendes said. It became a topic to cultivate crisis. We saw what happened in the United States. Bolsonaros push for voting reform precedes his 2018 election, after which he claimed many votes cast for him were diverted to the Workers Party candidate. Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, of the Workers' Party, is widely expected to run against Bolsonaro in 2022. In recent weeks, the far-right president has ratcheted up the frequency and intensity of his comments. Either we do clean elections in Brazil or we dont do elections at all, he told cheering supporters on July 8. The next morning, he told them: We run the risk of not having elections next year. It's your future that's at risk. On Friday, the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, said elections were nonnegotiable and that anyone who attempts to take a step backward "will be singled out by the people and history as the enemy of the nation. The cause has become a family affair. His sons Eduardo, Flavio and Carlos, all politicians, have joined the campaign using their widely followed social media accounts and sometimes posting more than once a day. The escalation coincides with record-low approval ratings for Bolsonaro, street protests against him, mounting pressure from a parliamentary inquiry into his administration's handling of the pandemic and allegations of corruption in the acquisition of vaccines. Early polling shows da Silva as a heavy favorite next year. Stirring doubts about election results under these circumstances "could aim to make people believe an election isnt necessary, said Diogo Rais, professor of electoral law at Mackenzie University in Sao Paulo. If the special committee of Lower House lawmakers approves the reform proposal next week, it would proceed to the floor, marking the start of a drawn-out process involving several votes. If concluded by October, the system would be in place for the October 2022 election. Doing so in time would be an uphill battle, especially since 11 political party leaders last month banded together to oppose the reform. More likely is a scenario akin to what happened in the U.S., where a significant percentage of the population believes the election was neither free nor fair, said Anya Prusa, senior associate at the Wilson Centers Brazil Institute in Washington. In some ways, that is more dangerous to a democratic system than an outright power grab, which is easier to defend against," Prusa said. It will further erode Brazilians confidence in their democratic system, at a moment where there is a lot of polarization and distrust. ___ Jeantet reported from Rio de Janeiro. SPRINGFIELD Since economic shutdowns began and COVID-19 death counts started to rise in March 2020, national unemployment rates have hovered at historically high numbers, stressing state unemployment systems left dealing with an unprecedented number of claims. In Illinois, thats led to a deficit in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund or the pool of money used to sustain the social safety net that could rise to $5 billion. Stakeholders from both political parties, as well as business and labor groups, are now warning of crippling tax increases on businesses and cuts to unemployment benefits that could result if the ongoing deficit goes unaddressed for too long. But even as the deficit continues to grow amid still-high unemployment rates, state lawmakers have not set a clear path forward for digging out of the historic hole. I think a larger discussion has to begin sooner rather than later, but were kind of waiting on, you know, getting a total handle on the size of the problem, Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea and assistant majority leader. Hoffman is a lead House negotiator on unemployment insurance issues, said in a phone interview. Meanwhile, the state also faces looming interest payments that are likely to cost tens of millions of dollars annually on more than $4 billion of federal borrowing undertaken to pay out benefits at the height of the pandemic. Lawmakers and stakeholders reached by Capitol News Illinois said they were hopeful for another round of federal aid, this time targeted to shore up trust funds nationwide. Failing that, members of both parties believe the state should use a large portion of its remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act funds a sum of more than $5 billion of the $8.1 billion allocated to the state to address the deficit. Each state has an Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund account maintained by the U.S. Treasury but funded by the states businesses through insurance premiums collected via payroll taxes. The rates at which businesses pay into Illinois fund are determined by a complex statutory formula, based on unemployment rates, the solvency of the Trust Fund, employer experience, number of employees and other factors. Normally, the incoming funds outpace the amount of outgoing unemployment benefits. But as Illinois unemployment rate grew as high as an unprecedented 16 percent in April 2020 amid forced economic shutdowns, those trends drastically reversed. When this happens, states can borrow from the federal government in what is called a Title XII advance to pay unemployment claims. As of July 7, Illinois outstanding balance for federal Title XII borrowing was $4.2 billion, according to the U.S. Treasury. That number is expected to grow this year as the unemployment rate remains high, most recently measuring at 7.1 percent in May 2021. By the end of 2021, the Illinois Department of Employment Security expects the deficit to grow to somewhere between $4.37 billion in an expected trajectory to $4.97 billion in a pessimistic scenario. At its current pace, the department projects the deficit would continue to grow into 2022, increasing to somewhere between $4.4 billion and $5.29 billion before it begins to slowly taper off. As of July 7, Illinois was one of 17 states with a trust fund deficit. California had the largest hole at more than $22 billion, followed by New York at more than $9.8 billion, Texas at $6.9 billion, Massachusetts at more than $2.2 billion, four states over $1 billion and the rest below that amount. While federal lawmakers passed a moratorium on Title XII interest payments in previous COVID-19 relief packages, it is scheduled to expire on Sept. 6, at which point interest will begin to accrue at a rate of 2.27 percent. According to IDES, the state has allocated $10 million for interest payments in the current fiscal year, the first of which will be due Sept. 30. Business groups have projected the interest payment could be as high as $14 million for the four-month period in 2021 after the moratorium ends, and about $50-60 million annually thereafter while the deficit remains. When deficits reach such a mass, options for paring them down include an increase to the tax rate for employers, a reduction in unemployment benefits, an addition of other state, federal or private sector funds, or some combination of those efforts. If any state maintains an outstanding balance of federal borrowing for too long, federal law stipulates that Federal Unemployment Tax Act credits for businesses would decrease incrementally, eventually increasing an employers tax burden from about 0.6 percent to 6 percent. But no states are in danger of a reduction to that credit in 2021. Illinois law, however, builds speed bumps into the repayment process which encourage labor and business interests to come to the negotiating table to address deficits in a timely manner. Those speed bumps initiate penalties that, beginning in 2022, would include shortening the benefit period from 26 to 24 weeks, lowering wage repayment for claimants from 47 percent to 42.4 percent, and an increase to the formulaic employer tax rates, according to IDES. Rob Karr, CEO and president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, estimated that the speed bumps would essentially raise taxes by $500 million on employers and cut $500 million in unemployment benefits. Karr said IRMA joined other business and labor organizations in submitting a letter to Illinois congressional delegation to encourage further federal aid, but theres no timeline yet as to when, or if, such aid would be coming. But the simplest solution to avoid those penalties, Karr said, is to dedicate a large portion of the states remaining $5-plus billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding a measure signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this year to stimulate state economies amid the pandemics toll to paying down the deficit. Other states have used ARPA money to restore the trust fund to protect workers and employers, and if the state doesnt do it, employers are going to have crippling taxes and employees are going to have crippling benefit cuts, Karr said. State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, spoke against this fiscal years budget at the end of May due in large part to its failure to address the Trust Fund deficit. He warned of drastic economic repercussions if the speed bumps take effect. If youre a restaurant trying to reopen after COVID and youve been closed, and youre just now getting your feet back under you and suddenly you get hit with this smack-down penalty, well, you know, thats less employees you can rehire, its less new employees that you could hire, or maybe you just dont reopen at all, he said. Or that cost gets passed along to the consumer. Labor interests will be in on negotiations to address the deficit as well. Pat Devaney, secretary treasurer at the Illinois AFL-CIO federation of labor unions, said unions will work to limit the burden on those claiming benefits, but he also noted some other form of state or federal funding would be needed to shore up the Trust Fund. I think everybody agrees, whether youre on the employer side or the employee side, that given the current deficit, its going to be near impossible to cut your way or to raise employer taxes to resolve the existing level of deficit, he said. In the current fiscal year budget, which took effect July 1, lawmakers dedicated just $100 million to the Trust Fund, but that will go mostly to allowing non-instructional education employees to claim benefits and ensuring that Illinoisans who were paid extra unemployment funds through no fault of their own would not be forced to repay them. While Republicans voted unanimously in favor of the measure implementing that provision, they also argued that the General Assembly should have already been developing a plan for dedicating ARPA funds to the deficit. Every single possible solution has to be on the table, Hoffman said, for addressing the deficit when lawmakers begin negotiations, including using ARPA funds, reducing benefits, raising employer taxes or some combination of all three. The closest precedent the state has for addressing such a deficit comes from its effort to dig out of a $2.3 billion hole from 2010 which followed the nationwide financial crisis which began in 2007. Karr was part of the negotiations to address the deficit stemming from that crisis. The solution at that time included benefit cuts and raised premium rates for employers, but lawmakers also dedicated a portion of those premiums as a revenue stream to pay back 10-year bonds, which they used to replenish the Trust Fund. Those bonds were paid back in about 7.5 years, Karr said, and the Trust Fund was back above water by 2012, according to IDES. But this time, youve got such a big problem that thats not going to be feasible, Karr said. At a Thursday news conference in Springfield, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, said theres been a conversation in Washington, D.C., about addressing state trust fund deficits. He expects unemployment discussions to progress starting in September, when federal unemployment boosts expire. Durbin noted the federal ARPA funds should provide Illinois some budget leeway. But when asked if he would advise the governor to save some of the remaining funding to pay down the Trust Fund deficit, he did not directly answer. I was with him (Pritzker) yesterday, and I asked him if they had any definite plans for the $8 billion. Not yet, Durbin said. Theyre working with the legislature on that. So in terms of the Unemployment Trust Fund, it didnt come up in the conversation. Rose and other Republicans have argued for ending an extra $300 monthly payment to those on unemployment earlier than the federal expiration set for September. They argue that the money disincentives people from rejoining the workforce by making unemployment benefits more lucrative than taking a lower wage job, thus adding to the states burden by keeping people on unemployment. Democrats have pushed back on that narrative and outright rejected any suggestion of ending the added federal benefits early. Pritzker has focused on the need for affordable child care to allow parents to go back to work. Were trying to measure doing enough to help families and still creating an incentive to get back to work, Durbin said at his news conference Thursday. WOOD RIVER The Wood River Heritage Council is hosting the Illinois Freedom Project exhibition at the Wood River Museum and Visitor Center July 17 through August 22. The traveling exhibit is the third element of the Illinois Freedom Project. The multimedia initiative was begun in 2011 by the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, along with community partners, to investigate places that best represent the inspiring stories of the journey from slavery to freedom in Illinois. SCRANTON The city wants to make the job of public health coordinator a permanent post after three years of funding by an outside organization expires, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said Thursday during an event held to thank the donor. Cognetti recently secured a $360,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation to fund a public health coordinator for three years, and last month appointed Dr. Rachna Saxena of South Abington Twp. to the post. Already weve been able to just relax a slight bit knowing that somebody is at City Hall every single day thinking about public health, Cognetti said. Saxena will collaborate with city, county and state agencies and community partners on various matters, including the COVID-19 virus, vaccinations, the opioid epidemic and flu shots, to name a few. We saw in the last year the detriment to the public with the lack of a public health system during the pandemic, Councilman Kyle Donahue said. I dont think this is an end. This is a beginning to put public health front-and-center on a wide variety of issues. Saxena, who earned her masters degree in public health from East Stroudsburg University last year, holds a postgraduate degree in pediatrics and worked as a pediatrician and general physician in India for nearly two decades before moving to the United States in 2010. A member of Cognettis COVID-19 Recovery Task Force, Saxena also served as a volunteer epidemiology consultant for the city and assisted with city COVID-19 data tracking efforts. My goal is to educate, encourage and empower Scranton for a healthier tomorrow, and to protect and promote the health and safety of the residents, Saxena said. The foundation will give $120,000 annually for three years. Salary details are still being worked out, likely along a split of 80% for salary and 20% for marketing and educational outreach, Cognetti said. While the foundation usually donates to nonprofits, the new position is necessary because the diverse city has specific health challenges and is in a unique position to address them, said Lackawanna County Court Senior Judge Robert Mazzoni, who is chairman of the foundation board. We are proud to partner with the city of Scranton to increase its capacity to address the health needs of its residents, Mazzoni said. Our grant of $360,000 over three years will ensure the city has a dedicated health professional to coordinate public health efforts and communicate pertinent, timely and critical health information to the public. Wayne County authorities arrested a township man Friday after detectives said he pinned down and kissed a 13-year-old girl. Joseph A. Christensen, 42, of Browndale, Clinton Twp., is charged with false imprisonment of a minor, corruption of minors and related counts stemming from the incident, which occurred in February, according to a criminal complaint. The victim told authorities she had been at Christensen's home sitting on the couch and playing video games when he pinned her down and tried to kiss her, according to the complaint. She moved away, but Christensen was able to hold her down, detectives said. He bit her on the neck, kissed her on the lips and then left the room, according to the complaint. The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault. Christensen is free on $15,000 bond. Editor's Note: The story and headline has been corrected to indicate Christensen is from Browndale, Clinton Twp. DES MOINES, Iowa The trees were supposed to stay. It did not matter that the owners of the squat building alongside were planning to redevelop the property. The four eastern red cedars stood on city land, where they had grown for the better part of a century. Theres no way these trees are coming down, Shane McQuillan, who manages the citys trees, recalled thinking. The default position for us is, you dont take out big trees to put in small trees. Here is why: At a time when climate change is making heat waves more frequent and more severe, trees are stationary superheroes. Research shows that heat already kills more people in the United States than hurricanes, tornadoes and other weather-events, perhaps contributing to 12,000 deaths per year. Extreme heat recently in the Pacific Northwest and Canada has killed hundreds. Trees can lower air temperature in city neighborhoods 10 lifesaving degrees, scientists have found. They also reduce electricity demand for air conditioning, not only sparing money and emissions, but helping avoid potentially catastrophic power failures during heat waves. Trees are, quite simply, the most effective strategy, technology, we have to guard against heat in cities, said Brian Stone Jr., a professor of environmental planning at the Georgia Institute of Technology. So, in Des Moines, McQuillan worked with the property owners and city planners to find a way to redevelop while keeping the trees. But one day several months later, he got word that a crew was taking them down. McQuillan raced to the site, just a couple of blocks from his office. One tree had already been cut to a stump, and another was almost down. McQuillan halted the work and fought to stay calm. At first he assumed someone had taken matters into their own hands. But after investigating, he came to believe it was simply a mistake; the property had been leased for a restaurant and the tenants seemed sincerely unaware of the agreement. Theres a defeated feeling, McQuillan said. They were two losses in an enormous struggle. Versions of this story are playing out in cities across the country, including Boston, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Despite long-standing and ongoing efforts across the country to plant trees, communities in the United States are not adding to their total number or even maintaining it. Research shows that American cities and towns lose the canopy of 36 million trees every year. A challenge to get trees to thrive in the city Considering the cast of characters in Des Moines, its urban forest should be thriving. The longtime mayor is an environmentalist. The director of public works hails trees as the only infrastructure that add value over time. A nonprofit group plants and tends the next generation of trees while giving green jobs and training to local teenagers. In recent years, though, the larvae of an iridescent green beetle that arrived from across the ocean, the emerald ash borer, have claimed 6,000 of the citys 8,000 public ash trees. A storm last year took out about 500 more of all kinds. Another big factor is the everyday losses: The tree felled to repair a water line underneath. The homeowner who removed a tree to build an extension or get more sun on the lawn. Countless new developments where trees were in the way. These are often mature trees whose canopy will take decades to replace. Then, there are the bare-branched victims whose cause of death can only be guessed at: Not enough water? The extra-cold winter combined with all that street salt? Its a challenge to get trees to thrive in the city, said Phillip Rodbell, who leads a Forest Service team studying the social, economic and ecological impact of urban trees. At the same time, American cities are facing a heat crisis: The largest are warming at twice the rate of the planet as a whole. Its hard for us to think of trees as infrastructure On an afternoon that felt too sweltering for June, a 14-year-old named Kiara Wright bent over a young honey locust along a busy road in Des Moines, carefully splashing water from two 5-gallon buckets into the dry soil. The city was in drought, and abundant water is critical to trees for at least two years after the shock of transplanting. Earlier in the spring Kiara had helped plant that seasons 500 trees, becoming fond enough of them to name a few: Sparkles, Linden, Jose. Now she was watering, mulching and pulling weeds for $10 an hour. Over the course of the summer, her small team would also learn about financial literacy and shadow people in various green jobs. We grow the trees and we grow the teens, said Kacie Ballard, who coordinates the program for Trees Forever, a nonprofit group that is now planting almost all of the citys street trees. Its cheesy but its true. Along with the environmental benefits of trees come economic opportunities. This is a field where the employers are begging, said Jad Daley, president and chief executive of American Forests, a nonprofit group. There is definitely a job waiting. Planting in Des Moines will resume in the fall, focusing on formerly redlined communities most in need of trees. Around the country, racist policies have left these neighborhoods especially bare and hot. Leslie Berckes, director of programs at Trees Forever, hopes to get 1,000 trees in the ground by the end of the year, surpassing an agreement with the city. But the number still feels bittersweet. Four times that many are needed, on public and private land, to reach a state goal of increasing canopy 3% by 2050. Instead, she fears their efforts are not enough to stay even. We could be keeping pace if we wanted to, Berckes said. We need more money. I know its so boring to say. By all accounts the mayor, Frank Cownie, is trying. Des Moines has increased its $200,000 tree planting budget to $300,000 next year and $450,000 the following, with a goal of reaching $1 million. Its forestry department, with a budget of $2 million, employs a team of 13 arborists, up from 11 a couple of years ago, who prune the citys trees, extending their lives. But its a tricky balancing act. Youll hear, Why are you doing this, you should be creating homes for the houseless, Cownie said. Which we are. The crux of the problem, according to scientists and environmental planners, is that Americans, from everyday citizens to government officials, are often not fully aware of the benefits that trees provide. In addition to reducing heat, trees filter out air pollution, suck up stormwater, store carbon, nurture wildlife and even improve peoples mental and physical health. Its hard for us to think of trees as actual infrastructure rather than an amenity, and because of that, we dont allocate sufficient funds, said Stone of the Georgia Institute of Technology. If we think about it as actual infrastructure on par with investing in roads and sewers and everything else, those costs will become more acceptable to us. Trading one risk for another A trees shade, that sweet relief from solar radiation, is only part of its cooling power. Trees also evaporate water, pulling it from the ground and releasing it into the air through their leaves. Thats why walking through a forest, or just sitting in a playground surrounded by several large trees, feels more refreshing than the shade of a lone tree. Carefully positioned trees can reduce a homes energy costs by 25%, according to the Department of Energy. Nationwide, urban trees offer an estimated $18.3 billion in air pollution removal, carbon sequestration, lowered energy use in buildings and reduced emissions from power plants. Still, across the country many people see trees as a nuisance or liability. They drop nuts, seeds and leaves. They buckle sidewalks. They are accused of destroying pipes wrongly, according to scientists, who say that pipes crack from age, which only then leads nearby trees to send roots toward the leaking water. Some towns and cities avoid the perceived hassle altogether by not planting on the strip of lawn between the sidewalk and the street. Occasionally, their limbs break or they blow over, posing real danger. With climate change increasing the intensity of storms, David Nowak, a senior scientist with the Forest Service who studies urban trees, acknowledges the risk. Trees close to houses need to be especially well monitored for weakness. But he points out that trees also block wind, reducing the force of storms. Youre trading one risk for another, Nowak said. Branches falling, and having to clean up branches, versus having to clean up broken rooftops. One major challenge is persuading property owners, who own a large share of the land in cities and towns, to plant and maintain trees in their yards. It is important to choose the species carefully. Large shade trees offer more cooling and carbon storage than small ornamentals. For wildlife, oaks are usually the best bet, according to Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology at the University of Delaware. They feed more than 900 species of caterpillars, which, in turn, feed birds, whose populations have plummeted. Incentives can help, but tight budgets often keep them modest. In Louisville, Kentucky, which threw itself into planting more trees after it was found to be the fastest-warming large city in the country, residents can get a $30 treebate, up to three per household, for planting certain shade trees. The director of public works in Des Moines, Jonathan Gano, came up with an idea to give away tiny trees, seedlings that look like mere sticks with roots. Once a year, residents can pick up five each. Theyre tiny, yes, Gano said. Theyre also practically free, costing the city $1 per seedling. You could have 99% mortality and still be in the money 20 years from now on canopy, Gano said. I planted a bunch on my property and about 50% of them have survived. One of thems 11 feet tall now. Colleagues of former WNEP-TV news anchor and health reporter Jill Garrett remembered her Thursday as a kind, compassionate person who cared about her stories and the people of Northeast Pennsylvania. Garrett died Tuesday after a long battle with dementia. She was 66. Carl Abraham, who retired as WNEP news director in April after 38 years with the station, said Garrett will be remembered for many things. For one, she was the first African American news anchor in the region. "Not only was she a pioneer, but also a role model for a lot of people in this area," Abraham said. Abraham was assignment manager at the station when Garrett started there in 1990 as the health beat reporter, and he remembered discussing big stories with her and how important they were to her. "I don't remember the year, but she followed a Clarks Summit couple through their pregnancy. They had quadruplets. It was one of her favorite stories," he said. On a more personal level, Garrett was "a warm, caring, sweet, gentle soul. She was almost always smiling. Working in the news business can be tough at times, but she was always very positive, no matter what. We missed her when she left," Abraham said. "She was one of those really nice people you enjoy working with," said longtime WNEP reporter Mike Stevens, whose desk was situated near Garrett's. "In all the time I've worked there, I never heard her say a bad thing about anybody." Marisa Burke, also a former reporter and anchor at the station, said she knew Garrett well, both professionally and personally. "She was a very honest, caring, compassionate and genuine person. She had a fantastic smile. She would smile and it was contagious," Burke said. "It was unfortunate that she developed health problems that became more and more serious as the years went on. She went into more of a private mode as she became more ill, and our communications lessened. "As for the professional, she paid attention to detail and always wanted to put the best product on air as possible," Burke said. "She really cared about her health stories because she really cared about people. And being from the Wyoming Valley, she cared about the valley so much." Born in New York, Garrett and her family moved to Pennsylvania when she was young. She graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre. She volunteered to do clerical work and help displaced families during the Agnes flood in 1972. "She was a great work partner," Burke said. "Working in the news business can make you a cynic because you're constantly dealing with the negatives in life. But she always found the positive in everything. It's what made her so endearing to her family and her friends and her audience." Ron Felton, of the Wilkes-Barre Branch of the NAACP, said he didn't know Garrett well, but he was saddened by her loss. He called her professional achievements "groundbreaking." "What she did, becoming the first anchor of color in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is something that will never be forgotten," Felton said. "I think that definitely opened the door for others to follow. She will be missed." Eight months after the 2020 election, a key Pennsylvania Republican lawmaker is heeding former President Donald Trumps demands for investigations into his false claims of fraud. State Sen. Doug Mastriano, a likely gubernatorial candidate and a leading election denialist in the state, sent letters Wednesday to multiple counties seeking election-related equipment and materials needed to conduct a forensic investigation of the 2020 election and the 2021 primary. Mastriano sent the letters to Philadelphia, York and Tioga counties, he said Wednesday. Were looking at three counties, and if sufficient evidence comes up with shenanigans and corruption or fraud, then well have a second round with additional counties, he said on the pro-Trump cable network OAN. Philadelphia officials confirmed the city received a letter but declined to comment further on the requests. Mastrianos requests are sprawling and include essentially all election-related materials, such as ballots, mail ballot applications, mail ballot envelopes, voting machines, ballot scanners and vote-counting equipment, ballot production equipment, poll books, and computer equipment used throughout the election process. The letters warn that the Senate committee Mastriano leads may issue subpoenas if counties dont respond by July 31 with a plan to comply. Its not clear how Mastrianos investigation would work. Basic questions that were unanswered Wednesday included where equipment and ballots would be stored securely, who would be involved and have access, what training those people would have, what standards and procedures they would follow, and what documentation would be required during the review. Depending on what Mastriano is looking for, it may also be too late: Election equipment is reused, so voting machines used at polling places in 2020 were reprogrammed for the May primary. The push comes after Mastriano and two other Pennsylvania GOP lawmakers traveled to Arizona last month for a firsthand look at the widely criticized partisan audit in Maricopa County. That months-long review has been led by a contractor with no previous experience auditing elections and whose CEO amplified Trumps false claims. Mastriano said his investigation will model the Arizona review. Its much of what we saw in Arizona, which really set the standard on a forensic analysis, he said on OAN. Pennsylvania already conducted a risk-limiting audit in 63 of its 67 counties. Counties are also required by law to audit a sample of ballots. There is no evidence of significant fraud in Pennsylvanias election. Mastriano is widely expected to run for governor in next years open-seat race to succeed Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who is term-limited. A Mastriano-led investigation is almost certain to prompt legal challenges from Democratic-led counties or state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat and likely candidate for governor who has said he would seek to block an Arizona-style review. Should subpoenas be issued, you can expect our office to do everything to protect the Commonwealth, its voters, and the free, fair election that was held in Pennsylvania, Shapiro tweeted Wednesday. He called on counties to refuse to participate in this partisan fishing expedition. It remains to be seen how the three counties will respond. Philadelphia elections officials pushed back on the claims Mastriano made in his letter. Nick Custodio, a deputy under city elections chief Lisa Deeley, said in a statement that the repetition of baseless claims by elected officials poses a real challenge to our democratic processes. Mastrianos requests would significantly disrupt any county elections office and likely make it difficult to run Novembers election. Election preparation begins long before the first vote is cast, and if a review takes months, like in Arizona, that could prevent a county from using its equipment. It could also render equipment unusable in the future. Unless specific chain-of-custody protocols are followed and access is limited, its considered a major security vulnerability to give third parties access to election equipment. In Arizona, Maricopa County will buy new equipment after its review. And in Pennsylvania, Fulton County already had to get new voting machines after an audit that Mastriano had a hand in. That audit was funded by a nonprofit led by former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, a prominent election conspiracy theorist. It remains to be seen how Mastrianos investigation would be funded. Senate Republican leaders have ruled out using taxpayer money, and Mastriano led a private briefing last week with his caucus to discuss the possibility of seeking private funding for the probe, the Associated Press reported. Republicans have railed against private funding in elections after some large counties, including Philadelphia, received grants last year. Arizonas review is being privately financed, and officials there havent disclosed the source of funding. Not all Pennsylvania Republicans are on board with Mastrianos plan. State Rep. Seth Grove, R-York, House Republicans point person on election issues, has said he opposes the idea. But an investigation threatens to plunge the GOP into months of 2020 revisionism and further alienate swing voters. That could have implications both for the governors race and Pennsylvanias high-stakes U.S. Senate election in 2022. It would also almost certainly create more confusion around the 2020 election and suspicion of Pennsylvanias election system generally, despite Mastrianos claim that an investigation would calm public distrust. A full forensic investigation is critically necessary for our Commonwealth for the sake of transparency and accountability. There is nothing to fear if there is nothing to hide, Mastriano said in a statement. Those who have concerns about the integrity of the 2020 and 2021 election will have those concerns investigated and hopefully addressed. Those who think that there was zero voter fraud, no irregularities, and that the elections were conducted perfectly will have the chance to be vindicated. The concerns about election integrity have been largely driven by Trumps election lies and Republicans amplification of them. Two top Senate Democrats asked Republican leaders to step in and stop Mastriano, calling the review an unlawful witch hunt. This is nothing more than an attempt to appease the disgruntled supporters of former President Donald Trump and serve as a campaign vehicle for Senator Mastriano to advance his run for Governor, Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, and Sen. Anthony H. Williams, D-Philadelphia, the minority chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, wrote Wednesday in a letter to top Senate Republicans. We urge you to issue a cease and desist order for this member of the chamber before he does even more damage to the credibility of government institutions, they wrote. His behavior over the last six months has eroded the integrity of the State Senate and it must be stopped. Mastriano, a retired Army colonel from Franklin County in south-central Pennsylvania, has amplified conspiracy theories about President Joe Bidens electoral victory and met with Trump personally in New York this spring. He traveled to Washington for the Jan. 6 rally that preceded the Capitol attack, and paid for buses to take other Trump supporters. Mastriano has said he left the Capitol area before rioters stormed the building, but video evidence unearthed by online sleuths in May appears to show he stuck around longer and got closer to the Capitol than he has previously acknowledged. ARCHBALD The Valley View Board of Education opted not to select a supervisor of school police Thursday night after board members were unable to reach a consensus pick. At the onset of the boards special meeting, President Joseph Mondak announced the board would table its vote on the supervisor, later explaining they could not unanimously agree on a candidate. School officials also fielded critical public comments from multiple residents and parents within the district regarding a recently suspended administrator who appeared in an ambush-style predator catcher video filmed on Sunday in Kingston. The school board announced in April that it was looking to sever ties with the Archbald Police Department, who provided school resource officers for the districts intermediate school, middle school and high school, after district and borough officials were unable to reach an agreement on staffing costs. Instead, school officials decided to look into hiring and equipping their own resource officers. They received eight applications for the supervisory position, Mondak said, explaining the supervisor will then be tasked with hiring a staff under the guidance of district leadership. In total, there will be three school resource officers, including the supervisor one at the intermediate school and two at the interconnected middle and high schools, Mondak said. We were trying to decide whos the best person, so we had to go back and re-examine everything, he said. We want to put the best here. This board has student safety at the forefront. Exact salaries are still up in the air, but Mondak estimated the supervisor will earn between $28,000 and $30,000, and the other school resource officers will earn between $23,000 and $25,000. The district will continue to employee an officer from the Blakely Police Department in its elementary school in Blakely as well as at any school events in the borough, Director Curt Camoni said. During public comment, residents and parents berated the school board and administration over Christopher Mazzino, Valley Views director of literacy. Musa Harris, who calls himself the Luzerne County Predator Catcher, streamed a video of himself confronting Mazzino on YouTube. According to the video and chat logs posted by Harris, who talked to Mazzino online while pretending to be a 15-year-old boy, Mazzino believed he was meeting with a minor for what Harris called sexual pleasures. During the video, Harris called the police and later filmed Kingston officers speaking to Mazzino. Michele Bianchi, an Archbald resident and parent of an upcoming freshman, was among five commenters to include remarks about the situation. She questioned the staff listing on the district website and asked what the district could do to make her feel safe for her child. Youre promoting a suspended teacher on our homepage, she said, adding, Thats an embarrassment to our kids, to all of us sitting here. Get it off. Camoni said he empathized with the parents fear and anger. Nobody wants this. Everyone up here does everything they possibly can to keep our kids safe and will continue to do (so), he said, adding he spoke with state legislators this week about harsher sentencing for people who commit crimes against children while in positions of trust with kids. Mazzino has not been charged in relation to the video. Archbald Police Chief Tim Trently, who asked the public on Tuesday to contact the department with any information on Mazzino after learning he tutored students one on one, said he could not comment on whether the department received calls. Superintendent Michael Boccella, Ed.D., who promptly suspended Mazzino indefinitely on Sunday, declined to comment following Thursdays meeting. Editor: Now I can see why former President Donald Trump was so convinced that the election was stolen from him. After all, he put so much effort into attempting to skew the election for himself that it should have been practically impossible for his opponent, Joe Biden, to win. Lets take a look at this insidious plan. First of all, he appointed William Barr as attorney general with hopes that he would investigate the Bidens for corruption in the alleged Burisma scandal that supposedly involved a Ukraine energy conspiracy. Never mind that there never was any such real evidence. An indictment itself would have made Biden unelectable in the court of public opinion. Second, Trump installed Republican activist Louis DeJoy as postmaster general for the purpose of slowing mail delivery of absentee ballots long enough to make them ineligible in the election. By mere coincidence, the majority casting absentee ballots just happened to be Democrats and frequently members of minority groups that had been disenfranchised by the dismantling of their polling places by Republican legislatures. Last but not least, the appointment to the Supreme Court of Amy Coney Barrett was to be his trump card in hopes to change the results of the election in the event that he lost. Supreme Court decisions, after all, are supposed to be binding due to the omnipotence of the justices, arent they? Well, thankfully all these attempts failed, sending Trump into a tailspin of radicalization in a last, desperate attempt to overturn an election he so desperately had tried to undo himself. Ergo the seditious Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by his mindless minions. Not only was the election not conducted in an illegitimate and deceitful manner, it was conducted in spite of Trumps meddling. EARL BAILEY SCRANTON Editor: Circus magnate P.T. Barnum reportedly said, Theres a sucker born every minute. Comedian W.C. Fields starred in the 1941 movie, Never Give a Sucker an Even Break. When Donald Trump was campaigning for president in February 2016, he declared, I love the poorly educated. Trump took examples provided by Barnum and Fields and used them to target what he calls the poorly educated in this country. Some of these sheep are being fleeced by Trump for monthly $25 or $50 donations, which some of them possibly dont know they have agreed to until they see their bank or credit card statements. Many of these folks can least afford it. You might think someone not too lazy to actually read enough about Trump would wise up to him. But the very fact that we once had Trump Steaks, Trump Airlines, Trump casinos and Trump University suggest that hes become adept at fleecing his flock. I predict Trump wont run for president in 2024. Hell anoint a successor to carry on the dumbing of America. In the meantime, Trumps sheep will continue to allow their fleecing. But the size of the flock is decreasing. JOE MIEGOC CARBONDALE Editor: Wireless infrastructure and the technology that supports it have been underpinning our households, businesses, schools and economy substantially for the past 16 months. Unfortunately, not every Pennsylvanian has experienced reliable access, which is why connectivity quickly has become as critical a need as running water and electricity. Wireless connectivity is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity, and one that we must be able to provide to remain economically competitive and to be an enviable destination. The need for improved connectivity has been especially evident in the Poconos, where we have seen an increase in second-home purchases and vacation rentals as remote work becomes more commonplace. Urban dwellers flocked to our area to seek a more peaceful work-life balance during the height of the pandemic. Thankfully, Pennsylvania got in on the 5G game last month by becoming the 32nd state to adopt statewide small-cell legislation. The bill streamlines infrastructure deployment and paves the way for 5G networks and technology to be more widely available in the commonwealth. The telecommunications industry already has indicated that more than $275 billion in private capital will be invested in infrastructure deployment and as many as 800,000 small-cell nodes will installed across the country. This translates to job creation, innovation stimulation and improved connectivity. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has been a longtime supporter of statewide small-cell legislation and were excited at the bipartisan collaboration legislators have exhibited this session to make Pennsylvania attractive for increased telecommunications investment. This is not only beneficial for the millions of guests that visit our region annually; it has quickly become a quality-of-life issue for those of us who live and work in the Pocono Mountains. CHRIS BARRETT PRESIDENT/CEO POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU, STROUDSBURG Editor: It is a little premature to start renaming Scranton roads after President Joe Biden (Committee to advocate a different Biden byway, July 3). Members of Scranton City Council should observe his performance over his remaining term in office before honoring him in this way. Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., was not renamed until five years after he left office. Furthermore, by delaying the renaming process for several years, businesses along the route would have time to use up their existing stationery without incurring additional expenses. STEPHEN MANSOUR SCRANTON Westerly, RI (02891) Today Mostly cloudy early. Isolated thunderstorms may develop this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Westerly, RI (02891) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning. Partly cloudy skies this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Two of Britain's most prominent real estate businesses have reported a revival in rent payments following the return of Britons to offices in recent months. Land Securities, the owner of Bluewater shopping centre, said it had collected 81 per cent of rent payments that were due for the three months to June 24, but was still owed 18million. FTSE 250 constituent Derwent London, whose portfolio is concentrated in Central London districts such as Fitzrovia and Soho, also revealed it had obtained 89 per cent of expected rent and had only 3 per cent outstanding. Recovery: Office rent collections by Land Securities and Derwent London have grown since Britons started commuting to their work again instead of working from home Both companies also stated that more than 90 per cent of all due office rents had been paid by its tenants, compared to just 75 per cent in the same quarter last year for Derwent London and 68 per cent for Land Securities. The second quarter of 2020 saw Britons advised by the UK Government to work from home if they could to avoid spreading the coronavirus, causing offices across the country to be virtually deserted. But thanks to the mass vaccination of adults since the start of this year, workers have been gradually travelling back to their offices and providing some much-needed relief to real estate investment firms with major city centre operations. Land Securities' most recent annual results showed it making a 1.4billion loss, an increase of more than half from the previous year, as its rental income plummeted and the combined value of its portfolio declined by 2billion. Despite the rise in commuter travelling boosting its office division, the group's retail operations remain weak. It has only collected 73 per cent of regional retail rent and half from its 'urban opportunities' segment, which mainly focuses on shopping centres in London. Derwent London has also amassed only 27 per cent of due rent from shops and hospitality venues, though this forms a much smaller proportion of its business. Struggling: Land Securities, which owns the Bluewater shopping centre (above) made a 1.4billion loss in its most recent annual results Mark Allan, the chief executive of Land Securities, said: 'As restrictions are reduced, we're seeing more people returning to work and more businesses trading more freely. 'We've been delighted with the numbers of our customers and partners who have engaged with us as a result, both to address their rent arrears and pay a sustainable rent as they are trading again.' Mr Allan said this shows that the Government's broad approach to rolling back the current rent moratorium has brought 'landlords and tenants together to negotiate constructively'. The ban on commercial evictions had been due to expire at the end of June but was recently extended until March next year. Allan has now called on the Government to accelerate this to address tenants who will not negotiate. Many of the businesses that welcomed the latest extension period were retail and hospitality companies, who have accumulated an estimated 5billion in unpaid rent bills since the start of the pandemic. The hospitality industry has been especially affected by Covid-19, losing hundreds of thousands of jobs even though it has benefited from the furlough scheme, business rates relief, restart grants and lower VAT rates, among other programmes. Shares in Land Securities closed trading 3.2 per cent higher at 686.8p on Friday, while for Derwent London, they were up by 1.8 per cent at 34.84. Gemfields was the top-performing small-cap performer this week, somewhat to the bafflement of the companys management. The company notes the recent increase in its share price and confirms that there is no disclosable unpublished price-sensitive information relating to the company at the present time, the company said in a stock market announcement on Friday. Gemfields is closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and observed that its operations in Mozambique and Zambia remain materially uninterrupted by the pandemic. The company presently expects to hold three further gemstone auctions this year. Gemfields is closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and observed that its operations in Mozambique and Zambia remain materially uninterrupted by the pandemic Notwithstanding the welcome increase in the company's share price, Gemfields still trades at a significant discount to its net asset value, the company noted. The shares rose 46 per cent to 13.35p. Sector peer Cora Gold rose 43 per cent after it announced a world-class intersection at its Sanankoro gold project in Southern Mali. The company said there were 31.56 grams of gold per tonne from a 19-metre intersection revealed by drilling in Zone A of the project. Other noteworthy intersections from Zone A included 21 metres @ 5.75 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au); 7m @ 2.44 g/t Au; and 19m @ 2.07 g/t Au. The results of the drilling programme to date have been extremely encouraging with good widths and high-grade results in generally shallow oxides ore, Cora said. Another mining stock on investors shopping list this week was Orosur Mining, up 39 per cent at 19.5p. The shares soared after the company signed a letter of intent with Canadian firm Meridian Mining on a proposed joint venture on Meridians Ariquemes tin project in Brazil. Orosur has 90 days to complete due diligence and to finalise a joint venture proposal, after which its exclusivity period ends. Orosur said the broad terms of any joint venture have already been discussed between the parties. Away from the mining sector, Ridgecrest, which sounds like it should be a mining company but which is an AIM-listed cash shell, jumped 31 per cent to 1.15p before trading of its shares was suspended, pending a reverse takeover by Airline Invest, which owns the Blue Air Romanian low-cost airline. Assuming the deal goes ahead, the current owners of Airline Invest will end up with 95 per cent of Ridgecrests shares. It is proposed that the companys name will change to Blue Air Group on completion of the deal. As names of airlines go, Blue Air is particularly appropriate as its likely many airline passengers will be turning the air blue this summer A trading update from Yu Group was well-received by the market. Shares in the independent supplier of gas, electricity and water to the UK corporate sector were up 16 per cent at 277.5p after it boasted of strong growth in bookings and revenue in the first half of the year. Once the final numbers are totted up, Yu expect first-half revenue will have grown 42 per cent year-on-year to about 65million, resulting in the group posting an underlying profit (EBITDA) compared to a loss of 1.8million in the same period of 2020. Recovery play Chamberlin was 13 per cent firmer at 10.75p after HSBC Bank announced on Thursday it has a 6.2 per cent stake in the company. On Friday, the company said it would report a loss for the year to the end of May but is confident that with the bulk of its restructuring costs and non-cash write-downs behind it the current fiscal year will see it well-placed to make a strong recovery. Evgen Pharma was the weeks biggest faller after disappointing results from the interim safety and futility assessment readout of the first 100 patients treated in the STAR COVID-19 trial. Evgen said analyses did not meet the interim futility hurdle required to continue the study and that active treatment would not be likely to show an overall statistically significant improvement. Recruitment into the trial will therefore be halted. Animalcare, the international animal health business, slid 16 per cent to 297p after it placed 13.9 million shares at 285p a pop. The newly issued shares represent around 23 per cent of the companys existing share capital. Another stock marked down after the company issued shares was UK Oil & Gas (UKOG), which raised about 5million by placing shares at 0.18p, which was roughly a 22 per cent discount to the share price on the day before the placing was announced. The funds raised will finance UKOGs remaining share of the Turkey Basur-3 appraisal well's drilling, completion and testing costs and planned 2D seismic data acquisition. Shareholders will get the chance to buy shares at the same price (0.18p) through an open offer although as the shares are currently trading at around 0.175p down 27 per cent this week this is of marginal benefit. 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. Tifton, GA (31794) Today Some sunshine with a thunderstorm or two possible this afternoon. High around 90F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Scattered thunderstorms this evening. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on tillamookheadlightherald.com. The Headlight Herald E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) CUMBERLAND Dora Mae Arnold, 72, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021. In accordance with her wishes, her body was cremated. Memorial services will be held at later date. Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., is entrusted with arrangements. Cresaptown, MD (21502) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High near 85F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 61F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. remaining of SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Ralph James "Buzz" Greene, III of Thomasville, GA died at his home on Thursday July 8, 2021. Buzz was the son of the late R. J. "Jimmy" Greene of Perry, FL and the late Virginia "Ginny" Mann Reddick formerly of St. Simons Island, GA via Perry FL. He was the grandson of the late Reverend and Inclusion and diversity but not for everyone Debbie Arrington lives in Kingsport and has earned degrees in history and accounting. You can email her at debarrington@hotmail.com. Anyone with any information regarding Hastings whereabouts is asked to call the Carter County Sheriffs Department at (423) 542-1845 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Webster Groves, MO (63119) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. ALBANY - The U.S. Attorney's office in Albany is contesting attempts by two financial institutions to recoup most or all of $17 million in assets seized by the government from Michael Mann, the Clifton Park businessman who swindled Pioneer Bank and others out of more than $100 million in an elaborate bank fraud scheme two years ago. Mann is facing sentencing next month in U.S. District Court in Albany after pleading guilty last fall to 12 felonies relating to his scheme, which collapsed on Labor Day weekend of 2019 when Pioneer froze his bank accounts and a $42 million line of credit he had obtained using falsified financial records and tax returns. Mann could spend up to three decades in federal prison although his attorney is seeking much less punishment. The scandal led to the collapse of Mann's MyPayrollHR payroll processing firm, leaving thousands of workers across the country without paychecks. Cachet Financial Services, the California firm that moved money for Mann and ended up having to pay his customers out of pocket, also had to declare bankruptcy and has been seeking Mann's assets as well. Both Cachet and Pioneer Bank of Colonie, where Mann had access to a $42 million line of credit, have filed claims with the U.S. government seeking between $13 million and $17 million in cash that Mann had in his Bank of America bank accounts at the time he turned himself into authorities in the fall of 2019. There are also 30,000 shares of Pioneer Bank stock that were seized by the government as well, along with a Jeep. But in a June 28 filing with the court, the U.S. Attorney's office said that neither Cachet nor Pioneer should get direct access to the seized assets and must wait in line with other victims of Mann's crimes. "Mann committed a years-long fraud of staggering proportions," the U.S. Attorney's office wrote in its motion seeking to dismiss Cachet's request. "As Mann was stealing from Cachet, he was also stealing from many others, and then kiting millions of dollars, in a maelstrom of malfeasance. Even if Cachet could trace its monies into accounts that the government seized, the presence of its money in those accounts as opposed to other accounts was happenstance.." The U.S. Attorney's office, led by Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette Bacon, also argued that Pioneer should not be allowed to just take all of Mann's assets, which were was seized by the government to repay $100 million to Mann's victims, a process that could take years. "Pioneer, which was Manns primary bank, has other designs it seeks all of the assets for itself, leaving Manns other victims, including hundreds of small businesses and hundreds of people, without any hope of recovering even a small percentage of their losses," the U.S. Attorney's office asserts in its filing with the court. "Pioneer, which has already recovered nearly $16 million through self-help, seeks to jump the line and put itself ahead of all other victims." Pioneer and Cachet have several weeks to respond to the government's motion to dismiss their requests for Mann's assets. Ulster County officials and the New York State Nurses Association yesterday called for a return of the countys only impatient mental health and chemical dependency services, one month after HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley laid off 40 employees. The staffing cuts come one year after the HealthAlliance shut down 40 inpatient mental health beds and 20 beds dedicated to chemical dependency and detoxification to make room for a potential regional COVID-19 specialized care center. Although the county says it was assured that the shift would be temporary to focus on the needs of the pandemic, the beds have not been returned. Now more than ever, we must guarantee that all residents have ample access to vital local services and come together to ensure our community is receiving the support it desperately needs and deserves, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said at a press conference yesterday. Ryan stressed the increased need for mental health and chemical dependency services, citing a doubling of suicides in the county at the height of the pandemic and an increase in fatal opioid overdoses by 93 percent last year. HealthAlliance, which is comprised of three hospitals in the region as part of Westchester Medical Center (WMC), on June 14 laid off 40 employees from the Broadway location in Kingston to eliminate redundancies as the WMC begins to consolidate services to the Marys Avenue campus. The consolidation plans have been in the works since 2013, according to the WMC. HealthAlliance plans to upgrade and expand its Marys Avenue Campus and make the Broadway Campus into a medical village without inpatient care. The $134.9 million transformation project to consolidate the two Kingston hospitals, including a $92.9 million expansion and enhancement of the Marys Avenue Campus, remains on schedule for the 2022 opening. Ryan launched a petition to demand that the state deny any application submitted by WMC requesting decertification of inpatient beds licensed to provide behavioral health stabilization and treatment to residents at HealthAlliance. After the first day, the petition is pacing to reach 1,000 signatures. Yesterday, Kingston Mayor Steve Noble and six council members said via a joint letter that the layoff lacked consideration for how it will affect patient care. Our local healthcare workers were hailed as heroes in the community throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, read the letter. Former nurses from HealthAlliance also spoke out yesterday on the joint cutbacks in staffing and services at the hospital. We see nurses, who have given so much to the community, also pushed to the barebones so hospitals can increase their profits, said Joann Grazier, who is a retired registered nurse from the area. When these hospitals choose to make cuts, no one is concerned about the nurses livelihoods, and no one is concerned about the community members who use these services. We need to bring back what it means to be a community hospital. Lawrence Clayton, who is a registered nurse with HealthAlliance for over five years, said that although he personally didnt lose his job, the layoffs have impacted his ability to do his job. These are all people I rely on to help me provide patient care on a day-to-day basis, he said. A number of discharge planning nurses were among those laid off. When a granddaughter of one of Claytons patients asked where her grandmother would go after leaving the hospital, Clayton didnt have an answer or anyone to direct her to. It was an overnight change, said Clayton. I went from having a challenging and difficult job to having a job where its impossible to provide safe, quality care to my patients. HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley said in a statement that the reduction in their workforce is necessary to achieve operational efficiencies and responsible fiscal management of the organization. Patient safety will always be paramount at HealthAlliance and the outstanding care provided by our teams will continue with services continuing at current levels with no reduction in bedside nursing positions, read the statement. Although reductions are never welcome, they highlighted that each colleague impacted by the consolidation has helped care for members of our community and assisted the organization in doing so during challenging times. WMC is providing severance packages for those laid off, as well as placement assistance for appropriate positions at other WMCHealth hospitals. WMC said it will continue to invest in the health and well-being of the community and will soon open Ulster Countys first advanced cardiac catheterization laboratory. The move will make HealthAlliance the closest option for emergent or diagnostic cardiac care in the area. Wish Fest to benefit Make-A-Wish Northeast New York AMSTERDAM Local recording artists Madison VanDenburg of American Idol fame and David J will be among the performers at the fourth installment of St. Marys Hospital Presents Wish Fest on Saturday, July 10 at Riverlink Park, 2 Front St. There will be food, drink, attractions for all ages, performances by Rock Junkies and the X-Squad Water Ski Show Team and a fireworks show. The community music festival will benefit Make-A-Wish Northeast New York to help fulfill wishes for children with critical illnesses. For more information or to donate, go to wishfestneny.org. Stephentown Historical Society potluck picnic is July 11 STEPHENTOWN -- The Stephentown Historical Society's summer potluck picnic will be at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 11 at the Stephentown Fire Hall Pavilion, 35 Grange Hall Road. The society will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, condiments, table service and beverages. Bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert to share. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 518-733-0010. Drive-through fundraiser is a lobster roll dinner COLONIE -- Pick up a lobster roll dinner between 4 and 5 p.m. July 16 at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle. The meals will be prepared by Mazzone Hospitality. Cost is $20 a meal for the Colonie Senior Service Centers July drive-through community dinner. For more information, or to reserve a meal, call 518-459-2857, Ext. 303. Abenaki language workshop at Dionondehowa SHUSHAN - Jesse Bruchac will provide an introduction to the Abenaki language workshop from 1 to 4:30 p.m. July 17 at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School, 148 Stanton Road. An Abenaki speaker, Bruchac will teach the ancient language through stories and song, with drum and flute. He teaches at Ndakinna Education Center, https://www.ndakinnacenter.org. Cost to attend is $30 a person. Scholarships are available. Dionondehowa, a wildlife sanctuary located on 217 acres bordering the Battenkill, provides refuge for wildlife and humans. For more information, or to register, call 518-854-7764; email: dionondehowa@yahoo.com or go to https://www.dionondehowa.org. Historical markers to be dedicated in Central Bridge The Central Bridge Civic Association will dedicate two historical markers at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 11. One is for the Daniel Webster Jenkins House at 207 Church St., built in 1884. D.W. Jenkins and his wife Hattie Jenkins were a driving force in the development of the commercial, political, and social history of Central Bridge. The other marker commemorates the coming of the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad to Central Bridge in 1863, which transformed the tiny hamlet into a center of commerce. This marker is located at the Village Green at Church and Main Streets, across from the Jenkins home. Local historians and officials will speak and informational handouts will be available. The markers were made possible by two grants from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Central Bridge is also the birthplace of industrialist George Westinghouse Jr., This year marks the 175th anniversary of his birth. A historical marker identifies his birth and boyhood home on G. Westinghouse Lane. The dedication will be followed by Music on the Village Green by "Waitin' for Bob" from 4 to 6 p.m. An ice cream social fundraiser is also being held with ice cream and toppings donated by Stewart's Shops. Proceeds will go to playground equipment at Central Bridge Community Park. Swimming lessons scheduled in Troy TROY Swimming lessons for children ages 4 through 15 will be held 10 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday July 19 through Aug. 13 at the South Troy Swimming Pool, South Troy Pool Lane. The city is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area to operate the facility for this season. BGCCA will provide lifeguards and offer swimming lessons and free lunch programs. Registration is required. For more information, or to register, call 518-270-5014 or go to www.troyny.gov/pools. Irish genealogy research questions answered ALBANY -- Lisa Walsh Dougherty, the Irish American Heritage Museum's resident genealogist, will answer questions on family search from 6 to 8 p.m. July 28 at the museum, 21 Quackenbush Square . She can help outline the records needed to explore Irish ancestry, where to find them online and offline. She can help with church records, civil registration records, census and land records and passenger lists and can help get your family tree started. For more information, call the museum, 518-427-1916. Donate used books to library CLIFTON PARK -- Donations of used books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs in good condition will be accepted at Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road during library hours. The items will be used in a fall book sale by the Friends of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library. Textbooks, books on computers or medical advice that are more than five years old and VHS and cassette tapes will not be accepted. For more information, email: cphfriends@nycap.rr.com. Also of interest: The East Greenbush Board of Education will conduct its organizational and regular meetings at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at the Columbia High School library, located at 962 Luther Road. Compiled by Azra Haqqie Submit items to be considered for this column to tucitydesk@timesunion.com. What follows is an excerpt, with some tweaks, from Chris Churchill's Friday morning newsletter. Click here to subscribe. It is easy to be cynical about New Yorks governor, and, admittedly, I often am. So, it shouldn't surprise me or anybody else Andrew Cuomos declaration of a gun violence state of emergency was met in many quarters with the usual skepticism and social media snark. In part, that's because the move is easy to view through a political lens. Cuomo is no dummy. He can read polls, and he can see that the success of Eric Adams in New York Citys Democratic primary shows voters are concerned about rising crime. Adams, a former police captain, promised an aggressive response, rejected cutting police budgets and rode those themes to victory. "Look at me, and youre seeing the future of the Democratic Party," Adams, an experienced pol and decided moderate, said on election night. "If the Democratic Party fails to recognize what we did here in New York, then theyre going to have a problem in the midterm elections, and theyre going to have a problem in the presidential elections." Adams didnt mention New Yorks gubernatorial election, but Cuomo listened nevertheless. The governor can also see that state Republicans plan to hammer him and other Democrats on crime. Hed have to be blind not to, actually, given that Lee Zeldin, the likely GOP nominee, is already writing his tough-on-crime message in neon. "Want to stop crime?" Zeldin said in a statement Tuesday. "Support police MORE, not LESS. Hire more cops. Repeal cashless bail. Keep qualified immunity. Defend the rights of law-abiding citizens and target criminals." Cuomos 30-day state of emergency on guns and shootings is obviously smart politics, then. It will play well with the outer borough voters who carried Adams to victory, the very voters Cuomo will need if hes challenged in the gubernatorial primary. It will play well with the moderates and independents Cuomo might need in the general election. (I'm assuming he runs again.) But good politics is often good policy. From this perspective, the declaration is the right thing to do. When Colonie's Destiny Greene, Albany's Chyna Forney and other teenagers are being killed on city streets, that is an emergency. When Sharf Addalim is shot down as he walks home from afternoon prayer, that's an emergency. When 14 people are shot in Buffalo over the July Fourth weekend, and 26 are shot in New York City, that's a statewide emergency. If it isnt, then weve become numb to the violence. Were accepting a toll that we must consider intolerable. We're callous. "If you look at the recent numbers, more people are now dying from gun violence and crime than COVID," Cuomo said. "This is a national problem, but someone has to step up and address this problem because our future depends on it." Hes right. Albany or Buffalo or Rochester will not thrive so long as people are routinely gunned down. Rational people will choose to live elsewhere. Families of every race and financial demographic will choose safety. Now, we can debate whether Cuomo declaration will have much of an effect on the violence. Mostly, hes talking about a jobs and violence-prevention programs for vulnerable teenagers and a crackdown on the flow of illegal guns. The plan also includes $138 million in spending and a new law allowing out-of-state gun manufacturers to be sued for the misuse of their products. Much of that, it's worth noting, was set to happen even without the emergency declaration. Still, there's symbolic importance to Cuomo's announcement, apparently the first of its kind. It draws even more attention to the issue and signifies that New York is paying attention to the growing fear on its streets. How can that possibly hurt? There are some, mostly on the progressive left, who argue that focusing so much on rising crime amounts to frightening people unreasonably. On that, I side with Errol Louis: "It is the height of irresponsibility and a losing political argument to argue, as some do, that demands to quell New Yorks ongoing surge in shootings, murders and other violent crimes are no more than political fearmongering," Louis wrote for the Daily News. "Its not scaremongering for the public to declare the current trend of rising violence unacceptable and demand an immediate response," he added. I get why people worry that highlighting rising crime will undo the progress of some police and bail reforms. But understand this: Ignoring rising crime will certainly undo reforms, because the backlash, when it inevitably arrived, would be severe and deserved. Cuomos emergency declaration may stem the backlash. It also signals that New York is taking rising crime seriously and cares about the people, largely poor and Black, most affected by the gunfire. It signals that the killings of Chyna Forney, Destiny Greene, Sharf Addalim and so many others demand urgency and attention. We shouldnt let cynicism obscure the importance of those things. Today's Times Union editorial takes a different view, arguing that the governor's emergency declaration is a self-serving stunt. Here's a piece: Gun violence is a serious problem in need of serious attention. But Gov. Andrew Cuomos declaring a disaster emergency over a problem that New York and other states have been grappling with for years is an unnecessary political stunt that runs the risk of trivializing both the violence and the very concept of emergencies. This is theatrics well-intended theatrics, perhaps, to draw attention to gun violence, but also rather self-serving theatrics, to try to rob Republicans of what theyve tried to make a signature issue for the gubernatorial and legislative races next year. I'll admit that the editorial makes some good points. Click here to read the rest of it. AMSTERDAM (AP) One of the Netherlands best known crime reporters was shot Tuesday evening in a brazen attack in downtown Amsterdam and was fighting for his life in a hospital, the Dutch capital's mayor said. Peter R. de Vries, who is widely lauded for fearless reporting on the Dutch underworld, was shot after making one of his regular appearances on a current affairs television show. It was an unusually brutal attack on a journalist in the Netherlands. Peter R. de Vries is for all of us a national hero, an unusually courageous journalist, tirelessly seeking justice, Mayor Femke Halsema said at a hastily convened news conference at the citys police headquarters. Today, justice in our country appears a long way off. A brutal, cowardly crime has been committed, Halsema added. Police Chief Frank Paauw said two suspects were detained, including a possible shooter in a suspected getaway car stopped on a highway some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the city. A third suspect was detained in Amsterdam, he said. There was no immediate word on a motive. De Vries had long been considered a possible target of the criminals he doggedly reported on. Police and prosecutors declined Tuesday night to comment on whether the 64-year-old reporter received police protection. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the shooting "shocking and incomprehensible An attack on a courageous journalist and also an attack on the free journalism that is so essential for our democracy, our constitutional state, our society," Rutte said De Vries had recently been acting as an adviser and confidant to a witness in a major trial of the alleged leader of a crime gang police described as an oiled killing machine. The suspected gangland leader, Ridouan Taghi, was extradited to the Netherlands from Dubai in 2019. He is currently in jail while he stands trial along with 16 other suspects. King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima tweeted a message of support and said that journalists must be free to carry out their important work without threats. De Vries won an International Emmy in 2008 for a television show he made about the disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway while she was on holiday in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba in 2005. WASHINGTON (AP) The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved a $650 billion expansion in resources to support economically vulnerable nations as they battle the coronavirus pandemic. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Friday that the new support, the largest such expansion in the history of the 190-nation lending institution, would be a shot in the arm for the world. To put the size of the funding expansion in context, the IMF approved a $250 billion boost in SDR reserves following the 2008 financial crisis. It is a reversal of the stance taken by the Trump administration and it began in February when the Biden administration got behind the effort. Republican members of Congress have objected to the funding, saying that the expanded IMF resources would benefit U.S. adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran. However, the assistance has been strongly supported by international relief agencies. Eric LeCompte, executive director of the religious-affiliated development group Jubilee USA Network, said that the IMF action would allow developing countries to immediately receive more than $200 billion in support. Wealthy countries who receive emergency reserves they don't need should transfer those resources to developing countries struggling through the pandemic, LeCompte said. More than six months after vaccines became available, reported COVID-19 deaths worldwide have fallen to about 7,800 each day, after topping out at over 18,000 a day in January. The World Health Organization recorded just under 54,000 deaths last week, the lowest weekly total since last October. However, COVID-19 has illuminated global inequities as deaths worldwide climbed to 4 million, a milestone recorded Wednesday by Johns Hopkins University. Vaccination drives are barely getting started in Africa and other desperately poor corners of the world because of extreme shortages of shots. To fund the spending, the IMF will expand its Special Drawing Rights, a currency reserve that can be tapped by IMF member countries. 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. Will Waldron/Albany Times Union ALBANY The State University of New York will continue its mandatory COVID-19 testing into the fall for unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff. Weekly screenings will be required for unvaccinated people, but even those fully vaccinated may be subject to baseline testing ahead of the fall semester or in the event of a surge in COVID-19 rates, according to a SUNY press release. SCHENECTADY While Shanta Merritt didnt mention her sons killing in Queens in 2012 during her emotional public appeal Friday for help in solving her daughter's year-old slaying, she said afterward that coping with the grief of losing another child all these years later has been in some ways tougher. "It is harder because they left her and they didn't come back, yeah if I hear gunshots, I'm going to run too, but I'm going to come back," she said. "To me that's coward(ice)." The Manhattan woman is referring to the "supposed friends" who went with her daughter Ieasha Merritt the night of July 4, 2020, to an after-hours nightspot but then left Merritt for dead and didn't try to help her after three masked gunman jumped out of a vehicle and shot up the parking lot at the corner of Hamlin and Albany streets in Hamilton Hill where Merritt was walking. The 34-year-old Merritt, mother of a teenage son, was struck in the head. Her mother clarified Friday that an autopsy showed Merritt was not pregnant as initially reported. The shooters' vehicle fled, and so did everyone in the lot, driving around Ieasha as she lay alone critically wounded, said Sgt. Matthew Dearing, a city police spokesman. Minutes passed before someone called for help, he added. Merritt was rushed to the hospital but died of her injures on July 10, 2020, leaving behind a teenage son and other grieving relatives. Dearing said over the past year several law enforcement agencies have assisted the Schenectady police in the investigation, chasing down multiple leads and received cooperation from numerous witnesses. Police also have surveillance footage of the crime. We want the public to know that we do have people of interest in regards to this, but we are still asking for your help, added Dearing. Ieasha was not alone when she was shot, there were people in that parking lot still full of activity who saw what happened and instead chose to leave. No arrests have been made. Merritt has previously said her daughter had just gotten a new apartment with her teenage son right before she was slain. In March 2012, Merritt lost her 19-year-old son Daryl Adams, who was gunned down in Queens. Police arrested two men immediately after the shooting and the pair were sentenced separately in 2012 and 2013 for Adams' slaying, according to information online On Friday, Merritt told reporters that my daughter was everything to me and that shes having a hard time dealing with fact that I cant speak to my daughter and I cant see my daughter anymore. With her husband, Keith Bracey, by her side, she pleaded with eyewitnesses to "stop being scared and come forward" and appealed directly to Merritt's friends who bolted when the shots rang out. She was a first child, she was a mother at a young age, she has a son, and right now Im just asking for everyone that was there with my daughter, her so-called friends that left her, come forward, said Merritt. We need justice for my daughter, we need justice for her son and my family. Anyone who witnessed what happened or has helpful information can call the departments TIPS line at (518) 788-6566. An exclusive downstate camp is at the heart of court filings between the New York City Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and its parent organization, which voted to dissolve it last month. The chapter is suing the Adirondack Mountain Club over that decision. The decision would allow city chapter members to continue their memberships with ADK, but it would remove the chapter's financial and legal status. Its not clear what the decision would mean for Camp Nawakwa, a downstate retreat in Harriman State Park on Lake Sebago. The camp is maintained by the city chapter for use of certain members. Judge Thomas Zugibe issued a temporary restraining order on the Adirondack Mountain Club boards decision in Rockland County Supreme Court, allowing the chapter to continue its operations for the time being. A settlement hearing is slated for July 16. Michael Barrett, executive director of ADK, deferred questions to the ADK board. In response to Adirondack Explorers request for an interview, ADK President Tom Andrews sent an emailed statement saying that the board had received allegations of exclusion, member disenfranchisement, and financial concerns from city chapter members. Andrews added, when repeated efforts to obtain answers from leaders of the New York City Chapter are refuted, it becomes a serious concern. Several city chapter board members and the chapter secretary did not respond to an email or voicemail requesting comment on Thursday. Judith Bachman, an attorney representing the club chapter, declined to comment. But in court records, Bachman called ADKs move to dissolve the city chapter a bad faith effort to ultimately seize NY ADKs assets, done suddenly and unilaterally. ADK has 27 chapters, two of which are incorporated as their own nonprofits under the umbrella of ADK, including the New York City Chapter and the Keene Chapter. Included in court records was a letter dated June 21 from Barrett to Eve Mancuso, the city chapters secretary. The letter alerted her to an ADK board hearing on the potential city chapter's dissolution. In that letter, Barrett described the city chapter as one that masks as ADK for a steady funding stream and to procure a lease from the Palisades Park Commission to operate an exclusive downstate camp restricted to about 200 of its 1,200 members. Barrett also wrote that the chapter appeared to intentionally circumventing tax laws by allegedly failing to report its income. He also said it failed to pay sales tax on application fees and use of keys to Camp Nawakwa. Barrett wrote that about 80 to 90 percent of the chapters finances go toward Camp Nawakwa, but not all chapter members have the opportunity to enjoy it. The chapters bylaws show there are two kinds of members, chapter members and Nawakwans. Those who are deemed Nawakwans are allowed to use Camp Nawakwa and allowed to vote on issues related to the camp. Club bylaws show to become a "Nawakwan," one must be a city chapter member, who has paid an application fee and completed an orientation and safety course determined by the chapters board of directors. Then one must pay dues and be voted in by the board of directors. Barrett wrote that the club received a whistleblower letter in 2016 alleging that the chapter was only noticing Nawakwans during elections. Barrett included a passage from one of the letters ADK received from a past city chapter member. Unfortunately there was a cohort of members who were aging adults who saw the camp as their private oasis and felt strong proprietary rights to it, the letter read. Barrett did not include the name of the author. At times I thought their hostility to new members was due to the fact that some of these new comers were persons of color but the most likely cause of their hostility was that these folks had children. By 2015 the board of directors of the club was dominated by this cohort and they took actions and made policy to ensure that families with children would not feel welcome. Barrett added in his letter that nothing within ADK is exclusive. He pointed to how even members of the public may use its Adirondack Park properties including the Adirondak Loj at Heart Lake and Johns Brook Lodge, both in Essex County. Barrett also criticized the club chapter for not providing ADK with financial support during the coronavirus pandemic, notwithstanding the fact that it had approximately $350,000 in revenue on hand (which is itself a problem), he wrote. Chapter leaders did not attend the hearing and on June 29, Barrett wrote Mancuso again, saying that the chapter had been dissolved. On July 1, Mancuso and other chapter leaders filed a petition and complaint against ADK. In the complaint, the chapter alleges that ADK shifted away from being a collegial membership organization in 2019, the year Barrett was hired to replace Neil Woodworth. The chapter alleged that Barrett targeted their organization. The complaint also lists a number of alleged errors for how the chapter should have been notified of the dissolution hearing. Beyond baselessly trying to dissolve the chapter, ADKs actions through Barrett are a unilateral and unauthorized attempt to dissolve a New York corporation, the complaint reads, adding that all foregoing efforts are part of a campaign to seize the assets of NY ADK. In a letter to its members dated July 6, the city chapter's board of directors wrote that it "will continue to work to prevent the dissolution of the New York Chapter so we may continue to thrive and prosper as we have for almost a hundred years." NEW YORK A federal judge has scheduled the sentencing of former NXIVM president Nancy Salzman for Aug. 2 while rejecting her bail modification request to be with her daughter for the birth of her first grandchild. Salzman, who co-founded the cultlike personal growth company in Colonie with Keith Raniere in 1998, will be sentenced for her March 2019 guilty plea to one count of racketeering conspiracy in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. Her attorney, Robert A. Soloway, asked the judge for a later sentencing date, noting his plans to be on vacation and time needed to prepare. Salzman, 66, of Halfmoon, known within NXIVM as Prefect, was the second-most powerful figure in the shadowy organization behind Raniere, the reputed cult leader and longtime Halfmoon resident known as Vanguard. NXIVM and its Executive Success Programs (ESP) had locations in Los Angeles, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, Canada and Florida, spreading the now-notorious teachings of Raniere, who portrayed himself as a deeply ethical and intellectually powerful being whose presence and energy could impact computers and affect the weather. Salzman lived for decades in a large upscale home on Oregon Trail, a short drive to the Knox Woods townhouse complex where more than two dozen top members of NXIVM resided, including Raniere. In her guilty plea to racketeering conspiracy, Salzman admitted to underlying acts that included conspiring to commit identity theft to get the names and passwords of email accounts of perceived enemies of NXIVM. The names of the company's so-called enemies were kept in boxes in Salzmans basement that were seized by federal investigators, along with more than $515,000. The basement was decorated with several photos of Raniere. Salzman also admitted to conspiring to alter records for use in an official proceeding, which was a lawsuit against cult expert Rick Ross. "I am pleading guilty because I am, in fact, guilty," Salzman told Senior U.S. Judge Nicholas Garaufis on March 13, 2019. "It has taken me some time and some soul searching to come to this place," she told the judge. "When I began working with NXIVM, I believed that we would be helping people. I still believe that some of what we did was good. The problem began when I compromised my principles and did things which I knew or should have known were wrong. I justified them to myself by saying that what we were doing was for the greater good. Now, having had time to step back from the community I was immersed in for nearly 20 years, I accept that some of things I did were not just wrong but criminal." Salzman was charged in 2018 in a case that also included Raniere; NXIVM operations director Clare Bronfman, the Seagram's fortune heiress; television actress Allison Mack; NXIVM bookkeeper Kathy Russell; and Salzman's daughter, Lauren Salzman, a high-ranking member of the organization. All the defendants pleaded guilty except Raniere, 60, who went to trial and was convicted in June 2019 of all charges, including sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy and racketeering counts with underlying acts of possessing child pornography, extortion and identity theft. The judge sentenced Raniere last October to 120 years in prison, which Raniere is serving in Tucson. Ariz. Bronfman, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conceal and harbor illegal aliens for financial gain, and fraudulent use of identification, was previously sentenced to nearly seven years in prison. On June 30, the judge sentenced Mack, an ex-member of Raniere's "master/slave" group Dominus Obsequious Sororium (DOS) and who cooperated with prosecutors, to three years in prison for racketeering and racketeering conspiracy. Lauren Salzman, who pleaded guilty to racketeering and racketeering conspiracy, is scheduled to be sentenced July 28. She could receive major leniency as she was the star witness for prosecutors at Raniere's trial. Nancy Salzman's other daughter, Michelle Salzman, is expected to soon give birth to a child, according to a recent letter to the judge from Nancy Salzman's attorney. Soloway asked Garaufis if Salzman, who is on home confinement, could accompany her daughter to a local hospital for the baby's birth and delivery, "including staying overnight with her daughter as desired during the infancy of the child so as to help her daughter and son-in-law, and to bond with her first grandchild." Garaufis rejected the request, court papers show. NEW YORK For more than two decades, former NXIVM president Nancy Salzman was known as Prefect in the cult-like personal growth organization she founded in Colonie with Keith Raniere. As Salzman awaits sentencing for racketeering conspiracy in a federal courtroom in Brooklyn, the Halfmoon woman is about to gain a new title: Grandma. An attorney for Salzman has asked Senior U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis if the ex-NXIVM president could be allowed a bail modification so that she may be with her daughter, Michelle, for the birth of her daughters first child. The lawyer, Robert A. Soloway, requested Salzman be allowed to accompany her daughter to a local hospital for the baby's birth and delivery, "including staying overnight with her daughter as desired during the infancy of the child so as to help her daughter and son-in-law, and to bond with her first grandchild," according to court papers filed in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. The daughter, Michelle Salzman, who is married to former NXIVM member Ben Myers, is due to give birth Aug. 1 or earlier, the motion said. The 66-year-old Nancy Salzman, who c0-founded NXIVM in 1998, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2018 to one count of racketeering conspiracy. Her underlying acts included conspiring to commit identity theft to obtain names and passwords of email accounts of perceived "enemies" of NXIVM, and conspiring to alter records for use in an official proceeding, which was a lawsuit against cult expert Rick Ross, court papers show. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Salzman faces 33 to 41 months in prison. She could face a substantially less stringent term depending on her level of cooperation with federal prosecutors. On Wednesday, for instance, the judge sentenced former NXIVM insider Allison Mack, a former actress on the television show "Smallville," to three years in prison for her guilty pleas to racketeering and racketeering conspiracy. She faced 14 to 17 and a half years in prison under the guidelines but received leniency due to her cooperation and acceptance of responsibility. At her guilty plea, Salzman told the judge that when she first began working in NXIVM she believed she was helping people and said she still believed some of what NXIVM did was good. "The problem began when I compromised my principles and did things which I knew or should have known were wrong. I justified them to myself by saying that what we were doing was for the greater good," Salzman said. "Now, having had time to step back from the community I was immersed in for nearly 20 years, I accept that some of things I did were not just wrong but criminal." Salzmans other daughter, Lauren Salzman, the governments star witness against Raniere at his 2019 trial, is scheduled to be sentenced for racketeering and racketeering conspiracy on July 28 by Garaufis. Raniere, 60, who was convicted of all charges including sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy and racketeering, is serving 120 years in federal prison in Arizona. He has just hired new lawyers, Marc Fernich and Jeffrey H. Lichtman, the former of whom represented financier Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious late sex offender. Former NXIVM operations director, Clare Bronfman, is serving six years and nine months in prison for conspiracy to conceal and harbor illegal aliens for financial gain, and fraudulent use of identification, Nancy Salzman and former NXIVM bookkeeper Kathy Russell await sentencing, but no dates have been set for yet for those proceedings. Gun violence is a serious problem in need of serious attention. But Gov. Andrew Cuomos declaring a disaster emergency over a problem that New York and other states have been grappling with for years is an unnecessary political stunt that runs the risk of trivializing both the violence and the very concept of emergencies. This is theatrics well-intended theatrics, perhaps, to draw attention to gun violence, but also rather self-serving theatrics, to try to rob Republicans of what theyve tried to make a signature issue for the gubernatorial and legislative races next year. Mr. Cuomos declaration Tuesday certainly put a focus on an issue in need of attention. While gun violence has been much worse at times in the past, the recent surge in shootings in some localities has people alarmed. Figures gathered by the states Division of Criminal Justice Services for 20 communities around the state, including Albany, Schenectady and Troy, show that gun violence last year was at its highest level since at least 2011, and that 2021 is on track in some places to exceed that. And while there are places that have not seen a marked increase, perceptions can drive fears about public safety even when they dont reflect reality. And Mr. Cuomo and his fellow Democrats who control the Legislature find themselves under daily fire from Republicans looking to tie seemingly every shooting and crime to criminal justice reforms enacted in the past few years. Its a false choice, of course, between justice and public safety, but the narrative is readily digestible. We appreciate the governors desire for a counter-narrative. But virtually everything the governor is proposing here doesnt require an emergency declaration. He could direct the state to gather better data on local gun violence. He could create or if necessary ask the Legislature for approval to create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention and a State Police Gun Trafficking Interdiction Unit. He could partner with the John Jay College of Criminal Justice to strengthen police-community relations. And the Legislature already approved the money he wants to spend on intervention, prevention and jobs for at-risk youth. He doesnt need an emergency to cut bureaucratic red tape. What he couldnt do is just move money around as he pleases without legislative consent a power he has sought before only to be, quite properly, rebuffed. Now hes found a way to seize it, and look tough on crime as he heads, dogged by scandals, into a possible run for a fourth term. For those who are tempted to say, So what? we dont have to look hard for an example of how this sort of extraordinary power can be easily abused. It was only two years ago that then-President Donald Trump declared a southern border emergency and redirected military resources to his fantastical border wall in defiance of a Congress that would not give him the tens of billions of dollars he demanded. Emergency declarations are for sudden disasters that cant be promptly addressed through the normal process of government. Theyre not to let governors and presidents bypass, on a whim, the checks and balances established to prevent abuses of power, whether for good reasons or bad. Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union Contrary to recent news articles, Canadian hydroelectricity exports into New York state are not clean. Hydroelectricity can be generated in several ways, some of which are extremely destructive. During the past 50 years, Hydro-Quebec has blocked many formerly spectacular, free-flowing major rivers with dams and power stations, flooding river valleys and drowning forests. The natural, seasonal river flows to the seas is destroyed, wrecking water quality and severely damaging freshwater and ocean aquatic life. Impounding river water behind many dams probably contributes to the rapid warming of the Arctic region. Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union Michael Oates in his commentary Investing in upstate renewables will lift all of New York, June 28, points out that a grid bringing renewable energy downstate benefits both its ends: people upstate get needed jobs and people downstate get cleaner air. Unfortunately, the plan touted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio is the damaging, short-sighted Hydro-Quebec proposal. Contrary to the hype, megadam hydro is not clean or renewable, and importing electricity undermines local renewable energy development. Hydro-Quebec has a long history of using indigenous land not ceded to the province for projects, flooding boreal forests and poisoning water with methylmercury. The Hydro-Quebec plan includes the Champlain Hudson Power Express, which would trench the spine of the Hudson River to bury a high-voltage transmission line. This will undoubtedly uncover long-buried PCBs and other toxins, threatening the health of our river and the drinking water of towns along the power line's route. Fortunately, we dont need to buy electricity from a distant, unreliable source. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has received multiple proposals to develop in-state wind and solar power. This would create thousands of good, long-term jobs and keep energy dollars in New York instead of sending them to Canada. Why would we lock ourselves into a 25-year contract to import megadam energy when we can produce clean, renewable energy right here in New York state? Will Waldron/Albany Times Union The editorial "It's not safety vs. justice," July 2, called for the resignation of both Commissioner of Public Safety Robin Dalton and Saratoga Springs Assistant Police Chief John Catone for attempting to "shut down speech they don't like." You cited Catone's "rant filled with racist dog whistles" and his "threat to summon the collective forces of the city's historically white power establishment to put an end to what [Catone] called 'a narrative of lies and misinformation.'" Catone was speaking about recent acts of violence involving out-of-town gangs and local youths. While Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan can speak about uptown and downtown gangs without criticism, apparently Catone can't speak about gangs without being branded a racist. Did he really say that he was going to summon the collective forces of the city's historically white power establishment? Wasn't he really saying that he simply wanted to have the community respond to the irresponsible "narrative of lies and misinformation" that has been circulating throughout our community over the past year and which undermines the public safety of our city? The following is from a Miami Herald editorial: The middle-of-the-night assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise Wednesday is a shocking and brutal act that will be felt far beyond the island nation. This bloodshed will no doubt create even greater fears that the country, already hurting for so long, will now descend into chaos. It follows months of unrest and violence in Haiti, a poor nation of about 11 million. Since January 2020, Moise, 53, had been ruling by decree, after the country failed to hold elections. Opposition leaders have been demanding that he step down amid a constitutional crisis and allegations that he used armed gangs to stay in power. The assault occurred just one day after Moise named a new prime minister to take charge of the government and prepare the country for elections in two months, including for president. Even as the country has grown increasingly dangerous, the Biden administration has been pushing for free and fair elections there. But not everyone agreed. In February, members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the U.S. to back a transition government in Haiti. The lawmakers said the human rights situation there was perilous, and accused Moise of flouting democracy. In May, the U.S. extended 18 months of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, to Haitians already living in the United States, an acknowledgment that conditions had grown too unstable for citizens to return safely. The assassination of Moise will force new clarity in U.S. policy on Haiti. The U.S. is Haitis biggest donor. The administration is well aware that there have been worrying signs for months that Moise was becoming the regions newest strongman. Still, the U.S. has continued to push for free and fair elections in a country with too much turmoil to pull that off. We dont yet know what the full ramifications of this assassination will be. We dont know in what direction the country will go nor exactly what the U.S. role will need to be. But there is no doubt, as we wait to learn more, that this horrific execution of the president of Haiti means the U.S. must step up, clearly and strongly, to back democracy in that tortured nation. April 23, 1969 - June 15, 2021. Join us in celebrating Robin's life. Memorial will be July 24 at 1PM at the Cross of Christ Community Church (Monongah) with a dinner following at the Monongah Town Hall. Idaho woman sentenced to up to 20 years in torture case An Idaho Falls woman has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison in connection with a kidnapping and torture case July 09, 2021 Website and development are constantly evolving. The latest trend to emerge in terms of website development is the Single Page Application (SPA). They are a fantastic option for developing interactive websites and have been used for a number of years to build platforms such as Gmail, Google (News - Alert) Maps and Netflix. However, in the past few years, many companies have used SPAs to create their business websites. For example, Moneypenny, BeTheme and SocialSnack have opted to use SPAs rather than static or dynamic websites. This article will look at the pros and cons of using a SPA as a company website and investigate how to overcome some of the issues that may impact performance and rankings on search engines. What Options do You Have for a Business Website? When you are looking to create a website in 2021, you typically have three options. The most straightforward method to use is that of a static website. A static website is built by creating an HTML file for each page of the website. Then, these pages are individually uploaded to a server. When a visitor enters the URL into their browser address bar or via a click from a search engine page, the server will send the relevant HTML file to the visitors browser. A static website typically consists of HTML, CSS (News - Alert) and sometimes JavaScript. The HTML, CSS and JavaScript, however, are not generated dynamically; the raw files and source code are prebuilt and do not change with any requests sent by the visitors browser. Static websites are a great option when you are creating a website that may not be highly interactive. For example, a personal website that contains your resume and work experience, or even a business website that isnt highly interactive or personalized per visitor. Another option is to build a dynamic website. With dynamic websites, the HTML and the code received by the visitor are not always the same. Instead, the code is generated on the fly by the server, allowing you to serve different pages per different requests. For example, the HTML and raw code could be different when someone is logged into a dynamic website or viewing their shopping cart on an eCommerce site. The code can adjust dynamically on the server. The content is usually generated with a server-side language such as Node.JS or PHP. Dynamic websites are great for online shops, where search engine optimization (SEO) and user experience (UX) are equally important. The third and newest option for creating a website is the framework provided by a Single Page Application (SPA). Said to be inspired by mobile applications, SPAs offer a more fluid, instantaneous user experience. You never have to wait for a new page to load because SPAs only use a single page as the name would suggest! SPAs appear to use pages, just like other websites, but show different views that populate the application shell. The application shell will typically consist of the menus, the header and footer and any other elements ever-present across all pages/views of the website. How Do Single Page Applications Work? With SPAs, JavaScript is used to control the lifecycle of the pages. As a result, SPAs provide a much faster and more fluid user experience. Unlike static and dynamic websites, every click to load a new page does not result in a new request to the server. With SPAs, when a visitor lands or hits a page of the website, a small program of JavaScript code is downloaded within a second or two to the visitors browser. This JavaScript program then renders pages on the fly in the browser. With the JavaScript program rendering and loading pages on the browser, there is no need for the browser to send requests to the server. Advantages of a Single Page Application include: - Quick page loading - Seamless user experience - Uses less bandwidth - Easy to debug in Chrome - Work offline Disadvantages of a Single Page Application include: - SEO can be challenging - Tracking & Reporting can have issues - Security issues - Doesnt work if the users browser has JS turned off - Requires highly skilled developer to update and maintain Single Page Applications & SEO If you decide to use a SPA for your next website, be sure to research and put in place solutions for the issues that can occur with SPAs and SEO. An excellent way to test your SPA website is to use Google Mobile-Friendly Test to manually assess if the URLs of the website render correctly. If the page (or view) does not render correctly and shows the website as expected on the mobile preview, it is often best to check the JavaScript console messages to identify any errors. In the example used in the YouTube video by Google Search Central, the Mobile-Friendly Test identified an issue with an unsupported feature in this case, the geolocation API. When using the geolocation feature, always remember to have code that supports the SPA, and it allows it to function when the geolocation data is not available from the user. As well as some users, Googlebot will decline the geolocation request, so its essential to have a way of handling this option if the SPA website is to be indexed by Google. Views & URLs Single Page Applications do not use pages; they use views. Consequently, by default, the URL in the users browser will not change when the user navigates to different views on the website. The static-URL is also a problem for SEO, as Googlebot will only index a single page if the URL remains the same. However, this issue can easily be overcome using the History API and correct HTML link markup to expose the other URLs to users and Googlebot. As with other website formats, using a robots.txt file and an XML sitemap is also a good idea to ensure Googlebot is aware of all the pages on your SPA website. Error Handling Another common issue that can impact SEO and UX is error handling. For example, if a page is not found, the best practice is to return a 404 HTTP status code from the server. By default, however, if a page or URL is not found, a SPAs server may still return an HTTP 200 status code which indicates to Googlebot that everything has loaded correctly. These soft 404 errors can cause many SEO-related issues, so it is best to get them fixed. The best solution to this appears to be configuring the SPAs server to respond with a specific HTTP status code when a particular URL is loaded. For example, JavaScript code can be added to the SPA so that if a page is not found, the user is redirected to a specific URL such as example.com/not-found/. In turn, when that URL is loaded, a 404 HTTP status code is returned. You can learn more about this configuration technique on this YouTube video, and more error handling methods are listed here. Conclusion Single Page Applications provide a fast and fluid user experience. As a result, they are likely to be used more often in the future. The main issue with SPAs at present, however, relates to SEO and also campaign tracking. Tracking relates to the ability to track campaigns and platforms and how they bring traffic to your website. For example, if you create a set of Facebook (News - Alert) ads with accurate tracking, you will be able to report how many conversions or sales occurred as a direct result of those adverts. Fortunately, Google Analytics 4 has some built-in tracking options under the Enhanced measurement options. You can learn more about tracking SPAs in this video. Finally, here is a checklist of best practices when it comes to optimizing a SPA website for SEO: - Test website with Googles Mobile-Friendly Test - Test individual URLs in Search Consoles URL Inspection Tool - Add unique meta titles & descriptions to each HTML view - Check URL indexation in Search Console - Check URL indexation with a site: search, e.g., site:example.com - Add an XML sitemap and robots.txt file to the root domain - Ensure correct HTML link markup is used - Use canonical URLs - Ensure errors and redirects are handled correctly - Ensure there are no soft 404s reported in Search Console - Ensure URL tracking is in place to enable campaign reporting [July 09, 2021] 2021 WAIC Global Day opens together with the brilliant appearance of AI global governance, to build a path to sustainable digital transformation SHANGHAI, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 2021 WAIC was formally inaugurated at Shanghai Expo Center on July 8. On the theme of "Intelligent Connectivity, Inspirational Cities", 2021 WAIC is intended to create the conference ecology with increased humanity, making globally top experts from enterprises, universities and research institutes to gather, discussing how AI helps with the creation of a community of shared future and globally sustainable development. 2021 WAIC Global Day event themed "Global AI Governance" was held at Shanghai Expo Center today. The scene of 2021 WAIC Global Day event, AI development helps with digital transformation 2021 WAIC Global Day is sponsored by WAIC Organizing Committee Office and organized by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Industry Association. Mr. Junhao Zhong, Secretary-General of Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association said: "Shanghai plays an important leading role in global AI development by virtue of its international vision and all-round comprehensive strength. As of 2020, there were 1,149 key AI enterprises in Shanghai, building a relatively complete industrial chain. In terms of industrial scale,AI industrial enterprises of designated size in Shanghai was worth RMB 224.6 billion approximately in 2020, implying an average growth rate of 30% from 2018-2020." Moreover, 2021 WAIC Global Day series events include 2021 International AI Cities Forum - AI Empowered Digital Government Forum, 2021 WAIC - IJCAI Forum, AI Global Innovation Project Roadshow, AI international talent exchange and four overseas sessions. 2021 WAIC Global Innovation Project Roadshow 2021 WAIC Global Innovation Project Roadshow will be held at Hall H2, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center from July 8-9. The roadshow received over 150 applications from 13 countries. Session in Europe Sino-European Enterprises AI Governance Dialog Forum. To further understand enterprise AI and to provide constructive recommendations on AI enterprise governance.Dr. Hans-Peter Friedrich, Chairman of China-Bridge Association, Ying Chen, Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary of Party Committee of Chinese Institute of Electronics and Secretary-General of China Committee of 100 of Digital Economy, attended the session and gave speeches through video. Session in Malaysia Session in Malaysia was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It focused on how to make deployment for everyone in order to create better future. The session in Malaysia was supported greatly by local government. Session in North America Session in North America was held at University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area, America under the guidance of WAIC Organizing Committee Office. It is supported by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association and sponsored jointly by Berkeley Chinese Alumni International Association (BCAIA) and Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab. The session focused on latest AI development and researches. Session in Korea On the theme of "Sino-Korea AI Industrial Cooperation in the Post-epidemic Era", 2021 WAIC Session in Korea was broadcast on the Cloud Platform of 2021 WAIC under the guidance of WAIC Organizing Committee Office. It is sponsored by Shanghai Smart City Development Institute, AI Yangjae Hub and AICA Korea, and is supported by Shanghai Investment Promotion Service Center, Seoul Investment Center and Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2021-waic-global-day-opens-together-with-the-brilliant-appearance-of-ai-global-governance-to-build-a-path-to-sustainable-digital-transformation-301328535.html SOURCE WAIC 2021 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Boston Indemnity Company, Inc. Under Review With Developing Implications AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) of Boston Indemnity Company, Inc. (BIC), headquartered in Houston, TX. BIC's Credit Ratings (ratings) were placed under review with developing implications following an agreement on the sale of BIC from Great Midwest Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Skyward Specialty Insurance Group Inc., to Ascot Insurance Company, a member of the Ascot group. BIC is an admitted surety writer domiciled in South Dakota and licensed in 46 states and the District of Columbia. The transaction, which does not transfer BIC's existing business, is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2021. The ratings will remain under review until the transaction closes, all customary regulatory approvals are received and AM Best evaluates BIC's role in the Ascot organization. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2021 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005408/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] DIDI CLASS ACTION ALERT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Announces a Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against DiDi Global Inc. The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP announces that securities fraud class action lawsuits have been filed in both the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York and the Central District of California against DiDi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) ("DiDi") on behalf of those who purchased or acquired DiDi: (a) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with DiDi's June 2021 initial public offering ("IPO"); and/or (b) securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or acquired DiDi ADSs pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with the IPO and/or DiDi securities during the Class Period may, no later than September 7, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at info@ktmc.com; or click https://www.ktmc.com/didi-global-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=didi DiDi is a mobility technology platform, providing ride hailing and other services in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), Brazil, Mexico, and internationally. It offers ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, hitch, and other forms of shared mobility services, as well as enterprise business ride solutions; auto solutions comprising leasing, refueling, and maintenance and repair services; electric vehicle leasing services; bike and e-bike sharing, intra-city freight, food delivery, and finanial services. DiDi was formerly known as Xiaoju Kuaizhi Inc. and changed its name to DiDi Global Inc. in June 2021. DiDi is often called "the Uber of China." On June 30, 2021, DiDi filed its prospectus on a Form 424B4, which forms part of the Registration Statement. In the IPO, DiDi sold approximately 316,800,000 shares at a price of $14.00 per share. Four ADSs represent one Class A ordinary share. The Registration Statement emphasized that DiDi purportedly "follow[ed] strict procedures in collecting, transmitting, storing and using user data pursuant to [its] data security and privacy policies." In fact, the Registration Statement claimed that DiDi "collect[s] personal information and other data from [its] users and use such data in the course of [its] operations only with their prior consent." The truth began to emerge on July 2, 2021 when the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. Following this news, DiDi's share price fell $0.87, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021. After the Class Period, 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." DiDi was ordered to make changes to comply with Chinese data protection rules to "ensure the safety of the personal information of users." On July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CAC had asked DiDi as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to "conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security." Following this news, DiDi's share price fell $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021. The complaint alleges that the Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state that: (1) DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (2) as a result, DiDi was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the CAC; (3) the CAC had warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (4) as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in PRC, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, the defendants' positive statements about DiDi's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. DiDi investors may, no later than September 7, 2021, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005185/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] HPC-AI Advisory Council and ISC Group Announce Winners of 10th Annual ISC Student Cluster Competition The HPC-AI Advisory Council (HPCAIAC) in collaboration with the ISC Group revealed the top performers in the 10th annual ISC Student Cluster Competition. Remaining an all remote competition for a second year, the annual global competition culminated with an award ceremony broadcast as part of the virtual ISC High Performance conference proceedings this week. The four teams to garner top awards for 2021 included: Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC, Catalonia/Spain), Fan Favorite; Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU, China), Honorable Mention; Jinan University (JNU, China) Third Place; Nanyang Technological University (NTU, Singapore), Second Place; and the first team to win two major awards in an ISC competition, earning both the highest overall Linpack and overall competition scores, Tsinghua University (TU, China) returned as the 2021 ISC SCC first place winner. The international competition brought together 13 teams across seven locations around the world, with a total of seventy-two students completing the 2021 competition: Team Location UHEI: Universitat Heidelberg Germany CIUK: University of Edinburgh UK CHPC: Centre for High Performance Computing South Africa NCKU: National Cheng Kung University Taiwan NTHU: National Tsing Hua University Taiwan STU: ShanghaiTech University China USTC: University of Science and Technology China XJTU: Xi'an Jiaotong University China Aligned with the ISC High Performance conference digital-delivery, organizers rebooted the second year of the all remote SCC, garnering added support from Canada's University of Toronto, SciNet Supercomputing Centre with the ongoing support of the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore. The prestigious institutions provided generous allocations of supercomputer system time to the teams on their highly utilized and in-demand production resources. Immersed in mentoring to become proficient on each center's resources and competition challenges, teams competed using the same system configurations at both centers and depended on their combined skills and knowledge to tackle the competition's complex challenges. In addition to standard High Performance LINPACK (HPL), HPC Challenge (HPCC), and High Performance Conjugate Gradient (HPCG) micro-benchmarks, the new HPC applications and coding challenge introduced were: Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF); classic molecular dynamics with focus on materials modeling (LAMMPS); atomic scale quantum mechanical simulations and density-functional theory (GPAW); and a de novo metagenome short read-assembler (MHM2). Focused on MPI profiler, the coding challenge required teams to perform deep analysis of GPAW and WRF inputs and MPI _alltoallv profiler calls of differing amounts of data sent to/received from all processes as well as adding heatmap support for the web GUI and several other challenges. The all remote members and competitors competed across time zones for five weeks. Awards were based on the three highest cumulative team scores that calculated the combined score from the application runs, innovation and team interviews. Surprising the experts and judges responsible for developing the competition challenges and refereeing team interviews and final scoring, the 2021 student competitors were lauded for their advanced capabilities and collaborative spirit and for several unique community contributions: upstream open source bug fixes; use of forgotten option already being rewritten for WRF; code integration to enhance profiler (analyze/trace); as well as completing all the challenges including the two bonus tasks. "The competition exposes undergraduates to graduate level expectations and experiences," said Gilad Shainer, chairman of the HPC-AI Advisory Council. "Teams are not only performing comparably, they're already contributing back to the community. The capabilities they're developing here as students, graduates and our future are inspiring." Marking the official end of the competition, preparations are already underway for the opening of the next call for participation in August and annual roster reveal in November. For more information: www.hpcadvisorycouncil.com/events/student-cluster-competition About ISC Group The ISC Group organizes ISC High Performance, the world's oldest and Europe's premier conference and networking event for the international HPC community. More: www.isc-hpc.com About HPC-AI Advisory Council Founded in 2008, The HPC-AI Advisory Council (HPCAIAC) is a community benefit organization with over 400 members committed to promoting HPC and AI through education and outreach. More: www.hpcadvisorycouncil.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005423/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] ORYZON Presents Safety and Efficacy Data of Vafidemstat From the Phase II ESCAPE Trial in Severe COVID-19 Patients at ECCMID-2021 Vafidemstat was safe and well tolerated Confirmed anti-inflammatory activity of vafidemstat Vafidemstat reduced exacerbated CD4+ T cell activation and inflammatory cytokine release Fast recovery of patients observed in both arms MADRID, Spain and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oryzon Genomics, S.A. (ISIN Code: ES0167733015, ORY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging epigenetics to develop therapies in diseases with strong unmet medical need, presented today preliminary data from the Phase II trial ESCAPE on vafidemstats ability to reduce the inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients. The data were presented at the 31st European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, ECCMID-2021, in an e-poster entitled ESCAPE trial: Preliminary data on the effect of vafidemstat treatment in the COVID-19 induced immune response in hospitalized patients. From May 2020 to March 2021, 60 patients were randomized in this Phase II study aiming to determine the safety and efficacy of vafidemstat in COVID-19 severe patients on top of Standard of Care (SoC) treatment. Glucocorticoids were the most frequent SoC treatment (83% of patients, equally represented in both arms). Most of the patients (69%) were discharged before the first week of treatment in both arms. Four patients were admitted to ICU (2 in each arm). Treatment with 2.4 mg/day vafidemstat for 5 days resulted in an almost complete occupancy of the LSD1 target protein, which was sustained in most patients till the day of discharge. Treatment was well tolerated, with only 13 adverse events (AEs) in 11 subjects reported during the study, none of them severe nor serious. Of those, 9 AEs were recorded in the vafidemstat plus SoC arm, all mild and considered not treatment-related. Regarding the efficacy in the control of the disease, 24 patients (77.4%) in the SoC group required mechanical ventilation versus 19 (65.5%) in the vafidemstat plus SoC treated group. A total of 6 patients required rescue medication (Tocilizumab): 4 patients (67%) in the SoC arm and 2 (33%) treated with vafidemstat plus SoC. One patient treated with SoC died due to COVID morbidities versus none in the vafidemstat arm. Dr. Carlos Buesa, Oryzons CEO, said "Fortunately, the hospital management of seriously ill COVID-19 patients has dramatically improved since the beginning of the pandemic and current SoC treatments are effective in reducing mortality. For this reason, we have not seen differences in mortality between the two arms, which was the main parameter when the study was designed, but we consider the ESCAPE data as very positive, since the vafidemstat arm has produced consistently better anti-inflammatory indicators, and this is a clear example of the potential of the drug in controlling the escalation of serious events in COVID-19 patients. The company will analyze the complete data with the study's lead investigators in the coming months. Oryzon is not an infectious disease company, but given the seriousness of the disease and pandemic, we will evaluate the potential of the drug to improve treatment of COVID-19 patients and the possible next steps." LSD1 inhibition by vafidemstat resulted in significant effects on the immune response induced by COVID-19 infection, in terms of both circulating immune cell populations and inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines. In particular, a clear tendency for decreased plasma levels of most of the cytokines evaluated was observed after 5 days of vafidemstat treatment compared to the immunosuppressor effect already observed with the SoC alone, achieving statistical significancy (p<0.05) for IL-12p70, IL-17A and IFN?. Regarding chemokines, vafidemstat treatment generated a trend towards elevation of RANTES, known to play an important role in protecting COVID-19 patients from developing severe illness. Furthermore, distinct changes in the frequency of several circulating immune cell populations were also observed, significantly affecting CD4+ T cell subsets, revealing that vafidemstat in combination with SoC treatment might help to control T-cell activation by significantly reducing the % of terminal effector (TE), effector memory (EM) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, which have been previously shown to be elevated in patients with COVID19 pneumonia. Differences between treatment arms in clinical response, including days of hospitalization or respiratory parameters, will be analyzed at a later date, once the database is hard-locked. Dr. Jordi Xaus, Oryzons VP of Clinical Portfolio, commented: This is an important outcome that confirms vafidemstat treatment in combination with SoC, mainly corticoids, is safe and well-tolerated. Vafidemstat modulates the immune response of COVID-19 patients at risk of rapidly becoming critical by controlling exacerbated CD4+ T cell activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines beyond the basal effect of the corticoids. This is the second clinical demonstration of the anti-inflammatory effects of vafidemstat. ESCAPE is an open-label, randomized, double arm Phase II trial to assess the efficacy and tolerability of vafidemstat in combination with standard of care, to prevent progression of severely ill COVID-19 patients with pneumonia to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), one of the main causes of death in this disease, by reducing the patients inflammatory response to the infection. A copy of the e-poster presented at ECCMID-2021 is available here For more information about ECCMID-2021, please visit ECCMIDs website About Oryzon Founded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon (ISIN Code: ES0167733015) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European champion in Epigenetics. Oryzon has one of the strongest portfolios in the field. Oryzons LSD1 program has rendered two compounds, vafidemstat and iadademstat, in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, Oryzon has ongoing programs for developing inhibitors against other epigenetic targets. Oryzon has a strong technological platform for biomarker identification and performs biomarker and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurological diseases. Oryzon has offices in Spain and the United States. Oryzon is one of the most liquid biotech stocks in Europe with +90 M shares negotiated in 2020 (ORY:SM / ORY.MC / ORYZF US OTC mkt). For more information, visit www.oryzon.com About Vafidemstat Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is an oral, CNS optimized LSD1 inhibitor. The molecule acts on several levels: it reduces cognitive impairment, including memory loss and neuroinflammation, and at the same time has neuroprotective effects. In animal studies vafidemstat not only restores memory but reduces the exacerbated aggressiveness of SAMP8 mice, a model for accelerated aging and Alzheimers disease (AD), to normal levels and also reduces social avoidance and enhances sociability in murine models. In addition, vafidemstat exhibits fast, strong and durable efficacy in several preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Oryzon has performed two Phase IIa clinical trials in aggressiveness in patients with different psychiatric disorders (REIMAGINE) and in aggressive/agitated patients with moderate or severe AD (REIMAGINE-AD), with positive clinical results reported in both. Additional finalized Phase IIa clinical trials with vafidemstat include the ETHERAL trial in patients with Mild to Moderate AD, where a significant reduction of the inflammatory biomarker YKL40 has been observed after 6 and 12 months of treatment, and the pilot, small scale SATEEN trial in Relapse-Remitting and Secondary Progressive MS. A Phase IIb trial in borderline personality disorder (PORTICO) has been recently initiated and the company is preparing a Phase IIb trial in schizophrenia patients (EVOLUTION). The company is also deploying a CNS precision medicine approach with vafidemstat in genetically-defined patient subpopulations of certain CNS disorders. Vafidemstat is also being explored in a Phase II in severe Covid-19 patients (ESCAPE) assessing the capability of the drug to prevent ARDS, one of the most severe complications of the viral infection. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains, or may contain, forward-looking information and statements about Oryzon, including financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, capital expenditures, synergies, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by the words expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates and similar expressions. Although Oryzon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Oryzon shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Oryzon that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the documents sent by Oryzon to the Spanish Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), which are accessible to the public. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and have not been reviewed by the auditors of Oryzon. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Oryzon or any of its members, directors, officers, employees or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to Oryzon on the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Oryzon does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Oryzons securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of Oryzons securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Oryzon or the selling security holder, as applicable, that will contain detailed information about Oryzon and management, as well as financial statements. IR, US IR & Media, Europe Spain Oryzon Ashley R. Robinson Sandya von der Weid Patricia Cobo Emili Torrell LifeSci Advisors, LLC LifeSci Advisors, LLC / Carlos C. Ungria BD Director +1 617 430 7577 +41 78 680 05 38 +34 91 564 07 25 +34 93 515 13 13 arr@lifesciadvisors.com svonderweid@lifesciadvisors.com pcobo@atrevia.com etorrell@oryzon.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] RST / Measurand, a Portfolio Company of Vance Street Capital, Acquires 3vGeomatics RST / Measurand, a portfolio company of Vance Street Capital LLC, today announced the acquisition of 3vGeomatics ("3vG"), a world leader in the use of radar satellite images to detect and measure ground and infrastructure displacement across large areas. The acquisition augments the Company's trusted geotechnical instrumentation service and creates the industry's first fully integrated data monitoring and analysis solution with full global reach. Founded in 2007, 3vGeomatics is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and operates from offices in Calgary, Canada as well as Belo Horizonte, Brazil. With over 50 employees, 3vG produces thousands of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) reports each year and serves clients in over 40 countries for a variety of complex applications where accurate and timeline monitoring is required to detect subsidence, uplift and other movements to prevent environmental accidents, improve safety and maintain operational success. Industries include mining, pipeline, urban infrastructure, transportation corridors, and water management. "By adding 3vGeomatic's deep experience in specialized InSAR technology to our existing portfolio, we've assembled an industry-first end-to-end full site view, from geotechnical monitoring to InSAR for holistic monitoring. This adds a new dimension to our trusted data offering in a growing global market," said Mark Price, CEO from RST / Measurand. "The InSAR technology brought to you by 3vGeomatics' industry-leading experts integrates tightly with the ground-based sensors from RST / Measurand. From underground to boveground, we deliver trusted, timely and actionable data to blue chip clients around the world through a convenient one-stop solution. We deliver data into a holistic package so our clients can make risk-informed decisions about their critical assets and projects." Combined, RST / Measurand and 3vG possess unparalleled geotechnical and monitoring expertise, with over 270 employees and over 90 degreed engineers and geoscientists. Together, the businesses will serve over 1,000 clients in over 60 countries, with a network of over 30 global partners and professionals in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Singapore and South Africa. Adrian McArdle, President, 3vGeomatics said, "We are thrilled to be joining the RST / Measurand team to expand our global reach and co-build an even stronger offering through our innovative InSAR technology. Both companies are longstanding leaders in the geotechnical engineering community and we look forward to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership." "As critical asset owners continue to look for ways to enhance the monitoring of their underlying assets, 3vG's InSAR technology will play a key role in those efforts," said Steve Sandbo, Principal, Vance Street Capital. "The combination of RST / Measurand's connected instrumentation and cloud-based data systems with 3vG's InSAR will provide customers with a holistic monitoring solution that is unmatched in the market." Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg LLC and O'Melveny & Myers LLP acted as legal advisors to Vance Street Capital. Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc. served as financial advisor to 3vGeomatics while Affinity Law Group served as legal advisor to 3vGeomatics. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by a lending syndicate led by Bank of Montreal including Canadian Western Bank and National Bank of Canada. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Vance Street Capital LLC Vance Street Capital is a middle-market private equity firm focused on investing in highly engineered solutions businesses across the industrial, medical, life science, aerospace and defense sectors. For over two decades, Vance Street's partners have worked with management teams and family owners to accelerate revenue growth, improve operations and acquire strategic assets for the companies in their investment portfolio. For more information please visit: www.vancestreetcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005263/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] VillageMD Expands its Arizona Footprint with Nine New Village Medical Locations CHICAGO, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VillageMD announced today that Hatfield Medical Group of Arizona is joining the organization. More than 30 providers, including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, will join VillageMD's Village Medical practices in nine Arizona locations including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Apache Junction, starting July 8. Village Medical locations are currently in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Nevada. Village Medical offers comprehensive primary care services, along with virtual care, at home care, and telehealth. "We're thrilled to welcome Dr. David Hatfield and his experienced team to Village Medical. They understand our vision of a physician-led primary care practice to offer the best possible care in a coordinated, accessible and convenient way for patients throughout the Phoenix area," said Brent Asplin, M.D., president of Village Medical. "Additionally, by joining Village Medical, the physicians are able to benefit from our high-tech, high-touch primary care model to provide exceptional care to their patients in Arizona." Village Medical offers a compreensive suite of primary care services including preventative care, treatment for illness and injury, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. Arizona patients can learn more about the services at Village Medical here . "We are thrilled to join Village Medical and look forward to showing our longtime patients the additional services we will offer through value-based care. Hatfield Medical Group started as a family business more than 50 years ago and by becoming Village Medical, we will continue to give our patients the exceptional primary care they deserve," said David Hatfield, D.O., who has more than 25 years of experience treating patients with a variety of chronic conditions to manage their care. The Village Medical footprint will be expanded by adding the below existing Hatfield Medical Group clinic locations (alphabetical by town): 300 S. Phelps Drive in Apache Junction, Az. 595 N. Dobson Road, Suite D-65 in Chandler, Az. 3331 E. Baseline Road in Gilbert, Az. 6242 E. Arbor Ave., Suite 111-113 in Mesa, Az. 3048 E. Baseline Road, Suite 109 in Mesa, Az. 6820 E. Brown Road in Mesa, Az. 4360 E. Brown Road, Suite. 113 in Mesa, Az. 6828 E. Brown Road, Suite 102 in Mesa, Az. 220 N. Stapley Drive, Suite B in Mesa, Az. Village Medical patients will have access to same-day appointments and virtual health visits with a Village Medical provider. Additionally, Village Medical patients can take advantage of Village Medical at Home, which provides in-home primary care visits with experienced primary care providers. Village Medical patients also benefit from VillageMD's patent-pending docOS operating platform, which integrates data and technology to give physicians a 360-degree view of their patients' health profiles and can help identify gaps in care. To learn more, make an appointment or view all Village Medical locations, please visit www.villagemedical.com . About VillageMD VillageMD, through its subsidiary Village Medical, is a leading, national provider of value-based primary care services. VillageMD partners with physicians to provide the tools, technology, operations, staffing support and industry relationships to deliver high-quality clinical care and better patient outcomes, while reducing the total cost of care. The Village Medical brand provides primary care for patients at traditional free-standing clinics, Village Medical at Walgreens clinics, at home and via virtual visits. VillageMD and Village Medical have grown to 15 markets and are responsible for more than 1.6 million patients. VillageMD is also the largest participating sponsor of CMS' new Direct Contracting program and estimates it serves more than 56,000 patients. To learn more, please visit www.villageMD.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/villagemd-expands-its-arizona-footprint-with-nine-new-village-medical-locations-301328509.html SOURCE VillageMD [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Wolters Kluwer Lien Solutions wins 2021 IT World Awards Wolters Kluwer Lien Solutions has earned 2021 IT World Award accolades for product excellence in two of its most prominent offerings: iLien Motor Vehicle, for "Best IT Software," and iLien for Lien Management, in the "Best IT Products & Services, Finance/Banking" category. As a cloud-based SaaS (News - Alert) offering, iLien Motor Vehicle delivers a single solution for processing and managing motor vehicle titles. The offering helps solve the most unique and complicated challenges in title perfection. iLien for Lien Management is a portfolio of web-based solutions that enable lenders to manage and address risks in their entire Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien portfolio with analytics, proactive reporting, and automation. "These highly competitive award wins reflect the value these offerings are providing our lender clients to help manage portfolio risk, reinforcing our longstanding commitment to product innovation and leadership in UCC lien management and vehicle titling solutions for the lending industry," said Suzanne Konstance, Vice President, Product Management and Marketing for Wolters Kluwer Lien Solutions. "Our clients have played an integral role in the development of these solutions, which not only differentiate Lien Solutions' market offerings but materially support our clients' work to improve the delivery of services to their end-customers." Now in its 16th year, the IT World Awards is the IT industry's premier excellence awards program, honoring achievements in every facet of the information technology industry. Entries are adjudicated by panels of IT industry professionals. Wolters Kluwer Lien Solutions, part of Wolters Kluwer's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) division, provides comprehensive lien management, debtor due diligence, monitoring, and risk management solutions to financial professionals-including a comprehensive set of APIs that lenders can use to automate their workflows. Its iLien suite of products provides solutions for asset-backed loan, real-estate and vehicle title processing and management to help reduce complexity in lien lifecycle management and promote more confident lending decisions. Wolters Kluwer's GRC division provides an array of expert solutions to help financial institutions manage regulatory and risk obligations. Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions' eOriginal suite of purpose-built, digital lending solutions, for example, helps lenders digitize their transactions and features electronic signatures, collateral authentication and an electronic vault. Wolters Kluwer Lien Solutions' iLien for Main Street helps lenders optimize their due diligence and lien management efforts when securing loans for small and medium-sized businesses under the Main Street Lending Program. Wolters Kluwer Finance, Risk & Regulatory Reporting (FRR), meanwhile, is a global market leader in the provision of integrated regulatory compliance and reporting solutions. About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk & Compliance Governance, Risk & Compliance is a division of Wolters Kluwer, which provides legal and banking professionals with solutions to help ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory and legal obligations, manage risk, increase efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. GRC offers a portfolio of technology-enabled expert services and solutions focused on legal entity compliance, legal operations management, banking product compliance, and banking regulatory compliance. Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs approximately 19,200 people worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005025/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Zwipe getting ready to drive Next-Generation Payment Cards OSLO, Norway, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dear stakeholders of Zwipe, Through the first half of 2021, our global payment ecosystem of Smart Card Manufacturers, Payment Processors, Banks and Go-to-market Partners has continued to expand at a rapid pace, further strengthening our foundation for future market success. In these challenging times, our growing team of competent and passionate Zwipers, spanning 14 different nationalities in nine countries across three different continents and five time zones from Colorado Springs to Singapore, has demonstrated exceptional teamwork with a solid focus on customers. I am delighted to share that the interest in biometric payment cards based on Zwipe technology, which deliver a more convenient, secure and safe means to pay, has never been stronger. The voices of consumers captured by Zwipe in the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, Norway and Romania since August last year are encouraging and consistent with similar findings from card schemes and other industry players. Entering the Indian subcontinent and APAC region In the first half of 2021, we announced six new Smart Card Manufacturers into our ecosystem: KL HI Tech in India Beautiful Card Corporation in Taiwan Silkways Card and Printing Ltd in Bangladesh Three card manufacturers in Europe and Asia who at this stage want to remain anonymous Together, these manufacturers deliver around 200 million payment cards annually. In addition, we extended and expanded our partnership with TAG Systems, who delivers 100 million payment cards annually. Looking forward, it is great to see that our SCM and processor and issuer pipelines continue to grow. The encouraging developments with card manufacturers received a big boost when Asia's largest payment processor, Financial Software and Systems (FSS) embraced our next-generation payment cards platform based on Zwipe Pay ONE technology. FSS manages over 800 million cards, and we are now working with them to bring our ground-breaking innovation globally. We also strengthened our regional presence by appointing Masterline and Sonali Intellect Ltd. as our business development partners in India and Bangladesh, respectively. Acceleration in the MENA Region and Europe Middle East and North Africa (MENA) On the back of growing demand for biometric payments cards in the MENA region, Network International (NI), providing payment services to over 200 banks in Middle East and Africa, and Middle East Payment Services (MEPS), a leading payment service provider in the Levant region, entered new partnerships with Zwipe. NI and MEPS have boosted our reach and delivery capabilities in the MENA Region, on top of our already strong network of prominent partners in the region, notably Masria Digital Payments, Inkript, areeba and Veritech. To effectively serve our growing partner network and issuers, we appointed Ramzi Saboury as the General Manager for the MENA region. Ramzi brings over 26 years of experience and network in payment services in MENA from leadership roles in Kuwaiti banks, VISA and areeba. Europe and the UK In the past few months, we have seen an increasing in-flow of interest from card manufacturers in multiple regions, most notably in Europe. The same can be said for issuer engagements that come through our Processor Partners and Card Manufacturers in Europe, especially in the UK and Nordics. This is proof that our "Megaphone" partner strategy works! Swedish fintech VOPY, providing embedded financial services to clients globally, and France-based payment service provider, be ys Pay, selected Zwipe Pay ONE (ZPO) cards for their ssuers, aiming to pilot Zwipe Pay ONE this year. Both these developments came within months of OP Bank's decision to pilot with cards based on the Zwipe Pay ONE platform togheter with our Go-to-market partner, TietoEVRY. OP is Finland's largest financial services group and serves over four million customers. Delivery of Zwipe Pay ONE on track We had strong progress in the development of Zwipe Pay ONE, the world's first Single Silicon based biometric payment platform offered to card manufacturers globally. In April 2021, we demonstrated our enrollment solution and touch-free payment transactions above the transaction cap at a Point-of-Sales terminal with test keys to emulate fully EMV authorized and authenticated transactions in a live environment. The feedback from the market was very positive as everyone could see how these cards quickly and reliably provide a considerable boost to user experience and security. In fact, we have now passed most critical milestones and major risk points,with only piloting and certification left before commercialization in mass volumes. Next steps pilots and certification Apart from pilots planned from late this quarter, certification will represent the last milestone before commercialization. We have already performed pre-tests at accredited test labs with excellent results. We are now working closely with the card schemes to secure these processes, which will be explained in detail during our H1 2021 reporting on 26 August. In the coming weeks, we will start handing out Zwipe Pay ONE demo cards to issuers and partners and continue to help them prepare for commercial launches. Zwipe 2.0 Last, but not least, H1 2021 has seen further strengthening of our team across all functions commercial, technical, operational and regional. We have engaged every Zwiper in developing and honing our Winning Team Culture, with our Core Values driving us to be Innovative, Collaborative, Adaptable and Passionate. Each recruitment is intended not only to add capacity, but also to uplift our team. I am also pleased to see further strengthening of our board. I take this opportunity to thank each member of the Zwipe team for their remarkable effort and passion to our mission of Making Convenience safe and secure. My thanks also go out to all our customers, partners, and shareholders for sharing this mission as strongly as every Zwiper. I wish each one of you a very safe and happy summer ahead! For further information, please contact: Lars Kristian Solheim CFO +47 991 66 135 lars.kristian@zwipe.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/zwipe-as/r/zwipe-getting-ready-to-drive-next-generation-payment-cards,c3382611 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/18194/3382611/1443287.pdf Zwipe Summer Greetings 2021 https://news.cision.com/zwipe-as/i/summer-greetings-2021,c2934990 Summer Greetings 2021 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zwipe-getting-ready-to-drive-next-generation-payment-cards-301328564.html SOURCE Zwipe AS [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 08, 2021] Pickup Truck Market in the US to witness over 940 thousand Units growth during 2021-2025 | Emerging Trends, Company Risk, and Key Executives |Technavio NEW YORK, July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio has been monitoring the pickup truck market in the US and it is poised to grow by 941.57 thousand units during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of almost 6% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Request a Free Sample Report to Know More Impact of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, however, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. COVID-19 will have a low impact on the pickup truck market in the US. Frequently Asked Questions: Based on segmentation by product, which is the leading segment in the market? Based on the product, the market witnessed maximum growth in the full-size pickup truck segment in 2020. Based on the product, the market witnessed maximum growth in the full-size pickup truck segment in 2020. What are the major trends in the market? The increased product portfolio for pickup trucks is the major trend in the market. The increased product portfolio for pickup trucks is the major trend in the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow? The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of almost 6% during the forecast period. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of almost 6% during the forecast period. Who are the top players in the market? Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Rivian Automotive LLC, Stellantis NV, Tesla Inc., Toyota Motor Corp., and Volkswagen AG are the top players in the market. Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Rivian Automotive LLC, Stellantis NV, Tesla Inc., Toyota Motor Corp., and Volkswagen AG are the top players in the market. What are the key market drivers and challenges? The market is driven by the increased utility of pickup trucks. However, the increasing sales of used vehicles in the US might threaten market growth. Related Reports on Consumer Discretionary Include: Global Truck Bedliners Market - Global truck bedliners market is segmented by type (drop-in and spray-on) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA). Download Exclusive Free Sample Report Global Truck Axle Market - Global truck axle market is segmented by application (light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and medium-duty trucks) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA). Download Exclusive Free Sample Report Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. Viewmarket snapshot before purchasing The market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Rivian Automotive LLC, Stellantis NV, Tesla Inc., Toyota Motor Corp., and Volkswagen AG are some of the major market participants. Although the increased utility of pickup trucks will offer immense growth opportunities, the increasing sales of used vehicles in the US is likely to pose a challenge for the market vendors. In a bid to help players strengthen their market foothold, this pickup truck market in us forecast report provides a detailed analysis of the leading market vendors. The report also empowers industry honchos with information on the competitive landscape and insights into the different product offerings offered by various companies. Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct & indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations. Pickup Truck Market in US 2021-2025: Segmentation Pickup Truck Market in US is segmented as below: Product Full-size Pickup Truck Small- and Mid-size Pickup Truck Cab Style Extended Cab and Crew Cab Regular Cab 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=IRTNTR45467 Pickup Truck Market in US 2021-2025: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The pickup truck market in US report covers the following areas: Pickup Truck Market in US Size Pickup Truck Market in US Trends Pickup Truck Market in US Industry Analysis This study identifies the increased product portfolio for pickup trucks as one of the prime reasons driving the Pickup Truck Market in US growth during the next few years. Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Pickup Truck Market in US 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025 Detailed information on factors that will assist pickup truck market growth in the US during the next five years Estimation of the pickup truck market size in the US and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the pickup truck market across the US Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the pickup truck market vendors in the US Table of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2020 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis 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 Full-size pickup truck - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Small- and mid-size pickup truck - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Product Market Segmentation by Cab style Market segments Comparison by Cab style Extended cab and crew cab - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Regular cab - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Cab style Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Ford Motor Co. General Motors Co. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Hyundai Motor Co. Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Rivian Automotive LLC Stellantis NV Tesla Inc. Toyota Motor Corp. Volkswagen AG Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Report: www.technavio.com/report/pickup-truck-market-in-us-industry-analysis Newsroom: newsroom.technavio.com/news/pickup-truckmarket View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pickup-truck-market-in-the-us-to-witness-over-940-thousand-units-growth-during-2021-2025--emerging-trends-company-risk-and-key-executives-technavio-301328251.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Muna Therapeutics Launches with US$ 73M Series A to Advance Novel Small Molecule Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases - Financing co-led by Novo Holdings, Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund, with participation from Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB - Developing small molecules to repair neuronal dysfunction and resolve neuroinflammation - Innovative drug discovery platform leveraging insights from novel targets and pathways, resilience to neurodegeneration and all-in-human validation COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Muna Therapeutics ("Muna"), pioneering the development of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the successful closing of a US$ 73 million (EUR 60 million) Series A financing round. The investor syndicate was co-led by Novo Holdings, Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund, with Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB joining the round. Muna is the combination of two innovative European start-up companies. Muna was founded in 2020 by progranulin pathway thought leaders Professor Simon Glerup and his team from Aarhus University, Denmark, with investor Novo Holdings. Muna developed a strategic partnership on additional targets with Axxam SpA, based in Milan, Italy, which became a minority shareholder. Muna is part of Novo Seeds' company creation efforts, where the Novo team and its entrepreneurs-in-residence help build new biotech companies based on groundbreaking new science. Muna joined forces with K5 Therapeutics, co-founded in 2020 by Professor Bart De Strooper from VIB-KU Leuven, Belgium, a pioneer in neurodegenerative diseases research, with investors Droia Ventures and VIB. The combined company - Muna Therapeutics - will be based in Copenhagen and Leuven and is led by seasoned pharma executives CEO Rita Balice-Gordon and COO Anders Hinsby, both entrepreneurs-in-residence of Novo Seeds. Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals, with increasing global impact as the population ages. Palliative treatments are scarce, and no curative therapies are currently available. Muna is focused on addressing the staggering unmet need experienced by patients around the world with neurodegenerative disorders. Muna's innovative all-in-human target discovery and validation platform is based on proprietary insights into molecular pathways in different human brain cell types that underlie disease pathology and resilience to neurodegeneration, based on work from the De Strooper and Glerup laboratories. Muna has built a cutting-edge small molecule drug discovery engine that leverages high-resolution target structural approaches, AI-driven computational chemistry and cell-based screening. The financing will be used to advance Muna's small molecule programs focused on repairing neuronal dysfunction, resolving neuroinflammation and restoring neuroprotection and resilience to disease to Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. "We are in an era of rapid advancement in understanding how to slow or stop the relentless progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia that devastate cognition and quality of life of patients as well as caregivers." said Rita Balice-Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Muna Therapeutics. "Our team is committed to leveraging our collective expertise to deliver impactful disease modifying small molecule therapeutics to patients as rapidly as possible." The Board of Directors includes: Morten Graugaard Dssing, Partner at Novo Holdings, current Chairman; Henrijette Richter, Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners; Cillian King, Investment Manager at LSP; Luc Dochez, Partner at Droia Ventures; Isaac Ciechanover, Partner at Polaris Partners; Laia Crespo, Head of Investments at Sanofi Ventures; and Rita Balice-Gordon, CEO of Muna. Morten Graugaard Dssing, Chairman of the Board and Partner at Novo Holdings, said: " Novo Seeds is delighted to welcome a global syndicate of first-class investors who strongly believe in Muna's world-leading science, experienced leadership team, and its potential to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. We are honored to co-lead this round with Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund a tremendous joint effort to bring Muna to the next level." About Muna Therapeutics Muna Therapeutics is a private biopharmaceutical company founded in 2020 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark and Leuven, Belgium. Muna discovers and develops therapies that slow or stop devastating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal Dementia and Parkinson's. These disorders impact memory, movement, language, behavior and personality resulting in disability and death of millions of patients around the globe. We focus our groundbreaking science on identifying new medicines to preserve cognition and other brain functions and enhance resilience to neurodegenerative diseases. Our name reflects this focus: Muna means 'to remember' in Old Norse. www.munatherapeutics.com Investor Syndicate About Novo Holdings Novo Holdings A/S is a private limited liability company wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It is the holding company of the Novo Group, comprising Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, and is responsible for managing the Novo Nordisk Foundation's assets. Novo Holdings is recognized as a world-leading life science investor with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life sciences investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. https://www.novoholdings.dk/ 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. www.sofinnovapartners.com About Droia Ventures Droia is a specialist biotech investor with an exclusive focus on therapeutics for oncology and genetic disease. Droia invests globally in newly founded or early-stage platform companies that apply novel science and innovative technologies to bring first-in-class drug candidates to patients. With our team of seasoned scientists, entrepreneurs and investment professionals we build great companies to save patient lives. www.droiaventures.com. About LSP LSP is one of the largest European investment firms providing financing for life sciences and health care companies. LSP's management has raised over 2 billion ($2.5 billion) and supported the growth of 300 companies since it started to invest in 1988, including signature deals such as argenx, Crucell and Neuravi. With offices in Amsterdam, Munich and Boston, LSP currently has the possibility to invest through five strategies, each having a distinctive investment scope and a dedicated team: LSP 6 invests in private early- to late-stage drug development and medical technology companies; LSP HEF 2 focuses on private late-stage medical technology companies; the LSP Dementia Fund invests in companies targeting neurodegenerative diseases; LSP Public targets public healthcare companies; and EBAC is the first healthcare SPAC to exclusively focus on European biotech. LSP is an active contributor to the global life sciences industry and the European life science eco-system by assuming for-profit and not-for-profit roles as initiators, founders and board members in various private and public bodies and organizations, for example being founder and board member of the Oncode Institute. www.lspvc.com. About Polaris Partners and Polaris Innovation Fund Polaris Partners has a 20-plus-year history of partnering with repeat entrepreneurs and world-class innovators who are improving the way we live and work. The multibillion-dollar firm manages specialty and diversified funds in healthcare and technology with investments across all stages. The Polaris Innovation Fund aims to accelerate the commercial and therapeutic potential of early-stage academic research. By partnering with passionate entrepreneurs with transformational science, the Polaris Innovation Fund fosters company creation and growth through an active investment model. Polaris has offices in Boston, San Francisco, and New York. www.polarispartners.com. About Sanofi Ventures Sanofi Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Sanofi. Sanofi Ventures invests in early-stage biotech and digital health companies with innovative ideas and transformative new products and technologies of strategic interest to Sanofi. Among these areas are oncology, immunology, rare diseases, vaccines, potential cures in other core areas of Sanofi's business footprint, and digital health solutions. www.sanofiventures.com About V-Bio Ventures V-Bio Ventures is an independent venture capital firm specialized in building and financing young, innovative life science companies. V-Bio Ventures was established in 2015 and works closely with Belgium-based VIB, one of the world's premier life science institutes. The fund invests throughout Europe in start-up and early-stage companies with high growth potential focusing on technologies that provide transformational improvements in the biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and agricultural sectors. www.v-bio.ventures About VIB VIB is an entrepreneurial research institute in life sciences located in Flanders, Belgium. VIB's basic research leads to new and innovative insights into normal and pathological life processes. It unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute, firmly based on its close partnership with 5 Flemish universities (Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University). We are supported by a solid funding program from the Flemish government. VIB has an excellent track record on translating basic scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. Since its foundation in 1996, VIB has created 29 start-up companies, now employing over 900 people. www.vib.be. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Novo Holdings Launches Muna Therapeutics with US$ 73M Series A to Advance Novel Small Molecule Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases - Novo Holdings created and built Muna Therapeutics with pioneers in the field of neurodegeneration - Led by an experienced management team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence from Novo Seeds - Financing co-led by Novo Holdings, Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund, with participation from Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings, a global life science investor, today announces that it has co-led the Series A financing of its portfolio company, Muna Therapeutics ("Muna"), which is pioneering the development of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The financing also includes Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund with participation from Polaris Partners, Polaris Innovation Fund, Sanofi Ventures, V-Bio Ventures and VIB. Muna was founded in 2020 by progranulin pathway thought leader Professor Simon Glerup and his team from Aarhus University, Denmark, in collaboration with Novo Seeds, the early-stage investment team of Novo Holdings. Muna emerged as a result of Novo Seeds' company creation efforts, where the Novo team and its Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs) help build new biotech companies based on groundbreaking new science. Muna joined forces with K5 Therapeutics, co-founded in 2020 by Professor Bart De Strooper from VIB-KU Leuven Belgium, a pioneer in neurodegenerative diseases research, with investors Droia Ventures and VIB. The combined company - Muna Therapeutics - will be based in Copenhagen and Leuven and is led by seasoned pharma executives CEO Rita Balice-Gordon and COO Anders Hinsby, both EiRs of Novo Seeds. Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of individuals, with increasing global impact as the population ages. Palliative treatments are scarce, and no curative therapies are currently available. Muna is focused on addressing the staggering unmet need experienced y patients around the world with neurodegenerative disorders. Morten Graugaard Dssing, Chairman of the Board and Partner at Novo Holdings, said: "Novo Seeds is delighted to welcome a global syndicate of first-class investors who strongly believe in Muna's world-leading science, experienced leadership team, and its potential to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. We are honored to co-lead this round with Sofinnova Partners, Droia Ventures and LSP Dementia Fund a tremendous joint effort to bring Muna to the next level." Rita Balice-Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Muna Therapeutics, said: "We are delighted for the support and backing from Novo Seeds and this world class investor syndicate. We are in an era of rapid advancement in understanding how to slow or stop the relentless progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia that devastate cognition and quality of life of patients as well as caregivers. Our team is committed to leveraging our collective expertise to deliver impactful disease modifying small molecule therapeutics to patients as rapidly as possible." Sren Mller, Managing Partner at Novo Holdings, added: "Our investment ethos, long-term vision, industry expertise and 'hands-on' approach enables us to create flagship biotech companies like Muna and ensure all the elements for success are there from the start. We're proud to see Muna emerge with our renowned EiR team. This new financing cements our position as the leader in biotech company creation, but also demonstrates how we synergistically collaborate with international investors to build early-stage biotech companies. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey alongside Rita, the Muna team and our fellow investors." Muna's innovative all-in-human target discovery and validation platform is based on proprietary insights into molecular pathways in different human brain cell types that underlie disease pathology and resilience to neurodegeneration, based on work from the De Strooper and Glerup laboratories. Muna has built a cutting-edge small molecule drug discovery engine that leverages high-resolution target structural approaches, AI-driven computational chemistry and cell-based screening. The financing will be used to advance Muna's small molecule programs focused on repairing neuronal dysfunction, resolving neuroinflammation and restoring neuroprotection and resilience to disease to Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. About Novo Holdings A/S Novo Holdings A/S is a private limited liability company wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. It is the holding company of the Novo Group, comprising Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, and is responsible for managing the Novo Nordisk Foundation's assets. Novo Holdings is recognized as a leading international life science investor, with a focus on creating long-term value. As a life science investor, Novo Holdings provides seed and venture capital to development-stage companies and takes significant ownership positions in growth and well-established companies. Novo Holdings also manages a broad portfolio of diversified financial assets. Further information: www.novoholdings.dk About Muna Therapeutics Muna Therapeutics is a private biopharmaceutical company founded in 2020 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Muna discovers and develops therapies that slow or stop devastating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal Dementia and Parkinson's. These disorders impact memory, movement, language, behavior and personality resulting in disability and death of millions of patients around the globe. We focus our groundbreaking science on identifying new medicines to preserve cognition and other brain functions and enhance resilience to neurodegenerative diseases. Our name reflects this focus: Muna means 'to remember' in Old Norse. www.munatherapeutics.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] KYMCO and Taiwan Taxi Announce Partnership to Electrify Taiwan's Largest Two-wheeler B2B Delivery Fleets with Ionex TAIPEI, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KYMCO announced a strategic partnership with Taiwan Taxi to transform the 26,000 two-wheeler delivery fleets operated by its subsidiary GBG Express to Ionex electric vehicles. GBG Express is the largest B2B delivery company in Taiwan specializing in last-mile delivery. It has 40,000 corporate clients from more than 100 industries, including most of Taiwan's leading on-line retailers. An integral part of the partnership will be KYMCO's deployment of dedicated Ionex battery swapping stations at GBG Express operation centers across Taiwan. Both companies will jointly develop Ionex electric vehicles optimized for delivery purposes and promote viable incentive schemes to accelerate EV adoption of GBG Expresss rider partners. "KYMCO Ionex is the leading EV turnkey solution that empowers all businesses and governments to go electric," said Allen Ko, Chairman of KYMCO Group. "The partnership with Taiwan Taxi is another important testament of KYMCO's commitment to lead the world in bringing the electric era to every rider." "The partnership with KYMCO creates a win-win situation for everyone," said Gary Lin, Chairman of Taiwan Taxi Group. "It demonstrates our continuous efforts to seek new opportunities to better service to our riders and customers, as well as to build an environmentally sustainable transport network with leading strategic partners and pioneering technologies." KYMCO is on an accelerating path to building the largest battery swapping network in Taiwan. With the addition of the in-house battery swapping stations deployed for GBG Express, the partnership aims to electrify more than 50% of the 26,000 GBG Express rider partners to Ionex electric vehicles by 2023. ABOUT KYMCO KYMCO is one of the global leading powersports brands. KYMCO's mission is to create personal vehicles that win the hearts of consumers all over the world. KYMCO always goes above and beyond to bring to customers the most thoughtful riding experience for everyday life. KYMCO's current product range includes scooters, motorcycles, mobility scooters, ATVs and utility vehicles. www.kymco.com ABOUT TAIWAN TAXI Taiwan Taxi is the largest taxi service company in Taiwan, managing 22,000 taxies, servicing 350,000 customers per day and accounting for 24% total market share. Beyond taxi services, Taiwan Taxi has used advanced technologies to build upon its vast network of taxies to provide services that take care of the daily needs of both consumers and businesses. www.taiwantaxi.com.tw Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560675/GBG_Express_will_use_a_digital_technology_platform_to_ride_on_KYMCO_Ionex_electr.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Belarus - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses Sydney, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Belarus-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW Unlike many other leading countries such as Lithuania, Sweden, and Romania, fibre connections in Belarus are almost all based on Ftt. By early 2021, about 58% of fixed broadband subscribers were on fibre. This success is largely due to the efforts of the state-supported infrastructure provider beCloud. Belarus has also made some progress with 5G, though still on a trial basis. Most subscribers are on LTE infrastructure, which has been upgraded sufficiently to handle the considerable growth in data traffic seen in recent years, particularly during 2020 when local lockdowns and other pandemic-related measures encouraged work and schooling from home Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Belarus-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Ethiopia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses Sydney, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ethiopia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW This is part of a wider government strategy to open the telecom market and other economic sectors to competition, and so develop socio-economic growth through diversity while focussing on making better use of digital services and technologies. ompetition in the telecom sector has recently been enabled by licensing the GPE consortium, though services are not expected to be launched until 2022. In coming years, the mobile market in particular will be transformed through additional investment, supported by the know-how and scale of the consortiums participants, which include Safaricom and Vodacom, as well as Vodafone Group as the chief shareholder in those companies. The consortium will also provide an entry point for Western vendors to enter Ethiopias telecom market, loosening the stranglehold long held by ZTE and Huawei. With mobile penetration at only about 44%, the potential for growth is considerable. Further growth is expected to be concentrated on mobile services, though there is also room for greater wholesale access for ISPs. Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ethiopia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] A Stable and Sustainable Future is the Focus of TBD Media Group's Latest Release of Global Thought Leaders LONDON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TBD Media Group is excited to present the latest edition of its inspirational Global Thought Leaders campaign. This set of candid documentary-style films provide a powerful insight into the companies innovating the future of their industries. Climate change is proving itself to be a destabilizing force across sectors, with businesses facing calls for greater sustainability from governments, regulatory bodies, and consumers alike. The thought leaders of today, far from making justifications or avoiding the changes required to survive in today's corporate sphere, are instead embracing the chance for innovation and a pioneering role within their respective industries. This latest edition of the Global Thought Leaders series showcases the companies engaging in such myriad areas as energy and resource efficiency, carbon neutrality through sustainable data, social impact within the community, and how technological innovation can nourish the world. Additionally, the series explores ground-breaking input into international finance and trade, along with meeting tomorrow's sustainable goals today. TBD Media's creative and experienced filmmaking techniques ensure the films in this release are comprised of frank and insightful interviews with the figures inspiring transformation within their companies. The impact of leading businesse on wider industry and society will be given attention, with clear accounts of how the actions of today's thought leaders are establishing the future. Paolo Zanini, CEO of TBD Media Group, offers his own take on this important matter: "When dealing with thought leaders, you need to see the big picture. It's all very well looking at today's problems and figuring out the solution, but real innovators and industry leaders will look at the problems of tomorrow and work out resolutions that also have an impact today." Companies featured in this launch: Alef Education , Euro Exim Bank , Genus plc , Foodarom , Green Mountain , Klaus Faber AG , Oerlikon Group, QI Group , Rocky Mountain Institute , Swiss Post Solutions AG . About Global Thought Leaders: The Global Thought Leaders project showcases the businesses of today shaping the world of tomorrow. From digital transformation to industrial innovation, this thoughtful and insightful documentary series is educating the business community on how to use innovation to transform and grow. Businesses that wish to get involved should contact info@tbdmediagroup.com . About TBD Media Group: TBD Media Group is an international, purpose-driven, media developer that helps companies, organisations and governments tell their brand stories in a human and direct way. Learn more at https://www.tbdmediagroup.com/ . Media Contact: Jenna-Leigh Soobramoney Head of Marketing TBD Media Group j.soobramoney@tbdmediagroup.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1560391/Global_Thought_Leader.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Kennedy Wilson to Announce Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson (NYSE: KW) will release its second quarter 2021 financial results on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 after the market closes. The company will hold a live conference call and webcast to discuss results at 7:00 a.m. PT/ 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 5, 2021. The direct dial-in number for the conference call is (844) 340-4761 for U.S. callers and +1 (412) 717-9616 for international callers. A replay of the call will be available for one week beginning one hour after the live call and can be accessed at (877) 344-7529 for U.S. callers and +1 (412) 317-0088 for international callers. The passcode for the replay is 10158211. The webcast will be available at: https://services.choruscall.com/links/kw210805JGyEsIZL.html. A replay of the webcast will be available one hour after the original webcast on the Company's investor relations web site for three months. About Kennedy Wilson Kennedy Wilson (NYSE:KW) is a leading global real estate investment company. We own, operate and invest in real estate through our balance sheet and through our investment management platform. We focus on multifamily and office properties located in the Western U.S., U.K., and Ireland. For further information on Kennedy Wilson, please visit: www.kennedywilson.com. KW-IR View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005006/en/ [July 09, 2021] Welcome Dairy Holdings, a New Heritage Capital Portfolio Company, Acquires Spray Drying Leader North Star Processing Welcome Dairy Holdings ("Welcome"), a New Heritage Capital portfolio company, is pleased to announce it has acquired North Star Processing ("North Star"). North Star is a leading provider of spray drying services for the food ingredient industry, with an impressive track record of growth since it was founded in 2000. The acquisition further extends Welcome's capabilities and will allow it to provide services spanning initial flavor formulation through full scale ingredient manufacturing. "Similar to Welcome, North Star shares a customer-first approach and has made a name for itself as a trusted, valuable partner to its customers," said Terry Schneider, President of Welcome. "We're thrilled to bring spray drying capabilities in-house. We now offer the full spectrum of dairy ingredients to our customers, including dairy flavors, dry blend and spray dried dairy and non-dairy seasonings, shelf stable and refrigerated sauces, and functional cheese products. This full offering means we can better address our customers' most important product development needs." Tim Nicholson, former CEO and co-owner of North Star added, "We've spent the last twenty years building a business that put its customers and employees first. We're excited to have found a partner in Welcome Dairy who shares those same values and will continue to do right by our customers and employees in the future." "Welcome has continued to demonstrate tremendous organic growth sincewe partnered with the founders of the business two years ago," added Melissa Barry, Partner at New Heritage Capital. "We're excited to be executing on our investment thesis and growing Welcome through the acquisition of North Star. We look forward to continuing to invest in the growth of Welcome Dairy." About Welcome Dairy Holdings Welcome Dairy Holdings represents the combined interests of Welcome Dairy, LLC and Gamay Food Ingredients, LLC, two companies that worked together for decades and officially merged in 2016. The Company is the go-to provider of dairy and non-dairy flavors and ingredients, having developed an impressive collection of proprietary recipes catering to a diversified, blue-chip customer base. Welcome Dairy traces its roots back to the late 1800s, when the Company was first established as a local manufacturer of Colby cheese in Colby, Wisconsin. For more information about Welcome Dairy, visit welcomedairy.com and gamayfoods.com About New Heritage Capital New Heritage Capital is a Boston-based private equity firm with a twenty-year history of partnering with growing, middle market, founder-owned businesses. With its innovative investment structures like the Private IPO, Heritage provides founders with a combination of liquidity and growth capital while allowing founders to maintain control of their business. With decades of experience at managing growth, Heritage gives its partners the strategic, operational and financial guidance to help its companies reach their growth objectives. To learn more, visit newheritagecapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005020/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Tradeshift's Next-Level AI Puts Payables Departments in Control E-invoicing and accounts payable automation market leader Tradeshift released a series of innovations to Ada, a next-level artificial intelligence and machine learning layer embedded on the Tradeshift platform. Accounts payable teams using the Tradeshift Pay solution now have access to a powerful set of tools designed to help them visualize the impact and effectiveness of Tradeshift's payables automation capabilities compared to human-operated processes. The latest iterations include an Automation Dashboard feature that measures Ada's performance against person-led processes and offers predictive modeling showing how the technology can maximize outcomes, like gained efficiency and cost-savings. Ada's invoice coding functionality is constantly learning from valid historical transactions - even when it is not in use - to achieve complete, accurately coded documents that are ready for approval and posting. Understanding that most are not comfortable with fully handing over the keys to Artificial Intelligence, customers can select one of three presets; conservative, balanced, progressive. The presets are optimized to scale AI according to the customer's confidence in leveraging the technology. Early adopters of the system have reduced manual coding interventions by an average of 60 percent, with a top-performing customer saving nearly an entire week's worth of work (35 hours) in a single month. Tradeshift has also added arule engine designed to complement Ada's machine learning capabilities by providing users with a range of options to help them customize the system according to their unique specifications. Ada Rules provides users with an additional layer of flexibility and control over AI deployments by enabling users to apply special conditions when invoices meet a set of given criteria, such as atypical invoices from infrequent vendors, unusually large invoice values, or exceptions to international compliance requirements. "We don't believe in building 'black box' technology," says Lloyd Humphreys, Tradeshift's principal product manager for analytics and artificial intelligence. "Trusting machine learning with something as important as ensuring your company's suppliers get paid is not something that should be done behind a curtain. That's why we believe that the Automation Dashboard's transparency and ability to ease into Ada is the key to supporting exception-free payables departments and teams that can be liberated to do more meaningful work." Customers of the Tradeshift Pay solution can process 10s of thousands of invoices per month, a labor intensive and unrewarding task for overburdened payables teams which are prone to mistakes and human error. According to Ardent Partners, payables teams spend an average of 24% of their time handling invoice exceptions, while a separate study concludes that 3.6% of invoices entered manually include an error caused by data entry. "The best processes to automate are tedious, like coding invoices for a successful ERP ingestion. Even the most passionate data entry clerk would tell you there are more valuable things they could be doing with their time. Ada is the ultimate partner for payables departments looking to move up another level" says Raphael Bres, chief product officer at Tradeshift. About Tradeshift Tradeshift is a market leader in e-invoicing and accounts payable automation and an innovator in B2B marketplaces and providing access to supplier financing. Its cloud-based platform helps buyers and suppliers digitize invoice processing, automate accounts payable workflows and scale quickly. Headquartered in San Francisco, Tradeshift's vision is to connect every company in the world, creating economic opportunity for all. Today, the Tradeshift Network is home to a rapidly growing community of buyers and sellers operating in more than 190 countries. Find out more at: Tradeshift.com Forward-looking statements Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Tradeshift undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. 2021 Tradeshift Holdings Inc. All rights reserved. Tradeshift products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tradeshift Holdings Inc. in the US and other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005214/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Dashlane Presents: People vs. Policy -- Building a Human-Centric Security Culture, Featuring IT Pros, Naya Moss and Jay Leaf-Clark NEW YORK, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dashlane will host a live conversation with seasoned IT pros, Naya Moss and Jay Leaf-Clark, on July 22 at 12pm EST via Zoom. These two security experts will share hard-won insights and realistic strategies for creating a secure, open, and collaborative workplace?that meets people where they are. Dashlane will host a live conversation with seasoned IT pros, Naya Moss and Jay Leaf-Clark , on July 22 at 12pm EST Calling all tech leaders, IT admins, and employees around the globeWhat's worse? An employee who clicks on a phishing link or an employee who clicks on a phishing link?and?is too embarrassed to tell you about it?until your company data is for sale on the dark web? No matter the indstry, plans for password perfection and an airtight security perimeter most likely become pipedreams when they meet the real,?imperfect,?busy?people who?have to?execute them. So how do you create?a security culture that fosters?open dialogue, collaboration, and honesty?while still being effective??Join?our?experts, infosec officer?Naya Moss?and IT leader and Bo founder Jay Leaf-Clark,?as they?dissect strategies and best practices for creating a productive cybersecurity culture with all your perfectly imperfect colleagues.??? REGISTER HERE Naya Moss is a security leader, Head of Diversify Tech Europe , and the founder of Frauvis a global platform focusing on elevating, retaining, and providing safe spaces for Black womxn in tech. She has worked in IT and security for 13 years and focuses on human-centricity. Jay Leaf-Clark is a seasoned IT leader and advisor with over 17?years' experience?building, leading, and automating IT departments. Currently he is the acting Head of IT at Calendly, as well as the founder of the pre-launch stage app? Bo .? About Dashlane Dashlane is a web and mobile app that simplifies password management for people and businesses . We empower organizations to protect company and employee data, while helping everyone easily log in to the accounts they needanytime, anywhere. A better digital future starts with secure access. Our team in Paris, New York, and Lisbon is united by a strong sense of community and passion for improving the digital experience. Over 15 million users and 20,000 businesses in 180 countries use Dashlane for a faster, simpler, and more secure internet. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dashlane-presents-people-vs-policy----building-a-human-centric-security-culture-featuring-it-pros-naya-moss-and-jay-leaf-clark-301328455.html SOURCE Dashlane [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Bullish Announces Intent to Go Public on New York Stock Exchange Bullish, a technology company focused on developing financial services for the digital assets sector, announced it intends to go public on the New York Stock Exchange through a merger with Far Peak Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: FPAC), a special purpose acquisition company ("SPAC"). Bullish is preparing to release a revolutionary, regulated cryptocurrency exchange that offers deep, predictable liquidity with technology that enables retail and institutional investors to generate yield from their digital assets. The business combination of Bullish and Far Peak has a pro forma equity value at signing of approximately US$9.0 billion at US$10 per share, to be adjusted at transaction closing based on crypto asset prices around that time. The proceeds include net cash in trust of approximately US$600 million (assuming no redemptions) and US$300 million of committed private investment in public equity ("PIPE") anchored by EFM Asset Management, with participation from funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Cryptology Asset Group, Galaxy Digital and several other renowned institutional investors. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2021 and is subject to approval by Far Peak stockholders and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The Boards of Directors of both Bullish and Far Peak have unanimously approved the proposed transaction. Far Peak is a SPAC team focused on bringing leading financial and fintech companies public. Far Peak CEO and Chairman Thomas W. Farley previously served as the President of the New York Stock Exchange, bringing 15 years of world-class exchange leadership. Upon completion of the transaction, Far Peak CEO Thomas W. Farley will become the CEO of Bullish and Block.one CEO Brendan Blumer will be appointed Chairman of Bullish. Focused on innovative financial services, Bullish seeks to rewire the traditional exchange in order to benefit asset holders, enable traders, and increase market integrity. As mainstream institutions increasingly embrace digital currencies, Bullish aims to make this asset class more accessible and rewarding to investors while developing the next-generation infrastructure required to better suit their needs. "We believe Bullish's real-time portfolio balancing tools, deep predictable liquidity, and industry-leading security and compliance represent a new breed of exchange design and can redefine how investors trade and manage digital assets," said Brendan Blumer, CEO of Block.one. "We are excited to be partnering with Far Peak to bring Bullish into the public markets to offer our customers the opportunity to own a part of our business." In the coming weeks, Bullish exchange will run a private pilot program leading up to its public launch anticipated later in 2021. In the pilot program, participants will be able to test and experience the platform first-hand within a simulated market environment, testing out Bullish exchange's proprietary innovations, including the Bullish Hybrid Order Book and Liquidity Pools which are designed to provide deep and deterministic liquidity, along with a user-friendly trading experience underpinned by industry-grade security and auditability. "Bullish represents a promising future for financial services," said Thomas W. Farley, Chairman and CEO of Far Peak. "With the increased interest from institutional players and sophisticated traders, it is critical to iterate on the existing exchange infrastructures we see today. Bullish is well positioned to strategically deliver value to its prospective shareholders as it capitalizes on market trends and places technological innovation at the core of its identity. We're only in the first or second inning of the cryptocurrency market and I'm thrilled to be joining the Bullish team as we revolutionize the future of digital assets through cutting edge financial technologies." During the past year, Bullish received an initial capital injection by Block.one of US$100 million and digital assets comprising of 164,000 BTC and 20 million EOS, and completed a previously announced US$300 million strategic investment round. Bullish is backed by a roster of prolific investors and leading names in the venture capital space including Peter Thiel's Thiel Capital and Founders Fund, Alan Howard, Louis Bacon, Richard Li, Christian Angermayer's Apeiron Investment Group, Galaxy Digital, and global investment bank Nomura. Advisors Jefferies LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor and capital markets advisor to Bullish. Kirkland & Ellis is acting as U.S. legal advisor to Bullish. Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Nomura Securities International, Inc., Berenberg Capital Markets LLC and Galaxy Digital Partners LLC are acting as co-placement agents to Far Peak on the PIPE. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is acting as legal advisor to Far Peak, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal advisor to Far Peak's independent directors. Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal advisor to the placement agents on the PIPE. Investor Resources Additional information is available on the Bullish Investor Relations website, including a presentation of Bullish's business and a video featuring Brendan Blumer and Thomas W. Farley. About Bullish Focused on developing products and services for the digital assets sector, Bullish has rewired the traditional exchange to benefit asset holders, enable traders and increase market integrity. Supported by the group's treasury, Bullish's new breed of exchange combines deep liquidity, automated market making and industry-leading security and compliance to increase the accessibility of digital assets for investors. Bullish exchange is operated by Bullish (GI) Limited and is expected to be fully regulated. About Far Peak Acquisition Corporation Far Peak Acquisition Corporation was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination in the financial technology, technology or financial services industries. The Company is sponsored by Far Peak LLC, which is ultimately owned by Thomas W. Farley, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and David W. Bonanno, the Company's Chief Financial Officer. In addition, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock have made an anchor investment in the Company. About Block.one Block.one is an asset holding and investment company that creates, incubates, and invests in businesses that build trust in transactions, transparency in systems and efficiency in how our world works. Through strategic capital allocation and pioneering business ventures, Block.one has funded more than 100 innovative entrepreneurs to date. Block.one group companies, Bullish and Voice, are empowering people to architect integrity across the financial services industry and social media ecosystem. Block.one is also the creator of EOSIO, a highly performant open-source blockchain software, built to support and operate safe, compliant, and predictable digital infrastructure. Led by veterans of innovation, Block.one is backed by some of the most successful investors of our generation. For more information, please visit B1. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of FPAC and Bullish Global may be considered, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or FPAC's or Bullish'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. In addition, these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, statements regarding Bullish Global's business strategy, cash resources, current and prospective product or services, as well as the potential market opportunity. 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 FPAC and its management, and Bullish Global 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: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreements respecting the Business Combination; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against FPAC, Bullish or Bullish Global or others following the announcement of the Business Combination; (3) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of FPAC or to satisfy other conditions to closing; (4) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; (5) the ability of Bullish to meet applicable listing standards following the consummation of the Business Combination; (6) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Bullish Global as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (7) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (8) costs related to the Business Combination; (9) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (10) the possibility that Bullish may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (11) the impact of COVID-19 on Bullish Global's business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the Business Combination; and (12) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in FPAC's IPO Prospectus dated December 2, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2020, the section entitled "Risk Factors" in FPAC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021, as well as any further risks and uncertainties to be contained in the proxy statement / prospectus filed after the date hereof. In addition, there may be additional risks that neither Far Peak or Bullish Global presently know, or that Far Peak or Bullish Global currently believe are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this communication 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 FPAC, Bullish nor Bullish Global undertakes any duty to update these forward-looking statements. Important Information and Where to Find It This document does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed Business Combination. It 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. It 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, Bullish intends to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) ") a registration statement on Form F-4 (the "Registration Statement"), which will include a preliminary proxy statement / prospectus with respect to the Business Combination. The definitive proxy statement / prospectus and other relevant documentation will be mailed to FPAC shareholders as of a record date to be established for purposes of voting on the Business Combination. FPAC shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus and any amendments thereto, and the definitive proxy statement / prospectus in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the extraordinary general meeting to be held to approve the transactions contemplated by the proposed Business Combination because these materials will contain important information about Bullish, FPAC and the proposed transactions. Shareholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus and the definitive proxy statement / prospectus once they are available, without charge, at the SEC's website at http://sec.gov or by directing a request to: Far Peak Acquisition Corp., 511 6th Ave #7342, New York, NY 10011. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. Participants in the Solicitation FPAC, Bullish, Bullish Global and their respective directors and executive officers, other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the potential transaction described in this communication under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of FPAC is set forth in FPAC's IPO Prospectus dated December 2, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 3, 2020. Information regarding other persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of the shareholders in connection with the potential transaction and a description of their interests will be set forth in the Registration Statement when it is filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is for informational purpose only and not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Bullish or FPAC, nor shall there be any sale of any such 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 state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005079/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Carebook Announces Purchase of Shares by Insider and Extension of Warrants Held by Insiders MONTREAL, July 9, 2021 /CNW/ - Carebook Technologies Inc. ("Carebook" or the "Company") (TSXV: CRBK) (OTCPK: CRBKF) (XETR: PMM1), a leading Canadian digital health company offering innovative digital health and virtual care solutions for pharmacies, employers and benefit providers, today announced that Dr. Sheldon Elman, Executive Chairman of Carebook, purchased additional common shares of Carebook ("Common Shares") through an entity controlled by him, and also announced that the Company has agreed to extend the expiry date of certain Common Share purchase warrants indirectly owned by Dr. Sheldon Elman and Mr. Stuart M. Elman, director of Carebook. Purchase of Shares by Insiders Dr. Sheldon Elman has purchased 76,667 Common Shares (the "Acquired Shares") at a price of $1.23 per Acquired Share for an aggregate purchase price of $94,300. The transaction was completed in a private transaction pursuant to the private agreement exemption from the formal take-over bid requirements of National Instrument 62-104 Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids, on the basis that the Acquired Shares were acquired from less than five vendors at a purchase price not exceeding 115% of the then market price of the Common Shares. On November 25, 2020, Dr. Sheldon Elman and Mr. Stuart M. Elman filed an early warning report on Form 62-103F1 under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com in respect of the purchases made by them on November 24, 2020. The purchases made by them since that date do not trigger the requirement to file an additional early warning report. Extension of Warrants Held by Insiders The Company has agreed to extend for an additional two-year period the expiry date of 2,156,265 Common Share purchase warrants expiring July 29, 2021 owned by MedTech Investment, L.P. an entity controlled by Dr. Sheldon Elman and Mr. Stuart M. Elman (the "Warrants"). The Warrants will therefore expire on July 29, 2023 and will not be able to be extended further beyond July 29, 2023. All other ters and conditions of the Warrants remain unchanged, including the exercise price of $1.2429 per Common Share. The Company believes that the extension of the expiry date of the Warrants is reasonable and necessary in the context of the market, as it increases the likelihood that the Company will be financed through the exercise of the Warrants. The decision to extend the expiry date of the Warrants was unanimously approved by the board of directors of the Company (with Dr. Sheldon Elman and Mr. Stuart M. Elman abstaining from deliberations and voting). The Company has obtained conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to proceed with the extension of the expiry date of the Warrants, which remains subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Carebook Technologies Our core is science. Our solutions are accessible. Our mission is to empower people. Built on a powerful health platform, Carebook creates highly engaging, customer-centric digital solutions for pharmacies, employers, and benefits providers. Based in Montreal and led by a world-class team and Board with extensive global business and healthcare industry experience, Carebook's core is science and technology, its philosophy is people-first, and its goal is accessible, connected health for everyone. On April 6, 2021, Carebook announced the closing of its acquisition of InfoTech Inc., doing business as Wellness Checkpoint. InfoTech is a recognized global leader in health and productivity risk management. InfoTech's proprietary software platform Wellness Checkpoint, IP and metrics are supported by advanced analytics and focus on employees' physical health, mental health and well-being, and their impact on work and business effectiveness. InfoTech's significant international client base will contribute to the growth of Carebook's global footprint. Carebook's shares trade on the TSXV under the symbol "CRBK" and the Company's shares also trade on the OTC Markets under the symbol CRBKF and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol PMM1. www.carebook.com Notice regarding forward-looking statements: This release includes forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws regarding Carebook, its subsidiaries and their business. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Carebook and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the management of Carebook believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company, including the risk factors identified in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020 and described under the heading "Item 21 Risk Factors" in the Listing Application of the Company dated September 28, 2020, each of which can be found on SEDAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Although Carebook has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Carebook does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. In addition, the current situation and future developments with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic could cause certain of the assumptions and information set forth herein or the fact that on which such assumptions are based to differ materially from previous expectations including in respect of demand for our products, supply chain and availability of materials, mobility and shipping of materials and or products, access to debt and equity capital and other factors. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Carebook Technologies Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Kerry Smithies of My Cloud Bookkeeping Now a Certified Fathom Advisor VANCOUVER, BC, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kerry Smithies, CPA, QuickBooks Pro Advisor, and founder of My Cloud Bookkeeping, is now also a Certified Fathom Advisor. "I'm thrilled to have earned my Fathom Advisor Certification," says Kerry. "I look forward to helping clients successfully leverage this powerful reporting, forecasting, and financial analysis tool to better manage and understand their businesses." About Fathom Advisor Certification Fathom integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, making it easy to measure and monitor the benchmarks that matter most to a business. Fathom is also an excellent consolidation tool, particularly for companies operating entities that utilize different currencies spread across multiple countries. As a Certified Fathom Advisor, Kerry is ready to help clients design beautiful dashboards from QuickBooks information and generate fantastic (super sexy!) reports that include KPI's and metrics, along with all the financial information needed to keep board members, investors, and other stakeholders in the loop. "Fathom Advisor Certification has given me a much deeper understanding of the application's many tools and capabilities," she says. "I can't wait to help clients unlock Fathom's full potential!" To learn more about Fathom or to get the help youneed managing your business's QuickBooks account, please CLICK HERE to schedule a free consultation with Kerry. About My Cloud Bookkeeping For more than 5 years, Kerry Smithies has been helping small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs handle their bookkeeping in-house, ensuring they always have up-to-the-minute information to make timely business decisions and manage cash flow. In just the past two years alone, she's worked with 200 organizations in seven countries to set up systems that work for their business processes, troubleshoot to clean up existing records, and provide ongoing assistance and support as required. Kerry's blog and YouTube channel offer easy tutorials and valuable information for solving day-to-day QuickBooks and bookkeeping problems, while her in-depth courses explore the most common QuickBooks issues and provide step-by-step instructions for fixing them. Business owners and managers in need of individualized guidance are also invited to book an in-person session with Kerry. Media Contact: Kerry Smithies 2818 Main St #427, Vancouver, BC V5T 0C1, Canada 314029@email4pr.com 1-888-343-0181 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kerry-smithies-of-my-cloud-bookkeeping-now-a-certified-fathom-advisor-301328406.html SOURCE My Cloud Bookkeeping [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Chatham Lodging Trust Announces Second Quarter Earnings Call to be Held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE: CLDT), a lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium-branded, select-service hotels and owns 39 hotels, today announced that it will report second quarter 2021 financial results on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, before the opening of the market. That same day at 10:00 a.m. ET, Jeffrey H. Fisher, Chatham's chief executive officer, Dennis M. Craven, executive vice president and chief operating officer, and Jeremy Wegner, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call to review second quarter 2021 financial results. Shareholders and other interested parties may listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call on the Internet by logging onto Chatham's Web site, http://chathamlodgingtrust.com/, or www.streetevents.com, or may participate in the conference call by dialing 1-877-407-0789 and referencing Chatham Lodging Trust. A recording of the call will be available by telephone until 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, by dialing 1-844-512-2921, reference number 13721388. A replay of the conference call will be posted on Chatham's website. About Chatham Lodging Trust Chatham Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly-traded real estate investment trust focused primarily on investing in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium-branded, select-service hotels. The company owns 39 hotels with 5,900 rooms/suites in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Additional information about Chatham may be found at chathamlodgingtrust.com. Included in this press release are certain "non-GAAP financial measures," within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC (News - Alert) ) rules and regulations, that are different from measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles). The company considers the following non-GAAP financial measures useful to investors as key supplemental measures of its operating performance: (1) FFO, (2) Adjusted FFO, (3) EBITDA, and (4) Adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP financial measures could be considered along with, but not as alternatives to, net income or loss, cash flows from operations or any other measures of the company's operating performance prescribed by GAAP. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005050/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] MNB Holdings Corporation (OTCQB: MNBO), Holding Company of Mission National Bank, San Francisco, CA Announces Appointment of Directors, President, and Chief Lending Officer MNB Holdings Corporation (OTCQB: MNBO) (the "Company"), holding company of Mission National Bank, San Francisco, CA (News - Alert) (the "Bank"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Jarhett Blonien as a Director of the Company and the Bank. Ming Chow has also been promoted to the role of President of the Company and the Bank as well as a Director of the Bank. Rashmi Singh has been promoted to Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. "We are pleased to have Mr. Blonien join the Company's Board of Directors, and to recognize the leadership of two of our executive officers, Mr. Ming Chow and Ms. Rashmi Singh, through their promotions to Director and President of the Bank, and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank, respectively," stated JoAnne Loughlin, Chairman of the Board. "Mr. Blonien brings additional legal and political expertise and connections to the Company and the Bank. Mr. Chow has been serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank since 2013, serving as a member of the Executive Committee and leading the staff during times of transition and challenges. Ms. Singh has been with the Bank since 2019 and has been strategic in developing and maintaining the Bank's relationship based portfolio of loans and deposits." Mr. Blonien is a government relations attorney with J. Blonien A Professional Law Corporation. Mr. Blonien has years of experience working at various levels of state government and has spent his career mastering the legislative process, forming relationships with key players and learning how to creatively implement successful strategies amidst a constantly evolving political landscape. Mr. Blonien is a recognized expert in gaming and governmen law. Mr. Blonien's practice area covers issues such as health care, local government, land use, financial institutions, water and environmental issues. Prior to starting his own business, Mr. Blonien served under Kamala Harris in the California Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General. The focus of his public sector legal work included environmental, criminal, and civil rights issues. Prior to working in the Attorney General's Office, Mr. Blonien attended Santa Clara University where he received both his Bachelors of Science and Juris Doctorate degrees. Mr. Blonien is a member of the California State Bar. Mr. Chow has over 20 years of experience having held a number of executive and senior positions with community banks in California, Nevada, and Arizona, ranging from $200 million to $3 billion in total assets. Mr. Chow received a Master of Business Administration from Queens University of Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Mr. Chow is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. Ms. Singh has over 20 years of regulated banking experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has spent the first ten years of her career lending to tech companies at Silicon Valley Bank, whereas in the last ten years she has been regional manager at United Business Bank, lending to a diverse set of businesses and against multiple property types across California. She brings domain expertise in lending to Hospitality, Fast Food businesses, Non-profit, schools as well as other special use properties. During this tenure, she has originated and managed over $500 million in commercial loans and over $100 million in deposits, mostly in Northern California. Mission National Bank (MNB) was established in 1982 with a mission of serving the underserved. Banking services are provided through a branch in San Francisco, CA which is located in an eligible census tract, classified by high distress, and gives MNB a pulse on its target market. MNB provides business checking, business lending and personal banking services to underserved groups in the Mission District and surrounding neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area, including minority owned small businesses and niche retailers. MNB is a FDIC-insured Minority Depository Institution ( MDI (News - Alert) ) and a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. MNB has been awarded the Bank Enterprise Award ( BEA (News - Alert) ) in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 by the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. See also www.mnbsf.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005057/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MIELY) on Behalf of Investors The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces an investigation of Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) Corporation ("Mitsubishi Electric" or the "Company") (OTC: MIELY) on behalf of investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. On June 30, 2021, The Asahi Shimbun (News - Alert) , a Japanese newspaper, published an article entitled "Mitsubishi Electric faked train test dta likely for decades" which reported that "Mitsubishi Electric Corp. is feeling the heat after admitting that it has faked testing data when supplying train companies with air conditioning equipment apparently for more than 30 years." The article further reported that "[a]lthough no such tests were conducted, fake data was created and included in test reports to give the appearance there were no problems with the equipment." On this news, Mitsubishi Electric's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell $1.54 per ADS, or 5%, to close at $27.30 per ADS on July 1, 2021. On July 2, 2021, Nikkei Asia published an article entitled "Mitsubishi Electric CEO Sugiyama quits over fake inspections: Outgoing chief admits 'systemic wrongdoing' going back decades at industrial group[.]" On this news, Mitsubishi Electric's ADSs fell over 5% over the next three days to close at $26.15 per ADS on July 8, 2021. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/FRC_LAW. If you purchased Mitsubishi Electric ADSs, 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/20210709005096/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] OSE Immunotherapeutics Receives a 10 Million Payment Corresponding to the First Tranche of the Financing Granted by the European Investment Bank This financing will further support the progress and expansion of OSE Immunotherapeutics lead clinical development programs in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. This 10 million payment reinforces the Companys financial visibility until Q3 2022. NANTES, France, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OSE Immunotherapeutics (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) announced today a 10 million payment corresponding to the first tranche of the financing granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The finance contract was signed on February 12, 2021. The finance contract allows the Company to borrow up to 25 million. The second and third tranches, respectively of 10 million and 5 million, may be drawn at the hand of the Company, subject to the achievement of specific clinical steps. This type of financing, granted by the EIB and benefiting from a guarantee from the European Commission within the framework of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (known as the Juncker Plan), aims to support development research and innovation projects developed by companies with high growth potential. This first tranche will carry a fixed interest of 5% per year paid annually, with a maturity of five years. The first tranche is associated to the issuance of warrants to the EIB giving right, in the event of exercise, to the subscription of 850,000 shares of the Company (i.e. 4.44% of the share capital on an undiluted basis). Warrants are not the subject of an application for admission to trading on any market. The subscription price is 0.01 per warrant, i.e, 8,500. In order to limit the dilutive impact over time, and except in the event of the occurrence of an early exercise event (notably a change of control, including the loss of a significant holding by the current management shareholders, or other events of default, including a significant change in the current governance not approved by the EIB), the warrants will only be exercisable from 9 July 2026, i.e. five years from the drawdown of the relevant tranche and at the latest at the end of a period of twelve years following their issue (i.e. 9 July 2033). The subscription price for the new shares upon exercise of the warrants was set at 10.59 euros per share, i.e. a discount of 2.5% compared to the volume-weighted average of the three trading days preceding the pricing. In accordance with the warrant agreement, the EIB has an anti-dilution clause allowing it to benefit from additional warrants, in the event of a capital increase of the Company at a price less than 20 per share, after application of a deductible on the first 1,500,000 shares to be issued. In such a case, the Company would have to allocate additional warrants to the EIB allowing it to remain at a potential capital level of 4.44% (corresponding to its theoretical holding percentage post-allocation and exercise of the warrants subscribed in the context of the first tranche of funding). The shares to be issued upon exercise of the warrants will be subject to an application for admission to trading on Euronext Paris. On the basis of 850,000 new Company shares issued upon exercise of all the warrants at a price of 10.59 euros per new share, the gross proceeds of the issue, issue premium included, will amount to 9,001,500 euros. On 9 July 2026, the EIB has the option to ask the Company to buy back its warrants at market value (less the exercise price of the warrants) up to a maximum of EUR 15 million, provided that the Company retains a cash level of at least EUR 10 million. Otherwise, the EIB's put option will be exercised on a number of warrants allowing the Company to maintain a cash level of 10 million euros. This put option also applies in the event of a change of control, understood as the holding of more than 33% of the capital or the taking of control by a third party (other than the current key managers). The Company may substitute an existing shareholder or a third party to buy back these warrants at market value. The Company has a call option allowing it to buy back the EIB warrants at market value (less the exercise price of the warrants) in the event of a public offer by a third party resulting in the exit of the management shareholders, for a period of one month following such exit. The Company also has a right of first refusal allowing it to buy back the EIB's warrants if the latter wishes to sell them to a third party. ABOUT THE EUROPEAN INVETMENT BANK ABOUT OSE Immunotherapeutics OSE Immunotherapeutics is an integrated biotechnology company focused on developing and partnering therapies to control the immune system for immuno-oncology and autoimmune diseases. The companys immunology research and development platform is focused on three areas: T-cell-based vaccination, Immuno-Oncology (focus on myeloid targets), Auto-immunity & Inflammation. Its balanced first-in-class clinical and preclinical portfolio has a diversified risk profile: Vaccine platform Tedopi (innovative combination of neoepitopes): the companys most advanced product; positive results for Step-1 of the Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer post checkpoint inhibitor failure. In Phase 2 in pancreatic cancer (TEDOPaM), sponsor GERCOR. In Phase 2 in ovary cancer (TEDOVA), sponsor ARCAGY-GINECO. In Phase 2 in non-small cell lung cancer in combination with nivolumab, sponsor Italian foundation FoRT. (innovative combination of neoepitopes): the companys most advanced product; positive results for Step-1 of the Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer post checkpoint inhibitor failure. In Phase 2 in pancreatic cancer (TEDOPaM), sponsor GERCOR. In Phase 2 in ovary cancer (TEDOVA), sponsor ARCAGY-GINECO. In Phase 2 in non-small cell lung cancer in combination with nivolumab, sponsor Italian foundation FoRT. CoVepiT: a prophylactic second-generation vaccine against COVID-19, developed using SARS-CoV-2 optimized epitopes against multi variants. Positive preclinical and human ex vivo results in August 2020. In clinical Phase 1. Immuno-oncology platform BI 765063 (OSE-172, anti-SIRPa mAb on SIRPa/CD47 pathway): developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors; positive Phase 1 results in monotherapy and BI 765063 dose escalation study ongoing in combination with Ezabenlimab (PD-1 antagonist). (OSE-172, anti-SIRPa mAb on SIRPa/CD47 pathway): developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors; positive Phase 1 results in monotherapy and BI 765063 dose escalation study ongoing in combination with Ezabenlimab (PD-1 antagonist). CLEC-1 (novel myeloid checkpoint target): identification of mAb antagonists of CLEC-1 blocking the Dont Eat Me signal that increase both tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages and antigen capture by dendritic cells. (novel myeloid checkpoint target): identification of mAb antagonists of CLEC-1 blocking the Dont Eat Me signal that increase both tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages and antigen capture by dendritic cells. BiCKI: bispecific fusion protein platform built on the key backbone component anti-PD-1 (OSE-279) combined with new immunotherapy targets; 2nd generation of PD-(L)1 inhibitors to increase antitumor efficacity. Auto-immunity and inflammation platform FR104 (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): Licensing partnership agreement with Veloxis in the organ transplant market; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsored by the Nantes University Hospital); Phase 2-ready asset in a niche indication in autoimmune diseases. (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): Licensing partnership agreement with Veloxis in the organ transplant market; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsored by the Nantes University Hospital); Phase 2-ready asset in a niche indication in autoimmune diseases. OSE-127/S95011 (humanized monoclonal antibody targeting IL-7 receptor): developed in partnership with Servier; positive Phase 1 results; in Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis (OSE sponsor) and an independent Phase 2a planned in Sjogrens syndrome (Servier sponsor). (humanized monoclonal antibody targeting IL-7 receptor): developed in partnership with Servier; positive Phase 1 results; in Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis (OSE sponsor) and an independent Phase 2a planned in Sjogrens syndrome (Servier sponsor). OSE-230 (ChemR23 agonist mAb): first-in-class therapeutic agent with the potential to resolve chronic inflammation by driving affected tissues to tissue integrity. For more information: https://ose-immuno.com/en/ Click and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn https://twitter.com/OSEIMMUNO https://www.linkedin.com/company/10929673 Contacts OSE Immunotherapeutics Sylvie Detry sylvie.detry@ose-immuno.com +33 153 198 757 Media U.S. Media: LifeSci Communications Darren Opland, Ph.D. darren@lifescicomms.com +1 646 627 8387 Investor Relations Thomas Guillot thomas.guillot@ose-immuno.com +33 607 380 431 French Media: FP2COM Florence Portejoie fportejoie@fp2com.fr +33 607 768 283 Guillaume van Renterghem LifeSci Advisors gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com +41 76 735 01 31 Forward-looking statements This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as expect, anticipate, believe, target, plan, or estimate, their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 15 April 2021, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2020 and the Amendment to the Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 2 June 2021 under number D.21-0310-A01, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Wurth Additive Group Expands Distribution of Markforged's Digital Forge Globally Markforged, the creator of the Digital Forge, the integrated metal and carbon fiber industrial 3D printing platform, today announced that it has signed a global agreement with Wurth Additive Group, a Wurth Industry North America company. The expanded agreement will incorporate the Digital Forge into Wurth Additive Group's additive manufacturing solutions on a global scale. This agreement brings the Digital Forge's combined precise and reliable 3D printing hardware and cloud-based learning software, along with its wide portfolio of 3D printing materials such as metals, composites and continuous fiber, to Wurth Additive Group. These solutions are utilized by blue chip companies around the world in industries like aerospace, industrial automation, space exploration, military & defense, automotive and healthcare to deliver mission-critical end-use parts on demand and at the point of need. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Markforged globally. As the global market leader in the sale of assembly and fastening materials, active in over 80 countries, we joined forces with Markforged to reinvent manufacturing with the Digital Forge and look forward to bringing this technology to customers looking to enable, implement and support digital supply chain solutions around the world," said Dan Hill (News - Alert) , Chief Executive Officer, Wurth Industry North America. "Our strategic supplier portfolio is a key part of our additive solutions strategy, and Markforged has added proven value in North America and we are excited to take that global." This arrangement expands on a previous agreement between Wurth Industry North America and Markforged which was signed in March 2020. The geographical reach of the expanded agreement grows outside of North America and is expected to accelerate Wurth's penetration into its install base with the Digital Forge. Ongoing collaboration between Wurth Additive Group and Markforged has created innovative solutions in digital industrial solutions, including digital Kanban solutions. Virtual managed inventory is now possible thanks to Markforged's cloud native platform which enables automatic connection to Wurth Additive Group's inventory systems to produce inventory right on the factory floor by simply scanning a barcode which triggers the Digital Forge to start printing. To further ensure high-quality parts, Markforged's Blacksmith, an Artificial Intelligence software, automates inspection capabilities by building in a closed-loop quality control to validate and verify parts. "We are excited to see Wurth Additive Group's deep experience and extensive global coverage and the Digital Forge's capabilities come together to overcome global supply chain limitations with customers across the world," said Shai Terem, President and Chief Executive Officer at Markforged. "Our technology enables some of the world's biggest manufacturers to create digital supply chains that transcend the limitations of conventional manufacturing by fabricating robust production parts right on their own factory floors. Together with Wurth we are aiming to reinvent manufacturing on a global scale." For more information about Markforged, please visit www.markforged.com. About Markforged Markforged transforms manufacturing with 3D metal and continuous carbon fiber printers capable of producing parts tough enough for the factory floor. The Markforged Digital Forge brings the power and speed of agile software development to industrial manufacturing, combining hardware, software, and materials to eliminate the barriers between design and functional parts. Engineers, designers, and manufacturing professionals all over the world rely on Markforged metal and composite printers for tooling, fixtures, functional prototyping, and high-value end-use production. Founded in 2013 and based in Watertown, Mass., Markforged has more than 250 employees globally. Markforged has been recognized by Forbes in the Next Billion-Dollar Startups list, and was listed as the #2 fastest-growing hardware company in the US in the 2019 Deloitte (News - Alert) Fast 500. In February 2021, Markforged announced it entered into a definitive agreement to merge with one (NYSE: AONE), a special purpose acquisition company founded and led by technology industry veteran Kevin Hartz. The transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2021, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions. The combined company will retain the Markforged name and be listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "MKFG". About Wurth Industry North America Wurth Industry North America (WINA) is a $1 Billion divisio of the Wurth Group, the world's largest fastener distribution company. WINA is a strategically aligned collective of companies: Wurth Action Bolt, Wurth Adams, Wurth Additive Group, Wurth Des Moines Bolt, Wurth House of Threads, Wurth Industry Canada, Wurth Industry de Mexico, Wurth Revcar, Wurth Service Supply, Wurth Snider, Wurth SW Industry (Wurth Brazil), Wurth Timberline, Marine Fasteners, Northern Safety & Industrial/ORR Safety, Oliver H. Van Horn, and Weinstock Bros., consisting of more than 110 locations across North America. Through the pairing of more than 420,000 parts with a myriad of services, WINA provides custom solutions for almost every industry. Wurth products and services include engineering assistance, quality control, inventory management, vending, safety supplies, kitting and assembly, structural fasteners and MRO/industrial supplies. In addition, WINA systems ensure security and quality control through superior supply chain management. For more information on Wurth Industry North America, go to wurthindustry.com. About Wurth Additive Group Wurth Additive Group, led by CEO AJ Strandquist, launched in April 2021 to provide expanded industrial 3d printing products and services, including financing and rental options. Wurth Industry North America began providing additive solutions to customers in late 2017 with rapid prototyping and printing production tools. It now offers full digital Kanban solutions by integrating 3D printing technology in its existing vendor-managed inventory programs. The group aims to streamline customers' supply chain and increase adaptability through additive manufacturing and digital inventory. For more information on Wurth Additive Group, go to shop.wurthindustry.com. About one one is a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by A* formed for the purpose of effecting a business combination with one or more businesses in the innovation economy. one completed its initial public offering in August 2020 raising $215 million in cash proceeds. A* was founded and is led by technology industry veteran Kevin Hartz. Participants in the Solicitation one and Markforged and their respective directors and executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the potential transaction described in this document under the rules of the Securities Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) "). Information about the directors and executive officers of one and Markforged are set forth in one's Proxy Statement and Prospectus filed purusant to Rule 424B(3) with the SEC on June 24, 2021 (the "Registration Statement"), and other filings with the SEC that are available free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: one, 16 Funston Avenue, Suite A, The Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94129, Attention: Secretary. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of the one shareholders in connection with the potential transaction are set forth in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Non-Solicitation This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of one, the combined company or Markforged, nor shall there be any sale of any such 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 state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although Markforged believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, Markforged cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by it and its projections of the future, about which it cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed business combination, including the timing and structure of the transaction, the functionality and applications of Markforged's products, the expected growth of the additive manufacturing industry, the expected growth of Markforged's revenue and customer base in North America and globally, the expected benefits to Markforged's sales and business from its partnership with Wurth, the impact of Markforged's products on its financial conditions and results of operation, and the integration of Markforged's products into the additive manufacturing market. Markforged cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, general economic, political and business conditions; the ability of partners, such as Wurth, to increase sales of Markforged's products; the inability of the parties to consummate the business combination or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the effect of COVID-19 on Markforged's business and financial results; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the parties following the announcement of the business combination; the risk that the approval of the shareholders of one for the potential transaction is not obtained; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, including as a result of a delay in consummating the potential transaction; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; the amount of redemption requests made by one's shareholders; the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the combined company's securities following the business combination; costs related to the business combination; and those factors discussed under the header "Risk Factors" in the Registration Statement and those included under the header "Risk Factors" in one's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. Furthermore, if the forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that Markforged will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent Markforged's views as of the date of this press release. Markforged anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while Markforged may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Markforged has no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing Markforged's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005354/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] CIM Group Closes $135.85 Million Construction Loan to Medistar Corporation for Texas A&M University Student Housing and Parking Complex in Houston CIM Group, a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender, and developer, announced today that it has closed a $135.85 million construction loan to Medistar Corporation. The loan package will finance the development of a student housing complex and parking garage at Texas A&M Innovation Plaza, a five-acre mixed-use project at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX. The Medistar development with Texas A&M University System is the largest public-private partnership undertaken outside Texas A&M's flagship university in College Station, TX. Situated at the intersection of Holcombe Boulevard and Main Street, the project will provide priority housing for Texas A&M University System-affiliated medical, nursing, and engineering students, as well as students of the member institutions within the Texas Medical Center. The 19-story student housing building will consist of 483 residences with a total of 714 beds and 3,400 square feet of ground floor retail. The adjacent parking garage will contain 2,638 spaces, 15,200 square feet of ground floor retail, and a central plaza. The garage will provide parking for the student housing building, retail uses, community visitors, and Texas A&M's recently completed Discovery Tower, which will house academic and research space for Texas A&M's new landmark engineering medicine ("EnMed") program. The new parking garage will also support Horizon Tower, a 485,00-square-foot medical office and life science tower that broke ground June 1. Now leasing and in construction, Horizon Tower is being developed by Medistar Corporation and partner Healthcare Trust of America, Inc., on-schedule for delivery for early 2023. CIM Group is an active lender that through its CIM Real Estate Strategies business recently closed an approximately $90 million construction loan and an approximately $122 million bridge loan. CIM Group continues to pursue opportunities to provide senior and subordinate transitional bridge loans for commercial real estate projects with strong sponsors. CIM Group applies its broad experience as an owner, operator, and developer of all types of commercial real estate to its lending strategy, differentiating the company from many other debt providers. Through mortgage and mezzanine loans, CIM provides bridge and construction financing to owners and developers of commercial real estate in major markets across the United States and works with borrowers to offer an array of lending solutions. To learn more about CIM Group's credit strategies, visit www.cimgroup.com/crecs. About CIM Group CIM is a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer. Since 1994, CIM has sought to create value in projects and positively impact the lives of people in communities across the Americas by delivering more than $60 billion of essential real estate and infrastructure projects. CIM's diverse team of experts applies its broad knowledge and disciplined approach through hands-on management of real assets from due diligence to operations through disposition. CIM strives to make a meaningful difference in the world by executing key environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and enhancing each community in which it invests. For more information, visit www.cimgroup.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005379/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MIELY, MIELF) on Behalf of Investors Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) Corporation ("Mitsubishi" or the "Company") (OTC: MIELY, MIELF) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. On June 30, 2021, The Asahi Shimbun (News - Alert), a Japanese newspaper, published an article entitled "Mitsubishi Electric faked train test data likely for decades" which reported that the Company "admitt[ed] that it has faked testing data when supplying train companies with air conditionig equipment apparently for more than 30 years." The article further reported that "[a]lthough no such tests were conducted, fake data was created and included in test reports to give the appearance there were no problems with the equipment." On this news, Mitsubishi's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell $1.54 per ADS, or 5%, to close at $27.30 per ADS on July 1, 2021. On July 2, 2021, Nikkei Asia published an article entitled "Mitsubishi Electric CEO Sugiyama quits over fake inspections: Outgoing chief admits 'systemic wrongdoing' going back decades at industrial group[.]" On this news, Mitsubishi's ADSs fell over 5% over the next three days to close at $26.15 per ADS on July 8, 2021. If you purchased Mitsubishi ADSs, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005409/en/ [July 09, 2021] ATTENTION CUSTOMERS OF JOSEPH IJONG CHU- KlaymanToskes Continues to Investigate Sales Practices of Former Merrill Lynch and Current RBC Cap. Mkts Broker Concerning Losses in California Resources Corp., Denbury Resources, Inc., and Whiting Petroleum KlaymanToskes (" KT (News - Alert) "), a national securities law firm, continues to investigate the sales practices of former Merrill Lynch and current RBC Capital Markets broker, Joseph Ijong Chu ("Chu"), concerning his handling of discretionary accounts and concentration in Energy sector securities. The concentrated investments include California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC), Denbury Resources, Inc. (NYSE: DEN), and Whiting Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: WLL). These companies declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020, and have since restructured. According to FINRA BrokerCheck, there are pending FINRA arbitration claims involving Chu's unsuitable recommendations and/or overconcentration in the Energy sector hile employed by Merrill Lynch and/or RBC Capital Markets. One claim seeks $1,600,000 contending that Chu recommended unsuitable investments in oil-producing, industrial metals, and materials stocks leading to an overconcentration while another claim seeks $367,452 in damages relating to Chu's discretionary purchase of single company stocks in almost all in oil and gas or energy sectors. According to securities attorney Lawrence L. Klayman, "advisors with discretion must monitor account holdings and the account progress to determine if a given investment/strategy remains suitable for an investor. It is then part of a firm's supervisory role to review discretionary accounts to determine if they are properly managed." The sole purpose of this release is to investigate the sales practices of Joseph Chu and his handling of discretionary accounts and concentrated positions in Energy sector securities. Former and current customers of Chu at Merrill Lynch/RBC Capital Markets who have information relating to the management and supervision of your accounts serviced by Chu, are encouraged to contact Lawrence L. Klayman, Esq., at (561) 542-5131, and download our Special Investor Report. About Klayman Toskes KT is a leading national securities law firm which practices exclusively in the field of securities arbitration and litigation, on behalf of retail and institutional investors throughout the world in large and complex securities matters. KT has recovered more than $220 million for investors in arbitration and more than $300 million as counsel in investor class actions. KT has office locations in California, Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. Destination: https://klaymantoskes.com/joseph-chu-losses-in-california-resources-corporation-denbury-resources-inc-and-whiting-petroleum/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005417/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] "A Testament to the Contributions of Front-Line Workers, But There's Still More to Do": CUPE Ontario Calls for More Action to Ensure Safety in Step 3 Entering Step 3 early is a testament to the contributions of front-line workers but the Ford (News - Alert) Conservatives are still failing to ensure safety and a recovery for all, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. "Front-line workers kept us as safe as possible during this pandemic, with members of CUPE Ontario, among others, doing the important work of vaccinating so many of us so quickly," said Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario. "We're at this point, where we're reopening faster than expected, in no small part because of them. But we owe front-line workers so much more. We can't truly reopen safely without permanent, employer-paid sick days, a plan for schools, and investments in the public services that save lives and ensure livelihoods." CUPE Ontario continues to call for an increase to the minimum wge to $20/hr and to social assistance rates, an end to the wage restraint legislation capping public sector wage and benefit increases at 1% a year, increased investments to municipalities to ensure they continue to deliver services at the local level, a reverse to cuts to post secondary education and a plan to ensure it's affordable, and improvements to child care. Additionally, CUPE Ontario says that Ontario must declare anti-Black racism a public health crisis, begin a process to engage in meaningful reconciliation with indigenous communities, and develop a plan to ensure affordable housing. "A reopening without these measures is incomplete at best, a disproportionate burden on workers at worst," said Hahn. "We also need to take profit out of care, develop a plan, and ensure the funding to recruit and retain personal support workers in long-term care," said Candace Rennick, Secretary-Treasurer of CUPE Ontario. "As good as things are going, there are still variants of concern. There's always a risk of yet another wave - one that would impact the most vulnerable. It's time to ensure that workers can provide 4 hours of care for every resident of long-term care homes." kw/cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005433/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, a Leading Securities Fraud Law Firm, Announces Investigation of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MIELY, MIELF) on Behalf of Investors Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), a leading national shareholder rights law firm, today announced that it has commenced an investigation on behalf of Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) Corporation ("Mitsubishi" or the "Company") (OTC: MIELY, MIELF) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you suffered a loss on your Mitsubishi investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/mitsubishi-electric-corporation/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights. On June 30, 2021, The Asahi Shimbun (News - Alert), a Japanese newspaper, published an article entitled "Mitsubishi Electric faked train test data likely for decades" which reported that theCompany "admitt[ed] that it has faked testing data when supplying train companies with air conditioning equipment apparently for more than 30 years." The article further reported that "[a]lthough no such tests were conducted, fake data was created and included in test reports to give the appearance there were no problems with the equipment." On this news, Mitsubishi's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell $1.54 per ADS, or 5%, to close at $27.30 per ADS on July 1, 2021. On July 2, 2021, Nikkei Asia published an article entitled "Mitsubishi Electric CEO Sugiyama quits over fake inspections: Outgoing chief admits 'systemic wrongdoing' going back decades at industrial group[.]" On this news, Mitsubishi's ADSs fell over 5% over the next three days to close at $26.15 per ADS on July 8, 2021. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding Mitsubishi should consider their options to aid the investigation or take advantage of the SEC (News - Alert) Whistleblower Program. Under the program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Charles H. Linehan at 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 or email shareholders@glancylaw.com. About GPM Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP is a premier law firm representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. ISS Securities Class Action Services has consistently ranked GPM in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report. In 2018, GPM was ranked a top five law firm in number of securities class action settlements, and a top six law firm for total dollar size of settlements. With four offices across the country, GPM's nearly 40 attorneys have won groundbreaking rulings and recovered billions of dollars for investors and consumers in securities, antitrust, consumer, and employment class actions. GPM's lawyers have handled cases covering a wide spectrum of corporate misconduct including cases involving financial restatements, internal control weaknesses, earnings management, fraudulent earnings guidance and forward looking statements, auditor misconduct, insider trading, violations of FDA regulations, actions resulting in FDA and DOJ investigations, and many other forms of corporate misconduct. GPM's attorneys have worked on securities cases relating to nearly all industries and sectors in the financial markets, including, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, real estate and REITs, financial, insurance, information technology, health care, biotech, cryptocurrency, medical devices, and many more. GPM's past successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters (News - Alert), the Associated Press, Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, Forbes, and Money. 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/20210709005432/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Weddings, Babies and Other Celebrations Are New Source of Nonprofit Donations Thanks to Generous Partnership With MyRegistry.com The next time you buy a gift for a wedding or a baby shower you'll also have an opportunity to help make the world a better place. Thanks to a new partnership between Generous, creator of online fundraising tools that connect donors and nonprofits, and the leading online Universal Gift Registry platform MyRegistry.com, you can now honor newly married partners, new parents or anyone celebrating a gift-giving occasion by making a nonprofit donation in their name at the same time you purchase a gift for their wedding, baby shower or other celebration. The process is simple: When engaged couples, expectant parents or others set up their gift registry on MyRegistry.com, they can now list the charities they support - choosing from among more than 1.6 million nonprofit organizations - along with the gifts they would like to receive for their event. When gift givers visit MyRegistry.com to select and purchase a gift, they are presented with an opportunity to donate to the registrant's favorite nonprofits. This innovative new partnership will mean that millions of dollars in new donations will flow to nonprofit organizations around the country and the world. "People today, especially young people, want their purchases to have a positive social, economic or environmental impact - it'sthe rise of the conscious consumer," says Generous CEO Ross Buntrock (News - Alert) . "Our new partnership with MyRegistry.com provides this opportunity to have a positive impact on the globe at the same time you are honoring your friend with a gift. And the nonprofit recipient not only receives the benefit of a financial donation, but also the opportunity - if the donor agrees - to add another name to their mailing list and thereby grow their roster of donors for future asks. Given the success Facebook (News - Alert) has had with its birthday fundraisers, the impact of our partnership on charitable giving is likely to be significant. It's a win for everyone." Tech company Generous launched in Nashville in 2019 with the mission to make giving to charity easier and more impactful. It began carrying out this mission by providing personalized giving recommendations and helping people find companies that will match their donations. The platform also offers a highly secure way to give online and tracks all of a donor's giving in one place, making it easy to gather all the information required to deduct charitable donations from income tax obligations. "We are elated to launch our partnership with Generous," says Nancy Lee, MyRegistry president. "Because charitable giving is such an important part of millennials' lives today, giving them an easy way to incorporate it into their gift-giving occasions is a valuable service we want to offer." Because of Generous's deep ties to the global nonprofit community, it offers users a choice among more than 1.6 million charitable organizations. "The MyRegistry.com donation opportunity is uniquely personal to the people setting up their registry," Buntrock says. "For example, a bride and the groom can each designate their favorite charity or charities." Generous and MyRegistry's partnership also supports in-kind donation wish lists for nonprofits. MyRegistry currently services thousands of nonprofits conducting holiday toy drives, back-to-school drives, children's hospital toy collections and other initiatives. "Many times, people prefer to make in-kind donations instead of a financial commitment, and the wish list function accommodates this desire," Buntrock added. About Generous Generous (joingenerous.com) is on a mission to make giving easier by offering simplified solutions to donate anywhere online. Generous creates frictionless charitable giving opportunities for donors, while empowering businesses to grow their bottom line and engage their customers through charitable giving. For more information, contact Lauren Guetz, chief revenue officer, Lauren.Guetz@joingenerous.com About MyRegistry.com Launched in 2005, MyRegistry.com (myregistry.com) is the global leader for Universal Gift Registry services. MyRegistry allows its users to create one easy-to-manage list for any gift-giving occasion, with the flexibility to include items from any store in the world. The only limit is your imagination. All Stores, One Registry. For more information, contact Natalie Menjivar, community outreach manager, nmenjivar@myregistry.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005455/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] INVESTIGATION ALERT: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Mitsubishi (News - Alert) Electric Corporation ("Mitsubishi" or "the Company") (OTC: MIELY, MIELF) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Mitsubishi is the subject of an article published by The Asahi Shimbun (News - Alert) on June 30, 2021, titled: "Mitsubishi Electric faked train test data likely for decades." According to the article, "Mitsubishi Electric Corp. is feeling the heat after admitting that it has faked testing data when supplying train companies with air conditioning equipment apparently for more than 30 years." Nikkei Asia then published an article on July 2, 2021, titled: " Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) CEO Sugiyama quits over fake inspections: Outgoing chief admits 'systemic wrongdoing' going back decades at industrial group." Based on this news, Mitsubishi's ADS's fell by more than 5% on July 8, 2021. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert) 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at brian@schallfirm.com. The class in this case has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005464/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Hims & Hers Announces Redemption of All Outstanding Warrants Hims & Hers Health, Inc. ("Hims & Hers" or the "Company," NYSE: HIMS), the multi-specialty telehealth platform focused on providing modern personalized health and wellness experiences to consumers, today announced that it will redeem all of its outstanding warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"), that were issued under the Warrant Agreement, dated July 22, 2019 (the "Warrant Agreement"), by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), that remain outstanding at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on August 9, 2021 (the "Redemption Date") for a redemption price of $0.10 per Warrant. The Warrants consist of (i) the units sold in the Company's initial public offering (the "Public Warrants") and (ii) warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock previously held by Oaktree Acquisition Holdings, L.P., the Company's sponsor, that were cancelled and issued or issuable to former stockholders of Hims, Inc. in connection with the Company's business combination that closed in January 2021. As previously announced, in February 2021 all of the outstanding Private Placement Warrants (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) were net exercised. Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, the Company is entitled to redeem all of the outstanding Warrants at a redemption price of $0.10 per Warrant if the last sales price (the "Reference Value") of the Common Stock is at least $10.00 per share on the trading day prior to the date on which a notice of redemption is given. At the direction of the Company, the Warrant Agent has delivered a notice of redemption to each of the registered holders of the outstanding Warrants. In addition, the New York Stock Exchange intends to halt trading on the Public Warrants after close of market on August 6. 2021. The redemption will not affect trading of the Company's Common Stock. The Warrants may be exercised by the holders thereof until 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Redemption Date to purchase fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock underlying such Warrants. Payment upon exercise of the Warrants may be made either (i) in cash, at an exercise price of $11.50 per share of Common Stock or (ii) on a "cashless basis" in which the exercising holder will receive 0.267 shares per Warrant, which is the number of shares of Common Stock determined in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement and based on the Redemption Date, August 9, 2021, and the average last sale price of the Common Stock during the ten (10) trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to holders of Warrants, which was $10.78 (the "Fair Market Value"). If any holder of Warrants would, after taking into account all of such holder's Warrants exercised at one time, be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the number of shares such holder will be entitled to receive will be rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares. Any Warrants that remain unexercised at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on theRedemption Date will be void and no longer exercisable, and the holders of those Warrants will be entitled to receive only the redemption price of $0.10 per Warrant. None of the Company, its board of directors or employees has made or is making any representation or recommendation to any holder of the Warrants as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising any Warrants. A registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-252814) covering the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The SEC (News - Alert) maintains an Internet website that contains a copy of this prospectus. The address of that site is www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of the prospectus from the Company's investor relations website at https://investors.forhims.com/. Questions concerning redemption and exercise of the Warrants can be directed to our Warrant Agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 1 State Street 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004-1561, by telephone at (212) 509-4000 or by email at reorg@continentalstock.com No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any offer of any of the Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the word "will," or its negative or other variations or comparable terminology. There can be no assurance that actual results will not materially differ from expectations. Such statements include, but are not limited to, expectations regarding the redemption of the Warrants. These statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors. 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. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. Future developments affecting us may not be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the redemption of the Warrants, as well as those factors described in the "Risk Factors" section and other sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other current and periodic reports we file from time to time. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake 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 under applicable securities laws. About Hims & Hers Hims & Hers is a multi-specialty telehealth platform that connects consumers to licensed healthcare professionals, enabling them to access high-quality medical care for numerous conditions related to primary care, mental health, sexual health, dermatology, and more. Launched in November 2017, the company also offers thoughtfully created and curated health and wellness products. With products and services available across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Hims & Hers is able to provide access to quality, convenient and affordable care for all Americans. Hims & Hers was founded by CEO Andrew Dudum, Hilary Coles, Jack Abraham and Joe Spector at venture studio Atomic in San Francisco, California. For more information about Hims & Hers, please visit forhims.com and forhers.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005460/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Cochell Law Firm Racks Up Major Wins Against the FTC HOUSTON, July 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cochell Law Firm is proud to announce that just last week, the Central District Court of California ruled in favor of Steve's Client, Redwood Scientific Technologies sanctioning the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") for discovery abuse in seeking monetary relief under the FTC Act. This appears to be the first time that the FTC has been sanctioned by a court in an FTC case. In another precedent-setting decision, the district court ordered that the FTC pay all fees incurred by a Receiver following the Supreme Court's ruling in AMG Capital Management v. FTC. www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/amg-capital-management-llc-v-federal-trade-commission/ Stephen Cochell , founder of Cochell Law Firm, located in Houston Texas announces a number of victories against the F.T.C The history of major wins for the Cochell Law Firm are not a fluke. The founder of the firm is outperforming all the national firms when to comes victories against the FTC. Even the Facebook legal team relied on the result that Stephen obtained in FTC v. Credit Bureau Center, as the legal foundation for its win against the FTC. In FTC v. Facebook, the district court dismissed the FTC's potential trillion dollar allegations against Facebook. https://www.scribd.com/document/513390689/gov-uscourts-dcd-224921-73-0#from_embed About Cochell Law Stephen Cochell, the founder, and principal of the firm has a long history of representing clients in complex litigation. Starting his Career as a Navy JAG stationed in the Hawaiian Islands, he was appointed to work on the President's Narcotics Task Force in Detroit investigating and prosecuting complex Criminal Drug trafficking cases for the US Government. After an investigation of the Detroit Recorder's court, resulting in four prosecutions, Stephen moved to Salt Lake City to work as a commercial litigator and was appointed to serve as the State Bar of Utah's General Counsel and Chief Disciplinary Counsel. He was then recruited to work for FedEx as Senior Trial Counsel in major litigation involving disputes with competitors, intellectual property and employment litigation. After relocating to Houston, Texas, and working for a major litigation firm, Cochell Law was founded in 2010 with its purpose to protect and defend Americans against Government overreach by administrative agencies, such as the CFPB and the FTC. Contact Cochell Law Cochelllawfirm.com (346)800-3500 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cochell-law-firm-racks-up-major-wins-against-the-ftc-301328949.html SOURCE Cochell Law Firm [July 09, 2021] Peak Performance, Inc. Announces Opening of First Smart Factory Institute in the United States, Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee Peak Performance Inc., along with the Tennessee Chamber/Tennessee Manufacturers Association and the Deutsche Messe Technology Academy announce the opening of the first U.S.-based Smart Factory Institute. The official opening date will be October 1, 2021, National Manufacturing Day. The Smart Factory Institute will be operated by Peak Performance Inc. in collaboration with the Volkswagen Academy Chattanooga, the Deutsche Messe Technology Academy, the Tennessee Manufacturers Association and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The Smart Factory Institute is a U.S. institute that will provide manufacturers with connections, collaborative relationships and certifications for improving manufacturing processes by providing them with access to the latest technology in advanced manufacturing. The Institute is a part of a network of international academies, operated by the Deutsche Messe Technology Academy in Hanover, Germany, a joint project between Deutsche Messe and the Volkswagen Group Academy. Thomas Rilke, Division Manager of Deutsche Messe Technology Academy, said, "We are particularly excited about the opening of our first Technology Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As we continue to expand our global network, it was only natural to open a location in the United States, one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world." Since its inception in 2009, the Deutsche Messe Technology Academy has built an international network of production technologies across the world. These academies, located in Hanover (Germany), Foshan, Nanjing, Jinan (China) and Port Elizabeth (South Africa, opening 2022) focus on specific areas of manufacturing technology. Denise Rice, President & CEO of Peak Performance Inc., said, "COVID-19 hs accelerated the adoption of Industry 4.0 and the Smart Factory Institute will ease the transition for manufacturers by facilitating intensive networking between suppliers and users of key technologies to optimize production processes, leading the economic recovery of business and industry in the region. The Smart Factory Institute will provide remote and online, relevant, leading-edge training for manufacturing workers that will upskill and reskill workers for the jobs that the technology advancements bring." The Smart Factory Institute will work closely with the University of Tennessee Chattanooga's Industrial and Organizational Psychology program to provide subject matter experts and best practices to approaching the workforce advancements that are a result of the upskilling of workers required by Industry 4.0. Bradley Jackson, President & CEO of the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, said, "The Smart Factory Institute is a business-driven effort driving innovation and technology and positioning Tennessee and the U.S. southeast region as a true leader for advanced manufacturing technology. We are thankful for the strong support of this project by the Tennessee General Assembly, including the unwavering support of the Hamilton County legislative delegation. Their support sends the clear message that Tennessee is serious about advanced manufacturing." About Peak Performance: Peak Performance is a workforce training and advising firm specializing in incumbent worker training for the manufacturing industry, serving businesses across the country from their headquarters in Chattanooga, TN. www.peakperformanceinc.com. About Tennessee Manufacturers Association: The Tennessee Manufacturers Association maintains expertise and policy groups for a variety of industries and a proud history of unmatched advocacy in the state Capitol, having a hand in Tennessee's most prominent business policy accomplishments. For more information, visit www.tnchamber.org, www.tnmfg.org. About the Volkswagen Academy Volkswagen Chattanooga's onsite training facility, the Volkswagen Academy, is home to secondary to post-secondary education programs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005473/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 09, 2021] Franklin Resources, Inc. to Announce Third Quarter Results on August 3, 2021 On Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Franklin Resources, Inc. (the "Company") [NYSE:BEN] will release its third quarter 2021 operating results. A written commentary on the results will also be available via investors.franklinresources.com at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. In addition, Jenny Johnson, President and CEO; Greg Johnson, Executive Chairman; Matthew Nicholls, Executive Vice President and CFO; and Adam Spector, Executive Vice President - Global Advisory Services and Head of Global Distribution, will lead a live teleconference at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to answer questions of a material nature. Access to the teleconference will be available via investors.franklinresources.com or by dialng (833) 350-1245 in the U.S. and Canada or (236) 712-2205 internationally. A replay of the teleconference can also be accessed by calling (800) 585-8367 in the U.S. and Canada or (416) 621-4642 internationally using access code 6559334 after 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 3, 2021 through August 10, 2021, or via investors.franklinresources.com. Analysts and investors are encouraged to review the Company's recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and to contact Investor Relations at (650) 312-4091 before the live teleconference for any clarifications or questions related to the earnings release or written commentary. About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the Company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 70 years of investment experience and more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of May 31, 2021. The Company posts information that may be significant for investors in the Investor Relations and News Center sections of its website, and encourages investors to consult those sections regularly. For more information, please visit investors.franklinresources.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210709005483/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CARTHAGE, Tenn. Capt. Gregg Murphy, the commander of Memphis 1172nd Transportation Company, is no stranger to organizing complex tasks. A Soldier with years of logistics experience and a degree in organizational management, he knew his skills would be useful when the Tennessee National Guard requested volunteers to work with the COVID-19 task force. In March 2021, Murphy volunteered and began working as the site lead for the Smith County vaccination center in Carthage. Responsible for all Guardsmen working at the center, he coordinates the militarys support with the Smith County Health Department to provide COVID-19 vaccines throughout the county. He ensures that Guardsmen are properly assisting residents who register for their vaccine, receive them, and are monitored to ensure those vaccinated do not have any adverse reaction. It feels good to actively participate in the solution, said Murphy. We're getting a lot of feedback from people saying that our presence has put them at ease, and they trust that the Tennessee National Guard has their best interests in mind. Since the Carthage site began providing vaccinations, the Tennessee National Guard has supported the vaccination of over 4,500 citizens in Smith County. Statewide, the Tennessee National Guard has supported the vaccination of over 1 million Tennesseans. The Guard is supporting Tennessees county health departments in a lot of ways, and one of those ways is through public outreach, said Murphy. Building a trusting relationship with the community is critical to serving them better, and we are doing everything we can to do that. As the site leader, Murphy is also providing mentorship to the junior Soldiers on his team. He emphasized that taking care of troops is a top priority. As leaders, I believe that taking care of Soldiers is critical, said Murphy. One of my main responsibilities is to make sure that my Soldiers have everything they need on the site. That way, they can better serve the public and be the professional Soldiers that they are. The only guy to ever win a citywide light rail vote renews his political "commitment" against the local status quo with this latest note. Here's the word . . . Clay Chastain: Mayor Lucas and his rich white woke supporters are having elite-sponsored fund raising parties while Kansas City slides toward ruin. You better not kneel, you better not TIF, you better not selfie you better not...refuse to put a petition on the ballot...cause Clay Chastain is comin to town. While Kansas City is eroding street by street, block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood, Mayor Lucas is holding a mayoral campaign fundraiser sponsored by rich white woke folk. That would explain it. Clay Chastain will soon be coming to town with his legal lance (Response to the City's Motion for Summary Judgment) in hand tilted toward bringing town Mayor Lucas, City Hall and the City's legal department for their collective participation in suppressing the people's 1st Amendment Constitutional Right to petition the government. Chastain's individualistic charge (in United States District Court) against Lucas, the Council and the far left (that is controlling Kansas City, the petition process and the people), will be epic in consequence. When Chastain wins in court, then wins the petition election and then becomes the next Mayor of Kansas City, there will be a whole lotta shakin going on as the far left democrats - led by Lucas - will be ousted from office and control. It is long past time to kick down the steps of City Hall the far left democrats whose leadership has increased crime, undermined infrastructure, depopulated parts of the City and created a declining urban morass strewn with acute inequality. Chastain will find it and fix it. A Mayor for the Everyday Citizen. In brief, here is Clay's 4-year Mayoral agenda: 1. Mayor Chastain will not kneel to, or kneel with, BLM. All political slogans will be sand-blasted from Kansas City streets. 2. Mayor Chastain will focus on greatly reducing crime by hiring more police and hiring, training and educating more minorities to assist in modernizing Kansas City's infrastructure, including transportation. 3. Mayor Chastain will transform blighted Troost Ave. from a racial dividing line into a blossoming oasis of equality and unity. 4. Mayor Chastain will outlaw all TIF projects and eliminate the costly EDC. 5. Mayor Chastain will put his office on the ground floor of City Hall - not in an Ivory Tower 30-stories above the people. 6. Mayor Chastain will move to eliminate the regressive job-robbing, business-suppressing and growth-discouraging E-tax. 7. Mayor Chastain will honor (by placing on the ballot immediately) all valid petitions submitted to the City by the people. It's Republican Conservative Clay Chastain's turn to lead our City, he has the wherewithal to restore Kansas City's greatness. ########### Developing . . . The latest chapter in the pandemic sparks familiar debates and threatens to ruin the Summer reopen and/or spread fear about the upcoming cold & flu season. Check the links . . . Delta variant spreading in metro causes alarm for health workers, public health officials JOHNSON COUNTY, KS (KCTV) - Healthcare workers and public health officials are alarmed by the COVID-19 delta variant spreading in the Kansas City metro, even in Johnson County where the vaccination rate is the highest in the area. The county's positivity rate has increased to more than 3% from 1.8% just a few weeks ago. U.S. heading for 'dangerous fall' with surge in delta Covid cases and return of indoor mask mandates As the highly transmissible delta variant continues to spread rapidly across the United States and elsewhere around the world, scientists and other health experts are warning that indoor mask mandates and other public health measures will likely make a return in this U.S. this fall. COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES: Missouri reports 1,544 new confirmed cases on Friday Here are the latest COVID-19 updates around the Kansas City metro area, and in Kansas and Missouri.What you need to know:The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Wednesday the state has 319,586 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and there have been 5,166 deaths since the outbreak started. A Missouri couple say they dragged their feet on getting the Covid-19 vaccine. Then they got sick Louie Michael and his wife, Pattie Bunch, were both hospitalized last month with Covid-19 in Springfield, Missouri. As variants spread, some Kansas Citians are now getting COVID-19 vaccinations For the first time since the pandemic began, some people are choosing now to get the COVID-19 vaccine.It seems most pop-up clinics now go where people gather. Developing . . . The fight for social justice continues in downtown Kansas City as a local alternative magazine demands action beyond the will of voters. Here's "alternative" opinion regarding the recent permanent tag on the statue of slaver dead prez Andrew Jackson at the courthouse . . . "The plaque is just a bandage over the bigger issue surrounding the statue. Why are we still idolizing people who were blatantly racist?" TKC loves a great historical debate but the tiny screed doesn't pay much attention to the impact of a cultural shift on history . . . In much the same way that Richard Pryor's bit about the difference between beating black women vs. beating white women doesn't really hold up either. Interestingly, every news outlet in Kansas City filed a report on it but only two bothered to document the signage . . . Thanks to TKC TIPSTERS here's a glimpse at the new historical marker for those who haven't seen it yet . . . Accordingly . . . We may not always agree with the will of voters but we respect it. If our hipster friends are encouraging more people to vote and become engaged in courthouse politics that would be cool . . . But those efforts have continually proved unsuccessful. Instead, we notice that from both sides of the aisle, online ranting is far easier than coping realistically with political setbacks. Read more . . . Plaque added to Andrew Jackson statue is just a bandage over larger issues Andrew Jackson statue in KC. // Photo via Google Maps After 59% of voters decided to keep the statue of President Andrew Jackson outside the downtown Kansas City courthouse, a new plaque has been added telling of Jackson's history as a slave owner and his support in removing Native Americans from their land. You decide . . . In Kansas City, newsprint is mostly used for propaganda. For instance, here's an odd line from the daily newspaper that was written without any proof . . . We highlighted the sketchy assumption . . . "In late May, the City Council voted to move $42 million dollars from one part of the police departments budget to another account. The money will still be spent on police, once an agreement on the specifics is in place between the council and the police board. In the first sentence of his brief, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt calls that defunding the police. Thats simply untrue. Since the change could result in millions more in funding for the KCPD, we wish someone would defund us tout de suite." The paper is practicing their French, that's cute . . . Here's some thing even more important . . . WHERE'S THE BUDGET FOR THE 42 MILLION BUCKS WORTH OF POLICE FUNDING MAYOR Q WANTS TO 'REALLOCATE' TO FIGHT CRIME WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE?!? SO FAR THERE IS NOTHING IN WRITING OTHER THAN A DEMAND FOR THE CASH!!! Again, TKC is the FIRST & ONLY news-ish outlet in Kansas City that keeps asking this question to no avail. So far we've heard a great deal of chatter about "transparency" and "accountability" but nobody seems to be asking those same questions of Mayor Q. This debate has lasted WEEKS but there's still NOT ONE DOCUMENT OUTLINING HOW MAYOR Q WILL SPEND POLICE CASH. No deets. No specifics. Obviously the newspaper wants locals to accept the deal sight unseen and based only on good faith . . . Of which there is none. Right now there are only promises and assurances without any binding documentation from Mayor and his council supporters. Any decent lawyer would laugh at that kind of deal and demand something more concrete. Pundits are tragically delving into the same kind of weak legalese Mayor Q uses when he gets flustered or confronts some of the scathing criticism that has come his way over the past few months. Even worse . . . In Kansas City our newspaper trusts but doesn't verify any of the promises from a mayor who has become notorious for his double talk. Check the links . . . Missouri AG Eric Schmitt flubs the facts and the law in new filing on KCPD funding Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has butted into Kansas City's business by filing a brief in the funding lawsuit between the Board of Police Commissioners and Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City Council. 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. Former KCPD Board of Police Commissioners president suggests ways to rebuild trust KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Though there aren't protests every day, calls for reform within Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department aren't being ignored. "I don't think Kansas City is the only city with those problems by a long shot. I think most cities our size have many of those same problems," Leland Shurin, former president of the Board of Police Commissioners, said. You decide . . . Tonight CLASSIC CANDICE and her glam good life inspires our peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check-it . . . Kansas City Talks Trash Local organization trying to help tackle Kansas City's flooding and trash Issue KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- "The highway corridors of America are some of the most trashy corridors that we have," says Kristin Riott the executive director of Bridging the Gap. That's why she wasn't really surprised when we showed her video of Wednesday afternoon's flooding on Interstate 35 and how MODOT says the cause was because of trash backing up the drainage system. Cowtown Loves Boozing On The Run Kansas City restaurants applaud making cocktails-to-go permanent by: John Pepitone Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Helping bars and restaurants hurt by the pandemic is the goal behind a new law that makes cocktails-to-go permanent in the Show-Me State. Some say it may take years for bars and restaurants to fully recover from the impact the virus has had on our economy. Talking NextGen Crime & Punishment Kansas City, Missouri, leaders discuss reducing violent crime among youth KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The increased violence in South Kansas City is all too real for Elon Freeman. "I recently lost a loved one to violence," Freeman said. "She was only 17 years old. We're not sure as to everything that has happened, and we wish that the case would get solved. Tucker Case Throwback Prairie Village man skips sentencing for debt selling scam KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A federal judge issued an arrest warrant Thursday for a Kansas man who skipped his sentencing for a debt selling scam that involved millions of dollars. Joel Tucker, of Prairie Village, pleaded guilty last year to criminal counts of transporting stolen money, bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion. Candice Steals The Show Candice Swanepoel dons a figure-clinching cream gown at Cannes Candice Swanepoel wore a figure-clinching cream number to strut along the red carpet at Wednesday's Cannes Film Festival day two. Joining the likes of Diane Kruger, Eva Herzigova and Andie Macdowell for a screening of French drama Tout S'est Bien Passe (Everything Went Well in English), Candice, 32, stunned in the backless dress as it hugged her lithe figure. Prez Talks Crusade End Game Biden changes end of US combat mission in Afghanistan from Sept. 11 to Aug. 31 President Biden said U.S. troops will be out of Afghanistan sooner than his original Sept. 11 deadline, telling reporters Thursday U.S. forces will be home by Aug. 31. The president pushed back on some congressional calls to remain in the Middle Eastern nation as the Taliban gains in strength. MAGA To Take The Stand?!?! Trump deposition? 45 braces as Trump Org case takes twist Trump's legal woes are skyrocketing. His lawyers promoting litigation to overturn the election now face sanctions hearings in Michigan for making false claims in court filings. Trump also plans to sit for a deposition in his social media lawsuit as the criminal probe into his namesake company continues. Democratic Party Infighting Erupts Against Woke Movement Dems are losing the multiracial working class on basic lifestyle issues The Democrats have a problem: They have run away from their core voters. And they are beginning to notice and worry. Lefty blogger Kevin Drum noted this recently. He observes that Republicans have moved slightly to the right, but Democrats have moved way, way to the left on social issues. Serving Social Justice HEINZ Is Fighting for Equal Packs of Hot Dog Wieners and Buns Heinz is looking to rectify an age-old conundrum of the disparity between the number of hot dogs and hot dog buns - wieners come in packs of ten while buns in eight. While there is a historical reason for the unequal number, where butchers in the '40s had 1.6 ounces of meat as the ideal weight for distribution. Old School Get Rail Historic Big Boy locomotive returning to parts of Kansas City metro in August by: Brian Dulle Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 is making its way across the country next month and will be stopping temporarily at locations across the Kansas City metro. This is the first tour since the locomotive was restored for 2019's "Great Race" tours celebrating the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad's completion. Happy Rock Auto Turnaround Some used cars are selling for more than new models GLADSTONE, MO (KCTV) -- The conventional wisdom on car buying is that used cars offer better value than new. But due to a low inventory in both the new and pre-owned market, that might not be the case for every car. Steamy Summer Arrives Friday will hot, humid; storms possible late Hide Transcript Show Transcript 85 DEGREES IN LAWRENCE. EVENGIN FORECAST, LOWER TO MIDDLE 80'S NEXT SEVERAL HOURS, UPPER 70'S LATER ON THIS EVENING. LIGHT BREEZE. EVENTUALLY SHIFTING MORE TOWARDS THE SOUTHEAST AT ABOUT FIVE MILESN A HOUR. SO REALLY, AICE N EVENING IF YOU CAN, MAYBE HAVE DINNER OUTSIDE. Tom Jones - She's A Lady (1974) is the #TBT song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. From some weird reason that doesn't make any sense, local mainstream media is downplaying the alleged (and convicted) misdeeds of a Mexican dude who worked at the behest of drug dealers. Here's a very forgiving quote from their opening line . . . "A man who played a minimal role in the operation of a multi-million dollar marijuana farm in northwestern Missouri has been sentenced to six years in prison. "Sergio Medina-Perez was a plant trimmer at the farm, a criminal grow site that federal authorities estimated to have nearly $10 million worth of drugs when it was found three years ago." Again, I can only hope that TKC gets this kind of mercy if I'm forced to start stealing my pricey afternoon coffee. Fact is, the "newspaper" overlooked the guy's border jumping criminal history and VERY NICE profit for harvesting illegal crops. To be fair, TKC also thinks American weed laws are bunk but that doesn't make us any more sympathetic to those making a pile of cash by breaking the law. Also . . . Who does it help when Kansas City's newspaper starts advocating for drug dealers?!?! That's an honest question . . . There are dreamers, people in poverty and chubby youngsters who need help more than a bag man for the cartel. And so, in fairness, we offer more info from a presser posted by Feds in order to balance a very shady narrative. Take a look . . . Mexican National Sentenced for $10 Million Marijuana Growing Operation in Daviess County KANSAS CITY, Mo. 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 by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays 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. He was convicted in Yakima County, Washington, of possessing cocaine on Sept. 22, 1993, and deported in 1995. He illegally reentered the United States and was deported again on April 3, 1998; Aug. 30, 2002; April 4, 2003; Dec. 17, 2005; July 6, 2006; and July 11, 2006. 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. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Daviess County, Mo., Sheriffs Department, the Grundy County, Mo., Sheriffs Department, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriffs Department, the Livingston County, Mo., Sheriffs Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. ### You decide . . . Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : PLAN FOR JAPAN: AN ONLINE EXPERIENCE TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH THE HELP OF AN EXPERT! Industry: Travel Guides The "Plan for Japan" online experience provides travelers with tips and tricks for planning their next trip to Japan. (TRAVPR.COM) JAPAN - July 8th, 2021 - Tokyo, Japan, June 2021 -- Thinking about coming to Japan when borders reopen? Travel planning is fun but it can also be stressful and confusing. Arigato Japan is now offering a brand-new online experience for travelers around the world to help them prepare to have an amazing and relaxed future trip! The Plan for Japan online experience is quite unique and is the very best way to meet other excited travelers, hear first-hand accounts from local experts, and learn tips and tricks to feel confident and safe for a future journey to Japan! In this online experience, Arigato Japan expert hosts will share: App, website, and tool recommendations for all stages of a trip Packing Suggestions for every season Dos & Donts of traveling in Japan Advice about the amazing but sometimes complicated transportation systems! Tips & Tricks to enjoy Japan like a Local Key Japanese phrases travelers can use and fun ways to remember them Interactive games & quizzes to make all this travel planning FUN! Q&A time about any of Japan and travel-related questions Follow up Resource Pack sent afterward (no worries about taking notes) With the mission of being a local connection and taking the worry out of planning, Arigato Japan will share useful information to help travelers have an amazing trip! A perfect way to get excited, feel confident, and have some fun while making your dream trip a reality! Book the "Plan For Japan" online experience here: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/tours/plan-for-japan-online-trip-planning-experience/ For more in-depth custom itinerary help, reservation assistance, and other travel planning programs book a private consultation here: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/personal-travel-consulting-package Follow Arigato Japan on Twitter - Instagram - Facebook - Pinterest From Japan, with love. The Arigato Japan team Media Partners: If you have any questions please feel free to contact us anytime at info@arigatojapan.co.jp ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Jessica Iragne Company: Arigato Japan Phone: 0368202250 Email: jessica.iragne@arigatojapan.co.jp Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Johnstown, PA (15901) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High near 80F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A clear sky. Low around 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Lorraine May Roberts passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 27, 2021. She was a devoted wife and mother and friend to all who knew her. Born on October 7, 1925 to Dorothy Weust and John Henry Ennen of Terre Haute, Indiana. Lorraine graduated from Terre Haute Honey Creek High School. After gr Hello all you knowledgeable Maldives people! We are traveling to Maldives in June/July 2022. We are not able to purchase airfare yet - but have been looking at airlines/flights from the different international departure airports. And so - I want to get some feedback on the different airlines from you all. We have flown various long haul flights from the states but not on any of the airlines that will fly into Male. Our home airport is Denver - but know we still have to get to the jumping off point for the long haul flight - so we are open to flying from wherever has the best prices with whichever airline we ultimately decide based on your input. Our plan is to fly business class for the long haul portion of flights and want to know your opinion of airline, service, comfort, and food. The good and bad. Who you've flown with previously and why or why you would not fly with them again. We are not planning to book immediately but to begin tracking prices for the airport/airlines to hopefully find a "good deal" - we just don't want to wait until the last minute to book. I know there's some great prices for flights right now through May of 2022 - so hopeful to score something like pricing now. Any advice you can give me is welcome! Thanks! We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Here Tullahoma, TN (37388) Today Isolated thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Police chase ends in the arrest of a Nelson Street man; officers arrest a man for marijuana trafficking in Arima and seize a shotgun and ammunition in Arouca. More in tonight's Crime Wrap. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). Russia is not and has never been a mediator in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, a U.S. Mission to the OSCE said at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on July 8. "One thing is very clear. Russia is not and has never been a mediator in this conflict. The United States urges Russia to reverse its unhelpful and harmful approach to the conflict it foments and remove its forces and hardware from eastern Ukraine," said Charge dAffaires, a.i., James E. Donegan. According to the American diplomat, instead of engaging in good faith and taking concrete actions to improve the lives of the civilians residing in areas it temporarily controls, Russia used the Trilateral Contact Group to stymie progress. "We all see Russias ploy for what it is an attempt to force Ukraine into direct negotiations with Moscows proxy forces. Russias obstructionist approach to peace negotiations exposes its true motive in fomenting violence in eastern Ukraine a pointless attempt to obstruct Ukraines freely chosen path of full integration with the Euro-Atlantic community," Donegan said. Separately, he called on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea and cease its mistreatment of Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, and others. "It is now time for Russia to end its adventurism in Ukraine, recall the commitments it has made to the principles of the OSCE, and fulfill its Minsk commitments and responsibilities under these agreements," the U.S. diplomat added. As Ukrinform reported, during a meeting of the Permanent Council, the EU Delegation also stated that the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine was caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation, which is by no means its mediator. ish Ambassador Heidi Grau will step down as Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) this summer. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, this was officially announced at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, July 8. In particular, the Swedish chairmanship of the OSCE announced Grau's resignation. The reason was not reported. It was noted that the selection of her successor was underway. During the Permanent Council meeting, a number of delegations from participating countries thanked the Swiss diplomat for her work. The EU Delegation to the OSCE thanked Heidi Grau for her outstanding work in advancing discussions within the Trilateral Contact Group. "Dear Ambassador, you have become a real asset to the OSCE and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors," the Delegation said. The U.S. Mission also noted Grau's unwavering pursuit of peace and of tangible outcomes within Trilateral Contact Group: pressing for new disengagement areas, an updated demining plan, and new entry-exit crossing points. "We recognize that the lack of progress on these and other issues is a clear result of Russias intransigence," the Mission added. Ambassador Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna, also expressed his words of gratitude. "As this is the last appearance of Special Representative Grau to the Permanent Council, I would end my statement by expressing a sincere gratitude to her for the significant contribution she made to the work of the TCG. We will miss your energy at the TCG, dear Heidi, and your pertinent remarks debunking Russias fakes at the PC meetings," he said. As Ukrinform reported, Ambassador Heidi Grau was appointed Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) in December 2019. She replaced the Austrian diplomat, Martin Sajdik, who took office in June 2015. ish According to the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine, there are more than 160 illegal prisons in occupied Donetsk and Luhansk, in which more than 3,500 Ukrainian citizens are held. As part of the 47th session of the Human Rights Council, together with the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN, we held an online side event Izolyatsia with the participation of UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer. The event is part of campaign Izolyatsia: Must Speak launched in December last year by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in cooperation with the Ukrainian Institute, the International Foundation Izolyatsia, and a former political prisoner, journalist Stanislav Aseyev who had been held in the Izolyatsia illegal prison in occupied Donetsk for 28 months, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar posted on Facebook. Dzheppar noted that the aim of this campaign was to raise public awareness of the horrors currently taking place in the occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as to mobilize the international community to protect people from the impunity of the Russian occupiers and bring to justice those responsible for torture to restore respect for human rights human dignity in the occupied territories. For the eighth year in a row, Russia has been committing crimes against Ukrainian citizens on a daily basis by resorting to torture and psychological pressure on illegally detained people both in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in the territory of the Russian Federation. The Izolyatsia illegal prison in the occupied city of Donetsk is a prime example of these horrors and identifies the true face of the Russian occupier. We can find out what happened in Izolyatsia from witnesses who went through the horror of being held in this illegal institution. One week ago, the English version of Stanislav Aseyevs book The Torture Camp on Paradise Street was presented with the support of the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine, Dzheppar informed. We must join forces to close all secret prisons in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions established by the Russian Federation. To demand that the Russian occupier provides unimpeded access for regional and international human rights organizations to all places of detention and to ensures full confidential communication with all detainees in the temporarily occupied territories, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine noted. She reminded that the Russian occupation authorities had denied the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture full and unimpeded access to detention facilities in Donbas during his visit to Ukraine in 2018. As the official emphasized, Ukraine will take all necessary measures to bring to justice all those guilty of these gross human rights violations, especially war crimes. ol The Ukrainian low-cost carrier SkyUp Airlines will start operating direct flights to Madeira (Portugal) from July 24, the airlines press service reports. In particular, Kyiv-Funchal-Kyiv flight will be performed every Saturday. Tickets are already available on skyup.aero. To enter the territory of the Madeira Island, citizens of Ukraine (with the exception of children under 12 years old) must have a special form filled in from 48 to 12 hours before boarding the plane; a certificate of a completed vaccination course provided that at least 14 days have passed since the last dose was administered before arrival on the island; or officially confirmed recovery from Covid-19 dated up to 90 days prior to arrival on the island and medical confirmation of recovery; or negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the arrival in the country. Travelers planning to travel between Madeira and Porto Sana will also need to have a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before arriving at their destination. Starting from July 2, 2021, upon returning from Portugal, it is imperative to take a rapid antigen test at Boryspil Airport. ish Slovakia sees the urgent need for reforms in Ukraine in seven main areas. Despite the difficult situation in Ukraine, the conflict in Donbas, the occupation of Crimea, and the pandemic, the country has made significant progress in public administration, security, economic reforms, and more. The first of the key issues that are important for Ukraines success is the need to have an independent judiciary which is crucial for attracting foreign investment and stable economic development, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ivan Korcok said at the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. According to him, the second is the need to transform the political and economic systems so that they become more competitive and the environment more decentralized. The third area, according to the Slovak foreign minister, is de-oligarchization and the fight against corruption. In this context, he welcomed the efforts of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The fourth priority is the need to build strategic communication with people and make no concessions to the populists. Fifth priority is agriculture as one of the areas of Ukraines potential, so the implementation of land reform is even more important for the country and its prosperity, said the Slovak minister. He also pointed out the importance of digitalization and Ukraines successful progress in this area. Ukraine is moving towards digitalization better than a number of EU member states, you can be proud of that. This is such an advanced sector of the countrys economy, Korcok said, referring to the sixth area of reform. As a seventh priority, the Slovak diplomat noted the importance of Ukraines active support for its European aspirations which also contributes to reforms. According to him, the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement offer many new options for cooperation with the EU that will benefit Ukrainians. Ukraine should now focus on using these tools to the fullest. Slovakia, as a country with a strong reform experience, is ready to help Ukraine in its changes, Korcok said. ol Representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have noted Ukraine's progress in carrying out reforms needed to continue the cooperation program. As part of his working visit to the United States, Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko held meetings with IMF representatives to discuss further cooperation, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Finance. The IMF representatives noted the progress in carrying out the reforms in Ukraine that are necessary for the continuation of the cooperation program. The negotiations took place with the Director of the European Department Alfred Kammer, IMF Executive Director Paul Hilbers, IMF Chief of Mission to Ukraine Ivanna Vladkova Hollar, IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Vahram Stepanyan, and other representatives of the IMF team, reads the report. It is noted that the talks allowed both parties to agree on the positions and reach a compromise on certain issues, including anti-corruption reform, corporate governance reform and the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). The parties agreed to continue joint work to reach the Staff level agreement in the near future. Marchenko noted that Ukraine has achieved significant results in the implementation of IMF structural beacons. He stressed that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in a short time passed several laws necessary to continue the IMF Program. "The IMF support is very important for Ukraine. And I am grateful for the support for reforms. The economic situation in the country is improving, but it is extremely crucial to be in the program of cooperation with the IMF to ensure the macroeconomic stability in Ukraine, said Marchenko. As reported, on June 9, 2020, the IMF approved an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement for Ukraine, with total access of about $5 billion. After the first tranche of $2.1 billion was disbursed, four program reviews and several more tranches were projected, but this plan has not been implemented yet. iy Germany is interested in Ukraine as a gas transit country regardless of the launch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. "For us, the issue of maintaining Ukraine's status as a gas transit country even after the launch of Nord Stream 2 is of central importance," German Federal Government Spokesperson Steffen Seibert said at a briefing on July 9, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He expressed hope that both parties Russia and Ukraine will abide by the current agreement and extend it after the expiration. According to Seibert, Chancellor Angela Merkel "will probably discuss this topic with the President of Ukraine." At the same time, the Spokesperson confirmed that Berlin and Washington continued negotiating the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, on which the parties' views do not coincide. Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that he planned to discuss energy security and Nord Stream 2 project during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on July 12. Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Yevheniy Yenin, in turn, noted that the Ukrainian side would insist on Gazprom's compliance with EU energy legislation during talks with Germany and the United States on guaranteeing Ukraine's energy security in case of the completion of Nord Stream 2. ol Kyiv's Pechersky District Court has extended until September 7 the measure of restraint in the form of house arrest for MP Viktor Medvedchuk from the Opposition Platform - For Life faction in parliament, a suspect in the case of treason. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Judge Serhiy Vovk issued a respective ruling on Friday, July 9. "To apply [to Medvedchuk] the measure of restraint in the form of round-the-clock house arrest, prohibiting him to leave his place of residence until September 7, 2021 inclusive," the judge said. Kyiv's Pechersky District Court began a hearing in the Medvedchuk case at 09:00 on July 8. The hearing lasted about 13 hours. After that, Judge Vovk went to the deliberation room and stated that he would read out the ruling at about 08:00 or 08:30 on July 9. On May 11, Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova signed suspicion notices for MPs Viktor Medvedchuk and Taras Kozak, who are suspected of treason and the attempted plundering of national resources in Crimea. The investigation believes that Medvedchuk negotiated with the aggressor state to re-register the Hlyboka oil and gas field in the Black Sea, 75 km from Feodosia, and to extract minerals that are Ukraine's national resource. In addition, Medvedchuk is suspected of treason (passing secret information about a military unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to the aggressor state). On May 13, Kyiv's Pechersky District Court selected the measure of restraint in the form of round-the-clock house arrest for Medvedchuk and ordered him to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet until July 9. The Prosecutor General's Office extended the term of the pretrial investigation in the case of MPs Medvedchuk and Kozak until November 11. op UkraineTurkey strategic partnership is developing dynamically and is an example of true friendly relations. This was emphasized by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the President of Ukraine. As the Presidents Office informs, Zelensky thanked Turkey for its strong support for Ukraines path towards full-fledged NATO membership, in particular during the Alliances summit in Brussels. I especially appreciate this friendly manifestation given the Russian aggression against Ukraine, he stressed. The leaders exchanged views on the importance of deepening security and defense cooperation. Deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey is an important factor in ensuring peace and stability in the Black Sea Region, and a real example of such work is cooperation in the Quadriga format, said the President of Ukraine. Zelensky and Erdogan also discussed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector. The President of Ukraine noted that the diversification of sources and routes of natural gas supply was urgent both for Ukraine and Turkey. An agreement was reached on the joint elaboration of possible options for cooperation in this area, the Presidents Office informs. In addition, the presidents praised the intensification of the work of the negotiating group and stated the need to finalize UkraineTurkey Free Trade Agreement. Zelensky informed that as a result of the agreements reached during the last meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, the Agreement on Construction of Housing for Internally Displaced Persons was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for ratification. Separately, the President of Ukraine stressed the importance of adopting the Law On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine, in particular for the Crimean Tatars. The President of Ukraine pointed out the active participation of Turkey in the Ukraine Reform Conference, which took place in Lithuania. The leaders reaffirmed their agreement to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council in Ukraine. Zelensky thanked Erdogan for his firm support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, for not recognizing the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and for protecting the rights and legitimate interests of the Crimean Tatar people. ol The 5th Ukraine Reform Conference will be held in the Swiss city of Lugano on July 4-5, 2022 with the participation of representatives of the Ukrainian authorities at all levels. Ignazio Cassis, Swiss Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, said this at the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on July 8, an Ukrinform correspondent reports I am pleased to announce that the 5th Ukraine Reform Conference will take place on July 4-5 next year in the city of Lugano ... The official start of the preparatory process for it will begin in October with my visit to Kyiv, he said. Mr Cassis outlined Switzerland's priorities for the Ukraine Reform Conference 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 Zelensky, 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, he noted. We all know that a national government alone cannot succeed, it is important to involve regional authorities, local governments, the private sector, citizens of Ukraine, and the scientific community. We need to hear all voices and make the 2022 Conference truly inclusive, the Federal Councillor added. As reported, the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference was held at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius (Lithuania) on July 7-8. The Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019. ish Ukraine aspires to become a member of the European Union and NATO in the next 5-10 years. One of the main goals now is gradual integration into the European Single Market. Ukraine aspires to join the EU and NATO in the near future, we aim to gain membership in the next 5-10 years. An important issue for Ukraines European future is the consistent implementation of reforms, which we continue to work on and already have significant results. Of course, the issue of Ukraines accession to the EU depends not only on us but on 27 other countries as well, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said in an interview with the LRT Lithuanian newspaper. The EU annually submits a report on the implementation of the EUUkraine Association Agreement to assess Ukraines achievements in implementing reforms, he reminded. According to him, European partners note that even under difficult conditions last year, despite Russias destabilizing actions, the conflict in the East, and the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Ukraine is showing progress on its path towards reform. That is, our movement towards Ukraine's membership in the EU does not stop. At present, one of our main goals is gradual integration into the European Single Market, Shmyhal stressed. He added that the EU had already become Ukraines main trading partner, the export of Ukrainian goods to the European Union had grown by 60% over the past five years. This year, the export is expected to reach EUR 20 billion. Now we are striving for further liberalization of trade with the EU, one of our key priorities in the last year was to prepare for the renewal of the trade part of the Association Agreement. We also continue to work in the context of Ukraines integration into digital and energy markets. We work towards signing industrial, aviation, and customs visa-free regimes, the Prime Minister said. ol Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen have discussed the issue of strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting was held as part of the Prime Ministers working visit to Vilnius, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Government portal. "The holding of the Fourth Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius is a sign of high-level dialogue and strong cooperation. We are grateful for the organization and successful holding of the Conference. Lithuania's contribution to the implementation of reforms in Ukraine is significant and extremely valuable for the progressive development of our country and successful integration into the EU and NATO," said Shmyhal. He stressed that Lithuania is one of the most consistent partners and advocate of Ukraine in the international arena. The Prime Minister noted Lithuanias strong support for Ukraine in the implementation of reforms and the development of infrastructure affected by Russian aggression. The Prime Minister also thanked Lithuania for its consistent position on the Nord Stream 2 project, non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea and for its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk also participated in the meeting. iy These conditions are to force Ukraine to implement Minsk agreements according to Kremlin's scenario Today, we see another update of talks on the inclusion of the United States in the negotiation process on Donbas. According to Oleksiy Arestovych, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Head of the Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland are currently holding intensive consultations in this regard. "Their concrete result will most likely be clear after President Zelensky's visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden, which is scheduled for later this month. In addition, as far as I know from open sources, Nuland communicates very intensively with Kozak. Quite intensively," Arestovych said. Dmitry Kozak, deputy head of the Russian presidential administration, said on the margins of the Geneva summit that Moscow did not deny the possibility of Washington's involvement in the Donbas talks. At the same time, he hinted that this would happen only if the United States could force Ukraine to fulfill the Minsk agreements on Russian terms. "If our American colleagues manage to influence, first of all, the Ukrainian position, there is a chance that something will move from the deadlock," Kozak said. Three weeks after the summit in Geneva, similar statements were made by a number of other Russian officials. In particular, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov, while commenting on U.S. participation in the talks, said that it was possible, but Moscow still needed to assess how much it will help advance the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Finally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that everything would depend on whether the Americans will succeed in shaping a "more dimensional, substantive and calm" approach to everything that is happening in Donbas and around Ukraine as a whole. Russian political scientist Andrei Piontkovsky wrote in his blog that there was quite a difficult situation at the White House after the Geneva summit. He said there was allegedly a confrontation between two groups of senior officials, namely "pro-Ukrainian" Blinken, Nuland and Austin, as well as "Kremlin sympathizers" Kerry, Burns and Sullivan. The latter allegedly insist, according to the political scientist, that Washington force Kyiv to fulfill the Minsk agreements according to Moscow's scenario. Given the above, how can we assess the current situation? First of all, what do such statements by Russians mean? And, finally, is the U.S. involvement in talks on Donbas real or not? In the United States, unlike Russia, not everything is decided by the president Maksym Yali International political scientist Maksym Yali said in a comment to Ukrinform that it was worth waiting for the results of Zelensky's meeting with Merkel at which, in his opinion, the United States, Germany and France will outline their collective position on the Donbas settlement. "It is no coincidence that there is no final date for Zelensky's visit to Washington. It will largely depend on whether the United States joins the Normandy format," Yali said. Of course, Russia will agree to this only if Ukraine is forced to follow their scenario. It cannot be ruled out that Biden and Putin reached some agreement in Geneva. "However, in the United States, unlike Russia, not everything is decided by the president. And even if Biden is ready to make concessions to Putin on Ukraine, he should also enlist the support of Congress and the Democratic Party, which has proponents of resetting relations with the Kremlin and staunch opponents of that. So it is worth waiting a week and the position of the United States, whose secretary of state has recently stated that the United States 'has no better friend in the world than Germany,' will soon become clearer," he said. The activity of Kremlin speakers is aimed at setting traps for the United States in the future Oleh Saakian "Indeed, there is a struggle between two camps in the United States - the pro-Ukrainian one and the pro-Russian one. And I would say that the latter is currently operating under the guise of the 'anti-Chinese' [camp] where possible concessions to Russia on the Ukrainian issue are presented as a shift of focus from tactical to strategic," said political scientist Oleh Saakian. Accordingly, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Syria and other chronic conflicts is done to focus on a key strategic goal - confrontation with China. "Therefore, the issue of Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. becomes more relevant. So I would not be too hopeful that the United States will join negotiation formats on Donbas in the near future. Maybe there will be something like Volker-2, but this is not about the short term," Saakian said. Returning to the situation with China, the political scientist noted that all this allows Russia to actively promote the thesis that the United States should allegedly make limited concessions in the Russian-Ukrainian war. "In fact, I think the current activity of Kremlin speakers in this direction is aimed at setting traps for the future," he said. "That is, if the United States does decide to join the talks over time, then they should immediately find themselves in a situation when their involvement will be possible only in the event of pressure on Ukraine, so that it is forced to implement the Minsk agreements according to the Russian scenario." But the likelihood that the United States will force Ukraine to implement these agreements as the Kremlin wants is extremely low, because there are certain safeguards. The first one is intra-American. "Concessions to Russia I am sure that it will be very difficult for Biden to explain this to Congress, where there is bicameral and bipartisan support for Ukraine," Saakian said. The second one is intra-Ukrainian: "Firstly, Ukrainian society will not accept this. Secondly, political elites will not accept this. And, thirdly, it could lead to destabilization within the country, which Russia will definitely want to use." It is impossible to fulfill Minsk agreements and Ukraine's partners understand this perfectly well Volodymyr Fesenko "I don't think we should talk about any negative expectations. I see no grounds for this. President Zelensky will go to Berlin and later to Washington. Will his talks with Merkel and Biden give any concrete result, any impetus to resolve the situation in Donbas? That's unlikely to happen. There will be no progress. In fact, the Russians will not do anything either, keeping the negotiation process on standby - at least until the end of the year, waiting for the results of elections in Germany," said political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko. Time will tell what happens next. However, will Ukraine be forced to implement the Minsk agreements, as the Kremlin's henchmen are now actively emphasizing? According to the expert, it is impossible to implement them in the form in which they were signed in February 2015. "At least one clause of the Minsk-2 agreement on securing in the Constitution of Ukraine the special status of ORDLO [certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions] - requires the support of at least 300 deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Bu this was not done in the previous convocation of the Ukrainian parliament, it is not down now, and it is very unlikely that it will be done in the next composition. And I think our partners understand this very well." According to Fesenko, the Minsk agreements should be renewed (Russia does not agree to this yet, but the option remains open) or it is necessary to start with the first point of the agreements - a lasting ceasefire. "Last year, there were already attempts [to cease fire] and it worked for several months. Not completely, of course, but progress was evident. It would be good to try to do that again I think if a lasting truce is reached, it can also open the way to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. However, again, everything will depend only on Russia - on how it fulfills the security conditions of the Minsk agreements," Fesenko said. Commenting on U.S. involvement in Donbas settlement talks, he said that it was most likely about the resumption of a separate channel of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, as was the case before: first Nuland-Surkov and then Volker-Surkov. "But it should be understood that earlier, when talks were held on this separate channel between U.S. and Russian representatives, all this was coordinated with the negotiations in the Normandy format. Simply put, before each such meeting, Germany, France and Ukraine prepared their proposals, which were passed on to Volker, who in turn discussed all this with Surkov. After that, Volker again informed Paris, Berlin and Kyiv about the results of the talks. So, again, something similar can happen now," Fesenko said. But, in any case, the Russian Federation has yet to agree to this. "And the Russian Federation is resorting to blackmail, setting preconditions, in particular, how and about what these negotiations should be held. [] Any progress in any negotiations is possible only when Ukraine is involved. After all, I do not have any overestimation of U.S. participation in the negotiations. Because, in any case, the further development of the process depends not so much on who participates in these negotiations, but on the readiness of the Russian Federation to real compromises. Until that happens, no progress should be expected, regardless of whether the United States is present at the talks or not," Fesenko said. The United Kingdom should join the talks together with the United States Viktor Kaspruk "From the very beginning, the logic of the Minsk agreements was unclear. Moscow needed a negotiation process in order to force Ukraine to surrender, using the authority of France and Germany as a cover," said Viktor Kaspruk, a political scientist and international journalist. The whole Minsk process took place in very unfavorable conditions for Ukraine. Germany and France were constantly blocking Ukraine's path to NATO and the European Union in agreement with Moscow. "Therefore, in fact, peace talks on Donbas were held in a three-against-one format. They constantly imposed on Kyiv the proposals put forward by Moscow, which were unacceptable to Ukraine, and then the Kremlin accused the Ukrainian side that it was not interested in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war, which Putin's entourage stubbornly calls a 'civil war in Ukraine'," the expert said. The new U.S. administration of President Joe Biden is facing a confrontation over the "Ukrainian issue." And it does not necessarily mean that the "pro-Ukrainian" wing, which includes Blinken, Nuland and Austin, would have a chance to change this stalemate if the majority in Congress and the Senate did not understand the importance of Ukraine for America. "We can say that the involvement of the United States in the negotiations on Donbas is quite real. However, Washington will never join any talks if someone expects the Americans to play to the Kremlin's demands," Kaspruk said. If the United States still agrees to join the talks on Donbas, then a more rational step would be for them to join them not alone. "As the 'Merkel-Macron political tandem' seems to insist on 'peace' on Moscow's terms, it would be appropriate for Washington to make the following proposal: together with the United States, the United Kingdom should also join this peace process." According to the expert, such a distribution of political forces could well contribute to a just peace in Donbas, because neither Washington nor London are ready to agree that an election can be held there before the withdrawal of Russian troops. "The chance for achieving peace in Donbas will appear only when the approaches to this issue are completely reformatted. Obviously, not only Ukraine but also the United States and Britain must fight for such a development," Kaspruk said. The international community has long been influenced by Putin's wishes. "In this matter, Washington, London and Kyiv must act as one 'political front.' Only in this case is progress possible in the Russian-occupied part of the Ukrainian Donbas," Kaspruk said. Ukraine must formulate for the United States its principled vision for resolving the conflict Iliya Kusa The Biden-Putin summit in Geneva showed everything, according to Iliya Kusa, an international political scientist and expert at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future. In the United States, the confrontation with China is reaching a systemic level. They have begun to build a global anti-Chinese coalition of European allies, Turkey, allies in Asia. "In this strategy, they do not need Russia as an enemy. Of course, there will be no 'brotherly kisses,' but Biden still wants to enlist Russia's neutrality in this confrontation," he said. And the dialogue was initiated for this reason. "Judging by the results of the Geneva summit, we can conclude that Washington and Moscow will in the near future reach a certain understanding, the predictability of their confrontation," Kusa added. That is, the United States and Russia will not cease to conflict, but the nature of this conflict will be more orderly. "They will continue to discuss issues that are important to them, in particular, the red lines, as well as where they can be crossed and where they can't. And Ukraine is the subject of negotiations in this regard. That is why, in fact, we hear similar statements from Russian officials: Russia will work to persuade Washington to put pressure on Kyiv to implement the Minsk agreements in a way that benefits them. In the end, this tactic was identified immediately after the summit and I think it will be applied in the next six months," the expert said. As for the U.S. participation in the negotiations, it is quite real, Kusa said. But the question is whether the United States will descend to the level of direct negotiations on Donbas or it will remain at the global level. "In any case, we should be interested in something else, namely, how the Ukrainian side can formulate for the Americans its principled vision for resolving the conflict, and do so before the latter start talking about it with the Russians. Well, if we don't do that, Washington and Moscow can reach a compromise in a bilateral format, and Kyiv will simply be confronted with the fact," he said. According to the expert, the summit in Geneva created an opportunity for Ukraine to convey its own principled position on Donbas, what Ukraine really wants, how it sees its relations with Russia in the next 10-20 years, etc.: "President Zelensky should use this in full during his visit to Washington, because this is exactly what the United States will be interested in and, in fact, they will proceed from this in its further dialogue with Russia." Moreover, he said, before their visit to Washington, the Ukrainian delegation must have an alternative to the Minsk agreements - if the United States, along with the EU and Russia, agrees to change it. "If there is no alternative from us, they will offer it to us. However, it does not necessarily mean that this alternative will fully take into account Ukrainian interests," Kusa said. Myroslav Liskovych, Kyiv Mitigating the effects of coronavirus on the economy is an important task for the government, Ukrainian Prime Minister Dmytro Shmyhal has said. He said this at a meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte in Vilnius on Friday, July 9, according to the website of the Ukrainian government. "Mitigating the impact of coronavirus on the economy is an important task of our government and requires a constant response to the needs of business, helping to restore its economic activity," Shmyhal said. The two countries' prime ministers emphasized the importance of countering the COVID-19 pandemic and overcoming its negative effects on the economy. Shmyhal noted that the increase in investment activity could be one of the drivers behind economic growth. He added that Ukraine was ready to use public-private partnerships to develop investment infrastructure, create a regional network of industrial parks and more. The involvement of Lithuanian business in the implementation of these projects will have a positive impact on bilateral relations, Shmyhal said. "It is important that Lithuanian companies see prospects for the development of the Ukrainian economy and new opportunities for the implementation of projects in Ukraine. Many of them are already working in our market," he said. Shmyhal also stressed that Ukraine appreciated Lithuania's contribution to the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU in a number of areas. He thanked the Lithuanian side for supporting Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Shmyhal thanked Lithuania for holding the Ukraine Reform Conference and noted the multifaceted and multilevel contribution of the Republic of Lithuania to the implementation of reforms in Ukraine. "I am convinced that everything that has been worked out and agreed upon after the Conference will be successfully implemented for the benefit of Ukraine, the Ukrainian-Lithuanian partnership and Europe as a whole," Shmyhal said. He invited Simonyte to pay a working visit to Ukraine in the near future. op Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar discussed with a delegation of the French Parliament the issue of recognizing COVID certificates between the two countries. According to the Foreign Ministrys press service, Bodnar met with the French parliamentary delegation on July 8. The parties noted the revival of bilateral interaction, primarily the recent conclusion of four bilateral agreements between the governments of Ukraine and France in the amount of EUR 1.3 billion. The interlocutors stressed the importance of further developing cooperation in the fields of tourism, digitalization, and youth exchanges in order contribute to deepening contacts between people. "The parties discussed the issues of mutual recognition of vaccination certificates between Ukraine and France, as well as the inclusion of Ukraine in the list of states for which temporary restrictions on optional travel to the EU are canceled," the report reads. The French side was briefed on the state of Ukraine's implementation of reforms within the framework of the Association Agreement with the EU. They agreed to involve French MPs in establishing interaction at the level of local governments of Ukraine and France. Bodnar also expressed interest in borrowing the French experience of interaction between the state and the diaspora. The deputy minister thanked the French delegation for its willingness to visit the administrative border with the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The French MPs stressed that their trip to southern Ukraine was also a clear signal of Paris' support for the Crimean Platform. As Ukrinform reported, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba invited Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod to conclude an agreement on the mutual recognition of COVID-19 certificates. ish A South Sudanese family previously displaced by violence returns home to Baliet, Malakal, in Upper Nile State. UNHCR/Igor Latluk UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today joins millions of South Sudanese as they mark 10 years of independence. On 9 July 2011, South Sudan emerged from decades of violence and strife as the worlds youngest nation. Yet in these 10 years, there has been more war than peace. Brutal conflict broke out in South Sudan in late 2013, undoing hard-won gains made since independence and ushering in a vicious cycle of inter-communal conflict and a dire humanitarian situation. Over 2.2 million people were forced to flee to neighboring countries in the region, mainly in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda. UNHCRs most recent report on displacement trends, released last month, placed South Sudan among the top five refugee producing countries globally Another 1.6 million have been internally displaced within South Sudan and cut off from education, livelihood, and protection. The internal and refugee displacement make South Sudan the largest displacement crisis in Africa. Some 7.2 million people or 60 percent of the countrys population are estimated to be acutely food insecure, making the country one of the worst food and nutrition crises globally. Yet, even with its challenges, South Sudan has opened its doors to generously host 320,000 refugees mainly from Sudan. Over the past decade, the nation has lurched from hope to strife and back again. Efforts to implement the national peace process have encouraged some 375,000 South Sudanese refugees to voluntarily return since November 2017. Another 1.6 million IDPs have also returned home. While UNHCR is not promoting or facilitating refugee returns at this time, we are providing assistance to those that have chosen to return, to help them start afresh. These are clear signs of peoples belief that South Sudan can return to peace and stability. We, therefore, need to do more to reimagine and recommit efforts towards the countrys peace, development, and future. Urgent and strategic action from humanitarian agencies, development partners and peacebuilding actors is needed to help returnees and the communities in which they settle to live in safety and dignity, with greater security and prosperity. We require financial resources to sustain current aid efforts, respond to future situational changes including supporting sustainable return as well as consolidate development gains. Our operation in South Sudan has received only 38 per cent of the US$224 million required this year. We need at least US$11 million specifically to operationalize and scale-up activities in return areas, including bolstering staff presence, strengthening border monitoring and the implementation of community-based projects. Development efforts should also be strengthened to improve peoples current living conditions and build future resilience. Enabling people to sustain themselves now, will not only allow them to give back to host communities, but support their eventual return and cement the path to peace. We believe that areas to which IDPs and refugees are returning can represent pockets of hope, places where people are making peace, and where money spent is money invested in the future of South Sudan. For more information on this topic, please contact: Dane County is asking residents to voice their opinions about what communities need special consideration this summer as the redistricting pro Taiwan's Embassy to Haiti says 11 suspected murderers of Moise arrested on its territory Moscow Jul 9 (UNI/Sputnik) The Embassy of the partially-recognized Republic of China (Taiwan) to Haiti said on Friday that 11 suspected murderers of Haitian President Jovenel Moise had been arrested on its territory. According to the embassy, on early Thursday, Haitian police asked the mission for a permit to conduct an operation on its territory to search the suspected attackers. "Being for a long time a solid friend and a reliable partner of the Republic of Haiti, the embassy has immediately granted a permit and allowed police officers to conduct an operation to search [for the suspects]," the mission said in a statement, adding that 11 suspects had been arrested on the territory of the diplomatic mission. Register for a FREE account to keep reading! Register now for a FREE account to keep reading. No cost and no credit card required! Access up to 5 articles per month when you register, or get unlimited access to all of our content online starting at $1.99 now! Already registered? Click the log in link below People drive east on Asotin Creek Road where it intersects with Cloverland Road as fire burns on the cliffside just to the south of the intersection in Asotin County. At least 78 people in Washington state died in recent heat wave, with 1 in Walla Walla County Sonora, CA (95370) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High around 100F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. No offense to John Paul Jones and those who keep his memory alive but a headline on our photo spread celebrating his 274th birthday last Sunday cannot go without at least a word or two on behalf of another sailor who can also lay claim to being the Father of the U.S. Navy. WHEN I served in combat in Iraq, I knew I was doing the right thing fighting for freedom, both for Iraqi civilians and for the folks at home. Back then, I never would have thought wed have to fight so hard for our freedoms including the freedom to start and grow a business absent untowa Union Springs, AL (36089) Today Cloudy this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 87F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Gilbert Alvarez and Tony Patlan pose for a photo, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, by East Grove Street and South LBJ Drive. Patlan says a new homeless shelter in the city would be great, as he and others could use the help. Tokyo, July 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) :Tokyo stocks opened lower on Friday following losses of US shares on concerns over the Delta variant of the coronavirus. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index tumbled 1.35 percent or 380.78 points to 27,737.25 at the open, while the broader Topix index fell 1.21 percent or 23.18 points to 1,897.14. Rupganj, Bangladesh, July 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) :A massive blaze tore through a Bangladesh factory killing at least 52 people trapped by flames that forced many workers to leap for their lives from upper floors, police said Friday. About 30 people were injured and hundreds of distraught relatives and other workers waited anxiously outside the food factory as the fire continued to rage. The inferno was the latest to tarnish Bangladesh's safety record marred by a series of disasters in industrial complexes and apartment buildings. In February 2019 at least 70 people died when an inferno ripped through Dhaka apartments where chemicals were illegally stored. The latest fire broke out at Hashem Food and Beverage factory in Rupganj, an industrial town outside Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon and was still raging almost 24 hours later. Police initially gave a toll of three dead but it rose dramatically as firefighters reached the upper floors and started bringing out dozens of bodies of trapped workers. The charred victims were piled in a fleet of ambulances to take them to mortuaries amid anguished shouts and tears from people watching in the streets. Police dispersed hundreds of people who blocked nearby roads and clashed with officers. Some of the more than 30 people injured jumped from the upper floors as flames quickly engulfed the six-storey building, police inspector Sheikh Kabirul islam said. Emergency services were battling to put out the fire on the fifth and sixth floors. Firefighters rescued 25 people from the roof of the factory that made noodles fruit juices and candy were made. "Once the fire is under control, we will conduct a search and rescue operation inside. Then we can confirm any further casualties, if any," Debashish Bardhan, fire service spokesman, told AFP. Dinu Moni Sharma, head of the Dhaka fire department, said the fire took off because highly flammable chemicals and plastics had been stockpiled inside. Mohammad Saiful, a factory worker who escaped, said dozens of people were inside when the blaze erupted. "On the third floor, gates on both stairwells were closed. Other colleagues are saying there were 48 people inside. I don't know what happened to them," he said. Mamun, another worker, said he and 13 other workers ran to the roof after the fire broke out on the ground floor and black smoke quickly choked the whole factory. "Firefighters brought us down by using rope," he told reporters. As clouds of smoke billowed from the factory building, many of the waiting relatives said they feared the worst. Nazrul Islam said: "We came here because my niece was not receiving our phone calls for a while. And now the phone is not ringing at all. We are worried." PortauPrince, July 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) :Police in Haiti on Thursday hunted down suspects in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, with four alleged perpetrators killed and one American among those arrested as the country lurched into chaos. The poorest country in the Americas now has no president or working parliament and two men claiming to be in charge as prime minister. The streets of the capital Port-au-Prince were tense, and shops, banks and gas stations closed, with no immediate information on who killed the president or why. The main airport was also closed, as was the border with the Dominican Republic. United Nations envoy to Haiti, Helen La Lime, speaking from the Haitian capital, said four members of a group that attacked the president's private residence early Wednesday and shot the president have been killed by police and six others were in custody. "I'm also aware that a larger group of possible perpetrators have taken refuge in two buildings in the city and they are now surrounded by the police," La Lime told journalists in New York via video conference. Mathias Pierre, Haiti's elections minister, said the arrested American was of Haitian origin, although he did not confirm press reports identifying the man as James Solages. "Among the assailants, six are in the hands of the police," National Police Director Leon Charles told a press conference. "We already have the physical perpetrators in hand and we are looking for the intellectual perpetrators." The country is observing two weeks of mourning for the death of Moise. - Where was his security? - "Jovenel Moise was not terribly popular, but he was the president. He cannot be killed as if he were just an ordinary citizen," said a 55-year-old man in Port-au-Prince, who gave his name only as Paul. A 28-year-old woman named Julia said she was wary of the police claims that foreign mercenaries killed the president. "Where were the well-equipped police who watch over the president night and day? Why didn't they react?" she asked. In the Petionville neighborhood of the capital on Thursday, a crowd brought two men to a police station and called for them to be lynched. In total, four men said to be in on the killing were being held at the police station, but it was not confirmed that they were actually suspects in the assassination. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph has declared a national "state of siege" and said he was now in charge. Joseph has only been in his post as prime minister for three months, and was due to step down within days after Moise named a replacement on Monday. Joseph's replacement, Ariel Henry, said Joseph "is no longer prime minister in my opinion." "Does a country have several prime ministers?" asked Henry. Moise's wounded wife, Martine, was treated at a local hospital then rushed by air ambulance to the Ryder Trauma Center in Miami. Joseph said her situation was stable. During the assassination, a maid and another domestic staff member were reportedly tied up by the commandos who allegedly shouted "DEA operation" as they burst in. - Political meltdown - Haiti's ambassador to Washington, Bocchit Edmond, said the killers were "professional" mercenaries disguised as US Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Joseph on Wednesday said the president was "assassinated at his home by foreigners who spoke English and Spanish." The unpopular Moise had ruled Haiti by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. As well as presidential, legislative and local elections, Haiti was due to hold a constitutional referendum in September this year 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. Washington also called for Haiti to proceed with the elections, with the State Department spokesman saying a fair vote would "facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected president." Moise, a successful businessman, campaigned for power as a populist and was sworn in on February 2017. The end date of his mandate became the source of a standoff, as Moise maintained that his term of office ran until February 7, 2022, but others said it ended on February 7, 2021. The disagreement arose after 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. Many fear Haiti could be set for deepening violence. "How much worse can hell get?" asked Haiti expert Irwin Stotzky at the University of Miami. "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." Tegucigalpa, July 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) :An Italian citizen was lynched on Thursday by a group of villagers in southern Honduras after he was accused of killing one of his neighbors, police said. "An angry mob of some 600 armed people broke into a private property with the apparent intention of taking the life of a foreign citizen," a statement said. The attack, in which the mob set fire to the victim's home and vehicle, took place in the Yusguare municipality of Choluteca department, located about 80 kilometers south of Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital. Police said their agents tried to mediate with the mob but the group did not comply with a call for order and committed "several illegal acts" that resulted in the death of Giorgio Scanu. They held him "responsible for the recent death of a resident," police said. Authorities have opened an investigation to "find those responsible," they said in a statement. Local media broadcast videos of the angry mob breaking into the victim's home. According to reports, the Italian was attacked with sticks, machetes and stones, after being accused of killing 74-year-old neighbor Juan de Dios Flores on Wednesday. CHICAGO, US,9 July (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) -:Drugmaker Pfizer-BioNTech announced Friday that they are asking the US food and Drug Administration to approve their new COVID booster shot, which they say would increase protection against the virus. The companies started researching the effectiveness of a third booster shot back in February, as a way to protect against possible variants of COVID-19. The new booster shot they have come up with does not specifically target any COVID variant, and US health officials have already said that the current vaccines on the market protect against the surging Delta variant. But Pfizer-BioNTech say they have seen "encouraging data" that their booster shot, in general, provides more effective COVID protection when administered within six months after the second dose. Separately, Pfizer said that it is working on a vaccine just to target the Delta variant, in case it is needed, and will begin clinical trials in August. Some industry experts have warned that profit could be more a motivating factor for drug companies eager to get new vaccines approved by the FDA. But Pfizer pointed to the situation in Israel: the nation saw a vaccine rollout that was earlier and more effective than in many other countries. Seven months later, however, vaccine effectiveness appears to be waning as the Delta variant spreads and the Israeli government has reinstated an indoor mask mandate. In the US, the problem remains vaccine hesitancy colliding with the Delta variant, which may be more transmissible and more dangerous. Virtually all of the COVID deaths recorded in the US now are people who did not get any vaccine, and the Delta variant has become the dominant strain of COVID in the country. Hanoi, July 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) :Vietnam's economic hub Ho Chi Minh City began a two-week lockdown Friday in the hope to contain the country's worst Covid-19 virus outbreak. The city of nine million had previously been subjected to travel restrictions for a month but infection rates were steadily rising -- with more than 9,400 cases registered. Before the outbreak kicked off in late April, Vietnam had recorded fewer than 3,000 cases across the entire country. Vietnamese authorities are not using the term lockdown but are calling the measures "social isolation orders". Ho Chi Minh City residents are now barred from gathering in groups larger than pairs in public, and people are only allowed to leave home to buy food, medicine and in case of emergencies. Police have set up check-points at city borders and only those with negative test results can get in. Airlines can carry a maximum of 1,700 passengers to the capital Hanoi per day, aviation authorities said, while trains between Vietnam's two major destinations have been suspended. "Our busy city has become extremely quiet," Tran Phuong, a Saigonese resident told AFP. "I am anxious that these strict measures cannot help because the virus is now deep across the community." Vietnam had once been hailed as a model for virus containment as a result of extensive contact tracing and strict quarantine rules. All close contacts of virus patients have been put under state-controlled quarantine facilities. Ho Chi Minh City was the first to adjust the strict policy, allowing close contacts to home quarantine because state-run isolation centres are overloaded. Earlier state media reported more than 80 inmates and guards had tested positive at the city's Chi Hoa jail. Gunshots rang out from inside the prison Tuesday, but it remains unclear what had happened. Vietnam is juggling its desire to contain the virus with its economic growth goals. The country has been among the best performing economies in Asia, reporting strong growth of 6.61 percent in the second quarter. "The lockdown... is too hard. It will severely affect people. Our business has been suspended, so no income. Our life has been quite difficult," motorbike parts trader Nguyen Thi My Dung told AFP. Vietnam, which has a population of close to 100 million, has administered almost four million doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Authorities want to reach herd immunity by the end of the year or early 2022. Vietnam is developing its own vaccines and has ordered millions of doses from abroad. Pakistan Red Crescent Society in collaboration with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Department of Health has launched "Corona Free Kashmir initiative" under which AJK people would be vaccinated through mobile vaccination units in different districts of the state MIRPUR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) : Pakistan Red Crescent Society in collaboration with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Department of Health has launched "Corona Free Kashmir initiative" under which AJK people would be vaccinated through mobile vaccination units in different districts of the state. The campaign was launched after an inaugural ceremony held at Kashmir House in the Federal metropolis on Friday, AJK President office said late Friday. The ceremony was attended by President AJK Sardar Masood Khan, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society Abrar-ul-Haq, Secretary-General PRCS, Dr Adeel Nawaz, officials of AJK Health Department, Healthcare workers, and PRCS volunteers. Under the first phase of the initiative, vaccination mobile units have been established in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. AJK will provide doctors and paramedics while PRCS will deploy its ambulances and volunteers for the mass vaccination under this important initiative. Speaking on the occasion, AJK President Sardar Masood Khan while lauding the efforts of PRCS in combating the coronavirus pandemic said the swift action taken by the national society has played a key role in preventing the spread of coronavirus in AJK and other parts of Pakistan. The President said PRCS's AJK Chapter and its dedicated team of volunteers have also played a key role in containing the spread of the virus by distributing PPEs among the healthcare workers, providing food and non-food items to deserving people, and creating awareness among the masses about the pandemic. "The PRCS has always been in the forefront to help the vulnerable communities in AJK", he added. President Khan also paid tributes to philanthropists for helping the affected people and the government in coping with the challenge. The government, he said, was also helping the affected from its own resources. Appreciating the passion and enthusiasm of Chairman PRCS, Abrar ul Haq, the AJK President said his vast experience as a social entrepreneur has helped the PRCS to raise its profile and would give further impetus to the organizations. He expressed his deep gratitude to Abrar-ul- Haq for choosing AJK for the mass vaccination campaign and assured full support to him and his organization in this regard. PRCS Chairman Abrarul Haq has said his organization has expanded its recently launched campaign for door-to-door and mobile vaccination against the covid-19 to contain the spread of the virus in the country. As a part of the initiative, the mobile vaccination drive is in full swing in Islamabad Capital Territory and other parts of the country in collaboration with the government. He said under the Corona Free Kashmir initiative, the PRCS and the AJK government would take all necessary measures to contain the spread of diseases in all 10 districts of Azad Kashmir. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2021 ) :Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Friday paid tributes to Mother of the Nation Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on the occasion of her 54th death anniversary. In a tweet the minister said, it was a great honor for his family that his paternal uncle Chaudhry Altaf was one of the key leaders of her caravan in West Pakistan in the 1964 elections. Sharing a rare group photo of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on the occasion of her arrival in Jhelum, he said this memorable picture was an asset of his family. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th July, 2021) Bolivia denounced the former Argentine President, Mauricio Macri, for sending weapons to Bolivia during the Bolivian coup d'etat in 2019 in violation of international norms, the president, Luis Arce Catacora, said on Twitter. "We repudiate the support of the government of Argentina's former president, Mauricio Macri, for the coup that we experienced in 2019 in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. The sending of military material to repress the Bolivian people contravenes international norms," the Bolivian president said late on Thursday. This statement was made after the current resident of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, apologized for the fact that Buenos Aires supported rebel forces in Bolivia. He added that Macri's administration had sent tear gas and rubber bullets to the neighboring country. "We ratify our ties of brotherhood with the Argentine people, and we recognize the solidarity and support of Brother President Alberto Fernandez," Arce said. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is currently investigating the events of 2019 through an interdisciplinary group of independent experts, as Fernandez said on Thursday. In November 2019, Evo Morales resigned as president of Bolivia and left the country under pressure from the military, after the opposition, led by Carlos Mesa, claimed electoral fraud during the October 2019 vote. Most of Bolivia's senior officials resigned in his wake. Fernandez gave asylum to Morales during that period of time. Power in the country was assumed by former opposition vice-speaker of the senate, Jeanine Anez. Morales called the events a coup. Anez arranged for a new presidential vote, which took place on October 18, 2020. The election was won by Arce from Morales' Movement for Socialism party. Morales returned to Bolivia in November 2020. PORT-AU-PRINCE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th July, 2021) AU-PRINCE, July 8 (Sputnik) - There are three foreigners among eliminated suspects of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, the head of the country's police Leon Charles said at a press conference. "So far we have arrested six people for their alleged involvement in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, four others have been eliminated, of which three are foreigners," he said and confirmed that the organizers of the murder were still at large. At the same time, the Haiti24 portal reported that the Haitian police had detained two more people in connection with the assassination of the country's president, thus raising the number of those detained in this case to eight. The Haitian president was fatally wounded in an attack on his residence on Wednesday night. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th July, 2021) The companies of Pfizer and BioNTech will provide the US food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with the information about the third dose of its coronavirus vaccine viewed as a booster of their drug. "[We] plan to submit the data to the FDA, EMA and other regulatory authorities in the coming weeks," the companies said in a joint statement on late Thursday. Pfizer and BioNTech pointed out that they had received "encouraging data" on the booster trial of the third dose of their vaccine. "Initial data from the study demonstrate that a booster dose given 6 months after the second dose has a consistent tolerability profile while eliciting high neutralization titers against the wild type and the Beta variant, which are 5 to 10 times higher than after two Primary doses," the statement reads. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. To date, more than 185.48 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 4 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th July, 2021) At least three people died and another 25 were injured in an ongoing fire at a juice factory in the Narayanganj District of Bangladesh, the UNB news agency reported on Friday. The fire broke out at the seven-story building of the Hashem Foods factory on Thursday, with firefighters continuing putting off flames as of Friday morning, according to the report. The injured victims have been hospitalized. Some of them jumped off windows in a bid to escape from the blaze. One of the survivors told the UNB that the toll of casualties is likely to change as some 7,000 to 8,000 people were working inside the factory. (@FahadShabbir) Surging COVID-19 infections during peak periods of the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in overloaded health care systems, could be responsible for up to a quarter of deaths for hospitalized patients, according to a report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Thursday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th July, 2021) Surging COVID-19 infections during peak periods of the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in overloaded health care systems, could be responsible for up to a quarter of deaths for hospitalized patients, according to a report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Thursday. "A new study... suggests that one in four COVID-19 deaths in US hospitals may have been attributed to hospitals strained by surging caseloads," an NIH press release explaining the report said. The surge-mortality relationship was stronger during surging COVID-19 hospital admissions from June to August 2020 versus March to May 2020, despite improved treatments as the pandemic progressed, the release said. Surges were associated with mortality across patients in wards, intensive care units (ICU) and intubations, the release added. By tracking caseload data, the report suggests hospitals could reduce deaths by preemptively diverting patients to other facilities and by requesting outside help sooner, according to the release. The report was authored by NIH scientists, in collaboration with colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Harvard and Emory universities. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th July, 2021) A Federal judge has sentenced New York City lawyer Michael Avenatti to two and a half years in prison for trying to extort more than $20 million out of the Nike Company and for defrauding his own client, the US Department of Justice said on Thursday. "Audrey Strauss, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Michael Avenatti was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court by United States District Judge Paul Gardephe to 30 months in prison for attempting to extort Nike and for defrauding a client," the Justice Department said in a press release. Avenatti was previously found guilty on February 14, 2020, following a three-week jury trial. He had demanded to be paid between $15 million and $25 million by the company as a retainer or get a total payment from it of $22. 5 million to resolve any claims his client might have and to buy his silence, the release said. "Michael Avenatti used illegal and extortionate threats and betrayed one of his clients for the purpose of seeking to obtain millions of Dollars for himself. Not only did Avenatti attempt to weaponize his law license and celebrity to seek to extort payments for himself, he also defrauded his own client," the release also said. According to the complaint, superseding indictment, court documents and evidence presented at trial, Avenatti used threats of economic and reputational harm to seek to extort Nike while defrauding his client and had threatened to hold a press conference on the eve of Nike's quarterly earnings call at which he would announce allegations of misconduct by employees of the company, the release added. The Cambodian government is considering administering a third dose for fully-vaccinated citizens, the Health Ministry said on Thursday, as other countries make similar announcements to boost existing vaccine efficacy. At a Thursday press conference, Or Vandine said that Phnom Penhs vaccine drive had been finished ending with little more than 2 million people fully vaccinated. The government has predominantly used two Chinese-made vaccines to accelerate its vaccination drive Sinopharm in red zone areas and Sinovac in the rest of the city. The Health Ministry senior official said the government was considering a third dose, but only trials and research backed up the use of a booster shot for COVID-19. We are now considering a third dose of the vaccine or booster... but we are waiting for the global scientific study first, she told reporters in Phnom Penh. She said health officials will continue the rapid vaccination of citizens, hoping to reach 10 million vaccinated people by October this year. Vaccines are very crucial. It helps protect us from deaths or causing serious illness from COVID-19. This is the benefit of vaccines, she added. Reached on Telegram, Or Vandine expressed confidence in the vaccines used in Cambodia, including Sinovac, adding that the medications had been approved by the World Health Organization. Despite Prime Minister Hun Sens assurances, the government used both Sinopharm and Sinovac since March before they were approved by the World Health Organization. On May 7, WHO approved Sinopharm with an efficacy of 79 percent and Sinovac was approved on June 1 with 52 percent protection against symptomatic disease and 100 percent against hospitalizations and deaths. Other countries have considered or are already giving booster shots to supplement existing vaccines, especially the Chinese-made vaccines. The United Arab Emirates is giving its residents a third dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, according to the Wall Street Journal. Bahrain is following two doses of Sinopharm with a Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with Turkey following suit and giving people a third shot of the U.S.-made vaccine to protect from the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. Reuters reported on Thursday that Indonesia and Thailand are considering offering a booster shot to their medical workers immunized with Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine. Phay Siphan, a government spokesperson, said Chinese-made vaccines were a strategic good in the fight against COVID-19. The Health Ministry on Friday reported 30 deaths, bringing the tally to 855, and 988 new cases with total cases passing the 59,000 cases mark. The U.N.s top diplomat in Haiti said Thursday that there have been more arrests in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and that police have surrounded a larger group of possible suspects at their hideouts. What I have now is that in the last 12 hours, reports have emerged that four members of the group that raided the presidential residence have been killed, while another six are now in police custody, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti Helen La Lime told reporters via a video link from Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince. I am also aware that a larger group of possible perpetrators have taken refuge in two buildings in the city, and that they are now surrounded by the police. She said she could not confirm that those numbers were the most up-to-date. On Wednesday, Haitian officials had said four suspects were killed in a shootout with police, while two others they described as mercenaries, were arrested. La Lime briefed the U.N. Security Council in a private meeting following Wednesdays shocking assassination of President Moise in an attack that also badly injured his wife, Martine. La Lime said Haitis U.N. envoy, Antonio Rodrigue, asked the council for additional security assistance. The U.N. no longer has a peacekeeping mission on the island, only a political one. We should be looking at this assistance. Haiti needs to specify exactly what it is they are after, she said. In the meantime, we need to continue to use the technical assistance we have on the ground, maybe render it more dynamic, so that we can call on additional support. She said the next two weeks will be critical in making sure the investigation moves forward and that the perpetrators are brought to justice. In a statement late Wednesday, the 15-nation U.N. Security Council strongly condemned the assassination and called for justice. The council also urged all political stakeholders in the country to refrain from any acts of violence or inciting people to violence. The council appealed for calm, restraint and dialogue, and the avoidance of any act that could lead to more instability. Key Events in Haiti Before Killing of Haitian President Moise Assassination occurred amid political and other crises in the Caribbean country Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph says he has taken charge of the country and declared a state of siege. Haiti is without a functioning parliament and there are fears the assassination could trigger deepening instability. La Lime said Joseph has assured the U.N. that his government is committed to dialogue and to continuing the process to hold elections on time. A first round of presidential and parliamentary elections is planned for September 26, and a second round in November. On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with her Haitian counterpart. In a statement, she expressed condolences on the assassination of Haitis president and the attack on his wife and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The United States echoes calls for calm, and we are committed to working together to support democracy, rule of law, and peace in Haiti, she said. South Africa's high court on Friday (July 9) dismissed former president Jacob Zuma's application to block his arrest for contempt of court, days after he handed himself over to police to begin a 15-month jail term. "The application is dismissed with costs," the judge presiding over the case said. The constitutional court last week ordered Zuma jailed for refusing to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in office from 2009. Though he turned himself in on Wednesday (July 7) night, Zuma has challenged his sentence. Zuma's jail order has been seen as the most dramatic chapter yet in his journey from a revered anti-apartheid activist to a politician tainted by multiple charges of sleaze and corruption, all of which he denies. Zuma, 79, denies widespread corruption and has maintained he is the victim of a political witch-hunt. UNICEF said Thursday it has signed a deal to provide up to 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to African Union member states by the end of 2022. The child humanitarian group announced in a statement the agreement was reached with Belgium-based and J&J-owned Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. An additional 35 million doses of the single-dose vaccine could be delivered to the African Unions 55-member states by the end of this year and another 180 million doses could be ordered by years end, UNICEF said. African countries must have affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccine access has been unequal and unfair, with less than 1 per cent of the population of the African continent currently vaccinated against COVID-19. This cannot continue, said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. UNICEF, with its long history of delivering vaccines all around the world, is supporting global COVID-19 vaccination efforts through AVAT, COVAX, and other channels to maximize supply and access to vaccines. The J&J vaccine received emergency approval from the World Health Organization in March. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Zimbabwe recently scrapped rules requiring sole state ownership for cannabis farming to encourage investment in the plant for industrial and medicinal uses. Zimbabwe is Africa's largest tobacco producer, but authorities expect hemp export earnings to start replacing tobacco. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. South Africans have been reacting after Jacob Zuma handed himself to begin a 15-month prison sentence. The country's justice minister has said the ex-president could be freed in around four months. David Doyle has more. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. Plan a magical wedding day in Vermont, whether ablaze with fall color, capped with snow, or lush with the green of summer. If you're interested in learning more, click here. Weddings Local news is important. It's the information that will directly impact your life because its going on around you, every day. Join our group of dedicated readers today ... Subscribe Stowe, VT (05672) Today Cloudy with rain ending for the afternoon. High near 70F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. DMX. Photo: Taylor Hill/WireImage DMX officially died from a cocaine-induced heart attack that caused a lack of blood circulation to his brain, a source from the Westchester County medical examiners office told Vulture. It was cardiac arrest for a period of time, so there was no circulation to the brain, the source said, later explaining that acute cocaine intoxication had caused this chain of events. The Party Up (Up in Here) rapper, whose legal name was Earl Simmons, died on April 9 at age 50 in Westchester County, New York. Simmons was hospitalized on April 2. It was previously reported that he had suffered a drug overdose and a heart attack, though specifics were inconsistent. An analysis of Simmonss urine showed the presence of cocaine. The medical examiners office did not perform an autopsy, as they had determined the cause of death based upon documentation furnished by medical professionals and police, the source said. The source explained that someone had called for emergency help at 10:03 p.m. on April 2, and paramedics were dispatched one minute later. They arrived on the scene at 10:09 p.m. and started trying to revive Simmons at 10:10. There was about a 30-to-40-minute interval between the arrival of paramedics and Simmonss arrival at the hospital. Although his heart was revived at one point and there was a pulse, his brain was already dead. His death literally happened immediately because the brain was dead, the source added. So obviously, there were a number of days where he was on ventilatory support and so forth in the hospital, the source said. However, he was diagnosed brain-dead early on He never woke up from [a] coma. Murray Richman, Simmonss longtime attorney, slammed unsubstantiated rumors that his death had anything to do with the COVID-19 vaccine. Persons who made that statement had no basis to formulate a belief, Richman said. He also confirmed that Simmons never had COVID nor did he receive the vaccine. Following Simmonss death, his family said in a statement, Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart, and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earls music inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever. Simmons, who grew up in Yonkers, started performing in 1984. He made his name in the underground rap scene, initially as a beatboxer for Ready Ron and eventually with his own demos and mixtapes. After Simmons worked with New York City rap titans Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Ma$e, the LOX, and Lil Kim in the 1990s, he ultimately signed with Def Jam Recordings. His debut single with Def Jam, Get at Me Dog, quickly became a hit, reaching the Hot 100s Top 40. He put out his first album, Its Dark and Hell Is Hot, in May 1998; it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is considered a 1990s hip-hop classic that solidified Simmonss characteristically grave subject matter and his raspy voice. His eighth album, Exodus, was posthumously released in May. With reporting from Justin Curto. Scarlett Johansson plays Natasha one last time (for now) in an espionage adventure thats as much a criticism of the character as a good-bye. Photo: Marvel Studios Natasha Romanoff does something unprecedented early in Black Widow. The Marvel Cinematic Universes bombshell superspy, its cat-suited resident purveyor of flying-scissor takedowns, pops the top off a beer and then settles in, barefaced and in comfortable clothing, to watch a movie on her laptop. She is, admittedly, in hiding at the time Black Widow takes place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, when Natasha is on the run from General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt). Still, its a moment of unguarded enjoyment that feels like its meant to stand in for all the personal time gone unglimpsed during the decade-plus in which the character, whos played by Scarlett Johansson, has been an ensemble player in the biggest franchise around Natasha reciting lines alongside the actors in her flick of choice, Moonraker, as though shes seen it a million times before. Shes one of the most life-size members of the Avengers (I doubt that god from space has to take an ibuprofen after a fight, someone dryly quips at her in the new movie), but the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasnt had much interest in her humanity outside of the context of the latest venture into saving the world. Black Widow has arrived to finally give a sense of what makes Natasha Romanoff tick, and all it took was her death. And death, in the MCU, can be as much a financial concern as a mortal one, what with the younger, cheaper stars waiting in the wings with their freshly signed multi-picture contracts. Black Widow, which was directed by the Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland (Lore), is a barbed farewell to Natasha that also serves as a more enjoyable introduction to her replacement, Yelena (Florence Pugh). Yelena spent three years of her childhood living undercover in Ohio, The Americans-style, with Natasha and their parents, Melina (Rachel Weisz, criminally underused) and Alexei (a hammy David Harbour). A fellow survivor of the Red Room, the Soviet-born training and brainwashing program that made Natasha who she is, Yelena is in hiding herself after being freed from its control. Shes as formidable as her temporary older sibling while being earthier, funnier, and more naive, and Pugh is such a bright, robust presence in the film that, as fun as she is, its also hard to think about how much of her next few years will be consumed by her obligations to this role. Natasha and Yelena begrudgingly join up to take down the Red Room, which has quietly kept operating under the control of Dreykov, whom Ray Winstone plays as a kind of evil, Russian-esque Bela Karolyi. As they do, they fall into a rhythm of casual bickering, with witticisms the script was written by Thor: Ragnaroks Eric Pearson in line with the standard Marvel banter. But they accrue to form a deflating critique of Natashas character. Yelena rags on her adoptive sisters tendency to do a superhero landing: Theyre great poses, but it does look like you think everyones looking at you all the time. She teases Natasha about being a minor member of her outsize team. She offers a retort to whats been Natashas repeated refrain about her motivations over the years that in striving to make up for her time as a trained killer, shes just managed to become a killer that little girls call their hero. Most pointed of all is the detailed, darkly comic description of getting forcibly sterilized that Yelena offers up to make Alexei uncomfortable, their mission requiring them to reassemble their artificial family. It feels like a direct counterpoint to Natashas infamous confession about the same experience back in Avengers: Age of Ultron, one that ended with her telling Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Youre not the only monster on the team. Natasha Romanoff first appeared in Iron Man 2 in 2010 as a personal assistant to Robert Downey Jr.s Tony Stark who was proficient at her job, comely in a pencil skirt, and, shock of shocks, actually an ass-kicking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent sent to assess her would-be boss. As the first and, for years, only woman superhero in the franchise, she embodied a mass of contradictory corporate strong-female-character impulses. She was sexualized, but with the caveat that it was by her own design, an outward-facing strategy to disarm or be underestimated, her appearance placed in implicit contrast to her capacity to fight. She didnt actually have sex, because it doesnt exist in the MCU, but also because the franchise had trouble contending with her as someone who might have desires of her own, not to mention (passing WarGames references aside) a capacity for pleasure its why the scene of her watching a movie in Black Widow stands out. When she did embark on a romance, it was a tortured one with the canonically chaste Bruce who, as the Hulk, almost killed her, resulting in one of the rare scenes in which she showed terror. Even as the franchise added enough women around her to enable excruciating girl-power moments, she retained a hollowness, forever bent on atonement, dedicating her life to some vague idea of doing good as a counterbalance for actions she had no control over. Natasha does more atoning in Black Widow, though its very specifically for choices she made on her own and that shes given an opportunity to apologize for choices involving collateral damage during her efforts to defect and clear-cutting her ties to the past. Black Widow is serviceable enough for an MCU installment, for whatever that means now, with its array of accents ranging from decent to Boris-and-Natasha, and action thats more visually coherent than the chaotic norm, especially in smaller-scale setpieces like the Bourne-esque one in which Natasha and Yelena have it out in the kitchen of a safe house. Its a narrative cul-de-sac, blessedly free of major cameos or having to do too much setup for the future aside from bringing in Yelena the big mysteries it addresses are why Natasha went blonde and how she got a particular item of clothing. That it feels like its half at war with its title character, bringing her firmly to Earth (until she, like Bond in Moonraker, has to make her way to a high-altitude villains lair) and insisting on emotional coherence from her personal history, is its most interesting quality, though its maybe not as revolutionary as it first seems. Marvels cinematic and now televisual universe has persisted for long enough for self-criticism to be its latest stage. Loki feels like a self-reflexive exercise in trying to make sense of its characters transformation from supervillain to anti-hero; The Falcon and the Winter Soldier fumbled its way through a racial reckoning regarding the patriotism innate to the role of Captain America; and now Black Widow has arrived to own up to shortcomings of the propertys first female superhero before sloughing her off. This development could be read as progress, but it feels more accurate to see it as a sign of a franchise thats large and canny enough to just use critiques as a means of selling new properties and new characters. Theres no stopping the MCU, an observation that feels as much like an admission of defeat as a statement of fact at least the latest slate of actors getting pulled into its inexorable orbit are a pleasure to watch. Here's a look at the death penalty in the United States. Facts As of March 24, 2021, capital punishment is legal in 27 US states. Three of those states have governor-imposed moratoriums. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 17 people were executed in the United States in 2020. The number of death sentences imposed was 18. There are 2,591 people on death row in the United States as of December 16, 2020. Since 1976, when the death penalty was reinstated by the US Supreme Court, states have executed 1,532 people (as of March 2021). Since 1973, there have been 185 death row exonerations (as of March 2021). Thirty of them are from the state of Florida. Federal Government The US government and US military have 49 people awaiting execution as of 2021. The US government has executed 16 people since 1988 when the federal death penalty statute was reinstated. The first federal execution since 2003 took place in July 2020. Females According to the Criminal Justice Project of the NAACP, there are 51 women on death row in the United States as of October 1, 2020. As of January 13, 2021, 17 women have been executed since the reinstatement of the death penalty. Juveniles Twenty-two individuals were executed between 1976 and 2005 for crimes committed as juveniles. March 1, 2005 - Roper v. Simmons. The Supreme Court rules that the execution of juvenile offenders is unconstitutional. Clemency Since 1976, 294 individuals have been granted clemency. For federal death row inmates, the president alone has the power to grant a pardon. Timeline 1834 - Pennsylvania becomes the first state to move executions into correctional facilities, ending public executions. 1846 - Michigan becomes the first state to abolish the death penalty for all crimes except treason. 1890 - William Kemmler becomes the first person executed by electrocution. 1907-1917 - Nine states abolish the death penalty for all crimes or strictly limit it. By 1920, five of those states had reinstated it. 1924 - The use of cyanide gas is introduced as an execution method. June 29, 1972 - Furman v. Georgia. The Supreme Court effectively voids 40 death penalty statutes and suspends the death penalty. 1976 - Gregg v. Georgia. The death penalty is reinstated. January 17, 1977 - A 10-year moratorium on the death penalty ends with the execution of Gary Gilmore by firing squad in Utah. 1977 - Oklahoma becomes the first state to adopt lethal injection as a means of execution. December 7, 1982 - Charles Brooks becomes the first person executed by lethal injection. 1984 - Velma Barfield of North Carolina becomes the first woman executed since reinstatement of the death penalty. 1986 - Ford v. Wainwright. Execution of insane persons is banned. 1987 - McCleskey v. Kemp. Racial disparities are not recognized as a constitutional violation of "equal protection of the law" unless intentional racial discrimination against the defendant can be shown. 1988 - Thompson v. Oklahoma. Executions of offenders age 15 and younger at the time of their crimes are declared unconstitutional. 1996 - The last execution by hanging takes place in Delaware, with the death of Billy Bailey. January 31, 2000 - A moratorium on executions is declared by Illinois Governor George Ryan. Since 1976, Illinois is the first state to block executions. 2002 - Atkins v. Virginia. The Supreme Court rules that the execution of mentally disabled defendants violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. January 2003 - Before leaving office, Governor Ryan grants clemency to all the remaining 167 inmates on Illinois's death row, due to the flawed process that led to the death sentences. June 12, 2006 - The Supreme Court rules that death row inmates can challenge the use of lethal injection as a method of execution. December 17, 2007 - New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signs legislation abolishing the death penalty in the state. The death sentences of eight men are commuted to sentences of life without parole. April 16, 2008 - In a 7-2 ruling, the US Supreme Court upholds use of lethal injection. Between September 2007, when the Court took on the case, and April 2008, no one was executed in the United States due to the de facto moratorium the Court placed on executions while it heard arguments in Baze v. Rees. March 18, 2009 - Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico signs legislation repealing the death penalty in his state. His actions will not affect two prisoners currently on death row: Robert Fry, who killed a woman in 2000, and Tim Allen, who killed a 17-year-old girl in 1994. November 13, 2009 - Ohio becomes the first state to switch to a method of lethal injection using a single drug, rather than the three-drug method used by other states. March 9, 2011 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announces that he has signed legislation eliminating the death penalty in his state, more than 10 years after the state halted executions. March 16, 2011 - The Drug Enforcement Agency seizes Georgia's supply of thiopental, over questions of where the state obtained the drug. US manufacturer Hospira stopped producing the drug in 2009. The countries that still produce the drug do not allow it to be exported to the United States for use in lethal injections. May 20, 2011 - The Georgia Department of Corrections announces that pentobarbital will be substituted for thiopental in the three-drug lethal injection process. July 1, 2011 - Lundbeck Inc., the company that makes pentobarbital (brand name Nembutal), announces it will restrict the use of its product from prisons carrying out capital punishment. November 22, 2011 - Governor John Kitzhaber of Oregon places a moratorium on all state executions for the remainder of his term in office. April 25, 2012 - Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signs S.B. 280, An Act Revising the Penalty for Capital Felonies, into law. The law goes into effect immediately and replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The law is not retroactive to those already on death row. May 2, 2013 - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signs a bill repealing the death penalty. The law goes into effect October 1. January 16, 2014 - Ohio executes inmate Dennis McGuire with a new combination of drugs, due to the unavailability of drugs such as pentobarbital. The state uses a combination of the drugs midazolam and hydromorphone, according to the state corrections department. The execution process takes 24 minutes, and McGuire appears to be gasping for air for 10 to 13 minutes, according to witness Alan Johnson, a reporter with the Columbus Dispatch. In May 2014, an Ohio judge issues an order suspending executions in the state so that authorities can further study new lethal injection protocols. In 2015, Ohio announces that it is reincorporating thiopental sodium, a drug which it used in executions from 1999-2011. February 11, 2014 - Washington Governor Jay Inslee announces that he is issuing a moratorium on death penalty cases during his term in office. May 22, 2014 - Tennessee becomes the first state to make death by electric chair mandatory when lethal injection drugs are unavailable. July 23, 2014 - Arizona uses a new combination of drugs for the lethal injection to execute Joseph Woods, a convicted murderer. After the injection, it reportedly took him nearly two hours to die. A state review board later rules that future executions will be conducted with a three-drug formula or a single drug injection if the state can obtain pentobarbital. September 4, 2014 - The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety issues a report about the botched execution of Clayton Lockett on April 29, 2014. Complications with the placement of an IV into Lockett played a significant role in problems with his execution, according to the report. It took 43 minutes for him to die. December 31, 2014 - O'Malley commutes the death sentences of the four last men in the state scheduled for execution. It is one of his final acts as Maryland's governor. January 23, 2015 - The Supreme Court agrees to hear a case concerning the lethal injection protocol in Oklahoma. The inmates claim that the state protocol violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. In a June 29, 2015, ruling, the court upholds Oklahoma's use of the drug midazolam in its lethal injection procedure by a 5-4 vote. February 13, 2015 - Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf halts all executions in his state until a task force examining capital punishment in Pennsylvania issues its final report, citing the state's "error prone" justice system and "inherent biases" among his reasons for the moratorium. Later, Wolf's action is upheld in court after Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams files a petition claiming the moratorium is an unconstitutional takeover of powers. The moratorium remains in effect after the report is published June 2018. March 23, 2015 - Utah Governor Gary Herbert signs legislation making the firing squad an authorized method of death if the drugs required for lethal injection are unavailable. The firing squad was last used in 2010 to execute a convicted murderer, Ronnie Lee Gardner. June 29, 2015 - The Supreme Court rules, in a 5-4 decision, that the use of the sedative midazolam in lethal injections is not a violation of the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Midazolam is one of three drugs that are combined to carry out the death penalty in Oklahoma. August 2, 2016 - The Delaware Supreme Court rules the state's death penalty law unconstitutional. Attorney General Matt Denn later announces that he will not appeal the decision. November 8, 2016 - Voters in California, Nebraska and Oklahoma are asked to weigh in on the death penalty with referendum questions on ballots. In all three states, majorities vote in favor of the death penalty. April 2017 - Of the eight prisoners Arkansas had planned to execute before the state's supply of a lethal injection drug expires, four are put to death: Ledell Lee, Jack Jones, Marcel Williams and Kenneth Williams. The other four - Jason McGehee, was later granted clemency, and Stacey Johnson, Don Davis and Bruce Ward - receive stays of execution that were later lifted. April 20, 2017 - The FDA rules that imported vials of the execution drug sodium thiopental, ordered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Arizona Department of Corrections, must be destroyed or exported within 90 days. The FDA had seized the shipment in 2015. Sodium thiopental is not approved in the United States. April 25, 2017 - The Oklahoma Death Penalty Review Commission releases a report recommending the continuation of the moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need for significant reforms. January 25, 2019 - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delays execution of Warren Henness pending an official assessment of the state's execution system. This is in response to a January 14 federal court decision regarding the severity of its three-drug protocol. DeWine later announces that the state will have no executions until a method that will stand up to legal scrutiny is established. February 27, 2019 - The Supreme Court rules in favor of death row inmate Vernon Madison, sending his case back to state court "for renewed consideration of Madison's competency." His lawyers argue that states are forbidden from executing individuals whose mental state precludes them from understanding the reason for punishment. Madison, who has dementia, can no longer remember his crime, the April 1985 killing of an Alabama police officer. There is a 5-3 ruling by the court as Justice Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed after the case was argued. (Chief Justice John Roberts concurs.) March 13, 2019 - Governor Gavin Newsom signs an executive order placing a moratorium on the death penalty in California. May 30, 2019 - New Hampshire repeals the death penalty after the state legislature votes to override a veto from Governor Chris Sununu, making it the 21st state to abolish capital punishment in the United States. July 25, 2019 - The Department of Justice announces Attorney General William P. Barr has directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to adopt an updated execution protocol and schedule the executions of five death row inmates. The last federal execution was in 2003. November 20, 2019 - A judge blocks the federal government from carrying out executions scheduled to begin in December, halting the Justice Department's plans to reinstate the death penalty. December 6, 2019 - The Supreme Court denies the Trump administration's request to reverse the lower court's ruling, so the executions remain on hold. March 23, 2020 - Gov. Jared Polis signs legislation abolishing the death penalty, making Colorado the 22nd state to do so. The bill repeals the death penalty for offenses charged on or after July 1, 2020. June 29, 2020 - The Supreme Court turns away a major challenge to the federal government's lethal injection protocol, paving the way for the Trump administration to begin the first federal executions after a nearly two-decade lapse. July 14, 2020 - The Supreme Court clears the way for the resumption of the federal death penalty. Hours later, Indiana executes Daniel Lewis Lee, a one-time white supremacist who killed a family of three. March 24, 2021 - After centuries of carrying out executions, Virginia becomes the 23rd state to abolish the death penalty after Gov. Ralph Northam signs historic legislation into law. May 14, 2021 - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signs into law a bill allowing death row inmates to elect execution by electric chair or firing squad if lethal injection drugs are not available. July 1, 2021 - Attorney General Merrick Garland orders a temporary halt to federal executions as Justice Department senior officials review the policies and procedures for the controversial punishment. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Vaccine makers are preparing for a next possible phase of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout: booster doses. The biopharmaceutical company Pfizer announced on Thursday that it has seen waning immunity from its coronavirus vaccine -- although efficacy in preventing serious illness remains high -- but did not detail the evidence. It said a third dose may be needed six to 12 months after full vaccination. The company said it would publish "more definitive data soon" and in August would seek emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration for a booster dose. But just hours after Pfizer made its announcement, the FDA and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a joint statement saying people who are fully vaccinated do not need booster shots yet. While boosters are not necessary now, more information is needed to decide whether people might eventually need booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines, and a rise in so-called breakthrough cases could offer a clue in the future, federal vaccine advisers said in June. Members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices discussed when it might be time for the agency to make recommendations for booster doses and committee members mostly agreed that more data around the benefits of boosters is needed. ACIP members agreed that a rise in "breakthrough" Covid-19 cases, which occur after someone has been fully vaccinated, could be a sign in the future that immunity is waning and booster doses of vaccine may be needed. "What we are looking for is both a very careful look at breakthrough cases and also whether there is currently an uptick in the elderly -- that would be pretty clear because they are currently so well controlled," said ACIP member Dr. Sarah Long, a professor of pediatrics at Drexel University College of Medicine. "It would be a mistake to be giving booster doses without both some information about number one: Do they boost? And a little bit of safety data," Long said. "So that we would have some idea that there would be benefit of the booster before we might incur unknown risk." Currently three coronavirus vaccines are authorized for emergency use in the United States -- the two-dose Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for people 12 and older, the two-dose Moderna vaccine and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines for everyone 18 and older. Some researchers and health officials said they suspect the immunity against Covid-19 these vaccines elicit in the body might wane over time -- possibly after a year or more -- and might not protect as well against coronavirus variants that could emerge and evolve. That might mean a vaccinated person would need a booster dose of vaccine to stay protected against the original coronavirus strain and newly emerging variants -- somewhat similar to how a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years or different flu vaccines are recommended each year. Will booster doses or new vaccines be needed? "Many people may be familiar with tetanus-toxoid vaccines that are recommended every 10 years -- that's a booster dose. It's reminding our immune system so that if we ever got exposed to that toxin, our immune system would remember it and respond very quickly," Dr. William Moss, professor and executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told CNN in May. In the case of Covid-19 vaccines it remains unknown for how long immune protection lasts, but vaccine developers and health officials know it may not be forever -- and that emerging variants could escape immunity. "There is a little nuance with Covid-19 vaccines," Moss said. While typical booster doses use same vaccine someone previously received to remind the immune system about immunity to a pathogen, any future boosters for the Covid-19 shot could use different vaccines altogether. Currently, "the need for and timing for COVID-19 booster doses have not been established. No additional doses are recommended at this time," the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes on its website. But Americans should prepare to have a Covid-19 vaccine booster shot within a year, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in May, saying "people should be prepared for the fact that we may need a booster within a year." How often will you need a Covid-19 booster? Despite such predictions, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that the bottom line is "we don't know." "We're preparing for the eventuality that we might need boosters, but I think we've got to be careful not to let the people know that inevitably, x number of months from now, everyone's going to need a booster. That's just not the case," Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, said at a Washington Post Live event in May. "We may not need it for quite a while." Scientists at a number of companies that make Covid-19 vaccines have also predicted the need for boosters within a year -- but the scientific community is not in widespread agreement on this. So far, studies have shown that mRNA vaccines -- those made by Pfizer and Moderna -- maintain more than 90% efficacy six months after getting vaccinated. And scientists say it's likely much longer. Other studies have looked at antibodies in the lab. While a decline is expected over time, Fauci told the Washington Post in May "the steepness of that slope is unclear right now." Experts say it is also unclear how these antibody levels correlate with real-world immunity, and to what extent other parts of the immune system -- such as T cells -- could factor into protection. What happens if you skip the booster? Whether booster coronavirus vaccine doses are modified or not, missing a booster dose -- if one is recommended in the future -- could leave someone less protected against Covid-19. "A person who skipped a booster is placing themselves at higher risk of getting infected, and getting disease from the SARS-Coronavirus-2, but I would also expect that they're going to have some partial immunity and so they may be protected against more severe disease," Moss said. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes Covid-19. "They're just at higher risk of infection and disease than someone who got the booster, but they have more immunity than someone who was never vaccinated." Scientists are also currently investigating whether it makes a difference if someone gets the same type of vaccine as a booster as the original dose administered. "This question of mixing and matching certainly is relevant to booster doses," Moss said. "It's also relevant to any two-dose vaccine schedule, and it's also an area of active research." Researchers in the United Kingdom reported in May that people who got mixed doses of coronavirus vaccines -- receiving a different vaccine type as a second dose than the first dose -- appear to be more likely to experience mild side effects such as fever, chills, fatigue or headache. But the side effects following mix-and-match vaccinations were short-lived and there were no other safety concerns, the researchers reported in the Lancet medical journal. Currently, the CDC says, "Covid-19 vaccines are not interchangeable" and there has been no decision either in the US or globally on the need for booster doses yet, let alone which vaccine might be appropriate for any booster. Who is making booster shots? All three companies that currently have authorized coronavirus vaccines in the United States -- Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson -- are investigating the potential use of boosters. "The data that I see coming, they are supporting the notion that likely there will be a need for a booster somewhere between eight and 12 months," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told Axios in May. "But that remains to be seen and I believe in one, two months we will have enough data to speak about it with much higher scientific certainty." The first dose of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine in the United States was administered on December 14, 2020 -- five months ago. As time goes on, if people received their second dose of vaccine eight months ago, "they may need a third one," Bourla said. "This could be coming sooner than later, I believe from September, October. But this is something, again, that the data need to confirm." Moderna is currently conducting booster shot trials too. The fight against the coronavirus pandemic is expected to continue through next year due to the emergence of variants, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Moderna, said during an earnings call in early May. "We think this is just the beginning," Hoge said. "Therefore, we're committed as a company to make as many updates to the vaccine, to add as many variants as we think are necessary, to ensure that when people receive a booster, it provides the broadest immune protection against the widest range of variants." Johnson & Johnson is also looking into the potential for boosters. "We have ongoing and planned trials that will aid our assessment of the need for, and timing of, booster doses of our vaccine," according to an emailed statement Johnson & Johnson sent to CNN in May. Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine, along with Pfizer's, Moderna's, and four others, are being tested as seasonal boosters in a study called Cov-Boost being conducted by the UK's National Institute for Health Research and the University of Southhampton. The biotechnology company Novavax has developed a coronavirus vaccine that its chief executive officer Stanley Erck believes could be used as a booster shot for people who have already been vaccinated. The company plans to apply for emergency use authorization of its vaccine in the United States in the third quarter of 2021. "In the US, I think it will be the booster for everyone, particularly if we get it out late in the third quarter," Erck told CNN in May. "It's going to be time to start boosting -- whether it's six months or at a year point." Who has to OK the Covid-19 booster shots? The decision to use Covid-19 boosters is expected to involve two agencies -- the FDA and the CDC -- and the regulatory process to get the shots into arms could vary depending on whether the booster is the same vaccine that was originally used or is a modified version. "So, if it's the same vaccine, my understanding is that what would have to happen is that the CDC would have to recommend an additional dose with details around when that should occur," Moss said. If it's a modified vaccine, "this is where things get interesting and I don't think we quite know," he said, but added that the regulatory process could be similar to what happens with flu vaccines each year. "Technically, whenever a vaccine like that is modified, it's often considered a new vaccine and has to go through the whole process again. But there is a precedent, obviously, with influenza virus vaccines, not to do that," Moss said. "So, the influenza vaccine each year doesn't have to go through a large Phase 3 trial." That's because the vaccine technology stays the same, and the only change is the flu virus itself that the vaccine targets to elicit immunity to a specific flu virus strain that's circulating. "At this time, available information suggests that the FDA-authorized vaccines remain effective in protecting the American public against currently circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2. However, if there is an emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variant(s) in the U.S. that are moderately or fully resistant to the antibody response elicited by the current generation of COVID-19 vaccines, it may be necessary to tailor the vaccines to the variant(s)," an FDA spokesperson told CNN in May. The FDA updated its guidance for vaccine developers in February, noting that manufacturers should "generate the data to support authorization" of a modified vaccine. "Further discussions will be necessary to decide whether in the future, modified COVID-19 vaccines may be authorized without the need for clinical studies," according to the guidance. But overall, vaccine developers are "encouraged" to perform exploratory studies on modified vaccines to boost immune responses. Would some people benefit more from boosters than others? Some research suggests that people who are immune compromised could benefit from booster doses of vaccine. For instance, organ transplant recipients might not have an adequate response to coronavirus vaccines because they take drugs to suppress their immune systems. That helps reduce the risk of the body rejecting new organs but may also limit responses to vaccines. A third dose of coronavirus vaccine could help boost antibody levels among some organ transplant recipients who have not had robust responses to the standard vaccination schedules, according to a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine in June. Among patients in the study who had no measurable antibodies after receiving two doses of vaccine, one-third of them saw a rise in antibodies after a third dose -- and among those with low antibody levels after two doses, all of them saw an increase after a third dose. When it comes to coronavirus vaccines, "we don't really have a good sense of what level you need for protective immunity," Dr. Dorry Segev, an author of the study and founder of the Epidemiology Research Group in Organ Transplantation at Johns Hopkins University, told CNN. "We don't know if you need the same off-the-charts level of antibodies that people with normal immune systems have." But for transplant patients, after a two-dose full vaccine series, "the overwhelming majority have either no antibodies or low antibodies," Segev said. When pharmaceutical companies tested coronavirus vaccines in clinical trials last year, they specifically excluded people who were taking immunosuppressive drugs due to potential risks. "There's no data to support recommendations for a booster dose at this time, except for the caveat in severely immunocompromised hosts who are not able to mount a strong response or no response at all," ACIP member Dr. Sharon Frey said during a committee meeting in June. For that high-risk group, "I would lean towards giving at least one more or third vaccination using the mRNA vaccines or a second Janssen, whatever the case may be," said Frey, who is a vaccine specialist at St Louis University Medical School. But when it comes to the general public, "we really, truly need to wait for more data," Frey said. "I think the only thing we can do at this moment is, if we start to see an uptick in reinfections in people, or new infections in people who have been vaccinated, that's our clue that we need to move quickly." The ACIP panel considered that there are some groups of people -- immunocompromised patients, long-term care facility residents, older adults, and health care personnel -- who may benefit from booster doses more than the general public. "I have personally seen people die well after two full doses of mRNA vaccine because, we believe, they were immunocompromised and didn't have full protection," said ACIP member Dr. Camille Kotton, who cares for immunocompromised patients at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. "So, for me, this is the next important frontier that we really need to deal with and as rapidly as possible," Kotton said about booster doses. Kotton encouraged her colleagues on the committee to consider proceeding with recommendations for booster shots "as soon as we have good science" available on which to base decisions. "I would wait for the additional data to be available, including the safety data as well," Kotton said, adding, "This is a hot topic." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. There's a new crisis diversion center serving you right here in North Alabama. It's a place where law enforcement can take someone who is having a mental health crisis. Before this crisis diversion center opened in May, there were two options for people having a mental health crisis when law enforcement got involved. It was either go to the hospital or jail. Now, those people can get the help they need. "We are specialists in mental health and so, having that staff, the nurse practitioners, the psychiatrists, the master's level therapists, the care managers on staff, 24/7 to attend to those mental health crises makes a huge difference," said Jeremy Blair, Wellstone Chief Executive Officer. Blair told me this facility is a game changer when it comes to giving people in a mental health crisis a place to get treatment. "Obviously jails are not equipped and nor is that their purpose. Hospitals do a wonderful job of attending to psychiatric crises, but they have a lot of other things going on and so if we can be able to take those folks that are in those crises and attend to those, I think everybody wins," said Blair. Here's how it works: Law enforcement can bring someone to the facility. Then that person gets checked out by a registered nurse in this room to make sure their medical needs are met. After that, the person is seen by a therapist who can figure out the best form of treatment and determine if they might need to stay longer than 24 hours. But this is only a temporary location for the center. This construction site is where the new crisis diversion center will be built. It's next to wellstone's current facility off Memorial Parkway. "Huntsville is a growing community and even though we've got a lot of great jobs that are coming into the area, one in five people still struggle with mental health and so it doesn't matter what your degree is, it doesn't matter what your gender is, your race, those statistics are still going to apply, and so as we continue to grow as a community, resources like this are going to be vital," said Blair. The center is part of the state's bigger focus on treating mental health. It's one of three centers across the state. "It really should be a last resort for someone to have their civil rights taken away and committed to one of our state hospitals... And these centers out in the community will provide an opportunity to intervene early and often," said Kimberly Boswell, Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner. Since this center opened in May, they have served fifteen people so far. The brand-new facility is set to open in the Spring 2022. WASHINGTON (AP) - Pfizer says it is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. The company said Thursday that another shot could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant. Research from multiple countries shows the widely used COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against the highly contagious delta variant. Two doses of most vaccines are critical to develop high levels of virus-fighting antibodies. But those antibodies naturally wane. So studies also are underway to tell if and when boosters might be needed. Pfizer says early data from a company trial suggests peoples antibody levels jump after they get a third dose. A nurse from Huntsville who worked in Athens will be on trial starting on July 19 after being accused of murdering her husband. Marjorie (Nikki) Cappello was charged with poisoning her husband, James Cappello, with insulin stolen from North Alabama Specialty Hospital, where she worked. James Cappello James Cappello On Thursday, a status hearing was held. Marjorie (Nikki) Cappello returns to the courthouse for her trial on July 19. James Cappello's sister, Jamie Weast, said the trial is a long time coming. Weast said her sister-in-law has been out on bond for nearly three years. When the trial starts on July 19, Weast said she hopes it's the beginning of the family's healing process and will bring more information to light. "Perhaps theres something wrong with the system," said Weast. Weast said she's thankful the trial will finally be in motion after the pandemic prolonged Marjorie (Nikki) Cappello's criminal court case. "These past three years she was able to walk the streets, going to restaurants and doing what she wishes," said Weast. In 2018, Marjorie (Nikki) Cappello was charged with murder and bonded out. "If someone was truly innocent, theyd be trying to find out who was it that did this to my husband or what happened," Weast said. "No, she didn't do any of that." In September of 2020, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by James Cappello's estate. In the 17-page lawsuit, the estate accuses the hospital of not overseeing Marjorie (Nikki) Cappello or monitoring medications at the hospital. The lawsuit also details Marjorie (Nikki) Cappello's alleged drug abuse. A problem Weast said her brother, James, was trying to help with before he was killed. "I remember him talking to me and he wanted to get her help, and he said if she didnt want to accept the help, then he would have to leave," said Weast. Weast said there's a lot of information that hasn't been able to be discussed. She said she's looking forward to more information reaching the surface during the upcoming trial. "You know, youd never think youd meet somebody, or know someone personally, that would be capable of murder," said Weast. Weast has custody of her niece, Ryleigh, the daughter of Marjorie (Nikki) and James Cappello. According to Weast, the wrongful death lawsuit will go forward after the criminal trial. The wrongful death lawsuit can be found, here. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Decatur, IL (62521) Today Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low 64F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Farmers in Italy blame wild boar for wrecking crops and causing traffic accidents. Hundreds of farmers took to the streets of Rome and 19 other regional Italian capitals on Thursday to protest what they say is an "invasion" of wild boar on farmland and city suburbs. The rallies were organised by Coldiretti, the country's largest farmers' association, which claims the number of wild boar roaming around Italy has soared to a record 2.3 million animals. Blaming the wild boar for causing "2 million worth of damage" to crops every year, Coldiretti also said that 16 people had died in Italy in the past year as a result of incidents involving the tusked animals, with 215 people injured, reports Italian news agency ANSA. The number of car crashes caused by the 'cinghiali' on Italy's provincial roads has almost doubled over the past decade, according to Coldiretti, which issued the results of a survey claiming that one in four Italian adults (26 per cent) have encountered a live wild boar. Calling for government action, around 1,000 protesters rallied outside Montecitorio in Rome - reports Italian newspaper La Repubblica - with appeals to "halt a disaster that destroys crops, attacks animals, besieges stables and causes road accidents, with concrete dangers for farmers and citizens." Wielding life-size cut-outs of wild boar, the protesters waved banners that read: "We sow, the wild boar reap" and "After covid, the plague of wild boar." Wild boar protests took place across Italy on 8 July. Photo Quotidiano Nazionale. Responding to the protest at Montecitorio, Italy's agriculture minister Stefano Patuanelli said: "It is clear that this situation can no longer continue and as such I can assure you of my maximum personal commitment to give answers that all of you are entitled to have from the state." Joining the protesters at Montecitorio was Matteo Salvini, the leader of the right-wing Lega party, who claimed: "Killing wild boars is in the interest of the wild boars themselves," reports state broadcaster RAI. "I love animals, but if I want to keep an animal at home I'll choose a dog, a cat or a goldfish" - said Salvini - "I don't want wild boar in the bedroom, or in the fields of those who work." LAV, one of Italy's foremost animal rights organisations, said the accusations heard at the rally in Rome "sound like an exaggerated distortion of reality" and that the protest "demonstrates the uselessness of hunting," reports RAI. Wild boar can be "hunted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year" since 2005, said Massimo Vitturi, LAV representative with responsibility for wild animals, who said the number of boars is growing "despite a frenzied hunting regime." Vitturi also cited the "widespread introduction of animals from eastern Europe" for hunting purposes, and called for a "change of course" to allow co-existence between wild animals and human activity. Known as cinghiali in Italian, the animals can weigh up to 140 kg and are extremely dangerous if disturbed while with their young. Cover photo La Repubblica 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. Most analysts thought container rates would start to plateau by now. But theyre still marching higher, with a 40-foot container on the busy route from China to the U.S. West Coast fetching nearly $10,000 the week of July 5, according to Drewry. Before the pandemic, that average over the past decade was less than $2,000. Its easy to understand why, looking off the coast of Southern California. The number of anchored container ships waiting to enter the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles stood at 18 this week, with the average wait to offload hovering around five days. The delays are more than just a headache for importers waiting for their boxes they sap capacity from the market, and that keeps rates elevated. While most analysts say the disruptions wont last forever, many would counsel consumers to Christmas shop early this year because shipping may be a mess for the rest of the year. Sound that could be felt might be one way of understanding how Alice Coltranes music slowly gained in resonance in the 21st century. Its eschewing of jazz forms, structures and traditions became one of its strengths. Her music began to appeal to new-age and ambient fans as well as electronic musicians. Its openness to other cultures and ability to blend together different musical traditions North African, Indian, American is both audacious and astonishing in hindsight. That a Black woman from Depression-era Detroit established an ashram in the hills of California next to a horse ranch and performed centuries-old Indian hymns there still boggles the mind. Lots of artists embraced gurus and spiritual garments during the 1960s and 70s, but few actually embodied it completely like Alice Coltrane did. When I visited her ashram in 2014, it was disarming to see the portrait of a woman I knew from all of her albums, now presented in the beatific soft light of a religious leader and guru. Theres a sense of conflict inherent in her music, beauty and chaos entwined, jazz tradition and the unknowable are all there at once. The idea of an administration plan on drug costs exceeds Bidens previous calls for Congress to take action this year to constrain pharmaceutical prices an issue of substantial concern among voters. The order does not indicate what the plan should contain or whether it should lead primarily to a law enacted by Congress or to rules within the power of the executive branch, according to one person familiar with the order. The policy adds to the growing list of immigrants exempt from arrest or deportation for violating civil immigration laws. Critics have said that Biden is abandoning his responsibility to enforce U.S. laws, but the president has said he wants a more humane approach to immigration, especially for parents and children arriving in increasing numbers from regions such as Central America. Winemaker Mike Lucia has crafted a tasty unconventional blend (the type I usually love) of pinot blanc, chenin blanc, riesling and grenache blanc, in a natural style using only native yeasts, no new oak and minimal added sulfur. His stroke of crazy genius with this wine was to add a sploosh of piquette made from the spent skins of the grenache blanc and riesling. Piquette is wines riposte to hard seltzer a light, low-alcohol wine made by refermenting grape skins that would normally go to compost or be thrown away. Adding a portion to this blend gives an extra-refreshing bite to the palate and shores up the wines acidity. It works! ABV: 13.1 percent. The girls got their wish, and Bethesda gained something special, in May: a restaurant with the exuberance of his original Spanish tapas draw, but also a greater selection of comfort foods, including a section devoted to eggs, one of the famous chefs many passions. (Maybe youve heard. When hes not minding his ever-expanding culinary empire, Andres is saving the world.) While Spanish Diner isnt immune to the challenges of operating during a pandemic its early weeks were uneven, and service still needs attention the newcomer already feels like the right restaurant at the right time. As he interviewed family members on the sidewalk outside the burned home, a man emerged from it shouting epithets at Collier and his stations video journalist Joshua Saunders. The man also had two handguns one of which he began firing. Collier, Saunders and members of the family scattered as bullets flew in their direction. In Montgomery County, Marylands largest school system, more than 52,000 students out of about 161,000 signed up for summer programs, some of which started this week. In D.C., where most schools are launching their summer acceleration academies later this month, more than 8,800 of the systems 52,000 students registered for the in-person classes. And in Virginias biggest school system, Fairfax County Public Schools, 36,911 students out of about 180,000 are taking 2,859 different summer classes. We recognize that were about a month out from school starting in some areas, said Erin Sauber-Schatz, a CDC official who oversaw the school guidance. But we wanted to do a re-review . . . to make sure that the recommendations that we were making for the fall school year were based on science and the best available evidence that we have at the time. Lewis, who interviewed Ramos for a total of 17 hours, told the jury that the defendant has a combination of mental problems that together seem to cause this kind of violence. The doctor also testified that, in her expert opinion, Ramos met both prongs of the test for criminal responsibility. He knew what he did was illegal, she said, but he did not and does not appreciate the wrongfulness of what he did or the magnitude of pain he created. Our offices are committed to protecting all our states residents, deputies in each of the attorneys general offices replied to WinReds lawyers in a letter included in the companys court filing. Political donors have the right to be safe from fraud and deception, regardless of their political affiliation or the candidates or causes they support. Hogan is facing two lawsuits over his decision to cancel the federal jobless benefits two months ahead of the date set by Congress. He is one of at least 25 Republican governors who decided to end delivery of the enhanced benefits, which were created by Congress to cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus pandemic and are authorized and funded through Sept. 6. Hogan has said the move is necessary to encourage Marylanders to get back to work. In a call between Biden and Putin on Friday, the two leaders commended the joint work of their respective teams that led to the U.N. vote, according to a White House readout. But Biden also raised the issue of ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia and said the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge, according to the readout. Petersen, who is spending his first summer there, said his phone had been blowing up with alerts warning locals of the dangers of the impending heat wave. Small talk in Death Valley often revolves around tips on how to stay safe from the heat. Those facing the elements coat themselves in sunscreen. Many wear long-sleeved shirts to protect from the suns rays, too, he said. His own answer has been no: Facebook has called for government regulation, so that rules about speech in the digital world would be given some level of democratic legitimacy. In the meantime, he also has directed Facebook to behave a bit more like a state actor, creating a kind of internal supreme court that can evaluate the companys decisions on speech and, in some cases, overrule them. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Some have hypothesized that the rise in homicide rates is specifically a result of the June 2020 protests that the demonstrations emboldened offenders and fractured already tenuous ties between officers and the communities they serve. This seems like a simple way to explain why the United States has seen violence increase so much more than other nations have. But theories about the role of the protests must contend with several challenges. Violence typically climbs during the summer, and in 2020, that happened to correspond not only with the protests but also with an end to the most intensive lockdowns in many cities making it hard to pin blame on any one cause without more examination. And the rise in gun seizures by law enforcement which proponents of the theory say is a marker of gun-carrying by emboldened criminals appears to have begun in March 2020, long before anyone had heard of George Floyd or Derek Chauvin. In other words, the groundwork for the surge in gun violence was laid well before the protests. The core element of Bidens plan turns on taxing capital effectively, and the linchpin of that is collecting a tax on the unrealized gains at death or theyll escape taxation completely, said Steve Rosenthal, a tax expert at the Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank. Billionaires and the superwealthy create dynastic wealth by avoiding selling their stocks until death. If we just raised the capital gains tax rate, the rich would just carry their assets to death and avoid them. But if were going to tax them at death and induce more sales, that gives Biden much more latitude. Its absolutely crucial to his plan. Residents of Alexandra township clean up the streets on July 15 while soldiers of the South African National Defense Force look on. (Gulshan Khan for The Washington Post) The widespread destruction of small, uninsured businesses underscores the bitter irony of this wave of violence born of anger at inequality: Most of its victims are the poor and dispossessed. The White House strategy extends beyond the bilateral talks. This is really about our own resilience as a nation in the face of these attacks, the official said. Its about addressing the challenges posed by cryptocurrency, which provides fuel for these sorts of transactions. Its about ensuring that our allies and our partners are working with us collaboratively and upping their own game when it comes to resilience. The opening of the special session in Austin came as the Conservative Political Action Conference convened a few hours north in Dallas, where Trump was scheduled to speak on Sunday. The urgency among Texas Republicans to try again to enact one of the most far-reaching election laws in the country reflects the former presidents continuing popularity within the GOP and the enduring power of his false claim that his defeat in the 2020 election was tainted by fraud. The conservative gathering is likely to amplify those claims, with sessions titled Detecting Threats to Election Integrity: How to Collect Evidence of Fraud, and Spare the Fraud, Spoil the Child: The Future of American Elections. Green, who co-sponsored the resolution with Leath, expressed deep optimism following yesterdays vote. I think there was a transformation in the hearts of the delegates after the decision (Wednesday), said Green. After the outcry from young people, the voices of those who were disenfranchised, the cries in the wilderness were heard today. I thank the General Conference and the AME Church for recognizing the seriousness of this moment, and Im glad that we began to open the door for conversation, so that we can move towards true inclusion and equity in the church. We felt at the time that to go to somebodys door and knock on their door during a pandemic would be completely contrary to the reasons why we go to their door, he added. We believe life is sacred and that is not to be taken lightly. We need to protect our life and the lives of others. In the midst of all the things she has had to navigate, my hope for Shannon is that she will always be courageous enough to hold onto hope, Yebuah said. Not pie-in-the-sky hope. My hope is that she would see the trajectory of her life not only as pain but that there will be seasons that arent marked by tragedy. Thats my desire for her. (RNS) The first Bible college to open a social work program in the United States shut that program down in May after 55 years, opening a rift with a group of students and alumni who have accused the administration of killing a department that was teaching students to address racism. The leadership of Cairn University, in suburban Philadelphia, vehemently disagrees. Its gotten co-opted that this is about race. That is in fact not the case, said President Todd Williams. Williams announced the decision to eliminate both the undergraduate program, founded in 1965, and the year-old graduate program in a May 26 email to alumni explaining that the school had made a difficult choice in response to the latest draft criteria for accreditation issued by the Council on Social Work Education. Hindutvas threat to academic freedom The draft includes significant changes built upon theoretical and philosophical assumptions that require instructional and curricular commitments inconsistent with our own institutional commitments, Williams wrote, and embraces a social and cultural agenda that now includes the acceptance of a view of human sexuality, gender identity, and gender expression that is inconsistent with the Universitys biblical position on human sexuality. Williams said accredited social work programs would be required to conform to a set of critical theory and intersectionality assumptions and values inconsistent with our biblical view of humanity, human nature, and the world. But that was not the only explanation the president offered. On June 1, Williams sent another email explaining that there was a carefully considered, multifaceted rationale for eliminating the social work program. The primary issue, he said, was declining undergraduate enrollments. Williams said that disappointing enrollment numbers had prompted him to recommend that the board close the school in April, and that he had only later added his concerns about the CSWE standards. My view would be that apart from that, the board would have approved this recommendation on the face of the recommendation for other concerns related to enrollment and cost, Williams said in a phone interview. That explanation doesnt satisfy critics. For one thing, according to the CSWE, Williams characterization of its draft criteria is false. The proposed requirements articulate competencies that all students must achieve and do not specify theories to be taught, the CSWE said in an official statement. Nor, said CSWE, has language about sexuality and gender identity been dramatically changed. The only substantive change in the new draft, according to the accrediting body, is a standard about teaching students about racism and inequity, following laws recently passed by some state legislatures limiting instruction on racism. Critics of the school allege that the real reason the social work program was closed is the trouble it has caused in the administrations view. The program pushes the boundaries at the school, it always has, said Francisco Roman, a Cairn social work graduate who supervised student field placements at the Childrens Crisis Treatment Center in Philadelphia. We talked about issues that are problematic. We talked about racism in an open and direct way, he said. The program itself, the faculty was the most diverse among the college. Some current students and recent grads see the move as the administrations response to the social work programs focus on racism. Any work that we have done towards diversity, equity and inclusion, its always been met with pushback, said Lizzie Walker, a recent graduate with a social work degree. Simone Wesley, a current student majoring in education, said the elimination of the program felt like a slap in the face. It was the teachers and students in the social work program, she said, who were taking steps to address racism. They are willing to step into hard places and discuss them and at least try to apply a biblical perspective, Wesley said. The administration was not willing to go with them, said Wesley. She and some other students formed a group in the wake of protests over police brutality last summer to push for changes at Cairn. The group requested that the university hire a chief diversity officer, revise the current system for reporting bias incidents, more aggressively confront the universitys history with race and racism, and host more culturally sensitive events and a more diverse panel of chapel speakers. According to Wesley, the group was not well received. There has been a pattern, she said, where we have seen them addressing surface issues, but when we have pushed them to go deeper and to really face the harder issues and effects of those things, I think thats where we have gotten stuck and have found a little more pushback. Williams acknowledged that he disagreed with some of the students requests but said the university is taking concrete steps to make the campus more inclusive. He said, however, that any disagreements about racism and the best ways to address inequity are separate from the decision the administration made about the social work program. This is not about us waffling on the issue of race and racism, Williams said. I understand how they might draw those connections, but its unfortunate and Im hopeful that we can work on it going forward. The social work program is not the only means of ensuring fairness and equity and diversity at any university. Williams also acknowledged he is concerned about critical race theory and the underlying assumptions of critical theory apart from its applications to race, as its applied to economics, to race, to education and all of those things. He believes those philosophical ideas clash with a biblical worldview. Troy Brindle, a former adjunct professor of social work at Cairn and a current member of the National Association of Social Workers national board, pointed to the creation of the graduate program last year, saying it doesnt make sense to expand the program one year only to eliminate it the next. Even if that were a plausible explanation, he added, the administrations shifting story raises questions. Im like, Can you make up your mind on what you want the story to be, Brindle said. Because what you led with is not a story of financial lows. A professor who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for their job said, To me, it (Williams explanation) felt less like a clear-cut, detailed rationale of, Folks, this is why we had to do what we had to do, and more of a coded treatise and a rallying of the troops, as it were. Survey: White mainline Protestants outnumber white evangelicals, while nones shrink The professor added, The idea that you might actually work with an accrediting body to come to some kind of consensus about how to maintain your principles as a school and still work in partnership holding that tension is being cast as compromising your integrity. Damone B. Jones, a Cairn alumnus who pastors Bible Way Baptist Church in Philadelphia, insisted the real reason the school cut the social work program is not hard to see. The evangelical church has a really deep-seated fear of any conversation that brings up issues of race, Jones said. Thats at the core of what it actually is. Unless your head is in a hole somewhere, theres no way you dont know this. The fighting is moving into western Tigray, where forces from Ethiopias neighboring Amhara region had earlier taken control of many communities and expelled ethnic Tigrayans. This new phase in the conflict could be really, really much more dangerous than what weve seen so far, Tsedale Lemma, the founder of the independent Addis Standard magazine, told an online event Thursday night. Amhara authorities have said western Tigray is historically theirs. But Melloni, speaking generally, said that in an era when papal resignations are in play, popes might not want to wait until the very end to step aside. If a popes condition is too deteriorated, his decision might not be accepted under the one requirement of canon law: that the choice be reached freely. And once a pope is truly weakened, Melloni said, the Vatican bureaucracy will want to keep a pontiff in place, as those in the Roman Curia can capitalize on the power vacuum. The bombing of the Milk Bar, frequented by French settlers, aimed to create in the civilian French population the same panic that Algerians were experiencing, she said in an interview at her sons home in the Algerian capital last month. The Europeans were so overprotected, it was as if there wasnt a war. . . . And we had to tell them: The war is everywhere. Its not only for us, its also for the French, she said, expressing no regrets. The claim, which is impossible to verify, was considerably higher than previous Taliban statements that more than a third of the countrys 421 districts and district centers were in their control. There was no immediate response from the government in Kabul on the latest claim. 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 Syrias Idlib region. They say a years 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. On the universitys website, she is quoted as saying: I never again want to see the face of a starving child or hear the weeping of a mother who has lost her son to war. Peace, this is what my husband gave his life for, and I want the world to know that he did not die in vain. Peace, this is what will make me very happy. [font=font81931]GREENSBURG - [/font]Juanita S. Moffett Tomson, of Greensburg, Pa., formerly of Washington, Ind., went to be with her Savior on Monday, July 12, 2021. She was born May 25, 1939, in Washington, Ind., to the late Paul and Viola Teitsort Moffett. She was a member of Lighthouse of Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on. The tightening of Sydneys coronavirus lockdown on Friday knocked the wind out of an Australian sharemarket that was already stumbling thanks to a downturn in global investor sentiment. The ASX 200 suffered its worst session in nearly three weeks as a worrying bump in coronavirus cases forced NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to tighten restrictions across the Greater Sydney region. The index fell by as much as 1.6 per cent - shedding $35 billion - as the nations biggest city fights to keep a lid on the highly contagious Delta variant. The ASX fell 0.4 per cent for the week. Credit:Louie Douvis JP Morgan Asset management Kerry Craig said local investors had so far been happy to look through the ongoing Sydney lockdown, but were now realising the temporary restrictions could be here for a while yet. Its not that the horse has bolted, but it is the realisation that this could take longer and that restrictions might have to be more severe to contain it, he said. Stocks trimmed losses into the close to finish 0.9 per cent lower at 7273.3. The index dropped 0.4 per cent for the week. Energy stocks offered a little resistance thanks to improved oil prices but there was little else to cheer about at the top of the market. Technology and payment firms were savaged, with Zip Co dropping 5.5 per cent to $8.30 and Afterpay losing 5 per cent to $117.51. The major banks, retailers, and travel stocks also slipped into the red. In truth, the market was already under a cloud before the session began, with global markets selling off on a downbeat outlook for the global economy. Bond yields have sagged on growing anxiety that the spread of Covid-19 variants will hinder the rebound from the pandemic Mr Craig said this was usually a positive for riskier assets, but had only tempered the reflation theme and the notion that everything was getting better. I think a lot of it is miscommunication from Central banks around when interest rates are going to rise, and the tapering of bond purchases, Mr Craig said. Theyre pushing this idea that theyre going to start raising rates, but not everything in the economy is perfect yet. All of this comes at a time when people can see that the coronavirus is still around, theyre seeing case numbers go up, some of the business survey numbers are rolling off their highs. So the market is trying to digest that. It has been a volatile two weeks for equities in the wake of the US Feds hawkish pivot on monetary policy but investors have still appeared determined to focus on the positives. Wall Street celebrated a run of record highs this week and the ASX 200 remains 1.5 per cent off its all-time peak set about three weeks ago. Mr Craig said it was important to remember markets were still highly-priced and therefore the current dip may be no more than a temporary wobble. Theres still a lot of liquidity, iron ore prices are strong, and the alternatives still arent that attractive, he said. Its a soft patch, Id say. Because its important to remember we will see the end of this, eventually, and we will see a rebound in consumption after the lockdown, which feeds into economic growth So maybe what were seeing is people just taking profits out of the market as they wait to see what happens. OK, but how does it work? Vaccines teach your body to mount a defence against a virus without you ever having to catch it. In the case of COVID, they do this by giving you a tiny piece of the coronavirus, the signature spike protein it uses to break into our cells this wont make you sick but, like a mugshot, it will help the antibodies and T cells of your immune system hunt down the viral invader fast if it arrives on the scene. Antibodies can be made to fit the right shape of the virus and gum it up so it cant get in, says ANU immunological researcher Professor David Tscharke. The difference between vaccines comes down to how they deliver this advance warning. In the case of the AstraZeneca, Russias Sputnik V and the one-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines, another harmless kind of virus (known as a vector) delivers the piece of COVID needed to build immunity. The new mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna use a segment of the coronaviruss genetic code, while Chinas vaccines use dead coronavirus under older technology. Changing the method of delivery between doses, experts think, could help the immune system focus on COVID without getting distracted by the vaccines packaging. Your body wont start making antibodies for say [the vector] virus used in AstraZeneca as well as COVID, Tscharke says. Loading Antibodies are the bodys first wave of defence, and where most attention is drawn in the COVID immunity fight, but theyre not the whole story. Killer T cells are also sent out once an infection takes hold to eliminate infected cells and so can be crucial in preventing more severe disease. All the approved vaccines give you high levels of antibodies, says Griffith University infectious disease professor Nigel McMillan. But mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna seem to generate the most, while the vector vaccines are notable for producing many T cells primed to kill the virus. It may be that combining vaccines like AstraZeneca and Pfizer gives you the best of both worlds, or as Booy says, the antibodies neutralise the virus and the T cells gobble up whatever gets through that. Tscharke, whose own treatment for multiple sclerosis means his body cant produce antibodies properly, says work is underway to determine how many antibodies could be expected to confer immunity to COVID, and how important T cells are to the picture. Antibodies are probably still the key, your body will build a T cell attack itself if the virus gets through, he says. But we do know that a poor T cell response early on means you tend to get quite sick so if you have a vaccine that [primes your] T cells thatll still give you a jump on the virus. Credit:Artwork Monique Westermann Does the order or combination matter? Scientists think so. They are testing just about every combination, including using Chinas Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, Russias Sputnik, and the US vaccine still to be approved, Novavax (which Australia has ordered 51 million doses of). Even the one-dose J&J is being trialled with an additional booster shot from another brand to see if that improves its performance against variants. Novavax may prove to be a really beneficial booster for us here in Australia, to broaden our immunity, Berry says. McMillan says trials so far suggest the order matters, too. In terms of antibodies, he says using AstraZeneca before Pfizer seems to work better than the reverse order, although more study is underway. Both combinations still produce more antibodies than two AstraZeneca doses up to nine times as many but Pfizer alone still gives the most. Of course, studies comparing antibody levels are not the same as real-world case numbers and hospitalisation rates, he says, which tell you how a vaccine is working on the ground. We dont have that data for mixed vaccines yet. Credit:Artwork Monique Westermann So should we all use two different vaccines? Australias health authorities review the evidence on vaccines all the time. But, so far, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has urged people spooked by rare clotting cases linked to AstraZeneca not to cancel their second dose of the shot in order to wait for Pfizer. Please, we are not mixing and matching at this point, he said in late June. You need to match, dont mix. No safety concerns have emerged so far with mixing and if that holds true Berry says a combined vaccine schedule would get Australia to full immunity faster, including young people still waiting for their shots. And the protection would [likely] last longer too, youd get more cross-protection [to variants] and a deeper immune memory. Still, McMillan says, health authorities tend to be very reluctant to mix and match doses at the moment, and I dont know if Australia would want to go down that route just yet, quite frankly. Booy agrees that waiting to see how mixing vaccines plays out in other countries at scale is wise at this stage. More and more places are [mixing] so we will see more of the real-world data we need, like when the vaccines first arrived, he says. As the lead scientist of Oxfords big mix-and-match trial, Matthew Snape, told reporters in June, in small studies you do not pick up [your rarer] one-in-1000 side-effect, let alone your one-in-50,000 side-effect. So, right now you are better defaulting to the ones where we know that they work. But if shortfalls mean its a question of taking mixed doses or no second dose at all, then he says mixing vaccines would be the better option. Loading And, as the virus continues to mutate, experts expect we will be getting different booster shots anyway, likely using mRNA technology that makes it fairly fast and cheap to tweak for variants. In the same way that the influenza vaccines are modified to protect against newly circulating strains each season, COVID-19 vaccines may in future be adapted to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variant strains, an Australian health department spokesman said. Those will be considered, as more data comes to light on the duration and real-world effectiveness of the vaccines already being used in Australia, Pfizer and AstraZeneca, he said. In late 2021 and into 2022, 25 million doses of the mRNA Moderna will be added to Australias vaccine roll-out, 15 million of which are an updated variant booster though Moderna, approved in the US, still has to be greenlit by our own regulator. 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. 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. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised 4.5 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine during August in another increase in supply amid Labor claims he was too slow to strike more deals to protect Australians. Mr Morrison said the shipments would increase from 1.7 million in June and 2.8 million in July to the higher target through August. Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:James Brickwood Pfizer confirmed the ramp up in the shipments for August but said the timing did not change the overall amount of 40 million doses it will supply to Australia by the end of this year. The company said the supply would rise to about 1 million doses each week from July 19 and would reach more than 4.5 million in August. The new rate compares to an average of 300,000 to 350,000 per week in May and June. Installation image of Picturing America (American Art through 1900), 2021. Photograph Delaware Art Museum. For more information about the artwork, visit delart.org. Artwork left to right: Thomas Wilmer Dewing, Morning; Edwin Howland Blashfield, Vintage Festival; George Henry Boughton, Spring; Mary Lizzie Macomber, An Instrument of Many Strings; Louis Kronberg, Woman in Red Holding Parrot; Kenyon Cox, Study for Tradition; Bacchante and Infant Faun, Frederick William MacMonnies (18631937), bronze, 67 x 22 x 22 inches, Private Collection, Delaware, Courtesy of Art Finance Partners, LLC. San Richard Langtry Partington, San Pedro, California; Jasper Francis Cropsey, Hudson River Scene; William Couper, Fair Enid; Jefferson David Chalfant, The Old Violin; William Chadwick, A Girl Reading; Clawson Shakespeare Hammitt, The Amateur Photographer; Thomas Pollock Anshutz, Head of a Woman; Lilla Cabot Perry, Self-Portrait; Portrait of the Artist's Wife, Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Edwin Howland Blashfield, (18481936), oil on canvas, 64 1/2 69 1/4 inches; frame: 73 1/2 78 1/4 inches. Private Collection, Delaware, Courtesy of Art Finance Partners, New York. Louisville, KY (40203) Today A few hit or miss storms and a touch less humid.. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a few showers and patchy fog 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. A Lexington family's search for their dog that was taken during a vehicle theft is finally over. Suzanne Shaffar and her husband were on vacation in Florida when they received a call from a relative that their one-year-old Goldendoodle, Charlie, was missing. (Source: Suzanne Shaffar, via LEX 18) FILE - In this March 30, 2021, file photo Mayra Culio from Guatemala is helped off an inflatable raft by a church volunteer after being smuggled across the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas. Assailants shot her 7 times at her house and then killed her husband who was ambushed in his car in Escuintla, Guatemala. She is five months pregnant and fled with her extended family March 12 after being treated in the hospital for her bullet wounds. The Biden administration will stop detaining migrants facing deportation if they are pregnant or recently gave birth in a reversal of a Trump-era policy. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills) 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 SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- It's been quite a wet start to the month of July, and as we begin to forget what the sun even looks like, many are wondering how long is this going to last and exactly how rare is it, or how about what's even causing all the rain to begin with? 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 The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Today Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Tomorrow Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 81F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Today Isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 82F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Tonight Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Tomorrow Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 81F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Click here to read the full article. Summer of Soul, the new documentary from Questlove, spotlights 1969s Harlem Cultural Festival, a series of concerts that entertainer turned promoter Tony Lawrence presented in Harlems Mount Morris Park in the summer of 1969. But less than two months after the final HCF show that August, Lawrence set his eyes on an equally momentous event across the Hudson River: Newark, New Jerseys Love Festival. According to The Fixers, Julia Rabigs history of post-war Newark, prominent local organizer Gus Heningburg had reached out to Lawrence to help host, promote, and attract sponsors for a concert he was planning in Newark. As president of the Greater Newark Urban Coalition, Heningburg hoped the festival would be the biggest party this city has ever seen. On October 5th, tens of thousands of fans (attendance estimates vary wildly, between 35,000 and 100,000) crowded into Newarks Weequahic Park for a day-long festival. According to the New York Amsterdam News, like Lawrences previous concert productions, the event was presented free of charge. The lineup included Bobby Blue Bland and the Chambers Brothers, who had performed at Lawrences Harlem Cultural Festivals in 1968 and 1969, as well as the Supremes Ruth McFadden, gospel legend Alex Bradford, R&B group Carl Holmes and the Commanders, the actor Irwin C. Watson, and more. The show was filmed by Hal Tulchin, who had also shot the Harlem Cultural Festival, and the footage aired as an hour-long local TV special in 1969. The 55-minute long broadcast can be viewed online in full as part of the University of Georgias Walter. J Brown Archives & Peabody Awards Collection. In the film, the Chambers Brothers perform their cover of the Bee Gees To Love Somebody, Bland sings a stirring version of his ballad Save Your Love for Me, and Bradford delivers a revelatory three-song set. Although it was just a party, Heninburg said of the event in The Fixers, the Love Festival had serious political overtones. It was indeed a beautiful sight to behold, Ray Robinson, who covered the festival for the Amsterdam News, wrote of the day. People spread for three and four hundred yards around the stage just enjoying themselves. Winchester, VA (22601) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 81F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 61F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. BECKWOURTH, Calif. (AP) Flames threatening campgrounds and cabins prompted evacuations and closed off a swath of Northern California forest as the state headed into another weekend of dry, scorching weather and the continuing threat of wildfires. Plumes of smoke and fire rise over a roadway as the Sugar Fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex Fire, burns in Plumas National Forest, Calif., on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) BECKWOURTH, Calif. (AP) Flames threatening campgrounds and cabins prompted evacuations and closed off a swath of Northern California forest as the state headed into another weekend of dry, scorching weather and the continuing threat of wildfires. Hundreds of firefighters aided by aircraft were fighting the Beckwourth Complex, two blazes sparked by lightning that were carving their way through the eastern edge of the million-acre Plumas National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada near the Nevada state line. Campgrounds and homes around Frenchman Lake were under evacuation orders Friday and a nearly 200-square-mile (518-square-kilometer) area of the forest was closed because of the danger, fire information officer Pandora Valle said. After a day and night of explosive growth, the fire covered more than 38 square miles (98 square kilometers) at midmorning Friday, causing containment to drop to 11%. The flames were burning through pine, fir and chaparral turned bone-dry by low humidity and high temperatures, while ridgetop winds and afternoon gusts of up to 35 mph were really pushing the flames at times, Valle said. A plume of smoke rises over a roadway as the Sugar Fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex Fire, burns in Plumas National Forest, Calif., on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) The fire was one of several burning in the north, where several other large blazes destroyed dozens of homes in recent days. In the region between the Oregon border and the northern end of the Central Valley, the big Lava and Tennant fires were significantly contained, and progress was reported at the Salt Fire as containment improved to 45%. The Salt Fire has burned 27 homes and 14 outbuildings north of Redding, which hit 100 degrees (37.7 Celsius) before 11 a.m. The Lava Fire destroyed 20 structures, including 13 homes, and damaged two structures. The Tennant Fire destroyed five buildings, including two homes. In north-central Arizona, increased humidity slowed a big wildfire that posed a threat to the rural community of Crown King. The 24.5-square-mile (63.5-square-kilometer) lightning-caused fire in Yavapai County was 29% contained. Recent rains allowed five national forests and state land managers to lift public-access closures. Firefighters monitor the Sugar Fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex Fire, as it burns at Frenchman Lake in Plumas National Forest, Calif., on Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Climate change is considered a key driver" of a trend that is creating longer and more intense dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make forests more susceptible to severe wildfire," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said recently. Fire crew officials will be briefing the community on progress Friday evening at the Chiloquin Community Center. The meeting will be streamed on the Facebook page for the Fremont-Winema National Forest beginning at 7 p.m. In Oregon, pushed by strong winds, a wildfire fire in Klamath County grew from nearly 26 square miles (67 sq. km.) Thursday to nearly 61 square miles (158 sq. km.) on Friday in the Fremont-Winema National Forest and on private land. It was 0% contained, according to the an update posted on Facebook by the incident management team. Klamath County Emergency Management on Friday issued an immediate evacuation order for people in certain areas north of Beatty and near Sprague River. California dispatched two strike teams with wildland engines to help. Firefighters battle the Sugar Fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex Fire, burning in Plumas National Forest, Calif., Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) In Idaho, Gov. Brad Little declared a wildfire emergency in the state Friday and mobilized the Idaho National Guard to help fight fires that had sparked across the state after lightning storms swept across the drought-stricken region. Fire crews in north-central Idaho were facing extreme fire conditions and gusty winds as they fought two wildfires that threatened homes and forced evacuations in the remote and tiny community of Dixie about 40 miles southeast of Grangeville. Efforts were complicated in part because firefighting resources were stretched thin, fire managers said, and in part because the area has very challenging terrain covered with trees and plants that are dry from the ongoing drought. The fires near Dixie, covering a combined 19.5 square miles (50.5 square kilometers), were among several that started after lighting storms swept through the region earlier this week. Meanwhile, forecasters warned that much of California will see dangerously hot weekend weather, with highs in triple digits in the Central Valley, mountains, deserts and other inland areas because of strengthening high pressure over the state. Heat warnings did not include major coastal populations. Death Valley could reach a staggering 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 Celsius), the National Weather Service said. Californias power grid operator issued a statewide Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday to avoid disruptions and rolling blackouts. Flex Alerts call for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity by reducing the use of appliances and keeping the thermostat higher during evening hours when solar energy is diminished or no longer available. OTTAWA - Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the latest variant of interest in the COVID-19 pandemic has popped up in Canada in small numbers, but it's too early to know how widespread it is or what impact it could have. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam speaks virtually as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on during a press conference in Ottawa on Friday, May 7, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the latest variant of interest in the COVID-19 pandemic has popped up in Canada in small numbers, but it's too early to know how widespread it is or what impact it could have. Tam says 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. Lambda is just one of a "whole slew" of variants the Public Health Agency of Canada is keeping an eye on, said Tam, and watching how much is it spreading and how it will respond to vaccines. "We're just trying to gather up some information on who it is that's having the Lambda variant right now, but there's very few cases at this point," she said. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, said there has been a pattern of panicking that vaccines won't work every time there is a new variant. "It's like 'Oh no, new mutations,' but actually Lamda doesn't really have new mutations, it just has new combinations of mutations that we've already seen before," 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." Rasmussen also said most vaccine tests on variants are done in labs, not people, and give an incomplete picture of how immunity from vaccines work, including T-cells, which are separate from antibodies but also help kill viruses. Rasmussen is part of a new network of Canadian scientists that launched this week specifically to collaborate on studies of COVID-19 variants. The Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network, known informally as CoVaRR-Net, is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Information. It has already launched eight different studies to see how variants are spreading in Canada, including wastewater monitoring for variants in four major cities, and closer looks at how they are responding to vaccines. They also have a project to develop better education for the public about what variants are and how they affect the pandemic. Rasmussen said people really need to understand that mutations and variants are a normal evolutionary process. Viruses spread by making copies of themselves inside human or animal cells, and most of those copies aren't perfect. Sometimes, the virus gets lucky and the mutation makes it stronger, said Rasmussen. That can mean it infects people more easily, it could make you more sick when it does infect you, or, and this is perhaps most worrying to many, resist vaccines. A variant is labelled as being "of interest" if it suspected of doing one of those three things, and has been found in multiple places. It is elevated to being "of concern" if any of those suspicions are confirmed. The World Health Organization has confirmed four variants of concern Alpha, the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the United Kingdom, Beta, the B.1.351 variant identified in South Africa, Gamma, the P.1. variant identified in Brazil, and Delta, the B.1.617.2 variant identified in India. There are four variants of interest being monitored by WHO as well, of which Lamda is the most recent designation. It was first discovered in Peru in August 2020, but was classified by WHO as a variant of interest in mid-June. Lambda has so far mainly been found in South America, where it is becoming the dominant variant. Tam said one thing that isn't clear yet is whether Lamda will be able to replace the other variants that are already dominant in Canada. Alpha, which is about 50 per cent more transmissible than the original virus, is responsible for almost 90 per cent of the 250,000 confirmed variant of concern cases in Canada to date. Delta, which is about 50 per cent more transmissible than Alpha, is now slowly overtaking Alpha in some places, including Ontario. Nationally there are 4,654 Delta cases are confirmed, up from about 2,000 on June 18. Tam said Alpha and Delta didn't get much of a foothold in South America before Lambda arrived and it's not clear if they would have snuffed it out if they had. "I don't really know how Lambda will play out in the population that already is occupied, for example, by the Delta variant and you know, the race between them," she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021. HALIFAX - The Nova Scotia government says it will create new nursing home beds and upgrade 17 seniors facilities, as the condition of the homes is shaping up to be an election issue. Premier Iain Rankin addresses workers at a vaccination clinic in Dartmouth, N.S., Thursday, June 3, 2021. Nova Scotia's Liberal government is announcing upgrades and new beds to 19 long term care facilities, saying they will incorporate lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX - The Nova Scotia government says it will create new nursing home beds and upgrade 17 seniors facilities, as the condition of the homes is shaping up to be an election issue. In an announcement Friday, Premier Iain Rankin pledged a total of $96.5 million for 264 new beds in the province's central zone and to replace and upgrade 1,298 beds at 14 existing nursing homes and three residential-care facilities around the province. Health Minister Zach Churchill told reporters that in some cases, buildings will be replaced "if that's deemed the most efficient and economical way to proceed, or it could be a major renovation or retrofit." The first project is expected to be complete by 2026-27, with the Health Department projecting a reduction in average wait times across the province to two months, down from the current five to six months. Rankin, who appears poised to call a summer election, made the announcement at the Victoria Haven Nursing Home in Glace Bay, N.S., saying it will bring total spending in the sector to over $1 billion in the 2021-22 fiscal year. "It's a budget we've committed to because we believe we must do better for those who live and work in long-term care facilities," he said. The tenders for building the new beds are expected to go out in August and construction should begin within two years, Rankin added. The Liberal government has faced years of criticism from opposition parties for neglecting the state of the province's 133 long-term care facilities. A review published last September into 53 deaths at the Northwood facility in Halifax during the pandemic's first wave concluded shared rooms and staffing shortages were among the key factors contributing to the outbreaks and spread of COVID-19. There have been a total of 93 deaths in the province from COVID-19 to date. The government's news release states the upgrades will create single rooms with their own bathrooms and include heightened infection-control measures in the facilities. The province says almost $65 million will go toward replacing beds, making repairs and renovating the 17 existing facilities, while close to $30 million will go toward adding new beds in the central zone, which includes the Halifax area. In addition, funds will be spent purchasing a bed-vacancy management system and to assess facilities that are more than 25 years old, while $792,000 will be used to hire nine employees to oversee the projects. Friday's promise comes on top of an announcement in January of 236 new beds and the replacement or renovation of seven long-term care facilities. In 2019-20, the province announced 197 new nursing-home beds for New Waterford, North Sydney, Eskasoni, Meteghan, Mahone Bay and Halifax. Long-term care is likely to be among the issues in the upcoming election campaign, with both opposition parties having already criticized the Liberals for neglecting the file. Nova Scotia has one of the oldest populations in the country and faces what's been referred to as a tsunami of dementia and other chronic illnesses. The Opposition Tories released a $634-million plan last August, saying they would swiftly add 2,500 single-bed rooms to the system, hire 2,000 nurses and continuing care assistants and fund a new option for incremental-supportive living if the party forms government. Leader Tim Houston has said he's also submitted a proposal to the federal government seeking Ottawa's support for a further 1,000 single-bed rooms. The NDP has tried to introduce legislation that would require all residents of long-term care homes to have a room and washroom of their own, and have called for all new capital funding for long-term care to go to public or not-for-profit facilities. The New Democrats have also repeatedly called for a full public inquiry into long-term care and for the creation of legislative provisions that would impose staffing ratios to ensure better care for residents. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2021. CALGARY - Atco Energy Solutions has announced the construction of a new facility that will use the byproducts from organic waste to produce "renewable" natural gas. ATCO chief executive officer Nancy Southern addresses the company's annual meeting in Calgary, Wednesday, May 15, 2019.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh CALGARY - Atco Energy Solutions has announced the construction of a new facility that will use the byproducts from organic waste to produce "renewable" natural gas. The facility, a first for the Calgary-based company, will be built north of Vegreville, Alta. and should be up and running by late 2022. It will process agricultural manure and other organic waste products from nearby municipalities, harvesting the methane emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. The facility will also produce fertilizer as a byproduct, to be used by local farmers. Vegreville-based biofuels company Future Fuel Ltd. will partner with Atco to develop the project. Mike Shaw, senior vice-president for Atco Energy Solutions, said the facility will be one of the largest renewable natural gas facilities in Canada once completed. He said it will produce enough natural gas to heat 2,500 homes per year and reduce carbon emissions by 20,000 tonnes annually. "One tonne of methane emissions is equivalent to about 28 tonnes of C02 emissions on a greenhouse gas equivalency perspective," Shaw said. "Fugitive methane emissions from things like wastewater treatment, or from organic decomposition those are significant contributors to greenhouse gases." While the Vegreville facility will be Atco's first renewable fuels project, Shaw said it is in the process of developing others in order to help meet its climate change and sustainability targets. Renewable natural gas can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including residential and commercial organics, waste from water treatment plants, and landfill waste. It can be injected into the existing natural gas grid just like conventional natural gas. With its history of gas handling and upgrading, Atco is uniquely suited to move into the renewable natural gas space, Shaw said.He said Canada produces six petajoules (PJ) per year of renewable natural gas currently less than one per cent of the country's overall natural gas usage but has the potential to generate up to 150 PJ per year, according to industry estimates. "There's only a couple dozen of these facilities across Canada today, but we do expect to see significant growth in this space," Shaw said. In addition to renewable natural gas, Atco is investing in hydrogen as part of its overall climate change strategy. The company is partnering with Suncor Energy Inc. on a potential hydrogen project to be built near Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. That project could produce more than 300,000 tonnes per year of hydrogen and reduce Alberta's carbon emissions by more than two million tonnes per year, Atco said. The project is still in the early design stage. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:ACO.X, TSX:SU) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden on Friday fired the commissioner of Social Security after the official refused to resign, and accepted the deputy commissioner's resignation, the White House said. President Joe Biden waves as he boards Air Force One, Friday, July 9, 2021, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Biden is spending the weekend at his home in Delaware. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden on Friday fired the commissioner of Social Security after the official refused to resign, and accepted the deputy commissioner's resignation, the White House said. Biden asked commissioner Andrew Saul to resign, and his employment was terminated after he refused the Democratic president's request, a White House official said. Deputy Commissioner David Black agreed to resign, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. Both officials had been put in place under President Donald Trump, a Republican. Biden named Kilolo Kijakazi as acting commissioner while the administration conducts a search for a permanent commissioner and deputy commissioner. Kijakazi currently is the deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy at the Social Security Administration. Saul's removal followed a Justice Department legal opinion that found he could be removed, despite a statute that says he could only be fired for neglecting his duties or malfeasance. The opinion researched at the request of the White House concluded that a reevaluation because of a recent Supreme Court ruling meant that Saul could be fired by the president at will. - Associated Press writer Mike Balsamo contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Friday phone call that he must take action against cybercriminals acting in his country and that the U.S. reserves the right to defend its people and its critical infrastructure, the White House said. President Joe Biden speaks about the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Friday phone call that he must take action against cybercriminals acting in his country and that the U.S. reserves the right to defend its people and its critical infrastructure, the White House said. The conversation came less than a month after the two leaders met in Geneva, when Biden warned against continuing cyberattacks emanating from Russia. A new ransomware attack linked to the REvil hacking group based in Russia caused widespread disruption last weekend, affecting as many as 1,500 businesses. I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil even though it's not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is" Biden said, speaking to reporters at an event on economic competitiveness. Asked whether there will be consequences, he said, Yes. The call underscored the extent to which the ransomware threat from criminal hacker gangs has mushroomed into an urgent national security challenge for the White House, and it suggested a possible concession by the administration that earlier warnings to Putin had failed to curb a criminal activity that has taken aim at businesses across the globe. A White House statement announcing the hourlong call highlighted a U.S.-Russian agreement that will allow humanitarian aid to flow into Syria. The dual prongs of the agenda show how even as Biden pledges to get tough on Russia over hacking, theres an inherent desire to avoid aggravating tensions as the administration looks for Russia to cooperate, or at least not interfere, with U.S. actions in other areas, including Syria, the Afghanistan withdrawal and climate change. President Joe Biden speaks about the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) In his discussions with Putin on the hacking, the White House said Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and "reiterated that the United States will take any necessary action to defend its people and its critical infrastructure in the face of this continuing challenge. Biden also emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware," the White House said. Biden told reporters that the U.S. and Russia have "set up a means of communication now on a regular basis to be able to communicate with one another when each of us thinks something is happening in another country that affects the home country. And so it went well. Im optimistic. President Joe Biden speaks before signing an executive order aimed at promoting competition in the economy, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Friday, July 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The Kremlin said Putin noted that despite the Russian sides readiness to jointly stop criminal activities in the information sphere, U.S. agencies havent made any requests during the past month. The Kremlin said the two leaders emphasized the need for cooperation on cybersecurity, which it said must be permanent, professional and non-politicized and should be conducted via special communication channels ... and with respect to international law." The Kremlin statement also noted that Biden and Putin touched on the situation in Syria with a special emphasis on humanitarian aspects and gave a positive assessment of coordination of Russian and U.S. efforts on the issue, including in the U.N. Security Council." President Joe Biden speaks before signing an executive order aimed at promoting competition in the economy, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Friday, July 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The White House declined to discuss the tone of Biden's call, though press secretary Jen Psaki said it did focus significantly on the latest breach, which cybersecurity researchers have said infected victims in at least 17 countries, largely through firms that remotely manage IT infrastructure for multiple customers. Though Biden had previously said the attack had caused minimal damage, and it did not appear to target vital infrastructure, the sheer global scale and the fact that it occurred so soon after the Geneva meeting put immediate pressure on the administration to have some sort of response. Officials did not immediately announce any specific actions they were taking or would consider taking. There are few easy options to resolve the threat without risking a conflict that could spiral out of control beyond the cybersecurity realm. The Biden administration took office on the heels of a massive cyberespionage campaign known as SolarWinds that U.S. officials have linked to Russian intelligence operatives. But ransomware attacks, perpetrated generally by criminal hacker gangs rather than state-sponsored hackers, appear to have eclipsed old-fashioned spying as a potent threat. A May attack on a pipeline that supplies roughly half the fuel consumed on the East Coast caused the company to temporarily halt operations. Colonial Pipeline paid roughly $4.4 million in ransom, although U.S. authorities were able to claw back a large portion of that sum in a law enforcement operation last month. Hackers also recently extorted an $11 million ransom payment from JBS SA, the world's largest meat processor. - Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report. A funny thing happened on the way to the Senate in June the House of Commons passed a private members bill with bipartisan support, followed shortly thereafter by Senate approval. Opinion A funny thing happened on the way to the Senate in June the House of Commons passed a private members bill with bipartisan support, followed shortly thereafter by Senate approval. The bill then received Royal Assent and became law on June 29. Even more unusual is that this bill involved the Income Tax Act, the kind that almost always originates with the government. Bill C-208, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, was the work of Larry Maguire, Conservative MP for the Brandon-Souris constituency in Manitoba. Its purpose was to "establish uniform tax treatment" for the sale of farm and fishing operations whether sold to a family member or not. Prior to this, farmers, fishers and other small business owners could sell their corporations to an arms length third party and receive favourable tax treatment, but they were taxed at a much higher rate if they sold to their own family. This has resulted in many family farm operations having to be sold outside the family, in order to provide the farmer with enough income on which to retire. For many years this has seriously challenged the tradition of passing on the family farm. The current rules state that if a farmer or fisher sells the shares of the corporation to a corporation owned by their child, the capital gain is taxed as a dividend under Section 84.1. This increases the tax from about 25 per cent (or zero if the gain qualifies for the $892,218 capital gains exemption on private corporations) and instead is taxed at a rate of about 45 per cent. Both rates depend on the province. The current federal government has stated this inequity needed fixing but had not done anything about it. Bill C-208 does not provide a carte blanche tax break, as the selling corporation must still fit the rules of a Qualified Small Business Corporation, a family farm or fishing corporation, the purchasing corporation must be controlled by children or grandchildren who are at least 18, and the seller must have owned the shares for at least 60 months. That avoids quick flips. The seller will also be required to obtain an independent valuation and the capital gains exemption is reduced if the taxable capital of the seller exceeds $10 million. Having said all that, some readers of the new law fear it will open the door to some abuse by an unscrupulous business owner. For example, they could create a buyer corporation controlled by the children or grandchildren through voting preferred shares, but with some or all the common equity (the true ownership) still in the hands of the parent. This might pass the control test and thereby get the better tax treatment, without a genuine transfer of ownership. Unfortunately, a prediction that Carmen lawyer Mona Brown made in June when we were discussing this bill has also come to pass. That is the prediction that the Department of Finance would attempt to change the law. On June 30, they announced they would introduce legislation to delay the implementation of the new law from June 29, 2021 to January 1, 2022. They also hinted at retroactive measures, making any planning by taxpayers at this point very risky. Ms Brown said this week, "It is so unfortunate that Finance is trying to defeat the will of our elected representatives. The bill already has adequate protection with the requirement to hold the shares for five years and the requirement to obtain an independent valuation. I do not see why Finance is messing with the will of Parliament!" I worked for a year at the House of Commons writing speeches for an MP, and my clear recollection from that time is that Parliament makes laws and the civil service carries them out, not the reverse. Although the Prime Ministers office and cabinet appeared to be against Bill C-208 and tried to get some of their Senators to amend the bill to stop its passing, the ship of democracy has sailed, with 17 Liberals voting in favour. It would be shameful for a democratically enacted law that fixes a discriminatory aspect of the Income Tax Act to be reversed after becoming law. If the government really wants to continue this discrimination, they should have the courage to introduce a bill themselves that would make their intentions clear, not try to repeal it through the back door. Just saying Dollars and Sense is meant as an introduction to this topic and should not in any way be construed as a replacement for personalized professional advice. Please consult legal, tax, insurance and investment experts for advice on your unique situation. David Christianson, BA, CFP, R.F.P., TEP, CIM is recipient of the FP Canada Fellow (FCFP) Distinction, and repeatedly named a Top 50 Financial Advisor in Canada. He is a Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President with Christianson Wealth Advisors at National Bank Financial Wealth Management, and author of the book Managing the Bull, A No-Nonsense Guide to Personal Finance. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) It took Caitlyn Jenner 77 days to hold her first press conference after announcing she would run for California governor, and the event Friday ended in less than 15 minutes, was light on policy specifics and she flubbed details about polling that showed her having tepid public support. Caitlyn Jenner, Republican candidate for California governor, speaks during a news conference on Friday, July 9, 2021, in Sacramento, Calif. Jenner said she is a serious candidate and asserted she is leading the field of Republican candidates, even though no independent polling has been that shows that. . (AP Photo/Noah Berger) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) It took Caitlyn Jenner 77 days to hold her first press conference after announcing she would run for California governor, and the event Friday ended in less than 15 minutes, was light on policy specifics and she flubbed details about polling that showed her having tepid public support. Belying her celebrity as a reality TV personality and former Olympian, the brief meeting with about two dozen reporters took place in a nondescript hotel conference room with no visible security. After a two-minute opening statement in which she lamented the state's high taxes, she answered 10 questions in about 11 minutes, responding with brief answers before the exchange was cut off by an aide. Jenner said she is a serious candidate in the Sept. 14 recall election of first-term Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and claimed she is leading the field of Republican candidates, even though no independent polling has been done that shows that. I'm here to win it, she said. She also dismissed criticism of her spotty voting record I voted when I needed to said she would spend the final month of the campaign on a bus tour of the state and planned to release her tax returns next week. Caitlyn Jenner, Republican candidate for California governor, speaks during a news conference on Friday, July 9, 2021, in Sacramento, Calif. Jenner said she is a serious candidate and asserted she is leading the field of Republican candidates, even though no independent polling has been that shows that. . (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Jenner also suggested building desalination plants to produce more water for the drought-ridden state but provided no specifics about when or where such facilities could be built. Jenner, who won the Olympic decathlon in 1976 and decades later came out as a transgender woman, said she is better known than any other GOP candidate and even Newsom. The governor has been in office more than two years and earlier served as lieutenant governor and San Francisco mayor. I have a tremendous advantage, obviously, because of name recognition," she said. To be honest with you, I've been in a lot of races in my life, and I know how to win. I just keeping working hard." Jenner also shrugged off polling released last spring that showed she had little public support. However, in referring to the Berkeley IGS Poll issued May 11, she stated incorrectly that it came out in April and was conducted before she entered the race. The poll was conducted April 29 through May 5, after Jenner announced her candidacy on April 23. After an initial burst of publicity, Jenner has faded from the campaign spotlight while other GOP candidates have sought to raise their profiles. They include San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and businessman John Cox, who was defeated by Newsom in 2018. State Assemblyman Kevin Kiley also entered the race last week, and conservative radio host Larry Elder is considering a run. The 71-year-old Jenner has anchored her campaign to televised media interviews, which have included embarrassing stumbles that highlighted her inexperience, including recently acknowledging she wasnt deeply versed in Newsoms latest budget. She appeared to embrace the role of campaign neophyte. You got to prepare yourself, you got to get better with the issues, you got to understand the issues," Jenner said, comparing it to athletic training. Her candidacy has brought a hostile reaction from some members and groups within the LGBTQ community, which frequently cited her ties to former President Donald Trump. Jenner supported Trump in 2016 but later criticized his administrations reversal of a directive on transgender people's access to public school bathrooms. She also split with Trump after he said transgender people would not be allowed to serve in the U.S. military. She said Friday that she doesnt want Trumps endorsement and hadn't spoken to him about the campaign. Meanwhile Friday, attorneys for Newsom were in court seeking a ruling that would allow him to list his Democratic Party affiliation on the recall ballot. He sued the Democratic secretary of state he appointed, Shirley Weber, after Newsoms campaign failed to file the appropriate paperwork to list his party. Those opposing any change include Jenner. Sacramento County Superior Court Judge James Arguelles said he will issue a written ruling Monday after the Democratic officials argued that Newsom merely missed a harmless filing deadline in February 2020 and that it is in voters best interest to know his party affiliation. Associated Press writer Don Thompson contributed. 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. 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) 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. In this March 2021 photo provided by Pfizer, vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are prepared for packaging at the companys facility in Puurs, Belgium. Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday, July 8, 2021, that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant. (Pfizer via AP) 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. Associated Press writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this story. 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. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Egypt and Sudan have urged the U.N. Security Council to undertake preventive diplomacy and call for a legally binding agreement to resolve a dispute with Ethiopia over the availability of water from its dam on the Nile River, but Ethiopia insisted the matter can be solved by the African Union and many council members agreed. FILE - In this June 21, 2020, file photo, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office in Cairo, Egypt. Shukry said Wednesday, July 7, 2021, he will urge the U.N. Security Council to require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement within six months on the contentious issue of water availability from the dam that the Ethiopians are building on the main tributary of the Nile River. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File) UNITED NATIONS (AP) Egypt and Sudan have urged the U.N. Security Council to undertake preventive diplomacy and call for a legally binding agreement to resolve a dispute with Ethiopia over the availability of water from its dam on the Nile River, but Ethiopia insisted the matter can be solved by the African Union and many council members agreed. Egypt and Sudan on Thursday called for the council meeting and sent their foreign ministers to New York to appeal for council action, saying 10 years of negotiations with Ethiopia have failed and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or GERD is starting a second filling of its reservoir which not only violates a 2015 agreement but poses an existential threat to 150 million people in their downstream nations. The dam on the Blue Nile 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 to promote economic development and make sure the vast majority of its people dont lack electricity. Ethiopias water minister Seleshi Bekele Awulachew told the council that filling the reservoir was part of the dams construction and the Security Council should not be involved in the issue of Nile waters, saying no issue is further from its mandate of ensuring international peace and security. The African Union is seized of the matter, and is ably facilitating our negotiation, he said. Ethiopia believes an agreement is within reach, given the necessary political will and the commitment to negotiate in good faith. Awulachew said the Security Council should encourage Egypt and Sudan to seriously negotiate a settlement on the filling and operation of the GERD. Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry and Sudans Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi blamed Ethiopia for lacking political will. They urged the Security Council to approve a Tunisian-drafted resolution that would require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a legally binding agreement within six months under AU auspices that ensures Ethiopias ability to generate hydropower ... while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states. The draft encourages other parties to actively engage in the negotiations with a view to addressing outstanding technical and legal issues. And it urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir and calls on Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to refrain from making any statements or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process. Al-Mahdi said Sudan and Egypt believe reaching an agreement within six months is very possible if the political will is available. She told reporters after the council meeting: What we have heard there is really encouraging -- that this is a very important matter that is taking the interest of the world because it is a matter of imminent threat to the stability and security of an important region in the eastern part of Africa. We are very much optimistic that the Security Council will address this matter in a responsible way, and it will not just be dropped from its agenda, al-Mahdi said. She noted that some council members are concerned about a precedent of addressing a water issue, but she stressed that addressing the GERD would be a precedent" in preventive diplomacy and looking at early warning signs," not having to deal with a peacekeeping mission later. Egypts Shukry said all council members indicated there should be no unilateral action taken by the three countries, but failed to mention that Ethiopia has already taken unilateral action twice in filling the GERDs reservoir which has a negative impact on the negotiating side. Nonetheless, he said, council members demonstrated support for all the elements in the draft resolution so Egypt looks forward to its approval which will reinforce and empower efforts by Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi as AU chair to initiate negotiations with the three parties and negotiate a legally binding agreement. This is not a water issue. This is an issue of preventive diplomacy, an issue of conflict resolution that relates to the dam and the existential threat that it poses, Shukry said, Every council member will have to provide justification if it doesnt address the issue, especially since the draft resolution reflects every single thing that was said by the council members and supports the AU-led negotiations. The Egyptian minister said Ethiopia's actions threaten the security of Egypt and Sudan and its lack of political will has been a main obstacle to reaching an agreement despite the moderation and flexibility that both Egypt and Sudan has shown. Asked about using military means, Shukry said, Egypt will continue to demonstrate flexibility and desire to support the AU-led process but at the same time it will defend the interests of citizens and their livelihoods with all means available at its disposal. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States believe the issue of sharing Nile waters can be reconciled ... with political commitment from all parties, beginning with the urgent resumption of negotiations under the AU's leadership. She made no mention of the Tunisian resolution but said, We believe that the African Union is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute, and the United States is committed to providing political and technical support to facilitate a successful outcome." Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed concern at the escalating confrontational rhetoric" and said claims about possible use of force are unacceptable." He said the dispute must be settled by political and diplomatic means and Russia supports the AUs engagement, adding that its capabilities to resolve the dispute have not been exhausted yet. Nebenzia proposed that the three parties meet while they were in New York, which would be the best contribution the Security Council can make to resolving the issue in the spirit of the principle `African solutions to the African problems, to which all o us are committed. But that didn't happen. OTTAWA - Canada's national unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent in June. Here are the jobless rates last month by province (numbers from the previous month in brackets): OTTAWA - Canada's national unemployment rate was 7.8 per cent in June. Here are the jobless rates last month by province (numbers from the previous month in brackets): _ Newfoundland and Labrador 13.0 per cent (13.4) _ Prince Edward Island 12.5 per cent (9.6) _ Nova Scotia 9.0 per cent (9.8) _ New Brunswick 9.3 per cent (9.0) _ Quebec 6.3 per cent (6.6) _ Ontario 8.4 per cent (9.3) _ Manitoba 7.6 per cent (7.2) _ Saskatchewan 6.7 per cent (6.3) _ Alberta 9.3 per cent (8.7) _ British Columbia 6.6 per cent (7.0) This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2021 and was generated automatically. WASHINGTON (AP) The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved a $650 billion expansion in resources to support economically vulnerable nations as they battle the coronavirus pandemic. FILE - In this May 18, 2021 file photo, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at the end of the Financing of African Economies Summit, in Paris. The executive board of the International Monetary Fund has approved a $650 billion expansion of the resources of the 190-nation lending institution aimed at providing more support for vulnerable nations as they battle the coronavirus pandemic. Georgieva said in a statement Friday, July 9, that the new support, the largest such expansion in the agencys history, would be a shot in the arm for the world. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP, File) WASHINGTON (AP) The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved a $650 billion expansion in resources to support economically vulnerable nations as they battle the coronavirus pandemic. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Friday that the new support, the largest such expansion in the history of the 190-nation lending institution, would be a shot in the arm for the world. To put the size of the funding expansion in context, the IMF approved a $250 billion boost in SDR reserves following the 2008 financial crisis. It is a reversal of the stance taken by the Trump administration and it began in February when the Biden administration got behind the effort. Republican members of Congress have objected to the funding, saying that the expanded IMF resources would benefit U.S. adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran. However, the assistance has been strongly supported by international relief agencies. Eric LeCompte, executive director of the religious-affiliated development group Jubilee USA Network, said that the IMF action would allow developing countries to immediately receive more than $200 billion in support. Wealthy countries who receive emergency reserves they don't need should transfer those resources to developing countries struggling through the pandemic, LeCompte said. More than six months after vaccines became available, reported COVID-19 deaths worldwide have fallen to about 7,800 each day, after topping out at over 18,000 a day in January. The World Health Organization recorded just under 54,000 deaths last week, the lowest weekly total since last October. However, COVID-19 has illuminated global inequities as deaths worldwide climbed to 4 million, a milestone recorded Wednesday by Johns Hopkins University. Vaccination drives are barely getting started in Africa and other desperately poor corners of the world because of extreme shortages of shots. To fund the spending, the IMF will expand its Special Drawing Rights, a currency reserve that can be tapped by IMF member countries. BANGKOK (AP) Several countries around Asia and the Pacific that are experiencing their first major surges of the coronavirus rushed to impose tough restrictions, a year and a half into a pandemic that many initially weathered well. Locals sleep in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) BANGKOK (AP) Several countries around Asia and the Pacific that are experiencing their first major surges of the coronavirus rushed to impose tough restrictions, a year and a half into a pandemic that many initially weathered well. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of infections in recent months, authorities in such countries as Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam announced or imposed measures Friday that they hope can slow the spread before health care systems are overwhelmed. It's a rhythm familiar in much of the world, where repeated surges deluged hospitals and led to high numbers of deaths. But many Asian countries avoided that cycle by imposing stiff travel restrictions combined with tough measures at home. Locals wait in line overnight for free the coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Now some are seeing record numbers of new cases and even deaths, blamed in part on the highly contagious delta variant combined with low rates of vaccination and decisions to ease restrictions that have hit economies hard. Though overall numbers are nowhere yet near those seen during outbreaks in hotspots in Europe and the United States, the rapid rise set off alarm bells just as many Western countries with high vaccine rates began to breathe a sigh of relief. Thailand reported a record number of new deaths on Thursday with 75 and they came in at 72 on Friday. South Korea set a record for number of new cases on Thursday, only to break it on Friday with 1,316 infections, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. For the first time, Indonesia is seeing a surge that has hospitals turning patients away and oxygen supplies running out. Of Thailand's 317,506 confirmed cases and 2,534 deaths since the pandemic started, more than 90% have come since the start of April. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's handling of the surge has been widely criticized, including the decision to allow people to travel for April's Songkran festival celebrating Thailand's New Year. Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at the Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Thailand already has strict regulations on wearing masks and other rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the government announced even more stringent measures Friday for Bangkok and the surrounding area, including closing spas, limiting the hours of public transit, and restricting the opening times of markets and convenience stores. "There is something wrong with the government policies, our vaccinations are too slow, and we should get better vaccines," said resident Cherkarn Rachasevet, a 60-year-old IT analyst, who hustled to the grocery store to stock up on supplies after hearing new restrictions were coming, wearing four masks and a face shield. She lamented that she isn't due for her first shot until the end of the month. Across the Asia-Pacific region, immunization rates have lagged for a variety of reasons, including production and distribution issues as well as an initial wait-and-see attitude from many early on when numbers were low and there was less of a sense of urgency. Locals wait in line overnight for free coronavirus testing at Wat Phra Si Mahathat temple in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 9, 2021. Faced with rapidly rising numbers of new coronavirus infections and growing concern over the proliferation of the highly contagious delta variant, major Asia-Pacific cities implemented new restrictions Friday in the hope of reversing the trend before health care systems are overwhelmed. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) In South Korea widely praised for its initial response to the pandemic that included extensive testing and contact-tracing critics are now blaming a current spike in cases on the governments push to ease social-distancing because of economic concerns. Meanwhile, a shortage in vaccine supplies has left 70% of the population still waiting for their first shot. The recent death toll has been low, however, and authorities attribute that to the fact that many who have been vaccinated were at-risk older Koreans. Amid a spike in infections in the Seoul area, authorities announced Friday that starting next week they would impose the strongest restrictions yet. Those include prohibiting private social gatherings of three 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. No country has been worse hit in the region recently than Indonesia. The seven-day rolling averages of daily cases and deaths both more than doubled over the past two weeks. A health worker arrives in a residential neighborhood to collect swab samples from residents to test for COVID-19 during a door-to-door testing drive in Gauhati, India, Friday, July 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) Health experts say a partial lockdown imposed July 3 was too little too late and warned the current wave, which is mostly on the islands of Java, Bali, and a few cities on the island of Sumatra, will soon start to spread across the vast archipelago and the health system is already buckling under the pressure. Despite a strict national lockdown in nearby Malaysia under which residents are confined to their homes, with only one person per household allowed out to purchase groceries, new cases since it began June 1 continued to shoot up, and a record 9,180 daily cases were reported Friday. The total death toll more than doubled to 5,903 since June 1. Its the second national lockdown over the past year and the government said it will stay in place until daily infections fall below 4,000 and at least 10% of the population is vaccinated but it comes at a tremendous cost, deepening economic hardships, with scores of businesses forced to shutter and thousands losing their jobs. Vietnam also imposed tighter restrictions on Friday, locking down Ho Chi Minh City, the countrys largest metropolis and its economic and financial hub, for two weeks. The southern citys 9 million residents are only permitted to leave home to buy food, medicine and for other urgent matters during that time. Local residents wait to be tested for coronavirus in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Vietnam was able to limit its total coronavirus cases to 2,800 during the first year of the pandemic, and reported almost no new cases in the three months up to the end of April when they began to climb rapidly. In the last two months, the country has recorded some 22,000 new cases, and the less stringent restrictions imposed so far have been unable to stem the rise. "It is a difficult decision to lock down the city, but it is necessary to curb the pandemic and get back to normalcy," Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said during a government meeting Thursday evening. Currently, about 4% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, though the Health Ministry said it hopes to inoculate 70% of the country's 96 million people by the end of the year. One exception to the regional rule appears to be India, where the delta variant was first detected perhaps because its surge came first. The country has slowly emerged from a traumatic April and May, when a devastating spike in infections tore through the nation, hospitals ran out of beds and oxygen supplies, and overwhelmed crematoria were forced to burn bodies in pyres outdoors. New cases and deaths are now decreasing, but with less than 5% of the countrys eligible population fully vaccinated, authorities are scrambling to distribute more shots and are investing heavily in field hospitals and ICU beds, and stockpiling oxygen supplies. Japan and Australia also announced new restrictions this week. Japan is particularly being watched since its state of emergency means spectators will be banned at most venues a the upcoming Olympics. With the detection of the delta variant last month in Australia's New South Wales, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Friday that this is now the "scariest period" of the pandemic yet as she announced new restrictions in Sydney after the city reported 44 new cases, in line with the country's approach to move quickly with targeted measures to stamp out new outbreaks. "New South Wales is facing the biggest challenge we have faced since the pandemic started," she said. "And I dont say that lightly." Associated Press writers from around the region contributed to this report. MEXICO CITY (AP) The Mexican and U.S. governments announced a plan Thursday to resolve a U.S. labor complaint over attempts to steal a union vote at an auto plant in northern Mexico. MEXICO CITY (AP) The Mexican and U.S. governments announced a plan Thursday to resolve a U.S. labor complaint over attempts to steal a union vote at an auto plant in northern Mexico. The Economy Department promised Thursday to punish any voting abuses and provide inspectors at a new vote at the General Motors plant in the city of Silao, set to be held before Aug. 20. The vote is to be held inside the plant, not at the offices of the union that allegedly tried to destroy ballots. Labor Department inspectors will be allowed inside the plant to prevent intimidation tactics starting next week, and observers from the International Labor Organization will also be allowed in. However, it was unclear if those promises would be enough. Workers at the plant have complained the old Confederation of Mexican Workers union has already tried tactics like promises and threats in speeches to shop stewards, or offering to raffle off cars, in order to win the vote. U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, welcomed the plan. Pascrell wrote "I remain hopeful that the crooked backroom deals between corrupt corporations, predatory protection unions, nefarious government officials will become a thing of the past. The complaint was filed in May under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, after the old-guard union was caught allegedly destroying ballots. A new union is trying to unseat the old labor group at the plant. For decades, corrupt Mexican unions signed low-wage protection contracts behind workers backs. The rapid response mechanisms under the trade pact, known as the USMCA, allows a panel to determine whether Mexico is enforcing labor laws that allow workers to choose their union and vote on contracts and union leadership. If Mexico is found not to be enforcing its laws, sanctions could be invoked, including prohibiting some products from entering the United States. The May complaint was the first to be filed under the USMCA. Mexican auto workers make one-eighth to one-tenth of the wages of their U.S. counterparts, something that has spurred a massive relocation of auto plants to Mexico and a loss of U.S. jobs. For decades, union votes in Mexico were held by show of hands, or not at all. Workers at many factories in Mexico were unaware they even had a union until they saw dues deducted from their paychecks. As part of efforts to get the USMCA, which replaced the old North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexico passed labor law reforms stating all union votes would be by secret ballot, and workers at all factories in Mexico could vote on whether to keep their current union. It was one such vote among the 6,494 employees of GM transmission and pickup plants in Silao in April that triggered the complaint. Workers at the plant had been asked to vote yes or no on whether to recognize the union that has long controlled the plants labor contract. That union is part of the Confederation of Mexican Workers, or CTM, which formed part of the the party that ruled Mexico for most of the past century. In a statement in May, GM said it supports the labor provisions of the USMCA, including rapid response, and said it will cooperate with authorities to guarantee the integrity of voting on the union contract at out manufacturing complex in Silao. We do not think there was any involvement of General Motors in the alleged violations that occurred at our plants in Silao, GM said, but noted it had hired an outside consultant to conduct a review of what happened. Mexicos Labor Department declared the April vote invalid. Mexico is still in the middle of a process of holding votes at workplaces to accept or reject existing unions. The process started in 2019 and ends in 2023, and will have to be repeated at every unionized factory and workplace in Mexico. Some experts have criticized the process, because employees are not allowed to choose between a new union and an old one. Instead, they are essentially asked to decide between the old union and none at all. MONTREAL - MTY Food Group Inc. said it will restart paying a dividend as it reported a profit of $23 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $99.1 million a year ago when then pandemic started. The Groupe MTY offices are seen in Montreal, Jan. 23, 2020. MTY Food Group Inc. said it will restart paying a dividend as it reported a profit of $23 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $99.1 million a year ago when then pandemic started. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz MONTREAL - MTY Food Group Inc. said it will restart paying a dividend as it reported a profit of $23 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $99.1 million a year ago when then pandemic started. The restaurant franchisor and operator, which had suspended its dividend last year when it the pandemic forced restaurants to close, says it will pay a quarterly dividend of 18.5 cents per share next month. The payment to shareholders comes as MTY says its profit for the three months ended May 31 amounted to 93 cents per diluted share compared with a loss of $4.01 per diluted share a year ago. Revenue for what was the company's second quarter totalled $135.9 million, up from $97.8 million in the same quarter last year. At the end of the quarter, MTY says 359 locations were still temporarily closed because of the pandemic including 283 in Canada, 54 in the U.S. and 22 internationally. It says 258 locations remained temporarily closed as of Friday. MTY is the company behind more than 80 restaurant brands, including food court staples like Thai Express and Tiki-Ming. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:MTY) FILE - In this Sunday, July 4, 2021 file photo, former President Jacob Zuma addresses the press at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Zuma left his home to hand himself over to authorities to serve a 15-month prison term Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Shiraaz Mohamed, File) PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AP) A South African court has rejected former South African President Jacob Zuma's request to postpone his current jail term. Zuma, who started his 15-month jail sentence Thursday, will remain behind bars after his application for his prison term be delayed was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday. Zuma has one more legal bid to be released which will be heard by the Constitutional Court, the country's apex court, on Monday. An armoured police vehicle patrols a street in Durban, South Africa, Friday July 9, 2021, after protesters erected burning barricades to protest the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma. The Pietermaritzburg High Courtcourt has rejected Zuma's request to postpone his jail term of 15-months for contempt. (AP Photo) He is currently imprisoned in the Estcourt Correctional Center for failing to obey a court order to testify at a judicial commission that is investigating allegations of corruption during his term as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018. Some of Zuma's supporters in KwaZulu-Natal, his home province, protested his imprisonment on Friday by blocking roads with burning tires and other obstacles. Police cleared the roads in some areas. Zuma, 79, surrendered to authorities shortly before a midnight Wednesday deadline and was taken to Estcourt prison, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from his rural home in Nkandla. Zuma will be eligible for parole after serving a quarter of his sentence, unless his appeal before the Constitutional Court succeeds, according to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola. Zuma will be in quarantine for 14 days as part of the facilitys COVID-19 precautions. He was put in the Estcourts hospital section for assessment and will be treated like any other inmate, Lamola said Thursday. Zuma was convicted of contempt of court for defying a court order for him to appear before a commission of inquiry. The commission has 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. In a separate matter, Zuma is standing trial on charges of corruption related to a 1999 arms deal, where he allegedly received bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales. His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case. While human rights groups in South Africa welcomed Zumas imprisonment, many people in KwaZulu-Natal, the center of support for the former president, said they were not happy about it. It does not sit well with me because, first of all, he is an elderly person, so for him to be incarcerated is not good for him," said Philiswa Zondi in Pietermaritzburg. "Perhaps it would have been better for him to be incarcerated at home than to be in a cell. Another Pietermaritzburg resident, Ntuthuko Mdletshe, said she felt Zuma had been treated unfairly because South Africa has many other corrupt politicians who have not been arrested. I feel so bad for Jacob Zuma," said Mdletshe. I feel bad because every political party has its own corruption, even the previous government had its own corruption. LISBON, Portugal (AP) Spains top diplomat pushed back Friday against French cautions over vacationing in the Iberian peninsula, as southern Europes holiday hotspots worry that repeated changes to rules on who can visit is putting people off travel. Staff workers of the Adolfo Suarez-Barajas international airport wait for passengers in Madrid, Spain, Friday, July 9, 2021. Spain's top diplomat is pushing back against French cautions over vacationing on the Iberian peninsula. Southern Europe's holiday hotspots worry that repeated changes to rules on who can visit is putting people off travel. On Thursday, France's secretary of state for European affairs, Clement Beaune, advised people to "avoid Spain and Portugal as destinations" when booking their holidays because COVID-19 infections are surging there. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) LISBON, Portugal (AP) Spains top diplomat pushed back Friday against French cautions over vacationing in the Iberian peninsula, as southern Europes holiday hotspots worry that repeated changes to rules on who can visit is putting people off travel. On Thursday, Frances secretary of state for European affairs, Clement Beaune, advised people to avoid Spain and Portugal as destinations when booking their holidays because the French government is considering restrictions on travel to the Iberian neighbors, where COVID-19 infections are surging. Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said the current surge is not translating into more hospitalizations and urged people to be proportionate in their response to pandemic trends. A man sunbathes on the beach in Barcelona, Spain, Friday, July 9, 2021. Spain's top diplomat is pushing back against French cautions over vacationing on the Iberian peninsula. Southern Europe's holiday hotspots worry that repeated changes to rules on who can visit is putting people off travel. On Thursday, France's secretary of state for European affairs, Clement Beaune, advised people to "avoid Spain and Portugal as destinations" when booking their holidays because COVID-19 infections are surging there. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu) This is a time for prudence, not for panicking, she said at a press conference in Madrid. There is no reason at the moment to ask people to cancel their vacations. Visiting French Foreign Minister Yves Le Drian urged people to have a COVID-19 jab before travelling. The vaccine is the door to Spain, he said. Millions of tourists arriving every year in Spain and Portugal are crucial for the Iberian countries economies and jobs. Both hope tourism will help drive an economic recovery after the pandemic. A man sunbathes in a park next to the beach in Barcelona, Spain, Friday, July 9, 2021. Spain's top diplomat is pushing back against French cautions over vacationing on the Iberian peninsula. Southern Europe's holiday hotspots worry that repeated changes to rules on who can visit is putting people off travel. On Thursday, France's secretary of state for European affairs, Clement Beaune, advised people to "avoid Spain and Portugal as destinations" when booking their holidays because COVID-19 infections are surging there. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu) French tourists staying away would be a major blow. For Iberian tourism businesses, last year was mostly a washout due to COVID-19 lockdowns and local and international travel restrictions. This year is turning out to be a wild ride, as rules have flip-flopped amid efforts to resume leisure travel. Germany on Friday labelled the whole of Spain as a risk area, potentially discouraging travel there. Portugal has also been clobbered by changing rules. Last month, Portuguese companies cheered when the country was placed on the U.K.s green list, permitting British tourists to skip quarantine when returning home. Three weeks later, amid a surge in COVID-19 infections, Portugal was axed from the list and the British market dried up. There are hopes this could change again after July 19, when the British government scraps the requirement for people going abroad to quarantine, as long as they are fully vaccinated. Germany this week eased its recent strict restrictions on travel to Portugal, which had disheartened the Portuguese tourism sector. Now, a negative test is enough for Germans returning from holiday to avoid quarantining. Everyone keeps chopping and changing their rules, Eliderico Viegas, head of Portugals Algarve Hotel and Resort Association, a representative body, said. France, and before it Germany, are good examples of that. Portugal, like Spain, was expecting this summer to be less bad than last year. The French ministers comments have changed that outlook, according to Viegas. Theres no doubt that demand will fall now, he told the Associated Press. United Airlines said Friday it will add nearly 150 flights this winter to warm-weather destinations in the U.S. and will also add flights to beach spots in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. A Delta Air Lines jet takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport Thursday, July 8, 2021, in Burbank, Calif. Airlines are adding more flights as the number of travelers continues to rise. The airlines are expecting the recovery to mean more traffic this winter. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) United Airlines said Friday it will add nearly 150 flights this winter to warm-weather destinations in the U.S. and will also add flights to beach spots in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The airline said its winter schedule to places such as California and Florida will be larger than it was in 2019, before the pandemic crushed air travel. Uniteds announcement is further indication that airlines are confident that a travel rebound that began this spring will grow stronger. Earlier this month, Delta revamped its schedule to add flights this winter to U.S. ski destinations including Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Aspen, Colorado. And discount carrier Spirit Airlines said Thursday that it would add new domestic flights and resume international ones from Orlando, Florida, that it had dropped during the pandemic. Airlines cut their workforces last year through buyouts, early retirements and voluntary leaves. Now they are recalling employees from leave and hiring again to meet the increase in travel. U.S. air travel has rebounded from pandemic lows last year to frequently more than 2 million people a day, although numbers are still about 20% below July 2019, according to figures from the Transportation Security Administration. Some airlines have struggled to keep up with the bigger crowds, particularly Southwest and American. So far in July, both airlines have canceled about 3% of their flights and more than one-third were delayed at least 15 minutes, according to figures from tracking service FlightAware. In June, 40% of Southwest flights were delayed and 3% were canceled, while 31% of American flights were late and 4% were canceled, Flightaware said. The airlines have mostly blamed their difficulties on bad weather. SAN DIEGO (AP) A California judge decided victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting near San Diego that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to the teenage gunman, according to a newspaper report. SAN DIEGO (AP) A California judge decided victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting near San Diego that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to the teenage gunman, according to a newspaper report. Superior Court Judge Kenneth Medel said Wednesday that victims and families in the Poway, California, synagogue shooting have adequately alleged that Smith & Wesson, the nations largest gunmaker, knew its AR-15-style rifle could be easily modified into a machine-gun-like or an assault weapon in violation of state law. FILE - In this Sunday, April 28, 2019 file photo, a San Diego county sheriff's deputy stands in front of the Chabad of Poway synagogue, in Poway, Calif. A California judge on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 decided victims of the 2019 synagogue shooting near San Diego that killed one worshiper and wounded three can sue the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle and the gun shop that sold it to the teenage gunman, according to a newspaper report.(AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File) A 2005 federal law shields gunmakers from damages in most cases for crimes committed with their weapons. But it allows lawsuits if the manufacturer was negligent or knowingly violated a state or federal law, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday. 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, the newspaper said. The judge also said the shop, San Diego Guns, could be sued for selling the weapon 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. Prosecutors say Earnest, a nursing student, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle during the last day of Passover services in April 2019. The attack killed 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye and wounded three others, including an 8-year-old girl and the rabbi, who lost a finger. Earnest then allegedly called 911 to say he had shot up a synagogue because Jews were trying to destroy all white people, authorities said. Earnest faces state murder charges carrying a potential death sentence and federal hate-crime charges. Wednesday's 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 didn't immediately respond to the Chronicle's request for comment. OTTAWA - Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says she is concerned that vaccination rates among younger Canadians aren't high enough as the rate of first-dose shots is slowing. Dr. Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer, speaks during a technical briefing on the COVID pandemic, in Ottawa, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Dr. Tam says she is concerned that vaccination rates among younger Canadians aren't high enough. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says she is concerned that vaccination rates among younger Canadians aren't high enough as the rate of first-dose shots is slowing. "Now that the vaccines been around for some time we are getting a bit concerned that that group isnt offering their arm, as it were," Tam said at a virtual news conference Thursday. She said younger Canadians tend to be socializing more, and can infect older Canadians if they carry COVID-19, who may be more vulnerable to the disease even if they are fully vaccinated. Vaccines are reducing infection rates greatly, and evidence suggests vaccinated people who do end up contracting COVID-19 get very mild, if any symptoms. But there are some who still experience serious illness. As of July 3, two in three Canadians between 12 and 39 have had at least one dose, but that leaves 4.5 million Canadians in that age group without any protection. Comparatively, almost four in five people between 40 and 60 have at least one dose, and more than nine in 10 people over 60. In most provinces, people under 40 became eligible to get vaccinated less than two weeks after people in their 40s and 50s. In all provinces, everyone at least 12 years old was eligible for their first dose by the end of May. The number of first doses administered has plummeted from almost 250,000 a day in the first week of June, to less than 50,000 in the first week of July. Between June 26 and July 3, Health Canada data shows 359,635 people got their first dose, while 3.3 million got their second. Canada's overall vaccination pace slowed around the weekend after Canada Day, but seemed to bounce back a little by the end of this week. But more than 90 per cent of shots are going to second doses. Tam said young people aren't to be blamed or shamed about vaccinations, with efforts focused on educating about the benefits of vaccinations to themselves, and their loved ones. "I have a firm, massive belief in our younger adults," she said. Efforts within specific cultural communities are needed, with local leaders and influencers also playing a role, said Tam. Ontario is moving to engage family doctors more in the vaccination process in a bid to get vaccines to those not yet jabbed, hoping a known health professional might help convince them. Tam said unvaccinated people can lead to outbreaks, pointing to Yukon, where an outbreak is ongoing among mostly unvaccinated people. That is even though three in four people in the territory now have at least one dose, and two-thirds are fully vaccinated. Dr. Dominik Mertz, an infectious disease specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences, said there is "no magic percentage" for knowing when enough people have been vaccinated. "The more the better to prevent major outbreaks moving forward," he said. Mertz said he thinks we'll scratch and claw our way to 80 per cent vaccinated this summer, and getting to 90 per cent is possible with real efforts to reach unvaccinated people directly. That final 10 per cent is likely never going to be convinced, he said. Eric Herscovich, a project leader at Vaccine Hunters, said demand for vaccines is still high based on a new project, Find Your Immunization, which allows users to find available vaccine appointments near them. Launched in mid-June, the website already has one million unique users and is averaging 50,000 searches a day, said Herscovich. "There is still quite a demand," he said, though there is no data collected on whether people are looking for a first or second dose. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2021. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said Vaccine Hunters' new Find Your Immunization website is averaging 50 searches a day. It is 50,000. OTTAWA - In her home community of Taykwa Tagamou Nation in northeastern Ontario, surrounded by family and friends, RoseAnne Archibald was about to deliver the oath of office as newly elected national chief of the Assembly of First Nations Thursday when she suddenly began to giggle. Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald is approached by reporters before meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford at Queen's Park in Toronto, on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov OTTAWA - In her home community of Taykwa Tagamou Nation in northeastern Ontario, surrounded by family and friends, RoseAnne Archibald was about to deliver the oath of office as newly elected national chief of the Assembly of First Nations Thursday when she suddenly began to giggle. The solemn ceremony, held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was interrupted by messages popping up on her smartphone, which was being used to broadcast her oath and victory speech across the country. "I'm getting too many text messages from people, it's interfering with my oath of office," Archibald said as she laughed, handing her phone to an aide so she wouldn't have to hold it herself while delivering her remarks. Archibald's authenticity in that moment reflects the kind of leader she says she wants to be as the first female leader of the AFN, an advocacy organization representing 634 First Nations. She is pledging to hold governments' feet to the fire in making sure the needs and priorities of First Nations people in Canada are at the forefront of national dialogue and action. But the new leader also harshly criticized the way the AFN has been run in the past, and is promising to make the organization more inclusive and transparent. She also says she will approach this transformational work in her own kind and respectful way. "I have the ability to create space that is respectful and kind to other leaders and at the same time, hold them to account. I'm holding two spaces within me," she said at a news conference Friday. "I know that with that heart-centred approach, together with any government we can move the yardstick, we can create quantum leaps of change and that's my plan." Archibald secured her electoral victory late Thursday after two days and five full rounds of voting. The race was about go to a sixth ballot before the last of Archibald's six rivals for the job, Reginald Bellerose, chief of Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan, conceded. As the first woman to hold the job of national chief, Archibald says it has been a long and often bumpy road to get here. The secretariat for the AFN, which oversees the business and operations of the organization, is still also called the 'National Indian Brotherhood,' she noted when asked why it's taken so long for a woman to assume leadership of the AFN. "It's things like that create a feeling that there isn't a place for women," she said. The negative experiences of national female politicians such as Jody Wilson-Raybould and Catherine McKenna can also often discourage women from seeking higher office, she added. "These attacks on women don't create safe spaces for women. But it's changing," she said. "It's important that 80 per cent of the chiefs across Canada are men and they elected me. And that, to me, speaks to the change that is happening: that our brothers understand the importance of creating space." Over the next 100 days, Archibald plans to focus on key issues such as unmarked burial sites at former residential schools, the national action plan on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and fighting systemic racism in the health and justice systems. She also plans to prioritize climate change's effects on Indigenous communities such as the wildfires ravaging First Nations in British Columbia and will work with governments and regional chiefs on a post-pandemic recovery plan for First Nations. Asked about an internal investigation the AFN launched into allegations of harassment against her earlier this year, Archibald said she couldn't discuss specifics because of confidentiality. But she did say she was never interviewed as part of that probe. She also said she believes it was relating to her having raised concerns about allegations of harassment and bullying of women, LGBTQ and two-spirit people at the organization something she says will not happen under her watch. "I knew that because I spoke out that there would be retaliation but I kept walking forward because I believe in the truth," she said. "I felt like a whistleblower when I brought those issues forward." Because of this, Archibald says she supports a whistleblower policy for the AFN. She also plans to address concerns she's heard about the AFN being "opaque" in financial matters. "I ran for national chief to bring better, more inclusive governance to the AFN, one that puts an emphasis on creating safe and healthy workplaces for all people, protected and respected, no matter what." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2021. The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times eastern): The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times eastern): 8:05 p.m. Yukon is reporting 10 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing the territory's total number of active cases to 123. Chief medical officer of health Dr. Brendan Hanley says all the new cases are among Yukon residents. It brings the territory's total number of cases to 385 since June 1 and 456 since the pandemic began. Hanley said Wednesday that he's worried about the number of undetected COVID-19 cases in the territory. 6:40 p.m. Alberta is reporting 23 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. There is a total of 697 active cases in the province. Officials say there are 133 people in hospital, with 23 of those patients in intensive care. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer of health, says nearly 74 per cent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose of vaccine and 52 per cent are now fully immunized. 5:30 p.m. Forty per cent of eligible B.C. residents are now fully vaccinated, while 78.4 per cent of those 12 and older have had their first shot. A statement from the Health Ministry says there have been 59 new COVID-19 cases and there are 649 active infections in the province. One more person died for a total of 1,760 fatalities since the pandemic started. Hospitalizations are down again with 74 in care and 19 of those in the intensive care unit. 3:40 p.m. Saskatchewan is reporting 113 new cases of COVID-19 today, and no new deaths. Seventeen more people have recovered, leaving the province with 415 active cases. The province is also reporting 62 people in hospital, including 11 in intensive care. It says todays rise in COVID-19 cases is largely due to the ongoing outbreak in the Hatchet Lake area. Voluntary mass testing and door-to-door vaccinations are now being offered to residents in that region. Provincewide, 71 per cent of those aged 12 and older have now received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Fifty-one per cent of those 12 and older are fully vaccinated. 3:05 p.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will not jeopardize Canada's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by opening the border to unvaccinated foreign travellers any time soon. He says Canada is continuing to work with public health officials and the White House on plans for the border, which has been closed to non-essential travellers who aren't Canadian since March 2020. The next step, says Trudeau, will be measures to allow fully vaccinated travellers who aren't Canadian to travel to Canada for non-essential reasons, but he didn't put a specific timeline on it. Canada just adjusted border rules for fully vaccinated Canadians on July 5, and no longer requires them to quarantine for two weeks if they test negative for COVID-19 before and after arriving in the country. 1:35 p.m. Manitoba is reporting 86 new COVID-19 cases. However, five earlier cases have been removed due to data correction, for a net increase of 81. The province is also reporting three deaths, all related to the Alpha variant of concern. 1:30 p.m. Nova Scotia is reporting two new cases of COVID-19. Officials say theyve traced one infection to a previously known case, while the source of the remaining infection is still under investigation. There are now 39 active reported cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia and two people are in hospital due to the disease. One of those patients is in intensive care. 1 p.m. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube says the government will begin implementing a vaccine passport system in September if cases begin to rise. Dube says people will be required to prove they are adequately vaccinated to access certain non-essential or public services should outbreaks occur. He says the vaccine passport will only be used in places where there is significant transmission of COVID-19. Dube says the use of the vaccine passport will help the province avoid the need for future lockdowns and keep the economy open. 11 a.m. Quebec is reporting 64 new cases of COVID-19 today and 10 more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus, nine of which occurred before July 1. Health officials say hospitalizations dropped by two, to 101, and 23 people were in intensive care, also a drop of two. The province says 113,084 doses of vaccine were administered yesterday and 42.7 per cent of people over the age of 12 are considered fully vaccinated. Montreal reported 25 new cases today and no other region in the province reported more than 19 new cases. 10:30 a.m. Ontario reports there are 210 new cases of COVID-19 in the province and four more deaths linked to the virus. Health Minister Christine Elliott says there are 52 new cases in the Region of Waterloo, 23 in Peel Region and 19 in Hamilton. The Ministry of Health says 215 people are in intensive care because of COVID-19 and 145 are on a ventilator. Elliott says a record high 268,884 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered yesterday for a total of more than 16.3 million given out in the province. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 8, 2021. Returning from a medical leave that lasted several weeks, Health Minister Heather Stefanson talked Thursday about her priorities moving forward and shared a bit of first-hand experience with the health-care system she oversees. Returning from a medical leave that lasted several weeks, Health Minister Heather Stefanson talked Thursday about her priorities moving forward and shared a bit of first-hand experience with the health-care system she oversees. "Wonderful people work in the system," she said at her first media appearance since the Manitoba legislature press gallery was informed about her medical leave May 21. "This is the first time I've had an opportunity to be out since I've been back... So I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the doctors, the nurses, the health-care aides all those on the hospital staff who helped me during my surgery," she said at a brief news conference to announce provincial plans to train more nurses. Stefanson said her surgery took place at Health Sciences Centre. She provided no further details, but talked about the care she received at HSC. "The staff was absolutely phenomenal. Just great health care here in Manitoba," said Stefanson, who thanked deputy premier Kelvin Goertzen, a former health minister, for filling in for her while she was on leave. Stefanson was sworn in as health and seniors care minister Jan. 5, when Premier Brian Pallister overhauled the front bench of his cabinet. One day after she held a May 20 news conference to announce long weekend COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and urge Manitobans to stay at home, media were told Stefanson was undergoing a necessary medical procedure and would be absent from the legislature for the remainder of the spring sitting (which ended June 1). Stefanson said she has been working virtually for the last couple of weeks, and is focusing on three main priorities: "No. 1, obviously, is dealing with COVID and making sure of the safety of Manitobans and getting as many Manitobans vaccinated as we possibly can." At the same time, she said, the department is focusing on better care for seniors and addressing the backlog of surgeries and procedures resulting from the surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations (but offhand didn't know how many there had been). carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca The intense pressure of COVID-19 on Manitobas hospital system which forced 57 critically ill patients out of province for care was greater than all its western peers, leaving officials trying to understand why. The intense pressure of COVID-19 on Manitobas hospital system which forced 57 critically ill patients out of province for care was greater than all its western peers, leaving officials trying to understand why. Last month, as the third pandemic curve was trending downward, Manitoba public health reached out to federal counterparts at the Public Health Agency of Canada with a question: Was the proportion of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba requiring hospital care greater than what was seen in other provinces? An early analysis conducted by the federal agency in consultation with local health officials suggested that was the case, according to the Manitoba government. "Our acute care system did get overwhelmed here in Manitoba. Proportionally speaking, our acute care system was more impacted than any other province," Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer, said during a July 2 news conference. The revelation Manitobans who caught COVID-19 were more likely to be hospitalized than patients in other provinces came after Atwal was asked if the province might adopt an elimination strategy, similar to Atlantic Canadian provinces, going forward. Atwal would not offer any reasons for Manitobas higher hospitalization rate other than to say research is underway to understand the dynamics. "Thats going to take a lot of time because it means reviewing all the cases, it means getting together with all these other jurisdictions to understand definitions, and to review all the data. And you want to be accurate with that data, as well," he said. Between March 27 and June 5 the period that roughly spans the third wave in Manitoba there were 1,250 COVID-19 hospital admissions, including 412 intensive care unit admissions, according to provincial reports. There were about 18,840 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in that period. "Were going to look at the information on who was a severe outcome, who got hospitalized, who ended up in the ICU in Manitoba, and were going to provide that information with other provinces as well and try to understand that entire issue," Atwal said. The Free Press requested to review the report and presentation prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada for Manitoba health officials, but was denied. "Manitoba is not able to share the presentation, as it is very preliminary. Additionally, the report includes data that falls outside Manitobas jurisdiction," a public health spokesperson said in a statement. The province's acute care system was overwhelmed proportionally compared to the rest of the country, said Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files) A request to the Public Health Agency of Canada to review the presentation and to respond to questions posed by the Free Press was not met by deadline. Neither the province nor the Public Health Agency of Canada specified how much greater the hospitalization rate was in Manitoba when compared to the average for provinces outside of Atlantic Canada. The review compared case hospitalization rates in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec to Manitoba, according to the provincial spokesperson. Some data from Saskatchewan was also included. The preliminary report suggested the highest proportion of hospitalized cases were in Manitoba, compared to other provinces, the spokesperson said. "There are many reasons why differences between Manitoba and other provinces may have been observed exploring some of these reasons will require further discussions and more in-depth research projects." The suggestion Manitobans were worse off than residents of other provinces because of unknown factors is "sleight of hand," said Dr. Anand Kumar. "The major question is: why did we do so poorly overall?" the attending physician at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg said in an interview with the Free Press. "We used a strategy where we tried to just avoid overloading ICU capacity and health-system capacity, and when you do that with an illness that has exponential increases, its very easy to overshoot the mark." There is some variation across provinces and populations that could affect the rate of hospitalization related to COVID-19, but any differences would be marginal, Kumar said. Rather, the government implemented restrictions too late in the third wave to avoid overloading a health-care system that had yet to recover from the second, he said. In comparison to the Atlantic provinces, where the pursuit of a maximum suppression strategy resulted in markedly fewer deaths, the question Manitoba should be asking is what did they do right that we did wrong? Kumar said. "The simple fact is we didnt have to have the worst outcomes; the worst outcomes that we had were primarily a consequence of decisions that the provincial government made." The Free Press requested an interview with Health Minister Heather Stefanson. Her office sent a statement by email saying she was reviewing the data. danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca Carrie McKinnon has been waiting for a knee replacement for nearly two years. Every day, she checks the province's latest COVID-19 hospitalization numbers, excited to see them decline, wondering when there will be hospital space for her. Carrie McKinnon has been waiting for a knee replacement for nearly two years. Every day, she checks the province's latest COVID-19 hospitalization numbers, excited to see them decline, wondering when there will be hospital space for her. "Every time the phone rings, I jump, like, 'Is it going to be today?'" she says. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Carrie McKinnon has been waiting for a knee replacement for nearly two years. McKinnon is one of tens of thousands of Manitobans on wait lists for delayed or cancelled procedures deemed non-essential when the province was forced to funnel all of its health-care resources into treating COVID-19 patients during the second and third waves of the pandemic. Manitoba was slowest in Canada to pick up surgeries and resume cancelled procedures in the second wave, new national data shows. On Thursday, Health Minister Heather Stefanson said tackling the backlog is one of her top priorities, but the province hasn't released data showing exactly how many Manitobans are still waiting. "I know there's a lot of people that are worse off than me," McKinnon says. "But it's taking its toll. It's not just my knee anymore. It's my hips, it's my neck." Pain swells in her back and other joints as they take over for her bad knee while she walks with a severe limp. She's been told to take more painkillers. Her surgery was initially scheduled for May, after she was told in October 2019 she needed it, but it had to be cancelled. Before it was to be rescheduled, an influx of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Winnipeg dashed her hopes. "I know there's a lot of people that are worse off than me. But it's taking its toll. It's not just my knee anymore. It's my hips, it's my neck." Carrie McKinnon A former competitive volleyball player, McKinnon said she's become sedentary and her mental health has suffered. "I'm not going to lose my life over it, but so many other aspects of my life have changed." When the pandemic began and all provinces suspended some surgeries, Manitoba initially had one of the lowest declines in surgery volumes compared with the rest of the country. However, during the second wave, Manitoba's surgery volumes dropped by an average of 29 per cent. Nationally, surgery volumes decreased by about four per cent during the same time period, from October to December 2020, according to Thursday's report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. In response to the data, doctors in the province are renewing calls for the provincial government to set up a task force, commit to clearing the backlog by a fixed date and release figures monthly on the progress. Doctors call for task force on massive surgery backlog Click to Expand Dr. Kristjan Thompson called on the province to commit to clearing the backlog by a fixed date, set up a task force to do it, and publicly release monthly progress reports on the state of the backlog. Posted: 3:38 PM Jun. 17, 2021 The provincial government needs to establish a task force to tackle Manitoba's pandemic surgery backlog, which has been made worse by the nursing shortage, doctors say. The backlog has ballooned to more than 110,000 procedures and tests including 39,000 delayed surgeries Doctors Manitoba estimates. The province postponed elective and non-urgent surgeries because of COVID-19's demand on the health-care system, but the doctors say the backlog includes life-saving surgeries and has seriously affected heart and cancer patients. Read Full Story Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Kristjan Thompson said Manitoba was the only province to see a significant number of surgeries cancelled or postponed in the second wave. The organization, which represents more than 4,000 physicians, estimated last month at least 39,000 surgeries have been delayed and more than 71,000 diagnostic tests and screenings are still on hold. The new report validates that estimate, Thompson said, and means Manitoba needs transparent updates on the current state of the backlog. There were 18,398 fewer surgeries performed in Manitoba during the first 10 months of the pandemic compared with the same time period in 2019, the report shows. "In the ER, I see these patients, waiting to get their hips replaced, their knees. Suffering and in pain, needing their gallbladders taken out. So I see it anecdotally. We want to know what the actual numbers are," Thompson said. Asked why Manitoba appears to be lagging behind other provinces in dealing with the backlog, Thompson said he recognizes it's a pandemic but that's why a concrete plan is needed. "Physicians may not have every single answer, but we certainly do have a front-row seat to what we're seeing with our patients, and we are ready to work, to roll up our sleeves and work with government to solve this problem." "In the ER, I see these patients, waiting to get their hips replaced, their knees. Suffering and in pain, needing their gallbladders taken out. So I see it anecdotally. We want to know what the actual numbers are." Dr. Kristjan Thompson Stefanson and deputy premier Kelvin Goertzen (who was acting health minister in Stefanson's absence) met Wednesday with Doctors Manitoba. The government hasn't announced it will follow the doctors' recommendations, but Stefanson said they are working together and regular reporting on the backlog will be part of the province's response. Shared Health says the number of delayed surgeries is now roughly 30,000. "However, providing an accurate number that encapsulates the surgical backlog due to the pandemic is difficult for multiple reasons," a statement provided Thursday reads. "We are not hiding from that whatsoever," Stefanson said, reiterating the province has already announced plans to devote $50 million to deal with the surgical backlog. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Pain swells in McKinnon's back and other joints as they take over for her bad knee while she walks with a severe limp. McKinnon hopes she'll be able to have her surgery this month. She's been told to expect no more than 10 days' notice. In the meantime, McKinnon said she feels for the surgeons and health-care staff who have seen patient lists balloon. She wants to see some indication provincial leaders understand what it's like to be on an ever-growing wait list. "It's never going to get better on its own," she said. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay At city hall, long-serving councillor Harry Lazarenko was known as "the leaker." An advocate for an open and transparent public service from the day he entered politics, Lazarenko wasnt afraid to sidestep red tape to get information to his constituents, says Ross Eadie, the councillor for Mynarski and Lazarenkos successor. Coun. Ross Eadie (from left), former mayor Sam Katz, and Judy and Harry Lazarenko attend a dedication ceremony as the Redwood Bridge is renamed after Lazarenko on Oct. 3, 2014. Ken Gigliotti / Winnipeg Free Press "He would leak information he thought the public should know about, he would release it to the press, make sure it was in the public because it was in the public interest," Eadie said. He helped craft the citys access to information bylaw, and was part of re-drafting it after the original proposal was too restrictive, Eadie said. It was the first time Eadie worked with Lazarenko, and it set the tone for the legacy hes working to live up to decades later. Harry Lazarenko died Thursday at 84. He represented the North Ends Mynarski ward from 1974 to 1977 and from 1983 to 2010, when he left after suffering an aneurysm. His impact after 30 years as a councillor for an often underserved part of Winnipeg is in evidence today: in 2014, the Redwood Bridge in the North End was renamed Harry Lazarenko Bridge. "I have a lot of respect for him, and I have a legacy to live up to, and I try to do it every day," Eadie said. "When I feel like giving up and frustrated, I always think back to Harry, and think You got into this for a reason." Lazarenko never left the North End, and his heart belonged to it. Eadie fondly remembers how he would take media and municipal politicians alike on annual boat tours o the Red River, where he would point out properties that had riverbank erosion, including Elmwood Cemetery. At the time, Lazarenko called the citys efforts to fight the sliding land a "Band-aid job." "When you talk about examples of representing the North End, a lot of it is, you have to help residents deal with difficult situations," Eadie said. "The Lazarenko Mynarski office was very good the amount of work that they did that helped people, thats what kept Harry elected, because he cared about the neighbourhoods." He wasnt just a city councillor, he was the "mayor of the North End," former Winnipeg mayor Glen Murray said. "He was a very engaging populist politician. He was someone who always grounded council and, in the discussions I had with him, on the realities that Winnipeggers faced every day," he said. "He was very big on making sure government provided the basics for people." Murray, who worked with Lazarenko for nine years, called him a funny, sometimes self-deprecating, family man who was part of a "wave of change" in the North End. Lazarenko and Stephen Juba, who was mayor from 1957 to 1977, were members of the area's Eastern European population, which hadn't had much political influence. They got involved and gave the community voice at city hall. "Most of our mayors were white Anglo-Saxons from the southern and suburban parts of the city... (Lazarenko and Juba) were not just advocating for the North End, not just a significant wave of strong representation for communities that have often been underrepresented," he said. "They also played a very key role in healing the rifts that have existed north-south in the city." An advocate for regular, working-class people, Lazarenko worked to combat those divisions and did so by ensuring government was accessible to everyone, Murray said. "Harrys moniker, the mayor of the North End really represented not just that he was very committed to the North End, but also he was a very important person in bringing the whole city together," he said. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ The provincial government promised to beef up security at the legislature a day after a man suspected of having mental-health issues drove his truck up onto the massive front steps of the grand building. The provincial government promised to beef up security at the legislature a day after a man suspected of having mental-health issues drove his truck up onto the massive front steps of the grand building. "We do need to make sure that (police officers) have the proper resources, to make sure that public spaces like the legislature are secure," Finance Minister Scott Fielding said Thursday. He was at the building Wednesday evening when an unnamed 33-year-old Winnipeg man drove a black Dodge pickup truck up through pylons and onto the steps of the legislature. Fielding would not specify whether enhanced security measures would include installing bollards. Decisions about specifics are up to Justice Minister Cameron Friesen, who was not made available for an interview. Instead, his office provided a statement, saying the government has commissioned a third-party security assessment. "This report has become the blueprint used for the development of security modifications, which has been accelerated recently in lieu of security issues," reads the statement attributed to Friesen. Around 6:30 p.m., witnesses saw the truck driving erratically towards the legislative building and mowing down traffic cones at a construction site, though police said the truck did not hit any structures. The truck mounted the stairs at the main entrance and stopped. Police would not explain how the driver managed to get that far despite the presence of enhanced security on the legislature grounds. "Just by nature of where that building is located, and its prominence, there is often suspicious activity that can occur around it," Const. Jay Murray told reporters. "Security officers are often assigned to follow up on those matters." Witnesses saw the truck driving erratically towards the legislative building and mowing down traffic cones at a construction site before driving up the stairs at the main entrance. (Cody Sellar / Winnipeg Free Press) Police arrested the driver and he was taken to hospital for a medical assessment. He had no injuries and police believe he was sober, which suggests he will face a mental-health evaluation. The man was charged with dangerous driving and a mischief under $5,000. A female passenger was released without being charged. Police would not comment on motive, though witnesses said they heard the man yelling something about children in Ontario. Murray said provincial rules on patient confidentiality limit what police can disclose about the incident. He would not comment on reports the same truck had circled the legislature, but he did say police were not following the vehicle before it crashed through traffic cones set up at a construction site. Murray said security at the legislature was bolstered after a reservist from Bowsman, Man., stormed a gate at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the residence of the governor general, in July 2020. "Whenever you have an incident like this, youre going to see a significant response," Murray said. The legislative building and its grounds are overseen by protective services, a branch of Manitoba Justice. Since 2016, Friesen said his department has upgraded security cameras and IT, and is working on improving "operation models, governance, equipment, training, technology systems, and more." Murray said officers regularly touch base with the Indigenous group that has camped out on the legislature grounds to commemorate children who died at residential schools, and are trying to de-escalate tension after statues of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria were vandalized and toppled on Canada Day. "Our primary goal is to keep the peace," said Murray, who commended the officers patrolling the area. "Its been a very long week for them, for a number of different reasons." With files from Erik Pindera dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca At a time when oxidized statues of monarchs are being splattered with red paint or toppled entirely, following the grim discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential schools, the Queens living, breathing representative in Canada will, for the first time in history, be an Indigenous woman. At a time when oxidized statues of monarchs are being splattered with red paint or toppled entirely, following the grim discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential schools, the Queens living, breathing representative in Canada will, for the first time in history, be an Indigenous woman. Its about time. Inuk leader Mary Simon will be Canadas next governor general, the latest in a long list of accomplishments for the veteran advocate, diplomat and negotiator. This isnt Ms. Simons only historic first; in 1994, she became the first Inuk to hold an ambassadorial position when she was appointed ambassador for circumpolar affairs, a position she held until 2003. Ms. Simon has been involved in history-making negotiations, including those leading to the landmark James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1975 and the 1982 patriation of the Canadian Constitution. And shes been on the radar for the vice-regal post for a decade, having first made the shortlist for governor general back in 2010. Put another way, she is right person for the role, at the right time. "I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation," she said on Tuesday, after she introduced herself in Inuktitut. Shes right. Having an Inuk woman in a high-level government role, and hearing Inuktitut in these kinds of official announcements, represents a powerful reclamation of space at a time of national reckoning. These are seats at the table that should be occupied by Indigenous people. The governor general doesnt just represent the Crown; he or she also represents the country. And national symbols ought to look more like the nations they represent. While some are quick to point out that the role is "largely ceremonial" a euphemism for "doesnt have much power" the governor general does have important responsibilities, such as summoning, proroguing and dissolving Parliament, giving royal assent to parliamentary bills, and delivering the speech from the throne. Having the wrong person in this role can have deleterious effects, as was shown by the various scandals surrounding former governor general Julie Payette, who resigned after a scathing workplace review found she had created a toxic environment. Despite her impressive CV, the fact Ms. Simon does not speak French has been a sticking point with some critics of her appointment, as its customary that the governor general be fluent in both official languages. It is important to note, however, that Ms. Simon is, in fact, bilingual she speaks English and Inuktitut. Canadas official languages are colonial languages; the erasure of Indigenous languages was one of the goals of residential schools. There has been, at various points over the past few decades, talk of modernizing the role of governor general a goal whose pursuit to date has involved simply installing someone younger. Ms. Simons appointment, however, offers a chance for visibility and education thanks to her perspectives and lived experience. She has affected change in every other role she has assumed; theres no reason to think she wont in this one. She has the potential to help envision and build a Canada that more fully recognizes the value of Indigenous people, culture and language. Talk about toppling colonial figures. Schultz said he thinks everyone should serve at least once in their life. Im very proud of it, he said of his time in the service. It turned me into a man. Though he earned his GED while in the Navy, he has long wanted to get his real diploma from BHS, a place he hasnt stepped foot since the late 1980s when he returned as a disc jockey to play for a school dance, he said. He called the school and has been working with district Administrative Assistant Ellen Weiland for the last two years to earn his diploma. It took so long, he said, because he was hospitalized with COVID-19 and almost died. Weiland offered to send his diploma in the mail, but Schultz asked her to wait so he could come and pick it up himself. I wanted to come back to Baraboo High, you know. I wanted to come back home, he said. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} To get his diploma, he said he had to meet several criteria, including passing his GED and being honorably discharged from military service. In the ever-changing landscape of veterans benefits and healthcare, Sauk County Veterans Service Officer Tony Tyczynski said he wants those who deserve funding and coverage to know his office is there to help. I want to make sure every veteran in this county knows this office exists and what we do, Tyczynski said. A lot dont. One of the main problems is those who think the office is connected to the federal Veterans Affairs, he said. I know there are still veterans out there who think this office is the VA, Tyczynski said. Who dont understand were advocates, not VA employees. That were here to help them get their benefits and help them navigate that behemoth that is the federal VA. Tyczynski said he wants to stifle the mistaken claims people make conversationally among one another and encourage veterans to talk to his office to gain updated information. The staff there know how to navigate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office, he said. They will work with veterans in every step of the way, tracking applications as they go and helping them understand what actions they can take within a complicated system. I tried writing this out on my deck, but the animals kept interrupting. First, one of the resident chipmunks loudly insisted with tsk tsk tsks that I feed it breakfast. After I tossed a couple of scoops of sunflower seeds onto the patio, the teenaged squirrel appeared, and I had to see if it was going to claim the whole patio or cede parts of it to the little guy. While I was waiting to see which drama would unfold first, my idea for a column wafted into the clouds and was replaced by one inspired by the animals that share my backyard and teach me more about life than books ever have. My only job is to watch and listen. In some ways, my yard and those of other people who feed wild animals are examples of government intervention. In nature, and in human societies, without that sort of intervention, its survival of the fittest. Weak or disabled animals either die from starvation or are prey for other animals. There are some reports of wild animals showing compassion, but those are extremely rare. Several other mental health care providers also serve the district. Waupun City Administrator/Director of Economic Development Kathy Schlieve said the city donated $75,000 to the project from its healthcare-promoting Brooks Fund because it is confident there is not a legal issue. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} It comes down to licensure, said Schlieve. Church Health Services operates a state-certified mental health clinic. They hire only state-licensed, certifiable counselors to deliver services, and theyre not licensed to deliver Christian counseling. Really its fundamental in terms of matching the provider to the need. Based on licensure, they fit the need. The biggest concern obviously that theyve addressed is that we are a faith-based organization, said OConnor. Even though were a faith-based organization many of the programs that we offer are not faith-based. Theyre secular programs, and our mental health program is one of those. That is simply because we are we dealing with not only mentally vulnerable and fragile people, but also socio-economically fragile people. So we really wanted to make sure that if were going to provide mental health therapy to this group of people were going to do it appropriately. 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. Multiple vehicles reported having flat tires on I-90 near Wisconsin Dells due to drywall screws that spilled onto the roadway. Sgt. Randy Gordon with the Wisconsin State Patrol said eight vehicles reported having flat tires at around 5 p.m. July 7 at mile post 84 in Juneau County, by exit 85 near Rocky Arbor State Park in Wisconsin Dells. Deputies were dispatched to the area and found drywall screws in the tires of the vehicles. He said deputies from Juneau and Sauk County checked the roadway to see if additional screws could be located but none were found. Deputies also checked with the highway department to see if any additional reports came in and didnt hear any after the initial reports. It was an initial barrage for about 10 minutes or so of people calling saying they got flat tires. We went and checked it out and found screws in their tires, Gordon said. It was done as fast as it started and then we just started calling tow trucks and getting people arrangements for getting their tires fixed. No crashes or injuries happened, he said. Gordon said the state patrol isnt sure how the screws spilled onto the roadway. FORESTPORT, N.Y. (UPDATED) An 82-year-old woman with dementia has been found in good health after she was reported missing Friday. Mary E. Godemann was last seen by her family on Thursday at 1 p.m., when she was leaving her home in a 2017 gray Subaru Crosstrek. When she didn't return, she was reported missing to New York State Police. Godemann's family says she experiences 'sundowning,' where she becomes more confused later in the day. New York State Police shared Godemann's photo in an effort to help with the search, and thanked the public for assisting with this case. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) Ransomware cyber attacks are continuing to affect businesses around the globe, but a Purdue expert is working to put a stop to it. The most recent attack happened last weekend, and it affected companies by targeting their software vendor, Kaseya. The hackers then demanded a ransom of $70 million. Purdue Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Santiago Torres-Arias is working to establish new solutions in cyber security, including the field of software supply chain. That helps businesses run product development, sourcing, production, and logistics. He said hackers will search the weakest link in software and hack it. "What I'm trying to get to now is to have more coverage," he said. "It is cliche, but it's real. The software supply chain is going to be its weakest, as weak as the weakest link and that's what the hackers are doing. So, we need to find those weak links." Torres-Arias said another reason we're seeing this more often is due to a lack of regulations. He said there is also a lack of a way to enforce those regulations. Q&A: Dean of Students Marjorie Thomas reflects on her time at W&M Marjorie Thomas joined William & Mary in 2013 as the universitys dean of students, leading the student success thematic area of Student Affairs. After eight years in the role, Thomas will be leaving the university at the end of July to become vice president for student affairs at the New College of Florida in Sarasota. A search for the next dean of students will begin in the fall. Mark Sikes, vice dean for student success, will serve as interim dean of students. This is surely a bittersweet moment for W&M, said Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler in a message to her staff. As you know, Marjorie has been a remarkable leader within our campus community, and we will miss having her as a university colleague and expert partner in promoting student success. At the same time, we celebrate this opportunity for her to apply her considerable talent to leading a division of student affairs. W&M News recently spoke with Thomas about her time at the university and how those experiences, including the challenges of the pandemic, have shaped her as she takes on a new position. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. What's your philosophy for working with students, and what are the values and goals that guide your approach? My philosophy is centered around how we support students through their journey here at William & Mary. We should be a place where, when students are uncertain or have questions, that while we may be able to share resources that they can tap into, we are also collaborating with university partners to make sure that we are referring students and appropriately intervening on their behalf. That's really what we're about. We're navigating access for our students. We're navigating how we retain our students so that they have a robust college experience. And we are also making sure that we are finding opportunities for students to engage and connect to a number of the resources and services that are available. And so even if a circumstance doesnt fall within the realm of something serious, the general idea is to engage students around issues that are going to help them grow and develop during their time here and to do that when there's a network of support, where we're helping them navigate that process. Whether their questions are academic in nature, personal in nature, or they are just having difficulty navigating the institution for whatever reason, what I find is that we lead with care. That's the bottom line. Sometimes we're navigating serious and/or critical situations. And for me, and for the team I work with, it is really about how do you lead with care and how do you even in difficult conversations or difficult decision making make sure that we are looking at the whole student, the impact of their current circumstance and identifying the most appropriate service intervention or program. What have been some of your favorite parts of the job and what were some of the biggest challenges? One of the things that I love about this job is that no day is the same and the fact that I have a really unique lens into the level of resilience of our students. While there are a lot of things I can never share with anyone or any members of our team can share with members of our community, every day we experience students rising above their circumstances. I think what we went through during the pandemic was a perfect example of this in action. There were a lot of things we all went through during the pandemic, but I can't tell you how many unique circumstances many of our students navigated and, wow, how proud I am that they were able to get to the other side and with such a sense of strength and accomplishment and more awareness of their ability to navigate something difficult. Similarly, I cannot express how many times during Commencement, I'll see a student walking across the stage and reflect about a circumstance they were in to see them crossing that stage in spite of their previous circumstance, that's the most amazing feeling. In terms of difficult times, I think when we see our students struggle and/or deal with loss, that has been hard. But I do believe that the approaches that we take as a community have helped offset some of that. Even with challenges, there is definitely a sense that we can get through almost anything together. We really appreciate the level of engagement our faculty have here and how they support students. Our faculty do not expect that students can only succeed in the classroom a certain way and be a certain kind of student; they really care about them. We have also had a great champion in Ginger (Ambler, vice president for student affairs). She has been our biggest cheerleader. For example, within my first year, I was like, Ginger, we're going paperless. And she understood not only our commitment to being sustainable, but what it meant for our students, for us to be more efficient and have more accessibility to our services. Within 18 months of my arrival, students went from having to fill out forms, make copies and drop them off in the Campus Center to submitting petitions online, which provided a lot more ease and contributed to students ability to navigate issues with more privacy. In your role, you often have to make hard decisions and take tough stances. How do you approach those kinds of difficult situations? In addition to leading with care, by always being open and flexible to share with students the context behind the decisions that are being made. Our goal is not just about accountability for punitive reasons. It is grounded in this idea of what can be learned and how to convey to students that difficult situations are part of life and that we're trying to provide tools that are going to help them. Life is not easy. Everything that you need or want may not be accessible at your fingertips. And so what does it mean to understand processes or timelines or rules and regulations? And while there may be situations that happen that are either difficult or unexpected, they may have to be navigated a certain way and there may be certain consequences. It does not mean, however, that we don't care about you. But it may mean that we are going to have to work through either difficult conversations or situations together. I think for me at the end of it, what I'm really proud of is I work with a team every day that is willing to make that investment in people and retain the students that we support so that wherever that student lands, they know that we are willing to make the investment in them having those tools for the future, in working through what opportunities can even come from challenges. I honestly can't tell you how many emails and letters we get from students, who, upon reflection, say, Wow, when I was going through that, I was not a fan of yours, but I get it now. You guys helped me get through it, and either I'm moving on or I'm ready to re-engage now. I think it's something that we work on every day: How do we make what we do approachable so that students know, no matter how difficult the circumstance, we are here to help you work through it and we are going to connect you to resources you need? Speaking of difficult situations, what kind of experiences did you have at W&M before the pandemic that helped prepare you for the challenges of the past year? The way we all interact and support each other has just helped us really know how to tap into resources to better serve students. I think there's just been an ability for us to communicate what we need and to have partners that are all-hands-on-deck to help us meet the needs of students. The challenging part for us, beyond the pandemic, has always been about how we ensure that students realize that we are community-centered and are focused on their well-being. Yes, it's amazing that you're here, its amazing that you are a brilliant person, it's amazing you're going to be able to contribute to society once you leave our corridors. But while you are here, are you familiar with resources, are you familiar with opportunities, are you familiar with where to go if you face challenges? Our best resource in navigating challenges have been our campus partners. Whether it's with our colleagues in Arts & Sciences, the school of business, education, law, etc., or administrative units like Financial Services and the University Registrar, they get what we do. When you're part of a community where people are all on the same page, it just really does help foster getting through challenges with more ease. While the pandemic was an example of that, it has also been the case when we have experienced loss in our community. People come together. That one family mantra is true, and when we are going through difficult times, it's an even stronger bond. Did you learn anything new about the William & Mary community through the specific challenges of the pandemic? And did you learn anything new about yourself? I have learned that we'll do whatever it takes to make sure that our students are well, that we'll do whatever it takes to make sure that our community is strong and prepared. And that's been awesome to experience. There wasn't a lot that was great about the pandemic there was fear and a lot of uncertainty but truly what I garnered from this experience is that our people make this place. It was really beautiful to see people just jump in and say, How can I help? How can I serve? I had an opportunity to observe that we are filled with servant leaders within our community, so that's been an awesome take-away for me. I realized that I'm a lot more resilient than I thought. I realized that I am a lot more creative than I thought. In a very short timeframe, we were able to come up with ways to serve and access our students. This is a perfect example of partnership. Within two weeks, we were able to join with IT and Procurement to put 25 laptops aside for students and provide access to funding to provide students with grants so that they could purchase what they needed. When students would contact our office, they'd say, I don't have a laptop or I need this kind of laptop or program for my course, and we would prep their hardware and just ship it. It was amazing because that's not what I do I'm not an IT person. But IT was supporting us, and we were supporting a need from students. It was a beautiful example of, within a short timeframe, communicating a need and being able to call a partner and make it happen for our students. What do you hope your legacy will be able at William & Mary? How do you want to be remembered here? That's a hard one. I would want it to be that I worked hard to better serve our students, that I did whatever was necessary, asked important questions and created new opportunities for student success. Our systems now better serve our students that, to me, is the legacy. But there's no way that I could articulate that without also saying the team that I work with every day is my legacy the ways we have been able to build upon how we serve our students and serve them with care, but also the fact that I can say that I have been able to work and grow a team that will continue that. While that might evolve into bigger things, I really feel like we have set a foundation and established a trajectory that will continue to serve our students and have their best interests at heart. Acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples as the Historical Custodians of the Land at William & Mary Like peer institutions around the country, William & Mary seeks formally to acknowledge the original Indigenous inhabitants of the state-owned land on which the Williamsburg campus resides, and has partnered with their present-day descendants to create appropriate language. After consultation and input from VA Tribal leaders in August 2020, President Rowe approved the following statement: William & Mary acknowledges the Indigenous peoples who are the original inhabitants of the lands our campus is on today the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway), Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Monacan, Nansemond, Nottoway, Pamunkey, Patawomeck, Upper Mattaponi, and Rappahannock tribes and pay our respect to their tribal members past and present. {{audio|https://media.wm.edu/content/as/land-acknowledgement.m4a}} What is a Land Acknowledgement and why does it matter? The practice of Land Acknowledgement represents a commitment to a culture of inclusion that begins with recognizing the Indigenous peoples of our region. At William & Mary, respect for our regions complex history and the universitys place in it is an essential part of our teaching and research mission. Acknowledging the Indigenous inhabitants of the land as historical custodians is important regardless of whether Indigenous people have legal ownership of the land on which an event is taking place. This is because the relationship of Indigenous people to their traditional homelands incorporates more than just ownership or occupation of land. Importantly, in most cases Indigenous peoples in Virginia have been removed from the majority of their ancestral territory and today only two tribes continue to reside on Reservation lands first established through treaty negotiations that took place in the mid 17th century. Virginias complex history of colonization had devastating and far-reaching effects on Indigenous people. Williamsburg and William & Mary are no exceptions given the colonial legacies of Virginias Indigenous people to these places. These legacies included treaty negotiations, economic ties and relationships and the attendance of Virginia Indian boys at the Colleges Brafferton Indian School. These historical and colonial connections with Virginia Indians must be understood and acknowledged on campus and we hope within the wider Williamsburg community. Acknowledgement promotes awareness of and respect for Indigenous culture, ending the history of silence and exclusion that has resulted in Indigenous disadvantages today. Formal Land Acknowledgement is a concrete and affirmative part of larger commitments W&M has made to partner with our historically-linked Indigenous communities. Over the past 20 years, W&M and representatives of VA Tribes historically linked to this area have worked together to: Establish the Virginia Indian oral history project which resulted in the making of a documentary called Voices of Virginia Indians with funding from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, in 2003 Testify before both the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (2002) and the 112th U.S. Congressional Committee on Indian Affairs (2012) in support of Federal Recognition for Virginia Indian Tribes Create accurate and culturally sensitive educational materials for classroom educators in partnership with the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, 2003-7 Conduct research in support of the successful state recognition efforts of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe and the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia (2007-10) Establish the Werowocomoco Research Group, an all-Native Advisory Board to work with W&M archaeologists, students and community members to formulate research questions, review archaeological reports and publications from 2003-2011 Identify and work to protect archaeological sites and locations of Native cultural patrimony in the Commonwealth of Virginia, such as Werowocomoco in Gloucester County, Virginia Nominate archaeological sites and historic places for landmark status on the National Register of Historic Places (Sharon Indian School/Upper Mattaponi Tribe in 2007) Establish the Brafferton Legacy Group during the 2011-13 renovations of the historic building to offer advice on the implications of the buildings history and prominence to descendant communities Conduct research on behalf of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for their Underrepresented Communities Grant Program (Historic Preservation Fund) with the Mattaponi Indian Tribe, the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and the Sappony Tribe of Virginia/North Carolina (2016-17) Contribute to the research for the establishment of the new Werowocomoco National Park in Gloucester County, VA (2017-present) Compile the archive of the papers of Chief Emeritus Oliver Perry of the Nansemond Indian Tribe, and donate the papers to the Special Collections Research Center at W&M Libraries (2019) Conduct research on the history of the Brafferton Indian School at William & Mary and contribute to the 2016-17 exhibition and 2019 publication of Building the Brafferton: The Founding, Funding and Legacy of Americas Indian School (2006-2016) Hold a training workshop on the rights and responsibilities of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 for federally recognized tribes in Virginia (2019) Consult with federally recognized Virginia Tribes to devise a plan for the proper implementation of NAGPRA to repatriate culturally-affiliated human remains and objects of cultural patrimony, with a grant from the National Park Service (2019-present) In sum, using acknowledgements in official events at William & Mary or in other ways: Recognizes Indigenous people as the First People and original custodians of the land Promotes awareness of the history and culture of Indigenous people Formally acknowledges Indigenous peoples ongoing connection to land in general to Williamsburg and William & Mary specifically Who has contributed to creating this language? We thank W&Ms American Indian Resource Center and Native Studies program, the Anthropology Department, as well as the leadership of the Nansemond Indian Nation, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe, the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, with whom the presidents office consulted in August 2020 before approving this statement. Using acknowledgement language at events We invite the William & Mary community and its various academic departments to integrate the practice of acknowledgement into your public programs as appropriate. Please respect the process of consultation by not changing the approved language above. At in person events, that language might be incorporated into opening remarks by a host, as follows: Please join me in acknowledging and paying respect to the Indigenous peoples who are the original inhabitants of the land we are on today, the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway), Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Monacan, Nansemond, Nottoway, Pamunkey, Patawomeck, Upper Mattaponi, and Rappahannock tribes, and pay our respect to their tribal members past and present. For more information please contact: Danielle Moretti-Langholtz Director, American Indian Resource Center [[dmoret]] Ashley Spivey W&Ms Tribal Liaison, American Indian Resource Center [[e|alatkins]] Show Low, AZ (85901) Today Mostly sunny skies during the morning hours followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 83F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Show Low, AZ (85901) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. High 83F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. (Source: Xinhua) Woodward, OK (73801) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. High 92F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 67F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Woodward, OK (73801) Today Thunderstorms during the morning hours, then skies turning partly cloudy during the afternoon. High 93F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 68F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter Kuala Lumpur - Juwai IQI has appointed Standard Chartered and Salesforce veteran Haroon Anwar as Senior Vice President - Vietnam and Cambodia. He will work with Juwai IQI's executive team and the country management teams to enhance market penetration and sales. He will focus on major real estate developers, lenders, establishing new offices, recruiting team members, technology, and marketing. Hanoi-based Anwar has 30 years of technology and finance experience in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the UAE, and Singapore. He has developed deep relationships with individuals and organizations that may be potential partners and investors. Anwar was at Standard Chartered for ten years, including nine years as Managing Director in the ASEAN region and two years as General Director and CEO for the Hanoi Branch in Vietnam. His most recent role was a senior position at Techcombank, Vietnam's best performing bank by return on assets and its third most profitable. Anwar has also served in senior roles at Salesforce Inc, BMO Financial Group, ABN AMRO and Citibank. He is an expert at digital transformation, business strategy, corporate finance, sales leadership, and partnership management. Juwai IQI Group Co-Founder and CEO Kashif Ansari said: "Juwai IQI needs leaders like Haroon to help us expand in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is a core market for us and is already responsible for a significant share of revenue growth. With the help of leaders like Haroon, we expect to exponentially expand our domestic and cross-border business in Vietnam and the wider region. "We are confident that that the Juwai IQI is the model of the future for real estate. We expect to make very significant investments in our technology platform through 2025. This focus will accelerate growth and profitability. Having top-rated team members like Haroon on the ground in Vietnam and Cambodia will fully enable us to capture the value generated by this investment. "Haroon is knowledgeable and passionate about building working partnerships that deliver significant benefits to both parties. He will work closely with our existing teams in Cambodia and Vietnam to increase our market coverage, expand our agent networks and identify targets for partnership or acquisition in the real estate and technology spaces." Haroon Anwar said: "Juwai IQI is the fastest growing residential real estate technology business in Asia, and I am proud to join its senior team. Juwai IQI offers the most advanced real estate transaction-enabling technology, recruiting practices, and management and sales. "I look forward to working with our partners to further expand Juwai IQI in Cambodia and Vietnam to the benefit of all parties." ABOUT JUWAI IQI Juwai IQI is the Asian real estate technology group that empowers residents of Asia to become residents of the world, transacted more than 17,000 properties in 2020, engages 12.9 million monthly active users and advertises US$4 trillion of property from 111 countries every year. The company offers real estate marketers an end-to-end marketing and sales solution that integrates its super-app, its IQI global network of more than 18,500 real estate agents, and its market-leading property marketplaces, which are the number one Chinese international real estate portal (Juwai.com) and the first Asia-wide portal for global property (Juwai.asia). Follow Juwai IQI on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook and visit https://www.juwaiiqi.com/. MEDIA CONTACTS Dave Platter Juwai IQI Global Director of Public Relations and Communications +61 432 814 888 dave@juwaiiqi.com Guangming Xu Juwai IQI China Director of Public Relations +86 139 1862 2682 guangming@juwaiiqi.com Debbie Pereira Juwai IQI Malaysia PR Consultant +60 16-233 4386 debbie.pereira@juwaiiqi.com Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. Jerome Anderson is accused of sodomizing a developmentally diabled 18 year old and knowingly infecting the victim with HIV. Concerns over pressure on childrens social workers in Wrexham despite improved performance Inspectors have raised concerns over the amount of pressure faced by childrens social workers in Wrexham, despite improvements in their performance. Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) identified Wrexham Councils childrens social services department as an area of significant concern last year as it said the support given to youngsters had deteriorated. A later inspection showed improvements had been made but that the service was still considered inadequate. A further review took place in April this year when two inspectors carried out a monitoring visit, the findings of which have now been published. They concluded that the department is continuing to make progress and noted that no children in the county borough were found to be at immediate risk of harm due to a poor response from the local authority. However, CIW said caseloads for social workers remain too high, leading to important meetings for children being delayed. Senior officials have pledged to put more measures in place to ensure staff are fully supported. In a letter to the council, CIWs senior manager for local authority inspections, Christine Jones, said: We heard mixed messages about reduction in social work caseloads. Some practitioners were keen to describe how reduced caseloads was supporting them to be more effective. Notwithstanding these positive advances, the caseloads for some teams remain unacceptably high. Opportunities and responsibilities to speak with children are missed and recording of meetings important to children remain unacceptably delayed. The local authority must act rapidly to improve how it facilities meetings to safeguard vulnerable children and provide social workers with the tools necessary to undertake their professional duties. She added: The pressures on social care staff in Wrexham County Borough Council were significant before the pandemic. During monitoring activity it was evident some officers are fragile and feeling the pressure of competing demands. Ms Jones acknowledged that the council was taking steps to support the wellbeing of staff. She urged senior officers to be mindful of the pressure social workers are under and to ensure appropriate help is provided. The authoritys portfolio holder for childrens services, Andrew Atkinson, has recently been criticised after it was revealed he was carrying out his role from 5,000 miles away in Panama. The Conservative councillor has been backed to continue his role by his executive board colleagues, despite taking a working holiday in a location on the Welsh Governments red list of countries at high risk from the coronavirus. The councils chief executive said the pandemic had partly caused the increase in workload for staff, with extra money being invested to address the issue. He said: In relation to the pressures that are put on staff, weve increased pay rates for staff and also were improving the working conditions for staff. The move into the Crown Building will make a big difference and also being co-located with services. CIW are still not convinced that weve addressed whats been an underspend over a period of time in relation to that service, which is why the 3.5m is really welcome this year. Were on track with the improvement journey that we set out to Care Inspectorate Wales and that monitoring visit confirms that. Council leader Mark Pritchard called for more funding to be made available from central government to ease the problems. He said: We need to recognise that this isnt just in Wrexham, its all over the country. Theres pressure in childrens services everywhere and I think that there needs to be a revisit of the funding from central governments because the demand has just exploded. We cant continue to fund it from the money that we are allocated. The CIW letter will be discussed at an executive board meeting being held on Tuesday (July 13, 2021). By Liam Randall BBC Local Democracy Reporter Mechanic shifts gears from teaching to become ambulance technician A mechanic who switched gears on her career to join the Welsh Ambulance Service is encouraging others to apply for a role. Helen Pritchard, 42, of Bala, was a mechanic and later a teaching assistant at Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen before joining the ambulance service as an urgent care assistant. The mum-of-three is now training to become an emergency medical technician, and has ambitions to qualify as a paramedic. She is encouraging others to apply for a role at the service. Helen said: Id always wanted a job in the ambulance service but I thought thered be no point in applying because I hadnt done well at school I didnt have a single GCSE. I was a mechanic for several years before I pursued a Level 3 Diploma in Child Development, and I actually sat my GCSEs in the school where I worked as a teaching assistant. As soon as I had those under my belt, I was in a position to apply to the ambulance service and here I am. Helen joined the service in 2020 as an urgent care assistant in Bala, and is now training to become an emergency medical technician so that she can work alongside paramedics to deliver life-saving care in the community. She said: It was the fast-paced nature of the role which attracted me. I was also a first aider at the school, and felt proud to have the skills to be able to care for the children who were ill or injured and sometimes the adults too. I love it at the Welsh Ambulance Service, and everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. My advice to anyone thinking about applying for a role is that its never too late in your career. Whatever your background and whatever youve done previously, it really doesnt matter Im proof of that. Visit the NHS Jobs website to search for jobs at the Welsh Ambulance Service. To train as an Emergency Medical Technician like Helen, follow the link to apply for vacancies in North Wales: https://bit.ly/3qW92Ao The closing date is this Sunday 11 July 2021. Welsh Government urgently asks housing associations and councils for data on housing repair standards Welsh Government has opened an urgent probe of data to discover if social housing issues raised in England are being mirrored here in Wales. The move has been attributed to a series of ITV News investigations in England that has highlighted dire conditions families have to live in under various housing associations. Councils and housing associations in Wales have been contacted by the new Deputy Director of Housing Safety, Regulation and Improvement at Welsh Government requesting specific information by the end of the month. In the letter, detail uncovered by the ITV investigations have been described as troubling, I am keen that as a sector we take the opportunity to reflect on our policy and practice to ensure in Wales, we are doing we can to prevent such conditions and the practices that might allow them to occur. I accept that from time to time there will be disrepair issues to deal with which can prompt complaints and dissatisfaction from tenants. However no social landlord in Wales should be in a position where they have systemically failed their tenants and not provided the service they paid for and deserve, even where properties are being considered for disposal, or there are pending large scale regeneration plans. Assurances are requested over systems, processes and monitoring to ensure complaints are investigated and acted on and have robust escalation mechanisms. Details on current occupied houses with issues are being requested, along with information on plans and timescales to resolve the problems. A wider data request is being made, with all disrepair claims which are in progress being asked for, The breakdown must include the street address of the property, the date and nature of the disrepair claim and a brief summary of the current position. Welsh Government are also probing any connected issues, checking systems are in place to identify problems that could see similar claims or issues on a single estate or type of property. We asked Wrexham Council about the requests, and Council Leader Mark Pritchard told us they would absolutely be providing the information promptly when asked, Absolutely we will furnish them with everything, we always have done and always will. He added, Im sure that the lead member will be confident that we will be compliant. If you look at all the money we have spent with massive capital programs, from chimney pot to front gate, new kitchens, new bathrooms and rewiring. We have spent millions of pounds on our social housing stock. I think weve led the way in Wales, I really do, and it hasnt stopped. I have no problem that we will be okay, and if something is found if that were not compliant on, we will put it right. Thats how we work. Im very comfortable. I think we dont boast enough on what weve done with our social housing stock. There are other authorities coming to see what weve done with it, and they are surprised because weve really done a fantastic job. Welsh Government say they will be reviewing the responses received and will consider publication in an appropriate form of any findings from the exercise which may be useful for learning and improvement across the sector. Israels parliament rejected a move by Prime Minister Naftali Bennetts newly formed government of change to extend a blatantly racist law, akin to South Africas apartheid laws, that bans residency or citizenship rights for Palestinians from the occupied territories married to Israelis. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, seated, smiles as he waits to pose for a group photo with the ministers of the new government at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Monday, June 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) The tied vote of 59 to 59, coming three weeks after the new government unseated long-standing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was sworn in, is widely viewed as a defeat for Bennett, who was unable to unite his coalition partners in what he referred to as a referendum on his new government. Bennett, who is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, has a very tenuous grip on power. Far from being resolved, Israels political crisis is set to deepen. While the vote means that tens of thousands of Palestinians can now apply for Israeli residency and citizenship, it will have no practical effect. Their applications would be rejected by the Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, notorious for her hatred of the Palestinians, pending new legislation to renew the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law. Adalah, a legal advocacy groups for Israels Palestinian citizens said, This law is one of most discriminatory and racist laws promulgated by Israel, and thus it must be condemned and revoked. It added, No democratic country in the world denies residency or citizenship to spouses of its own citizens on the basis of their spouses national, racial or ethnic affiliation, while simultaneously labelling them as enemies. According to human rights groups, the Citizenship and Entry Law bars almost 45,000 Palestinian families inside Israel and East Jerusalem from reuniting with their spouses and children and was designed as a means of limiting the number of Palestinians holding Israeli citizenship, or residency in the case of East Jerusalem. The law, introduced in 2003 amid the second Palestinian intifada, must be renewed annually, as has happened for the past 17 years. This year it was torpedoed by the opposition parties, led by Netanyahu, not because they oppose the renewal, far from it, but because they saw an opportunity to destabilise the new government, a fractious coalition of eight parties spanning almost the entire spectrum of official Israeli politics. Speaking on Monday before the vote, Netanyahu said, With all due respect for this law, the importance of toppling the government is greater. He added, This isnt just a law. Its a law that exposes the fault-line in this government, whose purpose is to advance an anti-Zionist agenda. This attempt to brand the coalition as anti-Zionist focuses on the inclusion of the Islamist Raam party headed by Mansour Abbas. Netanyahu was referring to the compromise on the citizenship law that Bennett had proposed to his liberal partners in the coalition, Meretz, which supports the two-state solution, and Raam, whereby the legislation would be renewed for six months, while offering residency rights to 1,600 Palestinian familiesa tiny fraction of those affected. This came in the wake of two failed attempts to get agreement from his partners, forcing him to twice postpone the vote. But his compromise was rejected by two Raam legislators, who abstained, as well as one member of Bennetts own right-wing Yamina Party, who voted against the extension. Netanyahu had sought to turn the vote into a no-confidence motion, but that would have required an absolute majority of 61 in the 120-seat Parliament, and so the government survived. On Monday, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who as leader of the second-largest party in the Knesset cobbled together the unwieldly, eight-party coalition and would become prime minister in two years time if the coalition survives that long, made clear the compromise was not motivated by any democratic sentiments. He stated bluntly that the law was more about demographic engineering and is of security importance. He tweeted, [Theres] no need to hide from the purpose of the [citizenship] law. Its one of the tools meant to secure a Jewish majority in Israel. Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people, and our goal is that it will have a Jewish majority. The Bennett-Lapid bloc is united on little other than the need to remove Netanyahu, who is unpopular with the incoming Democratic administration of President Joe Biden and faces a criminal trial on charges of corruption. All its leading lights were once aides to Netanyahu, occupied senior government posts under his leadership and have no significant political differences with him. Their mission is to rescue the financial and corporate elite from the impending economic, social and political storm at the expense of Jewish and Palestinian workers within Israel/Palestine and the working class across the resource-rich Middle East. Promising to focus on policies that unite them, infrastructure and the economy, and which avoid the Israel/Palestinian conflict, they moved quickly to strengthen ties with the Biden administration and to launch an inquiry into the religious pilgrimage to Mount Meron last April that killed 45 people. But fatuous declarations notwithstanding, they cannot avoid the Israel/Palestinian conflict that is bound up with the establishment of the State of Israel as a Jewish homeland in the form of a capitalist state created by the dispossession of the Palestinian people and maintained through war and repression, and social inequality at home. Bennetts first act as prime minister was to approve Netanyahus decision to allow a provocative march by thousands of Jewish extremists through Palestinian neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem, to mark the anniversary of Israels capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war between Israel and its Arab neighbours, and its illegal annexation. Initially conceived as a means of derailing Lapids efforts to form an anti-Netanyahu coalition, it was given the go-ahead by Netanyahu in his last days in office to appease his far-right supporters and destabilise the incoming government. The march was afforded full police protection, while additional police and military forces were deployed near the Gaza Strip and in towns with mixed populations of Jewish and Palestinian citizens. Two days later, Bennett authorised airstrikes on Gaza, following the launching of incendiary balloons from Gaza that caused some fires in open fields in southern Israel. It came hard on the heels of Israels criminal 11-day assault, presided over by Netanyahu and now Bennetts Minister of Defence Benny Gantz, on the besieged enclave that killed more than 250 Palestinians, including 66 children and 39 women, injured 1,900 more and destroyed numerous buildings and displaced at least 60,000 people. Since then, Bennett has prevented any financial and material assistance for reconstruction, estimated by the World Bank to cost $485 million, from entering Gaza where 62 percent of the population face food insecurity. He has refused to ease Israels blockade until Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated group that rules the enclave, agrees to return the bodies of four Israelis missing in action in Gaza. Bennett, a former settlement council leader who in 2012 said he would refuse a military order to evict settlers from the West Bank, has signalled that the settlement outpost Evyatar in the occupied West Bank, illegal even under Israeli law, will be allowed to go ahead. The outpost, set up quickly in the last few months, has sparked daily protests by local Palestinians in which at least four have been killed and hundreds injured by Israeli soldiers firing live rounds. While the 50 settler families are required to leave the site, their makeshift homes will remain under the protection of a new military base to be established there. If, after reviewing the lands ownership, the government decides that some or all of the land belongs to the Israeli state and not the local Palestinian farmers who have owned the land for decades, as tax returns dating back to the 1930s demonstrate, the settlers will be allowed to build a religious school on the site, in effect legalising the outpost. The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the Delta variant, is surging in Europe. New COVID-19 infections across Europe rose by 43 percent over the last week to 548,000, as European governments end social distancing measures. Over 80 percent of the cases were concentrated in Britain (190,294 cases), Russia (168,035) and Spain (89,036), where cases rose 148 percent. A COVID-19 patient under Ecmo (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) remain unconscious, at Bichat Hospital, AP-HP, in Paris, Thursday, April 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly) In several countries with smaller caseloads, however, infections are spreading even faster, pointing to the danger of a catastrophic rise of COVID-19 cases, despite ongoing vaccination campaigns. Weekly COVID-19 cases quadrupled in Luxembourg to 961, tripled in the Netherlands (to 11,480) and Greece (8,504), and doubled in Denmark (3,208). They rose around 50 percent in France (19,364) and Portugal (16,469). On July 1, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge had said: Last week, the number of cases rose by 10 percent, driven by increased mixing, travel, gatherings and easing of social restrictions. He also warned that the Delta variant will dominate in Europe by August, under conditions where 63 percent of Europes population still has not received its first vaccine dose. Half the elderly and 40 percent of health care workers are unvaccinated. On this basis, he warned that there will be a new wave in the WHO European region. Kluges projections and warnings of a new wave of the pandemic exploding across Europe are being realized. Over 1.1 million people have already died of COVID-19 in Europe, but European governments are pressing ahead with unabashed contempt for human life, adopting opening policies leading to a new surge of millions of cases. By eliminating social distancing rules that undermine business profits, they thus hope to intensify the funnelling of social wealth to the top of society, after the pandemic last year saw bank bailouts increase Europes billionaires collective wealth by 1 trillion. Britain is leading the trend that is unfolding across Europe. After France scrapped social distancing rules for businesses on July 1, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson aims to end mask requirements and social distancing measures by July 19. Epidemiologist Professor Neil Ferguson has warned that the UK could see 150,000 to 200,000 by the end of the summer, but Johnson bluntly demanded that the economy and corporate profits take priority over lives. Were seeing rising hospital admissions, and we must reconcile ourselves, sadly, to more deaths from COVID, Johnson said, adding: We have to balance the risks of the disease and of continuing with legal restrictions, with their impact on peoples lives and livelihoods. An indication of the scope of the disaster that could result was a study last month from Public Health England. It showed that so far, 117 people have died of the Delta variant in Britain, including 50 who were doubly vaccinated, as vaccinations bring down the death rate to 0.13 percent. However, even if this far lower death rate were to maintain itself despite the vast increase in circulation of the virus, this would mean 200 to 250 deaths per day in Britain by the end of the summer if Fergusons projections were realized. On the European continent, where vaccination rates are substantially lower, this could lead to even greater levels of death. Yesterday, Russian officials rejected calls for more social distancing measures, as over 700 people die of COVID-19 every day. Russia, Europes largest country with a population of 146 million, leads Europe for COVID-19 deaths, at 140,775, just ahead of Britain (128,336) and Italy (127,731). Yet Russian Human Well-being Commissioner Anna Popova blandly declared, there is no threat or risk now that would force us to go into lockdown or introduce tougher restrictive measures, there is no need for that today. In Spain, the incidence rate has surged to over 200 per 100,000 inhabitants, and over 600 among those under 30. The reproduction rate (R0), the number of people whom each infected person then goes on to infect, now stands at 3.3, the highest since the pandemic began. Super-spreader events at school holidays and nightclubs have played a major role. The region of Catalonia, where the incidence rate is at 380, said on Tuesday that it will close discos for 15 days starting this weekend. Underscoring the risks faced by young people, El Pais reported that at the beginning of July, at least 600 people under age 30 were in intensive care and 80 had died due to COVID-19 in Spain. This exposes the bitter cost in lives of the false reassurances spread by officials of Spains Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government. Last month, Fernando Simon, the head of the Centre of Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES), said: We know that until we have at least 70 percent immunity things can happen, but we also know they cannot be like the past. In no way can they be like what happened in winter, and that is true of Britain, too. Simon added that he was confident in supporting the elimination of the use of masks: I believe that it will not cause any risk at all. As COVID-19 explodes in the Netherlands, Health Minister Ferd Grapperhaus said only that the government would see in the coming days if tightening up the rules is justified. The Dutch public health institute RIVM said that one in five new infections can be traced to a cafe, bar or club and that over 60 percent of cases are in among people under 30. One so-called COVID-free party in Enschede on June 28 turned into a super-spreader event, after 180 of the 800 people attending tested positive. The party required a corona admission ticket showing that partygoers were vaccinated or had tested negative for the virus. Once admitted, however, they did not have to wear masks. Several people reportedly falsified their corona admission ticket, sharing a single QR code certifying they could safely attend the party. In France, government spokesman Gabriel Attal reported Wednesday on a national security council meeting held by President Emmanuel Macron. He said that COVID-19 affects the 20-29 age bracket most heavily and is accelerating in 11 of Frances 12 regions, with the Paris and Marseilles regions worst hit. Inside the Paris city limits, the incidence rate has again climbed over 50 per 100,000, the governments official alarm limit. Nonetheless, Attal announced no new measures, merely asking citizens to get vaccinated. Only 34 percent of French people are fully vaccinated, compared to 51 percent in Britain. Macron also intends to make users pay for COVID-19 tests starting immediately for foreign visitors in France, and in the autumn for citizens and permanent residents. While officials have said this aims to eliminate comfort testing and encourage everyone to get vaccinated, there are also reports that the government was concerned that the total cost of the tests could rise to several billion euros this year. And so, the government is abandoning one of the principal methods through which a track-and-trace policy would be implemented. These announcements show that workers cannot rely on governments to stop the pandemic. The building of independent safety committees in workplaces and schools to monitor and adopt relevant safety measures to halt the spread of the virus is the way forward for workers and youth. The critical question is mobilizing the independent strength of the working class across Europe and internationally to impose a rational, scientifically guided health policy to prevent the coming surge from claiming further millions of lives in Europe and around the world. Volvo Cars workers in Ghent, Belgium continued their wildcat strike into a second day on Friday morning. The strike takes place as Volvo Trucks workers in Virginia, United States are due to vote today on a new contract worked out between the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and Volvo management. The Ghent strike began with the morning shift on Thursday, when only a portion of workers started their shift. It continued into the afternoon and evening shifts. Friday morning, workers reported on Facebook that the strike action continued at least partially into the day shift. Not a single vehicle rolled off the production line on Thursday as a result of the strike. Workers gather outside the plant at Volvo Cars Ghent [Credit: Ik werk in de Gentse Automobiel Facebook] The Ghent strike developed as a wildcat action in a rebellion against an agreement reached between company management and the union. The agreement would have meant that 6,000 out of the 6,500 workers would have been compelled to work an additional 2.5 hours per week, up from 37.5 to 40 hours. The strike began after the company sent a notice to employees this week informing them of the change. Some work was reportedly partially resumed yesterday evening after management pledged to delay further discussions on the lengthening of the work week until after the summer holidays. However, management has made clear that it has no intention of negotiating on the increase of working hours and that the 40-hour week is not up for discussion. Volvo Cars workers took to Facebook to denounce the company-union deal and express their hostility toward the union, which is widely viewed as an arm of company management. The union did not even bother to hold a vote on the extension of the working week. Lorenzo B wrote: Dont stop, striking colleagues! Now is the time to make clear that we mean business. Referring to managements pledge to delay discussions on lengthening the work week, Lorenzo added: This pause button is purely for the purpose of making their cars before the [summer] holidays. After the holidays, Volvo is just going to continue with their plan as if nothing happened It clearly states that the change to working times is a non-negotiable condition. And just that condition is the problem for a lot of colleagues. The traffic jams. Our free time. The need for a second car for our partners. Problems taking children to day care. No compensation whatsoever for what we all have to give up. And so on. Its downright scandalous. I have been working at Volvo for 37 years, wrote Heirbrandt. The union delegates are on the side of the [company] boardbeing pampered with company cars with fuel cards and traveling to supposedly European meetings with Sweden and China. These people no longer stand for the staff. Geert wrote: Our parents successfully fought to get rid of that 40-hour week. It must be that the unions agreed to it, because otherwise [Volvo management] wouldnt be able to implement it. They may have promised something to the buffoons who agreed to it. Peggy described the impact of the 40-hour work change upon the lives of the workers: Working more for the same pay, less time to watch our kids grow. Family life will go to zero, people will become sick long-term, they will go through more work and an even higher workload will be created. There will be more people with burn-out. Older workers are going to stay more at home due to illness, accidents, etc. What about the welding factory, some people there are already working from 6 to 7 Do we go to 48 hours a week soon? Single parents will also have to arrange shelter for their kids. Mario wrote: The union of Volvo Cars now is of no use to us. Instead of standing in front of the employees, they are far behind us. Another worker wrote anonymously on a Facebook page for Volvo Ghent workers: Its been in the air for a while. For weeks there has been gossip about introducing the 40-hour working week at Volvo... This week they announced it with a foolish video and a booklet. No one on my team is falling for this. Supposedly this would be for our health? Working more is good for your health? I hear a lot of young people saying they're not happy either. They're losing their Friday! I'm not the youngest myself, but I also want to keep my Friday for seeing my friends or family. It's also tough for the older colleagues. Do you want to work at this rate any longer? Many can't go on like this even now... An older colleague, who has been working at Volvo for 30 years, told me this is the biggest change he has ever seen in his career... They tried that before, and people also had to fight to get rid of it then. And now they think it's just going to pass? Without even asking the opinion of the people? That's not possible! We are the ones who would have to knock over our entire family life, to work the extra hours. Im not surprised that people are on strike now. This is really being shoved down our throat. We should be able to vote on this agreement. Volvo is just scared. They know the people are going to vote this out. The latest strike has erupted two days after a World Socialist Web Site reporting team travelled to Ghent to speak with Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks workers about the ongoing strike in Virginia. There is widespread support among the Ghent workers for the struggle in Virginia. In order to develop their struggle, the Volvo Ghent workers should draw the lessons from the struggle of their counterparts in the United States, who formed a rank-and-file committee, independent of the pro-company United Auto Workers union. Such a committee, directly controlled by the workers themselves and independent of the pro-corporate union, would permit the Volvo workers to organise their struggle, including by making a direct appeal to their co-workers in the United States. The WSWS will provide every assistance to autoworkers in Ghent in such an initiative. We encourage workers interested in forming such a committee to contact us directly using the form below. The US Department of Defense (DoD) announced on Tuesday the cancelation of its $10 billion, 10-year commercial contract solicitation called the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) along with plans to seek a more comprehensive request from the private sector for an advanced cloud ecosystem for non-traditional warfighting domains. The Pentagon in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) In a press release entitled, Future of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud Contract, the DoD said it had determined that due to evolving requirements, increased cloud conversancy, and industry advances, the JEDI Cloud contract no longer meets its needs. The DoD statement went on to say the department continues to have unmet cloud capability gaps for enterprise-wide, commercial cloud services at all three classification levels that work at the tactical edge, at scale ... The original contract solicitation for JEDI was issued in early 2018. The project was defined as a single source offering to be awarded to one cloud computing services company that would assist the DoD in modernizing its IT infrastructure by consolidating the networks and data centers across all departments. At that time, it appeared that the contract would be awarded to Amazon because the company had won other major cloud computing bids with the US military-intelligence state. However, before the arrangements with Amazon could be finalized, then-President Donald Trump intervened and forced the contract to be signed with Microsoft in October 2019. Amazon sued and, in February 2020, a judge imposed an injunction on the deal with Microsoft. The conflict over the JEDI contract remained unresolved when Biden was sworn in as president. According to the New York Times, an unnamed Biden White House official said the administration began a review that quickly concluded that the costly arguments over JEDI had been so lengthy that the system would be outdated as soon as it was deployed. While the corporate media has focused in on the three-year battle between Amazon and Microsoft, as well as others such as Oracle, over the highly lucrative JEDI contract, the DoD press release says nothing about it. Instead, the Pentagon statement says that its cloud computing needs have only advanced in recent years. The DoD press statement quotes John Sherman, acting Pentagon Chief Information Officer, who said, JEDI was developed at a time when the Departments needs were different and our cloud conversancy was less mature. Sherman goes on to say that the evolution of the cloud ecosystem within DoD, and changes in user requirements to leverage multiple cloud environments to execute mission, our landscape has advanced and a new way-ahead is warranted to achieve dominance in both traditional and non-traditional warfighting domains. With the development of computer and information systems moving rapidlyespecially the speed of data transmission across wireless networks and the development of artificial intelligence and neural processing along with the practical implementation of robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)the technical details in the JEDI contract are now completely out of date. The Pentagon has acknowledged that the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT)the intelligent connection of every device and apparatus with the Internethas exceeded the capability of the present infrastructure of the US military to process it. In place of JEDI, the DoD is issuing a new request for proposals called the Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability (JWCC) which will be a multi-cloud/multi-vendor Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. According to a Wikipedia description, IDIQ contracts only spending minimums and are used when the government, cannot predetermine, above a specified minimum, the precise quantities of supplies or services that it will require during the contract period. What this means is that the Pentagon considers the procurement of a centralized cloud computing platform across all departments of the US military so strategically important that it is prepared to enter an open-ended agreement with a group of private sector tech monopolies of an unknown duration and an unknown cost. The press release says that both Amazon and Microsoft will be included in the new solicitation. The DoD statement references two specific initiatives that have contributed to the maturity of its cloud conversancy along with the development of the technology of the cloud service providers Amazon, Microsoft and others. It says that the cloud computing needs of the US military have advanced in recent years with efforts such as Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Acceleration (ADA) initiative. The JADC2 initiative has been in development for at least 18 months. A DoD News report from November 2020 states that JADC2 is warfighting business and is an effort by the Pentagon to amalgamate sensors with shooters across all domains, commands and services. For example, the report says, A threat could be sensed by an Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle but the best weapon against it could be a Navy missile fired from offshore or A call for fire from an infantry battalion could be answered by tube artillery, rocket artillery, naval gunfire, close-air support from any service or something else. The DoD News report includes an interview with Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Dennis A. Crall, who runs the communications systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Crall says of JADC2, Does it increase lethality? The answer should be yes. [JADC2] makes us more lethal. Were a warfighting organization. Thats what this is designed to do. The Artificial Intelligence and Data (ADA) initiative was announced by the Pentagon on June 22 of this year by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Speaking for ten minutes via video feed, Hicks emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence as a strategic concern for the US military: A key part of an AI-ready department is a strong data foundation. Data enables the creation of algorithmic models, and, with the right data, we are able to take concepts and ideas and turn them into reality. In other words, the future of US imperialist warfare depends upon the mastery of these advanced technologies. Hicks explained that the ADA initiative involves the creation of operational data teams that will be dispatched to all 11 combatant commands. The teams will rapidly work, catalog, manage and automate data feeds that inform decision making. On Wednesday, the Washington Post published an article that said artificial intelligence in warfighting is not some future prospect because missiles, guns and drones that think for themselves are already killing people in combat, and have been for years. The Post article describes a scene in June 2020 in which the US military sent a squadron of quadcopter drones with cameras to scan the terrain and onboard computers to decide on their own what looks like a target, and attacked soldiers loyal to the Libyan strongman Khalifa Hifter, and hunted them down as they fled. Another war being fought with artificial intelligence-equipped drones is in Syria, where Turkey has been equipped with the same quadcopters to patrol the border. The Post report says the Turkish military has drones that can autonomously patrol an area and automatically divebomb enemy radar signals. These drones are a smaller version of the remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles used extensively by the U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts, but instead of humans using remote controls to launch missiles, the quadcopters have built-in munitions and fly into their targets and explode on impact. A primary concern of the Pentagon is to maintain technological superiority over international rivals such as Russia and China. According to Peter Asaro, a professor at the New School in New York and a cofounder of the International Committee for Robot Arms Control, The advanced militaries are pushing the envelope of these technologies. They will proliferate rapidly. Developments at Brisbanes University of Queensland provide a case study in the role of the trade unions in defusing opposition among workers to the demolition of jobs and conditions, and then delivering the requirements of the ruling elite. University of Queensland (Source: University of Queensland website) Amid an ongoing government-management offensive, exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs across Australia's public universities and accelerate the pro-corporate restructuring of higher education, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) reported in the July edition of its Advocate magazine: NTEU members at the University of Queensland (UQ) Architecture have successfully fought a proposal from Management to disestablish their positions and make them apply for their own jobsa process called a spill n fill. The Save UQ Architecture Campaign declared victory in April, forcing Management to rethink their proposal. Victory came after a brilliant, six-month campaign involving NTEU Members, other staff from the UQ Architecture School, the wider university, and the community (including Architecture professionals and alumni from right across Australia). This victory, however, consisted of the union convincing five academics to take voluntary redundancies in order to satisfy the cost-cutting demands of management, whereas the original spill and fill proposal would have cut two jobs. Managements Hunger Games style plan, unveiled last November, had sought to compel 20 academics to compete with each other for 18 positions to match a new operating model and academic profile. In effect, the stand taken by the members of the architecture school, who met and rejected this brutal and unprecedented scheme, was diverted by the NTEU into processes that assisted management to implement its agenda. A campaign launched by the school members against the management blueprint had won widespread support. A petition, which attracted more than 1,221 signatures from staff and the community, was displayed at a large rally on the campus, before being presented to the head of the architecture school in late 2020. But the NTEU channelled the fight away from a broader struggle against the wholesale assault on university workers and students, which the union itself estimates destroyed up to 90,000 jobs during 2020. In fact, the Hunger Games at UQ, together with similar plans at Sydney University and Macquarie University, marked an even more brutal stage in this offensive, which is being spearheaded by the Liberal-National Coalition federal government, on top of more than a decade of punishing funding cuts, initiated by the previous Greens-supported Labor Party government. The NTEU side-tracked the resistance of the UQ staff and students into a token consultation process contained in the unions enterprise agreement with management, and then into a legal appeal to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), the industrial tribunal established by the last Labor government. Kelly Greenop, an NTEU Workplace Representative from the School of Architecture, told the Advocate: Apart from the petition and actions, members worked and organised together to create a collective submission to managements proposal that would clearly show workable alternatives and the lack of necessity in managements proposal. Nevertheless, management rejected the robust, informed and detailed feedback that the NTEU organised via this submission. The NTEU took the dispute to the FWC, claiming that management had breached its obligation to provide information and consultation under its enterprise agreement. The tribunal ruling shattered the illusions that the union promoted in this course. It declared that UQ management had the right to undertake a spill and fill process to force staff members to reapply for a slightly different version of their jobs, also setting a precedent for use elsewhere. Ultimately, the NTEU proposed much better alternatives to management. One of them was for the union to conduct a survey to ask if any staff would voluntarily accept a redundancy to make up the short-fall between the current number of Academics in the School and the number proposed by Management. Once some staff indicated they would be willing to leave, management agreed that if five people accepted voluntary redundancies, then it would withdraw the spill n fill scheme. Greenop told the Advocate: Five staff did step forward and took one for the team. We acknowledge and thank our five colleagues who have chosen this path, and appreciate immensely what they have done. She commented: Asking if anyone wanted to go has to be a more humane, sensible way of going about this. Anything has to be better than making all the academics reapply for their positions. In reality, the outcome will only embolden the government and university managements to escalate the assault on educators and students, counting on the capacity of the NTEU to continue to extract such sacrifices from its members. The union has applied such methods across the country since the pandemic began, as a means of stifling resistance to job cuts and blocking a unified struggle against the onslaught. Educators and professional staff members have been encouraged to take voluntary retrenchments to enable the employers to carry out their cuts and restructuring without igniting a revolt by university workers and students. This became a crucial mechanism by which the NTEU has collaborated with managements to impose their requirements since furious university workers opposed and triggered the collapse last year of the unions Job Protection Framework, which volunteered wage cuts of up to 15 percent and at least 18,000 job losses as soon as the coronavirus pandemic began. Never before has the union been so blatant in openly hailing voluntary job destruction as a victory. The Advocate article, written by NTEU Queensland senior state organiser Mike Oliver, concludes: Thanks to the campaign by members and the sacrifice of five staff, jobs and livelihoods have been saved. The NTEU campaignwhich involved so many from within the School, across UQ and the wider profession and communities of interestwas a resounding success. By contrast, students at Macquarie University have launched a petition campaign against the Hunger Games at their university, centring on the demand for the reinstatement of a highly-appreciated mathematics educator, Dr Frank Valckenborgh. Altogether, dozens of academics have been retrenched at Macquarie by this process, despite the NTEU already stifling resistance to more than 300 redundancies of educators and professional staff members in 2020, mostly by voluntary departures. In response to this important initiative by students, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and the Committee for Public Education (CFPE) have called a joint online public meeting on Saturday July 17 at 4 p.m. to discuss how to take forward the fight to defeat the cuts at Macquarie and nationally. The meeting will advance the necessity for students and university workers to establish a network of joint rank-and-file committees, completely independent of the NTEU and the student unions, which have also opposed any unified struggle against the destruction of tens of thousands of jobs and the shutting down of courses. This is essential to initiate a nationwide 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 public health and economic crisis. That means challenging the dictates of the capitalist profit system and turning to a revolutionary socialist perspective based on the working class taking power in order to totally reorganise society in the interests of all, instead of the financial elite. To participate in the joint online public meeting register here. On Wednesday, 21 of the worlds leading experts on the origins of infectious diseases published a paper demolishing the conspiracy theory promoted by the Biden administration and US newspapers that COVID-19 was a man-made virus. Virologist Edward Holmes, known for his work on the evolution and emergence of infectious diseases at the University of Sydney, is one of the scientists who led an international team of biologists who helped clarify the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. (Photo: Wikipedia) The paper was written by an international team of biologists and virologists, led by professor Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney and professor Andrew Rambaut from the University of Edinburgh. Among the co-authors are Georgetown University virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen and Kristian G. Andersen, director of Infectious Disease Genomics at Scripps Research Translational Institute. The paper summarizes the existing scientific evidence for the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, concluding it is zoonotica transfer from an animal source to humans. The paper, entitled The Origins of SARS-CoV-2: A Critical Review, was published as a preprint on Zenodo. Our careful and critical analysis of the currently available data provided no evidence for the idea that SARS-CoV-2 originated in a laboratory, Holmes said. 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 WIV possessed or worked on a progenitor of SARS-CoV-2 prior to the pandemic, the scientists wrote. Rather, they argue that there is substantial body of scientific evidence supporting a zoonotic origin for SARS-CoV-2. The Wuhan Lab conspiracy theory was originated in January 2020 by the fascist Steve Bannon and his allies among right-wing Chinese expatriates such as Miles Guo, who claimed, in the words of Trump advisor Peter Navarro, that COVID-19 was a weaponized virus. This year, the theory was revised and given a pseudo-scientific presentation by Nicholas Wade, who, in an article published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, presented a narrative in which US and Chinese scientists created SARS-CoV-2 through gain of function experiments at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Wade is infamous for a racist and pseudo-scientific book published in 2014. Wades narrative was embraced by the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, all of which published editorials or major op-eds citing Wade without explaining his background. According to Wade, leading US, Chinese and other international scientists secretly collaborated on gain of function research, accidentally released the virus, then covered up the incident so effectively that no evidence of the conspiracy can be found to this day. The Wuhan Lab theory consists of piling speculative leaps on top of one another and claiming they add up to a convincing argument. The scientists response takes each of these speculationsfor which there is no evidence to begin withand explains their impossibility. The paper begins by noting that the transfer of animal diseases to humans has been definitively shown to have caused nearly all previous pandemics. SARS-CoV-2 is the ninth documented coronavirus that infects humans and the seventh identified in the last 20 years, it states. All previous human coronaviruses have zoonotic origins, as have the vast majority of human viruses. The paper adds, The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 bears several signatures of these prior zoonotic events. It displays clear similarities to SARS-CoV that spilled over into humans in Foshan, Guangdong province, China in November 2002, and again in Guangzhou, Guangdong province in 2003. The authors further note that the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not resemble any virus that could theoretically be used as a backbone to create a new virus. The paper adds, Under any laboratory escape scenario SARS-CoV-2 would have to have been present in a laboratory prior to the pandemic, yet no evidence exists to support such a notion and no sequence has been identified that could have served as a precursor. The scientists note that while gain of function research is typically carried out in laboratory mice, the virus is not well adapted to rodents, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 is highly unlikely to have been acquired by laboratory workers in the course of viral pathogenesis or gain-of-function experiments. The paper adds that, since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has experienced repeated sweeps of mutations that have increased viral fitness, refuting the claim that COVID-19 was somehow originally optimized to infect humans. Combined, these findings show that no specific human pre adaptation was required for the emergence or early spread of SARS-CoV-2, and the claim that the virus was already highly adapted to the human host is without validity. The scientists conclude, As for the vast majority of human viruses, the most parsimonious explanation for the origin of SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic event The documented epidemiological history of the virus is comparable to previous animal market-associated outbreaks of coronaviruses with a simple route for human exposure. The conclusions of the paper by some of the worlds leading scientists confirm the analysis made by the WSWS, including in a three-part series published last month, How science demolishes the right-wing fiction of a Wuhan lab leak as the source of coronavirus. The publication of the paper takes place against the backdrop of a major intensification of the campaign in the US media to blame China for the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, the Washington Post published an editorial endorsing an official US government investigation into the pandemic. The newspaper, which speaks for dominant sections of the American ruling class, made clear that the focus of the investigation should be not the US governments criminal response that led to hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths, but an effort to blame China for the pandemic. Chinas resistance is a lingering obstacle, the Post complained. It alleges that the Chinese government has initiated a massive campaign of denial, cover-up, diversions, delay and disinformation. No, it is Washington that denied the pandemic, covered it up, delayed and spread disinformation. As a result of the actions of US capitalism, somewhere between 600,000 and one million Americans are dead. If Washington wants to draw lessons from a global catastrophe, it should look in the mirror. Over the past year, documentaries, investigations and witness testimony have made clear that the US government deliberately covered up the spread of the pandemic, allowing it to rapidly spread throughout the country and become massively entrenched by the time the public was even aware of the dangers. Beginning in April 2020, the Trump administration defied its own public health experts to reopen businesses while the pandemic was still raging, a policy continued and intensified under Biden. With the resurgence of the pandemic caused by the Delta variant, governments around the world are doubling down on the demand that the population live with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UK, the Johnson government is openly carrying out a policy that it acknowledges will lead to a surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. But the Johnson government is only expressing in more developed form the policy of every capitalist government, which aims to sacrifice human lives to the protection of corporate profits. The Wuhan Lab theory has never been a real theory, in the sense of a scientific explanation rooted in empirical evidence. It is a theory driven by purely political considerations: to deflect attention from those responsible, to justify the continuation of a policy that has led to millions of deaths and to serve as ammunition in the geopolitical conflict with China. But the efforts to blame China for deaths caused by the insatiable greed and sociopathic tendencies of American capitalism will be treated by working people the world over with scorn. Workers in the United States and internationally, as they enter into struggle in defense of their lives and livelihoods, will put the blame where it belongs: on the ruling class and the capitalist system it defends. Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabias deputy defense secretary and younger brother to the kingdoms de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (known as MBS), was given the red-carpet treatment in Washington this week, meeting with top US diplomatic, military and security officials. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman (Twitter) The prince is the first senior member of the Saudi ruling family to visit the US since Democratic President Joe Biden took office last January. A month later, his administration released an assessment by the US intelligence agencies confirming what the entire world already knew: the savage October 2018 assassination and dismemberment of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul could only have been carried out on the order of Crown Prince bin Salman. The Biden administration ordered sanctions against the assassins and the senior advisor who supervised their bloody work, but took no action whatsoever against MBS himself. The crown princes younger brother Khalid is no stranger to Washington. He was the kingdoms ambassador to the US between 2017 and 2019 during the assassination and its aftermath. When he first arrived in Washington, he threw a lavish dinner party at the Saudi embassy for CEOs like Blackrocks Larry Fink and Lockheed Martins Marilyn Hewson, along with top US government officials. The evening featured a performance by Gladys Knight. After Khashoggi was butchered by the Saudi death squad, the prince repeatedly denounced malicious rumors that the journalist had been abducted and killed at the Istanbul consulate, insisting that the royal family was only concerned for his welfare. Incontrovertible evidenceincluding Turkish audiotapes recording the death squad killing Khashoggi and then cutting up his body with a bone sawmade this pretense increasingly untenable. After intelligence reports surfaced that Khalid himself had played a key role in setting up the assassination, instructing Khashoggi that he could pick up documents he needed for his marriage at the Istanbul consulate and assuring him he would be safe, he quietly abandoned his diplomatic post. Now he is back and receiving a royal welcome. During his campaign for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination, candidate Biden vowed that his administration would make the Saudi monarchy pay the price for Khashoggis savage murder and that he would turn its rulers into the pariah that they are. He further pledged that a Biden administration would not sell the Saudis armaments used in murdering children in Yemen. He passed over in silence the fact that when he was vice president in the Obama administration, the US funneled some $100 billion in arms to the Saudis and provided extensive logistical support without which Riyadh could not have carried out their war crimes against the Yemeni people. After he took office and ordered the release of the sanitized US intelligence report on the Khashoggi assassination, Biden declared that his objective was to recalibrate and not rupture US-Saudi relations. This week, the character of that recalibration has clearly emerged. While there was a shamefaced character to the encounterthere was no advance notice of the Saudi princes visitKhalid bin Salman was given a welcome that is unprecedented for a deputy defense minister from any country. At the State Department, he held talks with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Counselor Derek Chollet. At the Pentagon, he met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark Milley. He was granted audiences with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and met with other senior members of the National Security Council dealing with the Middle East. The official statements issued by the different US government agencies hosting the Saudi prince were all virtually identical. The State Department said that the discussions were on regional security, support for Saudi Arabia to defend itself against cross-border attacks, and improving human rights. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tweeted: Enjoyed seeing Saudi Vice MinDef during his meeting w/@DOD_Policy. Emphasized US commitment to our defense partnership, expressed concerns over Irans destabilizing activity, the importance of ending the war in Yemen ... The White House released a statement on the meeting with National Security Advisor Sullivan stating that the two discussed 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. 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. Mr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of progress in advancing human rights in the Kingdom. This official double talk only makes clear that no number of assassinations, beheadings, torture and imprisonment of journalists and dissidents will alter the fact that Saudi Arabias absolute monarchy has served for three-quarters of a century as a pillar of US imperialist hegemony and social counter-revolution in the Middle East and today functions as a key partner in Washingtons anti-Iranian axis. The pro forma references to advancing human rights came at the end of each official statement, serving as window dressing for Washingtons unwavering support for one of the most tyrannical regimes on the planet. Similarly, while talking about ending the war in Yemen, every statement stressed US assistance to the defense of Saudi territory, an oblique reference to the sporadic rocket and drone attacks carried out by Yemens Houthi rebels against Saudi facilities in retaliation for a six-year Saudi-led war that has claimed a quarter of a million lives and brought more than 13 million Yemenis to the brink of starvation. Claiming to aid in the defense of the Saudi monarchys territory provides a means of continuing US arms sales to Riyadh, the US military-industrial complexs number one foreign customer, under the pretext that they are defensive weapons. Meanwhile, US military personnel and contractors continue to provide logistical aid without which the Saudi military could not carry out the slaughter in Yemen. Arms contracts concluded under the Trump administration are being fulfilled by Biden. This includes a massive $23 billion package for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)a key participant in the Saudi-led assault on Yemenwhich consists of F-35 combat aircraft, armed drones, and $10 billion worth of bombs and missiles, hardly defensive material. While Biden had pledged that US arms sales would be evaluated according to American values, it is abundantly clear that principal value under consideration is that of the arms corporations profits. They have reliable champions within the state apparatus. Defense Secretary Austin was on the board of directors of Raytheon Technologies, one of Saudi Arabias foremost arms suppliers, while his predecessor, Mark Esper, was a chief Raytheon lobbyist before joining the Trump administration. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Saudi princes return to Washington is the lack of protest or outrage from within either the US political establishment or the corporate media over a principal accomplice in the brutal state murder of a journalist inside a consulate being treated like a visiting dignitary. The normalization of such crimes will only ensure that they will be repeated. In back-to-back briefings on Tuesday and Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Ned Price read out statements on the Saudi princes visit without a single reporter asking about his role in the butchering of Khashoggi. During these same briefings, Price called attention to the determination of Secretary of State Blinken to reaffirm the administrations emphasis on human rights when it comes to our China policy, regurgitating the propaganda about genocide against Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang, while adding a claim that LGBTQI accounts had been deleted from the China-based social media platform WeChat. Washingtons official welcome for Prince Khalid bin Salman exposes the hypocrisy of the Biden administrations human rights pretensions, and their selective invocation in the pursuit of great power confrontation with China and Russia. The Action Committee for the Defence of Freedom of Art and Expression (ACDAE) in Sri Lanka will hold an online public meeting at 7 p.m. on Sunday July 18, as part of the campaign to release Ahnaf Jazeem. The 26-year-old poet has been arbitrarily detained for more than a year, under Sri Lankas draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Ahnaf Jazeem reading a poem [Source: YouTube] The Sri Lankan police have failed to even file formal charges against Ahnaf. The Terrorism and Investigation Division (TID) has falsely accused him of teaching racism and extremism to students and publishing books on it. Ahnafs poetry collection, Navarasam (Nine Moods), upon which the TIDs allegations are based, was published in 2017. It has not been banned by any court. The book, in fact, denounces ISIS and advocates peace, social unity and anti-racism. Ahnafs arrest and detention is an attack on the democratic right to freedom of art and expression. It is also part of a virulent anti-Muslim campaign, as well as communal provocations against the countrys Tamil minority. This has been encouraged by President Gotabhaya Rajapakse government and is aimed at dividing the working class as it increasingly enters into struggle. In an intensification of this anti-Muslim campaign, the government provoked the arrest of human rights activist and lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, along with several Muslim politicians. These arrests have been arbitrarily linked to the April 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attack, perpetrated by an Islamic fundamentalist group, with the support of ISIS. The governments actions are part of a broader assault on the democratic rights of the working class and other layers of the population. In recent months, police have intimidated and cracked down on journalists and social media. These attacks are taking place as the Rajapakse government seeks to rapidly entrench a presidential dictatorship, backed by the military and Sinhala racist groups, amid a political and social crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahnafs release cannot be achieved through appeals to the government. On the contrary, the ACDAE meeting will discuss a program of broad political struggle by workers in Sri Lanka and around the world, rallying all those who value democratic rights on the basis of the perspective of international socialism. We urge workers, young people, students and artists to actively participate in this meeting, to join the ACDAE and to establish branches across the country that will join the struggle for democratic rights. Register for the meeting here. Directed by Steven Soderbergh; screenplay by Ed Solomon Steven Soderberghs No Sudden Move, written by Ed Solomon, is a crime thriller set in Detroit in 1954. The movies timeframe coincides with that period when the city was at the center of global automobile production and had reached its peak population, some two million people. The genre, the locale and the era are promising. Benicio Del Toro and Don Cheadle in No Sudden Move Soderbergh had already made one relatively light-hearted film primarily set in the Detroit area, Out of Sight (1998). Perhaps the director would take a more serious look this time? The new work opens with a visually striking sequence in which Curt Goynes (Don Cheadle) ambles through a gray Detroit neighborhood. Just out of jail, Curt needs some fast money. A bulky Doug Jones (Brendan Fraser) offers the ex-con a considerable sum of cash for what appears to be a straightforward job. Curt becomes one member of a trio of masked men that also includes Ronald Russo (Benicio del Toro) and Charley (Kieran Culkin). Curt and Russo are assigned to watch the Wertz family at gunpoint, while patriarch Matt Wertz (David Harbour), a General Motors accountant, is forcibly escorted by Charley to retrieve documents from his bosss safe. When it emerges that the hostage situation is a set-up, Curt shoots Charley, soon realizing that he and Russo are pawns in a bigger game. Two rival mobs are involvedone black, led by Aldrick Watkins (Bill Duke), and the other headed by Italian-American Frank Capelli (Ray Liotta). The central characters replicate this divide: the soulful and relatively decent Curt makes a favorable contrast to the alcoholic, racist Russo. It takes the movie almost three-quarters of its running time to reveal a fact that will come as a shock to very few, that auto company executives are ruthless and corrupt. And furthermore, that they have police officers, such as Detective Joe Finney (Jon Hamm), in their pocket. Meanwhile, the audience is subjected to a convoluted plot that features cheating husbands, duplicitous wives and girlfriends, and gratuitous bloodshed. With stolen GM documents (blueprints for a catalytic converter, the antipollution device) in hand, Curt ultimately faces off with the head of the Consolidated Car Association, Mr. Big/Mike Lowen (Matt Damon), who coolly remarks that Curt, low man on the totem pole, has breached all laws of history, nature, classno, caste by confronting him. Undeterred, Curt upbraids Lowen and the car companies for leveling Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, entire neighborhoods [where] you tore up the trolley tracks and now you have this redlining bullshit everywhere. Where are the people supposed to live, Mike? Earlier in the film the process of urban renewal has been dubbed Negro removal. (Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were both African-American communities in Detroit razed in the early 1960s.) Defending the theft of GMs blueprints for the pollution-reducing device, Mr. Big glibly asserts there is no conclusive evidence that the automobile has anything to do with the pollution level in Los Angeles, or in any other city on the planet for that matter. A one-time executive at Ford, he complains that the latter auto giant was losing sales to GM. We, who invented the whole damn thing became the underdog I and others like me did create these rules in this world, Lowen goes on. Its money, and I have lots of money. I will continue to have more still. Its like a lizards tail. Cut it off, the damn thing just grows back. I work, it grows. I sleep, it grows. In fact, however we end up here, Ill go home, Ill call my banker, and I will sleep like a baby tonight. This is the most telling moment in No Sudden Move, but it does not carry a great deal of weight when the film is considered as a whole. A postscript informs us that in 1969, the Department of Justice filed an anti-trust case against GM, Ford, Chrysler and American Motors for 15 years of collusion to withhold the science of pollution-reducing technologies. Auto manufacturers settled with the government and in 1976, the catalytic converter became mandatory equipment on all US automobiles. No fines were levied. Is this then a happy ending? No Sudden Move The problem of the films essential thematic timidity and blandness finds expression as a triumph of style over substance. Much has been invested in creating the look, including costumes and interiors, appropriate to Detroit at the time. The opening credits pay attractive homage to the imposing, rolling credits of Hollywood films in the 1950s, backed by a soundtrack reminiscent of Henry Mancinis effort for Orson Welles Touch of Evil (1958). But the actors find themselves at the mercy of an overly complicated and rather banal storyline, with many left to their own devices. In an interview with Esquire, Soderbergh referred to Detroit in terms that would gladden the heart of the local Chamber of Commerce and other boosters, apparently bending over backward not to offend the city fathers and others who promote the falsehood that Detroit is back! The filmmaker commented that the face of the city has changed drastically ... and [is] continuing now to go through more changes. Its such a fascinating city. Its so emblematic of a certain kind of American cityone that can only exist in America. ... Its a big, sprawling city. This is cotton candy, puffery. Detroit is ravaged, parts of it resembling a city devastated by military conflict: decaying neighborhoods, empty lots, abandoned and boarded-up buildings, closed businesses. That the filmmakers focus on catalytic converters already reduces a tragic social process to historical small change. In any event, car pollution continues to be one of the major causes of global warming, according to Sciencing website in 2018. Detroit symbolizes, above all, the long-term decline of American capitalism and its loss of global economic hegemonyand the relentless avarice of the financial aristocracy. In 1950, Detroit was the most prosperous city in the US on a per capita income basis. Today it is the poorest. Shouldnt that transition be of interest to a major filmmaker? Instead, in No Sudden Move, Soderbergh settles for creating an impressive image of one particular moment and milieu at the expense of a far fuller, richer, more contradictory picture. The decline in auto and other jobs has been a collapse. Between 1967 and 1982, Detroit lost more than half of its manufacturing jobs. Since 1989, auto-related employment in Michigan has fallen by 70 percent. Between 1950 and 2011, the number of manufacturing jobs in Detroit proper fell from 296,000 to 27,000. The citys traumatized population has paid a high price, in poverty, unemployment, homelessness, drug addiction, disease. Soderbergh continues to get many things right, except the truly important ones. The death toll from the fatal collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside, Florida rose to 64 Thursday, leaving 76 residents unaccounted for, according to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Memorial and vigil wall set up in Surfside, Florida (Credit: WSWS Media) After two weeks of search operations to find those missing in the rubble, first responders paused their work briefly at 1:20 a.m. Thursday and held a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragedy. No survivors have been found since the early hours after the collapse on June 24. In light of the rising death count and inability to find survivors, authorities announced yesterday that the operation was being recategorized from a search-and-rescue mission to a recovery effort, meaning that there was little to no possibility of saving any additional lives. Rescue crews have said many victims were found in their beds, with the collapse proving to be one of the deadliest mass casualty building disasters in US history, not including fires or terrorist attacks. During a news conference on Thursday, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett called the latest developments extremely tough. He said the announcement of a shift from a search-and-rescue operation to a recovery effort was the result of a consensus by rescue teams that the chances of finding victims alive were near zero. The teams had been working continuously on 12-hour shifts, with assistance from search experts and crews from Mexico and Israel. Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Alan Cominsky suggested Wednesday the viability of life in the rubble was low, while Mayor Cava told reporters authorities are taking as much care as ever to find remaining victims. She said authorities were working around the clock to bring closure to families and friends of those who have fallen victim to the collapse. The toppling of the 12-storey condo has produced immense shock and sadness around the Miami-Dade community, as hundreds of residents have passed by the wreckage and visited vigils and shrines mourning those lost. In the aftermath of the devastating collapse, fears have mounted that other condos and high-rises are incredibly vulnerable to the sort of structural failure witnessed in Surfside. Mayor Burkett sent a letter to condo associations citywide urging them to take steps ensuring their buildings are safe. In copies of the letter shared with the press, Burkett stated that building managers should retain engineers to review infrastructure drawings and perform basement reviews, regardless of age of the building. The letter also included an advisory to inspect the foundations of buildings, a factor speculated to be centrally responsible for the collapse of the Champlain Towers South. Burkett declared the inspections were intended to give residents some peace of mind until forensic investigations on the causes of the Champlain Towers South collapse bring more information. Since the disaster, city and county officials have launched hundreds of inspections of residential condo buildings in the Miami area, and so far three have generated concerns. In Miami-Dade County, inspections found at least one structural issue with three balconies. In Miami Beach, officials authorized the evacuation of a three-story building. The largest problem arose at a condo in North Miami Beach, where all 156 units of Crestview Towers South were evacuated last Friday after officials said the building was deemed structurally and electrically unsafe. Following the evacuations, an estimated 300 people were ordered to leave without forewarning and with no other place to live. The chairman of Miami-Dade Homeless Trust told CNN residents were told to grab what they can and simply move along. More details have emerged as to the causes of the Champlain Towers South collapse, while scrutiny has shifted increasingly to the building association, with reports finding potential negligence on the part of officials. In a police report reviewed by CNN, a car crash had occurred in the buildings basement garage in 2016, resulting to visible damage to a cement column. Damage to one of the buildings columns has been one of the theories floated by engineers as a contributing factor to the collapse. Although investigations thus far have not identified any single trigger for the collapse, countless reports have highlighted damage to the towers structure, cracks in the concrete, and disputes over repair work as factors which worsened the condition of the building. The incident in the garage has also accompanied theories highlighting more natural causes for the damage at the base of the building, including the dangerous effects of rising sea levels and climate change. The WSWS spoke this week to researcher Zhong-Ren Peng, a Professor/Director at iAdapt: International Center for Adaptation Planning and Design at the University of Florida, about some of these issues. Dr. Peng placed stress on potential damage to the lower part of the structure as a reason for the collapse. From what I gathered from the spalled concrete, it seemed the structure had not been repaired for a while and that the coastal area was a very corrosive environment, he said. He noted how the salty water/moisture getting into the concrete was producing cracks around the lower part of the building and the foundations, leading to the corrosion of steel reinforcement. While Peng had not visited the site for a more thorough examination, he said that the weakening of reinforcing steel over time was likely a major problem triggering the collapse. Peng noted that when the steel in the concrete of a building weakens, it loses force and is therefore susceptible to breakage. In order to hold the concrete together you need to have the steel inside to help keep the building stable, he said. Steel is also very vulnerable to chemicals found in saltwater and when both substances come in contact, this produces rust, which can expand from the increasing flow of saltwater and cause more cracks and spalling in the concrete. This attracts more saltwater into the cracks, and therefore into the steel. So this process goes on and on and on, and in the end the damage can be very severe, with the whole concrete and steel weakening. Dr. Peng stressed the necessity of conducting repairs for buildings whose base can corrode easily. Thats why when you see cracks, you have to be very careful to repair it to prevent further damage. Dr. Pengs remarks echo the warnings of scientists who have sounded the alarm over human-induced climate change and its impact on coastal buildings. The past three decades of rising seas and the corrosion of reinforced concrete has confirmed these warnings, raising fears that unless measures are taken to improve civil infrastructure, disasters like Champlain Towers South will become more common. Peng stressed the necessity for increasing the standards for buildings and reexamining existing building codes along with taking greater precautions for future construction in vulnerable areas. I think that its really important that we reexamine the efficacy of the building codes, while increasing the inspection and audits of existing buildings, he added. Peng noted that safety protocols and requirements for new construction needed to consider not just hurricanes such as Hurricane Andrew back in 1992 but also sea level rise impact, and to address saltwater intrusion issues. The past three decades have seen an explosion of high-rise construction and other condominiums along oceanfront regions, with many raising concerns that the motives behind such development are putting more lives at risk. Theres a lot of demand for development in coastal areas, like beaches. So theres incentive for property owners and real estate businesses to conduct new development in these areas, Peng said. However, climate change has exacerbated the flood of water surrounding coastal buildings and, Peng noted, Some areas will be inundated by rising seas in the future, as soon as next twenty, thirty or forty years, which will only increase the dangers for residents in these areas. There are significant economic gains from real estate development in coastal areas, but Peng cautioned that we need to think about what is most important here due to the risk to human life involving such wide scale infrastructure development. Forty-years ago, there was an excuse for all this construction because we didnt know seas would rise so quickly, he continued, but now we know that. Science has proven sea levels have been rising and that they will continue to rise. So the question is, should the government continue to give building permits to new developments in these coastal areas? If so, what adaptation measures should be required to ensure the safety of the building and residents 40 years later? Thats a conversation that I hope we start to have given the collapse of the Surfside condo. Educational support (ES) workers in Victoria are speaking out about their shocking conditions, which are the responsibility of the state Labor Party government and the Australian Education Union (AEU). Behind the workers backs, for the past six months the AEU has been negotiating a new four-year enterprise agreement with the government that will only intensify the erosion of pay and conditions for public school teachers and ES staff. In a bid to posture as taking a stand, the union has promoted the slogan: Time to turn up the heat on the state government. In reality, the AEU is opposed to any mobilisation against Premier Daniel Andrews government. During a Week of Action, the union instead called on teachers to wear red clothes to school and document the huge amount of overtime they perform. Yet these conditions are a result of the last AEU sell-out agreement. Promoting dangerous illusions in the Andrews government, the union is organising delegations to local MPs, claiming that once politicians are made aware of the terrible circumstances confronting education workers, they will move to improve them (see: Australian Education Union announces phony week of action over Victorian teachers workplace agreement). At a recent online town hall meeting, the AEU sought to prevent teachers and ES workers from having any say. The union leadership announced that no resolutions would be allowed. To further stifle discussion, the chat box and the unmute function to speak were disabled (see: Australian Education Unions anti-democratic town hall meeting underscores danger of new sell-out industrial agreement). The AEU has repeatedly claimed to be taking forward the interests of ES staff, who play a crucial role in the running of schools. In 2017, the union boasted it had just negotiated the best agreement to date, bringing major improvements for Victorian ES staff. But the reality exposes such fraudulent claims. Many ES staff are part-time or on contract. They are mainly women, or students living on poverty wages, unable to survive without a second job or the support of a partner or parent. ES workers have a variety of roles in schools, including financial and administrative work, IT and library aides. Most are supporting students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and behavioural issues. A 2017 report demonstrated that only 4 percent of public school students meet the criteria for disability funding, while another 11 percent are estimated to have a disability, yet receive no targeted resourcing. ES staff, along with teachers, face an increasingly impossible situation, with insecure employment, continued funding cuts, and growing numbers of disadvantaged students with an array of social problems, creating complex difficulties within classrooms. In an AEU survey conducted this year, nearly 60 percent of ES staff reported increasing work-related activities, with no time to collaborate with teachers, parents and guardians, and support students, within paid working hours. An ES staff worker in a secondary school commented in the survey: Our schedules constantly change to accommodate absences, changes in funding. I find myself working with students I have never met before, with little idea of their needs outside of the few short minutes glancing at an Individual Learning Plan. When my students ask me are you going to be here next lesson, I cannot truthfully even say Let me look at my schedule. I sound like so many other figures in their lives that should have been there, been their advocates and instead I am just another transient let-down of an adult. The Committee for Public Education recently interviewed ES workers about their pay and conditions and the role of the AEU. Kieran, an ES worker in a primary school, said: I work with disadvantaged kids who are sometimes a danger to themselves and to others as well. Only certain kids are funded, but there are unfunded kids as well that ES staff have to look after When I can, I work one-on-one with kids. I try to help them with their work or I take them outside to calm them down. I love the people I work with, but there is always some kind of tension between staff. Teachers will crack it after having an unfunded kid and no support in that room and nothing can be done. I see teachers leaving. Its like a revolving door here and the new ones coming in are fresh out from having got their degrees. The school I work at is a low socio-economic area. It has about 300 students and is so underfunded, and it is not improving. I feel because of the low pay it doesnt actually feel like a real job at all. Often, I would be lucky to have $100 to spend on food over two weeks. The only ES staff who can continue to work are people with partners or university students with five people in a house to pay the rent. No-one could walk into this job and leave their old one just because they wanted to help children. People would love to, but everyone has bills and payments to make. You cant live on this wage. We get peanuts and our job can be so challenging. When we had COVID outbreaks last year we still had to work on-site, helping students of parents who worked in essential services. We had a small number of kids at the school, but they were always the ones that we work with, the kids with disabilities, troubled kids I honestly feel that we were lucky we didnt get COVID. If one of those kids had got COVID, all the staff would have caught it. I didnt feel protected at all. The administration didnt want to deal with the parents, meaning that we just became a day-care service for their kids. I dont feel that governments care about us. But there are so many needs of students that arent met. The AEU has never come to our school. Talia, who works in a secondary school, was critical of the union. She stated: I dont see how the AEU can say the previous 2017 agreement was good. The 2014 agreement made my conditions worse. I think ES staff are worked to the bone Its like the administration wants to get their value out of you. An ES staff member who is a classroom aide works from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They get a percentage of say $38,000. I dont think the AEU has done anything for ES staff. Our dimensions of work should have been assessed years ago. Most ES staff feel that they are working over their hours. Some ES staff have been at the same pay level for decades. People always do more than what their levels are. They are doing tasks that they arent being paid for because of their knowledge. People come in optimistic. They dont know the reality of how bad this is. They realise that teachers and the principal class want things to be better but theres just no budget for this. There isnt enough money at schools. Schools are stretched. Jan, who works in the secondary sector, commented: I have worked as an ES staff member for 10 years The full-time wage I would be on is about $46,000 per year, and that is after being there for a decade. You cant live on that. It would all be gone once youve paid for rent and utilities. The majority of people living on this wage have to move back home with their parents. Integration aides are flogged the worst. What they are expected to do and the money they get is ridiculous. They have the most difficult students and the worst conditions. On occasions they are almost attacked by their students. They are then given extra jobs such as school interviews and at the end of the year the integration aides have to clean the kitchens. I feel like saying, Just give them a break. They are certainly not given the recognition they deserve. Without the integration aides I think the teachers would go psychotic. The aides look after some severely-affected students who, without them, would be constantly interrupting classes. Ive seen it when an aide is away. The whole dynamic of the class changes Teachers are also getting flogged. The class sizes are just getting bigger; they are ridiculous. We have kids that have psychiatric issues and Ive seen teachers just crying at the end of a class. As far as the AEU campaign is concerned, I wouldnt get involved. If you asked anyone here, they wouldnt know what the union does. What do they do? As far as the new agreement goes, I expect nothing. My expectations are zero. My conditions just keep getting worse They [unions] are not a body that is good for workplaces The union fees come out of my pay and we are told, Youve got to be in the union in case something happens. It sounds like scaremongering to me. The armed forces of Ukraine and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to begin a series of military exercises this week known as Operation Cossack Mace. The exact dates for the drills to take place have not been announced but the Russian Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported on Tuesday that they were already ongoing. SSO fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during training (Photo: Wikipedia/ArmyInform) The joint military drills were named in honor of Ukrainian Cossack General Bohdan Khmelnytsky, who led a 1648 Cossack uprising against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that resulted in the massacre of thousands of Jews. While the stated purpose of the exercises is to improve the compatibility between British and Ukrainian military formations, strengthen mutual relations, joint planning and perform battalion and tactical operations, they are clearly aimed at preparing for a land conflict with Russia. In addition to Ukraine and the UK, military personnel from the United States, Denmark, Sweden and Canada will also participate in the planned exercises. Taking place just two weeks after a dangerous naval incident in the Black Sea in which Russian patrol ships fired warning shots on the British destroyer warship HMS Defender, after it had provocatively crossed into waters claimed by Russia off the Crimean peninsula, the exercises are certain to further inflame relations between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine and NATO often declare that their military exercises are defensive in nature, Cossack Mace differs in that it openly states that its forces are practicing for an offensive. According to the statement by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU): defensive actions will be worked out, followed by an offensive to restore the borders and territorial integrity of the country that has been attacked by a hostile neighboring state, clearly alluding to Russia. In February this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed a strategy aimed at recovering Crimea, a peninsula in the Black Sea that was annexed by Russia in March 2014, following an imperialist-backed far-right coup in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The move triggered a major military crisis in the Black Sea region in April. Zelensky has recently provocatively threatened to impose a full blockade on territories in East Ukraine that are controlled by Russian-backed separatists. In addition to this week's exercises, later in July, Ukraine, the United States, Poland and Lithuania will take part in another military land drill known as Three Swords 2021, that will reportedly include over 1,200 servicemen and more than 200 combat vehicles. This week, Zelensky also announced that the country would be receiving Mark VI high-speed combat boats from the United States in the upcoming year. In its ongoing provocations against Russia, the Zelensky government is driven in no small measure by a deepening domestic crisis. Zelensky, who was initially elected above all as a repudiation of the militaristic policies of former President Petro Poroshenko, has not only continued but also escalated the unpopular policies of his predecessor. Europe's poorest country remains mired in an ongoing civil war in Eastern Ukraine that has killed 14,000, displaced 1.4 million and left 3.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance. The social and political crisis has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fall-out. A recent opinion poll by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology found that 52.7 percent of Ukrainians now disapprove of Zelensky's administration. The ongoing military exercises and equipment procurements signal that Ukraine is continuing the integration of its military forces with Western imperialism. However, the Ukrainian ruling class has yet to receive any assurance that it will ever be officially included into NATO. The continued failure of Ukraine to receive an official invitation has left the Ukrainian ruling class apoplectic. Earlier in June, both US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken shot down Zelensky's statement on Twitter that Ukraine had been assured a spot in NATO at the alliance's annual summit in Belgium. Zelensky wrote, Commend @NATO partners understanding of all the risks and challenges we face. NATO leaders confirmed that [Ukraine] will become a member of the Alliance & the #MAP is an integral part of the membership process. {Ukraine] deserves due appreciation of its role in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security. Just minutes later Zelensky's comments were contradicted by Biden who stated, It depends on whether they meet the criteria. The fact is, they still have to clean up corruption. The fact is, they have to meet other criteria to get into the action plan. And so its, you know, schools out on that question. It remains to be seen. Regarding Ukraine's status, Secretary of State Blinken stated that nothing changed this goes back to 2008, referring to a 2008 NATO conference which first proposed that the former Soviet republic could potentially join one day. In order to do so, Ukraine would have to receive an official Membership Action Plan, which despite Zelensky's begging, has yet to occur. While NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had previously expressed optimism regarding Ukraine's chances to enter NATO, his stance changed following Biden's comments and declared that Ukraine needed to do more and that Ukraine's entry was not the focus of this summit. Prior to the 2014 US-backed coup, Ukraine had maintained a non-aligned status in regards to NATO. In 2014, it embarked on a course of integration with NATO. In February 2019, the Ukrainian government passed a constitutional amendment, stating its commitment to join both NATO and the EU and in June of last year became a member of NATOs Enhanced Opportunities Partnership program. US-Ukrainian relationships were further strained in May when the Biden administration announced that it would, for the time being, not impose additional sanctions on the Russian-German gas pipeline Nord Stream 2. Zelensky complained that he learned of the decision through the press and not through any direct contact with the Biden administration. Speaking to Axios, Zelensky said that he was 'very unpleasantly surprised' by Washingtons decision. The pipeline's completion could potentially cost the Ukrainian government billions in yearly transit fees that are collected on Russian gas headed to European consumers. Ukraines growing relations with China are another major point of contention. In March, after years of pressure from the US, the Ukrainian government seized the assets of the country's major aerospace company, Motor Sich, in order to lock out Chinese investors from acquiring the company. The United States had denounced the move by Chinese aviation firm Skyrizon to acquire a controlling stake in the Ukrainian company, stating that these predatory investments and technology acquisitions in Ukraine represent an unacceptable risk of diversion to military end use.' Despite the obvious interference of the US, Zelensky denied any pressure from his major NATO military backers. Following several public rebuttals of Ukraines NATO aspirations in recent months, the Ukrainian government has notably sought to make amends with China by signing an infrastructure agreement that will see Chinese companies working on road, bridge and rail transit projects within Ukraine. Speaking to the Global Times on Sunday, Song Kui, president of the Contemporary China-Russia Regional Economy Research Institute, said, If Kiev can recognize the situation and get rid of the country's dependence on the West, the prospects for China-Ukraine cooperation are good. The deal was only completed after Ukraine agreed to remove its signature from a joint international statement calling for independent observers to be allowed to investigate alleged human rights abuses against Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region. The allegations have been regularly promoted by the United States as a foreign policy weapon against Beijing. While the agreement was signed in late June, the Kiev government only publicized it this week. Universities in England are threatening a huge wave of course closures in the arts, languages, humanities and social sciences, derided by the Tory government as dead-end courses. The World Socialist Web Site has reported on the University of Sheffields intention to close its Department of Archaeology, drawing opposition from staff and students. The decision that the department did not provide value for money came as the government is considering plans which would allow it to take more direct control of which courses receive funding. A protest sign reading "Save Archaeology" on the Sheffield Minalloy House building of the University of Sheffield's Department of Archaeology (Credit: WSWS Media) Course cuts are bound up with the marketisation of higher education which has escalated after the passage of the Higher Education and Research Act in 2017, under which the Office for Students (OfS) was mandated to encourage competition between English higher education providers and promote value for money. As higher education becomes a marketplace with brutal competition to recruit students and cut costs, universities are enacting corporate-style restructuring plans, targeting uneconomic courses and jobs. Since the first wave of the pandemic, universities have made redundant over 3,000 staff on temporary contracts, and have carried through or announced hundreds of job cuts among academic and office staff. These plans have met only token opposition from the University and College Union (UCU), which demands only that job losses be made voluntarily. Initial attempts to cut costs on existing courses have developed into the wholesale closure of the many arts and humanities courses which are not among the governments announced strategic priorities. OfS guidance sets out plans to halve the annual subsidy paid for these courses, from 40 million to 20 million, and eliminate the additional 64 million in funding which supports courses in London. Replacement grants totalling 10 million have been provided only to 11 world-leading prestigious arts institutions. Along with the closure of archaeology in Sheffield, many universities are cutting English, history and language courses. The University of Cumbria announced in May that it would not be running its English course for the coming academic year due to low enrolment. The University of Chester is threatening job cuts in the departments of archaeology, music, and performing arts, as well as engineering. The University of Hull has begun to close its modern languages courses, not accepting any new students for the coming academic year, and has announced that part-time language courses are likely to be replaced by the Rosetta Stone language app. Aston University is to close its Department of History, Languages and Translation to new students from September 2022, threatening the loss of multiple courses and 24 jobs. Last year the University of the Arts London announced the closure of its Drama Centre London, calling its funding unsustainable. The University of London has also announced that it will close the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and the Institute of Latin American Studies. Universities have taken advantage of the pandemic to force through many of these changes, but the cuts are driven by a deep-rooted assault on higher education. The ruling class views expanded access to science and culture as an intolerable encroachment on the wealth of the oligarchy. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson set out the governments vision in February, stating, we need universities and colleges to work together to address the gaps in our labour market, orienting government spending entirely towards providing an exploitable workforce for a growing digital technology sector and financial services industry. While these plans are advanced with rhetoric about degrees providing value for graduates by increasing their potential income, the reality is that there will be more students for so-called high value degree subjects than there are corresponding jobs, forcing down the relatively high pay in these high-tech sectors. In addition, everything will be done to push the cost of this education and training onto individual students. Graduates currently pay 9 percent of any income above 26,575 towards their student loan repayments for 30 years after graduating. A recent report from the Higher Education Policy Institute think-tank, headed by a former government adviser, proposes that the government could save around 4 billion in loan write-offs by reducing the repayment threshold to 19,000, costing even many of the lowest-earning graduates thousands of pounds. A reduction of the tuition fee cap from 9,250 to 7,500 was proposed in the Augar Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in 2018, but it has nothing to do with reducing the massive debt burden of most graduates. It notes that the government currently has very limited control over the substantial taxpayer investment in higher education since the universities receive tuition fees directly. The review proposed replacing lost tuition income by direct funding of subjects, giving the government a financial leash with which to enforce its reactionary, philistine agenda. University senior management teams, whose enormous salaries make them closer to corporate executives than academics, have not waited for direct government intervention to fall in line with the marketised system and its consequences for course closures. The Johnson government, however, will also use any greater control over finances to massively accelerate the process. It will also use these powers to enforce a regime of censorship of critical academics and legitimise the far-right on campus under the cover of its fraudulent free speech campaign. Last year the government threatened to cut funding to universities which did not accept the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which slanders critics of Israel as antisemitic. The governments free speech campaign on campuses is part of an attempt to claim that right-wingers and peddlers of racist and discredited pseudo-science are the victims of censorship. While academics and other higher workers face the same far-reaching attacks, the UCU has kept all their struggles isolated and strictly limited. UCU members in Hull passed a motion against course closures in February, but the union has dragged out the negotiation process, with a strike ballot only starting last month and ending on July 9. Plans by the universities of Sunderland, Kingston and London South Bank to end their history coursescondemned by the Royal Historical Society and many staff and studentshave been answered by the UCU with months of consultation and no plan to unify its members in a single fight. The union has responded to similar attacks at Aston University merely by beginning a petition. After the University of Portsmouth cut over half of the jobs in the English Literature department, the UCU boasted of having proposed an alternative which retains the substantial cut to the staffing budget without job cuts. The UCU and the National Union of Students are hostile to the growing mass opposition of students to the marketisation and privatisation of higher education. Addressing student rent strikers earlier this year, who raised the issue of marketisation, UCU General Secretary Jo Grady described their political perspective as a bit niche. NUS President Larissa Kennedy bluntly claimed that nobody cares. The pandemic has acted as a trigger event, accelerating the marketisation process which was already causing havoc within the university system, and setting off a wave of opposition among students. The battle in higher education is between two irreconcilably opposed perspectives: the capitalist, which insists the working class be given only the education required to produce a technically competent labour force, with knowledge of the arts, history and culture limited to the ruling class and affluent middle class; and the socialist, which insists on the right of everyone to the education and free time necessary to access the highest achievements of human civilisation. Students who want to take forward the struggle for socialism should join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE). Vaccine nationalism, where a handful of nations have taken the lions share, is morally indefensible. Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization The Director-Generals comments this week, without naming names, are directed against the deleterious response of the US, along with other wealthy nations, to the current iteration of the pandemic. No other country has so emphasized vaccine nationalism in its response to the pandemic, at the detriment of the rest of the poorer nations facing their catastrophes with the coronavirus. A sign warning of COVID-19 dangers remains in place Tuesday, June 15, 2021, outside the entryway of a state office building in Jefferson City, Mo. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) Nonetheless, as the Delta variant dominates all previous versions across the US, in conjunction with a vaccination campaign that has slowed to a crawl, the US itself is in a precarious position despite Bidens professed optimism. Today were closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus we can live our lives, our kids can go back to school, our economy is roaring back, President Joe Biden brazenly remarked during the Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn of the White House, which ushered in the complete abandonment of all public health measures to stem the rising tide of COVID-19 infections. [emphasis added] Meanwhile, the seven-day average of vaccinations has tapered off below 733,000 jabs a day. Yesterday, only 437,117 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines were administered. Only 47.6 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated. Across the country, there are trends showing a rise in new cases. According to The New York Times tracker, the two-week change has seen a 35 percent rise to an average of 15,259 daily COVID-19 cases. These dire statistics are compounded by the report released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the highly contagious variant is now dominant in the United States, accounting for 51.7 percent of all cases that were genetically sequenced, up from 30 percent just two weeks ago. Despite these worrisome trends, White House press secretary Jen Psaki remarked that the administration would not impose new national mitigation measures, nor has the CDC changed its guidelines. While Biden and his more than 1,000 guests were rejoicing over the return to normalcy, staff at Mercy hospital in Springfield, Missouri announced on July 4 that they had run out of ventilators for their patients. The chief administrative officer at the hospital, Erik Frederick, tweeted that his employees spent the night looking for ventilators because we ran out. Of the 47 patients on the ventilators, a lot of those were due to COVID-19 infections. With a second COVID-19 ICU unit opened, there are calls for more respiratory therapists to relieve those working grueling long shifts caring for extremely ill patients. Tweet from CAO Erik Frederick of Springfield Missouri Mercy Hospital (Twitter) Considering the rapid spread of the Delta strain, Mercys network of hospitals across Missouri has mandated all employees will be required to be vaccinated by the end of September. The seven-day average of cases has now climbed above 1,000 infections per day after lows of 400 per day in the first week of June, a 150 percent increase. The state was leading the US in the grim category of new coronavirus cases per capita (17.1 per 100,000) in the last week. Yesterday, they reported over 1,660 COVID-19 cases. The Delta variant caused 96 percent of all recent cases. Meanwhile, Missouri ranks 43rd nationwide on vaccinations, with barely 40 percent fully inoculated. The seven-day positivity rate on COVID-19 testing has exceeded ten percent. Neighboring Arkansas now has the highest per capita rate at 18 per 100,000. The current surge in cases is attributed to recent clusters of unvaccinated people, mainly across Southern states with low vaccination rates. An analysis conducted by researchers at Georgetown University identified 30 clusters of counties, of which five of the most significant stretch across the Southeast and lower portions of the Midwest, spreading from Georgia to Texas, throughout Missouri, and parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. CNNs medical analyst, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, explained that the current vaccines had prevented serious illnesses and hospitalization though data recently published has public health authorities concerned about the Delta variants ability to evade the immune system. Reiner added, Weve been lucky with the variants so far that theyve been relatively susceptible to our vaccine, but the more you roll the dice, the more opportunities there will be for a resistant variant. These growing clusters are ideal for such developments. Though across many states the actual number of cases remains small compared to previous surges, the 14-day rate of change is alarming. South Carolina has seen a 135 percent increase. Kansas is running at a 120 percent rise in numbers. Nebraska, Louisiana, and Tennessee are all over 100 percent. Arkansas is at 94 percent, and Mississippi, with the lowest vaccination rate in the nation, has seen the 14-day rate of cases rise at 86 percent. In fact, 32 states are seeing their COVID-19 infections climb, including highly vaccinated states like California, New York, and Illinois. Even hospitalizations have turned upwards again. Nevada, where almost 40 percent of the states adult population remains unvaccinated, has the third-highest per capita rate of infections at 14 per 100,000. However, it has seen the sharpest rise in hospitalizations, more than 60 percent compared to two weeks ago. There are currently more than 440 COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals in the state. Dr. Fermin Leguen, the district health officer in Clark County (Las Vegas), reported that 95 percent of all patients hospitalized in the last three months had not taken a vaccine. On Meet the Press on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical adviser, told host Chuck Todd, In some places, some states, some cities, some areas, where the level of vaccination is low, and the level of virus dissemination is high, thats where youre going to see the spikes. He had earlier noted that the inconsistency in vaccination rates across the country would see two Americas. Dr. Mike Ryan of the WHO said it most bluntly: The Delta variant, which is faster, it is fitter [and] will pick off the more vulnerable more efficiently than previous variants. It should be added, as real-life experience with the Delta strain and the COVID-19 vaccines have grown, even fully vaccinated individuals carry a higher risk of breakthrough infections and becoming unknowing vectors of the coronavirus, further fueling the surges that are being predicted. The US should only look to the UK to see what happens when the Delta variant becomes totally dominant. The average daily COVID-19 hospital admissions have increased by 47 percent in the last week. Even with more fully vaccinated people than in the US, these statistics should send shudders through state and federal officials. The UK has yet to end mandates for masks and social distancing, which will end on July 19. As the newly installed Health Secretary Sajid Javid told BBC Radio 4s Today program, daily new cases could reach as high as 100,000 by August. As Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding had remarked in one of his tweets, the US is only a month behind the UK. This means that when the Delta variant completely dominates all regions of the country, school children, numbering 50 million under 12 who are unvaccinated, will re-enter fully occupied classrooms for in-person instruction. The strike by 2,450 Vale miners in Sudbury, Ontario entered its sixth week Tuesday. The strikers are resisting demands by the multi-billion dollar conglomerate for real-term pay cuts, the gutting of health care and retirement benefits, and the further entrenching of a hated multi-tier wage/benefit grid. Sudbury Vale miners' picket line (Photo credit: USW Local 6500) In a comment on a recent World Socialist Web Site article (Top Vale executive threatens 2,450 striking miners in Northern Ontario) that outlined the companys attempt to extort sweeping contract concessions at Vales giant base metals mine, mill and smelter complex in Sudbury, a striking miner, Bruce, wrote the following: So this article is very well written, but the author has one thing wrong. I am a member on 6500 striking for our rights....The union only endorsed the first contract because Vale negotiators pushed them to bring it to us. If they didnt, they wouldve not given us any contract offer and wouldve left...So they did what Vale wanted and we turned the offer down. There is no reason to have a contract with concessions in a time where they are making billionsnot to mention Vale took 67 million from the government of Canada for COVID relief!!!! Time to share the wealth! In discussions with other striking miners, WSWS reporters have been told on several occasions that USW Local 6500 officials have made similar arguments to them and their co-workers in an attempt to explain away the bargaining committees unanimous endorsement of the miserable concessions-filled tentative agreement they reached with Vale. As it happened, workers showed they could recognize a rotten sellout when they saw one, and roundly voted down the proposed contract. Stunned by the rejection of the tentative settlement and fearing that their open endorsement of Vale managements concession demands would compromise their position with the rank-and-file at the very outset of a bitter dispute, USW officials began the strike by resorting to various versions of a bald-faced lie. The bargaining committee had no choice, they pleaded. We had to do it or Vale would have ordered a lockout, they complained. We were legally bound to recommend the contract or, as our reader Bruce was told, The union only endorsed the first contract because Vale negotiators pushed them to bring it to us. If they didnt they would not have given us any contract and wouldve left. The fact of the matter is that even within the framework of the anti-worker collective bargaining system to which the trade unions subordinate every workers struggle, there was absolutely nothing to prevent the bargaining committee from presenting the companys concessionary offer to the membership, outlining its blackmail threats, and recommending a massive No vote. Indeed, this was its elementary duty. In recent years, union officials have frequently put concessionary management offers to votes without recommendation, hoping thereby to evade responsibility for their acquiescence to the bosses and outright refusal to mount a working class counter-offensive. However, the USW bureaucrats did not resort to such a maneuver. They were so determined to push through managements concession demands, they threw the unions entire weight behind browbeating workers into accepting them. One consequence of this is that they managed to prevail on the Port Colborne workers to accepting the concessions-filled contract, thereby undermining and isolating the Sudbury miners struggle from the outset. The glaring take-away from this entire sordid episode is that union officials thought that if the deal was so good for managementand it certainly wasthen it must surely be good for the workers. This pathetic corporatist outlook flows from the USWs loyalty to the capitalist systemits insistence that workers livelihoods and lives must be subordinated to investor profit. Vale management has thus been given a free hand to continue to try to bully and blackmail the strikers, threatening them and the entire community that it will starve its Sudbury operations of future investments and relocate nickel production elsewhere in its vast global empire, if workers do not surrender. It is hardly novel for corporate managers, whether at Vale or any other company, to use such tactics to extort concessions. Threats of plant and mine closures, investment cutbacks, and the outsourcing of production to other countries have featured in just about every bargaining round in auto, steel, and other basic industries over the past 40 years. The unions, from the United Auto Workers and Unifor in the auto industry to the USW in steel, mining and other industries, have proven totally incapable of resisting these attacks. This is due to their pro-capitalist and nationalist orientation, which has rendered them impotent in the face of globally mobile corporations. While workers have suffered unrelenting attacks, the bureaucrats who staff the unions have sought to protect their privileged position by renouncing any association with traditions of militant working class struggle and acting evermore openly as junior partners of management and the state. Workers constitute an immense social power as their labour creates all societys wealth, and they can wield that power in so far as they refuse to accept that their basic needs must be subordinated to investor profit and adopt a global strategy, based on uniting their struggles across national borders and continents. Upon receiving Vale managements miserable offer of further massive rollbacks while the company is making billions in profits, a genuine workers organization would have publicized and denounced its contents in statements and at meetings, and campaigned for a no vote. To defeat Vales intimidation campaign, it would have immediately appealed for other workers in the local community, across Canada, and internationally for a unified struggle against all speed-up, job-cutting, multi-tier pay scales, pension cuts and other concessions. It would have countered Vales use of its vast financial resources and operations in well over a dozen countries to intimidate workers with the threat of the destruction of their livelihoods, by appealing to all Vale workers to bring the multinationals global operations to a grinding halt. This is the only way to force the corporation to its knees and secure the strikers legitimate demands for better pay, workplace benefits, and job security. Sudbury miners are in a powerful position to spearhead such an international fight. Nickel is a key commodity in Vales operations due to the rapidly expanding market for batteries and electric vehicles. This has been underscored by a substantial rise in the price of nickel on the global market due in part to the Sudbury work stoppage. Moreover, strikers at Vale are waging their struggle amid a rebellion by broad sections of workers against the gang up of corporate management and their trade union junior partners. As the Vale workers took to the picket line on June 1, USW members were striking in northeastern Quebec at ArcelorMittal, and at Allegheny Technologies steel mills across six US states against similar concessionary demands. At the New River Valley assembly plant in Dublin, Virginia, 3,000 Volvo Trucks workers walked off the job the same week as the Vale strike began. They had previously formed the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee to fight the United Auto Workers effort, in line with the USW at Vale, to impose two concessions-laden contracts. In the intervening month, the VWRFC has, with the assistance of the World Socialist Web Site, broken the UAWs deliberate isolation of the Volvo workers strike by campaigning among autoworkers and other industrial workers across the United States, in Canada, and internationally. Under these conditions, there is absolutely no reason why the Vale strike must be isolated and confined to the USW issuing subservient appeals to Vales ruthless corporate executives to return to the bargaining table. This is a direct product of the unions determined efforts from the outset to sabotage the miners strike. Although the union possesses hundreds of millions of dollars in assets, it is starving the strikers on a meagre $370 (about $US300) in strike pay per week. It must be clearly stated that if the USW is allowed to continue with this strategy, the courageous and militant stand taken by Vale strikers will go down to defeat. The first step to prevent this outcome is for Vale workers to immediately elect a rank-and-file strike committee able to act independently of the USW and in opposition to its pro-company agenda. The strike committee should start from what workers actually need, not what Vale and the USW claim the company can afford. Workers should advance a series of non-negotiable demands, such as a 25 percent pay increase to make up for years of concessions, full medical insurance for all workers, the abolition of multi-tier wages and benefits, and the reinstatement of the defined-benefit pension program for all workers and retirees. Strike pay must be significantly increased from the piddling sum now being dispensed. Above all, the committee should forge links with striking miners, industrial workers, and Vale employees at other locations on the basis of workers own class interests,which are irreconcilably opposed to Vales ruthless drive to boost corporate profits. Should Vale institute a scabbing operation, calls for increased job actions across the trans-national company must be intensified, including at its Canadian operations at Voiseys Bay, Newfoundland, Thompson, Manitoba and Port Colborne. We very much agree with the striker Bruces comment that the wealth be sharedindeed, it should be controlled by those who produce it, that is the workers themselves. But this is a revolutionary question. Workers will not share the wealth by begging to the bosses or relying on the pro-company stooges in the USW bureaucracy, but only by mobilizing the full social power of the international working class in opposition to Vales global drive for corporate profits. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - On Thursday, the Terre Haute Police Department and local residents came together to create a memorial to honor the life of fallen officer, Greg Ferency. The memorial is centered around Ferency's vehicle, with a police flag draped across the dashboard. Throughout the day, community members stopped by the memorial adding flowers, balloons, photos, cards, candles, and posters, to pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to public service. Ferency was a member of the Terre Haute Police Department for three decades and a task force member with the FBI for more than ten years. His friends and coworkers say he was an amazing person who dedicated his life to helping the community. Thursday night, the mayor reflected on Ferency's contributions to the city at the Terre Haute City Council meeting. "He was an exceptional police officer," Duke Mayor Bennett said. "He was really gifted, and a really talented police officer." There will be a special event to honor Ferency this Sunday. The Freedom Fighters of Central Indiana will be holding a "Back the Blue Rally" for Officer Ferency on Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Terre Haute Police Department. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The United States Department of Justice has identified the man they say killed Terre Haute Police Department Detective Greg Ferency. That man was identified as 44-year-old Shane Meehan. Shane Meehan during a previous interview, while he was running for Terre Haute Mayor (WTHI File) Shane Meehan during a previous interview, while he was running for Terre Haute Mayor (WTHI File) Along with his role at the Terre Haute Police Department, Ferency worked as an FBI Task Force Officer. Officials confirmed with News 10, Meehan ran for mayor in Terre Haute in the last mayoral election. LINK | COMPLETE COVERAGE The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed to News 10 he used to work at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute. He worked there from March 20, 2005, to October 28, 2017. He was a correctional officer. Here's what officials say happened According to court documents, on Wednesday, Meehan drove his truck to the gate of the FBI Resident Agency building near the Vigo County Courthouse. They said Meehan got out of his truck and tossed a Molotov cocktail toward the building. A short time later, Detective Ferency walked out of the office where Meehan allegedly confronted him. Meehan is accused of shooting Ferency. Ferency returned fire but did not survive his injuries. An FBI Special Agent came out of the building and got into a shootout with Meehan. Officials say Meehan was shot twice before he got into his truck and took off. A short time later, Meehan was found at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, where he received treatment for his gunshot wounds. Officials said a gun, Molotov Cocktails, and more ammo were found inside of his truck in the parking lot at Regional. Meehan was charged with the murder of a federal agent. If he is convicted, he could face life in federal prison. The FBI is heading the shooting investigation. 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 Googles Play store, where consumers download apps designed for the Android software that powers most of the worlds 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. Epics lawsuit against Google is still awaiting trial. Although its app commissions are similar to Apples, Google has tried to distinguish itself by allowing consumers to download apps from other places than its Play store. Apple, in contrast, doesnt allow iPhone users to install apps from any other outlet than its store. But the lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges Googles 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. Whats 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 didnt 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 Googles 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 havent 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 wont 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 hadnt submitted enough evidence to back their monopoly allegations. 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. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - The state health department issued new COVID-19 recommendations on Friday in response to the delta variant. In a series of social media posts, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the Mississippi State Health Department (MSDH) recommends all Mississippians ages 65 and older avoid all indoor mass gatherings, regardless of their vaccination status. The MSDH also recommends all Mississippians with chronic underlying medical conditions avoid all indoor mass gatherings. All Mississippians 12 years of age and older are advised to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Open this link to schedule a vaccine appointment online in Mississippi. The MSDH recommends all unimmunized individuals wear a mask when indoors in public settings. As of July 6, the MSDH has reported 137 total cases of the delta variant B.1.617.2 (India). Read More - What should I know about the delta variant? Open this link to view the latest data on COVID-19 variants in Mississippi. (Select "Variants" beneath "COVID-19 Data Reports") MSDH recommends that all Mississippi residents >65 years of age avoid all indoor mass gatherings (regardless of vaccination status) MSDH recommends that all Mississippi residents with chronic underlying medical conditions avoid all indoor mass gatherings thomas dobbs (@TCBPubHealth) July 9, 2021 If you're planning to travel to Hawaii, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic. The basics Hawaii has now ended its pre-travel testing and quarantine requirement for domestic travelers if they've been fully vaccinated for Covid-19 in the United States. This is a big shift for isolated Hawaii, which has had the strictest Covid-19 requirements of any state. Travelers must upload their CDC-issued vaccination card to the state's Safe Travels Program website and have the card with them upon arrival as well. Other changes now in effect: -- Limits on social gatherings have expanded to 25 people indoors and 75 people outdoors. -- Restaurants may increase capacity to 75% -- with maximum group sizes of 25 indoors and 75 outdoors. Visitors who aren't fully vaccinated still must provide a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken 72 hours or less before the final leg of their trip enter. "We are close to achieving a 70% vaccination rate, at which point all restrictions will end and we can return to the lives we remember," said Gov. David Ige said in a recent statement. All air passengers entering the United States must present a negative test result. See below for details on which test types are approved specifically for the state of Hawaii, including for Americans arriving from other states. What's on offer Spectacular surfing, sandy beaches, traditional Pacific culture and rugged volcanoes -- including the ongoing eruption of Kilauea. You can get daily updates on volcanic activity from the US Geological Survey here. Hawaii's geographical position and proud history make it unlike anywhere else in the United States. Who can go Travelers from other US states, Canada, Japan, Philippines, South Korea's Incheon International Airport, Tahiti and Taiwan are allowed to bypass Hawaii's mandatory 10-day quarantine on most islands by following strict pre-travel testing rules (see below). Beyond those places, Hawaii is following CDC guidelines, meaning those who have been in Brazil, China, the European Schengen Area, Iran, India, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the past 14 days will be denied entry. Travelers from all other countries must undergo a 10-day quarantine. Check the Safe Travels Hawai'i site for details as the situation evolves. All tourists must also complete a Safe Travels Hawaii form, and many will need to undergo a health screening on arrival. A couple of islands also require a second Covid-19 test upon arrival. What are the restrictions? Currently, all travelers must either undergo a 10-day quarantine or -- if traveling from a handful of countries (listed above) -- avoid quarantine by presenting a negative test from a "trusted partner," a list of which can be found on the Hawaii Covid-19 website. For air travelers 5 and older entering Hawaii from abroad, getting a test from one of Hawaii's approved Trusted Testing Partners will be particularly important because some tests accepted under the US testing entry requirement that went into effect in January would not allow travelers to bypass Hawaii's quarantine. Travelers, including those arriving from the US mainland, must have a negative test result before departing on the last leg of their trip to Hawaii unless fully vaccinated. Test results must be uploaded to the Safe Travels Hawaii site before your flight to the islands or printed out prior to departure with the hard copy ready to present upon arrival. Otherwise, you will incur the 10-day quarantine. Registration with Safe Travels Hawaii as soon as flights are booked is mandatory for all travelers older than 18. On June 15, all restrictions on intercounty travel were lifted, meaning no pre-travel testing or quarantining is needed for travel between the Hawaiian islands. What's the Covid situation? With only about 38,820 cases and 522 deaths reported as of July 16, Hawaii has seen relatively low Covid numbers compared with other US states. Strict lockdown measures were put in place in March 2020 to ensure that the islands were not overwhelmed. What can visitors expect? Some restrictions can vary by island, but masks are no longer required outside on a statewide basis. However, mask wearing is highly recommended when in a large group outdoors. And the indoor mask mandate remains unchanged. Oahu has a five-tier system of restrictions. Tier 5 is the least restrictive. Oahu is at Tier 4, which means social gatherings of up to 25 people outdoors (including parks and beaches) and 10 people indoors. Commercial recreational boating is allowed without capacity limits (restaurant rules apply if food or drinks are served). Read more about tiers here. Maui, Molokai and Lanai -- all in Maui County -- allow for gatherings of up to 10 people. Beaches and Maui County Parks are open. On Hawai'i Island, outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted as long as masks are worn and social distancing rules followed. Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people. Beaches are open. The island of Kauai is now at Tier 5 status, and that ends the "resort bubble" program. The move also allows gatherings of up to 25 indoors and 75 outdoors. Restaurants, gyms, buses and attractions can operate at 75% capacity. Pools and beaches are open. When 70% of Kauai's population achieves full vaccination (Tier 6), all operations cam be open with no limits. Useful links Covid-19 State of Hawaii portal Hawaii Trusted Travel Partners Safe Travels Program HawaiiGuide.com Hawaii Covid-19 Travel News and Headlines Our recent coverage Find out about the woman who gave birth to a baby while flying to Hawaii -- she didn't even know she was pregnant! What's it like traveling to Hawaii during the pandemic? CNN's Brekke Fletcher wrote about her experience here. For vacation tips, have a look here. If you're a closet beach hater, here are some ideas of what you can do. Or have a look at the cats of Lana'i, where 600 of them are living their best life. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. CORINTH, Miss. (WTVA) - A 22-year-old man is in jail for the alleged murder of his girlfriend. On Thursday, the Corinth Police Department charged Kobe Nance with the murder of Shuna Hurd, 18, the Daily Corinthian reported. Police Chief Ralph Dance told the newspaper the situation began Wednesday afternoon when a police officer saw a maroon Toyota traveling fast on Cass Street and then onto Highway 72 heading west. The vehicle was later found at the Magnolia Regional Health Center where Hurd was in the vehicle with Nance. She was pronounced dead there. Investigators determine a fight had happened at a home on Fulton Street and Nance allegedly shot Hurd. The victim had facial bruises, choke marks around her neck and bite marks, the police chief said. An autopsy will be performed. TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Vietnam veteran Dennis McCullough said if it werent for Tupelos police officers and firefighters, he wouldnt be here today. On February 6th, McCulloughs home caught on fire while he was sleeping. McCullough said he and his dog, Flint, got trapped inside his bedroom. I went to look down my hallway, but the fire was coming down the hallway and I couldnt get out my bedroom, he said Tupelo police officers first arrived at his home and started breaking the windows. Firefighters rescued McCullough from his bedroom window soon after. Battalion Chief Bill Wardlaw said because of the heavy smoke, his team did CPR on McCullough until was able to breathe on his own. One guy went into that bedroom to help Mr. McCullough, but we had other crews at the other end of the house trying to put the fire out simultaneously. Lots was going on, he said, On Thursday, McCullough got to thank the men and women who saved his life. Chief Wardlaw said it was a blessing to see him standing. STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - A portion of Old West Point Road will be closed indefinitely to remove and replace a substandard bridge beginning on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. The road closure will begin at the south side of Garrard Road through Trotter Lane. No traffic will be allowed during the closure. Travelers are to use alternative routes such as Montgomery Street, Garrard Road and Highway 12. The Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund by the Mississippi Legislature is funding the bridge replacement project. Officials say the project will provide a safer intersection at Garrard Road, improve drainage efficiency as well as provide stabilized channel slopes. The estimate time for completion will be on or before January 1, 2022. TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) New Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan will keep the pickup truck he used as a Lee County supervisor. The Tupelo City Council voted this week to buy the truck from the county for $35,000 after county supervisors agreed earlier that day to sell the pickup. "He was fond of his vehicle that he had with the county," city attorney Ben Logan told the council on Tuesday. City spokesman Scott Costello said the City Council sets aside money for the mayor to get a new vehicle to use during each four-year term. Lee County Chancery Clerk Bill Benson said the county bought the truck in August for a little more than $47,000 and it was assigned to Jordan, who represented District 3 on the Board of Supervisors. Logan told council members the current market value for that vehicle is between $49,000 and $54,000. According to Costello, a staffer will get the vehicle used by former Mayor Jason Shelton. Jordan's wife, Christy, is serving as an interim county supervisor until a special election is held November 2 to determine who should serve the remainder of his four-year term. Benson said she will use her personal vehicle and bill the county for any mileage accumulated for county business. The Mountain States TRUSTED news source. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to The Charleston Gazette-Mail. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Learn more about HD Media Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Thank you for Reading. As a community service, our obituaries are always free to view. In order to better know our audience, we ask that you register to continuing viewing. David M. Fryson is a lawyer, the pastor of the New First Baptist Church of Kanawha City, and is the retired founding Vice President of the West Virginia University Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This month he started a term as the interim vice president and chief diversity officer of Brandeis University in Massachusetts. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WV News) July 31 is approaching, and with that, the first round of layoffs at the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant. Senior staff writer Kailee Kroll can be reached at (304)626-1439, by email at kkroll@theet.com or on Twitter at @kaileekroll. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com. 2021, Steven and Cokie Roberts HBO Maxs "No Sudden Move" has the art of the steal and lure of a Soderbergh heist movie Reliance is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places with features such as the only surviving Union Pacific tipple left in Wyoming. Matt Damon said he felt a little overwhelmed at yesterdays Cannes premiere for his new film Stillwater. Speaking alongside writer-director Tom McCarthy and co-stars Abigail Breslin, Camille Cottin and Lilou Siauvaud during the films press conference, Damon reflected on what it was like to return to a packed cinema after a rough 18 months for the world. More from Deadline I was a little overwhelmed last night. Im really glad were here this year. Well look back and remember launching the film out of Covid. To be in a room with 1,000 other people who are strangers but who are part of the same community because we love the same thing was such a great reminder of why we do this. In Stillwater, Damon plays an oil worker who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his estranged daughter, who is in prison for a murder she claims she didnt commit. Damon said being a parent helped him access the emotion of the role: I found the script to be so beautifully written. Since Ive had kids, I feel like everything is more available to me emotionally speaking. I dont have to reach so far. Its all right there. The Oscar-winner spent time in Oklahoma in a Roughneck community before production began. This is a culturally very specific place. The people were wonderful to us, Damon said, also noting that his character would almost certainly have voted for Donald Trump. McCarthy told press today that the film which is co-written by Thomas Bidegain and Noe Debre is in part inspired by the case of Amanda Knox, the American woman who spent almost four years in an Italian prison following her conviction for the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher. Story continues I was pretty fascinated by the Amanda Knox case, said Spotlight director McCarthy. I did a deep dive. It served as an initial inspiration. Damon told the audience that he was bowled over by the acting ability of newcomer Siauvaud. He recalled how on the first day of filming he walked over to the child actor after seeing her perform and joked: So thats how its gonna be?I knew right away that I was working with the Meryl Streep of nine-year-olds. Check out our Cannes deep dive with Tom McCarthy here. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A security officer indicates to the media to step back as U.S. President Joe Biden, second from left, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, second from right, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, right, meet for the U.S.-Russia summit at Villa La Grange in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. A security officer indicates to the media to step back as U.S. President Joe Biden, second from left, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, second from right, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, right, meet for the U.S.-Russia summit at Villa La Grange in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Credit - Denis BalibouseAP Despite public statements that U.S. talks with Russia are pressing forward on cyber attacks, some of President Joe Bidens own aides are skeptical that President Vladimir Putin will act to rein in cyber criminals based there. Hes not going to, says one Biden Administration official, speaking about Putin taking steps to crack down on hacks originating in Russia and on Russian networks. The official says several members of Bidens team are doubtful. Without Putin intervening, the criminal groups will keep doing what theyre doing the official says. Hes wreaking havoc. When the two leaders met in Geneva in June, Biden asked Putin to help crack down on criminal hackers working in Russia that have been targeting American institutions and businesses. Less than a month later, Russian hackers allegedly broke into computers used by a contractor for Republican National Committee, and a Russian cyber criminal network activated another massive international ransomware attack that targeted an estimated 1,500 businesses, some in the U.S. U.S. intelligence officials have watched ransomware attacks escalate in scale and sophistication as relations between Washington and Moscow grew increasingly strained in recent years. Russias invasion of Ukraine, Putins meddling in U.S. elections, the Congressional investigation into links between President Donald Trumps campaign and the Kremlin, and Trumps unpredictable public statements about Russia put the countries on adversarial footing, preventing high-level discussions to outline rules of the road and clear consequences for aggressive hacking. Story continues When Biden met Putin on June 16, the American President tried to change that. The leaders agreed to set up meetings between senior cyber security experts in their governments. In multiple meetings since, the White House has told Russian officials that the U.S. expects Russia to shut down criminal groups launching ransomware attacks from inside Russia or using Russian networks, according to a White House official. A meeting between the two countries on ransomware attacks specifically is scheduled for next week. Since the fresh attacks, pressure has been mounting on Biden to push Putin to intervene against Russian criminal hackers and, in some cases, his own security forces, to get them to tamp down the attacks. The White House has publicly brushed all that aside for now, emphasizing that talks with Moscow are continuing and need time to show results. Biden himself is not frustrated with Russias slow response, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in response to a question from TIME on July 6. The meeting with the Russian President was just a couple of weeks ago. Weve had ongoing meetings at an expert level pretty much since that point in time, said Psaki. Even if some administration officials doubt the talks will be fruitful, theres a genuine benefit an open line of communication, says Philip Reiner, the head of the Institute for Security and Technology and a former White House national security official under President Barack Obama. The fact that theyre even talking is actually a very positive thing, says Reiner. Russian officials do have a history of slow rolling these things and so hopefully this time it bears out differently, he says. If Russia doesnt follow through on reigning in the hacks operating in its borders, the Biden Administration has various levers to pull, including additional economic sanctions and offensive hacks that can hobble the networks the hackers are using. It starts with the question of, Does Vladimir Putin want to be seen and have his country be seen as part of the legitimate international system? Reiner says. In the meantime, U.S. officials at the FBI, Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security have been scrambling to shore up massive vulnerabilities in the computer systems of U.S. businesses and government contractors. Cybersecurity company Emisoft found at least 2,354 U.S.-based governments, healthcare facilities, and schools were victims of ransomware in 2020, with payments totaling more than $900 million. The Department of Justice has been working to expand its ability to seize Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies used to pay off criminal hackers in exchange for unlocking hijacked computer systems. In June, Justice officials said they were able to seize $2.3 million in Bitcoin paid as ransom to hackers behind the Colonial Pipeline hack that caused fuel disruptions and caused a run on gasoline along the East Coast in May. U.S. intelligence agencies have also been weighing cyber operations that could disrupt and disable criminal outfits from launching the attacks, particularly those based in Russia or using Russian internet infrastructure for their operations. U.S. officials are still waiting to see if the June summit and subsequent talks lead to any decrease in attacks on critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, healthcare facilities, food processing plants and other parts of the U.S. economy, where a shutdown would be debilitating. When they met in Geneva, Biden gave Putin a list of 16 sectors the U.S. considers off limits. The government has also formed a group with energy companies called the Cybersecurity Industrial Control Systems Initiative to better protect the energy grid, and plans to expand that pilot program to water systems, the chemical industry and pipelines in the coming months. One of the challenges of tracking the breadth of ransomware attacks in the U.S. is that U.S. companies are not required to report cyber incursionsand many dont. The FBI runs the Internet Crime Complaint Center, known as IC3, but participation in that reporting process is voluntary. Officials believe that many ransomware hacks go unreported because companies are concerned about public criticism, loss of business or civil lawsuits. Biden Administration officials are trying to convince American companies to better protect their own computer systems. After the Colonial hack, Biden issued an executive order requiring companies that do business with the federal government to adhere to a series of security conditions to prevent hacks, requirements the White House hopes will be adopted by companies across sectors. In early June, Anne Neuberger, a senior White House advisor on cyber security, told U.S. businesses to see ransomware as a threat to their basic ability to operate. She said businesses should immediately adopt multi-factor authentication for accessing networks, work to detect intrusions, encrypt stored data so it cant be used even if it is stolen, and other steps. She has since warned that local governments are at risk, too. On July 6, Neuberger met virtually with a large group of U.S. mayors to sound the alarm on the vulnerabilities ransomware hackers present to U.S. cities and to describe several steps to protect their networks. When it comes to ransoms demanded by hackers that have locked up computer systems, the Biden Administrations advice to companies is not to pay them. In the July 6 press conference, Psaki said that the U.S. ransomware policy continues to be the same as it has been for several months, which is that we do not advisewe advise against, in factcompanies paying ransomware given it incentivizes bad actors to repeat this behavior. 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. Story continues 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. People at the beach in Malaga, Spain. Both easyJet and British Airways saw the number of bookings for Malaga increase since the announcement. Photo: David Benito/Getty Images Bookings for flights and holidays have surged since the UK government announced that fully vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine in England when returning from amber-listed countries. Budget airline easyJet (EZJ.L) said that bookings to destinations on the amber list increased by 400% since the relaxing of the rules on Thursday, adding that holiday bookings were more than 440% up on the previous week. It revealed that Alicante, Corfu, Faro, Malaga, and Nice were among the top destinations for flights this summer. Elsewhere, British Airways (IAG.L) said it saw a 96% increase in the number of views on its website compared with Wednesday last week shortly after the announcement, with people searching for trips to places including Barbados, Ibiza, New York and Malaga. A spokesperson from TUI (TUI.L) told the BBC that the company had experienced a "surge in website visits showing demand is incredibly strong". Read more: Travel stocks fly higher as UK government scraps quarantine for fully vaccinated Johan Lundgren, easyJets chief executive, told the broadcaster that Europe had "now turned green for the double-jabbed". "We have always said that vaccination is the key to unlocking travel and this means that millions will finally be able to reunite with family and loved ones abroad or take that long-awaited trip this summer," he said. He also urged the government to "remove expensive testing" for fully vaccinated people, adding to criticism that travel will be too expensive for some families with testing requirements. On Wednesday, UK transport secretary Grant Shapps announced that double-jabbed people returning to England will not have to quarantine for 10 days, starting from 19 July. This potentially opens up travel to 140 countries. "I can confirm today that from 19 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 said in the Commons. Story continues "In essence, this means that for fully vaccinated travellers, the requirements for green and amber list countries are the same." Those who are not fully vaccinated still need to quarantine at home for 10 days and take a COVID test on days two and eight. Those who have received both jabs can skip the quarantine but still need to pay for a test three days before returning to England, as well as take a test two days after they are back. Watch: Grant Shapps opens travel for double-jabbed Britons The move now means that Brits can travel to popular tourist destinations in Europe such as Spain, Greece and Portugal, although these countries can still impose their own quarantine rules on arrival. Travellers will still have to take pre-departure tests and will be required to take a PCR test on day two of their return, however, there will no longer be a test on day eight. Children under the age of 18 will not have to isolate on return if arriving from amber list countries, Shapps confirmed. The government will count full vaccination as meaning 14 days have passed since the final dose of a vaccine - proof of this can be shown in the form of the NHS COVID pass or via a letter. Read more: How to get travel insurance amid UK rulings on red, green, and amber countries Although the news was welcomed across the aviation sector, travel agents' association ABTA warned that prices "may well increase as more people book". It said that the industry was "very much led by supply and demand". "But this must be seen in the context of starting from a low booking base and there are currently very good value deals on offer," the company said. It comes as the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, continues to spread across the UK. It is currently the dominant strain of the coronavirus in Britain making up around 95% of new cases. Watch: Should I book a holiday in 2021? The first stretch of barbed wire barrier will run for about 500 meters (1,640 feet) and measure 1.8 meters (six feet) high, Chief Public Affairs Officer of Defence Staff of Lithuanian Armed Forces Andrius Dilda told Reuters. The government said the military-style wire coil would cost 4.9 million euros ($5.81 million) to put up and run along most of the frontier, which passes over sparsely populated areas and large stretches of forest and marsh. At a later date the barrier will be reinforced with a two meter (6.5 ft) high border fence topped by razor wire, costing an additional 41 million euros, the interior ministry said. Hundreds of migrants have crossed from Belarus in recent days, most of them Iraqi citizens, Lithuania has said. Belarus in May decided to allow migrants to enter Lithuania in retaliation for sanctions imposed by the bloc after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested a dissident blogger who was on board. Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Two U.S. citizens with ties to Florida have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. James Solages, 35, an American of Haitian descent, and Joseph Vincent, 55, another Haitian-American, were brought before journalists at a press conference late Thursday where authorities presented 17 suspects to the public, all of them seated on a floor in handcuffs. We are going to bring them to justice, said Leon Charles, chief of Haitis National Police. Apart from Solages and Vincent, whose alleged role in the assassination was not immediately clear, Charles said 15 of the suspects were from Colombia. Three other suspects were killed by police, and eight were on the lam. Mathias Pierre, Haitis minister of elections and interparty relations, released the names of Solages and Vincent late Thursday. Haitian authorities have not provided any information on what led them to arrest the two U.S. citizens. The Le Nouvelliste newspaper cited authorities as saying the two Haitian-Americans identified themselves as translators for the suspected assassins. They said they were translators. The mission was to arrest President Jovenel Moise, within the framework of a mandate from an investigating judge, and not to kill him, Judge Clement Noel was quoted as telling the paper. A Facebook account for a James Solages, which lists him as based in Florida, was taken down shortly after news of his detainment broke. A James Solages is also listed as a board president for the nonprofit FWA SA A JACMEL AVAN, INC., a charity aimed at providing growth and development of underprivileged people in Haiti. According to a LinkedIn page that appears to belong to the same user, Solages attended FCC Career College in Florida and has Military Police listed under the skills section. A biography for Solages on the NGO website describes him as a Building Engineer specialized in the field of infrastructure development who was the chief commander of body-guards for The Canadian embassy in Haiti. Story continues The Miami Herald quoted a government official confirming Solages past work at the Canadian Embassy late Thursday. We are aware of allegations implicating an individual who was briefly employed as a reserve bodyguard by a security company hired by Global Affairs Canada in 2010, the official said on the condition of anonymity. Victorie Dorisme, Solages aunt, told the Herald she was baffled by the allegations against him. Ive never heard of him in any trouble like this, she was quoted saying. Details about Vince were harder to find. Haitian media reports said he was in the country for about six months, and authorities said he had previously lived in Miami. Haiti Says Suspected Assassins Caught Amid State of Siege After Presidents Killing The Daily Beast previously reported that a man with an American accent can be heard shouting: DEA operation. Everybody stand down. DEA operation. Everybody back up, stand down, in videos from the attack on the Haitian president. Multiple sources alleged to The Daily Beast that "foreign mercenaries" were behind the assassination. According to Pierre, the detainees are being held at a Port-au-Prince police station and special agents are protecting the station against an angry mob. Moise, a businessman who took office in 2017, had ruled by decree after parliament was dissolved in January last year and opponents called on him to step down after the country failed to hold elections for more than a year. In the wake of the assassination, it remains unclear who heads up the government as two men jockey to be prime minister. A neurologist, Ariel Henry, was set to replace acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph on Wednesday. After announcing Moises death, Joseph said he led the nations government. But in an interview with the Associated Press, Henry suggested otherwise. Its an exceptional situation. There is a bit of confusion, he said. I am the prime minister in office. Port-au-Prince airport has since been shut to commercial traffic and the Dominican Republic has closed border crossings. President Joe Biden expressed his shock and condolences in a statement Wednesday. We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti, Biden said. 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. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Inspired by the artwork of Columbus, Ohio artist Francesca Miller, the capsules proceeds will be donated to The Steve Fund For Justice, For Joy Mural Tee in White Abercrombie & Fitch's For Justice, For Joy collection was co-created with Columbus, Ohio artist Francesca Miller. The capsule's proceeds will be donated to The Steve Fund. Abercrombie & Fitch's For Justice, For Joy collection was co-created with Columbus, Ohio artist Francesca Miller. The capsule's proceeds will be donated to The Steve Fund. For Justice, For Joy Mural Tee in Black Abercrombie & Fitch's For Justice, For Joy collection was co-created with Columbus, Ohio artist Francesca Miller. The capsule's proceeds will be donated to The Steve Fund. Abercrombie & Fitch's For Justice, For Joy collection was co-created with Columbus, Ohio artist Francesca Miller. The capsule's proceeds will be donated to The Steve Fund. NEW ALBANY, Ohio, July 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abercrombie & Fitch, a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), is proud to announce the launch of its latest For Justice, For Joy capsule. The gender-inclusive For Justice collection was first introduced in February with product that was co-designed by members of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.s BIPOC Associate Resource Group (ARG) and spoke to racial justice in the associates own words. The second capsule features Columbus, Ohio artist Francesca Millers artwork emblazoned across a series of tees to celebrate another reflection of Black experiences: Black joy. This collection is now available in stores and online at www.abercrombie.com. There is more to our story, said Miller. We are beautiful beings. We dont just cry we laugh, too. We love. We dream. My work about Black joy documents that side of our story. We were drawn to the joy, optimism, hope and power in Francescas work, as well as her talented spirit. We see that joy every day in her murals around Columbus, which is our own backyard. We hope this capsule, and the joy resplendent in all of Francescas work, serves as inspiration and power for us all to keep this momentum in the ongoing march toward equity, justice, respect, inclusion and dignity for Black communities, said Fran Horowitz, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. As an extension of Abercrombies Equity Project, the brands social justice and racial equity initiative, Abercrombie & Fitch will be donating the anticipated net proceeds from the collection to The Steve Fund, the nations leading organization devoted to supporting the mental health of young people of color. Story continues To learn more about Abercrombie & Fitchs For Justice, For Joy collection and the Abercrombie Equity Project, or to shop the latest capsule, visit the brands website at www.abercrombie.com. To view more of Francesca Millers work, follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/_callmefree. And to learn more about Abercrombies partner, The Steve Fund, and the amazing work they do in support of the mental health of young people of color, please visit www.stevefund.org. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 A&F cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained herein or made by management or spokespeople of A&F involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Companys control. Words such as estimate, project, plan, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties related to the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company and the factors disclosed in ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS of A&Fs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the companys financial performance and could cause actual results for fiscal 2021 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this press release or otherwise made by management. ABOUT ABERCROMBIE & FITCH Abercrombie & Fitch believes every day should feel as exceptional as the start of the long weekend. Since 1892, the brand has been a specialty retailer of quality apparel, accessories and fragrance designed to inspire our global customers to feel confident, be comfortable and face their Fierce. Abercrombie & Fitch is the namesake brand of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), and is sold through more than 230 stores (includes abercrombie kids) worldwide and www.abercrombie.com globally. Media Contact: Cory Weaver, Ph.D. Abercrombie & Fitch (614) 586-2717 Public_Relations@anfcorp.com Business Media Contact: Kara Page Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (614) 283-6192 Public_Relations@anfcorp.com Investor Contact: Pam Quintiliano Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (614) 283-6877 Investor_Relations@anfcorp.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f29b778-7146-4354-a1b7-731c50f9f3a9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d75bdff-401f-4522-bed4-69ec8628cf46 Mike Blair was left massively disappointed after Scotlands Test against Georgia in Tbilisi, scheduled for later this month, was cancelled due to a coronavirus outbreak in the hosts camp. Georgia reported six positive Covid-19 cases whilst in South Africa this week which led to the cancellation of their match against the Springboks. The subsequent need for a 12-day period of isolation and further medical assessment means an agreement has been reached to cancel the fixture with Scotland on July 17. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Scotland had already been forced to call off their Test match against Romania and an A international against England due to positive Covid-19 tests being returned in the Scots camp. Interim head coach Blair said: As a playing group and management team, were obviously massively disappointed as the Georgia match was a challenge we were looking forward to, especially given that our last two fixtures have been called off. However, like all decisions during this pandemic, player welfare must always come first, and our thoughts are certainly with those affected in the Georgian camp as we have been through a similar situation. Its clearly been a frustrating couple of weeks given the positive cases and subsequent cancellations, however I cant fault the hard work and effort put in by this group of players through what has been a tough period. Well see plenty more from them in years to come if they continue with the same drive that weve seen in this short time together. Scotlands squad had returned to graduated training at Oriam Performance Centre this week after a round of negative PCR tests allowed the team to begin preparations ahead of departing for Georgia this weekend. However, with their summer schedule now concluded, players will released back to their respective clubs. A prosecutor on Thursday accused a Baltimore police officer of hiding the body of his teenage stepson in his Anne Arundel County home and charging documents described the officer as telling police searching for the boy that a hole in a wall in the homes loft was his gun safe. The 15-year-old boy was identified Dasan Jones, according to charging documents for the officer. A neighbor remembered Dasan, whom she called D.J., watching over his younger siblings and her children when they played together in their Curtis Bay neighborhood near the mouth of Cox Creek. A magnet student at Glen Burnie High School and an accomplished violin player, Dasan was described by those who knew him as quiet and kind. Officer Eric G. Banks Jr., a three-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department whose official powers had already been suspended, was denied bail in a hearing Thursday, and he has been suspended from his job without pay. He is being held in protective custody as a potential suicide risk, officials said. Banks, 34, faces charges of assault and resisting arrest. They stem from his attempt Tuesday to grab the gun of a county police officer who came to Banks home on a call related to a custody dispute, charging documents say. During a bail review hearing, Assistant States Attorney Jason Miller said Banks had moved and hidden his stepsons body. Miller also said Banks had 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 Dasans death is under investigation by the state medical examiners office, Anne Arundel police said. Bruce Goldfarb, a spokesman for the medical examiners office, said the office cant discuss cases under investigation. After initially telling police the teenager wasnt home, Banks consented to a search of the house, which ended in the loft, where police found the boys body in a hole in the wall with a white cover leaning on it, charging documents say. Banks had told the officers the area was his gun safe. Story continues Once he was handcuffed and taken outside, Banks repeatedly pleaded to be allowed to kiss his kids, asked to have his handcuffs adjusted and then made a clear attempt to disarm me, trying to take the officers Glock 17 handgun from her 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. Five officers brought Banks under control, the officer added. Banks and his attorney, Warren Anthony Brown, appeared by video conference at the hearing. Brown asked that his client be released to home confinement. He noted his client served in the military before he joined the police department. Anne Arundel County District Court Judge Danielle Mosley denied bond for Banks, saying he poses a flight risk and a potential harm to himself, his family and the community. Banks served 11 years with the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of sergeant. He was deployed to Afghanistan three times, winning a number of awards, and left the service in March 2018. Baltimore Police did not say why or when the department had previously suspended Banks police powers. Once he was charged Tuesday night with a felony, he was suspended without pay, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said Wednesday. The deputy commissioner and I have been in communication with the chief of Anne Arundel County, Harrison said. The officer was already suspended based on a previous incident and is now suspended without pay, pending the outcome of that criminal and administrative investigation. Banks has served on the force for three years. He received a $54,454 salary and $88,933 in gross pay during the 2020 fiscal year. Banks wife had complained of stalking and emotional and mental abuse in a June 25 petition in Anne Arundel District Court for a protective order from him. Banks wife noted that he has two firearms one for work and one for leisure in asking the court to order him to stay away from her, the 15-year-old stepson and their two sons. She requested custody of the boys. The officers wife said in the filing that he had followed her on multiple occasions, and asked that he be ordered to undergo counseling. Judge Ronald Karasic denied the temporary protective order petition June 28. Next-door neighbor Stephanie Castagnera said Dasan had helped look out for his younger stepbrothers and her kids, who played together in the neighborhood. Castagnera, who has lived there about three years, said she would never forget the sound of his mothers crying. That cry that I heard, I knew instinctually, as a mom, that something happened to her kids, Castagnera said. I will never forget it. My heart is just broken. _____ Baltimore Sun reporter Justin Fenton and Baltimore Sun Media reporters Donovan Conaway and Hope Kahn contributed to this article. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. The opposition Socialists will file an appeal with the Economic Competition Office over high prices at the beaches of Lake Balaton, Socialist MP and party director Zsolt Molnar told a press conference broadcast on Facebook. At the press conference, held in front of the entrance of one of the beaches, Molnar said that a ticket cost 1,700 forints (EUR 4.8), while parking outside was 300 forints an hour. The Socialists represent the 99% that want no barbed wire or fence around natural waters and protest the government and property developers taking opportunities away from future generations, he said. Karoly Lukoczki, a candidate of the Socialist-Parbeszed alliance in the oppositions preselection before next years parliamentary elections, said his parties would do everything to ensure that Lake Balaton and other natural waters are accessible to everybody and not just to the privileged. Zoltan Vajda, another candidate, urged that tourism should be sustainable and lambasted local businesses aimed at making guests pay through the nose, at all cost, with no regard to the environment. MTI Photo: Balazs Mohai Mac Stipanovich, a former Republican campaign strategist, said DeSantis is less frightening than Trump" to some voters even as he steadily courts the former president's base. DeSantis has a finely tuned sense of what is the best red meat, on any given day, to throw to the MAGA base and he does it with some skill and no shame, Stipanovich said. Soon as were beyond the window of this tragedy, everybody will be at each others throats once again. Indeed, the debate could swiftly move to how the state and local governments manage aging infrastructure. Officials in Miami-Dade County are moving forward with a 30-day audit of buildings that are more than 40 years old. DeSantis has questioned the necessity of a statewide review of older buildings. While effective responses to catastrophes can help burnish a governor's political reputation, the boost can sometimes prove fleeting. Former Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Chris Christie of New Jersey were widely praised for their response to devastating storms. But Trump, who never held political office before running for president, defeated both men for the 2016 Republican nomination. DeSantis' handling of the tragedy appears to have caught some Democrats off guard, leaving them with no unified response. A: Ann Jansky, one of the organizers for the annual event, said the ticket count was right around 1,500, which is pretty typical for the Friday night concerts during June Jubilee. Q: Does anyone remember the monkeys that were kept in the area of Third and Nebraska Avenue? This would have been in the mid to late 1970s. There was a large outdoor cage they would play in. I never knew the history of them, if they were just pets or if they raised them for circuses, or what. A: We asked around and this is what we are hearing: Becky Stodieck said she remembers going to the house and seeing the monkeys who were raised by the resident living there. She said she remembers one of the monkeys was mean but the monkeys were in a cage. She said there were three or four monkeys raised by the residents there and people would take kids there to see them. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Bob Sautter said in speaking with people who remembered the monkeys, the monkeys were in the area of Third Street and Nebraska Avenue in that block, thats where they were raised, from what people remember. Gail Nordlund said yes, she remembered when the monkeys were there and she remembered people taking their kids there to see them. Mumbai: 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 Siddharth 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." New Delhi: Gold futures for the month of September opened with a gain of around Rs 150 per on Friday (July 9). At present, gold futures on Multi Commodity Exchange are trading at around Rs 47856 per 10 grams. However, gold is still trading cheaper from last month when the yellow metal was trading at around Rs 49,000 per 10 grams. With gold selling cheaper by thousands of rupees, it could be a perfect time for investors to inject some gold into their portfolios. Day Gold (MCX August Futures) Monday Rs 47299/10 grams Tuesday Rs 47684/10 grams Wednesday Rs 47910/10 grams Thursday Rs 47721/10 grams Friday Rs 47856/10 grams (Currently trading) Last week's gold movement (June 28 - July 2) Day Gold (MCX August Futures) Monday Rs 47008/10 grams Tuesday Rs 46555/10 grams Wednesday Rs 46839/10 grams Thursday Rs 47039/10 grams Friday Rs 47285/10 grams Gold trading cheaper by around Rs 8300 from record levels Last year, the stock market crashed amid fears of an economic downturn. As a result, investors heavily invested in precious metals such as gold, which led to a rise in the prices of yellow metal to record highs. In August 2020, gold prices touched their highest level of Rs 56,191. However, gold prices are currently trading at around Rs 47856 per 10 grams, which means that the precious metal is selling at around Rs 8330 cheaper from record highs. Also Read: WhatsApp new feature: Users will be able to share messages with large link previews In 2020, gold gave a whopping 43% return to investors. Investors are also expected to get impressive returns in 2021 as well. Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Central govt takes 5 big decisions before DA hike restoration, check details NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday informed that a 'Graded Response Action Plan' formulated by the AAP government to deal with the possible third wave of COVID-19 in the national capital has been cleared by the DDMA. The plan has been passed by DDMA during a meeting today, the Chief Minister said. A Delhi government panel on managing the possible third wave of COVID has suggested a colour-coded mechanism that prescribes a graded response, including the closure of most economic activities at the highest 'Red' level alert. "The 'Graded Response Action Plan' was passed in the DDMA meeting today. No doubts will remain about when the lockdown will be imposed or when it will open. In the meeting, there was also a discussion about the Delta plus variant. We have to stop this variant from spreading in Delhi, for which the government is taking all necessary steps," CM Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi. DDMA 'Graded Response Action Plan' , Delta+ , Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 9, 2021 The colour codes based on positivity rate (on two consecutive days), the cumulative number of new cases (over a week), and average oxygenated-bed occupancy (for a week) will designate four levels of alerts. The graded response will involve restricting economic activities as per the level of alert linked with the severity of the pandemic. Shops and establishments of essential goods and services will be allowed to open during all four levels of alerts, according to the plan. Kejriwal had recently launched the Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojna, a social security scheme for COVID-19 affected families to provide financial assistance to the families of the earning members who lost their lives since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi. Under this scheme, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 for each death to the family of the deceased and Rs 2,500 monthly to those families who have lost breadwinners. The Chief Minister said, we are all aware of how since the last 1.5 years not just India but the entire humanity is enduring this pandemic, our country has seen 2 waves, the first wave last year and the second in April; The entire country may have seen 2 waves, but as for Delhi, this was the 4th wave. Last year in June we saw the first wave, in September, the second wave, in November, the third wave and now the fourth wave. This fourth wave was very severe, it was very widespread, almost every family was affected by it, second, it was very lethal; we lost a lot of lives because of this fourth wave, a lot of children became orphans, a lot of families lost their breadwinners. Theres no one to look after them now. As a responsible and sensitive government, it is our duty to stand with these grieving families and provide them all assistance we can. After a lot of discussions with our officers and the people of Delhi, upon this issue, we are launching the Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojna, the CM added while launching the scheme. Under this scheme, in the case of the death of any patient who was COVID-19 positive, either in an institutional setting or at home, an amount of Rs 50,000 would be given as ex-gratia to the family of the deceased. No questions would be asked. If the person died because of Corona, the family will receive Rs 50,000, CM Kejriwal said, adding Additionally, Rs 2,500 would be given monthly to those families who have lost their breadwinners because of COVID-19. To all those children who were orphaned because of COVID-19, Rs 2500 would be given monthly till they become 25 years old. Live TV New Delhi: Let's admit, we all love watching throwback videos, especially those of our favourite Bollywood celebrities, right? Well, the internet is flooded with many such gems and recently one such old video of actor Vicky Kaushal proposing marriage to now rumoured ladylove Katrina Kaif has caught netizens' fancy. A viral fan page on Instagram posted the throwback video from an awards night stage when Vicky shares a fun moment on-stage with Kat and asks her jokingly, Why dont you find a nice Vicky Kaushal and get married to him? He adds, 'Shaadi Ka season chal raha hai toh mujhe laga apka bhi man kar raha hoga toh maine socha puch lun'. Reacting instantly, Katrina asks, 'Kya'? Then Vicky starts singing 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' with song playing in he background. Katrina, however, is quick to add, 'himmat nahi hai'. But the epic reaction comes from Salman Khan, who seated next to sister Arpita leans his head on her shoulder while all of this happens on-stage. While all of this was done in a jestful manner, incidentally, Katrina and Vicky are now reportedly dating. For the unversed, Katrina and Vicky Kaushal have been rumoured to be dating for quite some time now but neither confirmed the status in public. The duo has been spotted together multiple times yet loves playing hide-and-seek with the paparazzi. For the uninitiated, the rumour about Katrina and Vicky first started when at Koffee With Karan's last season in 2019, where the former replied to host Karan Johar's one of the questions by saying that she thinks she will look good with Vicky. When the latter was informed about her answer, he looked quite swooned and more than happy to hear it. He said, "I was surprised she knows about my existence. And the rest, as they say, is history. On the work front, Katrina will soon start filming Tiger Zinda Hai 3 with Salman Khan. New Delhi: The director of the notorious 1992 film 'Basic Instinct' Paul Verhoeven recently denied claims of tricking the lead actress in the film Sharon Stone into performing frontal nudity for the film in a recent interview. The director explained that Stone was aware of the fact that her vagina would be visible on-screen as her character was based on a story of a woman that he knew when he was a student. She would cross her legs without panties regularly at parties, he claimed. He told Variety, "My memory is radically different from Sharons memory. That does not stand in the way and has nothing to do with the wonderful way that she portrayed Catherine Tramell. She is absolutely phenomenal. We still have a pleasant relationship and exchange text messages. But her version is impossible. She knew exactly what we were doing. I told her it was based on a story of a woman that I knew when I was a student who did the crossing of her legs without panties regularly at parties. When my friend told her we could see her vagina, she said, Of course, thats why I do it. Then Sharon and I decided to do a similar sequence." He was interrogated about the scene months after the actress Sharon Stone expressed in her memoir that she was tricked into removing her underpants for the shot. She revealed she saw the 'vagina shot' after the movie was filmed. She claimed that the director had coerced her into removing her underwear due to lighting issues. As per an excerpt of her 'The Beauty of Living Twice' published on Variety, she wrote, "After we shot Basic Instinct, I got called in to see it. Not on my own with the director, as one would anticipate, given the situation that has given us all pause, so to speak, but with a room full of agents and lawyers, most of whom had nothing to do with the project. That was how I saw my vagina-shot for the first time, long after Id been told, We cant see anythingI just need you to remove your panties, as the white is reflecting the light, so we know you have panties on. Yes, there have been many points of view on this topic, but since Im the one with the vagina in question, let me say: The other points of view are bullshit." For the unversed, the film 'Basic Instinct' is notorious for its leg-crossing scene. In the film, Sharon Stone played the role of a murdered, Catherine Tramell and during a police interrogation, she had uncrossed her legs revealing that she wasn't wearing any underwear. The scene had gained a lot of popularity because of its scandalous nature and still remains a contentious topic. While the actress Sharon Stone has a different version of what happened behind the scenes for her nude shot, director Verhoeven denies any malpractice and claims the actress was aware of the scene. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said that the Kanwar Yatra is not a one-state affair and the state government will take the decision regarding the yatra after discussing with other states, including Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Dhami told the news agency, "Kanwar Yatra is not a one-state affair. We will discuss the issue with other states, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. A decision will be taken after the meet. "Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand High Court has extended the stay on the Char Dham Yatra till July 28.The Kanwar Yatra an annual pilgrimage of Lord Shiva's devotees.This time every year during the Hindu calendar month of saavan, thousands of devotees from across India, undertake the pilgrimage called Kanwar Yatra.These pilgrims visit Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch the waters of river Ganga. Later, the holy water is dispensed as offerings to Lord Shiva in temples. Earlier, it was reported that the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to allow the Kanwar Yatra from July 25 this year. As per The Times of India report, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to prepare guidelines for conducting the yatra while ensuring full compliance to COVID-19 protocols. NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Partys chief spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj stated on Wednesday that BJPs MLA Anil Bajpai has admitted that the leaked audio clip belongs to him. This proves that the MCD demolishes houses of people who are unable to pay the bribe. He said that if 24 houses are constructed in the MCD area, action is taken against only one house because that houses owner had failed to pay the bribe. Poor man's house is demolished for not giving money to the MCD, as soon as he borrows money and pays the MCD, the house is reconstructed. He further said that BJPs Delhi State President Adesh Gupta, who himself is a councilor, must explain what action is he taking to address this corruption. AAP Chief Spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said, Yesterday we shared an audio clip of BJPs MLA from Gandhi Nagar, Anil Bajpai wherein he is confessing that there is rampant corruption in the MCD, that only the individuals who are ready to bribe the MCD can construct buildings otherwise their buildings are demolished by the MCD. Today, it is a good thing that Shri Anil Bajpai has accepted that this audio clip belongs to him. He has further said that he was just trying to recommend and help a poor person. He said, Now if you look closely, youll realize how this proves such a big thing. Bajpai was trying to help a poor person who failed to give the lakhs of bribe money to the MCD because of which the MCD was demolishing this persons house. Moreover, Bajpai was complaining about the Mayor- how the Mayor is allowing the construction of those houses that have successfully paid the bribe money and how the MCD is complying with it; whereas the houses of poor people who fail to give the bribe money are being demolished. He said, Now, what does this means? This means that, if 2 dozen houses are being constructed in one place, the MCD will investigate and demolish only one house. I can say this with conviction that this happens because this house that is investigated and demolished belongs to the person who had failed to give the bribe money to the MCD. Then when a poor persons house is demolished, such a person loans money to feed the MCD with the bribe. Once the bribe is received, the demolished house is also reconstructed. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said, Now we would like to question Shri Adesh Gupta, who is a councilor himself as well as the President of the BJPs Delhi unit that what investigation is he conducting on this matter when everything has been confessed openly by their own MLA in front of the public? New Delhi: After the first two cases of Delta Plus variant were detected in Uttar Pradesh, now Kappa strain of COVID-19 has been identified in the state. As per IANS report, a 66-year-old man, who tested positive for Kappa variant in UPs Sant Kabir Nagar has died. The strain was detected following the collection of his sample on June 13 during the routine genome sequencing exercise and sent to CSIR`s Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi. Amresh Singh, head of microbiology department at BRD Medical College, said the man had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 27 and was shifted to the medical college on June 12. "The patient died in the course of treatment on June 14. He had no travel history," he said. Earlier, 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. The 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. The other patient is a 23-year-old resident doctor at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College, Gorakhpur. Both of them did not have any travel history. On Thursday (July 8), 112 fresh cases and 10 COVID-related deaths were recorded in the state, which pushed the caseload to 17,07,044 and the death toll reached 22,676, as per health bulletin. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the Delhi governments second laboratory to sequence genomes of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj, a day after he flagged off the first such facility at the Lok Nayak hospital. "I feel that the people of Delhi will highly benefit from this facility," said CM Kejriwal. He tweeted that with the help of these labs, the identification and severity of any new variant of coronavirus can be detected. Delhiites will get a lot of benefits from this technology during the pandemic period. ILBS Director Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin explained that ILBS preserves the RNA of positive COVID-19 samples and it will be able to sequence them in entirety, all its 30,000 molecules, results will be available in 5-7 days. The Delhi Govt has approved the NovaSeq machine for ILBS which will be able to sequence hundreds of samples in a week. This facility by the Delhi government will also help in the classification of new strains or variants of the Coronavirus, based on the genomic data. Health Minister Satyendar Jain and ILBS Director Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin accompanied CM Kejriwal in initiating the launch of Genome Sequencing facility at ILBS. Addressing the media post his visit, CM Kejriwal said, "It is with immense pride and happiness that I announce the start of a laboratory at ILBS for the purpose of genome sequencing to identify and analyse the COVID-19 variants. The lab has already been set up and the first set of results will come in the next 4-5 days. Yesterday, we launched a similar laboratory in LNJP hospital, but this is going to be an even more advanced one. I really feel that the people of Delhi will highly benefit from this lab and the facility that it will cater to. Until now, we were dependent on NCDC and other centres of the central government for this sequencing. But now, we are independent and will be able to identify the variants on time and take the right actions so as to strategize our plans for any of the next waves, if at all they come." The facility will help in generating state of the art whole genome sequence data of SARS CoV2 virus for identification and screening of new strains and variants with clinical significance, circulating in and around Delhi NCR region. This facility can sequence nearly all 30,000 molecules of the Coronavirus, in fact, the whole length of the virus. By doing this we can find out any mutations in any part of the virus, not merely the spike protein area. The facility at ILBS is equipped with the latest machines called NextSeq and MiSeq. These facilities can sequence whole virus to the tune of 400 sequences per week. The Govt of Delhi has approved a new machine for ILBS, the NovaSeq, which will allow it to sequence hundreds of viral sequences every week. These facilities will also help in classification of new strains or variants of the Coronavirus, based on the genomic data. CM Kejriwal took to Twitter to announce this further and stated, "In view of the preparations for the future, today the second Genome Sequencing facility of the Delhi Government has been started in ILBS. With the help of these labs, the identification and severity of any new variant of coronavirus can be detected. Delhiites will get a lot of benefit from this technology during the pandemic period." Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director of ILBS Hospital explained the process in detail and said, "After the RTPCR tests are done, we preserve the RNA and sequence their virus. Lets say there are 100 people diagnosed COVID positive, we will be able to sequence five of those tests in entirety, all the 30,000 molecules. After the sequencing, we will be able to identify through the results whether the variant is new or an existing one. Its not that every variant is extremely dangerous, but we need to be well informed about the new cases that are coming in Delhi and their variants. We already have more than 1,00,000 samples from the previous months and upon the requests of the health minister or the Chief Minister, we can sequence a portion of them as well. We can sequence more than 300 samples in a week and within 5 to 7 days their results can be made available." Dr. Sarin further informed that ILBS has the one of the most modern instruments, accessories, processing laboratories and quality control practices in place for starting an endeavour of this magnitude. He said that ILBS is also part of the national network INSACOG, and maintains national standards. RT-PCR positive samples collected as nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from different districts in Delhi will be transported to ILBS and Genome sequencing for the same will be done in timely manner and report will be dispatched to IDSP Delhi on regular basis. Continuous virological surveillance by Genome sequencing of SARS CoV2 will help in keeping a check on the circulating viral strain as well as help in timely identification and detection of any new variant in the city and also prepare Delhi to combat any further wave of Covid 19 infections in a better manner. It is with this purpose that the Delhi Government is going to start genome sequencing for SARS CoV2 at ILBS. COVID RT-PCR laboratory at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences was the first ICMR certified Delhi Govt laboratory to start RT-PCR testing in Delhi. Till date, nearly 2.5 lakh samples have been tested with around 13% positivity rate for SARS CoV-2 at ILBS. As the world is going through one of the biggest health pandemics ever witnessed, creating social and economic disruption globally, genomic sequencing remains the foundational tool for understanding how the virus is evolving and how our defenses against it need to adapt. It is a technology that helps in deciphering and identifying changing viral strains of common human viruses. Genome sequencing of SARS CoV2 will help in identifying the strains, which are more life threatening with increased rate of infectivity and severity of clinical outcome. Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday (July 9) wrote to newly appointed Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging him to ensure adequate supply of Covid vaccine to the state so that people can be inoculated before December. More than 42 per cent of people above the age of 18 years have been given the first dose of vaccine, Gehlot said in his letter. Rajasthan is being supplied an average of 1.75 lakh vaccines a day, whereas the state has a capacity to administer 15 lakh vaccines a day, the chief minister said. Because of Rajasthan's capability, "all the people of the state can be vaccinated before December", but, we are worried about the way the supply is being done from the Centre", Gehlot said. The chief minister said that though, at present, Covid cases are on a steady decline, but still looking at the prediction of a third wave, the state has been steadily increasing medical infrastructure. However, it is apparent that apart from Covid appropriate behaviour, vaccination is the only way to effectively counter the threat of a third wave, he said. Over 2.59 crore people have already received their first dose of vaccination, and out of these, over 44 lakh have received their second dose, Gehlot said in his letter. "The state has achieved negative wastage of vaccine," he said. Around 65 lakh people will be due for their second dose by the end of July. The Centre has been allocating vaccines primarily on the basis of the target population, while greater consideration should be given to the number of people due for the second dose, Gehlot said. The chief minister said that out of the total allocation, 25 per cent is earmarked for private medical institutions. Looking to the present demand under this segment, the offtake is only around two per cent, which in effect further reduces our allocation substantially, he said. "As a result, we have been indicated allocation of only 49 lakh doses up till July 31 for the state government (and 16 lakh for private medical institutions, which they will not be lifting). Thus, the allocation is not even going to cover the people due for the second dose," Gehlot said. "We have been requesting the government of India to not only increase our allocation but also to allocate full quota (100 per cent) to the state government," he said. Gehlot said that currently daily vaccination is limited to the extent of supplies received from the central government. The daily average of vaccine doses received, since the start of vaccination drive for 18 years and above has been around two-three lakh only, he said. (Inputs from agency) Live TV New Delhi: The President India Wide Parents Association and lawyer, Anubha Shrivastava Sahai on Thursday (July 9, 2021) wrote a letter to the newly appointed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Advocate Sahai in her letter seek to the new Education Minister sought relief for Private, Repeater, Compartment and Patrachar students of CBSE Class 12. Advocate Sahai urged Pradhan to change the evaluation of class 12 results on the basis of internal assessment of the best three subjects from Class 10 and 11. Advocate Anubha Shrivastava Sahai also underlined that the students will lose one academic year. This is a very serious concern and must be addressed. These students can also be evaluated based on Internal assessment and their past performance. If required some assignment can be given to these student, she wrote. Many will lose the opportunity to seek admission in the universities and also will not be able to sit for various entrance exams as their results will be declared later and by that time admission will be closed. I therefore request you to kindly look into this matter and evaluate these students on the basis of internal assessment of the best of 3 subjects from 10th and 11th and also give them some assignment if needed and declare the results on time, she added. In the letter advocate, Sahai also adds that the students are under a lot of stress due to this. Live TV New Delhi: The head of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration, Dr NK Arora on Friday (July 9, 2021) said that the vaccination for children will start by September with the Zydus vaccine for 12 to 18-year-olds. Dr NK Arora also added that the emergency use authorisation for the vaccine is likely to come within weeks. Dr NK Arora in an interview with a leading news channel said, Covaxin phase 3 trials have started and by the end of September, I think we should be there (begin vaccination). I think sometime in the third quarter or by early January-February we should be able to give it to 2 to 18-year-olds. But trial data for Zydus Cadila for 12 to 18-year-olds will be available even before that. "The issue of school opening and other things are very important and those are being discussed actively," he added. The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration head also stated that the government is focused on vaccinating the children in the country as many experts believe that the possible third wave of COVID-19 can impact them the most. All you need to know about Zydus Cadila: Earlier, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court on June 26, 2021 that the country is about to get a new COVID-19 vaccine developed by Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila. The pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila has concluded its clinical trial and will soon be available for those between 12-18 years of age. This development comes as a huge relief as the country is anticipating the possible third COVID-19 wave to affect the children primarily. It is submitted that Zydus Cadila which is developing DNA vaccines has concluded its clinical trial for between the age group of 12 to 18 years of age and subject to the statutory permissions, the same may be available in near future for children in the age group of 12 to 18 years of age, the Centre told the apex court in an affidavit on June 26. ZyCoV-D had already exhibited robust immunogenicity and tolerability and safety profile in the adaptive Phase I/II clinical trials carried out earlier. Both the Phase I/II and Phase III clinical trials have been monitored by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board. Preparations for the possible third wave of COVID-19: The new health minister Mansukh Mandaviya, soon after taking the chair, addressed the media and said that the government is planning to implement a health infrastructure package under which pediatric centres will be set up in 736 districts. He also added that several state governments have also been readily making arrangements for children. Live TV New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting on Friday to review the augmentation and availability of medical oxygen across the country. The government sources, as per ANI, said that PM Modi is worried about the possible third wave of COVID-19 and wants his government to remain fullly prepared for it. The COVID-19 review meeting will take place around 11 AM, they said With many places complaining of oxygen shortage in hospitals during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave in April-May, the Union government has been taking measures in coordination with states to boost its production and supply. PM Modi has been holding a number of meetings in this regard amid apprehensions of a third wave of the pandemic. On June 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week. During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country saw a shortage of medical oxygen as the cases shot up in the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May. Meanwhile, India on Friday reported India reports 43,393 new COVID-19 cases, 44,459 recoveries, and 911 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Health Ministry. There are 4,58,727 active cases in the country. Live TV New Delhi: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday (July 8, 2021) said that civic and government-run vaccination centres in Mumbai wont be administering COVID-19 vaccines on Friday (July 9, 2021) due to a shortage of vaccines. According to the statement by BMC, the vaccination drive at these centres will remain suspended on Friday and will resume only after they receive fresh stock of vaccines. Citizens of Mumbai are constantly informed about the vaccination, depending on the availability of vaccine stocks, and an appropriate decision has been taken," the BMCs statement said. The municipal corporation had suspended inoculation at civic and government-run centres earlier on July 1 as well citing a paucity of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Meanwhile, as per BMC, a total of 58,84,019 citizens have been inoculated in the city till Wednesday, and of these, 12,29,546 beneficiaries had received the second dose as well. Presently, there are 401 operational COVID-19 vaccination centres in Mumbai, of which 283 are operated by the BMC, 20 are government-run and 98 are private centres. BMC on Thursday informed that Mumbai reported 540 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total in the maximum city caseload has reached 7,26,824. There are presently 7,714 active cases in Mumbai. Live TV New Delhi: During his first interaction with the new members of his revamped Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told them to work hard and learn from their predecessors while also cautioning them that there is no room for complacency. In view of the prevailing COVID situation in the country, the PM, reportedly, told them to urge people to keep taking all necessary precautions. The PM also mentioned that even a single mistake would have a far-reaching impact and may weaken the fight against the pandemic. Prime Minister Modi also appreciated his former ministerial colleagues who were dropped after the Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, saying they all contributed to the development work executed by his government and advised the newly sworn-in ministers to learn from their experience. Interacting with members of the revamped CoM, PM Modi said some leaders are now not part of the government due to certain situations and circumstances, in an apparent reference to Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar who resigned before the Cabinet rejig. The sources said PM Modi appreciated Prasad and Javadekar for their good work. Other ministers who quit the government on Wednesday included Harsh Vardhan (Health Minister) and Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' (Education Minister). The PM also expressed concern over the sight of crowded places with people not following COVID-19 norms, saying that there should be no space for carelessness or complacency and that a single mistake would have a far-reaching impact and may weaken the fight against the pandemic. This is not a pleasant sight and it should instil a "sense of fear in us", he said, referring to pictures and videos of crowded places doing the rounds. People are seen without wearing masks or following the social distancing norms, the PM said, according to the sources. 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. "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," the PM reportedly said. The PM said that with the COVID infection numbers being fewer than what they were in 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. PM 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 also reportedly expressed concern at the persistently high number of COVID cases coming from Maharashtra and Kerala, according to the sources. 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. Giving a piece of advice, the PM said it is the work that only matters and the ministers should not get trapped in the vicious circle of grabbing media attention. He concluded by urging the new ministers to avoid making unnecessary statements. Live TV New Delhi: External Affairs minister S Jaishankar, who is on a Moscow visit, has called for ensuring "consistent sensitivity" to the "interests of a critical strategic partner". The comment is significant in the backdrop of the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Islamabad earlier this year. Lavrov visited Pakistan from India which was the first visit by a Russian FM in nine years to the country. EAM speaking at Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations said, "A key concern even while widening options is to ensure consistent sensitivity to the interests of a critical strategic partner. Indeed, it is this deep sense of consideration for each other that has been the formula of our ties. Mutual interest mandates that this continues to be so between India and Russia." The statements are also significant when it comes to India, Russia, China ties. While Moscow shares close ties with both Delhi and Beijing, but both India and China don't have a positive relationship, due to the provocative behavior of the latter. Russia is also seen dragging its feet on India-backed Indo pacific vision which is seen by China as an attempt to encircle it. On the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar said, "That is certainly the case with the Indo-Pacific, whose disconnection was an outcome of a certain moment of history". He explained, "For a nation like India that now sees much of its trade eastwards, we must look beyond such anachronisms. Both our interests and our reach today extend well into the Pacific. Our major partners are located there, and indeed, cooperation with the Russian Far East is one notable example." Both countries have a multidimensional relationship, from trade to defense. India is actively engaging in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union for a trade agreement and will get the first units of S400 by the end of this year. Lauding Russia as a "dependable defense partner of India", EAM said, "enormous experience of past cooperation is today being applied to a more contemporary requirement, including the Make in India programme. EAM will be holding talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, today (July 9). This is the second in-person meeting between the two this year. Earlier this year, Lavrov had visited India. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting India later this year for the annual India-Russia summit. Live TV New Delhi: India recorded 43,393 new COVID-19 cases and 911 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Friday (July 9, 2021). India's total coronavirus caseload has now increased to 3,07,52,950, of which, 4,05,939 have succumbed to the virus, while 4,58,727 are active cases. A total of 2,98,88,284 people have recovered from the COVID-19 infections in the country. At least 44,459 people recovered from the infection on Friday, taking the national recovery rate to 97.19 percent. The active cases comprise 1.49 percent of the total infections. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 42,70,16,605 samples have been tested up to July 8, 2021 for COVID-19. Of these 17,90,708 samples were tested on Thursday. India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 36 crore as per a report, the Union Health Ministry said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.42 percent. It has been less than three percent for 18 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 2.36 percent. As per the PTI report, India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23. Live TV Srinagar: Jammu kashmir police in bandipora claimed that they have arrested active Lashkar-e-taiba terrorists along with arms and ammunition which they have recovered from the arrest. The police statement reads Bandipora police along with security forces arrested one terrorist of proscribed terrorist outfit LeT and recovered arms and ammunition from his possession in Hajin. Based on a specific input regarding movement of terrorists towards Hajin town for subversive activities, a joint Naka was established in Gundjahangeer area of Hajin town by Bandipora police, 13RR,IRP 21th Bn and 45 Bn CRPF. During Naka checking movement of a suspicious person was noticed and he was tactfully apprehended and he disclosed his identity as Muzammil Sheikh @ Abu Maviya R/o Chandergeer Hajin. It adds that Incriminating material along with live arms and ammunition which includes one chinese pistol along with live rounds were recovered from the possession. It is pertinent to mention here that the said person had joined proscribed terror outfit LeT recently and was tasked to carry out subversive activities in and around Hajin town. In this connection FIR under relevant sections of law stands registered in police station Hajin and further investigation has been initiated. Live TV New Delhi: As news of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singhs health started making headlines, the family of the BJP veteran leader's family dismissed rumors of his demise and asserted that he his condition is 'stable and improving'. Kalyan Singhs grandson Sandeep Singh appealed that people should not to fall prey to the rumours surrounding the leader's health. "He (Former CM Kalyan Singh) is better, recovering well. Rumours are rife (that he is not keeping well). PM Modi also called up to enquire about his health, I request people not to fall for rumours, he was quoted as saying by ANI. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to the family of the senior BJP leader and expressed concerns over former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's health. "Countless people across India are praying for the speedy recovery of Kalyan Singh Ji. I just spoke to his grandson and enquired about his health," PM Modi wrote in a tweet. Countless people across India are praying for the speedy recovery of Kalyan Singh Ji. Yesterday @JPNadda Ji, CM @myogiadityanath Ji and others went to the hospital to meet him. I just spoke to his grandson and enquired about his health. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2021 Kalyan Singh was admitted to the ICU at the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences hospital on Sunday where he was undergoing treatment earlier. Several BJP leaders have been visiting the Kalyan Singh amid concerns over his death. BJP national president JP Nadda had visited Singh at the hospital in Lucknow on Thursday evening and was accompanied by BJP's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma and state BJP president Swatantra Dev Singh accompanied Nadda to the hospital where they met and enquired about Kalyan Singh's health. Live TV We are not talking much about this but we should! With man-animal conflict becoming rampant in a world where human population has grown by leaps and bounds and civilization has encroached upon forest lands, a number of animals face the threat of extinction. According to a new report, 35% of India's tiger ranges are outside protected areas and human-animal conflict affects over 75% of the world's wild cat species. The study, which has been done by WWF and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with contribution from 155 experts from 40 organisations based in 27 countries, also stated that human-wildlife conflict is the greatest threat to animals. "Currently, 35% of India's tiger range, 40% of the African lion range and 70% of the African and Asian elephant ranges are outside protected areas," said the report -- 'A future for all-The need for human-wildlife coexistence'. "Marine species, such as turtles and whales, that travel thousands of kilometres annually, are also increasingly interacting with people. With so much overlap, effective HWC (human-wildlife conflict) management becomes increasingly necessary," it said. The report said that human-wildlife conflict -- when struggles arise from people and animals coming into contact -- often leads to killing of animals in self-defence or as pre-emptive or retaliatory, which can drive species to extinction. "Marine and terrestrial protected areas cover only 9.67% of the globe, and most of these protected areas are disconnected from each other. Therefore, many species depend on human-dominated spaces for their survival, and shared landscapes where both humans and wildlife exist outside protected areas play an increasingly important role for the survival of key species such as large predators and herbivores," the report said. It said that many other terrestrial and marine carnivore species such as polar bears and Mediterranean monk seals and large herbivores such as elephants are also getting affected due to HWC. "In India, data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change indicates that over 500 elephants were killed between 2014-2015 and 2018-2019, most related to human-elephant conflict. During the same period, 2,361 people were killed as a result of conflict with elephants," the report said. According to it, India faces an increasing challenge of human wildlife conflict, which is driven by development pressures. "With the world's second-largest human population along with the largest wild populations of tigers, Asian elephants, One-horned rhinos, Asiatic lions, and other globally threatened species, India faces urgent problems of human wildlife conflict that must be addressed to achieve a socially just form of conservation. India's elephants probably embody the problem the best," it said. Elephants in India are restricted to just three- four per cent of their original habitat, with their remaining range plagued by deforestation, invasive species, and climate change. This is pushing elephants to seek resources outside of forests and protected areas, the report said. "As a result, marginalised people face the brunt of elephants' increasing reliance on crops. As many as 500 people are killed by elephants, and thousands of families face crop and property loss to elephants annually," it said. Margaret Kinnaird, Global Wildlife Practice Leader at WWF said the global wildlife population has fallen by an average of 68 per cent since 1970. "Within a human lifetime, we have already seen extraordinary and unparalleled changes to our planet. Global wildlife populations have fallen an average of 68 per cent since 1970. Human-wildlife conflict, in combination with other threats, has driven the significant decline of species that were once abundant, and species that are naturally less abundant have been pushed to the brink of extinction," Kinnaird said. Unless urgent action is taken, this devastating trend will only worsen, wreaking detrimental and, in some cases, irreversible impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, Kinnaird said. According to Director of UNEP's Ecosystems Division Susan Gardner this report is a clarion call to elevate the problem of HWC 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," she said. The report said that "while people the world over reap the benefits of maintaining flourishing wildlife populations - healthy ecosystems that allow us to survive, provide food and enable livelihoods - catastrophic impacts such as injury and death and the loss of property and livelihoods put tremendous stress on those who live alongside wildlife, often in developing nations rich in biodiversity, leading to financial insecurity and poor physical and mental health". It said completely eradicating human-wildlife conflict is not possible but that well-planned, integrated approaches to managing it can reduce conflicts. "An example of this can be seen in Sonitpur District, Assam, where large-scale deforestation and degradation were driving increases in elephant crop-raiding that led to accidental human deaths and retaliatory killings of elephants," it said. WWF India during 2003-2004 developed the Sonitpur Model by which community members were connected with the state forest department and given training on how to work with them to drive elephants away from crop fields safely and human habitations. New Delhi: New Delhi: Monsoon is all set to arrive in Delhi-NCR within the next 24 hours, predicted a senior official from India Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital and the northwestern part of the country have been sizzling under a heat wave and delayed monsoon for the last few weeks. The northwestern part of India will see heavy rainfall by the end of this week and the beginning of next week informed IMD scientist Charan Singh. "Yesterday Delhi received light rain. According to the analysis, rainfall will begin from today onwards. July 11,12,13 will receive heavy rainfall in North West regions of the country. Monsoons will begin in Delhi-NCR in next 24 hours," Singh said. "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 had earlier said in a statement. Weather forecast for the day indicates generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers towards afternoon or evening. Delhi's bordering city of Gurgaon in Haryana experienced a maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius, six notches above the normal as there was no let-up in the hot weather conditions in the state and neighbouring Punjab. Among other places in Haryana, Narnaul, Hisar, Rohtak and Ambala recorded their maximum temperatures at 43.3 degrees Celsius 42.8 degrees Celsius, 41.8 degrees Celsius and 40.8 degrees Celsius respectively. The weatherman has forecast generally cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers towards afternoon or evening. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 39 degrees Celsius. After arriving two days late in Kerala, the monsoon had raced across the country, covering eastern, central and adjoining northwest India seven to 10 days earlier than normal. But then, with conditions remaining unfavourable for its advance, the monsoon weakened and entered a "break" phase. The meteorological office had earlier predicted that the wind system may reach Delhi by June 15, which would have been 12 days early. Live TV New Delhi: The Nagaland government on Thursday (July 9, 2021) announced the state will be undergoing the second phase of unlocking from July 11 for seven days. The announcement was made by government spokesperson Neiba Kronu. The unlock process in Nagaland began on July 1, 2021. The decision was taken in a High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting on COVID-19 which was chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio himself. Kronu, who is also the Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, said that the HPC decided to relax shopping hours from 6 am to 4 pm, he said. Sports activities would also be allowed with a gathering of up to 100 people. A COVID-19 negative report has been made mandatory for persons entering the state. The test should be conducted not before 72 hours of entry. Mmhonlumo Kikon, HPC co-spokesperson and advisor, said that the meeting also decided to permit stoppage of select trains at Dimapur, the only train station of the state, from July 11 by adhering to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs). The authorities also revealed that the HPC also reviewed the states preparedness for a possible third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Nagaland reported 64 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, increasing the tally to 25,727. The data on Thursday has taken the recovery rate to 91.35 percent from 91.08 percent on Wednesday. With no fresh fatality, the coronavirus death toll in the state remained unchanged at 505, the authorities said. At present, there are 1,004 active cases in the state. So far, a total of 2,35,080 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in Nagaland, Dr. Kikon said. A total of 5,75,023 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to 4,93,685 people, of whom 81,338 received both doses, said State Immunisation Officer Dr. Ritu Thurr. Live TV 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. Live TV New Delhi: A nocturnal encounter at Redwani village of Kulgam district in south Kashmir between security forces and terrorists in the wee hours of Friday (July 9, 2021) morning. Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, #Encounter has started at Redwani area of #Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice" #Encounter has started at Redwani area of #Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 8, 2021 Earlier a joint team of Police, RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific input about the presence of terrorists in the village said a police officer. The police officer also added that as the joint team of searching party cordoned the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon them, fire was retaliated and a encounter started. This is the fourth encounter in the last 48 hours in Kashmir. Earlier, in three encounters, security forces claimed they have killed 5 terrorists and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition. Live TV New Delhi: Ashwini Vaishnaw, hours after taking charge as the new Railways Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, directed the officials and staff of the Railway ministry to work in two shifts. An order issued by Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday (July 8, 2021) stated that the first shift will start at 7 am and end at 4 pm while the second shift will start at 3 pm and end at 12 am in midnight. According to DJ Narain, ADG PR, Ministry of Railways, the order has been issued only for MR cell (minister's office) and not private or Railway staff. "Minister of Railways has directed that all the offices and staff of the minister's office will work in two shifts i.e 7:00 hrs16:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs -12:00 midnight with immediate effect," Narain said. Minister of Railways has directed that all the offices & staff of minister's office will work in two shifts i.e 7:00 hrs-16:00 hrs & 15:00 hrs -12:00 midnight with immediate effect: DJ Narain, ADG PR, Ministry of Railways ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2021 "It's for officers in MR cell only as is written in the note and it means--"Miles to go before we sleep..!" So much is to be done and every minute counts for the Railways on a mission mode. MR cell means minister's office, not private, Railway staff," he added. The newly appointed Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has earlier revealed that the Railways is a major part of PM Narendra Modi's vision and pledged that he would work to make the vision a reality. "His (PM Modi's) vision for railways is to transform the lives of the people, that everyone - common man, farmers, the poor - gets the benefit of the railway. I will work for that vision," said Vaishnaw. A former IAS officer, Vaishnaw has been appointed the Minister of Railways, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology. The Railway Ministry was earlier under Piyush Goyal who has been given charge of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry; Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles. The 50-year-old also replaced Ravi Shankar Prasad, as Minister of Communications, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology. The first time Minister has an MBA from Wharton School, Pennysylvania University, and MTech from IIT Kanpur. (With ANI inputs) Live TV LUCKNOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concerns over former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP veteran Kalyan Singhs health, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow. The Prime Minister also spoke to the grandson of the senior BJP leader and inquired about his health. Countless people across India are praying for the speedy recovery of Kalyan Singh Ji. Yesterday @JPNadda Ji, CM @myogiadityanath Ji and others went to the hospital to meet him. I just spoke to his grandson and enquired about his health. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2021 Kalyan Singh was admitted to the ICU at the hospital on Sunday. He was also earlier undergoing treatment at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences. BJP national president JP Nadda had visited the Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences to meet Kalyan Singh amid concerns over his death. Nadda arrived at Lucknow on Thursday evening and was accompanied by BJP's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, a party spokesperson said. Several ministers and BJP office-bearers, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma and state BJP president Swatantra Dev Singh welcomed Nadda, who from the airport directly went to the hospital and enquired about Kalyan Singh's health. In an informal chat with mediapersons, the BJP president later said that he has come as he wanted to know about the well-being of Kalyan Singh. The Prime Minister was also ''worried about his health'', Nadda said. Nadda said that after meeting Kalyan Singh, he felt that his (Kalyan Singh's) health was improving rapidly and he was much better in comparison to Wednesday. In the conversation with doctors it was found that he is benefitting from the medicines, Nadda said. "We all are confident that Kalyan Singh will get well soon. We pray to God that his health is restored as soon as possible and he should be active in the social life again," Nadda said. The BJP president also praised the arrangements at the SGPGI and expressed satisfaction over the line of treatment. The hospital, in a bulletin issued on Thursday, said that Kalyan Singh's health is improving. Kalyan Singh has served as both the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and the Governor of Rajasthan. Live TV Mumbai: The Pune Municipal Corporation in Mumbai organized a special vaccination drive for sex workers specifically to ensure every single person in the city has been inoculated against the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of social workers, the vaccination drive is being carried out successfully for the women residing in the area, reported news agency ANI. A social worker informed government authorities that there are over 5000 women in need of vaccines and that the NGO would need the support to get all of them inoculated. We requested the civic body to organise a camp for them as they were facing difficulty to get inoculation done. Around 5000 women are working here," said the social worker. Maharashtra | Pune Municipal Corporation organised a special vaccination camp for sex workers in the city "We requested civic body to organise a camp for them as they were facing difficulty to get inoculation done. Around 5000 women are working here," said social worker (08.07) pic.twitter.com/SEVniSac8W ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2021 Amid fears of a third coronavirus wave, the Maharashtra government on Thursday launched a mega programme under which 20,000 youths will be trained in healthcare, nursing and paramedical fields through short-term courses. The scheme, "Mukhya Mantri Maha Arogya", a skill development programme in the health sector that seeks to bolster human resources to handle the pandemic, was launched virtually by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. A statement from the Chief minister's Office (CMO) said selected personnel will be trained for three months. Live TV NEW DELHI: Coming down heavily on social media giant Facebook, the Supreme Court has said that digital platforms which can polarise public debates and influence vast sections of opinions should remain accountable to those who trust them. The top court observed that it is difficult to accept the "simplistic approach" adopted by Facebook that it is merely a platform posting third-party information and has no role in generating, controlling or modulating that matter. While holding that the national capital can ill-afford any repetition of the riots witnessed last year, the top court stressed that 'unity in diversity' of India cannot be disrupted and the role of Facebook in this context must be looked into by the powers that be. This (unity in diversity) cannot be disrupted at any cost or under any professed freedom by a giant like Facebook claiming ignorance or lack of any pivotal role, the top court said. It also dismissed the plea filed by Facebook India Vice President and MD Ajit Mohan and others challenging the summons issued by the Delhi Assembly's Peace and Harmony committee for failing to appear before it as a witness in connection with last year's north-east Delhi riots that left 53 people dead and 200 injured. Upholding the Delhi Assembly's right to summon them, the top court said while Facebook has played a crucial role in enabling free speech by providing a voice to the voiceless and a means to escape state censorship, it cannot lose sight of the fact that it has simultaneously become a platform for disruptive messages, voices, and ideologies. Entities like Facebook, which has around 270 million users in India, have to remain accountable to those who entrust them with such power, it said. A three-judge bench headed by Justice S K Kaul held that the Delhi Legislative Assembly and its committee have the power to compel the attendance of members and outsiders on grounds of its privilege. While acknowledging the distribution of power, it said that though law and order and police do not fall under the legislative domain of the Delhi Assembly, in the larger context the concept of peace and harmony goes much beyond that. It said in any case, the representative of the social media giant would have the right to not answer questions directly covered by these two fields. In its 188-page verdict, the bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Hrishikesh Roy, said that members and non-members can equally be directed to appear before the committee and depose on oath and Facebook cannot excuse itself from appearing pursuant to the new summons issued to them on February 3, 2021. "They need to go into this incident(riots) both from a legal and social perspective cannot be belittled. The capital of the country can ill-afford any repetition of the occurrence and thus, the role of Facebook in this context must be looked into by the powers that be. It is in this background that the Assembly sought to constitute peace and harmony committee." Observing that Facebook has been playing a significant role in giving a voice to various sections of society across the world, the apex court said that it has to be noted that their platform has also hosted disruptive voices replete with misinformation. The sheer population of our country makes it an important destination for Facebook. We are possibly more diverse than the whole of Europe in local culture, food, clothing, language, religion, traditions and yet have a history of what has now commonly been called 'unity in diversity," it said. The court said that in this modern technological age, it would be "too simplistic" for the petitioners to contend that they are merely a platform for the exchange of ideas without performing any significant role themselves, especially given their manner of functioning and business model. It also said that the election process, which is the very foundation of a democratic government, stands threatened by social media manipulation and digital platforms can be imminently uncontrollable at times and carry their own challenges. The apex court said that information explosion in the digital age is capable of creating new challenges that are insidiously modulating the debate on issues where opinions can be vastly divided and successful functioning of a liberal democracy can only be ensured when citizens are able to make informed decisions. On the matter relating to the summons issued by the Delhi Assembly, it said there is no dispute about the right of assembly or the committee to proceed on grounds of breach of privilege per se and the power to compel attendance by initiating privilege proceedings is an essential power. The court said that in the national context, Facebook is the most popular social media platform in India with about 270 million registered users. Such vast powers must necessarily come with responsibility and entities like Facebook have to remain accountable to those who entrust them with such power, it added. (With Agency Inputs) Live TV New Delhi: A six-member central team of experts has been dispatched to Kerala to monitor the Zika virus situation and support the state government in management of cases, the Union health ministry said on Friday. The southern state has so far reported 14 cases of Zika virus. It has been put on alert. At a press conference here, joint secretary in the health ministry Lav Agarwal said, "There are some Zika cases which have been reported from Kerala. To monitor the situation and to support the state government, a six-member team comprising public health experts, vector-borne disease experts and clinicians from AIIMS has already been issued instructions to reach there and support the state government in terms of management of Zika there." A 24-year-old pregnant woman was the first to have been diagnosed with the mosquito-transmitted disease on Thursday. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed 13 more cases on Friday, according to the state government. The symptoms of Zika are similar to dengue and they include fever, rashes and joint pain. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that an action plan has been drawn up to control the spread of Zika. Live TV New Delhi: Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala on Thursday reported as many as 13 confirmed cases of Zika virus in the state. The state Health Minister Veena George told reporter that a 24-year-old pregnant woman had tested positive for the Zika virus in Thiruvananthapuram while 13 of 19 also tested positive for the virus. The samples have been sent to NIV, Pune. Know the symptoms, treatment and other details related to Zika Virus. What is Zika virus? Zika virus spreads mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which bites during the day. The same mosquito transmits other diseases like dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Notably, the virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations. It is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including preterm birth and miscarriage. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people infected with the Zika virus can also transmit the disease to their sex partners. Zika virus infection symptoms include: 1. Malaise or headache, 2. Mild fever, 3. Rash, 4. Muscle and joint pain, 5. Conjunctivitis. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop any symptom, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The incubation period of Zika virus is estimated to be 3 to 14 days and the symptoms typically last for 2 to 7 days, as per experts. Zika virus infection treatment: Though, there is no specific medicine or vaccine for Zika virus. Heres what one need's to do: * Immediately, treat the symptoms. * Get ample amount of rest. * Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. * Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and pain. * Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding. * If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking any other additional medication. How to prevent the Zika viral infection? The virus infection can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. Special attention should be given to prevent mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children, advices WHO. 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. Though this is the first time that Zika virus has been reported in Kerala. New Delhi: Dolly Khanna is one of the top investors in the Indian stock markets who have been successfully minting money via her investments in small and mid-cap stocks. The Chennai based investor started her stock market journey in 1996, and currently holds a portfolio worth reportedly around Rs 250 crore. Rajiv Khanna, who is the husband of Dolly, manages her portfolio which is typically focused on stocks in manufacturing, textile, chemicals and sugar industries. Taking note of her portfolio, many investors in India place their bets on the stock market for both the long and short term. We have selected a few stocks from her portfolio which investors can look out for in the coming months and years. Dolly Khanna long term stocks 1. Rain Industries Rain Industries is of the few stocks that still found a place in Khannas portfolio. While she has sold a small stake in the chemical manufacturer, the stock still appears to be promising. In the past five years, shares of Rain Industries have jumped by 551% in the past five years. 2. Asahi Songwon Colors Khanna has recently bought Asahi Songwon Colors. This could mean that the stock could give promising returns in the long term. In the past one year, the stock has given 136.6% returns to the investors. 3. Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers is one of the stocks recently bought by Khanna. However, she slightly trimmed her stake in the firm in June 2021. In the past one year, the stock has given a 123% return. 4. Neuland Laboratories Khanna has also recently picked a stake in Neuland Laboratories in March 2021. The stock has offered a 331% return in the past year. Dolly Khanna Short term 1. Butterfly Gandhimathi Appliances Dolly Khannas investment in Butterfly Gandhimathi Appliances has surged by 450% in the past year. Stock market experts are hoping that the rally will further extend in the coming months. 2. KCP Ltd. KCP is one of the stocks in which Dolly Khanna has increased her stake in March 2021 to 3.3% from 2.5% in December 2021. In the past year, the stock has offered 161.51% returns. Also Read: Won't compel users to accept privacy policy till data protection bill comes into effect: WhatsApp tells HC 3. NCL Industries NCL Industries is also of the few stocks in which the marquee investor has increased in its stake in the past few months. In the past year, the stock has provided a 190% return to its investors. Also Read: Big relief for Supertech! Supreme Court drops initiation of contempt proceedings New Delhi: Global sensation Priyanka Chopra is back in London and seems to be enjoying her time there, 'just vibing' and 'looking for adventure' as per her latest Instagram stories. On Thursday night, the stunning actress took to her Instagram to share her all-white boss lady ensemble and pictures of her exploring the beautiful city with her friends. In the first picture, the 'Dostana' actress is seen wearing a white outfit paired with gold jewellery and captioned it saying, "Just vibing" and in the second one, she appears to be looking away, thinking of all the things she could do in the wondrous city. The actress was also seen laying on the grass with her friends, Divya Jyoti and James Cavanaugh and walking the city streets in her stylish outfit. Check out pictures from her London diaries: The actress is back in London after enjoying her downtime in the US where she had spent quality time with her family and hubby Nick Jonas and also visited her restaurant, Sona, in NYC. She had also visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio with her mother Madhu Chopra and some other family members. Priyanka was earlier stationed for a long time in London where she was shooting back to back for her upcoming projects. The global star will be seen in spy thriller series Citadel, rom-com Text For You and Matrix 4. Priyanka will also feature in an Indian wedding comedy, which she co-produces with Mindy Kaling. New Delhi: On Thursday night (July 8), veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher took to Instagram to share heartbreaking news about the line producer of 'The Kashmir Files' Sarahna, informing that she had died by suicide. The actor expressed that he had worked with her for the film 'The Kashmir Files' in Dehradun & Mussoorie and the crew had celebrated her birthday on December 22, 2020. He described her as 'bright, brilliant, helpful and excellent at her job' and said that the last time he spoke to her she sounded 'absolutely fine'. However, on Thursday night, he got a message from her family member stating that she had passed away. The actor attributed her tragic demise to depression and said the illness is really affecting the younger generation. He wrote in the caption, "This is #Sarahna. She was the line producer of #KashmirFiles when I was shooting for the film at Dehradun & Mussoorie. The unit celebrated her birthday on Dec 22nd last year at the location. After the shoot she went to her hometown in Aligarh because of the lockdown. She was bright, brilliant, helpful and excellent at her job. She messaged me on my mothers birthday to wish mom from her side. I called her and spoke to her and passed moms blessings to her. She sounded absolutely fine. And today I got a message (4th pic) from her phone which really shook me and saddened me deeply. Spoke to her shattered mother. This depression really is effecting the younger generation drastically. I pray for her soul and hope her mother and brother #Antriksh can deal with this loss. It is so sad!! #OmShanti @the_soulflower #MentalHealthMatters." Check out his heartbreaking post: 'The Kasmir Files' is an upcoming film directed by Vivek Agnihotri. It stars Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher and is scheduled to release on August 15, this year. The storyline revolves around the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. On the work front, Anupam, in May, had won the Best Actor award at the New York City International Film Festival for his short film titled 'Happy Birthday', adding a feather to his cap. Apart from 'Happy Birthday', the veteran star has several other projects in the pipeline including 'The Last Show', 'Mungilal Rocks', and 'The Kashmir Files.' New Delhi: Bollywood's babe Urvashi Rautela is an avid social media user. Known for her fashion choices, she dropped a few photos on Instagram recently wearing a cutesy outfit. The actress looks adorable in a blue metallic crop top and mini flare skirt with her hair tied in two half-part ponytails with cute blue-pink bows and her pinkish glam makeup completing her outfit. With a fun caption on the photo, she asks, "Why one colour when you can Glow with all of them?". Several of her fans commented on her new look. One fan's comment is going viral on the internet. He wrote, "India's Harley Quinn Margot Robbie !! Best fit for Suicide Squad & Batman @dccomics are you listening?". Urvashians are hoping and wishing that she will appear in Hollywood in the near future. On the work front, Urvashi Rautela will be making her Tamil debut with a big-budget sci-fi Tamil film in which she will be playing the role of a microbiologist and an IITian, and later she is going to appear in a bilingual thriller Black Rose along with the Hindi remake of Thirutu Payale 2. The actress recently got a blockbuster response for her song Doob Gaye opposite Guru Randhawa and Versace Baby opposite Mohamed Ramadan. Urvashi is starring in a lead role in the web series Inspector Avinash opposite Randeep Hooda, which is a biopic based on the true story of super cop Avinash Mishra and Poonam Mishra. New Delhi: For employees working in the banking sector, July 2021 has come with a lot of holidays. In total, bank employees in certain regions will be enjoying up to 15 holidays in the month, including a five day break starting from Saturday (July 10). Banks will remain closed for customers in certain states on select days in the next five days. Since two out of the five leaves apply in select states, bank employees will have to come to work on select dates. Two leaves are for the second Saturday and Sunday occurring on July 10 and July 11, respectively. On Monday, July 12, bankers in Bhubaneswar will get a holiday on the occasion of Rath Yara while banks will remain shut in Imphal for Kang (Rathajatra). Meanwhile, on Tuesday (July 13), banks in Gangtok will remain shut to celebrate Bhanu Jayanti in the state. Gangtok bank employees will receive another holiday on Wednesday (July 14) on the occasion of the local festival Drukpa Tsheshi. Also Read: Big relief for Supertech! Supreme Court drops initiation of contempt proceedings The Reserve Bank of India categorises bank holidays under different sections such as Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act, Holiday under Negotiable Instruments Act and Real-Time Gross Settlement Holiday and Banks Closing of Accounts. Also Read: Dolly Khanna portfolio stocks: Check share recommendations for long and small term investments Live TV #mute The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) or Provident Fund (PF) is an important government-backed scheme where both the employer and employee contribute 10 percent of the employees basic salary every month. Earlier, it was 12 percent for private organisations. The employer and employee deposit their contribution with the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) every month. This can be further withdrawn in certain events like retirement, or resignation. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPFO has now allowed the members to withdraw a part of the amount in case of these crises. Check the latest PF withdrawal updates by EPFO. COVID Advance Facility after leaving the service When it comes to financial difficulties due to the Covid-19, the government has announced that a person can withdraw a part of the amount from its EPF account. The EPF Scheme, 1952 provides for the grant of advance to its members in case of an epidemic. A person can obtain an advance from its EPF balance up to three months of basic salary plus dearness allowance, or 75 per cent of the balance standing in its account, whichever is less. This advance is non-refundable and the person will not have to deposit the withdrawn money back into its EPF account. Avail Non-Refundable Advance in case of Unemployment Employees who remain unemployed for a longer period of time will be allowed to avail a non-refundable advance of up to 75 per cent of the amount available in their PF account. The EPFO recently tweeted that Members who are no longer employed for one month or more can avail a non-refundable advance of up to 75 per cent of the amount available in their PF account. The auto-mode of settlement enables EPFO to reduce the claim settlement cycle to just 3 days, against the statutory requirement to settle the claims within 20 days. This amount can be transferred from one company to another in case the employee changes his job. EPF account yields a return of 8.5 per cent annually. Second COVID-19 Advance to meet financial needs A person can get a second COVID-19 advance from its EPF balance up to three months of basic salary plus dearness allowance, or 75 per cent of the balance standing in its account, whichever is less. This advance remains non-refundable, and the person will not have to deposit the withdrawn money back into its EPF account. EPF EDLI scheme EPFO has also stated that if a Provident Fund account holder dies due to any reason, including COVID-19, then his family will get a maximum amount of Rs 7 lakh as part of the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme. The maximum threshold was earlier Rs 6 lakh and now it has been increased to Rs 7 lakh. The minimum amount threshold has been kept at Rs 2.5 lakh. ESIC COVID-19 relief Cover The families of workers who died due to COVID-19 pandemic can get Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Pension and Insurance Benefits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced the liberalisation and expansion of various such schemes. The families of those, who died due to COVID-19, will get the pension, along with enhanced and liberalised insurance compensation under the Employees State Insurance Corporation, and the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI), respectively. Live TV #mute New Delhi: With the rising usage of technologies in financial transactions, there has been a sharp rise in the number of cybercrimes happening across the world. As a result, banks frequently share advisories with their customers regarding best practices to follow while transacting online. Banks often tell customers not to share One-Time Password (OTP) or click on dubious links that might be a part of a scam. In one such scam, SBI bank customers are being targeted by Chinese hackers. Hackers are targeting SBI customers in the name of KYC verification, according to a report by CyberPeace Foundation and Autobot Infosec. As part of the scam, hackers will first send an SMS or a WhatsApp message asking customers to update their KYC via a link in the message. Upon clicking on the malicious links, customers are asked to update their KYC details. Separately, youll receive an email regarding the same from the hackers. The link redirects you to a web page that looks exactly like the original SBI website. However, upon paying close attention, you can see that the URL is different from the original one. The original SBIs website is https://retail.onlinesbi.com/retail/login.html. On the fraud website, customers are asked to enter their SBI banking details such as username, password, and captcha information, among others. Upon entering the details, youll receive an OTP from the bank. Also Read: Gold Price Today, 9 July 2021: Gold cheaper by Rs 8,300 from record highs, perfect time to invest? Using the credentials and OTP, scammers can transfer money from your account. Therefore, it is requested that never fall for any KYC related scam. Also Read: Sensex tumbles over 300 pts in early trade, Nifty tests 15,650 Live TV #mute New Delhi: Renowned television and film actress Shagufta Ali had recently opened up on suffering financial crunch and battling ill health. She also talked about how due to no work available it is difficult for to manage her own medical expenses and that of her mother. Soon after this news broke, Indian Film & Television Directors Associations (IFTDA) president Ashoke Pandit confirmed that filmmaker Rohit Shetty has come to her aid and donated a 'generous amount'. Pandit told Pinkvilla.com, When I found out about Shagufta Alis financial troubles, I reached out to her to know how we can help her. After understanding her plight, I spoke to Rohit Shetty who immediately agreed to help Shagufta ji. He has donated a generous amount, and we are really thankful to him for that. I am reaching out to more people from the industry, and I have got a good response so far. Shagufta Ali also responded and told Pinkvilla, It was done immediately, and I am very very obliged. I am so grateful and so thankful to him. God bless him for whatever he has done for me. He has never met me, we have never ever come face to face, I have never spoken to him on the phone, and he went all out and did something like this. I am absolutely grateful. The doctor is busy so Ill be taking his appointment next week, and my treatment will begin again. Meanwhile, on Madhuri Dixit's Dance Deewane 3 reality show, Shagufta Ali will be seen making an appearance as a guest along with Rohit Shetty, Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar and Mrunal Thakur. In the latest promo of the episode, the veteran actress can be seen talking about her financial and personal struggles. On hearing Shagufta Ali's ordeal, one of the judges Madhuri Dixit walks up to her and comforts her. She also hands over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh from the Dance Deewane 3 team. New Delhi: As many as 12 members of a family reportedly drowned while bathing in Ayodhya's Saryu river at Guptar Ghat on Friday, July 9. The local administration said that the people slipped into deep water and were washed away by the strong river currents. As per the police, divers are at the spot carrying out rescue work. Fifteen members of the family from Agra were visiting Ayodhya Dham, tragedy struck when they were taking a dip in the Saryu river at Guptar Ghat and 12 persons including women and children drowned in the river. The accident happened when the family was taking a bath at the extreme end of Guptar Ghat. A search and rescue operation is ongoing and it claimed to have recovered bodies of six and are searching for others who have gone missing. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed senior officials to reach the spot and rescue the people as soon as possible after receiving information about the incident. There is a huge police gathering at Guptar Ghat and the NDRF team can also be called if needed. Live TV New Delhi: In a tragic incident, all nine people aboard an airplane outside Orebro, Sweden, were found dead on Thursday, Reuters quoted Swedish police as saying. "Its a very severe accident. Everyone on board the crashed plane has died, the police wrote on their website. The small aircraft, a DHC-2 Turbo Beaver, crashed and killed eight skydivers and one pilot. It crashed near the runway at Orebro airport shortly after takeoff and caught fire at impact, the police said. Expressing grief at the incident, Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Lofven wrote on Twitter, "It is with great sadness and sorrow that I have received the tragic information about the plane crash in Orebro," "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones in this very difficult time, he added. This incident comes as a stark reminder for Sweden which witnessed an eerily similar accident in 2019. Nine people had died in northern Sweden when a plane carrying skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff. As per the crash investigation, the plane had been improperly loaded. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences to the family of President Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated at his private residence by a group of unnamed gunmen late on Wednesday. In his condolence message, the PM expressed his profound grief over his killing. "Saddened by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti. My Condolences to the family of President Moise and the people of Haiti," tweeted PM. Saddened by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti. My Condolences to the family of President Moise and the people of Haiti. @claudejoseph03 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2021 He also tagged the Acting Prime Minister of Haiti Claude Joseph in his tweet. Assassination President Moise was assassinated at his private residence by a group of unnamed gunmen. After the assassination, Haiti declared a state of emergency. A heavily armed commando unit that assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans, authorities said on Thursday, as the hunt went on for the masterminds of the killing. Moise, 53, was fatally shot at his home by what officials said was a group of foreign, trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into turmoil amid political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence. Authorities tracked the suspected assassins to a house near the scene of the crime in Petionville, a northern, hillside suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A firefight lasted late into the night and authorities detained a number of suspects on Thursday. Police Chief Charles Leon paraded 17 men before journalists at a news conference late on Thursday, showing a number of Colombian passports, plus assault rifles, machetes, walkie-talkies and materials including bolt cutters and hammers. "Foreigners came to our country to kill the president," Charles said. There were 26 Colombians, identified by their passports and two Haitian Americans as well. He said 15 Colombians were captured, as well as two Haitian Americans. Three of the assailants were killed and eight remained on the run, Charles said. Colombians involved in the attack Colombian Defence Minister Diego Molano said in a statement that preliminary information indicated that Colombians involved in the attack were retired members of the country`s military. He said Bogota would cooperate in the investigation. Haiti`s minister of elections and interparty relations, Mathias Pierre, identified the Haitian-American suspects as James Solages, 35, and Joseph Vincent, 55. A State Department spokesman could not confirm if any US citizens were among those detained, but U.S. authorities were in regular contact with Haitian officials, including investigative authorities, to discuss how the United States could provide assistance. Officials in the mostly French- and Creole-speaking Caribbean nation had said on Wednesday the assassins appeared to have spoken in English and Spanish. "It was a full, well-equipped commando, with more than six cars and a lot of equipment," Pierre said. Officials have not yet given a motive for the killing. Since taking office in 2017, Moise had faced mass protests against his rule - first over corruption allegations and his management of the economy, then over his increasing grip on power. An angry crowd gathered on Thursday morning to watch the police operation unfold, with some setting fire to the suspects` cars and to the house where they had hunkered down. Bullets were strewn in the street. "Burn them!" shouted some of the hundreds of people outside the police station where the suspects were being held. Charles said the local population had helped police track down the suspects, but he implored residents in the sprawling seafront city of 1 million people not to take justice into their own hands. 15-day state of emergency in Haiti A 15-day state of emergency was declared on Wednesday to help authorities apprehend the killers. But interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Thursday it was time for the economy to reopen and that he had given instructions for the airport to restart operations. Vacuum of power 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. Haiti has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier family dictatorship in 1986, grappling 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. "I can picture a scenario under which there are issues regarding to whom the armed forces and national police are loyal, in the case there are rival claims to being placeholder president of the country," said Ryan Berg, an analyst with the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Haiti`s 1987 constitution stipulates the head of the Supreme Court should take over. But amendments that are not unanimously recognized state that it be the prime minister, or, in the last year of a president`s mandate - the case with Moise - that parliament should elect a president. The head of the Supreme Court died last month due to COVID-19 amid a surge in infections in one of the few countries yet to start a vaccination campaign. There is no sitting parliament as legislative elections scheduled for late 2019 were postponed amid political unrest. Moise just this week appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, to take over from Joseph, although he had yet to be sworn in when the president was killed. Joseph appeared on Wednesday to take charge of the situation, running the government response to the assassination, appealing to Washington for support and declaring a state of emergency. Henry - considered more favorably by the opposition - told Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that he did not consider Joseph the legitimate prime minister and he should revert to the role of foreign minister. The United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti said on Thursday Joseph would remain leader until an election was held, urging all parties to set aside their differences. Moise, backed by the international community, had been pushing to hold both elections and a constitutional referendum in September, efforts that were vehemently opposed by Haitian civil society, which had called first for a transitional government to guide the country to a vote. (With Agency Inputs) Live TV New Delhi: In order to neutralize the Delta variant, Pfizer on Thursday (July 8) said it will seek US authorisation for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer's Dr. Mikael Dolsten told The Associated Press citing the company's study that people's antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their COVID-19 vaccine's second dose months earlier. Dolsten added that Pfizer plans to request the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of a third dose in August, PTI quoted the report as saying. Delta strain, believed to have been first detected in India, is becoming dominant globally, raising concerns. Meanwhile, it was found that the first dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca barely inhibits the Delta variant. As per researchers from France's Pasteur Institute, in laboratory tests, blood from several dozen people given their first dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines 'barely inhibited' the Delta variant, as per the report in journal Nature, adding that full vaccination is critical. In another study, researchers in Britain found two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are 96% protective against hospitalization with the delta variant and 88% effective against symptomatic infection. Canadian researchers had also concurred with the study, while as per a report from Israel, protection against mild delta infection may have dipped lower, to 64%, the AP reported. Closer to home, India is likely to receive 3 to 4 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shots through COVAX, led by the GAVI vaccine alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO), Reuters reported. The country aims to boost its vaccination drive amid the threat of a possible third COVID-19 wave. On the other hand, the world achieved a grom milestone as the global COVID-19 death toll surpassed the grim milestone of 4 million-mark, Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University reported. (With agency inputs) Live TV WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden on Thursday strongly defended his decision to pull U.S. military forces out of Afghanistan, saying the Afghan people must decide their own future and that he would not consign another generation of Americans to the 20-year war. Speaking in the White House East Room, Biden said the Afghan military has the ability to repel the Taliban, denying reports that US intelligence had forecast a collapse of the US-backed government in Kabul in six months amid warnings of a civil war. Biden set a target date of Aug. 31 for the final withdrawal of U.S. forces, minus about 650 troops to provide security for the U.S. embassy in Kabul, and said thousands of Afghan interpreters will be moved to safety. A long-time skeptic of the 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, Biden said the United States had long ago achieved its original rationale for invading the country in 2001: to root out al-Qaeda militants and prevent another attack on the United States like the one launched on Sept.11, 2001. The mastermind of that attack, Osama bin Laden, was killed by a U.S. military team in neighboring Pakistan in 2011. Biden was careful not to declare victory, saying "there`s no mission accomplished." "We achieved those objectives, that`s why we went. 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 said. According to an Ipsos poll from April, a majority of Americans support Biden`s decision to move troops out of Afghanistan, but only 28% of adults agreed that the U.S. accomplished its goals in Afghanistan, and 43% said the U.S. withdrawal now helps Al Qaeda. Addressing critics of his decision directly, Biden asked: "How many thousands more Americans, daughters and sons, were you willing to risk? How long would you have them stay?" "I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different outcome," he said. The speech represented Biden`s most extensive comments to date about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under pressure from critics to give more explanation for his decision to withdraw.Biden called on countries in the region to help bring about an elusive political settlement between the warring parties. He said the Afghan government should seek a deal with the Taliban to allow them to coexist peacefully. "The likelihood there`s going to be one unified government in Afghanistan controlling the whole country is highly unlikely," he said. Biden said the United States plans to move thousands of Afghan interpreters out of the country in August and they can safely apply for U.S. visas. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the United States was looking at a range of options to house Afghan interpreters temporarily as they wait for their visas, including potentially military installations on U.S. territory as well as in third countries. Kirby said the administration was looking at how to move the interpreters from Afghanistan, but the preferred option was chartered commercial aircraft. The United States last weekend abandoned Bagram air base, the longtime staging ground for U.S. military operations in the country, effectively ending America`s longest war.The Pentagon says the withdrawal of U.S. forces is 90% 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. Taliban fighters seized control on Thursday of a district in western Afghanistan that includes a major border crossing with Iran, Afghan security officials said, as the Islamist insurgents continued their rapid military advances around the country. In the last week, the Taliban have overrun areas bordering five countries - Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, China and Pakistan. The commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, General Austin Miller, warned last week that the country may be headed toward a civil war. But Biden said Afghan troops far outnumber the Taliban, 300,000 to 75,000, and that a Taliban takeover can be stopped. "It`s not inevitable," he said. And he said there was no comparison between Taliban forces and the North Vietnamese Army that defeated the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese in the 1970s and prompted a hasty American withdrawal. "There`s going to be no circumstance you`re going to see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy in the -- of the United States from Afghanistan. It is not at all comparable," he said. US Representative Michael McCaul, ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Biden had "only offered more empty promises and no detailed plan of action." "The time for platitudes and casting blame is over. The American people deserve answers and concrete solutions not false hope," McCaul said. The US intelligence community believes the Afghan military is weak and that the Kabul government`s prospects for survival in the short term are not good, US government sources familiar with official assessments said. Biden denied that U.S. intelligence had forecast a collapse of the Kabul government in six months. Biden`s administration is also grappling with its plan for expedited visas for Afghan people most at risk of being attacked by the Taliban. Rights groups are pushing to add up to 2,000 vulnerable women to the list. Live TV Kabul: Taliban fighters seized control on Thursday of a key district in western Afghanistan that includes a major border crossing with Iran, Afghan security officials said, as the Islamist insurgents continued their rapid military advances around the country. In the last week, the Taliban have 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 underway in the northern Balkh province bordering Uzbekistan. Two senior security officials told Reuters 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, Iran`s official Arabic language service, also reported that Afghan soldiers had entered Iranian territory via the border crossing to escape the Taliban. Tariq Arian, spokesman for the Afghan interior ministry, denied the reports and said the border crossing was still under the control of government forces. Calls by Reuters to the offices of the provincial governor and police went unanswered. Another security official said Taliban fighters had seized five districts in Herat without a fight. Earlier this week, more than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled into Tajikistan as the Taliban captured most of the northern province of Badakhshan, which also borders China and Pakistan. CLASHES IN WESTERN PROVINCE The defence ministry said Afghan government forces earlier on Thursday wrested back control of Qala-e-Naw, capital of the western province of Badghis, which had been stormed by the Taliban on Wednesday. Hundreds of troops were deployed to the region, the ministry said, adding that fighting was continuing on the fringes of Qala-e-Naw, where insurgents had earlier seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters. "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. The ministry said 69 Taliban fighters were killed in operations on the edge of Qala-e-Naw - the first major provincial capital entered by the insurgents in their latest offensive. The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan. The Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Major cities remain under government control. The insurgents have been gaining territory for weeks but accelerated their thrust as the United States vacated its main Afghan base, effectively ending an intervention that began with the ousting of the Islamist Taliban government in 2001. 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. Taliban delegations visited Iran on Wednesday and were in Moscow on Thursday. Defending the decision to pull US forces out of Afghanistan, President Joe Biden said on Thursday he did not expect the Taliban to take over the whole country and that he trusted the Afghan military. "We`re ending America`s longest war," he said. Live TV